Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

Seed of Faithfulness; Seed of Diligence; Seed of Righteousness

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.”
—- Ecclesiastes 11:6 (KJV)

Sow the seed diligently in the morning… what does this mean? What seeds are we to sow? We are to diligently and faithfully trust God for every outcome in our lives. We are to sow seeds of goodness, working day and night and not let ourselves become discouraged. We might not be able to see the fruit of our labors right away, but God is faithful to make everything work for good. God rewards our diligence, our faithfulness, and our perseverance.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
—- Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

The Word of God never fades, it will last for an eternity. We sow seeds of goodness, kindness, demonstrating God’s love to those around us; sharing God’s Word to others in the morning and in the evening. We may not see the impact of our labor, but God will continue to work in the hearts and lives of those we are faithful to share God’s Word.

“All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower fades away, But the word of the LORD endures forever.”
—— 1 Peter 1:24-25

God is faithful to keep His promises. Everything in this life will eventually fade away and will be no more except for the Word of God. It is important that we share God’s Word with others. We can demonstrate His love through our kindness, and caring for others.

We need to remember our time on earth is temporary. God had provided a home and security in heaven with him. It is by God’s grace and through our faith in Jesus Christ that we can live with Him forever. Our bodies here will fade, but our spirit, our souls ( if we believe) will live on forever.

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Quotes by Charles Wagner

Charles Wagner is the author of Simple Life. He was a French reformed pastor, his writings influential in shaping reformed theology. In 1904 he was invited to preach at the White House by Theodore Roosevelt. His Simple Life book made an impression on the President. I hope his inspiring writings leave an impression on your heart and souls.

“A man is simple when his chief care is the wish to be what he ought to be, that is honesty and naturally human.”
—- Charles Wagner

“Joy is not a thing, it is in us.”
—— Charles Wagner

“Man is an ignoramus athirst for knowledge.”
——- Charles Wagner

“Simplicity is a state of mind.”
—— Charles Wagner

“If there are people at once rich and content, be assured that they are content because they know how to be so, not because they are rich.”
——- Charles Wagner

God Bless. Be inspired. Inspire others. May your life be rich with joy from within. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Thursday Traversing the Trails with Coleman: ASCG-Blue Star Entrance

Coleman is always wanting to go Bye Bye. He loves to spend time hiking 🥾 at The Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG). For our Thursday outing we went to the Blue Star Entrance of the ASCG. The ASCG is located behind the Y Complex. From the beginning of the trailhead there are two choices one can choose the hike. The Paradise Loop and the Blue Star Trail.

For our traversing I chose the Paradise Loop for us to hike. Coleman wanted to go on the Blue Star Trail. He got upset when I said we were not hiking 🥾 that trail. We had only hiked that trail before and he needed to hike the Paradise Loop to help complete all the trails on his trail passport.

***Coleman***
***by the***
***Paradise Loop***
***trail post***

The trail is full of ups and downs, curves, tree 🌳 roots, and rocks 🪨. Not a smooth trail, more of a medium level for hiking 🥾 status. Trail markers are placed every 1/4 mile along the trails. Around Trail marker B5 you can choose to traverse on the Avery Loop. The Avery Loop is 0.4 miles long and loops back into Paradise Loop.

Avery Loop is surrounded by plants and flowers close on each side of the trail. The trees and plants provide a cooling canopy that is calming to the soul.

Coleman
watching ants 🐜
on the ground

Hiking 🥾 back to the car (his mom’s car) Coleman is tired and ready to go to the grocery store so we could get him more Lactaid Milk. when he gets tired, he wants to stop every few minutes on the trail and wants to sit anywhere he can find to sit. When he’s tired I keep encouraging home to keep moving, that we’re almost “back to mommy’s car.)

***Coleman***
***Hiking*** 🥾
***back to***
***Mommy’s***
***Car***

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Wednesday Wanderings: Walking 🚶‍♀️ _Running 🏃 @ Riverwalk

Welcome to my blog. Today I’ll be talking about my Wanderings with my grandson, Coleman, yesterday. Coleman is 2 1/2 and loves to be out in nature and go hiking 🥾. He has been hiking for over year and a half now. He’ll be turning 3 next month. I have pictures of him on hikes since at least March 2021. There is no place he’d rather be then out on a trail, out in nature, walking, running, or hiking 🥾. Anywhere, Anytime outdoors is where he would rather be.

Wednesday morning we left the house ( actually our apartment) by 10 am. Getting him and me both ready takes time. I’m not alert too early in the mornings any more. Not only do I need to get us both dressed, I have to make sure we eat a healthy breakfast and have plenty of drinks and snacks packed fir our day of hiking.

On this outing we went to our local Riverwalk Catawba Trailhead to begin our day of wandering through nature. Riverwalk has two entrances to choose from. One on the north side and one on the south side. We chose the one on the south side closest to the railroad trestle. He loves choo choo’s (trains).

***Coleman***
***at the***
***Riverwalk***
***entrance***

Coleman is always ready for a hiking 🥾 adventure. He loves to have is picture 📷taken. As you can see, he also likes to climb. Shortly after we crossed through the covered bridge we were able to view the railroad 🚆 trestle.

***Riverwalk***
***Catawba River***
***Railroad Trestle***

Not only does he like to view the railroad 🛤 trestle, he also likes to go down to the water 💦 and watch the waters 💦 movements, and play in the water if he can get away with it.

***Catawba River.***
***Coleman resting***
***on a park swing.***

He enjoys a good swing and will run to one any time he sees one along the trail. Continuing along the trail, he spots a log 🪵 on the ground and immediately decides to climb on it. He then walked along the top of it like you would a balance beam ( he’s never seen a balance beam).

***Coleman***
***balancing***
***on the log*** 🪵
***and walking***
***across it.***

Anytime there is an opening along the trail to go to the water 💦 or at least to view the water 💦, he is off and running 🏃‍♂️ towards it.

On the way back to the car, Coleman hears the train 🚂 whistle. He automatically says choo choo. I find an opening amongst the trees 🌲 along the trail for him to see the train 🚊 as it is moving along the railroad 🚞 tracks 🛤. He loves watching the train pass. He would have liked it better if we were closer to the railroad 🚞 trestle 🛤 , but he still hasn’t stopped talking about seeing the train 🚆.

We hiked for 2.6 miles round trip. This is one of his shorter hikes. If you have the opportunity, I would highly recommend you visiting a Greenway, a local park, a local trailhead and enjoy spending time hiking 🥾 (or walking 🚶‍♀️) and observing nature.

