Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. – Ephesians 5:1-2, 8

I have just a few short “news” items for this morning’s post. Offered – as always – in the context of the transformational living word of God.

MORNING HAS BROKEN: First – it’s a beautiful morning in North Carolina! I captured this first image at 7:12 AM, walking Scoutie through Tyler Run Park. It was 24-degrees and super-clear; such a contrast to the photographs I posted yesterday.

I am reminded that every new morning is a beautiful opportunity to live in the life-charged context of light and love. Rain; sunshine; cold; warm; clear skies; fog; summer heat; winter chill. Regardless, this is the day, and my opportunity – always – is to shine.

IT’S A NEW DAY: Then, Monday afternoon, this happened. That’s right, a bunch of us showed up at a North Raleigh apartment complex to welcome John and Madeline Fawcett, to pull their furniture out of a POD (it’s amazing how much you can stuff in one of those things – it was like Mary Poppins’ bottomless bag), and to recognize the starting point of their ministry in the community of Wake Forest.

What better time to come on board the pastoral staff than at the very beginning of a New Year that holds such unbounded promise? Our faith community is so excited about the possibilities,

No, not my best photography! But it was almost dark, and actual work was being done.

EXTENDED REACH: Finally (and definitely in the “new beginnings” category), this blog has now reached the “2,000-plus followers” mark. That means that over 2,000 people have made the choice to “subscribe” to Life, Gratitude, Faith, & Passion, electing to receive an email from WordPress every time a new entry posts.

Please consider sharing this page with your friends, re-tweeting, posting on your facebook page, or emailing a link. My mission for 2015 is to not only share the good news of light and life with more and more people, but to present the gospel in a way that is engaging, encouraging, and challenging. I am truly thankful to God for the opportunity this platform represents.

– DEREK