Picnic in the Yard

9 Reasons I'm a Photographer -- by Bill Walsh

I found this article on the Desiring God Ministries blog.

(Zion National Park, Utah)

Here are the truths I am pursuing a deeper understanding of in order to establish a firm foundation for why and how I engage in the art of photography for the glory of God. I think they can also serve as a defense for any Christian’s artistic endeavors.

1.  Creation is a gift from God (and by creation, I mean all that God has made, not just mountains, birds, and trees). It is meant to display and communicate his glory.

2.  God hides himself in creation. Unbelievers seldom see him in it, but believers are given eyes to see, so they can glorify God through it.

3.  In order to glimpse of the glory of God in creation, we actually have to engage with it.

4.  All art has one source: God’s universe. We create nothing, but only imitate the creator.

5.  Cultural and artistic expressions are gifts from God which we should not neglect.

6.  Culture that glorifies God is a foretaste of what we will experience in the new heavens and new earth.

7.  Christians should avoid quickly judging cultural expression as sacred or secular. God also reveals himself through his common grace.

8.  Christian cultural expression should not solely focus on the beautiful and the romantic, but should include the flawed.

9.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of fusing heaven and earth, and serves as the ultimate source of inspiration for those engaged in artistic pursuits.

9 Reasons I'm a Photographer :: Desiring God Blog

Favorite Podcasts

In the past few months I've really enjoyed listening to these Podcasts on my iPod while I'm working around the house. 

Desiring God -- John Piper

"Desiring God Radio is an online-only radio program that airs Monday - Thursday. The programs consist of John Piper's sermon bracketed by in-studio discussion between John Piper and the co-host, Bob Allen."

Renewing You Mind -- R.C. Sproul

"In addition to solid, expositional Bible teaching, Renewing Your Mind sets itself apart from other programs through Dr. Sproul’s willingness to examine systematic theology, philosophy, apologetics, ethics, church history, and many other subjects too often neglected today. The program continues to bridge the gap between Sunday school and seminary, equipping the laity with the tools they need to defend their faith and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Chalcedon Presbyterian Church -- Joe Morecraft III

The sermons of Joe Morecraft of Chalcedon Presbyterian Church in Cumming, GA. 

He also has an excellent series on the History of the Reformation, that can be downloaded here:  "In 49 messages, Joe Morecraft covers the most important people and events of the Reformation. Beginning with the Westminster Confession and ending with the lives of many of the Westminster Divines, he covers the Scottish Covenanters, John Calvin, John Knox, Oliver Cromwell as well as some of the Reformation's darkest villains like Bloody Mary and King James I."

The Albert Mohler Program

"The Albert Mohler Program is a one-hour talk show hosted every weekday by Dr. R. Albert Mohler. The show is devoted to engaging contemporary culture with the biblical truth."

The Gary DeMar Show

"Where you will hear current events, pop culture, politics, religion, and bunches of other stuff examined thru the lense of a biblical worldview."

The Dave Ramsey Show

"Dave Ramsey offers life-changing financial advice as host of the nationally syndicated radio program, “The Dave Ramsey Show”. The three-hour live radio talk show focuses on life, love, and relationships, and how they happen to revolve around money.  Dave says, 'It's where life happens...caller after caller.' "

Generations Radio -- Kevin Swanson

"Generations Radio brings a fast and fresh perspective to issues touching Christian families. From cultural commentary and movie reviews to education and homeschooling, Generations Radio has it every day - all from a distinctively biblical worldview."

Grace to You -- John MacArthur

“Grace to You radio… John MacArthur’s in-depth Bible teaching brings the life-transforming truth of God’s Word to millions of people every day."

Judge Roy Moore Event

Sunday evening we went to hear Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore speak at Macland Baptist Church in Powder Springs.  As always, his message was very timely and inspiring.  If you have never heard his story, you can read this article written by Ann Coulter in 2003, Man of the Year: Roy Moore.

We enjoyed eating dinner with some of the folks from American Vision, and we really appreciate all their hard work and effort in what they do.  They have some really good resources on their website, AmericanVision.com.  And I also highly recommend their email newsletter (which they post as a blog, here)

Judge Moore serves as Chairman for the Foundation for Moral Law, has written the book So Help Me God,  and writes a weekly column for WorldNetDaily.com, Our Moral Foundation.

The following is a poem written by Judge Moore:

America the Beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrims' pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine,
Choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown.
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotting at the core,
Appointing Godless Judges
who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer
in a well deserved tomb,
But brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
will humbly turn and pray;
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
if you don't - then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

The god of Sports and its Faithful Worshippers: Men - by Isaac Weathers

 

"Over the past few days I’ve had some interesting thoughts, that a lot of others have already come to. But before getting to the crux of this post, let me elaborate on a few experiences that have lead up to my thoughts..."  Read the entire article here.

Scalia Is Wrong About Abortion

This is an excellent article written by Joseph Farrah on the subject of abortion and the Constitution:

"I seldom have found myself in disagreement with Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. He has a brilliant mind, and he knows and reveres the Constitution and the American form of government. But he's wrong about abortion. Recently, he told students at the University of Central Missouri that the subject of abortion is not found in the Constitution:

'The reality is the Constitution doesn't address the subject at all,' he said. 'It is one of the many subjects not in the Constitution which is therefore left to democracy. If you want the right to an abortion, persuade your fellow citizens it's a good idea, and pass a law. If you feel the other way, repeal the law.'

I disagree. In fact, I believe the Constitution outlaws abortion, and I think I can prove it to you. To understand why abortion is still illegal, despite Roe v. Wade, you must begin by doing something few Americans bother with anymore: reading the preamble to the U.S. Constitution".

Read the rest of the article here.

Turkish Proverb

I found this quote from a real estate article...

"No matter how long you are traveling down the wrong road, when you figure it out, turn around." - Turkish proverb

Happy Anniversary Isaac & Christie!

Today is Isaac & Christie's 6th wedding anniversary.  I can't believe it's been that long! 

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband..."

"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land."

Circa History Guild Soft Opening

We really enjoyed the soft opening for the Circa History Guild last night! Bill Potter and J.T Adams spoke about their vision for the future of Circa, events they are planning, etc. They are planning on adding the itinerary to the website soon.

Mr. Potter showing some historical artifacts Circa has for sale.

In the John Adams room they have many of the production pieces from the new HBO John Adams series.

The vault where they keep valuable artifacts.

Praising God In The Midst Of Trouble

Wow! This article really teaches us to be thankful in all things. I scanned in this article from the Homeschool Update (CHEC) magazine entitled: Praising God In The Midst Of Trouble - by Chris Klicka.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13