—Photograph by Stefano Unterthiner/Wildlife Photographer of the Year 
This Website Has Moved!
1 year ago
Hanging on a beach in Indonesia with a Monkey
I simply love photography. Saw the winners were announced for Best Wild Animal Photos of 2008 and had to share my favorite.
—Photograph by Stefano Unterthiner/Wildlife Photographer of the Year
—Photograph by Stefano Unterthiner/Wildlife Photographer of the Year
my heart just hurts this morning
Watched a little of The Today Show while getting around this morning and was shocked by a story that my mind still can't quite get wrapped around.
After five more teenagers and preteenagers were abandoned to state custody over the last eight days, including one whose mother drove from Georgia, Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska announced Wednesday that he would call a special session of the Legislature on Nov. 14 to rewrite the state’s safe-haven law. (View the full news story here)
According to the repor, 24 teens and pre-teens have been left since September 1. I can understand a parent's desperation, overwhelmed feelings, and frustration with their teen—I have one. But I simply can't fathom ever giving him up...for any reason. In hard economic times or puberty rages-he was my boy; love him til my heart bursts. Just thinking about not having him around causes pain. There are moments, of course - we all have them. But I wonder how these parents must be feeling-the depths of their despair to actually drive across state lines to drop their child off with total strangers; never to return.
It makes me wonder about the hopelessness in their lives. It makes me wonder a lot of things. But mostly I wonder where's their connections? Where's their support system of family and/or friends? Or is this an illustration supporting how seperate and indivdualistic our nation has become?
I compare this story with another one I ran into recently. A mom I know was having great difficulty with her teen son. Single mom, not much family support near her, son's dad not a good influence or not around (can't remember which) - but someone stepped in. Her son was part of small groups at their church several years ago (like four) and his first jr. high coach was still involved in his life - even though he no longer lives in this state! He writes, calls, etc. He saw what was happening in this family and knew this boy needed a male role model to get back on the right track. He and his family stepped in and offered to take in this boy for a while. Mom's heart is breaking, of course, because as a mom you just want to fix it - to make it better. And this was beyond her fixing right now. But what an awesome example of the Church. Loving one another so much, supporting one another, sharing lives with each other. The Acts Church in motion and live in 2008 America. It's not a common occurence here; especially in Arizona. We drive into our garages, put down the doors, sit in our back yards with block walls 6 feet high, rarely interact with our neighbors let alone get that immeshed in someone else's life. So sad.
But it brings a powerful illustration into my mind and heart as I develop relationships with my own jr. high group. Last week was a killer for life drama in our group. My heart is still heavy with all that is going on in these young girls lives. One in particular as I pray and seek how God wants to use me in this situation. But I pray that He does use me - that He uses me, part of the Church, to make an eternal impact in others lives.
After five more teenagers and preteenagers were abandoned to state custody over the last eight days, including one whose mother drove from Georgia, Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska announced Wednesday that he would call a special session of the Legislature on Nov. 14 to rewrite the state’s safe-haven law. (View the full news story here)
According to the repor, 24 teens and pre-teens have been left since September 1. I can understand a parent's desperation, overwhelmed feelings, and frustration with their teen—I have one. But I simply can't fathom ever giving him up...for any reason. In hard economic times or puberty rages-he was my boy; love him til my heart bursts. Just thinking about not having him around causes pain. There are moments, of course - we all have them. But I wonder how these parents must be feeling-the depths of their despair to actually drive across state lines to drop their child off with total strangers; never to return.
It makes me wonder about the hopelessness in their lives. It makes me wonder a lot of things. But mostly I wonder where's their connections? Where's their support system of family and/or friends? Or is this an illustration supporting how seperate and indivdualistic our nation has become?
