Tuesday, February 17, 2009

sunset reflections

The church in this photo is a pleasant sight. I'm sure it would make a nice subject for daylight photos. The real beauty though, is the capture of the setting sun at the most stunning moment. The dark foreground creates a contrast that glorifies the colors behind it. If you look carefully, you can see that the church windows reflect a little bit of that radiant splendor. Don't you wish the church would reflect that brilliance even more?

.

...Something to think about.

16 comments:

lime said...

those colors are just gorgeous.

as for your meditation, i could not agree more. i have been so utterly frustrated with this lately...

Anonymous said...

i am so grateful that God makes such beauty for us to see. what a beautiful sky of colour and light.

Shammickite said...

Did baby make an appearance yet?

Craver Vii said...

Aren't they cool, Lime? The twilight setting on my camera has a way to save those colors in low light.

There are two sides of the spiritual reflection issue that we could dwell upon. One, is "out there..." i.e., misrepresentation from the general culture of all those people who claim Christ. But for me, the more troubling side is when I think of my own failings, I should know better. When people look at this ambassador, I they ought to be able to see my Lord, and the evidence of the Holy Spirit who dwells inside. It is a never-ending struggle.

This past Saturday, our men's group talked about God's beauty, Nancy. Specifically related to Romans, chapter one.

No baby yet, Shammy. Rylan was due on the 14th, and now I understand that on average, first-borns come eight days late. My daughter doesn't like the idea of being induced, but if the baby isn't here by Thursday, they may do that. Lateness deteriorates the placenta.

donsands said...

Most sunsets are not as stunning as this one. At least here in Maryland they are sparingly as excellent as this one. However, the Sun does set each night. Actually it's not really the Sun that stes, but the earth that is moving.

I'm trying to make something spiritual out of all this, but it ain't working Craver.

But I pray i would shine for the Father better than I do, and the Church in America could definitely be shining a bit brighter.

Seems we Christians are either a flood light in the world's eyes, or less than a ember's glow.

Anonymous said...

FWIW, B was a whole month late and was fine. Most inductions are done to make sure they fit the doctor's time schedule...don't get me started. :o(

I'm sure you're grandbaby is fine. God's timing is perfect and He'll give her the grace to make it.

D2saint

mommanator said...

wowo how pretty!! glorious colors

Anonymous said...

That photo is beautiful. The description is good too. I'm reminded of cathedrals in Europe that have unfortunately become tourist attractions rather than places of worship. What a testimony it would be if they, as well as churches here, would begin to reflect the Light in the manner it should!!

D2saint, if someone is an entire month late, chances are highly likely the due date was miscalculated. While some inductions are done out of convenience (usually at the request of the parents, not the doctor), the majority are done for legitimate medical reasons, which can also be said for c-sections, though c-sections have a MUCH higher "convenience" rate than an induction. Approximately 2 weeks after an EDD, the placenta begins to deteriorate and the amniotic fluid decreases, making for a dangerous environment for the baby. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation regarding inductions (as I'm sure there is for c-sections too, but I haven't studied that much), but a scheduled delivery doesn't mean it's not in God's timing as He knew before time when this baby would be born and He ordains all and is in control of all, even "convenience" births. I trust that God gave my doctor wisdom in this area that I'll be carried through it just fine. :)

Craver Vii said...

Sandman, your mention of the "Church in America" made me chuckle a bit. Maybe it's because of the internet, but the globe seems so small that I am moving away from seeing "us" as America unless the topic is specifically political or geographical.

Too many of this planet's inhabitants make a strong connection between the USA and Evangelical Christianity. This generation has not earned that honor, but I'm afraid they won't be shaken of that notion until America crumbles. And unless we American Christians make a humble turnaround, who can stop the inevitable consequences?

On a lighter note, sunsets here are sparingly as excellent as this one. It helps that I almost always carry my camera, and we were headed Westward, allowing me the opportunity to take several shots until I got the right shade. My wife was driving, and the evening traffic was backed up just a little, 'cause of a train. For those reasons, I have taken lots of pictures near that spot.

Shammickite said...

If young Rylan arrives on Thursday, that's Callum's birthday too.... the 19th Feb! A great day to be born.

Craver Vii said...

Oh-oh... Mary and D2saint, am I going to have to separate you two? ;-)

Your cathedral comment makes me think, Mary... I wonder what Jesus thought, as he walked through the temple in Jerusalem... I wouldn't say it was the same as an abandoned cathedral, but still...

The chances are fair, Shammy. Only time will tell.

Anonymous said...

Prepare for my wrath! I kidnap IG Joes!

Shhh!!
No talking! No talking!

MrsEvenSo... said...

I'm trying to make something spiritual out of all this, but it ain't working Craver.

Don, Even So and I are LOL!

Craver, Just checking in on the status of the new grandbaby. The waiting game is always tough, especially on the expectant mother. Our prayers are with you all. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Louise said...

The colors are terrific!

Craver Vii said...

That's a funny reference, Mary. If anyone doesn't know the inside joke, it's from a Bill Engvall comedy piece you can hear here.

Mrs Even So, I appreciate your prayer. When baby Rylan decides to grace us with his presence, and I drive down there, can I get a picture with you and Pastor JD?

Louise, thanks for the comments... here, and at the older posts. :-)

L.L. Barkat said...

oh, oh, oh!! I could just drift under that sky all night.