Clearing the Rocks

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

How many times have you been tripped up by something as simple as a rock? These pebbles don't appear to pose any problem until you try walking on them and you're not paying attention.

This often happens to me when I'm out hiking or taking pictures. I'm distracted and don't notice that just under my feet lays the potential of falling on my keester.  

What are the rocks that have the potential to place you on your backside?

"God says, 'Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.'" Isaiah 57:14 New Living Translation

The people of God had fallen on their keester because they didn't pay attention to the rocks. They thought they could enjoy the best of both worlds: worship Yahweh and adopt idols. It didn't work.

Though the people of Israel might have slipped on the rocks, God is in the business of clearing rocks. He made a way for his people to return from exile.

God delights in clearing the rocks in our lives. We're not much different than the people of Israel. We too like to play both sides. We love being known as the children of God, but we also like living in the world. Such a life can get us into trouble.

The rocks have been cleared through Jesus. He has cleared the way back to the father. He removes our sin and brokenness. Not only has he cleared the rocks, he has brought us into the presence of God.

Though we need to be careful where we journey in life, we know that, because of Jesus, we have a clear path to the Father.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.  

From Death to Life

Brauner Backyard

Do your find it interesting that one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year, Fall, is the result of things dying.

These leaves were once a bright yellow-green color. Then, in the lengthy days of summer, they changed to a darker shade of green, but with the short fall days,and the lack of production of Chlorophyll, the leaves turn yellow and fall to the ground.

Out of their death comes life.

"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." John 5:24 New Living Translation

Every year the ground cover beneath these aspen gain from the nutrients that come from the death of these leaves.

It is out of the death of Christ that we experience life. We have eternal life now because Jesus suffered our death. So we look to the cross as if it were an aspen tree in the fall, seeing beauty in the horror of death that gives us life.

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

Say What?

Victor, Colorado

I enjoyed my short time in Victor. It is a quirky little, seemly desolate town. You don't seem many people walking the streets or cruising the stores as you do in neighboring Cripple Creek.

This blue elk painted with the Colorado emblem on its back reveals some of the character of this old mining town.

Christians ought to be a little quirky.

We don't need a blue elk to express our world view. We have a cross. It is the symbol of the freedom that we have in Jesus Christ. He is the one who has put a new song in our mouths, like a bull elk bugling.

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD." Psalm 40:3 English Standard Version

This new song of the Christian community is sung in the presence of those who sing a different tune. The song isn't merely sung in our sanctuaries. It is sung in the world as we live the faith that God has planted in our hearts. Our song stands out like a blue elk in the world.

And by the way, since this blue elk is across from the Victor city hall, it makes me wonder what their meetings are like. Maybe they, too, are a little quirky.

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

Making Noise

Victor, Colorado

I don't know what a drum has to do with cigars, yet at sometime Baxter's decided it was a good logo for their product: Baxter's 5 cent cigars. I guess it was because it "beats all" as another Baxter sign declared.

I often hear beating drums in my neighborhood. I don't live far from the high school my sons attended. This time of year I often hear the beat of drums coming from that school at football games and practices. When I hear the drums I take notice.

"Sing praises to God, our strength. Sing to the God of Jacob. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Blow the ram's horn at new moon, and again at full moon to call a festival!" Psalm 81:1-3 New Living Translation

God calls us to beat the drum of his salvation, or at least the tambourine.

The world notices when the Christian community makes music to the Lord. Martin Luther stated, "Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world." It is the greatest treasure of all because among Christians it clearly proclaims the message of Jesus.

The one thing I know about drums is that they are loud. I pray that the you and I loudly proclaim God's love in music.

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

More Than a Light

Victor, Colorado

Though this tow truck, which has served as the focus of the my latest blogs, is rather old and beat up, this light looks new and ready to be put to work. Without its light this truck is limited to working only in daylight. Turn the key, pull the light switch and this truck is ready to work 24 hours a day.

"Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous." Psalm 112:4 English Standard Version

The light of God's love for us shines in the darkness of our world. His light shines on us. How can we be sure that his light shines on us? Look at how the psalmist describes God.

He is gracious.

He is merciful.

