Photo-A-Day #24 -- Sea Shells

Try this one... "She sells sea shells down by the sea shore"

"Day #24 -- Sea Shells"

Saturday was the last morning of our vacation, so we drove out to the beach and took a little walk, I had been wanting to get some random pictures of sea shells all week, but just never had a chance, until saturday morning!  I also got some pictures of a snowy owl that we spotted, I'll either post those soon, or your going to have beg to see them sometime!     Until next time ~  Jordan

Photo-A-Day #22 and #23 -- Vacation

Thursday we went on a LONG hike... this picture was not taken by "yours truly" but, it was my camera, and I had set it up, and got it ready... but my dear mother took the picture!  Thanks Mama!!! 

"Day #22 -- Hiking on the Beach" 

"Day #23 -- Seaside Sunrise"  

Friday morning I signed a contract with McDonalds to do all of their promotions...

....Ok, that was just a joke, but I thought the picture was kind of cool! 

Photo-A-Day #21 -- Christmas Time

Here are the picture(s) of Christmas Day...it started out with parfaits that were just gorgeous and delicious

"Day #21 -- Strawberries"

"Color"

"Take Two on the Black & Red photo"

"More on the Nikon vs ??? debate!"

The spread for our Christmas Dinner... complete with Enchilada Casserole, chicken wings, egg nog etc

It was AMAZING!  Sorry you had to miss out on it! 

"Christmas Dinner"

Photo-A-Day #20 -- Carrom and more...

Day #20 -- Carrom 

This was taken late at night, after we arrived at our vacation house in Chincoteague Island, VA.  I still hadn't taken my photo for the day, so I grabbed the camera, and set out in search of a subject! 

Extra -- latest selfie

Photo-A-Day #19 -- A Light on a Hill

Day #19 -- A light on a Hill 

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.         Matthew 5:14

Photo-A-Day #18 -- Family

I had the privilege of taking family pictures of John Omar & Priscilla this morning.  I had a total blast (hope they did to).    So, here is my photo of the day for Day #18.    This is also my first attempt at graphic designing.

Photo-A-Day #16 and #17 -- Light

On Thursday night about 4:30, I step outside and saw this beautiful sunset, and of course, I had to get a picture (for more reasons then one :)

Day #16 -- winter sunset

 There are those days where you just have to pick a picture that is less then spectacular... sorry that you have to look at it...  

Day #17 -- Light (fixture)

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm having a blast doing this photo a day thing, and it really has been a good thing for me, forcing me to get out my camera, and use it.   So, thanks for all the encouragement, and hopefully you'll get a better pic for Day #18!!!     ~ Jordan

Cuteness

  I hope I may do this... This isn't a picture I took today, or anytime in December, but I was going through some old pictures, and found this one.  Little Roman is so cute, and fun to photograph.  I just loved this picture, and thought I'd share it with you all...

Roman Reimer

Photo-A-Day #13, 14, and 15

Here are the next three pictures...  On monday, we had surprise birthday party for Samuel.  And we really did surprise him! Now, the reason I have a picture of Jason here, is because he was sitting across from me in the rousing game of actionary that we played.
    I'm sure Jason will just love it that I included him on this post... sorry Jason!

Day #13 -- Jason

Matthew 2:2  

"...Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, 

and are come to worship him." 

Day #14 -- O Beautiful Star

This morning on the way to work, the sun was just coming up, and the sky was gently colored with the pastels of morning... I just had to stop and take some pictures.

Day #15 -- Meditation

Photo-A-Day #10, 11, and 12 -- Trains & Christmas

Here are the pictures from the last several days... So much has happened in the last several days, for the details, come over and I'd be glad to tell you all about it!

Day #10 -- Train Food

Here is my breakfast on the train from thursday morning... I'll let you guess on how much it cost!  

This is the sightseer lounge... I spent most of my twenty hour train ride in this car!

Day #10 -- Sightseer Car 

 Friday night and Saturday, we had a family Christmas get-together.  I had fun setting up and taking this shot!!

Day #11 -- Red & Green

I was listening to the Nutcracker Suite on my trip... thought this was a good way to remember that :)

Day #12 -- The Nutcracker

For those of you that are wondering, I got back from Colorado on Friday afternoon...So good to be home, thanks for all your prayers!

So long for now... I'd love to hear how all of your photos are going, and I'd love to see some, so make sure you show me if you feel so inclined :)              Thanks- Jordan 

Photo-A-Day #9 -- Its time...time for what? Its

Ok, I'll admit, this is one of those pictures that I took because it was 11:43 pm, and I still hadn't taken anything worthwhile... Here's the store behind it!

Day #9 -- Its time...time for what? 

At this moment in history (12:19 am MT), I am sitting in the Denver Train station, awaiting the arrival of the California Zephyr Train #6 which is now scheduled to come in sometime around 3:30 am (over 9 hours late)  I'm guessing by the time most of you read this, it will be old news...but news nonetheless.  So I was sitting here, and it dawned on me, that I still hadn't gotten my photo for the day,... I looked up, and saw this beautiful clock hanging on the wall, and it was showing 11:43 pm... oh my, grab that camera buddy!!! So, now its out for review...

    

    To pass the time, I have had some wonderful company, and then my computer, camera, and head phones, so time is in no way hanging heavy on my hands.    I don't want to spoil the fun of telling you all about the trip later, so I won't give to many details... But, so far, I'm having an awesome trip, and am really looking forward to getting on the train!   If all goes as scheduled, I'll be arriving home sometime Saturday afternoon!   Thanks to all for your prayers, texts, emails, and encouragement, it means a lot to me!   

Till next time ~ Jordan   

Photo-A-Day #8 -- Randomness

Day #8 -- Randomness

If you wonder what this is...well, wonder no more.  Its baled up clothes.  Today I was helping at the New Horizons Thrift Store in Canon City.  Most of the day I was helping my cousin Kelvin bale clothes, yes you read that right.  All the clothes that are ripped, stained, or otherwise unsellable are baled up and recycled.  We did a total of 4 bales, averaging 1,400 lbs each...  Kelvin is also in charge of helping people that come to drop off donations, this also takes a lot of time.

It was a blast, the work, and mostly working with Kelvin.

  

Its hard to believe, but tomorrow starts the long awaited train trip... cheers!!!    I leave the Colorado Springs bus station at 3:55 pm, and my train leaves Denver, CO at 7:10 pm.  

I'm having a really really good trip, thanks to all for your prayers... but, I'm also looking forward to seeing all of you people back home...     till next time ~ Jordan

Photo-A-Day #5, 6, and 7 -- Colorado!

Well, I'm back...  This weekend was very full, but good.  We had the fellowship meetings Friday, Saturday, and Sunday... and in between that.. I didn't have time to to post.   Ask me about details when I get home!    --- anyway, here are the pictures, hope you enjoy!  

Day #5 -- Through a car window... believe it or not!

Day #6 -- Can you tell what I'm thinking?

Day #7 -- Beautiful Colorado -- The Spanish peaks in the morning light

Photo-A-Day #4 -- coffee shop gathering

Day 4, and already running of out inspiration, so my fun and creative brother Joshua, suggested this pose...just love it.   Also, today I posted the same picture three times with a different edit on each...

So, cast your vote in the comment section (I promise this is not politics).

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Thanks for your comments!!! -- Jordan    

PS:   I'm leaving for CO at 3:30 tomorrow, I would appreciate your prayers!  Thanks

Photo-A-Day #3 -- excited anticipation...

You can tell whats on my mind lately!!!               

I just got my train tickets in the mail this morning... and It sent me on another round of excitement!!  

excited anticipation...

This afternoon, I was packing and getting everything together and organized (making sure I get all the stuff my parents asked me to take out :), and then of course not forgetting anything myself....  The closer departure time comes, the more excited I get, and its still more then 24 hours away...not sure how tomorrow will go :)    

PS:  So far its been working to post everyday, but that might not be the case in the coming weeks... so if I don't post, rest assured that I am still taking pictures (we hope I am), and that they will make there appearance in due time!  

