To Do or Not To Do
Success is sometimes not about doing something, but about not doing. Yesterday morning I had a lot I wanted to do. So as not to forget anything, I took the time the previous evening to make my “To Do” list. I had pictures to frame, materials to buy, photos to print, lessons to write, [...]
Light of the World
Isaiah prophesied,
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Before Jesus began his ministry, John the Baptist said of him,
“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”
Finally, Jesus said of himself,
“I [...]
Microphone in Lights
The lone microphone washed in the color of lights stands ready to receive the voices of the church choir at Christmas. In the background the organ pipes glow with expectation as well. Christmas is here and the birth of Jesus is about to be announced. On that day in Bethlehem so many centuries ago, [...]
Christmas Music
Last Sunday evening our church had a marvelous Christmas celebration they called “A Christmas Journey.” We listened to our children, our youth, and our adults proclaim the coming of the infant Jesus, all under changing lights that made the auditorium sparkle and caused me to think of the night skies above the shepherds on [...]
Organ Knobs
This wonderful pipe organ at First Baptist Church in Oklahoma City has black keys instead of white, blond wood rather than dark, and brown knobs in place of white. The reversals attract the eye and cause me to wonder at the constraints of convention. How often do we assume something is correct simply because [...]
Walking the Church Aisle
I’ve been taking pictures of my church recently for a project I’m working on. Last week I spent a morning in the church sanctuary alone snapping shots. I love these kinds of shoots because I can take my time and be as creative as I want. If the picture doesn’t come out as I’ve [...]
Building Buildings
The church I attend held a campaign a couple of years ago to raise money to renovate our buildings. They had fallen into disrepair and were badly in need of a face lift. I can’t remember all the arguments they used to raise the necessary money, but I know they did it with integrity. [...]
Foolish Reverence
I tend to be an overly serious person–to a fault. It’s not that I don’t want to have fun or even begrudge those who are “looser.” To avoid any deep public psychoanalysis, let’s just say, “I’m that way.” I feel awkward dancing. I avoid anything that draws attention to me–especially if that “thing” might [...]
Worship
This morning I worshiped at my church. Several hundred people gathered in a large auditorium designed, no doubt, by some of the finest architects. Polished wood beams supported the high ceiling. Sunlight illumined the space through stain-glassed windows. A high-tech sound system magnified the voices of the worship leaders and those of a robed choir. [...]
RSS Feed