When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”  Matthew 2:13-15
 
 
The steeples tower over the old town just beside the river that flows peacefully through the city. I am feeling anything but peaceful. Anxiety is in full force as I contemplate my next move. As a photographer, I often find myself in situations that are way outside of my comfort zone. In Zürich, Switzerland, there is a 12th century church called the Grossmünster. Historically significant, this church was the site of the beginnings of the Reformation in Switzerland. Aesthetically, its otherwise plain interior contains beautiful stained-glass windows created by Swiss artist Augusto Giacometti. The church’s tall twin towers are one of Zürich’s most notable landmarks. Inside one of the two towers, there are narrow stairs leading up to the top. Set in the picturesque Old Town and overlooking both the town and the River Limmat, this tower perhaps affords one of the best views of Zürich. Standing in front of the church, I know I have to climb the stairs in that tower in order to have what I hope will be amazing shots. My desire for those beautiful photos wrestle with my fear of heights and my claustrophobia of climbing a narrow, twisting stairwell. How I’d just prefer to stay in the safety and comfort of my cozy hotel room instead of putting myself “out there”!
 
As we come to the close of another Christmas season, the story of baby Jesus, replete with shepherds, a manger, and Magi, is quite familiar. Perhaps lesser known is that after the Magi (or Three Kings or Wisemen) lay their gifts at Jesus’ feet and make their way back home, the Holy Family flees to Egypt. In a dream, God tells Joseph to take Mary and Jesus into Egypt to protect Jesus against Herod’s rampage to kill Him. Without hesitation, Joseph obeys, moving his family to safety in Egypt.
 
Egypt figures into another story, this one set hundreds of years before Joseph flees with his family. Just over a month after God frees the Israelites from Pharaoh in their dramatic escape through the parted walls of the Red Sea, they complain to Moses about their circumstances, stating they were better off as slaves in Egypt. They actually desire the familiarity of slavery to the new adventure God has for them as they travel to the Promised Land. They had clearly forgotten the hardships of slavery when they lived in Egypt. (See Exodus 16:1-3) Was it really better under the yoke of slavery in Egypt or was the past, being familiar, more comfortable than experiencing the unpredictability of their new wilderness life?
 
In both of these biblical accounts, Egypt is seen as a place of safety. In the flight to Egypt story, Egypt is a safe haven for protection against a real threat to Jesus’ life. In the second story, Egypt is viewed as a retreat from reality, an escape from fears of the future.
 
It is all too easy for me to slip back into the comfort of the familiar. Traveling forces me to look ahead to new adventures instead of looking back to comfort and convenience. In that moment in Zürich, I thank the Lord for His presence and begin the climb up the hundreds of stairs to the top, praying I will not meet anyone coming down because the stairwell is very narrow. Once at the top, stepping out of my comfort zone is rewarded by gorgeous views of river and rooftops, buildings and boats. I am not disappointed. My desire for the shots is greater than my fear of the stairs. But it takes stepping out (and in this case, up) to put my fear behind me, to leave the safety of the ground, and to climb to the top.
 
As we stand on the brink of a new year, are we ready for the adventures God has for us this year? Or are we wishing we were back in “Egypt”, in a familiar, comfortable, and safe place? In this new year, what has you worried or fearful? Is it starting a new job or ministry or trying something else new? Or is it leaving behind an unhealthy pattern of behavior or even an unhealthy relationship? God goes with you wherever you go. Step out in faith into the unfamiliar, leaving the ties to comfort behind. Boldly stride into the new adventure God has planned for you. The view from the top will amaze you!

 
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the courage and strength to move forward into a new year, into the unknown. May I not stay stuck in comfort and convenience and miss the abundant life You have promised to those who follow You. Make Your presence known to me as I step out in faith. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photographs copyright © 2019 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Zürich, Switzerland, as seen from the tower of Grossmünster Church.

