Photograph by R. C Concepcion

 

So if it’s not about you, why is there a picture of you?  I hear you, and I promise I will explain, but first I don’t have a picture of Him, no one does!  Wish I did!!!  If I did I would love to publish it!!!!  What I do have is a picture of man He has had a profound impact on, me.  So let me share my story.  I awoke as from a dream, not being poetic, I was a actually asleep when my cell phone rang.  It was my bride, and she had very interesting news, which I can’t share, but I can assure you it was “very” interesting, news!  While that part of the story is very important to me, that is not the reason for the entry!  This is;  God loves us, He has our back, He will never forsake us, and He wants only the best for us, and He proves it!!!!

 

I have been in prayer about something for a long time, and I’ve waited, not always patiently, for His answer.  It has been a long time, (in my frame of reference), coming.  I never doubted Him, I wondered why it was taking so long, I wondered what the lesson was supposed to be, but I did never doubt Him. I knew He would keep His promise, He always does!

 

I will share all the secrets later, but today, please join with me in praise for our Heavenly Father who never looses sight of us, and  is always working on our behalf.  It’s interesting, as much as I desired for my prayer to be answered, the biggest thrill tonight, is Him proving again that He loves me, loves Sherelene, loves my family, and yes loves you!

 

If you don’t know Him and know what His love feels like, please get on your knees and tell Him you do want to know Him, that you trust Him,  and that you believe He truly is there for you.  You will never be the same!  I’m not the same, and I wouldn’t go back for anything on earth.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Over the weekend, Sherelene and I drove down to Spartanburg, South Carolina too join family members celebrating her Aunt Selba’s 87th birthday.  We had a great time and Sherlene was able to get with her three sisters and brother and some of her favorite cousins. Between all the great food, hugging, and laughter I found out that a relative of mine, second cousin twice removed???  Not really sure  how to figure it out, but that is not important except that I want to brag that I’m related to this guy, Ben Ross!!  I’m going to let them (via their website) tell you the story!  You’re gonna love this!

 

Our Story

 

 

So I had the chance to look at one of these fantastic bow ties up close and I have to say it was one of coolest things I’ve seen in a long time, and a real piece of art!  They have been so popular that even some celebrities discovered them and ordered a tie; Jack Nicholson, and Bill Murray, who appeared on stage at the Oscars wearing one of his Brackish Ties!  The ties and lapel pins are being handled by Orvis, and Grady Ervin & Company, and many other fine specialty retailers!

 

Why the name Brackish?  The two founders Ben Ross, (from inland S.C.) and Jeff Plotner, ( who lives  on the coast of South Carolina)  thought like outdoorsman, and agreed that the sea and fresh water combined is, you got it, Brackish water and thus a brand name was born!

 

Brackish has expanded to employ over 10 artisans based in Charleston, SC.  Handmade to exacting details, Brackish Bow Ties are known for being highly unique, attention-grabbing and beautiful.  Today, 50 upscale retailers sell Brackish bow ties across the United States and Europe.  More information is available at www.brackishbowties.com.    Please check them out, this would be a great Christmas or birthday gift!

 

I never wear a tie, and have never, ever, worn a bow tie, but I’m ordering one soon!!!!  Gentlemen, well done, and again I say, well done!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

I will post from Nashville all this week as we run the workshop with Ricky, Jim, and the gang!

Please consider joining Jim Begley, Mike Matthews nd I for this unique photographic experience!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

I was editing some older images and came upon the one above.  I starred at for a long time, and it came to me, the title of the entry.  Life is not always easy, sometimes it’s down right hard, hard as a rock!  Since we all must face tough times, how do we find solutions, or at least peace?  Jesus gave very specific instructions, “Give your burdens to me for my yoke is light.”  Jesus knows how to bare heavy burdens, and He wants you and I to release our troubles into his care.  His desire is that you not have to carry those burdens, but trust in Him!

 

For many years I did not understand the scripture passage that said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”  The previous scripture and named all of our needs in life.  If Jesus would give His own life that we may be forgiven for our sins, how much more does He want to help you rise above the difficult times, and meet your needs.  Many times we make the mistake of seeing Jesus as “just” a man!  It’s true that He came down to earth to live like us and face all we faced, and teach us how to rise above it, but He is God’s Son, His power is beyond anything we could ever imagine!  Nothing is out of His reach.

 

The next time you feel your world is spinning out of control, lean on the man that made the world, Jesus!

 

In Him,

 

the pilgrim