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.

what i saw on the riverwalk

We have lived in the Chicago area for 16 years now and these images are from my first visit to the Riverwalk in Chicago. You can read about the history of this beautiful part of Chicago here.

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.

light

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

“I have come into the world as light…”

“…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

merry christmas

Merry Christmas! We are celebrating the coming of Grace, Truth and Light into the world and into our hearts. On a personal note, we are also celebrating the no cancer report for my dear wife. She had surgery Nov. 24, and while the recovery process has been difficult, we are so grateful. I will be updating the blog with images from that journey over the next few days. God bless you and yours!

Our Father

you see I never left her side
I was with her when I imagined her
I saw her before there was time
and before the mountains stood
and the oceans sang
before the great forests
were just little children
she was my child

you sound better today
better than yesterday
i’m your father… i know

what you see as trial
I see as triumph
what you see as pain
I see as refining
what you see as darkness
is just light to Me

what you see as defeat
is just another step
upon the light of eternity
a small thread
in the tapestry
an immeasurable stroke of the brush
on this canvas of beauty
for she is a masterpiece
radiant in my love
held in My arms

I saw her tears
I saw yours too
fear and trust
doubt and peace
such a crazy dance
it is the unseen real
that you must see
it is the end of the rope
that you must release

you sound better today
better than yesterday
i’m your father… i know

I have come
to know your pain
I have suffered
beyond all suffering
give yourself to me
I am acquainted
with your deepest grief
and I know how alone
you feel
how helpless
out of control
alone
just give yourself to me

you sound better today
better than yesterday
i’m your father… i know

that’s what your
earthly papa said
when he called you

you see I gave him to you
he knows

and please hear Me
I’m your Father
I know

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!

more fall moments

Starved Rock State Park, in Oglesby, IL, is filled with hiking trails, canyons, high cliff views of the Illinois River and, in the Fall, the beauty of all those fallen leaves. My colleagues and I go to this park for our annual hiking trip to celebrate birthdays on our staff. We enjoyed a cool, beautiful day! Thanks for stopping buy.