Bellevue - Devotional Photo Blog

Devotional Photo Blog- May 2010

Thanks to all the photographers who have kindly accepted my invitation to provide their photos and commentary. Here's the schedule of those whose excellent, thought-provoking and encouraging work you'll be seeing, and when: SUNDAY--Bev Riter; MONDAY--Cheryl Boardman; TUESDAY--Robert Howson; WEDNESDAY--Darren Milam, and THURSDAY--Beth-Anne Harvey. I handle Friday's and Sabbath's blog, generally using photos from the point-and-shoot camera I keep on my belt.-- Pastor Maylan Schurch

NOTE: To see previous photos from this current month, simply scroll down. To see previous months' blogs, click the month you want on the menu at the left.

No Fishing
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Cheryl Boardman
Monday, May 31, 2010

I saw this sign when I was at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. It reminded me of a song I have heard Jake Hess sing called No Fishin'.

NO FISHIN'
Aaron Wilburn

There's a place God knows
And only God knows
Where the sin of the forgiven goes.

Every time He forgives a sin
Hes says that he throws another one in.

No fishin', No fishin' in the water
No, no fishin'
No fishin' in the deep, dark sea

God takes the sins of His sons and His daughters
and casts them away from His memory.
Into the sea of forgetfulness
As far as the east is from the west
And He tells you and He tells me
No fishin' in the deep, dark sea

Family and friends talk about it yet
God can't remember what they can't forget
The past is the past from His point of view
If he can leave it there, well I can too.

God put up a sign
Put it out of your mind
It's gone for good
It's under the blood.

Micah 7:19, NIV
"You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea."

Psalm 103:12, NIV:
"As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our
transgressions from us"

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Our Garden of Eden?
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bev Riter
Sunday, May 30, 2010

We are indeed blessed to live in an area of the world where we can enjoy so much beauty! Sometimes we take these things for granted because we are so used to seeing them. When hosting guests from other countries, it's always interesting to see their excitement of seeing views or flowers that we don't even notice. We have so much diversity from the sea to the mountains; the islands and bays. Seeing things through "their eyes" helps me appreciate what is "commonplace" to my surroundings. Have you wondered what kinds of plants and flowers were in the Garden of Eden?

My photo was taken in the Skagit Valley near Mt. Vernon, where each spring the fields become ablaze with their glorious colors. Did you know that this area grows more bulbs than anywhere else in North America? And there are more tulips, daffodils and iris flowers grown here than anywhere else in the world! Ecclesiastes 3:11 states that "He hath made every thing beautiful in his time." KJV I wonder if we are in the midst of our own "Garden of Eden"!

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Just Add Helium!
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, May 29, 2010

Earlier this month I was in a local florist's shop getting an anniversary bouquet when I spotted this rack of balloons. What made me snap this photo wasn't so much that this was a birthday balloon for a dog--I guess if you love your dog there's no reason why you shouldn't go all-out with his birthday bash. No, what really intrigued me was the statement at the bottom: " . . . just add helium!"

Two words strike me as funny in that phrase: "just" and "helium." The "just" makes it sound so simple, like "just add water." Maybe your own household is better-equipped than mine, but I'll have to confess that I don't happen to own a tank of helium, and I doubt if my neighbors do either. The bottom line, then, is that in order for a well-filled balloon to hang triumphantly above the revels at your dog's next birthday party, you'll need to make a specific effort to seek out the vital ingredient without which the balloon will lie limp and flaccid.

I hope I'm not being too sacrilegious to compare this to the spiritual life. The Bible itself--along with experienced Christians down through the ages--insist that a Christian isn't a Christian unless he or she stores the Word of God in the heart. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Bible, brings its words and phrases and concepts dazzlingly alive. Prayerful Bible reading enhances faith, and faith is what you and I need for the coming weeks and months.

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Terror in the Temple
Drawing ©2010 by Kuyler Lang
Commentary ©2010 by Maylan Schurch
Friday, May 29, 2010

Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!" Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up." John 2:13-17 NKJV

Rogers Adventist Elementary teacher Kuyler Lang and his fiancée Christie Medrano visited our church last weekend, and to my delight Kuyler produced another of his dramatic drawings--created during the sermon--this one depicting one of Christ's rare moments of anger.

And what angered the Savior? First, a bit of background. This was Passover time, and every faithful Jewish believer remembered how each family was to bring a lamb for sacrifice, to commemorate the deliverance from Egypt. Many would come from far away, sometimes even other countries, for this holy feast, and rather than transporting a lamb all that distance, it was more convenient to purchase the animal locally once in town.

At first, no doubt, visitors were directed outside the city to local farmers who raised large flocks of sheep in order to supply the Passover needs. But soon somebody said, "Hey, I've got an idea. Let's bring all kinds of sacrificial animals and birds right up into the temple courtyard so people don't have to hunt them up. Naturally they'll be willing to pay a higher price for the convenience." Soon the temple, rather than being a place of thoughtful, meditative silence, became a stockyard, the sharp yelps of the price-hagglers rising above the birds' and animals' bleats and squawks. And any true believer who ascended to the temple to pray would have to cover his or her ears.

And Jesus, whose hours of prayer with His Father were His most precious times, rebelled against this. As, of course, should we. Anything whatever which enters our places of worship--or the very day on which God said to worship--that makes thoughtful communion with God impossible should be removed.

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God's Holy Fire
Photo and Commentary ©2010 by Beth–Anne Harvey
Thursday, May 27, 2010

The LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people.

