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!

Christmas in October

Today I traveled east {not north} to Christmas, Florida. It is a site for one of many Forts constructed for the mid 1800's war between white settlers and native Seminole Indians. See if you can guess the use for these 120+ year old items.