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Tonight, I was privileged to witness a preacher son's tribute to his mother. As a daughter, I couldn't help but marvel at the strength and character not only of this man but his family. My piano teacher, Lisa Ross, and her husband, Bruce, pastor at the First Christian Church here in Mt. Vernon. This past weekend, his mother, Mrs. Jean Ross, passed away after a long illness.
What a moving service! A grandson reading comforting scripture passages. A daughter-in-law remembering her mother-in-law, the sacrifices and loving care given by a committed family, the good times, the fun times, the wishes for a different ending and hope for something even better. Acapella voices lifted in beautiful harmony as friends sang "The Old Rugged Cross". Then a pastor son's eulogy for his mother. A fitting service for the tribute of a life lived surrounded by those she loved, those who loved her, and the lives forever touched because they knew Ms. Jean. Tears and Chuckles, stories of faith, life, and moments never to be forgotten.
Praying comfort amidst the sorrow..thinking of you! "C"
What a moving service! A grandson reading comforting scripture passages. A daughter-in-law remembering her mother-in-law, the sacrifices and loving care given by a committed family, the good times, the fun times, the wishes for a different ending and hope for something even better. Acapella voices lifted in beautiful harmony as friends sang "The Old Rugged Cross". Then a pastor son's eulogy for his mother. A fitting service for the tribute of a life lived surrounded by those she loved, those who loved her, and the lives forever touched because they knew Ms. Jean. Tears and Chuckles, stories of faith, life, and moments never to be forgotten.
Praying comfort amidst the sorrow..thinking of you! "C"
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Clarissa
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Last night, on my way home from work, I was just driving along thinking of the numerous things I needed to get done...ASAP. When suddenly, a huge truck went by me, capturing my attention. Then, I saw it! A poor pitiful little turtle upside down in the middle of the road. So I swerved to miss it and kept on going. Almost home yet I knew I was going to have to go back and do a "rescue". So I had to go on down our road to the little church parking lot and turn around. All this stuff to do and I am going out of my way to just go back and turn over a turtle...I had quite an argument with myself!
Then my mind reflected back to a story I once heard of a father and son walking along a beach covered with starfish. So many that it would not be possible to rescue them all. Still the little boy kept picking them up one by one and tossing them back into sea. Come along now, there are just too many, the dad said. But the little guy responded, But I made a difference to this one!
Now the Lord had my attention...how often do I pass by the "turtles" in my life..a friend in need of listening ear, a phone call I need to return, a note I need to drop in the mail, a few minutes to encourage a teen, praying when you don't even know who it is for? How can I make a difference in the lives of those around me? Sometimes the needs seem overwhelming and I feel so helpless. Or I get distracted and forget that gentle nudging. But I decided that If I'm to busy to turn over a poor turtle, then I'm just too busy! How much do we miss in those moments? If this was a hungry child, would I pass the child by saying "Lord, bless 'em? but yet do nothing! What if the Lord passed me by when I was in need? What if he choose not to hear my prayers because he was busy elsewhere? What if he hadn't choose to reveal to me my need for a Saviour! What a difference that moment has made in my life. I was convicted to say the least.
My impatience became a prayer for "Focus" on the "Important" rather than the "Momentary". May we not forget the "turtles" in our path today!
Make a difference today! Joy 2 u! "C"
P.S. Oh, the turtle - you want to know what happened to the turtle! It was too late for that little guy! But he made a difference in my life!
Then my mind reflected back to a story I once heard of a father and son walking along a beach covered with starfish. So many that it would not be possible to rescue them all. Still the little boy kept picking them up one by one and tossing them back into sea. Come along now, there are just too many, the dad said. But the little guy responded, But I made a difference to this one!
