A Different Perspective

Two completely different ideas today. Same theme.

First, the photo above shows the same tree as the one I used for Jed's photo shoot, just from a different perspective. I tried repeatedly to get the contrast set up just right using a series of filters on my computer, but my software was acting buggy. It showed me one thing on-screen, then saved it a different way entirely. This is as close as I could get to what I really wanted.

Second, I prayed a dangerous prayer this morning, asking God to help me learn what it means to love my enemies. (In truth, it was more like, "Please teach me this without having to practice it at all. A theoretical knowledge should suffice. Thanks.") On my way to work I began to meditate on Romans 12:14, which says, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

As I thought about the nature of blessing and cursing, it occurred to me that each is two-fold. To bless someone, I can do kind things for them and I can ask God to do kind things for them. Likewise, to curse someone I can do unkind things to them and I can ask God to do unkind things to them. To love my enemies and to bless them, a good starting point may be to look at them from God's perspective and simply ask Him to be kind to them, leading them toward himself. Having prayed that, I shouldn't be surprised at all if and when he tells me to be the one to act kindly toward them. The combination of asking for God's kindness and then showing kindness to my enemies is frightening and intimidating, but that's His way. In light of Easter, I can begin to see the way His love is revealed when God acts kindly toward His enemies.

God Quit

Don't worry, friends. This isn't a leap into apostasy. God Quit is the new album from my friend, former band mate, and best man, Jed Brewer. (Available now at his website, http://www.jedbrewer.com/godquit, as a free download.) Having lived with him for several years and heard him playing the guitar at all hours of the night, there's very little musically that he could do to surprise me, but he's done it. This album is some of the best music I've ever heard from him or anyone else.

In this collection of nine songs, Jed explores the depths of God's love that we usually have difficulty wrapping our minds and hearts around: God not only loves those who are abandoned and hurting, but identified Himself with them. He does not fit into our American Sunday School perception of a God who loves us by giving us more than our neighbors and doing what we ask. In "Blessed Are Those Who Have Nothing To Show For Themselves," Jed reminds us that "God... will be known for who He is," regardless of whether we get it or not, and our misunderstanding of Him does not equate to unfaithfulness on His part.

Musically, this is a smart, accessible album with some wonderfully nuanced performances. Jed has grown significantly in many areas, with vocals, keyboards, and guitars woven together to create a melodic tapestry. Every song fits in both form and function to make this his most cohesive work to date, yet the listener does not get beat up with the same sound on every song.

My favorite tracks at the moment are "The Easy Part Is Hard," "God Quit," and "You Never Spared Yourself," but do yourself a favor and download the whole thing.

...As a Bee

Allie and I have been quite busy over the last couple of weeks. [Together: "How busy are you?"] Last night was the first (and only) night this week where we were both home at dinner time. To celebrate our extra time together, we ate barbecue sandwiches and then napped for about 2 hours.

I recently switched project groups at work, so I've been learning new skills. Instead of tools, I'm becoming an expert on electric motors and ventilation products. So far it's been a good challenge, and I still like the people with whom I'm working. It's also kept my working slightly longer hours, but still not as long as Allie works each day.

Allie has also been keeping busy with the kids she nannies for, along with a lot of extra babysitting. The family's youngest boy turns 2 on Saturday. (He was about -6 months when we started dating.) He's already learning to WRITE his alphabet and likes to draw on everything, so you can imagine how hectic Allie's day is.

With Easter and Spring Break coming up, we're hoping to spend a little more time relaxing. We'll see how that goes.

Can He?

Allie wasn't feeling very well tonight and went to bed early. As I was taking my contacts out, I lifted up a simply prayer, "God, can you please help her to feel better?"

Before the words could even come out of my mouth, I realized that this was the wrong prayer because I already knew the answer to my question.

Yes, God can.

Whether He will or won't do something is an entirely different question, but that's for Him to decide. God is always the right one to hear my plea because like no other, He can handle it. His power is always great enough. He can and will do what needs to be done. It may sound like I'm playing semantics here, but knowing that God is capable is a very comforting thing. I don't have to call God's abilities into question in any situation that may arise.

"Reflections," or "Winter on Round Lake"

Happy March, everyone!

Here's hoping that the next month brings warmer temperatures and less snow. Until that happens, here are a few pictures taken on Round Lake last weekend.

This is the same tree that I photographed in the fall.

Stay warm and drive safely.