"Narrow the Way"

Mt. Sherman looking at Mt. Sheridan, Colorado

To make an object in the distance look more dramatic in a photograph be sure to include something in the foreground. Something close up gives perspective to the distant object. And indeed, Mt. Sheridan, a 13er, looks impressive. But I'd like you to look at the ridge in the foreground. This is what we climbed.

The key at this point in the climb: don't stumble.

"Enter through the narrow gate because the gate and road that lead to destruction are wide. Many enter through the wide gate."  Matthew 7:13 God's Word to the Nations

Hiking this ridge was the only way to make it to the summit using the Southwest Ridge Route which we took. And as you might imagine, what made this way more difficult was the wind.

Why do Christians have this impression that life ought to be easier for them once they are in Christ? Is that why someone becomes a Christian, for the easy way through life? If that were the case then more people would know Christ and cling to his cross.

However, Christ calls his way narrow. The easier route, or at least the supposedly easier route, is to live without Christ.   

The Scriptures encourage us to weep with people who weep, to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, and to love our enemies. This is not only the work of Christians, it is our calling, but is there any better calling?

The better way is the narrow way even if it is not the easiest way.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.  

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Journey Begins

Mt. Sherman, Colorado

There are 53 mountains in Colorado over 14,000 feet. We affectionately call them 14ers. For many of us living in Colorado, it is our goal to climb one of these mountains in our lifetime, if not more. I climbed my first 14er on September 1, 2011, along with my sons, Joel and Nathan.

Why did we choose Mount Sherman? 1) It ranks 45th on the list at 14,036 feet, 2) you don't need a four wheel drive vehicle to get to the trailhead, and 3) it is rated as one of the easiest to climb and good for your first 14er.  However, that didn't make it easy.

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 English Standard Version

I couldn't keep up with my sons. The point depicted in this photo was the most grueling. The saddle, where we're hiking, is at 13,150 feet. (Yes for you Oregonians that nearly 2,000 ft. higher than Mt. Hood.) I took fifty paces, stopped. Fifty paces stopped. Eventually I made it past this steep incline to the narrow ridge.

The goal of eternal life is already ours in Christ, but living this side of eternity can be like climbing a mountain. God is always in the process of changing us. We call this sanctification. It doesn't mean that we become more perfect, but that God continues to move us forward in life by the power of forgiveness.

So, we forget what lies behind and press on in our life's journey. The next few days I want you to journey with my sons and me as we climbed Mount Sherman. I hope you will enjoy this virtual climb with us and see in it the upward call of God in Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Sometimes You Just Got to Relax

Brauner Backyard

When I took this picture the temperature was in the twenties and I was laying in the snow. You'll notice that what looks like dandruff on the gnomes green coat is actually snow. And yes, he's chillin'.

I envy this gnome.  No matter what life brings his way he never changes his relaxed attitude. He's relaxed when the temperature reaches the 90's and when it dips to the teens. He's relaxed when the dog is playing catch and threatens to knock him over.  

"I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:12-13 New Living Translation

Paul's life was no piece of cake (sorry for the old cliche) and neither is ours. There are times that life is going great and we're wondering how things could get any better. There are other times that we deal with struggles that in our wildest imaginations we never thought we would face.  

Paul found his strength in Christ. Notice that he speaks of Christ in the present tense. The one who had given his life for Paul is also the one who walks with him in the present. The same is true for you and me.

Knowing this fact allows us to relax no matter what we're facing.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Knowing the Enemy

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

So what do men do when they get together for a weekend retreat? They shoot each other with paint with some of them returning home with pretty nice welts as souvenirs.

You have to know who the enemy is to win at paintball. Once you have been hit you're out of the game, so if you shoot your own team member you've reduced your chances of winning.

Our success in life is based on knowing who the enemy is.

"For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." Ephesians 6:12-13 New Living Translation

Your enemy isn't your spouse. It isn't your child. It isn't your coworker or neighbor. Your enemy hides in the shadows of the heavenly places.

Paul knew who his enemy was. It wasn't the people who opposed him, beat him and tried to kill him. The enemy was Satan and the host of hell.

The enemy remains the same today.

However, you do not need to fear your enemy. The outcome of the war has already been sealed. Jesus' death and resurrection guaranteed that he wins.

Our call today is to stand firm, clothed in God's armor. You can bet that the enemy will come out of the shadows to attack you, but remember, he already stands defeated, you're already a victor in Christ.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.  