Today, may you feel the warm assurance of God's protecting fire as He covers you on your journey through the shadows of this world, and may the nearness of His presence cast away the enemies at your gate.

Thus says the LORD, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.

Today, may you see the evidence of God's guiding fire as He leads you across rivers and valleys, and may the brightness of His Truth illuminate the path in which you should walk.

I will bring the one third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; and each one will say, 'The LORD is my God.'

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

Today, may you know the peace of God's cleansing fire as He washes away your sin and shame, and may His promise to renew you in His image fill your heart with hope.

Nebuchadnezzar spoke, "Is it true, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "... our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Nebuchadnezzar spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" ... "Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, "...servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here." Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the ...king's counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!

Today, may you exercise faith in God's power to create fire to give you the victory over doubt and disbelief, and may you know the joy of walking with Him in the fire ... that your enemies may rejoice with you.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

And today, may you experience the early and latter rain of God's holy fire from heaven, His Spirit dwelling in you; may the fullness of His character be recreated in you and may He make you to shine brighter and brighter until the day that Jesus comes again.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

For our God is a consuming fire.

Scripture references from the New King James translation of the Holy Bible: Exodus 13:21-22; Isaiah 43:1-2; Daniel 3; Zechariah 13:9; Acts 2:1-4; 1st Peter 1:6-9; Hebrews 12:28-29

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Teaching By Example
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Maylan Schurch
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Recently a family at church invited us to a Sunday afternoon concert which featured nothing but cello students of varying degrees of experience. These kids had all been taught by the Suzuki method, which I had often heard about but had never seen in action.

I sat there entranced, both with the music and with the method used. It seemed as though everything was built around encouraging the students. First, all the kids came up and positioned their cellos beside their chairs, and then left. Then the most advanced students came onstage again and took the rearmost row of chairs, and played their advanced pieces. Then the slightly-less experienced kids joined them in the middle section (which is the picture you see above), and joined the advanced students in playing easier pieces. And finally the tiniest kids arrived, and picked up those tiny cellos you see in front, and the concert concluded with everybody playing variations on “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” And for most of the concert, one or the other of the two teachers sat facing the students playing their own cellos.

Isn’t that delightful? Can you imagine how glorious “Twinkle, Twinkle” must have sounded to those littlest kids in front as they sawed and squeaked away on their tiny cellos? I can imagine those young minds thinking, Whoa. I didn’t know “Twinkle” could sound that good! I want to be just like those older kids some day!

On-the-ground encouragement--that’s what Jesus brought when He came to this earth. He didn’t stand at a remote distance, holding a conductor’s baton. He sat down with us and taught us by example everything His Heavenly Father wanted us to learn. And He went through things we have to go through. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,” the book of Hebrews says, “but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NKJV Isn’t He a wonderful Savior? Have you told Him so recently?

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Yellow-rumped Warbler
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Good hygiene is an important part of any healthy lifestyle for bird, animal, or man. For many birds this includes frequent baths, sometimes in dust, at times in the dew on leaves, or in the more traditional way being employed by this Yellow-rumped Warbler. This helps keep the feathers in good shape, remove parasites, and it just feels good. The same is true for you and me, except for the feathers.

Spiritually, we also need cleansing. Our own actions, thoughts, and motivations make this needful. For some, there is a temptation to try to accomplish this on our own. Jeremiah 2:22 warns against using this approach. "Even if you washed your body with the strongest soap and became clean again, you couldn't wash away the stain of your guilt." (Clear Word) Jeremiah understood we needed more than a mere touch up, a cosmetic cover up. When David came to recognize the enormity of his sin, he too came to realize this cleansing had to come from Someone other than himself and he begged God to "Wash me and I will be whiter than snow." (Psalms 51:7)

Baptism in a partial way helps symbolize this cleansing, although this warbler seems unclear whether sprinkling or immersion is preferable. While symbols are just that, symbols, and therefore incomplete, the good news is that Christ's cleansing is not. It is complete.

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Guaranteed to Last
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Cheryl Boardman
Monday, May 24, 2010

I took this picture while I was on public transportation on a recent trip to the San Juan Islands. Sadly, we can't stop human manufactured items from wearing out, decaying and becoming outdated.

We too are wearing out but, thank God, we have the promise of eternal life:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (KJV)

"Hallelujah! I give thanks to GOD with everything I've got—
   Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
   God's works are so great, worth
   A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!
   Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
   His generosity never gives out.
   His miracles are his memorial—
   This GOD of Grace, this God of Love.
   He gave food to those who fear him,
   He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
   He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
   Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift!
   He manufactures truth and justice;
   All his products are guaranteed to last—
   Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
   All that he makes and does is honest and true:
   He paid the ransom for his people,
   He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
   He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
   The good life begins in the fear of GOD—
   Do that and you'll know the blessing of GOD.
   His Hallelujah lasts forever!"   Psalms 111 (Message)

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Flowers Among Thorns
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bev Riter
Sunday, May 23, 2010

This winter while visiting friends in Arizona and southern California, I had hoped to see more wild flowers starting to bloom, but we were just a bit too early! We joined our friends and made new friends on a 4WD/camping trip in the Sonoran Desert near the border with Mexico, traveling on the old El Camino del Diablo trail, considered one of the most dangerous trails in the continental U. S. Our friends assured me we would be safe on this 120 mile rugged remote desert path even though we had to sign releases before getting our travel permits.

During our various stops, I got out to see what I could photograph! I had seen pictures of cacti with pink flowers, so wanted to find some some like that. Finally I spotted one just starting to bloom. So this is it – I think it's a barrel cactus. Isaiah 35:1-2 says "Let the wilderness and the thirsty land be glad, let the desert rejoice and burst into flower. Let it flower with fields of asphodel, let it rejoice and shout for you." Shouldn't we, also, shout for joy?

