Photography

A Moment for the Birds

/ pastorpete51 / 6 Comments

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls? Luke 12 :24 KJV

After spending the last six weeks alone while my wife is taking care of her sister on the other coast I decided to just play hooky yesterday. I did nothing more work related than have breakfast, pack a few things and head to the beach. For me there is nothing more stress relieving than walking along the shore, listening to the waves and watching birds. Maybe Jesus also walked alone watching birds. He taught us to be as gentle as doves and told us we were of more value than sparrows. Today’s verse focuses on a less lovely bird – the raven. To me they are just big homely looking black birds, but God chose to create them with the special purpose of showing us worriers that He will take care of us. Well, I didn’t see any ravens at the beach – but I did get some great photos of a Great White Egret, who didn’t appear to be too worried about anything – not even my presence! I hope you enjoy my bird photos for the week and that if you are also struggling sometimes with stress that you take a quiet walk and talk to a bird or two. Have a blessed night everybody!

Be Careful Little Lips

/ pastorpete51 / 2 Comments

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. .. Ephesians 4:29

Harsh accusations, slander and insults without regard for their consequences have been burning down relationships in our communities like a forest fire. Though of all people, we who are Christians should know better, we are sometimes the source instead of the solution to this catastrophe. God not only forbids us from engaging in such evil kinds of speech but He has called us to bring His reconciliation not condemnation to our neighbors. When the Ephesians were struggling with the same problem, the Apostle Paul shows them the way out and the blessings that God instead had in mind.

Not a month goes by but somewhere in our country the grocery stores are forced to recall a product because of the danger of food poisoning. This verse is like God’s recall notice about our poisoned speech and its consequent actions. But simply silencing anger and slander would be like closing down the supermarkets because of some bad lettuce. People still need eat!

So instead of silence we need to begin with healthy words. But when we start saying things that are good and helpful it is like popping a chocolate cake into the oven. We still need to follow the cook book’s instructions and wait an hour until it’s baked!

For me the hardest part in the baking process is right after the cake comes out of the oven. I want to cut a big slice, pour a glass of milk and dig in. But that is never how things work at our house. “Honey we’re going to have to wait for it to cool first so I can frost it.” My wife always tells me with a smile! She wants everything to be finished before we enjoy the delicious result of her work. God also insists that our new way of speaking to and treating one another be covered by a sweet layer of forgiveness. Remembering all Jesus did so we can sit down at His table of grace requires some cooling down time. That way the frosting of mercy won’t just melt and run off but will stick us together in the love of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Have a great day everybody. Maybe you’d like to just put your feet up with some coffee and cake and listen to the Cedarmont Kids reminding us this morning to be careful of all we say!