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Light That Guides to Safety

Colorado Springs, Colorado

It's no wonder that people lose their way in snow and fog. Everything turns white. The sky is white. The ground is white. The world is white. You cannot tell which way is north, south, east or west. There must be familiar marks to help guide a person in these kinds of conditions.

The trees are a guide in this picture. These trees lead the eye from left to right, into the distant whiteness. I know these trees. I know where they lead. I will not lose my way if I follow their guidance.

"Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live." Psalm 43:3 New Living Translation

Life can appear much like the white out conditions of the fog and snow in this picture. We cannot distinguish the way we ought to walk. It's hard to know what or whom to follow. Voices tell us to to turn to the left and then to the right, and all the time we're guessing where we're going.

The psalmist who wrote these words is attacked by his enemies, by a "deceitful and unjust man." He cries out for God to vindicate him, then finds himself asking the Lord why he has rejected him instead. He begs for the light to lead him to God's haven of safety.

And such is our prayer. We pray for God's light to lead us among all the voices penetrating our ears. What we need are not the thoughts of others ringing in our ears, but the light of God guiding our eyes. His light can be trusted because that light is Jesus, the light that enlightens our world.

Jesus, the light of the world, leads us to God's haven of safety. And so we hope in God; in his character, in his word, in his truth.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Bridge

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I have crossed many bridges in my life from the eight mile Mackinac bridge to this tiny footbridge across a drainage ditch at Holy Cross. No matter the span of a bridge, they all make it possible to reach destinations that would be difficult or impossible to reach otherwise.

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-- the man Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 2:5 New Living Translation

Paul acknowledges what we feel; there is a chasm between God and humanity. That chasm cannot be crossed by mortals. It is a chasm that has been created by the rebellion of God's creatures against his claims on their lives, our lives.

We would be hopelessly stranded in our sin had God not bridged the gap. God reaches out to humanity. God reaches out to you. You are not hopelessly separated from God.  

Yet there are times in our lives that we feel isolated from God. Our prayers go unanswered.  Our efforts to live a godly life have had few positive results. We feel trapped and experience only the silence of God.

The brokenness of this world still exists. There is sorrow, suffering and sadness, but God's "bridge" hasn't move. God still comes to us even in the sadness, suffering and sorrow of life. 

We are often mistaken about this bridge. God built this bridge not that we might cross over to him but that he might cross over to us. For that reason this Bridge is named as a man, Christ Jesus. He is still the bridge of God to humanity.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Following Unseen Footprints

Colorado Springs, Colorado

It's easy to follow footprints in the snow. I don't know who the person was that walked through the parking lot at Holy Cross, but I can tell you the direction he or she was walking. I could even follow these footprints out of the parking lot until they joined other footprints on the sidewalk.

These footprints disappeared a few hours after I snapped this shot, never to reappear. If I had tried to follow these footprints later in the day I would have been left wondering where they were.

"Your road went through the sea. Your path went through raging water, but your footprints could not be seen." Psalm 77:19 God's Word to the Nations

Asaph, the writer of this psalm, was in utter desperation.  Earlier in the psalm he wrote, "I am so troubled that I cannot speak." (Psalm 77:4b ESV) Does that sound familiar? Have you experienced moments so painful in your life that you could not speak?

In answer to his anxiety, Asaph, recalls the past, not his past, but nation of Israel's past. He recalls a time when the footprints of God led through the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River. Like the footprints in this picture that eventually disappeared, God's footprints couldn't be seen, but they could be trusted.

You may not see God's footprints today, yet he guides you into the great unknown of life. We, like the psalmist, recall God's faithfulness in the past, not our past, but Jesus' past. His cross is evidence that God can be trusted even when we can't see his footprints.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Importance of Removing the Obstacles

Colorado Springs, Colorado

People who know me would probably say that I'm a little off my rocker. One of my favorite movies is Dumber and Dumber, I put money into repairing cars instead of buying newer ones, and I like Royal Crown Cola more than Pepsi or Coke.

So, it shouldn't surprise you, then, that I like freshly shoveled driveways and sidewalks. To be more accurate, I enjoy the snowbanks that are created as a result of snow removal.  

Yet, there is a practical side to all this work of shoveling snow: it makes it easier to walk and drive. The snow is an obstacle that is best removed for everyone's safety.

