Expressions

This blog has been moved...

2008-08-23T20:35:00.005-05:00

This blog has been moved to:

http://fourpointedstar.com/

"Inviting"

2008-06-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

9045
private residence, Brokaw, WI
7:06pm, July 19, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Night Warrior"

2008-06-08T22:13:00.003-05:00

4829
N 28th Ave., Wausau, WI
10:21pm, Feb. 7, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Night Stand"

2008-06-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

4740
Hwy 8, 5miles North of Wausau, WI
12:40am, Jan. 23, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Layers"

2008-06-08T22:04:00.003-05:00

5670
Hwy 45, 15miles South of Three Lakes, WI
6:53pm, March 8, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Monochrome River"

2008-06-08T21:57:00.002-05:00

6381
1/2mile north of Cty WW Bridge, Brokaw, WI
9:22am, April 12, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Angry Face"

2008-06-08T21:54:00.003-05:00

8515
Dells of Eau Claire County Park, Marathon County, WI
7:27pm, July 16, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Peeking"

2008-06-08T21:52:00.002-05:00

5933
1/2mile north of Cty WW Bridge, Brokaw, WI
7:44pm, June 23, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Ghostly Stream"

2008-06-08T21:43:00.002-05:00

7158
1/2mile north of Cty WW Bridge, Brokaw, WI
8:21pm, April 25, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Campfire"

2008-06-04T00:04:00.003-05:00

4862
1/4mile north of Brokaw, WI
10:55pm, Feb. 11, 2008
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Pinwheel"

2008-06-04T00:02:00.001-05:00

9857
Lincoln County Fairgrounds, Merrill, WI
10:00pm, July 19, 07
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Ice Rink"

2008-06-03T23:35:00.002-05:00

7243
Dells of Eau Claire County Park, Marathon C0unty, WI
8:38pm, April 30, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Dust"

2008-06-03T23:06:00.002-05:00

6197
private residence, Brokaw, WI
8:47pm, April 5, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Safari Sunset"

2008-06-02T11:11:00.005-05:00

7207
East Hillcrest Dr., Brokaw, WI
7:57pm, April 28, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Senior Portrait"

2008-06-02T09:47:00.001-05:00

8862
Rib Mountain State Park, WI
1:15pm, June 28, 08
Nikon D50
©2008 Joshua L. Smith

"Going Solo"

2008-06-01T23:22:00.003-05:00

9466
private residence, Merrill, WI
6:28pm, July 23, 07
Nikon D50
©2007 Joshua L. Smith

"Peaceful Day"

2008-06-01T23:07:00.006-05:00

0698
Oak Island Park, Wausau, WI
3:56pm, Sept. 7, 2007
Nikon D50
©2007 Joshua L. Smith

into the horizon

2007-11-27T08:04:00.000-06:00

along Hwy 8, west of Armstrong Creek, WI

taken with a Nikon D50 on November 25, 2007 by jls

View more photos taken in November and many others at Smugmug.

fireflies

2007-11-24T19:32:00.000-06:00

my backyard, Brokaw, WI

taken with a Nikon D50 on November 21, 2007 by jls

View more photos taken in November and many others at Smugmug.

skyscrapers

2007-11-24T19:20:00.000-06:00

Hwy 8, near Dunbar, WI

taken with a Nikon D50 on November 18, 2007 by jls

View more photos taken in November and many others at Smugmug.

prairie home

2007-11-24T18:06:00.000-06:00

County Z, near Pembine, WI

taken with a Nikon D50 on November 18, 2007 by jls

View more photos taken in November and many others at Smugmug.

fold in time

2007-11-13T23:32:00.000-06:00

Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 27, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken in October and many other galleries at Smugmug.

wool sunset

2007-11-12T20:07:00.000-06:00

west end of Hwy WW, Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on November 12, 2007 by jls
View many more photos at Smugmug.

ripples

2007-11-09T07:51:00.000-06:00

Man-made Lake, west of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 30, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken in October and many other galleries at Smugmug.

thoughtful evening

2007-11-08T09:51:00.000-06:00

Man-made Lake, west of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 30, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken in October and many other galleries at Smugmug.

stand tall

2007-11-07T09:24:00.000-06:00

along Hwy U, west of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 29, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken in October and many other galleries at Smugmug.

moonrise

2007-11-07T09:20:00.001-06:00

under the Hwy 51 overpass on the Wisconsin River, south of Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 25, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken in October and many other galleries at Smugmug.

family photo

2007-11-06T23:28:00.000-06:00

Our friend Carolyn flew up from Ohio two weekends back for a visit with Cynthia (and us too). Carolyn is an accomplished photographer (and when she gets a website, I'll put up a link to it), and we're thrilled with these magnificent photos that she took of us.

