Sunday's Thought

God With Us" by Bud Hance

John 1:14 (NKJV)

The Word Becomes Flesh

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Today is Christmas Day and we light the "Christ candle." Christ, God's chosen one, is the long-awaited hope that was announced by the prophets and is yearned for today. He is the beacon of love that shines from the little town of Bethlehem and that we desire to see in the New Jerusalem. He is the reason meek shepherds once rejoiced in the fields and His Church will celebrate on the Day of the Lord. He is God's message of peace to an occupied Jewish people two thousand years ago, and He is the heart's cry for peace today. Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us in the flesh, is all the reason we will ever need to celebrate! Let us celebrate with all we have, because our God has come and our God will come again!

Charlie Brown Christmas

A Special Edition to Sunday's Thought

"Perfect Peace"

by Bud Hance

Psalm 62:1-2 (NIV)

1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.

2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

In all of the joy of preparing for the return of Jesus there are some of us who are dealing with some impossible situations. The realities of loneliness, depression, and loss can be magnified during this time of year. All these feelings can lead to a sense of hopelessness at a time when everyone else is celebrating.

Elizabeth's story becomes good news for many during Advent. Elizabeth was a righteous woman, a family member of Jewish priests. But she was barren, not able to have children. Being barren in her day was a sign to everyone that God's blessing was not with her. Disgraced and disconnected, she lived in an impossible situation for years.

The good news for Elizabeth was that God chose to give her peace. Her husband was told that she would give birth to a son, John, who would be used by God to prepare the people of God for the coming of the Lord.

An impossible situation was transformed by God. He restored relationships and gave Elizabeth the new life of a child. God brought wholeness to Elizabeth, and God can bring wholeness to our lives today. May God's peace shine into your life at the coming of Jesus Christ through the power of His Spirit.

Meet Millie- PetConnect Rescue

Ok- you can probably already see the playfulness and love in Millie just by looking at this photograph. Granted it's done from an artistic standpoint, but it show her personality.

She was a challenge to photograph

and I had more fun with her- it was worth the drive to Andrews AFB,

MD, just to get photograph of her!

At first, she was abit shy, but as soon as she figured out the I love dogs, she began to be herself. From that moment on, it was playtime! Each time I got into position to photograph her, she would come running!! Ended up with a few "doggie kisses!!"

I try to be courteous of the foster's time and be quick with my work, but this time it was very hard. I could have stayed all afternoon with her playing!!

For adoption information on Millie, go to www.petconnectrescue.org.

Sunday's Thought

Advent Devotion - "Overflowing Joy" by Bud Hance

Psalm 47:5-6 (NKJV)

5 God has gone up with a shout,
The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!

Christian joy is greater than the joy the world offers. The world offers us joy in sleek-designed gadgets wrapped in shiny paper. The world's joy lasts only for a time. Christian joy flows from memories of all the ways God was present in the impossible moments of life. Add all of these life moments to the countless stories from the time of Genesis to today, and you have reason for great joy. So let's throw all of our efforts into joyfully preparing for the celebration of our Savior, Who has come and will come again.

HeARTSspeak

I applied about a month ago to an organization which I read about in The Bark Magazine. The group is "HeARTSspeak."

I became interested in the group because I am an artist-photographer and currently volunteer photography skills to PetConnect Rescue. They assign me a dog and I photograph it for their website. I have a blast doing it and it feels good to know you are helping another animal find a home. All it takes is about 3-4 hours a months, sometimes more.

When I read about "HeARTSspeak" (www.heartsspeak.org) and their mission, "Working to unite the individual efforts of animal artists and animal rescues into collective action for social change," I had to try and join. I received an email this week that I am accepted as an "Aspiring Member."

Christmas

The Christmas season is rushing by,

take the time to visit with family and friends, for this life is short- spend it with those who matter most-

At Christmas, my present is a day with my wife, dog and cat. Yes, we usually exchange gifts, but it's their company and the day with them that I enjoy the most. Have a very Merry Christmas!

"Winter Tree Art"

Sunday's Thought

Advent Devotions: Unfailing Love by Bud Hance

Psalm 31:16 (NKJV)

16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant;

Save me for Your mercies’ sake.

God longs for us to know the safety of His presence. God was rejected by His chosen people. Time and again God attempted to guide and direct them, but they quickly turned away. They refused to be gathered under the protection of God's wings.

The patience of God endured for thousands of years, and it continues to endure today. God still longs to gather his chosen people together "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings." When the "Light of the World" comes again, God will complete the work He started. But God is patient because that day will also mean some people will not be prepared and will be judged accordingly. Advent reminds us that we are given time to prepare for God's return because God is patient and wants no one to perish.

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness,

but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish

but that all should come to repentance.

It is comforting to know that God is not like us. Our patience has a limit of seconds, hours, or days. The limits of God's patience are unknown because His love endures forever.

About Me!

Photographing Architecture, Dogs and Gardens!

I’m at: Allen Pearson's Photos, blog.allenpearsonsphotos.com; dullesdog.blogspot.com;Facebook/AllenPearsonsPhotos “Allen Pearson’s Photos; Twitter/AllensPhotos; LinkedIn Allen Pearson; Google+, Allen Pearson; 500px, Allen Pearson’s Photo My work is in most of those places too.

I was born in Gadsden, Alabama, lived in Huntsville, AL for a few years of life and grew up in Northern Virginia. After some encouragement from my mother, I began playing with photography with a camera my parents gave me and that’s all it took. I quickly became interested in photographing the unique beauty of nature.

In the few short years I have been photographing, my passions have changed some to focus towards the art of gardens, dogs and cats. My love for gardening and planting brought out the curiosity of using a macro lens to see the beauty of a world not often seen.

As my interests changed to gardening, I realized a dream of photographing dogs for an animal rescue group. This became a fascination and fun event for me as I tried to capture the dog’s unique personalities to assist them in getting a Forever Home. My experience led to photographing cats as well.

Along with these changes, I began to notice my interest in photographing old town areas and churches. I began exploring these interests in August 2011 which led to competing in the 2^nd Annual “Photograph! Manassas” where I took 2^nd place for my entry “Celebrate Manassas!! Center Street.”

Now, I am headed out in life with camera in tow to photograph nature that is found in gardens, whether it’s a backyard or a formal one and dogs, some cats along the way, I’m sure. And, am going to check out a few old towns and churches.

And, I am married to a beautiful lady I met while working at a Christian radio station, she is the love of my life and I cherish each moment with her. I have two boys, “Noah”, a Plott Hound-Black Lab mix dog and “Haydn” a Maine Coon cat.

Sunday's Thought

Advent Devotions- "Hope In the Invitation"

by Bud Hance

Psalm 13:3 (NKJV) 3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

In the beginning, God created all things in heaven and on earth. God created man and woman in his image. God gave man and woman the task to care for the world. They lived in the goodness of God's creation with only one rule. They were told not to eat from one tree. They decided to break God's rule, and that is when sin and death entered the world.

Now we wait and hope in God, whose love is endless, Sin and death are a part of our world, but we also know that God's endless love has and will defeat them. So we wait in hope for the "Light of God" to come.

We are called this Advent season, to follow Jesus' example. To the curious observer we are called to bear witness that we are representatives of God and that we are preparing for the "Light of the World." Just as Jesus gave the invitation to all people - including the outcasts in society, like the tax collector and prostitute - we are called to give everyone the opportunity to respond if what we do is meaningful to them.

Ice and Fall Leaves

Our wintry mix of weather about a month ago produced many opportunities to capture images not usually found in a Northern Virginia fall.

The day full of winter's mix and the leaves falling from the trees was interesting to watch. I kept feeling like I was transported up to the northern area of this country where this type of weather happens.

It was beautiful, fascinating and a day I won't forget as I love to follow the weather and it's extremes or unusual events. Happy Friday.

