Once I forgot to bring my lunch to work. A close friend of mine said something that has since stuck with me. He said: “As long as I’ve got a sandwich, you’ve got half.”
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Once I forgot to bring my lunch to work. A close friend of mine said something that has since stuck with me. He said: “As long as I’ve got a sandwich, you’ve got half.”

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Once I forgot to bring my lunch to work. A close friend of mine said something that has since stuck with me. He said: “As long as I’ve got a sandwich, you’ve got half.”
In days to come I stood amazed, walking through that forest, at the blazing symphony of color it brought forth, seemingly just for me. I grew to love my friend’s words in a new way, through the astounding beauty of the spectacle he knew was coming when he said them. I was young then, and didn’t know I had many autumns ahead of me.
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:13-21
Paint this scene: At length Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother and the others in their little company of friends came to a safe house in Hong Kong. It wasn’t as if there was no more reason to be afraid, though. One of the people who were helping Siu-Zi’s father remarked that they were very fortunate, since officers from the foreign ministry had come to the door just one day before Siu-Zi and her family had arrived, asking if there were any illegitimate travelers staying there. The man, whose name Ah Zi couldn’t remember, had laughed when he said, “We were able to tell them the whole truth! Nobody was staying at that house but me and my wife.” Show a montage with Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother, and the couple who run the safe house seated at a table talking, and the man and his wife answering the door, with police outside questioning them.
Paint this scene fo rme: At length Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother and the others in their little company of friends came to a safe house in Hong Kong. It wasn’t as if there was no more reason to be afraid, though. One of the people who were helping Siu-Zi’s father remarked that they were very fortunate, since officers from the foreign ministry had come to the door just one day before Siu-Zi and her family had arrived, asking if there were any illegitimate travelers staying there. The man, whose name Ah Zi couldn’t remember, had laughed when he said, “We were able to tell them the whole truth! Nobody was staying at that house but me and my wife.” Show a montage with Siu-Zi and her father and grandmother, and the couple who run the safe house seated at a table talking, and the man and his wife answering the door, with police outside questioning them, and the kind man who Siu-Ze had seen outside the boat in the background.
In days to come I stood amazed, walking through that forest, at the blazing symphony of color it brought forth, seemingly just for me. I grew to love my friend’s words in a new way, through the astounding beauty of the spectacle he knew was coming when he said them. I was young then, and didn’t know I had many autumns ahead of me.
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
Paint this scene: Singapore was like stepping into a dream for Siu-Zi. Everything was new—the clean streets, the orderly gardens, and the friendly smiles of strangers, things she had only ever seen on television. In a modest hotel near a bustling hawker centre, she discovered the tastes and smells of dishes that were both strange and delightful. For a few weeks, she and her family settled into a quiet rhythm. Siu- Zi made tentative friends at a local church, where she listened wide-eyed to stories of many other people who had traveled from far-off lands, seeking freedom and safety. Each tale, woven with hope and resilience, whispered promises of a safer, kinder world. They met missionaries there who said they had been praying for Siu-Zi and her family. Siu-Zi’s grandmother was very moved by their faithfulness, and father was overwhelmed by their gifts of clothing, so they would no longer look like Chinese refugees, but a proper Asian family on holiday, and enough money to continue their journey, a pre-arranged place to stay and a job to do when they got there. Every night, as the tropical rain tapped gently on the window, Ah Zi lay awake imagining a future free from fear—a future where her father’s faith could shine without the dark threat of government officers taking them away. In Singapore, she learned that sometimes, even in moments of deep loss and uncertainty, God has a mysterious way of planting new seeds of hope and renewing life.
a painting of a group of people sitting around a table
Express without words “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.” (Genesis 1:20, KJV)
I sat, long ago, on an Asian hill with a Shakya Mundi friend, and watched the autumn leaves fall down from high above, giants in the forest casting off their wakefulness, falling progressively into winter’s long, white sleep. “The important thing to know about trees” he said, “is that they are most beautiful in autumn; just before the winter snow. They live and grow through the entire year just for these brief moments of stunning beauty. We are like that.” He said, “but we have only one autumn, and a very long winter.”
