Tuesday, January 18, 2011
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
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Chore Of Writing
I absolutely HATE writing. Sometimes the writing chore makes it all the way up to "just OK".
I guess I really don't like commenting on every stinkin' photo. Most of the time I would rather not say anything other than post a name on the photo for reference purposes. I don't like a lotta yadda yadda yadda about what the photo means to me ... so as not to influence what a photo might mean to you.
I guess I just don't want NikonSniper to be some kind of personal diary.
I think this scene from Dances with Wolves accurately portrays what I think of keeping a diary.
Hope you enjoy this clip as much as I do.
NikonSniper Steve
I guess I really don't like commenting on every stinkin' photo. Most of the time I would rather not say anything other than post a name on the photo for reference purposes. I don't like a lotta yadda yadda yadda about what the photo means to me ... so as not to influence what a photo might mean to you.
I guess I just don't want NikonSniper to be some kind of personal diary.
I think this scene from Dances with Wolves accurately portrays what I think of keeping a diary.
Hope you enjoy this clip as much as I do.
NikonSniper Steve
Monday, January 3, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Getting A Fresh Start to 2011
This photo and other similar variations were taken using cameras we purchased for our three oldest granddaughters for Christmas. Kellyn, Kiara and Kyla have been exploring the new world of digital photography during their school break.
I think that the earlier they learn the general photographic rules, the earlier they will learn to effectively break every one of the rules to produce cool photos of their own. I only wish I was with them when they caught this treeline with their Dad a few days ago. I think I would have shot about 300-400 rounds at this setting. This one was captured by Kyla, our 8 year old photo buff. Imagine being a bit jealous at 53. I thought this photo had kind of a fresh feel to begin the new year off right on NikonSniper.
Hope you enjoyed the shots from 2010 and I also hope you have been enjoying shooting your own world a little more. I can't wait to see what God drags in front of me to photograph this coming year.
NikonSniper Steve
Friday, December 31, 2010
Happy New Year from NikonSniper
Happy New Year to all from NikonSniper. Be safe as you travel.
God bless! NikonSniper Steve
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas 2010
Well, folks, it's that time of year again. I am shutting down till January 2nd. So that's it for 2010. Your comments will be displayed here as usual but there will be a few days without any new postings. I need to just soak in the time with family.
And, there's no chance I'm quittin' on ya. I hope I can shoot and post photos for the rest of my life ... but a rest is good for the mind too. I want to thank you all for your kind wishes at this season. I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your families. May God bless you with His mercy and grace. Wise men still seek Him today.
Catch you in a few days.
NikonSniper Steve
Catch you in a few days.
NikonSniper Steve
Friday, December 24, 2010
NikonSniper ... Needs for 2011
I am a photographer. I have discovered that I need a professional website builder with limitless ability and creativity to help recreate www.NikonSniper.com in 2011. I want NikonSniper to be a ministry for Jesus Christ and I need a complete redesign in order to open up so many other areas of support. I want the website to include regular devotional encouragement, hope and support for those hurting in this world.
I am not a wealthy man ... so I need a Christian volunteer. It would be even better if you lived in Northern Illinois but beggers can't be choosers. Gee ... is that too much to ask? I believe if God wants this to happen he will provide a way. In fact, He is able to provide beyond all I ask or think. If you are interested, please write to nikonsniperguy@aol.com. Please title your email "Website Pro". Thanks. I look forward to this next year with the website.
NikonSniper Steve
I am not a wealthy man ... so I need a Christian volunteer. It would be even better if you lived in Northern Illinois but beggers can't be choosers. Gee ... is that too much to ask? I believe if God wants this to happen he will provide a way. In fact, He is able to provide beyond all I ask or think. If you are interested, please write to nikonsniperguy@aol.com. Please title your email "Website Pro". Thanks. I look forward to this next year with the website.
NikonSniper Steve
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
What A Wonderful World
I am still basking in the new joy and excitement of another granddaughter (Javey Elizabeth Baird) born earlier this week. Have you ever heard the song "What a Wonderful World"? I love that song more and more the older I get. Louis Armstrong's raspy voice is beautiful when he sings it.
I know, I know ... it's very clear that the world is flawed. We earthlings have problems on the horizon everywhere.
I used to watch TV but for the most part ... I quit doing that. I guess I got tired of being told in every commercial and TV show that I wasn't good enough to own this car, that house, this boat, these vacations, this body, that portfolio, this lifestyle or that career. Crime is rampant and it is advertised moments after it happens in gruesome detail. It seems like bad news is broadcast wider than anything good. Any given day you can encounter stories telling us that we are heading to disaster with the O-Zone layer, famine, poverty, the destruction of human life and on and on and on.
So I shut it off.
It's not hard to see a very gray world. I just gotta stop! You may think I have put my head in the sand when I say this ... but this old boy can't deal with that picture anymore. I am not invincible ... as I once believed. I am older. I looked at my skin up close with a high power microscope and wow does that look scarey. I really am living under a curse. Nobody gets outta here alive!
