SNACK TIME

This gal slipped in behind the squirrels... Is this a female cardinal?

Neighbors

To "extend" my apartment living, I hung a bird feeder outside my patio. Well I should be more accurate - a bird and squirrel feeder! The latter dominate the scene, allowing bluejays and cardinals an occasional snack. Even when a squirrel cannot reach the seeds, they still dominate the feeder. Arrogance and greed... never is good at the bird feeder or at people places.

40

Today my son turned 40! I am so proud of him and his family... but here is a look back...

"All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." {Photo from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.}

50 years ago

As a teenager, I loved all kinds of sports... softball, basketball, field hockey, but my passion was horsemanship. From the age of 9, there was always at least one horse in our barn with my name on it. My favorite horse belonged to my uncle, who sold her to me after she had completed in numerous "point to point" cross country races. Lady Jane was three quarter thoroughbred and a gutsy jumper. Her courage compensated for my fear, when it came to the really big fences!  Christ does the same for me now.... His strength caring me over the big life hurdles. Here we {Jesus, Lady Jane and I} competing in my final Pony Club Rally.

A LITTLE HOMESICK

Yes I have patio flowers and even two pots outside my front door. But I am missing my Pennsylvania garden flowers.

Hardy Hibiscus

Dwarf Trumpet

Black Eye Susan

LIGHT

As we go through the day, what will others see in us? Humility? Kindness? Honesty? or self pity, arrogance, half truths? Yes the light shines on us... live well so others will see Christ in your actions, words and motives.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise our Father in heaven."

Here is Daytona Beach at night:

LAYERS

We sometimes forget that each story has many layers, depending on who is talking. We can  really get ourselves into a corner that cuts us off from others, when we blindly think our version is the only way to understand a life episode. Look for the varied textures of human emotion and motives when you try to comprehend an event.

Driving through Wyoming

BEACH LIFE

The Matching Game

Match these captions to the siblings in this picture:
"I can fly!"
"You've got to be kidding."
"If you say so, can I do it too?"

GUY ON BEACH

Today is "sermon prep" day! I continue to immerse myself into the Scripture passage that I chose weeks ago... research the background and meaning of the passage... pray for insight and application of God's message to us,,,, and then ask this question- "Lord, what do you want them to hear?" It is not unlike what this guy on the beach, is doing ....looking for "treasure" with his metal detector. The only difference is whenever you seek God, you will find him, or to be more correct, whenever you seek God, God will reveal himself to you! The beach guy went home empty.

THE ROCK

I sometimes suffer with vertigo, a dizzy sensation that sends my world spinning! I need to reach for a wall or piece of furniture to steady myself. Lately, many people have experienced their world turned upside down... Sandy Hock, Newtown, West Texas, the tornado stricken mid section of USA, Colorado forest fires... and Christians in the Middle East... these are tough times for many... may we all remember the solid rock of Jesus Christ... a place to steady yourself when all the world seems out of control. Trust the Rock.

Rocks from Jetty Park

HAVING FUN IN THE PARK!

On Sunday our congregation and friends ventured into Holden Park for good food, games and friendship.  A shout out to our Fellowship Team for their hard work to make it all possible!

Now, where is that ball?

Cricket is not just a bug!

This morning at our congregational picnic in Holden Park, these West Indians were practicing a time honored tradition for their country- Cricket. Our Scottish member, Valarie gave us all the heads up on how this game is played!

GAINING DIRECTION

One year ago, this remnant congregation was rebirthed as Orlando Presbyterian Church! In August of 2012 this group of faithful PCUSA members took a leap in defining who they were and who they want to be. Tomorrow at our 6 pm worship service I will introduce a new vision statement / direction for this small but mighty Church! Some of these same people spent the last five months digging deep into the Bible and their own souls to discover this Christ centered vision. You are invited to join us! {Childcare is provided} And yes enjoy your Sunday and finish the day in worship and celebration at Orlando Presbyterian Church, 309 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando FL!

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

THIS PICTURE JUST CRIES OUT FOR A CAPTION!

Neighborhood connections

The reinvented, Orlando Presbyterian Church moves from the pew to the neighborhood! Members have begun to engage their neighbors in relationships that promote health and joy in the love of Christ. We currently impact four neighborhoods... as people come out of their homes and begin to get acquainted, we see smiles, animated conversations and repeated expressions of thanks for the opportunity to connect with neighbors. Here is Brenda hosting a neighborhood picnic!

ROOF REPAIR?

Check out this repair job on a Memphis roof! As we "welcome" our first tropical storm for the season, maybe home owners should stock up on cement blocks :-)

Mackinaw Island again

Yesterday's post brought many comments about other's fond memories of this wonderful unique place. So here are some more pictures from the Island where bikes and horses are the only means of transportation!

Overview of the Lake

Grand Hotel

Mail delivery / UPS delivery
And don't forget the fudge!

 

just because

Picture taken at Mackinaw Island in MI ...it was just about this time several years ago that I made this trip!