Fall 2009

Light

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good. Genesis 1:3,4

Ladders

Mesas outline the barren hot desert outside Albuquerque



60 miles west of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is an ancient little village of Acoma, also known as "Sky City". This 12th century Native American pueblo, nestled on top of a 367-foot sandstone mesa, is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. Archaelogists date the occupation of Acoma back to A.D. 1150


Click on picture to see Sky City of Acoma



Today only a few families live on the mesa. Life is very primitive. There is no electricity, plumbing or running water. Natural cisterns on the mesa trap rain water which provides drinking water for the village.


The one and only tree in the village



Outdoor bread oven



San Esteban del Rey adobe church built in 1629



The rickety old ladder



Enchanted Mesa in the distance where the Acoma people used to live



Traditionally, the outer walls of the pueblo homes had no windows or doors on the ground level. Access to the interiors was by ladders to the trap doors of their flat roofs. The ladders could then be pulled up if an enemy should attack.

In the picture below the ornate bar near the top across the 3 poles of the ladder represents a cloud through which the pointed ends of the poles pierce to help bring rain.

























This white tapered ladder reaching up to the sky reminds me of another ladder. Jacob dreamed of a ladder from earth reaching up to heaven. And in his dream, angels were ascending and descending the ladder. At the top of the ladder was Jesus Who promised Jacob that He would always be with him and take care of him. Genesis 28:12-22

We too, can claim that promise today. God will be with us and take care of us just as He did for Jacob.

Stained Windows

I love stained glass windows and enjoy seeing them especially in churches and cathedrals.

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France



Stained glass windows are made of individual pieces of colored glass which do not mean much in itself until they are pieced together to form a pattern. Sometimes painted details are added to the design. When light is captured by the stained glass, the intricate pattern glows into a beautiful illuminated piece of art.


Rose window (c. 1250) of Notre Dame Cathedral


The center circle of the rose window above depicts the Virgin and Child, surrounded by figures of prophets. Second circle shows 32 Old Testament kings. Outer circle depicts 32 high priests and patriarchs.

Below are photos I have taken of stained glass windows at Die Gedachtniskirche der Protestation of Speyer, Germany. This Protestant church was built in memory of the protest that took place at the "Diet of Speyer" in 1529.

Click on each picture to see the intricate details.


Jesus blesses the children (Mark 10:13-16)
























Jesus visits Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42)



Conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-8)
























Christ's resurrection (Matthew 28:1-7)



Martin Luther nails 95 theses on church door(Wittenburg,1517)



Roman centurion in Capernaum (Luke 7:1-10)



Abraham offers Isaac as sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-18)



The stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)


May God's love shine through the stained glass windows of our lives and may we always reflect the beauty of His character

Regent's Park

If you've ever wondered what to do in London why not visit The Regent's Park? This beautiful place has 410 acres of spacious green lawns, lakes filled with ducks and swans, water fountains, lush gardens and gorgeous flowers everywhere. Always so very relaxing and inspiring to visit, it is a perfect place for a Sabbath afternoon walk.

A Royal Welcome

Fountain of Flowers

Water Fountain

Yellow and Purple Petunias

Blue Lobelia

Black Swan

The Rose Garden

Beautiful Pink Rosebud

Beyond the sunset, O blissful morning,
When with our Savior heav'n is begun;
Earth's toiling ended, O glorious dawning,
Beyond the sunset when day is done.





Beyond the sunset, no clouds will gather,
No storms will threaten, no fears annoy;
O day of gladness, O day unending,
Beyond the sunset eternal joy!





Beyond the sunset, a hand will guide me
To God the Father whom I adore;
His glorious presence, His words of welcome,
Will be my portion on that fair shore.


Beyond the sunset, O glad reunion,
With our dear loved ones who've gone before;
In that fair homeland we'll know no parting,
Beyond the sunset forever more!

Virgil P. Brock

Grand Canyon, Petrified and Painted

The Beautiful Grand Canyon


Petrified Forest


Painted Desert

Tim

Not too late for Spring 2009

It's the middle of May and the weather has turned warm. There has been no rain for weeks. Are there wildflowers left? The answer is a definite YES!

Tall yellow lupines



Red Ribbons or Lovely Clarkia (Clarkia Concinna)



Mariposa Lily, Mariposa Tulip or Butterfly Tulip



Seeds ready for a whiff of breeze



Swallows picking up mud



Penstemon



Yellow Fairy Lantern (Diogenes Lantern)



Pink Clarkia?



