Best Christmas Season photo

Three thirty three?

While shooting a group committed to fitness – I noticed a peculiar image on a trainer's gear – it was during an assignment with CrossFit. The trainer was wearing a t-shirt with a spirited three-thirty-three on the front. The same digits appeared again to me after we got buckled into our car and were ready to drive away from the Golden Arches recently. After pushing my way through the exit, with both arms loaded, I noticed a man opening and closing the door for customers. As a result of my hustling, I hadn't realized he was there to help others with a small gesture, but he too was hoping for a small gesture – in return.

I watched him for a few minutes from the car and made a choice to gather the change I had left. The figure came up to $3.33 – THREE THIRTY THREE. That's all? No more? No less? Am I getting this? Are you getting this?

I drove around and stopped to hand him the change. I said, "It's not much, but enough to buy a cup of coffee." He thanked me.

Is the Lord telling me there is more work to be done? Of course, that's got to be it. We all have work to do!

The fact is we all have GOD within us at some capacity. Here are a few scriptures I found that reflect my story in some way – have a look.

Colossians 3

12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.

1 Thessalonians 5

4 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Matthew 25

42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

Revelation 2

7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

November Photo of the Month

I have chosen an image of the Miami East High School varsity volleyball team during a state action play at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Fairborn. It was the volleyball program's first-ever Division III State Championship Saturday, November 12, 2011, and I was there.

October Photo of the Month

Dictation overruled

There have been numerous entertainers that I have photographed through the years and have had little trouble with protocol until tonight. It was requested of me to photograph only songs two and three of the Luke Bryan show from where the sound board was situated. "That's hardly worth it" – was my response. From the location of the sound board I could photograph backs of drunken heads bobbing up and down. Well as it was, I received prior approval from the house that I could use the catwalk if desired. So, I desired and rather than watch the backside of countless concert-goers, I relied on elevation. The angle didn't turn out so bad from where I was seated. I am amazed when entertainers are placed so far up a pedestal that they seem out of reach with the real world. Tonight, I was above you but, my God is even higher!

Here are a few other images taken of the same country singer of at least three other concerts.
Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah.

What happens on the twentieth day?

THIRD DAY in concert at Hobart Arena

Here is an image captured by a friend, while I was shooting Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North just before Third Day hit the stage. I enjoy photographing many entertainers and using available lighting.

We should be taking every opportunity

Opportunities are right before us, more than we know – and when they're right there even bright as the light, we should not hesitate to reach out as we are called to do.

After shooting a feature photo near the Great Miami River I spoke to a lady who needed help. She was struggling with many things. I told her that she needed to reach out to God. If she would – then she could find a home, get a job and be released of any addictions.

1 Peter 5:1–11, Philippians 2:1–4