 Thanks-  Jordan 

Photo-A-Day #2 -- flowers in the winter

"Flowers in the Winter"

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

Isaiah 40:8

Photo-A-Day #1 -- baby cuteness

Monday, we spent the evening with Samuels, and I (of course looking for my photo for the day) started snapping pictures... It was a blast taking them, and getting them ready for all of you... 

Of course, there's no way I could post just ONE... :)

December -- Photo-A-Day

Well, you'll probably wonder why I'm doing two posts in one night, when I haven't posted for weeks... well, I just wanted to tell you all about a little adventure that I'm planning to do, and am asking any photographers out there to join me, if you care to!

For the month of December, I will be doing a Photo-A-Day.  This, in my humble opinion, is very self explanatory.  But for those of you that don't understand, here are the details.

In December, take 1 picture every day, except for Sundays.   The picture can be of whatever or whoever you want, as long as you didn't use that exact subject and composition the day before... I think you get the point.   The idea is to get out and take pictures, and find creative things to shoot.  And of course, please don't limit yourself to ONLY one picture... please take as many as you want!  I sure will...

I know this is still November 30th, but I'll start it early, because I have a picture to post.  This morning, I had the privilege of taking a family picture for my Uncle & Aunt and family.  It was a total blast taking them, editing them, and getting them finished!    Hope you enjoy!

The Family

The Lovely Couple

The Siblings!!! 

Like usual :)  I would love to hear from ALL of you... If your doing the photo-a-day... or if your not, just for the fun of commenting...(it really is a thrill :)   I'll wait to hear from you!!!  

Have a Blessed Evening!!!  -- Jordan

Travel... Cheers!!!

To all my good readers,

It has been rather a long while since something new and exciting has happened around here, but all that will change...
    Friday, Dec 6th, will find me flying West on United Airlines Flight 4851 from Harrisburg, PA to Cleveland, OH, and Flight 1275 from Cleveland, OH to Denver, CO, and then from Denver to Colorado Springs, CO on Flight 6242 for those of you that like tracking flights.

Several prayer requests:
    1)  Safety traveling.
    2)  For the Fellowship Meetings, that the Lord would do a work in the body there, and also in the lives of each of us that attend.
    3)  That I could be a blessing to all the people I come in contact with.

The goal of the trip is to...ahh, well go to Colorado!  Actually, there are Fellowship meetings at the church in Colorado next weekend. (Dec 6-8)  I'm really excited about being able to go.  I have never traveled by myself before, and so although its exciting, there is some trepidation.

On Monday, (Dec 9) I'll be going to Canon City, CO to visit my cousin Kelvin for a few days.  He is working at the New Horizons Thrift Store that is located in that town, totally can't wait to visit.

Wednesday afternoon... I'll be doing something that I have dreamed about for a LONG time, and talked about a LOT in the last year...   But, you'll not tell you now (although, some will know :) so, stay tuned, and I'll keep you posted!!!  And if you know what that is, then feel free to let me know in the comments section at the bottom of this page!

 Thanks for your prayers, they are very much appreciated!!!   --- Jordan

Blue Hat Project -- Part 1

Just wanted to give you this link to the start of Joshua's "Blue Hat Project"   Please comment, and let him (and me) know what you think!!!  

Thanks for coming by...   Jordan

of coffee, lattes, and other good things...

My delicious cup of hot chocolate with ice cream... yummm

"I'd give up chocolate, coffee, and Lattes....

....but I'm no quitter!"               

                          -unknown

So, what would you give up???   I'd like to know... you can comment or if that isn't working, your welcome to send me an email...

Thanks for coming by!!! 

Life.com

Proverbs 3:5-6

 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I have heard these verses for years, but it was only recently that they have become very precious to me. It is amazing how the Lord brings the exact verses to us exactly when we need them.