God bless. Thank you for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Yellow Wildflower: Riverwalk Trail

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

God’s Heart ❤️ Overflows: God Loves You!

***God***
***Loved***
***the***
***World***

“He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me.”
—— Song of Solomon 2:4 (NLT)

Do you ever feel like no one loves you? That you are unlovable? Sorry to say, you are not alone. One of the greatest human needs is love ❤️. Many people feel there is a deficit of love in their lives.

The deepest desire of every human heart is to be known and to be loved. Father Joe Campbell once said “This desire reaches its fullness in the desire to be known by God himself.”

Love is a deep affection for someone. We begin learning about love from the moment we are born. Children either feel loved by their parents or not. Sometimes parents are too wrapped up in themselves to notice how their child/children feel or what they think. Whether they are too absorbed in work, drinking, or their own desires doesn’t matter. What matters is the children. Children need to feel loved. Everyone needs to know they are loved, respected, and understood. To be loved for who they are unconditionally.

God is the essence, fulfillment, and source of love. His love is strong and resilient, forgiving and boundless. God has more than enough love for everyone, no matter how many come to Him. God’s love is a feast in the wilderness. God’s love is a free gift. If you ask, He will fill your heart to overflowing. If you allow him to fill you with His love, you need to share it with others.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
—- John 3:16

“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
—- Ephesians 3:18-19

***“… He has given us***
***the Holy Spirit***
***to fill our hearts***
***with His love.”***
***—— Romans 5:5***

Human love can never fully satisfy the love starved heart. Only when it is mingled with God’s love can it stand the test of time. God wants to love you like you have never been loved before. He has invited you to His banquet table. Come share in His love.

***“…You bless the godly,* O LORD; *You surround them with Your shield of love.”***
***—- Psalm 5:11-12***

“We love him, because he first loved us.”
— 1 John 4:19 (KJV)

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Word of the Day: Change

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
—- Norman Vincent Peale

***Norman Vincent Peale***
*Woman’s Day*

Change is to make something or someone different by altering or modification. It is the act or instance making or becoming different. We can change our appearance, our circumstances, or even our attitudes. Sometimes we can make those changes ourselves and sometimes we need to be brave and ask for help in order for change to be made possible. Never be ashamed for needing assistance in making changes in your life. Whether you seek help from a friend, a counselor, or from God doesn’t matter so much as the realization that change is needed and you’re willing to make change happen.

“When in doubt, choose change.”
—- Lily Leung

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.”
—— John F. Kennedy

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
—— Maya Angelou

“People change for two reasons; either they learned a lot or they’ve been hurt too much.”
—- Author unknown

Sometimes, in life, we don’t want to admit that change or changes need to occur. Sometimes we are too forgiving and overlook faults or feel things are our fault. Sometimes we don’t believe that change is possible and instead we accept that life is just how it is.

I’m telling you that change is possible. If you don’t believe me, ask God. God can make anything possible. He can help change our situations, our circumstances, our attitudes and our reactions. There is nothing that God can’t do.

If you need help He Will always be there to help. He may bring people into your life to bring you into awareness that change is needed or he may bring someone into your life to help that changes to occur. Never be afraid to ask for help. Never be skeptical about making changes. Changes in this life are natural and may happen regardless of what you say or do.

God Bless. Be brave. Help is there for the asking. Change is possible. Let’s grow through life’s changes. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Monday Meanderings: ASCG With Coleman

Welcome everyone. I’m glad you could join me today.

On our Monday Meanderings, Coleman and I returned to the Anne Springs Close Greenway (ASCG) for some hiking 🥾. Coleman is my two (2) year old grandson. He has been 🥾 with my for approximately a year and a half (1 1/2) now. He recently has decided he wants to earn his certificate for completing his trail passport. The passport contains a list of twenty-six (26) trails which span a total of thirty-six (36) miles within the ASCGreenway.

***Coleman***
***hiking*** 🥾 ***from***
***the Adventure Road***
***Entrance***

Coleman loves to be outdoors. He loves to visit the Greenway. Does he get tired on the trail? Sometimes yes. Does he have fun on the trail? Yes, he definitely does.

Today, we parked at the Adventure Road Entrance. We began our meanderings on the Trekker Loop. We first spotted Lake Crandall and a group of young boys which are a part of the fishing 🎣 day camp offered to youth at the ASCG. He immediately went down towards the water 💦. He grabbed a stick and tried mimicked their fishing 🎣.

***Coleman***
***at ASCG***
***prosiding towards***
***Fern Forest*** 🌳 ***Trail***

Along the Archers Loop/Trekkers Loop trail we view the beautiful Lake Frances. He sorta got muddy as he was approaching the water 💦. He enjoys putting his hands 🙌🏼 (if not his whole body) in the water. When he stood up, his one hand ✋ and arm was all muddy.

We went along Fern Forest 🌳 and then back to Archers Loop hiking 🥾 back towards the car. Today was rather a short hike. But there is no place he would rather be than out on a trail hiking 🥾.

***Coleman***
***taking a break***
***having a few sips***
***of his juice***

We always bring bottles of water 💦 and juice 🧃 for us to drink along the trails. It can get hot, sweaty, and thirsty hiking 🥾 along the trails. We always remember to stay hydrated. That is very important when you go hiking 🥾.

God bless. Hope you’ll visit with us again on our next adventure. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Greenville Zoo_Family Outing

***Entering the*** ***Greenville Zoo***
***Greenville, South Carolina***

We woke up really early (at least for me) to get ready and leave for Greenville, South Carolina. We intended on going to the Greenville Zoo and then to an A & W Restaurant afterwards. This first half of the plan went as planned. However, the second half did not (I’ll explain later).

The Greenville Zoo is located in Greenville, South Carolina. It is set on 14 acres in the city’s Cleveland Park. The Zoo was founded in 1960. Compared to other parks, the Greenville Zoo is rather small in size. At the time of the opening, most of the animals were indigenous species who already called the Upstate region home. A monkey dome was added in 1962 and was populated with 26 Colobus Monkeys. The monkeys were not indigenous to the area, however, the became a tremendous hit with the park’s visitors. The Zoo is open year-round, but hours vary based on the season. The Zoo has several programs and events that provide a fabulous opportunity for adults and children alike to visit and learn.

After entering the Zoo, we first visit the monkeys and then the reptiles. My grandson enjoyed looking at the snakes, he doesn’t shy away from anything.