"Ice and Fall Leaves"

Sunday's Thought

Withering Away, by Bud Hance

1 Peter 1:24-25 (NKJV)

24 because “ All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you"

Here the apostle Peter quotes from Isaiah 40:6-8, reminding us as believers that everything in this life - possessions, accomplishments, people - will all eventually fade away and disappear. Only God's will, Word, and work are permanent. We must stop grasping at the temporary and focus our time, money, and energy on the permanent - the Word of God and our new, eternal life in Jesus Christ.

The doctrine delivered by God concerning Christ endures forever, having, at all times and in all seasons, the same excellence and the same effectiveness. It is unmoved, fixed and permanent. Amidst all the revolutions on earth, the fading glories of natural objects, and the wasting strength of man, his truth remains unaffected. Its beauty never fades; its power is never deprived of strength. The gospel system is as beautiful now as it was when it was first revealed to man.

In view, then, of the truth stated in the close of this passage, 1 Peter 1:24,25, let us learn always to reflect on our feebleness and frailty. "We all do fade as a leaf," Isaiah 64:6. Our glory is like the flower of the field. Our beauty fades, and our strength disappears, as easily as the beauty of the flower that grows up in the morning, and that in the evening is cut down, Psalms 90:6. There is not an object of natural beauty on which we pride ourselves that will not decay; and soon all our pride and pomp will be laid low in the tomb.

But amidst these changes which beauty undergoes, and the desolations which disease and death spread over the world, it is comforting to know that all is not so, There is that which does not change, which, never loses its beauty. "The word of the Lord" abides. His great and wonderful promises, his assurances that there is brighter and better world, remain amidst all these changes.

Slow Down by Kim Kirby

A guest writer for today's blog. When I read this, then saw all the Black Friday commercials, I thought this poem was written in appropriate timing. Poem and image copyright by Kim Kirby.

Slow Down

As we come into a very hectic season, we need to not get caught up in the whirlwind that it can become, instead we need to slow down.

Slow our breaths (breathe deep, breathe easy), slow our thoughts (calmness, quietness), focus on prayer (breath prayer, single word prayer [peace, Jesus, Lord, etc.]), and don't let the ways of the world overwhelm us, weary us, get us caught up in the craziness of sales, shopping, and spending money.

Slow down, God is in control, He's not in a hurry, He's not going anywhere without you.

--Kim Kirby

Come Ye Thankful People Come - Organ and Piano Duet

Sunday's Thought

I Believe!

because I have seen Him take the pain away

when the doctors would say, no way.

I Believe!

because I have seen Him calm the tears with peace

of someone who lost someone very dear.

I Believe!

because I have seen Him calm the fears

of someone who just received a dire diagnosis from the doctor.

I Believe!

because I have felt His Love and Comfort in times

when others could not.

Yes, I Believe!

because the Bible tells me so,

for I have a simple, uncomplicated faith in God.

Yes, I Believe!

because I have seen Him, felt His Presence, for He loves me- this I know.

I Believe.

Cold Night by Renee Crump

Cold Night Love

The air is cold when it hits our cheeks

We used to think our future looked so bleak

But here I see something new in you

I hope you see it in me too

We sit under the beautiful stars

Yet it feels like I'm floating on mars

Your arms around me feel so right

Oh, how I love it when you hug me tight

I couldn't imagine a more perfect time

Can we please sit here till sunrise

You stand up and give me one last hug

That's my definition of cold night love

Renee Crump

Sunday's Thought

Lord Jesus, thank you for this day. Thank you for life and for the many blessings You have given us. Guide us through this day, make us a blessing and a witness for You to those we meet. Bless those who are ill, help them to feel Your Love and Comfort. Amen.

October's Wintry Day-2

Thankfully, the weather has improved somewhat since the weird day of a wintry-fall mix, Sat. Oct. 29.

I captured this image on Sunday morning after walking my dog Noah. I thought the frost/ice of the fall colored leaf was beautiful.

I used my Pentax KD10 with a Macro 1:1 lens and manual focus to get up close.

"Morning Frost on a Leaf"

October's Wintry Day

An unusual pattern of weather brought sleet, snow, hail, ice, and rain to the Northern Virginia area on Saturday, October 29, 2011. Over the next few days, I will feature a few images that I captured using my Pentax K10D with a 1:1 Macro Lens.