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Is Your Sticker Up to Date?
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, May 22, 2010

Earlier this month--Monday, May 3, to be exact--I visited a leukemia patient in the University of Washington hospital. This person's health was so delicate that every visitor had to stop at the nursing station to be screened for colds or other communicable illnesses. The staff decided I was safe, so they handed me this sticker, which I affixed to my shirt. That way, as I walked down the hall to the patient's room, other staff could be reassured that I was not going to spread pestilence far and wide throughout the ward.

This May 3 sticker, of course, was only good for May 3. If I'd saved that sticker and put it on my shirt during a visit several days later, and if a sharp-eyed nurse studied the date closely, I would have been promptly informed that I needed to leave the floor, or get screened again for a sticker-of-the-day.

So before I tossed this sticker, I took its picture. It reminds me that there are some things about life which need a "daily sticker," or renewal. Marriage, for example. Shelley and I have a marriage license which bears a date in May of 1978--but I can't depend on that license to keep my marriage at its best. So this past Thursday morning I washed the breakfast dishes, and washed and "spun" a batch of lettuce in the salad spinner. I didn't do this to earn Shelley's love, or to complete a "Keep Your Marriage Happy" checklist, but because I love her.

And earlier that morning, even before I went into my dishwasher/lettuce spinner mode, Shelley had fixed me the wonderful breakfast which, along with the rest of her cooking, gives me an unmedicated 120/80 blood pressure and a pulse of 68 (checked by a nurse this past Wednesday morning). Shelley does this not because she's following a set of legalistic guidelines in a marriage manual, but because she loves me.

My relationship with God is the same way. I was baptized as a teen back in 1967, but every new morning I need to "renew my sticker," open my heart to my heavenly Father, so His love can be a part of my every action and word today.

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Beauty As God Sees It
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bob Grady
Commentary ©2010 by Carrol Grady
Friday, May 21, 2010

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

I always look forward to seeing the hillsides covered with golden-yellow Scotch Broom in the spring. The bright yellow, backed by the deep green of cedars and firs and the deep blue of the sky (on a sunny day) are a feast for the eyes.

But when I mentioned this as my status on FaceBook recently, I elicited an irritated response from a friend, who informed me that Scotch Broom is a noxious and invasive weed and more-or-less condemned me for even liking it!

This reminded me that Satan can make sin look so attractive we don't even realize how it will ruin our lives and lead to unhappiness instead of pleasure. That's why God tries to help us by warning us about the dangers of listening to Satan's beguiling temptations.

Let's ask God every day to help us listen to His voice and make the right choices, so we can be like Moses who "chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time." Hebrews 11:25

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A Little Help From a Friend
Photo and Commentary ©2010 by Beth–Anne Harvey
Thursday, May 20, 2010

Last Sabbath, some friends and I went for a hike to Bridal Veil Falls just outside of Gold Bar, WA. When we reached the base of the falls, a few of the more adventuresome in our group couldn't resist the urge to try and conquer the big rock. One by one, each made their attempt up the slippery slopes, angling for foot holds and seeking out a secure grip. Standing at the bottom (enjoying the view), I couldn't help but admire the way in which my friends were helping each other: coaching, encouraging and waiting to help one another before moving on. It was a blessing to not only see their appreciation for the beauty of God's creative power, but even more to see the beauty of the power of God working in them in, showing more love for each other than for themselves.

The Bible has much to say about the gift of friendship and what it means to be a friend:

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
A real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

In the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, there's a story about two men who although not brothers by birth, through shared passions and ideals, become closer in heart than if they were: Jonathan, son of King Saul, and David, the one anointed to take Saul's throne.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond of love between them, and they became the best of friends. From that day on Saul kept David with him at the palace and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

The friendship between Jonathan and David is a bittersweet story of love, loyalty and loss. Realizing that David has been anointed to replace him on the throne, King Saul determines to have him killed. Time and again, faithful Jonathan intervenes to plead David's case. He warns him when to make his escape and even risks his own security to encourage and strengthen David in his purpose.

David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness... Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn't let him be found. One day, David received the news that Saul was on the way to kill him. Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. "Don't be afraid," Jonathan reassured him. "My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father is well aware." So, the two of them renewed their covenant of friendship before the LORD.

The story ends with the unexpected death of Jonathan. David greatly mourns the loss of his dear friend and composes a funeral song to pay tribute to his memory. In the song, David describes their special bond of friendship:

How I weep for you, my brother Jonathan! Oh, how much I loved you! And your love for me was deep, deeper than the love of women!

The friendship shared between these two men reminds me of our Christian journey. Every day the enemy of souls is seeking for ways to bring us down to our death: sparkling waters to tempt us to look away, slippery slopes to cause us to lose our grip, jagged rocks to stumble us on our way. In His mercy, God has not left us to face these challenges alone. He has given us each other, "friends" to help along the way. Hand-in-hand we're traveling this road that leads to heaven, hoping to make it together when we reach the other side.

And even more than our earthly friends, God has also given to us one Friend that sticks closer than a brother, Jesus Christ. No matter how hard the devil tries to knock us down, Jesus is there pleading our case before the Father, interceding for us and making a way of escape. Faithful as the rising and setting of the sun and stronger than the granite rock, Jesus is always by our side: taking hold of our hand and encouraging us to keep moving forward. And when we simply can't take one step more, Jesus picks us up and carries us over the troubled water falling all around. What a Friend we have in Jesus!