Lions, leopards are the cats in the zoo. Monkeys, South American Pampas, giraffes, and pink flamingos are some of the animals you’ll encounter if you choose to visit the Greenville Zoo. If you plan on visiting the Greenville area, I’d say go ahead and stop by the zoo for a visit. However, if the zoo is the only reason you are coming to Greenville, then I’d say pass on the zoo and visit one of the many parks and enjoy a hike. Save the Zoo trip for one of the Zoos in a larger city.

As you walk along the path to the various animal enclosures, the Zoo has canopies which one can walk through the sprays a mist of water to cool you off on a hot summer day. My grandson enjoyed running through the canopies and feeling the mist of water on his body.

Besides the various animals located throughout the zoo, it is also home to several tropical plants and flowers. I enjoy seeing the beauty of God’s creation regardless of it is out in nature, at the zoo, or in a lovely garden.

A map of the Zoo is located just inside the entrance for your convenience. The map will guide you to the desired locations of the animals you wish to visit. There are a few sights situated for capturing your loved ones sitting on a “bear”, or a “lion.” And before you ask, no they are not real but indeed statues designed to sit upon and enjoy. Of course, I had to capture my grandson sitting upon the statues.

***Map of the Greenville Zoo***
***150 Cleveland Park Drive***
**Greenville, South Carolina**
**greenvillezoo.com**

Our other purpose for visiting the Greenville area was to stop at an A & W Restaurant for a frosty mug of A & W root beer and to purchase a few A & W glass mugs to take home. Now for the disappointing part of our trip. The A & W Restaurant location we stopped at was drive through only (a disappointment especially since we planned to sit and enjoy some root beer after our visit to the zoo.) This location also did not have any of the A & W glass mugs on hand to sale (another big disappointment.)

Disappointments and all, the day was a good outing to spend with family. We ended up stopping to eat closer to home and chose to stop at The Greek Grill for some authentic Greek Gyros. They were super delicious by the way. If you are ever in the Tega Cay, South Carolina area I would highly recommend a stop for food at The Greek Grill located at 1143 Stonecrest Blvd. #101, Tega Cay, SC 29708. The hours are 11am to 8pm except on Sundays when they close at 7pm.

God Bless. Thank You for visiting. Till next time. Spend quality time with you family. Love and enjoy them while you can. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: God’s Beauty

God Bless. Thank you! Enjoy God’s beautiful creations. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Coleman: Antics …Expressions

This afternoon Coleman tried on a new outfit we got him that is intended fir swimming. Does he care or even realize what the outfit is for? Absolutely not. But who cares? He put it on all by himself. He usually doesn’t dress himself completely, but then he is only two (2). He’s learning.

***Coleman***
***Disregard his mom’s leg***

Coleman loves to ham it up in front of a camera. He loves getting his picture taken. He also loves looking at himself in pictures.

***Coleman***
***climbed on his***
***mom’s shoulders***

***Coleman***
***harassing his mom.***
***AKA Loving her.***

Coleman may love having his picture taken, however, his mom does not. The therefore, it is difficult to get really good shots of her and him together.

***Coleman and Trisha***
***Mom and Son***

***Coleman***
***and***
***his expressions***
***Gotta love him***

God bless. Take care and spend time loving your family. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Lord Make Me Big

Lord make me big, too big to bear grudges and an unforgiving spirit; Too big to be and discredit others who have been more successful than I; Too big to be dishonest even in the smallest things; Too big to be selfish and small of soul in an hour that calls for Christian men and women. Direct me in every way that I might be conformed to the image of Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen. Author unknown

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Sage Advice: Quotes by Julia Child

Being born in the 50’s, growing up in the 60’s and 60’s one may have heard about or seen Julia Child’s cooking show on television. You may have seen it in black in white or if you we fortunate in color.

I heard about Julia Child and knew about her cooking show, but as I recall, do not remember my parents ever turning on her cooking show.

Julia Child was born in California on August 15, 1912. She moved to Paris in 1949 where she enrolled in the infamous French Cooking school Cordon Bleu. She was the only woman in her cooking class. That, however, did not stop her from becoming a well recognized French Chef. In 1961, she co-authored a cooking book entitled Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Two years later, she returned to the United States and introduced America to the art of French Cuisine.

She debuted her television show The French Chef. During her show she would impart sage advice. That advice was not just about food though. She gave wise life lessons through the lens of cooking. Her show was on before the age of modern technology and thus was unedited. What you watched was live, if a mistake happen on the show, you saw it all. No edited out. It was real and her quips and reflections led to authenticity as me approachability in television.

***Julia Child***
***On Her Cooking Show***

Her sage advice is still pertinent in this day and age. Below are a few we can learn from today.

“Always remember: If you’re alone in the kitchen and you drop the lamb, you can always just pick it up. Who’s going to know?”
Julia Child,
On Letting Go

“A cookbook is only as good as its poorest recipe.”
Julia Child,
On Excellence

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure. In cooking you’ve got to have a what-the-hell attitude.”
Julia Child,
On Taking Risks

“The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile. I think of my strawberry soufflé. I did that at least 28 times before I finally conquered it.”
Julia Child,
On Diligence

“Just speak very loudly and quickly, and state your position with utter conviction, as the French do, and you’ll have a marvelous time!”
Julia Child,
On Confidence

“People are uncertain because they don’t have the self-confidence to make decisions.”
Julia Child,
On Indecision

“The more you know, the more you can create. There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.”
Julia Child, On Creativity

***Julia Child***
***Demonstrating her cooking lessons***
***Britannica.com***

Whether we heard her lessons when she was on tv back in the day or a current PBS Julia show or just from these quotes, we can all learn and apply her wise sage advice in our own lives.

God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Goodness:

Goodness: what is it? It is the quality of being morally good or virtuous according to the Oxford dictionary. Examples of goodness are volunteering at a homeless shelter, a food bank, or it could be the nutritious skin on a vegetable. Basically, it is the state of being good.

***God is good,***
***even when life is not.***
***Believe in Him.***
*www.idlehearts.com*

The Bible tells us that the word ‘good’ means holy, pure, and righteousness. Goodness is Godliness. Our goodness can be seen by others in our actions. We also need to have pure hearts. We should demonstrate the goodness of Christ daily in our lives.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

***Be kind and compassionate***
***to one another,***
***forgiving each other,***
***just as in Christ***
***God forgave you.***
***Ephesians 4:32***

“For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
1 Peter 1:5-7

Where would this world be without goodness in it? It would be in a lot worse shape than it is now. everyone deserves to be shown goodness and kindness. Everyone deserves to be loved. God loves each and every one of us and we should do no less than show love to everyone we come in contact with without reservation or conditions.

