Embrace Life

I needed an image for my most recent blog post, so I searched my archives for a cross.  This was taken in February during my visit to NC on a photo safari with an online photographer friend.  I edited it using some of Michelle Kane's HeARTy Actions and one of my own texture images.

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." --Psalm 19:1

Have you ever noticed when you wear sunglasses you can sometimes see luminous colors in the clouds?  While running errands a few days ago, I noticed the iridescent colors.  I had my sunglasses on.  If only I could capture what I was seeing!  I then decided to do an experiment and put my sunglasses 'on' my camera's lens.  The shots using the sunglasses were pinkish and somewhat blown-out and not what I expected, but I did take one shot without using the sunglasses.  After all, it was an experiment, right?  I was amazed at what the camera itself was able to capture and reveal beyond what the naked eye could see, even beyond what I was seeing through my sunglasses.  Wow...

Y’know, life is kind of like that, too, isn’t it?   I mean, depending on how we view things, our worldview or political persuasion for example, the ‘lens’ we use will determine what we see.  A meteorologist might look at this picture and simply see what types of clouds they are and foretell the weather, while an artist or photographer might look at it and notice the composition, colors, and ‘movement’.   A creationist might look at this picture and see the intelligence, creativity and handiwork of God, while an evolutionist might see only a natural phenomenon and perhaps even global warming.  1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  What do you see?

On the flip side, have you ever seen something that wasn’t there?  Have you seen togetherness and perceived rejection?  Have you ever seen laughter and thought people were laughing at you?  Or how about conspiracy?  What do you see?  Which lens are you using?  The lens of insecurity and self-focus or of wisdom, discernment, and love?

Then, there are those things that are beyond our scope of vision... invisible, unseen things.  1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "But as it is written, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."  Wow!  Considering all the beautiful, amazing, magnificent things we have seen, whether through God’s creation or even through man’s imagination like in the movie Avatar, God is basically saying, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”

The Northeast Kingdom

My daughter and I took a road trip this past weekend to explore the upper Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.  While our primary objective was to visit the Abenaki Clan of the Hawk grounds, we were also hoping to catch sight of a moose or two, but the only wildlife we saw was a rafter of turkeys.



We took Sally along, which made the trip a bit more adventurous.



We stopped at this spring water access to refill a few water bottles. The water was cold and refreshing. Notice the date of 1892 on the side of the concrete reservoir.  Vermont has several public water accesses along its back roads.



We passed by this quaint little country store and just had to turn around to check it out. Everything, from food items to a wide array of collectibles and antiques, was displayed in a folksy and artistic manner.



The Amish peaches smelled too wonderful to resist, and they were the best tasting we've ever had.



They also offered homemade cakes, pies, and cookies, as well as jams, pickles, and even free range eggs.



There was no cell phone signal, and we didn't bring a GPS, so I took a couple of wrong turns. But we might have otherwise missed the majestic view of Lake Willoughby had we been less adventurous.



After getting back on track and stopping by a large general store that was akin to a country Wal-Mart, we finally found our way to the Clan of the Hawk grounds where the Abenaki hold an annual pow wow.



No one was around, but the property is open to the public. We briefly stepped into the Welcome Center cabin, peeked into the locked Chief Looking Glass Museum, browsed the non-denominational chapel and bookstore, and walked across an open field to the stone labyrinth. The labyrinth is considered a sacred place of healing. There was also a small altar where people can place a small offering to the Creator. There were pouches, glass stones, bracelets, tokens, and a small wooden flute.



We noticed some small red pouches hanging in a tree nearby as well. The pouches are prayer bundles that people hang to leave their prayers in the sacred place.