I compare this story with another one I ran into recently. A mom I know was having great difficulty with her teen son. Single mom, not much family support near her, son's dad not a good influence or not around (can't remember which) - but someone stepped in. Her son was part of small groups at their church several years ago (like four) and his first jr. high coach was still involved in his life - even though he no longer lives in this state! He writes, calls, etc. He saw what was happening in this family and knew this boy needed a male role model to get back on the right track. He and his family stepped in and offered to take in this boy for a while. Mom's heart is breaking, of course, because as a mom you just want to fix it - to make it better. And this was beyond her fixing right now. But what an awesome example of the Church. Loving one another so much, supporting one another, sharing lives with each other. The Acts Church in motion and live in 2008 America. It's not a common occurence here; especially in Arizona. We drive into our garages, put down the doors, sit in our back yards with block walls 6 feet high, rarely interact with our neighbors let alone get that immeshed in someone else's life. So sad.
But it brings a powerful illustration into my mind and heart as I develop relationships with my own jr. high group. Last week was a killer for life drama in our group. My heart is still heavy with all that is going on in these young girls lives. One in particular as I pray and seek how God wants to use me in this situation. But I pray that He does use me - that He uses me, part of the Church, to make an eternal impact in others lives.
Beautiful mama-to-be!
Had two photo "shoots" this weekend, which elated me! And even better - they were both pregnant! It was my "first" maternity shots - which were a blast! I am thrilled with the final product, particularly on the first one. I won't post faces yet because I want to get their permission - but I love these:
Community
The Community of Law Enforcement
Today our church had the privelege of hosting the funeral service for office Bruce W. Harrolle. Tragically, this young man was killed during a rescue operation while trying to save a couple of stranded hikers. Harrolle was DPS officer in Arizona, as well as a pilot and paramedic.
The campus was already buzzing with activity as I arrived around 6:45 a.m. this morning. Numerous police officers from a variety of branches were here securing the area and preparing to celebrate this man's life. Governor Napolitano is speaking this morning, so heightened security measures have been taken as they prepare for the thousands that will attend. To look out and around the campus this morning, there are literally hundreds of public safety vehicles here; everything from horses to helicopters. Lines of squad cars, police motorcycles, and fire engines are indicators of the community that is experienced among these groups. When one falls, they gather and mourn together. When one is attacked, the brotherhood is attacked. It makes me wonder if the community experienced by our law enforcement, our firefighters, or our military is closer to the community Christ speaks of in Acts than what the American body of believers is today.
What if the Church experienced and exhibited a similar sense of community; a similar sense of purpose and unity? Would it completely alter the view the world has about Christians if they saw us uniting and mourning the loss of a persecuted brother or sister? Would those outside the fold crave that unity, those relationships, that bond that comes only from walking with those inside? What if the Acts model for the Church had continued on through our day-in our culture?
Acts 2:42-47 says:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What would this look like in 2008 United States? Been mulling this over in my own mind. Does my view of the Church mirror the framework laid out in Acts? Does my reality of being part of the Church accurately reflect Christ's plan for it? Some interesting things rolling around in my brain over this.
The campus was already buzzing with activity as I arrived around 6:45 a.m. this morning. Numerous police officers from a variety of branches were here securing the area and preparing to celebrate this man's life. Governor Napolitano is speaking this morning, so heightened security measures have been taken as they prepare for the thousands that will attend. To look out and around the campus this morning, there are literally hundreds of public safety vehicles here; everything from horses to helicopters. Lines of squad cars, police motorcycles, and fire engines are indicators of the community that is experienced among these groups. When one falls, they gather and mourn together. When one is attacked, the brotherhood is attacked. It makes me wonder if the community experienced by our law enforcement, our firefighters, or our military is closer to the community Christ speaks of in Acts than what the American body of believers is today.
What if the Church experienced and exhibited a similar sense of community; a similar sense of purpose and unity? Would it completely alter the view the world has about Christians if they saw us uniting and mourning the loss of a persecuted brother or sister? Would those outside the fold crave that unity, those relationships, that bond that comes only from walking with those inside? What if the Acts model for the Church had continued on through our day-in our culture?
Acts 2:42-47 says:
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
What would this look like in 2008 United States? Been mulling this over in my own mind. Does my view of the Church mirror the framework laid out in Acts? Does my reality of being part of the Church accurately reflect Christ's plan for it? Some interesting things rolling around in my brain over this.
Reading blogs tonight (ok, I'm a blog stalker but not so great at being a blog commenter), but I loved this one from Jared. Our end of the hall at work is forever talking about music, movies and tv, so thought this would be fun to add. Looking forward to seeing what yours are!