***Find Good***
***in Everything***
***& Everyone***
***People of the Second Chance***
***POTSC.com***

Do we always feel like showing goodness to others? Probably not. It is when we do not feel like it that we should do it all the more. That is when we need to call on the strength of the Lord Jesus Christ to help us show HIs love and Goodness to others. We need to remember that God love us very much and will never stop loving us and showing us goodness and mercy. God is Great.

***GOD is GREAT***
*www.TheGodQuotes.com*

Let us not stop being a person, no matter what life’s circumstance throw our way. Let my heart be pure and genuine. Help me, Lord, to always show love and kindness to my fellow mankind, to every man, woman, and child that crosses my path. Thank you, Lord, for loving me and showing me your love, goodness, and mercy.

God Bless. Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate y’all.

World Rainforest Day: The Time is Now

Today, June 22, is World Rainforest Day. I find it hard to keep up with all the significant days to remember on our calendars. Many of which, like this one, I didn’t know existed. On World Rainforest Day we recognize the significance of tropical rainforests for our planet. This year’s theme is “The Time is Now.” This theme aims to make people more sensitive to how crucial rainforests are for survival of life on Earth.

Rainforests support the largest variety of plants and animal species of any other ecosystem in the world. Besides, sustaining life they also influence weather patterns and act as major carbon sinks, moderating local temperatures and keeping our air clean. Did you know everything which Rainforests do? I am not sure that I did. Oh, I know they exist and have a purpose, but to this extent, probably did not know.

Did you know that an average of 137 Species of Plants and Animals are driven into extinction every day in the World’s Tropical Rainforests? I know that Plants and Animals go into extinction all the time, but I was not aware of the significant number that become extinct.

What can you and I do to help prevent the extinction of Plants and animals and Save our Rainforests? Below are a few suggestions:

Donate to organizations which dedicate themselves to preserving the rainforests. Suggested organizations are Greenpeace.org, RainforestTrust.org, Earthday.org, Rainforest Alliance, Amazon Watch, and Amazon Conservation Team.
Purchase the Planting of a Tree …
Eliminate Deforestation from your diet …
Buy responsibly Sourced Products …
Support indigenous Communities …
Email You Preferred News Outlet …
Choose Products that Give Back …
Reduce you Carbon Footprint …
Share Rainforest News on Social Media …
Contact your Elected Representatives …
Volunteer your Time …
Host a Fundraiser …

God Bless. Join me and thousands of others in helping to end deforestation, reduce our carbon imprint, and Preserve our World Rainforests. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday:

***Coleman***
***trying to***
***open door*** 🚪

***Coleman***
***checking out***
***the Grist Mill***

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Freedom Quotes: In Honor of Juneteenth

Just a few quotes about freedom and the importance of remembering the past and to inspire a better more equitable future.

“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.”
— Toni Morrison, “Beloved “

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.”
— Harriet Tubman

***Harriet Tubman*** ~
***http://www.history.com***

“I had reasoned this out of my mind; there was one of two things I had a right to, liberty, or death; if I could not have one, I would have the other; for no man should take me alive.”
— Harriet Tubman

***Harriet Tubman*** ~
***National Women’s History Museum***

“I prayed for freedom for twenty years, but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.”
— Frederick Douglass

***Frederick Douglass***
***~ NPS / FRDO 2169***

“Liberty is slow fruit. It is never cheap; it is made difficult because freedom is the accomplishment and perfectness of man”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

***Ralph Waldo Emerson*** ~
***Encyclopedia Britannica***

“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
— Malcolm X

***Malcolm X***
***~ Encyclopedia Britannica***

Each of these people had an influence on our American culture. They were abolitionist, social activists, and spokespersons who were active in speaking and in action to bring awareness to injustice and inequalities. Some were extremely active in ensuring the freedom of enslaved people.

Let us honor and remember so no one ever becomes enslaved again. Let us honor those who spoke out for freedom and equality for all.

God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Juneteenth: What is it? Why is it celebrated?

Yesterday was Juneteenth, a federally recognized holiday celebrated on June 19th each year. [I have to admit I never heard of the federal holiday until a few years ago.] Even though Juneteenth has been a holiday since June 19, 1986 it did not become a federal holiday until June 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the legislation. Juneteenth has actually been around a lot longer than that, since June 19, 1865.

Juneteenth is also known as “Emancipation Day” or “Freedom Day”. It commemorates June 19, 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and gave word to enslaved African Americans that they were free. It was more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Who declared Juneteenth to be a holiday? General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation had been issued practically two and a half years earlier, on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

“Juneteenth” is named thusly by combining “June” and “nineteenth.” It references the date of the holiday. It was on June 19, 1865 that people in Galveston were informed of their freedom and the end of the Civil War. Before then they hadn’t known it was over and they were freed. The reason being the plantation owners did not inform their slaves of the proclamation. So they did not know until the federal government sent troops down to Texas to let them know.

Freed black men and women of Texas rallied around June 19th, not because it was the date that they were freed but because it was the date they were informed of their freedom. They turned the day from a day of unheeded military orders into an annual rite, beginning in 1866. The day they were informed they whooped and hollered and and bored holes in trees. They packed them with gun powder and lit them so there would be a blast for their celebration. This information has been quoted in Hayes Turner’s essay.

The Juneteenth flag was created by Ben Haith in 1997. The flag is a symbolic representation of the end of slavery. In the United States. Ben Haith is the founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation (NJCF). Haith had help from collaborators and illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf who was instrumental in bringing their vision to life. The date June 19, 1865 was not added to the flag until 2000.

The holiday has been around awhile now, but like me not everyone knew of its existence until a couple of years ago. Even though I was born in the South, I grew up out west in San Diego, California. I do not remember having African American classmates until high school. Yes, we were taught about the Civil War and the Emancipation. However, the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation wasn’t realized by myself and probably others when I was a child.

All people of all races deserve to be free, respected, and treated equally no matter where they live. They deserve equal rights and equality in all aspects of life.

God bless. Hope everyone was able to celebrate not Father’s yesterday, but also Juneteenth. Remember freedom for everyone is to be celebrated. We are all free or should be. I won’t go into Modern Slavery except to say all slavery of every time should be abolished everywhere, for everyone.

Plants & Flowers: Blue Star Trail_Anne Springs Close Greenway

***Sun*** ☀️ ***shining through the Trees*** 🌲

***Plants*** 🌱 ***& Flowers*** 🌺
***Along the Blue Star Trail***

God Bless. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: Water

Running Water

***Downward glance at the Creek Water*** 💦

God Bless. Thank you. May you be filled with the Living Water 💦. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Father/Daughter Quotes: I Miss My Dad!