 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

The towers of Grossmünster Church, Zürich, Switzerland:
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I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber…the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.  Psalm 121:1-3, 8
 
 
Plotting my strategy to arrive at the airport on a cross-country trip at Christmas, I quickly realize these are the proverbial best-laid plans. Starting my car at 8:00am, I sagely acknowledge that I will never make it to the station to catch the 8:02 train to the airport. But if traffic isn’t its usual, horrible self on the freeway, I might just make the 8:17 train.

As I drag my over-stuffed luggage, filled to the gills with Christmas gifts, up the escalator to the train platform, I thank God for the tiny miracle that I am going to make the 8:17 with one minute to spare.

Thankful again for an uncrowded train, I settle in against the wall with a death grip on my luggage in case it decides to spring for freedom and roll down the aisle. About 30 minutes into the ride, we come to a stop. I try not to go to worse-case scenarios like missing my plane or being told it is too late to check a bag. The train operator informs us that another train in front of ours is having difficulties. We will have to wait until they move. Our train, loaded now with many passengers, is one mile from the next station, parked under the bay, over a hundred feet underwater. I try not to let my claustrophobic mind latch onto that thought.

After many starts and stops, and, I must admit, many prayers on my part, the train slowly pulls into the station. That’s when I realize that had I caught the earlier 8:02 train, I would have had to disembark at that station with my hefty bag and catch the next crowded train, the one I am riding now. I thank God for small mercies that didn’t seem positive initially.
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You’d think that since this train’s final destination is the airport and we’ve already been delayed for half an hour, that the driver and owner of the chipper voice on the intercom would make post-haste for the airport. Au contraire. Starting to panic about missing my flight, my silent prayers morph into pleadings. I scream inside my head for God to make this train go faster (and of course, safely) to our destination, even imagining mighty angels flying alongside of us, guiding the way. Prayer usually has a way of calming me. Eventually it does but only when I realize two things: no one else on the train seems to be the least bit concerned that we are woefully behind schedule and more importantly, God is still in control.

God had already orchestrated the details of my morning so that I was on the 8:17 instead of the broken-down 8:02, right? An hour later, He is still in control.
After what seems like an eternity, the train arrives at the airport. But seeing the hoards at the check-in counter cause my heart to sink and my mind to pray again. Fervently.

Getting in a long line to check my bag, I glance at my watch. I have five minutes to get my bag checked before it is too late. Again, everyone else in line seems to be taking it all in jolly Christmas stride. Why couldn’t I? Oh, yes, that’s right. My flight is leaving in 45 minutes and I still have to check my bag, go through Security, and get to the gate. And did I mention the gate in question is at the end of a very long concourse?

By now, I am feeling incredibly desperate to check in for my flight. The man behind me in line strikes up a conversation. When he realizes my flight leaves soon, he asks all the passengers in front of us if I could break in line. I tell him he is my angel for helping me. I check in, thanking God for another minor miracle and believing that God worked through this kind man in that moment.

Checking my bag and feeling ever so thankful to make it in time, I head to Security. Thankful again that the line moves relatively quickly, I exit Security. I now have five minutes before boarding starts. Having flown this flight multiple times before, I know how long the hike is to the gate. The jacket and scarf come off as I alternate walking and sprinting, weaving in and out between passengers and airport personnel like I am driving on the freeway.

Finally arriving at the gate which feels like a life-long journey rather than the three hours it really is, I am just so grateful to be here. And to be here before take-off. Actually, I am here before boarding starts. Apparently, I am not the only late arrival. The flight crew is still in route to the airport.

When I finally sink into my seat on the plane, I am relieved to ultimately be on board and so thankful that I made it. After all the obstacles, I can now relax.

As I reflect on this more-eventful-than-I-would-like trip to the airport, I am truly thankful. But at the time, I felt frustrated that I couldn’t control the train, not its stops nor its speed. I couldn’t control the mechanically-impaired train in front of us any more than I could control whether the sun rose that morning or not. Which it did, by the way, and I did rejoice in the beautiful sunshine and glorious day. But that was before trains with difficulties blocked my path. It really was a glorious day, for I realized that I don’t need to worry. I don’t need to fret when obstacles leap in front of me, spoiling my careful plans. For I have a Father in heaven, who watches over me, who never sleeps on the job, who is always in control. Relinquishing my perceived control to the One who created the world and my tiny corner of it is a practice I obviously need to exercise more frequently. The choice is mine: to trust my eyes for what I see in the physical realm or to trust my spiritual Father who created the physical realm. He is in control. Now and always. I am not.
 
