Author Archives: Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

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About Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Photographer of Light and Life, Writer of Life as it finds me

It Would Have Been Enough

Posted on November 9, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The Jewish Dayenu—“it would have been enough for us”—is a tradition of gratitude that remembers God’s blessings, one by one. Inspired by The Chosen, this reflection creates a personal Dayenu, tracing God’s faithfulness through life’s joys, losses, and redemption. As Thanksgiving approaches, may we all pause to remember that even one of His blessings would have been enough—yet He continues to give us more. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith Reflections, God's Faithfulness, Gratitude and Thanksgiving, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On Becoming a Diamond

Posted on November 2, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Diamonds are formed under pressure—and so are we. From the persecution of the early church to Paul’s imprisonment, from history’s turning points to our own seasons of hardship, God uses pressure to refine our faith and reveal His strength. When life feels heavy, we can take heart knowing that He’s not trying to crush us—He’s shaping us into something radiant and strong, reflecting His glory. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith Through Trials, Spiritual Growth, Trusting God | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Known and Loved: Why We Don’t Have to Hide from God

Posted on October 26, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows everything about us—our words, actions, thoughts, and even motives. Though that truth can feel uncomfortable, it’s also deeply freeing: the God who knows us best loves us most. Instead of hiding from Him in guilt or shame, we’re invited to hide in Him for refuge, forgiveness, and strength. This post explores how to run to God—not away from Him—when we fail, fear, or face hard times. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith and Forgiveness, God's Love and Grace, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Abundant Life — Daily Doses of Eternal Life

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When Jesus spoke of “eternal life,” He wasn’t describing something that begins only after death—He was inviting us to experience it now. Eternal life and abundant life overlap; both are meant to be lived daily in relationship with God. This post explores how abundant life is not about possessions or ease but about presence, gratitude, and seeing every good gift—from work to relationships to nature—as a daily dose of eternal life. Continue reading →

Posted in Abundant Life, Christian Living, Everyday Faith, Faith and Gratitude, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Comfort God

Posted on October 12, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

As autumn settles in, our hearts often reach for comfort—warm foods, cozy routines, or familiar scents. But these sources of comfort are temporary. True and lasting comfort comes only from God, the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” In this reflection on loss, memory, and faith, we explore how God offers not just physical comfort but deep solace—peace that abides even in sorrow. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith and Comfort, Grief and Healing, Seasons of Life, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hope as Supreme Confidence

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Much of what we call hope is really just wishful thinking—preferences and desires that have little bearing on eternity. But biblical hope is far deeper: it’s supreme confidence in God’s promises, an anchor for the soul that holds steady in every storm. This post explores the difference between wishful thinking and true hope, why we sometimes struggle to place our hope fully in God, and how fixing our eyes on eternity allows us to go “all in” with Him. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Eternal Perspective, Faith in Action, Hope in Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength

Posted on September 28, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

Nehemiah’s words, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), remind us that our deepest resilience doesn’t come from grit or determination but from God’s presence and promises. Joy is not the same as happiness—it is the steady confidence that Christ is with us, loves us, and strengthens us. This post explores what that means, how Paul echoed it in Philippians 4:4 and Philippians 4:13, and offers practical ways we can live it out today, even in times of trial or spiritual battle. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith in Action, Joy, Strength in Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Overcoming Darkness

Posted on September 21, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

When evil seems rampant, it’s tempting to fight darkness with more darkness. But Scripture reminds us that our real battle is spiritual—and the only way to overcome darkness is with light. This post reflects on the tension between righteous anger and Christ’s call to forgiveness, love, and good works, offering seven biblical ways we can shine His light into a dark world. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Faith in Action, Overcoming Darkness, spiritual warfare | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fighting Back Like Jesus

Posted on September 14, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

In the wake of political violence and growing anger in our world, it’s easy to feel consumed by bitterness and the desire for revenge. This post reflects on my own struggle with those chains and how God reminded me of a better way—the way of Jesus. Instead of retaliation, Christ calls us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and trust God with justice. Though it’s never easy, only forgiveness and love can break the cycle of hate and set us free. Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Faith in Action, Forgiveness, Overcoming Hate, Spiritual Growth | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pictures of God from Job

Posted on September 7, 2025 by Writing & Photography by David K. Carpenter

The book of Job is one of the most difficult books in the Bible, but it reveals timeless truths about who God is. In this post, I explore Job as wisdom literature and highlight four “pictures of God” that emerge: sovereign, patient, beyond our comprehension, and restorer. While Job doesn’t answer every question about suffering, it points us to the deeper truth that God Himself is the ultimate answer. Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Reflections, Biblical Characters, Faith & Spiritual Growth, Suffering & Hope, Trusting God in Hard Times | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment