Yielding the Right-of-Way

Lookout Mountain, Colorado

Bicyclists and motorists don't always play nice with each other. Cyclists complain about motorists and motorists complain about cyclists.

The problem between both is rooted in their understanding of their rights. This understanding, or I should say, misunderstand of their rights can have deadly consequences.

Christians relate to each other like motorists and cyclists, claiming their freedom to do what they want even at the expense of a brother or sister in Christ.

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13 English Standard Version

Christian liberty does not give us the license to do whatever we want, but the honor of yielding ourselves to another person out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).

Christ died and lives for each one of us in the body of Christ. He yielded his life for the rich and the poor, for the healthy and the sick, for you and me.

Through Jesus we are free to yield the right-of-way to each other. There are fewer accidents in the Christian community when we live with this understanding of our liberty in Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Stronger than Fear

Golden, Colorado

Baseball is in my blood.  My grandfather was a major league baseball scout. My dad was a respected pitcher in the Cascade League in the Pacific Northwest. I learned to keep score from my mom.

But I was a terrible baseball player. I couldn't get out of the way of a baseball fast enough when it was either thrown at me or hit at me. The ball was way to hard and I was way to soft (emotionally speaking) that I didn't want to play the game.

Fear of the baseball kept me from enjoying America's past time.

Fear has a way of keeping us from enjoying God's peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27 English Standard Version

Jesus had a great deal to fear the night that he spoke these words to his disciples. In a few short hours he would be handed over to people who hated him, beaten, nailed to a cross to die. Yet he encourages his disciples to not be afraid.

Through the violence of his death, Jesus has given us the gift of peace. We are at peace with God. This peace is stronger than our fears which rob us of joy.

We'll struggle with fear on this journey of life, but the gift of peace is stronger than our fears.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Glimpse of Heaven

Golden, Colorado

Most of us know what this machines is that hides behind the window, though perchance there is someone who doesn't. I immediately knew that it was a sewing machine as it looked just like my grandmother's that was for some reason in my grandparents garage.

Though we might recognize that the machine behind the window is a sewing machine, there is a great deal we don't know about it.

We don't know if it works.

We don't know the exact model number.

We don't know if all the parts are original.

The only way to know this sewing machine is if we position ourselves on the other side of the glass.

As we stand on this side of eternity we're given a glimpse of who God is and what waits for us after this life, but we really don't know what that life will be like.  Paul uses the image of a mirror to express this thought.

"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." 1 Corinthians 13:12 New Living Translation

As we stand on this side of eternity God gives us a glimpse of who he is, but the day is coming when we will see the fullness of who he is. For now, God has left us with a view of what that life will be like.  May this view cause a desire to rise up in us to be with him and experience the fullness of his glory.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Putting on the Brakes

Golden, Colorado

There is nothing worse than driving your car and the brakes go soft, or worse yet, your brakes completely fail. The only time that I've experienced brake failure was driving an old WWI vintage flatbed truck (at least that is what I was told it was) whose top speed was maybe five mph. My life wasn't in danger.

There are times that we need to put the brakes on in our lives.

• We're so busy that we don't have time for our family.
• We're on the computer so long that we forget to eat.

A fast food restaurant use to declare, "you deserve a break today." We may not "deserve" a break but we sure could put on the brakes. We might want to start by putting the brakes on how we're leading our life and find time to meditate on our redeeming God.

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." Psalm 145:5 English Standard Version

Some of you are better than I am at putting on the bakes. When I get up in the morning I find myself planning and worrying about the day's events. I'm trying to set a new routine, a routine that includes three things; stretching (old age), Bible meditation and reading. I don't always accomplish all three tasks, but I'm trying hard not to miss the mediation portion of this routine.

I don't know what will work for you, but I do know that God's heart is for you to put the brakes on and enjoy his presence.  

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Picturing the Past

Mt Angel, Oregon

I recently interviewed my father-in-law, Erwin Nickodemus, about his experience in World War II. He is now 96 years-old and he struggled to remember details of his experience.

