To Be Alive 09/29/2011
 
Few things help clear the mind, the heart and the spirit like spending the day at 8,000 feet. The Mount Charleston Wilderness area an hour outside of Las Vegas gave up some of its secrets today as I hiked the Cathedral Rock trail high above the valley below. Not only were there hawks floating in the wind currents around the high cliffs, but ground squirrels chattered along the trail as if to say, "It's a good day to be alive." Yes, it is a good day to be alive. A good day to appreciate the glorious heaven we have here on this earth. A good day to sit on a log and let the cool breezes brush your face. And a good day to praise God for all of His creation. Thank you, Lord, for high ground that lifts us up for your kiss of sunshine.
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It's remarkable what is to be found in the desert. Of course, there is the expected scenery of stone, brittle foliage, various wildlife. But there is also the beautiful decay of things man-made and oft abandoned. As I shot this incredibly colorful and weathered Chevy truck, my mind wandered to how we weather the storms of this world. Sometimes we fall apart, eroding with every falling tear. But more often, especially when we trust that God will shelter us when needed, we are transformed into someone far more interesting and colorful than we ever expected or even hoped to be. Let us welcome the weathering that God sends our way, believing that through His daily transformation our outward AND inward patinas become even more lovely.

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Lessons Learned 09/19/2011
 
Many who know me know I have a deep connection with birds of prey ... a recent blessing in the desert (though on a power pole) was this female American Kestrel with her luncheon snake. I watched for 30 minutes - something I've never had the opportunity to do - as she landed with the snake, killed the snake, ate the snake, and then rested after dining. As I watched and photographed (wishing I had the 400mm lens out), I couldn't help but lift up praise for God's glorious creation (in all forms) and give thanks for being able to sit still (a recurring theme these days) long enough to observe the world around me. As many times as I've seen hawks, falcons or eagles, I've never once been able to watch one eat in the wild. The strength in talons and hooked beak were humbling, the fastidiousness in finishing every morsel so as not to waste, and then the time taken just to perch following eating ... these were all lessons I took to heart. Let me be strong in my choices of what I take in, let me not waste what is given to me, and then let me always take time to appreciate that which I choose to embrace - food, word, thought, music, friendship, love, wonder, vision ... everything.

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Just "Be" 09/16/2011
 
When we sit still long enough ... creation comes to you. During sunrise prayers, this precious Desert Cottontail Rabbit decided it was safe enough to come out and forage for breakfast. How often do we actually sit still to receive sign of God's glory? Not often enough. Our days are filled with demands and goals (most often self-chosen) that are far less nurturing to our souls than listening to the soft rustle of padded feet hopping across shaded desert ground. I learned something from this gentle creature this morning: Work when it's cool, actively look for nourishment, keep alert for what's going on around you, and just "be" who you are. What a blessed way to start the day. Thank you, Lord.
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When Americans think of “discovery,” especially when we are still in grade school, we often think of Christopher Columbus.  And though we now understand that Columbus didn’t actually “discover” America, we still have a holiday that celebrates his “discovery” of the new world.  With this theme of discovery in mind, I wanted to spend some time looking at what discovery means for Christians (as well as all other believers in God, Creator, Higher Power, etc.).  Can you remember when you “discovered” God for the first time?   Or the first time you discovered the power of the Holy Spirit moving in your life?  Or the life-changing discovery of the gift of your salvation?  Were you truly discovering something that was previously unknown in this world? Honestly, no.  But it was new to you!  I think this is an amazing aspect of discovery.  Though we may feel like we’re making an incredible discovery of something new in OUR lives, we really are simply becoming aware of something that already existed, but we just didn’t know it before.  Think on some of the greatest discoveries of the ages:  We now have a better understanding of the universe around us thanks to astronomical science.  And biologists are discovering new and unusual life in remote areas even to this day.  Consider, too, the oxygen in the air we breathe – it wasn’t “discovered” until the 1700s, but obviously, it was still in the air.  And think on the amazing discoveries made by Einstein and present-day physicists.  All of these discoveries are things that still exist even though we couldn’t previously see, understand, or explain them – our lack of comprehension didn’t mean they weren’t still there. And, what is undoubtedly our greatest, most life-impacting “discovery,” God existed long before we met Him for the first time and is the source of all we will ever discover.  So, the next time we experience the excitement of a new discovery, let us use it as an opportunity to rediscover our Creator God and lift up praise and thanks to Him for revealing to us more of His creation.   Go out and discover God!!! 
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Thoughts on Giving Thanks:

One of this season’s most thoughtful holidays is Thanksgiving Day. Many of us will take this day and the time leading up to it as an opportunity to give thanks for the blessings of our lives. Some of these blessings are seemingly simple, every day gifts, such as the clothes we wear. Some are life-changing, like the miracle of life. I know that I have said prayers of thanks in the past for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, etc. At times we may even struggle to give thanks due to challenges we experience, but more often than not, we are still able to find something to be thankful for. But as I ponder what it means to give thanks, I became aware that there is yet another way to give thanks other than saying the words or praying with gratitude. We can actually give of ourselves in a way that brings life to thankfulness and gratitude in others. Think on this: When we offer assistance to a friend in need, when we invite a stranger into our lives, or when we sacrifice our comfortable routine and spend our free time in service to our community, we are creating an opportunity for others to give thanks as well. What a gift this is! When reading 1 Thessalonians 5:18 with this type of thanks giving in mind, this scripture takes on even greater meaning: "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (NIV) My understanding of this scripture already compels me to give thanks to God at all times for all things He has brought into my life, whether I understand them or not. However, I also believe this scripture calls on us to live our lives in a way of service that encourages others to also give thanks. Think what this type of thanks giving would mean for our earthly existence as we model ourselves into Christ’s likeness. People cannot help but be transformed when they are thankful. Let us go and GIVE thanks!
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