Wordless Wednesday

Hanging by a Thread

Ruby Tuesday Too - Veterans Day 2014

While there is no Ruby Red in today's images, the men pictured below and millions like them spilled or were willing to spill their blood in service to this great nation.  I am proud to say that four generations of my family have served in the U.S. armed forces.  I don't have any records or images yet that prove service beyond the Civil War.

My great grand father served in the 15th Kentucky Cavalry during the Civil War.  He was born, raised, died and burried in Crittenden County, KY.

I don't have an image of my grandfather in uniform.  This image was taken after the WWI.  He and several of his siblings moved from Kentucky into Oklahoma territory.  He served in the Army during WWI.

Needless to say, my father (and personal hero) served in the Navy during WWII.  Dad was born and raised in Oklahoma.  He served as a radio operator on the USS Bunker Hill during WWII.  The Bunker Hill provided air support to the invasions of Iwo Jima, Tarrawa, Okinawa and other islands during the war in the Pacific.  On May 11, 1945 The Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze planes and lost 600 crewmen and pilots.

 

The Bunker Hill was the second most severely damaged ship of WWII.  She limped into port, repairs were made and she returned to service.  Americans that were children of the depression and fought in WWII are indeed the Greatest Generation.  It breaks my heart that there are so few of them left. 

 I served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam.  One thing my father and I had in common is that we were both radiomen.  He was MUCH better at it than me.  

One thing that all of the family veterans have in common is that we all came home from the conflict and lived normal, productive civilian lives.  I am ever so thankful for that fact alone.  

Please remember this, the soldier does not pick his adversary, nor the conflict in which he is engaged.  He serves his country and those chosen to lead him.  His responsibility his to his fellow servicemen, his leaders and his country.  Most of us don't give much thought about our service in the early years after we come home.  It is just something that we did and we would like to move on.  As we grow older, we become more aware of what we were asked to do and we do take a certain pride in our service.  I'll be the first to admit that I never thought that I would give much attention to my military service after I came home from Vietnam and was discharged into civilian life, but when I am at an event and veterans are recognized for their service, I am overcome with pride and emotion that others appreciate what veterans have done.  Thank you for appreciating us.

 

Skywatch Friday -Glimpse of Your Glory

I love being around the lake at sunset.  Sunrise and sunset are the two best times to photograph almost anything, but there is something special about being on or near the water at the end of the day.  Regardless of how hectic your day has been, sky and water combine to calm the senses, give the hope of a better tomorrow, and gives me a glimpse of God's glory.   Have a blessed week-end.

Inspiration Thursday - Priceless

What is the most valuable thing that you do not own but would like possess?  Several years ago MasterCard released a series of TV commercials that gave the cost of some items and one thing that was "priceless".  Here is an example.




When it comes to life, there are a multitude of things that one can purchase and happiness is the result, but only for a little while.  Sooner or later the new wears off or something better comes along that we are told will make us happier than that thing that we purchased before.
The Bible has a little different take on the subject. Proverbs 4:5 tells us to seek two things, "Get wisdom! Get understanding!"  The getting of wisdom and understanding is a journey and it truly begins in Proverbs.  Reading one chapter per day in the book of Proverbs will enlighten us regarding what the Creator of Life considers to be wisdom and understanding.  We are told to embrace God's love and instructions, and we are instructed to flee from evil.  That's pretty good advice.  In fact, it's "priceless."  Simply reading God's Word is not enough.  We must let Him have His way with us.



Sometimes, God's way requires us to climb a mountain.  Not to fear, He will go with us, every step of the way.  Have a blessed day.

Wordless Wednesday

Not Exactly Autumn

Blog Blast for Peace 2014

We seem to be living in a world that has little use for peace.  Our society is filled with corruption and violence.  Our world is at war in numerous places and there are those who would force their ideology on the world through terror.  This is NOT how God intended for it to be.  His word tells us to depart from evil and seek peace.  Peace should not be confused with tolerance, they are two different things.  Tolerance does not bring about peace.  Tolerance of a rebellious, disobedient child does not produce a well rounded, law abiding citizen anymore than tolerance of evil produces peace.
The Bible tells us to train our children in the way that they should go.  Beginning with the Baby Boomers, we have failed miserably to do this.  Children have to be taught how to be good.  Somehow we have come to the conclusion that we should not teach our children about spiritual matters and when they grow up, they will make their own "wise" decisions.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  A child who has no instruction in religious matters will no more understand God's plan  for their life, than a person denied any access to instruction in math will grow up and figure out calculus on their own.
Like so many things, peace begins at home and comes from the heart.  It's a very simple concept, but very complicated to live out each day.  Have a blessed day.  Peace to you and yours.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life."  John 3:16

Scavenger Hunt Sunday - Trick or Treat

While the prompts for this week are definitely skewed toward Halloween, I have decided to take one of the prompts and build a theme around it.  I chose "Fall Colors".  I know, it's a bit of a stretch, but bear with me.

Dress Up

Here in Northwest Arkansas the fall colors begin to appear around mid-October and peak before the second week in November.  This year Halloween week-end is supposed to be the best time to see the fall colors.  The first hard freeze of the year was on Halloween when temperatures dropped into the mid-twenties.  In honor of the season, even the Bald Cypress "Dress Up" in their best Autumn attire.

 Candy

When the foliage decides to get all dressed up for fall the result is eye candy for every one.  Whether you view the tree from a distance or get  up close and personal, the colors are just wonderful.

 Fall Colors

While most of us associate a cemetery with all things spooky, the beauty of fall colors invades even this final resting place.

  

Trick or Treat

When Halloween rolls around there are no tricks. The fall foliage is always a treat for the senses.  Often times the skies are crystal clear and provide an incredible background for the colors of the season.

  Photographers Choice

I think that is is probably my favorite tree in all of Benton County, Arkansas during the fall.  It is nearly perfectly shaped, it sits alone in a pasture, and when it decides to put on it's fall outfit, the show is spectacular.  This year is the best that it has looked in three or four years partly because we have had ample rain, which means that the grass is still green on Halloween.  Have a blessed Sunday and as we say here in the South, "Happy Fall y'all!"