"If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ." 1 Corinthians 9:12 New Living Translation

Paul didn't want anything to be an obstacle to someone understanding the mercy of God in his Son, Jesus Christ, even if he were that obstacle. He refused to be paid for telling others about Jesus even though he had right to be supported financially.

Maybe the biggest obstacle we erect which keeps people from seeing Jesus is our demand for our rights to be honored.

I have the right to be happy. I have the right to say what I want to say. I have the right to..., well, you finish the sentence.

It takes courage and faith to say that I'm choosing not to use my rights so that I don't put an obstacle in the way of people knowing Jesus.

Paul had such courage and faith. May God gift us with the same courage and faith that we too might remove any obstacle to someone seeing Jesus in us.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Caught

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Think about the factors that caused the snow to cling to this fence. The temperatures were well below freezing. There was the absence of wind and the softness of the snow that also contributed to this phenomena.

The snow was caught.

In Psalm 119:31, the psalmist declares that he clings to God's way of doing things. "I hold fast to your statutes, LORD; do not let me be put to shame." New International Version

Any discussion about clinging to God's way must begin with acknowledging that God first clings to us. After his death and resurrection Jesus promised to always be with us, "even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). He never lets go.

In Christ, we know the value of what the psalmist sings. In Christ, we know the significance of clinging to God's way of doing things, because our ways haven't work.

We've tried boasting in our accomplishments and that hasn't worked for us.

We've tried coercing others to love us and that hasn't worked either.

We've tried buying happiness and that hasn't worked for us.

Clinging to God's way, means holding on to a cross, a cross that, by the Spirit's power, we pick up and carry as we follow Jesus. Jesus' cross is the power that binds us to him and his way of living in the world.

The forces of nature cannot release us from his grip.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Place of Waiting

Colorado Springs, Colorado

This is the columbarium at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Christian community that I've been privilege to serve as pastor for over fifteen years. When I arrived in 1999 there were only two stations. I would guess that others will be added by the time I leave Holy Cross.

When I stand before these stone chambers, I remember the people whose ashes I've helped lay to rest here, and I recall the stories that slumber with these saints. We recently placed the ashes of a charter member of our congregation next to her husband's. The stories she told about this fledgling community have now been left to the memories of her loved ones.

"For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:14 New International Version

The phrase, "fallen asleep," is one of Paul's favorite phrases for those who have died in Christ. Maybe Paul harkens back to Jesus' words over Jairus' lifeless daughter. Jesus spoke of her as sleeping, a comment that caused the mourners to laugh at him.

The truth is that everyone who dies in Christ will not remain dead. As Jesus has risen so too will the remains of all whom Christ has called to himself.

This columbarium is not the final resting place for these saints, only a place of waiting.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Delicate Balance

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The wind blows when it snows in Colorado Springs more times than not. However, there are those few occasions when the snow falls softly and lies delicately on the branches. Such was the case in a recent snowstorm.

The wind stayed away for quite some time and the snow clung to branches, fences and light polls. Then it happened. The sun started to peek from behind the clouds and the wind began to blow. 

It wasn't long and the branches were once again exposed to winter's nakedness.

Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone-- as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:15 New Living Translation

Contemplating our frailty is humbling. We are nothing more than flowers blown by the wind, as snow that remains for a moment.

Our hope is not in our immortality but in our everlasting God. And since he is eternal, his character never changes.

He is the God who forgives. He is the God who redeems. He is the God who satisfies. Though our lives are transient, his salvation endures.

And so with King David, we exclaim, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name!" Psalm 103:1

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Place of Rest

Bear Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

I don't think many people sit on this bench in the winter as evidenced by the snow that has taken up residence at the end of it.

I'm not sure that many people take God up on his offer of rest.

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." Hebrews 4:9 New International Version

There are plenty of people who sleep long on Sunday mornings, and who would rather grab the local newspaper and a cup of Joe at the local coffee shop then set foot in worship.

I'm not trying to guilt anyone in attending worship. What I am suggesting is that true rest happens in the community of God's people, not at Starbucks, or even at the kitchen table.

Maybe the problem lays in what we expect from worship. Do we expect a dynamic, spirit-filled message every week? Do we expect people to act better than they do the rest of the week? Do we expect the children's ministry to be as captivating as the latest Pixar movie?

There are times that the sermons are lousy, people act selfishly and the children's ministry bombs. However, these are not the reasons for us to make a conscious decision to go against flow and gather with the rest of the sinner/saints for worship.

We gather because Christ meets us in worship. And when Christ meets us we find rest.

