A new year begins...

The sun has set on the old year and risen on a new one.

As we enter a new year, this is my hope for those with whom I share this earthly journey...

That the year will be filled with blessings for those around me.

That we will be courageous enough to go after our dreams.

That those burdened with sorrow or illness will be blessed with comfort and healing.

That we might be blessings to others.

That we all will live healthful and healthy lives.

That we will follow good advice, ignore bad advice, and know the difference between the two.

That we all will end the year better people than we began it. 

May your blessings be more numerous than your trials, and may your trials turn out to be blessings in disguise. 

Happy 2014!

A view of Christmas...

It's looking a lot like Christmas at the "Durrant Village" that takes up the better portion of two rooms in my parents' home. Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

Autumn fire...

I came home from work today as the autumnal sun bathed this tree in her golden light.
I couldn't help myself. 

I grabbed my camera and tried to capture the beauty of the moment...

Autumn

by: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Thou comest, Autumn, heralded by the rain,

With banners, by great gales incessant fanned,

Brighter than the brightest silks of Samarcand,

And stately oxen harnessed by the wain!

Thou standest, like imperial Charlemagne,

Upon thy bridge of gold; thy royal hand

Outstretched with benedictions o'er the land,

Blessing the farms through all thy vast domain.

Thy shield is the red harvest moon, suspended

So long beneath the heaven's o'erhanging eaves,

Thy steps are by the farmer's prayers attended;

Like flames upon an altar shine the sheaves;

And, following thee, in thy ovation splendid,

Thine almoner, the wind, scatters the golden leaves!

And now for just a few more photos...

Life Through My Lens - Ray of light...

Though sometimes it is difficult to do, it's important to remember that even during the darkest days, somewhere there is a ray of light just waiting to break through... Watch for that tiny ray and cling to it... 

Better yet - be that ray of light for someone who needs it.

Media of the Week - In Christ Alone I Stand - Adam Young (Owl City)

I came across this song a few months ago quite by accident when I was searching for something else. I remember thinking it that I liked it. It was unexpected, not exactly what I was used to from this artist.

I'd almost forgotten the song until I ran across it again tonight. It seemed an appropriate post on this Sunday. A gentle reminder of where we should look for guidance, comfort, and strength.

"In Christ Alone"

- Owl City (Adam Young)

In Christ alone, my hope is found


He is my light, my strength, my song


This cornerstone, this solid ground


Firm through the fiercest drought and storm


What heights of love, what depths of peace


When fears are stilled, when strivings cease


My comforter, my all-in-all


Here in the love of Christ I stand

There in the ground His body lay


Light of the world by darkness slain


Then bursting forth in glorious day


Up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory


Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me


For I am His and He is mine


Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death


This is the power of Christ in me


From life’s first cry to final breath


Jesus commands my destiny


No power of hell, no scheme of man


Can ever pluck me from His hand


Till He returns or calls me home


Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand