Loving fearlessly

Henri Nouwen writes, "Yet somehow I have to alert you to the truth that what this is all about (the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus) is the most fundamental, the most far reaching event ever to occur in the course of history. If you don't see and feel that for yourself, then the gospel can be, at most, interesting; but it can never renew your heart and make you a reborn human being. And rebirth is what you are called to--a radical liberation that sets you free from the power of death and empowers you to love fearlessly." from Letters to Marc about Jesus

Location: Bryce Canyon

Keywords: praise_images, Love_fearlessly_illustrated, Bryce_Canyon_sunset, pink_cliffs, praise_images

Growing through challenges

South Sister dominates the landscape of what is known as Century Drive, west of the major central Oregon town of Bend. On my recent backpack trip, I enjoyed seeing it both from the easy accessibility of Elk Lake, as well as from the challenging hike to its summit. Stillness and patience, challenge and strain, were major themes of this trip, and any backpack trip one goes off to accomplish.There is joy in the journey, wherever we are, when we know and accept His Presence.

Location: Central Oregon Three Sisters

Keywords: praise_images, Oswald_Chambers_quotation_picture, My_Utmost_for_His_Highest_strain_picture, picture_of_endurance, picture_of_challenge

South Sister and Elk Lake

South Sister dominates the landscape of what is known as Century Drive, west of the major central Oregon town of Bend. On my recent backpack trip, I enjoyed seeing it both from the easy accessibility of Elk Lake, as well as from the challenging hike to its summit. Stillness and patience, challenge and strain, were major themes of this trip, and any backpack trip one goes off to accomplish.There is joy in the journey, wherever we are, when we know and accept His Presence.

Location: Central Oregon Three Sisters

Keywords: praise_images, South_Sister_and_Elk_Lake, South_Sister_reflected_in_Elk_Lake, Elk_Lake_sunrise, South_Sister_sunrise

Mother's Day 2010

How wonderful that we all have mothers. More than a mere biological fact, each of needs the nurturing model our mothers have provided. Even though their love sometimes frustrated us when it was not given or received in the way we wanted or expected, that love is fundamental to who we are. Only our mothers know our full history; they were with us from the beginning. My mother could recall so many stories of my growing up. Often it seemed that I had to listen to those stories longer than I wanted to. Yet when she died in 2002, I realized that now I was an historical orphan; familial recollection/reflection was gone from this earthly life, and now was held by God alone.

Location: China

Keywords: praise_images, life_is_unique_Nouwen, mothers_day_image, mothers_day_picture, mothers_and_children_Chinese_mothers_and_children

Job 19:25

The springtime flowers of Rowena in the east Columbia Gorge wrapped around me in joyful light and colors. How can one doubt that God, my Redeemer, lives!!

Location: Columbia Gorge

Keywords: Scripture_images, Job_19_25_picture, Job_19_27_picture, I know that my Redeemer lives, I myself will see him, Rowena spring

Philippians 4:6,7

I both literally drank this water and figuratively drank it as well. I had taken a nap in this meadow, enjoying the warm sunshine and quiet beauty. When one \"drinks in\" this kind of serenity, it is hard to be anxious. But I, of course, had to leave this beautiful place. However, I never need to leave the peace that God gives us continually if we let Him fully and trustingly, into our lives.

Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness

Keywords: Scripture_images, praise_images, Philippians_4_6_picture, do not be anxious about anything, the peace of God which transcends all understanding, Eagle_Cap_stream

the seeds of good deeds

Good deeds indeed lead us into life itself. Without them, we die a slow death of selfish isolation. This picture was taken in the late afternoon. Sunlight on the high granite of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, east Lostine drainage, was reflecting in small pools of water like this one.

Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness

Keywords: praise_images, Proverbs_11_13_illustrated, seeds_of_good_deeds

He holds our hand

Alpen glow on Eagle Cap radiates the sense that there is a Presence in the universe who cares for us. Loss is for now, but not forever. And while we wait for the eternal reunion, we can, if we choose, let ourselves be comforted by the knowledge that we do not live in an impersonal universe. We enjoy a Presence beyond the mystery, a Creator who by His nature cares for us. But as always, it is a choice. God doesn't stop loving us; we decide how to receive His love.

Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness

Keywords: praise_images, Isaiah_41_13_picture, Eagle_Cap

The fountain of salvation

Water, the source of life, is such an incredible Biblical image for everlasting life, for salvation.

Location: Eagle Cap Wilderness

Keywords: Scripture_images, Isaiah_12_3_picture, fountain_of_salvation_picture, Eagle_Cap_waterfall

Isaiah 26:3

Gunsight Peak rises above Anthony Lake, the location of our nearby ski area. All of us seek that "perfect peace." Is that a random, unintelligible thought, or did a Creator, our Lord, place that feeling in us so that we can seek Him/Her and transcend our earthly limitations? We see so much misery, conflict, busyness around us. It that is all there is, then why so we think about, and strive for something better?