Now the Lord had my attention...how often do I pass by the "turtles" in my life..a friend in need of listening ear, a phone call I need to return, a note I need to drop in the mail, a few minutes to encourage a teen, praying when you don't even know who it is for? How can I make a difference in the lives of those around me? Sometimes the needs seem overwhelming and I feel so helpless. Or I get distracted and forget that gentle nudging. But I decided that If I'm to busy to turn over a poor turtle, then I'm just too busy! How much do we miss in those moments? If this was a hungry child, would I pass the child by saying "Lord, bless 'em? but yet do nothing! What if the Lord passed me by when I was in need? What if he choose not to hear my prayers because he was busy elsewhere? What if he hadn't choose to reveal to me my need for a Saviour! What a difference that moment has made in my life. I was convicted to say the least.
My impatience became a prayer for "Focus" on the "Important" rather than the "Momentary". May we not forget the "turtles" in our path today!
Make a difference today! Joy 2 u! "C"
P.S. Oh, the turtle - you want to know what happened to the turtle! It was too late for that little guy! But he made a difference in my life!
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As soon as my eyes opened this morning, my mind reflected back eight years ago. An ordinary work morning, then suddenly a phone call...a plane has hit the twin towers. Incredible! Unbelievable! Even as I watched the continuous newscasts, I didn't believe it was really happening. An attack on American soil to American people? The horror, disbelief and sorrow hit me in waves.
It is a moment and days of surreal moments that I will never forget. Images that will never leave me, a place in my heart that will never heal. In fact, as strange as it may be, I don't want to forget..I don't want to forget the sacrifice of heroic men and women who also went to work one ordinary, some to make the ultimate sacrifice trying to save lives, others whose lives are forever changed by sights and actions. I don't want to forget the families who lost loved ones, children growing up without one of their parents. I don't want to forget the volunteers who changed lives in so many ways. I don't want to forget the grateful survivors still bearing the scars. So many lives, so much hurt, so much bitterness, so much healing.
I also don't want to forget the feeling of a nation falling our faces before our Heavenly Father - seeking his forgiveness, his healing, his protection, and for understanding. Yes, eight years later it seems that God is far from our thoughts and we have become complacent, living in a world where evil seems to reign on every side, far and near. We may never understand the events of yesterday or the events of our tomorrows but there is one assurance we can have: Jesus is Alive! He has not changed! This world will one day pass away but I have hope because of a risen Saviour.
I would be remiss if I did not send out a heartfelt Thank You to the men and women serving our country both in the military and in other occupations, on the frontline in defense of our freedom. Thank you for your continued sacrifce! Thank you to your families!
Praying that you find hope and peace in His sheltering arms ~ I will never forget!
~ C ~
It is a moment and days of surreal moments that I will never forget. Images that will never leave me, a place in my heart that will never heal. In fact, as strange as it may be, I don't want to forget..I don't want to forget the sacrifice of heroic men and women who also went to work one ordinary, some to make the ultimate sacrifice trying to save lives, others whose lives are forever changed by sights and actions. I don't want to forget the families who lost loved ones, children growing up without one of their parents. I don't want to forget the volunteers who changed lives in so many ways. I don't want to forget the grateful survivors still bearing the scars. So many lives, so much hurt, so much bitterness, so much healing.
I also don't want to forget the feeling of a nation falling our faces before our Heavenly Father - seeking his forgiveness, his healing, his protection, and for understanding. Yes, eight years later it seems that God is far from our thoughts and we have become complacent, living in a world where evil seems to reign on every side, far and near. We may never understand the events of yesterday or the events of our tomorrows but there is one assurance we can have: Jesus is Alive! He has not changed! This world will one day pass away but I have hope because of a risen Saviour.
I would be remiss if I did not send out a heartfelt Thank You to the men and women serving our country both in the military and in other occupations, on the frontline in defense of our freedom. Thank you for your continued sacrifce! Thank you to your families!
Praying that you find hope and peace in His sheltering arms ~ I will never forget!
~ C ~
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Every now and then doesn't it just feel good to get away? Of course, here lately it seems I've been "away" more than I've been home.