 
Heavenly Father, I thank You and praise You that You are always in control regardless of the circumstances, whether everyday occurrences or life-changing events. You are the Lord Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. You never slumber or sleep as You watch over me on my journey in life. Open my eyes to the tiny mercies and miracles You provide each day. Help me to trust You more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of mountains in the Douro Valley region of Portugal.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19
 
 
In Part 1 of this series on bread, we see how bread is a symbol of our spiritual need and how Jesus satisfies our souls like nothing else can. In Part 2, we realize God is our provider and bread is symbolic of His provision.
 
Bread, so ubiquitous in cuisines around the world, is multi-faceted in its characteristics. Today we will explore how bread is both sacred and communal.
 
In our key verse today, Jesus is sharing bread with His disciples the night before He was crucified. Knowing He would soon be betrayed by one of His friends and that He would soon die on a cross, Jesus wanted one last meal with those who had walked with Him for the previous three years. When Jesus says “this is my body”, He transforms common bread into something sacred, something spiritual. The bread becomes a symbol of Christ’s physical death. Today, when we participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion, we enter into that sacredness as the bread symbolizes Christ’s body broken for us as He took the weight of our sins onto Himself. As we eat the bread, we share in His redemptive work on the cross. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the fact that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so we can know God the Father. It’s a chance to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and thank Him for His many provisions for us. Bread is sacred.
 
During the Last Supper, as they are leaning around the table, the disciples and Jesus enjoy communion with each other. The bread, broken and passed from one to another, bonds them together in a community of friendship, a bond of common purposes, and deepens their level of intimacy. In Bible times, it was considered reprehensible to share bread with someone and then do them harm. Judas betraying Jesus right after breaking bread with Him would have been shocking on many levels. Today, when we share food around the table, we partake in communion with those seated with us. In our culture, socialization happens frequently around the table as we meet over meals. Sharing food brings us together. Being at table with one another builds community. Eating together is an intimate process that creates deeper layers in a relationship. It intensifies our sense of community. Bread is indeed communal.
 
I experience this sacredness of bread every time I participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion at my local church. There is something so spiritual about a mere morsel of bread dipped in grape juice that signifies something so fantastic as Christ’s death and resurrection on the cross. His death wasn’t just for all humankind in a general sense. Every time we engage in Communion, our souls are imprinted with the overwhelming reality that Jesus died for me, for you. Personally. It is sacredness beyond words.
 
I experience the communal aspects of bread when I gather with friends over a meal. During a particularly difficult season of my life, I am thankful for friends who frequently invited me to a meal after the worship service at our church. Sharing a meal has created a sense of community, of belonging, and for me during that season, a sense of hope, healing, and restoration. Bread shared with one another is a powerful, communal, and relational force.
 
As Thanksgiving here in the US approaches, may we be intentional as we share food around the table, as we break bread with one another. May gathering around the dinner table deepen intimacy and a sense of community and belonging.
 
 
Lord Jesus, words fail to show the depth of my thankfulness for Your sacrifice. May bread be a frequent reminder to me of Your death and resurrection. Help me live in the power of Your risen Spirit. Use my time gathered around the table for deeper connections and a true sense of community. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of delicious bread from a Parisian boulangerie.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."  Exodus 16:4
 
 
French baguettes are intended to be eaten soon after they are baked to a golden crisp. It’s that crunchy exterior with the soft crumb (or mie, pronounced “mee”) inside that sets the baguette apart from its yeasty cousins. Try saving a baguette for the next day, however, and not only will you perhaps be paying a visit to your dentist after you break a tooth, you could use the rest of the baguette as a baseball bat! Because there are no preservatives in the oblong loaves, the crispy surface hardens overnight into something entirely inedible. I know. I’ve experienced it. Now I know to ask for a demi-baguette as sometimes I only really need half.
 