***My dad holding me next to my brother***

In many countries and across the United States of America, Father’s Day is a recognized public holiday in which we celebrate on the third Sunday in June. This coming Sunday is that third Sunday in which many people will celebrate Father’s Day. It is a day to honor fatherhood and the paternal bonds. It is also to celebrate the influence fathers have had in our society.

Even though Father’s Day is a joyous celebration for most everyone, for some it is a day of sadness and of remembering their fathers who are no longer with them. Whether the loss of a father is recent or not doesn’t matter. People grieve and feel the loss, not for a short time, but for the rest of their life’s. Missing the times that will never be had or what one wishes they could have had with their father.

My dad’s been gone from this world since December 31, 1996, and I miss him every day of my life. I appreciate the things he taught me and the unconditional love he bestowed upon me. I never once doubted the love he had for me. I appreciated the times we sat down together and worked on model cars, the times sharing stamp collecting – putting the stamps in collector albums, and sharing his passion for photography.

“My father died many years ago, and yet when something special happens to me, I talk to him secretly not really knowing whether he hears, but it makes me feel better to half believe it.”
— Natasha Josefowitz

“The reason why daughters love their dad the most is…that there is at least one man in the world who will never hurt her.”
— Anonymous

“Daddy, thanks for being my hero, chauffer, financial support, listener, life mentor, friend, guardian, and simply being there every time I need a hug.”
— Agatha Stephanie Lin

My father taught me how to ride a bicycle as a child and later taught me how to drive a car. When I wanted a 10 speed, he took a used one and rebuilt it, painting the frame a metallic gold color (the same as used on some cars back in the day). I loved it more than if he’d bought a brand-new bike. Besides teaching me how to drive a car, he taught me how to change the oil and how to change the tires so that I’d be able to handle any situation and understand how to properly maintain a vehicle. I appreciate him teaching me everything he taught me as I was growing up. I wish he was still around so I would be able to continue learning from him.

“A good father will leave his imprint on his daughter for the rest of her life.”
— Dr. James Dobson

**This is the last picture of just me and my dad**
**— Nornal Hule Waters You are Always in My Heart**

God Bless. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. May all the daughters appreciate their fathers. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

PPAC: Metal Art Dog Statues

I saw this challenge on Aletta’s nowathome blog featuring the PPAC challenge from Marsha Ingrao’s Always Write blog.

Public art according to Wikipedia is art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process. It adds tremendous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a community.

***Each statue depicts a different breed of dog***

***From small, to medium, to large breeds***

**What do you think about this one, Nan**a?

**That’s all folks…. t*ime for some fun.***

God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

My Favorite Subject: My Grandson _Coleman

My Grandson _Coleman
Climbing the Fence
at the Dog 🐕 ***Park***

God Bless. Thank you. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Jesus is Always with YOU

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”
Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

In the book of Matthew, in the Bible, Matthew quotes Jesus speaking to his disciples. Jesus is instructing them to teach others everything he has taught them. He is also letting them (and us) know that He is Always with them (us, me and you).

Do you ever feel like you are all alone? Feeling alone doesn’t necessarily mean you are physically all by yourself. Sometimes a person can feel like they are all alone even when they are surrounded by friends and family.

In this passage, Jesus is reminding us that He is and always will be with us. He is letting us know we do not need to be afraid. No matter what we are going through, He is with us to help us through life’s struggles.

God tells us over and over again throughout the Bible that He is always with us and that Jesus will never ever leave us. Below are a few more verses stating this fact, “I am with you always.”

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

Do not fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

When you think or feel like you are all alone, Remember God is always with you. Turn to Him. Tell Him your troubles and He will see you through them. He is always there, waiting for you to reach out to Him. He is always willing and able to help you no matter the circumstances. Do not ever think He is not there for you. God loves you!

God Bless. Thank you! Remember Jesus loves you. I appreciate y’all.

In Flight Under the Bridge

Look 👀 closely
you’ll see nests
***On Mill Pond***
***Anne Springs Close Greenway***

I think this is my favorite photo from today’s hike. Captured with my iPhone 13 Pro Wide Camera — 26mm f1.5.

God Bless. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Canon Shots at the Greenway

I have an older Canon Rebel T3i that I was using on Saturday when I went to the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. My battery is weak, even though it was fully charged before leaving home, it did not last very long. So, it seems like it is time for a new battery (I cannot afford a new camera right now).

These pictures were taken after we came to Lake Frances after hiking at the beginning of Archers Loop at the Adventure Road entrance of the Anne Springs Close Greenway.

**Coleman**
trying to use
my hiking stick
as a fishing pole.

God Bless. Thank you! I haven’t used the camera for a little while, it’s been packed away and I recently unpacked it. I hope you’ll enjoy the photos. I appreciate y’all.

Music: Quotes on its Transformative Power

**Music Quotes**
*Image from Parade.com*

Music has been around practically since the beginning of time, or at least it seems that way. It is thought to have been around for approximately 40,000 years. Music 🎶 is the art of arranging sound.

“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives , thinks, and invents.”
— Ludwig van Beethoven

*Life is like* Music
some high notes,
some low notes,
***but always a good song!***

“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.”
—- Victor Hugo

“My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.”
— Martin Luther

“Music is well said to be the speech of angels; in fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine. It brings us near to the infinite.”
— Thomas Carlyle

**Music**
gives wings
to the Soul,
and teaches
it to Fly
*Image by Instyle Decals*

“When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.”
— Henry David Thoreau

“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
— Bono

Music *is Life*
that’s why
our Heart have beats.

“Music… will help dissolve your perplexities and purify your character and sensibilities, and in time of care and sorrow, will keep a fountain of joy alive in you.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture you’re from, everyone loves music.”

**Music** expresses
that which cannot be put into words
and that which cannot remain silent.

Thank you for the music, the joy and laughter it brings. Thank you for the music and it’s healing power it departs. Thank you for giving me music, songs to sing 🎶 and dance.

Those who wish to Sing always find a ***Song***

God Bless. Hear the music. Let it bring joy and healing ❤️‍🩹 to your heart ❤️. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Cell Pic Sunday

God Bless. Thank You! I appreciate y’all.

Silent Sunday: Plants 🪴 & Flowers 🌸

God Bless. Stop and smell the Flowers. Thank you. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Numbers at The Greenway: On Archers Loop

Today my hiking 🥾 buddy, Coleman, and I drove to the Adventure Road Entrance of The Anne Springs Close Greenway. We parked near the doggy park, Mary Warner Mack Dog Park, and proceeded on Archers Loop which begins to the side and behind the dog 🐕 park.

