“Gaze into the Afrofuture” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa I will guide them. I will turn the bleakness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do, and I will not forsake them. – Isaiah 42:16 (Year A) Twentieth-century prophet Greg Tate taught me something that changed my faith forever. He introduced me to Afrofuturism, which imagines the “unreal estate of the future” through the techno-cultural lens of Black folks. Afrofuturism re-engineers our gaze on the future so we can conceive of the times to come in a way that does better by us. It rights the annihilation of our past with a future that is beautiful, beyond anything we’ve ever been allowed to see. We are, otherwise, exposed to very few hopeful images of the future. But what if we listened to God, through the prophets, instead? Prophets get a glimpse of the future God imagines, with its valleys and its peaks. Alas, many of us aren’t willing to listen to the prophets because we can’t see past the valleys, the pitfalls they foresee. The valleys overwhelm us and we look away. Which submits us to, as the prophet Isaiah calls it, the bleakness. But God says: Look a little bit farther. Don’t look away. Don’t you dare concede the years to come! God says: Didn’t you know? Didn’t you know I intend better for you? Didn’t you know that I love what I have made? Didn’t you know that I don’t just believe in justice, I am justice? That I will make a way? That I will not leave you nor forsake you? That I am the starter and the finisher, the Alpha, the Omega, your very help in times of trial? I wish I’d known of the Afrofuturists sooner. I wish I’d learned to give the real estate of my head over to God and the prophets and the beauty they intend. Because my people—and all of us—were made to live in a land that is flowing, not burning. Prayer Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, into your future. Amen.
On Wednesday, May 1 join us at Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church from 5:30-7PM for a Cinco De Mayo-themed Free Community Meal! The menu includes wet burritos, rice, chips & salsa, salad, applesauce, cottage cheese, and a dessert. For more information, call 517-627-3256 #FCGL #UCC #StillSpeaking #BeTheChurch #AllAreWelcome #GrandLedge
“Fishy” – A United Church of Christ #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. – Luke 5:10-11 (NIV) About this parable, dream with me: Exhausted, they threw out the nets, just one more time. It didn’t make sense; they were experts. They’d culled the waters all night long, and the fish just weren’t there. They’d trawled with all earnestness and resolve, but it hadn’t been enough. It needed to be enough. They needed the fish. So they started to point fingers. Did he do this, did they do that. etc. There were many questions. Sun up, and it was closing time. Nothing left. They returned to shore, defeated. Pulled the empty nests, began to wash them on the shore. There was a crowd gathering. The water’s edge isn’t great for crowds, their feet sinking into the wet sand. Jesus saw the boat they’d found useless just moments ago. Useless no more, he climbed aboard. We don’t know what he said. But we do know that listening to him gave Simon enough hope to try once more. I don’t know if you’re cleaning your nets or if your feet are sinking into the sand. Or both. Or neither. But I do know this: Listening anew might just be what you need to try once more. Prayer: Help me, Jesus. Speak anew. I’m listening. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
“Boring Kings” – A @UnitedChurchOfChrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa And they knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” – Matthew 27:29b (NRSVUE) I’m confident Jesus wouldn’t share my devotion to the series: The Crown. In fact, I think Jesus found earthly rulers to be utterly . . . boring. “Render unto Caesar” was practical advice. Not a theological mandate. Jesus had such little interest in kings beyond what they might do to the people. Because, you see, when Jesus made his way to that Cross at Calvary … he showed a completely different power. Here’s what you need to understand: The power at play in the story of Jesus’ death was about the might of a fist. On God’s scale, whatever a fist can do will always be temporary. The true power Jesus showed us was the power of love. Which doesn’t end. Love walked Jesus from town to town. Love healed the sick and brought comfort to the distressed. Love brought Jesus to his knees in prayer. Love made Jesus weep at the state of Jerusalem. Love walked Jesus down that lonely road, mocked and scorned by a crowd that just didn’t understand. Love brought the women and the beloved one to care for Jesus at the cross. Love buried him whole. And love got him up from the grave. Love brought him back that night! A king, you see, holds his power for himself, his heirs. But the Messiah—God incarnate, Word made flesh, true God from true God? His power is for everyone’s benefit. For all to share and enjoy. “I came to give life and life abundantly,” Jesus said. The abundant life is a life that values the power of love above everything else. Prayer Make me spiritually bored with everything inconsequential to you. Thank you for your love, God. Thank you. In Jesus’ name. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ. https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
“Out of the Ring” – A @UnitedChurchOfChrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? – 1 Corinthians 6:2 (NASB) How do we judge? I don’t know about you, but my moments of judgment tend to come out of conflict. Something goes wrong, and then I make judgements. But I’m tired of conflict being my starting point. When it is, I get caught in this dizzying assault of thoughts, deeds—punches, if you will—that make me lose balance. I’m always reacting defensively, putting up blocks, getting knocked off my feet. Having to take a defensive posture is distracting. And when we’re distracted and off-balance, we are dissatisfied. Maybe it’s time to step back from the ring. Maybe a boxing ring is not our spiritual home. But what is? When we’re trying to decide whether to go left right forwards or backwards, our instincts are to react like we’re back in the ring. We behave defensively because we want to survive. And that’s real. But when we step back, and we make decisions not reactively but taking the time to sit with our value systems—something different happens. Living your life in the ring means living your life by accident. Living your values means living your life with purpose. A purposeful life is a meaningful life. A meaningful life is a satisfied life. A satisfied life is living in alignment with God. And alignment with God is sanctified. A sanctified, aligned, meaningful, purposeful life is yours for the living, when you know and live by your values. What are your core values? Do the people you love know? Do you? Prayer Show me the way, God. I dedicate myself to knowing myself, knowing my values, knowing you. In Jesus’ name. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
#stillspeaking See you for Bible study tonight!