The French don’t seem to mind buying their baguette each day from their favorite boulangerie. The popular bakeries have lines down the sidewalk every morning. But the French are undeterred. They know what goodness awaits them as they patiently queue up. And the boulangères do not disappoint, making dozens after dozens of warm loaves every day.
 
The French baguette-a-day reminds me of an Old Testament story when the Israelites were wandering in the desert for 40 years. In Exodus 16, the Israelites grumble and complain about not having enough to eat and compare their present circumstances unfavorably to the slavery conditions in Egypt from which they had just escaped. They blame their leader Moses for delivering them out of slavery. They apparently forgot all the hard labor they endured, but they certainly remembered the good food they had eaten. Perhaps their memories deceived them into thinking the food and circumstances were better than they were.
 
In verse 4, God tells Moses that He will rain down bread from heaven for the people to gather each day. God gives strict orders for how the bread is to be gathered and except for preparing for the Sabbath each week, they are only to gather enough bread for that day. They called their bread “manna” which sounds like the Hebrew word for “What is it?”. A wafer-like substance, manna tasted like honey. If the people gathered more manna than they needed in one day (and they did), the manna would spoil and be useless. In the desert, the Israelites had to depend on God’s provision each day for their physical sustenance.
 
Bread is a symbol of God’s provision. The manna God rained down from heaven in the desert provided physical nourishment. God sent it, not because the Israelites were hungry and grumbling, but because they had forgotten who had delivered them from Egypt. It wasn’t Moses. It was God. God had provided a miraculous means for them to escape from slavery and He continued to miraculously provide for them physically in the desert.
 
In the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray to God for their “daily bread” (verse 11). This bread, like the manna of the Old Testament, is a symbol of God’s provision. It’s interesting that Jesus taught His disciples (and us) to pray for what they needed even though God already knew what they needed. Only in relationship with God do we find we have everything we need. When we hunger after God and draw near to Him in prayer, He hears us. When we trust Him, He provides spiritual blessing after blessing. It is no coincidence that Jesus ties the concept of bread to our spiritual hunger when He declares Himself to be the “Bread of Life” in John 6:35. He reminds His followers that God provides and that when we trust God to meet our needs, He will bless us into that spiritually “abundant life” Jesus talks about in John 10:10. A life filled with peace, joy, love, and hope.
 
Thanks be to God that He doesn’t leave us hungry in the desert, but blesses us with His love and presence when we acknowledge Him as provider and when we ask for our “daily bread”. Unlike manna or baguettes or even buttery croissants, this spiritual bread will not become rotten, stale, or useless. The Bread of Life has come that we may have life and have it abundantly.
 
 
God, You are my Jehovah-jireh, my Provider. Thank You that You give me all that I need every day. May I experience the joy of Your presence and the overflowing goodness that comes from You. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of croissants from a Parisian boulangerie.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."  John 6:35
 
 
I love a good French baguette. With caramel crispness on the outside and creamy softness on the inside, there is nothing else like it. No other bread compares. I would say the French would agree with me as ten billion baguettes are sold in France every year. Created by the 32,000 independent bakeries (or boulangeries), the baguette is a symbol of France and of French culture. Pick one up in the morning while it’s still warm from the oven and stroll down the street with it tucked under your arm as the French do and you’ll feel like you’ve traded your American passport for a French one!
 
Bread in France, particularly the baguette, is such an integral part of everyday life. I would daresay it is absolutely necessary for French life. It is even considered healthy as the baguette is crafted from only flour, water, salt, and yeast. Because the baguette does not contain any preservatives, fresh baguettes are purchased each morning. Try finding a baguette in the afternoon and you may be disappointed as they will all be sold, unless a rare bakery does a second baking in the afternoon.
 
The French government has strict standards for the artisanal baguette. No frozen ingredients or freezing the bread at any stage is allowed. The maximum price charged for a baguette is even controlled. But what cannot be truly controlled is the unique result, the heady aroma as well as the texture and taste, produced by each baker (boulangère). In case you are wondering who bakes the best baguette, boulangeries in Paris compete in a contest known as Le Grand Prix de la Meilleure Baguette de Paris every April. The winning boulangère is awarded a prestigious contract to provide daily bread for the French President for an entire year. Needless to say, the French take their bread very seriously.
 