He is righteous.

In his righteousness God cannot undo what he did on the cross for us. In his mercy we view God's heart that is always moved into action for his people. In his grace God gives us the precious gift of life and salvation through Jesus.

God's light shines in our darkness so that we need no longer fear the darkness. This light of God shines 24 hours a day for you and me.

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

What's Our Business?

Victor, Colorado

Every time the tow truck operator climbs into this old, beat up truck, he or she is reminded of their purpose. They are in the business of picking up broken vehicles.  

Without visual reminders it's easy to lose sight of our purpose.

"May [the king] defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!" Psalm 72:4 English Standard Version

King Solomon of Israel, who is credited with writing this psalm, understood his purpose. In plain language he knew that he was to care for the poor, defend the children of the needy and deal severely with anyone who would oppress a fellow human creature.

Our purpose is clearly laid out in Scripture. We are to love God with all our being and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.  

How did Solomon live out his purpose? The Bible doesn't tell us a lot about how he defended the poor, delivered the children of the needy or crushed the oppressor.

How are we to live out this love for God and neighbor?  The Bible gives ways that please God, yet each one of us will find ourselves in unique situations where we're called to live out this love of God and neighbor.

What we need is a visual reminder of our business. That visual reminder is the cross of Christ.  His love for his Father and his love for us is a daily reminder of our business.

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

Hanging In the Shadow

Victor, Colorado

This tow truck looks much like the tow trucks in the children's book, How Many Trucks Can a Tow Truck Tow?, though its paint job isn't as shiny as those in the story. As I walked around this truck and took more pictures I noticed that it was still an operating tow truck. I have a feeling that when it's hauling a car to the shop people take notice.

It's waiting in the shadows until called to duty.

"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

Paul writes to his friend and pastor, Timothy, to be ready to act. Though most of us reading this blog are not pastors, Paul's encouragement applies to us. We are to be ready at all times to use our spiritual gifts to declare Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

We are to be ready even when it's inconvenient to share Christ. The weather around Victor can get nasty. Tow truck operators are busiest when it's the most difficult to do their job. So it is with sharing Christ.

When called upon to share Christ we can stay in the shadows and act like we don't know what's happening or we can do what we're tooled to do; share Christ.

The chipped paint and the dents on this tow truck are the result of being used, but if you look close, there's a smile on its face.

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

Knowing Our Purpose

Theresa Mine, Victor, Colorado

Victor, Colorado is about fifty miles from Colorado Springs sitting nearly 10,000 feet above sea level on the southwest side of Pike's Peak. In the late 1800's there were over 500 mining claims in the Cripple Creek mining district of which Victor was a part. A great deal of gold was discovered here.

The mines have mostly disappeared, and left are these rusted monuments to the millions of dollars pulled from the ground. There's no reason for these mines to be active. Their only purpose was to pull precious metal from the ground, and there's no more gold.

What's our purpose?

"The LORD will work out his plans for my life-- for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me." Psalm 138:8 New Living Translation

We want God to be more specific. We want it spelled out what his plan is for our lives rather than simply to believe that he has a plan for us. "The LORD will work out his plan for my life."

We're not abandoned mines set as museums of the past. At this moment we are living out God's plan for our lives. We are where he has called us to be.

Faith is not the call to know God's plan but to believe that today we're living his purpose for our lives.

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

Change Comes with the Season

Ruxton Creek, Manitou Springs, Colorado

In the Fall we move from life to death; in the Spring from death to life, and each of these transitory seasons produces a certain amount of anticipation.

Spring brings with it the anticipation of long summer evenings, campfires and life. Fall brings with it the anticipation of darkness, freezing temperatures and death.

Whether the season is transitioning from summer to winter or winter to summer, there is the gift of beauty in the transition. The varied colors of Fall leaves and the diverse hues of Spring flowers remind us that in the difficulty of transition God is at work painting the canvas of our lives.

"Why are you discouraged, my soul?  Why are you so restless?  Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him.  He is my savior and my God."  Psalm 42:5 God's Word to the Nations

Some of you reading this devotion are in a season of transition; transition from joy to sorrow or sorrow to joy; from contentment to fear or fear to contentment; from life to death or death to life.  

