When we focus on what is beautiful we cannot help but believe

New every morning is the love
our wakening and uprising prove;
through sleep and darkness safely brought,
restored to life and power and thought.

New mercies, each returning day,
hover around us while we pray;
new perils past, new sins forgiven,
new thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. – John Keble (1822)

Let’s get April launched with some beautiful photographs. Yes, I know, pretty pictures are a convenient distraction in a time of such anxiety and in the midst of a serious health crisis. But, “Why Not?” Springtime here in North Carolina is moving forward regardless, and – just maybe – there’s a lesson here for the rest of us. The irresistible imperative of new life, the promise that is new and fresh every year, the irrepressible undeniability of hope.

I headed out after lunch Monday, with one particular view in mind just around the corner. Of course I took in a lot more because this is a neighborhood worth strolling through, slowly, with a good camera hanging around your neck.

Forgive me if you believe I’m posting too many photos. But from my point of view this is simply my testimony to what is good, and beautiful, and true, and worth taking note of.

These photographs, this initiative of praise, reminds me of one of my favorite scripture passages. Here it is, from Philippians 4:8-9:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Nobel; right; pure; lovely; admirable; excellent; praiseworthy. In a word, beautiful. Think about this. Hold on to these things. Then put this beautiful nobility into practice.

In love, and absolutely because of love – DEREK

(these photos begin in our back garden, then I walk up the street for no more than three tenths of a mile before moving back toward our cul-de-sac and finally Maul Hall once more. Enjoy….)