"Ice On a Viola"

Meet Piper - PetConnect Rescue

I had the opportunity to photograph for PetConnect Rescue this weekend. Meet Piper. At first, she was a bit shy but as I let her sniff me, and my camera, she began to warm up to me. After that, she was busy showing me what a sweet dog, full of love and fun, she is.

We played in the backyard for awhile. She began to try to get me into

playing but I had to keep clicking the camera!

A wonderful dog, a great experience.

Adoption info. on Piper can be found at www.petconnectrescue.org.

Sunday's Thought

A prayer from a Scripture, a meditation to be placed on the heart and in your thoughts:

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14

A Question: What do you have to be Thankful for?

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, I think of the many blessings in life for which I am thankful. God, my wife, my cat, my dog, church and church family, job. Then, other things come to mind. The things don't seem to matter so much. Something happens to them, I can replace them if I need to do so.

With the economy on a crazy rollercoaster ride, high unemployment and many other things going wrong these days, what are you thankful for? What are the blessings in your life? I'd love to read your thoughts on this topic. Please post your comments.

"Morning Frost on Fall Leaf"

A New Blog "Dulles Dog"

I've added another blog to my list of items to do related to my love for dogs and my skills as a photographer.

The blog is a hilarious look at life through the eyes of a dog. The blog begins by introducing you to Dulles Dog and how he came about. Check it out at dullesdog.blogspot.com. Subscribe by email or become a "follower" and automatically get updates as Dulles Dog writes!

This will be fun!

"Photograph! Manassas" - 2nd Place Winner!!!!

Recently, I spent several weekends last August and September with my camera in Old Town Manassas photographing the area to participate in the Manassas Art Guild's 2nd Annual "Photograph! Manassas" competition. The experience was an experiment in my interest of architecture and old town areas. Also, it brought back some great memories of my childhood as I grew up in the area.

I received "2nd Place" for my entry of "Celebrate Manassas! - Center Street". Exciting for my first time working with architecture.

Garden Perspectives 2011

One of my favorite images of my work in photographing the beauty found in gardens and gardening, is this macro shot of a sunflower.

I captured this after a light rain on a early summer evening.

"Summer"

Happy Monday

Someone shared the comment with me on a cloudy, dreary and rainy Monday morning, "Happy Monday". I thought she was a bit nuts, she was, but that's beside the point, and then I realized, yeah, she's right, look at it in a positive light and it'll be a good day, so "Happy Monday."

"Red Gerber Daisy"

Sunday's Thought

Truth Worthy of Acceptance by Bud Hance

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NKJV)

Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and no sinner is beyond his saving power. This is one of the most glorious truths in all of Scripture and the most important truth to reach the human ear. All men are sinners and are justly condemned to eternal death. Christ Jesus became incarnate, suffered, and died to redeem them; and, by his grace and Spirit, has the exclusive power to save them from their sins. The apostle Paul calls this saying or doctrine a faithful or true saying. Because God Himself has revealed this truth, it can believed without the slightest doubt or hesitation. Christ Himself by His death and Resurrection and through the mission of His Holy Spirit seals the pardon of the souls of all who will believe and establishes this great truth.

Secondly, It is worthy of everyone accepting it, as all need it. It is designed for and delivered to the whole human race, because all are born sinners and at enmity with God. This saying/doctrine was designed for every man and may be received by all.

Jesus didn't come just to show us how to live or to challenge us to be better people. He came to offer us salvation that leads t eternal life. Have you accepted His offer?

Experiments in Architecture

This image was taken in Old Town Manassas, Virginia, on a Saturday night.

I was working on a competition project, "Photograph! Manassas" which turned out to be a lot of fun and brought back memories of childhood.

This area is often blocked off on the weekends for music events, parties, etc.. as you can tell by the pylons at the end of the street.

I was trying to create a lazy late summer in September prior to the crowds arriving atmosphere with this image. I'd be interested in your comments.

