The Original Thinker Posted: Sep 29, 2009 His legs bent slightly under him, the man leaned forward, elbow on his knee and his chin resting on his hand. Auguste Rodin's sculpture, "The Thinker," was part of an 1880 exhibit based on Dante's The Divine Comedy. "The Thinker" was to portray Dante himself sitting at the top of the door to hell contemplating the scene below. However, the pose has become synonymous with meditation or contemplation of some internal conflict or struggle.

In Step With Jesus Posted: Jul 14, 2009 Andrew raised his arms and threw with all his might. The net sailed over his head and out into the water, landing exactly where he wanted it. Slowly he began the arduous task of hauling in the net with its catch. A smile played along his lips. He enjoyed being out on the water, tasting the salt in the wind as the waves rocked the boat back and forth.

Out of the Darkness Posted: Jul 14, 2009 If you’ve never spent very much time behind a wall, you have no idea how safe you can feel. You are completely hidden and protected. Nothing and no one can reach you. If someone or something invades your space, you just go deeper behind the wall or you make it higher and thicker.

Middle Ground Posted: Jul 14, 2009 Middle ground is nowhere. It is neither right nor left; it is between the two. Middle ground is the same as straddling the fence; one foot on the left while the other is on the right. It must be a most uncomfortable place to be. Middle ground smacks of compromise, indecisiveness, hesitancy, and powerlessness.

Frodo and Sam Posted: Jul 14, 2009 The burden grew heavier each day. Almost unbearable, yet he had agreed to make the journey and would do what was expected of him. It was his responsibility. The ring must be destroyed, at all costs. He was set upon his course; he was headed for the mountain where the fire that had birthed the ring waited to destroy it. But he was not alone. Sam walked every mile with him, always helping, ever alert for danger. Now they were nearing the end.

Walls Posted: Jul 14, 2009 Proudly they stand, bordering a walkway, hedging a garden, defining the outer boundaries of an estate, and even lining the sides of a country lane. Some are made of rough-hewn stone loosely stacked while others are constructed from kiln–fired brick mortared together with the finest craftsmanship.

The Whisper of God Posted: Jul 14, 2009 Up ahead gaped the open mouth of a large cave. Hungry and thirsty, he stumbled into its darkness. Exhaustion forced him to the ground. He had been running for days and now all he wanted to do was rest. And sleep! Sweet, peaceful oblivion! That's what he needed.