Ukraine's Got Talent

Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who just won Ukraine's version of "America's Got Talent." She uses a giant light box, dramatic music, imagination and "sand painting" skills to interpret Germany's invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII. Her talent is unique and powerful... it's an inspiring 8min33second watch:

Compassion Connect

Last night at church, I met Ben. He told me about a local project he's a part of, Compassion Connect. We talked for an hour or so about the impact and the vision of this army of volunteers in the Portland area. The people behind the scenes have made many sacrifices: time, money, tools, love. And it seems that God is blessing them. The movement is getting stronger. More people are giving of themselves, abandoning their "free time" and "pocket money" in pursuit of this vision. I was encouraged as Ben and I affirmed that it was nice to have met each other and wished each other a good week... his passion and community involvement resembled something, stirred up something in my heart: that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. It's a simple command, a profound vision. Rather than being suffocated by fear or dormant somewhere in the walls of our churches, it seems this love is very much alive-- or is coming to life again in the hearts of God's people here in Portland. If each of us offers what's in our hands-- what God has entrusted to us to use, we can together be a powerful force of love.

Compassion Connect 09 from Daniel Johnson on Vimeo.

Praise You in This Storm

A friend in Australia recently sent me a cd with some of her favorite music. This song, by Casting Crowns, hit me today.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Four Days in Switzerland

October 22-26 in the land of chocolate and cheese, (and wine at every meal!) Friends Jaquelin and Sarah flew me over to photograph their wedding! The celebration included 500 guests, and by the time I left the reception at nearly 4am approx. 20 guests remained-- dancing the night away!!! The Alps were veiled by overcast skies, so I had to use my imagination a bit, but the autumn colors against a backdrop of vineyards and villages made this land stunning. I was able to take a train to Bern, the capital city, to visit Miriam (a friend from Logos II days), and was also delighted to meet many wonderful people tucked into life in this beautiful, French speaking pocket of the world!


Zurich Airport: Jack and Sarah on the way to their honeymoon, me on my way back home. October 26.


Bern. Parliament building (above). View from behind Parliament building (below).



Miriam.


assistant photographers at the wedding. Pricilla. Jerome.








wedding festivities (above). Motier, the village near the "city" Neuchatel, where I stayed, (below)!

Charity:Water