"Party Evening in Manassas"

3rd Annual Pottery, Photography, and More Open House

If you have some time on Saturday, October 29 and will be in the Centreville, VA area, you need to stop by the 3rd Annual Pottery, Photography and More Open House. We have 6 artists participating this year covering a wide array of interests: Pottery, Photography, Blacksmith, Decorative Painting, Aromatherapy & Massage and Scentsy. And, we'll have snacks to munch on.

I am showing works from my Garden Perspectives exhibit and have started to experiment in other products such as page calendars and magnets. I haven't gotten real bold yet but am working on it. I am working on a book, a journal-type, that I had hoped to finish prior to the show, but it didn't quite come together. If it does, I'll post info. here and on my Facebook page.

Saturday's Open House is always a lot of fun and you can get a start on your Christmas shopping (that's when I usually buy my wife's present so I don't forget- but don't tell her!). Hope you can make it.

Experiments in Architecture

Another example of my experimenting with architecture photography. The image was taken in Old Town Manassas on Main St.. just before Tropical Storm Irene hit the area.

The nice thing about this image is the overcast clouds brought out the color of the buildings, made them cheerful and yet not glaring.

"Pink Post Office"

Sunday's Thought

"Come, let us worship Him! Let us bow down to our Maker, giving praise and thanks for the many blessings He has given-Amen"

Pottery, Photography and More Open House

Once again, it's time for the Pottery, Photography and More Open House. This year, a few new artists have been added to the group: a blacksmith, decorative painting, aromatherapy and massage, and Scentsy.

I will be participating with works from my exhibit "Garden Perspectives" on various products. The show is a great way to start, and maybe finish, your Christmas gift shopping. And, you don't have to buy anything to stop by and see the show, meet the artists and enjoy snacks. The details are:

Saturday, October 29, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Open House

14712 Algretus Drive

Centreville, VA 20120

Happy Friday, Meet Commander and Captain

I've had the pleasure of doing some volunteer photography for PetConnect Rescue over the past few weeks. It's been fun to meet the dogs and capture their personalities on digital images for the rescue to use for adoption purposes.

What's in it for me? Assisting the dogs who've may have been through alot to find a forever home wher

e they will be loved is a huge reward.

If you are a photographer, I'd suggest finding some time in your schedule and volunteer to photograph for a local rescue or two- it's worth!!

Meet Commander. I photographed him last weekend in Rockville, MD. He is loving, energetic and has a fun personality.

Meet Captain. I photographed him with Commander last weekend. He is loving, energetic and a fun personality too.

If interested in these dogs, contact PetConnect Rescue at www.petconnectrescue.org.

Sunday's Thought

I love looking for my favorite Scripture, which has meant quite a bit to me over the years, in different translations and paraphrases of the Bible. Of course, God can impress a translation on your heart of it too. Here's my favorite Scripture:

"But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. The will rise on wings like eagles; They will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak." - Isaiah 40:31 [Good News Bible]

Garden Perspectives 2011

My exhibit "Garden Perspectives" which is on display at the Penn Camera- Fair Lakes, 12967 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA, through Oct 30, 2011, is now posted as an album on Facebook and a Gallery on my website, www.allenpearsonsphotos.com.

Prints and Gallery Wraps (image printed on Canvas) are available for purchase.

Sunday's Thought

"Let thy thoughts be with the Most High, and let thy prayers be sent forth without ceasing unto Christ. If thou knowest not how to meditate on high and heavenly things, rest in the passion of Christ and love to dwell within His sacred wounds."

- Thomas A Kempis

Meet Ricky - PetConnect Rescue

I met Ricky this morning at his foster home.

A sweet, fun-loving, energetic dog would be t

he perfect companion to someone who likes to walk, run or hike alot. Or, a lot of fetch!! He loved to give me and my assistant plenty of love and doggie kisses. How I wanted to take him home, which seems to happen with every rescue photo shoot.

Adoption information can be found at www.petconnectrescue.org

"Going to Grandmothers"

I took this shot on a Saturday evening while working on my "Photograph! Manassas" project. It was more of a "fun" shot than an attempt at anything. And, I didn't enter it the competition.

