Location, Location, Location

Chinese Gardens, Portland, Oregon

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Unlike Portland's Japanese Gardens, which are located on a large piece of property, the Chinese Gardens are on a small track of land in the heart of the city. This location creates a unique relationship between the gardens and the city of Portland.

Because of their location, the Chinese Gardens create a feeling of escape in the midst of the craziness of life.

Where do you find escape in the midst of your daily struggles?

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1 English Standard Version

It's not easy living as Easter people. The message of the resurrection seems ridiculous to people who don't know Christ, and we're drained of energy living in the afterglow of Easter. We need to find shelter from the difficulties we encounter.

The resurrected Christ calls us to find rest under the shadow of his wings. He might not remove the difficulties and struggles we face, but in the midst of these struggles and difficulties he calls us to find rest in him.

When it comes to rest, it's all about location, location, location.

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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 8:00 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 Gift of Peace

Cali

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"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

For all their quirkiness, cats can endear themselves to you. When you least expect it, they climb up in your lap, knead a soft spot, lay down and start purring. All is well with the world.

I have seen the peace of Christ surprise many people. His peace is a gift given when the world is falling apart around them. I have seen the peace of Christ work when a person has lost a job, acknowledged a sin, and grieved the death of a loved one.

There is no defining the peace of Christ, no putting it into words that others will understand. It is a gift.

God's peace isn't what the world gives, it comes to us through the bitter sufferings and death of his own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus felt the brutality of all that the world could throw on him as he faithfully said, "It is finished."

The peace that the world cannot give, but is ours through Jesus, is peace with God. No matter the storm that you're facing you have peace with God through Jesus.

I pray that the peace of Christ would crawl up into your lap, lay down and purr calmness into your life.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

What Will Your Sunset Be Like?

Siletz Bay, Lincoln City, Oregon

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My mother-in-law was an amazing woman. My father-in-law is an amazing man. These former dairy farmers accepted a city boy who thought that he was pretty funny. They got the last laugh when I was courting Janice and spent my first day on the farm cleaning calf pens and trying to haul hay.

My mother-in-law, Lillian, has joined the church triumphant, and my father-in-law, Erwin is in the sunset of his life. Mom wrestled with cancer and dad is almost 98.

This picture was taken at Siletz Bay on the Oregon Coast when Janice and I had the privilege of taking both of them to the beach. It wasn't the same as other trips to the coast. We brought food back to the room rather than dining at a restaurant. They were not able to walk the beach with us.  It was a long night. But it was worth the trip.

After seeing the Christ child, Simeon sang, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."  Luke 2:29-32 English Standard Version

My in-laws have seen Jesus.

Like all of us they dealt with their failures, faults and fears but they've known forgiveness. A small country church with people like them nourished their faith. They welcomed people into their lives. God has already welcomed my mother-in-law into his kingdom, and one day he will welcome my father-in-law.

We will all face the sunset of our lives. As difficult and painful as dying can be, we can be sure that we will be received into that life, awaiting the resurrection because of what Christ has done for us.

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

Solitude Is Not Overrated

Glacier Bay, Alaska

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I have been fortunate to travel to Alaska three times; once for business and twice for pleasure.  On the third trip, a cruise with members of Holy Cross, we journeyed into Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.

Glacier Bay is a place of solitude.  Only a few cruise lines are allowed to sail her waters and private boats must receive permission to enter.  There are no roads into the park and no major city within reach.  Even on a crowded ship, it is a place of solitude.

Where is your place of solitude?  Where is that spot where you cannot be interrupted by the noise and commotion of life?

You don't have to go to Alaska to find that place.  "In these days [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God."  Luke 6:12 English Standard Version

Jesus found solace in communion with his Father. Solitude is a place of intimacy; intimacy with the One who has formed you, redeemed you and blesses you.

As Jesus experienced solitude with his Father, may you find intimacy with God as your place of peace.

