“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)
“But you, o Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 86:15
(This photo was taken in September of 2014 in a neighborhood near Minneapolis, Minnesota)
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:6-7
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Arches National Park in Utah)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 during sunrise on a lake in central Minnesota)
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Arches National Park in Utah)
One of the most important yet least used character traits tends to be listening. Have you been in one of those conversations where your mind is more on other things and you smile and nod as the person continues with their story? Unfortunately, I think everyone has been in that position at least once in life and if your like me it happens more often than it should. What is truly interesting is that when you do stop day dreaming and mind wandering and just listen to what someone is talking about you may just enjoy the conversation more than you realize.
We spent time today walking the downtown area of the city, we shared an extra bag lunch with a person in need on the street and we talked while we ate. We heard stories about the difficult times our lunch buddy had suffered through and the warmth he felt about his daughter that he hadn’t seen in quite sometime. We were together out on the sidewalk eating and talking for about 30-45 minutes and we learned where he had worked, how long he had been in the city and how long he had been living on the streets. We heard about his broken relationships and the difficult battle with addiction. Really the stories he told were not much different than many other people…yet society has treated him differently than others…why…my guess is society, myself included, has already judged his worth. Don’t misunderstand me, I realize that every person has responsibility for decisions they make and the things they choose to do but I also know that sometimes people may need at least one other person to help them get started on a more positive path.
With free will there always will be bad things happening in the world…we’re human we just can’t help ourselves. However, with free will we all can choose whether or not we are willing to stop…look… and listen to others in the world around us. Every person has value and some people just need a bit more help than others finding their place.
May God’s peace be with you.
Take Your Faith With You 