Sunday's Thought

The new year is almost upon us. Can you believe it? I can't.

It seems like yesterday was the start of the new year. My plans were set. I was ready to go. Only one problem.

The year flew by before I knew it. And most of my plans were left in the dust.

Why?

Some weren't really important. Others I lost track of and didn't keep my nose to the grindstone.

But there were some activities that survived the year. Ones that I placed a special importance upon.

The ones I succeeded at were the ones I had found to be most important.

· Regular writing

· Exercising 3X a week

· Walks with my wife

· Meeting regularly with friends

These three activities became a passion for me. Something I looked forward to.

Not only that but when I partook in them, my energy was renewed.

Looking back at the year and my plans, I began to wonder what the Bible says about planning. Sometimes it seemed like the Bible was against planning. Verses like Psalm 33:10

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;

He frustrates the plans of the people 

Doesn't this sound like a strike against planning? 

But then we've got verses like Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel plans fail,

but with many advisers they succeed. 

Or Proverbs 21:5 

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,

but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. 

Why is it sometimes the Bible seems to condemn planning and other times it praises planning?

In my opinion, it comes down to the heart of the planner.

If the planner is out for his own good, the plans will go awry. However, if the planner has the good of others in mind, his plans tend to succeed.

As you're finishing up your plans for the year, keep this in mind. Plan to help others in their mission in life. Look for ways to encourage others. Let others be at the forefront of your planning.

Question: Why do you think your plans fail? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

About the Author:

This is a guest post by Joseph Lalonde. He is a youth leader and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. With him on Twitter or at his blog.

Friday's Foto

"A Tree's Light"

I call this image, "A Tree's Light" since I was able to capture the beauty of the morning light coming up over the horizon and illuminating the tree.  The light gave brilliance to the detail of tree and the clouds in the sky behind it.

One of the key's to successful nature photography is to understand lighting.  Though you can get great images during the sunny part of the day, your best images will be in the early morning or late evening when the sun isn't quite as harsh.

Experimental Photography: Long Exposure, Infra-Red and Special Lenses

Photography is a long established way of capturing single moments in an image. The art form has majorly developed over the years from black and white to colour, and many different lenses and techniques have recently been added.

Some of the most modern and experimental photography techniques create images that are interesting, unique, beautiful and unusual. With the camera being available to everyone, (it’s even on most people’s mobile phones) there are lots of new and exciting ways to experiment with photography.

Below are some examples of the new and amazing photography techniques that people are beginning to use today to create unique and unusual photos.

Infrared Photography
First introduced in the 1930’s, infrared photography is where the lens used is sensitive to infrared light. The lens acts as a filter allowing infrared light through but stopping the visible light spectrum.

Dark skies and clouds that stand out are a definite sign of this kind of photography. It also makes skin look very milky / pale and eyes are usually very dark.

Overall, it creates a sort of dream effect with false colours and unusual tones. Infrared photography is interesting and definitely draws you into the photograph.

Long-Exposure Photography
Long-exposure photography has become particularly popular in the last 5 – 10 years and it involves using a slow shutter speed. This means that the stationary objects are captured crisply and in detail, while the moving objects are captured mid flow.

The most popular usage of long-exposure photography is that of a cityscape with moving traffic at night. The buildings are captured in detail and the moving traffic with their lights creates a great affect, as seen in this image…

"Highway 401 Night Lapse Busy"
Image Credit

Macro Lens 
A macro lens allows the photographer to focus in very closely to the subject of the photograph from further away. It enables the photographer to catch an extraordinary amount of detail, and is particularly interesting when used on bugs or flowers.

It allows the viewer to see something they would never normally get to see in so much detail. Modern experimental photography includes photographers taking macro images of wood, grass and allsorts of unusual things!

Fisheye Lens
A fisheye lens distorts the lines within a photograph, focusing on the centre and then the rest of the photo looks like it is going round in a cylinder. Photographs that use this lens mainly have interesting perspectives within their photos, which draw the viewer’s attention.

These lenses are very effective when capturing image of people because of the unique perspective and individuality of the shot.

An example of a fisheye lens photograph

in an art store 

Image Credit

Wide Angle Lens
This type of lens allows more of the scene to be included in the photograph because it has a wider angle. This is very useful when taking photographs of landscapes where you may not be able to move back any further.

Many photographers enjoy experimenting with this type of photography and there are some award-winning photographs, which have been taken by experimental usage of the wide-angle lens.