Once again, Jeanette and I hit the road to adventure...heading north on Labor Day weekend. I began to regret that decision right around Florence when at 3:30 in the afternoon, traffic began really picking up. By the time, we got out of Cincinnati, I was thinking this was a Really Bad Idea! Then to beat it all, just as we were on the final stretch to Zanesville, brake lights lit up everywhere! Oh, no, maybe there's been an accident! All of a sudden, in my rearview mirror, I saw a van swerving across both lanes of traffic accelerating right toward us. I was like "Jeanette, he's coming for us!" She was so involved in reading an interesting book that she had no clue what was even going on. My heart was in mouth, I couldn't get a breath, time passes so slowly when you are bracing for a hit. All I could think or say or pray was Jesus! Jesus! Let me tell you: he came to our rescue. The van should have plowed right into the back of my vehicle. He had totally run out of room to stop but just mere inches, he stopped in time! I must say it took a long, long while for me to quit looking in the mirror and get my nerves under control. I was torn up! However, we pressed on and I am so glad we did.
GPS is always a nice addition when traveling especially when it works. Unfortunately, it also helps to be able to understand it. Since I was driving and Jeanette was directing, we ended up taking the wrong exit which ended up being the right exit. (How confusing is that?) It was the wrong exit for our hotel; however, we would have missed so much! Heading back through Zanesville toward the interstate we passed the Y-Bridge, a waterfalls and the vases - all things I had been hoping to see while visiting! Plus we got to see a beautiful old courthouse, patriotic memorials, synagogues and so much more including the road to "The Wilds!" I am always amazed at how well the Lord takes care of us even when we don't have a clue.
After some quick shopping and dinner, we relaxed at our hotel calling it an early night so we could be ready for our adventure at "The Wilds".
Getting an early start the next morning, we decided to drive to Dresden, Ohio. Dresden is known for Longaberger Baskets and the world's largest Longaberger Basket is hidden on a side street. Oh yes, hidden but we found it! If you are a collector, then this is the city for you. After a breakfast feast at Cracker Barrel and some quick snapshots, we were ready for our safari.
The Wilds is a several thousand acre wildlife conservation center quite a few miles from civilization. We really had no idea what to expect but I was totally blown away by the whole experience. We bought our tickets for the open air safari, which I highly recommend but had a few minutes to wait. As we walked around, we started noticing animals every direction we looked. In fact, some of the animals were in the roadway right by the vehicles. I started getting excited and hoping our tour would come on before all the animals went into the shade (you know how my luck runs with the animals and afternoons!)
We really should not have worried! I have never been so close to wild animals except maybe at a zoo and there is no comparison. The camels were first up standing right in the road. We watched a rhino’s wound be doctored by staff. There was deers of all kinds including the Indochina Sitka, Bactrian, and Pere David deers, around many of the lakes. Catfish and Trumpeter Swans all waiting to be feed around the pond. Curious Giraffes, Wild Horses, and Bison alongside the road. Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and Dholes in the carnivore center. Then more Rhinos, Zebras, Onagers, Antelope, Eland and even the Scimitar-Horned Oryx (possibly the Unicorn of olden times).
We had a wonderful guide, Lois, who was getting into trouble because she was running behind schedule. We didn’t feel rushed throughout the tour as she stopped frequently and gave us plenty of time to take as many pictures as our hearts desired. It was definitely a tour well worth the drive and expense. The only thing that would have made it better would be to stay at Nomad Ridge. Could you imagine spending the night with a deck overlooking several of the pastures, listening to the animals calling out in the night, watching the sun set and the stars shine bright? Oh yes, that would be the ultimate experience and it comes complete with dinner and breakfast prepared by a chef. Although we hated to leave, we had a long drive home ahead! Thankfully, it didn’t seem to take nearly as long to get down the road as it did coming down.
Since we were making such great time, we decided to take a detour through Hamilton for some hot, fresh, delicious Richard’s steak sandwiches. Piping hot melted cheese, loaded with onions (the only onions I ever eat!), soft yet crispy bread, a fitting way to end a road trip! (And you can’t just get one…they are just as good warmed up later!)