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Isaiah_26_3, you_will_keep_in_perfect_peace, Anthony_Lake, Gunsight, Gunsight_Peak

Psalm 23

The Grande Ronde valley surrounds the communities of La Grande, Union, Elgin, Imbler, and Cove. Mt. Emily is the icon of this valley, and presents incredible views throughout the seasons, and throughout locations. Frankly, this area truly is "God's country."

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_image, Psalm_23 illustrated, he_leads_me_beside_still_waters_picture, Grande_Ronde_Valley, Mt_Emily, La_Grande

Isaiah 42:5

A sliver moon, rising early in the morning over the farming country of eastern Oregon--wow, it does pay to get up early to see something like this :)

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Isaiah_42_5, God_created_the_heavens_and_stretched_them_out_picture, he gives life to everyone,he gives breath to everyone, sliver_moon_at_sunrise, sliver_moon, eastern_Oregon_sunrise, ranch_sunrise, Powder_Valley

the light of God is our way to safety

Leslie Gulch is located in the southeastern corner of Oregon. Its canyon are a miniature hybrid of Bryce and Zion. I try to travel here once each spring, about a four hour drive from my home in La Grande. I do a late afternoon photo shoot. Then eat a light dinner, and set out my sleeping bag on a tarp and pad, and sleep under the stars. I usually wake up just before dawn, as the birds begin to sing. The stars and moon are still brightly visible, and sometimes I am rewarded by a composition like this one.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, the_light_of_God_is_our_way, Carlo_Carretto_saying_picture, Leslie_Gulch_moon

Show me the right path

I love the profoundly honest plea of the psalmist in Psalm 25. I commend your reading it. From despair to hope, from past to future, he speaks of his deep need for the totality of God in his life. He knows how vulnerable he is to the vagaries of his own and, of society\\\'s, nature. He realizes that without the constancy of God\\\'s love, guidance, companionship and forgiveness, he is lost.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm_25_4_illusttrated_picture, Show_me_the_right_path

Remember me in the light of your unfailing love

I love the profoundly honest plea of the psalmist in Psalm 25. I commend your reading it. From despair to hope, from past to future, he speaks of his deep need for the totality of God in his life. He knows how vulnerable he is to the vagaries of his own and, of society's, nature. He realizes that without the constancy of God's love, guidance, companionship and forgiveness, he is lost.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_image,Psalm_25_7_illustrated_picture, remember_me_in_the_light_of_your_unfailing_love

Giving and receiving God's love

"Our journey toward abundant living is like walking a spiritual labyrinth repeatedly, from an ever deepening space. We walk toward the center to be transformed by God's love; then we walk outward to transform our small space in the world by reflecting God's love. There is no intention to trick us or get us lost in the journey. But there is mystery. Always mystery. And awe. And amazing grace." Marilyn Brown Oden

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Ephesians_3_18_illustrated_picture, how_wide_is Gods_love, how_deep_is Gods_love, how_high_is_Gods_love

The Lord will never leave you or forsake you

A solo arnica flower on the Alvord desert. It grows strongly despite the hard, harsh soil. So, too, do will grow in the harshness of the society around us as we place our roots deeper into Gods love. We can always have courage that He will never leaver or forsake us!

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Deuteronomy_31_8_illustrated, the_Lord_will_never_leave_you_or_forsake_youi_illustrated

Show me the right path

This road runs straight across the Alvord Desert to the massive fault block Steens Mt. How great it is to know our God leads us straight to Him even when we allow ourselves to be diverted by crooked roads!

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm_25_4 illustrated, Show_me_the_right_path_illustrated

Pain and Comfort

Out of His love, He created us. Our pain is His, but we are not removed from it. Only as the pain, whether mental, emotional, or physical refines us, are we able to share His comfort with others. Only the pain makes us capable of deep empathy.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, 2_Corinthians_1_4, 2_Corinthians_1_4_illustrated_picture, eastern_Oregon_rainbow

Luke 1:46 Rejoicing in the spirit of God

Once in a while, I find myself in an outdoor location where a great sunset happens. There are sunsets, and then there are SUNSETS. These cumulus clouds gathered in wonderful colors of light.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Scripture_images, Luke_1_46, Luke_1_46_illustrated_image_picture, my _soul_rejoices_in_the_Lord

Hart Mt Road

The Hart Mountains of far south central Oregon offer unending vistas. This area is little visited and well worth the trip in the late spring.

Location: Eastern Oregon

Keywords: praise_images, Hart_mountains, calming_voice_of_God, calmness_picture, calm_voice_of_God_picture

What were we made for?

