Perspective

"Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering."

St Augustine

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Gulf of Mexico, Pensacola Beach, Fl

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Tammy, I and the girls went to Pensacola Beach this weekend with both of Tammy's sisters familes. It was a really beautiful day, the water was great, except for a few jellyfish, and the temperature was not too unbearably hot especially if you spent some time under the canopy we had set up. In the course of playing, swimming, bogie-boarding and body surfing I heard a couple comments from the kids that made me realize perspective is everything. It really hit home when Hayden procliamed as he was wading into the Gulf of Mexico "I'm going to the deep end!" Now from Hayden's perspective the "deep end" was about 40 feet from shore where the water was over his head and about to my waist. I smiled as I thought about the accuracy and innocence of comment. Yes I thought, anywhere the water is over ones head could be considered the "deep end" and yes if most of ones experience is with man-made swimming pools then when confronted with something new you fall back on what you know from your perspective and experience to describe it.

How childlike even the most knowledgable & wise adults must seem to God, the creator of all things seen and unseen, as we attempt to understand and talk about His Gulf of Mexico, His world, His Universe......

What Do You See?

"The challenge is not to learn what Jesus said. The real challenge is to live like Jesus lived ."

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What Do You See?

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Do you see a child whom God loves very much and for whom Jesus died?

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What Do You See?
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Do you see an family whom God loves very much and for whom Jesus died?
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What Do You See?

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Do you see a man whom God loves very much and for whom Jesus died?

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What Do You See?
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Do you see a woman whom God loves very much and for whom Jesus died?

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As you go through your day tomorrow I suspect you will see lots of people. Some will be the drivers of other vehicles which cut you off in traffic, some might be obnoxious co-workers who in your judgement don't do their work, while others are celebrities on TV that irritate you to no end with their views or politicians with opposing positions. We may even see our children laughing, dear friends talking and our loving spouses but when you see each of these people remind yourself that...
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I see a person whom God loves very much and for whom Jesus died?

The Journey Towards Independence (1776-1789)

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in peoples minds" - Samuel Adams.

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"Fear is the passion of slaves." - Patrick Henry

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Colonial Minute Man

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On the 4th of July many Americans celebrate Independence Day and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I myself tend to think of our nation as being born on the 4th of July 1776 in a single point in time before which the United States did not exist while often overlooking the fact that on the 4th of July 1776 all that happened was that a group of 56 men signed a document that was just one more step in a very long hard process of social & political reform. A process of reform & refinement that is still underway at the present time and a process I hope never ceases.

While the signing of the Declaration of Independence was a major milestone for the colonies it would take another 7 hard years of struggling, fighting, debating, failing and succeeding for the 13 colonies to finally break free from the British crown in 1783 and achieve sovereignty through the Treaty of Paris. It would take another 5 years for the Constitution to be ratified and another year for George Washington to be elected and sworn in as the first President of these United States.

So celebrate the 4th of July and the following 14 years of our fledgling nations history in honor of the relatively small group of men & women whose vision, strength, endurance and willingness to sacrifice allow us to enjoy the liberties & freedoms we have today in these United States.

Summer Vacation 2007

Postcards from the Edge

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Lake Martin, Al

161 N. Holiday Dr

The view from the dock.

The view of the lake.

(Lake Martin's water level is about 8 feet lower than normal this year.)

Once again we are vacationing with some friends from church at Lake Martin, Al. It is really quite a beautiful place to relax. Tim G. was able to procure a pontoon boat for us to use from a friend. Should be a pretty relaxing and enjoyable week.