On the seventh day God rested from his work of creating. He took a day to enjoy what he made.  On the first day of the week we gather, to enjoy the presence of our ever-loving God. And in his presence we find rest.

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

Making It Through the Day

Bear Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

What are you like when you get up in the morning?

How you answer that question depends on a few factors. How much sleep did you get? What kind of day did you have yesterday? What's on your schedule for today?

Needless to say there are many of us who get up anxious, fearful or even angry, and more than likely we're tired of waking up angry, fearful or anxious.

"Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul." Psalm 143:8 English Standard Version

King David was facing enemies when he wrote this psalm. We don't know the exact situation he faced, but he depended on God to be his source of strength in the battle.

You know the enemies that you're facing today. You might even be able to put a name to these enemies, enemies such as anxiety, fear and anger.

In the struggles of life, David encourages you to pray that you might know God's steadfast love. No matter what you're facing today, his steadfast love will sustain you. He will not abandon you in the heat of battle.

In the struggles of life, David encourages you to pray that God would reveal his way for you, that he would make clear to you the direction on which you are to walk.

Notice in this picture that there were footprints showing me the way I should go. As you struggle with anxiety, fear and anger, know that other saints have walked this path before you. They, too, were guided by the same God who loves you and makes his way known to you.

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

With Age Comes Character

Bear Creek Regional Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

The character of this scrub oak tree is revealed in the winter. The leaves that covered its nakedness in the summer have disappeared. We see the tree for what it is. And this scrub oak has been around for awhile.

The leaves no longer cover the scars of aging. Zooming in on this tree you note that branches are missing and new ones have formed. Though scrub oak aren't large trees, this one still gives evidence that it has been reaching up into the sky for sometime.

The character of this tree has been revealed through its aging.

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:3-5 New Living Translation

The older we get the more scars we bear.

There is a cumulative effect to these scars. One scar builds upon another until sometimes we wonder if we'll survive. Yet we keep growing. That's what grace does. Grace takes our scars and makes something beautiful out of them.

The older we get the more we endure. The more we endure the more our character is shaped. The more our character is shaped the more we hope in Christ. The more we hope in Christ the more we live a life free from disappointments.

I find this tree beautiful because of all the scars. Through the scars of our lives, God makes something beautiful even as we age.

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

The Right Path

Longmont, Colorado

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." Proverbs 22:6 New Living Translation

I have often struggled with this passage from Proverbs. It evokes two different emotions inside me.

Initially I find myself struggling with guilt. As many of you know, I have three grown sons. I was more concerned about being a good pastor than I was about training my children on God's path for their lives. I still picture moments when I missed an opportunity to lead them on God's path.

This feeling of guilt would be overwhelming had not God brought me to the foot of Jesus' cross. Though there are still consequences for my poor choices, I know that God's mercy has covered me, and by his grace I'm forgiven.

This gift of forgiveness produces the second emotion that I experience when I read Proverbs 22:6, and that emotion is hope. God isn't finished with me. God isn't finished with my sons. His path still remains, and his mercy is still powerful.

For me, the visible presence of God's mercy is revealed in the next generation of children.

I'm grateful for my grandchildren, not that they give me a second chance to do things differently, but that God allows me to once again invest myself in the those he holds most precious in his heart (Mark 10:16).

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Looking at the Foot of the Cross

Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado

If you've read the last two blogs you'll recognize that this is the base of the cross I've written about.

As I walked out to this cross on an untrod snowy trail, I said my usual prayer, "Lord, surprise me!" I didn't realize that my surprise would come at the foot of the cross.

When I arrived at the cross I looked up and tried to find a good angle from which to take a picture, an angle that would say more than, "Oh, that's a cross in the forest." I bent over and took a few shots up at the cross from snow level. I stood up and zoomed in on the cross beams.

Then I saw the surprise.

There were animals tracks leading to and departing from the cross. These tracks were at a perfect angle. If you enlarge this picture you'll see what I mean.

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14 English Standard Version

For Paul there is no middle ground. Everything leads to the foot of the cross and everything flows away from the cross. The cross is our death. The cross is our life.

We understand how an instrument of death brings death, but it's hard to explain how it creates life. In and of itself the cross can't accomplish anything.  It is the One who hung there for you and me who is the difference maker.

My hope for you today is that you follow the animal tracks to Jesus' cross. Then, empowered by his mercy, you walk out into the great unknown of the day with the knowledge that the risen Christ walks with you.