The dusk sky from miles high. #dusksky #dusk #flight #flightview #akasa #akasaair #akasaairlines #mumbaitokochi #milehigh #sunsetlovers #skypatterns #skypainters #skyview #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #flyhigh #flightphotography #horizon #colorsofsky #skyshot #skyphotography #skyline #sunsetsky #sunsetskyline
Couldn't help posting this frame again, but in another charm. Good Morning Mumbai. #mumbai #mumbaiscenes #mumbaidarshan #mumbaidiaries #mumbaisights #mumbaiindians #mumbaisouth #worlisealink #bandraworlisealink #sealink #sealinkmumbai #mumbaicity #goodmorning #goodmorningmumbai #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #travelphotography #travelgram #tajlandsend #tajhotels #landsend #bandstand #bandralandsend #travelindia #businesstravel
To Live For” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa [God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. – Revelation 21:4 (NRSV) On a day not too long ago, to a standing-room-only audience at the newly rechristened Lena Horne theater, a surprise eulogist said: “So many of us think about who or what we would be willing to die for. And I guess that’s a good question—we should know that. But I want to ask, instead: well, who would you live for?” And he went on to explain that on his foundational album—Songs in the Key of Life, on which Ms. Marva Hicks, the woman we were celebrating, sang—to live in the key of life is to live in alignment with God. When doing for you is the same as doing for God: that’s life. So live your life with that crown upon your head, “until the day that is the day that 8 x 8 x 8 is 4. Always.” (Stevie Wonder, “As”) God will be loving you. Always. Our assignment? To live our lives in the key of love. Prayer Tune my heart to sing your song. Let me live in your key, God. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
When you are at Taj Lands End, this photo is mandatory. #tajlandsend #tajlandsendmumbai #landsend #tajhotels #bandra #bandramumbai #bandstand #worlisealink #bandraworlisealink #worlisealinkbridge #mumbai #mumbaiscenes #mumbaidarshan #mumbaidiaries #mumbaisights #mumbaiindians #bombay #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #businesstravel #travelindia #indiancity
Garden sights - A stingless bee approaching the coral jasmine flower. #tetragonula #stinglessbees #coraljasmine #cherutheneecha #queenofthenight #parijat #parijatham #juhi #chameli #mogra #champabela #pavizhamalli #gardenflowers #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #mygarden #bloom #flowers
The Arecanut palm fruit being dried. The nut inside this fruit is known as betel nut or supari. The third picture shows the flowering stage and the ripened fruit. The ripened fruits are dried, and the nut is taken out. The nut is psychoactive and can be addictive. It is a stimulant and a carcinogen in itself. Chewing areca nut results in exposure to alkaloids, including arecoline, which is reported to have cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. In its 2004 and 2012 evaluations on the carcinogenic risks to humans from areca (betel) nuts, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that areca nut chewed with or without tobacco causes oral cancer in humans. Indian culture and tradition hold areca nut and betel leaves in high esteem. Considered an auspicious ingredient in Hinduism, the areca nut is still used along with betel leaf in religious ceremonies and also while honouring individuals in most of Southern Asia. #arecanut #supari #betelnut #carcinogen #agriculture #arecanutpalm #auspicious #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #live #livehealthy #stopbetelnutchewing
Bye, Switzerland. Returning home. #swisstravel #switzerland #swiss #zurich #qatarairways #travelphotography #travelgram #traveller #traveling #backhome #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #oryx #flight #flightview #businesstravel @qatarairways
The Sadashiva (Eternal Shiva) at Elephanta is a masterpiece done during the Hindu Renaissance period, somewhere around the 6th century. Although you see 3 faces, it is a depiction of Panchmukha Shiva. The fourth face behind is implied, and the fifth immanent face transcends the sight of mortals and is therefore never carved. On the viewer's left is the Aghora (with serpent locks and serpent in hand), the fierce and terrifying aspect of Shiva. In contrast, on the viewer's right side, is the face of Vamadeva/Uma. This beautiful , pleasing, and feminine part of Shiva is seen holding a lotus. The central face of Mahadeva/Tatpurusha with an elaborate head-dress is symbolic of absolute knowledge. #elephanta #elephantacaves #unescoworldheritage #archeologicalsite #ancienthistory #hindirenaissance #sadashiva #panchamukhashiva #trimurthi #aghora #vamadeva #uma #mahadeva #tatpurusha #hindugods #hindu #hindureligion #hinduart #religion #shiva #bharat #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #mumbaidarshan #mumbaidiaries #travelindia #maharastratourism
What happens next? Option 1: The gull picks the ship and flies away Option 2: The gull pecks and damages the ship Option 3: Fearing the gull attach, the ship changes its course #brownheadedgull #gull #gullattack #seagull #mumbai #myshot #elephanta #cameratiming #shot #arabiansea #picoftheday #2024 #birdphotography #bird_brilliance #birdplanet #bird_watchers_daily #bird_private #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #naturearoundus #nature #natureshots
The Bible is #stillspeaking. As we advance in years, strength and power need not become an illusion. #biblicalcoach #mindset #lifecoach #agingwithgrace
“Hidden Things” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa O everlasting God, you are the one who knows hidden things, who knows all things before their genesis. – Susanna 31:42 (as translated in A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year W) One of the more terrifying aspects of the dark is just how disorienting it is. In complete darkness—if we’re sighted—even our own hands are beyond our perception. Darkness also presents directional challenges; without a light source, we have no idea where to go. We can experience states of spiritual disorientation, too. Often, though not exclusively, sparked by the incredibly difficult moments of our lives, it can feel like our prayers reach out to a darkened void. Here in the northern hemisphere, these longest of December nights put a cosmic rhythm to this spiritual state. When we cannot see where to go on these long nights, our cries to God become all the more urgent. We need our orientation. We need our Star of Bethlehem. Susanna was in a moment of darkness. Everywhere she turned, she faced an unthinkable void. Bereft and betrayed, Susanna made her final appeal. This was it: life or death. And in that moment, she cried out to the God who “knows hidden things.” Our God sees in the dark. Genesis happens in the dark. When I am in the dark: I give it a hug. I open my arms and let the darkness respond to my other senses. When I can’t see, I feel instead. Prayer How resplendent it is to experience reliable embrace. I come to you, O Genesis, I come. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