Surrounded by yellow lupines

Spring in the Country, 2009

Horses in Pope Valley




Bear Valley corral of Tidy Tips




Clouds float above the fertile green valley




Bear Valley in vivid colors

Spring 2009

Tree in full bloom



Poppies



Pink Lupines
























Field of Poppies



Red Maid


Poppies and Lupines
























Chia Sage



Gorman

Half Dome at Sunset

This picture was taken at sunset in Yosemite Park, CA last weekend of March 7, 2009. Half Dome wore a lace cap of snow and there were no rock climbers scaling its massive monolithic walls. It was interesting to see how Half Dome changed its cloak of colours within minutes into what looked like a large polished gold nugget tucked between ribbons of clouds. Notice the pale moon rising above the dome. What a beautiful end to a perfect day! Praise be to God from whom all blessings flow!

Manzanita Pinks

What a delight to see such delicate pink flowers blooming in the middle of winter not far from the Sierra foothills at Weimar.

Manzanita flowers

The Lionfish

LIONFISH Pterois volitans

"The flashy Lionfish uses its venomous spines for aggression and for defense. During courtship, a male will charge an intruding male with spines held forward like a charging bull.

Diet: small fishes, invertebrates
Distribution: Indian and Pacific Oceans, introduced in the Atlantic Ocean"

California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA

California Academy of Sciences, SF

The Museum





























Home for the holidays

Merry Christmas 2008

Glory to God in the highest


The shepherds find Baby Jesus


Where is He


The wisemen find Jesus


He is risen


Jesus is coming again

Leaves of Autumn

Napa Valley

Ginkgo Bibola Maidenhair glows in the sunlight

The Last Leaf
by Oliver Wendell Holmes

And if I should live to be
The last leaf upon the tree
In the spring,
Let them smile, as I do now,
At the old forsaken bough
Where I cling.

Testimony

Click on arrow below to hear Walter J. Veith's amazing testimony.

Fresh Fall Colors

These pictures were taken on October 10-12, 2008, at Lee Vining and June Lake Loop, CA during the weekend of the storm that dropped about 4-5 inches of beautiful white delicate snowflakes. Temperature dipped below 18 degrees F. Tioga Pass (elevation about 10,000') was closed and many of the visitors in Yosemite were snowbound.

An Early White Christmas

Silver Lake Aspens at the Loop

These Eyes Do Not Blink

Flaming Torches Light the Road at Hwy 158

Winding Creek Connects Lakes at Loop

Fresh Fallen Snow Leaves a Soft White Carpet at Aspen Campground

Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.

Isaiah 1:18

It's Here!

Says Tim:

Ultimately, an academic degree is just a formal acknowledgement that a person has gained a certain level of human education. It says nothing of character or integrity, it cannot measure wisdom or maturity, and it is not salvific in any way. Only through Jesus Christ can these eternal qualities be developed. When the judgment comes and we are weighed in the balances, letters behind our names will mean nothing. My goal is to seek for a higher attainment than any human institution can offer, to be like Jesus.

Smooches

Luther Burbank, an American botanist and horticulturist, developed more than 800 strains and varieties of plants in his 55- year career. He is most famous for his Santa Rosa plum, the Freestone peach, and the Russet Burbank potato which are sold worldwide. The Russet Burbank potato, the most widely cultivated potato in the USA, is prized for processing the McDonald's french fries. He also developed the Shasta daisy and even a spineless cactus which is useful for cattle-feed.

The pictures below were taken at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. See if you can match the pictures with the hints given below.

1. Smooches

2. Independence Day

3. Genesis 37:3
4. Ouchless

5. 'It hasta be .....'
6. Begins with the last letter

7. Named after Swedish botanist Anders Dahl

Dahlia

Shasta Daisy

Spineless Cactus

Rosa 'Fourth of July'

Rosa 'Joseph's Coat'

Zinnia

Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate

Tim and Sunny's Wedding

As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.
2 Kings 2:6

You Are Invited !!!

Together with their parents
Tim and Sunny
Request the honour of your presence at their marriage
On Sunday, the twentieth of July
Two thousand and eight
At eleven o’clock in the morning

Loma Linda University Church, 11125 Campus Street, Loma Linda, California

The Water Ceremony

There is a beautiful tradition still being observed in some Native American communities today which sanctifies the union of a bride and groom. Because water signifies life, a 2 spouted vase is designed for this purpose and made by the groom‘s parents.