It was definitely a good getaway and a trip I’ve added to the future list to visit again...this time with our family or our friends from North Carolina.
Hope you enjoy the pics!!! Until next time…joy 2 u! “C”
Once again, Jeanette and I hit the road to adventure...heading north on Labor Day weekend. I began to regret that decision right around Florence when at 3:30 in the afternoon, traffic began really picking up. By the time, we got out of Cincinnati, I was thinking this was a Really Bad Idea! Then to beat it all, just as we were on the final stretch to Zanesville, brake lights lit up everywhere! Oh, no, maybe there's been an accident! All of a sudden, in my rearview mirror, I saw a van swerving across both lanes of traffic accelerating right toward us. I was like "Jeanette, he's coming for us!" She was so involved in reading an interesting book that she had no clue what was even going on. My heart was in mouth, I couldn't get a breath, time passes so slowly when you are bracing for a hit. All I could think or say or pray was Jesus! Jesus! Let me tell you: he came to our rescue. The van should have plowed right into the back of my vehicle. He had totally run out of room to stop but just mere inches, he stopped in time! I must say it took a long, long while for me to quit looking in the mirror and get my nerves under control. I was torn up! However, we pressed on and I am so glad we did.
GPS is always a nice addition when traveling especially when it works. Unfortunately, it also helps to be able to understand it. Since I was driving and Jeanette was directing, we ended up taking the wrong exit which ended up being the right exit. (How confusing is that?) It was the wrong exit for our hotel; however, we would have missed so much! Heading back through Zanesville toward the interstate we passed the Y-Bridge, a waterfalls and the vases - all things I had been hoping to see while visiting! Plus we got to see a beautiful old courthouse, patriotic memorials, synagogues and so much more including the road to "The Wilds!" I am always amazed at how well the Lord takes care of us even when we don't have a clue.
After some quick shopping and dinner, we relaxed at our hotel calling it an early night so we could be ready for our adventure at "The Wilds".
Getting an early start the next morning, we decided to drive to Dresden, Ohio. Dresden is known for Longaberger Baskets and the world's largest Longaberger Basket is hidden on a side street. Oh yes, hidden but we found it! If you are a collector, then this is the city for you. After a breakfast feast at Cracker Barrel and some quick snapshots, we were ready for our safari.
The Wilds is a several thousand acre wildlife conservation center quite a few miles from civilization. We really had no idea what to expect but I was totally blown away by the whole experience. We bought our tickets for the open air safari, which I highly recommend but had a few minutes to wait. As we walked around, we started noticing animals every direction we looked. In fact, some of the animals were in the roadway right by the vehicles. I started getting excited and hoping our tour would come on before all the animals went into the shade (you know how my luck runs with the animals and afternoons!)
We really should not have worried! I have never been so close to wild animals except maybe at a zoo and there is no comparison. The camels were first up standing right in the road. We watched a rhino’s wound be doctored by staff. There was deers of all kinds including the Indochina Sitka, Bactrian, and Pere David deers, around many of the lakes. Catfish and Trumpeter Swans all waiting to be feed around the pond. Curious Giraffes, Wild Horses, and Bison alongside the road. Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and Dholes in the carnivore center. Then more Rhinos, Zebras, Onagers, Antelope, Eland and even the Scimitar-Horned Oryx (possibly the Unicorn of olden times).
We had a wonderful guide, Lois, who was getting into trouble because she was running behind schedule. We didn’t feel rushed throughout the tour as she stopped frequently and gave us plenty of time to take as many pictures as our hearts desired. It was definitely a tour well worth the drive and expense. The only thing that would have made it better would be to stay at Nomad Ridge. Could you imagine spending the night with a deck overlooking several of the pastures, listening to the animals calling out in the night, watching the sun set and the stars shine bright? Oh yes, that would be the ultimate experience and it comes complete with dinner and breakfast prepared by a chef. Although we hated to leave, we had a long drive home ahead! Thankfully, it didn’t seem to take nearly as long to get down the road as it did coming down.