“Hidden Things” – A United Church of Christ #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by The Rev. Kaji Douŝa O everlasting God, you are the one who knows hidden things, who knows all things before their genesis. – Susanna 31:42 (as translated in A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year W) One of the more terrifying aspects of the dark is just how disorienting it is. In complete darkness—if we’re sighted—even our own hands are beyond our perception. Darkness also presents directional challenges; without a light source, we have no idea where to go. We can experience states of spiritual disorientation, too. Often, though not exclusively, sparked by the incredibly difficult moments of our lives, it can feel like our prayers reach out to a darkened void. Here in the northern hemisphere, these longest of December nights put a cosmic rhythm to this spiritual state. When we cannot see where to go on these long nights, our cries to God become all the more urgent. We need our orientation. We need our Star of Bethlehem. Susanna was in a moment of darkness. Everywhere she turned, she faced an unthinkable void. Bereft and betrayed, Susanna made her final appeal. This was it: life or death. And in that moment, she cried out to the God who “knows hidden things.” Our God sees in the dark. Genesis happens in the dark. When I am in the dark: I give it a hug. I open my arms and let the darkness respond to my other senses. When I can’t see, I feel instead. Prayer How resplendent it is to experience reliable embrace. I come to you, O Genesis, I come. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
"There is a God who still speaks, and he wants to speak powerfully not only to you but through you." -Jennifer Eivaz Harvest Ministry Network #jennifereivaz #leadershiptip #stillspeaking
"There is a God who still speaks, and He wants to speak powerfully not only to you but through you." -Jennifer Eivaz, Harvest Ministry Network #jennifereivaz #leadertip #stillspeaking
This is today's collection from my garden. Yes, I leave flowers in the plants for the bees and butterfly. #gardenflowers #flowers #flowerbasket #pluckingflowers #plucking #floral #mygarden #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenview #gard #gardenlife #gardenstory #garden #flora #floral #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #smellofflowers #basketofflowers #hibiscus #plumeria #coraljasmine #geranium #mandaram #bauhinia
"There is a God who still speaks, and he wants to speak powerfully not only to you but through you." -Jennifer Eivaz #jennifereivaz #leadershiptip #stillspeaking
“Fear’s Other” – A United Church of Christ #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa Do not fear, woman, for you will not be ashamed woman; do not feel humiliated woman for you will not be disgraced woman. For the shame of your youth woman, you will forget woman, and the stigma of your widowhood, woman, you will never remember, woman. - Isaiah 54:4 (as translated in A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year W) I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can about fear. The vast majority of my most egregious mistakes are, in one way or another, connected to my fears. When I’m humiliated and disgraced, I fear that the humiliating object will define me and that others won’t love me. When I’m facing stigma, I fear that I will be isolated forever and no one will love me. Out of these fears I make my very worst decisions. God knows this, of course. God knows how afraid we are of abandonment, how scary it is to think that we could be unlovable and unloved. God knows where that road leads. Through the prophet, God speaks and says: Release that fear. Release your shame. With me there is no stigma. I am the Holy One, Your God, and nothing can shake my love. That means you, beloved. You in your mistakes. You in the dark of night. You in the secrets of your mind. You with your past. You. You are God’s own, God’s redeemed. Step into the light. Prayer Whoa, God. When I truly believe in your unquenchable love, I am blown away. Thank you. Hallelujah. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/ Click here to get today’s guide for discussing Fear’s Other by Kaji Douša along with today’s scripture: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/daily-devotional-for-small-group-discussion-fears-other/?inf_contact_key=d6ffb9247e7f3a9fc3dac89846eabd331b0a3f0fd3ee5d9b43fb34c6613498d7
The Al Wasl Dome at Dubai Expo City is the world's largest interactive, immersive dome. Tonight, for the first day of COP 28, it has transformed to a projection screen. See the short video at the end. #alwasldome #dubai #dubai🇦🇪 #dubaiexpocity #dubaiexpo #cop28 #cop28uae #cop28dubai #traveling #travelphotography #travelgram #travel #traveller #businesstravel #lights #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #anotherday
Dawn sight from CHALAKUDY PUZHA. Chalakudy puzha or river is one of the important rivers in Kerala. It is known for its diversity of fish and studies have documented 104 species, including 22 endangered and 9 critically endangered species. #chalakudy #chalakudypuzha #river #puzha #riverbasin #riversofkerala #keralariver #keralagodsowncountry #keralagram #keralagallery #kerala🌴 #keralasnaps #kerala #keralam #kerala360 #keralatourism #keralajunction #keralaattraction #keraladiaries #keralanature #biodiversity #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #dawn #goodmorning
Dew drops on a spider web built between leaves. #web #spiderweb #dew #wintermorning #weboflife #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #naturalhabitat #naturearoundus #nature #naturephotography #naturalbeauty #naturegram #naturebrilliance #natureshots #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #mygarden #myshot
“Move” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa Jesus said, “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20-21 (NRSV) If you are like anyone I’ve encountered, there are gaps between who you are right now and who you would hope to be. You may not know what you want to change, but you know something must change. Some day. Maybe you’re just wondering: how? Change is so hard that we tend to wait for it just to happen. Our resistance to meaningful change—even change that would benefit us greatly—is incredibly powerful. Beloved: you are more powerful. You hold this power because it is your God-given birthright. When God formed you in the womb, when God gave you life at your first breath and every breath you’ve taken since, when God imbued you with blessing, when God created and continues to create within you, not only has God not been mistaken. God does these things—with and within you—and calls it good. Understand what this means: you do not have to wait for anything to be whole and well. This work is so hard that, at times, it may feel impossible. It’s a journey so hard that it may seem that there’s an unscalable mountain in your way. In fact, there is. But here’s what Jesus said about mountains: Your faith can move them. With God, you will move a mountain. May today be another day in which you move closer to that miraculous movement God has in store for you. Prayer God bless this mountain. Let’s move, together. Selah. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
