“The Lord your God is He who has fought for you.” Joshua 23:3

For many of you who know me and have read my blog for a while, you know that I take the politics of this country very seriously.  It is not because I like arguing or pointing out what I see as faults in candidates.  It is because I want my children and my beautiful granddaughter to be able to experience the freedoms that my generation and previous generations have been able to enjoy without even thinking about it much.  We are past that point and headed toward a dangerous point.  When President Obama campaigned on the premise of hope and change.  He wanted to fundamentally change America.  He has been far too successful and the next president will either continue or right the ship.

I want all of you to know that I don’t plan on writing about politics every week from now until November, however, I do pray about these blogs and I sometimes wonder why these things seem to matter to me so much.  I feel like I need to say these things so that if anyone I can reach and will listen to me will be given things to think about.  I want to try to bring glory to God in whatever I do and persuade others to make that a priority in their lives.  I will put my thoughts out and then let God fight the battles for me.  So with that said, here’s some observations from this past weekend.

Last weekend, Sarah Palin  endorsed Donald Trump.  I was shocked and surprised that a woman who has supposedly been the  face of the Christian conservative tea party people was endorsing this man.  Her speech was filled with crazy rhymes and high praise to raise the stature of this man to a God-like savior of America.  The choice of salty language was inappropriate and didn’t represent her well.  This along with endorsements from the Rev Jeffress from Texas and Rev. Jerry Falwell, Jr also confused me.  I get the anger of some people, but no good decisions are made in anger.

Over the last few weeks I have given into the Trumpmania in the sense that I began to buy into the “he’s the only one who can win” mentality.  Also, that he is inevitable so we might as well sit down, shut up and accept it.  There are many arguments against all the candidates I really like so I began thinking that Trump couldn’t be any worse than what we have now, so that is how it’s going to be.  I felt that way until I heard Steve King speak at a rally for Ted Cruz.

At that rally, Steve King,  who is a Congressman, was there to support Ted Cruz.  He spoke about a Godly man and what we should be looking for in a candidate.  He said that he felt that a lot of people were beginning to give in because we felt our candidate could not win.  He said that if you serve the God that he serves, the God that can move mountains, why would we limit him to not being involved in helping our candidate to win?  WOW!  That hit me right between the eyes.  The candidate I want can win.  But the main thing is for me to be praying that God will raise up a Godly man that can lead our country.

The other speaker at that rally was Glenn Beck.  Ok, eye roll!!  Yes at times he is very over the top and a little much to handle however, something he said put it all in perspective.  In a speech that could convict Donald Trump himself (if he believed in asking for God’s forgiveness), the one topic that brought it all home for me was the subject of a president’s responsibility of appointing Supreme Court justices should there be vacancies during his presidency.  We are one liberal justice away from “fundamentally” changing our country by activist judges removing or weakening our God-given rights.  So when Donald Trump was asked during this campaign who he would consider as a nominee for Supreme Court judge, he said his sister.  His sister is a pro-gay marriage and pro abortion woman.  That is not good.  Put this beside a man who has argued 8 to 9 times in front of the Supreme Court, three cases that  defended religious freedom for American citizens.  That man is Ted Cruz and I believe his choices would be conservative, Constitutionalist judges that would not try to denigrate our Constitution but uphold it.

I could go on and on but I think that is enough for now.  I like Ted Cruz.  There are other godly men in this race that would be decent choices, my choice is Ted Cruz.  Do your research on the candidate you like and decide if your choice would honor God.  Don’t be distracted by the shiny object being held out as a distraction.  Take a Stand for a Godly candidate and don’t be afraid to share your opinion.  You don’t need to fight over it because God will fight the fight for you.

Last night Eric and I met my beautiful Aunt Tana and Uncle Al.  They will be moving to Florida in a week or so.  We went to dinner and then had a small gathering at my Mom and Fred’s house as a going away party.  It was a wonderful evening full of family and memories and a lot of laughter.  Aunt Tana is a special lady and I will miss her, but I am so excited for her and Al to have a wonderful life in Florida.  Love you guys!!

This is my scripture today, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”  Revelation 2:10.  It really made me think about a situation in the political races going on right now.

Last night, Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump for president.  Sarah Palin has by her own admission and testimony a strong relationship with God.  She has put out there her beliefs and has said that God leads and guides her.  I will not question that.  The candidates that are out there have been open to answer the question of their relationship with God.  In the Republican party a lot of the issues, especially social issues, that drive Republican voters are derived from our belief in God.  We tend to treasure the Bible, even over the United States Constitution.  The Constitution was based on Christian principles and the men who wrote it were inspired by Biblical principles.  Our leaders need to assure us they are strong on protecting the Constitution and hopefully we will have men who also loudly profess their commitment to God.