There seems to be something about having a tangible place or person to go to in order to have our spiritual and physical needs met, or going through a ritual to make things more 'real'. We tend to be drawn to the mystical. It's one of the reasons some people have difficulty with Christianity. It's not mystical, and although some people call a church building 'the house of God', it in and of itself has no power to heal or transform, nor does it magnify any spiritual energies. And as much as we'd like to think we can and must do something, there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Heaven or appease an angry god. Jesus Christ offered Himself up as a sacrifice in our place to pay the penalty for our transgressions. He has done the work. All we must do is have faith and believe the things He has revealed.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast"  (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I'm so glad He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

As a Flower of the Field

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth."  --Psalm 103:15

Time passes by so quickly, doesn't it?   I captured this image over a month ago while taking a walk up the street with my daughter and her puppy.  Has it really been over a month?

There was another flower I had wanted to capture because of it's unique design and beauty, but alas, when I searched for it this morning, I was surprised to find it had already faded away.  Summer is fading fast, too.

Have you found that when you reach a point in life, you begin to appreciate the many ‘little things’ about it,  that time seems to go into ‘hyperdrive’ and events pass us by in a blur.  But... there are still 24 hours in a day... there are still 365 days in a year.  How does it seem to pass by so quickly and, if it does, where does it go?

Before we know it, snow will be floating down from the sky.  How many times have you said or heard, "Wow, this year has gone by so fast"?  Let's make the most of the rest of the year before it passes by quickly, too.

Rock Hopper and Beach Comber

A few days ago, my daughter and I took her puppy, Sally, to a park, situated next to a brook, and yesterday we took a trip out to the ocean. We've been experiencing some record high temperatures for this time of year, and I didn't want to let this summer pass by without going to the beach.



Because Sally is still in training, she was kept on a retractable leash and had to be untangled a few times.



She liked wading in the shallow parts, but seemed a bit timid about venturing into the deeper, moving water. She loved hopping on the rocks. She was so cute and quite adventurous, sometimes making leaps two or three times her body length!



While exploring the brook further downstream, we discovered this beautiful wildflower. It is Gentiana Andrewsii, also known as "Andrew's Gentian" or "Closed Bottle Gentian" because it never actually opens.



The beach was very crowded yesterday. We were surprised considering most of the schools in our area have begun. But it was a gorgeous day to be on the beach nonetheless.



Doesn't this grouping of rocks standing firmly in the receding waves give you a sense of... strength and tranquility? Our Creator is the Master Artist!



Instead of making our way down to the rock jetty as we usually do, we went in the opposite direction until we came to a 'wall' of rocks and boulders... the perfect place for a 'treasure' hunt.



We found bits of pretty drift wood and a couple of shells, and I came across a tiny red crab. My daughter was actually a little grossed out when I touched it, because... well, it was no longer among the living.



We also came across a sunglasses graveyard or a kind of lost and found. One had a stem missing and another had a bit of dried seaweed hanging on. I found it curious that one of them had an elastic band still attached. Perhaps the high tide absconded with them and then stashed them among the rocks. Speaking of tide, it was coming in fast, so we didn't tarry too long lest we find ourselves in a predicament.



The waves were beautiful but very powerful. Red flags, caution signs, and constant blows on whistles signaled the danger of riptides.



Several people had to be rescued by lifeguards. The woman on the left was rescued after being caught in a riptide. Another group of teenagers was also rescued after daring to go a bit too far despite the shrill warnings.



The 'big guns' were finally called in. Waverunners don't get tired. Wouldn't it be cool to have his job?



Some people were smart enough to heed the warnings and stay closer to shore. You can't see it in the photo, but three or four other people weren't as fortunate to catch the wave like this guy.

Despite the fact that my daughter was developing a sore throat and earache 1-1/2 hours into the trip, which was halfway there, we still had a wonderful time feeling the sand between our toes, cooling off in the salty ocean waves, shopping on the boardwalk, and eating junk food. Isak Dinesen, a Danish author, once said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." I would agree... almost. My daughter is still not feeling well today, so could you offer up a little prayer for her? Thanks...

What's On Your List?

