of
Catawba River
from
Under
the
Bridge
God bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Silent Sunday:Riverwalk_Catawba River
of
Catawba River
from
Under
the
Bridge
of
Catawba River
from
Under
the
Bridge
Mid-week Monochrome: MWM 8/11
Brashley Photography blog Mid-Week Monochrome challenge
Marion Walsh
Outdoor Classroom
Stone Marker
sitting on a
Slanted U
shaped tree
in the
Greenway
of my
daughter
Taken
by my
3 year old
grandson
Coleman
God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Black & White: Moving Water in the Greenway
Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Moving Water
Coleman
threw a log
in Lake Crandall
water
movement
God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
Never Give Up….Never Ever
Give
Up
depositphotos.com
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
~ Harriet Beecher Stowe ~
Gr8learnings.com
Never means that at no time in the past, present, or future; on no occasion; not ever. Simply put it means that we will never do something; not now, not ever. So don’t hold your breath for me to change my mind. I will never give up.
The Bible speaks several times about the term never. It speaks of what God will never do. The following is just a few of the things that God will never do.
- God will never leave us
“ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—- Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV (New International Version)
- God will never forsake you
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
— Hebrews 13:5 ESV (English Standard Version)
- God will Never let the righteous be shaken
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
— Psalm 55:22 NIV
- God will Never forget me
“Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee.”
— Isaiah 49:15 KJV (King James Version)
- God will never let me go
“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”
— John 10:28 NJKV ( New King James Version)
If God never gives up on us, how can we give up on ourselves? We need to follow God’s example and NEVER give up.
You may think life isn’t fair, what’s the point in going on? The point is your life is worth it, it is not over. Never Give Up! God has a purpose for your life, a reason for you being on this earth. Sure, you may fall, but then pick yourself up. You may stumble and when you do, stop, recover your balance and go on with your life. No matter what life brings you, always remember to Never Ever Give Up.
Never give up.
livelifehappy.com
even if you fall. You must stay on to
see the rise.
mydiscover.net.in
There are a few positive things regarding Never.
- Never stop believing in yourself
- Never stop learning
- Never stop being self-confident
- Never stop having fun
- Never stop dreaming
- Never stop loving others or yourself
- Never stop being grateful
- Never stop giving of yourself
- Never stop improving
- Never stop growing
The list could go on and on. Let’s always remember to think positively and Never Give Up.
BELIEVE in yourself
NEVER Give UP
God bless. Thank you. Stay strong. Keep learning. Keep growing. Be confident. You are loved. You are worth it. Never give in to the war within. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Wordless Wednesday
Gulf of Mexico
God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
National Book Lovers Day
Today, August 9th is National Book Lovers Day. It is a day to encourage the joy and fun of reading. It celebrates literature and books, encouraging people to out down their smart phones and to simply enjoy reading. It harnesses all the excitement which bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration.
National
Book
Lovers
Day
http://www.brighterkind.com
National Book Lovers Day is an unofficial holiday observed to encourage bibliophiles to celebrate reading and literature. You might ask what is a bibliophile? Simply put, it is a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books. This term I have not been familiar with, but I suppose you could say that I am one. I love books. I love reading books. I love the feel of an actual book in my hands and prefer a physical book to an eBook even though I do read eBooks on occasion.
August 9th
edorathy.com
It is unknown exactly when or how National Book Lovers Day became a part of the calendar. It is noted that people have been carrying around books with them for centuries. At one time books were extremely large and expensive so only the wealthy were able to afford owning them. Today books come in a variety of formats for the Book Lovers to enjoy. There are many different genres, authors, and books from various time periods. Book Lovers have the option to choose from thrillers, romance, non-fiction, and graphic novels. There are many subdivisions to each of these categories as well. Personally, I love to read Amish fiction, both romantic and mystery novels.
— Mark Haddon
Eventsyard.com
Books are easily accessible for everyone on computers, smartphones, tablets, and kindles, as well as the trusty old common paperbacks. As I stated earlier, I love the feel of a book (paperback or hardback) in my hands. I love to turn the pages while I am reading. Reading on my computer or smartphone just does not give the same feel, the same thrill or enjoyment for me while I read.
is a dream
that you hold
in your hand.”
— Neil Gaiman
http://www.latestly.com
I want to take the time to thank all authors for their inspiration, their dedication, their research, and thought inspiring words they put to print so that I may escape to another realm, to be inspired and learn life lessons from their vast knowledge. Thank y’all for being dedicated authors who desire to write wholesome faith-based novels that continue to relate and captivate the interest of not only me, but many others also.
when you’re reading a book
shutterstock.com
God Bless. Take time out of your day to read. Read a book, a magazine, read online or pick up a book in your hands and take pleasure in reading. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Monday Portrait: Coleman, my favorite subject
on
Blue
Star
in
his
favorite
place
ASCG
Nana’s
Boy
Color
Popped
Happy
on
Timberline
Trail
God Bless. Thank You! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Cell Phone Selfie: By Three Year Old
selfie
Coleman used my cell phone. iPhone 13 Pro Front camera— 23mm f2.2. ISO 250 1/40s
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Silent Sunday: 08-07-2022
Have a blessed day. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Public Art: Wall Art Plus_West Jefferson, NC
Public Art, what is it? Have you noticed any when you’ve been out and about? I’ve been noticing Public Art more and more the last several years. Almost everywhere you may wander there seems to be some form of Public Art to enjoy.
West Jefferson
Wall Art
Public Art is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process according to Wikipedia.org. Simply put it is art located in public spaces for the public to enjoy and admire. Some forms of public art are murals and sculptures mounted on buildings or other structures. They are usually large scale and highly visible on the street.