However, it turns out the image created memories for me, of my grandmother and mother. As a child, when I visited my grandmother, I would get to stay a few weeks after my parents went home. My grandmother and I would take the train from her home back to Manassas. In later years, we'd take the train from Manassas and meet grandmother at her house.

I remember great times at my grandmother's house for many summers. I lost my grandmother in 2010 and my mother in 2011. Their memories forever in my heart, sparked by the image of a train, stopping for passengers. I wonder if there was an excited boy waiting for that train to begin his adventures at his grandparents?

"Going to Grandmothers"

Old Town Experiments in Architecture

I have always had an interest in architecture both in the actual designing and the final work. Not having a strong background or interest in mathematics, I never pursued a career in that area, something I've regretted some - but we all have those regrets.

Recently, with the invitation of "Photograph! Manassas" I became interested in photographing old towns and churches. I spent 3 Saturdays, planned at different times of day, attempting to get some good shots of old town architecture. Much of it was a challenge I wasn't expecting. One image looked like the building was going to fall forward at any moment. Not one to show.....

Anyway, I'll post a few of the better images here and on Facebook ("Allen Pearson's Photos"). Feel free to comment- keeping in mind this is a family-friendly blog.

"Manassas Main Street"

Sunday's Thought

"There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."

1 Samuel 2:2

Sunday's Thought

God. Founder of the universe. Hallelujah to His majesty & glory forever, Amen!

- Raven Weaver

Happy Friday, Meet Marcus

Happy Friday!! The day I look forward to all week- not to wish my life away, but, I love my weekends with my wife, dog and cat. So, I look forward to evenings and weekends.

I've been photographing dogs again and am having a blast. I've started doing some volunteer work with PetConnect Rescue. Since I already have a dog and really can't handle another dog in the house (also trying to respect the cat), I donate my photography skills.

This is Marcus. He is full of energy and loves to play. He would be the perfect dog for someone who loves to run (alot) or bike even. While I was photographing him, he stole my dog toy (one I use to get their attention) and ran around the yard. That was after he tried to get into my camera bag.

Want a friend or companion full of energy and fun? Check out Marcus at www.petconnectrescue.org.

Praise The Lord

Let Everything Praise the Lord

Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary,

praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

Praise him according to his excellent greatness!

-Psalm 150:1-2 [ESV Study Bible]

Garden Perspectives

My new exhibit, "Garden Perspectives" is cuurently on display at the Penn Camera - Fair Lakes, 12967 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA.

Last night was the reception which went very well. The image on this page was one of the favorites of most visitors. Many liked the raindrops while others were interested in the capturing of the sun in the raindrops. And, of course, color was an interest.

Garden Perspectives is about the beauty found in the garden. The current exhibit focuses on flowers, future exhibits might feature birds, insects and wildlife that would be found in your typical backyard or botanical gardens.

"Rain on the Iris"

"Garden Perspectives" Exhibit- Penn Camera Fair Lakes

"Garden Perspectives" is my newest exhibit of photography works. Using a macro lens I went exploring through a few gardens in Northern Virginia and created an exhibit focusing on the close-up beauty I found.

The exhibit features 15 new prints and one from last year "Blue Hydrangeas."

The exhibit is at Penn Camera-Fair Lakes, 12967 Fair Lakes Parkway, Fairfax, VA, next door to the Petsmart (how appropriate), now through September 30, 2011. The artist reception is Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, 7-9 p.m.. Directions to store, www.penncamera.com.

"Strawberries and Cream"

That's Not Fair - by Bud Hance

Ezekiel 18:24-26 (NKJV)24 “But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die. 25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies.

The obstinate foolishness and arrogance of the people of Israel was to declare God to be unfair rather than to simply obey Him. A typical childish response to punishment is to say, "That isn't fair!" In reality, God is fair, but we have broken the rules. It is not God who must live up to our ideas of fairness; instead, we must live up to His. Don't spend your time looking for the loopholes in God's Law. Decide instead to live up to God's standards.