Conclusion
As technology moves forward photography becomes more popular as people experiment with the large variety of techniques available. With exciting and interesting options there are more and more unusual and unique photos being taken everyday.

About the Author:Tom Reynolds works for Pixpod, the wedding and birthday photobooth hire Service Company. Pixpod offers a great alternative to fun activities during festivals and celebrations.

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Wednesday's Words

"Inside a Church in Dominican Republic"

"Sing to the Lord, 

for He has done 

glorious things;

let this be known

to all the world."

-Isaiah 12:5

Merry Christmas!!

"The Nativity"

As I've grown older and looked back at the Christmas's in my life, I've found the most exciting memories are those of church celebrations of Christ's Birth.  The music, the dramas, the traditional classical celebrations, the contemporary celebrations, the reading of the Christmas Story have been part of my Christmas for as long as I can remember.  

Of course, as a child, I had my wish list with the toys I hoped to get and it was fun to get up at some odd hour and open all the presents before the rest of the world was even awake to see if I got any on the list.  When I was very young, I remember meeting Santa Claus- he stopped by our house to see if my brother and I were behaving.  The time my brother and I saw Santa Claus driving a car through town is something I won't forget.  We were both so excited to see him. One Christmas, my father stayed up all night putting together my bicycle.  He finally got to go to bed, only to be awakened an hour later by two young boys!!   

As I grew older, I became interested in organ music and learned to play.  My favorite, and yet the hardest as the music is difficult, time of the year was preparing for the Christmas worship services. One of my favorite pieces to play, or at least give it a good attempt, was Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.   

After a year full of change and challenges, I was reminded once again at the Christmas Eve Service at Centreville Baptist Church, Centreville, Virginia, of the blessings of a Christmas Eve service. The remembrance and celebration of Christ's Birth and hugs from new friends!!  

I had the privilege of photographing the Christmas Eve Service last night which turned into such a blessing for me.  I had to pay closer attention to what was going on in order to capture moments for the church to use in outreach.  Much of what was said, touched my heart in many ways. 

May your Christmas been filled with wonderful memories you can hold to and remember!!    

Merry Christmas!!

A Christmas Thought

"The Nativity"

As you celebrate Christmas, remember the reason we celebrate the season.  Christ was born.  He lived on earth so we may understand that He knows what it's like to live here.  He died. He rose from the dead.  Why did God the Father give his only Son, have Him born so humbly and yet suffer a cruel death?

“For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only Son, 

that whoever believes in him should not 

perish but have eternal life.

- John 3:16 ESV

This Christmas, give yourself something special, accept Christ's gift of Salvation, A-B-C's of Salvation.  If you are a Christian and have strayed from God or your beliefs, why not reconcile your relationship with Him and begin to serve Him again?   The greatest gift you can receive this day, is the gift of Salvation and beginning the Christian Walk with Jesus Christ.

Sunday's Thought

"Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and
the Shepherds"

When the angels went away from them into heaven, 

the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, 

which the Lord has made known to us.” 

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, 

and the baby lying in a manger.  And when they saw it, 

they made known the saying that had been told them 

concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds

told them. But Mary treasured up all these things,

pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying

and praising God for all they had heard and seen, 

as it had been told them.

And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, 

he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel 

before he was conceived in the womb.

-Luke 2:15-21 ESV

Merry Christmas!!

Photographing for Operation Paws for Homes

"This Way to the Dogs"

I spent last Saturday afternoon photographing for Operation Paws for Homes adoption event in Bristow, Virginia, just south of Manassas where I grew up.

First, it was odd to be photographing at a Petsmart located where I can remember being a field and rolling hills.  There used to be a pond back in there somewhere that people used to go swimming, but that was back about 20 years or so.  Probably, the "or so-" but I won't go any further.   The area still has it's "farming" charm though or "outskirts of farming-not the city yet."

"The Local PetSmart"

I love taking several time on Saturdays to photograph for various rescue groups.  Since I like photography, and love dogs, it's worked well for me to combine the two interests and do some good for the community but especially for the dogs!!

The people who work with the animals at Operation Paws for Homes are really nice and respectful of my time.  Though, I don't tend to watch the time when I am working for them, it's nice to know they do this so if I need to watch the time for another event, I can.

The cool thing for me in this volunteer capacity is that I've heard, read and been told that when photographers donate time to photograph the animals, the chances of the animal getting adopted goes up quite a bit.