Favorite Bands:
1] Skillet
2] Evanescence
3] Third Day
4] Metallica- still love that beat.
5] Sanctus Real
Favorite Songs from those bands:
1] Open Wounds or Rebirthing by Skillet
2] Hello by Evanscence
3] Revelation by Third Day
4] Nothing Else Matters or One by Metallica
5] I'm Not Alright by Sanctus Real
Favorite Movies:
I love movies, so this was hard to narrow down - depends on what I'm in the mood for. So here's a few of my all-time faves
1] Forces of Nature
2] The Italian Job
3] Rob Roy
4] Mr and Mrs Smith
5] The Holiday
Favorite Trilogies:
1] Star Wars [the original 3 - episodes IV,V,VI]
2] Lord of the Rings
3] The Matrix
4] The Bourne Identity
5] Batman (2005 trilogy)
Favorite recent/current TV shows:
1] LOST
2] 24
3] Heroes
4] The Unit
5] NCIS
Favorite classic TV shows:
1] Saturday Night Live
2] Highlander
3] The Cosby Show
4] St. Elsewhere
5] Mash
Favorite Resturants:
1] Haven't found a Thai place I didn't like but my favorite is Thai Food Corner
2] Tasty Joe's
3] Salsa Cabana
4] Blue Nile Cafe
5] Kabuki's
Favorite Fast Food:
1] Salsa Cabana
2] Paradise Bakery
3] Jason's Deli
4] Wildflower Bread Co
5] Taco Bell
Favorite Places I've been in the World:
1] Chile
2] Canada *this is the only other country I've officially visited
3] Peru (if we're counting layovers :)
4] Brazil (again - layover only and couldn't leave the airport)
5]
Disclaimer - Greece will trump them all when I get there!
Favorite NON-Fiction Books [other than Bible]:
1] Eyes of the Tailless Animals by Soon Ok Lee
2] Stories of Emergence
3] Heaven by Randy Alcorn
4] Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
5] Facedown by Matt Redman
Favorite Fiction Books:
1] The Shack by William P. Young
2] Unashamed: Rahab by Francine Rivers (all the novellas in this series)
3] Eragon by Christopher Paolini
4] Thr3e by Ted Dekker
5] The Giver by Lois Lowry
Favorite Bands:
1] Skillet
2] Evanescence
3] Third Day
4] Metallica- still love that beat.
5] Sanctus Real
Favorite Songs from those bands:
1] Open Wounds or Rebirthing by Skillet
2] Hello by Evanscence
3] Revelation by Third Day
4] Nothing Else Matters or One by Metallica
5] I'm Not Alright by Sanctus Real
Favorite Movies:
I love movies, so this was hard to narrow down - depends on what I'm in the mood for. So here's a few of my all-time faves
1] Forces of Nature
2] The Italian Job
3] Rob Roy
4] Mr and Mrs Smith
5] The Holiday
Favorite Trilogies:
1] Star Wars [the original 3 - episodes IV,V,VI]
2] Lord of the Rings
3] The Matrix
4] The Bourne Identity
5] Batman (2005 trilogy)
Favorite recent/current TV shows:
1] LOST
2] 24
3] Heroes
4] The Unit
5] NCIS
Favorite classic TV shows:
1] Saturday Night Live
2] Highlander
3] The Cosby Show
4] St. Elsewhere
5] Mash
Favorite Resturants:
1] Haven't found a Thai place I didn't like but my favorite is Thai Food Corner
2] Tasty Joe's
3] Salsa Cabana
4] Blue Nile Cafe
5] Kabuki's
Favorite Fast Food:
1] Salsa Cabana
2] Paradise Bakery
3] Jason's Deli
4] Wildflower Bread Co
5] Taco Bell
Favorite Places I've been in the World:
1] Chile
2] Canada *this is the only other country I've officially visited
3] Peru (if we're counting layovers :)
4] Brazil (again - layover only and couldn't leave the airport)
5]
Disclaimer - Greece will trump them all when I get there!