Wall Art
West Jefferson, NC
West Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina in the United States of America. It is nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest region of North Carolina. The town was developed around the Virginia-Carolina Railroad depot in the early 1900’s.
Public
Art
West Jefferson’s art district features an array of colorful murals that are interesting to look upon and are part of the Appalachian Mural Trail. There are distinctive public art and numerous galleries. West Jefferson offers pedestrian-friendly streets. There are several bump-outs filled with attractive green and flowering plants adding beauty.
West Jefferson
North Carolina
Wall
Mural
Cheese 🧀 Made
Ashe County
Cheese Factory
I visited West Jefferson, Ashe County, North Carolina in August of 2017 when I went up to Deep Gap, North Carolina for a family reunion. I made a long weekend of it and enjoyed seeing the sights after my reunion. The streets truly were pedestrian-friendly and the sights were amazing to look upon and admire. I was able to watch cheese being made which is a craft all its own.
Photo Credit: ©️DebbieLWaters @gfpacificbee
God bless. What Public Art have y’all spotted? I’d love to see them shared. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Friendship: Do You Have A Close Friend…A Best Friend Who’ll Always Be There?
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:17 KJV (King James Version)
The Bible speaks often about friendship and what characteristics qualifies a true friend. Do you have a true friend, a best friend who is always there for you? A good friend is a blessing, but not everyone has one. You may have had one at one time, but life got in the way and you may no longer have one.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
~ Proverbs 18:24 NKJV (New King James Version)
Ever wonder if you are the reason you do not have true friends? I never really gave it much thought. I have online friends, but can’t say they are close friends. I have had work friends, but they were never close friends. I have friends I’ve known since my childhood, but distance limits the closeness of the friendship.
A friend is a person who has a strong liking for or trust in another person. Good friends handle conflict respectfully and respect boundaries. True friends may have differences of opinions, you might upset one another, but they will tell you the truth and let you know if you’ve crossed a boundary or hurt them in any way. Do you have a true friend?
Friend
Loves
at all
Times.
~ Harvest House Publishers ~
You might ask what qualities a true good friend should have. The following list are examples of those qualities of a true friend.
- They live with integrity….
- You can trust them….
- “Dependability” is their middle name….
- They’re loyal….
- They have empathy for others….
- They’re good listeners….
- Their confidence is contagious….
- Spending time with them makes you feel good…. ~http://www.betterup.com~
- They understand you all the time…
A best friend is a blessing from God. Is one who will forgives as Christ forgives. Is someone who prays for you continually. Is willing to risk their life for you.
BibleVerseImages.com
is like a
four leaf clover,
hard to find,
blessed to have.
~ LetterPile.com ~
I am thankful for the friends I have regardless of whether they are near or far away. They are all close to my heart and I treasure their friendship.
Thank you God for the friends you have given me, for the sharing & the praying, for the laughter & the encouragement they bring to me. Thank you Lord for their presence in my life. Please watch over them and bring hope and blessings to them. I trust you, Lord, to protect them, comfort them, and surround them with your loving arms. Lord, help me to be a better friend & remind me to pray for them continually. Amen.
God Bless. Thank You! Do not ever forget I appreciate y’all.
Favorite Shots: This Week at the Greenway
Glimpse
of the
Trestle
Horse
Close
Up
Gaggle
of
Geese
Plump
of
Geese
Young
Calf
Spotted
Cow
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Shhh….Be Very Quiet….Look Closely….What Do You See?
Did you see what my grandson, Coleman and I spotted on our afternoon hike? It is amazing what you can see out in nature if you keep your eyes open and observe your surroundings c l o s e l y. The only problem with our observations is that Coleman tends to speak real loud when he spots an animal that he scares them into running away.
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Wordless Wednesday: Flower Sequence
‘Diana’
(Rose of Sharon)
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
ASCG Trail Passport: What does earning a Passport Certificate Entail?
The Anne Springs Close Greenway has a Trail Passport program that members and visitors may choose to participate if they so desire. The Trail Passport booklet is a guide for your benefit to assist you in exploring the over 40 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trials. The Greenway has 26 unique trails and points of interest. The Passport provides an easy way for you to keep track of which trails you have accomplished, and which trails you have yet to complete.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
To earn the Passport Certificate, you need to participate in the Hiking Challenge. The following are the requirements for the Hiking Challenge.
- Hike, bike or horseback ride a trail
- Initial and date each hike that you complete
- After you have completed all the trails bring your Passport to the Greenway to receive you completion certificate (subject to availability).
The Greenway has a Trail Map that is a guide to let you know where the trails are located and from which Greenway Entrance is best to take for your desired trail. My grandson loves to carry a Trail Map with him whenever we go for a hike. When he looks at it you would think he knows exactly what he is looking at and can figure out which way he wants to go next.
While some members choose to participate in the Hiking Challenge, there are many that do not. Completing the challenge is not something that everyone accomplishes, however, it is well worth it. It takes dedication and determination to complete all twenty-six (26) trails consisting of thirty-six (36) miles of hiking, biking or horse riding in the Greenway.
My grandson, Coleman, picked up a Trail Passport on one of our visits to the Greenway. He indicated that he wanted to participate in the Hiking Challenge. He did not let his young age deter him from taking up the challenge or completing the challenge. He loves the outdoors and loves to hike and spend time out in nature with me. Coleman just recently turned three. He completed all 26 trails of 36 miles in the Hiking Challenge before his third birthday. He is amazing, but then again you might say I am biased.
Some trails in the Greenway are as short as 0.4 miles while others are over 3 miles in length. On some days we combined several trails and we hiked 5-6 miles. Was he tired by the end of the hike? Definitely, but that never stopped him from keeping going and finishing each day’s hike. After completing each day’s hike, he would lift his hands up and yell “I did it.” He really loves hiking and would do it every day if he could.