As the interview proceeded, this picture of my mother-in-law and father-in-law caught my attention. It recalls younger days before four children, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

This picture is one of many that fills the living room. There are wedding pictures, family pictures, and pictures of grandchildren.

Pictures help us to remember where we've been in life.

"Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ." Hebrews 10:32a New Living Translation

What causes you to remember the early days of your walk in Christ? Lately I've thought about family devotions, Sunday School lessons and youth activities.  These were important activities which communicated the faith to me. They might not be framed pictures that hang on my living room wall, but they do occupy my memories.

Looking back and remembering our faith journey is important as we anticipate what God has in store for us. As he was faithful in the past, so he will be faithful in the future.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Carrying Burdens

Portland, Oregon

Deb, has the most wonderful backyard. Those of you who subscribe to my Praying With the Eyes Facebook page have seen pictures that she's posted. I don't know how she finds time to take care of her garden.

Deb's husband, Dan, passed almost 20 years ago. Deb and Dan both loved to garden. Believe me, there have been plenty of challenges for Deb to keep up her garden without Dan.

The day that Dan died is forever etched in my memory. It was a Sunday morning, and as we were singing a hymn our Director of Christian Education gave me the news. I still miss Dan but not as much as Deb.

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 New International Version

God has called us into community that we might carry each other's burdens just as this tricycle bears the weight of these succulents. Living in community isn't easy. Along with bearing each other's burdens we put up with each other's sins.

Though I remember walking with Deb through Dan's death I also recall many times when Deb has walked with Janice and me through our personal struggles. That's what we do in the body of Christ.

By the way, I asked Deb how many roses she cares for and she's lost track.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Beauty of the Rose

International Rose Garden, Portland, Oregon

It seemed to me that there were hundreds of people in the International Rose Garden when I took this picture. Even though the major bloom had passed, the roses still looked beautiful, and that beauty attracted multitudes.

Roses are special plants. They are one of the few flowers that so captivate us that we grow gardens of nothing else but roses. You can't say the same thing about marigolds, petunias or geraniums. There might be an International Marigold Garden but I doubt it (a Google search came up empty). The tight spiral and beautiful fragrance of a rose is like nothing else.

You are like nothing else.

"You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands." Psalm 119:73 New Living Translation

God made you. God created you. There is no one like you. I know that I've said this many times in previous blogs, but I cannot say it enough. You are a special creation of the God who has called the universe into existence.

Because God delights in you, he couldn't lose you to sin. His Son accepted the crown of thorns that you might once again glow with the beauty of God's love.

You make this world a better place to live as you reflect the beauty of God's love, as my day was made brighter smelling the roses.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Roaring of Peace

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

It is interesting how the ocean, which is turbulent and a threat to human life, is also a symbol of peace as communicated in this picture.

So it is with the cross of Christ.  Death doesn't come more violently than crucifixion. Excruciating pain was experienced by those crucified on a Roman cross. Along with that pain came humiliation as those crucified hung naked on their cross. Along with the pain came hopelessness. Fastened to the cross there was no hope of escape.

Yet it is the cross of Jesus that brings us peace. What caused his death brings us life, and with his life comes peace.

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross." Colossians 1:19 New Living Translation

Though the ocean roars behind this seagull it doesn't seem to have a care in the world. The ocean of a world of sin and hatred surrounds us, but we experience peace through Jesus.

It is through the violence of his cross that we experience peace, and this peace will last for eternity.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Romance

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

I did something at Rockaway Beach that I've never done before. I took my tripod to the beach and planted it in the sand. This meant that I would need to clean the legs of the nasty sand at the end of the shoot, but that cost seemed worth paying as I waited for the sun to set.

I stood in the surf for more than an hour. During that hour this couple happened to find their way into my field of view. It doesn't get more romantic than the ocean at sunset.

"Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it." Song of Solomon 8:7 English Standard Version

Many people read the Song of Solomon as a picture of Christ's love for the Church. He is the lover and we are the beloved. He stands in the water with us. He holds our hand. He sings his eternal love song over our lives.

The proof of the depth of his love is the cross. Jesus laid down his life for his beloved. He gives life to his beloved. He forgives his beloved.