Shannon looks so beautiful in this shot!

All images ©2007 Mendenhall Photography. Used by permission.

umbrella farm

2007-10-16T07:33:00.000-05:00

at Fern Island, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 6, 2007 by jls
View more photos taken October 1 to 12 and many other galleries at Smugmug.

the parachuters

2007-10-15T00:31:00.000-05:00

taken across the street from Grandma Smith's house, Muscatine, IA
taken with a Kodak Easyshare CX7430 on July 22, 2006 by jls
View the Classics and many other photo galleries at Smugmug.

oldies

2007-10-15T00:26:00.001-05:00

Because of a new addition to my family and the fact that days are getting shorter, my ability to get out to take shots for my blog is decreasing. But I have a collection of photos that I haven't ever shared; my photos from 2006 and before. I'm also posting them in my SmugMug gallery "Classics."

starburst

2007-10-14T21:46:00.001-05:00

on the Wisconsin River, near Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on October 1, 2007 by jls
View more By the River photos and many other galleries at Smugmug.

i'm back

2007-10-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

After surviving 12 days of fatherhood, I'm ready to start posting photos again.
Oh, our little baby is the cutest ever: here's proof.

What's in a Name?

2007-10-03T23:48:00.000-05:00

My parents chose to name me after a Biblical hero (Joshua, ya know, the Jericho Joshua) and a powerful preacher (Lee Roberson). I'm proud to be named after two Godly men.

When Shannon and I were choosing names we wanted to give our child a similar heritage in her name. Cynthia Dymick was a friend of mine in junior high. She was a very godly and mature friend. At the end of seventh grade, she was diagnosed with lukemia. Through that year, as she suffered, she always wanted to encourage others; she was always a good friend. At the end of a year, the Lord took her home to be with him. I want my daughter to strive to have a vibrant testimony as well.

Esther Nix was a God-honoring woman. She raised three children to know and serve God. One of them is my mother-in-law. I'm very thankful for the influence that Esther had on Jody. Esther went home to be with the Lord long before I knew the McMillen family, but Shannon and I know that we are in debt to her faithfulness. We want our daughter to remember and be thankful for her Godly heritage from both the McMillen and Smith families.

Lastly the rose is one of the simplest and most powerful symbols of TRUE love. All that a girl can remember about those dozen long stemmed roses from her Valentine is their beauty. She probably won't mention the fact that rose leafs come in twos, or that the thorns are a light shade of brown. She does remember the vibrant red or white that the roses were. Cynthia will remember that all of life isn't a "bed of roses," but hopefully she'll know that the most fantastic part is remembering the rose petals and forgiving the thorns.

So what's in her name? Well, we in her name is our hope that Cynthia will be a faithful friend, a Godly woman, and that she will learn true love.

my little girl

2007-10-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

"This is my thumb. I'm most content with something to suck on."

Cynthia Esther Rose Smith was born at 7:02 on October 2. She weighed 8lb 7oz and is 20inches long. Both she and Mommy are doing very well. For my photos you can check out my SmugMug account; for more baby news (in the coming weeks) you can check out my wife's blog.

full moon

2007-10-01T07:51:00.001-05:00

on the Wisconsin River, near Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 28, 2007 by jls
View more Fall Color photos and many other galleries at Smugmug.

floating carpet

2007-10-01T07:39:00.001-05:00

near Riverside Clinic, Rhinelander, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 29, 2007 by jls
View all of the Rhinelander photos and many other galleries at Smugmug.

reflections

2007-09-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

on the Wisconsin River, Brokaw, WI
top photo taken with a Nikon D50 on September 27, 2007 by jls
bottom photo taken with a Nikon D50 on September 26, 2007 by jls
View all of the Morning Colors & Fall Colors photos and many other galleries at Smugmug.

