Every step I take

"Let all that I am praise the Lord;

may I never forget the good things

he does for me."

~ Psalm 103:2, NLT

I was anticipating the beautiful sunset to come,

as I packed my tripod and camera out to the field .

The country church was about 1/2 mile from me ~ to the west.

It had been a very cloudy day, but you could see breaks

where the sun beams were poking through,,

and I just knew the reflection

from those clouds would be beautiful.

When I got to the right spot, and set up,

I was given a gift from above!

All the glory of His paint brush showed through,

and like a crescendo, the sun poked through

just a few moments before it disappeared!

The amazing thing of that event was

that I had Left the car radio playing, as I set up,

and the song on K-Love was beginning to play

"Lead me to the Cross"

just as the sun appeared !

I certainly felt God's presence

in that mexperience, and could not wait

to tell my wife when I returned!

Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/
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In the Shadow of My Tree

“In the Shadow of ‘My Tree’ ”

Norm Nicholson

As a young boy of 10 years old, the summer of 1959 found me in “My tree” most of my spare time, when I was not helping put up hay or doing my regular chores. As I recall, a neighbor boy and my little brother, (both 2 years younger) and I, constructed the tree house (with a little help from our Dad) about half way between the neighbor boy, Jack’s house, and ours.

Although the “Tree House Tree” was less than an eighth mile from either house, a real escape into an imaginary world was possible there. With the help of our father, we set up a semi-working battery operated telegraph and ran wires to our second floor bedrooms in each house from the tree house tree. Our humble tree dwelling was quite the boy’s dream! Sometimes equipped with a crystal radio, thanks to my brother Lynn, and close by to our bass pond/swimming hole.

This young man knew at an early age there was something very special about trees, and especially “My Tree”. That summer of 1959 was more special than I knew at the time. Not fully realizing the magnitude of what I had done, I publicly accepted Christ, and was baptized later that year. The tree had been a major influence in allowing me time alone with God. Although there were more questions than answers, I learned to talk one-on-one, me and God in the shadow of “my tree”. Now as I look back, I often long for those special talks in the shade of the large Elm, and I regularly find the need to get away with him with just my back pack and camera. Peaceful, thanking moments now are still treasured in that shadow that continues to follow me.

I often think of the trees we pass in life, each one gazed upon, and a special connection. That tree connected me with friends, with nature, and with God. I know Dad knew of the special connection. He helped place value in those solitary thanking moments, and made sure I knew I was never really alone in the shadow of “my tree”. Our father was a carpenter, and often would make a serious point that we should never take the wood for granted. Dad’s influence would tell of the timber Jesus carried for me, without ever saying it that way. He farmed also, and would build the best hedge post fences in the community, often remarking about those trees linking the whole thing together. I now know he has always been aware of that special connection too.

I try to appreciate “My Tree” now, as I have grown older, possessively in my own heart and mind. This one is shaped in the form of a cross, casting it’s shadow on me. His cross, His tree, my Tree. Trees protect us, house us, hold up our fences. They provide wind breaks and shade, they inspire, trees provide habitat, they nourish us, they teach us, they connect us and one tree saved us.

Love to all, Norm

Working for Him!

"Work willingly at whatever you do,
as though you were working for the Lord
rather than for people.
~ Colossians 3:23, NLT"

"Willing Workers"

It is the name chosen for a Sunday school class

by members of a small town church. It has always

intrigued me that we can get so bogged down

with our day-to-day work, that we

forget why we are here in the first place!

Not always is it possible to remain focused on the

path to righteousness when we are up to our eyeballs

in the swamp of work-life. It does, however, help me

to sorta take a small step back in my mind, and

try to imagine that I am not working just for

my pay check, but for God!

I cannot tell you how many times this simple bible

verse has got me through the project or just through the day!

As a photographer, it has become my mission statement.

Imagine being out in the glory of nature

with that sort of mission

~ to capture images that glorify HIM.

Love to all, Norm

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Pleasant Words

"A wise man's heart guides his mouth,
and his lips promote instruction.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

~Proverbs 16:23-24 NIV

We are what we say!

Recently I joined the Face Book craze.

Partly out of curiosity I guess.

I also have found that it has become

a way of communication for several

of my friends and family.

Although, I must say, I have rather

enjoyed the thing, I have some

real concerns. We must be very careful

with security these days, and I know

I am putting my heart out there~somewhat

exposed by participating in these modern

toys of social networking.

The part that bothers me most is people

using the bad and vane language .

I am appalled, to be honest. I tell myself, at

least they are not afraid to be themselves.

But I really wonder about that thought though.

Is using profanity in ordinary conversations

really who we are?

My challenge to anyone who is guilty of this sort

of behavior, is to stop, and think what it is costing them!

Are they just playing some sort of game, wanting

to be part of the crowd and be accepted by others?

Just pray about this problem,

and if you are guilty, ask for help.

He will accept you, and forgive.

If God can, so can I.

Love to all, Norm

http://nicholsonphotoimages.com/

Proverbs 15 - Passage Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.com

Proverbs 15 - Passage Lookup - New International Version - BibleGateway.com:

"The eyes of the LORD are everywhere,
keeping watch on the wicked and the good."