May you experience in your transition the grace of the Artist who paints your life's canvas.

By the way, there are more colors on God's palette than you will ever know.

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

On a Stroll with God

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

I was taking a picture of a pigeon on a ledge at the Three Graces rock formation when this man sauntered up to me (and I mean sauntered). I don't know how old he is, but I do know that he had a wonderful smile.

He didn't move fast...I guess that wasn't important to him. He's lived in Colorado Springs for eleven years. He grew up in northern Germany, and he smiled. Did I say that already?

I don't know if the man is a Christian, he needed to keep moving rather than talk, but his walk spoke to me of our walk with God.  It's not speed walking.  Our walk with God is a stroll.

"No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8 New Living Translation

This man's walk was one of humility. It was slow and deliberate, yet it had grace. There was a rhythm and beauty to his stroll.

God calls us to walk humbly with him. This walk is deliberate and filled with grace. There is a rhythm to our walk with God, and as we stroll with God he puts a smile on our face.

By the way, when I passed this old gentleman not long after I took this picture, he turned to me and once again said "hi" with his lovely German accent and heart melting smile.

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

Reaching for Peace

Black Forest, Colorado

I'm an equal opportunity mute-er. A what!?! You see I mute all political advertisements, even for the people that I'll probably end up supporting. I detest political advertising.

I'm not against substantive debate. In fact debate over issues, not personal defects, helps us clarify whom we'll support.

Got that off my chest...but what I've shared has relevance to the picture above. We are called by the Gospel to be peacemakers, not peace fakers.

We've been spending the past few days exploring the issue of peace, mostly centered around this statue in the middle of Black Forest.

In this last blog on this topic we'll explore reaching out for peace.

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19 New International Version

As I look at this extended hand I see a two-way movement of peace. We grasp for peace and we give peace. Both are equally important. Both fulfill Paul's words in Romans.

On the one hand, we grasp at the peace that God has given us in Christ. We are at peace with God.

Yet being at peace with God also means that we give peace, or as Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount, we are peacemakers. The peace that God works in our lives is also the peace that we share with others.

As Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 New International Version

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

Tears of Peace

Black Forest, Colorado

No, this is not a miracle. The statue is not crying. It had rained heavily the day before I made this trek to the Black Forest, and these raindrops reminded me of tears.

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers." Psalm 39:12 English Standard Version

How does someone smile through their tears? This woman, who represents peace, appears to be smiling as tears stream down her face.

Even for some of us tougher-than-nails men, there are things that bring tears to our eyes.

The death of a close friend.

The feeling that we won't be reconciled to a son or a daughter.

The loss of everything we own due to fire.

How do we smile when we experience these kinds of tragedies? The tears of peace are the tears we cry knowing that God has the final word.  The cross of Jesus guarantees that death, brokenness and fire cannot rob us of our relationship with God.

Besides, one day all that brings tears of pain will disappear, only to be replaced by those things that bring tears of joy.

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

"Seek Peace"

Black Forest, Colorado

Yesterday I introduced you to a peace statue that sits in the middle the Black Forest. This picture is of the base of that statue. It's a quote of Psalm 34.

"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14 English Standard Version

The first part of verse fourteen is as important as the second. As we're called to seek peace we're also called to turn away from evil and practice that which is good. When you think about it, these two phrases are married to each other.

I can't think of a better way to establish peace than to do what is good and run away from evil. What are those things that destroy peace? Isn't it those things that we label as evil: greed, theft and pride?Don't the opposite attitudes and behaviors establish peace?

In this verse we see a reflection of who Jesus was as he lived among us. He rejected evil and pursued what was good. As a result we have peace with God.

From this position of peace with God we seek peace with each other. As imitators of Christ, today we are given the opportunity to run as far away from evil as we can, and do good.

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

Standing for Peace

Black Forest, Colorado

No one expects a statue in the middle of the forest especially when there are no other statues surrounding it, but that's where you will find this sculpture dedicated to peace.

The staff in the woman's hand has the word "peace" in many different languages. No matter what language we speak, Christ is our source of peace.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15 New International Version

There is a great deal that separates one Christian from another. Languages separate us. The color of our skin separates us. The type of songs we like to sing separates us.