over the hill

2007-09-25T10:15:00.001-05:00

west of Rib Mountain, near Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 22, 2007 by jls
View all of the Fall Colors photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

in the distance

2007-09-24T07:39:00.000-05:00

west of Rib Mountain, near Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 22, 2007 by jls
View all of the Fall Colors photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

end of the season

2007-09-23T07:42:00.000-05:00

west of Rib Mountain, near Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 22, 2007 by jls
View all of the Fall Colors photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

fall sky

2007-09-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

for Janelle

along Hwy K, about 2 miles south of Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 19, 2007 by jls
View all of the Fall Colors photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

invitation

2007-09-20T07:49:00.001-05:00

along the Wisconsin River, Bluegill Bay Park, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 15, 2007 by jls
View all of the Bluegill Bay Sunrise photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

blushing sunset

2007-09-18T00:08:00.000-05:00

Manmade Lake, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 14, 2007 by jls
View all of the Manmade Lake photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

explosion

2007-09-17T07:42:00.000-05:00

sunset near the 17th ave. bridge, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 15, 2007 by jls
View all of the sunset photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

morning mist

2007-09-17T07:40:00.001-05:00

6:30 am near the 17th ave. bridge, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 15, 2007 by jls
View all of the Blugill Bay Sunrise photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

abstract art

2007-09-16T07:59:00.001-05:00

near Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 15, 2007 by jls
View all of the Cloud photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

sunrise

2007-09-16T00:24:00.001-05:00

6:45 am Bluegill Bay Park, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 15, 2007 by jls
View all of the Blugill Bay Sunrise photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

through the looking glass

2007-09-08T18:19:00.000-05:00

the Dudley Buidling, West face, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 7, 2007 by jls
View all of the Dudley Buidling photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

wistful view

2007-09-08T18:04:00.001-05:00

at Fern Island, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on September 7, 2007 by jls
View all of the Fern Island photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

big dipper

2007-09-07T07:24:00.001-05:00

taken with a Nikon D50 on September 6, 2007 by jls
View all of the Night Sky photos or other galleries at Smugmug.

flames

2007-08-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

taken with a Nikon D50 on July 18, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

redefined

2007-08-25T21:48:00.000-05:00

I took "Expressions of and Reflections on God's Beautiful Colors in Creation" out of my title. I still will post photos of God's beauty in creation, but I intend to also post other photos that I take. I also plan on writing posts.
Oh, and there might be photos of a baby too. (Ok, so the site might be overrun with them...but I digress.)

21 days.

2007-08-25T20:53:00.000-05:00

Wow. It's been three weeks since I last posted, and it's been four weeks since I last posted regularly. You can say it: I've been a slacker. But I do have to say that in those four weeks I've taken less than 20% my normal number of photos. It's been a little busy here in the Smith home.
But...
I did enter six photos in a contest. Shannon's employer (Ministry Health Care, a regional hospital system) publishes a calendar each year. Any employee is allowed to submit photos for the calendar, and this year the theme was "Color." I submitted these:

Bumblebee Moth

Searching for Sunlight

Outstretched

Family Photo

Up Close and Personal

Fireworks

I picked them out in 20 minutes on the day that they were due. That afternoon I remembered that the theme was color. Oops. That goose family? Not very colorful. Neither is the Bumblebee Moth.
They did like "Fireworks" enough to make it the November photo. :) I'm happy.

"It's a Jungle Out There!" :: VBS 2007 - Part II

2007-08-04T20:20:00.000-05:00

This time it's not VBS 2007 anymore.

VBS is done and what a week it was. I just have to tell the story because it thrills me so much!

It was mostly our (Shannon & I and Dad & Mom McMillen) responsibility to plan for VBS. The program that we chose allowed all of the children to stay upstairs all the time. I told several people that I was expecting 13 kids total. We have 6 or 7 kids each week in Jr. Church (which Shannon and I teach); I figured that doubling that number would be great, and I wasn't alone in my opinion. So we ordered 24 kid "jungle" hats and 12 adult "jungle" hats. My faith is so small.
Last Sunday morning, Pastor (my father in law) announced that he was praying for 30 kids to come to VBS. Monday night came and we had 27 kids! Uh, oh! I didn't plan for that many kids!
We made some changes for Tuesday and assumed that the number of kids would go down; we're realists after all. (Just kidding, I guess that I just didn't believe that God would really work.) Tuesday night, somewhere between 34 and 37 kids showed up - some of the leaders can't count and we never did find out which ones. :) Wednesday was our "down" night - only 24 or 25 kids. Thursday - 36 kids and Friday we had an astronomical 43 kids! That's more than we have in church on some Sunday nights!!!
What's more; we had an offering contest for Bearing Precious Seed in Appleton. Jim Hoffman, the director of BPS, was coming on Friday night to talk to the kids; so we were telling the kids that their money was going toward printing Bibles. They really got into the contest and brought $213! That's incredible!
O ye of little faith! (Matthew 14: 25-33)
We are so excited at the possibilities of ministering to all of the families. Every night the kids heard a clear presentation of the Gospel; and for the kids that didn't have a Bible, we gave them a "John & Romans" to take home.

Anyway, this coming week Shannon and I are helping a missionary couple prepare a video presentation, PowerPoint presentation, display board, and possibly website of their work; but I do plan on taking photos.

And, yes, this is a "photography" blog, but I figured that you can read about my awesome God as well as look at photos of His creation. :)
Speaking of which - this is a spider that I "shot" tonight on the way home from Merrill.

the lone weed

2007-08-02T08:46:00.001-05:00

along Hwy 64, between Merrill & Antigo, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 28, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

coarse water

2007-08-01T23:38:00.000-05:00

water, anywhere
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 19, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

with a twist

2007-08-01T23:33:00.001-05:00

peninsula into Lake Wausau
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 17, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

"It's a Jungle Out There!" :: VBS 2007

2007-07-30T07:34:00.000-05:00

This week is Vacation Bible School at our church. I probably won't be able to take any photos at all this week, so posting could be light. Enjoy the week off. :)

lone spire

2007-07-30T07:26:00.001-05:00

near Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 23, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

majestic

2007-07-30T07:23:00.001-05:00

along Hwy 64, between Merrill & Antigo, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 28, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

downriver

2007-07-27T09:45:00.001-05:00

Prairie River Dells, Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 15, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

pleasant alcove

2007-07-26T16:37:00.001-05:00

behind the public library, Tomahawk, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 21, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

sullen

2007-07-25T07:38:00.001-05:00

along County A, north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 23, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

Happy Camper

2007-07-24T23:16:00.000-05:00

I got a new toy. See here. :)

fireworks

2007-07-24T00:39:00.001-05:00

along 32nd Ave., north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 22, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

wind-swept tracks

2007-07-24T00:37:00.000-05:00

the Wisconsin sky
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 22, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

get it together

2007-07-24T00:34:00.001-05:00

backporch, McMillen's, Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 23, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

the looking glass

2007-07-23T07:32:00.000-05:00

along 32nd Ave., north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 22, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

painted

2007-07-23T07:29:00.001-05:00

intersection of WW and 40th Ave., north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 22, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

brushstrokes

2007-07-23T07:19:00.000-05:00

intersection of FF and K, south of Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 22, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

tiger in the sky

2007-07-22T13:15:00.001-05:00

behind the public library, Tomahawk, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 21, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

backwater

2007-07-22T13:11:00.001-05:00

behind the public library, Tomahawk, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 21, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

understudy

2007-07-21T07:23:00.001-05:00

on 17th Ave., in Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 19, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

smoke signal

2007-07-21T07:22:00.001-05:00

on 17th Ave., in Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 19, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

invitation

2007-07-21T07:20:00.001-05:00

on 17th Ave., in Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 19, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

filled up

2007-07-21T07:17:00.000-05:00

on 17th Ave., in Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 19, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

glow

2007-07-18T07:32:00.001-05:00

on Lake Wausau, near Schofield, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 17, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

say hello to my little friend

2007-07-17T07:36:00.000-05:00

hiding in a crack in the rock at the Eau Claire Dells, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 16, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

rippling brook

2007-07-17T07:28:00.000-05:00

Eau Claire River at the Eau Claire Dells, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 16, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

catching the last rays

2007-07-15T08:41:00.000-05:00

along the Prairie River just before it empties into the Wisconsin River, Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 14, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

storm passing

2007-07-13T07:34:00.001-05:00

along Hwy 51, north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 12, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

God's promise

2007-07-13T07:32:00.000-05:00

along Hwy 51, north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 12, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

field of orange

2007-07-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

along Hwy 51, north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 12, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

sailing home

2007-07-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have many friends that will enjoy this photo for the sailboat, but I enjoy it because of the clouds and the leasure that it reminds me of.