And while you walk out into that great unknown, why don't you pray, "Father, surprise me."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Looking at the Cross

Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado

The closer we get to Jesus' cross the more we realize the impact it has on our lives.

For this reason we like keeping the cross at arms distance. Like the disciples at Jesus' crucifixion, we're nowhere to be found when we grasp the impact that the cross has on our daily lives. It's easier that way.

"Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24 English Standard Version

How confusing these words must have felt to Jesus' disciples. They would have no clue what Jesus meant by picking up their crosses. Jesus had not yet been nailed to his. Besides, the cross was a repulsive Roman instrument of torturous death.

Being a disciple of Jesus, we look at his cross to help us understand what it means to pick up our crosses. His cross is the ultimate symbol of selflessness. He gives up everything for you and me. His death is power of our death.

Carrying our cross means dying to self in our relationships.

Carrying our cross means dying to self in our ambitions.

Carrying our cross means being like Jesus. The call of the cross is not a call to suffering for suffering sake. It is a call to live like Jesus as we look at his cross.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Looking Up at the Cross

Benet Hill Monastery, Black Forest, Colorado

Let's never forget that the chief symbol of our faith is an instrument of execution.

For the next three days we'll view pictures that I took of a cross at Benet Hill Monastery just north of Colorado Springs. It's funny how the crosses we erect appear in beautiful places.

The hill of Golgotha was anything but beautiful.

"We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 God's Word to the Nations

When you look up at the cross you see Jesus, the one who was willing to lay down his life for you because he loves you. Did he go stoically to the cross? No. He went to death sweating blood. He "endured death on the cross" because he knew the power of his sacrifice buried your sin.

However the cross is now empty, not because Jesus' bones lay somewhere in Jerusalem, but because he destroyed death in his resurrection. When you look up at the cross you not only see the death of your sin but the life that is now yours as you are connected to Jesus by faith.

The cross is not an idol. It is a symbol, rather it is THE symbol of your faith.

In the cross of Christ I glory,

towering o'er the wrecks of time;

all the light of sacred story

gathers round its head sublime.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Gone Fishing Lately?

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Two times a year, whether I feel like it or not, I clean my desk...and I'm late this year. I do some minor maintenance during the rest of the year, but after Christmas and Easter I make a point to send a lot of paper to the recycling bin.

In my cleaning efforts, whether it be at home or in my office, I often find surprises. This DVD of "O Brother, Where art Thou?" was discovered at my home. It's not mine. So I brought it to church, adding to my clutter, so that I remember to give it to its rightful owner.

As it sat at my desk I noticed that the coffee cup and the DVD had a message for me.

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

God calls us to fish for people. That is probably offensive to a number of people, yet everyone is in some sort of "fishing" business. Political parties are "fishing" for people. Department stores are "fishing" for people. Cell phone companies are "fishing" for people.

One thing I've come to know about fishing (for real fish that is), you have to know where the fish are in order to catch fish.

Maybe the most important question in this whole "fishing" business is to ask, "O brother, where art thou?" When we ask that question, it reveals how important it is that we let others know about the love of God in Christ Jesus.

So, have you gone fishing lately?

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Light That Leads

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

My portfolio contains many pictures of paths. I see life as a journey. Nothing conveys this aspect of journey better than a hiking trail.  

Our journey on this path of life is not in the dark.

"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 New Living Translation

The shaft of light crossing this trail captured my attention. It leads me down the path. It draws me to walk further and see what surprises await me on this journey.

God's word has that same affect on our lives. It draws us deeper into the mysteries of God who has revealed himself to us in his Son, Jesus Christ.

There are times when we follow the light and discover something new about who God is.

There are times when we follow the light and we are led to a place of wonder.

There are times when we follow the light and we are led into the great unknown of life.

No matter where you and I see the light of God leading us, we know that it will never lead us astray. His light can be trusted.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

"Queen for a Day"

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I was working in my backyard, getting ready for winter when Cali knew that this would be a good time for a photo op, and I knew that I had plenty of time to put down my rake, find my camera and return to the backyard. Cali wasn't going anywhere until her picture was taken.

This was not her only pose. She relishes the camera because, you know, she's the queen.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9 New International Version

We're royalty in God's sight.

Peter wrote these words to people who didn't feel anything like royalty. They were discovering the stark reality that being a Christian can be costly this side of the grave, yet Peter calls them royalty.

