Thursday, July 7, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thanking God For Our Provisions
I just came home from breakfast with some friends.
it's just a bunch of guys that get together once a month. I am hardly able to be with them due to my travel schedule. Today, it really seemed like everyone had major concerns with the economic situations in which we live. JOBS! Truthfully, I find that when my personal world gets cloudy … the entire world might as well be off kilter.
I guess I feel sometimes like I am living my very own BP Oil Spill Crisis.
As we went around the table talking this morning it was very clear that everyone is having some degree of concern or worry about tomorrow. Where is our provision going to come from? When will it show up? What will be the next hardship to get ready for? Why is this happening to me?
Lost employment. Cut employment. Home foreclosures. Death of young loved ones. Hardships in relationships. Marital difficulties. Kids (need I say more).
Do you ever wonder why so many turn to excessive alcohol, drugs or something else to help them cope? I sure don't!
Pain and suffering are everywhere. In the USA, we know very little about pain and suffering compared to many parts of the world … but we are certainly learning how fickle our way of life is becoming.
I want to write my view on why bad things happen in another post in order to also hear your responses as well.
Tough times! Who will provide a solution? Who is the provider? I believe … HE HASN’T CHANGED A BIT!
The Bible teaches us that whether we believe in God or not … all things come from above.
James 1:17 says - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
It says … if it’s good … if it’s perfect … it comes from God above.
I will address our pain and suffering encounters in a future post. BUT just for now, just for this moment ... focus on these words: If it’s good … if it’s perfect … it comes from God! God alone is the source of all things "good".
That means … whether or not you believe it … anything from a well timed tuna sandwich to a carefully structured retirement fund is from God above. Air is from God!
Now, I know some of you don’t believe that! And I am not saying that it is true!
I am telling you it IS what the Bible says … and I'm telling you that I believe what the Bible says. You may not! And I will fight for your right to your view and ... we can still be friends.
And I just want you to know that you can think me to be an idiot for believing in such an old book! No offense taken (I actually get that a lot). But in the end I believe your argument isn't with me at all.
I believe your argument is with God.
Who is the provider? I believe … HE HASN’T CHANGED A BIT!
He is waiting on us.
Maybe we don’t talk to Him enough.
He wants relationship with us, not Churchianity. I mean it isn’t about going to church with a rubbadub-dub, sing the song, clap the hands, take communion, leave some cash and head home to get the holy suit and tie off.
God is trying to infiltrate every aspect of your life. He wants to talk to you. He wants you to talk to Him. He wants to hear your tears and pain. He wants to hear your joy and laughter. He wants to hear your praise and worship. He wants to be acknowledged as the good provider that He is for you. He loves you and gave His life for you.
Thank Him and accept His provision today!
Real quick here. So, how do I find this God that you say is as real as the car in the driveway?
Throughout the Bible there are declarations that if you really seek for God ... you ARE going to find Him. Many people think that God is trying to hide from them. In fact, quite the opposite is true on two fronts.
1. God is has been trying to get your attention ... even now when you read these words. You were brought here at the right time.
2. Many people are trying to hide from God. Deep in their guts they don't want accountability. They think if the don't fully encounter God they won't be subject to His standards. So they really are not seeking Him.
Hey, there's HOPE out there!
God loves those rebellious people! How do I know? I ARE ONE. But Thank God I found Him ... through painful and tough situations in my 53 years to be exactly who He said He is. I am still learning and still trusting (slower than most) but I am resisting less and less.
Are you really looking for God?
In Jeremiah 33:3, it says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
In Matthew 7:7-8, it says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
If you really want to find this God ... you must be open to actually finding Him. Don't deny that He is there in your mind and tell others you are searching for Him. He's there! Wanna find Him? Earnestly pray this ... God if your out there ... help me to find you. Amen. Pray THAT every day. God wants to talk to you! And God keeps His promises! If YOU really SEEK, YOU will really FIND!
Back to Thanking God For Our Provisions.
