The Reward of Waiting

There he was sitting behind a tree, chewing on his lunch. I so wanted to grab a good picture of him... but nothing.... so I sat down on a bench ... took pictures of families as a favor to them... and waited some more... some 20 minutes later...then it happened... This handsome fellow began to lumber away from his tree. Yes, patience paid off! A good lesson for life!

Yellowstone's Grand Canyon

Breathe taking views of God's creation...

FUN AT THE ZOO

Here are cousins having a great time at the Sanford Zoo!

 



IN THE PARK

Look who I found in the park!

Ellie worked on word puzzles, while I looked for photo shots...

a wonderful afternoon for both of us.  

 

 

 

KIND EYES

With all the pain and ugliness in the world... I offer you this photo of an African "cow". Look at her eyes... what a lovely face!  "Whatever is right whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.... and the God of peace will be with you." {From Philippians 4:8-9} 

taken at Disney Animal Kingdom

APRIL 1936

As a kid I would sometimes open my parents drawer and pull out a large cylinder and inside was their marriage license. In 1936 those certificates were very large and apparently quite effective. My parents were married over 50 years before my father died and then later mother. Happy Anniversary Mother and Dad, Clarence and Lena McCardle!

Florida Department of Transportation

Here is a candid shot taken in Winter Park, FL. The pink flamingos in the background are part of a display for cancer awareness. I wonder what is on the mind of these two Florida DOT workers? Want to take a guess?

Lost in "No Where", FL

Today I found myself somewhere in the middle of Florida...Bushnell I think? And decided to find my way home in spite of the repeated GPS ringing "recalculating". Winding down a small town street lead me to this sign and some friends.

Gentleness

In the Greek New Testament, the word often translated as gentleness or meekness, has the literal meaning - power under control. It does not convey the image of weakness! When you gather all your strengths and personal authority then direct them to bring health and wholeness to someone else- that is gentleness.

Taken at Disney's Wild kingdom

FREE

This picture so reminds me of my youth... riding free on a horse who was also a best friend. Well that was 50 years ago... and this picture was taken at a TN park last week!

NEXT MOVE

We have been through a difficult week as a nation... our Income taxes are paid ... the middle of spring is upon us... and a new week is about to begin! What is your next move?  My list {yes, I make lists} is as follows: 1. Continue to pray for Boston and West, TX  2.  Daily, make myself available to Jesus Christ for the purpose of spreading 'shalom'... God's peace, healing and well being.  3. Offer unconditional love to my grand kids and their parents   4. Continue my search for the best Philly Cheese steak outside of Philadelphia!

SOME LIGHT IN DARKNESS

So proud of law enforcement for the arrest of the suspect #2 in Boston. We continue to pray for victims and families in both Boston and West, TX.

WEARY

My life is very good, but my heart is weary from the angst of this week... bombs and blasts that have torn bodies and communities apart. I catch the news every chance I get, out of curiousness and alarm. I pray. I sometimes cry. Even as I write this, I feel guilty for complaining in light of other's horror and loss. But for tonight, I pause to take in the beauty of God's creation... spring blooms from Memphis. Tomorrow I will go back to praying for the victims and those who care for them.

KIDS AND BOMBS

Last night my family was over for dinner. After the meal, the whole crew including parents were on the floor playing with match box cars, that date back 35+ years. Tonight, while out for dinner, the grandkids asked me questions about Boston. I attempted to answer their questions with honestly but in language that would make them feel safe. When I got home I found this photo taken last night, during our family play time... a whole new perspective on "first responders" in a crisis! {That is my daughter-in-laws lovely hand.}

"AN ACT OF GOD"

Some people say "everything happens for a reason", with the implication that God plans all the bad stuff in our lives with some good end in mine. I totally disagree. God has given us the freedom to make choices in life. Our self-centeredness explodes into all forms of sin, including actions that drastically harm others.  Even all of creation is tainted by the brokenness and corrosion of sin. So yes, bad things happen in this fractured world. But when we turn to God, who is filled with wisdom, power, goodness and compassion ... when we  place our brokenness in God's hands... the Lord can transform even the effects of evil into good.... that does not diminish our pain or loss... it brings us hope....a confidence that God will walk with us, pull us through... and yes in spite of evil, make us stronger and more durable. What happened in Boston was NOT an "Act of God"! How people responded with courage and kindness? ... that was God at work!  Therefore let us all continue to pray for those whose lives have been ripped apart. And may we all be alert!