~Proverbs 15:3 NIV

My new Big Chief tablet

I remember that new Big Chief writing tablet

like everyone used back then. I was a first grader

at White Cloud school. The only one in my class too!

I so looked forward to using that tablet each day.

The pages were that rough textured brown

paper, and the lines were very wide. I liked to draw allot, and

would spend my spare time doodling on a different

fresh page every chance I could get.

I can still remember the way that tablet smelled,

and the freshness of each new page.

We have a chance to experience a similar feeling

with God on each new day!

Make it a great one, and do something creative.

Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/

Respect

He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress,

and for his children it will be a refuge.

The fear of the Lord is a fountain

of life, turning a man

from the snares

of death.

~Proverbs 14:26-27 NIV

Respect

Many times in my passion for photography,

I have relied on the wisdom and expertise of others.

Surely God put them here to teach the rest of us.

I know I would not be the person I am, were it

not for the relationships and influence

of others. I thank God for taking me to the

place I seem to be.

Life must be like that, though.

We must learn, and pass on

~ all the while leaning on each other.

Keep respect for each other and

always leaning on Jesus.

Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/

When I say "I am a Christian"

Seek the Lord while he may be found;

Call on him while he is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way

and the evil man his thoughts.

Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him,

and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are my ways your ways..."

~ Isaiah 55:6-8 NIV

Our Pastor, David Bigley, used the poem below

in his service today. I thought

I would pass it on to you.

I REALLY like this, and can always relate to David's sermons so well.
I Googled the poem when I got home, and found it in this web site. Allot of photos and poems to look through. Sometime, maybe I will browse a little. Whenever I do that though, I tend to spend allot of time.

There are most likely more Carol Wimmer poems too.
Thanks for the poem Carol.
I will also pass on the link to All Creatures.org ~
http://www.all-creatures.org/poetry/whenisay.html

Submitted 17 May 1998 by Debra <QEagle@aol.com>

When I say "I am a Christian"

By: Carol Wimmer

When I say..." I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I am saved"

I'm whispering "I get lost"

"That is why I chose this way"

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need someone to be my guide

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong

I'm professing that I'm weak

and pray for strength to carry on

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success

I'm admitting I have failed

and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

my flaws are all too visible

but God believes I'm worth it

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain

I have my share of heartaches

which is why I seek His name

When I say..."I am a Christian"

I do not wish to judge

I have no authority

I only know I'm loved.

Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/

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Thank you.

"Great Plains~America's lingering wild" by Michael Forsberg

Always be joyful. Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for

you who belong

to Christ Jesus.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT

Happy Birthday Mike!

A nature and conservation photographer ~ Mike Forsberg, with the help of many people, has created a masterpiece for all of America!

The picture book is titled "Great Plains ~ America's Lingering Wild". The effort took over 3 years, and more than 100,000 miles to accomplish.

With text and content help from Dan O'Brien, David Wishart, and Ted Kooser, Mike has put together stunning photographs and field notes from the prairie lands that are sure to enlighten us all.

Don't just look at the pictures, for if you do, you will miss what his passion is! He wants to bring awareness to the fact that man has forever changed, and in some cases eliminated part of the Great Plains. When we moved west, and settled the country west of the Missouri River, we interrupted habitat, and plant and animal species, and moved the Native Americans from their home land.

People like Mike Forsberg , and friend and nature photographer Joel Sartore, have a passion that I share. We may just be our own greatest enemies when it comes to disruption and conservation of our most valuable asset: the environment and earth we live on.

Pick up the book, and study each page. Help do your part. As Mike says "time is short".

Happy birthday Mike! Congratulations on the book.

Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/
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Our National Parks ~ America's best Idea!

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire

and the power to do

what pleases him.

~ Philippians 2:13, NLT

"Our National parks

~ America's best idea."

If you have not taken the time to watch some of the PBS special by Ken Burns, you are missing a wonderful opportunity! Episode 6, my favorite to date, is currently airing on Public Television. I think there will be a total of twelve episodes. My what a moving masterpiece this is. Such a gift to the American people!

We owe so much to the dedicated conservationists who had the foresight to assure the preservation of land dedicated to National Park transformation. From the work of these people came the conservation and environmental preservation efforts that will last for all generations to come.

Men like Adolf Murie, and John Muir, who studied the land and wildlife, with such passion. Subjects such as giant Sequoia trees, and wolves. Many more people, pioneered efforts to keep commercialization out of lands that needed protection.

People in government like Stuart Udall, and His brother Maurice, along with the brave efforts of people like Janita Greene, and Lancelot Jones who knew in their hearts that this land had to be protected. And President Jimmy Carter, who used the "Antiquities Act" in Alaska.

Park rangers like John Cook, a 4th generation Park Ranger for 40+ years, passing the badge to his daughter Kacie Cook Collins, who in turn, may have a son (now age 5) to become a park ranger for a 5th generation of dedication!

As one person said during tonight's episode: "I may never make it to Alaska to see Denali, but at least I know it is there!" "One last chance to get it right!"

For all, I am glad that America is glad that they had the desire to do what pleases God! Tune in and watch ~ you might just learn! I have.

For now, Love to all, Norm

http://www.nicholsonphotoimages.com/

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