And like the death of Jonathan for his friend David, Jesus gave His life for His friends.

And if someone asks, '...what are those scars on your body?' He will say, 'I was wounded at the home of friends!' ... They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The Lord is our God.'

And like David mourned for the loss of Jonathan, we too mourn for all that Jesus was willing to lose for us that we might be more than conquerors through Him.

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Which brings me back to the guy pictured above, the one standing on the rock; how did he get all the way up there?

With a little help from a friend of course! And a whole lot of Help from everyone's Friend, the one that sticks closer than a brother: the Lord our Rock, Jesus Christ. Do you know someone that hasn't met Him yet? Why not introduce them today? They just might be a friend who will help you to reach the highest of all goals: to be like Jesus.

I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

All scripture references taken from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible: 1st Samuel 17, 18, 23; 2nd Samuel 1; Proverbs 17:17, 18:24, 27:6, 9,17; Zechariah 13:6, 9; Romans 8:37-39; Philippians 3:12-14

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"Bad Day = "Best Day Ever"
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

We face issues and challenges all day long, each and every day. I realize there are times when we have "bad days" and times we have "good days." I have heard that the trick is turning a bad one into a not-so-bad one. I have to be honest, this theory sounds a lot easier then it usually is. When we are stressed out about work, home, work-life balance and all of the worlds' bombardments, it's pretty easy to have a bad day. That said, when we step back and look at the bigger picture, should we be focused on changing our bad days into "decent days"? No, we are living in a sinful world, surrounded by discouragement and despair, and our focus should be on something much bigger than that.

Every time I hear this song by Chris Tomlin, I am reminded of the "big picture." We are here to worship our God. We are here to remember the sacrifice He has made for us, not because He needs our gratitude but because He died for our sins so we can be with us for the rest of time. That's why we are here.

The next time you find yourself having a bad day, don't focus on making it a better day, listen to this song and reflect on what God has done for us. Change that bad day into the best day ever!

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness.
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

King of all days
oh, so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly You came
To the earth You created
All for love's sake became poor

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
All together worthy,
All together wonderful to me

I'll never know how much it cost
to see my sins upon that cross.

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Virginia Rail
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Robert Howson
Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Many have walked within ten feet of one and even heard it call. Few have ever seen one. They aren't especially uncommon, but if their abundance was based upon visual sightings, they might qualify for the endangered species list. The Virginia Rail is a secretive species which is almost always found in swamps or marshes. The expression, "thin as a rail" aptly refers to its laterally compressed body which allows it to slip unseen through the reeds. But it is very vocal--very vocal. One captive bird was recorded to have uttered its rather raucous call 66 times per minute. That wouldn't be so bad if its song was melodic, but such is not the case. One writer described its call as resembling a "sinister villain's laugh in a B-grade movie". Not a particularly great review.

Unfortunately there are Christians who seem to model their life after this swamp dweller. They seldom show up to make a positive difference in the religious community, but they always have plenty to say about "how things should have been done". They would do well to take to heart the wise words of Solomon when he said, "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV)

In all fairness to the rails, it could be a real challenge to stay in touch with your fellow rail buddies without vocalizing. All those cattails and mud could make it tough to get together without first confirming they are home before making the arduous trip. However, for you and me, Solomon's words should still apply since not too many of us live in a swamp.

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Isn't It Friday Yet?
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Cheryl Boardman
Monday, May 17, 2010

A few years ago, one of my supervisors left our company and took another job. She left us with a jar full of buttons with the idea being that we could wear whichever one suited our mood on any given day. Nobody was actually wearing the buttons so I quickly commandeered this one and pinned it on the wall of my cubicle.

Don't you look forward to Fridays? Friday sunset to Saturday sunset is a whole 24 hours of rest. It's a rest from our regular chores and everyday activities and a time to spend with God, our families and friends and God's creation.

When the Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus on a matter or Sabbathkeeping, He replied: "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!" Mark 2: 27-28

As our Creator, He knew how much we would need the break!

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Fragrance of Flowers
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bev Riter
Sunday, May 16, 2010

The photo I'm sharing with you today was taken in a very special place for me. Every time to return to Tuscany, I go here to enjoy the wonderful mountains and fragrant wild flowers. This remote area is called Campocatino. Many years ago, shepherds took their sheep here to graze in the lush meadows. In fact, some shepherds had summer cottages here where they and their flocks stayed all summer. As children, my grandparents, Michele Paladini and Ottavia Mentessi took their families' sheep to these meadows every day. Grandpa lived in the village of Gorfigliano on a path to the north, while Grandma was from the small hamlet of Roggio.

In the springtime the fragrance of the wild narcissus fills the hills with a sweet aroma. After immigrating to the U. S. Grandma planted many flowers, including narcisus to remind her of the homeland she left behind. When I was a young girl, she would take me to smell her flowers, telling me which ones were the smells of "Italy"! (I also know the aromas in her kitchen were the same as I find in Italy!)

When you come upon flowers, take time to smell them - especially the fragrant ones! Mathew 6:28-29 says, "Consider how the lilies grow in the fields; they do not work, they do not spin; and yet, I tell you, even Solomon in all his splendour was not attired like one of these." Jesus must have enjoyed flowers!

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Whoopie-tie-yi-yi! Git Along, Li'l Pastor!
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, May 15, 2010

I was at a ministers' meeting this past Wednesday. Afterward when I went out to my car I discovered that parked next to mine was what I can only assume was a fellow-pastor's automobile. I grinned widely at what I saw hanging from his rear-view mirror.