This love that God has for you and me will never be quenched. Now that's romance.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"There's No Place Like Home"

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God." Psalm 84:3 English Standard Version

More than likely a sparrow, or some other bird, has found a place of belonging in one of these bird houses.Though the colors might appeal to us, a bird would find something else more appealing. Birds would find a place of safety for raising there young in one of these residence.

Where is your place of safety?

When we consider this question we might be surprised by the answer. Our place of safety might be in another person, a job or in our bank accounts.

We all need a place to call home otherwise we'd be lost. The problem is that some of those places that we call home can be as unsafe as no home. Our bank accounts can dwindle, our job can disappear and relationships can fall apart.

Notice that the psalmist speaks of the sparrow's home as being at the altar of the Lord. As we journey through life God calls us home, to his place of worship. It is hear that God speaks his word of healing, comfort and hope.

Through Jesus our home is in the presence of God.  There truly is no place like home.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Reason Not to Lose Heart

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

What happens when you point the way and nobody cares?

I've seen a number of poles like this one in various cities, pointing the way to far off destinations, many of them including how many miles a person would travel to arrive at that destination.

However, the cities listed is not what grabbed my attention when I saw this post. What caught my eye were the cobwebs that ran up and down the post. It was as if nobody cared where this sign pointed.

Doesn't life feel that way at times? Doesn't life feel like nobody cares that you're pointing them to Jesus? I wonder if Timothy thought nobody cared. Listen to the encouragement Paul gives the young pastor.

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." 2 Timothy 4:2 New Living Translation

These words feel like an arm around the shoulder of a person who feels discouraged. In essence Paul is telling Timothy not to lose heart.

His words ring true in your ears too. Don't lose heart. God is faithful.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

It's Time to Get Nostalgic

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

Janice and I happened to be at Rockaway Beach four days before the celebration of our nation's independence. Rockaway may be a small beach community, but they know how to decorate for the fourth of July.

This window display captured my attention, maybe at first for the colors and the attention to detail, but as I've reflected on this picture there is something more that appeals to me. This display hits a nostalgic chord in me.

This chord is not the result of the items in the window. I've never played a blue guitar or a red ukulele. My family didn't decorate our house in red, white and blue. This nostalgic chord is struck by what this display represents. It typifies that for which our country stands.

This not a political blog. This blog is read by people around the world, as well as Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians. I will continue to keep that way.

This specific blog is a call to remember what has been passed on to us as Christians throughout the centuries and what will be passed on for generations to come.

"With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter." 2 Thessalonians 2:15 New Living Translation

Let's not lose our grip on Christ and what has been delivered to us from generations past. It is this faith that has been passed on to us which brings true liberation.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Joy

Rockaway Beach, Oregon

I was tempted to not say anything with this blog because the picture is powerful on its own...at least for me. There is no way that I can look at this picture without smiling and feeling a bit jealous.

You see, I want to experience the joy that I see in this child. I see a child that doesn't have a care in the world except to enjoy the sand and the ocean.

WOW!!!

"But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God's presence. Let them be filled with joy." Psalm 68:3 New Living Translation

When the godly rejoice it's like being at the beach or the mountains or any other place where we release the tensions and struggles of life.

Christ is our never ending source of joy.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Power of the Wind

 Newport, Oregon

Janice and I had just arrived at Newport on our way north to Rockaway Beach when I snapped this picture.

The wind does funny things as it sculpted these sand formations.

"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8 English Standard Version

The Holy Spirit is in the business of changing your life. That change happens when the Spirit brings you to the cross. That's the Spirit's job.

I don't know what God is doing in your life, but I do know that just as you cannot see the wind, but know it's power, so it is with the Spirit of God. God's Spirit is at this moment shaping your life even though you can't see the Spirit.

As a result of the Spirit's work there is hope for your lives. The is hope in the power of the Spirit.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Of Whom Shall You Be Afraid?

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Many people are afraid of the night. For some it is a fear of physical harm. For others it is a fear of being alone. For others it is a not a fear of the night itself, but of what waits for them the next day.