Then the groom, along with his parents and all his relatives go to the bride's house to present the vase.

Water is poured into the wedding vase, and the vase is given to the bride who drinks from one side of the vase, turns it around, and gives it to the groom, who then drinks from the opposite side. This ceremony symbolizes unity.

The wedding vase is treasured and displayed at a prominent place of honor in their new home to remind the couple throughout their married life that they are one.

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother: and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be as one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Effects of Long Term Hypoxia

Tim's dissertation on "The Effects of Long Term Hypoxia on Myometrial Contractility" has been written and successfully defended. He received his PhD on May 25, 2008.

CONGRATULATIONS, TIM!


The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10

The Hooding Ceremony


The Baccalaureate

The Message

The Commencement Service

The Green Grass

The Processional

The Long Anticipation

The Conferring of Degrees

The Diploma

The Many Friends


The Happy Family

The Fancy Hood

Congratulations to ??

Click below to see movie

Rosies, Posies and Meadowfoam

Rose

Rose

Meadowfoam

Chasing Wildflowers...

The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly. Isaiah 35:1,2

Fields of Poppies, Lancaster, CA

Cottonwood Canyon, CA

Tidy Tips, Goldfields and Filarees
Baby Blue Eyes at Shell Creek, CA

Thistle Sage

Thistle Sage, Lupines, and Desert Dandelions at Cottonwood Canyon, CA

Interior Goldenbush, Carrizo Plains, CA

Poppies at Lancaster, CA

Beetle on Cream Cup

Baby Blue Eyes and Tidy Tips at Shell Creek, CA
Blue Lupines at Table Mountain, Oroville, CA

Crashing Waves

Half Moon Bay Click on picture to bring the waves in.

A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:37-39

Master, the tempest is raging!
The billows are tossing high!
The sky is o'ershadow with blackness
No shelter or help is nigh
Carest Thou not that we perish?
How canst Thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threatening
A grave in the angry deep?

Master, with anguish of spirit
I bow in my grief today
The depths of my sad heart are troubled
Oh, waken and save, I pray!
Torrents of sin and of anguish
Sweep o’er my sinking soul
And I perish! I perish! dear Master
Oh, hasten, and take control.

-- Mary Baker

Who Am I...#3

1. I was captured by "bandits" and lived as a knight in a castle for 11 months.
2. I helped a girl escape in a pickled fish barrel and then married her.
3. I discovered that salvation is a gift.
4. I wrote "Ein' Feste Burg" based on Psalms 46.
5. My understanding of 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 is literal, not symbolic.

Who am I ?

The Perfect Gift

Thou shalt bring forth a Son. Luke 1:31











No room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Glory to God in the highest. Luke 2:14

The shepherds find Mary and Joseph and the Babe. Luke 2:16













The dedication. Luke 2:22-29








Where is He for we have seen His star. Matthew 2:2









They fell down and worshipped Him. Matthew 2:11














He is not here: for He is risen. Matthew 28:6















I will come again. John 14:3

For God so loved the world

That He gave His only begotten Son

That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish

But have everlasting life.

John 3:16

Santa Rosa SDA Church LIVE NATIVITY

Fall Colors

Nature glows in all her splendor.

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the Lord!
1 Chronicles 16:33

The Busy Squirrel

Watch my hands...

What's Your Score?

Try this quiz and have fun!

http://www.oldjoeblack.0nyx.com/thinktst.htm

Sunshine Melody

Norman and Joelle

The Kneeling King

Among the many ancient treasures of statues and monuments in the Assyrian room at the British Museum we stumbled upon a 7 foot black limestone excavated by the late Henry Layard in 1845, just a year after the Great Disappointment. It had been found in the ruins of the palace of Shalmaneser lll near the city of Nineveh, an ancient capital of the Assyrian empire situated on the Tigris River in northern Iraq.

The Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser lll contained panels displaying the Assyrian king's exploits. Biblicial Archaelogy consider this to be one of the most important discovery because one of the panels show the Hebrew king, Jehu, bringing gifts and kneeling at Shalmaneser's feet. The inscription above the scene, written in Assyrian cuneiform, reads:

"The tribute of Jehu, son of Omri, silver, gold, bowls of gold, chalices of gold, cups of gold, vases of gold, lead, a sceptre for the king, and spear-shafts, I have received"

The story of Jehu can be found in the Bible... 2 Kings 9 and 10

Who Am I...#2

Hint #1 My name means "Yahweh is He" in Hebrew.

