Thursday, December 29, 2011

My New Truck Stopper



This is my new truck stopper! Okay, okay, I know it called a hitch cover, but honestly would that have captured your attention as much as "truck stopper?"  Makes me think if I unplug the stopper the truck will just leak out, as a deflated balloon. I've enlarged it below.
It's a Marine hitch in honor of my son's service.

They had ones for sports teams, colleges and such. But I got to thinking. Why can't we make some that can be easily rotated? Trucks with some bling? You know, something that would fit any mood. Say like, holiday ones, pet ones, personal interest ones, chocolate or coffee ones...oh my the list could be endless. Even crystal ones band/music ones, scriptures...

Well someone come up with something that slides in and out easily but others can't rip off and make millions. Onward to Etsy.
This is a photoshop idea for those who like the 70's. Teehee...
But of course it's only the outside decoration. Doesn't have anything to do with the ability or the power of the truck. And the truck won't fall apart if I take out the "stopper."

"By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God's nature. He holds everything together by what he says-powerful words!" Hebrews 1:2-3

There are so many times You Lord, hold my "stopper" in to keep me from falling apart. Thank you Father that by Your words the world works and will continue until the end.

Photos:karenrevans

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Merry Christmas ALL Ya'll

Just loved this. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!



love and blessings,

karen

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Did Creation Know?

Was the sunset more glorious in anticipation knowing that the Creator of the Universe would soon step foot on earth's soil? Could it feel the night's stars aligning for that special time? (Check out this site, Bethlehem Star, it's fascinating.)

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Did the moon feel out of sorts being outshone by the star? Or did it give preference on this night of eternal consequence?
I believe that creation knew the beginning of man's redemption was nigh. And that one day the earth itself would be redeemed.
"We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8:22
 "And you, my child (John), 'Prophet of the Hightest.' will go ahead of the Master (Jesus) to prepare his ways, present the offer of salvation to his people, the forgiveness of their sins. Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise (Jesus) will break in upon us, shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death, then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace." Luke 1:76-79 (Zechariah's prophecy about his son, John the Baptist and Jesus. Parenthesis mine.)
At this time when we celebrate Your birth, may Your light of forgiveness and peace invade our minds, hearts and souls.
Happy Birthday Jesus
photos:karerevans

Friday, December 16, 2011

What Are We Waiting For?

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My grandkids are waiting on their parents. We've spent the day a Busch Gardens, doing all kinds of fun kid stuff. And now they have to wait. From this picture you'd think they were just miserable.

This is also hard around Christmas. (For adults too.) The waiting. One of my children, I found out later, would sneak and open the presents under the tree to see what they were and then rewrap them. That stinker!

Now before I get too hard on the kids wanting everything right now...ah hummm...we all have that problem at times.

"You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:8

I guess that's why there are so many verses telling us to wait, trust, and hope. He knows we never really grow out of that.

Oh, and I can't wait until Christmas, can you?




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

A Thanksgiving of Roller Coaster Feelings

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November was a wild ride for my hubbie and me. My '95 van was due for retirement so we bought a new '07 truck. So much fun. And even "fun-ner" when all my kids and grand kids were here for Thanksgiving. (My son and family were able to come down from VA.)


Ha! See what a big "honkin'" truck can do! I love it. Okay, it's not that big, but I do need the little help from the handle on the side of the door to get in. :P

We had my parents here, too; so the house was full of love and joy. Now that's Christmas enough for me.

Then the day after the kids arrived, my hubbie was in an accident and totaled his car! I praise the Lord he wasn't hurt-sore and achy, but not hurt. Now he needed a new vehicle. This sudden drop was unexpected. But the Lord held us tight in His coaster and now he has his new car.

Not what we planned for Christmas. But here's the thrill; hubbie wasn't hurt, insurance will cover, kids were here to soften the blow, we had a great time with love all around.

So I guess that roller coaster ride turned out okay after all.

