Pastor Kevin's Picts

Nice Catch!

2010-02-01T17:54:00.004+09:00

Near our home, osprey search for black porgy and other fish. I was blessed to have an osprey dive nearby and come up with a big catch.

Shot with my Canon EOS 40D & EF 400 F5.6L

Please click on each image for a large view.

Need some advice?

2010-01-14T06:44:00.003+09:00

Shot from Oshima, an island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, in Japan's Inland Sea.

Canon EOS 40D & EF-S 10-22 F3.5-4.5

Kyoto, Autumn 2009, Part 5

2009-12-10T14:39:00.006+09:00

Our autumn tour of Kyoto, on this rainy day took us to the Takao (高雄) area, including a climb up to Jingoji (Jingo Temple, 神護寺).

In His Grip,

Kevin

Click on each image for the large view.

Kyoto, Autumn 2009, Part 4

2009-12-08T11:16:00.004+09:00

I walked from our hotel just as the sun was going down. Kyoto Tower was looking nice in the early evening. I propped up against a tree for this shot, using the EF 135 F2L, which I think is my best lens.

Click on image for a larger view.

The next morning, Tuesday, we had some time before our tour began. There is a Cafe du Monde in Kyoto Station. This station leaves most in awe at its super-modern architectural design, especially in a city know for its ancient buildings. I shot this, from my seat in the open-air Cafe du Monde, using the EF-S 10-22 F3.5/4.5.

Click on image for a larger view.

Kyoto, Autumn 2009, Part 3

2009-12-02T10:16:00.004+09:00

These photos are of Nanzenji (南禅寺).

Please view each image by clicking on it, to see it in greater detail.

Kyoto, Autumn 2009, Part 2

2009-12-01T11:25:00.003+09:00

This is Eikando (永観堂). Please click on each photo for the large view. ;)

Kyoto, Autumn 2009

2009-11-30T18:21:00.006+09:00

I have always longed to visit Kyoto in autumn. This year, it was made possible, due to a cruise being canceled. I wasn't part of that cruise, but my wife and mother-in-law were. To help themselves get over the pain of the canceled cruise, we decided to visit Kyoto. Most of the picts that follow have already been posted on Facebook, and a few on flickr.

Here, you will see only picts, text, and an occasional quote from a Christian author or pastor. You may want to click on each photo to get the full enjoyment.

In His Grip,
Kevin

The first series were shot at Tofukuji (東福寺).

New Boots

2009-08-18T14:33:00.004+09:00

I've had Tony Lamas off and on through the years. I even had a pair of Red Wings. This is my first pair of Luccheses. They came in yesterday.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Catching Up! Bugs 2009

2009-08-17T07:14:00.002+09:00

In His Grip,
Kevin

Catchin' Up! Lotus 2009

2009-08-17T06:58:00.001+09:00

In His Grip,
Kevin

Embarrassed Jazz

2009-04-09T08:11:00.004+09:00

Went to a park filled with cherry blossoms and let Jazz run wild. Then we tormented him with girly blossoms. ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin and Midori

Birds of Prey Near Where We Live

2009-02-24T09:00:00.007+09:00

These are the most common and plentiful at the moment. Yesterday, these birds were using the strong wind to help them stay in a "holding" pattern while I enjoyed squeezing off many frames. I shot these along the river, not too far from our home.

Click on each photo for the large view. It's much nicer!

Osprey

Black Kite

Recent Seascape Picts

2009-02-19T11:53:00.004+09:00

Well, river-scape would be more accurate. This is the Imazu, tidal river. These shots are about 500 meters from the Inland Sea, where you can see the sun trying to break through.

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF-S 10-22 F3.5/4.5, edited with Aperture 2.o

In His Grip,
Kevin

Some Recent Bird Picts

2009-02-18T09:27:00.003+09:00

Long Tailed Tit

Japanese White Eye Staring Me Down

Japanese White Eye & Plum Blossoms

European Widgeon Couple

European Widgeon Hen

All shot with the Canon EOS 40D & EF 400 F5.6L

Jazz Beside the Imazu River, 2

2009-01-30T09:46:00.002+09:00

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF-S 10-22

Jazz Beside the Imazu River

2009-01-29T22:28:00.002+09:00

Canon 40D s/ EF-S 10-22 F3.5/4.5

Photo of the Day

2009-01-22T13:25:00.004+09:00

I belong to the Photography Cafe, an online photography site. And for today, January 22nd, my photo of a white eye was chosen.