Here, it seems, hangs a necktie for every occasion. One can picture this pastor dashing out the door bound for an appointment, his mind at ease because he knows that as he drives, he will see several neckwear choices dangling before him. On the way to his first stoplight, he ponders what will be happening at his destination, and his eyes examine the ties' patterns. Planning a funeral with a family? Something sober. A social committee session? Give ‘em lots of red to inspire them. Board meeting? Definitely a "power tie."

I don't know who this pastor is, but I have a feeling I'd like him--because he cares about people, and about the impression he makes on them. He knows he's representing the God of heaven, and he wants to strike just the right note at the right moment.

Personally, I'm not as tuned-in as my fellow pastor to neckties and the varying spasms of emotion they might produce. My own ties hang discreetly in my closet, and their hues are subdued, specifically chosen so as not to attract unnecessary attention nor incite the populace to riot in the streets. But years of pastoring--and years of wanting to be God's ambassador to whomever I meet--has made me pray that I can transparently reflect His character and His love.

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Keeping Promises
Photo ©2010 by Bob Grady
Commentary ©2010 by Carrol Grady
Friday, May 14, 2010

"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13

Hawaii is a land of rainbows, because of its frequent "liquid sunshine" or, as the Hawaiians call it, "pineapple juice"! We caught a picture of this beautiful rainbow that completely traversed the sky. The colors were brilliant and there was a fainter, darker shadow rainbow next to it.

Rainbows have inspired artists and poets. Many of you may be familiar with the lines by William Wordsworth:

My heart leaps up when I behold
A rainbow in the sky:
So was it when my life began;
So is it now I am a man;
So be it when I shall grow old,
Or let me die!...

"A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." Revelation 4:3 Ellen White tells us that "The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting testimony that ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.'"

Rainbows always make me think of God's promise to Noah that He would not again cover the earth with a flood. That was an especially comforting promise when the tsunami alert woke us up on our first Sabbath morningon Maui! God's promises are sure. We can depend on them, even though our human friends may fail to keep their promises.

Even the prophet Balaam understood that about God, when he tried to curse Israel for Balak. He said, "God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" Number 23:19

God has promised us salvation, bought with the life of His dear Son, because He loves us! All we have to do is believe.

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More Than Good Enough
Photo and Commentary ©2010 by Beth-Anne Harvey
Thursday, May 13, 2010

Have you ever said to yourself, "I'll never be good enough to go to heaven"? Or, "I need to get certain things right before I can come to Jesus"?

Sometimes, when we look closely at God and think about His great love and perfect unselfishness, it can feel like someone holding up a mirror to our souls revealing our deepest feelings and secret motives. All of the ways in which we have failed to love God and our neighbors, as Jesus has showed us how, are magnified and made visible. Every thought. Every word. Every deed. Everything done and things left undone. We can't seem to find a reasonable excuse or justification and there's no escaping the conviction. We know we are guilty.

All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own.

When faced with the evidence, the shame of our sins can overwhelm us and in discouragement we may run away from the mirror and the revelation. We might put off coming closer to the Lord because it seems like we'll just never be able to measure up and the pain of dealing with our sinfulness seems too great. If we consider ourselves to already be Christian - already enrolled in God's soul-improvement program - we may expect that each time we return to the mirror our reflection will be improved. Unfortunately, whether we think we already know Jesus pretty well, or if we're just getting to know Him, whenever we take a good close look at Him and compare ourselves to what we see in that mirror, we will always fall short. The face of our sins will always be staring us back.

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.

But here's the good news: God knew we would stray from Him and He knew we couldn't return under our own power. Before we did those things that we now know we can never make up for, God knew about them and planned for a way to make amends for us. That's why He was willing to give us Jesus and why He allowed Him to suffer even though Jesus didn't deserve it. It's why Jesus was willing to take the punishment for us, for our sins, so we could all share in His reward.

But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins--that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs.

In the picture above, a choir of white tulips sends their grateful praise towards heaven while a cloister of reds supports their song. When I visited the fields at RoozenGaarde in Skagit Valley, Washington this past April, this garden appeared to be in solemn, holy worship of the Creator. The red tulips nestled in the shadows reminded me of the memory of the great sacrifice of our Lord. Jesus died for us almost 2000 years ago on Mt. Calvary; only once did He shed His blood, yet the memory of His gift remains as fresh as when it was first given. Each time His gift of love is remembered and His promise of forgiveness claimed, the angels in heaven burst into song like the bevy of white tulips rejoicing here. The scene reminded me of how the red stains of our past will disappear into the shadows, when our imperfect characters are made whole and new again in the perfect righteousness of Jesus, the Sun who rises with healing in His wings.

"Come now and let us talk about this," says the LORD. "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. If you will only obey me and let me help you..."

And there's more good news: once you've decided to hold up the mirror, remember that you're not supposed to keep staring at yourself; let Jesus do that. You're supposed to keep your eyes fixed on Him in heaven and let Him take care of the sin in your life. Our job is to be willing and to cooperate, and where we find ourselves unable to do either, we are to earnestly seek His grace that He will create those qualities in us.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish...if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world...Jesus remains a priest forever; his priesthood will never end. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him. He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf.

Are you good enough to go to heaven? No. But Jesus is More Than Good Enough to get you there. Do you need to get certain things right before you come to Him? No! And please don't wait. Jesus is the only One who can clean you up, and More Than Good Enough! Leave the red stain of your sins at His feet - trust Him - He will wash you, and heal you, and make you whole.

