Category Archives: Uncategorized

Double Vision

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When this double vision ends and I see clearly again, will I be any better off and make sense of life? 

When I feel that my existence seems like that of a spectator, will I ever become a participant?

When the cold of winter and loneliness of the holidays overwhelm me, will I cry myself to sleep?

When faith flickers like a dying candle, what will become of me? Will I have mattered to anyone?

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I will be better off, and so will others, once I regain clarity, and I will understand my life’s purpose.

I am already a participant, I just need a little encouragement to help me understand this truth.

I will cry no longer-even though I needed to for a moment-because joy is just around the corner.

I will light another candle-thus keeping my faith-for my life matters very much. It matters to those who love me and to those who are yet to know me; to the lost who need me and to those who have helped me; to the sojourner who has double vision and to the blind who can’t see at all. No more tears, no more despair, and no more loneliness for there is One who loves me just as I am. Prince of Peace come join me now and help me to show others the way. 

 

 

 

Wreath Squared

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No matter what a wreath symbolizes for you, I have not seen very many which are square and full of unusual flowers and grains as in this beauty. Some very creative person(s) created this for a small boutique store in midtown Kansas City. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to snap a pic with my cell phone.

Generally, we consider wreaths with Christmas, although a few enterprising folk will display all manner of wreaths throughout the year. This particular wreath was presented specifically for this holiday season. It is certainly festive and well done. So, why write about wreaths, and reveal this wreath in particular? Symbolism, as well as beauty and appreciation, for that which we admire (at least I do).

There are many symbolic interpretations for wreaths, but the main idea is that the circular (or square) shape without beginning or end reflects the full circle of life. In Christianity, the wreath was introduced through the Lutheran Church in the 16th Century and was a visual tool to understand the advent and birth of Christ. The evergreen branches are the most common of wreaths at this time of year because they represent life throughout the full year, regardless of how difficult the conditions may be to survive.

I see a bit more when I view a wreath, regardless of its shape, materials or when it is presented. I see beauty and creativity. Over-simplification some may say. Droll say others. But why must a wreath be about a specific occurrence or have a particular look each year? I believe that God created all that is natural and beautiful, including giving mankind the ability to create and enhance beauty. Of course, no one can outdo the Creator, but we can certainly strive to honor Him by imitating His creation. I fully understand that one’s interpretation of beauty is extremely subjective and is a topic I choose not to tackle in this post!

What I believe and what I know are very personal, yet I select what content I wish to share and some which I don’t. Such is my prerogative of creating and supporting this blog. However, let it be known once again that I am blessed to see, touch, hear, and emotionally feel the beauty God has given mankind each and every day I live. I sincerely hope you are given (or make) the opportunity to slow down long enough to experience such sublime beauty this holiday season. Thanks again for visiting and encouraging me. Also, I am grateful for your own unique beauty! Share it…please.

 

 

Tis’ the Season…a Prayer

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I believe most people, regardless of religious affiliation, want to live in peace. This is preciously why Jesus came to earth. The angels announced when He was born, “Peace on Earth and good will towards men” (women, too). Why there is so much division among various peoples of the earth can be easily explained. Man is inherently selfish and prideful, and wants his own way regardless of who is afflicted or abused. In fact it is those whom Jesus focused on the most-the downtrodden and forsaken.

I sincerely want everyone who reads this post to know that I pass no judgement because of one’s beliefs (or lack of beliefs). And, I am very, very grateful for those who follow my blog and for those who stumble upon it. I find it gratifying to know that even one person finds either what I have to say or the the photographs I take to be of enough importance to stop for a moment and sneak a peak at one of my posts. I certainly enjoy some of my fellow bloggers’ words and pics, and am especially grateful for the regulars who visit me. As always, I welcome your comments. Now, for my prayer.

Please Lord, let there be peace upon the earth, and let it begin with me.                                                                                         

 

 

Ridley

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While in Puerto Vallarta, we participated in one of the most wonderful, worthwhile and fun Eco-system projects imaginable…the releasing of Olive ridley sea turtles!

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Cute, isn’t he (or she)? In brief detail, here is what takes place. For months prior to December the females come ashore to bury their eggs (called clutches) and then return to the ocean. A clutch can have anywhere from fifty to two hundred eggs. Average is around 125 eggs per clutch. The Olive ridley is listed as vulnerable whereas it’s cousin the Kemp ridley (Atlantic ocean turtle) is on the endangered list. Both turtles lay their eggs in the same beaches where they were born…some 13 years after birth. Isn’t God’s design grand?!