Here is the pict, shot with my Canon 40D and EF 400 F5.6L.

Jazz at Kintai

2009-01-22T11:28:00.004+09:00

Gray skies, but I shot a couple anyway.

Canon EOS 40D w/EFS 10-22 F3.5/4.5

Great Crested Grebe

2009-01-02T22:32:00.004+09:00

I've been getting a few shots of this normally shy bird. All were shot with my EOS 40D and EF 400 F5.6L.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Wild Ducks in Our Area

2008-11-26T11:20:00.005+09:00

Being from Southwest Louisiana, I have always loved wild ducks. There are quite a few of the same species here that we had in Southwest Louisiana.

In His Grip,

Kevin

European Widgeon Couple

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400F5.6L & EF 1.4 II TC

European Widgeon Female

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400 F5.6L & EF 1.4 II TC

European Widgeon Male

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400 F5.6L & EF 1.4 II TC

Spotbill

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400 F5.6L

Spotbill

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400 F5.6L

Grey Heron Flyby

2008-11-16T05:30:00.003+09:00

There are plenty of these around, and they fly quite slow, so it's not that big a challenge. The 400 makes it fun!

Shot with the EOS 40D and EF 400 F5.6L.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Taishakukyo 2008, Part 1

2008-11-12T18:44:00.006+09:00

帝釈峡

Taishaku Gorge, always a popular spot during autumn. These shots were taken with my EOS 40D and Tokina 12-24 F4.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Grey Heron Getting Breakfast

2008-10-27T22:05:00.006+09:00

Spotted this heron on the Imazu River a couple of mornings ago. I was hoping to see it grab a huge fish, but it was after some tiny loaches.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Canon EOS 40D w/EF 400 F5.6L

Daurian Redstart, Autumn '08

2008-10-19T07:08:00.003+09:00

One of my favorite birds is back!

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 400 F5.6L

Hummingbird Hawk Moths 2008

2008-10-09T09:15:00.010+09:00

Shot near our home with the Canon EOS 40D & EFS 60 F2.8 Macro.

Please click each photo for a larger view.

In His Grip,
Kevin

September Sunrise 2008 (4)

2008-09-24T11:40:00.005+09:00

This shot was awarded "Photo of the Day" for September 23rd at www.photography-cafe.com.

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF 135 F2L

September Sunrise 2008 (3)

2008-09-11T20:33:00.003+09:00

September 11th, 2008

Canon EOS 40D w/EFS 60 F2.8

September, each year, is special. There is a tidal river nearby that empties into the Inland Sea. It also looks toward an island called "Okurogamijima". During September the sun makes its rise behind the island, from left to right, and the Imazu River provides a great setting.

Here we go. one more time!

In His Grip,
Kevin

September Sunrise 2008 (2)

2008-09-11T20:31:00.004+09:00

September 10th (JST)

Canon EOS 40D w/EF 135 F2L

September, each year, is special. There is a tidal river nearby that empties into the Inland Sea. It also looks toward an island called "Okurogamijima". During September the sun makes its rise behind the island, from left to right, and the Imazu River provides a great setting.

Here we go (again)!

In His Grip,
Kevin

September Sunrise 2008 (1)

2008-09-11T20:20:00.002+09:00

September 9th (JST)

Canon EOS 40D w/EFS 60 F2.8

September, each year, is special. There is a tidal river nearby that empties into the Inland Sea. It also looks toward an island called "Okurogamijima". During September the sun makes its rise behind the island, from left to right, and the Imazu River provides a great setting.

Here we go!

In His Grip,

Kevin

Our Friends, The Vogts

2008-09-04T06:17:00.008+09:00

The Vogts, who live in San Diego, have been our friends for a long time. On our recent trip there, we had dinner with them and posed for a two-family picture.

The following Sunday, after church, they took Midori and I to lunch, followed by a journey to the Torrey Pines area. Then we were off to the small town of Julian and back for some great sites and memories.

Thanks, Kurt and Megumi, and children, for everything!

In His Grip,
Kevin, Midori, and Casey

(click on each pict)

Surfer Picts from San Diego

2008-09-03T05:57:00.008+09:00

Good morning from lovely Iwakuni, Japan.

These were shot at Mission Beach or Pacific Beach. All were taken with the Canon EOS 40D and EF 400 F5.6L.