Acts 1:6-11 JUB (6) ¶ Then those that were come together asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (7) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father has put under his authority only. (8) But ye shall receive the virtue of the Holy Spirit which shall come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, (11) who also said, Ye men of Galilee, what do ye stand gazing at up into heaven? This same Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
First century Jerusalem at the "gate beautiful" to the temple grounds. Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Jesus stands among His disciples in a shady patio area outdoors talking to this scribe. His disciples wonder at the exchange. Several of them are also engaged in conversations set around the one Jesus is having. We see Jesus from the left rear quarter, where we can see only the back of His head and the side of his face. His hands are expressing His point. The scribe to whom He speaks has a poignant, thoughtful expression.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA) bride must have long red hair down to her waist
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA) bride must have long red hair down to her waist
Paint this scene fo rme: Soon, Mr. Chen arranged for them to cross into Hong Kong—a place known for its bright skyline and bustling streets. Under the cover of darkness and with careful planning, the family and their companions boarded a small boat that carried them silently across the water. At about the halfway point they sailed into a thick bank of fog, so dark it felt as if they were inside a bottle of ink. Siu-Zi couldn’t even see her father’s face. A worry, and dark despair began to overwhelm her, she closed her eyes. Then, in the stillness of her own thoughts, as if on a movie screen, Siu-Zi saw a handsome, kind man in white dress. It was as if he was sitting outside the boat on top of the water. He sat there, smiling at Siu-Zi, keeping the same distance from them, outside the boat, and at length, he said, “It’s going to be alright, Siu-Zi. I’ll be here to protect you and no harm will come to you or your family anymore.” The next thing she knew, Siu-Zi’s father was shaking her awake, telling her that the crossing was over.
In a small office 3 people sit at desks doing their work. There are 2 women and 1 man. The woman sitting closest to us has her back to us and we can see past her to her large computer monitor, where a professional leadership coach is on the screen showing a slide. "This guy will really be able to help me advance in my career!" is what the woman is thinking. Her coworkers have no clue that she's getting all this help. It's our secret!
Paint this scene fo rme: After leaving their home in Guangzhou, Siu Zi and her Father traveled by train to Shenzhen, where the city’s neon lights replaced Guangzhou’s lanterns. The train rumbled through the night, its rhythmic clatter a steady reminder that every mile taken was a step away from the life they once knew—and a step closer to hope, although it still wasn’t clear where or how they would find this new hope. In Shenzhen, they met Mr. Chen once more. In a modest safe house tucked away behind a busy market, he introduced them to a small group of others who, like them, were on the run. There was Mei, a kind woman who had once taught music, and Li, a gentle man whose eyes sparkled with hidden stories. These newfound friends shared whispered words of encouragement, turning fear into a sense of shared purpose.
A close up of a woman’s face with miniature people on ladders and scaffolding painting a face tattoo around her eyes. She has long eyelashes and shoulder length curly brown hair. The miniature people wear leather and denim.
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, And what can be the use of him is more than I can see. He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head; And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow— Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow; For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball, And he sometimes goes so little that there’s none of him at all. He hasn’t got a notion of how children ought to play, And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way. He stays so close behind me, he’s a coward you can see; I’d think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me! One morning, very early, before the sun was up, I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup; But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head, Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
Southeast Asia. Modern day. Nearer to the city now, the bus thumps and bumps to a slower pace. Grinding gears mark spaces between dirty children, playing obliviously in the road. Neither village nor metropolis, outskirts have no identity: Just a blurry line of encroachment; a temporary half-life on the way to something more. Dust springs up from the tires of trucks headed both ways on the road. A little girl stands crying in a mud puddle; her brothers laughing from the sides. She has to learn rejection to participate in this brutal, belonging dance. A little life, and a little death for a product truly worthy of its name: a good woman is hard to find.
The monster (Mt. San Gorgonio) rises in the North, all hoary-frost above behemoth shoulders. Snake-like clouds adorning her, I crane my neck, Gaze fixed past the big white house toward uplifted boulders. And at the South, like his namesake martyr, Hyacinth (Mt. San Jacinto) has lost his head in cloud. Burned bones against a blue backdrop he wears that legacy proud. Between the two, another sunrise gleams and beams of brilliant, white-hot day flash forth: Accentuate Sonora’s west extremes, and last night’s moon forgot to go away.
Paint this scene fo rme: Siu-Zi is 12 years old, and her father lovingly calls her Ah Zi, meaning “little seed.” She has always been a quiet, observant child. In the bustling streets of Guangzhou, where her early memories shimmered with bright festivals and quiet moments by the river, life had once seemed full of endless possibility. Until two years ago. She could still see vividly the day her Mother had come home early from her job. She was ill, and while Siu-Zi had seen her ill before, it had never been like this. She remembered with painful clarity the days and nights when her Mother, and then her Grandfather, had lay in bed, hardly moving, barely able to breathe. And then the terrible sadness of the day they were taken by the doctors – were they doctors? They seemed more like policemen in white uniforms! – to the hospital. Siu-Zi never saw either of them again. And it wasn’t just in her home, but in many homes in her part of the city, and then, she learned later, all over the country, something her Father called a pandemic was breaking up families, making mothers and fathers, and grandmothers and grandfathers, disappear. Siu-Zi and her Father were locked in their apartment for a very long time, unable to go outside. They scarcely had enough water to drink, and not nearly enough food to eat. After those terrible days, a deep, silent sorrow had settled over the family.
"The course of my life has now brought me through a stormy sea, in a frail ship, to the common port where, landing, we account for every deed, wretched or holy. So that now I clearly see how wrong the fond illusion was that made art my idol and my king leading me to want what harmed me. My amorous fancies, once foolish and happy: what sense have they, now that I approach two deaths- the first of which I know is sure, the second threatening. Let neither painting nor carving any longer calm my soul turned to that divine love that to embrace us opened his arms upon the cross." - Michelangelo
From the Book of Ruth: "“would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD has gone out against me!” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”"
This day, though, I hiked another autumn wood. Eastern Europe ancient; overgrown. So thick the view was dark at just a few feet off the path. All red and yellow; orange and brown, a million trees, each one in blazing preparation for long, frozen winter. I cannot but recall my friend’s words, lasting long, though he did not, and the instant truth that follows. Looking upward at the fiery canopy, matched against the bright cerulean sky beyond, I embrace autumn! Winter surely comes one day, but spring beyond. I have a winter to prepare for, but it is not yet.
Ji Wing Soon is a 12 year old Malaysian Chinese boy. This scene occurs at his home in Kuala Lumpur. Late that night, as Wing-Sun lay in his bed, he heard voices coming from his parents' room down the hall. He arose and opened his door quietly, then stepped into the hallway where he could hear their conversation. “Ah-Wai… I’ve been thinking about the path we're on. I’ve been reading the Bible again, like I did when I was younger. I remember the peace I felt back then. But now… everything feels so different. I believe we should honor your family, but things just don’t feel the same to me anymore.” Mei-Ling said softly but urgently. “Not this again, Ah-Ling. We’ve talked about this. Traditions are our foundation—our way of life. They’ve brought us good luck, success. Do you really want to upset things?” Hon-Wai said, a tone of impatience creeping into his voice.
A medium-close up shot, from the chest up, of the bronze sculpture of the Bolivarian soldier with a red beret, exactly as seen in image_1.png. The soldier has a stoic facial expression and is looking upwards and to the left. He is wearing a full field uniform, a detailed tactical vest with multiple pouches and straps, a loose scarf or neckerchief, and a black work glove on his right hand, which is gripping the rifle stock. The red beret has a gold insignia on the side. The lighting highlights the texture of the dark bronze, with subtle reflections. Isolated against a pure white studio background.
“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mark 12:28–34, ESV)
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (Luke 2:15 KJV)
Inside an informal church in Kuala Lumpur. Wing Sun and his father and mother, along with Siu Zi, his friend from school are there together. We are standing in the back of the room, and there are many more people than there were in the London church. There are people of different ethnicities, but mostly Chinese Malaysian. The Pastor, a Chinese man, is standing up front speaking to the congregation, facing them. The atmosphere is hot and sweaty, with ceiling fans running, but still welcoming, Wing Sun is happy that his family is together and also that his friend Siu Zi, who he has just learned is a Christian, can be there too.
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes. All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalms 118:1-29, KJVA)
Mr. Chen has arranged for the little family to cross secretly into Hong Kong—a place known for its bright skyline and bustling streets. Under the cover of darkness and with careful planning, Siu Zi, her father and Grandmother, along with Mr. Chen have boarded a small boat that carries them silently across the water. The sea is calm, its surface reflecting a tapestry of starlight, as if the heavens themselves are guiding them. Siu-Zi lies nestled between her father and grandmother, wrapped up in blankets, in the forward part of an open boat with quiet motors propelling them along. Their is an air of mystery and tension.
Create a breathtaking, cinematic, photorealistic biblical landscape representing “God specialises in restoring lost years.” Show a once-barren wilderness transforming into a flourishing garden. The foreground features dry, cracked earth and a few weathered rocks, gradually transitioning into rich green grass, delicate wildflowers, and vibrant new growth stretching into the distance. In the background, majestic mountains rise beneath dramatic clouds as warm golden rays of sunlight break through the sky, illuminating the restored landscape with a sense of divine hope, renewal, and God’s faithfulness. The atmosphere should feel deeply spiritual, peaceful, powerful, and full of promise, symbolising how God can restore what has been lost and bring new life after seasons of hardship. Use rich earthy browns, deep forest greens, muted gold, and soft heavenly light. Professional cinematic colour grading, realistic natural textures, dramatic lighting, beautiful depth, elegant composition suitable for a Christian church sermon presentation. Wide 16:9 landscape format. NO TEXT, NO LETTERING, NO WATERMARKS, NO PEOPLE, NO BUILDINGS.
This day, though, I hiked another autumn wood. Eastern Europe ancient; overgrown. So thick the view was dark at just a few feet off the path. All red and yellow; orange and brown, a million trees, each one in blazing preparation for long, frozen winter. I cannot but recall my friend’s words, lasting long, though he did not, and the instant truth that follows. Looking upward at the fiery canopy, matched against the bright cerulean sky beyond, I embrace autumn! Winter surely comes one day, but spring beyond. I have a winter to prepare for, but it is not yet.
Create a unique signature artwork for a dark cinematic music channel. A mysterious monumental figure stands alone at the center of an ancient forgotten world, partially hidden in deep shadow, with an otherworldly dark aura surrounding its head and body. The figure should feel powerful, intelligent, mysterious and almost mythical, but not recognizable as any existing character or mythology. Behind it, enormous ancient stone structures disappear into black mist, with subtle floating particles, smoke, dust and faint sparks. A narrow beam of cold moonlight cuts through the darkness from above, creating dramatic volumetric lighting and a powerful silhouette. Add subtle energy waves and faint glowing cracks in the environment, as if ancient power is awakening beneath the surface. Extremely cinematic composition, dark fantasy atmosphere, mysterious and haunting mood, premium music-album artwork, deep blacks, charcoal, cold silver and very subtle blue-violet highlights, high contrast, realistic textures, atmospheric depth, sophisticated lighting, sharp central subject, elegant negative space, visually iconic and instantly recognizable, no generic fantasy clichés, no famous characters, no mythology symbols, no text, no logo, no watermark. Ultra-detailed, photorealistic cinematic concept art, masterpiece quality, 16:9 widescreen.