Tattered Dreams

I have to confess that right now I am very angry and saddened by the events in Wisconsin and Missouri ..While in time these events will be reduced to ..blaming madmen for the atrocity ..what angers me is I sincerely believe most of us bear some responsibility . We have as a culture allowed hateful rhetoric , and mean spirited snarkyness become a way of life . The current Presidential campaign is a perfect example ..no matter what candidate you are planning to vote for ...the hate on both sides is simply appalling , name calling , rumours , slander , gossip all have become the new normal .

As a Christian ..How does this type of activity witness for the Kingdom ? Unless Jesus comes soon ..we can plan to have this kind of dissent ion at least every four years ..and I can almost guarantee that in for more years we as a society will still be whining , and blaming our elected officials for our mistakes.

How about this ? Lets Knock it off ! Stop attacking Muslims , stop spreading rumors and falsehoods , check your facts ...belive it or not a Blog post is not NEWS nor is it usually factual ..its a personal opinion ..great! good to have them ..but its not factual . Stop insulting the President ...you want your children to respect your authority ? then respect the Leaders of this nation . If you want a new Leader ..vote for him , better yet work for his election ..learn something , share positive information ..I may be whacked , but I am inclined to vote for what a person plans to do and what He stands for , not for the person who can throw the most mud .

As the Mainstream of culture we may not be as evil as those who perpetuate these acts of horror and terrorism ..but we do enable them ...

Exploding whales and other stories

1st Samuel 16:17

Man looks at the Outward appearance but God looks at the Heart.


This verse has been one Lori and I have based our Photography Ministry on , most often it reminds us to look at people the way God looks at people . but I also believe it has another meaning as well. God sees thing sin whole , often man only sees things in part ...and the part we see is frequently very limited .

As a species we keep insisting that we can do one thing , without fully understanding how tht one thing affects all those other things . As a result we end up with Hydro electric Dams that create energy but destroy vital fish runs , we harvest Huge tracts of Lumber but leave the way prepared for devestating landslides.

Recently I was on the Oregon Coast and I was saddened to see several houses perched on cliff tops that were being consumed by the Ocean . At one time these homes must have seemed very safe and secure ..High above the ocean waves , but all all one would have to so would be take a walk along the beach below the homes to notice the signs of past erosion of the same cliff face .

This is not a new lesson.

Bayocean was a thriving community located in Tillamook County. It was a planned community that its founders T. I Potter and His father Thomas Sr built in the early 1900's . Bayocean was built on a spit of land with the Pacific Ocean to the West and Tillamook Bay to the East . It was only accessible by Steamship and it fast became a luxury residence for the Wealthy of the Pacific Northwest . At a time when Many towns in Oregon lacked Plumbing and electricity , Bay Ocean had both . It even had a road and a garage . The roads dead ended both North and South , so Cars had to be ferried there as well. The resort was founded in 1906 and by 1914 the population was over 2000. The town boasted a dance hall , a movie theater that could hold 1000 people , a covered Swimming pool ( the largest on the west coast ) with even a place for a band to play music as people swam. Also included were a bowling ally , a shooting range , rail systym , four miles of paved streets , tennis courts , a cannery and a Tin Shop. The one thing the Community lacked was a comfortable way for the Steam ship to make it across the Bar that led into the safe harbour . The trip over the bar was very uncomfortable making for more than one queasy stomach . The residents of the community petitioned the Army Corp of Engineers to build a Jetty into the Bay outlet to make the crossing more bearable . The Army Corp Studied the problem and suggested that what was needed were two Jetties one to the North the other to the South . The cost would be just over $2 Million dollars with the residents paying for half of the bill . The residents chose to adapt to a less costly alternative and instead a single Jetty was . Jetty was built at about half the cost . The result was a much smoother ride into the bay. And ....a dramatic change in the erosion of the Sandy Beach protecting the community . Storms immediately began to eat away at the Coast line . In 1932 a winter storm pushed waves into the community and destroyed the Swimming pool . Then over a period of about ten years the took over the entire town . by 1952 the town was an island and in 1970 the last remaining building was washed into the sea . Now all that remains is a sign pointing to the watery grave.

Hopefully we learn from these mistakes . but a drive down the Oregon Coast will see new communities being built on land that is in similar peril.

In 1970 another incident happened that has a similar foundation . It is if you will a whale of a story: On November 12 1970 a 45 foot long Sperm whale beached itself just South of Florence Oregon. It was unable to return to the sea and died on the Beach . The problem what to do with Eight tons of rotting whale meat ? At that time the Oregon beaches were technically part of the Oregon Highway Department . The task of disposing the whale fell up on the Highway engineers. The carcass could not be towed to sea , it was decided that it was too large to be buried . So a plan was put into effect to blow up the whale with dynamite. Apparently the use of a small nuclear weapon was frowned on. The next problem was how much explosive to use ? There were then as now not too many resources available to determine the amount needed to do the Job so a decision was made to err on the side of more is better than less. And even though there was in fact a dynamite expert on site who had been there on a business trip who suggested that the plan might be using a tad bit to much 1000 pounds of Dynamite was shoved into the whales gullet.
word of this soon made the rounds . Residents on the Oregon Coast arrived hours ahead of the demolition complete with picnic baskets , and chairs to watch the show . A news team from Portland's Channel 2 arrived to film the event as well .

In an on camera interview with Katu's Paul Linnman ( Paul and I went to High School together BTW ) Highway engineer George Thornton, said He wasn't sure how much explosives to use but He thought 20 cases should be enough. The Military expert who was at the scene had advised that 20 sticks would be enough , but His advice went unheeded. The expert , Walter Umenhofer did decide to stay and join the growing crowd of onlookers .

The camera rolled as the countdown began . and the Explosion went off without a hitch. It was the after explosion part that created considerable amount of drama. After all what goes up must come down. and down it came ..the Video shows much of the carnage until the point where the camera dropped the camera and ran for His own life . Whale Blubber rained down on the crowd as effortlessly as the Spring rains for the fourth of July parade . only this wasn't a light downpour it was chunks of meat falling from the sky . BIG chunks . Windshields were smashed , many of the crowd were covered in whale blubber ooze , and in a odd coincidence the Newly bought Car of Explosives expert Walter Umenhofer was flattened by a 500 lb chunk of whale . His car which was parked over 300 yards away , was recenly purchased at an Eugene Auto dealership . during ( no kidding ) a whale of a sale promotion . For years the story circulated around the planet , then it disappeared , many thought it was an urban legend . But a film clip surfaced in 1990 and was written about in a column by Dave Berry.

eventually the carcass was buried in the sand . Like Bayocean nothing remains of it today .

Sometimes we think we have the solution to our problems well in hand ..but often our expediency to solve today's problem only ends up with a bigger problem tomorrow .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUctxmz3zOY

Random

Been working on the photos from the Oregon Trip since we have returned . Today I spent most of the day glued to my chair . I am still culling photos from the digital stack. I begin i Ernest trying to delete the obvious deletes and get waylaid ...not to long ago I actually went through several days before i got waylaid . I am reluctant to delete the photos . I Know partially because each came with a moment , and that moment is one i want to hang unto . But clearly not all of these 30,000 plus or minus a few images are good images ..but then what is a good image ? How do I define good . If I am defining good as t how I feel about it , then I'M keeping almost all of them , if I define Good as to what the stock agencies think are good .. Five percent would be a stretch. Good for the verse of the day devotional we do , a years worth at least probably more ..it all seems so random to me .