Casey was a great host, and our vacation in San Diego was GREAT, OUTSTANDING, FANTASTIC, AND RESTFUL!

As always, I ask that you click on each pict, for the larger, much cooler view.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Marbled Godwit

2008-08-25T06:46:00.005+09:00

A shore bird from Mission Beach, San Diego, CA. Shot with the Canon 40D and EF 400 F5.6L. Please click on each image for a larger view.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Visiting the Beach at La Jolla

2008-08-15T23:46:00.003+09:00

I could have spent the whole day here, taking pictures, or just sitting around.

Gripped,
Kevin

Vacationing in San Diego

2008-08-15T13:40:00.003+09:00

Just a few picts of our first few days, Midori and I hanging out with our second son, Casey. He'll start studying at UCSD this fall, after 3 years at Grossmont College in El Cajon.

Midori and I enjoying some LOVELY ice cream.

One of the many birds that sing in the trees near his apartment.

Casey, in front of his "second family's" home, which is being remodeled..

Casey and Midori in front of an art mural at Grossmont College.

The college library.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Lotus 2008

2008-07-18T12:12:00.003+09:00

These were taken about 2 kilometers from our home.

Canon EOS 40D with EF 135 F2L

Shizuka's Baptism

2008-07-09T17:15:00.008+09:00

Our friend, Shizuka Fujimoto, and her husband Kozo attended our home bible study for about 4 years. He was transferred to another city, Ogori, where they lived for 5 years, and also where they attended bible studies and fellowship. She confessed her faith in Christ while in Ogori.

He then returned to work in our area and after they moved back, she requested we start a weekly bible study for her. Last autumn we began to talk to her about baptism. Last week, after our lesson on the life of Philip (from Acts), I asked her if she was ready to get baptized. Her answer was, "anytime!".

So today, at noon, in the Nishiki River, with Midori (Mrs. Soileau) behind the camera, and Jazz, our border collie as another witness, I baptized Shizuka. Hallelujah!

Sorry about the glare!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Mightier!

2008-07-03T10:20:00.003+09:00

From Psalm 93, and this shot is overlooking Japan's Inland Sea after 2 days of rain...

In His Grip,
Kevin

Canon 40D & Tokina 12-24 F4

An Old Shed

2008-06-30T18:27:00.003+09:00

That's what we called small storage buildings when I was small, living in Louisiana. Today I went to my wife's grandmother's home, early in the morning for pictures. She lives on the foot of a pretty big hill/mountail and there are a couple of trails leading up the hill.

I found this old shed, set up the tripod and camera, and took a few picts of the structure in a setting of summer green.

Yuu Town, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture...

Shot with my 40D and Tokina 12-24mm F4.

Why Pray?

2008-06-25T16:20:00.003+09:00

by George MacDonald, The Word of Jesus on Prayer

‘But if God is so good as you represent him, and if he knows all that we need, and better far than we do ourselves, why should it be necessary to ask him for anything?’

I answer, What if he knows prayer to be the thing we need first and most? What if the main object in God’s idea of prayer be the supplying of our great, our endless need—the need of himself? What if the good of all our smaller and lower needs lies in this, that they help to drive us to God? Hunger may drive the runaway child home, and he may or may not be fed at once, but he needs his mother more than his dinner. Communion with God is the one need of the soul beyond all other need; prayer is the beginning of that communion, and some need is the motive of that prayer. Our wants are for the sake of our coming into communion with God, our eternal need. If gratitude and love immediately followed the supply of our needs, if God our Saviour was the one thought of our hearts, then it might be unnecessary that we should ask for anything we need. But seeing we take our supplies as a matter of course, feeling as if they came out of nothing, or from the earth, or our own thoughts, instead of out of a heart of love and a will which alone is force, it is needful that we should be made feel some at least of our wants, that we may seek him who alone supplies all of them, and find his every gift a window to his heart of truth. So begins a communion, a talking with God, a coming-to-one with him, which is the sole end of prayer, yea, of existence itself in its infinite phases. We must ask that we may receive; but that we should receive what we ask in respect of our lower needs, is not God’s end in making us pray, for he could give us everything without that: to bring his child to his knee, God withholds that man may ask.

The 32nd Western Japan Missions Seminar (Softball)

2008-06-18T20:51:00.015+09:00

第３２回西日本宣教セミナー、ソフトボール大会

Just a bit of a break between lectures...The Miracle Okayama Team took the top honors!

