posted by James on 02/28/10

Standing Alone

There’s something about taking pictures at this time of year–it’s just really hard to find anything colorful. Though in winter it is the nature photographer’s goal to find and showcase hidden color, there are times when it simply doesn’t exist. Hence, one must compensate with high contrast and well defined shapes. For shapes to work, however, they will usually need to be positioned against a solid background, a challenge in timberland environs. Of the many snow-blanketed trees I shot that morning, this maple was the only one that popped out enough from the background to make it worth displaying

If I were to shoot this picture again, I would lower my tripod considerably to conceal more of the distracting snow-plowed road and the black line on the bottom right of the picture. This would also have allowed more of the tree to be visible against the sky. I think the pine tree on the left gives good depth, but the dark bushes on the right are distracting, seeing they are not clearly defined. Perhaps moving closer to the tree and pulling back on the zoom would have made for a more dynamic image. What do you think?

6 Comments » | posted in Photography

posted by Donald on 02/26/10

To answer a question from the earlier post on this subject, yes we do have a straight-on photo of the painting teacher Tony did for me before I left Taiwan. Along with it came many more pieces of art from the churches and the school.

(By the way I have so much that the Taiwanese  students and teachers gave me that even now, months later, a new surprise is “unpacked” from time to time. This Tuesday I found an art pad  I had been given from another teacher at the King Car summer camps. It was just what I needed because I had used the last page on the previous pad last week.)

These pictures have all encouraged me to use my art skills to bring glory to the Creator and joy to others.

2 Comments » | posted in Art Work

posted by Donald on 02/24/10

First, define what a Christian nation is: Do you think of a Christian nation as a mere civilized culture? Do you think it might be where a majority of the people in that nation claim Christianity as their religion?

Second compare the present America to that definition. You might be surprised at what you find.

Visit http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=23909

3 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by Michael on 02/16/10

Along with all the troubles of being without electricity, God also gave us the beauty of the snow and the joy of wintertime fun. Here are just a few of our pictures of this memorable time. As I write this, snow is pouring down outside again, but this time it is so cold that it is not sticking to everything. Please continue to pray for many who are still without power and who got up to four times as much snow as we did. This is victory, when God’s love and truth reign freely in our hearts no matter what.

9 Comments » | posted in Family News

posted by James on 02/15/10

Last Friday evening, the single staff here at Headquarters worked diligently to host a Valentine’s Banquet in honor of the directors and couples serving with IBLP. But this was no ordinary banquet! The six course meal, lavish decorations, and creatively decked tables attested to the countless hours spent in making this the most memorable event of the year! In this new photo album, you can now see a glimpse of the sumptuous event.

8 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports