Prayers for you who are hurting. Prayers for those who need jobs. Prayers for you who have severed relationships that need repair. Prayers for you who are heavy burdened.
We all have trials. Boy, I sure do! And we can spend so much time worrying about tomorrow.
If you are struggling with worrying about the future. Read Matthew 6:25-34 over and over.
If you feel like you are doing well right now ... stop and pray for those in need. Try to think of any ways that you can encourage and help those who are done ... and do it!
This week I saw another political poll. I am not taking sides with any political party here. Let's just say ... I only believe in a political party that is yet to come. It won't be here until Jesus reigns on earth.
The poll I saw simply asked, "What is America's most concerning issue RIGHT NOW?"
5,634 votes for "Get America out of debt"
4,879 votes for "Fix the economy so businesses can create jobs"
2,000 votes for "Fix or repeal the health care law "
1,964 votes for "Secure our borders"
1,499 votes for "Promote patriotism and a belief in God"
918 votes for "Reset the nation’s moral compass"
211 votes for "Fix our public education system"
193 votes for "End the war in Afghanistan"
166 votes for "Step up the fight against terrorism"
157 votes for "Strengthen the military"
79 votes for "High speed rail for most of America"
24 votes for "WiFi access for America"
19 votes for "Secure the Internet from attack"
These issues hit all of us! In America, both sides of the political aisle seem to clueless and leadership voids. No offense intended, ... but the world is already crying out for real leadership.
I am not saying that there is no one who has leadership value in America. There are those whom I believe are outwardly well intended. They just seem to be harder to spot.
Look at the world. Keep your eyes on Egypt. Do you think this situation will end up being positive? It might, but I doubt it. Corruption in America and throughout the world is at an all time high.
I am a simple person, ... and I have learned painfully to trust no one in my world other than my family and a relatively small circle of friends. Think of it. How many names of people would you write on a sheet of paper saying I totally trust this person?
One day this will all be fixed!
The Bible says there is a coming kingdom that shall never end.
The older I get ... I long for this day.
In Isaiah 9:6-7a, it reads ...
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
No matter where you are tonight, no matter what your situation, no matter how lost you feel ... JESUS IS the answer. The Future IS bright when you choose Him!
God bless.
NikonSniper Steve
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Groundhog Day 2011
The upper midwest is getting hammered with snow today. I looked out the door from which I usually leave the house every morning only to discover that drifting snow has pinned the door closed. I will post photos of the digout and from anywhere I can get in our community as the day goes on. Snow plows have not been able to get through as the storm keeps coming.
Groundhog Day has been cancelled as it is highly unlikely that they will even think about diggin' out to see their shadows.
Groundhog Day has been cancelled as it is highly unlikely that they will even think about diggin' out to see their shadows.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Coveted Stylish Blogger Award
So, It's a fact.
I am the worst blog award accepter in the world! So many of you send me these kind of thingys to place on NikonSniper. I usually just thank you for mentioning NikonSniper and for dropping by to see the photos.
Generally speaking, the awards are kinda similar ... however, it's just the rules to receive the awards that seem to vary greatly.
Some want you to tell your life story in a short form novel. Preferably in paperback form.
Some want to play word association games. When I say "PeeWee Herman" ... you say?
Some ask for your birthdate, social security number, recent photo and your bank tracking records.
Some ask for 3 things about you, 7 things about you, 9 lies you've told, etc.
Some ask you random questions like Potato(e) or Rice?
OK, … I gotta nuther award. This time it came from Child of God. So thank you Child of God for passing on the coveted Stylish Blogger Award that has eluded me for years. I would often lie awake in bed wondering why this one award kept dodging me. Is it my style? Is it the black background on the blog? Is it the Sniper part of the name? So, Child of God, congratulations on your Stylish Blogger Award and for being willing to pass this wonderful treasure along to me. I will certainly sleep easier tonight!
NikonSniper Stylish Blogger Rules
1. Tell your readers 10 things about yourself that indicate exactly how weird you really are.
2. Select one bloggie to give the award to so they can have their 15 minutes of fame.
So here are the 10 things you might know (or might have assumed) about me:
1. I ate "A LOT" of lead base paint chips when I was a child.
2. I spent many years of my youth handcuffed to a water fountain in a Texas grade school.
3. My favorite movies are Uncle Buck and What About Bob.
4. I would like to see every member of the House of Representatives and Senate defeated by a newcomer in EVERY election.
5. I have a crazy psycho large jazz collection. I decided to buy this instead of college education for my children. To me, it was basically a good decision because man those CD's sound good.