This royalty has a purpose.

We're not called to sit on stump and demand attention. We're called to proclaim Christ. We're called to let others know about the wonder of being called out of darkness into the light of Christ's love.

It's interesting, isn't it? Peter says that we not called to declare everything that God is against, but we're called to proclaim this marvelous light.

That's what we do as God's royalty.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Teachers of Love

Honduras

"But we don't need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9 New Living Translation

Who are the best people to teach us about love? It's probably children.

My childhood friend, Dave, lived next door to me. We spend a great deal of time together. We slept at each other's home. We ate at each other's home. We played at each other's home. There were times when everything was clicking between us, and other times when things didn't go so well.

Once in a while we'd get into a fight. We'd throw punches, call each other names, and both go home crying. Within an hour we were playing with each other again.

Why can't we adults do the same?

The older we get, the more grudges we hold, somehow thinking that we're getting even with the other person. I don't remember that being important when Dave and I fought. What was more important was that we had someone to play with. Fights prevented us from playing.

Children teach us the importance of playing. They help us see that playing together is an act of love. To stay angry and bitter only means we're loosing a playmate.

Paul wrote the Thessalonians that he didn't need to tell them how important it was to love each other. God had taught them. Maybe it was God who taught them to play together.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Living Life

Colorado Springs, Colorado

For nearly sixteen years I've been living with this ground cover in an obscure area around our home. The only water it receives is what God provides. It's seen drought. It's been buried in feet of snow. It's been flooded by monsoon rains, and it still lives. Not only does it live, but this plant is spreading to other, more visible areas of our garden.

We're completely dependent on God for life.

"For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light." Psalm 56:13 New Living Translation

David sung these words when he was attacked on two sides. He fled to Gath of the Philistines to avoid King Saul's wrath, but the Philistines were not open to his "visit" for David had killed many of their people. 1 Samuel 21:12 states that David "was much afraid." In fact, he acted like a madman to avoid death.

God rescued David from death. We're rescued from death.

Like David, we're afraid of death. Death itself is an enemy we must face, yet it is God who gives us life even as we face the enemy of death. This life is experienced in the presence of God, and we stand in God's presence because of Jesus.

Later in David's life he would sing the words that we know so well, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:1 English Standard Version

As the people of God, we live life even though we're confronted with death.  Our enemy has been conquered in Jesus' resurrection.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Stumped

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Don't let this stump fool you. This aspen tree shall rise again. Many of you might think that aspen trees are beautiful, especially in the fall, and yes aspens are gorgeous...in the mountains. If you plant these trees around your house, you never get rid of them. They're a weed.

Technically we have no aspen trees left at our house, but every year their roots send up suckers even when the trees have disappeared.

"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit." Isaiah 11:1 English Standard Version

The people of Israel had become a stump. They had turned their backs on their covenant God and were sent into exile both in Assyria (the northern tribes) and Babylon (the nation of Judah). All that was left was a stump of a promise.

From that stump God brought back a remnant of his people to rebuild the nation.

From that stump God provided his Branch, Jesus Christ. God is faithful to his promises.

Maybe you're going through a period in your life where you feel like this cut off aspen tree. In the midst of death God provides life by keeping his promise to you in the Righteous Branch, Jesus Christ.

Through his resurrection, Jesus provides life to all who cling to him. I'm not promising that everything is going to turn our wonderful in your life; that you will live "happily ever after." What I am saying is that the Branch has come to give you life, even when you feel like a stump.

It's all in his promise.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Perfect Gift

I couldn't resist posting one more pic of the Nativity set from Holy Cross. I am struck by the gifts that the Magi brought to the Christ child. These were gifts that would mean nothing to a toddler but meant everything to those who gave them: gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Yet it seems that the gifts we bring to Jesus fall short of the gift that comes with the child.

"Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and starts. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon." James 1:17 God's Word Translation

The perfect gift is the baby.

What makes our gifts acceptable is not the quality of the gifts nor the sacrifice that lies behind the gift. What makes the gift acceptable is the one who makes us acceptable. Just as we have been declared good through Jesus' death and resurrection so have our gifts.

That doesn't excuse us from bringing our best to the baby. In fact, quite the opposite ought to be true. The more we understand the perfect gift that God has given the world the more we ought to desire to bring God our best.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Invited

Don't you hate it when people show up at your house without an invitation?