Jesus said, "Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. Look at the flowers and see how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."

And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.

When you return to Jesus, He will clothe you with the finest white robe of Heaven. Don't be afraid of that mirror. Don't run away. The party is just about to get started!

"Finally, the child returned to go back home to his Father and while he was still a long ways away, the Father saw him returning. Filled with great love and compassion, the Father ran to his child, embraced him, and kissed him. The child said, 'Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your child.' But the Father said, 'Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on my child. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. Prepare the feast for we must celebrate! This child of mine was dead and has now returned to life. My child was lost, but now is found.' So the party began."

"All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine."

All scripture references taken from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible:
Isaiah 1:18-19; 53; Malachi 4:2; Matthew 6:27-34; Luke 15:20-24; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 7:24-26; 12:1-2; 1st John 2:1-2; Revelation 3:5

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Primordial Soup? No Thanks, I'll Have the Salad
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 12, 2010

In Genesis 1 it says, " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."

Not only does this tell us how much God loves us and how detailed He is, but it gives us hope. If you don't have the hope of creation, generating from a loving, amazing, caring Creator -- you only have Primordial Soup. I looked up the definition of "primordial soup" and here goes: "the theory of how life on earth could have arisen from inanimate matter." It goes on to talk about different theories and experiments to show/prove the idea behind 'life starting from nothing and becoming something'. When you stop and think about this, even if you aren't a believer of creation, it's a hard pill to swallow -- no plan, no architect, no nothing....just some soup?

In the picture above, (taken at Bellevue Botanical Garden), you see a close-up of the under part of a leaf. With the sun shining through, you see the amazing, intricate, detail in the 'veins' running the nutrients to the stem, to the branch, to trunk, completing the process of osmosis. Not soup.

To me, this is one more example of God's love, His thoughtfulness, and His incredible plan for our lives....and everything we interact with each and every day. So, the next time you have the choice....go with the salad.

At just over seven inches in length, the Northern Pygmy-Owl would not seem to be much of a threat in the Northern forests where it is found. But appearances can be deceiving, for this tiny owl will take on prey larger than itself, and as the blood on its breast shows, come away victorious. On the other hand, this fearless hunter can just as quickly become the prey to larger owls or other raptors. Its diurnal habits mean it must constantly be on the alert not only for food, but also from becoming food for another. While their eyes are fixed in their sockets, they have the ability to rapidly rotate their head at least 180 degrees so as to keep an eye on what's going on over their shoulder. However, doing this could become a real pain in the neck, even for an owl, so the Northern Pygmy-Owl resorts to a bit of trickery. On the back of its head are two dark false "eye-spots" which may deter any would be antagonist.

This last attribute is reminiscent of a character in John Bunyan's classic allegory of the Christian walk, Pilgrim's Progress. This individual is known as Mr. Facing-Bothways. Unlike Christian, the main character in the story who clearly has his focus towards heaven, Mr. Facing-Bothways wants to be part of both worlds. He wants to be regarded as a Christian, but at the same time not be encumbered with the responsibilities that would entail. It appears he chose to overlook Christ's words in Luke 16:13, "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (NIV) While this apparent ability may work out well for the owl, for humans the consequence of such a choice is tragic. David was a man who did his share of running and looking over his shoulder, but he matured to the point where he could say with confidence, "But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord." (Psalms 141:8) Good advice for Christian, for Mr. Facing-Bothways, for you and me.

I was at RoozenGaarde, a beautiful display garden in the Skagit Valley, a few weeks ago. No trip to see the tulips is complete without a stop at RoozenGaarde! The fields behind the garden were planted with tulips this year and people were walking on the roads around the fields looking for good photo ops.

As you can see, the road in the picture has a big puddle all the way across it so these people chose to ignore the sign and take a detour. Isn't that a great depiction of human nature! "Well, God said to do it this way but, in these circumstances, I think it might be better do do it my way."

"You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
You're blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That's right-you don't go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I'd never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
I'm going to do what you tell me to do;
don't ever walk off and leave me."

Psalms 119:1-8 Message

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Spiritual Garden
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bev Riter
Sunday, May 9, 2010

Do you have a vegetable garden? I've worked on expanding mine this year. Vegetables are so tasty when they are picked from our own garden. And gardening helps us get our needed exercise! Gardening also allows us time to think. I'd' like to share the following thoughts on "what to plant" in a garden. May you reap a bountiful harvest this year!

Spiritual Garden

Plant 7 rows of Peas (P's):
1. Prayer
2. Promptness
3. Patience
4. Preparation
5. Perseverance
6. Politeness
7. Purity

Plant 7 rows of Squash:
1. Squash Gossip
2. Squash Indifference
3. Squash Criticism
4. Squash Negative Thinking
5. Squash Envy
6. Squash Jealousy
7. Squash Hatred

Plant 7 rows of lettuce (Let Us):
1. Let us be unselfish and loyal.
2. Let us be faithful to duty.
3. Let us search the Scriptures.
4. Let us not be weary in well doing.
5. Let us be obedient in all things.
6. Let us be truthful.
7. Let us love one another.

No garden is complete without turnips (Turn-ups):
1. Turn up with a Friendly Smile.
2. Turn up for Church.
3. Turn up for Bible Study.
4. Turn up for Prayer Meeting.
5. Turn up with Determination to Do Your Best in His Service.
6. Turn up to Praise God and not man.
7. Turn up to receive the Holy Spirit and not to Quench the Spirit.