What I love about this picture is the light that penetrate the evening sky. It is a reminder that light shines in the darkness.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1 English Standard Version

King David penned these words when he was facing serious adversaries, people who might kill him, yet he put his trust in God. For David God was the light in the darkness.

Jesus is your light in the darkness of your life. Your darkness might resemble the depth of winter in Alaska, yet Jesus can be trusted to be your light having himself experienced the depth of darkness, of hell itself, on his cross.

Of whom shall you be afraid?

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Blessed

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

I've been blessed to live in some beautiful places. I grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, a short drive both to the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains.

For the past fifteen years I've been blessed to call Colorado my home. It's a short journey west of Colorado Springs and you're in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Turn to the East and you're quickly in the high plains of Colorado. If you can't decide whether you want to visit the mountains or the plains all you have to do is drive north and south on I-25. Look to the west and you'll see mountains. Look to the west and you'll see plains as far as your eyes can gaze.

I've lived in other places that some would say aren't beautiful, but I disagree. I've lived in Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska. These states are usually not on people's top ten list for beautiful places to live, yet they were to me.

You don't have to travel to the ocean or wind your way through the mountains to stand in awe of the power of our Creator God. There is beauty in the desert.  There is beauty in the prairie. There is even beauty in Southern California. (Remember, I come from Oregon.)

"So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation." Genesis 2:3 English Standard Version

As those who have been redeemed by Christ we have that privilege of seeing creation for what it is: An amazing touch of God's power, grace and beauty.

God rested from his work of creation not because he was tired, but to enjoy what he made. May that be your experience today no matter where you live.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"I Didn't See That Coming!"

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

This trail has been hiked by thousands of people who spend time in the Garden of the Gods. It is well worn and seemingly smooth from all that foot traffic, yet notice the board that runs through the middle of the trail. I wonder how many people have tripped over this board.

What causes you to stumble?

It seems that when life is going smoothly, something pops up and we trip. It might be lust. It might be anger. It might be gossip. Something is bound to make us realize that no matter how well life is going there will be something that causes us to stumble.

So, how do we deal with those things that cause us to stumble in our relationship with God?

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24 New Living Translation

Everything that would cause us to sin against God or our neighbor has been crucified with Christ. Our gossip has been nailed to Christ. Our anger has been nailed to Christ. Our lust has been nailed to Christ.

I encourage you to name the board over which your life stumbles. Then place that name on the cross. It is a great deal easier to continue on in when we leave our sin with Jesus.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Sobering Reality

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Looking at the colors in this picture you might think these plants are growing in some tropical community rather than at over 8,000 ft. in elevation. I've got a strong feeling that come winter, these plants will disappear. Their life span is minimal at best.

"A voice says, 'Cry!' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:6-8 English Standard Version

Whether we live at 8,000 ft. or sea level, our lives will be cut short by death.

When we're young we think that we'll live forever. Death only encroaches on those who are old or unfortunate. But the older we become, the more we understand that "all flesh is grass" that withers and dies in a short period of time.

Rather sobering isn't it? Death, the result of sin, is sobering. Death does not respect age, gender or person. This fact hit me between the eyes in 1982 when I nearly died from a ruptured appendix.

God's promise runs contrary to this sobering reality of life. We will die but his word will never pass away.

His word of forgiveness will never pass away.

His word of hope will never pass away.

His word of comfort will never pass away.

In the frailty of the cross God confirms his eternal word. Though we will die, his word never will. And it is this word that brings eternal life.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Beauty and the Weeds

Beaver Creek, Colorado

No one (except maybe a small child) likes dandelions. Okay, so maybe I'm over stating my case, but it's hard to find a person who cares for their property and likes dandelions. They're a weed, a weed we can't eradicate.

Yet even a weed can look beautiful...and so do you.

Looking in mirror has not been a pleasant task for me lately. The wrinkles have increased. Gravity has moved parts of my body to the south, and age spots appear overnight. Yet that is not all that I see when I look in a mirror.

I see lost opportunities.

I see hateful words spoken when I was at a bad place in my life.

I see failure.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11a

If the Preacher is correct then it means that you and I are beautiful to God.

We are beautiful by virtue of creation. Each one of us has been hand crafted by God.

