Lent Photo a Day for April 21: First

April 21: First

John 20: 1-18

Easter morning, the first day of Jesus’ resurrection and our redemption. I have to mark this joyous day with a photo of a lovely spring morning. Happy Easter!

Lent Photo a Day for April 20: Tomb

April 20: Tomb

Matthew 27: 57-66

A tomb is both a place of mourning and a place for remembrance. To Mary, Mary Magdalene and the other disciples, Jesus tomb was a place to mourn and honor his memory, a place where his earthly remains would rest.

Lent Photo a Day for April 19: Crucify

April 19: Crucify

Matthew 27: 27-37

I was saddened when my neighborhood association cut down this beautiful tree out of fear the roots would damage the nearby wall. The tree’s beauty and utility—providing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the air, and providing shade in the California heat—was sacrificed through callousness and fear. Jesus was crucified due to the callousness and fear of others.

Lent Photo a Day for April 18: Serve

April 18: Serve

John 13:1-7

We speak of tea being served, and a tea set is often called a tea service. Part of the joy of serving tea is taking care of the guest—pouring the tea, offering cakes or other treats. In this passage, Jesus serves his disciples, washing their feet. He is demonstrating the humble, loving actions and attitude he wants his followers to emulate. To serve others is a reflection of our faith.

Lent Photo a Day for April 17: Cloud

April 17: Cloud

Hebrews 12:1-3

These clouds don’t impede the sunlight, they seem to accentuate it, like the cloud of faithful witnesses in this passage.

Lent Photo a Day for April 16: Light

April 16: Light

Isaiah 49: 1-7

In this passage, God promises Isaiah that he will make him a Light to the world, a beacon of hope. Light breaking through clouds is nature’s promise of hope.

Lent Photo a Day for April 15: Burial

April 15: Burial

John 12: 1-11

Burial is an ending of one state and the beginning of another. Just as this bulb will emerge as a spring flower, death will lead to resurrection.

Lent Photo a Day for April 14: Shout

April 14: Shout

Luke 19: 28-40

These young women were dancing and performing, uncaring of the passersby. Like Jesus' followers in this passage, they were unafraid and unashamed to share their joy and confidence with the world.

Lent Photo a Day for April 13: Betray

April 13: Betray

Luke 22:1-6

Betrayal comes from selfishness: placing our own needs and desires and amusements above those of other people. This graffiti is just a tiny betrayal compared to Judas’, but it stems from the same inner ugliness—“me before you.”

Lent Photo a Day for April 12: Hands

April 12: Hands

Psalm 31: 14-16

The psalmist places his “times” in God’s hands. Let us turn over our lives to God, placing our cares in his hands.

Lent Photo a Day for April 11: Trust

April 11: Trust

Psalm 31: 9-16

We may suffer hard times, but if we trust in the Lord, we will pass beyond the suffering. The love and trust this boy feels for his grandfather shines in his face—his little hands frame his grandfather’s face, sharing joy and laughter. That is how we must trust!

Lent Photo a Day for April 10: Victory

April 10: Victory

Psalm 20

Verse 4 of this psalm prays: “May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” In this photo, my son is getting his heart’s desire, the fulfillment of years of work and sacrifice and planning: he is getting his white coat, the symbol of his entry into medical school. This psalm encourages us to celebrate the victories we achieve with God’s help and guidance, and to be grateful for that guidance.

Lent Photo a Day for April 9: Remain

April 9: Remain

1 John 2: 18-28

Although this tree was cut down years ago, the stump remains, reminding me of what used to grow there. This passage from 1John reminds us that while Jesus is gone from the earth, he remains in our hearts.

Lent Photo a Day for April 8: Confident

April 8: Confident

Hebrews 10: 19-25

My son and his friend were never afraid to have fun even if they were coloring outside the lines drawn by their peers—their confidence amazed me. They were true to their selves, and their peers seem to have accepted them because of it. These verses remind us to be true to our faith, confident in knowing that our faith has saved us.

Lent Photo a Day for April 7: When

April 7: When

Matthew 25: 30-41

This photo captures a moment in time—that moment when the dandelion seeds are being blown away. Jesus tells his followers that a moment will come when He returns to earth—a moment that will change everything.

Lent Photo a Day for April 6: Joy

April 6: Joy

Psalm 126-1-6

We need to be grateful for every moment of joy life brings us: those moments are gifts from God.

Lent Photo a Day for April 5: Witness

April 5: Witness

Isaiah 43: 8-15

Witnessing a wedding is such a joyous moment. Witnessing God’s grace can bring joy as well.

Lent Photo a Day for April 4: Laughter

April 4: Laughter

Psalm 126

This short, ebullient psalm promises that for the faithful, “those who sow tears shall reap joy.” God is with us, and even though life can bring sorrow, He will eventually lead us to joy and laughter. I try to embrace laughter as often as possible--light-hearted truly expresses the way laughter feels!

Lent Photo a Day for April 3: Jar

April 3: Jar

2 Kings 4: 1-7

This passage tells of a miracle involving a ever-refilling jar of oil that saved a family from poverty and slavery. The family had a need and God filled it. This photo is a reminder of everyday miracles:  “sunshine in a jar” is filled with golden flowers lit by a warm spring sun—a daily miracle if we take the time to notice it.

Lent Photo a Day for April 2: Restore

April 2: Restore

Psalm 53

Spring has restored this Joshua Tree, enabling it to put forth a huge bud that is nearly ready to bloom. This psalm reminds us that, like the spring’s rain restored this desert plant, God’s love can restore us and bring us back to life give us true happiness.

Lent Photo a Day for April 1: Atonement

April 1: Atonement

Leviticus 23: 26-31

We need to take time to think about our weaknesses and sins, and to try to make reparation for them, as well as try to do better. Sins leave evidence and damage, to both ourselves and to others. To atone is to repent and repair that damage, AND to seek to change our lives and be better.