The joy of the Lord is my strength. 

Nehemiah 8:10

On November 20, 2010, I began this blog as a tribute and encouragement to three friends who were struggling with severe illness and quarantined at home.  I’m not sure what made me think of a blog in that circumstance.  I already had a blog—one that was rather dark and dismal, recounting the stories of my less-than-desirable childhood.  However, the thought struck me that my time would be much better served writing about the goodness of the Lord, illustrated with photos of the beauty of His creation.  Thus, the journey began.

This last week has been a wonderful time of thanksgiving around Beulah UMC.  Last Sunday, Alan returned to church and to choir, not exactly free of his disease, but definitely greatly improved.  Tom was also in church last Sunday, looking and feeling terrific—a far healthier man than the one who came to hear the Christmas cantata last December.  The last event of our triple crown of blessings happened on Tuesday, when Ben returned to work as the Associate Pastor following a stem-cell transplant.  The Miracle Worker of Galilee is doing His work in the lives of these three men, and we are grateful beyond measure.

I knew, starting out, that writing on a daily basis might be difficult and I will not deny that sometimes it is.  However, I love the Lord, I love photography, and I love the written word.  Putting the three together has become a source of joy for me, much more so than I expected.  It is a way for me to have a daily conversation with God [and myself] regarding what it means to walk with God.

I recently read an article by a noted health professional challenging his readers to commit to writing a daily blog for one year.  I have accepted that challenge.  I have no idea if anyone reads this blog beyond the seven loyal followers that have signed up to receive it.  Who reads it is not really my concern.  Even if this comes down to only a daily conversation between me and the Lord, it will definitely be time well spent.

To my three friends - Alan, Ben and Tom - your renewed health is a source of  thanksgiving and praise for those who know and love you.  May your lives continue to thrive under His gentle hand.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise Him, all creatures here below,

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen.