by greg romine

Greg Romine, 32, a long-time resident of Morgantown, WV, is a self-taught photographer who has been practicing his art since 1997. Desiring to capture the beauty of God’s creation in his photography, Greg is a frequent visitor of national and state parks. Some favorite subjects of his include rugged West Virginia mountain overlooks; beautifully flowing streams and waterfalls; Civil War battlefields; and the red-rock splendor of Arizona.

Greg is employed as a graphic designer at The Dominion Post, but relishes opportunities to take his camera out on a hike or a road trip, capturing images that exalt God’s goodness and beauty. His photography is featured in the Sedona Green gallery in Sedona, Arizona, a leading art community in the United States. His work can be purchased there, and at Sedona Green’s website: www.sedonagreen.com.

by karen haring

ENVY: A feeling of discontent with regard to another’s advantages.

There SHE is again. Miss Drama Queen. Why did they pick HER? She’s always in the spotlight, and I’m in the shadows.

An object of envious feeling: Her intelligence made her the envy of her classmates.

Look at the smug way she begs for their attention. They’re going to think that SHE’S more talented than I am. And maybe she is. I can’t let HER get ahead of me. I want that spot! I’m the supreme actress! I’ve got a pretty face! I’ve got skills!

Ill will.

She’s got flaws She overacts; she has a stupid smile like some mannequin in a window. Wait til I tell everyone what SHE did at the party last weekend

Coveting

I want your hair. I want your smile. I want your smarts, your parts, your voice, your poise, your shoes, your reviews, your guy, your hair dye, your resume, your quiet way, your personality, your congeniality, your grace, I WANT YOUR PLACE!

Malice

Witch

Rivalry

Look at ME!

Green Eyed Monster

I am Envy.

Many of us have a picture of Jesus in our minds as a stoic, peaceful man with blue eyes, kept hair, and a white gown. There is much more to the personality, conviction, and purpose of Christ, though, than can ever be captured in a painting. In this series we will find out what it was about Jesus that made him a friend to sinners, a threat to religious leaders, and why he is still the most controversial figure in all of history.

AUDIO: sermons marked [COMING SOON] will be posted as soon they become available. we have been experiencing some technical difficultues in posting sermons from this series. we hope to have the problem resolved soon. thanks for your patience and we apologize for the inconvenience.

by lauren byrer

Wrath.
Sounds a little ancient,
Like Shakespeare or Dunn or Whitman
so it might be hard to relate to.
But we can still recognize it?
people on the 11:00 news
who actually kill someone
unexpectedly
in a fit of rage.

They’re the ones who really shock you,
make you feel superior
because you’d never get that bad.
Or the ones
who end up on Jerry Springer.
Yeah crazy wrath.
Crazy no teeth,
lavender spandex wrath.
It’s easy to spot when
people are throwing chairs.

Or there’s the screaming
at your kid
in the grocery store kind of wrath
SHUT YOUR MOUTH;
I SAID NO CRYING!
makes you turn around
in the aisle
eyes wide
as you gently place
protein bars
soy milk
chicken breasts
in your tidy cart
wondering if it’s all the Moon Pies
and Spam that make them
act so poorly in public.

We’ve all seen that guy in traffic
whips out from behind you
speeds by,
glaring,
laying on the horn,
as he passes.
Wrath.

____________________

In your life
wrath is better behaved
it wears Ann Taylor
owns a plasma,
drives an SUV
watches the Superbowl
with white collar friends.
But it’s still wrath.

If you silently seethe
when that chick
who hit on your husband
walks into the room,
you’re just one bad day away from
ripping her hair out
You are this close,
to following that guy in the car,
cursing under your breath
rehearsing what you’d say if he stops
so what are you going to do when he does?

If you play over and over and over
in your mind
whatever it is that your boss
or father-in-law
or ex-best friend said
two years ago
and imagine the feel of
your fist in his face
and you smile

welcome to the club.

I am wrath.

On Mother’s Day we will have a baby dedication during the 9:00 & 11:00 services. This event happens only once a year. If you would like to have your baby dedicated, please either fill out your tear-off panel and write “Baby Dedication,” call the church office [594.0548] or e-mail info@chestnutridgechurch.com and let us know your mailing address. We will then send you a reminder card with instructions for the dedication.

lyrics and music by: karen haring
performed by: lauren byrer
live recording: chestnut ridge church

lyrics and music by: karen haring
performed by: lauren byrer
live recording: chestnut ridge church