The Cup of Salvation

One of our stops was to the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. We visited the tomb, and then held a communion service nearby. We each received identical olive wood cups during the course of the service. The door to the tomb is to the right of my pinkie finger.

The Cup of Salvation Originally uploaded by whatnext.

Promised Land

One of my favorites. This picture could represent what Moses might have seen in Deuteronomy 34:1-8: "Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the

The Promised Land Originally uploaded by whatnext.

plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."

And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over."

Talented

This Syrian camel driver knows how to do it. While laying down on the top of the camel, he smokes a cigarette and talks on his mobile phone. That's what I call talent. This was taken in Palmyra, Syria.

Talented Originally uploaded by whatnext.

Yes, I Was Away...

...And I'm still recovering from a 17-day excursion to the Middle East. I joined several of my classmates and others for a trek through Syria, Jordan, and Israel. I made over 1,000 photographs during the trip, and it will take awhile to sort through them all. I have a few favorites posted over on Flickr. Over the next several days I will also publish them here with more extensive commentary.

The big takeaway from this trip was the imagery. I will not be able to read the Bible in the same fashion as before. The Sea of Galilee is now permanently etched into my mind's eye. Scripture readings about places now take on the textures, smells, and colors that were previously unavailable to my imagination. What a wonderful trip.

And now, 2006

Originally uploaded by AlmaZ.

As the Year Comes to a Close...

... I want to wish all readers of :: What Next? :: a very Happy New Year.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintaince be forgot
And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

And surely you'll be your pint stowp
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll drink a richt guid willy waught
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine,
But we've wandered monie a wearie fit'
Since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine
But seas a'tween us braid hae roared
Since auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

And here's a hand my trusty fere
And gie's a hand o' thine
And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

New Neighborhood Hangout

Finally, there is a coffee shop within walking distance of my parent's home in Salt Lake City!

Highland Perk is located at 1588 East Stratford Avenue, and sits amidst a tiny shopping area that's been around since before I was born. Shops have come and gone here, but I suspect that this one is a keeper. Barbara the barista provided me with excellent service. Highland Perk also features a nice selection of pastries and other drinks. Highly recommended! Phone: (801) 466-PERK.