A familiar story recorded in all four Gospel accounts is Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand. While the Bible mentions 5,000 men, there were probably at least another 5,000 women and children, all of whom are fed until satiated from a small boy’s lunch of just five small loaves and two fish. After turning the bread and fish into a feast, Jesus declares Himself to be the “Bread of Life”.
 
What does it mean for Jesus to be the Bread of Life? Bread produces both hunger and satisfaction. The smell of freshly baked bread wafting through those Parisian boulangeries creates a hunger in us to taste that which we smell. The hunger, the spiritual vacuum, inside us is meant to be satisfied only in Jesus. In John 6, the people were looking to Jesus for what He could do for them, for the miracles He could perform. They weren’t looking to Him for Himself, for a relationship with the living God. Do we look to God only when we’re looking for a miracle or when we need something from Him? Or do we pursue a relationship with Him because of who He is? Is Jesus enough? Or do we pursue material possessions, people, or careers to fill the emptiness and satisfy the hunger in our souls?
 
Like the French baguette, bread provides physical nourishment. When we spend time with Jesus daily, He will feed our souls with what we need for that day. Our hunger will be satisfied spiritually and will not need to look any further for what else we think might satisfy our souls and quench our desires. Jesus is indeed the Bread of Life. And no baguette contest can challenge that!
 
 
Lord, help me pursue a relationship with You, not for what You can do materially for me, but for how You can satisfy the spiritual hunger in my soul. You are enough. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Parisian baguettes all in a row.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6
 
 
The Loire Valley in the heart of France is home to dozens of castles or châteaux as they are called in French. Some are royal châteaux where kings and queens once lived and played out the drama of their court lives. Others were owned by lower nobility. The UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizes forty-two châteaux which receive over three million visitors per year.
 
I am grateful to be one of those millions of visitors, having visited various châteaux on different trips over the last two years. On a recent tour of the Loire Valley, a group of us milled around chatting before dinner. On the itinerary for the next morning was a visit to one particular château. While this one is absolutely beautiful and full of history, I wasn’t particularly excited about spending time visiting it once more, despite the possibility of new photo ops. I was internally debating whether I should plan to do something else the next day instead. I felt I was in a quandary and I even prayed for God to show me what to do because, after all, He does care about ALL the details of our lives. I just happened to mention my hesitation to one of my fellow travelers. A few minutes later, another friend walked over and confidentially let me know that there was a surprise in store for tomorrow and that I would not want to miss it. That was the push I needed to stay the course.
 
The next morning, we headed out to the famous château and I will admit to learning more about it and getting different photos than when I visited previously. As we left the château, I wondered if our “surprise” would materialize. At that point, my decision to stay the course had put me on the bus with our guide and driver. They were in charge. All I could do was follow and participate in the adventure. When the guide announced we were in for a treat, an unscheduled destination, I was thankful I had stuck with the group. Our next stop was a château known for its beautiful Renaissance gardens. I imagined all sorts of photo opportunities awaited in just a few short minutes.
 
Disembarking at the Château de Villandry, I was not disappointed. Although we didn’t have time to tour the castle, we did have time to roam the varied magnificent gardens. Seeing the formal gardens at first from the overlooking terrace, I could see the hedges and topiaries trimmed so precisely. It wasn’t until I walked down the stairs to the ground below that I noticed that the hedges surrounded ornamental flowers and vegetables. I was so thankful I had decided to come on the tour that day after all. What a treat it was to see Villandry! I realized what I would have missed had I chosen to stay behind.
 
Life is like that sometimes, isn’t it? While we don’t know what’s up ahead, we have to trust the One in charge that He is in control and knows what’s best for us. We have to trust God to give us the wisdom to navigate the choices. Even when we think we know it all or have seen it all, there are surprises along the way if we stay the course, if we trust that God is in control.
 