Congratulations Coleman! You did it. I am proud of you, your love of hiking, the outdoors, and your determination to succeed.
God Bless. Thank You for stopping by. Take time to enjoy the outdoors. Take a hike, a walk, admire God’s creations along the way. I appreciate y’all.
Always on Christ’s Mind
“See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before me.”
— Isaiah 49:16 NKJV (New King James Version)
See, I have inscribed you
on the palms of My Hands.
Isaiah 49:15b-16
No matter how weWellspringChristianMinistries.org
No matter how we feel, God has never forgotten us, and He never will. We might at times feel lost and alone, however, we are never alone. Jesus Christ is always there with us. We are always on Christ’s mind. We might not think about Jesus constantly, but he always thinks about us. He is concerned about us. He loves us. He always watches over us and will never abandon us.
No Matter what you face in Life…
Don’t let go of God’s Hand!
Rose P/Good Morning Prayer.@Pinterest.com
You might be like me, or you might be stronger than I am. Putting up barriers or walls, shielding ourselves from our troubles does not prevent Jesus Christ from seeing us, remembering us, loving us, and being our constant friend and companion. Jesus knows all our thoughts, He knows all our troubles, all our circumstances, and He loves us anyway. He will never stop being there for us or loving us. Always remember that Jesus is a loving, compassionate God that is committed to us one hundred percent. His love and compassion never waivers. We are His children, just like any parent, He will always be devoted to you, stand by you, and love you forever and ever.
scpeanutgallery.com
God Bless. Never be afraid to turn to God. He already knows everything about you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Thank You for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV (English Standard Version)
Persistence: Are We Persistent in Our Life?
“He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep asking.”
— Luke 11:8 CEV (Contemporary English Version)
Persistence is the act or fact of stubbornly continuing to do something. It is being extremely determined to accomplish a task regardless of how long it might take. When you are persistent, you might fail along the way, but you learn that in your failure you gain another opportunity to learn. You will learn to overcome any challenges you might face.
Problems Can’t Stop You
Most of All
Other People Can’t Stop You
The Only One Who Stops You
is Yourself
PictureQuotes.com
This is a wonderful quote, and it is so very true. Obstacles, problems, and circumstances may try to stop you, but the only person that can is you. Be persistent. Never give up. Keep trying over and over again until you succeed.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
— James 1:2-4 NIV (New International Version)
Willpower is possibly a tremendous incentive to enable you to push yourself harder and make you continue to strive for more. It is what gets you up after you have fallen, or experienced failure. It gives you the gumption, the resolution to forge ahead on your road to success. That is what is known as persistence.
and perspiration
make an unbeatable
combination for success.
Patience
PassItOn.com
You and I may at times feel like giving up, succumbing to our failures, but we need to Never Give Up and always be Persistent in every area of our lives. Why? Persistence is a virtue we need to cultivate. It is hanging in there and keep pressing on Irregardless of how tough our circumstances might be. It is at those times when we persevere that we are able to grow and become more spiritually mature in our lives. Perseverance, being persistent, builds a strong character within us. We develop a strong character by overcoming difficulties in our lives, sticking to our goals despite the difficulties, thereby making us stronger people in many aspects of our lives.
Let us all keep being persistent in our lives. Never Giving Up, but continually striving to become a better, stronger person by not giving in to our failures. Let us learn from our mistakes and grow through our perseverance.
God Bless. Thank You! Never forget I appreciate y’all.
Last Cell Pic: July 2022
Last on the Card or photo on your phone challenge from Bushboys world for July 31st. My last photo for this challenge is from my iPhone13Pro. Hope y’all enjoy the photo.
God Bless. Thank You. I appreciate y’all.
Into the Woods We Shall Go
The
We
Go
Into
the
Woods
We
Go
God Bless. Take time to Go into the Woods with Family or Friends. Thank You for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.
All photos were taken by Debbie L. Waters, (c)2022@gfpacificbee.
Silent Sunday: Afternoon Sky
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Dairy Barn
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Black and White Photography: S
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day: Thank You for Your Service
Let’s celebrate the 69th anniversary of the National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. It was on this day 69 years ago in 1953 that the United States of America and North Korea reached a ceasefire agreement. This is a time to remember the many American troops which is estimated to be around 50,000 who died in the conflict and more than 100,000 soldiers were wounded and thousands of prisoners of war.
My dad never talked with me about his time in the U S Navy or his time serving during the Korean War. I wish I knew more, to have asked questions while he was still alive. I honor my dad’s service to America, remember and appreciate the sacrifices he made for our country. My dad was fortunate to not have been wounded or made a prisoner of war, however, thousands plus were not as fortunate. I remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who were wounded, and those who were captured and held prisoners of war. Our Korean War Veterans should be remembered, honored, and appreciated for their service to America and the freedoms we have because of their service. My dad, Nornal Hule Waters, served in the U S Navy from the time he enlisted on September 24, 1948, until his release on September 12, 1952. He was a hospital corpsman stationed on the USS Consolation during his service in the Korean War. While he was aboard ship serving his country, his brother, Eddie Woodrow Waters, was service on the ground in the mist of the battleground. My uncle was wounded during his time of service in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart. I am proud of my Korean War Veterans and will continue to remember and honor their service.
The Korean War was fought on the ground, in the air, and on the seas for three years before the Ceasefire Agreement was signed at Panmunjom in 1953. North Korea has at times refused to recognize the armistice. This on-off engagement has historically been frustrating for world leaders. Both South Korea and the United States of America hold observances remembering the armistice in which they honor and remember the veterans who served during the Korean War. Let us all remember and thank our Korean War Veterans for their service as we should do for all our servicemen and women.