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

The Importance of Silence

Charleston, South Carolina

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I'm use to sunsets over the Pacific Ocean, so it was odd for me to watch the sun rise over Charleston Harbor, South Carolina.  Janice and I had a busy day planned when I took this picture. We were scheduled to visit historic sites in and around Charleston; Drayton Hall Plantation and Fort Sumter to name two.

However, this sunrise in the stillness of the morning was quite special.  Dolphin were surfacing, water fowl hovered over the water and there was this man, rowing his boat alone in the silence of the morning.

I have a framed sequence of three pictures with this man rowing his boat into the beam of light reflected off the harbor. It hangs above our piano in our living room.  It is a reminder to me of the silence of the morning.

Morning is a rather special time for me.  "For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime.  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."  Psalm 30:5 English Standard Version

It is in the silence of the morning, before the weeping of night, that I find communion with God in his Word reaching into the person of Doug Brauner.

Rest assured as the day progresses, there will be weeping and struggles.  But there is silence in the morning and fellowship with the Savior.

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

Beyond the Chaos

Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind." Psalm 104:1-3 New International Version

We don't know who wrote Psalm 104, yet his life is much like ours. This fact might not be obvious to us in a casual reading of this psalm, but we observe this reality when we dig deeper into his song.

The writer spends a great deal of time rehearsing what we, the confessing church, know and believe about God. He is the Creator. All life is dependent on God. The birds that swarm the heavens, the fish that inhabit the sea, and the creatures that walk on land owe their life to God.

Yet there is chaos in this life even for the person who perceives the symmetry of creation. The psalmist saw this chaos. "When you hide your face they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die." (v. 29)

Death is the ultimate sign of chaos. We struggle to makes sense of life in the face of death.

However, the writer will not lose hope. "When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground." (v. 30)

Along with the psalmist we look beyond the chaos of death. We look to the One who "makes the clouds his chariot and rides the wings of the wind." Death has been crushed by Jesus. His resurrection is our resurrection to a new reality. Chaos does not win. God restores his order.

And so today, even in the chaos that confronts us, we sing with the psalmist, "Praise the LORD, my soul, LORD my God, you are very great."

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

Finding the Path

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me." Psalm 61:1-3 New Living Translation

Finding our way in life is overwhelming.

Because of summer rains and winter snow, the trail that I was following the day I snapped this picture was not always distinguishable. Did it go right or did it go left? Maybe it went both ways. Which do I follow?

Doesn't that sound much like life? I often listen to people agonize over the direction of their lives. They want the writing on the wall, or at least a whisper in the dark that will point them to a fulfilled life, yet they don't know if they should turn to the left or to the right.

Though the trail might not have been obvious (its to the right of this picture), my direction was set by the rock formations ahead. I knew where I was going because my eyes were focused on the rock.

Satan, sin and death cannot reach us because God is our fortress. Though we might not see clearly the daily path of life, we are called to focus our eyes on Jesus.

He is our towering rock of safety. He is our safe refuge. He is our fortress.

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

The Wide Angle View

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." Genesis 1:31a English Standard Version

I have different lenses for my camera and each lens serves a different purpose. Some of my lenses are meant to get up close and personal, others cause me to step back and see the big picture. Both of these types of lenses are important.

The wide angle lens gives me the ability to step back and put creation into perspective, especially when you stitch three of those pictures together in a panorama like this picture of Pikes Peak.

God stepped back from creation and with a wide angle lens looked at everything he had called into existence.  And from that vantage point, God declared everything he made as very good.

God steps back and declares the universe with its unnumbered galaxies good.

God steps back and declares our solar system good,

God steps back and declares his creatures good.

This wide angle is also God's perspective from the cross.  Through the cross God steps back and declares forgiveness for all human creatures. There is no individual who stands outside of God's view of grace, and that includes you and me.

And once again, through the mercy of God in Christ, we hear God say, "it is very good."

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

The Miracle of Grace

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:16-17 New Living Translation

How can this tree be alive, rooted in this rock?

I could take a thousand pine tree seeds and place them in the crack of this rock and I would be willing to bet that none of those seeds would take root.

