Thursday, April 21, 2011

UNINTENDED FOOTPRINTS


A common hazard with photographing on sand is the unintended footprint. It could be a footprint from someone just casually strolling along the beach, or by the photographer himself.

As I scout for possible seascape shots on beaches, I try to rock hop whenever I can, or walk at a safe distance away from the surf. But sometimes I make the mistake of planting a footprint that unfortunately interferes with my composed shot.

The photo below was taken about one hour and 10 minutes before the final picture above as the sun was setting, and it gives an idea of how careless walking on the beach can ruin a foreground shot.


If you look closely at the picture, you will see an unintended footprint immediately in front of the nearest foreground rock on the right. I actually had to wait for more than an hour before the waves could finally reach that one footprint and gradually erase its presence.

Life can be like that. In life we make mistakes - guaranteed. But unlike footprints in the sand that can be easily removed by the waves, our mistakes in life cannot be erased. It's been said that actions are irreversible, and that words are like arrows...once a word leaves the mouth, it can no longer be retrieved.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He required us to forgive and to not hold grudges. He knows how imperfect we are, so He desires forgiveness to be a part of our daily lives.

The Bible says in Colossians 3:13,
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Forgiveness may not be able to erase our mistakes, but it does cause healing and restoration, and it frees the soul of hatred and animosity. It also promotes love and unity, but most of all, it pleases and glorifies God.

Going back to the footprints...there is something refreshing and wonderful about the tidal flows on a sandy beach. It's reassuring to know that although my annoying footprints might be there for up to ten or twelve hours, they will eventually melt away in the next high tide, restoring the natural beauty of the surf as if no one has ever walked there before.

In the same way, it's also reassuring to know that because we are imperfect people, we have a God who is always and eternally loving and forgiving.

Technical Info: Heisler Park, Laguna Beach, California. 0.3 sec @ f/22, Canon 5D, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L, 0.6 ND Grad. The tripod was set very low.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

MATTHEW 18:1-9

SERMON NOTES/D GROUP QUESTIONS 4/10/11

Sermon Notes based on Matthew 18:1-9

Four things God desires us to do:

1. Become like little children

2. Do not cause anyone to sin

3. Be aware of your sin and do something about it.

4. Take sin seriously


D Group Discussion Questions:
1. Based on Luke 9:46-48, why were the disciples arguing?
In what ways is the desire for power and position still very real today?

2. What are some examples of temptations that can cause us to not practice humility?

3. Little children don't care who they play with. Nationality, color,financial position, popularity, reputation, are all things they don't care about.
Divisions/Factions/Clicks are clearly condemned in God's Word (Galatians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 12:20). But why do people still do it, and how is this directly related to pride?

4. Little children are sincere and say what they mean.
People have a tendency to say things that they don't really mean. What are some examples of this?

5. Little children are good examples of those who exhibit sincere/honest feelings, forgiveness, and humility. What areas have you struggled in?

Sunday, April 03, 2011

SERMON NOTES/D GROUP QUESTIONS 4/3/11

Sermon Notes based on Matthew 17:14-27
see also: Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-43


Three Things to Avoid:

1. Flawed Faith

2. Lack of Prayer

3. Absence of Fasting


D Group Discussion Questions:

1. Share with the group your Mountain Top and Valley experiences.
How was God glorified in both your experiences?

2. What are some stumbling blocks to our faith?
Why is the "object" of our faith so important?

3. Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3. The Apostle Paul rejoiced because the faith of the Thessalonians was "growing more and more."

How has your faith grown since you became a Christian?
What proofs can you share?

4. Read Psalm 88:1-2
How often must we pray?
Why is persevering and persisting in prayer so important?

5. What is the importance of "Fasting?"
When was the last time you fasted?
If you haven't tried fasting, then why not?

Saturday, April 02, 2011

STURTEVANT FALLS


So the kids are on spring break, and we decided to take a day trip to Sturtevant Falls! It's about a 4 mile hike round trip from the parking lot to the falls and back. I highly recommend it!

But before we hiked, we first stopped at Roscoes in Pasadena to fill up on fried chicken and waffles...Yum! After the hike, we indulged on crab and shrimp at The Boiling Crab in Rowland Heights. So whatever calories we burned during the hike, we got it all back (and some) during our eating adventures. Oh well...

Just click here for a website that gives information about the falls.

Technical Info: Picture taken on April 1, 2011; 0.3 seconds @ f/18, Canon 5D, Canon TS-E 24mm, 4-stop ND Grad