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Tempt one 1999...One of the most influential graffiti artist that Los Angeles county has ever had.....so to catch this still running after 12 years was truly an honor...One of the many reasons why I continue to flick freights after 18 years.
Bench in Los Angeles
He Entered Your World
I once waded into the Jordan River. On a trip to Israel, my family and I stopped to see the traditional spot of Jesus’ baptism. It’s a charming place. Sycamores cast their shadows. Birds chirp. The water invites. So I accepted the invitation and waded in to be baptized.
No one wanted to join me so I immersed myself. I declared my belief in Christ and sank so low in the water I could touch the river bottom. When I did, I felt a stick and pulled it out. Well, what do you know–a baptism memento! Some people get certificates or Bibles; I like my stick. It’s about as thick as your wrist, long as your forearm, and smooth as a baby’s behind. I keep it on my office credenza so I can show it to fear-filled people.
When they chronicle their anxieties about the economy or concern about their kids, I hand them the stick. I tell them how God muddied his feet in our world of diapers, death, digestion, and disease. How John told him to stay on the riverbank, but Jesus wouldn’t listen. How he came to earth for this very purpose, to become one of us. “Why, he might have touched this very stick,” I like to say.
As they smile, I ask, “Since he came this far to reach us, can’t we take our fears to him?”
“For our high priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin. Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV).
Does this miracle matter? It does if you are bedridden. It does if you battle disease. It does if chronic pain is a part of your life. The One who hears your prayers understands your pain. He never shrugs or scoffs or dismisses physical struggle. He had a human body.
Does this miracle matter? If you ever wonder if God understands you, it does. If you ever wonder if God listens, it does. If you ever wonder if the Uncreated Creator can, in a million years, comprehend the life of a truck driver, housewife, or immigrant, then ponder long and hard the promise of the incarnation. God say: I understand you and I always will.
Are you troubled in spirit? He was, too. (John 12:27)
Are you so anxious that you could die? He was, too. (Matthew 26:38)
Are you overwhelmed with grief? He was, too. (John 11:35)
Have you ever prayed with loud cries and tears? He did, too. (Hebrews 5:7)
Some have pointed to the sinlessness of Jesus as evidence that he cannot fully understand us. After all, if he never sinned, they reason, how could he understand the full force of sin? Simple, he felt it more than we do. We give in! He never did. We surrender. He never did. He stood before the tsunami and never wavered. In that manner, he understands it more than anyone who ever lived.
And then, in his grandest deed, he volunteered to feel the consequence of sin.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV).
The greatest pain of the cross was the pain of sin. Jesus didn’t deserve to feel the shame, but he felt it. He didn’t deserve the humiliation, but he experienced it. He had never sinned, yet was treated like a sinner. He became sin. All the guilt, remorse, and embarrassment– Jesus understands it.
Does this miracle matter? To the hypocrite, it does. To the person who can’t remember last night’s party it does. To the cheater, slanderer, gossip, or scoundrel who comes to God with a contrite spirit, it matters. It matters because they need to know, “we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV).
Because Jesus is human, he understands you. Because he is divine he can help you. But he does neither if you don’t go to him. He didn’t remain aloof; why would we? He didn’t keep his distance; why would we keep ours?
Let this be the day you draw near to him. He entered your world so that you could enter his.
© Max Lucado, January, 2017
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What You Needed Most
God is enough. Isn’t this the message of Moses and Joshua and the journey to the Promised Land? Who opened the Jordan River? Who led the people across on dry ground? Who appeared to encourage Joshua? Who brought down the Jericho walls? Who fought for and delivered the people? God!
He cared for his people. Even in the wilderness they never went without provision. He gave them not just food but clothing and good health. Moses once reminded the Hebrews, “Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years” (Deuteronomy 8:4 NIV).
The following phrases were never heard in the wilderness: Oh, bummer, my robe has another rip in it…or…. Hey, new sandals. Where did you get them? There was no want for food; no need for clothing. God provided for them. And God has promised to provide you.
From God is With You Every Day. Max Lucado
3D TEMPT piece originally commissioned for the MOCA show is now on exhibit in Pasadena. MOCA slept....
I am seriously tempted to do a film upload of all the nice ones in this recent roll. But i will resist. :) Anyway, here is a photo that I really like. Love the colors and texture.
I took this on thanksgiving because i was bored (and hungry) waiting for the turkey to finish cooking. :)
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nov film01
Cardiff Bus East Lancs Olympus-bodied Scania 471 has recently received this vinyl wrap, and extoles the virtues of the sunny Caribbean as she enters a wet Westgate Street when operating Service 61 to Pentrebane in mid August 2019.
