Laws of Flight

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
Psalm 19:7-9 (NIV)
Whilst the context of this Psalm is concerning God’s Word and His laws, it could also apply to the Laws of nature.
I came across this massive flock of Snow Geese on their annual migration back to Siberia the other day. As I sat there enjoying the scene before me, I was taken back to a time when I sat in a classroom session on Aeronautics and the laws of flight. Yes those were good times in the Air Force!

Take off

There was a stiff West wind and I noticed that whenever the birds took off, they all faced into the wind. A few miles North of where I was, at the International Airport, I noticed all the planes were doing a similar take off run into the wind.
Flaps Down

I love sitting in the section behind the wings of a plane, and watching the leading-edge slats and rear flaps lowered to create more lift during landing. I guess the Wright brothers must have observed the wing design and flight patterns of birds to create similar results.
Reducing Drag

God has created these simple creatures with enough wisdom for them to fly in a V – formation to reduce drag and conserve energy for their long-haul migration flights.
Bombing Runs

I can only imagine the terror that must have been inflicted on the citizens of London during the blitz bombing of World War II by the Germans Luftwaffe Fighter Bombers. When these geese took off right above my head, all I could do was to close my mouth and duck – pardon the pun!
Pure genius, the creation of God!

Take a Walk

The Surgeon General recommends that the average person needs to take at least 10,000 steps a day to maintain a healthy level of fitness.
Health experts also suggest taking a walk of 60 minutes at least three times a week.
They say the average person walks at a pace of 5km/hr or 3 miles an hour.
Some biblical experts have calculated the recorded travels of Jesus during his 3 and one half years of ministry, and come up with a figure of 32 km or 20 miles per day.
Mind you, he covered these distances clad not in Nike Air sneakers, but in simple sandals.
Ever since I crossed the proverbial middle-age boundary, I’ve taken to walking with my wife a few times a week. We have our favourite places that we regularly return to for our walks, usually by the sea.
After the hundreds of thousands of steps and numerous pairs of sneakers and walking shoes, I’ve discovered the following benefits:
The Colours of Fall

Walk and Talk

Walks give couples a great chance to share thoughts and events that took place during the week. It’s a great time for sharing and bonding.
I’ve discovered that often the best time to talk is when both of us are relaxed and not under stress.

Walk and Think

During some of my walks, I’ve been able to draw some great life lessons from nature. Long walks take the pressure of life out of creative thinking.

Reflections on a frozen Pond

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
Psalm 19:1-4

Walk and Take Photos

In my early years of ministry, which also coincided with the early childhood days of my two girls, I did not have the time or energy to pursue any creative hobbies. Photography has always been one of my “first loves.” It has been one of the activities that “fills” me up, even as ministry sometimes drains me.
I’m also glad that I can use the fruit of my hobby to enhance my ministry blog.

Walk and be Thankful

Sometimes during my walks, I would unconsciously blurt out; “thank You Jesus!”
It’s hard not to be thankful when all your senses are being bombarded by the goodness of the Lord.

Walk and Wonder

In the haste of life, we sometimes lose the wonder of creation. When you come across things you don’t normally encounter in your daily commute and work, it is a wonderful experience.

When was the last time, a Mongolian Ring-Necked Pheasant charged you and performed a mating ritual? I’m no Robert Bateman or David Suzuki, but moments like this refills your heart with a greater sense of awe and wonder.

Walk and Wait

There are moments in my walk when I found myself tracking some elusive bird, and I ended up sitting in one spot for an hour waiting for the perfect shot.

I’ve experienced the most tranquil moments in my life. It’s not easy to shut out the sounds of my demanding world but waiting silently has that “noise” reduction quality.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7 (NLT)

Can’t Tell Them Apart?

I didn’t realize that winter would be a great time for bird watching and wildlife photography until I came across an article in the local papers about the Annual Bird Audit in my city.
Coupled with the greatest sockeye salmon run in the History of British Columbia, we have the greatest congregation of Bald eagles in the area. (Another blog)

The majestic Bald eagle stands out anywhere, however, trying to identify all the different species of waterfowl on my SD card became a new challenge.

