Photo for 07/01/2009

“Hey mom…wait for me!”….I shot this picture out at Shawnee Mission Park at about 6:00 P.M. A doe came out of some tall grass followed by twin fawns and the doe made a rush for the other side of the road with the twins in hot pursuit…They sure make running look easy!!!

Points To Ponder 07/01/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Difficulty is an excuse history never accepts.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 18:5-8 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool's lips bring him _______, and his mouth invites a beating.
7 A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 The words of a gossip are like choice ________; they go down to a man's inmost parts.
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Photo for 06/30/2009

Mt. of the Holy Cross…William Henry Jackson took the first photograph of this mountain in 1876. In 1976 (when I could still hike) I had the privilege of joining my good friend Ron Ruhoff on the 100th anniversary of Jackson’s first photograph of the cross….I shot this on slide film and then scanned into my computer. Mount of the Holy Cross is 14,005 feet in elevation.

Points To Ponder 06/30/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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The commonest fallacy among men and women is that simply having children makes one a mother or father - which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 18:1-4 (NIV) Fill in the blank . .

1 An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.
2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own ________.
3 When wickedness comes, so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.
4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
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Photo for 06/29/2009

Storm moving in at Shawnee Mission Park…

Points To Ponder 06/29/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:25-28 (NIV) Fill in the blank . .

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.
26 It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity.
27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps ________, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
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Photo for 06/28/2009

Fawn at Shawnee Mission Park…

Points To Ponder 06/28/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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When you’re tempted to fight fire with fire, remember the fire department usually uses water.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:21-24 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool.
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of _________.
24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the _______.
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Photo for 06/27/2009

Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, Lenexa, Kansas.

Points To Ponder 06/27/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Don't climb the hill until you get to it.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:17-20 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for _____________.
18 A man _________ in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.
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Photo for 06/26/2009

In our backyard...

Points To Ponder 06/26/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Prepare your body as if you are going to live forever, prepare your soul as if you’re going to die tomorrow.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:13-16 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his _________.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent — the LORD detests them ______.
16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?
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Photo for 06/25/2009

At Beaver Lake, Arkansas

Points To Ponder 06/25/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Human nature seems to endow everyone with the ability to size up everybody but themselves.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:9-12 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close ________.
10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a ______ in his folly.
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Photo for 06/24/2009

At the Legler Barn Museum….

Points To Ponder 06/24/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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"The problem with doing nothing is not knowing when you're finished." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:5-8 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go __________________.
6 Children's children are a crown to the ________, and parents are the pride of their children.
7 Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool — how much worse lying lips to a ruler!
8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
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Photo for 06/23/2009

I took this in our back yard a few days ago….

Points To Ponder 06/23/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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The road to ruin has toll roads along the way.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 17:1-4: (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son,and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the _______.
4 A wicked man listens to evil _______; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
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Photo for 06/22/2009

Yellow on yellow at Shawnee Mission Park….

Points To Ponder 06/22/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life in such a way that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:29-33 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him down a path that is not good.
30 He who winks with his eye is plotting perversity; he who purses his lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray _________ is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.
32 Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the ________.
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Photo for 06/21/2009

Sunset at Shawnee Mission Park….

Points To Ponder 06/21/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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You're only young once but, you can be immature forever.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:25-28 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to _________.
26 The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates _______ friends.
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Photo for 06/20/2009

Wild turkeys at Shawnee Mission Park….

Points To Ponder 06/20/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Authority makes some people grow - others just swell.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:21-24 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to _________.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
24 Pleasant words are a _________, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones
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Photo for 06/19/2009

Red hot poker at Shawnee Mission Park…….

Points To Ponder 06/19/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Half of our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:17-20 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; he who guards his way guards his life.
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a _______.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the _________. **********

Photo for 06/18/2009

Water garden with waterfall in our backyard….

Points To Ponder 06/18/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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"Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger." - Lou Holtz
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:13-16

13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.
14 A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it.
15 When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than _____, to choose understanding rather than ______!
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Photo for 06/17/2009

Snowball bush in our side yard….

Points To Ponder 06/17/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Hell is truth seen too late.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:9-12 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the ________ determines his steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and __________ are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
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Photo for 06/16/2009

Liftoff....

Points To Ponder 06/16/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Wise men learn more from fools, than fools learn from wise men.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:5-8 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

5 The LORD detests all the __________ of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with ___________.
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Photo for 06/15/2009

At the lake by the Legler Barn Museum…

Points To Ponder 06/15/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."- Mother Teresa
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 16:1-4 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
2 All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but __________ are weighed by the LORD.
3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD works out everything for his own ends — even the wicked for a day of _________________.
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Photo for 06/14/2009

BIG hawk on my neighbor’s rooftop…..