This year we have several candidates who have spoke eloquently and detailed on their relationship with God.  Ted Cruz has a wonderful testimony and never fails to tell of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, and Rick Santorum have also spoken frequently, especially Rubio of how his decisions do reflect the guidance of God.  There are choices of men who share the values of Christian voters.

There was an interview with Donald Trump in July 2015 in which he was asked by Frank Luntz if he had ever asked God for forgiveness?  Mr. Trump replied, “I’m not sure I have ever asked God’s forgiveness.  I don’t bring God into that picture.”  Later, after being asked about that statement and forgiveness, his reply was, “When I go to church and when I drink my little wine and have my little cracker, I guess that is a form of forgiveness. I do that as often as I can because I feel cleansed.  I say let’s go on and let’s make it right.”

Mr. Trump is not a politician that has a voting record that we can check, we can however, check his public profile from the many years of his very public life.  I am not suggesting his “family life” be scrutinized because from all indications, he has wonderful children and a happy marriage now.  I am talking about who he has given money to, what charities and programs he has supported.  Also, what are his views on abortion and same sex marriage.  I do know he has vowed to support Christians and not allow discrimination against Christians.  He is a multi-faceted candidate that may end up as the Republican nominee so we must do the research to know what we would be getting.

As a Christian, I have prayed and have always recommended that we pray about our votes.  That we are responsible  for the choices we make and that we make the choice that is most honorable to God.  I think there are choices of men who have proven records of their positions on the social issues that I base my vote.  I want to be faithful to those convictions and faithful to honor God as much as possible with my vote and would encourage you all to do the same.

I want to be faithful to God and bring honor to Him in any way possible.  I love the Precious Moments chapel.  There is a peaceful, calm feeling among all these beautiful murals.  What a testimony Sam Butcher has.  He is reaching all types of people with his tear drop characters.  Thank God for him following the prompting of God to build this place to honor God.

This week I ask you to really start thinking about the responsibility as an American that you have to cast a vote.  There is a lot of responsibility in that choice because those we chose to put in charge of our country can make it a God honoring  country or a country that goes against God and tries to remove Him from daily life.  I ask you to Take a Stand for Jesus with your voting privilege when the time comes and for now Take a Stand by encouraging others to take their privilege and responsibility seriously.

Have a Blessed Week!

Last night President Obama gave the State of the Union speech that happens once a year, usually in January.  My opinion was it was a fairy tale from Obamaland told with a lot of passion and total denial of the truth as I see it.  I won’t go into all the details that lead me to that, however, the fact that Iran had 10 of our United States sailors detained on an island after their boats “supposedly” drifted into Iranian waters and it wasn’t even mentioned when the President talked about the Iranian nuclear deal shows that he doesn’t want to deal in reality, only his own fiction.  A deal that says we will be sending a large amount of money totaling in the billions to Iran even though they already hold other hostages that we should have demanded being released.  There were many other  questionable statements that filled the ridiculous speech.  Thank God that it was his last one, unless he finds a way to make another one before his successor takes over next year. The state of the United State of America is tenuous and the only true answer doesn’t lie with any man… it is in the hands of God.

My wonderful husband has been a little under the weather this week.  It is very odd to find him in bed, at home in the middle of the day.  It’s very difficult for him because he isn’t used to being idle.  His work ethic is  why he has always been a great provider for our family.  He knows if you don’t work hard, you don’t succeed.  I have never had to worry about the state of the union in our household.  A marriage built on love and a family filled with love and respect for each other means that even in times of trouble you can maintain a strong family.  I don’t tell  him enough how much I appreciate and admire him.  I think I will tell him more often this year.

One more picture to share today.  I was going through some files before Christmas and reviewing the year and I found a photo that touched my heart and made me stop and think.  Most of the photos I share on here are ones I have taken, this one I am not sure who took it, possibly my brother, Jerry Johnson.  Anyway, the photo is of my brother, Jimmy and my Granny Johnson.  Jimmy was praying with her.  I just stopped for a minute and thought  about how Jimmy is always willing and ready to pray with anyone who is sick or hurting.  He is also never hesitant to ask if you are saved and ready to go should your time come.  His boldness is an example of what is needed and his passion for God is unquestioned.  I am proud to call him my big brother and so glad there are ministers like him that are unapologetic for his faith.  He Takes a Stand for Jesus whenever and wherever he is.

I urge you all to tell someone today that you appreciate them.  If you have a spouse that you love, even if you may be frustrated with them at sometimes, tell them you appreciate them.  Also, if you know anyone in need of prayer, which we all do, I urge  you today to pray with them today and let them know you care and that God can handle their problems.  If we all Take a Stand for Jesus and for our friends and family the state of our families, faith and  yes, even our country will be strong.

Here’s some pics just to finish up 2015 and the holiday season.  The picture of Sam,  at my house for a get-together where he sang, O Holy Night  for us.  I hadn’t gotten to hear Sam sing on his own for a while and I was very pleased  and proud.  I am looking forward to many concerts and many more solos from him.

The full moon was on Christmas Eve night.  It was beautiful.  This season was great this year and we thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to 2016.

The year started off with floods in Missouri.  These are pictures taken a few years ago of the old bridge on Taneycomo before the new bridge was built beside it at the landing. This area was flooded for the new year of 2016.

This year promises to be very full of changes in every area for us.   Personally, Eric and I will be reach our 30 year anniversary and we are planning a trip in celebration.  We are also looking to sell our home and move into something smaller.  We are ready to downsize and simplify.

I am still working on my 49 in 49 goals and will try to achieve them by my 50th birthday in September 2016.  I am also taking more time to pray and study God’s word and draw closer to Him.  He has blessed my family and is the source of my strength.

This is an election year and so far, it is promising to be a contentious mess!!  I want to believe that there is a person who can restore the office of the President of the United States to an office we can respect and honor as the leader of our nation.  So far, each candidate seems to have something that makes me hesitant to believe it is possible.  I know that our country is going down some really bad paths and we need to turn back to being a country that honors God.   A country that is a shining light in a world of darkness, that offers a moral high ground in a world of profanity and vulgarity.  I will be trying to decide on a candidate through prayer and also research.  I pray that God will raise up the leader He wants and that Christians will be responsible and vote for the candidate that represents Godly values.

Yesterday I watched as President Obama explained his executive order on gun control.  I couldn’t help but wonder where his tears were for the victims in San Bernandino, or Paris that were killed by Islamic terrorists.  I couldn’t help but wonder where his tears are for the millions of babies that have been killed in our country through legalized murder (aka abortion).  Yes, the kids killed in Sandy Hook do cause us all to be sad, but it’s hard to believe in his sincerity when after other tragedies he has just left to play golf or to fundraise.  I just find it hard to trust anything this president says or does because he isn’t trustworthy.  I pray for his soul and his heart that God will reach down and turn it in whatever direction He will.  I pray that our country will elect a leader that will honor God and Israel.  I want to be able to respect our president and to be proud of our country.

So, I guess it boils down to each of us making goals for the new year and working hard to reach them.  It starts by recognizing where we are and what improvements can be made.  I am resolved to be an overcomer and also to achieve all my goals and with Gods leadership and strength I will be unstoppable and successful.

Go out this week and find a way to Take a Stand for Jesus.

There are so many distractions during our Christmas season and so much stress for many people.  There are people struggling to make ends meet and it becomes a time of sadness rather than joy because of the expectations we have put on the season.  There are people who have loved ones who are away from them during this time and they won’t physically be able to be together and sometimes that causes guilt or loneliness for not being with family.  There are many people dealing with illnesses that can rob the joy of the season, or maybe it’s a time of grief and there is just no jolliness to be found.  We have all had season’s of Christmas when it has been difficult to sing the carols with the fervent passion we associate with a Merry Christmas.  The wonderful answer to all is to remember that the very reason we celebrate, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ is the answer to all the sadness, loneliness, grief, guilt, and the seemingly unattainable Merry Christmas we all dream of.  Open your hearts to those around you, give what you can, a kind word or written letter of love and memories.  Let those struggling this year know that you have experienced a holiday season that was less joyful and help them get through this season with companionship and understanding.  But most of all, share the story of the greatest love of all and the birth of our King, who ultimately gave His life for us.  So while the season my look dreary, take the time to thank God for His Son and His mercy and know that even in the darkest hour, Jesus is the Reason for the Season and He will be the joy in your heart in all situations, if you will let Him.