When I worry … I like to read a passage of Scripture in Matthew 6:25-33. Jesus is talking in what is known as The Sermon on the Mount.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I am still learning to trust God one day at a time.
May God bless you all in these tough times. Scatter your prayers at the feet of King of Kings!
NikonSniper Steve
it's just a bunch of guys that get together once a month. I am hardly able to be with them due to my travel schedule. Today, it really seemed like everyone had major concerns with the economic situations in which we live. JOBS! Truthfully, I find that when my personal world gets cloudy … the entire world might as well be off kilter.
I guess I feel sometimes like I am living my very own BP Oil Spill Crisis.
As we went around the table talking this morning it was very clear that everyone is having some degree of concern or worry about tomorrow. Where is our provision going to come from? When will it show up? What will be the next hardship to get ready for? Why is this happening to me?
Lost employment. Cut employment. Home foreclosures. Death of young loved ones. Hardships in relationships. Marital difficulties. Kids (need I say more).
Do you ever wonder why so many turn to excessive alcohol, drugs or something else to help them cope? I sure don't!
Pain and suffering are everywhere. In the USA, we know very little about pain and suffering compared to many parts of the world … but we are certainly learning how fickle our way of life is becoming.
I want to write my view on why bad things happen in another post in order to also hear your responses as well.
Tough times! Who will provide a solution? Who is the provider? I believe … HE HASN’T CHANGED A BIT!
The Bible teaches us that whether we believe in God or not … all things come from above.
James 1:17 says - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
It says … if it’s good … if it’s perfect … it comes from God above.
I will address our pain and suffering encounters in a future post. BUT just for now, just for this moment ... focus on these words: If it’s good … if it’s perfect … it comes from God! God alone is the source of all things "good".
That means … whether or not you believe it … anything from a well timed tuna sandwich to a carefully structured retirement fund is from God above. Air is from God!
Now, I know some of you don’t believe that! And I am not saying that it is true!
I am telling you it IS what the Bible says … and I'm telling you that I believe what the Bible says. You may not! And I will fight for your right to your view and ... we can still be friends.
And I just want you to know that you can think me to be an idiot for believing in such an old book! No offense taken (I actually get that a lot). But in the end I believe your argument isn't with me at all.
I believe your argument is with God.
Who is the provider? I believe … HE HASN’T CHANGED A BIT!
He is waiting on us.
Maybe we don’t talk to Him enough.
He wants relationship with us, not Churchianity. I mean it isn’t about going to church with a rubbadub-dub, sing the song, clap the hands, take communion, leave some cash and head home to get the holy suit and tie off.
God is trying to infiltrate every aspect of your life. He wants to talk to you. He wants you to talk to Him. He wants to hear your tears and pain. He wants to hear your joy and laughter. He wants to hear your praise and worship. He wants to be acknowledged as the good provider that He is for you. He loves you and gave His life for you.
Thank Him and accept His provision today!
Real quick here. So, how do I find this God that you say is as real as the car in the driveway?
Throughout the Bible there are declarations that if you really seek for God ... you ARE going to find Him. Many people think that God is trying to hide from them. In fact, quite the opposite is true on two fronts.
1. God is has been trying to get your attention ... even now when you read these words. You were brought here at the right time.
2. Many people are trying to hide from God. Deep in their guts they don't want accountability. They think if the don't fully encounter God they won't be subject to His standards. So they really are not seeking Him.
Hey, there's HOPE out there!
God loves those rebellious people! How do I know? I ARE ONE. But Thank God I found Him ... through painful and tough situations in my 53 years to be exactly who He said He is. I am still learning and still trusting (slower than most) but I am resisting less and less.
Are you really looking for God?
In Jeremiah 33:3, it says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
In Matthew 7:7-8, it says "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
If you really want to find this God ... you must be open to actually finding Him. Don't deny that He is there in your mind and tell others you are searching for Him. He's there! Wanna find Him? Earnestly pray this ... God if your out there ... help me to find you. Amen. Pray THAT every day. God wants to talk to you! And God keeps His promises! If YOU really SEEK, YOU will really FIND!
