Dignity

Trees standing alone in a clear-cut, Capital State Forest, WA USA

We are all made in the image and likeness of God and as such have dignity, an inherent, inalienable worth.  Dignity, not earned, but freely given by our Creator to each and everyone of us.  This gift, this common bond we all share, makes it possible for us to see the beauty in each other, and not just our differences.  Let us mend the fabric of our shared humanity, not obscuring our differences, but listening to each other, learning from each other, seeking understanding, seeking truth, and seeking what it means to love.

God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. - Genesis 1:26

God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27

God blessed them - Genesis 1:28

God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. - Genesis 1:31

A Light to the Nations

Sunset at Lands End, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The light of the early Christian church spread ever so quickly with little money and without the use of power or violence, it spread. First “in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (ACTS 1:8).  The light of love is still spreading.  How are you spreading the light of Christ’s love?

#LighttotheNations #WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus

The Magnificence of Jesus

Great Blue Heron, Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, WA

Love seeks  its beloved.

Love protects its beloved.

Love sacrifices for its beloved.

Love respects the freedom of its beloved .

We are Jesus’s beloved.

Let us live our lives in a manner that is worthy of such a great love.

The love that is God.

The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?  Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. - 1 John 3:16-18

Moment by Moment

Rhododendron Flower, Squaxin Park, Olympia, WA

May our Lord Jesus Christ, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, in the love of the Father, dwell with you throughout the year.  Amen

#MomentbyMoment #WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus

The Greatest Treasure

Trail Olympia, Washington with overlay of Blessed Virgin Mary carrying child Jesus (as appearing at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St.James Cathedral)

Merry Christmas!   My inspiration behind this picture is the Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to the purchase of a great treasure - see Matthew 13:44-46.

Be Still, Listen

House Finch, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, WA USA

Joseph went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child - Luke 2: 4-6

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #BeStill #Listen #TheCryoftheBaby

God Speaks In Our Heart

Arch Cape, OR USA

God speaks in our heart

in the cry of a baby in the manger

God speaks in our heart

in the holy family’s exile to Egypt

God speaks in our heart

in the healing of lepers

God speaks in our heart

in the saving of the woman caught in adultery

God speaks in our heart

in an innocent man’s forgiving of his tormentors

God speaks in our heart

in the death of an innocent man on the cross

God speaks in our heart

in the resurrection of our Lord

God speaks in our heart

through our family, friends and acquaintances

God speaks in our heart

in our joy

God speaks in our heart

in our suffering

God speaks in our heart

in granting us his peace

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #SpeaksInOurHeart

A Single Candle

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, WA USA

Jesus, shine you grace upon us so that we can be the “light of the world” (see Matthew 5:14-16).

Jesus, give us the confidence to know that the light that comes from your grace can penetrate even the darkest of hearts.

Jesus, give us the courage to shine your light for you are “our light and our salvation; whom should we fear” (see Psalm 27:1).

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #Light

Sharing

Mule Deer, Pueblo West, CO USA

Christmas is rapidly approaching.  It is a time for supporting one another.  Let us listen to one another, support one another and care for each other in love.

I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.  This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13: 34-35

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #LoveOneAnother

Perfect Reflection ion His Love

McLane Creek Park, Olympia, WA USA

Just before his passion and death Jesus has this beautiful conversation with his father about his desire for us.  This is a conversation within the Trinity, within the heart of God. The following is an excerpt from this conversation.

I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.  - John 17: 22-23

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #Love

Love One Another

Mallard Hen and Drake, McLane Creek Park, Olympia, WA USA

Loving one another, sounds easy.  Take a look at the crucifix where the greatest display of love took place.  Love can be hard but we are asked by God to love anyway.  Remember, love is not a self-centered, mushy emotion, but rather “willing the good of the other” (St.Thomas Aquinas).

Who is it challenging for you to love?  How can you love them through actions of your will?  Ask God for the grace to love.

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #Love

Prayer of the Humble

View of Bear Gulch Fire in Olympic National Park from Top of Mount Walker, WA USA

For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy. - St. John Damascene (675 - 749 AD)

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #Humility #Prayer

Preserve the Faith

Tulips, Skagit Valley, WA USA

I love All Saints and All Souls days where we remember those that have passed before us. This year I am particularly drawn to the final words of Saint Paul while in prison facing execution, “For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4: 6-7)”

Let us all finish the race, keeping and preserving the faith.

#WalkwithGod #nature #God #Jesus #FinishTheRace

How May I Serve

Nehalem Beach, OR USA

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.  - 1 Peter 4:1

#nature #God #Jesus

The Gift

Nehalem Beach, OR USA

I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. - John 6:51

Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? - 1 Cor 3:16

Show Us the Way

Horse and riders, Sunset, Nehalem Beach, OR USA

"We are all pilgrims and we are always pilgrims, walking as we seek to follow the Lord, and as we seek the path that is truly ours in life. That’s certainly not easy, but with the help of the Lord, the intercession of the saints, and by encouraging one another, you can be certain that, as long as you remain faithful, trusting always in God’s mercy, the experience of this pilgrimage will continue to bear fruit throughout your lives.” - Pope Leo XIV

Courage

Greater Yellowlegs missing one leg, Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, WA USA

But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair - 2 Corinthians 4: 7-8

Shine

Sunrise, Colorado Rockies near Crested Butte, USA

Live in Love

Pacific Treefrog on Dahlia, Olympia, WA USA

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.  Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving.

- Ephesians 5:1-4

Light of Life

Sunlight cutting through pines, Gunnison National Forest, CO USA

Jesus, give light to my heart so that I may love others as you love me.

Jesus, give light to my mind so that I might see you in the integrity of science and nature.

Jesus, give light to my soul so that I might grow in the virtues of patience, generosity, kindness, fortitude, self-control, prudence and humility. 

Amen