At various points along the trail are markers letting you know which trail you are on and at which point along the trail.

Coleman had a fun time hiking 🥾 and running 🏃‍♂️ along the trail.

Coleman discovered the outdoor learning classroom.

**Chalkboard with Numbers**
**Outdoor Classroom**

God bless. Thank you! Numbers are everywhere, you just have to be observant. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Inspiring Quotes by Judy Garland

A legendary entertainer, born Frances Ethel Gumm, Judy Garland has wowed us with her vaudeville, acting, and singing for generations past her death. The most notable, in my opinion, was how she captured the audience with her acting and singing in “The Wizard of Oz.” She also left us with many quotes that still inspire numerous people to this day and most likely for generations to come.

The following quotes by Judy Garland are a few of the ones I really like and find inspiring to me. I hope you will enjoy them as well.

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
Judy Garland

Always be a
first rate version
of yourself
and not a
second rate version
of someone else.

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful; if we could all be a little more gentle with each other, and a little more loving, have a little more empathy, and maybe we’d like each other a little bit more.”
Judy Garland

“I don’t always have to sing a song… There’s a woman. There are three children. There’s me! There’s a lot of life going here.”
Judy Garland

“I wanted to stay like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Life wasn’t as complicated then. But I can’t help growing up. No one can. Time won’t stop and life won’t stand still.”
Judy Garland

“The greatest treasures are those invisible to the eye but found by the heart.”
Judy Garland

“I can live without money, but I cannot live without love.”
Judy Garland

“As for my feelings toward ‘Over the Rainbow,’ it’s become part of my life. It is so symbolic of all my dreams and wishes that I’m sure that’s why people sometimes get tears in their eyes when they hear it.”
Judy Garland

“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart, it was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.”
Judy Garland

“Not many of us have the names or identities we were born with. I don’t associate Frances Gumm with me. I, Judy Garland, was born when I was 12 years old.”
Judy Garland

“Somewhere over the rainbow; Skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream Really do come true.”
Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz

God Bless. Thank you. Always be the best version of you you can be. Remember I appreciate y’all.

God is My Guide: What Scriptures Have to Say

“Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Whether you are walking around trying to find your way or hiking a long trail like the Appalachian Trial or even a local trail, or just your daily life, God is there to guide your way and to show you which direction you need to take. Whenever we allow God to be our Guide, we will always be successful in reaching our destination.

Let’s discuss what is meant by God’s guidance. According to the scriptures found in the Bible, divine guidance means to get advice or help from God. It is seeking supernatural help; we do that by looking and reading the Word of God to gain knowledge regarding what God would have us to do.

“Praise God! For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Why is God’s guidance so important? It is an important need to allow God to direct our decisions in life. God lets us know through scriptures that it is not wise to trust our own judgements regarding our life decisions. Our ways are not HIs ways and when we take control and make our own decisions without consulting God, our lives become in disarray.

” Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.”
Psalm 32:8-9

God created us not to be lone creatures, but to fellowship with him and to look to him for guidance. God is longing for us to seek Him. to let Him guide us through all the twists and turns in our lives. He wants to lead me and you to a life full of joy, peace, a greater purpose than we could ever imagine obtaining on our own.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

“Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying, ‘This is the way, Walk in it,’ in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.”
Isaiah 30:21 (NWT)

“Teach ME your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
Psalms 86:11

“Show me your ways, O LORD; Teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; On you I wait all the day.”
Psalm 25:4-5

How does God guide us? God guides us through the Bible and the Holy Spirit’s promptings, He helps us through other people and also guides us through our ability to think. How can we access God’s divine guidance? We are able to access HIs guidance through prayer and fasting. He shows us the way to go through the act of prayer and through His Holy Scriptures.

“I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart Free.”
Psalm 119:32

Psalm 119:32
http://www.WhatWomenShouldKnow.org

“You have made known to me the Paths of Life; you will fill me with joy in your Presence.”
Acts 2:28

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in HIs ways.”
Psalm 128:1 (KJV)

O Lord, my God, help me to trust you with my decisions and my future. Help me to lean on you with all my heart instead of relying on my own imperfect understanding. Give me clear guidance in my life, O Lord.

God Bless. Remember to seek God and His infinite Wisdom for guidance in your daily lives. I promise you; your will not regret it. Thank you. I appreciate y’all.

Wordless Wednesday: Cane Creek Park

Cane Creek Park
Union County, North Carolina

These are from a visit to Cane Creek Park in Waxhaw, North Carolina with my granddaughter four years ago today in 2018. Trust you’ll enjoy. God Bless. Remember I appreciate y’all.

Cell Pic Sunday: River

John’s Cell Pic Sunday

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

Terrible Two’s: Why? When will it end? Frustrations…..Help

It appears my grandson is in his “terrible two’s” phase. I sure wish it would end soon, but in all likelihood it is only the beginning.

You may wonder what the terrible two’s are, but if you’re a mom you’re fully aware of the terrible two’s. With some children you might hardly notice the phase and with others, like my grandson, you feel so frustrated you’d pull your hair out trying to cope.

What are the terrible two’s? Believe it or not the “terrible two’s” is a normal stage in a child’s development. It is a stage in which a toddler can regularly bounce between reliance on adults and a newly burgeoning desire for independence. The symptoms vary between children but can include frequent mood changes and temper tantrums.

Why do I think my grandson is in the “terrible two’s”? Take a look at the following picture and it’ll give you a small glimpse into his actions of late.

His destruction — I could hardly open my bedroom door

And this isn’t everything he’s been getting into or doing lately. So just yesterday he managed to also get into everything in his mom’s room, spread them all over the place which included her tampons and drinking a small portion of a small bottle of mouthwash. Not only that but he also got a hold of an electric razor and shaved part of the dogs hair off.

What are the signs to look for of the “terrible two’s”?

Tantrums that consistently include:
- Hitting
- Kicking
- Biting
- Or other forms of physical violence toward parent or caregiver (in this instance, me)
- Child tries to injure themselves
- Frequent tantrums ( occur around 10-20 times per day)
- Last longer than 25 minutes on average
- Inability of child to ultimately calm themselves

The terrible two’s can sometimes roll into the terrible three’s. By the time a child reaches 4, they can usually express themselves through language and motor development.

Remember not all children are the same. Some will barely show signs of the terrible two’s while others may show more than the average. Children are trying to develop a sense of themselves and a bit of independence. Keeping to a schedule and maintaining routines can assist in avoiding meltdown triggers. Examples would include sticking the the same meal and bed times. It also helps to focus your attention on the child and not cellphones.