Have you ever talked about doing something either over the summer or within the next year, but realized you had allowed time to pass and wished you’d done it? My daughter and I have mentioned a few things to do over the summer: We went blueberry picking at a pick-your-own farm for the first time... check... and we went to a few yard sales this past Saturday even though I am nursing a bad summer cold... *sniff cough cough* Summer is quickly coming to an end, and since most yard sales are only on the weekends, I didn’t want to put it off any longer.

I thought the silver spoons, as well as the unique forks, would make a nice addition to our culinary supplies and photo props, since my daughter loves to cook and bake and practice food designing. Not bad for a dollar, huh? I also paid a dollar for the pretty dragonfly pin, and I couldn’t pass up the coffee mug. After all, not only was it free, but it has my new granddaughter’s name on it.

So, what else is on our list for this summer? We’d like to go kayaking, and I’d like to go to the ocean, walk on the beach, feel the sand between my toes, hear the waves crash and the seagulls call, and eat junk food from the boardwalk. What’s on your list?

My First Grandchild!

My son and daughter-in-law, Max and Emily, welcomed their first child into the world today... Grace Elizabeth.  I'm a Grammie!  (^_^)

Me & Gracie

Daddy Kisses

Jesus Saves

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...”  --Philippians 1:27a

My daughter wanted to take her new puppy for a nature walk in a local park that is home to a stone observation tower.  Knowing a lot of people and pets use the trails, she wanted to offer ‘Sally’ an opportunity for socialization and practice on her leash in a different environment.  It was a gorgeous day, and we encountered a Schnauzer and a dachshund, both unleashed who excitedly ran up to greet Sally.  As they bounded off after their owners, Sally wanted to run with them, but she was very obedient and stayed with us.  We also encountered a little girl who, despite being told Sally was very timid, chased her around and around our legs to pet the cute puppy.

When we’d first reached the tower and saw the words “JESUS SAVES” scratched into the outer, surrounding wall, being believers of Christ ourselves and wanting others to hear His message of forgiveness and hope, it was a pleasant sight.  At the top of the tower, we found the usual additions of sentiment one might find in such a place... declarations of having been there and romantic expressions of love to another.  The notes at the top seem almost fitting, but as I was processing the photo of my daughter and her puppy, the big, bold letters etched into the wall  below were recognized for what they are... graffiti.

While it may be satisfying to some well-intentioned believers to proclaim that 'sound byte' about the Gospel, I wonder if those same folks realize that obedience to authority and respect for property are aspects of the entire package of 'Good News'? And I considered my daughter's puppy, Sally. She had been excited to run and play with the other dogs we'd met, but she was also aware, in her little puppy mind, that she must be obedient.  I began thinking that many Christians enjoy the excitement of proclaiming the immediate message of the only way of our salvation, but they forget that obedience to authority and the property of others is an important means to demonstrate our love for Christ. Just as my daughter's puppy showed her love for my daughter by obedience and respect, we demonstrate our following the Lord the same way - obedience and respect.

Eight Months and Counting

My first official maternity photo session with my son and daughter-in-law, Max and Emily.  I am so looking forward to being a grandmother!  (^_^)

 

My daughter, Tiffany, suggested this idea after she'd seen a similar image online.

Baby Gracie can enjoy her musical giraffe even before she's born.

Knowing his brother, my oldest son, Chris, gave me the idea of having Max listen for Baby Grace while expressing a look of delightful surprise.

FAIL'd... But Lesson Learned

 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.”  --Deuteronomy 15:11

Have you ever thought you’d learned something through reading or hearing, but when put to the test, you weren’t ready and wished God would give you another chance?  While in the area for a friend’s wedding, my family and I took a trip into Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and possibly a museum or two.  We were ill-prepared in more ways than one.  Using our GPS, we tried to locate a parking garage close by, but we ended up parking ten blocks away.  Since it was such a beautiful day and we wanted to take some pictures of the amazing architecture we’d passed, we decided to walk.  Although ten city blocks was a greater distance than we’d anticipated in the hot blazing sun, I’m really glad we walked, because I learned a valuable lesson that day.