taken from the breakwater of Menominee Marina, Menominee, MI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 7, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

the beauty of flight

2007-07-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Menominee Marina, Menominee, MI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 7, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

my lake

2007-07-09T00:51:00.001-05:00

There is a little story with this photo. For 4 years, I drove past this bog at least twice weekly. I fell in love with the location and the scenery; the water that you can see is only 70 or so feet across, but the marshy area is probably more like a 300 foot diameter. There are pines all around; it is just beautiful.

along Hwy 8, about 4miles west of Armstrong Creek
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 6, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

leaning

2007-07-06T07:18:00.001-05:00

Rib Falls County Park
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 29, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

bad hair day

2007-07-05T23:12:00.000-05:00

Rib Falls County Park
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 29, 2007 by jls
See more at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

searching for the light

2007-07-05T16:16:00.001-05:00

along the railroad tracks, Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 3, 2007 by jls
See more photos at fourpointedstar.smugmug.com

a little pride

2007-07-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

A friend recently mentioned that he was disappointed that Christians sing better when singing "The Star Spangled Banner" than when singing regular hymns and was curious if I thought that there was a reason for this. I think that the reason lies in two parts.
The first is very easy to understand: we don't have a "Christian anthem." although we have many great Christian songs. We have many good patriotic songs, but only one National Anthem. While I am moved when we sing "Victory in Jesus" or "It Is Well With My Soul;" there is only one patriotic song that sends chills up my spine.
The other aspect of this answer is much more difficult to explain. My dad is a United States history teacher; and, as such, as a child I was more aware of our history than the average child. I remember my dad teaching, studying and talking about the War for Independance, the War of 1812, the Civil War & the World Wars. Our nation has much to be thankful for and nearly all of it was bought with soldier's lives and sacrifices.
While we don't have a perfect nation (and we never have and never will - if man is involved, it will not be perfect); as Americans, we have a tremendous debt to our 'forefathers.' They had the forethought to develop a system of freedoms that allow for our freedom of religion. They also used many Biblical and Godly principles as the basis for our laws; after all most of them were God-fearing men (notice I did not say that they were Christians - very few of our founding fathers believed in salvation by faith in Christ through the grace of God).
Above that, we as Christians should understand the benefits and liberties of the freedoms that we enjoy. The liberty and freedom that we take for granted is unique to our nation. No other nation has enjoyed such a lengthy period of freedom.
Perhaps that is why we are so cynical about our freedoms and casual in our respect of our United States. We have had it to easy for so long. What's more; perhaps that's why we are so carefree with out Christianity - we've had it to easy for to long.
I am daily reminded that we live in a priveledged nation; and this has caused me to be thankful to my God for His mercy on our nation; but when we sing that fantastic song, I'm proud, thankful, and overwhelmed by our nation's history.

So forgive me if I sing louder when we sing our National Anthem; that song and our nation means an indefinable amount to me; and, I promise, I'd sing twice as strong if we had a "Christian anthem."

shy

2007-07-05T13:11:00.000-05:00

that's a quarter - he was kinda large :)

the Steven's flowers, Smith closet
taken with a Nikon D50 on July 4 & 1, 2007 by jls
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ripe

2007-06-29T14:42:00.001-05:00

along the shore of the Wisconsin River
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 28, 2007 by jls
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glowing sunset

2007-06-28T06:37:00.000-05:00

along Hwy K, just north of Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 27, 2007 by jls
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mowing the lawn

2007-06-28T06:28:00.000-05:00

along Hwy K, just south of Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 27, 2007 by jls
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archway

2007-06-27T06:55:00.001-05:00

Stange Park, Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on May 5, 2007 by jls
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riding the roller coaster

2007-06-24T22:53:00.000-05:00

this butterfly rode the flower while it was windy

by the river, Man-made Lake Park, Wausau, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 19, 2007 by jls
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peeking

2007-06-23T23:15:00.001-05:00

by the Wisconsin River, Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 23, 2007 by jls
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a blaze of orange

2007-06-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

our front yard, Brokaw, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 22, 2007 by jls
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thunderhead

2007-06-21T21:55:00.000-05:00

along Hwy. K, 2 miles south of Merrill, WI
taken with a Nikon D50 on June 20, 2007 by jls
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