AFTER PLANTING, may you:
"Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:18)

Cultivate well
Keep Saturated with Love
Reap a Harvest of Peace,
Joy, & Happiness

~Author Unknown~

Whoa. Look at the tree above. Notice how thoroughly it's been stripped of its branches. What's the sense of having that double layer of brickwork at its base when it looks like that? What are we to think of this tree's owner? Cruel? Heartless? An anti-tree-hugger? Shouldn't the authorities apply some kind of no-contact restraining order?

Actually, that carefully-mortared ring of bricks should be the clue that all is not lost. Take a look at this same tree from another angle:

Now what do you think about the tree's owner? Shelley and I happen to know this man, a very gracious person and an avid gardener. A couple of years ago his carefully-groomed and artfully-grown yard won some sort of community award. If this ravaged tree had eyes, it would be able to gaze on its beautifully-shaped brothers and sisters in the background and take hope that its current state is only a prelude to award-winning beauty.

You catch this parable's meaning, don't you? The wisest thing you and I will ever do is to put ourselves in the hands of the Master Gardener. "Prune away everything that saps my ability to spiritually grow," we need to beg Him. "Fulfill Jesus' promise in me: ‘ . . . every branch that bears fruit He [God] prunes, that it may bear more fruit.'" John 15:2 NKJV

So if you're going through a period where you're not only feeling fairly useless but wondering why the Lord is allowing you to suffer, remember that He cares. Just as the gardener ringed this tree's base with bricks, God has ringed you with His love, and only asks you to be patient--and to cooperate with Him--as He gradually brings out the beauty He's growing within.

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Hawaiian Cardinal
Photo ©2010 by Bob Grady
Commentary ©2010 by Carrol Grady
Friday, May 7, 2010

"But the stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:34

The Hawaiian Islands are located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles from any other land, so their original flora and fauna developed in isolation, making them the home to many unique and rare birds; at least 71 native species existed at the time Captain Cook first visited the islands in 1778. Today, sadly, three-quarters of these birds are extinct or endangered because of changes brought by humans.

However, many species of birds from other places have since been brought to the islands. This striking red-crested cardinal, a native of South America, was introduced to Hawaii in the 1930s and has thrived. When we recently visited Kailua Beach, a favorite haunt of our when we lived on Oahu, we saw a large flock of them pecking away at seeds and bugs in the grassy areas of the park. These birds came as visitors, but made Hawaii their home.

Do we make visitors to our church feel at home, so they can thrive and become part of our family? God reminded the Israelites to love the strangers who came to live with them, because they had once been strangers in Egypt, and knew how that felt. Let's go the extra mile to show love and friendship to visitors who come to worship with us.

A man was on his way home from work, rushing down the crowded sidewalk hoping to catch the last express bus. He had six minutes to make it to his stop which was still more than five blocks away. He had to hurry. If he missed the express it would be more than two hours before he reached home. Dinner would be cold and the kids would be in bed. No time to enjoy the special meal his wife had prepared; a reward for a difficult week. No time to spend with the kids. No time to enjoy his hard-earned blessings.

It had been a long week of too many hours away from the family: stressful meetings, uncooperative colleagues and a self-promoting, disinterested boss. He was looking forward to getting home. As the man approached the last intersection in his journey, the crosswalk sign was counting down: 12, 11, 10, 9.... If he pushed a little harder he could just make the light and he'd be home free. With a few weakly proffered, "Excuse Me's", the man shoved his way through the sea of pedestrians. Just as he was about to hop the curb, he heard a loud crash! Something went squish! under his foot.

In their hurry, someone had bumped into a display of apples sending them rolling in all directions. Most of the crowd kept right on going. Others simply kicked or squashed the obstacles in their way. One person stooped to pick up a stray, rubbed it against their coat and took a big bite! The man's heart twinged within him.

As the numbers of the hurrying crowd began to thin, the man noticed a young girl sitting in a chair next to where the display of apples had been. She was weeping softly; a walking cane leaned against the brick wall by her side. A sign read, 'Apples for Sale'. The man watched as the young, blind girl got up from her chair, knelt down to the filth-covered sidewalk, and started groping helplessly for her merchandise. Tears streamed down her face, as one person after another turned and looked away. No one seemed to care for her concern. No one offered to help.

He was in a hurry! The light to cross turned to green. If he missed this bus it would be two hours before he got home! 12, 11, 10... Cold dinner. Sleeping kids. 7, 6... No reward.

The man knelt down on the sidewalk. One by one, he gathered up the apples that remained and placed them on the table. He helped the girl to organize her display and when they were finished, he reached into his wallet and said to her, "Here, please take this $40 for the apples that were lost. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued, "I hope your day wasn't spoiled too badly."

As the man started towards the curb, he heard a soft voice from behind him, "Mister..." He paused and looked back. The girl continued, ".......Are you Jesus?"

The man stopped in mid-stride; the light to cross turned to green. After a few moments, he resumed his journey, this time more slowly. As he walked, he pondered the burning question in his heart, ".......Are you Jesus?"

The Lord Almighty says...whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye...

Are you in a hurry to get home?

".......Are you Jesus?"

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. Guard me as the apple of your eye.

Scripture references from Zechariah 2:8; Psalms 17:6-8

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The Rock of My Life
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, May 5, 2010

In life's ups and downs, it's nice to know God is always there for us...no matter what. Thank you God!

Psalm 18: 1, 2 "I love you, GOD- you make me strong. GOD is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God-the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout."

