Ready!

Let's all stand and sing the opening hymn, "I'll Fly Away"!

FAMILY

I love these people! Photo taken at Downtown Disney this summer.

SHEEP

"And there were shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night" ... these same shepherds greeting the new born King who is the Great Shepherd of the sheep ...Perhaps the greatest faith statement-  "The Lord is my shepherd..."

Photo taken in Pennsylvania's  Big Valley 2014

CELEBRATING CHRIST'S BIRTH

Tonight I took my grandkids to experience a live Nativity Scene at Community Church in Howey-in-the-Hills, FL.

FIND WHAT IS THE SAME.

Most picture games ask you to find the 5-10 things that are different in the two pictures that appear to be identical. This game is different- Find the one aspect that does not change from photo to photo. Poor girl among all these male brothers and cousins!

2014 THANKMAS

Each year my family celebrates Thanksgiving and Christmas together. We call it "Thankmas"! Here we are at this years' event.

THANKSGIVING

Looking back through the years, I have celebrated Thanksgiving in many places. This photo was taken in the late 80's at my family's cabin in the Poconos in Pennsylvania... Thanksgiving that year included: front row- Greg, my son's best friend, Mother, Peter ...back row- me, nephew Jeff, sister Lolly, brother Lee and sister-in-law Peggy. I enjoyed many holiday meals with the Bowman family. Then there was the Thanksgiving that Ellie and I spent in Beckley, West Virginia... we could not find a place to eat dinner so we ended up at a motel's restaurant that was serving a buffet dinner of runny, tough, tasteless food.  Poor planning on our part but it created a "story" to tell :-) This year's meal took place at an old friend's home here in Orlando, with three other friends gathered around the table for delicious food and spirited conversation. Wherever, whenever or whoever ... There is always an abundance to be thankful for and loved ones who contribute to that abundance! {I loved that old plaid shirt!}

The Heavens

The heavens declare the handiwork of God!

THANKSGIVING

Even without the pilgrims, Indians and turkey, THANKSGIVING should be a special occasion no matter where you live! Humanity needs a break from worry,  weariness and war. So take a day and simply be thankful. One of my favorite things to say to myself, is "In Jesus I have more than I need."

I bet this Momma wild turkey and little ones  are thankful ;-) 

Photo taken in New York State

GOOD NIGHT

Tonight I am fed up with our national political fights, prejudice, violence ripping away the fabric of families, justice portioned out to only the privileged thus leaving the marginalized with only the crumbs of society ... yes for tonight it all seems an overwhelming hot mess. So I will go to bed  praying to God who is all sufficient, supreme and all powerful and who showed up on this planet as the Good Shepherd ... kind, protective, wise and compassionate. And I will ask Christ for the strength to face the world tomorrow.... with kindness, wisdom, compassion and a heart to watch out for other's well being.

BEST SEATS!

To those attending football games this weekend... check out these "nose-bleed" seats! From ancient city of Pergamum, Turkey.

DOORS

Going through some old photos, I noticed these doors ... they hang in places from my childhood and places where I have traveled. Ponder this thought - which door best represents your life? How easy or hard is it for people to enter? Which best describes the access you give to God? Oh by the way, post resurrection, Jesus could easily go right through doors :-)

POWER

The Bible talks a lot about power. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul can't seem to find enough descriptive words to reveal the power of the Holy Spirit ... almighty... exceeding... incomparable ... mighty strength ... great ... and those all come from part of one sentence in Ephesians 1:19!

Trying to find an illustration of God's power, I asked a couple of engineers for an example of strong yet flexible power. I am not sure what I expected they would say, but certainly not this. The answer came quickly with agreement from both engineers - spider webs!!! So put on your Spiderman/woman suit and let Christ's power flow around and through you today!

A MORNING VISITOR

This hawk was holding up on my apartment's outside lamp post... carefully surveying for a mid-morning snack!