The lodge, Izcayluma, sits above the beautiful Ecuadorian town of Vilcabamba. Ever green, Vilcabamba could well be the entry point to Heaven.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images. Scripture_images, What_were_we_made_for, Vilcabamba, Izhcayluma, what is the best thing in life,what should we aim for,what should we live for

Bringing the presence of God to every moment

These mothers were waiting to see the GHO pediatrician during a week long medical mission trip in Catamayo (near Loja) Ecuador.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_image, Chittister_quotation_illustrated, bringing_Gods_presence_to_the_people_we_serve, bring_good

The Lord protects the simple hearted

Hands are always wonderful to study.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm 116:6_picture, The_Lord_protects_the_simple_hearted, hands, Ecuadorian_hands

The Lord cares for the humble

Ecuador hands, American hands. The Lord does not recognize any difference--we are all His beloved

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm_138_6_illustrated_picture, Psalm_138_8_illustrated_picture, the_Lord cares for the humble,God_cares_for_the_humble, God's_beloved_picture

The still dwelling upon God

This view of the hills above Vilcabamba Ecuador shows the incredible richness of the vegetation.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, The_still_dwelling_upon_God,Be_still_and_know_that_I_am_God_picture, I_lift_my_eyes_to_the_hills, Izhcayluma

Proverbs 3:27. Dr Helen

Dr Helen, a retired pediatrician, is a doctor to the world. She volunteers many times a year to practice and teach in the far corners of the world, from Congo to China to Ecuador. This time she is examining a patient in Catamayo, Ecuador, under the auspices of Global Health Outreach.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, Proverbs_3_27, third_world_medical_services_picture, third_world_medical_missions_picture, medical_missions_pictures, GHO_Ecuador, GHO, Global_Health_Outreach

Psalm 138:6

Hands, more than even eyes, tell our life\'s journey.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm_138_6, hands, life_journey_picture

Psalm 18.28

LIght is mysterious. Even in cloudy weather, the sun can suddenly appear, isolating dramatic scenes, like these trees above Vilcabamba, Ecuador.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, Psalm_18_28_picture, light, light_up_my_darkness_picture, the_Lords_lamp

Izhcayluma.Light on the cloud forest hills

There are times when the light speaks of God\\\'s mystery and eternity. This is one of them.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_images, 1_Corinthians_2_9_picture, Isaiah_64_4_picture, Izhcayluma, Vilcabamba, God's_mystery, Gods_light, no_eye_has_seen_no_mind_has_imagined_picture

Journeys together

How wonderful to journey together through life as husband and wife, wife and husband.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: Spiritual journey,marriage journey, marital journey, husband and wife journey,traveling life's road path together

The Lord's Assurance

A haiku What really matters-- not my own power,prestige But God's constant love

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: the Lords assurance,joy in the Lord,nagging doubts

Psalm 69:16

The psalmist talks about our prayers, not just an occasional one but many. These prayers acknowledge and draw upon God's unfailing love. And His mercy is not just plentiful, it is "so" plentiful; just as it should be with an infinite and eternal God!

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: Psalm 69:16, answer my prayers,unfailing love,plentiful mercy

Spirit of Love

We intuitively know that kindness and love, toward others and ourselves, is the key to spiritual and emotional well being. Yet people--spouses, family, friends, the "world" -- are so demanding and draining. God, however, is infinite and eternal. His love is a well, a spring, a river that never runs dry. As Christ tells us, when we drink of His waters, we are never thirsty. "Come, let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life." Revelation 22:17. Drink FREELY. What a wonderful invitation, fulfilling what was written so long ago in Isaiah 55.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: praise_image, Spirit of love,renewal,giving love

Mother's Day 2010 Ecuador

This mother holds her child so lovingly and completely, the way we need to hold others emotionally and to be held spiritually by our Creator.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: a_mother_understands_what_a_child_does_not_say, mother_day_image, mothers_day_picture, Ecuador_mother_and_child

We are God's work

We are not merely God's creation, we are His ever continuing work.

Location: Ecuador

Keywords: CS_Lewis_illustrated_quote, God_who_needs_nothing_loves_into_existence_picture

God's care

I photographed this western bluebird in wonderful early evening sunshine. He was sitting and then flying to catch insects. His life is connected to the rhythms God has created. I need to been connected the same way--and know that He always takes care of me.

Location: General

Keywords: Matthew_6_26, God cares for us, Gods care of the birds

The blessing prepared by God

We are each blessed by God. We may ignore the blessing, confuse the blessing, deny its existence. But God's grace is a never ending fountain that covers us with His love.

Location: General

Keywords: Gods_blessing, growing_in_tough_spots, pereseverance_illustrated

The promises of God

Promises and blessings--so surprising, so unearned, so beyond our comprehension. Yet our loving God provides them in unexpected ways. I enjoyed taking this rainbow picture through the car windshield with the rain pounding outside. The road barrier creates an interesting symbolism of the promise of God and our sometimes selfish separation from Him. The barrier is distorted but the rainbow is true. Isaiah long ago told us what to do to break down this barrier.

Location: General

Keywords: Rainbow_barrier, awesome_promises_of_God_illustrated, awesome_promises_of_God, rainbow_distortion, praise_images

Gratitude

Old windows in old buildings can raise all kinds of questions about the people who lived here. Who were they? Did they mature and grow spiritually? How did the meet the everyday challenges of life?

Location: General

Keywords: prayers_of_gratitude, Chittiser_quote_illustrated, remembering_God

The instruction of the wise

Do we listen, and to whom do we choose to listen?

Location: General

Keywords: Scripture_images, Proverbs_13_14_picture, praise_images

Your faithful love endures forever

Faithful love--can we really believe it and accept it?