Also, if you are a dog lover, you will get to meet 100's of dogs and probably want to take them all home.  But, like me, that's isn't practical for many reasons.  Mine is that I am already owned by a dog.  Not sure he wants to share.

Moments are often a highlight of the event too.  This time, it was two puppies sawing good bye.

"Good Bye and Good Luck!"

.

Wednesday's Words

"Celebrating Christ's Birth"

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that all the world should be registered. This was the first 

registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went 

to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went

up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the 

city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the 

house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, 

who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her 

to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him 

in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place

for them in the inn.

-Luke 2:1-7 ESV

Garden Perspectives

"Strawflower"

One of my favorite annuals is the "Strawflower."  Every spring when I head out to the local Garden Center, among the many annuals I will buy, it's the "Strawflower" in yellow, white and now "red" that a must to buy.

The texture on the flowers petals feel like they are made of straw.  Interesting enough, the flower closes it's petals at night, sometimes on a dark cloudy day or during a rain.

Sunday's Thought

"A Country Church"

Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you

as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts 

be troubled 

and do not be afraid.

- John 14:27 (NIV)

It's been a hard and long week.  Seems like every time I turned around the later part of this week, it was one bad news after the other.

My heart and prayers go out to the families in Connecticut who lost their children in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.  My child is furry and he is home-schooled so I don't know what it's like to loose a child.  From what I am told, it's one of the most difficult things for a parent to go through. My brother suddenly passed away earlier this year and it's been rough on my father.  My brother was in his 40's.  A parent of a young child who just lost them in a crazy way is probably going through unbearable sorrow and grief.

My heart and prayers go out to a friend named Sherry, as well as to her family.  After struggling with many health issues in her life, then fighting cancer, she passed away on Thursday.  Her family tells me that the peace of her passing was an amazing experience- they could feel the Jesus come to take her home. That would be an awesome experience.

As the world spins more and more out of control, violence gets worse and worse, I am thankful for having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  I've been amazed at how He provides a peace and comfort during times of loss, bad news or illness.  You still grieve.  There is still a missing the loved one.  But, it's different.  It's a peace that passes all understanding- meaning it's hard to understand without going through something and understanding but you really don't want to go through the something to know what it is because it's usually those rougher moments of life where you feel His Blessings of Peace and Comfort in your life.

"Stripes on Tulips"

Becoming a Christian and having the peace that passes understanding, I wrote about in a post, titled A B C's .  If you have questions, your best resource is a local church and speak with the Pastor, an Elder or one of the Deacons. That way, you'd have a resource close and handy.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, 

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, 

if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 

What you have learned and received and heard 

and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

-Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

Becoming a Christian isn't going to instantly solve all your problems, isn't going to protect you from life's "challenges and problems, nor will it prevent you from getting a serious illness or give you that "perfect" life.  You won't become rich and prosperous, unless that was His Plan for you.  But, He will bless you with peace- one that truly passes understanding. A truly remarkable experience I've had happen in my life during those rough, sad and dark moments. 

Friday's Foto

"The Red Tulips"
(Dedicated to Sherry)

I'm dedicating today's "Friday's Foto" to a special friend who passed away yesterday.  A kind Christian lady who was like a mother to everyone she met, even people she worked with in the office. She always had a smile, a word of cheer for you even though she might not be feeling good.  I was inspired by her as her kind, yet no nonsense attitude which showed through her smiling face. Always smiling ...... she will be missed.

Photographing the Seasons

"ATTENTION!!!!"

Walking through a local park in the fall season, this leaf got my attention.  Never mind, there are probably millions of leaves on the ground and more to fall from the trees.  This one, got my attention because it was standing up, as you can see in the image.  This wasn't staged.  Someone else, before I got there, may have set the leaf up for whatever reason.  But, it wasn't done by me to get the shot.

I share "ATTENTION!!!!" with you to show some of the unique beauty you can find in nature- just look around.  You'll be surprised, like I was with this image!

Wednesday's Words

"Merry Christmas"

And the angel said to her, 

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, 

and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be 

called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 

him the throne of his father David, and he will reign

 over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom

there will be no end.” 

-Luke 1:30-33 ESV

Photographing the Seasons

"A Bit of Snow"

This time of year is my least favorite.  Everything has gone from green to their fall colors  and now the winter's grey and brown.  A friend once told me, "Winter is beautiful, you just have to look around and find the beauty."  