I am it seems a photographer with out a clear focus , a writer without a clause . For years now I have been challenged to finish a book about my new life in Christ ...but I think it lacks direction , focus . I move forward only to be paralyzed by a lack of direction ...my direction is due South of random . Perhaps that is where it is supposed to be . I have been inspired by the storms of the month past . Wild crazy storms , that lashed the Oregon Coast with hurried winds that seemed to come in all directions at once . with waves that moved in opposition to each other ..I watched Giant swells smash against yielding cliffs and saw the wave rebound then slam into an oncoming wave. All random it seemed . Problem is I don't believe much in random ...the purpose here is beyond my understanding ..that doesn't make it random . It makes it beyond my understanding ...This evening we were guests at a blessing party for a friend at Church ...was a wonderful event dozens of friends wee present , each someone whose life had been touched by the person of honor . No order , no linear , or chronological order to these friendships or blessings ...Random but with purpose ....His life one of encouragement to others ..a few taking the time to thank him in person ...and yet hundreds , maybe more whose lives have been touched and blessed by his walk upon the planet . Blessings ricocheting randomly ...serving a purpose we cannot understand . Boundaries in pleasant places . Delightful inheritance ...Good night ...very good

Access for all

The entire coastline of Oregon is open to the public , there is no such thing as a " private " beach in Oregon .

There are two major pieces of public policy that provide and protect the publics' public access rights; the famous Oregon Beach Bill of 1967 and the State Planning Goal 17 for Shorelands. First, the Beach Bill established a permanent public easement for access and recreation along the ocean shore seaward of the existing line of vegetation, regardless of ownership.
Earlier legislation had established the wet sand portion as state property and a recreational area. (Oregon Revised Statutes 390.605-755) The Beach Bill also set forth a policy, under what is now the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD), to provide public access to the beach at routine intervals.
The second pillar of public access is the requirement in Statewide Planning Goal for Shorelands that cities and counties, in coordination with OPRD, have plans to provide public access. The goal also requires that local governments protect those access sites and replace them if they are lost for any reason.
What this means to beach users is that there is open access along the sandy beach area and at regulated sites leading to the ocean shore. It does not mean that the public has a right to access the beach from anywhere or that private property can't block access along the ocean shore. Still, as anyone who has traveled elsewhere knows Oregonians have it pretty good and shouldn't abuse the privilege. Use the designated access sites, don't trample on someone's private property, and be respectful of the public's resource.
Travelling down State Highway 101 there are frequent parks and pullouts for travellers ot gain access to the Beach. It has been said and I cannot dispute this that from any one State park on the Oregon Coast line you can see the Next state park to either the North or the South .
This is huge to me , anyone who can find their way to the Coast can play in the sand . Anyone can watch the waves , wade i the Ocean , look at the Tide pools , can take their photos in the sunset , can celebrate life on this 300 mile stretch of some of Gods most beautiful real estate .

Beauty from Ashes

One of our more interesting stops on the Oregon Coast was at a place called Art 101 and Washed Ashore . This Gallery caught our eye because of the very large and colorful American Eagle displayed on the side of the road as drove by , the scuplture was over 14 feet high , and when we pulled in to look at it we were surprised to see it mounted in well worn automobile tires. Turns out that the Entire sculture was made from trash collected on the Nearby Beaches .
More than 70 percent of the planet is covered by ocean, and for every square mile of ocean there are an estimated 46,000 bits of plastic. That’s a lot of flotsam and jetsam, and according to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California, it’s responsible for the injuries to 10 percent of the sea creatures the center treats. Seals, birds, sea turtles, dolphins and other ocean-going mammals eat plastic items floating by, such as disposable lighters or toothbrushes, or get tangled in abandoned nets or fishing line.
Oregon artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi makes colourful sea creatures out of beach trash to make a serious point about the growing problem of plastic in the ocean.
Her Art work is amazing from extremely large and complex statues to smaller take home kind of artifacts ...She employ's several people who wash , drill and cut the plastic that is collected fo ruse in art projects .
IN addition to this ...many schools in the area which is near Bandon Oregon . participate with Field trips where the children collect the trash off the beach . Angela then teaches the teachers and the students how to make art work of the trash .
The idea of an Artist using the discarded bits and pieces of our daily lives to create amazing works of art , and to encourage others to do as well ...seemed vaguely familiar to me .
Beauty from Ashes ...I wonder where i had heard that before . While I prowled around taking photos of the piles of maritime ropes and floats , household plastics and odds and ends ..Lori went inside the gift sho where she found out more information abut the gallery and secured permission for me to photograph. While speaking to the woman who was watching the gallery for the day , Lori was able to tell her abut our verse of the day Project , emphasizing that it was indeed an attempt to give people some Good News from the Good News of the Gospel . The lady is now on our Email list .
As I continued photographing the raw material and some of the finished projects as well ..I was deeply impressed ...how wonderful to see a piece of Trash as an Art object , to transform , something thrown away ..into something that was beautiful and inspiring .
We left ...and headed into Bandon ..a small town on the Oregon Coast , it was almost empty , it is more of a tourist town , and the tourists come in Summer . but the stores were opened and better yet so were the resturants ...we dinned on Fish and Chips , and I went one way to photograph the abandoned wooden piers that had caught my eye and Lori went into some of the Gift shops ...All the time I was thinking of the art Museum we had left ..earlier in the day.
It wasn't a large leap for me to begin to think about God and His redemption of fallen man ...to think on the changed lives and mended Hearts that His Love and grace has been responsible for ...Someone once asked me Ho I knew God existed ..my answer because of what I knew of the person was simply I Know He exists the same way I know you believe Dark Holes exist ...He gave me a puzzled look and I added as an Astronomer you know Dark Holes Exist not because you can see them ..but because of the affect they have on the stars around them ... I know God exists because of the affect he has on His Children ..the effect He has had on my life .
The Oceans are filled with the discarded and tossed away debris of a careless people ...more items litter the Beach that come from the land than from the sea ..but invariably most everything finds its way to the sea.
Here on the land the streets are filled with discarded and dismissed human beings , we find them in the workplace , in the taverns , in the rest homes . And while it would be inappropriate in a way to consider these peole as objects of art , they are an object of the heart .
This is God working through His people ..He takes us on field trips helps us to pick up the broken and tossed aside ... In Gods economy nothing goes to waste ....God is the master recycler .
I used to talk a lot about what I called the bucket theory of life ..basically it means that you can either take something from the bucket of another person , or you can add to the bucket of another person ...here i am talking about buckets of blessings ....
In this metephor I would say we are either trash collectors or Litterers ....this works for me both figurativly and Literally. We can choose to pick up after ourselves for sure and yes even pick up after others ..even if it seems unfair , after all its not our mess . And we can either leave behind us broken hearted people , or we cn hela up the broken hearted , we can either bring Good news ..or we can bring slander and gossip ...God Brings Beauty out of ashes . in the midst of our most stunning and horrifying failures He brings hope . Good does not just automatically happen at bad times. It requires human good will, human intentionality, and human effort. But Good rushes forth out of Gods Love and Grace through His people .
What is happening in our world with Litter and disregard for the Planet God has given us to be stewards of is shameful ....and even more so what is happening in our world with our objectifying people . ignoring people in need , instead of treating them as the individuals Jesus would have treated them as is sinful .
I have two points here ...perhaps poorly made ...one don't litter ..don't litter with your careless tossing away of garbage , and don't litter with your careless spirit ...Leave places and people better off than when you arrived . And Thank you LOrd for the powerful message of reconciliation , of your grace and redemption ...Thank you for binding up the broken hearted , for bringing the good news through us who you have called ot be your ministers of reconciliation and not condemnation ...

At the troubled waters edge

It was a cold day on the beach , winds from the North were bitter . The sun had come out to tease people into walking on the beach, myself included . I had wanted to do some shooting at the waters edge , it is here you can capture some really interesting reflections and sunsets at the same time . It can also be dangerous if you are not careful.

The Ocean is very cold , not easy to swim in if you are unfortunate enough to get caught in a wave . The waves are not as dependable as you may think. Generally speaking the surf line retreats after High tide as it goes to the low tide , then advances at the end of the low tide till the peak of the high tide .