Location: General

Keywords: Psalm_138_6_picture_illustrated, Scripture_images, praise_images,your_faithful_love_endures_picture

Be truly glad

The light dawns; the darkness is over; the tomb is empty. Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

Location: Grand Canyon

Keywords: praise_images,Scripture_images, 1_Peter_1_6_picture, Desert_View, Desert_View_Grand_Canyon, tree_at_sunset

God alone remains

Sunrise on Lake Winnepasaukie in New Hampshire is always profound. It is especially fun to compose pictures like these so as to create a harmony between shore, lake, and sky. Amidst all the turmoil and conflict of this world, indeed God alone remains.

Location: New England

Keywords: God alone remains,let nothing frighten you, let nothing disturb you

Isaiah 30_18

Ohope beach lies on the east shore of North Island, New Zealand. This moonrise could not have been more perfect. As an Oregonian, I never can combine a sunset, a moon rise, and the beach. So, this scene was very enjoyable for me. The mood of this early evening truly was one of the Lord\\\'s blessings.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Isaiah_30_18, For_the_Lord_is_a_faithful_God, blessed_are_those_who_wait_for_him, Ohope_beach

We are the Beloved of the Father

A wonderful sunset developed over Lake Taupo on the North Island of New Zealand just as we were arriving on the outskirts of the town of Taupo. The boats and the sunset made the perfect backdrop for this father and his children.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: We are the Beloved of the Father,God's beloved,loved by the father,Lake Taupo,Taupo sunset

White Island stream colors

White Island demonstrates the Creation is still being formed. He is the God of the NOW. Nouwen reminds us that God's Word is for us to live and rely upon now, not at some vague date in the future.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: White_Island, praise_images, scripture_images, Nouwen_quote_picture

He assigned the sea its boundaries

When the Lord formed the earth, He saved the best for last and created New Zealand! The presence and the power of the ocean here is constant. After all, New Zealand consists of North and South ISLANDS. I have been reminded continually of the many references in the Psalms to the Lord's power in creating and containing the oceans.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Psalm_33_6_picture, Psalm_33_6, Psalm_33_7_picture, Psalm_33_7, Ohope_Beach, Ohope_Beach_sunset

Held in the arms of God

A sliver moon hung in the sunrise sky our first morning in Ohope, North Island, NZ. Still at dawn, I read this quotation from a passage in Joan Chittister's wonderful book on prayer, "The Breath of the Soul." I highly recommend it--no other book on prayer compares with this one.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: praise_images, Ohope, Ohope_sunrise, the_silent_arms_of_God, Chittister_quote_illustrated_picture

St Seraphim Joy

Sunrise over the Bay of Plenty created this intense color over the ridges of the south eastern end of the bay. the picture. Its intensity seemed a fitting image to use for this quote by St Seraphim.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: St_Seraphim, St.Seraphim_quotation_picture_image, praise_image, scripture_image, Bay_of_Plentiy_sunrise, Bay_of_Plenty, Ohope_Beach

Psalm 103:11-12 The heights of forgiveness

How awesome is our Lord. Despite our mistakes, our sins, we can always repent and receive his love and forgiveness again and again. This sunset image of Ohope Beach reminds me of the spacious of HIs never ending forgiveness.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Psalm_103_11_picture_image, never_ending_forgiveness_picture,scripture_images, praise_images, Ohope_beach, eternal_forgiveness_picture

Eternity

This picture radiates thoughts of eternity. And the prophet Isaiah gives us such incredible insurance when the Lord speaks t, telling us that nothing can remove us from His grip. What an awesome God!

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Isaiah_43_13_picture, Ohope_Beach, Ohope_Beach_Sunset, praise_images, scripture_images, scripture_pictures

Ocean Mood

When the Lord formed the earth, He saved the best for last and created New Zealand! The presence and the power of the ocean here is constant. After all, New Zealand consists of North and South ISLANDS. I have been reminded continually of the many references in the Psalms to the Lord's power in creating and containing the oceans.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Whanarua_Bay, Psalm_24_2_picture, Psalm_24_1, ocean_moods

What lies beyond

I "tweaked" this image to bring out the strong colors that lay behind the rather dull pastels. Just like this world is beautiful, but it is exceptionally dulled compared to what lies ahead of us as forgiven people, as people who have accepted the grace and forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers us.

