Your Favorite Scripture Verses

Thanks to all who submitted favorite Bible verses last month!

As you'll recall, we're going to design our next piece of inspirational artwork around the verse most often mentioned by our Friends.

Wondering which excerpt from Scripture was most frequently cited? It was Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That happens to be the New King James translation, which is the one we'll use for the design. A great choice!

Some of the other excellent suggestions included:
In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

One verse, sent from a good Friend of The Christian Gift in Chicagoland, really struck a chord with me. Not only is it a wonderful selection, but I immediately visualized it in the context of the landscape here in New England. I've placed it high on my "field list" - as I'm out on photographic shoots, I have some special verses for which I'm actively seeking to make images that speak to subject matter. I'll be working diligently on this one!

For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Isaiah 55:12

In the meantime, I was on a three day shoot recently in Washington, D.C. that was quite fulfilling. My primary purpose for the trip was to photograph the rose windows at the National Cathedral...though I ended up with a few hundred images from all the exquisite stained glass there. The west rose along with one of the windows in the north outer aisle of the nave have been incorporated into new product designs for the store. You can see two of them in the Clergy Milestones and Pastor Appreciation categories.

If you've not been to the Cathedral, I urge you to visit next time you're in DC. It's a few miles away from the Mall and monuments, but it's well worth the excursion. Its size alone is impressive; it's the second largest cathedral in the country and sixth largest in the world. And if you enjoy stained glass windows, the artistry at the Cathedral is breathtaking. Rainbows of light stream into the building; it's truly awe-inspiring. The colors can literally change hues depending on the quality of the light - for me, it's a place to linger for hours in order to take it in. Treat yourself!