WE ARE BOSTON

We are the United States of America. When violence hits Boston, we stand together against whoever planned and activated this crime.... we stand together in prayer for the victims, the first responders, law enforcement, medical personnel and those lives who will be never the same.  We will not let fear diminish our commitment to freedom and respect for all our citizens. With God's help, may we be UNITED in this resolve.

FOOD TRUCK RODEO!

Today we traveled to a local park, hosting a "Food Truck Rodeo"! We ate the best Philly Cheese Steaks, this side of Philadelphia!  YUM:-)

A NEW CLUB HAS FORMED!

Some of you know about the "Linda" dinner club I started several years ago in PA. While this morning I saw the beginnings of a whole new group of wonderful women! Here are four "Bonnies" from south west TN. All leaders in Presbyterian Churches PCUSA, these women helped lead this morning's Presbyterian Women's annual meeting at  Germantown PC. near Memphis, TN. The "Bonnie" on the left was installed as the new Moderator  of the Presbytery's Presbyterian Women. These are fun Christian women!

ONCE IN A WHILE

Taking photos of my grandkids at a local zoo, and wow this opportunity just happened right in front of me. Enjoy this picture of my delightful granddaughter!

Who Am I?

At my age, I thought I had a good handle on ,who I am. But then I passed by this "glass" wall... all new perspective:-)

 

SPRINGTIME in MEMPHIS

ONE ANGRY PHOTOGRAPHER:-(

Tonight Ellie surprised me with a trip to the Memphis FedEx Forum to watch a NBA game! I was excited to take my new camera with it's 300 zoom lens! ..looking forward to close up shots of players, fans, halftime entertainment etc... When we arrived there was no handicap parking so Ellie had to call a friend inside the forum to come out and park her car. As we entered the building, I was told I could not bring my camera inside #%^@*.. . WHY NOT? "no professional cameras were allowed in the building" I said I am not a professional. They replied,  "because your camera is so good your pictures would be too good"... DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE #@##%^#@?

I was escorted to the office where I had to leave my camera till the end of the game. So I am posting this crappy picture I took with my cell phone...thanks to the security detail at FedEx!

WATER BUDDIES

I watched these two for a long time, then I figured out their relationship! Check out this sequence of pictures...

Hanging together...

Before the pelican dives for lunch...

Then the gull perches on his friend's head waiting to see what's on the menu for lunch! Isn't God's nature amazing!

Fixed on the goal!

This hawk was so intent on finding dinner in this mound of mulch, I was able to get within 30 feet of him.  When was the last time we are so focused ... intent on a goal that would bring value to our lives or value to others? It brings to mind, "Seek first the kingdom of God".

A TRUE SCOTSMAN

Jim Gray celebrated his 90th Birthday today. His deep roots in Scotland continue to this day!

Friends and family gathered to honor this distinguished gentleman.

Jim is on the right.

 

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

Oh they fight, squabble, ignore each other, sing and play together... but these cousins are friends for life. Can you guess which boy is Emma's twin?

Easter 2013, Sitting on Pop's Deck

FAMILY

I am the youngest of my siblings. My parents were both the youngest in their large nuclear families.  So I never had the opportunity to meet my grandparents as all four were deceased before I was born. This picture is an important link for me to my past. These members of my family played important roles in who I am today, even though they never knew me. It challenges me to live my life with compassion and integrity so that I may play a small part in the generations that follow me.



My Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Great Grandfather and Grandfather, they all lived together on the family farm
 

PALMS

If you live in the north, every lent someone must remember to order palms for Palm Sunday. And if you forget, then there is a last minute scramble to order, borrow or steal! So as the new pastor of a Florida church, I asked the worship team, "Where do we order this year's palms?" That question was followed by loud laughter! "Linda," they said "There are palms in everyone's yard!" {On Palm Sunday, 3-4 different people brought palms.}

Komodo Dragons

I met this guy in Disney's Animal Kingdom, the largest of all the lizard family, the Komodo Dragon. He carries over 50 deadly diseases on his body. To kill a prey, he only needs to make physical contact. Now here is the amazing thing - he waits around for up to 2 weeks for his prey to die, then consumes them.

There are toxic people in the world, that spread bitterness, negativity, anger, selfishness ...they expect others to be affected by their drama.  Set your personal boundaries firmly. Show respect but do not allow them into your head or heart.