There is only one thing that can break through all these barriers; the blood of Christ. It is his peace that rules in our hearts both as individuals and as communities.

There is both vertical and horizontal dimensions to this gift of peace. The peace we have with God through the cross of Christ is lived out in the community of God's people.

It seems odd that Paul would add the admonition to be thankful, yet when Christ's peace rules his people there is reason to give thanks.

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

The Two Crosses of Peace

Black Forest, Colorado

No, I haven't become a Roman Catholic, but there is something intriguing about these two rosary crosses. One is a crucifix and the other is empty.

I grew up in a Lutheran church where I don't remember seeing a crucifix. At the front of the church was a large empty cross. That cross captured your attention when you entered the nave. Somewhere in my Christian education I was told that the cross was empty to reminded us of Jesus' resurrection.

However, outside of my office at Holy Cross is a nineteenth century crucifix from Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Germany. When I enter my office I'm reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made to pay for my sin and make me God's child.

We need both crosses. It is through the cross of Jesus that we have peace with God.

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Colossians 1:19 New International Version

Sometimes we're so concerned about peace with our neighbor that we forget that it is through Jesus' sacrifice and his resurrection that we have the peace that lasts for eternity. We have peace with God.

You have peace with God. So, whether you wear a crucifix or an empty cross, or have them hanging in your home, both are a constant reminder that today God is at peace with you.

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

Broken Peace

Black Forest, Colorado

I've sat in these chairs before, but they were side-by-side, not facing away from each other. These chairs speek to me about my relationship with God. I've moved my chair.

So, why have I moved my chair?

What you don't see in this picture is that the chair closest to me was facing the mountains. It would not surprise me that someone moved it in order to meditate while looking at Pikes Peak or the Front Range mountains.

I'm finding a lot of "beautiful things" that are distracting me from an intimate relationship with God. It's not that these things are evil or bad, but I'm distracted by them. They cause me to take my eyes off of the beauty of God's love for me in Jesus Christ.

In the end, I've turned my chair away from God.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 New International Version

Over the next few days we'll address the issue of peace in our lives. To understand peace we've got to begin with the fact that we human creatures have broken our peace with God. That's what sin does. We move our chairs away from God. We turn our backs on God.

Our minds have not been steadfast on God.

There's good news in the picture above. The chair in background hasn't moved since the last time I visited this knoll. God doesn't move, even when we rearrange our chairs.

Peace belongs to God. It is his gift to us, even when we move our chairs.

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

Rain in the Desert

Colorado Springs, Colorado

There are times that we feel like we're living in a desert.

Events occur that suck the life out of us: a child gets tangled up in drugs, a spouse says they no longer love us, a friend is killed in a car accident. None of us are immune to the tragedies of life that have the power to drain us of vitality.

God's presence is like rain in the desert.

"O God, when you led your people out from Egypt, when you marched through the dry wasteland, the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people." Psalm 68:7-10 New Living Translation

God was faithful to his covenant people. He delivered them from slavery, led them through the wilderness and brought them safely to the land flowing with milk and honey. On their journey, the desert stood between slavery and freedom for the Israelites.

Jesus experienced the desert of your sin on his cross and because of his desert, he promises to walk with you through your wilderness, having freed you from slavery to sin and leading you to the promised land of heaven. In the desert he causes his rain of grace to fall on you.

With his rain God refreshes the wilderness of your earthly journey.

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

Desperation

Ute Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Who knows how long this tree has been surviving, reaching its roots further and further from the trunk in search of water and nutrients. Life for this tree must be difficult.  And yet it grows.

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God." Psalm 42:1 English Standard Version

The deer and this tree have something in common, they pant after water. Study the roots of this tree how they slide between the rocks and reach out further and further and deeper and deeper for water.

In the same way the psalmist's soul longs after God. The core of his being is not satisfied until it drinks deep of the presence of God in his life.

What are you panting after today? Are you desperate for God, the God who revealed his nature in the dryness of the cross? Are you desperate for the one who said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink." John 7:37 (ESV)?