How do I know my grandson is in the “terrible two’s”? The changes in his behavior clearly indicate it. How might you ask? His defiance, talking back, constantly saying no, hitting and/or biting himself or others. In his curiosity, he destroys items he is not even supposed to have. He gets into rooms he is not to be in without permission to explore. I know he is curious (like Curious George), but constantly redirecting gets frustrating. He will mimic anything I do, and he will stop his feet at me when he doesn’t get his way.

I try not to get frustrated and yell, but sometimes it’s difficult when I keep correcting or redirecting the same unwanted behavior. I don’t remember it being this frustrating with any of my three (now grown) children. I know his vocabulary is still limited and it’s not easy for him to communicate what he wants, but I also want him to learn what is acceptable and what is not.

Prayers 🙏🏼 would be very much appreciated. I need to be more patient, showing him my love and using kindness in my interactions with him. He is my heart ❤️ and I love him so much.

I love ❤️
the times
when he wants
to cuddle 🥰

Flowers and Plants along Founders Trail and Riverwalk

God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Founders Trail: Along the Catawba River

Yesterday, Sunday, 05 June 2022 we decided to try a different trail that I was told about on Saturday whil I was participating in the National Trails Day 1,000 Mile Challenge. The information was given to me by Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, the leader of the Anne Springs Close Greenway Hiking Club. She informed me about the Masons Ben Trail located in the Fort Mill area of South Carolina.

Following directions, we found the parking area to the Founders Trailhead, however, we did not locate the Masons Bend Trail. Afterwards, I looked at the trail map and it appears we did not hike far enough to venture off onto the Masons Bend Trail which appears to be a jaunt off of the Founders Trail.

***Founders Trail***
with my
hiking buddy,
Coleman

The Founders Trail is a 2.3-mile mostly natural surface trail provides connectivity between the Piedmont Medical Center Trail, (AKA Riverwalk), and the Masons Bend Trail. It follows a beautiful stretch of the free flowing Catawba River.

***Coleman***
taking a quick break,
on a bench
provided by **Founders**

From the North, users can utilize the trail parking at the end of Weir Court in the Masons Bend Neighborhood development. When you follow the trail southward, the trail runs along the River and provides a series of bridges and boardwalks. In various locations along the trail are strategically placed benches which allow hikers and other visitors to take a break and view the river. There is an overlook at the north end of the trail affording opportunities to be inspired by the marvelous views of the Catawba River. [We evidently did not go far enough along the trail, since we did not encounter the overlook.] The overlook area is stated to be around 1.9 miles into the trail. [We went 1.7 miles today before turning around to meet my daughter who just arrived at the trailhead.]

If one chooses to head north on the Founders Trail, it will connect directly into the Masons Bend Trail allowing the user to travel an additional one and a quarter mile along the river.

***Views***
***of the***
***Catawba River***
***from Founders Trail***

If one chooses to begin at the south end, trail users can utilize the trailhead of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. Follow the trail north on Route 21. from there, the Founders Trail begins as a sidewalk along the Route 21 Bridge over the Catawba River. The sidewalk section runs for approximately 2000′ and transitions by making a “U-turn” to the right just after the guardrails and follows the old road back and travels underneath the Route 21 Bridge.

***Views from the Founders*** ***Tra***il
Pump House and stairs
are across the river from our location

The Founders Trail consists of Natural surface, Gravel/stone, Boardwalk, Sidewalk, and Pavement. [ we never encountered the sidewalk or pavement on this hike.] The Trail is located both in the Rock Hill and the Fort Mill areas of South Carolina. The difficulty level of the Trail is designated as easy. [It was fairly easy for my two-year-old grandson.] Dogs are permitted on the trail with a 3-foot leash. If you choose to bring your dog, be sure to pick up after them. Remember to Leave No Trace, what you pack in, Pack out with you.

The Founders Trailhead has no restroom facilities, so it would be wise to plan ahead. The Trail is open from Dawn to Dusk. Parking is limited, only 15 spots available. [Parking was not crowded, and neither was the trail. So, if you which to practice social distancing that is not a problem along this trail.

I encourage you to find a local trail and get outdoors and enjoy nature. God bless. Thank you for visiting. Till next time, Remember I appreciate y’all.

Quotes Inspired by National Parks: Beauty and Importance

“However orderly your excursions or aimless, again and again amid the calmest, stillest scenery you will be brought to a standstill hushed and awe-stricken before phenomena wholly new to you.”
—- Naturalist John Muir, writing about Yellowstone National Park in 1889

“Within National Parks is room — glorious room — room in which to find ourselves, in which to think and hope, to dream and plan, to rest and resolve.”
— Enos Mills (1870-1922),
American naturalist,
author and primary creator
of Rocky Mountain National Park

“A sort of national property, in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy.”
— William Wordsworth, writing of the concept of a national park in the Lake District in “A guide through the district of the lakes in the north of England,” 1835

“There is nothing so American as our national parks… The fundamental idea behind the parks… is that the country belongs to the people, that it is in process of making for the enrichment of the lives of all of us.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1934

“National parks and reserves are an integral aspect of intelligent use of natural resources. It is the course of wisdom to set aside an ample portion of our natural resources as national parks and reserves, thus ensuring that future generations may know the majesty of the earth as we know it today.”
— President John F. Kennedy,
World Conference
on National Parks, 1962

**Yellowstone National Park,**
**Idaho, Montana and Wyoming**

Our National Parks have long been a source of inspiration. Many famous people have commented about their marvelous beauty and the importance they have to the American people. I encourage you to make the time to visit our many National Parks. There’s probably I within a reasonable distance to your home. The United States alone has 63 national parks. These national parks are Congressionally-designated protected areas operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. National Parks are designated for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

National Trails Day

Today, Saturday June 4, 2022, is National Trails Day. National Trails Day is recognized to be the first Saturday in June. The day recognizes all the wonderfully incredible benefits the federal, state, and local trails provide for our recreation and exposure to God’s beautiful nature. In the United States, events are held nationwide to help and promote awareness for the numerous varieties of services the trail systems offer. The day encourages people from all walks of life to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors.

Anne Springs Close Greenway
Lake Haigler

On National Trails Day many people think first and foremost of hiking, however, trails offer so much more than just hiking. The trails provide access to various waterways for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling trips. Trails are also fantastic places which Birders may find excellent opportunities for birdwatching. It is also a great opportunity for those seeking to test their abilities to observe and study geolocation and enjoy geocaching. The trails are also used by cyclists and horseback riders. No matter which activity you choose, each activity pursued creates an opportunity to spend time in the vast outdoors and generate an excellent cardiovascular workout. Trail lengths vary per trail, most of the time I hike with my two-year-old grandson, so I tend to hike between 1.5 – 2.5 miles one way. When he is not with me, I might hike between 5-8 miles in a day.