The Way - The New Old Way After nearly 6 months of sermons, small groups, conversations, reflections...we have come to the end of the Sermon on the Mount. A final reflection upon the new old Way of Jesus. Full reflection at link in bio #sermononthemount #theway #stillspeaking @unitedchurchofchrist @pcusa
Strike a pose ! The second largest butterfly in India and the state butterfly of Karnataka. Endemic to South India. Southern Birdwing It created a ❤️ sign using its wings while tasting nectar from the white jungle flame in our garden. #southernbirdwing #butterfly #butterflies #butterfliesofindia #butterfliesofinstagram #butterfliesofkerala #mygarden #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #pose #strikeapose #endemic #naturalhabitat #naturearoundus #naturephotography #naturebrilliance #coloursofnature #whitejungleflame #keralagallery #keraladiaries #naturalbeauty #fluttering #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenvisitor
HAPPY diwali to all. 🎆 May this Diwali bring you new opportunities, new achievements, and new dreams. #diwali #diwalidecorations #diwalivibes✨ #diwali💥 #diwalicelebrations💥 #diwali2023 #diwalispecial💥 #diwalispecial💥 #diwalidecor #festival #celebration #hindufestival #hindufestivals #lights #festivaloflights #festival #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #wishes #peace #prosperity
“Cleanse” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him. – Matthew 3:16 (NRSV) One day, I found Bikram Yoga. I didn’t know anything about the revelations that would come out about Bikram himself or the community and its issues. I just knew it as really hot yoga in a room of people who pushed themselves to a brink. It was controlled and timed and choreographed and predictable. It was exactly as I needed; I started to go every day. But there was one part of the Bikram Sequence that challenged me: camel pose. Ustrasana. Camel wasn’t hard for me, physically. Camel was hard for me because of what it asked of my spirit. You see, the camel pose is designed to open up the heart. But my heart didn’t want to be open. Trauma said: no. So I sat it out for a while. Ancient Christian rites have specific sequences of movement built into liturgy. Before we go to the table of nourishment, for example, we unburden. We confess, repent, and receive forgiveness. Even before the table, our initiatory ritual—baptism—is the movement of cleansing. It flushes out the toxicity of past experiences and bathes a person forever in God’s grace. My work to prepare to open my heart revealed that I had missed a step in the sequence. I had released the toxins in my body. But I hadn’t flushed them out. So I did a cleanse: a physical fast as well as a spiritual cleanse. A flush of toxins as well as a prayer: here God, take it; cleanse me. And then I was ready. I began the yoga sequence. But this time, when we got to the camel, my heart opened—and God opened a channel that any time I need, I can go right back to it. Cleansing, again. Letting the light in. Being made whole. Prayer Open my heart, God. Cleanse me. I’m ready. Selah. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
“Risk of Fall” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. – Isaiah 40:31a (NRSV) On July 10, 2019, Zaheer Ali had an unthinkable accident, and consequently spent months in the hell of trying to save his leg. He shared: “Part of my rehabilitation involved re-learning not just how to walk, but how to live with (and manage) the risk of falling.” With every step, something within us is working with the risk of falling. Who hasn’t fallen at some point in life? Consider a toddler. We toddle—which involves quite a bit of falling—before we walk. Falling is encoded in the act of walking. But what do we do with that risk? Do we keep moving? Or do we stay still? Zaheer’s ordeal helped him to realize that he, like so many able-bodied people, had taken walking for granted. But now, he considers the blessing of every step. And in that consideration, he invites us to take a moment to step with purpose. His instructions: Study the context. Consider all options. Make a plan for how to succeed … All before taking the first step! We still might fall. But when we step forward in the Lord, when we take the time to wait on the Lord, our very help in times of trial, then God will bear us up. That’s the road before us. The promise of our faith. Your strength is coming, beloved. Prayer Thank you for bearing me up on eagle’s wings, God. Selah. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
That's right friends, we're entering #SpookySeason! Join us on Sunday, October 29 after our service for some pumpkin decorating for all ages! We'll be outside weather permitting, and there will be light refreshments provided. Hope to see you there! #FCGL #UCC #AllAreWelcome #OpenAndAffirming #BeTheChurch #StillSpeaking [image description: an illustration of three jack-o-lanterns stacked on each other. Text reads All ages pumpkin decorating. Sunday October 29, after service (12:00 pm). Free, light refreshments, outdoors (weather permitting)]
“The Cave” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. – Psalm 142:1-2 (NIV) Psalm 142 is a prayer of David offered from the time “when he was in the cave.” Are you in the cave, too? Is someone else who you know there, too? We all find our way into the cave at one time or another. We all find ourselves in places where we find no light but the match we cannot seem to find. There is a mouth to the cave, there is an exit. But is it safe to go? The responses that others offer us in our laments help us to know whether or not the world outside the cave is a place where we will be embraced. If a lament is not your song today, how can you call into a cave where someone else is waiting? If you are in the cave, where can you call knowing that your “complaint” will be honored rather than ignored? If you are in church leadership, how can you help to make room for every bit of this? No matter what the people around you do, know that – cave or not – God embraces it all. You are honored, beloved and known. Prayer “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name,” O God. For in you, we find our true freedom, the opening of the gate, the mouth of the cave. Help us into your promised land. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
