Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thess 5:16-18

Late afternoon Wednesday, heading into church, the sky over Wake Forest offered a vivid backdrop. We’ve been pushing at the edges of autumn around here, but at the same time hanging on to late summer and humidity. Color beginning to creep into a few trees; pine straw dropping by the ton; air conditioning still running like we’re living in Florida.

So while I can’t share spectacular fall photos yet, here are a few images that may still make you smile. The sky over Wake Forest; pine straw coloring the front garden golden; our bubble-blowing grandaughter defining her own sense of fashion; the signature page of a signed novel; the gradually changing view from the deck behind the house.

Everything I run into, every day, holds the potential to be a means of grace. The images I capture serve as reminders of those instances – too few and far between – where I paid attention enough to notice, to take note, and to say “thank you” to God.

Each new day is an exercise in the discipline of praise and an opportunity to make the decision to be thankful.  

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thess 5:16-18

In love and gratitude – always – DEREK