The ship my dad, Nornal Hule Waters
served on during the Korean War
God Bless America. God Bless y’all. Veterans and active-duty military, thank you for your service. I appreciate your service and your sacrifice for our country. Thank You!
Wordless Wednesday: Golden Sulfur Cosmos
God Bless. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.
Coleman: Birthday Boy Turned Three
Coleman 🎉
3 Years Old
Today 🎈
Black & White
Portrait
Collage
Birthday
Expressions
My Heart ♥️
My Love
My Grandson
Investigating
His Presents 🎁.
Bat, Ball, Puzzles, Pound Puppy
and Thomas the Train 🚂
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
My Cell Pic Sunday: Lake Haigler
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Johnbo’s challenge: Cell Pic Sunday
God Bless. Thank You! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Contentment: We are to be content, but are we?
Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. Are you content and satisfied with your life? Am I?
Contentment is being happy with what you have, who you are, and where you are. Do you respect your present reality? Do you appreciate what you have and where you are in life?
I have to admit I am not always happy with my life right now. I wish things, my circumstances were different. I accept my present reality and I do appreciate what I have and where I am, but that does not mean I am always content. I do dream of a different reality, but making that dream come true isn’t the simplest of things.
Did you know there are 4 States of Contentment in life? I hadn’t realized that before. What are those states you ask? Let me tell you.
- Good Contentment – Use to enhance your joy.
- Bad Contentment – Use to remind you of what to avoid.
- Bad lack of contentment (bad discontentment) – Use to spur your life toward the goal.
- Good lack of contentment (good discontentment) – Use to invigorate and inspire you toward growth.
“ Life is about balance. Be kind, but don’t let people abuse you. Trust, but don’t be deceived. Be content, but never stop improving yourself.” —- Zig Ziglar
I really like this quote. We definitely should not be so content that we become complacent. There is always room for growth and improvement in our lives. If you are discontent, understand what you should avoid and take steps to change your circumstances to strive to become a better you.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” —– Philippians 4:11 (NIV)
In the Bible, Paul faced many circumstances that he could have been discontent with, but instead He lend on God to be content regardless of his situation.
I am content whenever I am at the Greenway or near the lake at a state park, or near the local river. My grandson, Coleman, is the most content when he is out in nature hiking or near a body of water such as a lake or river. His favorite place to be outdoors is at Anne Springs Close Greenway a few miles away from where we live.
Where are you most content? I challenge you to continue to grow and improve yourself. Embrace change and enhance your life with joy.
God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. Remember I appreciate y’all.
ASCG:Greenway Stables Entrance-Part Two_Dogwood/Blue Star….
For our second day of hiking Dogwood at the Anne Springs Close Greenway Stables Entrance, we began on the Dogwood Trail on the right side after passing through one section of the horse stables.
But before we began hiking, we stopped to enjoy the Sweet Black Eyed Susan Seeds and the honeybees feasting on their nectar behind the Gibson House.
and Sunflowers
@Greenway Stables
Gibson House
Shortly after we began hiking along the Dogwood Trail, we came upon the Airport Pond. We enjoyed the views of the water and the reflections within the water. Whenever possible my grandson loves to play in the water either with his hands or his whole body. Luckily on this day it was just his hands.
Stables Entrance
Airport Pond
off Dogwood
After snapping a few pictures, we hiked on further down on Dogwood. My grandson, Coleman, loves to have his picture taken at the Trail Posts. The Trail Posts serve the purpose of letting people know where they are along the trail and which trail they are hiking on. Keeping track of the numbers on the trail posts allows us to know exactly where we are at and how much further we need to travel.
Dogwood Trail
Coleman hiking
leading the way
We proceeded onto the Blue Star after we had been hiking for approximately 1.4 miles. This trail contains several mushrooms of varying heights and sizes. I have to watch Coleman, or he’ll swipe at them breaking them apart. O try to teach him about varying things along the trail and that we shouldn’t disturb them. Also, that what is in the park should remain in the park and what we bring in, we must also take out with us. Leave No Trace.
Coleman
checking out his map
and the Trail posts
for directions
The Blue Star trail is mostly natural surface with some plank bridges and a couple of swinging bridges. At Blue Star H27, Coleman stops to check his map. He likes to carry his own map instead of just looking at mine. We venture off of Blue Star and onto Hickory Trail which leads us back to Dogwood.
Dogwood
and
Hickory Trails
Which way should we go?
Once back on Dogwood, the trail leads us back to the horse stables and eventually back to our car (Mommy’s car as Coleman would say since I use her car to take him places.)
(Not the same stables as we first entered)
Greenway Stables Entrance
loving on the horses.
The horses
instinctively
come straight
up to him.
They know
he is not afraid
and loves them.
My Heart ❤️ My love
God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy a hike, a walk, or any adventure communing with nature. Thank you for visiting. See you next time. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Silent Sunday: Dragonflies
God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
Plants 🪴 and Flowers 🌺: ASCG – Ford Gap_Lake Haigler Entrance
coreopsideae
on Golden
Sulfur Cosmos
Sulfur Cosmos
Jane Spratt McColl.
Wildflower Meadow
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
Cross: Monochrome
Westminster Park
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all. Photo copyright 2022 ©️DebbieLWaters.
Together: Better Alone or Together?
” None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things with great love, and together we can do something wonderful”
— Mother Teresa
I really like this quote my Mother Teresa. Alone we might not be able to conquer the Goliath’s of the world and accomplish great things. That is true. It is also true that if we all work together, united as one, we can execute amazingly wonderful achievements.
Adobestock.com
Together by definition is being in or into one group, body, or place. It is being in partnership, walking or working with or near someone. Usually this means that two or more people are united for a common goal, whether in the workplace, walking about on a trail, or praying.