“Kitten Heel Ministry” – A United Church of Christ #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa O give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever! – Psalm 118:1 (NRSV, adapted) I would love to tell you about a ministry that changed how I think about my faith: Darell Hunt (@noontnoont)’s Kitten Heel Ministry. I’ll confess that when I first came across this, I personally owned a couple of pairs of my own. There’s no shame here. Just help. In his words: From a place of physics? They’re just not a good start to one’s day. The slightest disruption can RUIN an ankle. And? a Kitten Heel will stress out the rest of the foot. And he’s right! We rely on our feet, and our footwear, to take us places. But in order to get there, we need a strong base and proper support. We need to make choices that don’t cause stress that we know we could avoid. Darell’s central question is: Why wouldn’t you give yourself a surer foundation? I love this illustration for many reasons, and I just want to say: you don’t have to wear heels to get it. But you can imagine how destabilizing it could be to teeter on thin slabs of material. And my contention is: a lot of us do quite a bit of spiritual teetering. Because we give ourselves waaaaay too unstable a spiritual base to stand on. A lot of us are walking around with some Kitten Heel Faith. Wobbling on a base that just isn’t supportive enough. When we try to make God into a kitten heel: too small. Too narrow. Too limited. Too much a figment of our own imaginations. Instead of God, the maker of the universe and all that dwelleth within… we place our hopes on limited things. That’s not enough for our God, who wants your hope to have more strength and girth to it. No kitten heels faith, beloved! Our God is so much more. Prayer On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand*… And: kitten heels. Selah. *Edward Mote, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” (public domain) The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The @unitedchurchofchrist: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
Face it with the smile, my boy. #son #darkart #light #darkandlight #playwithlight #evening #justashot #picoftheday #picturebyevening #canon #canoneos90d #teenage #justdoit #face #portraitphotography #portait #stillspeaking #liveconsciously
Far away rises in the east, the fruit that resembles ruby. (Rough translation of the song) #risingsun #sunrise #masaimarasunrise #masaimara #masaimarasafari #masaimaranationalpark #kenyansafari #sunrise_and_sunset #sunriseoftheday #skypatterns #skypainters #sky #skyshot #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #cloudedsky #clouds #cloudpatterns #dawn #naturearoundus #life #lifeonearth #savannah #africansafari
“Making the Case” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa “For saying that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.” – Mark 7:29 (NRSV) The Syrophoenician woman was bold to make her ask of him. He’d drawn himself away from the crowds, not wanting anyone to know he was there. But this woman was intrepid. And she found Jesus and she made her case with him. Her daughter had an affliction described as “an unclean spirit” and she was not going to stop until her child was safe and well. The conversation was not easy. Jesus’ mind was elsewhere, his priorities different. By showing up, she made herself a priority. Every day people facing desperation make their way across our borders while we, as a nation, focus on other things. Almost universally, their decisions to come have to do with the need to make their children well, safe—either here with them, or sending home the fruits of income they cannot earn there. What a person can bear herself becomes quite different when a child is at stake. The Syrophoenician woman—an outsider to Jesus’ people—would be considered out of line. She would have broken several codes to enter a place uninvited to make her case before the Lord. This is what it means to face a life-or-death decision for a child. And people make them every single day as they risk their lives to show up at our borders. If only we were as merciful as Jesus. Instead? We treat them as if they are less than human and house them in cages unfit for animals. (And spare me the emails: I have seen them myself). We assume that they are criminals—as if this removes their human rights. We focus on the laws they break rather than the compassion they need. How dare we not act more like Jesus? The Syrophoenician woman needed her chance to tell her story, to argue her case. Jesus removed the barriers for her to do so. Are you ready to help remove ours? Prayer God of compassion, renewal, God who at the end of the day will still listen: can we do the same? Can we please follow Jesus? Can you help our family, friends and neighbors to do the same? May we please be the Sanctuary you already are? In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The tear in the sky and what it reveals. #dusksky #dusk #planepics #picfromplanewindow #picfromplane #sunset #sunsetview #skypatterns #skypainters #sky #clouds #cloudedsky #skyshot #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #flight #travelphotography #travel #traveller #mobilephotography #samsungs23ultra #samsungphotography
The dusk sky today. #dusksky #goldenhour #twilight #goldensky #skypatterns #skypainters #dusk #sunset #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #anotherday #sky #nature #earth #samsungs23ultra #samsungphotography #mobilephotography #visualsoflife #clouds #chakravalam #keralagallery #keralam
The view of the Savannah from the hot air balloon as we decend. #savannah #masaimara #masaimaranationalpark #kenya #masaimarasafari #hotairballoon #ballonsafari #adventure #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #masaimarakenya #firsttime #onceinalifetime #uniqueexperience #vacation #familyvacation #overthemara #safari #kenyansafari #kenyantourism
Happy 24th anniversary Mr M4nn! 👰🏻♀️🤵🏻🥂🍾 #weddinganniversary #24years #stillspeaking #champagne #celebrate #celebration #happyanniversary #happy #instagram
“Missing Jesus” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @pastorkaji Douŝa And Jesus could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. – Mark 6:5-6 (NRSV) There he was. Jesus—Lord God himself—right in front of them. The people of Capernaum were seeking something. But they weren’t seeking Jesus. And as they looked to all the wrong places? They missed the blessings Jesus was ready to share. The people were looking everywhere around God except to God. Which we do sometimes, don’t we? The thrilling or the avoidant, the lashing out, the suspicion, the conspiracies, the ways we—or so many—try to make it through and past all the horror we have experienced, collectively and individually. I see it in my hometown of New York City, and I see it in this story from Capernaum. Sometimes we look to the wrong places for relief, when Jesus is standing right in front of us. And for those who would? Who risked the faith to let God help them? They got their blessing. I’m not saying they got this right every day. I’m not claiming that they were particularly righteous otherwise. They just risked the faith. And they were healed. Prayer May we, the many, learn from the few. And may the blessings grow. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
