Stillness

Thousands of years ago, an ancient Hebrew singer, realizing his human limitations, searched his heart and mind and wrote the opening lines of Psalm 62, "For God alone my soul in silence waits." Too often I know how easy it is to slip into the busy actions and cares of life in La Grande. I am sure together we could make a long list of the ways we are distracted. My early morning time in Scripture and in prayer has become ever more critical to my finding spiritual, emotional, and physical rest throughout the day. I need a "still point" where I can listen, wait, and know I am not the center, but that God is.

God's Compassion and Forgiveness

Next to the Psalms, Isaiah is my favorite book in the Old Testament. Although the Lord, through his prophet, speaks of his disappointment and anger that Israel has strayed from Him, the overwhelming and continuing thread is His love for His people, and His forgiveness. Here are passages from Isaiah 44: 21 - 22:

"I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you. I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the the morning mist. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free."

Patience within God's protecting Presence

I love what King David writes in Psalm 40. The most powerful man of his time willingly shared his highs and lows, always knowing the Lord would answer him. Too often, I want an answer NOW! I need to remind myself to stay focused on God. He will lift me from "pit of despair"(v.2) that David describes, give me a "new song to sing" (v.3), and protect me with "his love and faithfulness." (v.11)

A Future with Hope

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29: 11 -- 13

Mt Emily Recreation Area winter

Through the dedicated efforts of a group of Union County citizens, the Mt Emily Recreation Area was purchased from timber/property company Boise. Whereas most folks use it in the spring, summer, winter months, the area offers excellent winter recreation. Meg and I have enjoyed snow shoeing here. Recently, several days of snow were followed by very cold weather and blue skies. The snow hung heavily on the pine and fir branches, creating a proverbial winter wonderland.

Celebrate. New Year's Eve: 2010

I took these pictures yesterday morning, but I like them as a way to end the old year and begin the new one. The sliver moon pictures were taken at early sunrise and the remainder were taken at sunset, after spending the afternoon cross country skiing up at Anthony Lake with Marshal, Jasmine, and Chung.

As this season, this year draws to a close, I like what Henri Nouwen writes on the theme of celebration: "Celebration is not a party on special occasions, but an ongoing awareness that every moment is special and asks to be recognized as a blessing from on high. It lifts up not only the happy moments, but the sad moments as well. Since joy enhances all of life, it does not shy away from painful moments of failure, departure, and death. Following the Lord involves celebration, the ongoing, unceasing lifting up of God's love that has proved itself victorious. Celebration is the concrete way in which God's ecstatic joy becomes visible among us."

Glory to God in the Highest

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord's glory shone around them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the City of David. And you will recognize him by this sign: you will find the baby wrapped snuggly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a whole host of others--the armies of heaven, praising God and saying:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."