Monday, November 30, 2015
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Bokeh
 |
| photo by Vera Chosenko |
1/100 Shutter Speed
300mm
F5.6
3200 ISO
 |
| photo by Vera Chosenko |
1/100 Shutter Speed
55mm
F5.6
6400 ISO
lesson learned: http://digital-photography-school.com/take-control-aperture-create-stronger-photos/
Saturday, November 21, 2015
A Lesson from Spokane's 2015 Windstorm
In the land of nature-filled neighborhoods, where lawns are trimmed and views are expensive, there stood, amongst others, a family of pine trees. This family was not unlike other colonies of trees in that, they stood tall and strong, reaching higher into the sky as the days turned to years and decades. Their unseen, hidden, roots dug deep and spread wide. Like a vine, their roots intertwined with one another. Like the strings of the heart which weave together and form a bond, so did their roots. They stood strong, secure. If you could read of their history in the ridges of their bark, you would learn that, among beautiful seasons, they withstood rigid winters and strong winds. The deepest ridge in the bark would speak proudly of the ice storm of 1996. That is a chronicle in itself, which can be read in a different memoir.
One beautiful spring day, new owners moved into the home adjacent to the pine tree family. Their excitement for their new abode filled the air. Renovation of the home and yard quickly put in motion. Before long, the neighbors admired and envied the reviving vista, thinking to themselves how, as a result, their own homes would rise in value.
The vibrant new paint, new trims, and magnificent windows could not have been more carefully selected. "The pine trees are closing off my beautiful home," thought the owner, "I shall take them down, but leave one for artistry;" and so he did. The tall, strong timber was pulled with its roots and brought down. With one left standing, a charming pine. It was truly so. If trees had feelings and a place for emotion, jealousy would have found a place among the surrounding trees.
Only the lonely pine tree knew the pain it had gone through to receive such esteem. Its roots where torn. The lovely weave, which held their beings together, was forever gone. In its place where left the bleeding roots of the beautiful pine, using all its strength to proudly hold itself together.
The project was complete, the owner was proud, and the neighborhood freshly admired. The years gone by, the days unnoticed, the seasons changed, and the pine tree stood.
November of 2015, a windstorm advisory was issued. "No big deal," thought the owner, "I have nothing to worry about, this pine has been standing strong for decades."
The wind blew hard, topping at 71mph. The damage was severe. Thousands of homes and businesses lost their power. Blocked roads. Two casualties. New York Times describing it as a powerful storm.
Destruction did not show its favoritism to the proud owner of the vista. The charming pine was pulled with its roots and toppled down on its owner's dwelling. Although it had withstood heavy storms in the past and the bleeding roots had healed, the pain of separation was buried in the past, the isolated pine could not withstand this trial on its own.
Let us learn from a simple pine tree, the importance of family and friends, who will uphold, encourage, and pray for us.
By Vera V Chosenko.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
One beautiful spring day, new owners moved into the home adjacent to the pine tree family. Their excitement for their new abode filled the air. Renovation of the home and yard quickly put in motion. Before long, the neighbors admired and envied the reviving vista, thinking to themselves how, as a result, their own homes would rise in value.
The vibrant new paint, new trims, and magnificent windows could not have been more carefully selected. "The pine trees are closing off my beautiful home," thought the owner, "I shall take them down, but leave one for artistry;" and so he did. The tall, strong timber was pulled with its roots and brought down. With one left standing, a charming pine. It was truly so. If trees had feelings and a place for emotion, jealousy would have found a place among the surrounding trees.
Only the lonely pine tree knew the pain it had gone through to receive such esteem. Its roots where torn. The lovely weave, which held their beings together, was forever gone. In its place where left the bleeding roots of the beautiful pine, using all its strength to proudly hold itself together.
The project was complete, the owner was proud, and the neighborhood freshly admired. The years gone by, the days unnoticed, the seasons changed, and the pine tree stood.
November of 2015, a windstorm advisory was issued. "No big deal," thought the owner, "I have nothing to worry about, this pine has been standing strong for decades."