Tide charts are readily available on the Oregon Coast , or you can goggle them . For any travel and adventure on the beach they are indispensable. ON this day the tide was going out ...but even as the tide goes out the wave action is unpredictable , often time huge waves rush in even as the tide is receding.

I was wearing knee high boots because I anticipated getting a little wet . As I was shooting I glanced to my left and saw three young girls playing in the waves . Their parents were photographing the water bashing into them. MY first reaction was concern , it doesn't take a very large wave to knock an adult down , and before you can get up another wave will usually take its place . Along the Coast I had ran into several markers , like the ones you find on the roads where a traffic accident has claimed a life . ON the Beach these markers tell a different story , a story of a life lost to the ocean waves .

So here I was standing in the water , photographing the sunset and the reflection of the waves , and at the same time judging the behaviour of the group down the beach . As I think about it now safe at home I realize I was as vulnerable as the girls dancing in the waves . More than likely somewhere nearby someone else was commenting on my reckless behaviour .

To be honest I don't know what this all means . How securly do we secure ourselves from danger ? At what point do we allow fear to override our Joy and passion ? I don't think this is an easy question to answer.

The Girls while a few feet distant from their family and friends were being watched . They were helping each other stand against the waves , and when they were knocked over they rushed to help each other . More than likely they will have memories of a lifetime from this visit .

Sky divers , Mountain climbers , rock climbers , surfers , wind riders ....

Certianly there are limits to our risk taking ..and when the risk becomes its own goal we should take a step backward . But to dive into the deep , to race headlong into the storm , for the sake of enjoying His creation , for the Joy of being alive I wonder ....

How easy is it to feel the Breath of God , while sheltered in safe house ? How can we taste the Lord , if we dine on TV dinners ?

The Psalmist said " Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. "
Our refuge it would seem is in Him not fortresses and shelter so four own making ...

I would not consider myself a risk taker though I have taken risks ...for me the risk was never the object of the activity , the activity was always in pursuit of what i felt to be a more important goal . And I assure you I am not comparing myself to Paul , but Paul as a risk taker of the Highest degree ... He says about Himself " I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers." 2nd Corinthians 11:26

And then I ask do we take risks for our faith ? Do we watch from the balconies as some venture into the inhospitable waters of the Mission field ? Do we secure our selves and beliefs in such a manner we are never in any danger of sharing them with people who may think poorly of us if we do ?

More questions ..few answers ...but a start for me ....

Covered

One of the interesting features of the Oregon Coast are the tide pools . Here animals have adpated to living part of their lives under the water and part out of the water .

Its hard to miss the cyclical nature of life here . The tide goes out it comes in , water from Coastal streams runs to the Ocean and water from the Ocean evaporates into the air where it is borne by clouds to the Mountains where the rain falls to the land some finding itself in the rivers that run to the sea. The sun comes up and the sun goes down .

Like tide pool animals we live our lives in both dark and light . We are at times immersed and living drenched , and at other times in a seemingly hostile environment.

As beautiful as this world is , it is not our home ...we are here for a brief time ..because of Gods grace , love and Sacrifice we have an Eternal home in Heaven .

While at the Ocean we lived in a very luxurious condo overlooking the ocean , we did not lack for anything , the owner of the home had provided for our needs and the needs of future renters. We had to spend money for this privilege, but it was money well spent for us . Here in Nashville we are guests of Loris parents , we share a home with them , we help pay for some expenses , but for the most part we are here because of their grace and love ... Like at the condo we rented we really lack for nothing here ..we are so blessed by Jim and Becky ..

In His time both Lori and I will exchange all this for a new home ..a home where we will be immersed in light and covered with the Holy Spirit ...Our lives will be drenched with His love and his provision ..His eternal provision for us .

Now like the starfish and the urchins we live in two worlds ..and like the starfish and Urchins we need the Waters ...I was reminded of that today as I returned to the Gate . The Gate is the Weekly Men's group I belong to at our church ...I realized that while part of me was clinging to the rocks and the cliffs of the Oregon Coast line , my spirit has been dry for too long ..it was good to praise His name , sing to His glory and here His words spoken into my life , to hear a brother share His testimony and to pray for those who are in need of prayer ...

ON planet Earth we live with our feet on the ground that will in time give way , but our souls eternal Security is with Him , who promises to complete that Good work He has begun in us .

Phillipians 1: 6 : being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

The temporal and the Eternal

You wake up in Oregon , and you go to sleep in Tennessee , along the way you make a brief stop in Chicago ..sometimes our technology amazes me ...As we flew out of Chicago the sun was going down , lights from the city were clearly evident . and as we broke free from the Urban footprint we I could see , the lines and clusters of smaller cities and towns shinning in the crisp winter air. As the plan gained altitude , I could look ot my right and see the tops of clouds each a white confusion and in the distance the beauty of a sunset from several thousand feet above the Earth . I was struck with this thought , the part of what I could easily attribute to God look Chaotic , an unorganised , tumble of clouds and light . Mans contribution by comparison looked neat and orderly , Neighbourhoods laid out in symmetrical integrety , long straight lines of highways and byways ...grids , consumed by other grids . Order , boundaries . One might at this glance begin to think we have as His creation Learned to improve on His Order ..That we have found a way to be more efficient than God , and perhaps even more attractive . Skyscrapers compete with mountains for attention . City lights compete with Sunsets for adoration .
I found myself thinking of a moment on the Oregon Coast . It was a wild and stormy day . Content to just sit and watch the waves , Lori noticed a Sun break to the South . looking like i might have an opportunity to get a little shooting in I grabbed my gear and headed to a place called Fishing rock. less than a mile from our rental. Fishing rock is a small headland that juts out into the Ocean . From this location I could look to the north and make out the features of the home we were staying in , to the South I could see Boiler bay and the outer Bouy of Depoe Bay . Immediately to my left was a small cove . Houses overlooked the ocean from this location they were on a land mass about 50 feet or more above the Sandy Beach . Loke the lights I could see from the plane they also were very neat and orderly , pleasant boundaries had been drawn and you could see the outline of well manicured lawns and gardens , decks and gazebos ..added to improve the ambience .
The waves from the storm where assaulting the cliff face ...Many were easily towering over the homes that perched on the cliff . I thought to myself what an awesome view they must have !
Later as I was working on the photos I noticed that these homes were vacant ...that in fact they were in immediate danger of falling from their vantage point into the beach and sea below .
All this to say , " The Earth is the Lords and everything in it " we are sojourners here , this world is not our home ...the " improvements " we make here will in time fade away or be destroyed in a flash ...He is our Foundation , our strength and not the works of our hands ....
Looking to the Left and seeing the lights of the city fading into the distant i might feel a little proud ..looking to the right and seeing the blaze of the sunset and the deep blues and golden hues of the diminishing light I felt pretty small ...and loved and cared for .

Leaving Oregon

Yesterday we were treated to a beautiful Sunset , in Lee and Corrines Garden the firt blooms of the new spring are showing ..sleep came and its morning now .

This Laptop I am writing on is the last to be packed. outside the fog is
obscuring the view , but there is a light in the sky . In a few hours we will
leave St Paul . Lee and Corrine will drive us to the Portland Oregon Airport.
Lori and I will go through the security checkpoints . We already have our
Boarding passes and our place in line secured .

We will wait ...our number will be called and we will board the plane and
watch Oregon through the tiny windows provided on the plane .

Then later today we will arrive in Nashville where Becky and Jim will be
waiting to pick us up.

Pretty orderly . Lori and I have plenty of photos and plenty of memories ,
for weeks we will keep asking each other what was your favorite day , or what
was your favorite moment , what did you enjoy seeing the most ect .

I will continue witting in this diary . As I work over the photos I am
bringing back I know they will remind me of this or that ...and I will be
prompted to share " this or that ".

Like the fog outside , my mind is beginning to see possibilities of the
landscape of my mind ....I have a crop of photos , which represent not only this
specific trip to Oregon , but on a much greater scale they tell my story
..which in itself is a story written and directed by the Lord .