写真を数枚とりました。。。各写真を CLICK してみて下さい。

Pastor Kevin

Canon EOS 40D & EF 135 F2L

Swallowtails Mating

2008-06-13T20:14:00.005+09:00

Happened upon this happy couple this morning, very near our home.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Shot with Canon EOS 40D and EF-S 60 F2.8 Macro...please try the large view...click on the image

a jealous intruder flew into the frame

Flags/Iris 2008

2008-06-04T20:03:00.003+09:00

The Flags/Iris are blooming at Kikko Park, near Kintai Bridge. I really look forward to this "event" every June.

All shot with my Canon EOS 40D and "L" glass.

In His Grip,
Kevin

A Variety of Damselflies

2008-06-03T06:22:00.018+09:00

Around mid-April I began noticing the damsels were finally out. It's some work following these tiny bugs around, but lots of fun when an image comes out sharp and crisp!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Please see the large view!

Ischnura Asiatica/Japanese Blue-tail
Male

Female

Mnais pruinosa Selys/Asahinakawa Damselfly
Male

Latycnemis Foliacea Sasakii/Gunbai Damselfly

Male

Female

Whimbrel -- an odd bird

2008-05-13T08:16:00.006+09:00

Well, I mean a rare visitor to Japan. Saw these birds on my way home. I had gone to a grassy spot to shoot damselflies, but gave up because of strong winds.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Please click on each picture. The larger view is nice.

A Little Egret

2008-05-02T05:41:00.009+09:00

I saw a dragonfly a couple of days ago and bicycled back to the area, about a kilometer away from our home. I saw the egret and just slowly set up the tripod and got a few shots. I forgot completely about the dragonfly.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Poppy Macro

2008-04-26T07:28:00.001+09:00

Just a couple of shots from the railroad property, using my EFS 60 F2.8 Macro & 25mm tube.

And a couple more Osprey picts

2008-04-15T18:13:00.003+09:00

I think there is only one left that hasn't migrated, so there probably won't be many more postings for a while.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Osprey and Gizzard Shad

More Blossoms

2008-04-09T13:29:00.004+09:00

I'm sure with rain expected for the next couple of days, the "sakura" will be gone until next year. These were taken in parks near our home. The last one was shot at night.

In His Grip,
Kevin

please click on each pict

Tulips and a Verse

2008-04-09T11:20:00.007+09:00

Please click the image to see the large view.

Sakura 2008

2008-04-03T14:54:00.005+09:00

The first of many...midafternoon, with a polarizer...40D & Tokina 12-24 F4, except for the last on, which was taken with the 40D & EF 400 F5.6L...

And of course, the large view is much nicer, so click it! ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin

Grey Heron

2008-04-02T16:27:00.004+09:00

Went for a walk along the river and while checking out the little irrigation stream that runs parallel to the river, I came upon this intense bird.

I only took about 60 shots only a few posted for now...

In His Grip,
Kevin

Brown-Eared Bulbul

2008-03-26T10:22:00.006+09:00

This is my favorite, noisy, rude, territorial bird. Shot with the EOS 40D & EF 400 F5.6L.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Little Egret

2008-03-21T10:52:00.004+09:00

As the tide came in, this li'l egret was hanging out on a rock. I put on my 1.4x II teleconverter/extender to give me some reach. Of course then I get to manually focus the shot. It comes out to about 890mm of reach. Also using a tripod and had a PL filter on.

1/250, F9

1/250, F8

In His Grip,
Kevin

Osprey on Target

2008-03-19T10:32:00.004+09:00

This big bird hit the water some distance from me. I actually sprinted over and when it came up, I started shooting, too excited to change the settings on the camera, so the exposure stinks, I know...it was still a great thrill to get close to all the action. It gets a fish in each claw for its efforts!

click on each picture for the thrill!

Osprey 1

2008-03-15T23:23:00.010+09:00

Not too far from our home is an old concrete bridge that crosses the Imazu. At low tide last Monday, I stood on the bridge and watched as osprey (and black kites) put on quite a show for me. This is just one of the "fish hawks". And it was a great chance to practice with the new lens. ;)

Please try the large view--these are magnificent birds!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Worried? Afraid?

2008-03-14T11:27:00.004+09:00

Jesus knew we would be...click on the pict

A Black Kite and an Osprey

2008-03-11T11:18:00.003+09:00

A few more shots with the new EF 400 F5.6L ...