Favorite NON-Fiction Books [other than Bible]:
1] Eyes of the Tailless Animals by Soon Ok Lee
2] Stories of Emergence
3] Heaven by Randy Alcorn
4] Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
5] Facedown by Matt Redman
Favorite Fiction Books:
1] The Shack by William P. Young
2] Unashamed: Rahab by Francine Rivers (all the novellas in this series)
3] Eragon by Christopher Paolini
4] Thr3e by Ted Dekker
5] The Giver by Lois Lowry
Incredible afternoon
Grabbed the kids and headed out for a photo session. Taking Ty's senior pictures today and in two weeks doing some of him and the girlfriend. Should be fun! Also took the official "junior year" photos for jake today. Not sure what happened with photos at school, but I never saw a form for ordering. Hmmm.. Syd's for her sophomore year and just for fun. This weekend was kid-casual. The next session will be more formal. Can't wait for that one!My artistic and detail-oriented nephew had our location all scoped out, so we piled in the Fit and headed to downtown Mesa, at the MAC center. Awesome photo opps there! Some of the unedited fun we had today:
goals revisited
This year has been screaming by. is it just me? I feel like somehow I've missed out on 2008 - nothing really to show for it other than daily life. I'd say normal, but this year has been anything but normal for me. Been dealing with quite a bit this year actually-and still processing through most of it. This year has held so many struggles-outright battles with myself, and with God.
So, sitting on my back patio in a comfy new chair reading my bible this morning and the goals I set for the remainder of this year came to mind. So today is a good time to take a look. A couple of months ago I set some goals for this year - nothing life-altering, but something to move towards. Some things God laid on my heart, and others I just have a desire to do-to live more, to experience more.
So let's take a peek and see what's been happening.
Excerpts from my 2008 list
* Make sure I do something I enjoy at least once a week Been trying to work on this one, although 100% success has not been achieved. Part of this is due to those struggles mentioned before, but still working towards it!
* Build up my savings account Actually was doing really well on this until last month. Had to pay off something unexpected, but I was so thankful the cash was there. Back t saving...
* Find a mentor/Be a mentor Don't know if mentor is the right word, but I've been blessed with an accountability partner and we're journeying through life's ups and downs together. That has been amazing. I've got a group of jr. high girls that qualify me as a mentor now :) And I love it! They are all so unique, fun and challenging.
* Excel at project management (since this was my new job, I thought it'd be a good goal to work towards!) Continuing to become stronger in my job and learning new things all the time. So this goal is definitely an ongoing work in progress. But with all I've learned, I definitely feel like this is one of those "checks" - making progress!
* Organize my pesonal papers Half way there. Sorted through and purged, now need to finish the organizing process.
* Take a spiritual inventory of my life Also in process. This has been harder than I thought and not quite sure what this looks like. But being open to God and what He wants to show me about my weaknesses and strengths.
* Participate in a paint gun "war" Planning this now that the weather has cooled off!
* Photograph the harvest moon Missed September's harvest moon, but planning on catching one of the other full moons either next week or November.
* See the Olympic Torch being carried (Done! We saw the runners while vacationing in Oregon. It was so cool!) Check!
* Buy a painting (or other art) from a starving artist With finances being what they are, honestly hasn't even been on my radar to buy much of anything. But still open to the idea!
* Drink a bottle of wine that's as old as I am (on my birthday) Yeah - until I priced a bottle of wine that is 38 years old. Just didn't seem like a good use of money. Maybe someday...
* Be suprised by my child Pretty much a regularly happening in our household. I never ceased to be amazed at this kid. The other day, Skippy told me that Cubby continues to hold the record for "most transformed" from 7th-11th grade. So apparently he doesn't just blow my mind! LOL
* Rappel down a mountain Not even sure how to go about finding out how to do this - but totally want to!
Some still need some work, but I've got a few more weeks. Hard to believe 2008 is nearing a wrap-up. Must start thinking about my 2009 list. So many things already come to mind!
So, sitting on my back patio in a comfy new chair reading my bible this morning and the goals I set for the remainder of this year came to mind. So today is a good time to take a look. A couple of months ago I set some goals for this year - nothing life-altering, but something to move towards. Some things God laid on my heart, and others I just have a desire to do-to live more, to experience more.
