It has been a while since I have last posted because I have been in Texas this past week presenting a couple of workshops at a worship conference. I stayed with some dear friends that we have known for over 30 years (yup, I am a bit old)! I was able to visit the seminary I graduated from…. uhh…. a while ago….and we spent some time in downtown Fort Worth, TX. These were taken at the Water Gardens with my phone since I decided not to bring my Canon.
The summer flooding of the Illinois River has finally begun to recede. Illinois has had record rains in June, so hopefully we will be entering a bit of a drier weather pattern in July. This park is still closed due to the swollen Illinois River.
Just had to post an image of the amazing day camp that we do each year at our church. This is SpyKidz 2015: Crux Grotto! Our sanctuary was transformed into an amazing environment of music, dance, video, skits, fun and, the hope of God’s love for over 500 kids!
A second shot taken in the same location as the previous post. I just love sunsets 🙂
Taken in Marseilles, IL on the same day as this post. The clouds, colors, light and shade just danced into the night…. beautiful…
My mom and dad…. two precious treasures in my life…. today I want to honor my dad…this is a bit long, so bear with me.
As far as I know, my dad has never won an award. In my heart, the trophy case of awards for my dad would have to be ten stories tall – there are so many! I’ll share a few with you:
Here is the award for his hard work and sacrifice. For most of his life he worked three or more jobs, waking up in the dark, coming home after dark… providing with all his might for our family. In more ways than one, he is the strongest man I know. Thank you dad…for your sacrifice and all it taught me.
Here’s another one: the laughter award. Life was not easy for my dad, but he knew how to smile and laugh so hard…. tears of laughter were common. I may never know how deep that well of laughter is…he is still drawing from it. Thanks for the smiles dad and for teaching me to enjoy family and friends until tears from laughing flow.
Oh look! Here’s the commitment award. My dad’s love for my mom is towering, immovable and exemplary. I find it difficult to explain his love for my mom, only because it is so rare and precious. Vows to love in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow… sometimes I think my parents were the original authors of those vows…their love is so enduring. It’s by no means perfect….well… like the time they had an argument that resulted in my dad locking himself in the bathroom, which, turned a frightening tear filled moment for all us young boys into – yup – laughter. You have no idea how grateful I am for your committed love for mom. I love you so much for that.
He was not the perfect dad, but God brought to my life the perfect dad to teach me, mold me and guide me. The Lord was kind to send me a flawed, loving, giving man whose heart of kindness and love is still speaking into my life. I love you dad. I hope I can live, love and sacrifice – with all my flaws – just like you did.
You can read about the Illinois Waterway here. This is the lock and dam in Marseilles, IL. The recent rains that resulted in flood conditions made the river a loud, violent presence at this location.
Another shot showing the Illinois River flooding at William G. Stratton State Park. Morris, IL. The rain has finally stopped, so hopefully the river will recede.
rutakintome pictures 
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