AdobeStock.com
The word Together is my Pray a Word a Day word for today. Therefore, I am looking at what it means and how things might be better if shared or done along with someone else instead of alone. For the most part since by children grew up and moved out of my home, I have done things on my own except for when I was at work. I find that, sometimes solitude can be good for the soul. At other times, it is better to spend time with others, either working on a project together or enjoying the companionship of another at on a trail or for “coffee.” I do not actually drink coffee, but fellowshipping with another over food or drinks can bring enlightenment to the heart.
AdobeStock.com
On our own, we might not have much to offer, but if every person around the world gave a little, doesn’t matter if it’s financial, clothing, food, their time or whatever, it’s the small things when done together which can be accomplished with great love.
The thoughts of Together, united for a common goal or purpose reminds me of a couple of songs. One song is entitled “We Are the World.” Below is just a small fraction of the lyrics of the song.
“There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
, and it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can’t go on
Pretending day-by-day
That someone, somewhere soon make a change
We’re all a part of God’s great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day,
so let’s start giving
There’s a choice we’re making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day,
just you and me
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Lionel Richie/Michael Jackson
We Are the World lyrics
(c) Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
The other song that comes to mind is a Christian song I learned as a teenager in my church youth group entitled “They’ll Know we Are Christians by Our Love” written in 1966 by Peter Scholtes found on LyricFind.com. I won’t go into all the lyrics with you here, I’ll let you look them up yourselves. The first line is “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.” This line repeats itself and the third line is “And we pray that our unity will one day be restored.” The Lord God created the whole world and everyone living creature. we are of one Spirit.
Together we are strong. Together we can change the world. Together we can end hunger. Together can make a difference. Remember alone we can do little, but coming together is just the beginning, and working together we can bring about success in making this a better world for all of us.
God Bless. Pray for the world. Pray together for a better future. Work together to create change. We can succeed when we work together. Together we are Strong.
Wordless Wednesday: Coleman Nuzzling with Horse
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Sweet Black-Eyed Susan Seeds: Rudbeckia subtomentosa
on top of
Yellow Black-Eyed Susan
Also known as
Sweet Coneflower
God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.
ASCG: Greenway Stables Entrance: Part One -Horses and Hiking — Dogwood and Peach Loop Trails…..
My hiking 🥾 buddy, Coleman, and I drove to the Horse 🐎 Road Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway on Thursday. It turned out to be a beautiful day. We’ve been having rain 🌧 showers off and on lately. So time on the trail without rain 🌧 interfering with our hike was fantastic.
The main point of interest at this entrance is of course the horses 🐎. Seeing the horses 🐎 is a highlight for Coleman. He loves seeing and petting the horses 🐎. Visiting the horses was not our main purpose on this day, even though very pleasant. Knowing Coleman, we had to stop and visit with the horses before we could begin our hike for the day.
saying hi
to the horses
The Greenway Stables Entrance is also sometimes referred to as the Horse Road Entrance. The Greenway Stables are located at 1046 Horse Road, Fort Mill, South Carolina. On Horse Road you take a quick left on the road to enter the parking lot. When you first exit your car in the parking lot you will see the Gibson House. The Gibson House overlooks the pond and fields and offers a time for relaxing while watching the horses run. It is available for rent as a venue for wedding ceremonies, receptions, parties, picnics, and much more. Restrooms are located on the right-hand side of the building.
One of the paths to the trails is entered through the first horse stable location. After a short visit with the horses, we moved on down the path to the Dogwood Trailhead. We followed along left side of the Dogwood Trail. At this point, there were two choices to make to begin to begin the trail. We chose the path on the left. This trail passes through a scenic pasture area on the south end of the property connecting with Peach Loop.
leading the way
to the Dogwood Trail
Coleman has a fascination of having his picture taken by the trail posts. Capturing the trail posts also reminds us of where we’ve been and what we encountered along the trail. we connected to Peach Loop after we reached trail marker 7. The Peach Loop breaks off from Timberline and the Blue Star trails as well. Dogwood runs into Timberline, so if you are not familiar with the trails you might get confused on which trail you are on or which direction you need to proceed on when the trails signs say different trails. The Peach Loop route keeps you inside the wooded area rather than being outside the timber line for this section. The loop takes you back onto the trail you started on. Therefore, after coming full “circle” on Peach Loop, it brought us back to Dogwood.
Back on Dogwood the trail wound around and led us back to the horses and the Gibson House where we began our day. The sights along the trail are amazing. The dirt surface can become muddy after the rains. On this day the trails were pretty good. The only things we had to watch out for were the tree roots sticking up along the path. If you’re not watching where you are going you could trip and fall over a tree root, so be careful as you hike the trails.
Naturally, we had to stop along the way back to the car to watch the horses in the pasture grazing about. The horses are beautiful creatures, and the views are spectacular.
God Bless. Get Outdoors and enjoy nature. There’s nothing my grandson loves more than being out in nature and hiking the trails. Thank you for visiting. Looking forward to your next visit. Remember I appreciate y’all,
Catawba Indian Nation Trail: Carolina Thread Greenway Trail
Carolina Thread Greenway Trail
For our Wednesday Wanderings, Coleman and I visited a different local trail we had never hiked before. I had heard about the trail, and it really wasn’t that far away from us. I decided that we should change up our routine and hike something different, see what other trails existed in our area. With the yearning to change things up a bit, I drove us to the Catawba Indian Nation Greenway Trail.
The Catawba Inian Nation Greenway Trail is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The trail is a natural surface trail which runs along the Catawba River through the Catawba Indian Nation Reservation. The trail is open to the public to enjoy and learn about the area’s Native American Tribe. The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized tribe in South Carolina.