I tried what she said.  Though the late fall and winter is still my least favorite season, I have been able to find some beauty such as in "A Bit of Snow" where you can see the detail of the snow and fall leaves.  

This was taken on an overcast day using the "clouds" feature on the white balance. The rest of the settings were "auto" as I was searching to focus a fox.  

Sunday's Thought -What is Christmas?

"Merry Christmas"

As far back in my life as I can remember, even as a very young boy, I loved to decorate my room at my parent's house, the front yard at their house, then my home as I went out on my own. 

As a boy, my father and I built these Charlie Brown figures designed after a "Charlie Brown Christmas" out of plywood -my mother had painted them, dad cut the plywood and screwed the on posts.  We put them around a big spruce tree decorated with lights and used a spotlight to shine on them.  Later we added a Nativity scene.  I loved the decorating, never anything really elaborate, but it was fun and beautiful.  

Somewhere along the way, political correctness and "groups", seem to have done their best to take the celebration out of Christmas.  They say it's religious.  Well, yes, it is.  They say we can't condone a religion by allowing a Nativity on public-tax-payer property. Ok, if the display is paid for by taxpayer dollars, I can agree with that, but someone else setting up the display isn't a problem.  And, the rule should be across the board for everyone not just the Christian Nativity or the Jewish Menorah.  They say, you can't say "Merry Christmas," you should use "Happy Holidays."  You might offend someone.  Well, what about me and other Christians?  You offend me with the "Happy Holidays!"

Up until a few Christmases ago, I believed that.  So, I didn't share a Christmas greeting.  I couldn't say "Happy Holidays" with any amount of cheer because it isn't a holiday to me.  This built up within me so I didn't enjoy Christmas.  Finally, I realized that it's not wrong to greet someone with "Merry Christmas."  My intention is to share a greeting, not offend anyone including myself.

I quickly noticed how much better I felt about Christmas.  I had no idea the stress had built up that much within me. I'm happier, excited about Christmas again.

So, what is Christmas?  For me, it is the celebration of Christ's Birth:

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, 

who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: 

you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God and saying,  

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace 

among those with whom he is pleased!”

-Luke 2:11-14 ESV Study Bible Online

I love the reading of His Birth found in the Book of Luke 1:1-38; 2:1-22.  My wife and I usually attend a Christmas Eve service.  I love the decorations, especially Nativity's, and the many celebrations we'll attend at Centreville Baptist Church. And, of course, we'll gather with family to share a special meal and exchange presents.  Though the gifts are never fancy, they come from the heart of those who give- as they somehow along the way picked up on something someone wanted, and got. it.

How do you and your family celebrate the Christmas season?  I would enjoy reading about your traditions, please comment below. 

Friday Foto

"Trees at Mason Neck"

A familiar winter scene at Virginia's Mason Neck State Park, Mason Neck, VA.

Walney's Pond

"Fall Reflections at Walney Pond"

I love walking around Walney Nature Center and it's trails.  Noah and I will start out on early morning hike and get to see some wildlife, the sun rising with the beauty of the morning. It is an excellent and refreshing way to start a day.

I took this image from the south end of Walney Pond facing northwest.  

Wednesday's Words

"In the Quiet"

Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things;

let this be known to all the world.

-Isaiah 12:5

Sunday's Thought

"Old Town Offices"

Work has been pretty rough for me lately. A couple of projects aren't coming together as I would like. Technical issues are cropping up. And to top it off one of my superiors makes it seem like I'm not doing the best possible job.

This has created a bad attitude in me. I'm grumpy around this superior and try to avoid him when possible. Why? Because I'm fearful he doesn't have my best interests in mind.

What does this have to do with Sunday Thoughts? Everything, I believe.

When I focus on the negative areas of work and the struggles I'm having with my superior, I'm reminded that there's a reason I'm in the position I'm in. And there's a reason he's in the position he is in.

I'm also reminded that my attitude needs to change. Scripture comes to mind regarding leadership and my place underneath them. There's also been conviction over my attitude.

Let's start with leadership and what the Bible commands us to do.

"Old Town Church"

Hebrews 13:17 - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves...

1 Timothy 2:1-2 - I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority.

These two verses remind me that I need to submit myself to those in authority over me. They've been placed in my life for God's purpose and I'm to humble myself.

The other thing that stands out to me in these verses is that we are to pray for those in authority over us. It's not if we like them or if they're always doing right. It's at all times while they have authority.