Jesus Christ is your never ending fountain of life. May you sense the quenching nature of the One who was parched on the cross for you.

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

Choices, Choices, Choices

Monarch Ski Area, Colorado

Here was my choice: Do I head down the difficult slope, Picante, or the not so difficult, Ticaboo? The problem was that I had to make the choice before I saw the condition of either slope.

Just because Picante rated difficult didn't mean it was harder than Ticaboo. Put moguls on a blue and it becomes much harder for me than a groomed black. From this point I couldn't tell which run was going to be easier. 

See the guy to the left? That was my choice too, and it was an amazing (albeit too short) run down Picante.

What goes into the process of the choices you make?

"Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight." Proverb 3:6 New English Translation

I wonder if we worry too much about the choices we make rather than acknowledging God as we make our choices. Worry accomplishes nothing, even when we're worrying about doing God's will. Worry leads to the choice of doing nothing.

Today, acknowledge God in the midst of your choices then ride the slope.

By the way, Picante was so amazing I never took Ticaboo.

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

At Rest

Grand Lake, Colorado

The hummingbirds found here in the Rocky Mountains beat their wings 53 times per second in normal flight.  There are other hummingbirds elsewhere who beat their wings an unbelievable 80 times per second.

I have a feeling that this little guy, feeding in Grand Lake, found a welcomed reprieve at this feeder.

Maybe you're life resembles a hummingbird's, only it's not your wings that are flapping 50 times per second, instead, your feet never stop moving.  From the time you roll out of bed at 5:00 am until you go to bed at midnight your body is in perpetual motion.

"Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!" Psalm 55:6 New Living Translation

If memory serves me right, this is not the first time that I've written a blog on rest.  Maybe that's because rest is something I crave.

I don't believe I'm alone.  Our minds need rest.  Our hearts need rest.  Our bodies need rest.

Oh God, may we fly away today and find rest under your wings of grace and forgiveness!

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

Accpetance

SolVista, Colorado

We spent a week at SolVista just north of Winterpark, Colorado. Our son, Michael, hadn't had Ginger for long and he brought her up for a day.  Letting her loose from her leash was a dangerous proposition.  Just after bringing her into our house, she threw her collar and ran away.  Eventually she found her way back to our yard.

When she came to Solvista shortly after that event, she had turned the corner.  We were now her family.  She accepted us.  And now I can't imagine living without her.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34 English Standard Version

It isn't easy to accept other people.  We, like Ginger, want to "throw the collar" and run away from relationships.  So how do we turn the corner in relationships?

The only place to begin is with our relationship to God.  He accepts us.  In fact, his love for us goes beyond acceptance.  He forgives us for running away from his grace.

And with the acceptance of God we turn the corner in our relationships with others.  His acceptance empowers us to accept (and forgive) others.

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

Eyes that See

Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Germany

The Luther House Museum in Wittenberg has an amazing amount of art work from the time of the Reformation. The Cranach workshop headed by Lucas Cranach the Elder along with his son Lucas Cranach the Younger produced many works that promoted the Reformation cause. What Luther did with words, the Cranach workshop did with pictures.

This picture of Christ on the Cross by Lucas Cranach the Younger looms large in the museum.

"For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness." Psalm 26:3 English Standard Version

There are times that the gospel is to be proclaimed with words. People need to hear that God has entered human history, that God gave his Son for all humanity, and that there is forgiveness in no one but Jesus.

Yet there are times that that a picture helps us on our journey through life. Our eyes need the message of Christ as well as our ears. If the eyes are the window to the soul then pictures of the faith are essential in communicating the faith.

Though we all see Jesus in this painting, it will speak something different about the reality of Christ's crucifixion for us. No matter how this picture, or others, speak to our soul, may our eyes see the steadfast love of the Lord.

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

Living With the Promise

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods is not only a never ending source of photographs, it is a never ending source of inspiration.

It was my birthday. That evening I decided to head to the Garden to "pray with my eyes." When I reached the top of a hill at Woodmen and Lexington, I looked down into the Garden some miles away and saw a storm brewing.

I had a choice: I could return home or keep moving. I chose the latter.

