We each have a family history. Scripture shows us that from His human standpoint so did Jesus, yet He was without beginning (John 1:1). I'm reminded of a quote I've seen making the rounds lately, though I can't for the life of me remember who said it or the exact words. But it basically says that God uses sinners, but the reality is there are only sinners for Him to use. The idea being that we are all sinners, and yet God still graciously has chosen to redeem sinners and use

"Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom Jesus was born, who is called the Messiah" - Matthew 1:16 Not much is known of Joseph. Well, I don't know much, maybe others know more. But Scripture does not mention him much. By my counts he is only mentioned some 15 or 16 times, and that's it. Of those less than 20 mentions, not once are any of his words recorded. And yet, for a man hardly mentioned in Scripture, whose words are not brought to our attention, we a

Recently I've been reading very slowly through the opening chapters of Luke in preparation for Christmas. There's really a lot of little sections to it and each of them have their own story to tell and details to add to the greater story surrounding the birth of Christ. Can you imagine how Jesus' earthly parents felt during each of these accounts? Today I read about Anna, the prophetess. It's a short passage, detailing a moment at the temple as Jesus was being presented and c

Hardly an original shot, but a stunning location to be sure. There are few places I can think of in the United States that offer more variety, ranging from wildlife to geology, scenic views to just out of this world features, than Yellowstone National Park. Within this amazing place, one could spend multiple lifetimes researching, exploring, and photographing, and still come up with new things. It is a testament to God's creative power. On the northeast corner of the park lie

From the very beginning, from the time that sin entered the world, creation has groaned, awaiting the restoration of all things. There's a sense of desperation that permeates Scripture. Doubtless did Adam and Eve think upon the birth of their first born that he would be the promised seed, one who would crush the serpents head. Instead he continued the same pattern as his parents and fell headlong into sin. Generations came and went until Noah. Would he perhaps be the savior?

Oftentimes, it can be easy to take things for granted. The things we've discussed this week are no exception. That said, relatively speaking, it's easy to be thankful for the good things. Relative to what? The difficult things in life. Even the secular world shows gratitude for the positive things, but Christian thankfulness extends to every area of life, even the difficult parts. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials," - James 1:2 This is a dif

As we celebrate this Thanksgiving Day, amidst the feasting and the family, the football and fellowship, whatever it is you find on this day, may we remember Paul's words to the Corinthian church: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" - 2 Corinthians 9:15 We have so many things to be thankful for but the greatest is the fact that God has and will continue to save sinners; and that if we are in Christ, it is by His grace, so let us be thankful for that. Because of Chri

While being thankful for good things, for people, and for many other things is of utmost importance, one of the primary objects (if that's even the proper word) we are to be thankful for is God Himself. "Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting" - Psalm 107:1 I'm sure you've heard of different acronyms to assist in prayer, but if you haven't, one example is the acronym A.C.T.S., meaning: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplicati

Landscape portrait of me in Yellowstone, taken by my friend, Dean. For something that I didn't get into until I was well into my adult years, I'm pleasantly surprised how much I've enjoyed photography. More than that though, I realize that I am thankful for the gift of it, and everything good connected with it. As a child, going outdoors was oftentimes a mix of fun, but also fear. Not fear of danger, but I just didn't like getting dirty. But when I was 11 or 12, a visit to th

You may recall in fairly recent years that a banana duct taped to a wall was sold for multiple millions of dollars as 'art'. More recently an artist sold, well, actually it was nothing, for a pretty penny as well. The invisible sculpture sold for over 18,000 dollars. Modern art has oftentimes been ridiculed by many for the very simple yet abstract shapes, with many saying "even I could do that!" Even some landscape scenes far 'surpass' that of reality with gaudy over saturati

Thinking about this week's theme, I had wanted to go over what I do and use as far as technology and editing of my photos, etc. But this morning in my Bible reading I was reminded of something that might be of much more benefit. To recap the week, we started with an article from ACBC on speaking the truth in love. While not immediately evident, it ties in with the rest of the weeks discussion on A.I. and integrity by giving us a groundwork for telling the truth. With the adve

A number of years ago, National Geographic came under scrutiny for digitally moving some pyramids, if memory serves me correctly. It was not a major adjustment, but was meant to make the image fit their front cover page. But for a publication noted for journalistic integrity, it wasn't something that could just be swept under the rug. Even though the scene evoked the same sense of place and realism, and no one would have known, the reality is, truth was altered. Digital manip

The Psalmist has a tendency to strike a chord (pun intended) with those who read their work. The full gamut of emotions can be seen within the Psalter; it is a book the depth of which can't ever be reached. Yet it is such a simple read. I recommended to a friend of mine who struggles some with reading Scripture, that they consider reading the Psalms. They're oftentimes short, and very approachable. The writers very much wear their emotions on their sleeves. Sometimes so much

The other day as I headed to church, I noticed, as I often do, the trees alongside of the road. At this time of year, the trees along this particular stretch of road are adorned with some of the best fall color. But a thought came to mind about them. Spring is a very pretty time of year, but I think many would argue that it is fall where trees really are at their most beautiful. And yet, it is for such a brief time and then they are bare, lifeless, asleep. It reminded me that

As a person who often deals with anxiety, as well as a sometimes unhealthy introspection on my own failings, it is helpful coming across an article like this from ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) Wanting to simply share an article today, I asked a friend of mine to help in the search. In response this was one of their suggestions. But in reading it I'm glad they did. I do hope that this is something that you'll find helpful; if not for yourself, for someon

Well it's time again for the clocks to fall back. I find the time changes to be challenging to be honest. Just feels weird that we mess with time like that. It's a bit of a disruption you could say.

It's been a minute since I have been able to take part in helping our with our youth at church. But it's something I enjoy being able to do when able. Sometimes though, it can feel (really any service) like you're just going through the motions. The old question can linger in our minds: "does what I'm doing really matter?" Well to kick our knees out from under us on the front end, God doesn't NEED any of us. Jesus said that if His disciples went quiet, that the stones would c

The early morning light begins to shine across the sky, as a new day begins in Shenandoah National Park. The breeze kept it quite chilly. But, it was a nice morning nonetheless. I can hardly believe that I've now written 50 blog posts. Really it's not a ton but 50 seems like a good memorial, a good number to recognize. But what to say about 50? I'm not sure to be honest. So I think what I will do is point out a few of my personal favorite posts up to this point. Maybe that's

I really do want this website to be of help to people. My thought for tonight is one that I hope is really practical, and that is to share with you some resources I have used in regards to my Bible study and preparation for different teaching opportunities in the past. When I desire to do a deeper study I tend to use study Bibles, commentary, and other resources and so I will share some of those with you below. I tend to start with just the Scriptures themselves, and for that

Stony Man mountain stands majestically in the distance, second only to Hawksbill in height in Shenandoah National Park. The warm sunset light bathes the landscape with a reddish glow as clouds cross the sky. Moments like these last for such a short while. Before you know it, the light is gone and the land sits in silent darkness awaiting the coming dawn. As I sit here in the doctor's office it's hard not to have a mixture of emotions. This isn't the time or place to go into a