However, one seed found a way to germinate, grow and thrive in this stone. You might say that it's a miracle. I don't know how old this tree is, maybe as old as the other trees that are much taller, but it looks healthy.

The fact that you and I are rooted in God's love for us is a miracle. The fact that we believe in Jesus Christ and have been entrusted into his loving arms is a miracle. The fact that we breathe in the grace of God and experience his mercy is a miracle.

Though it's a miracle that this pine tree lives in the crevice of this rock, it is this rock that strengthens it against the elements. It is God's Spirit who empowers us to live the courageous life as we are rooted in grace.

Grace is always a miracle.

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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 8:00 pm MDT (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. 

Let Resurrection Ring!

Mt. Angel Abbey, Mt. Angel, Oregon

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Every day these bells in Mt. Angel are not afraid to ring and fill the valley with their melody. I have often heard this melody from my in-laws' farm.

How willing are we to announce our belief that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead?

No one is going to hear the music of Jesus' resurrection if Christians are silent. It is not our job to convince people that Jesus is alive. That responsibility rests on the Holy Spirit. We are to proclaim this message.

"...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." 1 Peter 3:15 English Standard Version

It's critical for the church to rise up and toll the reality of the resurrection of the dead. In 1 Corinthians Paul states that of all people on earth we are most to be pitied if our hope is only in this life (1 Cor. 15:19).

This belief in the resurrection of the dead is more than the hope that our spirit returns to Christ when we die. Christians boldly proclaim that these bodies, which are subject to decay, will rise from the dead. Why? Because Jesus has risen from the dead.

Why would we want to keep silent about such great news?

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

No More Games

Cali

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Okay, so the PS2 is a little over Cali's head, but that doesn't stop her from playing games. Like most cats she chases a laser light, turns on a hand that's petting her and plays with a mouse until she loses interest. In the latter case I have seen the mouse go free and die. Cats!!!

We often play games with God.

Adam and Eve were good at playing games with God, blaming someone else for the fall into sin. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. Don't you find it interesting how, in the curse, God starts with the serpent and ends with Adam, reversing the order.

You can't play games with God. That's a lesson Job learned. "Job answered the LORD, 'I'm so insignificant. How can I answer you? I will put my hand over my mouth.'" Job 40:3-4 God's Word to the Nations

After wrangling with God about his suffering, Job finally tells God that he's going to stop playing games and shut up.

God doesn't answer Job's question about his suffering, yet he doesn't leave him without hope. God's simple answer to Job is this: "You be you, Job, and I will be me...trust me."

God's answer might not satisfy us, but it's better than knowing the answer to our questions of why me, why this, why now. God's call is to stop playing games and trust him.

God's call is to look to the cross and see the suffering of his Son in our place and trust in the power of the empty tomb.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Home, The Place of Tears

Lepaterique, Honduras

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Welcome to Lepaterique, Honduras. Some of us call this place our second home, but why?

The power goes out in the middle of dinner. Roosters begin crowing at 4:00 a.m. You can't flush the toilet paper. You can't drink the water. You can't find a Starbucks. We call Lepaterique home because of the people.

I don't know how to spell their names, let alone pronounce them, yet for some reason the highlight of our year and theirs is our annual visit.  

We've made this trek to Lepaterique now for 12 years. Some might say this is about a chance meeting. We believe it's God ordained. Who would have thought that a Lutheran congregation in Colorado would hook up with an independent church in Honduras (thanks Compassion International!).

But we're family. Tears are shed when we arrive and more tears when we say goodbye (even tears as I write these words). We cry when we hear stories of pain and poverty. We cry when we hear stories of graduations and conversions. Tears are our common language.

Paul wrote to his friend Timothy, "As I remember your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy." (2 Timothy 1:4 New English Translation) As Paul loved Timothy so we love our brothers and sisters in Honduras (not just Lepaterique), and we long to see them.

We remember their tears and they remember ours. Tears are the prayers of family.

Today's Challenge: Think about the tears that you have shared with others. How have those tears drawn you closer to each other?