I had just finished the two books about homelessness by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, but it hadn’t even occurred to me that we might see homeless people on the streets of downtown Philadelphia.  Having been to Boston several times, despite seeing street musicians playing for money, I don’t remember seeing homeless people nor experiencing the pungent smells of urine and filth.  As we walked around the gorgeous City Hall building in Centre Square, I noticed a man several yards away sleeping atop cardboard on one of the benches under the shade of some trees.  We came to the corner of the building and saw a very thin, ragged-looking woman with hollow eyes sitting on some steps.  I wondered if she was homeless and wanted to give her some money or ask if she needed anything, but I didn’t quite know how to go about it, so we just passed by.  At the back of the building heading toward Market Street sat an older black woman asking for a match.  We apologized for not having a match to give her.  I wondered if I could perhaps buy some matches for her, but since I was with my family and didn’t know where to purchase any, I didn’t say anything.  As we kept walking, a young, strong-looking black man had just shoved a lighter into his pocket after lighting his cigarette.  I wanted to stop and ask him if he could offer the woman a light, but I was out of my element, and I was sure she’d ask him anyway when he passed by.  I turned to look and wish I’d turned sooner, prepared to capture the moment with my camera, but it blessed me to see a young man being kind to an old woman.

As we walked down Market Street, I saw another thin man sleeping on a covered bus bench with a shirt over his face, a young man sitting on the sidewalk against a brick wall with an open suitcase and a cardboard sign, and an overweight woman asking passersby to buy her something to eat.  We walked a little further, and I finally stopped, took out my wallet and shoved a bill into my pocket to be easily accessible.  “What is that for?” my daughter asked.

“For a homeless person,” I replied.

As we drew closer to Independence Park, we didn’t seem to encounter another homeless person.  After seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, we decided to utilize the transportation system so that we might have more time to visit a museum or the zoo.  But first, we stopped at a nearby Dairy Queen to use their facilities and get something cold to drink.  As we sat for a moment and I drank my ice cold raspberry lemonade, I thought about the homeless who must be hot and thirsty, so I bought a bottled water to go along with the money I had shoved in my pocket.  I prayed God would give me another chance... but... He didn’t.  As we walked the block toward a shuttle bus stop, I purposefully looked for a homeless person to bless.  I wish I had asked my family if we could have kept walking, but I thought surely, we could ride the bus to City Hall and encounter someone there.  We didn’t.  Why, I wondered, wasn’t God giving me another chance?

Remember the young man with the open suitcase?  I had wanted to take his picture, as well as others, and capture the plight of the homeless, but I also try to consider a person’s privacy and dignity.  I could’ve asked for permission or simply taken a picture of his suitcase and cardboard sign.  Did you wonder what the sign said?  It said something like, “Today is my 22nd birthday, and I have nothing...”  Despite what I thought I’d learned from Denver Moore’s admonition to not judge a person, I had judged the young man.  Although my heart went out to him, I had judged his sign to be merely a way of tugging at heartstrings to gain more sympathy and money.  Maybe it really was his 22nd birthday, but even if it wasn’t, he was obviously in some kind of need... and he was someone’s son.  If God had allowed me to give that bottle of water and money to someone else, it’s likely I would’ve felt good about myself and neglected to reflect on my failure to try to get to know a person, ask his name, and show the unconditional love of Christ.  I failed, but I truly hope the lesson was learned.

A Family Is Like a Ship

Yesterday was Memorial Day.  For some it was merely the beginning of summer celebrated with a BBQ, a trip to the beach, or a ride on a boat.  For others it was a day to remember those who have served our country in the armed forces and have given their very lives for our freedom.  And for others still, it was just another day like any other.

This weekend brought to mind an article I'd read several years ago.  Although I don't agree with everything he teaches, I found the article Jumping Ship (Part 2):  Stagnant and Unpromising  by Michael Pearl very intriguing.  He likens the family to a ship with a captain and a crew.  Each ship may be different, but in order to keep its crew, it needs to have a clear purpose with each member involved in fulfilling its mission and reaching its destination.  And it must provide some source of entertainment along with rewarding labor.  If the crew sees other ships passing by that appear to be going somewhere while they just float along or remain stagnant... or if they notice the crews on other ships having fun while they seem to just work or have nothing to do, the captain risks having them jump overboard to join other ships that actually appear to be enjoyably going somewhere.