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The Bible has quite a bit to say about exaltation, both good and bad. Usually when it's used in a negative context the reference is to someone who promotes themselves in an inappropriate manner. It is used this way in Isaiah to describe Lucifer's fall. The same author used it in a positive way in a Messianic promise where he guaranteed the Deliverer would "make every valley exalted and every mountain and hill would be made low". (40:4) George Handel included these words in his oratorio, "The Messiah." This pattern seems to be repeated throughout Scripture; where God is the subject, the appropriate and natural response is exaltation. The Psalmist echoes this idea a number of times and the Israelites, after returning from Babylon, put this into practice after Ezra read them the law. "Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." (Nehemiah 9:5,6 NIV) Now that's exaltation, where all creation worships Him!

The English language is filled with a variety of collective nouns to describe various assemblages. Some have become part of everyday usage and are neutral in the feelings they convey such as a ‘covey of quail'.

Others have a less than positive connotation such as a ‘murder of crows'. But one that carries with it the highest form of praise is the term that is used for a group of larks, such as the Horned Lark pictured above. It can be found in a variety of habitats across North America, ranging from the seashore to arid desert lands, from grasslands to wind-swept mountain passes. So, what is the term used for a flock of these ubiquitous larks? As you might guess, it is an exaltation of larks. What a glorious way to describe such a gathering! But, come to think of it, wouldn't it be even better if the next time you got together with a group of your buddies, you could properly be referred to as an exultation of friends?

Okay, it's not real money but it is called an Eccentric Sand Dollar. I found this half buried sand dollar test (or shell) while I was taking a walk with my dad along Crescent Beach on Orcas Island at low tide a couple of weeks ago.

Wouldn't it be nice to find real treasure while beachcombing? I'm sure we've all had fantasies about what we'd do if we suddenly came into huge sums of money. Then we wake up to reality!

The Bible actually has quite a lot to say about money. Money in and of itself is not good or bad. A healthy attitude towards money is shown by how we view it and what we do with it. 1 Timothy 6:10 states, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Recent events in this country have shown us that we cannot depend on our money. That same chapter, in verses 17-19, goes on to day, "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life."

Whether we have a small sum of money or a large sum of money, we still need to be good stewards of what we have been entrusted with.

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Animals of the Bible- 8
Photo and commentary ©2010 by Bev Riter
Sunday, May 2, 2010

ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN

The background in my photo is the Monti Sibillini range in Umbria, Italy. While hiking from the tiny village of Casteluccio, we came upon some well-guarded sheep. Not only were they in a fence with a "scare crow" dressed-post nearby, but they were guarded by Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs. With their full attention, the dogs lovingly and loyally guarded their flock as we looked on. Have you seen this breed of dog?

Shepherds have always been on guard against wolves because they attack sheep and goats as well as other small animals. Wolves are mentioned many times in the Bible because they often came out at night and attacked their animals. People were afraid of them. In Mathew 7:15-16, Jesus warned about people dressed up as sheep while underneath they are savage wolves. We'll meet people who might look like they are Christians, but are really "wolves in sheep's clothing." They might even be at your school. Be on your guard if they offer you drugs or other harmful things. Think ahead of what you might say or do if someone wants to get you involved with something you know you shouldn't. Know that your parents and teachers are there to help you and give you support for what is right. John 10:11-16 says that Jesus is the "good shepherd" who protects His sheep (us) from "wolves".

We can look forward to heaven, where according to Isaiah 11:6, the wolf will live with the sheep and Isaiah 65:25 where the wolf and the lamb will feed together. The animals will be at peace in heaven, and so will we!

I took the above photo Sunday, April 11 at Seattle's annual VegFest, a wonderful convention which features exhibits by vegetarian food creators and other health- and nature-friendly groups. Naturally, all those food samples require a lot of little paper sample cups and other disposable items, which need a place to be tossed once they're used. And the kind of person who comes to VegFest is most often the kind who wants to recycle correctly.

But that's where things broke down a little. When Shelley and I arrived and started consuming samples, I noticed these two options for disposing of trash--one labeled "Compostables" and one labeled with nothing. There must have been two dozen or more of these twin-container-arrangements throughout the hall. My empty paper sample-cup poised in my hand, I would pause, not sure whether my cup was "compostable" or not. I would glance around me at the other VegFest attendees, and sigh. I'll bet these young, smart, sophisticated people know exactly what to do with these cups, I thought. No doubt about it, I'm just an eco-klutz.

However, at one point I sat down on a chair which happened to be near the above two containers. And I discovered something which encouraged me. One by one, the young and smart and sophisticated people would arrive at these tandem trash tanks and pause. After giving the "Compostables" sign a doubtful look, they would do just what I ended up doing: peer inside each container to see what others had tossed in!

This got me thinking about how to pick a spiritual tradition to follow, or a church to attend. Ideally, when you're deciding how to dispose of a piece of trash, you shouldn't just go with the crowd. Instead, you should find and read some credible information about what is and what isn't compostable (the VegFest people should have posted lists on those containers). And when you're looking for a place of worship, you don't just go with the largest megachurch. You find out what percent of its beliefs is based on the Bible, and what percent on tradition.

A good plan to use in finding who's closest to Bible truth is found in Revelation 12:17, which describes the group of people who really annoys the devil--those "who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." So go get a copy of the Ten Commandments--they're in Exodus 20--and use that as a starting checklist against which to measure a church. New! Just this morning I was e-mailed a fun, interactive online quiz (free, with no strings attached and as far as I can tell, no pop-ups), endorsed by our mainline denominational leaders, about Seventh-day Adventists fundamental beliefs. A clickable scripture reference comes with each question. Try it out by going to www.quiz28.org.

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