Hint #2 I am mentioned on an ancient stone monument discovered in the ruins of a palace near Nineveh.

Hint #3 I abolished the worship of Baal but maintained the worship of the golden calves erected by Jeroboam.

Hint #4 I was annointed king by a young man who quickly opened the door and fled.

Hint #5 I am noted for my furious chariot driving.

Who am I?

Type your answer in the comment box before you look it up. Do not peek. The correct answer will be in my next post.

Ptolemy's Decree

I enjoy visiting museums and the London British Museum is an all time favorite. One of the finest treasures here in the museum is a black basalt stone which a French officer from Napoleon's army discovered in 1799 at Rosetta (today named Rashid) on the west bank of the Nile Delta in Egypt. It is three feet nine inches long, two feet four inches wide, and eleven inches thick.

Carved about 200 years before the birth of Christ, the Rosetta Stone contains writing in three languages, sacred (hieroglyphics) , native (demotic), and Greek. Scholars were able to read the lowest which was the Greek, but none could decipher the hieroglyphics. Hieroglyphics is a writing system made up of small pictures that was used originally in ancient Egypt for religious texts. Hieroglyphic writing died out in Egypt in the fourth century AD. Over time the knowledge of how to read hieroglyphs was lost.

One day, in 1808, an 18 year old student, Jean-Francois Champollion, happened to examine the Rosetta Stone and was stunned to notice that each script on the stone recorded the same passage. Champollion could read both Greek and Coptic, and was able to figure out what the seven Demotic signs in Coptic were. By looking at how these signs were used in Coptic, he was able to study their corresponding symbols in hieroglyphics.

His work was based on the following:

1. The Egyptian Coptic script was the descendant of the ancient language of the pharaohs.
2. Hieroglyphs were used as ideograms (pictures representing a concept or thing) and phonograms (pictures representing sounds).
3. Hieroglyphs enclosed in a cartouche (an oval shape encircling a group of hieroglyphs) were phonetic transcriptions of the Pharaoh's names.

Find Ptolemy's name on the Rosetta Stone

After 14 years of study, Champollion concluded his work and the exciting result was announced in 1822. The inscription on the Rosetta Stone was a decree from thirteen-year-old Ptolemy V, on the first anniversary of his coronation. Recorded on March 27, 196 B.C., it describes various taxes and instructions to erect statues in temples.

Text of Rosetta Stone, Excerpts in English

"In the reign of the new king who was Lord of the diadems, great in glory, the stabilizer of Egypt, and also pious in matters relating to the gods, superior to his adversaries, rectifier of the life of men....

THE DECREE: The high priests and prophets, and those who enter the inner shrine in order to robe the gods, and those who wear the hawk's wing...being assembled in the temple in Memphis this day, declared:

'Since King Ptolemy...has concentrated to the temples revenues both of silver and of grain, and has generously undergone many expenses in order to lead Egypt to prosperity and to establish the temples... the gods have rewarded him with health, victory, power...'"

The translation of the Rosetta Stone opened a whole new world in Egyptology. No longer was the ancient language of the pharaohs a mystery.

Is the Word of God a mystery to you? "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." John 16:13

Faces of Spring

Calendula

Bumble Bee

Bearded Iris..Lady Friend

Lily of the Valley

Listen , O heavens, and I will speak
Hear, O earth, the words of My mouth
Let My teaching fall like rain
And My words descend like dew
Like showers on new grass
Like abundant rain on tender plants.
Deut. 32:1,2 (NIV)

My Calendar is Bigger Than Yours

I am homeschooling a 7 year old girl second grade. Her name is Esli. Many of you know her through my previous posts. Homeschooling can be so much fun.















Teacher: When is your birthday?

Student: November 26

Teacher: What day is November 26 on?

Student: (Looking closely at the calendar) Hmm. It's on Monday. But on my calendar at home it's on Sunday.

Teacher: Is your calendar at home this year's calendar?

Student: Yes.

Teacher: Then it should also be on Monday.

Student: No no, my birthday on my calendar is on a different day because my calendar at home is bigger than yours.....( sigh )...it is SO hard to teach teachers.


Can YOU repeat all 66 books of the Bible by memory?

