Foster Park - Fort Wayne, IN April 2009

Foster Park - Fort Wayne, IN

Chosen as Travel Photo of the week by MSNBC.com.

Do you know any "weeds" ?

I enjoy this photo for probably different reasons than most people. This is a Sulfur Cinquefoil. Typically this "flower" is considered a weed. It is commonly found growing along railroad tracks, roadsides, or coming up in the crack of a driveway. But if you take some time and study this little "flower" a bit, you can find some real beauty. (Notice the five delicate heart-shaped petals) Sometimes when you spend a little time really getting to know a "weed" (or a person) you may be surprised at what inner beauty they really have.

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Whose hands are you in?

Job 12:7-10 - If you want to learn, then go and ask the wild animals and the birds, the flowers and the fish. Any of them can tell you what the Lord has done. Every living creature is in the hands of God.

Artist Statement

I find incredible satisfaction in capturing a moment in time with nature photography. Each season a new cast of characters takes the stage; new stars are born, old ones disappear. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Each moment of the year has it’s own beauty… a picture which was never before and will never be seen again”. I like that. A flower, a butterfly, or maybe a sunset; a landscape or tree, all waiting for their special moment to arrive; I just enjoy being there with my camera to welcome them.

I’ve been photographing various subjects for over 30 years. I’m primarily self-taught and I have learned by studying the works of other artists and photographers. My favorite subjects are from nature, and I have no problem seeing the fingerprints of a creative God throughout the natural world that I photograph. There is something special about a close-up image of a flower; the delicate patterns, the colors, the unique characteristics of each variety. When these qualities are captured in a photograph I find myself slowing down to see what I have been missing. Flowers can be beautiful from a distance, but if you really want to enjoy the moment, focus on the details; that’s what I try to do with my photography.

I believe that all good and beautiful things come from God. I believe there is only one God, one creator, and therefore one savior. With my photography, I try to point my viewers in His direction. I only record what He has already created. If I have done a good job, the real credit is to God.

Most of my recent images were recorded digitally with a Nikon D-80 camera. Macro shots typically are taken with a Sigma 105mm macro lens. I take nearly all serious photos in high-resolution RAW format and do final editing with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Most of my photographs are available as canvas gallery prints in either color or black and white as well as high-quality prints. Please contact me if you have special requests for certain sizes, subjects, or needs. Consider my art for your office, church, or home.

Thanks for visiting my web site. I would love to here from you. You may contact me at indianalight@gmail.com.
Denny

New Automotive Art Gallery

I have recently added a new Automotive Art Gallery to my indianalight.com website. Since I have been a kid, I've had quite an appreciation for the design and beauty of the American automobile. I've enjoyed capturing these new photos and hope you will take a look. Thanks for stopping by!

Cruise Tips - What we learned on our first cruise

My wife and I recently enjoyed our first cruise. We spent a week onboard the Star Princess visiting the Inside Passage of Alaska. I had done a fair amount of research on “cruise tips” before we left, so there weren’t too many big surprises for us. I thought I would provide a few thoughts about those things that you may not find in other articles about cruising in Alaska. Hopefully these may be helpful as you plan your next cruise.

Our cruise was with Princess Cruise Lines, Star Princess, June 1, 2008. Overall, I would say we were very happy with Princess and the experience on the Star Princess. I would highly recommend Princess and would travel with them again.

TIPS:

CELL PHONES: Don’t expect to use your cell phone while cruising in Alaska. They only worked while in port, and then they dropped calls and weren’t dependable. They were totally worthless out at sea. The ship is so large that it would have been very useful for my wife and I to be able to contact each other while we were not together on the ship – forget using cell phones. Instead, consider buying a good quality set of walkie-talkies before you leave.
CLOTHS: The weather was not ideal, a bit cool and damp; but what we hadn’t planned for was the wind. My advice, as they say, dress in layers – but pack a hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket that can block the wind. Of course you may be able to get some better weather in July or August, but of course at premium rates (and more kids).
DINING: I believe that Princess and Norwegian are the only lines that offer “anytime” dining. Great concept. Unless you are traveling with a group, I ‘m not sure why you wouldn’t want the flexibility to dine when you want; and you meet a bunch of new people each night. That way you aren’t stuck with the same “duds” for every meal all week. By the way, the food was excellent.
TRAVEL ALARM: Take one. We had an inside room to save money. It was very dark and very quiet, and had no alarm to wake us up. You couldn’t tell if it was 3AM or 3PM. Plus the time changed to Alaska Time and our cell phones didn’t change until we got into port, close to a cell phone tower.
EXCURSIONS: There are probably some special excursions you should book ahead of time; maybe sea-plane rides or other excursions with limited seating; however, most all of the “touring” type excursions could be booked as soon as you get off the ship. There were more than adequate bus tours and trolley tours and such that you really don’t need to book ahead of time. Plus, if your plans change, or the weather is nasty, you don’t have to worry about having already committed.
SEATTLE: If you have the time, and money, go to Seattle (or Vancouver) a couple of days early. We really enjoyed Seattle and the stress level was greatly reduced by not worrying about getting to the cruise at the last minute.