Our key verse for today says we are to tap into and lean on God’s wisdom, not our own. When we depend on God’s wisdom in His Word and not on ourselves, God will direct our steps. He is totally trustworthy in all times, in good surprises and in heartbreaking disappointments. When we acknowledge His leadership in our lives, God will direct our paths. When we depend on Him, when we ask for His wisdom, and when we acknowledge His ways and lay our plans at His feet, He will direct our steps, one by one, along the path of life with surprises and detours with our best in mind. Trust Him today and be surprised by His goodness and love.
 
After praying for guidance, I stepped out in faith that God was working through my friend who had the inside scoop on our real itinerary. After experiencing a beautiful detour with lots of new photo ops, I realized that God was in control all along. When I trust Him first, He will guide my steps and make my path straight, even one within the bounds of green hedges and bright flowers hidden behind a castle.
 
 
Lord, nothing is too small to bring to You in prayer. I thank You that I can trust You with the details of my life. Help me trust You more and lean not on my own understanding but on You to guide me and make all my paths straight. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of the Château de Villandry and its beautiful gardens, Villandry, France.
 
  
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  Isaiah 55:8-9
 
 
Not far from Toulouse, France, is Carcassonne, the largest walled city in Europe. From a nearby hill, the many colorful towers of this medieval town glistened in the bright sunlight. As I gazed upon Carcassonne from afar, visions of fairy tales and princesses danced in my head. I couldn’t wait to explore it.
 
As I passed under the rounded arch that serves as the entrance, I noticed a massive stone statue of a woman, one called Lady Carcas. Learning more about Carcassonne’s history, I came to understand the importance of this woman and her stone likeness near the entrance.
 
Carcassonne was built around 100 BC by the Romans on a hilltop site thought to have been inhabited as far back as 3500 BC. The town has changed hands many times over the centuries and has also played a prominent role in history, particularly during the Crusades. In the 8th century, during a multi-year attack on the town by their enemies, King Ballak of the Saracens died, leaving his wife, Lady Carcas, in charge. She devised a plan to end the siege that seemed counter-intuitive. Even though the people were starving as they were trapped within the city’s walls, Lady Carcas continued to feed her piglet. When the pig was fat enough, she threw him over the wall. Their enemies thought if the people could afford to waste a fat pig, then it would take too long to starve them out. The enemies gave up and left. Lady Carcas’ daring plan saved the town. Bells rang in celebration and the town was named Carcassone after her (“sonne” in French means “ringing [the bells]”).
 
While Lady Carcas’ unusual but clever plan saved her people that day, I’m sure there must have been many townsfolk who didn’t understand why she was wasting good grain to fatten her pig. Not until the siege was over did they understand.
 
How often are we like those townspeople? Isaiah 55:8-9 says that God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. How often do we look at circumstances and wonder what God is up to? When unexpected events happen, our natural reaction may be to cry out and ask why. Do we trust the One who ultimately is in control?
 
I find it difficult to stop in the middle of my crisis, regardless of how great or small it is, and ask God what He is trying to teach me in the moment through the trying circumstances. It is hard to accept in faith God’s infinite ways when they don’t make sense to my finite brain. But when I look back on previous situations, I realize that God does indeed work all things for good, for my good. The more I can be curious about the “why’s”, knowing God is in control, the more I can trust Him in the moment.
 
Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense in the here and now. Only in hindsight can we look back and realize the wisdom in God’s ways. CS Lewis, in The Problem of Pain wrote, “God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach us lessons that we could learn in no other way.” May we be curious as to God’s ways in our lives and may we be teachable to learn through our experiences in the moment as well as in hindsight, trusting that He is ultimately in control.
 
 
Heavenly Father, Your ways are not my ways. Yet I know that You are ultimately in control and have my ultimate good in mind. May I trust You more and learn through life’s difficulties. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photographs copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Carcassonne, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
 
The view of Carcassone from afar:

​In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1
 
 
In 1940, four boys were off on a new adventure when their dog disappeared into a hole. When they rescued the dog, the boys found themselves standing in an underground cave. Hoping to find buried treasure, the boys began to explore. Disappointed at their initial find, they discovered something much more valuable. Drawn and painted on the walls was ancient artwork. Believed to be created 20,000 years ago, these paintings depicted mostly large animals, such as horses, cattle, and bison, in colors of red, yellow, and black. The paintings were still incredibly vivid because the porous rock absorbed the paint. In parts of the cave where the rock was not as porous, instead of paint, there were etchings. Because everyday life was not depicted by these drawings, the cave was thought to be a religious place, a sacred space.
 