The largest eagle in Africa and the strongest in its species, the apex predator, but its current status is endangered. I was lucky to spot the Martial Eagle at Masai Mara. #martialeagle #bootedeagle #eagle #eagles #bigboss #bigbird #kenyanbirds #kenyanbirder #kenyansafari #masaimarasafari #masaimarasafari #masaimaranationalpark #masaimarakenya #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #apexpredator #endangered #endangeredspecies #iucnredlist #majestic #martial #predator #bird_watchers_daily #birdsofkenya #naturalhabitat
Do you see the blue eye shadow/shade? The Little Bee-Eater from Masai Mara #birdsofkenya #kenyanbirder #kenyanbirds #littlebeeeater #smallbird #blueeyeshadow #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #masaimarasafari #masaimara #masaimaranationalpark #masaimarakenya #birdphotography #bird_brilliance #bird_watchers_daily #bird_private #beeeater #coloursofnature #birdplumage #bird #birdplanet #kenyansafari #kenyantourism #biodiversity #naturalhabitat #naturearoundus
Sunset at Masai Mara. Clouds bring a character to the sky. #sunset #sunsetphotography #masaimara #maratriangle #masaimaranationalpark #masaimarasafari #masaimarakenya #kenyansafari #sky #skypatterns #skypainters #clouds #vacation #familyvacation #marainterpids #marainterpidscamp #safari #africansafari #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #eveningsky #dusk #dusksky #horizon #endoftheday #samsungphotography #mobilephotography @prabhjeet10 @my.travellersdiary
Watching the sunset over Naivasha Lake. #kenya #kenyansafari #lakenaivasha #sunset #sunsetoverlake #sunsetlovers #sunsetphotography #naivasha #samsungs23ultra #samsungphotography #kenyantourism #riftvalley #africanriftvalley #lake #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #vacation #travelphotography #travelgram #lovetravel #lakenaivashasopalodge #lovelyview #lovethesunset @prabhjeet10 @my.travellersdiary
It has been some time since I travelled Indian Railways. Crossing Walayar, the border between Kerala and Tamilnadu. Do you see a sign board? See the second picture for the closeup. There have been a number of accidents in the past with fatal results for elephants. Now I understand that the railways have built 2 underpass for elephants to pass. #indianrailways #train #trainjourney #walayar #kerala #keralagallery #keraladiaries #travelphotography #travel #travelgram #traveling #traveller #lovetravel #indian #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #animalhumanconflict #humananimalconflict #
FCUCC Grand Ledge is thrilled to partner with @righttobeorg to bring Grand Ledge and MI this opportunity for free training in bystander intervention. As we seek to dismantle the culture of harassment, hate speech, and violence, this training will give you basic tools on how to safely intervene in public. This is a virtual training and can be accessed at home on your own device or in a group at our church. Click the link in our bio for more information- this is a virtual training, and you can log on from home, or join us at the church to participate. #UCC #FCGL #BeTheChurch #StillSpeaking #AllAreWelcome #OpenAndAffirming #SocialJustice #Community #GrandLedge [image description: all images are drawings. In the background is an outline of the earth and two doves in a pale green. At the bottom, there are twelve people looking to the left, representing a wide variety of races, ethnicities, skin and hair color, and clothing style. Text overlay reads: "Bystander Training, FCUCC Grand Ledge & Online. September 5, 2023"]
“The Other Side” – a @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” – Mark 4:35 (NRSV) Once upon a time, someone convinced me to join her on a [dreaded] silent retreat. I was at my wit’s end—what with the endless noise around me—so I begrudgingly agreed. I wish I could tell you that as soon as I stepped foot on the lush grounds of the center and put my duffel bag down on that humble twin mattress and looked out the window and smelled the freshly cut grass and beheld the perfectly tended gardens that something in me started to get it. But I didn’t. The silence felt loud and oppressive. But God told me to give it time. To give it a minute. And in the silence, I realized that my day-to-day mind and I are well-acquainted. But the soft part, the quiet part, the part that needs permission to say things? It only started to ask, “May I have a turn now?” in the silence. It had things to say, like: Can we go ahead and talk about this thing you’ve boxed over here? Can we open the box? See it? Surround it with light? Hand it over to God? Because I’m tired of sitting on this box and holding down the lid. It takes so much out of me. Out of you. In the silence, we can open it together. All of this happened in the very silence I dreaded. Jesus would often take a moment to “get to the other side.” And I’d submit to you that this is a crucial spiritual discipline. My invitation to you is this: take the time to retreat to the other side. It doesn’t have to cost a dime. But find your space for silence. Even if that sounds impossible or like the worst thing in the world. If you follow Jesus, you follow what he did. Let the silent healers within you speak. Prayer Thank you forming my inmost parts, O God. Thank you for healing me. Selah. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
A proud day for all Indians. Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed. There are a couple of unique dimensions to this mission. 1. Landed on the moon's south pole, an unexplored region that is thought to be rich in water ice. (We should know soon). This is the first time a country is landing on the south pole of moon. 2. Chandrayaan-3 mission's entire cost is roughly ₹650 ($75 million) crore. As per Elon Musk's X post, It is less than half the cost of making the movie "Interstellar". Super proud. #chandrayaan3 #proudindian #proudofindia #moon #moonmission #space #isro #indianspaceresearchorganisation #indianspacemission #superproud #expressyourself #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #myindia #india #spacemission #interstellar
The best seat in my garden. Neorthacris is a genus of wingless grasshoppers found in South Asia, mainly in peninsular India. #seat #throne #vantage #grasshopper #neorthacris #homegarden #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #bestseat #luxury #naturalhabitat #naturearoundus #naturephotography #mygarden #nature #insectworld #green