This is why I photograph anything beautiful. I want people to see the remaining beauty in this world that is everywhere ... and it is screaming for our attention. When I take these pictures I feel incredibly blessed. I can also worship the creator God who breathed these things into being. I see God when I look at Javey's perfect little hands.
I celebrate the majesty of His creation. I am humbled by His willingness to provide a way for me to find Him personally. I am a very flawed man. Just ask anyone I work with or live with ... but in Christ alone I have been given great hope for eternity. Do you know Him?
One day, Jesus will repair this earth and it will be even better. Yes! Better! Can you imagine what it looked like thousands of years ago? One day I will have hands that look like Javey's again. Everything will be restored again. What a wonderful world. What a wonderful God! What a wonderful Savior IS JESUS my LORD!
Rejoice and be glad!
NikonSniper Steve
NikonSniper Steve
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Welcoming Javey Elizabeth Baird
On December 13th, we welcomed our newest family arrival into the world. Javey Elizabeth Baird arrived a little early to Joel & Chelsea Baird of Woodstock, IL. She is now our 6th granddaughter. Javey has made her self known from early on to be quite a kicker. We can now embrace her softly in our hands while she catches up on her sleep. Javey and Chelsea are recovering well and we are grateful to God for her safe arrival.
The surprise arrival of Javey this year makes the Christmas season especially exciting for her five girl-y cousins who live across town.
Javey is a tiny 5lbs, 6oz and is something to see. She is a beautiful miracle that God has allowed us to hold.
In Ephesians Chapter 1, we learn that we are eternally known by God. We learn that we were in fact known by Him prior to the foundation of the earth. What an awesome plan! God's love, grace and mercy have once again been bestowed upon us. We thank Him for allowing us the full joy of another safe arrival. I am such a blessed poppy.
Atta girl Chelsea! May God be glorified in Javey's life and through yours as you and Joel begin a house of three!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Welcome Home TARA
Well, folks, tomorrow my wife and I will travel to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX for the graduation of our daughter Tara from 68W Army Combat Field Medic training. While Tara was away she earned her National EMT Certification as well.
Tara will return home with us for a few days after all the graduation ceremony and hoopla but unfortunately she will be leaving home again before Christmas to begin her journey to her new station at Camp Casey in South Korea near the 38th parallel. For those friends and family who are following Tara a little more closely, you can read a bit more about Camp Casey here. We don't know much ourselves yet as we just take military parenting a day at a time. Tara will wear the patch shown above in South Korea as a member of the 2nd Infantry Division.
We will have some very precious hours with her here as she has now been away since Memorial Day doing basic training and now AIT. I will take many photos of her with our family before her departure as we will not likely see her again until summertime when she will get her leave.
We are very proud of all she has done. She has toughed through many things she didn't really like in order to serve her country and even prepare herself for the world after the military ... no matter how long that is from now.
Proud of you kiddo! I knew you could survive anything put in front of you since you managed to survive a Dad who still really needs some parenting education.
May the Lord guide you in everything and watch over your steps. May Christ grow inside you and cause you to fully understand the price He willing paid for you. May your heart learn to trust Him alone in all things and make you yearn deeply for His Word!
You are MY daughter! But God has known you before the foundation of the world. Read Ephesians Chapter 1. He loves you more than we can because He is perfect in every way ... and you know I ain't THAT!
With hearts full of joy anticipating being with you HERE again!
Love, Mom & Dad
Tara will return home with us for a few days after all the graduation ceremony and hoopla but unfortunately she will be leaving home again before Christmas to begin her journey to her new station at Camp Casey in South Korea near the 38th parallel. For those friends and family who are following Tara a little more closely, you can read a bit more about Camp Casey here. We don't know much ourselves yet as we just take military parenting a day at a time. Tara will wear the patch shown above in South Korea as a member of the 2nd Infantry Division.
We will have some very precious hours with her here as she has now been away since Memorial Day doing basic training and now AIT. I will take many photos of her with our family before her departure as we will not likely see her again until summertime when she will get her leave.
We are very proud of all she has done. She has toughed through many things she didn't really like in order to serve her country and even prepare herself for the world after the military ... no matter how long that is from now.
Proud of you kiddo! I knew you could survive anything put in front of you since you managed to survive a Dad who still really needs some parenting education.
May the Lord guide you in everything and watch over your steps. May Christ grow inside you and cause you to fully understand the price He willing paid for you. May your heart learn to trust Him alone in all things and make you yearn deeply for His Word!
You are MY daughter! But God has known you before the foundation of the world. Read Ephesians Chapter 1. He loves you more than we can because He is perfect in every way ... and you know I ain't THAT!
With hearts full of joy anticipating being with you HERE again!
Love, Mom & Dad
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
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