A devotional perspective based on Mark 10:46-52 NIV  Bartimaeus receives his sight.

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In the above Bible passage, a blind man named Bartimaeus called out to Jesus as He and His disciples passed by.  The man cried out to Jesus to help him, to heal him.  We’re told that when he learned it was Jesus passing by, (v. 46)… he began to shout “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!  48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” and Jesus healed him.  Jesus told him “your faith has healed you.” 

As I read this passage, I thought, good for Bartimaeus for shouting out all the more! If he had allowed the nay sayers and doubters, those trying to repress him, to hold him back, then he would have lived the rest of his life in blindness and the resulting abject poverty!

His faith healed him and it was his faith that gave him the courage and tenacity to keep seeking what he needed, against opposition, and get connected with the source of power that would transform his life.  Indeed, his faith healed him. Never be afraid to speak out even against opposition, to declare what you need and get connected to help and whatever is necessary and helpful to bring the abundant life your faith enables you to see. It took a blind man to see what others couldn’t- the good life he knew awaited.

Does that mean things were instantly easy? Of course not.  He was starting from scratch having been a beggar his whole life.  He had much catching up to do, but he must have had so much joyous energy and rejuvenation to do the hard work ahead because he was given his sight!!

Take your healing and help from God, renew your energy and go burst on the scene with fervor and faith! The outstretched hand of God is always there waiting for you to take the help, even if opposition is very daunting and discouraging.  And watch out for those distractions! Stay focused and determined.

Longwood Gardens September 20, 2025

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My family made many quite a few trips to Longwood Gardens over the years. Both my parents enjoyed having flower beds growing up and we all enjoy the beauty of creation. When we were kids, our mom’s cousin and his wife usually went with us, Kenny and Ellie. I remember one summer visit when we were out at the lily ponds, a storm blew up rather suddenly and a very bright flash of lightning and loud crack of thunder sent people screaming for the shelter of the conservatory. It was the 70’s, so we just laughed it off.

We also went at Christmas time when I was a young adult and I remember the peacefulness of the whole grounds. It was a welcome break after a busy semester at college. It’s a great place to catch your breath and refresh your mind with a feast for the senses.

Get Outside and Breathe

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Since Monocacy Park (Illick’s Mill) in Bethlehem is right on my way home from work, I’ve stopped there for a walk and to take some photos fairly often over the last few years. It’s important to make the time to get some fresh air and sunshine and just take a breath and clear your mind.

I’ve been undergoing relentless harassment over the last 7 or 8 years, called gangstalking, so it’s all the more important to decompress as much as possible. Does it totally work as much as I’d like? Unfortunately, no, but it’s a choice that I make to do my best to find something positive to focus on and put the bullshit out of my mind, at least for a moment. Even if I keep having to do that over and over in a short span, it’s worth the effort. Even when someone is deliberately trying to piss you off and steal your joy from everything you do, they can only succeed as much as you allow.

God is way more powerful than they are, and God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Some folks will just never understand that. Bullies are pathetic cowards. So, without further focus on the negatives I was dealing with, here’s some photos I took.