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Biologists comb the beaches at night (when most mothers come ashore) and find the clutch hole covered with sand. The biologist then digs up the eggs and places them in a container and reburies them in a secured fenced area set aside for this purpose. Each clutch of eggs has a marker telling the date found, quantity and expected date to hatch (average is 45 days). The enclosed area looks like a cemetery with rows of markers. But instead of death, there will be life. We stayed at a Marriott hotel which has been participating in this effort for fifteen years. In fact, all across the globe, Marriott does similar rescues where endangered species abound.

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In America, only trained biologists can let the turtles go. They quarantine the nest and monitor it until the turtles hatch, and then they secure the path to the sea. Padre Island is one of the most highly populated areas for sea turtle eggs. Perhaps that is why in the USA the turtles on the Atlantic side are secured because they are endangered. I don’t know about the procedure along the Pacific beaches in America. Regardless, to hold one or two of these little guys in your hands and then let them and race (slowly) to the ocean is spell-binding. We are told only 2% of all sea turtles make it to adulthood which is at least ten years old. Some can live up to one hundred years. An average adult sea turtle can lay from one to three clutches per year. Times that by hundreds of thousands and the 2% doesn’t seem so minimal. Nevertheless, with man and nature vying for the same territory, endangerment is always a possibility. We are so grateful to Marriott for this program and for Mexico allowing anyone to participate. FYI-the sandy hands are a requirement. Before anyone can handle  one of these little guys, they must scrub their hands with wet sand to eliminate any type of lotion or foreign substance from their hands.

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How many do you think are in this large container?

Up a Tree

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We returned from Mexico (please see previous post) two nights ago. Cheryl had a wonderful trip, as did I. The timing, weather, sights and people were all terrific.

We did some different things this trip such as hike to the top of a jungle peak and rented a car to visit some coastal out-of-the-way towns near Puerto Vallarta. Also, we saw some unusual creatures in trees. Once you see one and start looking closely, you will see many more which were not previously perceptible. I am referring to Iguanas which come in different sizes and colors. Some are green with exceptionally long tails while others are an off-orange color with larger spikes on their backs. They all like to hang around in trees among the local bird population. They are sometimes referred to as chickens of the trees because there meat tastes like chicken-supposedly, even though their flesh is a reddish color. No, we didn’t try a plate of Iguana; we just read a lot about them.

Here is one photograph I hope you find as interesting to view as it was to witness in person. There were at least seven or eight iguanas we could see from this one spot. However, this guy gave us the best view to shoot, along with his feathered friends. It is worth enlarging!

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No Matter What

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It was exactly two years ago that my sweetheart and I spent a week  in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Soon, we will be re-tracing this trip. So much has occurred since 2014 that I won’t bother to trouble you with the details. It was hard.

However, we all know life can throw a lot of darts at us. Sometimes they stick and cripple us, and other times they hurt, but don’t destroy. Such has been this year for us. We are still standing.

For those who are ahead of the curve, and have experienced a great year, I congratulate you! You are most fortunate. May each coming year be the same for you.

Should our positive or negative past experiences change the other way, please know that these realities may seem forever, but change will happen. Our lives are never static. When we have an open mind, are willing to make adjustments, and accept help when it is available-we will persevere.  I have found strength in God’s divine assistance as He is not in the business of failure or misery. Plus, life is too short to settle for mediocrity.

With that said, I wish Cheryl a very Happy Birthday!

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Kaleidoscope

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It has been too long since I posted anything. As with many jobs, working full throttle seven days a week dulls one’s mind and affords little time to be creative. In spite of my circumstances, which many can relate, I offer this single photograph of my prized Red Maple before she shed her leaves. The colors are true to life-they need no enhancing. Enjoy a child’s view of the sky with a tree in the way! Enchanting…

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A Riddle !

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Just to lighten your burden a little after a long week, I have a riddle for you!

“What is white, of Scottish decent, has four legs and a tail, marble colored eyes and nose, woofs (barks) at other critters as well as his human companions, was bred to pull foxes and badgers from their lairs, likes to dig-especially when the ground is moist, loves to eat, and is very stubborn?”

