Grace

Red River Gorge

Two weeks ago, Dad, Hannah, Grace, Abbie, and I went with some family friends down to Red River Gorge, a park in Kentucky about an hour from our house. At that time it was mid-spring, and simply gorgeous. I could have titled this post "Red River Gorgeous," but that sounded too unprofessional. But it really was beautiful out there. New flowers and leaves, the sky was spotless, the temperatures were perfect. . . It was lovely.

This is a hanging bridge that we crossed, but shouldn't have. Once everyone had crossed, I got this picture. Then we turned around, crossed back over, and went the right way.

There were many peculiar plants and flowers on that trip. Below is a particularly interesting plant that we couldn't identify, but I looked it up on Google. It's called a Mayapple, and actually has an edible fruit. We have a couple in our yard, but we've never identified it.

This was a neat little "mini waterfall" coming off the cliff.

This was a view from the top of a cliff. It was rather windy up there.

Here's a beautiful old buzzard flying above the treetops.

A Maple leaf, if I remember correctly.

I've been trying some different things to add "originality" to my pictures. This one's an interesting one. I typically don't like twisted angles like this, but I had to give it a try with these straight, tall trees.

Here's a once-in-a-lifetime picture. If you think about it a little, you'll understand. . . :)

All said and done, it was a wonderful trip. A great opportunity to behold the majesty of God in new surroundings. The awesomeness of His creation reaches throughout the whole world, doesn't it?

Consider the Lilies

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6, English Standard Version).

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34).

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen" (1 Peter 5:6-11).

Speak, Lord

Together for the Gospel 2010

This past Tuesday through Thursday, Dad, Tyler, and I went up to a biannual conference in Louisville. The conference, called Together for the Gospel, is specifically aimed at pastors and seminary students, but there is a whole lot to be gained by us regular folks as well. It was an amazing time, very encouraging and challenging. The focus of the conference, as its name implies, is the Gospel. All of the messages (which were all amazing!) can be found at the website in the link below.

I'm afraid this was the only conference picture that I got.

I guess you could say I took a break from photography during those days (hee hee). Anyway, it was a great time and I was greatly encouraged. If you take the time to listen to any of the messages, my personal favorites were John Piper's and C.J. Mahaney's. They were all good, but I thought those two were especially good.

Redbuds

He Loves Me

     I've had a pretty challenging last month or so. School in particular has been pretty hectic; but through it all, God has shown in big ways and small that He loves me. I have found particular strength in the verse, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, English Standard Version). In so many ways the Lord has shown me His presence and manifested His power in my life. It's very comforting. How amazing it is that He would love someone as unworthy as I!

     Then, at sunset this evening, I was out getting pictures. The sun was just sinking behind the ridge, and I pulled my camera over up next to a tree to try and border my sunset with some leaves. What I surprise He sent my way!

As I said, He's been showing me in big ways and small that He loves me.

Easter, 2010

He is risen!

All creation says,

"He is risen indeed!"

Pierced. . .

"But He was wounded for our transgressions;
     He was crushed for our iniquities;
upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
     and with His stripes we are healed . . ."

"All we like sheep have gone astray;
     we have turned--every one--to His own way;
and the LORD has laid on Him
     the iniquity of us all." 
           -Isaiah 53:5-6, English Standard Version