I won't lie. This can be tough to do. Especially when you feel like you're being treated unfairly. And yet we're still told to obey. I'm working on it, are you?

Let's move onto our attitudes in situations like this.

Our attitudes tend to go south when we're being mistreated. We feel like we deserve better. Or that it's unfair. The Bible reminds us we need to watch our attitudes in situations like this.

1st peter 2:12 - Keep your conduct honorable among the gentiles so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

I'm encouraged by this verse. Peter tells us to do good works even when we're persecuted. It's not our right to get offended and give attitude to the offender.

Instead, we're to do good. We're to be a shining example of how to do things. We're to conduct ourselves with excellence.

We really have two choices when it comes to dealing with challenging leadership. We can rebel against them or we can obey and keep a good attitude.

One is Biblical. The other is not. Choose wisely your reaction.

Question: Have you been struggling with a difficult leader in your life? How could changing your attitude towards him change the situation? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

About the Author:   This is a guest post by Joseph Lalonde. He is a youth leader and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. With him on Twitter or at his blog.

Friday's Foto

"Done Yet?"

Part of the fun for me in photographing dogs is to capture images which portray the personality of the animal.   When I am photographing for a rescue, that's kind of difficult because I don't really or thoroughly know the dog (haven't spent much time with it).  By taking a few minutes to "welcome" or "play" with the dog, you get a sense of their personality.

When I photograph them, I use the continuous shooting setting on my camera and take quite a few images.  This method allows me to capture the dog's personality.

This image of "Done Yet?" was taken at Noah's 5th birthday party. Though he's a patient dog, and lovingly cooperates when I photograph, he does get this expression of "are you done yet?"

Wednesday's Words

"Evening's Skies"

Can you fathom

the mysteries of God?

Can you probe 

the limits of the Almighty?

- Job 11:7

The Cats

"A Cat's View"

Most of my photography work for the rescue groups has been with dogs.  Every once in awhile, I receive a request from PetConnect Rescue to meet them at one of their events and photograph cats.  Equal time, so I do it!

Cats are harder to photograph than dogs because of their constant curiosity. Every noise around you gets their attention before you do! I will set my camera on "auto" for white balance and everything else since the animal is usually inside a well-lit building and is constantly moving. Be sure to use the fastest continual shooting mode your camera offers too.

Also, it never hurts to have one of the volunteers in the rescue group or your assistance stand behind you with some dangling-type toy to keep the cats attention.

The Dogs

"Happy"

Meet "Happy". I don't know if that's his real name or not,  Am guessing not.   When I met this dog and when I look back at this image, I think "Happy!"  So, meet "Happy."

This image is a good example of what I try to do with my dog photography skills.  Create fun and exciting images of dogs or cats for my clients.  Portraits are available too.

Sunday's Thought

The Blessings of Being Thankful!

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults,

and with my song I give thanks to him.

-Psalm 28:7 ESV

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? I did.  My wife always prepares a meal and we invite our parents.  This year, the guy who was the best man in my wedding came too.  Was great to have him around.

"Splashes in Great Falls"

After helping my wife prepare for the day, my buddy and I took Noah to Great Falls National Park for a Thanksgiving morning walk.  We took the "south" or "down the river" trail which I'd never been on before.  My buddy took the leash and walked Noah- he loves to be "the uncle" and spend time with him.   As we walked, the trail became more difficult more me to walk, as it did the others.  But, it was interesting to me that Noah always checked back on me as if to say "Are you alright Dad- are you still there?"  My buddy reached his hand out often as the trail got rougher.  And, seeing some beautiful views I'd never seen before, I wished I'd brought my camera.  But, it was actually great to have a break from all my responsibilities and just relax.

We got back to the house and my wife was just finishing up the details that she does for the family gathering.  Her parents arrived soon after and so did my father.  It was our first Thanksgiving without my brother and the second without my mother.

As we gathered around the table for dinner, I couldn't help but be thankful for the blessings!  My wife was here. My father was here.  My buddy- Noah's uncle- was here.  Noah was here. My in-laws were here.  All of which would be there for each other regardless of what life brought our way.

In the area where I live and according to it's standards, I've never really had much in the way of things.  I've been blessed and have my needs taken care of and have people who love me and I love them.  Through thick and thin.

Am thankful for my blessings- which God has given.

So, how was your Thanksgiving?  What are you most thankful for or what is your favorite memory of the day?

Garden Perspectives

"Yellow Tulip Garden"

One of my favorite aspects of garden photography is finding the simple beauty in a garden.

I was traveling to Baltimore, Maryland and stopped to stretch.  To my surprise, there was a huge garden of tulips. I stayed as long as I could to photograph and, thankfully, was able to make the same stop on my trip the next day. 

Have you ever stopped somewhere and was surprised by a garden or something nature related?

Friday's Foto

"Pacino"

This has turned into one of my favorite images of dogs that I've done over the past few years.

I met the dogs a few weeks prior and shared a story about him at From The Dogs Paw.  Then, he attended the "Home 4 the Holidays" event in Reston, Virginia.  Funny, he remembered me and I got a face full of doggie kisses.

With Dog Photography, especially when photographing for a rescue group, you have to keep your eyes constantly open and your camera ready for these moments where you can create a fun image.  The less equipment, the better- and always keep a lens pen handy for the occasional doggy snot episodes.

A Celebration of Thanksgiving by J.S. Bach and Joel Trekell

Happy Thanksgiving!!
from Allen Pearson's Photos
Allen Pearson's Photos
and
From The Dog's Paw

Wednesday's Words and a video from Joel Trekell

I love this work by Joel Raney of "Come Ye Thankful People Come" so I'd like to share with you. I hope you enjoy it too.

The day before Thanksgiving is a good day to think about your blessings, what are you thankful for?  How has God blessed your life this year?

Please leave about comment below about what you are thankful for this year.

"Happy Thanksgiving!!"

from the crew at

Allen Pearson's Photos

and

From The Dogs Paw.

Sunday's Thought

I wasn't sure what to write about this week- been a busy one again, not bad, just busy.  For the "Sunday's Thought" post, I like to let God direct my thoughts and writings, not just do something to do it.

"Flowers in the Garden"

This morning, when I got up, my thoughts turned to being thankful.  Seems like everyone is wishing me "Happy Thanksgiving," which is great- but I think we've lost the true or an important focus of the holiday in all the trouble, heartache, greed and now, the Black Friday shopping starting at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.

This year, and the past several, have seen a lot of stress, trouble and heartache for many people.  Loss of jobs, little to no raises in income, prices on everything continue to rise, some have to take pay cuts, others can't find a job, some suffer illness, loss of a family member, on-going health issues that seem to never stop and the list can go on and on.

Despite all the issues we face, we can still celebrate Thanksgiving with a thankful heart to God.  Ok, so, you might be thinking, how can I do this after the year that I have faced.  Think about that thought for a moment.  Take a long look at your life.  Yes, it's more than have a table full of food on Thanksgiving day.

We are to be thankful.  Thankful that God died on a cross to save us from our sins.  If you are a Christian and going through some issues, whatever they may be, you should be focusing on being thankful God is with you during this time.  And, reaching out to Him for strength to get through.  Without Him, your issues or troubles would seem considerably worse.  With Him, the peace that He gives during this time is an invaluable gift.

This Thanksgiving, though it's been a rough year, I am thankful for God's Presence, my wife and my dog in my life.  The struggles that have come have been made much easier with His Love, my wife's love and, of course, the dogs constant companionship.

Instead of focusing on what is wrong this year, though sometimes this is hard because we are constantly bombarded by what's wrong, find the good and remember it. The good can be whatever you want:  your wife's smile, a sunny day, a dog's smile- you decide. Be Thankful.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise!

Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;

his steadfast love endures forever,

and his faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5 ESV

What are you thankful for?  What are the blessings in your life?

Wednesday's Words

"The Heavens"

"The Lord is my rock,

my fortress and my deliverer;

my God is my rock 

in whom I take refuge..."

- Psalm 18:2

Sunday's Thought

"Saluting Our Military"

Veteran's Day.  I stand, applaud and salute you!  The words, "THANK YOU!", even in all caps, doesn't seem quite enough to express my appreciation for all that you have given to protect the freedoms of this country. My freedom to write this blog, go to the church of my choice, work where I work, and even walk my dog where I choose to walk him, are just a few pleasures I enjoy because of your willingness to serve. 

So, thank you for everything- much thanks for it all.

A post today for Veteran's Day about dogs and PTSD can be found at From The Dogs Paw.

Friday's Foto

"Dragonfly"

A favorite image of mine is the Dragonfly.  I was fascinated by several of them flying around or near Walney Pond and caught this image.