As of the end of the year I'm going to stop working at White Horse Construction, Inc.. At the moment, I don't have any clear direction or opportunities for the future (except for the School of Christ in January). This was probably one of the most challenging decisions I have made. (I'm absolutely terrible at making decisions...)

Work was becoming less and less enjoyable, and like any normal person, I have lots of dreams, and ambitions that I would love to pursue.  Music, Photography, School, Missions etc.

     When I would think about these things, I would get all excited about being freed up from the schedule of work, and just be able to do ANYTHING I felt like doing. And then the more conservative tea party side of me said, “whoa now, that might sound like fun and all, but you realize, that your leaving the best job you ever had (howbeit, the only job I had), and if you leave then you'll probably be unemployed for forever, and end up a couch potato, sitting at home editing the same blurry pictures over and over.... well, that's not exactly what I thought, but you get the idea.

After praying about it, and seeking the counsel of my pastor (aka: Dad) I felt that that was what I needed to do. So, I put in the notice that I wanted to quit by the end of the year.

That evening was amazing!!! I had peace about it, and it just felt so right. {excited cheers} 

     Well, that lasted for about 12 hours... until I woke up the next morning, and realized what I had done... and then I got scared... like as in, aah, AFRAID.

I was afraid I had made the wrong decision, afraid I hadn't heard from God,  afraid that my friends would think i'm this lazy guy that doesn't feel like working, afraid, that when I tell all you on the blog, that I would all of a sudden get zero views a day, and no comments. But, slowly, through many, and various ways, the Lord brought back that peace that I had, and confirmed that I had done the right thing. {Praise The Lord} 

         Several verses that have really ministered to me...

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Psalms 62:1-2

Truly my soul waiteth upon God:
from him cometh my salvation.
 He only is my rock and my salvation;
 he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.


Even now, when I look at the facts, it seems like a stupid thing that I did. But I know its right, and find myself coming back to Prov 3:5 

“Trust in the Lord with All thine Heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding"  

When we don't lean on or rely on our own understanding, sometimes the Lord takes us through things that, to the world, and even our brothers and sisters, looks like a mistake... But the glorious thing is...

Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
&
Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

I am excited about what the Lord has in the future, and would appreciate your prayers as I make this transition. -- Jordan

PS: If you made it all the way down here... congratulations! Sorry there aren't more pictures... I'll do my best to get another picture post up soon! 

 Thanks for coming by... May God Bless You!!!

Washington DC Youth Trip -- In The Words Of Andrew

After planning a nice while in advance to go to Washington DC with the youth group, we almost didn't make it. A governmental shutdown left us up in the air while politicians tried to find a way to get along. I was desperate to still go, so I watched the news pensively and caught myself cheering when the government reopened. Bit out of character for me.

We started out bright and early, a little after 6:00 AM when we all should have been catching up on sleep. There were 24 people, so we divided equally into two vans. Well, both vans had the same count, but that's about it. The people in my van were, well, a bit crazy sometimes.  There was just the right blend of personalities or something like that.  I sat between Jordan and Josiah, which was asking for trouble. It all started when the temperature in the van started to rise abnormally. I said I was hot and some people who don't have a good grasp of the English language thought I was describing myself. Some claimed all the moisture on the windows came from us guys in the back (Jason was with us too) but I don't think that's based on a true story. Everything went downhill from there. There was just too much hot air. Somehow the majority of the blame for all the hilarity landed on one poor person. I'm a nice guy, so I'll keep the person anonymous—don't want to embarrass anyone.

Anyway, we finally got down there and finally found a place to park. It seemed that police cars were everywhere and some of us were worried about bombs, believe it or not. Once we got out of the van around 9:10, things cooled down. It was just gorgeous outside, a perfect October morning with a slight chill and breeze that kept us moving. We were late for our scheduled tour of the Capitol but headed in that direction with hopes of still getting in. There was a marathon of sorts happening on one of the roads we had to cross so we had fun trying to find gaps and getting across without tripping anyone. Think we did it. We walked a little further and came to the Capitol. 

