We've all heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. The cover photo is of Toshie Sato, who is performing a tea ceremony. John's friend, Yoshikazu Matsuda, lost his father in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. His grandfather's tea house was opened for his grandson's American friend for the first time since the war. A simple gesture can mean so much. In the Psalms, a word or phrase may conjure a multitude of pictures. The Psalms often suggest a range of emotions, perhaps a major article of faith, or even reflect an entire life. For eons, millions of people have built their lives upon words and phrases from the Psalms. I hope that my version of the Psalms, Creation Songs, and their accompanying photos help you to deepen your spiritual lives and to make the Psalms your own. Each of us is, in ourselves, a living tradition. I invite you to twang the harps of life until they sing.