New subject:  After an attack by Islamic Terrorists in California, just a warning to Christians who choose to be politically correct, Islam and the Muslim religion is based on a religion that is not peaceful.  They are justified in killing anyone who speaks against Mohammad.  Christians need to understand, NOT ALL RELIGIONS are good.  I am sorry if this is offensive and not PC enough, but I have read and watched enough that even what the media wants to call “moderate Muslims”, believe that they should be able to live under sharia law rather than our American Constitution.  Do not buy into the “we must respect each person’s religion” line.  We can honor their RIGHT to their religious choices, but we must not HONOR a religion of hate for Christians that justifies killing for their rewards in afterlife.  TAKE A STAND AND CALL IT FOR WHAT IT IS!  EVIL!!!

Have a great week and when the opportunity arises, TAKE A STAND FOR JESUS!!!

I am so Thankful today for my husband, Eric, who has always been loving, forgiving, and my best friend.  He is the LOVE OF MY LIFE!!

I am so THANKFUL today for my daughters, Erica and Brittany.  They are wonderful ladies with successful lives that love their family and always try to be helpful to others.  They are the best of the younger generation. Erica is a wonderful mother and care giver to patients in her job. Brittany is artistic and a wonderful coach at Ozark Mt Gymnastics and also in silks.

I am so THANKFUL today for my sons-in-law, Shawn and Derek, they are both serving people in different ways.  Shawn is in the Navy serving our country and Derek is a Music Therapist serving people by helping them through whatever they are dealing with. They are both loving husbands and Shawn is a terrific Dad.

I am so THANKFUL today for my beautiful granddaughter, Alana.  Her excitement for life and all things dramatic brings joy and youthfulness to this mema.  She is a well behaved, respectful young lady.  Her parents are doing very well with her.

I am so THANKFUL for all my family.  We are not perfect but we love each other deeply.  Each one of us has our own personalities, families, joys and sorrows.   I thank God for each one.

A special thankfulness, for Cory Johnson, my nephew.  He suffered a great loss this year in the loss of his beautiful daughter, Persephone.  I am so thankful for his quiet strength in how he handled this dreadful situation.  I have been amazed by his courage in his time of sorrow and although I know it will be with him always, I know that he can and is making a wonderful life for himself.

Happy Birthday to my mom, Carrol Jean Russell Moeller, she is a great woman of God.  I am so proud to be her daughter.  I love you, Mom.

One last word, in this world we live in today, there is a lot of evil around.  However, there is a lot of whining going on also.  Let’s take a reality check and be truthful about what evil is.  As we join with our family today, let’s forget about all the “evil” things our aunt, sister, brother, parents or cousins have done to us.  Most of the time these family feuds are just a waste of the precious time God has given to us.  There are these situations in our big family and I would suggest that everyone examine their “hurt” feelings or if  you are holding things against  people that are your family, I would suggest that you spend time in prayer about it and remove the feelings that are causing you to lose time you can never get back and also look with truthfulness at the reason for the problem.

Evil in our world is real, I pray that God will protect me and my family from the spirits of darkness that dwell in our world today.  Real evil will only bow to the name of Jesus and cannot triumph over good.

That’s it for now, Happy Thanksgiving.  Have a great week and find a way to Take a Stand.

This past weekend Eric and I attended a chapel service at Williams Memorial Chapel on the campus of College of the Ozarks.  We were there to hear our niece, Rebecca Andrhea Stephenson, play with the College of the Ozarks Concert Band to honor the veterans.  It had been between 25 to 30 years since we had attended a service there.  At the time we went Eric was a student and required to attend a certain number of chapel services per semester.  I would occasionally attend with him.

Coming from a Pentecostal background the services, which are very structured, seemed very boring to me.  I remember thinking that it was a waste of time since I was superior to them because we didn’t plan out our services so obviously God was more pleased with our way of serving him. We left it open so the Spirit could move.  There’s nothing wrong with that it’s just I thought  if the service was planned out that God wouldn’t be pleased and wouldn’t ever be present!  Oh the foolishness of youth!

This past Sunday my thoughts were much less judgmental.  The music the band played honored both veterans and God.  The song the choir sang honored God.  The sermon topic was on marriage and how to honor God’s definition of marriage and therefore honored God.  The scriptures read were from the same Bible I have used my whole life to honor God. There was a quiet, reverent moment when the congregation was singing:

I love you, Lord and I lift my voice

to worship you, Oh my soul rejoice,

Take joy my King, in what you hear

Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear

that I could feel God’s approval.  I don’t know what the denomination of Williams Memorial Chapel is, but I know that at that moment in my heart I felt that if we set aside our “superior” ideas, we can honor God wherever we are and that is what matters most.  As long as we are serving the God of the Bible and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ as our path to Salvation, the style of the service doesn’t matter.  It only matters if the substance honors God.