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Life in an Eroding World

Palmer Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Palmer Park is a 730 acre park smack dab in the middle of Colorado Springs. It has the usual park stuff like a playground, baseball fields and a dog run, but many people like Palmer Park for its 25 miles of trails shared by mountain bikers and hikers.

I'm not a mountain biker (I'd hardly call myself a hiker). I can't imagine riding a bike on some of these trails. The sandstone erodes easily making these trails anything but smooth. In fact, the face of the park has been greatly influenced by the forces of nature and human travel.

"Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay." Romans 8:20 New Living Translation

It seems like everything around us is in the process of decaying, a fact of which I have become more keenly aware as I age (my feet are aching as I write this blog).

In the midst of all this decay is life; life that comes in the form of a promise that we share with all creation.

The beauty of God's promises is that we experience them even before they're fulfilled. Today you might experience the effects of decay in a friendship, marriage or health itself. But this decay cannot stop you from experiencing the breath of life that belongs to God.

There is life in this eroding world and it comes from Christ.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Time for Batting Practice

Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

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The opening week of major league baseball has come and gone. Spring training is over. Rosters have been solidified and ballparks filled. This year the Cubs will win the World Series!...NOT!!!

I predict a Rockies vs. Mariners World Series: (I can dream, can't I?)  No Yankees, no Red Sox, no Dodgers.

Whoever plays in the World Series one thing is for sure, many hours will have been spent doing what these players are doing before every game: taking batting practice. Batting practice is the time to work out the kinks.

"...but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..." 1 Peter 3:15 English Standard Version

Many Christians are terrified of telling someone else about their faith in Jesus Christ.We have often heard that it is impolite to talk about politics and religion, yet Peter's admonition runs contrary to this type of thinking.

Maybe we need batting practice. How about beginning by talking about this hope with other Christians? You will notice that there are few fans at Coors field during batting practice. If a batter misses the ball it's no big deal. In the same way, sharing our faith with other Christians ought to be safe (and if it isn't then there is something wrong).

It's time for BP!

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

Hope in the Word

Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Talk, talk, talk. People talk to us all the time. The preacher talks to us. Our coworker talks to us. Our children talk to us, yet too often that is all it is; talk.

We don't trust the words people pour into our lives. They say they love us and then have nothing to do with us. They say they will be there for us but when struggles come they disappear. They say we're the most important people in their lives and they'd rather play video games than give us ten seconds of their presence.

We don't trust talk.

"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word."  Psalm 119:114 English Standard Version

Can God's Word be trusted? He promised to crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). He promised that a virgin would give birth to a son and he would be called God with us (Isaiah 7:14). He promised that his suffering servant would bear the iniquities of all (Isaiah 53:5). God's yes to all these words of promise is seen in Jesus. God keeps his word.

We can put our hope in the Word of God.

By the way, in his Word he also promises that he is coming to his people to bring his bride home. God keeps his Word. It is a word in which we hope even though we still do not know the day of his return.

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

Hope for the Downcast

Mt. Angel, Oregon

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As many of you know, my wife, Janice, is from Mt. Angel, Oregon, a small community most commonly know for its Oktoberfest.  It's a predominantly Roman Catholic community with both a Benedictine abbey and convent; each established in the early 1880's.

I've made numerous trips to the abbey which is set on a hill overlooking the Willamette Valley.  It is a place of peace.  You don't see many people at the abbey.  Every once in a while a Benedictine brother dressed in black will walk the brick path to the chapel or some other building.  These brothers don't interrupt your time at the abbey.  Instead, they provide benches on which to sit, to pray and to take in the beauty of God's creation.

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."  Psalm 42:11 English Standard Version

What prompted the psalmist's question was another question; the question of his antagonist.  "Where is your God?" (v. 3)  When tragedy strikes people are quick to ask, "Where is your God?"  God gets the blame and it seems that we often don't have an answer.  We're left speechless.  We might even feel that we've failed God because we cannot respond.

