I have a box of souvenirs, tapes, and other stuff from my job at the TV station, including the newspaper clipping of the Help Wanted ad I answered when I applied for the job I held for almost fourteen years. Of all the items in that box, this little statue (with its accompanying postcard) ranks among the most meaningful.
Then it was off to the next big fort to look at the receding Missouri River flood, marvel at the hazy skies due to overwhelming humidity, and back to the truck to dodge the mosquitoes and gnats who had discovered our presence.
Actually, the conditions on that evening in 2009 have never been matched: the sky was a beautiful blue, not totally dark, yet the fireworks blazed on. Photographically speaking it was perfect light, something that comes along very infrequently. Still, I’d love the opportunity to shoot this gig with my new camera. There are, however, more important things at hand.
The Bible doesn’t have much good to say about high places, but in context it’s because of the way they were used: idolatry. The people of Israel used their high places to offer worship to false gods they picked up from people around them. Long before I started reading my Bible I enjoyed going to a high, remote place to pray, so maybe it’s something we’re all inclined to do. But when your prayer or praise is properly directed, it’s not a bad thing. The prophet Habakkuk wrote this, paraphrasing a portion of Psalm 18:
“The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19)
I’m pleased to be able to find a high place with my little boys, our cameras, and our prayers…properly directed on behalf of all who are impacted by the flooding.
Now, when it comes time for them to ride a two-wheeled pedal bike without training wheels, they’ve already trained their bodies to handle all the balance and coordination with the exception of the pedals. They only have one action to learn. Cool, huh?
Don’t take my word for it, head over to Scheels and check one out for yourself. I know others who’ve got one of these “pre-bikes” and their children love them and learned quickly. Then you can enjoy places like these with children who can get from point A to point B happily and in style!
Luke uses a very interesting method to construct his music, using a Boomerang looping device to build his songs in layers as we watch and listen. Many times he’ll have multiple instances of his own voice accompanying him. Thus, for the first song, Luke sang with Luke from the Gospel of Luke. Fantastic.
Wanna see and here it? Dakota Media Access has posted it here (Windows Media format).
Even more confused, I made my way to the kitchen to find the above: a CUTE little photography-related onesie with a little pink stick laying on it. Huh? I looked at it, saw two lines, read the writing on it, and internally FREAKED. Putting on my best calm, reassuring husband facade, I came back to the living room to assure her that everything will be okay. We’re all going through a lot of lifestyle changes right now, including her becoming a stay-at-home mom, so really this isn’t as scary as it could be. Of course, inside my head are all the flashes of guy-type panic, but I’m not going to let her know that.
That’s when, through her genuine tears, she sobbed, “April Fool’s, honey!” And started laughing. I was so shocked, I didn’t know how to react! Internally, of course, I felt enormous relief…but I was still off-balance emotionally from trying to process the idea of a Baby Number Three.
Of course, I can appreciate a good prank as much as the next guy. I wasn’t angry (again, probably due to relief) and simply gave her a hug and assured her that even if it HAD been true, I’d still have been okay and that I love her very much.
I later found that she borrowed the stick from a friend who’s expecting. You’ve got to love a girl who will go the extra mile for a little fun. Thank God that this day only comes once a year!
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