Strangers

Whenever I move to a new place, there is always a bit of homesickness for familiar faces. Consequently I often think I see someone I know in a crowd of strangers... but indeed they are a stranger that looks like somebody I know.  Sometime ago I started to reframe homesickness into opportunities to pray.  So when someone looks familiar, I pray for the person I think they are!  I know it sounds a little crazy, but it works for me and who couldn't use a little  extra prayer.

A "Walk" for Cancer Research

USA Election day

This is a photo of Arlington National Cemetery, one of our National Cemeteries where veterans and their families are honorably buried. These soldiers and their loved ones sacrificed their lives so that we could live in a country governed by free elections. HONOR THEM BY VOTING,  Tuesday, November 4th.

My Dog Gabe

Gabe had no idea how dog food appeared at our home. He didn't notice me watching his behavior inside and outside to make sure he was healthy. He didn't know how I picked out his groomer or that the Gardners volunteered to be "poochie camp" when I was away. Gabe just considered their place his "other" home. Isn't that similar to our cluelessness regarding God's care for us? We don't see much less understand the many ways our "Good Shepherd" cares for us. Even Gabe knew how to say thank you, with his big curly head in my lap... maybe we should say it more often to our Master and Lord!

Gabe, a Standard Poodle,  standing in my Pennsylvania Yard

BUMP IN THE NIGHT

Coming home from a movie and dinner, I braked for a stop sign and felt a "bump"! My poor "Blue" {that is the name I gave my car, though not very original} had never been in an accident and I feared for her safety. We were on a little traveled side street and the car behind me didn't think I was going to stop and proceeded to hit me. As I got out of my car to check the damage, I was met by a tall young man in his twenties. He was a bit shaken and apologized for hitting me... he was rattled and kept insisting that he needed to get his car off the road less someone would run into him. I looked around and no one was coming in any direction... my guess- for days!!! I put my hand on his arm and assured him he was safe and we could handle this. No damage to either car! I shook his hand and smiling at his "Best Buy" name tag, said "I'll see you at Best Buy! As we both get back into our cars, he said, "Yes, Best Buy, look for a discount!".

I came away, pleased that this senior citizen held her cool in the face of a young man's panic and who knows maybe even a little better service at one of my favorite places to shop! Jesus Christ is so good to me... thanks be to God!

Fall in Florida

Low and behold, there are fall colored leaves in Florida if you look hard enough!

Missing Some Friends

This photo was taken several years ago, while visiting St Croix with these four remarkable people: Ellie Lytle, her sister-in-law Anne, Ellie's sister Margaret and her brother Ward.... We lost both Ellie and Ward this year. Thanks be to God for their impact on our lives. And may the comfort of Christ continue to soothe the grief. My love to the Lytle and Ingalsbe families...

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

King David's famous song includes a strong statement of personal trust and humility... "The Lord Is My Shepherd" ... which implies I am a creature following God who is not only caring and compassionate but also a knowledgeable capable protector. Jesus labels himself as the "Good Shepherd". As the sheep, we need to humbly trust his leading.... And keep up! {This photo was taken in the Presbyterian Church at Umatilla, FL 

Getting a little help

Sermon writing can be hindered when your grand-dog decides to help!

FASHION?

Seriously who taught this woman how to dress? And who in their right mind would buy a bag in those colors? Yes that is me in 1968 upon the return from a six week trip to Europe with college friends and professors. My dress looks like a traveling sofa holding a spotted suitcase on drugs... but then it was in the 60's :-) Come to think - my bag never got lost!

WISDOM

The Bible book of Proverbs reveals the true nature of wisdom which is  a deep abiding respect for God. Here is a Lego portrait of Albert Einstein along with some wise grandchildren.

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS

After preaching off and on for the last year, Community Church in Howey-in-the Hills {PCUSA}  has hired me as the weekly preacher and part time consultant for the next three months. These are great people who have gone through a major congregational split and seeking a new future as the remnant the stayed faithful to PCUSA.  I will not only preach but also lead a class on transformation and congregational vitality. Looking forward to hanging with these fun loving Presbyterians!

WHERE O WHERE

WHEELS from a horse drawn buggy?.. farm equipment? ... and what roads or fields were beneath them? Who steered their path? Who will direct your path today? Where will that path lead you? Remember this visionary benediction:

"You go no where by accident.

