Sprinting for Joy……….
This morning it all hit home. I was in my office watching numerous slide shows I will share in an upcoming slide show production workshop. Earlier I had been answered countless emails and blog post comments with wonderful, warm, wishes for my birthday, my life, and the ministry. I was overwhelmed with wonderful thoughts, and the security of knowing I have real friends, and then…. I showed the original show from America From 500 Feet, the book project I did with my son Wesley, ……. that broke the dam
All those great memories came flooding back of the incredible time I had doing this 14 month long project while driving 123,000 miles across America with Wes. If all that was not enough Josh Groban’s wonderful rendition of You Raised Me Up threw me over the edge. I sat at my desk looking at the images, thinking about the wonderful comments, replaying the great weekend with Sherelene, the fantastic visit with Homer, Jim, Nick, Jody, Kendall, and friends at Photo Expo, and it all came to rest, squarely in the middle of my heart!! I’ve been blessed beyond measure, far, far, far, more than I could ever deserve, or could have ever earned!
I can’t thank you enough for your kind words, and wonderful sentiments about His Light. I’m married to the most wonderful woman, she’s far more than I deserve. I have the best brothers and sisters in Christ, dear friends, great associates, and have lived a life many could only dream of, and in a few months will be a free moral agent to pursue my hearts desires, tempered only by God’s preeminent will, and my life with Sherelene! Then the phone rang, and Chuck Summers reminded me of our lunch today, the blessings continue to flow!
As I watched the show over and over and let the words of this great song sink in, I could do nothing but praise my Heavenly Father for the countless gifts He has given to me. If you can get a copy of this on iTunes, please do, but for now here are the lyrics.
Once again thanks for your warm words, and encouragement!
In Him,
the pilgrim
The shot above was made at Churchill Downs as the trainers were exercising the horses before the Kentucky Derby, they run with such sheer joy and exhilaration, like we should in service to Him!
“You Raise Me Up”
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
There is no life – no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up… To more than I can be
You raise me up… To more than I can be.
This entry was posted on Monday, February 11th, 2013 at 3:17 pm
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I never cease to be uplifted by YOU, when I read your blog, Bill. Not only does your work bring me enjoyment and encouragement, your personal witness fills in an awful lot of blanks in my life. Thank you for all you do and for reminding me of how God has blessed my life, as well. I absolutely love the “Sprinting for Joy” image. God be with you.
Thanks Sam, sprint on!
Ho we hold monthly barn sales each 3rd wkeeend of the month fri-sun 10-5pm. The old dairy barn is stocked with vintage furniture that has been refreshed along with gift items and tons home deco accents. You can find out more at . The address is 4051 stanford ct frederick md.
Ditto….. while working on some of my images for the workshop I realized that without Bill Fortney I wouldn’t have hardly any to show. You my Dear Friend have not only enriched my life but many, many others. Thanks Bill.
Ditto Jim, ditto!
I remember one of our pastors telling us about the children of Israel and their journeys. When they asked their parents about certain “piles of stones” they were described as “altars” so they would be reminded of what the Lord had done for them, or how He delivered them. I think this slide show is just that for you. It’s wonderful when we have friends in our lives that lived through the “altar” with us. (like Jim’s comment) I remember my walk through cancer 4 years ago, and the many incredible brothers and sisters in Christ that ministered to Marlene and I. That is an altar of rejoicing for Jehovah Jireh, the God who sees and provides. Thanks for telling us YOUR story Bill! Not only visually, but with well written, heartfelt words.
I’m truly blessed when I have brothers and friends like you and Jim! God loves us so much that he fills our lives with treasures like, family and friends like both of you!
Belated happy birthday Bill. May the new year of your life contain days filled with His blessings and nights filled with His peace. And, may you continue to watch for and continue to recognize those blessings and relish that peace. In His love, casey
Thanks Casey, sure enjoyed out time at Berry!
I am so thankful for you and your witness for Christ. As a non-professional photographer it so nice to have a website/blog to read daily that is uplifting and encouraging. I learn something new every day when I read your blog. Thank you!!
Thank you Melanie….
YAY! Can’t wait to see who wins!I am voting for # 31, boy on blue canoe. They are all WONDERFUL, but I rebmemer the first time I saw that one it made me peacefully happy and that’s a good thing.
Well written. I had to replay “You Raised Me Up” again. Thanks for your wonderful reminders. I enjoy reading what you write each day. God bless you.
Thanks Carlton!
я покопался немного, нашел этот моментFour o’clock in the afternoon. Flies dead on the paneemvt. Dogs wet mops in their kennels. Shadows herded under trees. Downtown stores shut up and locked. The lake shore empty. The lake full of thousands of people up to their necks in the warm but soothing water. перевод:Четыре часа дня. На мостовой — дохлые мухи. В конурах комьями влажной шерсти — взмокшие собаки. Под деревьями жмутся короткие тени. Магазины в городе закрылись, двери заперты. Берег озера опустел. Тысячи людей забрались по горло в воду — хоть она и теплая, а все таки легче Я бы, наверное, сказал, что в конурах мокрыми тряпками лежат собаки ..хотя с другой стороны собаки то не потеют!