OH, HAPPY DAY

After several months of recovery and rehabilitation following his massive stroke, Gene was able to attend Sunday morning worship services under his own power, using an unusually tall walker and enormous display of determination. It was a moment to enjoy for the congregation which has been cheering him on with all forms of encouragement.

Gene spoke briefly from his seat and thanked everyone for their support and for their continuing prayers. He mentioned that one especial factor in his comeback has been the example of Louise G. who had previously experienced the same sort of trauma and bounced back to an outstanding degree. Her "get-well" card to him - a rooster she painted - has been visible reminder to him during much of his own journey back to self-sufficiency. Gene expressed his gratitude to the whole church and testified to his conviction that God's mercies and the expressed love of family and friends has made his current level of healing and ability possible.

It should be noted that his strongest encouragement and support has been the constant and unfailing presense and assistance of his best friend and most loyal rooter, his wife Marilee. Without any doubt, Gene's remarkable progress has been boosted and made easier by her steady and faithful involvement and encouragement. She has been at his side constantly in her quiet, unassuming, but powerful way, and serves to all of us as an example of abounding love in action, even in the midst of the most trying of circumstances. Theirs truly is a love story!

This good news story is a welcome relief and break from the flood of bereavements and other sad news of the past months. Gene's return is as welcome and timely as the flowers of spring which are just now appearing to brighten our days after a long, gray winter of dispair. Welcome back, Gene. Your steady, calming contributions to the ongoing congregational efforts and leadership are a vital and comforting portion of the mix.

DAVID'S PAPA AWARDS !!

There is no question that this papa can find many reasons to honor this son by words of praise for his character, talent, and achievements, but the PAPA Awards referred to in the title of this blog did not come from this papa.

The awards mentioned came this past weekend from the Professional Aerial Photographer's Association (PAPA) at their annual convention, held this year in Las Vegas. More precisely, the recognition David received (as represented by the plaques and ribbons) were the result of ballots cast by the membership itself.

To put that in perspective, these are some of the top professional aerial photographers in the country (and world) who selected their own favorites among the pictures submitted for judging. David entered four pictures each of which won prizes. The most significant of the four was chosen as the People's Choice for "Best of Show"; that was a photograph titled "Red Mountain" which is near the Tri-cities in Southeastern Washington State. The same photograph was also named the People's Choice for the best "Scenic" entry. Another picture, "Heartland", of a red barn in green fields was selected as the People's Choice for the "Artistic" category.

For a fellow who is fairly new to the ranks of Professional Photographers, this is an outstanding level of accomplishment.

You can see some of David's work on his regular blog at http://www.pirep.blogspot.com/. be sure to enjoy the archives there for some special theme work.

Well done, Son.


FLASH!! David has posted copies of the pictures now on his "Loftics" site. To see the award winning photos, Click Here ---> www.loftics.blogspot.com. FLASH!!

ANOTHER RETREAT - MARCH 2011

This is the view from our lodging for the 2011 Beach Retreat. These huge rocks are just off-shore at Oceanside, near Netarts, Oregon.

Thursday through Sunday ten of our Wednesday Evening Bible Study Group spent this year's retreat in a nice vacation rental high up over the beach at Oceanside, OR. About half of us made the entire four days, while the rest came a little later. We enjoy the relaxing, the reading time, light conversations, heavy discussions, the games, the gourmet meals, the outings to town and to local beaches, the birds, the sunsets, swapping stories, the special shopping excursions for various treasures, the laughter, the devotions and prayers, and one another's company. This year's rookie was Kelli and our special guest was Ron. They each brought a wonderful dimension to the gathering; on the other hand, we really missed Nancy and Sid - next year for sure, guys, OK?

As close as we have become over the years, these precious outings always add a new level of fellowship and appreciation to our collective chemistry. I think that if we were individually polled, we would all recommend that other LIFE groups also participate in an annual get-away together for at least a full weekend. It is a valuable bonding experience which reaches well beyond the couple of hours most groups spend together in a week. Some of the benefits are realized throughout the year in the levels of trust and understanding which we have developed. The deeper relationships make for better group prayer and mutual Bible study and make our sharing more open and meaningful from week to week.

This group, like others, has evolved in its membership over the years as folk have moved or died and new individuals have been added. The continuity of the retreat has become a major event that has drawn us together and has kept us strong and more committed to one another. More than fifteen straight years has proven the value of our favorite tradition.