**National Trails Day**
**Anne Springs Close Greenway**
***1,000 Mile Challenge***

Besides the tremendous opportunities trails provide us, On National Trails Day take the time to thank the many volunteers, land agencies, trail developers, park employees, and rangers for all they do in helping develop and maintaining the trails.

National Trails Day is sponsored by The American Hiking Society. Take the opportunity to visit your local trails. It is a great opportunity to bring a friend along for some great fellowship. Try something new, you just might be glad you did. Go to a Greenway, national, state, or local park and discover new trails or activities. Be sure to show your appreciation to those that make all the trails systems possible. Always Remember to Leave No Trace, if your pack it in, pack it out. #NationalTrailsDay.

On this National Trails Day I chose to go to my local greenway, Anne Springs Close Greenway, to hike and participate in their 1,000 Mile Challenge. Anne Springs Close Greenway is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. It has 36 miles within 26 trails that one can choose to hike, mountain bike, or adventure on horseback. This year the Greenway presented a challenge to all its members and the surrounding communities, to log a combined total of 1,000 or more miles of activities for #NationalTrailsDay. Those miles also include those who chose to do their activities on the water using a canoe or kayak.

***Anne Springs Close Greenway***
***1,000 Mile Challenge***

The last word I received (around 4pm); the Greenway logged over 1,365 miles across the Greenway and still more miles we to be logged in before end of day. Great job for #NationalTrailsDay!

God Bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all. Visit your local trails. Get outdoors. Enjoy Nature. Thank you, Debbie Zinsky Kiggans, for organizing and leading hikes today for #NationalTrailsDay and all year long.

Black and White: Monotone

God bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.

What is Real Love? Being Loved by God

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Do you know what real love is? True love means that you have an unwavering, unbreakable, and unparalleled fondness and devotion for someone. True love includes respect, admiration, never hurting anyone, and never subjecting anyone to humiliation or abuse. True love involves communication, affection, trust, appreciation, and mutual respect.

A ***true love*** is someone who accepts your past, supports your present, loves you and encourage your future.
~ Success enthusiasm

The Bible lists the following characteristics for love:

Love is Patient
Love is Kind
It does not Envy
It does not Boast
It is not Proud
It is not Rude
It is not Self-Seeking
It is not easily Angered
It keeps no record of Wrongs
Love does not Delight in Evil
Love Rejoices with the Truth

How can we know real true love? Real true Love comes from God, the Father. His love is unlike any love which humans possess. His love is always unconditional and always lasts for an eternity. This kind of Love us known as Agape Love. True Agape Love is a willed Love. It is the highest form of love, charity, and it is the love God has for mankind, and the love man has for God.

Agape Love is selfless and sacrificial. It is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. God’s love is perfect, unconditional agape love which He has for you, for me, and for the whole world 🌎.

Agape Love is a choice. It doesn’t come out of attraction or obligation. It is the kind of love that Jesus Christ displayed on the cross when He took our place and took upon himself the sun of the World, including yours and mine.

https://goldtmann.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/agape/amp/

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
1 John 4:16

17 “Therefore My Father lloves Me, mbecause I lay down My life that I may takeit again. 18 No one takes it from Me, but I layit down of Myself. I nhave power to lay itdown, and I have power to take it again. oThis command I have received from MyFather.”
John 10:17-18 (NKJV)

Let the love of God dwell in you. Let Him demonstrate His Unconditional, Unending, selfless sacrificial love to you. God loves you! You are Loved!

God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Piedmont Medical Center Trail: Day Two – From the Pump House

Piedmont Medical Center Trail
Hiking with Coleman

View of
Catawba River
near the
Pump House

***Piedmont***
***Medical***
***Center***
***Trail***

***Coleman***
***playing***
***in the***
***Catawba River***

***Coleman***
***on the***
***Piedmont Medical***
***Center Trail***

My
***hiking***
🥾 ***buddy***
***~ Coleman***

***Catawba River***
***Beautiful Views***
***on a***
***Beautiful Day***

***Bridge***
***over***
***Catawba***
***River***

***Pump House***
***and***
***Views of***
***Catawba River***

***Riverwalk***
***Park***
***with***
***Coleman***

***Coleman***
***sliding***
at
***Riverwalk***
***Park***

My grandson, Coleman, and I visited the Riverwalk area in Rock Hill, South Carolina for the second time today. We parked by the Pump House and hiked a portion of the Piedmont Medical Center Trail. We hiked at a leisurely pace, enjoying the views of the Catawba River. We took a slight detour off the asphalt pathway and onto a dirt and gravel trail which looped around back to the main pathway. Coleman enjoys hiking off the beaten path. We hiked 1.5 miles along the trail and turned around and went back the direction we came. Several spots along the way, Coleman ventured into the river for some fun time in the water. Once back at the car, we drove a short distance to the Riverwalk Park. There he enjoyed making “music”, swinging, and sliding.

God bless. Hope you enjoyed viewing our day. Make time to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Last Photo: Cell Phone Pic

Brian from Bushboy’s World is asking us to share the very last photo on our SD cards for May 2022 .

The rules are simple:
1. Post the last photo on your SD card or last photo on your phone for the 31st of May.
2. No editing – who cares if it is out of focus, not framed as you would like or the subject matter didn’t cooperate.
3. You don’t have to have any explanations, just the photo will do
4. Create a Pingback to Brian’s post here
5. Tag “The Last Photo”

The Last Photo
on my
Cell Phone
is a collage

My Last Photo
that’s not
a collage
Coleman
expressions

God bless. Thank you! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Wynonna Judd: Sings tribute to her mom, Naomi Judd

Love Can Build A Bridge

I’d gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinkin’
Let me show you what love means

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?

I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart’s desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?

When we stand together
It’s our finest hour
We can do anything (anything), anything (anything)
Keep believin’ in the power

Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don’t you think it’s time?
Don’t you think it’s time?
Yeah, yes, I do

Oh, love can build a bridge (oh, love and only love)
Between your heart and mine (between your heart and mine)
Love can build a bridge (love and only love)
Don’t you think it’s time?
Oh, don’t you think it’s time?

Mmm
Don’t you think it’s time?

Love and only love
Hey
Love and only love

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: John Barlow Jarvis / Naomi Ellen Judd / Paul Overstreet

youtube.com/watch

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