So let's take a peek and see what's been happening.
Excerpts from my 2008 list
* Make sure I do something I enjoy at least once a week Been trying to work on this one, although 100% success has not been achieved. Part of this is due to those struggles mentioned before, but still working towards it!
* Build up my savings account Actually was doing really well on this until last month. Had to pay off something unexpected, but I was so thankful the cash was there. Back t saving...
* Find a mentor/Be a mentor Don't know if mentor is the right word, but I've been blessed with an accountability partner and we're journeying through life's ups and downs together. That has been amazing. I've got a group of jr. high girls that qualify me as a mentor now :) And I love it! They are all so unique, fun and challenging.
* Excel at project management (since this was my new job, I thought it'd be a good goal to work towards!) Continuing to become stronger in my job and learning new things all the time. So this goal is definitely an ongoing work in progress. But with all I've learned, I definitely feel like this is one of those "checks" - making progress!
* Organize my pesonal papers Half way there. Sorted through and purged, now need to finish the organizing process.
* Take a spiritual inventory of my life Also in process. This has been harder than I thought and not quite sure what this looks like. But being open to God and what He wants to show me about my weaknesses and strengths.
* Participate in a paint gun "war" Planning this now that the weather has cooled off!
* Photograph the harvest moon Missed September's harvest moon, but planning on catching one of the other full moons either next week or November.
* See the Olympic Torch being carried (Done! We saw the runners while vacationing in Oregon. It was so cool!) Check!
* Buy a painting (or other art) from a starving artist With finances being what they are, honestly hasn't even been on my radar to buy much of anything. But still open to the idea!
* Drink a bottle of wine that's as old as I am (on my birthday) Yeah - until I priced a bottle of wine that is 38 years old. Just didn't seem like a good use of money. Maybe someday...
* Be suprised by my child Pretty much a regularly happening in our household. I never ceased to be amazed at this kid. The other day, Skippy told me that Cubby continues to hold the record for "most transformed" from 7th-11th grade. So apparently he doesn't just blow my mind! LOL
* Rappel down a mountain Not even sure how to go about finding out how to do this - but totally want to!
Some still need some work, but I've got a few more weeks. Hard to believe 2008 is nearing a wrap-up. Must start thinking about my 2009 list. So many things already come to mind!
Reflections
A beautiful breeze and cooler temps called me outside this morning. I remember, growing up in Michigan, how welcome the warmer spring weather was such a welcome greeting after a harsh winter. Arizona is exactly the opposite. After five months of sweltering heat, the chill of a 70 degree morning greets you like the newness of spring. Life emerges this time of year in Arizona.I grabbed the cushions to one of my new patio chairs and was elated as I could finally enjoy it. Read a couple of proverbs that stood out in to me, but one in particular.
Proverbs 27:19
"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man..
What's my water reflecting? What is my life saying to others? What example am I showing my family, my child, my friends, my jh students, my coworkers, my neighbors, my community? Am I making a difference with my life?
This year has been ground-shattering, foundation-testing, and filled with soul-searching. Been filled with struggle, anger, frustration, betrayal, broken trust, loneliness, and spiritual nights. It's been filled with the question why?.
God has allowed me to struggle in my questions. Sometimes I feel I'm in this all alone, but my soul knows that is a lie. God is here with me. My Savior is ready to comfort me, to guide me, to love me through it all—I have to be willing to accept it; to acknowledge it; to look for it. It's that searching that makes my walk with Him stronger. Sometimes (oftentimes) I/we take gifts for granted. Gifts like grace. I know I've been guilty, even though I don't want to be. What am I sacrificing to follow Him? Am I being obedient when He asks? Do I hear His whisper above the noise of the world? Do I take time and sit with Him?
Answering my own questions honestly shows me how far I have to go. I know I'm not alone in my struggle to reflect Christ's life in me. Not alone in this pursuit to be more, to live more, to love more so that the world sees Him. Not alone in desiring something above mediocrity or routine. Not alone in getting weary-which is why we, the Body, need each other for encouragement and accountability.
*Image courtesy of http://www.freewebs.com/dessel5/paintings.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
