jeff's blog

Had a fairly good day today at the Holistic Gardens, after blanking a bit recently. These 10 shots are really only a sampling of what was there. I found the most patient dragonfly ever (1, 2), the smallest anole ever (3, 4, 5) and shot a more normal sized anole @ almost 1:1 (10). I’ve also updated the Holistic Gardens Gallery with some of the better shots over the past 6 months or so.

May you remember the enduring love of the Lord.

As you remember who he is,
what he has done,
and what he continues to do,

May you give thanks for his goodness,
his mercy, and his Grace.

And in all you do,
may that enduring love guide you
in who you are,
in what you do,
and in who you hope to be.

If your heart is broken,
if you cry until tears no longer come,
if your spirit is poured out in agony
and you grieve with terrible loss,

remember.

Though the Lord brings grief,
he also shows compassion.
He does not enjoy hurting people,
or causing them sorrow.

The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
It is good
to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.

For his faithfulness is great,
his mercy eternal.

May you place your hope in Him.

For those of you who are somewhat interested in what some of my friends did this summer.

Do you feel like God is far away?

Are you confronted with enemies at every turn?

Do you feel alone and helpless?

God knows the hopes of he helpless,
he hears your cries,
and will comfort you.

Cry out to the Lord
raise your voice to him,
and he will hear you.

He will not ignore you
or belittle your suffering.
He will not turn his back on you
but will listen to your cries for help.

I read today that The Sun (a British tabloid) has reported that James Blunt’s song “You’re Beautiful” is now the most popular song at weddings in the U.K. While this may or may not be true, I was struck by the fact anyone would consider playing it in their wedding. The song is about a passing encounter with a beautiful girl to whom the writer never speaks. The final lyrics of the song lament:

You’re beautiful, it’s true.
But it’s time to face the truth,
I will never be with you.

If this is indeed the most popular song people in the U.K. are playing in their weddings, what does it say about the quality of our marriages in general? I suspect people in the U.S. aren’t much more thoughtful, as a rule.

May you feel the warmth of the presence of Christ,
before you,
behind you,
around you.

Draw strength from his presence,
comfort from his provision.

Lean on his outstretched arm.

And in all you do,
may you allow the Spirit of God to transform you daily
into the perfect image of Christ.