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Hebrews_13_14, Ohope_Beach, Ohope_Beach_sunset, spectacular_light_beams

Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, North Island New Zealand, is located on the western edge of New Zealand\'s hot springs and steam vent country. It is a large beautiful lake and the fishing is excellent. Rabbi Heschel reminds us that God, if we believe in Him, is foremost. If we truly believe, there is not escaping that we are here, not for ourselves, but to do His Will. We cannot straddle the fence. We need complete spiritual, emotional and intellectual integrity when it comes to belief in God

Location: New Zealand, North Island

Keywords: Lake_Taupo, Rabbi_Heshel_quote_picture, importance_of_God_picture, praise_images

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Doubtful Sound in the fiordland of South Island, New Zealand presents incredibly rich rain forests and waterfalls. As the ship travels down the Sound, one loses track of the number of waterfalls, each of them amazing in their own way. It is easy to imagine taking off one\'s shoes here; the challenge is seeing and accepting God\'s creation in all our circumstances.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Elizabeth Barrett Browning,Elizabeth Browning, the rest pick blackberries,earth's crammed with heaven,take off your shoes,Doubtful Sound

Isaiah 45_5,6

The sun burst out over the Remarkables range above Queenstown on South Island, New Zealand. What grandeur of light and mountain! And what a marvelous way to be reminded of the Lord's strength and power.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: I_will_strengthen_you, Isaiah 45_5, Isaiah_45_6, there_is_none_besides_me, Queenstown, Remarkables

Psalm 62:1

The Southern Alps of New Zealand are powerful, but the foreground tree buffers their strength. They inspire a silence that welcomes and invites one to wait and contemplate a power beyond our comprehension that nonetheless loves us infinitely.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Psalm 62:1,find rest my soul in God alone,find rest O my soul, Southern Alps and tree

Isaiah 40:26

Rising early, five in the morning, I rose to greet the dawn on board our cruise ship in Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. I set my camera on a little tripod, and managed this shot of the illuminated mast and the stars. It was a simple shot, but the effect reminded me again of how wonderful it is to let my spirit and mind be lifted up by the Lord\'s power and grace.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Scripture_images, Isaiah_40_26_picture, lift your eyes and look to the heavens, he created the starry host,Doubtful Sound, fiordland, mast

The Lord your God is with you

It takes about forty five minutes to walk clockwise around Lake Matheson to get to this viewpoint. On a still early evening, it is spectacular!

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Zephaniah_3_17, Lake_Matheson_scripture, Southern_Alps_scripture, he_will_rejoice_over_you_with_singing, the_Lord_your_God_is_with_you

God alone remains

Wharariki Beach is the northern most beach on South Island. Time your visit to be their at low tide, and in the late afternoon if possible.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: God alone remains,Wharariki Beach

Psalm 143.8 Pancake Rocks

Here is where we find our renewal. Sleep and rest are physically important to us, but the deepest recharging comes from the Eternal Source, which is available every day.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Psalm_143:8,Pancake_Rocks_Scripture,Pancake_Rocks sunshine

Doubtful Sound sunset path

The rain had stopped, the clouds lifted, and sunset in Doubtful Sound created these wonderful pastel colors. And the channel of the fiord did draw me into thoughts of the Lord calling and directing me to His destination. The vast solitude and serenity here is like a warm blanket on a cold night. This scene reminded me that God wraps us in His love always.

Location: New Zealand, South Island

Keywords: Doubtful_Sound, clouds, Psalm_32_8_picture, Doubtful_Sound_sunset, scripture_images

Isaiah 9:2

Fog lifts, revealing the Heceta Head lighthouse. When the Lord's light dawns, we are no longer in darkness.

Location: Oregon Coast

Keywords: Isaiah 9:2,a light has dawned,the people walking in darknessHeceta Head fog sunrise

Ecclesiastes 7:12

Thinking about this passage on the Oregon coast, the simplicity of sand, shell, and sea reminded me that money and prosperity are two very different things.

Location: Oregon Coast

Keywords: Scripture_images, Ecclesiastes_7_12_picture, remember_that_nothing_is_certain_in_this_life, wisdom is a shelter and money is a shelter, wisdom preserves the life of its possessor, mussel_shell

Isaiah 40:22

The endless horizons of the Kansas plains, enhanced by an incredible sunset, reminds me of the awesome nature of God.

Location: Plains/Prairies

Keywords: Isaiah 40:22,he stretches out the heavens like a canopy,Kansas plains sunset

St.John of the Cross. Creating Love

St. John of the Cross has written deeply perceptive statements about our relationship with God and the people around us. Chimney Rock was a major landmark along the Oregon Trail. It remains a remarkable geologic formation to visit.

Location: Plains/Prairies

Keywords: Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock sunset,where there is no love put love and you will find love

Jeremiah 29:11

The mystery of a winter sunrise through a light valley fog--can we ever touch eternity?

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Jeremiah 29:11,Jeremiah 29:13,for surely I have plans for you,when you search for me,if you seek me with all your heart, Grande Ronde Valley, Grande Ronde Valley sunrise

God has view

Watching a sliver moon rises slowly above the horizon, glowing and large like we think of a full moon, is a unique experience. And, as we think about it, who does have "the view/"

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: God has view, sliver moonrise

Gods call is mysterious

Another week of a sliver moon. I have been truly blessed with weather. So often, when the moon is ideal, the weather is not. As you remember, a week ago Saturday, the 21st, I photographed the sliver moon rising at dawn. Firday night, it was beginning to go down around 7:00 PM. In between were cloudy nights, so these opportunities are exciting.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Gods call is mysterious,sliver moon and venus