I came to the Lord in 1996 , but He has known about me , planned for me
and Loved me before that time when the Lava from Central Oregon raced west to
the Sea or turned North to what we call the Gorge .

These Snapshots remind me of how I am a part of His canvas , His weaving,
I have seen His sculptures and watched His daily ballets . I have Heard His
symphonies . His poetry I see on the moss covered trees in the darkened Forests
, I have seen the painted Sunsets ...

His love for me has been poured out in every moment . The earth is filled
with His glory . I have been so blessed to be able to share all this with ,
family , and friends , and most of all with His greatest gift to me , my wife ,
my lovely bride , who blesses me in so many ways.

Well , I hear people stirring ...this day is about to begin in Ernest
....

Water under the Bridge

Lori and I , traveled to the Columbia River Gorge today . the day was a
overcast with a few sun Breaks . As we neared the Gorge there was ample evidence
of recent snow storms ..the snow highlighting the patcheworl quilt pattern of
tilled fields and clearcut's in the mountains . It was cold but just above
freezing .
We stopped at a favorite Chinese restaurant in Gresham Oregon . Another
memory it was here that over 16 years ago Lori first met Lee. Lori and I enjoyed
our meal , we reminisced , talked about our recent trip , and our future plans
once we returned to Tennessee.
We headed East into the wonder that is the Columbia River Gorge . Many many
years ago huge Lava Flows covered this Area ...then thousands of years ago a
series of Massive floods , emptying ancient Lake MIssoula far to the East carved
out this Gorge .It is the only place in the Cascade Mountain range where a river
cuts through the entire mountain Barrier .

The Gorge is several hundred feet deep . Along its Length hundreds of
waterfalls tumble over the edge of the basalt cliffs and dive into the valley
floor racing toward the Columbia River which is itself racing toward the pacific
Ocean .

The Columbia River is Massive ...the fresh water it delivers to the Ocean
then mingles and mixes with the Ocean ...the Ocean currents take the River
North then Further West till it becomes East. Water from the Columbia River
will in time cruise by Japan heading Southwest ...this current is the one that
Debri from from the tragic Japanese Earthquake and Tsumani is being bourne
along by. It is Anticipated that this huge floating Island of broken homes and
hearts will be making landfall along the California Coast in about a year ,
where it will slowly make its way North along the Pacific Coast .

Because of its Proximity to Portland , the Gorge and specifically
Multnomah Falls was one of the First " Natural Wonders " I remember visiting as
a child . MY parents took my brother and I to see them when we were quite young
. Before that I am sure my Father took His young bride to see them when she
moved to Oregon with Him . Its possible that before that My fathers , father
took my dad to see the falls . When Lori moved out to Oregon at the First of
our Marriage ..I took her to the Falls , and we shared this Area with Her
Parents when they came to visit us back before the end of the Millennium .

This day that Lori and I spent in the Gorge we visited Multnomah Falls . I
was surprised to see just how many people there were visiting the falls on such
a cold day. Many families , many young families , and there was a Family from
Japan visiting as well . I me a young photographer taking photos of the falls
...we spent a few minutes talking about our craft .

Lori and I drove a few more miles East before we turned the car around and
pointed it back to the Willamette Valley . As we headed East for the final few
miles of our sojourn up the Gorge we passed a Barge heading West , and as we
returned we passed the same Barge being faithfully pushed by a sturdy Tug .
everything is in motion ....wind , water , earth , river traffic and highway
traffic , heading East , heading West , North and South . Clouds filled with
rain pass over debris from an Earthquake over a year ago , the rain drops on
the mountains , the rush of freshet spills north drops over a basalt cliff ,
formed from Lava made when two huge plates of the earths surface collide one
heading East the other Heading West . Over this broken field of Lava the water
drops downward , pausing briefly in a upper pool before it is propelled forward
under a stone bridge crafted decades ago ...down another drop and then into the
Columbia River . Everything is in motion ...God the Choreographer...Its so much
more than water under the Bridge .

Saying Goodbye

Our last day . Storms bringing hail , snow and rain continue through the
night . Most of the work of packing had been done the day before , all that was
needed was to load up the car . Lori and I took some parting photos .

We left with all our gear and luggage , and some wonderful memories we will
treasure for the rest of our lives . We are still feeling so blessed . The
longer we stayed , played and explored the Coast the more we realized just how
special this experience , beach , this home was .

Arguably the Oregon Coast is the most beautiful place on the Planet . The
most beautiful part of the Oregon Coast is the Central Oregon Coast and Bella
Beach is in the Middle of the Central Oregon Coast , Our home which faced the
Ocean was in the middle of the Bella Beach Ocean Front Property rentals .
Essentially for a month we were at ground Zero of Heaven on earth.

The home we stayed in more than adequately met our needs . Usually when
you rent a property you are always needing to purchase some little bits of this
and that ...but this property was so completely arranged for our Convenience ,
from blenders to Grapefruit spoons it had everything we needed .

The staff was wonderful ! Once again we thank Steve , Brian Bev,
and David for their help , service and most of all for our new friendships
with them . It is with total confidence we can recommend this group for
anyone who is planning to travel and stay on the Oregon Coast .

I believe in the Beach Bucket Theory of life ...briefly this means that
there are two kinds of people in the world ...those that take from your Beach
Bucket and diminish your experiences , and those who add to the Beach buck and
magnify your experience . The Bella Beach Staff ...magnified our experience ,
not only did they help fill our Buckets , but they would of quickly and
efficiently brought us new buckets as ours filled up with blessings .

It may seem like i might be going a wee bit overboard here .. but I am
convinced most of us myself included often neglect telling people when they
have made our experiences better when they have given more to us than we have
given to them . I am frequently inclined to complain about poor service , or a
bad experience , but often I forget to thank people for good service . I am
trying to change that ...Life should be more than a tip , it should be a tip and
a thank you and a compliment .

The service and kindness of so many people we met at the Coast , made our

visit so much more enjoyable ...And we are so thankful for them .

Praise Him in the Storm

We spent most of the day Tuesday rounding up all of our stuff , preparing
to leave on Wednesday. It was a good day to do that . Another Storm system was
breaking over the Northwest . This one was bringing snow , high winds , hail ,
and occasional lightning and thunder .

I did have some time to go out and take a few photos of the approaching storm from several locations I had enjoyed for the past few weeks . I Left cold and wet , but so thankful that for a few short days I was able to enjoy all of this; the sunny days and the cold and wet ones .

One of the really great things about living right on the Ocean is you have
an unobstructed view of these cloud masses and storms as they race toward the
shore . The variety and movement of the clouds fascinates me .

The night before Lori and I were talking about what attracts me so much to
this Oregon Landscape , and I was realizing its the Movement . The movement of
the waves , the breakers , the swift moving coastal streams , the clouds as they
are pushed through the sky , the wind in the trees ...

Makes me wonder why I enjoy photography....why not movie making . When I
think of it how frustrating it must be deep in my soul to love movement so much
, and try to capture it with still photos.

The whole creation is moving ...myself included . the processes that
brought us everything we enjoyed photographing , and the people we enjoyed
spending time with , has also brought us to the last full day before we leave .

At one point the world turned as we waited to arrive , and now the same
world moves us to our return trip home ...The movement that brings us life ,
that brings us those we love ...will in time bring us to our grave ,

Random thoughts as I think of our time well spent on the Oregon Coast
...outside the sky is just starting to show some color , the part of the planet
I am present in has turned into the sun . A new day is beginning ,

Like the clouds I am pushed along , walking in the steps He has prepared
for me ...and through His grace I can remember the past , and even take parts of
the past out and hold them in my hand or view them on this laptop screen
...

His mercies are new every Morning !