At the reflection pool in front of the capitol building

We stood outside for awhile looking up at the magnificent building. It's quite something to actually see it. Jesse went investigating to see if we could still get in and I think most of us were excited when he came back and told us we could in about ten minutes. We had to go through security and then got in a long, snaking line to get ready for the tour. We watched a 15 minute video about Congress and then were hooked up with a tour guide. I did have to laugh when I heard one of the guides call out “Cross Keys Academy” as we were finding our place.

Under the Rotunda...

Our tour guide couldn't have been better. He was a jovial fellow who made everything fun and cracked a few sly jokes. We all had headphones on so, you guessed it, we could hear him. It was fascinating to see all the architecture and artistry on the walls and ceilings. I think it was one of the highlights for a lot of us. When we were done, our guide told us we could leave feedback on the website.  If we liked it, his name was Don and if we didn't, his name was Fred. (names are changed to protect the innocent)

"Republican" and "Democrat"

The Magnificent Rotunda

Afterwards we headed towards our vans to eat lunch. I'm not sure what happened, but we basically ended up walking in a big circle trying to find one of the vans, which Joshua had to move because we were out of time.  The plan was to eat lunch close to the Monument, but the first parking space he found was all the way up at the Air & Space Museum... I liked the walk, though, going up close to the Washington Monument which was covered with scaffolding. There's something I've always loved about walking around DC, still not sure exactly why.

We ate lunch on the lawn in what they call the Mall, I believe. Around 1:00 we went into the Air and Space Museum. Here we were basically on our own, with the group breaking up as we all went various ways. I followed Jordan and Josiah around as I'm prone to do, along with Natalia, Bethany, Sara Ann, Linda, Jason, and Eli—hope I'm not forgetting anyone. It was a fun group and we leisurely strolled around reading the displays. One of my favorites was a video clip of the Blue Angels doing their jaw-dropping tricks. It's very neat, though I'm not sure I would want to try it myself. (Maybe Seth would?)

Jesse stressed that the IMAX was optional, but we all wanted to watch it and I think we were all glad we did. We watched To Fly. I think a few of the girls (and some others) screamed at various parts—can't blame them, really. It was surprising when we felt we were riding along in a car only to suddenly drop off a cliff.

In Eager anticipation of the coming iMax...  

"Brillant idea, why don't I just push it over?"

"hey Drew, come help me, this is harder then it looks... "

We headed for the vans around 4:00, without much switching. Sarah Petersheim somehow got in our van, so it seemed we would probably have a less exciting ride home. It didn't turn out that way, though, surprise, surprise. We had a grand time. It's hard to recreate such times on paper, especially when there are so many inside jokes and some things I don't want to bring up.

Outside of the Air & Space Museum

What Photographers do for pictures... 

Hi Jason... 

More Photographers

We all stopped for supper at Subway around 5:30. Jordan got the crazy idea that we should have a photo shoot where everyone was taking a picture of someone else...taking a picture of...someone else..taking a picture...of someone else...etc...etc. It was very funny. I think we all enjoyed our meal, even though some of us guys said a few things that didn't add to the enjoyment of our food—inside jokes again and some things I don't want to, well, never mind.

Yes, thats me, and Yes, I'm eating Subway... I would still like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but they didn't have one close...:(

We got back to church a little after 7:30. We were all tired, but it was a wonderful day. I loved every minute of it.

I'm somewhat overwhelmed even now as I write by how blessed I am to have such a wonderful group of friends. Even as we had fun together, the spirit of the group was so refreshing. We are seeking to draw closer to the Lord and follow him wholeheartedly and this enables us to bond in a very special way. I want to thank everyone in the youth group for their part in making it a wonderful day.  

The Account of the day was written by Drew Barnard... if you have any complaints about it... I can get you his email address...   

For real, I'd love to hear from you... as always, comments are appreciated!!! 

Proverbs 21:1

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will