Tucked away in the picturesque southwest of France are the Lascaux caves discovered by those four boys almost 80 years ago. Today, the caves visited by tourists are actually copies of the original ones. Heat, humidity, and carbon dioxide produced by over a thousand daily visitors in the 1940’s began to destroy the paintings. Several exact replicas were made to allow visitors the opportunity to see this fascinating art. When I visited Lascaux IV recently, I was impressed by the paintings and etchings. I wondered who created these drawings and why. I mused that even primitive humans needed art.
 
God is a creative God. He spoke and creation came into being. With a word, He created the heavens and the earth. His powerful voice proclaimed the stars, moon, and sun into reality. He declared the plants and animals into existence. When He formed humankind, He pronounced His work to be very good.
 
When God created us, He made each of us unique, blessing us with gifts as distinct as we are. When we follow our dreams and passions and use our gifts to create, we reflect our heavenly Father. We mirror God’s creation and its beauty when we create.
 
Art nourishes our souls. It’s not optional. Even prehistoric humans needed art. We can’t live without it. When we take time to appreciate art and when we create it ourselves, we experience a range of emotions, from childlike wonder and curiosity to harmony and joy. The poet John Keats* said “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” Joy, often so elusive, can be experienced if we slow down long enough to notice the beauty and art around us and perhaps to take the time for our own artistic endeavors.
 
Artwork doesn’t have to be paintings or etchings. What are you passionate about? What do you dream of doing? Take one tiny step in that direction. Carve out a few minutes to be creative. Use the talents and gifts God gave you. In the process, you will feed your soul and find joy. And just like the artwork in the Lascaux caves, the world will be a better place because of your art, your craft.
 
 
Father, I praise You for being the ultimate Creator. I thank You for Your creation. Unleash the gifts You have bestowed upon me that I might glorify You while creating beauty right where I am. May I experience the joy of art and the satisfaction of creating something that is uniquely beautiful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photographs copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Iris from Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, France.
 
*From Endymion Book I
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
 
If you are curious, here is a photo from the visitors’ center of an example of the cave paintings. 

You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.  Psalm 31:8
 
 
The birds chirp their cheery song punctuated only by bees buzzing their own tune. The soft grass is verdant and neatly trimmed. Calmness exudes from the dark stream dotted with yellow, white, and purple irises. Tall trees standing sentinel over the garden cast their cool shadows over flowers and shrubs.
 
Seeking peace, I find it in an off-the-beaten-path kind of way. But getting here is not so easy. Driving in France in a rental car is something I do only out of necessity, but occasionally the joy of the freedom it brings outweighs the costs. Choosing a destination and striking out on my own is outside of my comfort zone. The narrow roads were apparently designed without the likelihood that two cars might need to pass each other as they travel in opposite directions. The roads are only wide enough for one and a half cars which is a cause of concern on my part, but apparently not on the part of the drivers coming towards me. The blind curves and winding asphalt create a sense of unwelcomed adventure. As Google Maps alerts me of my destination just ahead on the right, I frantically scan the scene for a parking lot. Going too far and then doubling back, I locate a mostly dirt and gravel lot that grass threatens to overtake. I park and get out of the car.
 
Crossing the road to Château de Pesselières, I am greeted by a helpful young man who trades my euros for a map of the park. As I wander down the path, I feel enveloped in a sense of peace. As there are only a few other visitors, the gardens around the château are quiet. My pace slows down. I regain a sense of balance and perspective.
 