Who Am I... #1

Born in 1674, at Southampton, England, I grew up in the home of “non-Comformists” during the time when the Church of England persecuted Dissenters and Independents. My father was jailed twice at this time of persecution. I learned Latin at the age of five, Greek at nine, French at eleven and Hebrew at thirteen. I had a propensity for rhyme and would inadvertently drive my parents to distraction with my verses.

Once I was caught with my eyes open during prayer. I earnestly explained to my father that "A little mouse for want of stairs ran up a rope to say its prayers." Enough was enough and my father set out to punish me. I cried in despair and pleaded, "O father, do some pity take And I will no more verses make."

I am recognized as the "Father of English Hymnody" for I have been credited with over 600 hymns.

Who am I?

Hint: Hymn #163
..............................................................

Alas! and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I?

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—And bathed in its own blood—
While the firm mark of wrath divine, His Soul in anguish stood.

Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away’Tis all that I can do.

San Francisco Welcomes Queen Mary 2

It was Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, 2007, but the crowds weren't interested in football. They had come to see the Queen. Queen Mary 2, the largest and grandest ocean cruise liner ever built, was making its maiden voyage to San Francisco. The ship is 280 feet longer than the Transamerica Pyramid is high. Weighing at 151,000 tons, it is 1,132 feet long and is 23 stories tall. It is the largest vessel to sail San Francisco Bay. It is so big is will not fit through the Panama Canal. Because the San Francisco Bay is affected by strong winds, treacherous currents and changing tides, docking the ship this size is complicated. The ship would arrive at the ebb current of 4 knots.

When I saw and felt the intensity of excitement in the people's faces and realized how many hours they had patiently been waiting just to see Queen Mary 2, ( besides the fact that they didn't even miss Super Bowl), I began to understand how much this event meant to them. It was an experience that helped me to become more aware of Christ's soon return. How much does Jesus' second coming mean to us as Christians? Are we happy and excited about it? Will we care if we miss the "super bowl"? What are we doing to prepare for His coming? Will we be ready and waiting and spreading the good news of this special event as these people did for Queen Mary 2 ? Questions like these went through my mind as I sat on the green slope with my camera and binoculars . We were of one accord...happy and patiently waiting and watching for the Queen Mary to arrive.

The long anticipated day was somewhat hazy. Thankfully, the fog had not yet rolled in. As we looked out into the horizon we could see a grey form of a ship in the distance approaching. With unprecedented fanfare, helicopters,sailboats, yachts and other small crafts accompanied the enormous ship as it came closer and closer. A fireboat, sending fountains of water high into the air, escorted the regal Queen Mary 2 into San Francisco Bay. All eyes were glued on the ship as if it would evaporate if they so much as to blink. Then we heard it. The Queen's 1400 pound steam-driven whistle, obtained from the original Queen Mary, sounded 2 long blasts. Thousands of well-wishers on shore cheered. Traffic came to a stand still as the magnificent ocean liner sailed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Someday soon, we shall see a small gray cloud far in the horizon. Jesus, the King of Kings, is coming! With unprecedented fanfare, He will be escorted by thousands upon thousands of angels. All eyes will be glued to that wonderful event. All eyes will see Jesus. With a mighty blast, the trumpets shall sound. And with one voice we shall say, "Lo, this is our God. We have waited for Him, and He will save us...we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isaiah 25 : 9 What a day that will be! Let us all be ready!

Owie

Sunshine has an "owie". Ever since the pretty yellow Canary came to live with us 10 years ago, he has been a source of pure delight to us all. He loves to sing. And we enjoy immensely his beautiful repertoire of songs.

One day we found him hanging helplessly upside down from his perch. His injured leg shriveled up like a dead stick waiting to be plucked. We prayed for him and two days later Sunshine was hopping around like a normal healthy bird. God had performed an awesome miracle. He cares for the little birds. Matthew 10:29

And now, 2 years later, Sunshine is again in need of your prayers. A little tumor has formed on his leg causing it to swell and tighten the plastic band on his ankle which in turn began to act as a tourniquet.

After praying for Sunshine we decided to do some "surgery". We dipped a nail clipper and a tweezer in rubbing alcohol and carefully cut off little by little the yellow band that was constricting blood circulation. Poor little Sunshine. He struggled desperately to free himself from the painful procedure.

I need a REAL doctor!

At long last, after 2 excruciating hours, the remainder of the band fell off. Very gently, we cleaned his bruised leg with alcohol, swathed it with Neosporin and wrapped it in clean white gauze. Then we prayed again for Sunshine and placed him back in his cage. The Lord healed him before and He will heal him again, if it is His will.