Almost everyone is familiar with the common Mallard duck however it takes a keen eye to differentiate between a wood duck, a widgeon, a scaup and a teal. The Bible warns about false teachers and prophets in the last days, however telling them apart can be a challenge for the common believer.
I’ve learned some principles from identifying birds that can help in our telling apart the truth from lies.

1. You’ve got to have strong desire and passion to develop a keen eye.
Before I developed a love for wildlife – I never did notice that there were so many types of ducks.

2. You’ve got to invest time.
A once-in- a-while encounter will not do. More time spent equals familiarity with the Word.
3. You’ve got to refer to a reliable manual.
I had to research the ornithologists “bible” to identify certain similar species to tell them apart. The Bible is the real-thing. Truth is absolute!

I'm back! I apologize for the break since Thanksgiving!

Kerb Appeal

Real estate agents point to the importance of kerb appeal when selling a home.
I guess if the inside of the home is as appealing as the externals, then it makes sense.
I wonder how this applies to human relationships; are looks more important than what is in the heart? I wonder if the reason for the high divorce rates in our country is due to the fact that most people select a mate based on their initial attraction. Often all it takes is one look, and then they are hooked! If other decisions in life are made based on “kerb appeal” it could also explain the
fiscal state we are in. I see, I like, I buy! The next time you are tempted to make a major decision based merely on “eye candy,” think again and go back to God’s counsel to the prophet Samuel;

But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." 1 Samuel 17:7 (Msg)

WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR

Another year, another Thanksgiving Day has come and gone.
As I take some quiet moments to consider the things that I’m thankful for this year, I realize some of them are new stuff but most are things that perhaps I’ve taken for granted.

The new includes the birth of my first grandchild; I never imagined how much joy and love a granddaughter brings into the household! I’m really thankful that my wife and I are still young enough to be fully involved in her life.

One of the other things I’m really thankful for is the church that I’ve served in for the last 21 years. Early in my ministry, I always dreamed of a worship team that would comprise the most gifted musicians and singers.
I’m so thankful for what God has given us in this worship team! Gifted individuals who are willing to invest what they do best to bring sweet music to the souls of man, and pleasure to the heart of the Father. I'm thankful also for the many who have served tirelessly in home groups and the passionate volunteers serving the children of the church, over the years.

I’m most thankful for my family who have walked beside me on my faith adventure, and had to put up with all the sacrifices and challenges .
THANK YOU GOD FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!

THE BEST OF SUMMER

It certainly feels like summer has ended here in the Pacific Northwest. June was a washout, but the last two months was nice and sunny.
This is a compilation of images that I want to remember from the summer of 2010.

Pate and baguette in Granville Island makes for a tasty afternoon snack.
Pollen season strikes fear into the hearts of many - thankfully I don't have allergies!
Fruit country - nice and hot!

We found this tree with the sweetest Golden plums.

Biking alone one hot sunny afternoon on the Shell Road Trail.

The highlight of my summer was the arrival of my grand-daughter!
This little girl is grandma's best friend!

We had the biggest Sockeye Salmon run in 100 years.
Fishing boats waiting their turn to sell their catch.
I bought 5 fish at $10 each - not bad eh!

Chickadee in Richmond Nature Park.

Caught this Ground Squirrel as it poked his head out to survey the scene in Manning Park.

A perfect shot as the sun was setting and a wave swept through these old pilings.

We found the best new Gelato in town.

James was making his first batch of Lavender Gelato that night.

On golden pond!

There's nothing like chasing seagulls as you chase the last rays of sunlight.

Must try the latest craze in outdoor exercise - standup paddle boarding.

Imagine going up the River of Golden Dreams .

Visiting my one-legged friends as they prepare for bed time.

This was a short summer but I managed to pack in a life-time of memories!