Basically, the rangers at the park warned all visitors to stay back at least 25 feet from the elephant seals. It's mating season and the males are aggressive. They're 2.5 tons and up to 16 feet in length. The distance message is also etched into the beach around each one of these majestic beasts. I'm quite unsure what these two were thinking.
Leslie Anne is wearing a hot Little Black Dress with tempting tassels. Since I couldn't upload to Flickr for about a year starting May 2019, I didn't take all that many photos that year, but Leslie Anne didn't stop appearing in gorgeous new outfits. Enjoy!
to open that door. no, i didn't.
Where film meets Lensbaby Composer. Could this possibly be that a Ford F100 meets a Nikon F100?
I shot a test roll of Fuji Superia 400 ISO in my new film camera without adjusting the ISO on the first half of the roll and they still came out okay.
To say things have been uneasy these last two weeks would be an understatement. Though he’s tried his best to hide it, deep down I can tell Bruce is more worried about what’s coming. It makes me feel as though I should be worried than I am, but life seems to be all good for me at this moment. Dad’s thinking of trying to buy a house here in Gotham and Steph’s been helping me on my patrols during the night. There have been numerous times we’ve been tempted to break up gatherings of the Crimson Cult but Bruce has insisted that we’re only to monitor them.
But there’s one way you can tell the pressure is absolutely getting to Bruce, as tonight he did something I never thought I’d see. He gave me the night off. Three years working with him, and I’ve never felt more concerned for him than when he told to take Steph to the fair. Most people would think I’m crazy and should be grateful he thinks I’m doing a good enough job to deserve time off, but most people don’t know Bruce Wayne.
He knows exactly what’s coming, and given how much it’s making him act out of character I’m not sure what to make of it. Alfred says it’s down to Damian that Bruce is so shaken up, and I can understand why. To find out you’ve spent over a month battling your own son whilst trying to protect Gotham would mess with, never mind someone who’s longed for a family since he was eight years old.
”You alright?”
”Yeah I’m just…”
”Worried about him again?”
”Is it that obvious?”
”Not really, I just know that look on your face.”
”Sorry. This is meant to be our moment of peace before it all goes to hell. The last thing you want is me moping about.”
”You’re concerned about what’s coming, I’d be concerned if you weren’t. An army of people with Bruce’s training isn’t exactly my idea of a fun time.”
”I’m just worried why I’m not afraid myself. If this is enough to unnerve Bruce, why don’t I feel that concern as well?”
”Maybe it’s because you know the truth. That deep down there’s nothing you guys can’t overcome together.”
I say nothing but pull a face at Steph, a subtler method of showing my distaste for her using such a cliché line to try and perk me up.
”Next thing you’ll know you’ll be saying with the power of friendship nothing is impossible.”
”Sorry for trying to cheer you up.”
With that Steph walks off the main street and into a nearby alley. Nice one Drake, you really put your foot in it there. As I race after her into the same alley I’m stopped by someone trying to sell me candy floss. It’s the second year where the Gotham county fair has been moved to inside the city following Joker’s flying fish incident two years ago. Boy I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget that stench. But it was following that incident that Mayor Lincoln March decided to relocate the fair to the centre of Gotham city, that way ensuring the GCPD can increase security at the fair and also be in close proximity to Gotham should they be needed.
It was actually a rather inspired idea if I do say so myself, especially when you consider that the nearest half decent patch of land for hosting a fair is ten miles away from the actual city. Last thing this city needs is less cops on the streets, even with Bruce and I patrolling the rooftops. Jim absolutely loves the idea of the fair being based in the centre of Gotham as well as it means he has a good excuse to attend the fair.
You’d never have guessed that a fifty-two-year-old police commissioner would love attending a county fair where there’s so much that could easily go wrong, but I’ll be damned Jim Gordon loves it here. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the one who suggested the idea of moving the county fair to Lincoln at the time.
As I enter the alley that Steph had walked into, I can’t help but notice the troubled look on her face.
”Something up?”
”I swear I heard someone calling for help.”
”From inside one of these buildings?”
”Yeah, sounded like a male’s voice.”
”If someone’s committing a crime in such close proximity to the county fair it can’t be good thing.”
I remove my bag and pull out a set of gauntlets, my bo-staff and a spare mask. Ever since Damian told us that Ra’s was on his way Alfred’s insisted you always carry at least some way of protecting myself, at first I thought he was crazy but it looks like the old Brit was right…as usual. It’ll be handy now to cover my face and allow me to not hold back if there is something going on.
”You always carry your bo-staff with you?”
”Can never too safe these days.”
”Still that’s a little bit weird don’t you think?”
