A young pastor in an old denomination
I recently submitted these photos to the annual art contest hosted by Duke Divinity’s New Creation Arts group. This year’s theme was “Places of Redemption.”
At the Foot of the Cross – Conyers, GA
Roadside Attraction – Glade Springs, VA
Hold On
1839 – Wilmore, KY (I was limited to three entries so I had to cut this one.)
A few weeks back I was fortunate enough to take some engagement shots of Emily and Kyle, both fellow first years here at Duke Divinity. I met Emily the first day of orientation when she approached and asked if I had attended Furman. In the midst of so much unknown, I replied enthusiastically and immediately we discovered that while we didn’t know each other in undergrad we had many mutual friends and plenty in common. I got to know Kyle during a small class we had together fall semester, and I have greatly enjoyed spending time with them as individuals and as a couple.
It was a joy taking these photos, despite the hundreds of people meandering through Duke Gardens on the first warm day of spring! This was my first engagement shoot since I’ve moved to the Durham / RDU area and I look forward to more in the near future. Please feel free to email me if you’re interested in my services.
As I was hiking around campus last night I was suddenly struck by how much more beautiful everything was in the snow. All of creation seemed new, free of blemishes, and radiant.
These pictures remind me of the song “There’s something better than Gold” which I learned as a child at campmeeting. It has been sung for generations and the truths in it are timeless.
“For Jesus to wash you whiter than snow is something better than gold!”
There are a few others here.
Dr. Warren Smith, my professor of Church History, spoke this truth to us just after midterms this year.
I do not know of a Duke graduate who was denied ordination because he got a 3.0 rather than a 3.8. I do however know certain Duke honor graduates who were denied ordination because they came across as too arrogant.
Your grades are not a test, not a measure of your spirituality, not a measure of your calling, not a measure of whether you are fit for ministry.
When you ascend and come before the throne of judgment, our Lord is not gonna ask “What’d you make on the CH 13 final?” But he well may ask, “Did you do it for my glory or for your pride?” He may say, “Did you do it to honor the gifts I gave you or did you do just enough to squeak by?”
That’s the real question.
After he spoke there were shouts of Amen by some and faces of silent conviction by others. We all needed this reminder and I’ll continue to think about it as exam time approaches.