Wednesday's Words

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, 

but that which is good to the use of edifying, 

that it may minister grace unto the hearers" 

-Ephesians 4:29

"American Robin by the Creek"

Sunday's Thought

Last week, I wrote about preparing through prayer for "Hurricane Sandy."  I hope that you made it through the storms as well as we did.  Had a lot of wind and rain, but it spared our section of the county for whatever reason.  There was damage, but nothing like the "Derecho" which struck in June or what others have had to deal with.

Purple Cone Flower

As Christians, our focus should be helping out where we can and to be in prayer. If you are able to travel and help, check your church or the missions group or organizations in your area where you can use your skills and talents to serve others.

Some may not be able to travel or assist in the labor involved in these projects after a storm but can give financially.  A group which gets little media attention, but does quite a lot of disaster relief, throughout the country and the world is the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.  On their website, you will be able to read about the world they do- currently there is information about "Hurricane Sandy" efforts.  If you would like to donate to them, you can do so here Disaster Relief Donations.

Not a Baptist?  Technically speaking, you do not need to be. Nor do you have to be a Christian to support their work and efforts.  All you have to have is a desire to assist your fellow man or woman and for 100% of your donation to go to the efforts you intend and not someone's salary or overhead.

And, if you are not able to give or travel, then you can participate in the most important aspect of any ministry, pray.  Pray daily for those who have lost so much during the storm.  Pray daily for those who are working to assist those people regardless of what organization they are from.

Consider helping others during this time of loss.  You will be glad that you did.

My Dog is My Best Friend

My dog is my best friend,

Always ready to greet me,

Whether it be early morning's rise,

Noon days light,

Or, the day's end.

My dog is my best friend,

We walk the morning's sun,

and at the end of the day,

and then spend time in the yard,

to play with his toys and sticks.

My dog is my best friend,

for he is always happy throughout the day,

he cheers me whatever comes my way,

chases the stresses and frustrations away.

My dog is my best friend,

for he seems to know when I am at my wit's end,

for he doesn't judge,

though it may be well deserved from my end,

He will smile and wage his tail to tend,

to make me smile as I go through life.

And, sometimes he just sits and doesn't say a thing.

- Allen Pearson

Wednesday's Words

"Trees at Mason Neck"

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will

never walk in darkness, but

will have the light of life.

-John 8:12 NIV

Sunday's Thought

While trying to think about something to write about today, I was stumped for awhile until I took a look at the news headlines.

Here on the east coast, we are preparing for what's being dubbed by the weather people as "Frankenstorm." Hurricane Sandy is supposed to collide with an early winter snow storm and a cold front coming out of Canada and heading to the east coast.  Somewhere between this evening (Sunday) and Tuesday, the destructive storm is to hit.  The storm is being dubbed as one of the worst in history of the U.S. and there are no computer models or data from prior storms to give the meterologists an idea about what to expect.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of the weather people to alert us to this dangerous storm, I am reminded of an image I created several years ago, after a winter storm:

"Lord, Keep Me Safe"

"Lord, Keep Me Safe" was created as a reminder that we should always lean on Christ.  When things get difficult, whether the storm is something in your life (like loosing a job, an incurable illness, death of a family member, etc.) or Hurricane Sandy, you can breathe a prayer asking God to keep you safe or help you through the storm.

If you would like to hear the song which inspires me through the storms of life or sometimes the weather storms,  click on this link:

Friday's Foto

"Summer's Daisies"

Though fall is here and it appears colder weather is not far behind with the possibility of bad weather this coming week, I have to share another summer "Foto."

This "Foto" turned out to be one of my favorites of the season.  I was using my macro lens, 1:1 F 2.8 Pentax, to explore my garden.  I'd been experimenting with Purple Cone Flowers, insects, leaves, and so, and saw this vision with the Daisies. I deliberately wanted to blur the image to give a shadowy later day look to it as well as bring in the viewer's eye.  As you know, using the dedicated macro lens, it will focus on your subject and blur the "stuff" around it. Using the manual setting, I was able to add a bit more of a blur to it and created a soft summer feel to it.

What are some of the photography experiments you've done that turned out well or was a disaster?

Wednesday's Words

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14

Sunday's Thought

Friday's Foto

I have another photo shoot with a local rescue group this weekend, Ambassador Pit Bulls, at their event in Falls Church, VA, so I thought I'd share two of my favorite images from my first shoot with them.

