We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. – Romans 8:22-25

Happy Sunday, friends! I would like to celebrate this worshipful day by turning our attention to the beauty of the world right around us. Fall has always been one of my favorite times of the year – now even more so since we moved to North Carolina and have been reintroduced to real seasons.

Saturday here in Wake Forest was cool and overcast, so I decided to grab my Nikon, take a hike around Tyler Run, and capture some of the fall colors.

As I walked, I realized how perfectly the trees and the shrubs interact with the homes and the architecture. I didn’t even go into the park, but stayed on the sidewalks – because I wasn’t so much taking pictures of the trees as of our neighborhood. By the time I made my way back up our cul-de-sac I had determined to devote a couple of days soon to photographing the entire town (watch this space). Wake Forest really is a beautiful place to live.

I hope some of the developers who are currently gobbling up so many beautiful trees read this post. I want them to take pause, and to realize that if they take the “forest” out of our town they will have literally ripped its heart out. We don’t live in “Wake” we live in Wake Forest.”

For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God! – Romans 8:19

The environment is a huge piece of the complex puzzle that contributes to making us whole people. In Romans 8 Paul points out how the entire created order is waiting for us (people) to “get it” to the extent that redemption is our way of life, and we become leaders – co-creators – in the redemption business; including the environment.

I’m posting 30 photos from my neighborhood walk Saturday afternoon. I pray that they will inspire you to A) Give thanks to the Creator and show up for worship, and B) Take a more active interest in preserving this good gift we have been entrusted with.

Peace – and more peace – DEREK