We are beautiful by virtue of redemption. Christ has forgiven us for our failures, hateful words and lost opportunities. We are forgiven for our sin. We are declared beautiful.

We are beautiful by virtue of holiness. Every day God's Spirit works in us creating something new and wonderful.

The next time you look in the mirror see yourself through God's eyes. That's who you really are.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

More Than a Moment

 Beaver Creek, Colorado

This picture portrays only a portion the stream that runs though Beaver Creek. We don't see where it begins or ends. We only see a sliver.

When we make contact with another person we're only seeing what is before our eyes. We don't see where this person has come from or where this person is going. What we see is where they are at the moment.

The old saying tells us not to judge a book by its cover. In the same way we ought to resist judging people by where they are today; the cover of their lives.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37 New International Version

The ability to forgive flows from the One who has forgiven us, the One who doesn't judge us by our present failures or successes. He doesn't judge us because of his gift of faith that he has sown into our lives, a faith that holds tightly to this gift of forgiveness.

Empathy for others is a result of forgiveness. Empathy is the ability to see beyond a persons failures and successes. A life of faith in the forgiveness of Christ allows us to see another person as one for whom Jesus died.

That view of another person lasts for more than a moment.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Sacred Ground

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

Okay, so I like the Paint Mines. There have been numerous times that I have opened the door to my car, sat in the driver's seat determined to head toward the Garden of the Gods only to find myself at the Paint Mines.

This is sacred ground. I have been blessed by the stillness, quietness and emptiness of the Paint Mines. I wonder if that is what Moses felt in the wilderness, tending his father-in-law's flock when God decided to make himself known in the the burning bush.

"When the LORD saw that [Moses] turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, 'Moses, Moses!' And he said, 'Here I am.' Then [God] said, 'Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.'" Exodus 3:4 English Standard Version

Where do you hear God's call to take off your sandals?

There might be numerous places where you hear God's call.  It might be the mountains, the ocean or the plains. It could also be in the presence of people such as friends or family.

God calls us into the presence of the Holy in the gathering of the community of those who have been baptized into Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Yes, we ought to abandon our shoes at the entrance to the sanctuary of our churches.

Yet we find it difficult to see the sacred in worship. Maybe we struggle because worship is so ordinary rather than extraordinary like the burning bush. There really isn't anything special about a person speaking, water poured over someone's head or bread and wine being digested.

Yet it is through these means that God does the extraordinary. Through these means he establishes a relationship with us, forgives us and promises life and salvation. These gifts are not ordinary. They are God's call to take off our sandals.

God is present in the community that gathers around word, water, bread and wine.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Celebrating Christian Color

 Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

The colors in the clay of the Paint Mines in Calhan run the gamut from red to orange to white. The beauty of this special place is in this multi-colored clay, each being what it was created to be.

Even in the struggles that Paul experience with the Corinthians, he understood that God was calling him to be what he was gifted to be. “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:10a English Standard Version

The struggle of the church in Corinth hasn’t changed for Christans in 2,000 years. We think that if we were like someone else in the Body of Christ we’d be better Christians. 

I’d be more important to Christ and the church if I could only preach like “x” pastor, if I taught like “x” teacher, if I was empathetic like “x” counselor. 

This kind of thinking is like slapping God in the face. God doesn't make junk. You are not trash.Your gifts are needed in the church. Your gifts are needed in your family. Your gifts are needed in the community.

When we in the church understand that through Christ we are a gift to the world through our redemption in Christ, we will look more like the Paint Mines to those in the world. What a sight that will be.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

More Than a Prickly Plant

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

I'm not enamored with yucca plants. Brushing up against a yucca can be painful, and in my opinion they are not the most beautiful desert plant. However, in June yucca display a bit of beauty both at a distance and up close.

At a distance yucca dot the greenish brown prairie with white.

Up close yucca display a delicate reddish color on some of the newly formed flowers.

The community of God's chosen people add beauty to the desert of life. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9 English Standard Version

When thinking in terms of the big picture, God has planted his church throughout the world. The baptized of Christ, the remnant of God, dwell even among people who are doing their best to eradicate the church. There are white dots of Christian community scattered throughout the world.