Isaiah 26:3

The Lime Kiln lighthouse is tranquil feature of San Juan Island. The morning mood of this picture reminded me that there is such a thing as "perfect peace" to be found when we let the Lord's presence wrap around us.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Isaiah 26:3,you will keep in perfect peace,Lime Kiln lighthouse

Psalm 90:1,2

A rainbow at Glacier National Park. I did not need anything more to be reminded of God's sovereignty and his promise to us.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Psalm 90:1,Psalm 90:2,Lord you have been our dwelling place,from everlasting to everlasting you are God,Glacier National Park rainbow

Song of Songs 2:11,12

Surrounded by these vibrant spring colors, the gray tones of winter are quickly shed. I do enjoy singing, whistling, humming when I am outdoors. This passage reminds us how important singing is, particularly when flowers appear.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Song of Songs 2:11,Song of Songs 2:12,see the winter is past,flowers appear on the earth,the season of singing has come,Rowena wildflowers

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Vast wheat fields ripen in Oregon's fertile dry land farms above the Columbia River. Mt Adams is in the background. When I see fields like these ripening, i really do focus on the theme of a "time for everything."

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Ecclesiastes 3:1,there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven, wheat and Mt. Adams, Oregon wheat

John 14:19

The sun, rising or setting, is eternal; it is a constant for this earth. The Son is also eternal, a constant in our lives if we choose to accept His Light and His Love.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Because I live you also will live,John 14:19,sun disc setting,ocean and sun

St. Augustine.Thou hast called

A gray, late afternoon in October on the Oregon coast. When I went out to play on the beach with my grandchildren, I did not expect anything to happen. I only carried my camera to take pictures of them in the sand. And then, without warning, this beam of sunlight shone through. What an unexpected joy. The quotation from St.Augustine reminds me to keep my soul attuned to the Lord's unexpected call,His Light--and be ready to have my life changed.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Thou hast called,you have called,thou hast shone,thy light has vanquished my darkness

Isaiah 12:2,3

Rainbow Falls near Stehekin, Lake Chelan, is well named. the late afternoon sun creates a rainbow that dazzles and sparkles in the spray. We can enjoy water from the wells of God's salvation.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Isaiah 12:2,Isaiah 12:3,the Lord is my strength and my song, the Lord is my strength,with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation

Columbine forgiveness

In August, 2008, a friend and I hiked around the Seven Devils mountains in Idaho. These columbine were growing by our campsite above a beautiful lake. Bees were gathering nectar, adding an extra layer of life. This Henri Nouwen quote came to mind as I thought how forgiveness does restore us to the kind of harmony this picture represents.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: to forgive another person is the heart of liberation,forgiveness picture

Silence

The tranquil reflections on a lake in the early morning always reminds me of the importance of silence to the soul. The the question arises, can I do with my own life back at home. This picture is at Minam Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of NE Oregon.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: silence,soul, Minam Lake

Ecclesiastes 3:11

It was cold--14 degrees-- in the late, early March afternoon at Anthony Lake. I had snowshoed over to this part of the lake and waited for the sunset light to make the tops of these peaks glow. God does make everything, including us, beautiful in its/our time. And yet, despite what we think we know, we can never get our minds wrapped around eternity.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Ecclesiastes 3:11,God makes everything beautiful,He has also placed eternity,they cannot fathom what God has done

Psalm 130:5,6

The wait for the sunrise, whether or not this colorful, is always a journey through darkness first. How wonderful it is to always know God has created light, both for our eyes and for our souls. As a photographer, I "gamble" whenever I give up my sleep to get up early to do a sunrise and early morning photo shoot. Sometimes color and nuances reward me, and sometimes I need to remind myself that simply being outdoors is its own reward.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Psalm 130, Psalm 130:6,my soul waits for the Lord,more than watchmen wait for the morning

Psalm 25:4,5

Roads make wonderful metaphors. We have the choice of many roads to travel. But our ultimate choice is whether to follow our will or HIs will in making that choice. His truth saves us, not ours. The old Columbia Gorge highway was built in the early 1900's. It was an engineering marvel then, and now is a scenic retreat from the busy Interstate highway that parallels it.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Psalm 25:4,Psalm 25:5,show me the right path,point out the road for me to follow

Gratitude for the gift of life

How wonderful it is to see the skies rejoicing! Clouds and light are always changing, and once in a while we are privileged to see something truly spectacular. What is interesting about this shot is that, contrary to many of my pictures taken typical awe inspiring locations like the mountains or the beaches, I took this one from a grocery store parking lot in Whakantane, the North Island town where Matt works as an emergency medicine doctor Fortunately my camera was in the car, so I was able to record this scene before it changed. And, just think of it--God's awesome beauty pervades even an asphalt parking lot!

