Perhaps my earliest childhood fantasy was wishing to build a castle in the clouds, and to this day I am fascinated by the ever-changing cloudscapes when I fly.I finally decided to do a little cloudology, and I hope you enjoy the fruits of my labor today (and if I don’t get distracted, tomorrow too).(Stratus nebulosus, … Continue reading My Head in the Clouds: Learning to Recognize Cloud Types
The story of Philip’s conversion and consequent enthusiasm to share his faith is precious to me because it reminds me of my own experience. Many Americans grow up learning John 3:16 by heart (“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but … Continue reading How Jesus Came Into My Life
Song of Solomon 8:14 “Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.” The last request of our beloved is that he may hear our voice. What is our heart cry back to him? Hurry back! Maranatha! Oh Lord, may you come … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (297): Is “Maranatha” The Cry of Your Heart?
Song of Solomon 8:5 “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?”Are you feeling all clear and cheery today? No clouds in the sky of your heart? Or, are the clouds gone but you’re burning under the heat of the sun? You’ve laid your burden at the foot of the … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (264): Overcoming Trials
Song of Solomon 8:5 “Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?” This is a magnificent verse. It is speaking—of course—of the bride. From whence is she coming? The wilderness. How is she coming? Is she alone? No, not at all. She is coming in the company of her beloved, … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (263): How to Survive Heartbreak
Song of Solomon 6:10 “Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” “Who is she that looketh forth as the morning…” The participial form of the Hebrew word for “looketh forth” connotes the idea of looking down on something, … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (203): The Power of Light over Dark
Song of Solomon 5:1 “I have gathered my myrrh with my spice.” He adds to our suffering his spice—that which brings out the flavor. What brings out the flavor in life? Do you know? I think it is thanksgiving. There was a news interview with missionary Benjamin Weir who was held hostage in Lebanon and … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (137): What Puts Spice in our Life?
Song of Solomon 4:16 Spiritually, what is the wind that carries our fragrance up to delight Christ? When Jesus breathed (“blew”) on the disciples, they received the Holy Ghost (John 20:22). The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples as a “mighty, rushing wind” (Acts 2:2—north wind, driving away rain), and as “tongues of fire” (Acts … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (133): The Breath of God
Sparrows are probably the most common and ubiquitous of all wild birds.These first 2 pictures are of “English” (or “house”) sparrows, but there are 26 known species, and at least some varieties thrive in every continent around the world (except Antarctica, of course). Sparrows nest in low trees and shrubs and coexist well with people. When … Continue reading A Few of My Favorite Birds (19): The Humble Sparrow
Song of Solomon 4:6 “Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” All through the night, while sprightly shadows dance with joy in the moonlight, the bridegroom will delight in the pleasures of his wife. All through the night, … Continue reading Rise Up, My Love (100): For Better and Worse, in Suffering and Joy