UPDATE: February 18, 2007 After 6 weeks of silence and still standing on one leg, Sunshine is singing again! PRAISE THE LORD!

Ohhhhhhhhhh !

Teacher: Do you practice?
Esli: I must practice?
Teacher: Yes.
Esli: Everyday?
Teacher: Yes, everyday.
Esli: Everyday, everyday??
Teacher: Yes, everyday except Sabbath.
Esli: Ohhhhhhhhhhh.........(gasps)....until Jesus comes?
.....................................................................

Esli: What is it called?
Teacher: Treble Clef
Esli: I know why.
Teacher: Why?
Esli: Because it's always in trouble.

Teacher: Ohhhhhhhhh !

Home on the Range

O give me a home where the buffalo roam
Where the deer and the antelope play
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the sky is not cloudy all day
poem by Dr. Brewster Higley, 1876

In 1888, Pierce Cunningham settled in the valley of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and called his homestead in the new frontier the Flying U Ranch.

His log cabin, constructed of lodgepole pines, was built in the Appalachian"dogtrot" style which consisted of 2 large rooms joined by a covered breezeway or porch. Corners of the cabin were either saddle notched or squared fastened with thick wooden spikes. Cracks between the logs were filled in with dirt mortar. The roof was covered with sod and the floor was dirt packed.

It was here at the 160 acre ranch on Flat Creek that Pierce Cunningham and his wife, Margaret, made their home, raised their family and cultivated hay. Life on the ranch was hard. Harsh severe winters brought heavy snow that piled high on the low sod roof. In 1893 two suspected horse thieves were shot and killed at the cabin by an angry posse....a group of 16 men heavily armed on saddle horses. The cabin was later used as a barn and then a smithy.

I'm but a stranger here, Heaven is my home
Earth is a desert dread, Heaven is my home
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on every hand
Heaven is my fatherland, Heaven is my home
Thomas R. Taylor

Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Ps. 127:1

New Life

His hair was matted and dirty. His bushy beard badly needed a trim. His scruffy clothes showed signs of total neglect. He was a sorry sight. You see, Ben was homeless. For years, he had been visiting the local Community Services. Here he felt accepted for what he was. Here he knew he could get food and a change of clean clothes.

He always needed a hat. Sometimes, he would bring in his soiled hat to be laundered. Once he showed up drunk and a flow of gruff angry words spilled out. But most of the time he was appreciative of the services for which he came. Those who worked at the Community Services began to look forward to his regular visits. They would worry if he hadn't been in for a couple of weeks or more and wonder how he was doing.

One day I asked Ben if he wouldn't mind having his picture taken. He was happy to oblige. I promised that I would give him the print once I got it developed. When he showed up the following week, I handed him the printed photograph. Ben was pleasantly surprised and said his experience was that people never kept promises. Gratefully, he accepted the photograph and tucked it carefully in his shirt pocket.

Three weeks later, Ben came again to see us. This time I could hardly recognize him. His long unruly hair had been shampooed, cut, and combed. The shaggy straggly beard was gone. His clothes were neat and clean. His deep blue eyes twinkled. And there was not a hint of alcohol in his breath.

"Ben!" I exclaimed in obvious delight. "What happened to you?"

"I cleaned up", he said with a little smile. " I want to start a new life."

California

Here are some photos of the places we've visited these past few months. To do the pictures justice, click on each to maximize your viewing pleasure.

The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) built in 1888, St. Helena, CA Click on the bright yellow Mustards to take a closer look at the 22-inch thick tufa stone building once owned by the Christian Brothers.





Table Mt. , Oroville, CA

Lush rolling hills covered with soft carpets of Goldfield wildflowers along Hwy 58.






Pinnacles National Monument

He will dwell on high; His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; Bread will be given him, His water will be sure. Isaiah 33:16 (NIV)

Words of Wisdom

I have an adorable little 6 year old student named Esli who opens my eyes and teaches me things I never knew before. Here are some knowledge and wisdom gleaned from her this past month.

Esli: I felled off the jump-rope and the ground scratched me.
Teacher: Did you scratch the ground back?
Esli: No. Hee hee hee.
Teacher: Why not?
Esli: Because it's not alive. You can't tickle the ground because it won't laugh.

Pinnacles National Monument

If you like to climb, crawl, duck, squeeze, wade, or walk sideways, this is the place for you! In my last entry, we enjoyed the fresh beauty of spring at the vast open plain of Carrizo. What a contrast it is to this!

