Thursday, February 22, 2007

Skiing is a beautiful thing...

I am up at Snowmass, CO with some friends for a couple of days. In this picture, Andrew (black) and I (green) just finished hiking up to the top of the Longshot Run. (See trail map here.)The view was spectacular and the run down the mountain was fun and challenging!

The weather has been fantastic and the snow conditions have been even better. The only thing that would make this trip complete is if Jill could be here!

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Snow and Grace...

This morning I sat staring out at the falling snow, while enjoying a cup of coffee. As I sat, I reflected on the beauty of the falling snow and how, as it blankets the earth, it transforms the landscape into a new and beautiful creation, if but only for awhile.

I believe God's grace is like this as well - like a blanket of snow it transforms the wintry landscapes of our lives into something new. As fresh white snow blankets dead foliage, so God's grace blankets the sin and shame of our lives, giving us a fresh, new slate. But unlike snow which will eventually melt, God's grace and transforming power is more permanent, more...eternal.

God, thanks for the beauty of creation and a freshly fallen snow. As the snow covers the earth, may your grace cover our lives so that we may be transformed to be new people. Shape us by the power of your Spirit, so that our lives may be as fresh as a newly fallen snow. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.