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28

Father I'm in awe for all You did, may my service show the extent of my gratitude.

ps-I'll be by soon to visit. :)

Photos:karenrevans
 


Friday, November 18, 2011

Hanging with Kinfolk

I have wonderful news, my grandkids, oh and my son and his wife are coming to visit this weekend through Thanksgiving!! We only get to see them about twice a year. And my daughter and her hubbie will be here, too. :)
Sorry, I haven't visited as often this week and may not next week. But ya'll understand, right?
Can't wait to see them.
Ah, the unposed pictures!
"Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!" 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (did you know Paul was southern? see that proves it.)
Will "talk" soon and I'm sure I'll have plenty of pics. :P
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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Dad!!!


This gorgeous bird is in the Lory area at Busch Gardens. You can walk in, buy food and feed the birds.

A dad next to us gave his daughter two cups, one for each hand. These birds landed first, then two more landed on her other hand. She started squealing, then...

One landed on her head and started picking at her hair. Now scared, she called out to her Dad. His response, "It's okay honey, I'm video taping it." The bird started picking out strands of hair.

The park attendant came up and said, "Oh, he likes you! Must be nesting!" and walked away. Yes, another male.

What is it? She was ready to bolt, but was listening to her Dad. He finally rescued her...sigh.

When life starts pecking all sides and then dumps down on your head, what do you do?

"God, listen to me shout, bend an ear to my prayer. When I'm far from anywhere, down to my last gasp, I call out, 'Guide me up High Rock Mountain!' You've always given me breathing room, a place to get away from it all. A lifetime to pass to your safe-house, and open invitation as your guest." Psalms 61:1-4 (MS)
We can call to our Heavenly Father, who not only is watching, but will rescue us.

photos:karenrevans

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Fighting Fear



This is the book trailer for Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home.

If you can't see the whole picture, here's the link  .http://youtu.be/jNOa0v6eGxc

Back Cover Copy

Saying goodbye to a loved one leaving for war is a gut-wrenching proposition. But for those left behind, their deployment marks the beginning of our battle. And yet, it is possible to find God’s peace in the midst of fear and conquer the terror that lurks in the darkness of doubt. In Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home, parents, spouses and siblings recount their personal journey as God goes before His people during times of spiritual, physical and military warfare. Learn the secret to living a peace-filled life when a loved one leaves for battle. Fight fear; win the war at home.

This book is a compilation of stories, of which two of mine were selected. Whoo Hoo. The book is out just in time for Veteran's Day.

It's for sale at Barnes and Noble and Amazon


Hope ya'll will take a look. And don't forget to thank a veteran this week. It really means a lot to them. After all, they willingly fight for me and you.

Thank you son.

"He who did not spare His won Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32

Jesus won the battle for us, willingly and therefore we are free.


Thank you, Father.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Spot Metering


Sponges at Tarpon Springs, FL hang to dry out on this boat. (I am still playing with the functions on my camera. Metering is a fancy word for measuring the light that will be in your picture. Hey, took me a while to figure that out, even with help.) It was a cloudy day so I focused my camera (using the * button) on the lightness of these long sponges.  Too much light, wrong spot to focus.

Here I focused on the darker sponges and it made a better colored picture.

I overheard a conversation where two were discussing the Bible. One said it was a book that you could either take as a history of people, or like some do, a religious thing. That person also said that it's a fun thing to study for learning cultures of people. The second one responded, I like to read it, but it's so confusing. This reply sounded so disappointed.

Is the Bible just a book no matter how you "spot" it?

"Everything was created through him; (Jesus) nothing-not one thing!-came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light is the real thing; every person entering Life he bring into Light." John 1:3-4, 9 (MS) parenthesis mine-

No, when my life is spot metered through the Lord, His light will shine even in darkness. Meter my days on You, Father.

photos:karenrevans

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Stacy Westfall and Horse Waltz


This is Stacey Westfall. She is not able to speak or hear, but her gift with horses is nothing short of amazing. Her father died shortly before this competition.

I'm one of those girl-horse-lovers, so when I saw this, I just had to share. An animal and human waltz.

"O Lord, how many are Thy works! In wisdom Thou has made them all; the earth is full of Thy possessions. They all wait for Thee." Psalms 104:24, 27

Just as Stacey and this horse are a beautiful witness in their performance, may I be just as sensitive to Your instruction in my life. Waltz with me.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Two More Lessons, To Use With Any Camera


Another lesson (see previous post) to use with a variety of subjects is the  "1/3 rule." My teacher, Dawn at Lake Shore Camera, asked me to take pictures thinking of thirds. Uh hem, hence the sky, water AND the beach.


This one is also in thirds. Can you see it? (Well, the computer program at the store had little dotted lines going across each picture to verify and make you feel either good or bad.) Now before you think I'm all smart, I cropped this photo. I had the bird in the middle of the picture. Now Mr. Seagull is near the right third and the post is a third.

The second Dawn rule is; "Space in front of the face." In other words, whichever way the "face" is looking add more space so the eye continues on. It works.

My next lesson includes using the meter function. Gulp. That's the light/brightness control. Boy this camera is smart. When I grow up I want to know how to use all the functions. :P

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." Psalms 32:8

Lord, keep "space in front of my face" to see You in all things. Don't let things crowd my vision.

photos:karenrevans

Monday, October 17, 2011

I'm a Rebel T2i

Oh, that's the name of my camera. I love it! The pictures I've taken before today were on the Automatic side ONLY. Even reading the book I couldn't understand it. (No wise-cracks here, ok?) So I went to a local camera shop for a bit of one-on-one.

And I must say, my camera is too smart for me. Whew. I took one lesson. She helped me reset the camera, gave me a few pointers and homework. My teacher knew when my eyes glazed, it was time to stop.

My first assignment was to use the single spot focus (AF), to focus on only one thing and move the camera to widen the view and it keeps the focused spot clear.
As you can see the trees stand out, and the water is unfocused. This smarty-pants camera has a bunch of other focus-hocus pocus I've yet to learn. But I'm learning. (I might share more if I get good grades.)

"In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." John 17:18 (MS)

Single focus is great for cameras, but may I not get so single-minded I don't notice the big picture around me. Jesus widen my lens.

photos:karenrevans

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Grateful Heart Shoutin' Out!

This is a loud shout out to my son, David.


 Not only is he a magna cum laude culinary graduate, with his own Deisel Seasonings,

he plays in a Christian rock band called Truth Residual,

and he designed my new website, karen r evans, with his design "DED" , but most of all


I love him, Melissa my daughter-in-love, and my two wonderful grand kids. (and yes he served our country in the Marines.)

This is a "thank-you" post for all he's done. I just have a grateful heart today for him and his family.
Luv you guys!

Say, check out his sites, if you haven't and my new website. I think it's great. AND I'm not prejudiced



"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord." Psalms 137:2

Ok, a girl can brag on her kids a bit, right? Just wait until I get to my daughter! :)
Give a hug to your kids today for me.

This is Grateful Heart day. (I just made that up.) Pass it along.

Blessings***

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Dead Grass


Lots of rain and wind hit our beaches the other day. Pushed all this dead sea grass and trash on the beach. These birds didn't have the clean nice beach to gather their food.



But they found food amidst the trash and you know what, I didn't hear a single complaint. Oh, all right, those sea gulls squawk all the time, but it wasn't about the mess on the beach.

"The Lord is my portion." Psalms 119:57

When my life becomes a mess of dead grass, either by my doing or circumstances, I usually complain. May I remember the birds who continue doing what they know to do without complaint. For the Lord provides a way.

Photos:karenrevans

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What's a Girl to Do?


It's your party.


You've eaten a good lunch. So.....


You can have your Sesame Street birthday cupcakes,


You've feed the cows,


Rode the train


Opened your presents and are just down-right tuckered out.


When even the good things get to you, what do you do? Go to Mom or Dad, of course.

"As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him." Psalms 103:13

In good times and in bad, what joy to know God feels and cares for us like loving parents.

Photos:karenrevans taken at Taylor's 2-year-old party.



Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Swimmingly Awesome!


Year 2005. One of my favorite animal memories. Hubby and I were in the Bahamas and were able to swim, and I mean swim with the dolphins at the Blue Lagoon! I grinned like the Cheshire cat the whole time.

We danced with them, kissed them, and no they don't taste fishy-just watery. :) Rubbed their bellies and back.
See all our smiles? It was splashes of fun, which of course the dolphin did.

The most amazing part, which you HAVE to take my word for, was when we floated on our stomachs with legs locked straight and feet flexed. Then two dolphins swam up behind us and pushed us up out of the water with their noses on our feet, just like Sea World stuff! No sadly, I don't have a picture as they only took videos. (But hey, come over and I'll show you.)  

Just the most unbelievable experience. I can't explain it in words. You just have to try it yourself.

Trust me.
Then we ended with this finale.

Wonderful, wonderful.

"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him." Psalms 34:8

This I know is true. Trust me, or rather Him. Wonderful, wonderful.

Photos:by Dolphin Encounters

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Walk on the Wild Side


Welcome to a walk in Anderson Park at Tarpon Lake. (Check out that site to see the wonderful park.) On the boardwalk over the shallows we spotted several gators. They are cool from this distance.

Walking on to a spot next to a picnic table area, we came across this little fella. This was right on the water. I could have walked right out and petted him. Ha!

He was kind'a cute and he didn't appear afraid until I got a bit closer.

Then he swam away. I was a bit sad as I wanted a few more pictures.  Then it suddenly occurred to me that if these were little ones, where was the big ones?? So I said, "Feet, you better get me out of here."

 "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you, show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalms 143:8 (TNIV)

When I don't have the sense to see the danger, please turn me around and shove me in the right direction.

~~~~~
Hey, look at my new website! My son David created this. I just love it. Every time you click on another tab or refresh a new picture appears. Cool, huh? Wait 'till he starts on my blog!

photos:karenrevans


Sunday, September 18, 2011

What Is That To You?


Ever feel like you're the one on the outside looking in? You can see what you want-in this case some acorns brought into my patio by my dog-but just out of reach?


Or are you just hanging on with all fours while all the others get the good bugs? (Again from my back patio)

We've all been there.

~Oh, AND my "new" place is still in the creation stage so bear with me. It'll be fun!

"Peter therefore seeing him (John) said to Jesus, 'Lord, and what about this man?' Jesus said to him, 'If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!'" John 21:21-22 (parenthesis mine)

In other words I'm to do what the Lord gives me to do and not worry/compare/yearn for what others have. Besides, if the Lord doesn't want that for me, I won't be satisfied with that either.

My work is to recognize the joy in the NOW. In Him. And the crazy thing is; when I do, I become blessed and joyful.

How 'bout you?

photo:karenrevans

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Still A'Chewing

Freinds, I'm a still working on my new blog. My son is helping me. So don't give up on me. "I'll be baaack."

Miss ya'll and will try again to get around to your blogs.

Blessings***
karen

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Life Can Bite

You know, sometimes life just bites you back.

As you, my wonderful readers have noticed, my poor blog is lacking in regularity. Ha, I think that's a good word for it! :P Anyway, I'm going to take a break for a bit longer. My heart and mind are "occupied" with family situations. Teehee...to continue on the theme.

I won't be too long, I promise. 

My intention is to come back with a completely new idea and maybe, if my son can find some time, a new website.

So please don't think too harsh of me. I will try to visit your sites when I can. "I love ya man."

"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." John 16:33 (MS)

(Boy I sure hope I can come up with something new after all this.....uh oh....)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Do Ya'll Ever Wonder?

Seriously now, how many lemurs does it take to hold up a wall? Yes, this picture is the right way.
How come sometimes, the little guy get the last "foot" in?
And how is it that all the stripes are in perfect lines and not zig-zaggedly crooked, like when I try to draw a straight line?
And will anyone ever answer that knocking?

Well, the only answer I do know is the first one. DUH! Five, unless that is one in front that I can't see very well, and then it is six. Uh...oh well.

 Good grief, well this I do know:

"God spoke: 'Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals--all kinds.' And there it was; wild animals of every kind, cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug. God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:24-25

I'm satisfied enough with that answer. (Except for the bug part.)

Photos:karenrevans