Pinnacles National Monument


The granduer of massive monoliths, spires like fat fingers pointing upward to the clear blue sky, and rickety rock rubbles of talus caves were mystifying and adventurous to say the least.

Add a few waterfalls gushing down the rocks and you have a mental picture of what the place is like. Such are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano in Pinnacles National Monument located some miles south of San Jose, CA.

Pinnacles National Monument

Pinnacles National Monument

Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Ps. 61:2

Gone Wild

Carrizo Plains, near San Luis Obispo, CA, is hot and desolate during the summer months.

The dry desert plains burst into a riot of colors in the spring.

Birds we identified at Carrizo included Quail, Western Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Road Runner, etc.

Far away in the distance we spotted one lone tree

with a Common Raven sitting on a large nest of sticks and twigs.

In the soft fur lined nest were the most beautiful turquoise colored eggs I had ever seen!

Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. How much more valuable you are than birds! Luke 12:24 NIV

Our days are few and brief, like grass, like flowers, blown by the wind and gone forever. But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. Psalm 103:15-17 TLB

He Loves Me Too

The Colusa National Wildlife Refuge in Sacramento Valley is a little oasis which serves as a haven for the thousands of migratory waterfowls that flock in from Alaska and the Canadian arctic every winter. Spring had sprung and most of the migratory birds had returned to their northern breeding grounds.

Upon entering the wildlife refuge, beautiful Ring-necked Pheasants with their mates in the sagebrush nearby greeted us. American Coots shared their fresh water pond with White Pelicans, Cinnamon Teals and Mallards. Dark Glossy Ibises with long curved-down beaks, Sandpipers, and the black and white American Avocets with curved-up beaks dug into the shallow marsh for delectable tidbits . We saw Red-tailed Hawks, Red-winged Blackbirds, Sparrows, Marsh Wrens, Black-Crowned Night Herons, Swallows building mud nests under the bridge , a Northern Mockingbird, Turkey Vultures, Great Egrets and Blue Herons. A black River Otter crossed the path from one creek to the other. Large Black-tailed Jackrabbits chased through the grassland and cute little Desert Cottontail rabbits nibbled fresh greens. A brown furry Muskrat swam across the stream.

It had been a pleasant and peaceful day and now it was time to leave. Our car moved slowly along the dirt road. We did not want to frighten any of God's creatures. Would He have more delightful surprises in store for us? Suddenly we heard a loud commotion! Two very agitated Killdeers were fluttering and screeching wildly. Each feigning broken wings and heart-breaking cries, they hoped we would take pity and follow them as they dragged and limped in obvious agony.

While Jim patiently obliged them to lure him away, he paused long enough for me to sneak quietly out of the car. I ran back about 20 feet beyond the area where we had first heard the commotion and crept forward little by little on my hands and knees as I scouted the road. Nothing on the ground looked particularly unusual. But Mother and Dad Killdeer seemed to be mortally wounded and cried incessantly. Why? I wanted to find out. After a few minutes of careful search, I spotted 2 little speckled eggs camouflaged among the rocks and pebbles by the side of the road.

I motioned for Jim to join me. When I looked back down again, my eyes began to blur. The eggs had vanished! For a moment I thought I had been fooled. Was it just a figment of my imagination? Examining the ground closely once more, the eggs materialized.

As I think back of the Killdeers and their precious little nest of mottled eggs, I am reminded of how God cares for them and how much more He loves and cares for each one of us.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 NIV

"God sees the little sparrow fall
It meets His tender view
If God so loves the little bird
I know He loves me too."
-- Straub

Poor mama Killdeer's wings are badly hurt. Who will give her TLC?





Click on the gravel for a closer look at her precious little spotted eggs.

Number 14

The day started off with a bang. From the moment the door opened at 10 a.m. Monday morning, the waiting room was full. I began to process the clients as quickly as I could. There was no time to waste.

“Number 14,” I called. A man shuffled his way onto the seat in front of my desk. He looked tired, disheveled and forlorn.

“How are you?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he mumbled.

“Is something wrong, Dennis?”

“Well, yeah. I fell and hurt this foot eight months ago, and it just won’t heal,” he replied.

“Do you believe in God?”

“I know there is a higher power out there, but I don’t believe that He cares about us humans,” he said. As we chatted, I sensed a sadness in his voice. Although there were more clients waiting to be processed, I felt an urgency to continue our conversation.

Someone in the waiting room began to murmur, “What is taking so long?”

A man answered him, “This is where you can get spiritual counseling too.”

Back at my desk, I turned to Dennis and asked him if he had a Bible. He did. He knew the story of the flood and who Jesus was. But he couldn’t believe that it was true. How could it be? How could a loving God allow such suffering? He was homeless. Where could he go? There was nothing for him to look forward to but pain and misery.

I opened my Bible and began to read. “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you -- Dennis -- and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you -- Dennis -- unto Myself, that where I am, there ye -- Dennis -- may be also.” *

Dennis began to cry. Tears flowed freely down his parched cheeks. Was Jesus really preparing a place for him in heaven? It seemed too good to be true. We prayed together. Then he took his seat at the waiting room.

“Number 15,” I called. A middle-aged lady sauntered over to my desk.

“It was beautiful,” she said to me.

“I beg your pardon?”

“What you said to that man. I heard every word,” the lady said. “The Holy Spirit was with you."

*John 14:1-3

The Deserted Ski Resort

The weather was gorgeous. Jim and I decided to drive up to South Lake Tahoe for a much needed break. Friday we walked along the shores and embraced the beauty of one of the world’s largest, clearest, and deepest alpine lakes.

Early the next morning, we drove past the shimmering Aspens to the green forested mountains. Memories of bygone days tugged at our hearts as we entered the vacant Sierra Tahoe parking lot. Here at this very spot we had brought our children to play in the snow and ski on the Bunny Slopes. And now, it was quiet and peaceful. Surrounding us were tall pines gracefully swaying in the gentle autumn breeze and twittering birds hopping amongst the brush hunting for grubs. It was a perfect setting to spend time with God.

We enjoyed our leisure picnic lunch and while Jim read his book, I tromped into the thick woods to look around. Before long it was time to go. As we headed back down the narrow winding road we came across an iron gate. Jim hopped out of the van to open it. The sign at the gate said the park would close at 5:30PM. We checked our watch. It was 4:00PM. They had closed early for the Labor Day weekend. Jim tried unsuccessfully to lift the iron bar from the latch. The 2 padlocks were securely fastened and the chain link would not budge. With a look of utter dismay he announced, "We're locked in.”

He spun the car around and drove back to the deserted ski resort. We climbed up the hill to the empty lodge. Peering through the dark windows and knocking on every door, I called, “Hello! Hello, hello!” No answer. It was eerie....like a ghost town. No one knew where we were.

Mountain elevation was close to 8000 feet. Wind was picking up and temperature was steadily dropping. It could get a bit chilly at night. Once we had spotted a wild coyote in the woods. I wonder if there are cougars up here, Jim thought out loud.

The sun was setting. There was nothing more to do now but wait. As we slowly walked back to the direction of our car, I prayed silently. “Dear God, if You want us to stay here for the next 3 days in this cold mountain with the coyotes and cougars, umm…that’s OK. But I’d rather not because……..” Suddenly we heard a loud SLAM. A security officer walked out of the building. PRAISE GOD!!

For before they call, I will answer and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

Happy Sabbath!!

We just returned a few days ago from the Dec. 28,2005-Jan.1, 2006 General Youth Conference held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, TN. Over 3500 young people from the United States, England, Romania, South Africa, Sudan, Iceland, Norway, and the Philippines attended. What a blessing it was to see them on fire for the Lord. Seminars were filled and overflowing. Many resorted to standing or sitting on the floor. Doors were kept open so others in the hallway could strain their ears to hear. 2000 young people knocked on 9,117 doors Sabbath afternoon preparing the city of Chattanooga for the forthcoming evangelistic meetings by Mark Finley. As a result of this outreach, 852 people requested for Bible studies. Praise the Lord!

GYC is an organization led by young people who want to prepare an army for the cause of God. Let us pray for them as they stand up for truth and witness for their faith

For more information, visit their website: http://www.generalyouthconference.org/

Welcome!

Thanks to my son, I am officially initiated into the world of technology. Do stay and visit awhile.

It is freezing cold outside. Treat yourself to a steamy cup of Roma or if you prefer hot herbal tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a spoonful of sweet honey there is a nice variety for you to choose from. So, make yourself comfortable around the fireplace. Lounge on the blue sofa or stretch out on the soft carpet. Close your eyes and relax to the soothing sounds of Vivaldi's music. The winter scene of the "Four Seasons" has just begun.