A day well spent

Yesterday Lori and I headed South again . The weather was wonderful . Based
on forecast this will probably be the last really good photography day on the
Coast .
For the most part I try to find the beauty in even the most drab of days .
I know that the weather I am experiencing on any given day is the weather that
God has created not only for me but for all . He challenges me to find the glory
of His creation and artistry in every kind of weather . Having said that
...bright sunny days are glorious !
I woke up early , with Lori still sleeping I slipped out of the house and
went to Depoe Bay to see if could catch the Coast guard out on training , but
they were not going out . I stopped off at Boiler bay to take a few shots of the
morning sun as it crested the coastal mountains and broke through the native
forests bordering the Sea.
When I returned Lori was up . we spent some time enjoying the view and
decided to head out around 11:30.
The drive was pleasant . We talked a little about the Church experience
from the day before . Just before we left Lori had an on line conversation with
a friend who had also heard the sermon and was also trying to sort it out . So
often in my life my ego takes over and I think I am the only one who hears or
sees something ..The Lord is teaching me through others that the Ministry of
Reconciliation is still well and working in the Body of Christ .
Again for the most part we simply enjoyed the drive and its beauty . We had
planned to have lunch in Yachats ...one of our favorite beaches on the Coast .
Lori had suggested we eat at the Landmark Inn . This restaurant overlooks the
Yachats river as it enters the Pacific Ocean . In the past we have been
entertained by the seagulls who enjoy the fresh water river . It is our guess
that they bath in the fresh water to remove sea lice from their plumage . You
can watch the birds fly to the front of the small rapids that enter the bay then
float to the bay , fly away and repeat the float . Arriving at the restaurant we
were saddened to find it was vacant . We decided on a whim to eat at the Adobe
restaurant . this is another familiar spot to us , the Restaurant is connected
to a Motel over looking the Ocean , It was in this Hotel that Lori and I
celebrated our first Anniversary . The restaurant faces the ocean . It curves
around a point built on an old native American camping ground . The view is
extraordinary ...lava rock here flowed in small rivulets , the sapce between the
rivulets filled with softer sediment which in time was eroded ...so you have
these " fingers " Of lava standing in the Ocean . the waves wash over the rocks
with spectacular results .
After lunch we spent some time photographing and videoing the waves . I
had wanted to visit Strawberry Hill beach again so we headed further south .
along the way we stopped at the Cape Perpetua look out point . I realized this
was the shot I wanted so we didn't need to go further south . Lori remembered
there was a trail leading to e beach from a past visit . We walked down to the
beach . stopping every so often to take a snap of the imposing headland , as we
turned around in one place we saw a huge spray of water rise up over the hill in
front of us . It was a " spouting horn " these are unique features of the
Central Oregon coastline . Long ago rivers of lava pushed into the sea. in
time sediments filled in the areas between the Lava fingers . then in more time
the Sea eroded the Sediments ...the result are these narrow cracks running
perpendicular to the ocean . the Ocean waves are funneled into the cracks until
there is no place to go but up . The result is what is called a spouting horn .
At first I was shooting directly into the setting sun . I thought if I
could work my around the crack with out getting drenched I could get some better
lighting and the possibility of a rainbow as well as the sun played on the ocean
spray.
I found a trail around the fissure and was rewarded with great lighting and
a rainbow or two . Lori sat high above me on the hill taking a few photos and
videoing the action as well .
She was witness to one huge eruption that almost soaked me . My shot and
her reaction were priceless .
I was able after careful alignment to get a photo of Lori under the rainbow ..pretty cool !.

We stayed a bit , it was lovely there ..walked back up the trail and
headed home ...
We made one last stop at a place called Devils Punch bowl . this is
actually an underwater cave that had its roof collapse , leaving the top open
.. from here we had a majestic view of Cape Foul weather .
From this point it was only a few more minutes and we were home ...Lori
prepared beef and Broccoli for dinner and we enjoyed the last of the Sunset from
our deck ....
Was a wonderful day !

Our God is Healer

Photo by Lori Stilger

Sunday Lori and I had decided to return to Florence Oregon to the Church we
went to when we lived in Florence . Earlier in our stay we had met up with one
of our friends we went to church with. And their response to us , was
encouraging and helped to create a desire to revisit the Church.

Florence is about a hour and a half drive from where we are staying , we
left a little early just in case there might be a photo opportunity , but the
weather was pretty gray the entire distance.

There was only one other familiar face in the congregation , but Church is
church and God will always show up when He is being praised .

This particular church experience was very difficult for both of us ...it
did create a desire in both Lori and I to call our Pastor and thank Him for the
wonderful Ministry of Grace and Love that He is so faithful to witness to every
day of the week .

The Return trip to our rental was a blessing . Lori and I shared our
feelings about the message we had both heard . and it was good for me to hear
that Lori and I were both in agreement . We also decided to have lunch in a a
place that held many memories for us some good some painful .. the food was
great and the ocean view and the follow up walk on the beach was wonderful !

We started to see Sun breaks and we stopped several places along the Coast
as we worked our way back North. We visited the small beach where Lori was
once knocked over by a sneaker wave , we visited a wayside called Strawberry
Hill that I have always wanted to visit ... this particular beach has a
wonderful view of Cape Perpetua the highest point on the Oregon Coast .

We wound our way up the coast marveling at the beauty we were seeing. Our
final stop was at Heceta Head Light ...it was close to Sunset ...the skies
were clearing. there was a steady bitter cold wind . The light house which has
stood resolute against the storms , the winds the cold , the good days and the
bad days gleamed in the light of the setting sun .

Lori and I spent over an hour taking photos in the raw wind . Diving into
the car to warm our bodies, then back outside as the clouds and sun continued to
dance before us .

And while the elements played their game of tag , and light and clouds
and sun moved in their end of day ballet ..the Light house stood firm , tall ,
its light sending out hope and reassurance to the travelers on the storm tossed
sea .

We left the lighthouse as the lightfaded , a glance over my shoulder and I
could see the lamp even brighter in the storm .

As we crested the heights of Cape Foulweather we listened to the Song by
Chris Tomlin called " Our God "
"Our God"
Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there's no one like you none
like You!Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one
like you none like You!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one
like you none like You!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!And if
our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.And if our God is with us,
then what could stand against.And if our God is for us, then who could ever
stop us.And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.What
could stand against. Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you
are higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!And if our
God is for us, then who could ever stop us.And if our God is with us, then
what could stand against.And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop
us.And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.Then what
could stand against.Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God Chris Tomlin

For me those few minutes in the car with my wife was truly " church " .
The lighthouse the beauty of His creation , the praise ...all reminded me that
God is Awesome in Power and awesome in grace ...He is bigger than a headland , a
lighthouse , He is more filling that a lovely brunch on the Ocean beach , He is
more graceful and more merciful than words from a pulpit. And as time would show
me the very next day He is a Healer . My heart which was troubled by the church
experience was healed by the well timed comments of one of His Saints ....

Drenched

Saturday was quite a day here ...The weather system passed to the East ,
but the high waves continued all day . The vantage point i had planned to go to
was closed the trail was considered too dangerous . I drove to another location
and was rewarded with some fantastic photos of waves pummeling the rocks and
reefs .

It was very good to be prepared . I had bought a " raincoat " for the
Camera , and I had a jacket and rain pants for myself . I also carried two
extra towels under my jacket .

When the waves hit the land they throw up amazing amounts of spray . Wet
spray . the best way to keep dry is to shoot at an angle to the Coast line ,
instead of trying to get the waves Head on. But no matter what you will get
wet and the Camera Lens will get wet . That is the purpose of the towels .

It was cold , but how many times in your life will you get to really see
something like this ! Dozens of people were finding the same area I had located
, all dashing out trying to take a photo , then retreating to their cars . I
was able to share my towels with several people .

For the most part I can say this day I was really living " Drenched ". I
stayed there for a couple of hours , till memory and battery were wearing out .
I could easily taste the salt water on my lips .

On this day all my senses were fully engaged ...what a wonderful Memory
!!