When taking a macro picture of the church, we realize that every gathered community of Christians adds a distinct beauty where they are planted. I know that the corner of Constitution and Murray in Colorado Springs would not be as beautiful if the church I serve, Holy Cross Lutheran, were not present.

Though we may act like the prickly yucca, we, who know the power of forgiveness in Christ, "proclaim the excellencies of him who called [us] out of darkness into his marvelous light."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Reflecting the Light

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

Okay, so I'm using the same bench at the Paint Mines for two blogs in a row. By the time I took this picture I had already spent a great deal of time in the Paint Mines. It was getting dark as the sun was partially hidden behind a fairly massive thunderhead to the west. As I hiked back to the car up this hill I was overwhelmed by the scene of this bench.

What makes this picture unique is the lighting. Even though I was at a 90 degree angle to the sun, there was this magnificent backlit view of the bench. When your light source is directly behind your subject you create a silhouette of your subject. But the sun wasn't directly in front of me. The clouds, reflecting the light of the sun, were my light source and created this backlit scene.

"As all of us reflect the Lord's glory with faces that are not covered with veils, we are being changed into his image with ever-increasing glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 God's Word to the Nations

We are not the source of light in this world but we are given the responsibility of reflecting the true light. Jesus is the Light of the world (John 9:5). The power of his forgiving love was displayed for us in his crucifixion and resurrection.

However, as his baptized, we continue to reflect his light in the world. That is the responsibility of the church. That is why we exist. These clouds make this scene because they are doing what the laws of nature tell us they had to do; reflect the light of the sun.

Thank God for the privilege we have reflecting his light and in reflecting that light, adding beauty to the world.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Being What God Has Called Us to Be

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

Even though I've traveled to the Paint Mines numerous times, I can't remember anyone (even me) sitting on this bench. It shows no wear and tear, no rust, yet it has one of the best views of the Colorado Prairie that you'll find...and it has a purpose.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10 English Standard Version

This bench was fashioned, designed and established for a purpose.

You and I have been made, redeemed and declared holy by our Triune God for a purpose. We are to declare the "excellencies of him who called [us]out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)  Each one of us, like this bench, is unique, and how we proclaim the greatness of God will differ one from another, yet it's the same message that we declare.

The problem with this bench is NOT the bench itself. The bench can't force people to sit on it. If by the power of the Holy Spirit we're using our gifts and yet we don't see the results, it doesn't mean that something's wrong with us. Remember, the message of God's love for creation in his Son is a stumbling block to people. They may not want to hear or experience what we declare.

However, as this bench is still a bench, we are still the children of God even if no one pays attention.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"The Simple Bare Necessities"

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

This bear reminds me of Baloo from Disney's version of the Jungle Book. Many of us can hear him sing, "Look for the bare necessities, The simple bare necessities, Forget about your worries and your strife." It appears that this bear has taken Baloo's advice.

"You make the path of life known to me. Complete joy is in your presence. Pleasures are by your side forever." Psalm 16:11 God's Word to the Nations

Here's the difference between Baloo and us: Baloo's course to a worry free life is his personal philosophy, we follow the "path of life" that God has revealed to us in his word.

Our worry meets its end at the foot of Jesus' cross. That probably sounds simplistic, yet it wasn't simple for Christ. The bloody sweat of the Garden proves that it was anything but simple for Jesus to carry our worries on his cross.

There are many things that would rob us of the joy that God intends for us to experience on his "path of life." We might be experiencing one or more of these joy robbers, but in midst of these troubles the psalmist calls us into the presence of God. The cross opens the path. The Scriptures reveal the path. The Spirit leads us on this path.

May you, through Jesus, experience joy in God's "simple bare necessities of life."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Parent's Love

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Last year I played golf on the east course at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. This is the same course on which the U.S. Senior and Women's Opens were recently played. The course is nestled close to the mountains and abounds with wildlife.

A doe and two tiny fawns happened to share the course with us that day. The fawns were full of life, jumping, not walking. Mom was cautious as she led her young around the course. No matter what her children did, it was her job to care for them.

"Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows." Hosea 11:8 New Living Translation

How well Hosea describes the parental heart. Our children are born to break our hearts, yet we love them.

Through Hosea God speaks to his people who had been saved by his gracious act of kindness, freeing them from slavery in Egypt,  yet they broke his heart.

We are God's children who have come to faith in Jesus and washed our sins in the baptismal flood, yet we, too, break God's heart.

But like any parent, God couldn't turn his back on his children. His compassion overflows for his children. He redeemed Israel from bondage in Babylon. He redeems us from our bondage of sin. God's compassion is best seen in his action.

Like this sculpted doe, God cares for us, his children. His parental love compels him.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Choices, Choices, Choices

Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

To eat or not to eat that is the question. Should this bear eat the wiggly creature or not? That appears to be the eternal choice of this bronze bear. On the one hand, he looks fascinated by the movement of this centipede.  On the other hand it looks like a nice snack.

"But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 New Living Translation

We're fascinated by the things of this world. We crouch down and observe what people without faith in Christ do. Should we join in? Should we "eat" the worlds goods? Or should we resist? Should we serve the Lord rather than the world?

That sounds like a stupid question for Christians. Of course we'll serve the Lord. That's what Israel said at Mt. Sinai. They promised to do everything that God had commanded, and you know the rest of that story.

As Jesus stated to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41 ESV) I believe that most of us, if not all of us, reading this blog want to exclaim with Joshua, "we will serve the Lord", but too often we find ourselves serving the world.

The battle to choose the things of God and not the things of the world has been fought by Jesus. He resisted the temptation to choose the things of this world perfectly for you and me. Our victory is Christ's victory.

Christ's victory is not an excuse to give into to the temptations of the world that would lead us away from Christ, but to know that we cannot be condemned by the world. And in grace and through grace we say with Joshua "we will serve the Lord."


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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Conquering the Sunset

Avon, Colorado

I could stare at this picture of my grandson for hours. It 's such an amazing picture of his spirit. I would love to know what he was thinking as I caught this picture on my iPhone, yet to me it appears that he is ready to conquer the sunset.

"All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine." Revelation 3:5 New Living Translation

The older I get the more this picture of heaven appeals to me. My parents generation is nearly passed away. People who taught me in Sunday School, mentored me through college and taught me in seminary have joined the Church Triumphant. My dad, sister, sister-in-law and now mother-in-law, whom we lay to rest today, have joined the chorus of heaven.  Each one of them victorious in life. Each one of them has their name written in the Book of Life.

They have conquered the sunset.

This gift to conquer comes to the baptized through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Remaining faithful is only possible through that Spirit who has taken up residence in you and me. It is the Spirit who daily brings us to the cross of Christ and it is the Spirit who daily leads us into the world with that cross of Christ.

In the end, it will be the Holy Spirit who leads us into the presence of Christ.

Until that day we celebrate with both those who daily walk with us this side of heaven and those who now sit in the stands and cheer us on.

Through Christ, the sunset has been conquered.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Beauty in Weakness

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, Vail, Colorado

How many times did your mom yell at you to stay out the flowerbeds? I'm not sure how many times my mother told me to stay out but I know that I was in them often playing hide-and-go-seek, a pickup game of Whiffle Ball, and tossing a football with friends. Inevitably a plant or two would die from being trampled.

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6 English Standard Version

Like this flower, all of us are beautiful because we are creations of God. Those who believe in Christ and those who do not believe have all be fashioned by his hand, yet like this flower, we are all fragile because of sin. We are all on the road of death (Romans 6:23).

It is because of humanity's weakened condition that God emptied heaven of his Son who wilted by the weight of our sin. It is this Jesus who has risen from the dead and whose glory will never fade. It was at the right time that Jesus died for us. It was at the right time that Jesus rose from the dead for us.

You might be confronted with your weakness today. Anxiety has a strong grip on your life. An addiction has resurfaced. Sin is crouching at your door. Know with certainty that even though you feel weak, there is beauty in your weakness because of Jesus.

Because of Christ, you can bloom today.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.