There is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her young. Captured this picture today morning. You can see the claws out. Ready to punch anyone coming closer. #motherhood #motherprotectingherchild #clawsout #donotdare #danger #mother #kitten #cat #catsofinstagram #catoftheday #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #morningsight #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #motherandchild #kittenlife #protection #protectivemother #sightsaroundus #motherslove
Friendly Neighborhood Spider. A species of Spotted Orb-weaver webs in our neighborhood. #friendlyneighborhoodspiderman #friendlyneighborhood #spider #spottedorbweaver #neosconascylla #gardenchronicles #gardenshots #gardenphotography #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #nature #naturephotography #naturegram #naturearoundus #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #web #trap #hunt #waiting #mygarden #naturebrilliance #naturalhabitat #spottedorbweaver #orbweaver
Simple rule of nature - Hunt or be Hunted. Heavy Bodied Jumper kills a Common Grass Yellow butterfly. These spiders are also called Semi-Coppered Heavy Jumper. Witnessed this yesterday in my garden. #gardenchronicles #heavybodiedjumper #semicopperedheavyjumper #spider #attack #kill #killforfood #predatorandprey #hunt #hunter #hunted #rulesofnature #gardenlife #gardenphotography #mygarden #gardenvisitor #gardenview #gardenstory #commongrassyellow #endoflife #gardenshots #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #dangerlurks #witness
Tiranga (Tri-colour) from my garden. Happy Independence Day #happyindependenceday #india #independenceday #independence #happyindependenceday🇮🇳 #flag #indianflag #tiranga #tiranga🇮🇳 #indianflag🇮🇳 #jaihind #maatujhesalaam #janaganamana #nation #azaadi #sarejahanseacha #hindustan #bharat #stillspeaking #liveconsciously #loveindia #desh #pride #salute #freedom
Face off with Two-Striped Telamonia in my garden. #twostripedtelamonia #twostripedjumper #jumpingspider #spider #insectworld #insectgram #insectsinmygarden #mygarden #mygardenstory #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #faceoff #aggression #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardensights #gardenchronicles #gardenphoto #gardenshots #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #telamoniadimidiata #nativespecies #naturearoundus #natureshots #naturalhabitat
“Selah” – A United Church of Christ #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. – Psalm 46:11 (NRSV) My child is at an age where they love to categorize things in order of favorites. What’s your favorite color/song/artist/pair of shoes, etc. they ask. A lot. And I don’t think of things this way anymore, so that’s rough on me to answer. But one day, they asked a question I was ready to answer! “What’s your favorite word in the Bible?” And this one was easy. It’s: Selah. Selah is a curious, beautiful word that we find throughout the Psalms. It’s somewhat challenging to pinpoint a very clear definition of this word, Selah. But here’s where I’ve landed: Selah is a liturgical instruction. You see, the Psalms were read in community, again and again, to do what the Lord commanded: write these instructions on my heart. The Psalms write some instructions on our hearts. They give us a map for where to go. They give us language for worship that we can hear and say, on repeat, in the sanctuary, to take home and remember when we need them. And whenever the Psalm instructed: Selah? That meant, take a moment. Take a moment to give praise to the One who makes all things possible. Take a moment to remember God and to lift your head to the skies. Take a moment because you can’t do this on your own, nor do you have to. Take a moment because our God will not leave or forsake you. Selah. Your God deserves this time. Selah. You need this time. Selah. God is your refuge and strength. Selah. God is your help. Selah. Let this moment of devotion inspire a moment for or to: Selah. Prayer Take your praise break. Give glory to God. Selah throughout the day and watch your spirit: rise. Selah. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
Observe the stillness in water. Not even a ripple. I was feeling as if nature froze for me to take this picture. #stillspeaking #backwaters #kerala #keralam #keralagramam #keralagram #keralagodsowncountry #keralagallery #keralabackwaters #keralawaterways #keraladiaries #keralastory #keralaattraction #keralasnaps #kerala_gram #godsowncountry #liveconsiously #keralaphotography #monsooninkerala #morningshot #samsungs23ultra #samsungphotography #keralabeauty #naturearoundus
ഒരു മെക്സിക്കൻ അപാരത The Mexican sunflower blooms in my garden. A Neothacris (wingless grasshopper) visits the flower. #orumexicanaparatha #mexicanrevolution #flowerphotography #flowermagic #flower_daily #flowers #gardening #gardenflowers #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardensights #garden_flowers #gardenchronicles #gardenphoto #gardenshots #gardenstory #gardenlife #neothacris #grasshopper #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #gardenvisitor #mygardenstory #orangesunflowers #orangeflowers
While you trust the breeze, don't close your wings. I was fortunate to get some good shots of the Black-crowned Night Herons. They are mostly active during dusk and night. Night-heron adaptations to night-hunting include their huge, widely separated eyes, which are likely associated with superior visual ability over a range of natural light levels. #blackcrownednightheron #nightheron #redeye #birdsinflight #flight #flightofbirds #dusk #heron #birdflightphotography #birdpose #birdphotography #birdshots #bird_brilliance #birdsofkerala #birdlovers #birds_captures #birdplanet #birdsaroundus #bird_watchers_daily #birdwatching #bird_private #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #naturearoundus #natureshots
A normal sight in Kerala. Fisherman selling Indian Macheral or Ayala Meen as known locally. I have heard from others that it is one of the tastiest fish. (I am vegetarian) He was selling it today a Kg for Rs.100. #ayala #ayalafish #macheral #indianmacheral #seafish #fisherman #keralagram #keralagallery #kerala #keralabackwaters #keralam #keralatourism #keraladiaries #livelihood #stillspeaking #kunduvakadavu_bridge #liveconsiously #fishing #keralafish #keralagodsowncountry #food #keralafood #kerala_360
This morning, there was a lot of calling by this person. Finally (see last photo), the calling ended after finding the prime property. #storkbilledkingfisher #kingfisher #kingofgoodtimes #gardenvisitor #gardensights #gardenstory #birdphotography #birdshots #birdsofkerala #bird_brilliance #birdplanet #birdsaroundus #bird_watchers_daily #redlips #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #naturearoundus #naturephotography #natureshots #naturalhabitat #nature_brilliance #neelaponman #ponman #birds_captures #birdcall #bird_private