Awesome God

Very powerful winds from the West are pulling cold air down from Alaska
..the result is a full blow Northwest storm . Since early evening last night we
have been battered by gale force winds , some of the gusts have exceeded 50 MPH
with Sustained winds near 30 MPH all night . The House we are renting which
faces the ocean has been shaking and protesting al night .
The High wind Advisory will be in effect most of the day . To the East just
a few miles away snow is pelting the Coastal mountain passes . In the Cascades
over two feet of snow is expected . It is simply Awesome.
Its still dark I can only hear the surf . Waves are predicted to be between
25 and 30 foot . Fortunately today's tides are lower than usual so beach erosion
will not be extreme . But the waves will attack the headlands with unrelenting
ferocity .
The hourly weather report suggests that there will be a rain break in the
mid Morning hours . Hopefully enough so that I can work my way out to fishing
rock and take some photos of the waves as they batter the Shore .
The area I plan to shoot is a cove , Some of the houses above the Beach
about 50 feet up from the shoreline are already vacant . The sea will destroy
them soon , its not a matter of if , it is a matter of when .
This Process , the land raising up and the Sea taking it back is called
Mass Wasting , it is the result of gravity. The land mass is heading down slope
...moving to the Ocean . The Heavy rains we are having will percolate into the
porous sedimentary soil ...they will do this freely until the reach the dense
volcanic rock that underlies the Sediments . The water will then follow the
slope of the volcanic rock where it pours out between the sediment and the
Basalt . The Sediment will slid along this slope and the reslut is what we
refere to as Landslides . As this infiltration of water through rock is going on
the Ocean waves batter the exposed face of the bluffs , tearing the softer
Sediments away exposing the harder rock ,
The Mud and grit that enters the Ocean then becomes a hydraulic blasting
tool that wears away the Lava rock ...The End result of this is the Sea is
moving East , the land mass is crumbling in front of it .
But it doesn't stop there . The Underlying Lava is formed by the Pacific
Plate diving under the North American Plate . The Oregon Coast is what is called
a Subduction zone . The Denser Pacific Plate dives under the North American
Plate . the friction from this epic collision is evidenced by the Cascade
Mountain range ..where the Heated rock from the collision manifests itself as
Lava which makes its way to the surface building mountians ...the most recent
example of this was the Catastrophic eruption of Mt St Helens in 1980 .
The Mountains rise up ...and are returned to the Sea .
And here I sit in the safety of our rented Beach house , with an wifi
connection , a freshly made cup of coffee . And I am able to watch this all
happening ..I am a Spectator in the one of the greatest Action dramas ever
conceived and executed . The absolute truth of His word when it comes to the
process I am watching encourages me. His word is true ...Daily He provides me
evidence of His faithfulness .

Psalm 46: 2 :
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Phil: 1 : 6

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
You see my confidence is restrained by my
ability to make a pot of coffee with an electric Coffee maker , to hold a camera
that I could never make myself and capture the efforts of a
His incomprehensible majesty . But my Confidence in my provision and Salvation
is sustained by being a witness to what He has done , and what He is doing
...And I am only looking out of a 8 foot window !

What a Might God we serve !!!


Photo Note : This was shot a few days ago
as a weaker storm front arrived with high tide . the two prominent homes
are about to be undermined and sent into the sea .

First Light Morning Musing

Its been two days of wonderful shooting weather ....My plan is to take as
many photos as the weather allows , try to be selective in my subjects ..and
return home with lots of images to work on through the next few years .

It also seems as if I am going to have a lot more to work through as well
. For one thing the Oregon Snapshots Blog will not end when I return to
Tennessee ..these photos will remind me of this trip and my daily encounters
with God . I have lots of questions , very few answers . God has been quite
merciful with me , allowing me the time to shoot and compose without much time
for prayerful contemplation . But at night as I go to sleep and in the morning
as I awake I am aware of His poking me and prodding me .

I remember well near the beginning of this year when I prayed that I know
Jesus Better . as part of that Prayer I found myself saying " I have a pretty
good understanding and relationship with God , but I want a better relationship
with Jesus ". Gods response seems to be .." you don;t know me that well " . In
my reading I ran across this quote from Jonathan Edwards : " The Son is the
deity generated by Gods understanding , or having an Idea of Himself and
subsisting in that Idea " That quote , that idea has really been bouncing
around in my mind as I climb on rocks , walk ocean beaches , watch the sunrise
and sunset ...Could it be that I am in fact getting to know Jesus better through
the works of the Father ?

Or is there something else at work here ?

This morning I woke to the Sun just beginning to light the waves on the
horizon . there was a pink hue to the sky , the water a pale blue , streaked by
the white of the cresting waves . Each moment the angle of the Sun brought the
waves closer and into more precise definition . I could see the east wind was
pushing back the waves the spray headed backwards would catch the glint of the
sun and seem to dance in the air.

The Houses on this bluff for a brief time obstructed the angle of the sun
but between the houses there were streaks of light heading west ...The waves
are always here ..day and night they push into the shore , but they are
illuminated by the Sun . the Son gives the Light to see the majesty of the ocean
...

Lori is awake . we are planning to do some touring and shopping today
....Thank you Lord for a beautiful Morning ..and a Beautiful wife ....

Present Moments

In a word its been Wet here for the past two days . And it may seem
strange but Lori and I have been looking forward to wet. The first days we
were here the weather was perfect for gong out and finding vistas and subjects
to photograph . Now its perfect for organizing , working on , and saving those
photos .

I tried to go out yesterday and take some interior shots of the lighthouse
, but it was too dark for what i had in mind . Latter Lori and I went to Newport
to get her Medicine. That was a failure of mine in the grace department ...I
have a difficult time with the Bureaucracy of all things Pharmacy . Let it
suffice to say I was somewhat irritated after three trips to Newport ( 15
miles ) over wet and foggy roads to get Loris needed and non mind altering
Insulin ..then to hear on the TV how people in the state have been obtaining
hundreds of oxy Pills at a single time with relative ease .

Ok I am over that now .

Lori and I are now starting to verbally communicate our sadness of leaving
Oregon . While we both are definitely looking forward to returning home to
Family and Friends , we are almost equally saddened by the thought of our
departure .

We leave the Coast in eight days . for many that would be a compete
vacation and we have been here for 21 days .We have been blessed in so many
ways ...but there is something about our nature that we want more ...For many
the idea of a vacation is to experience something out of the ordinary ,
something different , but it seems to Lori and I that we have turned that upside
down . We are here because it is familiar. I grew up here. Lived here for over
50 years .But I realize how little I appreciated it while I was here . How many
days I squandered , days I would love to have now .

This seems to be the Theme , the message , the teaching I am here for . To
enjoy this moment , this time this second ...to hold each carefully crafted
moment that is God given and praise Him for it . Too often I live one day ahead
of myself . Unable to enjoy the moment I am in because I am looking forward to
the moment that I anticipate int he future ...I Look forward to going to Church
, only to find myself thinking about Tuesday Morning , On Tuesday Morning I am
thinking of Golf on Wednesday , and on Wednesday at the 3rd Tee I am thinking of
the Play of Friday .
God in His mercy and Grace delivers us the Tuesdays and the Wednesdays and
the Fridays , till one day we have only that last fraction of a second ...when
its over . As the playwright muses " do any of us really enjoy life as we
live it " ? Am I truly hearing the sound of the surf a scant few feet from
this table ? am I really enjoying the left over Chinese from yesterday . Am I
enjoying the movements and vibrations of my wife waking up ? is the coffee
refreshing ? does the heat from the fireplace warm my legs ? what doe sit feel
like to be full and warm and blessed ? Or am I traveling now ...headed
somewhere else looking for a photo ...its Wednesday February 22 , 8:16
Pacific Time ...but am I here, or am I already living ON Thursday ...Feb 23 at
10:00 am ? This Moment I am Graced with , it is the moment I am in ....I
presume on His future grace to even consider tomorrow or October , or
....
May I Learn to grow in His Grace , to be thankful for All things ..to be
thankful for the moment of now ..and the promise of tomorrow . And may I be
content and thankful to enjoy the next eight days here ..in a place where some
will never have the opportunity to see ...
Morning musings , morning prayers ....Old habits are hard to break ...
May I learn to be content in this moment ....

Lessons Learned

Kaisa and Jeff left yesterday ....its a long drive for them , about 16
Hours. Was sad to see them go ...My Hay fever manifested itself by the weeping
of my eyes .

I know that I can always call my daughter , that she will always be my
daughter. I know we both love each other. I have pictures of her ..everyday I
see her in my minds eye ....but there is something special just being in the
same room with her . Even if we are not speaking .

Usually when we first get together we go through a period of being silly ,
and goofy. When she was younger i would tease her....and make her laugh. As she
has gotten older she teases back , she gives as good as she gets , and as bad as
she gets . I think this behavior is a shield , a defense mechanism that
separates our real feelings .

As her visit lengthened we had some meaningful conversations , on a wide
variety of topics and what struck me is how intelligent and well spoken she is.

Behind the mask of the goofy child there is a real person , a caring loving
person . I am familiar with Masks because I have worn one for so long ...

In many ways I am reminded of my prayer life .....I kid around with God a
lot ...I Know who He is , but I choose to offer Him my Mask ...I " pretend '
that to be in His creation , is the same as having meaningful conversation with
Him . God and I can be in the same room , but this is not the same as spending
quality time with God ...I think God desires real conversations with us ...and
that is what our prayer life is , a daily conversation with God .

It may seem like an Odd and inappropriate Metaphor , but I act and behave
with God the same way I behave with my daughter ....I joke , I am cheerful , I
am so glad to be in His presence ...but I often miss the richness of the
conversation and fellowship by refusing to move in that direction. I nibble
around the edges of God. Unlike my daughter and her Husband driving away to
their home though ..it is me who leaves the presence of God ...

I know God is there I have His songs I sing ...I have His word I read , I
have His creation in front of me testifying to Him , I know in time I will be
with Him in Heaven , but for right now often , and too frequently I am
inclined to leave God standing on the porch while I head off from one location
to another .

I know if I need I can call on Him , I know He is always with me ..but
there are way too many times I am not with Him . The Scriptures say He is long
suffering toward me , He is patient towards ,me He loves me with an unfailing
love , His mercy to me endures forever . And way too often I simply leave Him
standing on the porch waving goodbye ...I Miss the tear in His eye ...

Most of the day yesterday I kept asking myself what brought me to tears as
Kaisa left , and I believe the answer is that I did not involve myself fully
with her while she was with me ...we had a wonderful visit , but my mask and my
nature got in the way of spending so much more time with her in deeper
fellowship.

And not only her ..I do that with my wife , with my friends as well. I
know I should be as transparent with my Family and Friends as I am with God
...God knows I wear a mask ..He sees past it and through it He see's into my
heart ....but the only way my Wife , my Daughter , my friends ....and those
others around me will ever know me ..is if I take the time to share with them
and allow them to share with me .

As this vacation winds down ..I will go out and spend time when weather
allows photographing the beauty of His creation , but I need to also spend
time enjoying the creations that speak back to me . Its not going to be easy
...but with God all things are possible

Pleasant places

Was a very busy weekend ...My daughter and her Husband arrived late Friday
afternoon from Lancaster California . This is the first time in almost 5 years
that Lori has seen Kaisa and Jeff and the second time for me .

I love the way my daughter is growing up , and I love watching Jeff and
Kaisa .... Friday night we had pizza , and some conversation before Jeff
collapsed from hours of driving. Saturday we did a little sightseeing ,
spending time at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse , and going to Old town Newport for
an almost Obligatory meal at the world famous Mo's Restaurant .

There we met up with Lee and Corrine who had come down to visit with us as
well . After Lunch Lori and lee returned tot he beach house . Jeff , Kaisa ,
Corrine and myself spent more time at the Yaquina Lighthouse. Jeff , Kaisa,
and Corrine climbed to the top of the lighthouse . I climbed to the bottom of
the Beach .

After their climb we reunited at the tide pools . Saturday evening we had
a steak dinner at homemade clam dip . and played a board game called Apples to
Apples .

Sunday Morning we went in search of high waves ...I had already been to
Fishing rock Saturday Morning , and took Kaisa , Jeff and Corrine on a repeat
visit . This weekend the waves have been huge swells over 25 feet .

We got some great shots of the Waves breaking over the rocks , the view was
impressive ! So impressive that Jeff wanted to get closer to see better . An
epic wave broke in front of Him , and I do mean epic this was a Monster and
while safely out of harms way He was not safely out of getting drenched way.

After Kaisa stopped laughing we made our way back to the house where Jeff
could get some dry clothes .
That afternoon we drove into Newport for some shopping and sightseeing . We
wanted to get Crab for dinner one of Kaisa's favorites , but the heavy seas
had kept the fleet in and no crab was to be found . We settled on Fresh
Sockeye salmon instead . which Kaisa prepared quite expertly !
Lee and Corrine had headed home ...and we had a pleasant evening watching
Kung Foo Panda 2.
,
This morning , Kaisa and Jeff headed home . we had a very nice morning with
them just chatting and doing some " formal " portraits of them .

They are gone now ..headed home . Lori and I settling down to enjoying the
last days of our vacation together , its quiet now . Peaceful ...I am a truly
blessed man ..a lovely wife a beautiful daughter a wonderful Son in law , who
truly loves my daughter ...good friends ....looking out at the ocean .

In the next few days I will try to make sense and meaning out of my
experiences here on the Oregon Coast ..but for right now I am hearing myself
repeat to myself ....

"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance".
Psalm 16:6

*** Photo by Lori

Brookings Visit

A few Months ago I was involved with a Springhouse production of the
Charles Dickens Classic " Christmas Carol " Lori was able to spend some time
with the Mother of one of the Young actors in the show , working the Front of
the House . As they developed their friendship , Lori mentioned our plans to
spend some time in Oregon . The Mother told Lori that she had a Sister who
lived in Oregon that she thought we would enjoy meeting .

Several Emails latter , Lori and I left Depoe bay for an overnight stay at
the Sisters home . They live in Brookings Oregon , at the far Southern Border
of the Oregon Coast . Its far enough South to be called the banana belt . The
beach there is stunning ! Basalt pillars dot the ocean , sandy beaches covered
with Driftwood and waves exposing gleaming agates .

The drive down to Brookings was beautiful . Its a four hour drive , we
took about 8 hours , and I barely scratched the surface ..of the surface of the
surface when it came to shooting . I will have to return ...At least with Gods
Grace I would love to return .

Our Hosts were wonderful !!! We had a great meal expertly prepared , and
we had conversation and watched the sun go down over Brookings harbor . Later
that night we watched the New Star trek Movie on a Massive 73 inch Television
Screen that I was unable the next day fit in the back seat of our rented Hundyi
.

We needed to head back early that morning , so our Hosts treated us to a
wonderful breakfast at a place called Maggies , where we had the best french
toast you can imagine !!! Then we were given a personal tour of some of the hot
spots on the nearby coast ..and bid our new friends goodbye .

The ride back was wet. A steady drizzle was coming down most of the way
. But we found some interesting places to stop , one of which deserves its own
special post which is coming soon !

We returned to the Beach house just after Sunset ...was good to be home !
As we were settling in we had a call from my Daughter , they were able to leave
earlier than planned , so as I type I am eagerly waiting their newest position
.. the Drive for them is about 16 hours ....should be here by this evening
!!

Was a couple of very blessed days.....