Château de Pesselières is a small castle located between Sancerre and Bourges in France’s Loire Valley. Steeped in history, this stronghold existed as far back as the 12th century. Owned by the Counts of Sancerre, the castle has been partially destroyed and then restored repeatedly over the centuries. Due to being strategically located, it bears witness to both the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) and also the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) where, in the very center of disputed territory, it protected the defenders of Protestant Sancerre.
 
Wandering through the lush grass, taking photos as I go, the verse in Psalm 31 comes to mind. God has indeed set my feet in a spacious place. But the road to get here was not easy. Looking back at the curves in the road, the blind spots, the too-narrow-to-pass places, I realize God’s goodness over the years. After one loss after another over a period of six years, God has put my feet in a new space, a new beginning, indeed a new life. He wove the threads of my grief in with His grace to create a fabric stronger than before and more beautiful.
 
Where are you in the road of life? Are you traveling a winding road full of unforeseen circumstances that threaten to overtake you? Take time out to take care of yourself, to find and enjoy beauty around you. Take heart that God travels with you and will certainly set your feet in a most bountiful and spacious place.
 
 
Lord, thank You for Your goodness. Even though the road of life may be difficult and unpredictable, I thank You for peace in those respite moments, in spacious places where I discover and enjoy the beauty You created. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of Château de Pesselières, Jalognes, France.
​
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.   Psalm 145:13b
 
 
One of my favorite movies is Chocolat. Set in a quaint French town just after World War II, the film begins as Vianne arrives at the start of Lent and opens a chocolate shop. Because she is an unwed mom and tempts them with forbidden desserts during Lent, the town’s pretentious mayor shuns her and encourages the townspeople to do likewise. Despite how she is treated, Vianne perseveres in showing love to her neighbors and helps many of them resolve the struggles in their lives. Even in her own disappointment, she reaches out to help others in theirs. She overcomes prejudice and contempt with love and care. Even though she doesn’t attend the local church, she is far more Christ-like than the church-going townspeople.
 
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit the town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, that quaint village where Chocolat was filmed. I was so excited to be going there and couldn’t wait to take lots of photos. Upon arriving, I wandered the narrow streets lined with medieval houses and buildings. Our guide pointed out where Vianne’s chocolate shop was filmed. It was never actually a chocolate shop. The ancient structure with its arched window seemed to me to lack the luster and allure I remembered from the movie. Opposite the shop stands the church where several scenes in the movie were filmed. I knew there had been a statue in front of the church in the movie and when I inquired about it, the guide said it was only there for the movie. Silently entering the church, I sensed the interior seemed much smaller than in the film. While I am so glad to have traveled to the picturesque town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain where I did take lots of interesting photos and had a lovely visit, I am a bit disappointed the town didn’t resemble the village I had seen in the movie.
 
My life is not movie-set perfect either. Scenes are unscripted. Lines are ad-libbed. Improvisation rules. When feeling disappointed, I find I’m not a character in a movie where I can simply memorize my lines and act courageously. And life does disappoint sometimes, doesn’t it? We don’t have the career we dreamed of. We wake up and discover our spouse isn’t who we thought they were (and we’re not who they thought we were!). We don’t live up to our own expectations of ourselves. The people in our lives, whether friends, family, or co-workers, let us down without meaning to. Circumstances, too, morph into situations we never expect and would never want.
 
What happens when we feel disappointed? Do we internalize disappointment and allow it to impact our self-worth? Do we let it influence our decisions so that we play it safe or give up? How can we be real with our disappointment and find the courage to move forward?
 
Psalm 145:13 says that God is faithful. His promises are trustworthy. We can count on Him to do what He says. God will never disappoint us. When life doesn’t happen like we expect and people let us down, being honest with the Lord through prayer helps us find the courage to persevere. Reading the Bible keeps us focused on God’s character. Knowing God is in our corner even when it seems others are not, we can find joy and contentment. God is faithful through all of life’s disappointments. His love for us never fails. Thanks be to God!
 
Lord, I thank You that You never disappoint. Your love never fails. Help me be real with You when I feel disappointed. Give me the courage to move forward as I rely on You and Your never-failing faithfulness. Amen.
 
 
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Text and photograph copyright © 2018 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo from Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Burgundy, France.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™