Some journeys are meant to be alone. A shining Vespa in front of Saint Nicholas Fort at Rhodes Island, Greece. A stand-alone fort at the end of the jetty of the Mandraki port of Rhodes. It was built between 1460 and 1467. #rhodesisland #rhodesgreece #saintnicholasfortress #vespa #vespaworld #greece #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #traveltheworld #traveleurope #travelphotography #travelgreece #travelblogger #mandrakiport #frame #solotravel #solo #alone #single #justme #redhot
“Life” – A @UnitedChurchofChrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa …because God did not make death, and does not delight in the death of the living. For God created all things so that they might exist; the generative forces of the world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them, and the dominion of Hades is not on earth. – Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-14 (NRSV, adapted) I know that it has been a comfort to many to think that God has “taken” the lives of the ones they have loved and lost to death. They “pass” from this life to the next, “called home” by God, “crossing to the other side” of the River Jordan and “freedom” in eternal life. I won’t write to contradict these comforts for those who call on them. But I do have one nuance to offer: In the continuum of life to death to resurrected life again, the life part is God. But never the death. God is life. I appreciate this text from the Wisdom of Solomon. Death is not God. “God does not delight in the death of the living. God created all things so that they might exist,” not to die. Death is real and present. And whatever language of comfort we might employ (or avoid), the faith of the resurrected Christ is one in which something might kill, but that something is not God. I believe the apostle Paul is right to say: there is no victory in death. There may be a sting, though. And if the death of a loved one stings you, the wisdom of this text is this: it stings God, too. God’s answer to death is God’s answer to everything: life. Prayer Thank you, God, for life, for the force that generates wholeness, for the everlasting antidote to the destructive poisons of the world. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
Caterpillar spotted this evening in the garden. Common crow butterfly caterpillar #caterpillar #commoncrow #commoncrowbutterfly #butterfly #butterfliesofkerala #gardenview #gardenphotography #gardensights #gardenchronicles #gardenphoto #gardenshots #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #naturearoundus #naturephotography #natureshots #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #nature_brilliance #mygardenstory #eveningshot #insectworld #insectgram
“Soft Summer” – A @unitedchurchofchrist #StillSpeaking #DailyDevotional by @PastorKaji Douŝa For God ordered the seasons and the boundaries of their habitation. – Acts 17:26b (as adapted in A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church: Year A) Many people from my church have set the intention for the blessing of a “soft summer” this year. So have I. In soft summer, my spirit is open. Not wide open, there are boundaries. But I make the clear choice that I will open myself to things more than I’m wont to do. In soft summer, joy a must. The question, “Will this bring joy?” becomes a key component in my decision-making matrix. And that joy leads to seeking and maintaining meaningful connections – with others, and especially with God. Soft living includes listening for and to God as a way of life – in the good times and the rough spots, too. Living softly, you take your mistakes, lick their wounds as necessary and then: learn. Because soft living means being gentle with yourself and with others. Living softly can eventually bring you to the place, in conflict, to see that the other is “doing as much as they can with what they have at the time.” They can say that about themselves as well. This doesn’t mean that living softly dismisses accountability; it just holds compassion in the process. Living softly embraces tenderness – the opposite of edgy – which means that you trust God, and you trust the people who have earned it. And you trust yourself. In soft living, we accept fluidity. We move with the Spirit God has sent us. Are you interested in living softly, together? Prayer God, help me to embrace my own tenderness. Make this a soft summer. I’m ready to elevate. Amen. The “StillSpeaking Daily Devotional” series is produced by The United Church of Christ: https://www.ucc.org/daily-devotional/
Yesterday evening, in between a short break between rains, on a very cloudy low light, this beauty came fluttering into my garden. It never rests on the flowers. The wings are in continuous flutter. This is not a common visitor, and hence, I did not want to miss my chance. This is the Southern Birdwing, or the Sahayadri Brirdwing. Endemic to South India and the second largest butterfly in India. It is also the state butterfly 🦋 of Karnataka. #southernbirdwing #butterflies #sahayadribirdwing #troidesminos #endemic #butterfliesofindia #yellowandblack #beauty #beautyinmygarden #gardenview #gardenflowers #gardenphotography #gardensights #gardenchronicles #gardenphoto #gardenshots #gardenlife #gardenvisitor #gardenstory #nativespecies #naturearoundus #naturephotography #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #coloursofnature
Days two and three of Synod brought more intriguing images during worship, @bryanstevenson1959 author of "Just Mercy," the @openandaffirmingucc banquet, and the keynote from @sarcasticlutheran. Have you watched any of the Livestream? #ucc #fcgl #BeTheChurch #StillSpeaking #AllAreWelcome #GeneralSynod
While pastor Laura is at @unitedchurchofchrist general synod, she's sharing a few of her favorite moments with us. The first day included stunning images for worship, the @michiganucc delegates table, and @ibramxk ! "Race neutral is the new separate but equal " #ucc #fcgl #BeTheChurch #StillSpeaking #GeneralSynod #AntiRacist
Same bird, different background. #greenbeeeater #beeeater #smallbird #closeup #birdportrait #birdphotography #birdpose #birdshots #bird_brilliance #birdsofkerala #birdlovers #birds_captures #birdplanet #birdsaroundus #birdcolors #bird_watchers_daily #birdsofwesternghats #bird_private #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #nativespecies #naturearoundus #naturephotography #natureshots #nature_brilliance
Another Munia. The White Rumped Munia or the White Rumped Mannikin. #whiterumpedmunia #munia #whiterumpedmannikin #finch #birdphotography #birdpose #birdshots #birdofwesternghat #bird_brilliance #birdsofkerala #birdlovers #birds_captures #birdplanet #birdsaroundus #birdcolors #bird_watchers_daily #birdwatching #birdsofwesternghats #bird_private #stillspeaking #liveconsiously #naturearoundus #naturephotography #natureshots #nature_brilliance #biodiversity