How's your crew?  Are they looking to book passage on a different ship, or do they have the confidence to believe their ship is going somewhere and doing something worthwhile?

Book Review: SKoDAM

Cover image used with permission

Same Kind of Different As Me  is a heartwarming and inspirational account of two men from different backgrounds and social strata, brought together by a very special woman.  The story draws you in and takes you on two separate journeys until the two paths meet and they essentially become one.  This is a story of faith, friendship, hope, and love... a powerful combination that leads to amazing transformations.

There were several things I liked about the book.  Although I didn’t pick cotton on a plantation, my sisters and I did pick tobacco one summer, and on our way to work, we drove past little run-down shacks.  I often wondered if slaves had ever lived in them.  Anyway, it brought back memories of home in the South.  I like how the story was told from two different perspectives... through two different pairs of eyes.  And I like how the authors wrote conversations in natural form using distinctive idiomatic dialogue.

I was touched by the love Ron had for his wife as expressed in his openness and desire to support her in fulfilling what she believed God was calling her to do... to minister to the homeless.  And I was both convicted and inspired by Debbie’s and Denver’s faith and close relationship with the Lord, as well as their love in action for those who aren’t always very lovely or easy to love.

I have a few friends who minister in homeless shelters in L.A. and VT, including one dear friend who actually experienced homelessness himself.  Now he is able to comfort others with the comfort he himself has received  (2 Cor. 1:4).   Although I myself have never worked in a homeless shelter, I have helped serve in a soup kitchen and have eaten alongside some who were not necessarily homeless, but just needed a bite to eat.  I still remember, Stacey, one young lady who caught my attention.  Even though it’s been years since I met her in the soup kitchen, once in a while we see each other downtown and stop to chat.  She has a beautiful little boy now.  I wish I knew then what I know now through the experiences my friends have shared and through the things contained in the book.  People are the same kind of different as me, and sometimes it just takes a bit more patience, determination, and genuine love to draw them out.  Like Bryan Duncan’s song Don’t You Wanna Rap  says, “The heart is the same, it’s just a different face.”

Father-To-Be

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." --Psalm 127:3

My son and daughter-in-law asked me to take their picture before they headed out to a benefit waltz class. I just love seeing my son's playfulness and affection. I think he's going to make a wonderful father.

Afraid You'll Miss Something?

Today was Labor Day.  Did you have plans to do anything special or to simply get together with family or friends?  Did you have that one last summer fling?  Or did you feel restless, thinking that everyone else had something to do except you?

I helped some friends do some painting in their pizzeria today.  It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, because... well, my family didn’t have anything planned.  And besides, I couldn’t see my friends doing so much work by themselves, so I offered to help.  It was so nice seeing them again.  My friend, Keith made subs for lunch, and we ate outside on the green in the gazebo.  Then  later, he made three pizzas for me to take home to my family.  Each one was specially made, including one without cheese for my daughter.  He makes the best pizza, and both he and his wife are wonderful people.  Although it wasn’t anything I would’ve planned for Labor Day, I was blessed.

After enjoying the pizza with my family, I wanted to get caught up with other friends and family on Facebook.  I was surprised to see that many others had not made plans for the day either and had been wondering what to do, but isn’t that what most of our lives really look like most of the time?  And it’s not like we didn’t do anything this Labor Day weekend.  Our pastor and his wife hosted a BBQ and ice cream social at their home yesterday.  So why the need to do something today?  Perhaps it has something to do with something our pastor said in one of his sermons:  “Resistance to rest is a mark of immaturity.”  Are we sometimes like two-year-olds who don’t want to take a nap, because we’re afraid we’ll miss something?