Since we were making such great time, we decided to take a detour through Hamilton for some hot, fresh, delicious Richard’s steak sandwiches. Piping hot melted cheese, loaded with onions (the only onions I ever eat!), soft yet crispy bread, a fitting way to end a road trip! (And you can’t just get one…they are just as good warmed up later!)
It was definitely a good getaway and a trip I’ve added to the future list to visit again...this time with our family or our friends from North Carolina.
Hope you enjoy the pics!!! Until next time…joy 2 u! “C”
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After everything I learned Sunday afternoon from my new photographer friends, I could wait to photograph the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls. They gave me some really awesome tips and I was so excited. I wish I could say I was successful, I wish I could say I came back with some incredible photos, I wish I could say I even saw a Moonbow.
However....
Before I even left Mount Vernon, due to rain and clouds in the area, I knew seeing the moonbow was a long shot. But the weather forecast for this week was not very promising so after church we headed out. A lot of other people had been hoping for clearing as well. Extremely frustrated and incredibly dumb does not even begin to describe how I was feeling when I had been there over an hour and not shot one picture. Not one!
This was my first visit with my Canon Rebel so I had no idea what to expect. But my point and shoot Canon had at least focused on the falls in the dark! No such luck! I tried manual, auto, every setting, every exposure, every trick, anything! Then a lady next to me asked have you tried manual? Yes!!! But not manual also on my lens!! Duh!!! Finally!!!! I could at least focus!
So the moonbow is still on my list of Ultimate Photographs! But I haven't given up! Just like anything in life, whether it is the "Perfect Picture", a delightful dinner, a well-planned presentation, the greatest success! So whatever your heart's desire is at this moment, Maybe you've tried and failed time and again but don't give up! Hold your head up high, take a deep breath, and try, Try Again! The race isn't always a win to the fastest but to the one who endures.
Still Learning! ~ C ~
However....
Before I even left Mount Vernon, due to rain and clouds in the area, I knew seeing the moonbow was a long shot. But the weather forecast for this week was not very promising so after church we headed out. A lot of other people had been hoping for clearing as well. Extremely frustrated and incredibly dumb does not even begin to describe how I was feeling when I had been there over an hour and not shot one picture. Not one!
This was my first visit with my Canon Rebel so I had no idea what to expect. But my point and shoot Canon had at least focused on the falls in the dark! No such luck! I tried manual, auto, every setting, every exposure, every trick, anything! Then a lady next to me asked have you tried manual? Yes!!! But not manual also on my lens!! Duh!!! Finally!!!! I could at least focus!
So the moonbow is still on my list of Ultimate Photographs! But I haven't given up! Just like anything in life, whether it is the "Perfect Picture", a delightful dinner, a well-planned presentation, the greatest success! So whatever your heart's desire is at this moment, Maybe you've tried and failed time and again but don't give up! Hold your head up high, take a deep breath, and try, Try Again! The race isn't always a win to the fastest but to the one who endures.
Still Learning! ~ C ~
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Sunday was the first chance I've had to attend the recently formed Central Ky Photography Group's meetup. Wow! What a group of photographers! Although I have friends and family who enjoy taking pictures, it was so cool being surrounded with friendly folks who are "crazy" (or should I say passionate) about photography. As I listened to individuals talk about just taking a drive to look for good shots, making u-turns, nearly causing traffic jams - all because of a can't miss photo, I couldn't help but smile since it sounded so familiar.
The meetup focused on photographing children. I knew there was a ton of work to studio photography which is the reason I have shied away from it but there are so much behind the scenes work involved that I never ever realized. And the details to consider while shooting pictures outdoors just blows me away. I have always been one of those who just point and shoot but in order to improve my skills and my photographs, I am realizing I have a lot to learn. Thankfully, we had some fabulous models who were great to work with. Heather brought her children, Max and Peter, for our younger models. Everytime a picture was taken of Peter, he would yell Cheeseburger and we would just roll in the floor with laughter. Our older models were Cherise and Carrie. These girls not only love photography themselves but enjoyed modeling - totally cracking us up at times.