Did she really just say that? We both put on costumes and go out at night to fight crime. To say that this one particular thing is weird is the oddest thing she could possibly say.
”Sorry, stupid question.”
”There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.”
”It’s worrying how like him you sound at times.”
”Thanks. Catch.”
I pass her a set of gauntlets and a pair of escrima sticks that I ‘borrowed’ from Bruce’s display of Dick’s spare Nightwing suit.
”Hoping for trouble?”
”Well you can never be safe these days, besides, we could use some excitement.”
She says nothing, but her smile says it all as she starts to put the gauntlets on.
”Alright, I’ll go in first. You stay back in case I need back up.”
”No mask for me?”
”Blame Barbra for that one. If she’d chosen to use a domino mask instead of a cowl I’d have brought you one.”
”I think you just want to have all the fun to yourself.”
”You can borrow mine if you really want.”
”No by all means, last thing I’d want is to spoil the one thing that’s made you smile all night.”
The sarcasm is blatant but I take her up on the offer and keep my domino mask on. With that I enter the nearby building with my bo-staff at the ready. The lights are off and without my suit to power it, the infrared on my mask is useless.
”Hello? Is there anyone in here?”
”Tim….Drake…..?”
Odd. Not everyday someone calls for help and then mentions you by name. That can’t be good.
”Who’s asking?”
Without a response the lights come on revealing that Steph’s been right behind since I entered the building. Damn it Steph this isn’t what I meant by watching my back. This must be what Bruce went through when he was training me, as boy did it wind him up badly when I interpreted ‘watch my back’ literally.
I look forward to see a figure clad in back wielding a katana, similar to the one used by Damian.
”Tim Drake. The great Ra’s Al-Ghul has scentenced you to death!”
He’s with the League.
I need to warn Bruce.
They’re here.
Before I have a chance to grab my phone out of my pocket the figure charges forward blade raised ready to strike.
”Tim watch out!”
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Just a bit of a public information announcement, I'll be picking up Brandon's roles to see Heir to the Demon through, starting off with this Robin issue. Sam (The_Lego_Guy) will continue strong with his Nightwing series (which you really should read) and hopefully you'll enjoy the final product we have crafted along with Brandon.
Thank you for your time!
I've seen many shots now of this iconic new Concourse at Kings Cross Station so the challenge was to take something a bit different. This isn't it I should add, that shot is to follow.
Want to pimp your home in a designer way of fashion?
Got plenty of money burning in your pocket?
Then this is the place for you.
Model is Jessica from London
Strobist Info...
2 x Elinchrom D -Lite 200W flash Heads.
Camera Left with a small softbox (Adjusted to get the correct exposure at F8, 1/125s and ISO100)
Camera Right large Soft Box. (Adjusted to get the correct exposure at F11, 1/125s and ISO100)
Trigger = Prolinca hotshoe IR.
God fashioned Adam from dust and placed him in the Garden of Eden. Adam is told that he can eat freely of all the trees in the garden, except for the tree which contains knowledge of good and evil. Subsequently, Eve is created from one of Adam's ribs to be his companion. An evil serpent convinces Eve to eat fruit taken from the forbidden tree, she gives some of the fruit to Adam and they are banished from the Garden of Eden.
Image generated by leonardo.ai
Is is HOT where you are? Watching the TV coverage of the weather in central part of the continent makes me glad i live in Nova scotia where the temperatures are much more bearable. We had a taste of the heat when we were in Ontario..35C (95F) is too hot for me! And i know it is hotter in many places.
Outdoor dining with a cold, thirst-quenching beer was a nice treat when we were away.
Another cracking day yesterday,so I took advantage of the sunshine and headed down to Freshy after work to take advantage of the colours that come with sunshine and a light nor-easter.
This was better than the day before as the wind was only light.
I've owned the70-200mm f2.8L for a number of years and only ever used it for portrait shots of the kids, that is until now.
I really like the look the long focal length gives off.
Might have to sell my other lenses and upgrade this to the markii hahahaha.
Hope you like.
Canon 5D markii canon 70-200mm f 2.8L iso 100 | 110mm | 49 sec | f13
Lee big Stopper | Heliopan Circ Pol.
Our Daily Challenge 24 February-2 March : Ist Person Chores.
Ralphie has become very fussy in his old age, and I can spend more than 30 minutes twice a day getting him to eat.
A chicken breast, served at the temperature of a recently killed mouse, is acceptable, followed by an Irish skinless sausage.
Later he will probably eat his dry kibble mixed with Ardennes or Brussels pate and topped with Waitrose Essential chicken ham and sweetcorn Deli filler.
I have never had a dog who wasn't keen on food before !
Truly a daily challenge!