gentle words

gentle words are a tree of life*
is there gentleness
in your heart today
kindness in your soul
meekness in the tones
of your voice

what impact do we have on others
do we justify the very attitude in us
that we condemn in others
do we demonstrate the very hate
we call out in others
gentle words are a tree of life

are we willing to love
before we declare how right we are
do we see our blindness
as we call out for justice and judgement
all the while marginalizing
diminishing
tearing down
feeling so good
all because we possess unquestionable wisdom
gentle words are a tree of life

and pride will be our ruin
each of us deceived
holding out our torch of truth for others
beckoning the world to listen and follow
content with the darkness inside our hearts
gentle words are a tree of life

LORD
have
mercy

* Proverbs 15:4

winter moments

Just a couple of winter scenes near home.

Thanks for stopping by.

the lonely bean

The pandemic has left what usually is the most crowded spot in Chicago, empty and a bit sad. There was a small crowd gathered with appropriate social distancing so that The Bean can remain COVID free. So far, it’s working.

last ride in 2020

I’m catching up with a bunch of images that I have taken over the last month. December 19 was a beautiful day, so I took the Yamaha out and enjoyed a ride.

color and light

Just a few images of light and color. November is being rather kind by sharing mild temperatures. The Illinois River and my home are the locations for these images. Thanks November!

fall moments

Always enjoy an opportunity to return to Devil’s Lake State Park for our annual staff retreat.

and He is love

the beautiful sadness of fall
colors singing proudly
before cascading to the earth
creating a carpet
of emerald crimson and lemon
to welcome the solace and solitude of winter

the humility of each season
is the common theme of the songs they sing
each season happily surrenders its beauty
to the charm and grace of the next
and so all creation sings to the Creator

let us do the same
welcome the constant change
that this life brings
and be alive
to all that must die within us
and be willing to surrender
to all that must be reborn
through confession
forgiveness
and the grace and mercy
of our Lord

"Yes, grass withers and flowers fade,
but the word of our God endures forever." *

and
He
is
light

and
He
is
love

* Isaiah 40:8

lakeshore moments

Spent some time with family at Van Buren State Park in Michigan. The park is beautiful with camping for giant RV’s and tents, and it is located close to beautiful South Haven, MI.

amazing…

And I thought these were cool when they were put together! Took a nice long ride on the Yamaha yesterday and stumbled across this… amazing…

illinois river morning

I would not call the Illinois River picturesque, however, with a little help from the sun and some clouds, it dresses up nicely!