All of the other members, especially the organizer, Alan Hadley, were so patient with our, or, should I say my, very amateur questions...explaining the same thing over and over until we got it! There was a freedom to ask questions, learn from each other and even practice on each other. They are one fun group! I can hardly wait until I can attend the next meetup at the end of the month: landscape photography! Ohh la! la!
If you're interested in joining up, just send me a note!
Joy 2 u! ~C~
The meetup focused on photographing children. I knew there was a ton of work to studio photography which is the reason I have shied away from it but there are so much behind the scenes work involved that I never ever realized. And the details to consider while shooting pictures outdoors just blows me away. I have always been one of those who just point and shoot but in order to improve my skills and my photographs, I am realizing I have a lot to learn. Thankfully, we had some fabulous models who were great to work with. Heather brought her children, Max and Peter, for our younger models. Everytime a picture was taken of Peter, he would yell Cheeseburger and we would just roll in the floor with laughter. Our older models were Cherise and Carrie. These girls not only love photography themselves but enjoyed modeling - totally cracking us up at times.
All of the other members, especially the organizer, Alan Hadley, were so patient with our, or, should I say my, very amateur questions...explaining the same thing over and over until we got it! There was a freedom to ask questions, learn from each other and even practice on each other. They are one fun group! I can hardly wait until I can attend the next meetup at the end of the month: landscape photography! Ohh la! la!
If you're interested in joining up, just send me a note!
Joy 2 u! ~C~
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Last night as I was doing my ritual cleaning while trying to pack for the weekend, I came across two souvenirs leftover from my nephews. The one from Jaden was a smiley man he made out of Grandpa's skeeter legs and the other was a note from Dawson. As we were leaving the pancake pantry in the Smokies, he slipped this note in my hand which, of course, packrat that I am, I have kept! So, here I am ready to embark on an exciting fun-filled weekend and I am so wishing these guys were going with me. I guess I was feeling a little homesick (and I'm at Home!!)
As I was missing my North Carolina family, it came to my mind, there are some pictures that I haven't shared with you yet. One evening we were just sitting around the house, hanging out and I was checking out my new rebel camera book for Dummies when Dawson appeared around the corner wearing a pair of old glasses. Now Dawson is quite a character and loves to have everyone cracking up. Soon Keagan became involved and then the whole family! You just gotta love those crazy unexpected spontaneous moments that last a lifetime in memories!
Here's hoping you have a weekend of your own spontaneous memories!!
Joy 2 u! ~ C ~
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As you can probably tell by now, I blog in spurts. Sometimes I just can't wait to share happenings, especially special visits with family and friends, going on and go. Other times, I struggle to know just what you would like to read or how much I should sure. Would you like to see more pictures? More thoughtful posting? or just the typical craziness of my life? Do you like the book-like posts or the short ones? I would love to hear from you as I consider the future of my blog or maybe even blogs. Although it has only been a few months since the beginning of Clariss'a Corner, it has been a joy for me share with you so blogging is here to stay (at least for now! :)
Speaking of fun and special happenings...the reason for this post is just to put you on notice...I have an exciting but full weekend ahead so there should be several posts and picutres. I have often been teased by family and friends that I should become a travel agent since I love to travel so much. Recently, I heard of "The Wilds" - thousands of acres in Ohio with wild animals like Cheetahs, Dholes, Rhinos, Giraffes, Butterflies, and so much more. So, if all goes well, Jeanette and I are going on the ultimate safari (and yet so close to home!) I believe this just might be the ultimate test for my new rebel!
In addition, my original plan was to attend my first meetup with the Central Kentucky Photo Group on Sunday. There is no better way to learn than with lots of practice and from other. So if you are interested in growing your photography skills and joining us, just let me know. As I said, my original plan because we have discovered an Indian PowWow on our way home from Zanesville. Indians - can we resist? There is just so much going on this weekend that it is so hard to decide just what to do.