I find this statue of Jesus an inviting Jesus who draws us into his rest.  We don't have to have all the answers.  What we possess is a Savior who is our hope.  He invites us to sit, to pray and to take a peek at the beauty of his grace.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Living in Two Worlds

Juneau, Alaska

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When you and I think of mammals we probably think of furry things that live on terra firma not those that dive to unspeakable depths in the ocean, yet that is the world of whales.

They share with us the need to breath air, but they differ from us in their need for water. It is in the ocean that they give birth to their young, guard against predators and find sustenance. Yet without air they could not live.

Likewise, Christians live in two worlds.

"Keep your mind on things above, not on worldly things.  You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ your life appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:2-4 God's Word to the Nations

Here on terra firma we give birth to our young, protect our property and raise food that sustains our lives. But without the breath of heaven we cease to live.

Our hope is not set on worldly things, though this is where we hang our hats for a period of time. Paul reminds us that we have died to these worldly things through Christ. The real breath of life is that which we cannot see, hidden with Christ in God.

I pray that today you breath deeply of your true life.

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

What Endures When Fame Flees?

Red Mountain, Manitou Springs, Colorado

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Manitou Springs is a quirky little town that prides itself on being nothing like Colorado Springs. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou has been a tourist destination for years and known for its natural soda spring fountains and unique shops.

Red Mountain, towering over the southern portion of Manitou, has a interesting feature.  A climber is greeted by concrete steps and iron rods but no indication as to how they were built on the summit.

For a short period of time at the turn of the 20th century, a tram took tourist and others to the top of Red Mountain where there was a small dance hall (if you've climb to the top of Red Mountain you know it had to be small).  This picture captures a portion of this mostly forgotten piece of history.

This small dance hall sought its own fame in the shadow the much larger Manitou incline.  But its fame didn't last.

Why do we seek fame?

"Lord, remind me how brief my life on earth will be.  Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is." Psalm 39:4 New Living Translation

There are many things that remind us how brief life is and how fame is fleeting. We become parents only to find our children leaving home sooner than expected. We start a job and in a moment we're retiring.

However, our hope is not in this life but in the life that has been promised to us in Christ.  And with that life standing front and center we are set free to live this life as God intends no matter how fleeting our fame.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Not of This World

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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"I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." John 17:14 English Standard Version

It might feel like we Christians are from the moon. Jesus even states that we "are not of the world." This feeling of being from the moon or some other planet can both come from within us or be generated by others.

Christians are often marginalized. People do not want the Christian voice to speak out the message of God's love in Jesus. Though their bumper stickers might call for everyone to celebrate diversity, coexist and be tolerant, there are many people who are not open-minded toward the gospel.

However, we don't necessarily need someone else to tell us that we're from the moon, we do a pretty good job of that ourselves. We stay hidden in the shadows, believing that we should never talk about our faith. We don't want to offend another person. We take down our crosses from our walls because we don't want to offend a visitor.

The world which Jesus speaks of is not the physical world around us, but it is everything that stands in opposition to the message of God's love in Jesus. It's this world that hates us because it first hated him.

Today we remember those Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. Their churches have been burned, their loved ones imprisoned, and some have suffered death for the name of Jesus.

Not only do we remember these Christians we weep with them and we pray for them. When their churches are burned, our churches are burned. When their loved ones are imprisoned, we are imprisoned. When they die, we die. We are the body of Christ and when one part of the body hurts the entire body hurts.

I beg you today to pray for your bothers and sisters in Christ who understand the truth of Jesus' words, who know the power of the world's hatred. Pray for their protection and release from persecution.

All they want is to freely worship Jesus.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Don't Forget to Stop

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

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Thousands of people drive by Multnomah Falls every day. This amazing waterfall is extremely easy to reach. You can't miss it when you're driving east or west on Interstate 84, but many people do.

The same applies to our celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Easter is over and it's time to move on, right? Not so fast.

Many people view Easter in much the same way people view Multnomah Falls. Most people catch a one second glimpse of it from the freeway of life and that's it.

