Faith and Sight

I wouldn't have seen it if I hadn't believed it.

Marshall McLuhan

      There is a curious correlation between seeing and believing. There always has been.  The Bible says we are to walk by faith and not by sight. That is easier said than done. 

     I love the always provocative Marshall McLuhan's take on this theme. He says he would not have seen it if he had not believed it. This implies that faith precedes sight. 

     But to the one who must see before he believes the world is void of the glory and mystery of God. In His last days as Jesus was approaching Jerusalem to be crucified there were some who challenged Him. It says of that encounter:
       But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him... John 12:37


      All things are discoverable to the one whose eyes have been opened by faith. Life becomes an ongoing adventure as more and more of God's will and wonders are revealed.

Learning Curves

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.

Winston Churchill

     I just bought myself an Olympus OM-D E-M5 (could they choose a clumsier name?) mirrorless camera. It was a large investment for me that I know will bring a good return, but there are a few things standing in the way. 

     I have been using an iPhone for the past few years and love how tiny it is, and that it serves other purposes. While on the hiking trail I can communicate if necessary, track my journeys as well as take pretty amazing pictures and I barely know I am carrying it. 

     After un-boxing the impressive new camera I suddenly realized how ill prepared I am for this. I have never used anything but a point and shoot style camera. I know nothing about lenses, aperture or shutter speeds and was concerned the bulk would cramp my freewheeling style on the trail. 

     I had researched this camera and am committed to the process, however, and am determined to make this work. The prize of far better photos is before me if I can bridge the learning curve. And that is what I am determined to do. 

     One of the problems has been that my initial attempts to capture something gripping with the Olympus have fallen short. In fact, I can take much better images with my little iPhone 6. At least for now!

     In reality, the potential for spectacular shots is far greater with the Olympus than with the iPhone, but it has to be mastered. It's a bit like moving up from a Ford Focus (which I currrently drive) to a BMW (which I would not mind having). It is intimidating at first, adjustments have to be made. Old habits die hard, and new tricks and old dogs don't mix very well. 

    So I am refusing to take the easy shot with my iPhone (but, ironically, the photo at the top was taken with my iPhone- cut me some slack). I am taking an online photography course (for old dogs). The prize of amazing captures is just out of reach, but will be in my hands soon if I will invest the effort. Stay tuned...
   

FREE

    God never crowds a man...He woos...He warns. 
But He leaves one free.    

S.D. Gordon

      We have difficult decisions to make every day. Usually the Lord has pointed the way rather clearly either through His Word or our circumstances, or the wise counsel of another. But we are still free to choose and must live with the consequences, good or bad.

      The Lord never forces our hand. He draws us with cords of kindness, or nudges us along, and will even discipline and correct us at times. But it is always in the context of freedom. I know some folks who hear His voice concerning what they should wear, or eat for lunch. This has been true at times, but this is not where the Lord gets to me most. I find He speaks to me in broader terms, and is pleased when I give Him my singular attention, my thoughts, my emotions, and my purpose. 

       As you begin this fresh new year take advantage of the freedom we have been given. He has whispered the way, take time to discern His voice and locate the path. It won’t always be crystal clear, but we walk by faith not by sight, so go forward with confidence that He is walking with you.