Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fallen Again

I finally am through my archives from the trips we had this summer and am now entering the fall photos.  I am not much of a people photographer but I have a few here of the time that my dear brother was here from Africa.  We have a very lively church and often have demonstrations that give a visual image of the things we’re talking about.  My brother has been all over the world and intends to break some new ground and so we had some demonstrations that illustrated this…blurry yes but I still like the image here. I can safely say we all miss him dearly.  Visiting him with my family in Ghana was a dream I’ve had for many years and having him come here after that was the icing on the cake.  Now we hold fast to the memories we have and cherish the images in our mind…he is every inch a man of God and truly one of my heroes of faith.  Now we are alone again much like this leafbut thankfully this is just one more season and there’s no distance in the spirit…we are always together inside where it counts.  Fall is a season of stark changes…it is usually pretty short here so I had to capture the incredible blue skies and changing leaves quickly when the opportunity arose.  Sometimes the cold can come on so abruptly that the changing leaves get frost bittenand I feel this is a warning to the unwary.  The times we live in require that we be prepared…not just physically but spiritually.  It doesn’t take much to be upset seeing the things happening during these days but someone that refuses to give up hope not just on a personal level but for the United States and the world at large sticks out of the crowd.  The Bible says watch and pray…I intend to just that so as not to be caught unaware.  Some years the changes are stark and beautiful however that wasn’t so much the case here…lot’s of browns in the mix this time.  I’m so surprised to see things going to the next season so quickly yet a final blossom hung on even this late…if things are getting darker…and I believe they are…I intend to hang on as long as I can by God’s grace and be a symbol of hope.  You can have the strongest support system in the world but if you find yourself separated from it you are cut off indeed.  Faith and relationship with Christ has always been the most important thing in the world to me but now more than ever I realize, it’s not extra credit…it’s the only way to survive.  For now the leaves have fallen again…but soon it will be a whole new season again and there’s always hope in that.

14 comments:

  1. An inspiring post Joe and a beautiful tribute for your friend!

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  2. Hi Joe,

    Great Post, thank you for sharing.

    God Bless - wishing you and your family a great weekend. - Nita

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  3. Hi Joe,
    your so right.. there is always hope.. and the changing of the seasons this year was so fast.. as is everything that is going around us.. don't know where we are heading.. but with faith in God mercy will keep us safe.. he knows where we are going.. so I will continue to let him do the driving.. I take my hands off the wheel.. because I know I will get myself in a wreak if I keep trying to drive.. for sure..
    it is so cold here.. got to below 9 degrees the other day.. truck would not start.. oh I am so not ready for this winter..
    keep warm dear friend.. and keep holding on to God's hand.. soft warm hugs sent to you this day.

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  4. Hope and faith, yes. God will guide us if we only listen. Inspiring post my friend.

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  5. I know how u feel...U miss the ppl u love but as u say...inside thats what counts
    they are not with u..but every day u think of them.
    I love ur entry Joe

    one leave on the ground...is it u???is it me???
    but at the end Joe we are with a lot of ;eaves together Feeling the same
    Ur not alone

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  6. I can feel that you feeling for your friends..
    maybe for time of season in the cold winter time?
    The photos shows in cold season ...
    We having a hot or rains weather and my roses are
    half burnt it make me sad for which I look after all the month..well next season???
    You have nice weekend,
    Michiko

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  7. I totally agree with you Joe..but then, where's the surprise with that statement.

    Good post and great photos to illustrate the stark facts staring us in the face.

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  8. I love your post! thanks for sharing... Loves soraya

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  9. Hi Joe,
    Very wise words and such a comfort to read.
    Faith sees us though many many things good or bad.
    There is no comfort like there is expect by the hand of God. Thanks for sharing from your heart Joe. Its a pleasure to catch up here .
    And I love your Autumn. We have snow and lots of it and it is Cold. -26C last night. Stay warm. Enjoy Thanksgiving Coming up.

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  10. Joe- This was such a beautiful and inspiring post. God Bless~

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  11. Love your perspective in word, and photographs Joe. No matter the season, it seems times goes by faster each year. Each Season has its own Beauty to share.
    Here is to wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
    Dianne :)

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  12. Very inspirational. And yes, it is getting darker. We must be alert and ready.

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  13. There are so many little hints out there when you watch for them, that the time is nearing. I will keep my faith and hope. Wonderful post and photos. Season changes always makes one stop and think. Take care Hugs Carrie

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