There is time for us to stop and view the beauty of Jesus' victory over death in the Easter season, a season that lasts forty-nine days.

"I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised [Jesus] from the dead." Philippians 3:10 New Living Translation

It takes time to know someone or something. May we take the time to know the power of Jesus' resurrection.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Free at Last

Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina

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Walking the grounds of Drayton Hall Plantation in Charleston, South Carolina comes with a mixed bag of emotions.

The structure, finished in 1742, is a beautiful example of Georgian-Palladian architecture. The house has been well preserve as the caretakers have exercised great restraint in modernizing it. In other words, there are no electrical outlets and no air conditioners found in the building.

However, I became well aware that Drayton Hall was also a plantation that depended on both African American and Native American slaves. This picture is from the basement of Drayton Hall which these slaves used as their workroom.

This open window is a symbol of the power of the open tomb.

"Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir." Galatians 4:7 New Living Translation

Because of Jesus' resurrection you and I are no longer slaves to death. He has opened the door and the light of his victory over death has been revealed to us.

Our identity is no longer found in those things that enslaved us. God has declared us to be his daughters and sons. Your slavery to failure and sin no longer makes you who you are. It is God who calls you his child.

Let the light shine! Jesus is risen indeed!

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Life and Death

SolVista, Colorado

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We're probably attracted to the purple flowers rather than the brown ones in this picture, yet for there to be more purple flowers there must be brown ones. There must be death for there to be life.

"For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies." 1 Corinthians 15:53 New Living Translation

Lately I've been feeling like the brown flowers in this picture. My back aches when I get up in the morning and when I go to bed at night. I go skiing with my son and it takes a week to recover. When I sit on the floor I'm not sure I'll get off the floor.

Age happens. This fact is based on what we observe on a daily basis. This aging process is a reminder of the reality of death. Death happens.

Yet, resurrection also happens. This fact is not based on what we observe but on a promise. What is now decaying will rise from the dead.

In the end, life wins. Jesus' resurrection from the dead is our guarantee that we will live.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Peace That Endures

Icy Strait, Alaska

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Yesterday I wrote about the importance of listening to God at sunrise. The problem is that by sunset we have not only heard God's voice we have heard a thousand others.

Some of those voices were external; people telling us that we'll never amount to anything, that our work is sloppy and that we don't know what we're talking about.

Some of those voices are internal; that inner voice that tells us we'll never amount to anything, that our work isn't good enough and we're ignorant.

What voices had the disciples heard that first day of Jesus' resurrection? The only voice that mattered was that of their Master which they heard at the end of the day.

"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." John 20:19 English Standard Version

Before you go to bed tonight, I pray that you hear the only voice that matters.

Spinning through your mind might be the sound of an accusing boss or an angry child. Whirling through your brain might be the racket of personal failure.

Jesus appears behind the locked doors of these voices and says to you, "Peace be with you." It is for this reason he died.  It is for this reason he rose.  It is for this reason he abides with you.

By the way, the summer sunsets in Alaska last forever. May that be your experience of Jesus' peace.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

What Do You Hear in the Morining?

Sunrise, Charleston Harbor, Charleston, South Carolina

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There is something about the morning that makes our senses more attune to the world around us. Bacon smells better in the morning. The sky appears bluer in the morning.  And the birds sound livelier in the morning.

The day has not dulled our senses.

For this reason many of us hear the Lord better in the morning. It might be that there are not as many distractions. We haven't had our minds inundated with three hundred phone calls. We haven't watched multiple PowerPoint presentations. We haven't changed twenty diapers.  

Though the psalmist lived many centuries before us, his world must have been similar.  "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

It doesn't take long and the morning turns into the afternoon and the afternoon into the evening. It's easy to think that we will hear God's voice later (which may be true) but we miss an opportunity to hear him the first thing in the morning.

The morning that I took this picture there was the sound of dolphin swimming, waterfowl flying and a rowboat skimming the water. Had I not slowed down and enjoyed the morning I would have missed the sounds which probably would have made the view less spectacular.