Probably most of you reading this blog are fine with uninvited guests. Okay so I struggle a bit with people who show up at my door step like Steve Urkel. I wonder how Mary and Joseph felt when the Magi appeared.

The Magi. How many of them were there? Where did they come from? Were they kings? Did they ride camels? There are so many unanswered questions that surround these men. (Were there any women in the party?)

What we know is what they did. Today is Epiphany when we remember the Magi traveling a great distance to see the King.

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, 'Where is he who has been born king of the Jew?  For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."  Matthew 2:1-2 English Standard Version

These Magi were not uninvited guests.

They knew what they were doing and why they were doing it. Even though they may not have been Jewish they knew that they were coming to worship the King. I'm assuming that they didn't have all their theology straight, but they saw Jesus and they worshiped.

I pray that we see Jesus and worship him because we, like the Magi, are invited guests.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2015 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Saving the Best for Last

As I planned out these Christmas blogs I thought about placing the infant Jesus on the first day of Christmas (Christmas Day) or waiting until the twelfth day, that is, today. Obviously I opted for the latter. I wanted to save the best for last.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." John 3:16-17 English Standard Version

This will probably not be the last time that I use this passage in a blog, but I cannot top what it says about this gift for all humanity.

This baby is born for all. That sounds nice and pious but God means it.

We're grateful that the baby is born for us, and it is easy to give lip service to being thankful that he came for our enemies, but really, are we thankful that the baby came for all?

Are we grateful  that he came for the child abuser, mass murderer and religious fanatic? Is this how God works? We want justice (translated, we want them to burn in hell). But look closely at the baby, he did come for all no matter the extent of sin.

And we ought to be glad that he did because in someone else's category of sin your's and mine rank at the top; okay maybe not the top but up there on the list.

All sin is covered by this baby. All sinners are loved by this baby. That's saving the best for last.

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

Life In the Real World

The holy family existed in the real world as they were surrounded by shepherds and critters. I can't imagine them staying long in the stable.

Maybe they stayed there through Mary's days of purification and before Jesus' circumcision eight days later. However, whether they were in the stable or in the guest room, the family of three was surrounded by reality.

Jesus needed to be nursed. Diapers required changing. Joseph had to work to provide for his new family. This is the stuff of life and Jesus experienced it in the context of family.

"So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:14-15 New Living Translation

Though Jesus is the perfect Son of God, Mary and Joseph were not perfect parents. They were not chosen by God because of the sinless lives. In the context of his family, Jesus faced the real world. Mary and Joseph would come together as husband and wife and have other children.

So like all families, Jesus grew up in a dysfunction home. I say this because of the sin that affected every other member of Jesus' family.

The Jesus that you worship and adore understands growing up in a family like yours. He understands our weaknesses because he experienced it, yet without sin. He can empathize with your struggles. He's been there.

Was Mary depressed? Did Joseph have problems with anger? Were his brothers jealous? We don't know. But we do know that he was surrounded by the real world. And on the cross he gave up his life for his dysfunctional family and ours.

Why? Because he loves us and those in our households.

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

It's All About Faith

Back track.

You'll noticed that there's no baby in the manger...again. Let's think for a moment about the relationship between Joseph and Mary.

First, there is their age difference. Now granted, there is nothing stated in the Bible about their age but it's quite possible that Joseph is much older than Mary. They are two people who come at life from two different perspectives. Joseph has been seasoned by life. Mary is only beginning to experience life.

Then there is the fact of the baby. Okay, so Mary isn't pregnant by another man. Does it make it any easier that it is from the Holy Spirit? We somehow get this impression that everything was smooth sailing for this couple following the visitation of the angel to both Mary and Joseph.

They weren't married.  Mary's pregnant. They make a long journey to Bethlehem. You're going to tell me that there weren't rough spots for this couple?

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 English Standard Version

Both Mary and Joseph displayed faith in the Word of God.

It is interesting to think that their faith in the promise of God affected their relationship with each other. It is true that the Bible doesn't address the issue of the holy couple's marital relationship but look at the details of the story. Mary goes with Joseph. Joseph provides a place for Mary to give birth. They make a long trip to Egypt then settle in Nazareth.

And, most importantly, they raise the Christ child.

Janice and I have faced some very difficult and challenging situations in our marriage (and more will be coming since we are two sinners). I can honestly write, that, but by the grace of God and faith in the One who has redeemed us, we continue to persevere.

It begins (and ends) with faith in the One who has come for us. Life is about faith.

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