Valentines Day

Lori and I have been " out of Pocket " for the past two days . Unable to
post to FB or Blog , so we both of us have some catching up to do .
Bob and Susan Tuesday Morning . Lori and I had decided that we would
celebrate Valentines Day , by having lunch at the Sea Hag , and then going into
Newport and purchasing some Fresh Crab Dockside . We had some Steaks so we would
prepare a Valentines Day feast at home.
With a few available hours before Lunch I drove down to Fogarty Creek Beach
, the tide was out and I was able to get some nice shots of waves , boulders ,
and tide pool animals . The day was much colder than the past days and there was
an occasional spiting of rain and even a little bit of Hail .
Met some interesting people on the beach and they had some questions about
the Geology of the area which I was able to help them with ...Patting myself on
the back for remembering my College Geology Classes and field trips to this area
.
Oregon Geology is fascinating especially the Coastal Area Geology..and it
has been fun remembering and Googling it just to make sure I have it down right
.
By the time I got back to the house I was really winded ..the long hike
back on the soft sand had really worn me out , especially when I sprinted to
keep the cameras dry when the hail storm hit .
Lori and I drove down to the Sea Hag , its in Depot Bay and one of our
favorite Coastal Restaurants , we had a side of Fried Clams , I had the Grilled
Oysters , and Lori had a Shrimp Salad Croissant ..both meals were consumed and
appreciated .
We drove into Newport to find some fresh crab. Several of the Road side
crab places were closed , and one was way over priced , but we did find our crab
at the Local Safeway store , and also two Lobster Tails at a great price .
...
It was a few hours before dinner so Lori took a bath and I kept a watch on
the weather . Huge clouds were building up over the horizon heading both North
and South ...I watched two storm fronts from different directions collide
almost over my head . what a view .!!!
Lori and I settled down for a wonderful feast of Dungenous Crab , Lobster
and Steak with Fresh Asparagus. Was a wonderful Valentines day !!!

Something for everyone

Yesterday was one of those perfect for everyone beach
days . I got up early and drove down to Seal Rock , another beach area about
25 Miles south of our location , spent some time at Low tide getting shots of
Tide Pool animals and wading birds .

Bob , Susan and Lori had decided at my suggestion to
go out for lunch at a Chinese place Lincoln City . This particular place looks
like its had several bad years , but the food is great . Its one of those places
you would pass by if someone didn't recommend it ,. So we can say we recommend
it . It is at the South end of Lincoln . The name is Foon Hing Yuen .

After Lunch , we split up . Lori wanted to do some
shopping at the Christmas Store , and the factory Outlets in Lincoln City . Bob
, Susan and I returned to the house . ON the way Bob who has a caffeine
addiction stopped off at a Highway coffee stand called . Allie;s Philosophy
Expresso . and it was good !
Returning home , we again went our separate ways . It looked good on
the beach so I took a long walk on the Coast and explored some ancient stumps ,
over 2000 years old exposed by the encroaching ocean . on my way back to the
house Bob and Susan passed me by heading toward Fishing Rock a prominent
headland to the South .
This is
one of the great things about the Oregon Coast , you can actually entertain your
selves ...so many things to do and see , so many places to explore .
I am not
sure what it is about the ocean , but people seem to just enjoy walking one
direction then the other , in the case of the Oregon Coast South or North seems
to work best .

As the
sun was setting I headed out one last time to get some shots of the waves and
the sun . I found I could walk out past the slope of the Beach and from that
perspective the waves were actually over my head . I could wait till several
broke in front of me take the shot then retreat up the slope to avoid getting
too wet . I had mud boots on so an occasional dip in the ankle deep water was
no problem .
I was
surprised by one wave , that seemed to explode in front of me and ended up
directly in front of me , my usual backward retreat failed me and I had to turn
to gallop out of the way still managing to get water above my Knees . A
little discomfort , wet feet , but a small price to pay for a wonderful shot.

.
Lori and
Susan collaborated on dinner , we had Chicken and Dumplings and it was good !
The long
walk the racing with the surf and playing tag with sneaker waves had worn me out
..I was the first to retire .

Moored to the Room

Yesterday was a little on the grey and gloomy side of Oregon we haven't
had too many days like that here . We have been very well blessed with the
weather . Bob and i drove into the nearby town of Newport , to sample some of
the local coffee . To be honest its kinda hard to get my head around ordering a
double Latte in a hard core commercial fishing town . ( foam optional ). I
spent a few minutes getting some test shots of the local fishing fleet . At
least the boats that were not fishing . I Hope to be able to go back when the
day is a little brighter and get some photos of the hard working boats and crews
of the Oregon Fishing fleet .

For the most part we simply stayed in the house watched the drizzle , and
did this odd thing called relaxing ...it was good .

We had a Left over buffet , which included , spare ribs , Pot roast ,
Spaghetti, Hash Brown casserole and one solitary piece of pizza , not sure who
ended up with that .. and the buffet was good .

I reminisced about our child hood Bob for the most part just nodded . His
memories and mine don't always agree ...but a good time was had by all .

Lori and I watched part of the Grammies , before we went to bed , saw
Jennifer Hudson's stunning and heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston a great set
by Sir Paul McCartney , and something that I am not sure what it was by a new
artist whose performance was so horrid I immediately for got her name . I am
generally quite liberal and flexible when it comes to Art , but this was
.....horrid .

Another blessed day ,,,,,

Sunday Morning new day same headland to the South

It is a quiet Sunday here on the central Oregon Coast . I think both Lori
and I are missing some of our friends and our Church family back in Nashville .
Its been a difficult few days for them . The Lord has called the Sister of one
dear friend home , and has called the beloved wife of another home . We are
saddened by these losses , and yet we know both are with Him in Heaven . And
yet we feel loss.

We are at the mid point of our stay , and i am still puzzling over what
this stay means for me. Where is it leading me ? What is this connection I
seem to have with the Ocean , especially the Oregon Coast. I have spent time
here reexamining my child hood and my friendships . I have connected so much
of who I am to this place where I grew up .

I am finding myself inspired to ponder but I do not know what I should be
pondering . I have come to the conclusion that each wave I see is part of Gods
plan . Not only the Wave but each particle of the wave is precisely where God
intends it to be . The purpose , the direction , the velocity of each wave is
perfectly sculpted by God , and likewise I believe I am as well .

When you see the waves arrive ...it is their arrival that makes the impact
, the how and why they began their journey is an academic exercise that has no
bearing on their destination ...and their destination , their arrival is not and
end unto itself . All this the waves the erosion the thinking the reminiscing
...is moving me on my own Journey .

I am left between the past and the future in the place we call now . and
Now is a moving target . the Now of my existence when I typed above is gone it
is past .

All terribly confusing especially if I believe it is up to me to sort it
all out . But what if I am part of a plan , what if it is God who is working
in me and has been working in this body I call me from the beginning of time ?

Improbable ? Perhaps ..but then again I have breathed the air that
Abraham Breathed , I have been washed in the water that Jesus was baptized in.
i have eaten food that has been nourished by the desiccation of animals long
thought to be extinct .

As the Teacher said "there is nothing new under the sun" . and as the
Poet said " I am stardust " and as the Bible says " In Him all things hold
together " He is in all and through all .

Its a quiet Sunday here on the beach , my Brother and His wife are with us
. Lori across the table from me is working on her projects tapping gently on a
laptop . Bob is sitting at the couch absorbed in some correspondence he is
working on , Susan is in the Kitchen perfecting pork soup .

It is noontime here ....in Nashville our friends are just winding up lunch
after church in Smyrna . There announcements were made about memorials and
funerals . Praise was offered freely and lavishly to the Lord who sends the
waves landing squarely in front of the rental house we are in .

The waves press forward and in time will impact those who live thousands of
miles away where there is no ocean shoreline . This beach is held in the Grasp
and will of its ocean boundary , and I am held in the Grasp and the will of the
One who made it all ...

Its a quiet Sunday here on the Beach .

This Week in Photos : Facebook Gallery :

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