After waiting a while in the north parking lot and after the storm chased away most of the visitors, I ventured out into the Garden and was surprised by this double rainbow.

God told Noah, "'Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember my everlasting promise to every living animal on earth.'" Genesis 9:16 God's Word to the Nations

The rainbow, like the cross, stands between us and God. It is he who has established both. He remembers his promises through these signs.

God will never destroy the world by flood again, nor will God remember the flood of your sin.

The promise is written in the sky.

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

"Let There Be Light!"

Pikes Peak, Colorado

If you're like me, and you love to take pictures of the fall colors (or color in general), pay attention to light.

Colors can washout when the sun strikes them at 180 degrees. But turn 90 degrees to the right or the left of the sun and the colors tend to become more brilliant. 

Even more dramatic is the sun piercing directly through the aspen leaves as in the picture above. The translucent leaves cast a greenish hue on my camera's sensor. This hue disappears if I turned my back to the sun.

It's all about seeing the light.

"Then God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness." Genesis 1:3-4 New Living Translation

Light is the gift of God. How God shines his light into the world and how we observe this light determines what we see.

God's light shone brightest through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus called himself the light of the world. The light of God in Jesus appears different to us whether we turn our backs on this light or face it head on. The world appears flat and colorless if we turn our backs to God's light, but face that light full on and the world abounds with color.

God has declared his light good. Through the power of the Holy Spirit may we face the brilliance of Jesus' forgiving love, be surprised by the colors that fill our lives and discover the truth that his light is good.

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

No Fishing?

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Even though you probably can't read this sign, you can guess what it states. Written in faded paint are the words, "NO fishing, swimming."

I find a no fishing sign an oddity on a seminary campus.

 "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'" Matthew 4:19 New International Version

I hope that the professors at Concordia Theological Seminary, as well as my alma mater, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, are teaching students to fish. I pray that I'm teaching the people of Holy Cross Lutheran Church to fish. It's what Jesus did with his disciples.

Early in Jesus ministry, as he called his first followers, he promised them that he would teach them to fish for people. Throughout his three year ministry Jesus taught his disciples (and others) to fish for people.

The gospel message is meant for all, and if the message is meant for all it must be communicated. The Christian community fishes for others when we both live the gospel message and when we speak that message.

It's not our responsibility to catch people, that's the work of the Holy Spirit, but it is our privilege to put the line in the water.

It's time to go fishing. Besides a day of fishing better than a day of work, right?

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

Look at Me!

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

There were two blue heron hanging out at the pond on campus here at CTS. They flew in, they flew out.  They walked the shore looking for a meal, and they rested in the branches of a tree near the pond.

This bird seemed to invite me to take its picture. It was if it were saying, "Look at me! Look at me!"

We, too, might be crying out for others to look at us, and by looking at us, validate our existence.

I wonder how Philip felt when some Greeks came looking for Jesus.

"Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.'" John 12:20-21 English Standard Version

I've got a feeling that by this time in Jesus' ministry, Philip was fine with this request. The text states that Philip sought out Andrew and together they told Jesus about this request. Philip didn't turn to the Greeks and say, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm important too!"

What mattered was that the Greeks saw Jesus. May that be our concern too. May our lives point to Jesus that others might see him. Besides, his cross has validated our existence.

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

Soon, But Not Yet

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

I've been a little frustrated with my time here in Fort Wayne. I was hoping that the fall colors would be more pronounced than they are.

There is such a variety of colors among the trees in the Midwest. The yellow of aspen trees is the basic color of fall in Colorado. Yes, there are hints of orange and red in the Rocky Mountains, but nothing like the hardwoods of Indiana.

I left Concordia Theological Seminary before the colors reached their peak.

"Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is." 1 John 3:2 New Living Translation

I watched the tree in this picture turn a darker red/orange/yellow all week. In fact, I was staring at this tree as I typed this blog. It was in the process of becoming what it will fully be in a matter of days.

When we look in the mirror we see a work in progress. We are not now what we will be when we stand before the Lamb who was slain for us. John reminds us that at that moment we will be like him, but we're not there.