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,gratitude for life,gratitude for the gift of life

butterfly orange on orange

The Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve offers flowing prairie grasslands along with beautiful close ups of miniature gems. I find this butterfly is an excellent reminder that we are surrounded by the finite and the infinite, and that God is with us in ALL circumstances.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Tall Grass Prairie,butterfly orange

He is risen

The bee hovering over these crocus on our patio holds all levels of meaning for me. Look closely and you can see the pollen he is carrying from flower to flower, creating continuing life in each blossom, as Christ does in us.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,He is risen,bee and crocus,crocus

The Free Love of God

No matter where we are, or where we have been, God welcomes us back. In fact, He does even more: as the parable of the so called "prodigal son" tells us, God actually runs out to greet us when He sees us returning to his loving presence. We can never "blow it" so badly to keep God from forgiving us when we repent and ask to begin again. This picture of Mt. Emily was taken from our back deck. The light is always changing, always new, on this landmark of the Grand Ronde Valley.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: scripture images,Mt Emily light,God's free gift of love

Ephesians 3:17

These poplar trees are part of a large tree plantation beside Interstate 84, west of Pendleton. They glow in the early morning and late afternoon light. They also grow rapidly as they are watered, just as we grow spiritually when we let our roots grow into the fertile soil the love of Christ gives us.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Ephesians 3:17,Ephesians 3:18,rooted in God's love

Gods Peace

I arrived at Rowena, an Oregon Nature Conservancy site between Hood River and The Dalles, at dawn. The early morning sun subtly lit up the hills on the Washington side of the Columbia River, and gently illuminated the yellow balsam root--a totally awesome embrace of light and land. And a reminder that peace can be found all around us in His Creation

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Gods peace,Rowena,Tom McCall Preserve

Psalm 66:9

The Strawberry Mountains rise beautifully above the John Day valley. In the spring the meadows turn green and are filled with wildflowers. If you look closely, you can also see cattle enjoying the pasture. I have been through this area periodically in the spring; however, this is the first time I have enjoyed the combination of late afternoon light, blue sky, white clouds, and meadow flowers.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Psalm 66:9,Psalm 66;12,Strawberry Mt, John Day valley

If I ride the wings of the morning

Netarts Bay on the Oregon coast creates the calm feeling of eternity. How can one doubt the magnificence and majesty of God and His Creation?

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Psalm 139,Psalm 139:9,Scripture art,Scripture photography

Remain a little child before God

This rainbow at Wallowa Lake in NE Oregon was a remarkable event. It appeared after a late afternoon thunderstorm and lasted for a wonderfully long time. And it reminded me of the wonder of our Creator; we are His children and Therese of Lisieux reminds us of this everlasting relationship.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Scripture photography,Therese of Lisieux quote and image, remaining a child before God

The heavens proclaim the glory of God

Sunrise in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR. Camped below beautiful Eagle Cap itself, I enjoyed the wonders of the morning glow as sunrise colors spread across the eastern sky. The Heavens do indeed shout out His Presence!

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Scripture images,Scripture photography,The heavens proclaim the glory,Psalm 19:!,Psalm 19:2

Hebrews 11.1

Looking through the water droplets flowing off the Weeping Wall in Zion National Park, one needs to use imagination, faith, to \"see\" what is behind it.

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Hebrews_11_1,Weeping_Wall_Zion,Weeping_Wall

The surprise of living. Rabbi Heschel's words remind us that only through prayer do we acknowledge this wonder of living

Location: Scripture Images

Keywords: Rabbi_Heschel_illustrated_comment, the_surprise_of_living

Psalm 65:12-13

The Grande Ronde Valley is rich farm country. Winter wheat creates a mantle of green by early June. Mt. Emily rules over the change of seasons.

Location: Union County

Keywords: Scripture_images, praise_images, Psalm_65_12, Psalm_65_13, the_hills_are_clothed_with_gladness, the_valleys_are_mantled_with_grain

Psalm 145:3,5

Mt. Emily presides over a rich winter sunset. This picture was taken from a friend\\\'s balcony that looks over the Grande Ronde Valley

Location: Union County

Keywords: Scripture_images. Psalm_145_3_picture, Psalm_145_5_picture, great_is_the_Lord, I_will_meditate_on_the_glorious_splendor_of_your_majesty, Mt_Emily, Grande_Ronde_Valley, Mt_Emily_sunset

The Love God gives us

I shot this sunrise picture of Mt. Emily, the icon of Oregon's Grande Ronde Vally, from our back deck. I am always grateful for the blessings of this view. But, of course, life is more than a view. Nouwen "nails" our existential need: to be loved, and to know that we are loved. Human beings ultimately do not complete us; only God does.

Location: Union County

Keywords: praise_images, Mt_Emily_sunrise, the_love_God_gives_us_picture

Psalm 90:1,2

Morgan Lake is only a 10 minute drive from where I leave. In late June, 2008, I went up for an early evening photo shoot with a friend and was blessed with this sunset. It was not a \"once in a lifetime\" shot, but it was rare. It reminded me of how transient I am. Sunsets have been happening for an eternity. And hopefully, I will be eternally blessed by them.

Location: Union County

Keywords: Scripture_images, Psalm_90_picture, Psalm_90_image, Psalm_90_1_image_picture, Lord_you_have_been_our_dwelling_place_image_picture

Psalm 130:5,6

We have all experienced a sleepless night, where worrisome thoughts take over our minds. Of course, we rarely, if ever, come up with solutions. And the sunrise is always remarkable. A new day begins, and so do we. Our minds and bodies may not be as fresh as we want them to be, but our souls embrace the light. This picture was taken on the way up to Anthony Lakes, our local ski area. Sunrises are even better than sunsets, because a whole new day stretches out before us, with all kinds of unknown opportunities.

