Submission

We throw around a lot of words and concepts in our Christian language that supposedly have significant meaning, unfortunately, they seldom carry much weight in the reality of how we live our lives. In the midst of a song with a chorus that moves our emotions, we sing passionately about many things that we seem to fully believe, but when the music stops, so does our passion. Or we track along with a sermon that tugs at our heart and we fully embrace the difficult things of faith, until we meet face to face with the difficult things of faith, and suddenly our embrace is more like a fleeting touch.

Filters

We all use filters. Filters do wonderful things. I am always grateful that my last gulp of coffee in the morning is free from the nasty crumbs of coffee grounds, thanks to a simple paper filter. I am grateful for the filters that keep my car running, that keep lint out of my clothes and keep the air from our heating systems cleaner. 

All filters have two basic functions - to let the stuff we want pass through and to stop the stuff that we don’t want. Photographers use filters as well. Often their filters help the camera see things the same way our eyes see them. In that way the filter actually enhances reality, allowing us to see things the way they truly are rather than blindingly bright or tainted by certain colors. But photographic filters can also distort reality, to present it in a way that they artist wants it portrayed. The filters still function in the same two ways - allowing what the photographer wants to come through, but keeping out the light that is undesired - but that doesn’t always mean they make the final product more realistic, sometimes they are purposely unrealistic. Filters are used to create desired effects, not always to enhance reality.

Blessings #436 to 462

436.  Pictures of Colby and Calli flourishing at Niños de Mexico and hearing stories of how their love for one another was expressed during the trip

437.  Welcoming Calli home from Ninos de Mexico and listening to her, “I’m so tired...” turn into non-stop talking about the trip for more than two hours!

438.  Tears of sadness/tears of joy

439.  New children to sponsor - Brenda, Francisco, and Victor

440.  Two days with longtime friends - making up for too much time apart