However, John also reminds us that even now we are children of God. Our baptism into Christ has given us our true identity. Though we may not yet see what life will be like when we're with Christ, we can take comfort that even today we belong to God.

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

The Power of Two

Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

I purchased a new point and shoot camera before I made my trip to Fort Wayne. I've been saving my blow money for months to make this purchase. I researched websites and held different cameras in my hand before I decided which one to purchase.

I didn't buy my new camera because I was dissatisfied with my fancy digital single-lens reflex camera, in fact, quite the opposite. Having spent time taking pictures with my new point and shoot camera makes me appreciate my DSLR.

However, both cameras serve a different purpose. My point and shoot allows me to have a camera with me at all times (other than my cell phone). My DSLR allows me to do things I can't even dream of with my point and shoot.

You see, two are better than one.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil." Ecclesiastes 4:9 English Standard Version

Most of the time we hear this passage in the context of marriage, and yes, there is an application that can be made to marriage, but the passage encompasses much more.

We are not islands in the Christian community even if it feels that way. We are all baptized into the person of Jesus Christ.  His death is our death. His life is our life. This community is meant to help each other not harm each other. As the Preacher goes on to say, two people can help each other, keep each other warm, and withstand an enemy.

I don't understand the relationship between the two mushrooms above, but it's a good picture of what we in the Christian community do for each other.

The reality for us in life is that two baptized children of God standing together under the cross are better than one.

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

Leaving Your Sins at the Cross

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Divide, Colorado

This is the top of Cedar Mountain near Lutheran Valley Retreat. Most everyone who has camped at the retreat has climbed Cedar Mountain (okay so it's more of a hill than a mountain).

The first time that you climb Cedar Mountain you're encouraged to bring a rock with you. When you reach the summit you lay that rock at the foot of the cross.

This pile of rocks represents numerous people who have laid their sins on Jesus.

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 New International Version

All of your sin has been nailed to Jesus.

You don't have to climb Cedar Mountain, make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, or fast forty days before Jesus will forgive you. The act of grace has already taken place. Today your sins, your failures, your brokenness has been nailed to Jesus.

However, there is something powerful about leaving a rock at the top of Cedar Mountain.  Leaving a rock means that you won't carry it down the mountain. Because you are forgiven, you no longer carry your sins with you.

That's what happens when you leave your sins at the cross.

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

How Big Is Your God?

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Divide, Colorado

Shooting the stars with a camera is more difficult than you might think. Although it doesn't look like it, the earth turns quickly, 1,041.6 mph at the equator, in fact. In other words, though one must use a long exposure to shoot the stars, it can't be too long or star trails form.

It took me two nights of shooting the stars to figure this out.

What was more important for me than figuring out the right exposure the night I took this picture was contemplating the vastness of God as I stared into the limitless universe.

"When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-- the moon and the stars you set in place--what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor." Psalm 8:3-5 New Living Translation

If God is God then he's bigger than the universe. The universe owes its existence to God. The planets that rotate around a star, the stars that compose a galaxy, and the galaxies themselves remind us that our God is far beyond our comprehension.

Yet, this God that our brains can't grasp has made himself man. God considers our mortality by becoming mortal for us. This God who called all things into existence is the same God who reveals his love for you and me in the person and work of Jesus.

So, how big is your God?

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

Standing Alone

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Divide, Colorado

I don't usually take pictures of flowers, but I'm not against people who do. In fact, many photographers take pictures of flowers. Let's be honest, they're beautiful.

However, this flower grabbed my attention as I hiked the Cedar Mountain trail near Lutheran Valley Retreat. It wasn't the beauty of the flower that caught my eye. It wasn't its symmetry. What captured my attention was the fact that it was the only flower of its kind that I saw.

It stood out because it stood alone in its beauty.

Christians are called to live a life that makes a difference in the world.

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2 New Living Translation

People who have been transformed by the love of God in Christ are people whom God uses to transform the world around them.

In the same way that the beauty of this flower caused me to stop, fall on my belly and capture its image on my camera, we are called to live in such a way that we reflect the beauty of God's love so that others might stop and reflect on what they observe in us.

Sometimes we need to stand alone in the world so that the love of God stands out.

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