Location: Union County

Keywords: Psalm 130:5,Psalm 130:6,Powder Valley sunrise,Wallowa Mts sunrise,Anthony Lakes highway,Anthony Lakes road,sunrise on way to Anthony Lakes

God's grace illumines

We have all experienced a sleepless night, where worrisome thoughts take over our minds. Of course, we rarely, if ever, come up with solutions. And the sunrise is always remarkable. A new day begins, and so do we. Our minds and bodies may not be as fresh as we want them to be, but our souls embrace the light. This picture was taken on the way up to Anthony Lakes, our local ski area. Sunrises are even better than sunsets, because a whole new day stretches out before us, with all kinds of unknown opportunities.

Location: Union County

Keywords: God's grace illumines,Powder Valley sunrise,Wallowa Mts sunrise,Anthony Lakes highway,Anthony Lakes road,sunrise on way to Anthony Lakes

The Richness of God's love

The quiet beauty of tulips reminds me the God is never absent; I am the one who wanders. And yet, His great love never leaves any of us alone.

Location: Union County

Keywords: Psalm_33_22, tulips_and_scripture, tulips, signs_of_spring

Rejoice always

A sunset above Mt Emily reminded me that I do need to always be alert for the incredible, unexpected moments of beauty--and rejoice in them.

Location: Union County

Keywords: 1_Thessalonians_5_6_illustrated, Rejoice_always_illustrated, Rejoice_in_the_Lord_always

Romans 8:38

"Nothing can separate us from the love of God." I must often remind myself that when depression or "down times" challenge me, I am a Beloved Child of God, and that despite thoughts to the contrary, no wall, no place ever separates me from His love as shown to me and to the world by His eternal son, Jesus Christ.

Location: Wallowa County

Keywords: Romans 8.38,Romans 8:38,nothing can separate us from the love of God,Wallowa Lake,double rainbow

Yelllow Bells

A harbinger of spring, the yellow bells of the Zumwalt Prairie in the far corner of northeast Oregon come up just as the green grass begins to transforms the browns left from the long winter.

Location: Wallowa County

Keywords: Colossians_3_14, yellow_bells, Zumwalt_Prairie

Challenge

“Do not pray for easy lives; pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God.” Phillips Brooks, author of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and famed nineteenth century preacher. Wow, if only I could totally live within these thoughts. The words make so much sense, but too often I let myself be confined by my mind's limitations, instead of God's expansive love.

Location: Wallowa County

Keywords: Zumwalt_Prairie, Zumwalt_country, back_roads_of_Wallowa_County,

Isaiah 26:3

Who do we trust: ourselves, our friends, our power/prestige/possessions? or God? What is eternal?

Location: Washington

Keywords: Isaiah_26_3, Gods_peace_illustrated, Isaiah_26_3_illustrated

Beside Still Waters

Sunrise light on the Madison River, reflecting off the high cliffs, created this mood. Here are the moments we need to hold onto, the moments we must take into our busy lives and realize there is more to life than the traffic of busyness/business we live in.

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Keywords: Psalm_23_1, Psalm _23_2, Psalm 23_illustrated, He_leads_me, beside_still_waters, beside_quiet_waters

The Magnificence of God's Stillness

The magnificence of Yellowstone is often marred by the large numbers of visitors who ply the roads, the boardwalks, and the trails. Nonetheless, early morning and late evening light lift one's mind, heart, and soul to what soars beyond our human desire to control and define. The light draws us to a wonder of what God has created for us. And, in those moments He reminds us to "be still and know that I am God."

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Keywords: Psalm_19_1_illustrated, Psalm_19_2_illustrated, Yellowstone_sunset

The surprise of living

Despite the routines of all lives, nothing is really routing. And everyday is filled with surprises when we let our minds open up fully. Rabbi Heschel wonderfully captures this idea.

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Keywords: Rabbi_Heschel_illustrated_comment, the_surprise_of_living, surprised_by_wonder_illustrated

Psalm 5.3

What a marvelous sunset. The vast majority of visitors to Yellowstone Park had returned to their motels in West Yellowstone. Jasmine, Marshal, and I were in one of the geyser basins where we enjoyed this sunset. Never leave too soon. There is plenty of time to sleep back home!

Location: Yellowstone National Park

Keywords: listen_to_my_voice_in_the_morning_Lord_picture, Psalm_5_3_picture

Psalm_27.8

The psalmist reminds us that our hearts do recognize an immanent, transcendent yet personal Voice calls us. It is up to us to take the time to listen and to respond. AW Tozer, in "The Pursuit of God," vividly reminds us, "God is here and God is speaking. God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking a His words and causing them to persist across the years."

Location: Zion

Keywords: Psalm_27.8, Zion_scripture,Pursuit_of_God_picture_quote