The Catawba Indian Nation Greenway Trail is a part of the Carolina Thread Trail. There are three trails on this reservation that connect to each other. One trail begins behind the Cultural Center called the Cultural Center Trail or the Yehasuri Trail. The Loop Trail leads towards the Government Center before the Greenway Trail ends. The third trail is the Catawba Indian Nation Greenway Trail. This third trail is the one Coleman and I hiked. It begins at the Government Center. The trail has benches located in various areas along it for a chance to rest a bit or to just sit, relax, and enjoy the views of the Catawba River. Parts of the trail are packed with gravel; other parts are a natural surface. When we hiked the trail, the natural surface portions were muddy after the previous days rain. One had to be careful not to slip and fall in the mud.
The Yehasuri Trail hosts interpretive signage about the importance of the land to the tribe’s cultural as well as Catawba dwelling, a bark house, dugout trees, story circle and active archeological dig. The Catawba Indian Nation Trail is 1.6 miles in length. This trail follows alongside the Catawba River. There are plenty of spots along the trail to not just view the river, but as my grandson loves to do, get in the river and play around. The Loop Trail is 0.3 miles long. If you begin at the Government Center, you hiked down a long green grassy meadow for approximately 0.6 miles bringing you down to the river and the Catawba Indian Nation Greenway Trail.
While hiking the trail we came upon an area containing a balance beam of sorts, bars to lift up on or in the case of my grandson, Coleman, swing on. A little further down the trail Coleman spotted a slide. I’m not sure the slide was actually on the trail or on private property. I wasn’t actually sure. After I allowed Coleman to have fun sliding down the slide and left the area, that’s when I thought it might have been on private property adjoining the trail.
The entire length on the trail is 2.5-miles one way. We did not quite hike the full 2,5 miles. We turned around shortly after hiking 2 miles one way and hiked back up to the Government Center and to the car. Whenever you hike make sure you bring plenty of water to drink, a hat to shade the sun, sunscreen on hot sunny days to protect your skin from burning, and possibly a scarf or rag to wipe the sweat off your face on hot and humid days.
Coleman
God Bless. Take Care and stay safe. Get Out in Nature and Enjoy God’s Creation. Thank You for visiting. Looking forward to your next visit. I appreciate y’all.
Plan Ahead but Do Not Boast
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)
What does it mean to boast? It means to talk excessively with pride about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities. We should not praise ourselves extravagantly in our communication, we should not be prideful. Proverbs 27:1 reminds us that we never know what tomorrow holds so it would be foolish to be boastful about our plans for the future. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Verseoftheday.com
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
Along with not bragging about what we plan to do in the future or about what we have, we should also not worry about what tomorrow might bring. We have enough to think about each day without being anxious about what may or may not happen in the future. God wants us to rely on Him for all our needs today, and tomorrow, and in the future. Let Him handle everything and you will not need to be concerned about having enough to eat, having a place to live, or anything else because God will provide. You just need to trust Him that He will meet all your needs.
Luke1428.com
What are we to do instead of being anxious and worrying about our lives? We should Pray. Let God know what you need and be sure to thank Him for everything He has done for you. When you pray and release your troubles to God, He will give you peace far beyond anything you can comprehend.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians $;6-7 (ESV)
Remember tomorrow is not guaranteed, so never brag about your plans. Do not worry about the future. Trust God. He will take care of everything; He will always be there for you taking care of all your needs.
God Bless. Thank you. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Fruit Tree or not??: Located on Peach 🍑 Loop_ASCG
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
City Walk on the Fourth to Riverwalk Park
The Fourth in our house was not a big day of partying or barbecuing or gathering of friends and family. It was an ordinary day for relaxation. However, my grandson, Coleman’s form of relaxing is to go for a walk. Short on gas money and his mom not wanting to do anything but rest, I took Coleman for a walk to Riverwalk Park so he could play.
You say walk, no problem. The only thing was Riverwalk Park, which is the closest park by the way, is 2.5 miles away from where we live. Think 2.5 miles isn’t that far. Be there in just a few short minutes, think again. Remember I said we walked to Riverwalk Park. Thinking about walking 2.5 miles makes it seem more exhausting, now wouldn’t you say?
Believe me, it was tiring. Not all of the route had sidewalks, so we walked at the edge of the road parts of the way. Did you do alright walking to the park? Absolutely, he is a trooper and had way more energy thank I do.
with Coleman
I know I said he’s a trooper and he is. I don’t know how he has the stamina to walk the distance, but he manages just fine even in the high heat and humidity we’ve been having. When we arrived at the park, he said “Yeah we did it.” Meaning we made it there. After opening the gate to allow him to play on the various playground equipment, I checked the weather app on my phone. Temperature when we arrived was 87°. You might think that’s not too bad, but factor in the high humidity and that’s a different story. The 97% humidity made it feel like 96°.
making
music
sliding,
sliding,
and sliding
to his
hearts content.
at Riverside Park
Spinning round
and around
and around.
Did he have fun? He had tons of fun. Wonder if we walked back home. Think about that heat and humidity……No we did not walk home. Instead I texted my daughter and asked if she’d come pick us up. Coleman continue to play and run around the entire time we were there. He didn’t know that he wasn’t going to be walking back home. At least not until he saw his mommy’s car drive up. His reaction when he saw her car wasn’t hooray. It was “Oh No.” However, when I asked him if he wanted to walk home, he pointed to his mom’s car and said “mommy’s car.” Which no doubt meant he wanted his mom to give us a ride back and that was fine by me.
God Bless. Stay safe. Stay cool. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.
BUT GOD….Have you ever known your life might be different if it wasn’t for God? Have you ever been ready to give up…? But God….