After chapel we had a wonderful brunch at the Keeter Center and then had a Stephenson family photo session.  Here is one of the photos and believe me all the others are even better than this.  It is one of my favorite yearly photo sessions.

Just a word on the Paris Islamic terrorist attacks…..pray for healing for their country.  Pray for our country to be protected from these Islamic extremists.  I encourage you to listen to President Obama’s speech at the G20 Summit.  My impression is that our President seemed weak and insulting.  He has more anger toward Repbulicans and is saying some very undiplomatic things about our country and the Republicans while at the same time trying to appease the terrorists.  I am proud of America, and I know that God blessed us with this country and I pray for an awakening that will remind people that if we turn God away, he will not bless us or our country.  Pray for our leaders, yes, even our President that God will turn his heart toward Him.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  We will be proud of America’s heritage of being a light to the world.  We will TAKE A STAND and call evil for evil.  We will help others in need, while at the same time protecting our country.  We will continue to pray for our country and try to live a life that honors God.

Have a great week and find a way to Take a Stand.

The following pics are of my beautiful Erica.  She and her daughter will be leaving in a few days to join Shawn in Florida.  It is going to be hard for me to see them move, however it is an exciting adventure for their little family and I am praying God’s protection and blessing over them all.

The last picture is of Tamara to replace on I took of her right after she got off work.  LOL.   Love you, Tam.

Thank you to all the veterans who have served this country.  It is easy to say these words without really thinking through what all the sacrifices really are.  You will never know, unless you served or unless you are a member of the family.  I know several men in our family have served and I am so proud of them.  My husband didn’t make the choice to go into the military and has often said that he respects men that have made that choice, to defend the freedoms of Americans.  To protect a country that at times doesn’t honor those who fight whether they agree with the “cause or not”  takes a special kind of person.  It takes someone who wants to SERVE.    The training itself means putting themselves out of the way.  The serving in war takes a special selflessness.  To be willing to give your own life and to watch those buddies and friends fighting beside them be wounded or worse, to give their lives, takes a special kind of selfless servitude.

Please take the time to pray for our veterans that are dealing with scars that we could not understand even if we wanted to.  There are so many hurting men and women and they need our support.  Do something to learn about the disorders and illnesses so that if you come into contact with a veteran who just needs a friend, companionship, a job, or help in any way you can return their selfless servitude.

The top photo is a photo taken at College of the Ozarks at the Viet Nam Memorial.  It is a beautiful memorial and well worth a visit on a campus that values American patriotism and service.

Thank you to Allen Skeen for his service in the Navy during Viet Nam.  He is a quiet hero that doesn’t talk about his experience but he did share a story or two with Brittany for a school paper one year and made a tremendous impression upon all of us.

These photos are of my grandfather Rex Johnson.  He fought in WWII.  He was injured and lost an eye.  He was awarded a purple heart and is a hero.  Once again, he very rarely spoke of his service.  The pictures are Grandad, Granny and my dad, one of Grandad alone, and one of Grandad taken in Fayetteville when he met another veteran and spent time with him.  He admired the other man for his service.

My amazing nephew, Sean Simmons.  He served in Afghanistan and I am so proud of him and am grateful for his selflessness.

His dad Doug served and his Grandpa Simmons also.  It is a part of his DNA to serve.

Thank you also to Adam Jensen, Jake Long, Bob Jordan, and so many others that I can’t even begin to list them all.

NOW A FEW PONDERINGS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE:  I thought it was very good.  There was a lot of quality answers and questions.  I think that John Kasich should run on a different ticket.  He is  a little annoying.    I like the Bush family, as a great American family, however I don’t think that Jeb is what or who we need right now.  Rand is a little too libertarian for my taste.  Carly Fiorna is an intelligent candidate with a lot of knowledge, however, she has at times supported some policies when running in California that are a little less than conservative.  Donald Trump is what he is and while I can’t say I support him for president, I do like that he has made the others stop playing the same old political games.  Ben Carson is someone that I have liked for a long time before he was running for president.  I feel like he would seriously work to save America from the social collapse.  Of course, no man can do this, but he could help facilitate it.  I could see Marco Rubio in a presidential role.  Ted Cruz is raring to go… he is smart and unafraid to change the system.  These are just some of the observations.  Now there was an earlier debate with Chris Christie, who was ok, but just tries too hard to be bombastic.  Mike Huckabee was on that one and he is a good man with a lot of good ideas, however, I believe him and Rick Santorum both lost their chance in the last cycle.  Bobby Jindal is a good man with a sincere desire for America to be a great country again but he came on way too strong last night.  I have made no decision on who I think it should be but these are just some observations, if you care to know what I am thinking.

One more topic, MIZZOU and the riotous, bullying, protests.  Thank God we have free speech.  Even if we don’t agree with what these students, who basically bullied until they got two men to resign jobs they had worked at for years, they have the right to protest.  However, they do not have a right to interfere with the livelihood of hardworking Americans just because they cannot handle some language that is harsh or Halloween costumes that might offend them.  I know there will be some who will disagree with me.  These kids want to protest but they want to shut up anyone who doesn’t agree with them.  That’s not how it should work.  We are all free to spout offensive, rude comments if we want.  We shouldn’t and hopefully we don’t want to, however, when you have one group that does and tries to shut down journalists and people with opposite views it breeds anger and hatred on all sides.  I do have one suggestion for these students who are protesting….. CONSIDER SERVING YOUR COUNTRY IN THE MILITARY.  Consider putting your sensitive feelings away and doing something useful for your country.  Consider that your loud and abrasive language is offensive to others.  And lastly, take some real classes, not ones that are studying Lady GaGa and 50 Shades of Grey….like maybe studying in depth the Constitution and Bill of Rights of the United States of America.  Be grateful that you live here and not in a country where your actions could get you locked up or even killed.  Consider a period of time in your life of SELFLESS SERVITUDE.

Thank God for the United States and for our Armed Forces.  I also want to thank my son-in-law Shawn, who is now a Sailor in the United States Navy.  We are proud of your choice to serve.

Have a great week and find a way to TAKE A STAND!!

Thank you so much to John and Judy Goss and also, Christina Evans for the chance to take their photos this past week.  Both photo shoots had a lot of laughs and fun moments.  I am blessed to get to be involved in capturing a moment in time for them.  Thanks Tamara for being my sidekick and assistant on another adventure.

A few days ago, I got to watch my daughter and granddaughter (6 yrs old) run in their first 1 mile run together.  It was fun to see the excitement on my granddaughters face as she accepted her first medal.  It was great to get to be there.

The politics this last week have been very interesting.  Just keep paying attention and praying for God to lead and guide in your decisions.  There’s a lot of incorrect information being put out and it is your responsibility to not spread “rumors”.

Hey, if you see someone being mistreated, stop and take a stand for them.  Give them support and comfort.

Have a good week and find a way to take a stand.

Throughout the years, I have been privileged to capture many special moments in peoples’ lives.  It is such an honor that people have placed their trust in me and even though I haven’t always succeeded, I have tried my best and have loved every minute.  I have been asked many times why I haven’t  started a business.  For many years, it was because I was busy with my kids and our “real” business, Hornor’s Frame and Collision, LLC.  About 5 or 6 years ago it was my intention to turn our barn/garage into a studio and we even started that process.  However, we had a few events that kept us from getting it started and now I am really glad.  Why?  Well mainly because of the way businesses that provide services such as photography, baking, party planning and even members of clergy are being targeted by the LGBT activists as a way to push an agenda that goes again my faith.  Our country no longer honors religious conscience as a reason to not provide a service or to perform an action that you do not feel you can complete due to your convictions.  My convictions would not allow me to provide some services and so therefore, I will just continue to do this for friends and family and not become a photography business.  No I am not backing down, but there are times when your figure out what battles to fight and find a way to do what you love and let God take care of the organizations that promote ungodly actions.    For now, here’s a few moments I had the pleasure to capture.  THUS: PICS!

Now for a ponder….. last week Tamara and I went to a book signing where Ben Carson was.  He didn’t give a speech but he signed my book and we didn’t even really get a chance to talk, although I did tell him that it was nice to meet him.  He was smiling and laughing with everyone.  Just a quick impression is that he is a real person.  Imagine that.  It’s so funny because I have been reading his  books for a while now and had wanted to meet him for what I had read about his surgeries as much as his politics.  It was also interesting to listen to all the people as we stood in line waiting.  I heard people repeating things they had heard on the news or talk radio.  Some of it was true and some of it wasn’t.  I just want to encourage everyone to do your homework on each candidate.  I don’t know who I will support for sure but I do know one thing….NO MAN CAN FIX the problems in this country.  It is going to take a man or woman of God who follows Gods will.

Enjoy your week and find a way to take a stand.