May we hear God's voice in the morning telling us how much he loves us. And may that voice of God make our day spectacular.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

The War Begins Here

Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina

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Technically the American Civil War didn't end at Fort Sumter but it did begin here. The federal government built Fort Sumter following the War of 1812. Though the work of building the stronghold began in Charleston Harbor in 1829, the fort wasn't completed until 1860. Then on April 12, 1861 the first shots of the Civil War were fired on Fort Sumter.

Most of the damage you see in this picture was the product of relentless Union attempts to recapture the fort beginning in 1863. From the first shots fired on her until the end, it is estimated that over seven million tons of ammunition fell on Fort Sumter. On February 17, 1865 the North succeeded in recapturing the fort. Less than two months later Confederate General Lee surrendered the Army of North Virginia at Appomattox.  

Much of life feels like the constant barrage of Fort Sumter. 

"I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely."  Psalm 4:8 God's Word to the Nations

Many of you reading this blog wish that what the psalmist proclaimed would be your reality. When your head hits the pillow it is only the beginning of the barrage of thoughts, emotions and physical anguish in the timeless darkness of night.

From his conception in Mary's womb to his ascension at the right hand of the Father, Jesus took the bombardment of hell for you. You see, the psalmist could sleep not because of his efforts but because of his God who made him live securely.  

The rest that God gives us this side of the grave is only a small picture of the rest we will have with him when he fulfills his promise to bring his bride home on the day of resurrection.

Until then, may you find rest from beginning to end in the one who won the battle for you.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

There's a Story Buried Here

Rosita, CO

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Scattered throughout Colorado (like many states) are ghost towns. The only thing left of Rosita, Colorado is the Post Office (now a restaurant) and this cemetery. The town of Rosita was founded in 1872 and by 1874 there were more than 1,000 residents.

John and Annie Maughan were a part of that story: A father who died in 1879 and a two-year-old daughter that died a year later. But what's their story? Their story lays buried with them.

The Apostle John listened to a voice from heaven which he recorded in Revelation 14:13. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, 'Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'"  Revelation 14:13 English Standard Version

Or as the tombstone states, "Safe in the arms of Jesus."

There might be a story buried here in Rosita, Colorado, but for those in Christ the story doesn't end here. We believe in the resurrection of the dead. All who die in Christ still have a story to live.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

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(Note: The Stations of the Cross have been used by Christians to remember the path Jesus took to his death. Some of these stations are based on tradition and others on Scripture. This is the last day that we will meditate on the stations. This picture is of a wood carving that has deteriorated over time, yet it still depict the story.  I invite you to pray this devotion as you make your way to the empty tomb.)

"And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left." Luke 23:33 English Standard Version

My Lord Jesus, how is it that you embrace the pain of your cross? Are the soldiers surprised when you willing laid your arms on the timbers that had been used in previous crucifixions? Are they shocked when you refuse to fight, when you accept the nails? Did they hear your words of forgiveness?

Unlike you, I cannot embrace pain, instead I flee from afflictions. I order my day so that I experience the least amount of pain. I avoid conflict. I deny problems. I dodge difficulties.

Yet it seems that the more I run away from pain, the more pain I create for myself. When I dodge difficulties they grow worse. When I deny problems they become more problematic. When I avoid conflicts I  create new ones.

The writer to the Hebrews states that you endured the pain of your cross, even scorned its shame, because of the joy that awaited you (Hebrews 12:2), a joy that you first experienced when you proclaimed your victory over the satanic forces (1 Peter 3:19).

O Holy Spirit, fix my eyes on Jesus and the joy that awaits me when I see him face-to-face. Teach me to see beyond this momentary pain and trust the promise of Isaiah, that one day you will wipe away all my tears and remove my disgrace from my life (Isaiah 25:8).

We adore you, O Christ, and bless you, for by your cross you have redeemed the world.

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

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast on The iB Network Internet radio station every Sunday at 8:00 & 11:30 am, as well as, 1:00 & 8:00 pm MDT (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show using the Tunin app on your mobile device.  

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