6. I would like to take all my bloggies on a field trip to Australia for a serious photographic field study.
7. I fell out of the front of a trailer being pulled by a tractor when I was 10. The trailer wheel went over my head while I was on the ground. Thanks for stoppin’ Gramps!
8. I spent time doing standup comedy on a dare in Canada in my mid-twenties. I didn't find myself funny enough when the big guy in the front kept shouting, "That's Not Funny, ... I Said, MAKE Me Laugh".
9. My father was a pastor in Canada during my most trying teen years. That was his bad luck not mine.
10. I am amazed every day of my life by God’s mercy, grace, love, and provision for me.
By the way, ... those lead base paints chips still taste good.
And now … ending my short-lived fame, I would like to bestow the coveted Stylish Blogger Award upon MontanaGirl. I have always enjoyed viewing her photography blog and the wildlife in that beautiful part of the country. Congratulations MontanaGirl.
All the best to you. I hope you all have a great weekend!
NikonSniper Steve
NikonSniper Steve
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tired Dog Needs Rest
So, … Do you ever get that blahhhhh feeling in the middle of the winter? Maybe not if you live in the far South. Like, … it sure would be great to wake up every day in Sydney, Australia right now.
I feel like life is taking me through a quiet season. Things have been very tough in this business climate. I am honestly just thankful I even have a job. I feel like I am hearing God speak to me more these days. Maybe He wants to move me somewhere else. Maybe not!
Sometimes when I feel exhausted or discouraged, it helps for me to meditate on the fact that two seconds after I kick the bucket, … none of these day to day trials will matter at all to me.
The Bible teaches us to be careful as to exactly what we hold important in life.
In Luke 12:15b-20, it reads …
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
After reading this, I know I need to chill and rest in the fact that I am God’s child through faith in Christ and that nothing is more important in this life than seeking FIRST the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:25-34).
If I could reach out and hand you anything I have … it would be His peace. Jesus loves you and wants to give you eternal life. Say yes to Him. (John 3:16).
I just believe this is the most important thing I can say to you today. I wouldn’t intentionally try offend any of you.
God bless you all. Thank you for your kind words left on this website.
NikonSniper Steve
I feel like life is taking me through a quiet season. Things have been very tough in this business climate. I am honestly just thankful I even have a job. I feel like I am hearing God speak to me more these days. Maybe He wants to move me somewhere else. Maybe not!
Sometimes when I feel exhausted or discouraged, it helps for me to meditate on the fact that two seconds after I kick the bucket, … none of these day to day trials will matter at all to me.
The Bible teaches us to be careful as to exactly what we hold important in life.
In Luke 12:15b-20, it reads …
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
After reading this, I know I need to chill and rest in the fact that I am God’s child through faith in Christ and that nothing is more important in this life than seeking FIRST the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:25-34).
If I could reach out and hand you anything I have … it would be His peace. Jesus loves you and wants to give you eternal life. Say yes to Him. (John 3:16).
I just believe this is the most important thing I can say to you today. I wouldn’t intentionally try offend any of you.
God bless you all. Thank you for your kind words left on this website.
NikonSniper Steve
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
AND the Winner IS ....
We finally hit 3333 followers on NikonSniper!
Congratulations Teri of Greenwood, California. You are the winner of the drawing for for the 1TB Hard Drive. I hope you enjoy.
God bless.
NikonSniper Steve
Thanks to the rest of you for entering the contest. Stay tuned for more drawings. You can enter the NikonSniper 4000 Drawing here.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Our Twin Granddaughters
Memories! Here are our darling twiner granddaughters, Kellyn & Kiara. They turn 10 years old this week and they still have this smile when they see us. So, I guess it's still cool to be around poppy when you're 10.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Somewhere On This Planet
Somewhere on this planet
I'm sure you'll soon awake
to find your face on your Daddy's blog
and think for goodness sake.
Though we seem so far away
and all around is weird
The God who made both you and I
can hold us when we're a-fear'd.
You know I'm not a poet
but at least I took a try.
Just know we love and miss you and ...
awe geeez another tear is in my eye.
Love you Tara, Pops
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