“And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Luke 18:27 (KJV)
Zazzle.com
Do you lose hope when you pray and pray and pray some more and you do not think you could possibly find an answer to your situation? Sometimes when you pray and continually pray, you are expecting a solution to fall out of the sky, or you expect to receive the answer that you want to receive. God’s answers or resolutions and not ours. His ways are not our ways. Sometimes the answer is NO. And sometimes God wants you to let Him have control and show you the way in which He would have it done. Sometimes He just wants us to exert patience and let God be God.
Have you ever had a ‘But God’ moment in your life? Do you know what a ‘But God’ moment but look or feel like? we may or may not have had a ‘But God’ moment. We may have and not realized it. ‘But God’ moments arrive in those seasons in life when everything seems to be going against us. These moments occur when you recognize that there is no solution to your predicament, whatever that may be. When you feel like you have lost all hope, that is when a ‘But God’ moment has or will happen.
‘But God’ is mentioned approximately 44 times in the Bible, the King James Version. I will only list a few for you here. Feel free to look for others as you read your Bible.
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'”
— Matthew 19:26
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.”
Psalm 49:15 (KJV)
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength my heart, and my portion for ever.”
— Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8 (KJV)
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
—1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
Your life may not make sense right now, but God makes sense of all of it. Whenever you feel trapped like there is no way out, no solution, God will make a way. God will help you understand. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will always be there for you. Whatever you may need, whatever you feel, God will be there to comfort you, to strengthen you, and He will lift you up and give you hope.
God Bless. Thank You for visiting. Looking forward to your next visit. Remember I appreciate y’all.
ASCGREENWAY: Coleman hiking 🥾 the trails in his Trail Passport…… 5 Trails in One Day…… Loooong Hike.
The Anne Springs Close Greenway has a Hiking Challenge one can choose to participate in or not. I participated in the challenge earning mu Trail Passport certificate a year and a half ago in December of 2020. My grandson, Coleman, has been hiking the trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) since March of 2021 when he was only a year and a half (1 1/2). A person earns the Passport Challenge certificate by completing all twenty-six (26) trails consisting of thirty-six miles (36) within and around the Greenway. There is a Trail Passport booklet that one can pick up at most any of the five (5) entrances to the Greenway. After completing a trail, initial and date verifying that you completed that trail. All the trails are listed in the passport. After completing all the trails, turn your initialed passport into the Greenway Gateway to receive your certificate.
exploring the
Nature Center
area prior to
starting our hike.
While you are out on the trails, be respectful and remember the Leave No Trace Principles.
- Plan Ahead and prepare.
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors.
These are very important guidelines everyone should follow no matter which Greenway trail, State or National Park trail, or even a local trail you choose venture onto to for an awesome hike. My grandson being only 2 1/2 doesn’t understand all the rules yet. I constantly remind him to leave what is in the park in the park, what is on the ground must stay on the ground. He usually will pick up leaves, rocks, or sticks off the ground and I remind him to put them down that they have to stay in the Greenway.
On Sunday when Coleman and I went to the Greenway, we hiked 5 trails:
- North Steele Creek Trail – This trail follows a portion of Steele Creek and connects two sections of Blue Star.
- Blue Star Trail – Blue Star is the longest trail on the Greenway (7.8) miles. This trail is dividing into 5 sections, and it connects to nearly every trail on the Greenway. It follows portions of the Historic Nation Ford Road. [We hike 2 sections on this day.]
- Muscadine Trail – This trail connects with Blue Star and Trestle Trail and Wagon Loop, Wild Azalea and Hickory trails. This trail is accessible from either the Lake Haigler Entrance or the Adventure Road Entrance.
- Wild Azalea Trail – The main point of interest along this trail is Lake Haigler. This trail is accessible to hikers via either the Wagon Loop or the Haigler Loop. This trail connects with Wagon Loop, Muscadine Trail and Haigler Loop. One may use Billy’s Walk as a short cut between Wild Azalea and Muscadine to be able to view the Lake Haigler Spillway.
- Haigler Loop – This is a very popular trail for most visitors. It loops around Lake Haigler, the largest scenic lake on the Greenway. It connects to Blue Star, Wild Azalea, Hickory and Timberline Trails and Wagon Loop.
We began our hike on North Steele Creek Trail and continued onto the Blue Star Trail. The Blue Star Trail led us to the Railroad Trestle. Coleman loves trains and was a little disappointed when a train did not pass overhead once we arrived at the Trestle. He has seen other Railroad Trestles, but this was the first time seeing the Trestle at the Greenway. Whenever he sees a trestle, he will say choo choo. He does not say train yet, but he says choo choo anytime he sees or hears a train.
The Blue Star Trail runs along one side of the Railroad Trestle and Muscadine runs along the other side. Upon leaving the Railroad Trestle area, we started on another section of the Blue Star Trail, across a swinging bridge on then ventured onto Muscadine to head back towards the Lake Haigler Entrance and the Canteen. On the Muscadine side of the Railroad Trestle, Coleman found an opportunity to get close to (and even in) the water. Being a hot and humid day, I did not object to him getting in the water. We skittered off of Muscadine and onto Wild Azalea which led us to Lake Haigler. Once down by the lake, we wondered over to the kayak launch area to obtain some information about renting a kayak on another day. I wanted to know if they had life jackets to fit Coleman. They assured me they did and informed me of the costs and for the length of time which you can rent a kayak. Coleman’s birthday is coming up later this month, so I will try to make it possible for him to go out on the lake in a kayak close to his birthday. He wanted to go out right then and there, but I let him know he’ll need to wait until another day. That we will try to kayak for his birthday.
Leaving the kayak launch area, he chose to hike part of the Haigler Loop before returning to the Rush Pavilion and the Canteen. Once at the canteen we refilled our bottles with ice and water. By this time, we had run out of drink from the 3 bottles we had on the trail with us and were in much need of replenishing our fluid intake. It was so good to just sit and relax for a couple of minutes before heading home.