Since this is Labor Day weekend, the Livingston homecoming is also going on which means fireworks! Maybe you will also notice if you look out this evening that we have a full moon which means....Yes...it's time for the moonbow at Cumberland Falls. A third time is a charm!(Do I need to remind my readers of my crashed hard drive, loss of pictures, my new camera, and new (nearly empty) hard drive?)
Thank goodness for Monday...a day to download pictures, blog, and rest. Oh yes, I am officially resting this Labor Day!
Hope you have a safe weekend! Enjoy time spent with family and friends! "C"
Speaking of fun and special happenings...the reason for this post is just to put you on notice...I have an exciting but full weekend ahead so there should be several posts and picutres. I have often been teased by family and friends that I should become a travel agent since I love to travel so much. Recently, I heard of "The Wilds" - thousands of acres in Ohio with wild animals like Cheetahs, Dholes, Rhinos, Giraffes, Butterflies, and so much more. So, if all goes well, Jeanette and I are going on the ultimate safari (and yet so close to home!) I believe this just might be the ultimate test for my new rebel!
In addition, my original plan was to attend my first meetup with the Central Kentucky Photo Group on Sunday. There is no better way to learn than with lots of practice and from other. So if you are interested in growing your photography skills and joining us, just let me know. As I said, my original plan because we have discovered an Indian PowWow on our way home from Zanesville. Indians - can we resist? There is just so much going on this weekend that it is so hard to decide just what to do.
Since this is Labor Day weekend, the Livingston homecoming is also going on which means fireworks! Maybe you will also notice if you look out this evening that we have a full moon which means....Yes...it's time for the moonbow at Cumberland Falls. A third time is a charm!(Do I need to remind my readers of my crashed hard drive, loss of pictures, my new camera, and new (nearly empty) hard drive?)
Thank goodness for Monday...a day to download pictures, blog, and rest. Oh yes, I am officially resting this Labor Day!
Hope you have a safe weekend! Enjoy time spent with family and friends! "C"
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I was reminded this evening of the sermon by dad preached Sunday evening which touched my heart and made me do some thinking this week. Although he didn't give his sermon a title, I think "A Perfect Heart" would be appropriate. He took his text from 2 Chronicles Chapter 25 verses 1 and 2:
Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
How often do we go about our day doing our jobs, fulfilling our responsibilities, taking care of our families, living our lives, doing what is right? But what about our attitude - are we grouchy or sweet, offering a listening ear or wrapped up in our own small world? What about the condition of our hearts? My heart? Do I smile on the outside but grumble on the inside? Can I perform as unto the Lord offering my best for even the most mundane of tasks?
But what if our performance of the most ordinary, mundane tasks opens...or closes the door of greater opportunity? of dreams unfulfilled? Can we be trusted to obey? Will we listen for the small still voice? Take a step of faith?
Or will we wait...until tomorrow..or next year...making excuses for our behavior and decisions of procrastination. What is a fulfilling life, happiness, success? If it takes so little to be above average...what should we be doing today?
It's not enough to just do what is right but I pray I will do what is right with a perfect heart.
Sharing with you..."C"
Amaziah was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem.
And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.
How often do we go about our day doing our jobs, fulfilling our responsibilities, taking care of our families, living our lives, doing what is right? But what about our attitude - are we grouchy or sweet, offering a listening ear or wrapped up in our own small world? What about the condition of our hearts? My heart? Do I smile on the outside but grumble on the inside? Can I perform as unto the Lord offering my best for even the most mundane of tasks?
But what if our performance of the most ordinary, mundane tasks opens...or closes the door of greater opportunity? of dreams unfulfilled? Can we be trusted to obey? Will we listen for the small still voice? Take a step of faith?
Or will we wait...until tomorrow..or next year...making excuses for our behavior and decisions of procrastination. What is a fulfilling life, happiness, success? If it takes so little to be above average...what should we be doing today?
It's not enough to just do what is right but I pray I will do what is right with a perfect heart.
Sharing with you..."C"
