Ann Brubaker Greenleaf Wirtz
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The Old Photograph

4/12/2015

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Invocation for the Henderson County Genealogical and Historical Society Meeting, April 11, 2015; Ann Greenleaf Wirtz
  Program:  Unlocking the Hidden Treasures of the Baker Barber Photo Collection; Presenter, Ron Partin

Give me an old photograph, any day,
Life captured in black and white;
The lines, the edges, and curves
Clearly defined by the dark and the light:
The natural world a seeming silhouette, simple and pure, wild and epic;
The structure a declarative statement, sturdy and bold, grand and poor;
The people a reflective study, somber and joyful, family and stranger;
Our curiosity taking hold,
We pause to contemplate:
What was life like back then?
How were challenges met?
Did faith make the difference, as now for some?
Our imagination is set to wondering,
For color gives clues and color gives facts,
But black and white is a mystery waiting to be told.


Dear Father, Life has many mysteries that arouse our curiosity.  When we contemplate the past through the old photograph, through the old writing, through the old keepsake, we are struck by the scope of time and by all that has happened...and by all that has changed.  We are grateful that You alone are unchanging, Your love ever constant as events unfold, and time marches on, and mysteries mount.  Thank You for clues, for memories, for faith that protects and saves in the darkest hour.  Thank You for life abundant through the ages, the thread of life that has overcome war and famine and disease.  As we contemplate the past, we pray for Your continued guidance and mercy on the future.
In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.







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April 05th, 2015

4/5/2015

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a F.I.N.D. ~ Choosing Hope

 
Happy Easter!

As I contemplate the wonder of Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus from the tomb ~ Hallelujah! ~ I seek a greater understanding of what it means to believe in this Day of days… what does it actually mean to believe in Jesus?

Why Jesus, anyway?

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life (John 8:12 NKJV).

Light brings clarity: 

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 118:105 KJV).

The Word of God brings us clarity about Jesus:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5 NASB).

How is it possible to love and hope in Him?

We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19 NKJV).

Why believe in Jesus?

We believe because our hope comes from Him:

My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold, I shall not be shaken (Psalm 62:5-6 NASB).

Happy Easter, indeed!

 

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