OLD

Found this in Memphis... appears not in working order!

Royality

This is an Imperial Pigeon... photo taken at Disney's Animal Kingdom... quite regal looking!

Me, Myself and I

I have heard of people with bubbly personalities!

GAME NIGHT

Tonight, thanks to son, Peter, Luke and I went to the Orlando Predators indoor football game. I was not allowed to enter with my real camera, so my little point and shoot had to do. Of all people, Dennis Rodman tossed the coin at the opening. That's him in the rather loud suit. Later Luke met his "hero" Mr. Predator himself! A good night...thanks son!

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Can you guess where this photo was taken? Here are clues-

1. West of the Mississippi
2. PCUSA conference center
3. Not really very spooky
4. The horse has the last clue

These are fun people of faith!

I am blessed be part of what God is doing with Orlando Presbyterian Church! Central Florida Presbytery, General Assembly staff, the Presbyterian Outlook along with the Presbyterian Foundation have all stood alongside us in these past months of rebuilding a congregation. OPC has  a huge heart for Jesus Christ, the metro Orlando area and each other. With the kind encouragement from our host, Park Lake PC, we are looking to the future.

Missing "friends"

This is the time of year, I would start pruning the tomato plants and flowers in order to guarantee a "tasty" and colorful early fall in my garden. And for 11 years, Gabe was my gardening buddy. I miss the "awe" in staring at a dwarf trumpet plant white flower, the satisfaction of caring for the yearly bed of lilies, coneflowers and black eyes daises and cutting zinnias for the dining room. BUT I do not miss cleaning up the flower and veggie beds come October!

THE LIGHT

Florida is known for her afternoon rain storms, and today was no exception! For a short period of time we experienced a solid sheet of rain, ...   enough so that the dusk to dawn lamp came on long before it's appointed time. As Christians we are supposed to be the light of the world. I suppose that means in the midst of life storms, we are to open ourselves up so that Christ's love, courage, peace and hope  can shine through our broken lives....shine so that others may find their way to the source of light - Jesus Christ.  Lord send us fuel for our lamps.

GRANNY'S

Grandkids just hanging out at Granny's... We are just as welcomed into God's presence. We can make ourselves at home, even if that means finding a comfortable pillow and falling asleep.

Where does the time go?

The young man on the right is now 11 years old and sleeping in my living room for his first "solo sleep over" at Granny's! I do so love these kids. It is just a reminder how much God the Father loves each of us! {The twins just turned 9!}

THOMAS CHURCH

Just thought my new Florida friends might want to see where I hung out in ministry prior to relocating to sunny Florida.  Thomas was blessed with 12 acres of road side property. During my 16 years there, we saw the new Christian Life Center built, playground and sandlot volleyball court constructed, a Boy Scout built outdoor hillside worship center finished and a Missions storage facility built. I know God will continue to bless this congregation for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

The "Badlands"

Even though they are called the "Badlands", there is beauty all around!  You just have to look for it! Where is the beauty in your life... in your day?

WHITE WATER

Have you hit a stretch of white water? Life is coming at you faster then you can paddle? Remember - Jesus could walk on water. Christ is more than sufficient and capable to bring you through the crush of oncoming deadlines... broken relationships going sour... financial pressure that chokes your mind and chest. Take a moment to breathe in the calm of Christ's loving presence. He will bring you to quiet waters and green pastures.

Photo taken in Yellowstone's "Grand Canyon".

celebrating 90

Orlando Presbyterian Church's own Betty Robinson, just celebrated her 90th birthday. 100 or so of her close friends attended a delightful bash at the University Club in Downtown Orlando. Betty serves as a Deacon, liturgist, evangelist, greeter and visionary for our courageous band of Christians! Happy Birthday dear Betty!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Tonight family and friends celebrated Peter Jaberg's 40th Birthday! I am so very proud of Peter and his family! Happy Birthday son! And yes it was a Penn State tailgate party!

NEW TREND?

Will this be the new trend in women's fashion? That hair design would make it hard to walk though a door :-) Photo taken at a park near Memphis... left over decorations from some sort of trade show / party.

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE!

Psalm 121 "I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

{photo taken in Colorado}

a follower

I wish my life with Jesus, looked more like these ducklings following their mother... fully focused on her direction ... indeed a colorful sight!

Sometimes you just need to breathe ...

A mother overcome with grief at her son's funeral, was gasping for air among deep sobs.  Concerned that she might faint, the only thing I could think to say was, "Breathe, just breathe."  I knew that no words could console her loss at that moment. Sometimes all God asks of us is to breathe out the pain and breathe in God, who brings us everything we need to cross over into the next moment. If life to rushing at you like blazing light, remember - stand still for a moment and breathe. {I have posted this photo before...taken in Canonsburg, PA with an open lens to catch the car lights passing by.}

FIREWORKS

For 15 years I sat in my Strabane, PA driveway and watched July 4th fireworks with friends and sometimes family. Neighbors were around in their yards... it was a fine tradition.  Lina would bring the "adult" beverages and I shared munchies. Gabe would be out and about {my dog} ... after the last "final" blast, there would be the clapping for another year's good show. I miss that simple tradition this year...but I did see two movies today! And had breakfast with the fam! Happy 237 Birthday to the USA! {Fireworks from a past year at Canonsburg PA}

  

the picture of sacrifice

While some will celebrate with family outings and good food, this Mother's family bears the scares of sacrifice. She had a prominent place in the Canonsburg July 4th parade because she lost multiple members of her family due to serving in the military in times of war. THANKS for all who sacrificed for the sake of our freedom and safety.

July 3

Here is a fellow just begging for his picture to be taken even as he carries his own camera! For my new Florida friends, those are Pennsylvania hills in the background!

July 4th & Chairs

It is that time of year when the main street of Canonsburg PA will be lined with chairs tied to street poles, tied together, decorated chairs that save sidewalk spaces for people to view the July 4th parade,  the largest  town parade in all of Pennsylvania! It is indeed a sight to see- before the parade and during the parade! In the next days I will show you photos from previous year's celebration.