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Before you get the wrong idea, (and I know my boss reads this blog!), I did go to Birmingham to work. I taught two groups of photographers at the Birmingham News about using our DSLRs to do video production. Two three hour classes with half of the photo staff in each class. What I did during lunch, dinner and late afternoon is the subject of the Birmingham adventure…..

Right, Walt Strickland, DOP (Director of
Photography) for the Birmingham News and
four of his staff joined me at my favorite
Bar-B-Q spot in America, Dreamland. This
is Bar-B-Q as it was meant to be.

Above, the brick ovens that cook the hund-
reds of pounds of ribs each day. This was
the favorite spot for Bar-B-Q for the late
great, Paul “Bear” Bryant. Alabama is a
great place to visit, friendlier people would
be hard to find. Bread dipped in sauce…..

After lunch and more classroom work I
visited the famous Peanut Depot to see
the century old peanut roasters at work.

Then a stop at Rogue’s Tavern was in order
to try the 2nd Highest Rated Burger in
Birmingham. I have to say that while
it wasn’t Milt’s it was a solid 4.3 burger,
very worthy of the #2 award. Why not
the number one burger? It was served at
a boutique french resteraunt with Kobe
beef, come on guys,give me a break
that’s not an American creation……

After Dinner I shot a few of the classic old
buildings in the old historic district of
Birmingham. A great town, filled with
great people, a very nice day, thank you
Lord for another wonderful day of working
for Nikon and serving you.

Home tomorrow,

the pilgrim

Photo Notes: Images with D7000, D3s,
P300, 24-120 AFs VR and 16-35 AFs VR.

I think God has a really cool since of humor, look at most of us….. Really, I do believe that God wants us to smile, laugh, and enjoy the life He has given us. I am in Birmingham tonight getting
ready to teach a class at the Birmingham News, newspaper tomorrow, (which should be when you’re seeing this…). Just recently I’ve found myself smiling more, feeling more joy, and I think I know why, I’ve been praising Him more. I’ve come to a better understanding of just how blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for. The more I count my blessings, the more I realize just how much He has done for me, and my family, and my friends. My dear brother Carl Turner,
shared a great story with me the other day, and it related to this very subject, His visit blessed me in a profound way. Thank you Father, for wonderful brothers and sisters in You.

I started the ministry, His Light a couple of years ago and everything has taken on a whole new meaning for me. I think that God wants us to be happy, joyful and experience His peace. Sometimes we have to endure some hardships as we learn valuable lessons that make us more suited to serve Him. Though I’ve experienced hard times, non have been beyond His ability to lift me back up.

I would imagine that some people may come to the blog and think, “this guys is crazy”, and they may be right, but it’s a good kind of crazy………..

Be blessed,

the pilgrim

Stopped for lunch today, and saw this poster in Steak n’ Shake, just had to shoot it…..

Photo Note: Both images with the Nikon Coolpix P300…….

On my resent trip out west, Sherelene and I rented a jeep and did some back country exploring in Arches N.P. I had forgotten just how jarring it could be to four wheel in the sand and over the steep rocky hills. In many cases no apparent road is visible, just what seems to be the best path. Often you get out of the jeep and walk up to an incline where you can’t see what is beyond from behind the wheel. After you are sure, well at least pretty sure, that you can make it, only then do you proceed. Life’s road is full of twists, turns and unexpected detours, often over rough terrain.

Let’s apply some “four wheelin’ logic” to life;

1. Be sure your equipment can get you there. If you go off road, you will need a vehicle made for that kind of journey. I wouldn’t want to take a four door sedan over these roads. Is your spiritual vehicle ready for life’s journey? Do you have enough ground clearance, (does the bottom side of your vehicle stay safely above the ground?) Will your suspension keep you from striking the rocks? In life do you have the guidance of the Holy Spirit through rough terrain? Is God holding you above the rocks of destruction in life?

1. Do you know your route? Do you know which fork in the road leads to safe passage and which to deep sand or water? When you get to a turn does your map clearly guide you around danger? The Holy Spirit is your guide to make wise decision that will steer you away from danger in life. God wants you to be safe and He has provided the necessary guidance to keep you that way. It’s up to us to use His gift.

1. Do you make good judgements about your abilities to navigate through the toughest terrain. We’ve all been guilty of biting off more than we can chew, taking a path that requires more skill than we posses. God can provide both the judgement and the needed skill if we listen for His voice when faced with a decision on which route to take. I would never four wheel without an accurate map, neither would I strike out through life without the guidance of the Word, my map for daily living.

Four wheeling can be a blast, so can life, but don’t attempt either one without the proper preparation. Preparation for life, starts on your knees……

the pilgrim

Photo Note: both images with the Nikon Coolpix P300.

Thursday my dear brother, and great photographer, Chuck Summers, invited me to lunch and a trip over to Camp Nathanael to photograph some of the new baby animals. The animals are cared for by Bob and Carol Murr. The camp is a wonderful place for kids to learn about animals, have fun, and get some great spiritual training. For me it
was also just a great chance to sit in the
grass and enjoy these sweet animals.

I’ve often thought this is one of the great joys of being raised in the sticks. There is certainly nothing bad about being brought up in an urban environment, but frolicking with these little creatures is such a joy. At this age they have no fear of, and in fact, quite a lot of curiosity about man. It has often been said if you are a stage performer, never compete against kids and baby
animals, I think you can see why, they’ll steal the show every time….. I hope you get some good
lovin’ this weekend as well…… Have a great weekend and be blessed!

the pilgrim

My new friend Fuzzy, a baby whitetail buck…..

Bob and Carol are licensed wildlife rehabilitators and retired missionaries.

http://www.campnathanael.org/home.php

Check out Chuck’s blog:

http://www.seeingcreation.com

*Photo Note: D7000, 24-120 lens, ISO 1600. Hand held, VR on, Aperture Priority, most wide open f4.