The wind blew hard, topping at 71mph. The damage was severe. Thousands of homes and businesses lost their power. Blocked roads. Two casualties. New York Times describing it as a powerful storm.
Destruction did not show its favoritism to the proud owner of the vista. The charming pine was pulled with its roots and toppled down on its owner's dwelling. Although it had withstood heavy storms in the past and the bleeding roots had healed, the pain of separation was buried in the past, the isolated pine could not withstand this trial on its own.
Let us learn from a simple pine tree, the importance of family and friends, who will uphold, encourage, and pray for us.
By Vera V Chosenko.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Thursday, November 19, 2015
James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Luke 24:38-39
“Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, ..."
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Romans 8:28
... we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Monday, November 16, 2015
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Friday, November 13, 2015
communicating our own needs
http://www.faithgateway.com/difficult-conversations-clarity-in-conflict/#.VkZx0berR5y
Difficult Conversations: How to Create Clarity in Conflict
Speak from Your Need, Not His
Tell the other person, “I really need more commitment from you in our dating, or I don’t think I can move forward.” This is much better than “You need to be more committed to me.” He may not experience that need, and he is likely to resent you for telling him what he needs. Speaking from your own need helps you avoid being seen as the “parent” in the relationship, a position that never helps.
When people say, “We need to talk,” for example, they are confusing their wishes with those of the other person. It’s much better to say, “I need to talk to you.”
...
Be Humble
You have no control over the person you are confronting. More than that, you are asking for something you need from him. This is a humble position, and it helps to accept it. Saying “I want” and “I need” is a way of letting the other person know that he is important to you, that you do need him, and that you are aware he might see things differently. While this is not a very comfortable position, it’s the best position, because the other person knows he is free to choose and he is not controlled by you. The Bible refers to God’s attitude toward this:
You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. — Psalm 18:27
As much as possible, stay away from the “we need to” and “you need to” traps. Speak from your own experience, your own heart, and your own needs. This increases the likelihood that your side will be heard, because it has been clearly identified as your side. No one likes to be told who he is or what he should think.
Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Difficult Conversations: How to Create Clarity in Conflict
Speak from Your Need, Not His
Tell the other person, “I really need more commitment from you in our dating, or I don’t think I can move forward.” This is much better than “You need to be more committed to me.” He may not experience that need, and he is likely to resent you for telling him what he needs. Speaking from your own need helps you avoid being seen as the “parent” in the relationship, a position that never helps.
When people say, “We need to talk,” for example, they are confusing their wishes with those of the other person. It’s much better to say, “I need to talk to you.”
...
Be Humble
You have no control over the person you are confronting. More than that, you are asking for something you need from him. This is a humble position, and it helps to accept it. Saying “I want” and “I need” is a way of letting the other person know that he is important to you, that you do need him, and that you are aware he might see things differently. While this is not a very comfortable position, it’s the best position, because the other person knows he is free to choose and he is not controlled by you. The Bible refers to God’s attitude toward this:
You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. — Psalm 18:27
As much as possible, stay away from the “we need to” and “you need to” traps. Speak from your own experience, your own heart, and your own needs. This increases the likelihood that your side will be heard, because it has been clearly identified as your side. No one likes to be told who he is or what he should think.
Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Hebrews 9:11-12
Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Hebrews 11:6
...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Exclusive: Never before seen photo of the real Mr. Fuzzy!
It's valid! The famous, Mr. Fuzzy, is caught on camera, know for his dislike for publicity, the famous writer is caught on candid camera. The photo has been confirmed and we can say with confidence that this is the real Fuzzy, no farce. The acclaimed author was on his way to his desk. Experts say, his private office consists of multiple work stations, adding that the movement from one post to the other gives him the break that he needs from his long hours of writing. This fortuitous photo has caught many by surprise as this was thought to be near impossible. We expect that analysts will add their commentary in the coming days once the photo is thoroughly scrutinized.
Hebrews 3:13
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Luke 22:40
He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
not beware, be careful or lookout, but pray.
not beware, be careful or lookout, but pray.
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