Ah, but before answering, I will give you several more clues.

“What used to be a breeder dog in a puppy mill, but was rescued; is an alpha male without realizing he isn’t the Big dog in the neighborhood, has torn both ACLs and had surgery on one knee, has been attacked twice by other dogs while being walked on a leash (the first time was super serious), has a sensitive tummy despite his love for food, eats vegetables (which may contribute to his tummy issue), and has lost most of his hearing?”

But there are still more questions to help you figure out this riddle!

“What likes to stand under your feet while cooking a meal, follows Cheryl like he is her shadow, has endeared himself to us for over five years, won’t attack a human, but hates squirrels  and cats with a vengeance, takes slow sniff walks and constantly marks his trail, enjoys car rides-especially if they end with a treat, and has become the Pillow King of our home?”

Yep, Carson. And, yes, most likely your dog fits much of this description, too!

Riddle solved, but the answer never ceases to impact our lives daily.

To Everything There is a Season

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To everything there is a season, turn, turn, turn

And a time to every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, and a time to reap

A time to kill, and a time to heal

A time to laugh, and a time to weep

To everything there is a season, turn, turn, turn

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Autumn is my favorite season for many reasons; amongst the greatest is the change in tree and shrub foliage. I love greens all summer long, and hate to see them turn to browns and greys in the winter, but before this occurs we are treated with a spectacle of color painted by nature herself. Consider the variety of vegetation coupled with an inexhaustible array of colors that man can mimic, but never duplicate in such exquisite beauty.

The words above are from a song made famous by a rock group called The Byrds in 1965. The lyrics are from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. Pete Seeger, a singer-songwriter took these words and crafted this song which became an anti-Vietnam War song. The last verse says that peace is never too late.

It becomes obvious to me that these words are timeless in their meaning and interpretations according to the era they are read and pondered. We know not what is in store for any of us…only One has such knowledge. We can plan and prepare, discuss and implement, but we never really control most of the outcomes of our lives. Some will disagree, of course, and that’s okay. Each of us views life from different lenses. My perspective comes from several sources: my own experiences and seeing those of others, plus my reference point concerning all things-God.

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Change starts one leaf at a time, and before you know it, the whole tree is ablaze in color! May this season of your life be full of growth, peace and an abundance of blessings.

A B E

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Last week I made a visit to city hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. As I waited for the guards to let me in (I arrived early), I studied this bronze statue located near the base of the stairs which lead up to south entrance of this government building. Erected in 1937, the architecture of this building-with its motifs and decorative metal-can best be described as a late form of Art Deco. It stands opposite the main courthouse which consists of the same materials and style, but has a flair all it own.

The sun was slowly working its way upward as the statue was being illuminated from the east. The man sitting is Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president of the United States of America. The boy is his youngest son, Tad, who was adored by his father. Tad was twelve years old when his father was assassinated. The Lincolns had much personal tragedy in  their family. In addition to the trials within his own household, Abe, as he was affectionately called, lead our nation through the bloody Civil War (1861-1865) which cost both sides over 600,000 lives and double that amount wounded and maimed.

It is fitting to have the statue of this great man in front of a government building…the very government he sought to preserve as one entity over the course of those long, difficult war years. The stress had to be immense, but he persevered and kept the nation united. In addition, Abe was called the Great Emancipator as he pushed forth the Emancipation Proclamation which ended slavery-first in the District of Columbia, and then across our country. Almost four million indentured people of color were eventually liberated from the curse of slavery in America. The effect of this act was not immediate, but it did set the wheels of justice in motion. Although there is still much to do to bring equality to all people, this proclamation is a bedrock for generations to come.

I believe each of us is put on this earth for a reason. I don’t claim to know what those reasons are most of the time, but in Lincoln’s case, it seems obvious to me. If you study his life-how he overcame so many political defeats and personal tragedies-he still became the the president of the United States of America at a very precarious juncture in our history. His strong faith in God which is often downplayed, was the force that kept him from wavering when he should have fallen from exhaustion and remorse. His ability to keep America united and to began the end of slavery cannot be overstated. It appears that once he achieved these two victories, his life was ended by an assassin’s bullet. He paid dearly for the welfare of our country and what he deeply believed in.

We need another Abraham Lincoln. And we need him now.