Wherever you go, God has sent you there.

Wherever you are, God has a purpose for you there."

 

Photo taken near Huntington, PA in the winter.

 

Frecky Friday!

I took this picture in an unusual manner at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota ... Can you guess what is wrong with the picture and therefore figure out how I took the photo?

LIFE

At times our lives can be barren and quite dry. But even in these parched times, God can bring new life.... "Trust the Lord with all your might. Lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God." Proverbs 3



 

 

2010 BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH DAKOTA

PRAISE

Praise the Lord from the earth... you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations... young men and girls, old man and women and children... PRAISE THE LORD!  {from Psalm 148}

11,000 feet in the Colorado Mountains near Durango

Dreams of a young girl ...

Where is her mind wondering, while she rides this great steed?

It may be a pretend plastic horse, but there is nothing plastic about this granddaughter's creative mind! 

 

 

BUTTONS, BULLETS, BUCKLES

Gathered here in the museum at Fort Christmas, FL are items left behind from a war with Native American Indians in the later half of the 19th Century. BUTTONS, BULLETS and BUCKLES ... Besides plastic bags and Styrofoam cups, I wonder what we leave behind? And yes I am now switching from our trash to our deeds done, reflecting our values. Will future generations find evidence of loving acts of generosity? ... actions reflecting respect for all creation and creatures? ... cultures known for problem solving in all aspects of society? Will there be evidence of a people's worshipping a loving and just God? I suppose that depends on us and what we do tomorrow with God's help!

ANCIENT

An ancient city ... and spoken centuries old words... the city though in ruins is still impressive... The Words?... always alive with Truth!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
{Ephesians 3:20-21}

The ancient city of Ephesus...taken in 2001. 

FREEDOM

In the 1800's slaves traveled hundreds of miles through the American "underground railroad" to reach Detroit, Michigan. From there they were escorted across the Detroit River to Canada and freedom. Along the river this sculpture tells that heroic story... white Americans courageously embracing the human rights for all and especially for their Black brothers and sisters. Justice was a God thing. And with God's help they put themselves on the line for justice.

 

This old Rail Road sign reminds me of this passage in the Bible:1 Peter 1:13
      "Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on  
      the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming."

Be alert to God's presence in your day. Be alert to see and experience the grace of Christ. Be alert to the Holy Spirit's nudges and gentle prompting to stop or go.

from Memphis, TN 

Where in the World?

Can you guess the purpose of the structures in the far distance of this photo?
Clue: they are on the east coast of Florida.

WHY?

At 3:30 pm today I posted a crazy picture of me wearing plastic glasses from McDonald's. 8 hours later, 62 people responded to that crazy photo that my granddaughter took. Why did so many people respond so quickly?

 

 

 

I post all kinds of important stuff: ways to be healthier, opinions about government, spiritual truths about humanity and Christ's love, the care of our planet, God's beauty expressed in nature, examples of good overcoming evil in this world, the need for transformational leaders in congregations ... those kinds of posts never receive this kind of attention. Why the crazy glasses popularity? Maybe we are weary from the overwhelming struggles of this world and in our own lives... maybe we need to see someone not taking themselves so seriously ... maybe we enjoy the sight of someone enjoying life even though they are still engaged in the world's struggles ... maybe God just wants us to smile once in awhile! Maybe you can be that kind of "someone". So put on your best funny smile and give us all another laugh! Don't forget God does have an amazing sense of humor! Check out these sets of clothes!

 

 

Selfie in Frame

Here is another photo from my Fort Christmas trip... a mirror selfie .... and no-  it is not a commode! This is an early 1900's wash basin with mirror.

JUST PRACTICING

Come February 2015 I will be on a photographic safari to southern Africa... so I am practicing every chance I get to shoot in the manual settings on my SLR Nikon camera.  Last week I was using my backup Nikon 3200 with a 50 mm backup lens. If I remember correctly, I had to push the aperture up to get the bright colors to pop...  besides the practice session this is a great phone number to have if God is calling you to Mission service!