God Bless. Stay Safe. Enjoy Nature. Thank you! And always remember I appreciate y’all.
Happy Independence Day America!
Today, July Fourth, is a day set apart to celebrate America’s Independence from Great Britain. It is a day to celebrate the 13 original colonies decision to renounce British rule and form the United States. The representatives of the colonies voted for independence on July 2, 1776. It was approved two days later with the Declaration of Independence, a document which explained the vote.
The artwork was created by Norm Daniels.
He is an artist in San Diego County, California and a friend.
To see more of his artwork, check out his website: http://www.normhere.com/
This is a well-illustrated artwork about the Independence of America. The Declaration of Independence and its ratification is why we have the freedoms we have today. We have the freedom to live peaceably to worship as we so choose. We have the freedoms to say and do as we please. everyone might not like some of the things we choose to say or do, but we are guaranteed our unalienable rights. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Because of
The Brave
We continue to be free in the United States of America because of the brave men and women who willingly serve this country fighting wars at home and abroad to ensure those freedoms.
Sometimes it seems like the fourth of July is just an excuse to party and set of fireworks. Even though everyone has the freedom to do as they so choose, I wish when they choose to set off fireworks that they would take into consideration the location in which they choose to set them off. Think about the people being affected by the loud noise, and the potential fire damage that fireworks could cause to nearby property. Fireworks are nice and pretty to watch if they are in a location set apart from close buildings and vehicles. Some people and animals are severely affected by the loud booming noise that fireworks make when they are set off. For example, people suffering from PTSD, small children and animals’ loud booming noises can and are very disturbing. It would be appreciated very much, if before setting off fireworks, one would consider how others are and will be affected by them.
The above pictures were taken with my phone. They were taken just outside my front door of our apartment complex. They show how close to parked cars the fireworks were being shot off. The loud noise affected our service dog and my two-year-old grandson. The people shooting them off close to the buildings and cars did not take into consideration how the fireworks would affect the people and animals living in the apartments. They just thought it would be fun and they had the freedom to do so. My problem is that being in the city, close to buildings and automobiles, it is not illegal for anyone to shoot fireworks. It is legal for anyone and everyone to shoot off fireworks in the city anywhere they please. I grew up with fireworks being illegal in the city close to homes and tight close surroundings. SO, being in a city that has no restrictions on where fireworks can be shot off is very disturbing to me.
Enough of my rant for the day. I hope everyone had a pleasant and enjoyable fourth of July. God Bless America, May God bless y’all. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Happy Independence Day
Plants and Flowers at the Greenway: Lake Haigler Entrance
Sunday was a sunshiny day It a a blistering 96° in the Piedmont area of South Carolina. My grandson and I visited the Lake Haigler Entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway for our morning adventure of hiking and enjoying nature.
As we walk/hike the trails we observe nature and the beautiful plants and flowers we see as we stroll along. There are plenty of plants and flowers in the Greenway, you just need to slow down and “stop and smell the roses.”
From the entrance we walked down past the Rush Pavilion to the Nature Center and placed a book in the Little Yellow Lending Library. From there we hiked down to the Swinging Bridge and strolled over the the North Steele Creek trail. The was the first time hiking this trail with my grandson, Coleman.
The North Steele Creek trail winds around the left side of a creek. It is 1.5 miles in length and connects to the Blue Star trail. We hiked the North Steele Creek trail, the proceeded onto the Blue Star trail. The entire Blue Star trail is 7.5 miles long. We only hiked the portion of Blue Star which led us to the Railroad Trestle. My grandson loves trains. Unfortunately, however, no trains passed along the trestle while we were there.
near the
Railroad Trestle
After a short break resting on a bench just passed the trestle, ( much needed for replenishing our fluids and a snack for Coleman), we continue on Blue Star crossing another swinging bridge and onto the Muscadine trail. The Muscadine trail portion we were on leads back towards Lake Haigler and the canteen. The whole Muscadine trail is 3.5 miles long. We hiked Muscadine until we approached the Wild Azalea trail. The Wild Azalea trail is 1.5 miles in length.
showing
the way
to go
The Wild Azalea trail led us to the Lake Haigler Loop and to the kayak launch area. My grandson has now decided he wants to go out in a kayak one weekend ( the kayaks are only rented out on weekends.)
This was a long and tiring 6.6 mile hike ( at least for me.) After seeing the kayaks, my grandson got a burst of energy. Instead of going straight back to the Rush Pavilion from the kayak launch, he decided to stroll along a portion of the Lake Haigler Loop which passes by Lake Haigler. He loves the water, looking at it, playing near it, or if he can get away with it, playing in the water.
Once back at the Rush Pavilion canteen we had our bottles filled with ice and then filled them with water. We sat inside (his choice) to enjoy the color air and relax before heading home.
along the path
to the parking lot.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
God Bless. Have a safe and fun-filled fourth. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Canon Photography: ASCG
Most of the time I hike the Anne Springs Close Greenway with my grandson, Coleman, I just use my iPhone13Pro to take pictures while we are hiking along the trail. Earlier this week I purchased new batteries for my Canon Rebel. Since I had new batteries, I thought I would give it a try to see how the lasted and snap a few pictures at the Greenway with my actual camera instead of just with my iPhone.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Trekker Loop
ASCG
Anne Springs Close Greenway
I hope you enjoy the photos. I’m still relearning how to use my Canon Rebel camera. I haven’t used it since before COVID-19 appeared in the United States. It will take time, but with practice, I believe I’ll be able to take some fantastic shots. Until then, God Bless. Thank you for visiting. Hope you’ll come back soon. Remember I appreciate y’all.
Silent Sunday: Monochrome
God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.
Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography 