Tag: black and white photography

ride of spring

March is usually malcontent in the Midwest, which means a moody, sometimes malicious maze of temperatures and a minefield of uncertainty. So! I mounted my trusty motorcycle and meandered through a magnificent field of wind catchers marvelously moving their blades on this most beautiful of spring days. That is all.

a valentine’s life

My mom and dad have been married for 62 years. They both have their physical struggles and they take care of each other. My dad takes care of my mom’s arthritic feet every morning. I felt privileged to watch him carefully wash, dry and apply topical aids on her feet. They have lived a Valentine‘s life together, and not just a Valentine’s Day. I was also reminded of what Jesus taught us. Take a moment and read the gospel of John chapter 13 today. Thanks for stopping by.

galena time

Galena, Illinois was “born” in 1826. It is known as the town that time forgot. This beautiful town is filled with shops, candy, lots of chocolate, delicious coffee, great eateries and, apparently, ghosts! This is my bride, and we enjoyed celebrating 39 years together in Galena!

in a little corner of my home

a cup of coffee
in a little corner of my home
lights and shadows
remind me of what lies within me
darkness and light
love and hate
goodness and self-centeredness

the memories descend

life and love
family and friends
grace and peace
laughter and song
so many gifts
undeserved and plentiful

soon the wraith
of dim stories arrives
failures
loss
shame
and the quiet ache
of all things left undone
and of all that i have done
to others and to myself

i choose to surrender
to all the images
that so quickly float
through my mind
as i lift my gaze
in a little corner of my home

three crosses
Calvary
such an ugly place
of death
of pain
of sorrow
of suffering

and it is there
in the midst
of the darkness and light
of my life
it is only there
where the lies i tell
and the lies i believe
are exposed

where my shame is undone
in love and acceptance
where i trade my burden
for hope
mercy
love
and the lightness
of forgiveness

and i realize
He is here
with me
in a little corner
of my home

faith hope love

so i woke up
and all the clouds
remind me of the words i said
oh God
the words i said
the anger in my head

so i woke up
and all the clouds
can’t hold the tears
that just rain down
down down
it hurts
and i don’t know why
oh those clouds in the sky

so i woke up
and all the clouds
press on my shoulders
and i manage to pray
oh God
i just want to be okay
just one day
can i be okay
one day

faith

help me to trust
that just behind
those clouds
Your promises still shine
help me to hear
the light of Your words
and rest
oh God i’m so tired
so i rest in You

hope

i choose to reach
beyond the now
one day
only light
and no more tears
so today
while i’m in the clouds
i place my hope
in You alone
in You alone

love

let me see
Your Light
let me know
Your promises
let me hope
that one day soon
all will be well
all must be well
because You
are Love
You are Love

so i woke up today
and all the clouds
remind me
that today right now
You are here
not hidden
so i’ll search for You
and make it through
this cloudy day
with You

with You

soul distancing

Soul distancing: the practice of separating your soul
from the day to day rush
the deadline driven exhaustion

the anxiety saturated social media
the identity robbing expense of living for someone's approval

the heart hardening fallout of unforgiveness
the countless heart deadening diversions

and instead

connecting to whatever it is that helps you to

s       l        o         w           d           o            w             n

a walk on the shore... a hike...
sitting in stillness... prayer...
coffee and a good book...

you may discover what you are really living for and decide to change course

you may discover what you really worship and decide to reach higher in the affections of your heart and mind

you may discover an ocean of tears that were held back by your hardness becasue you need to be right

or you won't let it go

or you refuse to forgive

or because you know you need to confess and make it right

you may discover

in the stillness

the voice of God