Showing posts with label Lent in Pictures 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lent in Pictures 2013. Show all posts

Sunday, March 31, 2013

What I learned from "Lent in Pictures 2013"


I took the challenge - for my Lenten discipline I documented a photo a day, using this list as my inspiration.  Initially, I was concerned because here in our little corner of Washington State, I didn't know how I would find a picture to go with each of these themes.  But it only took a couple of days to realize that I didn't need to take any new pictures.  I had at my disposal the photographic record of many of the most places and happenings of my life, at least in the last twenty years.

And so I decided to use these pictures as a way of remembering how God has been with me in my life, in happy times and sorrowful, in obvious ways and in hidden ways that I could only see when I combed through my memory and hopefully found a picture to match.

What an amazing journey!  Through our pictures, I realized that I am very, very blessed.  My life doesn't really look like what I imagined, as I have said before... becoming a pastor, marrying into the military, moving so much that my minister friends can't keep up with me, living outside the US... yeah, non of that was in my plan.

And yet, at every turn, I can see the hand of God.  In nature, in friendships, in ministry opportunities that I never asked for - sometimes I didn't really want.  But God used me - then and now - and I am at peace.

This Lenten season I learned that looking into the past, we can see the promises of God unfolding before us.  Blessings that didn't look much like much at the time are now our most treasured experiences, opening the door to new fields of mission and ministry, and flooded with the presence of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus promised.  I think that I will call this Lenten journey, "Perspective," for I have been reminded once again, "God is good... all the time."

Many blessings for a joyous fifty days of Easter!

Peace, Deb

John 14:27  [Jesus said,] "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (New Revised Standard Version - 1989)





{Easter} Alive (3/31)

Today is the first day of the rest of our lives...
He is risen... Christ is risen indeed.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/30) Roots

This is the picture I started with... 
these are the people whom I am rooted to...
my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
I am blessed.


Friday, March 29, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/29) Far

I've come a long way since my baptismal day, August 30, 1959...
and yes, they dipped that rose in the water to sprinkle me... 

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/28) Cup

My Duke cup has survived 12 moves in 23 years... it's a little worn, but still makes a comforting cup of tea.

Lent in Pictures (3/27) Help


Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.  Psalm 124:8

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/26) Light

Winter Sunshine, January 2013
Sunshine is at a premium in the winter here in the Inland Northwest, 
so when the light shone through our foot-long icicles, it gave us a moment of hope...

Monday, March 25, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/25) Rejoice

Spargelfest!
The season for white asparagus is very short, and when they're here, it's time for some serious celebration... and indulgence.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/24) Blessed


These are some of our German friends from the town band in Dettenhausen ... our time together was a blessing, and we have been back twice since we came home in 2006.  True friendship survives great distances.  We are blessed.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/23) Restore

Washington National Cathedral, Washington, DC 2011
One of many restorations in progress after a 5.6 earthquake in August 2011...

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/16) Surround

140 saint statues surrounding St Peter's Square, Vatican City (2005)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith... Hebrews 12:1-2a (NRSV)

Friday, March 15, 2013

Lent in Pictures (3/15) Temper


Temper: to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else.

The hot, acidic water of the sulfur springs at Yellowstone National Park pour into the cold, rushing river water and are neutralized so that wildlife and plants can flourish only yards away.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013