Points To Ponder 06/14/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Maybe if we did a better job of listening, history wouldn't have to repeat itself.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:30-33 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
32 He who ignores discipline _________ himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man _________, and humility comes before honor.
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Photo for 06/13/2009

Woodchuck …a.k.a. Groundhog in our backyard…

Points To Ponder 06/13/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Enthusiasm without knowledge is like running in the dark without a flashlight…
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:26-29 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are _________ to him.
27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.
29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the _______ of the righteous.
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Photo for 06/12/2009

Blanket flower…

Points To Ponder 06/12/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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It's impossible to learn what you think you already know.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:22-25 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

22 Plans fail for lack of _________, but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!
24 The path of life leads upward for the wise to keep him from going down to the grave.
25 The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the _______ boundaries intact.
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Photo for 06/11/2009

Rabbit in our backyard…

Points To Ponder 06/11/2009

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JOKE TO PONDER:
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While I don't normally attach jokes with my Points To Ponder..... I couldn't resist this one from a friend in Colorado....
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An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida.

His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick e-mail.

Unable to find the scrap of paper on which he had written her work e-mail address, he did his best to type it in from memory. Unfortunately he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife, whose husband had passed away only the day before.
When the grieving widow checked her e-mail, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw the following note on the screen:

Dearest Wife,
Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.
P.S. Sure is hot down here.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:17-21 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with ___________.
18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.
19 The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.
20 A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his __________.
21 Folly delights a man who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course. **********

Photo for 06/10/2009

At Shawnee Mission Park…

Points To Ponder 06/10/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Beware of half-truths: You may have gotten the wrong half.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:13-16 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.
14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on _______.
15 All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual _________.
16 Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil.
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Photo for 06/09/2009

At the Legler Barn Museum…shot on a photography field trip I led about a week ago…

Points To Ponder 06/09/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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Q. What is the best way to get to heaven?
(see answer at bottom in red)
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:9-12 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . .

9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will ______.
11 Death and Destruction lie open before the LORD — how much more the hearts of men!
12 A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the ______.
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A. Make a ‘U’ turn and then go straight.
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Photo for 06/08/2009

Roses at the Legler Barn Museum…shot on a photography field trip I led about a week ago…

Points To Ponder 06/08/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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88% of the people in nursing homes never receive a SINGLE visitor in the ENTIRE time they are there. Only one in 10 know Christ as savior.
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:5-8 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . . .

5 A fool spurns his _________ discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
6 The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble.
7 The lips of the wise spread ___________; not so the hearts of fools.
8 The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
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Photo for 06/07/2009

Tiger lilies….

Points To Ponder 06/07/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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The best role models…model Christ…
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 15:1-4 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . . .

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up _______.
2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
3 The eyes of the LORD are _____________, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
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Photo for 06/06/2009

Cleared for landing….

Points To Ponder 06/06/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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“Nothing is politically right that is morally wrong.“ - Abraham Lincoln
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 14:31-35 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . . .

31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors _______.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a _________ to any people.
35 A king delights in a wise servant, but a shameful servant incurs his wrath.
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Photo for 06/05/2009

Raccoon at Beaver Lake, Arkansas..

Points To Ponder 06/05/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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If you were given a nickname descriptive of your character, would you be proud of it?
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 14:30-33 (NIV) Fill in the blanks . . .

30 A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the __________.
31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a __________.
33 Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
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Photo for 06/04/2009

Butterfly at Shawnee Mission Park…

Points To Ponder 06/04/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing - Edmund Burke
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 14:26-29 (NIV) Fill in the blank . . .

26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
28 A large population is a king's glory, but without subjects a prince is ruined.
29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays ________. **********

Photo for 06/03/2009

A “Buckeye Moth” at Shawnee Mission Park…

Points To Ponder 06/03/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to
accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble." - Helen Keller
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 14:21-25 (NIV) Fill in the blank . . .

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.
22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to __________.
24 The wealth of the wise is their crown, but the folly of fools yields folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful.
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Photo for 06/02/2009

All purple Columbine in our backyard…

Points To Ponder 06/02/2009

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POINTS TO PONDER:
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All creation points to God….
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BIBLE QUIZ:
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Proverbs 14:16-20 (NIV) Fill in the blank . . .

16 A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.
17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with ____________.
19 Evil men will bow down in the presence of the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
20 The poor are shunned even by their neighbors, but the rich have many friends.
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