Back to Thanking God For Our Provisions.
When I worry … I like to read a passage of Scripture in Matthew 6:25-33. Jesus is talking in what is known as The Sermon on the Mount.
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
I am still learning to trust God one day at a time.
May God bless you all in these tough times. Scatter your prayers at the feet of King of Kings!
NikonSniper Steve
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Memories Of Grandpa
This photo was taken by my niece, Brianna, in Canada. It was captured in cottage country, White Lake, Ontario, not far from Ottawa. This serene lakefront property was provided to their family by a loving grandfather as a getaway from busy city life. Grandpa Doug always had a smile on his face when I saw him. He passed through the veil of this life a year ago today ... but memories of his kindness and generosity will always be cherished.
Top 7 Most Viewed NikonSniper Posts
Well, as of this moment there has been 82,293 pageviews on NikonSniper since starting 28 months ago. I guess I started my counter on the blog after there had been roughly 13,300 hits.
NikonSniper has grown to 9,513 pageviews in the last month! WOW! Honestly, I really never saw THAT coming when this whole thing started. Just in the last two weeks, we have been visited by people from 74 countries. That's CRAZY! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ... for all your kind words of support!
I never would have guessed that these would be the Top 7 Pageviews. I actually just found out this information myself ... because I actually spent some time reading all this info that is available for you on a Stats page. I had no idea all this info was here. Thanks again to all of you. I hope you continue to enjoy what you see here in years ahead.
#1 Worship The Creator's Majesty - 861 Pageviews
#2 Merry Christmas 2010 - 437 Pageviews
#3 Fall Wild Flowers - 330 Pageviews
#4 Childhood Fishing Creek - 299 Pageviews
#5 Sittin' On A Bluebird House - 211 Pageviews
#6 Thanking God For The Voice - 207 Pageviews
#7 Rango Makes Hollywood Billboards - 194 Pageviews
NikonSniper has grown to 9,513 pageviews in the last month! WOW! Honestly, I really never saw THAT coming when this whole thing started. Just in the last two weeks, we have been visited by people from 74 countries. That's CRAZY! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ... for all your kind words of support!
I never would have guessed that these would be the Top 7 Pageviews. I actually just found out this information myself ... because I actually spent some time reading all this info that is available for you on a Stats page. I had no idea all this info was here. Thanks again to all of you. I hope you continue to enjoy what you see here in years ahead.
#1 Worship The Creator's Majesty - 861 Pageviews
#2 Merry Christmas 2010 - 437 Pageviews
#3 Fall Wild Flowers - 330 Pageviews
#4 Childhood Fishing Creek - 299 Pageviews
#5 Sittin' On A Bluebird House - 211 Pageviews
#6 Thanking God For The Voice - 207 Pageviews
#7 Rango Makes Hollywood Billboards - 194 Pageviews
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day 2011
This is our daughter Tara assisting wounded soldiers during training exercises as a field medic. Tara left us on Memorial Day 2010 so she is gone now a year. Tara is stationed in South Korea and hopes to get home for a short rest in the next few months.
On Memorial Day 2011, we are praying for all our troops out there in harms way and also those serving here in the USA. May the Lord guide and protect you all.
Tara ... we miss you and can't wait to see you again on this side of the water. Proud of you!
Love, Mom & Pops
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Back In Woodstock Illinois
Well, Kyle and I have survived the 1886 miles. We only missed one target on our list. I will still have to visit Four Corners on another trip.
We slept a little less than normal and basically averaged 300+ miles a day looking for photo targets between the main spots.
Dads, I can't recommend anything more than getting away with your kids one on one, even if they are adult kids. Kyle and I talked about a million things. The TV was hardly ever on when we made it to hotels, mostly to see weather or news. Kyle and I had conversations of a lifetime and memories that will last forever.
We experienced everything from 30 degrees in ice, slush and snow to 91 and sunny in our week together. One of the most incredible things was the survival of the rental car in Monument Valley and Grand Staircase National Park.
I have also added the State of Arizona to my list of States where I got to personally speak with a State Trooper. He was graceful handing me a warning this time for my 85mph experience on the new Hoover Dam Speedway.
Our GPS was stolen at the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn so we had to fly in the dark for a few days. I called a friend of mine in Colorado to say hello and he told me they make maps out of paper that you could buy at gas stations. Who knew?
Thanks to all of you who came along for the photo ride on NikonSniper. We enjoyed your comments and good wishes. I will be chilling for a few days as my trigger finger is a bit tired. I am not sure how many photos we took ... but I kept 7238.
Have a great week. Keep on shooting! Only you can photograph the world around you!
NikonSniper Steve & Kyle
We slept a little less than normal and basically averaged 300+ miles a day looking for photo targets between the main spots.
Dads, I can't recommend anything more than getting away with your kids one on one, even if they are adult kids. Kyle and I talked about a million things. The TV was hardly ever on when we made it to hotels, mostly to see weather or news. Kyle and I had conversations of a lifetime and memories that will last forever.
We experienced everything from 30 degrees in ice, slush and snow to 91 and sunny in our week together. One of the most incredible things was the survival of the rental car in Monument Valley and Grand Staircase National Park.
I have also added the State of Arizona to my list of States where I got to personally speak with a State Trooper. He was graceful handing me a warning this time for my 85mph experience on the new Hoover Dam Speedway.
Our GPS was stolen at the Kayenta Monument Valley Inn so we had to fly in the dark for a few days. I called a friend of mine in Colorado to say hello and he told me they make maps out of paper that you could buy at gas stations. Who knew?
Thanks to all of you who came along for the photo ride on NikonSniper. We enjoyed your comments and good wishes. I will be chilling for a few days as my trigger finger is a bit tired. I am not sure how many photos we took ... but I kept 7238.
Have a great week. Keep on shooting! Only you can photograph the world around you!
NikonSniper Steve & Kyle
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Meeting The School President
Well, that graduation deal is over and we are sitting at O'Hare for our flight West. Here is Kyle's handshake with the school president. Kyle will head back to Northern Illinois University to begin study in a Master's program after his 4th summer working for W-T Engineering in Hoffman Estates. W-T Engineering has played a significant roll in his career development and in helping to fund big college debt.
Now for the plane ride and we will begin posting our trip photos tomorrow.
NikonSniper Steve
Graduation Road Trip
Well, here's the plan for the trip starting on Saturday evening!
Our son, Kyle graduates from Northern Illinois University around 2:00 PM and we will hang around for a few photos and will head home and then straight to the airport for a late evening flight (May 14) to Las Vegas.
Here is the route we will be driving in a somewhat clockwise path and photographing Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Staircase, Old Paria Town, Paria Canyon Wilderness, Lake Powell, Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Mexican Hat, Goosenecks State Park, Arches National Park, Four Corners, Gallup, New Mexico, Painted Desert, Old Route 66, Petrified Forest, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and more Las Vegas Lights.
We will cover more than 1800 miles in a week and we are going to try to drive 50 miles straight through the dirt road desert to keep the mileage under 2100. How's about that? My last trip needed two rental cars ... this one might take three.
As I mentioned before, our trip will include a photography guide and will allow us to have a full moon to photograph over Monument Valley.
We hope you will join us for the ride on this complete photography trip. Kyle has always shown interest in photography and has even taken some pretty whack photos over the years. The photo at the top of the main page on NikonSniper is actually Kyle taking a picture into a mirror. I flipped the photo so you could read Nikon on the camera and altered his eye to give it a bit of a cyborg feel.
I will start posting photos from this trip on Sunday evening as we will be running and gunning until we can find an Internet connection to upload.
I will try to post a graduation shot or two from O'Hare Airport late on Saturday before we fly.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
NikonSniper Steve
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