"Peaceful Dog"

"Concentration"

5 Amazing Websites That Will Turn A Photograph Into A Work Of Art

We don't really know what the past looked like because there's a lack of photos. I guess we have to make do with some drawings on a cave wall, but luckily for the people that come after us they will understand our world better than we know it ourselves. Every single person you can think of has their own camera these days. We even build them into our phones so we never miss the opportunity to take a photo of some stupid pose our dog is doing.

Some of us are happy with keeping our photos on a memory card, probably to get deleted when we get around to it, but some people love printing them out. Because technology has improved so much in the last few years we can basically print out perfect pictures, ones that have been played about with so much that they couldn't be any better. There's some amazing websites where you can do so much more. You can turn your photos into works of art and we're going to have a closer look at them now.

Shutterfly
When you set up a Shutterfly account you have a nice convenient way to save all your photos. You can download a few apps onto your phone and you have access to everything no matter where you are. You can even upload all your iPhone photos straight into your account. There's an app you can download called Wink, and it will give you the ability to turn any of your photos into photo strips. Now if you want to create special memories you won't need to go into a photo booth and hope you get your pose right at the first time of asking. Just choose your favorite photos and do it by yourself.

Bob's Books
How would you like to turn your photos into proper books? You can do it with Bob's Books and any amateur photographer can create works of art that you'd maybe have had to pay lots of money for in the past. These are amazing for special occasions such as weddings and allow you to capture the moment like never before. If books aren't your thing you could turn them into a few other great mementos like calendars. It's got to be better than the one you get from the Chinese restaurant every year.

Snapfish
Snapfish is a great site for printing quality photos, but the pick of the bunch has to be the option to create stamps using your favorite ones. It's a nice way to send anything in the mail and they look a lot nicer that the boring ones you can buy today. OK, it doesn't really matter what a stamp looks like, but the option to make your own is still great and will impress your friends.
Boots
On the Boots site you can turn your photo into a full-size jigsaw. This will be lots of fun for kids putting together puzzles of their favorite holiday snaps, and they make amazing gifts at Christmas time. You can also have your photos printed out and framed so they look great hanging up in the house. If you're in the giving mood you can turn photos into books and sell them with the money going to charity, or you can keep it for yourself. You decide.

Digilab
Digilab is probably the most luxurious option, though it will also mean it's the most expensive. They do a lot of work for some huge brands, like Harrods in the UK. There's an option of having photos framed, but one thing that stands out is the option to turn a photo into a full-size canvas print. That would look amazing up on the wall. They will also get their professionals to touch-up your favorite photos so they look much better than you could ever do.

About the Author:  The author of the article is a tech blogger and often shares his experiences through his blog. According to him, On Time Screen is the best place to get printed t shirts in CT.

Wednesday's Words

"Cast ALL of your anxiety of Him because He cares for you."

- 1 Peter 5:7

"The Gardens"

Sunday's Thought

As a Christian, especially since I believe the entire Bible is the true Word of God, I am asked, "How can you believe in God, something you can't see?!!"

As the Scriptures say:

"A Church in Purcellvlle"

Faith is the substance

 of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible

-Hebrews 11:1-3

I remember something a friend once said that when I originally heard it, I was sort of shocked at it's simplicity yet accuracy. I thought I would share it was you.

"When you enter a dark room, you flip a switch and have faith that the lights will come on.  When you start your car, you have faith that it will start and you can use it to get to your destination,  When you listen to the weather report for the upcoming week, you have faith that the weatherman is accurate and will make your plans accordingly. A scientist will make a discovery and you will have faith in his findings."

Then, I'm told, it's not the same thing.  How is it not?  I've never met the electrician who put electricity in my home, I don't know the company who built my car or the mechanic who keeps it running, and I don't know any weathermen or scientist.

However, I have met Jesus, God through the Bible and through attending church.  I am a born-again Christian by following God's Word, believing in Him and following the steps to salvation. And, I have seen His Work in my life, though I have never seen Him.  Faith. Faith.  Simple faith- it's all He asks.  

  

Friday's Foto

Noah's Summer"

I haven't been photographing as much as I would like mostly due to a few life and schedule changes.  I've started getting back into it lately and was somewhat surprised at how much I really missed photography.  I don't mean, just "missed it,"  I mean, "REALLY MISSED" it.  Guess when you get into it and have found a passion, when you get away from it for awhile, it's like an old friend coming back to town or something. 

This is a picture of Noah, my dog, from last summer.  He and I play in the yard quite abit as well as take long walks- and, I always have a camera with me.