If you would like to see other photos of our Alaskan cruise and Seattle, please visit my website at www.indianalight.com. If you would like to ask questions about our cruise, my e-mail address is on my website, Contact Info, or leave a comment here.

Happy Cruising
Denny Beck

Thinking Out Loud

Wouldn't it be terrible if we found that the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about?

Pondering Point #2 - Good people don't go to heaven

Good people don't go to heaven - Forgiven people go to heaven.

that's all - ponder that today!

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Pondering Point #1 - Am I Good Enough to Get Into Heaven?

I believe one of the most misunderstood concepts of the Christian faith is this: we tend to confuse the rewards we may receive in heaven with getting into heaven in the first place. I think most people in our western culture assume the more good things we do in our life, the better chance we will have to go to heaven; that's not what God's word teaches. Don't get me wrong, it's great to be a good moral person, but that has nothing to do with whether we get into heaven. We get into heaven based upon what Jesus did, not what we have done. The Bible basically says this, you can't add anything to what Jesus already did. If you are worrying about whether you've done enough to make the cut, stop worrying. Start finding out who Jesus is and what he is all about - and accept the fact that He alone is the answer to eternal life in heaven.

Let me know if you have questions along these lines - leave a comment.

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Perspective

The darkest of storm clouds will look quite less threatening when seen from above. Realize that though we cannot always see it, the sun continues to shine (above the clouds) during the darkest times of our lives.

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things" Col.3:2

Wisdom is seeing things from God's point of view; and praise is the natural reaction to that viewpoint.

"give thanks in all circumstances...." 1 Thes 5:18

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Learn how Fort Wayne's Steve Harrigan is helping in Darfur

Read about our friend Steve Harrigan and his efforts to ease the suffering in Darfur, Sudan Africa. Learn how you can help too! Fort Wayne Journal Gazette article 12/9/07

Oh Christmas Tree

When I came home the other day, I noticed that my granddaughter Caroline (age 4 ) had beed doing some Christmas artwork with Grandma. I thought it looked pretty neat so I dressed it up a little with Photoshop and thought you might enjoy it. Just sticking it on the 'fridge' has a fairy limited audience.

Merry Christmas from Caroline
(and Papa)

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Squeaky wheel?

We all like to think that the squeaky wheel is the first one to get the grease; I might point out also that the squeaky wheel is often the first one to get replaced.

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Panda Pet?

This is Leah. She just turned 3. Our daughter was discussing the possibility of getting a new pet with Leah and her 4 year old sister, Caroline. Caroline shouted, "I want to get a dog!" Not to be outdone, Leah immediately came back with, "I want to get a panda bear!" Grandkids are the greatest - and we are blessed to have 5 of the best.

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Steven Wright

One of my favorite comedians is Steven Wright. He gets the most "laughs per word" of anyone I know. Here are some examples:

He's in a minimum security prison now; he's on a whiffle-ball and chain.

I stayed in a really old hotel last night. They sent me a wakeup letter.

There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.

Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories .

A Gift Unopened

Have you ever given someone a really nice gift, only to have them put the gift in a drawer, or closet, and never even opening it? How would that make you feel? What if that gift was the key to a joyful life today, a peaceful heart, and victory over death itself? What an incredible gift that would be - and how sad it would be if we were given that gift and chose not to open it at all.

With Christmas giving on our minds this time of year, it's sometimes easy to forget the gift that God gave us over 2,000 years ago; He sent his son Jesus Christ to earth in order that we may be saved from an eternity apart from God. Jesus was God's gift to us. Jesus has the power to bring us life abundantly today and to save us from our sins so that we may have hope for tomorrow. We don't deserve it, we can't earn it; apart from Jesus there is nothing we can do to improve our position with God, the creator of the universe and the creator of you and me. This was God's plan from the start. The gift was given to you and to me, but there's one requirement...........

You need to open your gift. An unopened gift is of no value. This Christmas won't you take some time to examine this gift that God has freely given to you? Take a good honest look at your gift. Realize that none of us deserve to receive such a gift - but because of God's great love for us we have the opportunity to have our slate wiped clean and to spend the remainder of our eternity with Him, in heaven. Accept your gift, open it, and have the greatest Christmas ever.

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