Click on each pict for the large view.

Black Kite

Osprey

You need this lens!

Gripped,
Kevin

Daurian Redstarts and the new EF 400 F5.6L

2008-03-06T13:57:00.004+09:00

Iwakuni has a couple of rivers that run through it. Along those rivers are vegetable and flower gardens, leased from the city, or actually some could be privately owned and leased. I'm really not sure.

I am sure that these "truck patches" attract birds, and birds attract me!

This is a male Daurian Redstart, who didn't seem to be bothered by me following him around this morning, on my second day out with the new lens. All but the first one were shot "hand held".

Gripped,
Kevin

Click on the pict for the large view!

Plum Blossoms

2008-03-03T14:29:00.006+09:00

Things are starting to bloom a bit here. Not too far from our home, there are some really, pink, blossoms. After the rain stopped this morning, I went out to take a look-see.

Please, click on each pict for the larger view.

All were taken with the Canon 40D and EF-S 60 mm F2.8 Macro.

Who Carried the Paralytic?

2008-02-26T10:07:00.010+09:00

Hi Folks,

I kind of feel that the men who brought the paralytic to Jesus very well might not have been friends, and may very well have been total strangers. Eyebrows raise around the room.

First of all, none of the 3 gospel accounts say who these men were. That they are "friends" is just traditionally assumed. This event is found in the 3 gospel accounts, Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26. Luke identifies them as "men", but not friends.

Secondly, Jesus acknowledged (saw) their faith. What faith was that? Was is just that they broken open the roof to let the paraplegic down? Look closely. They brought the man to Jesus because they obviously believed he could do something for this man. They overcame religious barriers. If the paralytic had sores or swelling that might have resulted from his condition, he was unclean. In addition, the Pharisees considered just about any imperfection or illness unclean, and they happened to be present where Jesus was teaching! Add to that the physical barriers they overcame, the crowded room and eventually the roof. These men acted on their faith, and God was pleased.

I think that it is certainly possible that these men of faith were on their way to hear Jesus. I can imagine that after previously hearing Jesus speak and seeing him heal and deliver, and after believing themselves, their new-found faith might very well have caused them to carry a total stranger to Jesus.

Here is another reason I believe this. Because I've seen it happen at our church, where people have been very excited about their new life in Christ. I can think of three particular young believers who "carried" total strangers to church on a regular basis. So that some men, full of faith, would act with compassion, to give what they had themselves received directly from Jesus, doesn't seem the least bit strange to me. Actually, I have to believe that this should be the rule and not the exception, and not something that seems so out of the ordinary.

So while it might seem a bit stranger than if it had been “friends” who carried this man to Jesus, and not what is traditionally assumed, I believe this is the way it might well have happened. And going against the traditional grain has never been a problem for me, as Mrs. Soileau can tell you. ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin

A little snow...

2008-02-25T05:37:00.007+09:00

Click on the picts to view them large.

Drove out to the bridge before work, hoping for a lot more snow.

A country road and some kindling...

Morning walk...

(Shot with the Canon 40D and Tokina 12-24)

Valentine's Day in Japan

2008-02-16T10:33:00.003+09:00

The men get the goodies here! One of the 4 or so "obligatory" boxes of chocolates I got on Valentine's Day. And no, Mrs. Soileau doesn't mind a bit, since she helps me dispose of all these healthy treats! ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin

White Eyes "hangin' around"...

2008-02-14T23:05:00.005+09:00

Thought I would try something different...please click on each picture to enjoy the juicy details!

In His Grip,
Kevin

Sooner or Later...

2008-02-03T18:12:00.000+09:00

This is just good!

Sumo Grand Champion Asashoryu/横綱朝青龍

2008-01-30T14:46:00.000+09:00

Meiji Shrine, January 7th, 2008

Sumo Grand Champion Hakuho/横綱白鵬

2008-01-30T14:33:00.000+09:00

At Meiji Shrine, January 7th, 2008

Casey and Jazz

2008-01-26T21:52:00.000+09:00

These two have always been best of friends, and now it was time for one more romp at a local playground. Casey went back to San Diego the following day.

"BALL, COME!"

(click on image for large view)

White Eyes

2008-01-22T10:49:00.000+09:00

Just love these little birds!

Scraping the Sky in Tokyo

2008-01-11T12:23:00.000+09:00

This is the area called Shinjuku. We were looking for the Tokyo City Municipal building and walked through this grand passage of skyscapers. Casey and I took some pictures, purposely left "bent" by the wide-angle 12-24 lens.

Kaminari Mon

2008-01-10T23:54:00.000+09:00

Literally, Gate of Thunder and Lightning. I would prefer another title, like Thunder Gate, but no one asked me! Actually, I am not sure what the "official" english translation is, kaminari means "thunder and lightning".

The structure is magnificent and this was my second time to visit, having come here many years ago. It seems there were as many or more foreigners passing through on this day (1/8/08) than Japanese.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Tokyo Sprawl from Roppongi Hills

2008-01-10T10:41:00.000+09:00

Took a 3-day vacation with my wife and second son, went up to the top of the Roppongi Hills building and shot through the observatory glass, what included a very dirty sky. Kinda liked the "bending" effect of the Tokina 12-24 here...

Gripped,
Kevin

A New Year in Japan

2008-01-02T13:37:00.000+09:00

I have got to be more faithful to this blog!

Every year, our routine is about the same for New Years' Eve and New Years' Day, too. Because I am married to a Japanese woman, and have lived here for some time, I spend New Years' Eve and Day like most Japanese do, watching TV, and eating and drinking much more than I should.

And like the Japanese, I have recently been visiting Shinto Shrines on January 1st. Of course, I don't go to seek the favor of the god the shrines claim to host, I go for pictures. Oh, and I do pray while I am there, for those who have come to pray will someday, somehow, meet the One who actually hears and can answer.

The Year of the Mouse...2008...

In His Grip,
Kevin

Miyajima Autumn '07

2007-11-20T06:42:00.000+09:00

A park attendant said the lack of rain cause most of the Japanese maple leaves to dry before their lovely reds came in. Still it was a fun morning at Miyajima's "Momijidani Park".

In His Grip,

Kevin

The Ducks are Back!

2007-11-07T11:53:00.000+09:00

I love ducks. Glad they've migrated back. Can't wait for my blind to arrive.

In His Grip,
Kevin

European Widgeons

European Widgeons Arguing

A Spotbill Hen

Herons and More Herons!

2007-10-24T12:16:00.000+09:00

My son told me the picts are nice, but then added, "that is a strange bird!".

I know, I know, but their flight is pretty majestic, I think. All were shot with the 40D and EF 135 F2L & 1.4 II TC.

Recent Picts, October 3rd Post

2007-10-03T15:00:00.001+09:00

A favorite spot up the Nishiki River where Jazz and I
hung out for a couple of hours on Monday.
Canon 40D w/Tokina 12-24

Jazz cooling down and quenching his
thirst after lots of "hide and seek".
Canon 40D w/EF 135 F2L & 1.4x TC

The only tree in our neighborhood
showing signs of Autumn.
Canon 40D w/EFS 60 F2.8

This morning's sunrise over Kurogamijima...
(Too bad there some sort of ship in the foreground!)
Canon 40D w/EFS 60 F2.8

A cormorant "running" on the Imazu River. ;)
Canon 40D w/EF 135 F2L & 1.4x TC

Castin' for Seabass on the Imazu River
Canon 40D w/EF 135 F2L & 1.4x TC

In His Grip,
Kevin

Truth

2007-09-26T16:18:00.000+09:00

Recent Shots

2007-09-21T10:52:00.001+09:00

I walk with Jazz, or let him run beside my bicycle as I get in some prayer, and stimulate the mind with attempts at capturing moments of the world around me.

These were shot with the 40D and the EF-S 60 F2.8.

In His Grip,
Kevin

9/20/2007

9/21/2007

Waves on a Sandbar

2007-09-15T07:09:00.000+09:00

A large sandbar forms at lowest tide in the Imazu River. I shot this from the bridge over the river, yesterday morning, 9/14/2007.

Gripped,
Kevin

Canon EOS 40D w/ EF-S 60 F/2.8

Gray Heron (ardea cinerea)

2007-09-12T10:59:00.001+09:00

I have taken many pictures of this interesting bird over the last couple of years. These picts are recent ones, of what looks like a very young bird.

All were shot with my 40D and EF 135 F2L w/1.4X II TC.

Please click to see each picture in it's large view.

Gripped,
Kevin

How Wonderful!

2007-09-10T10:20:00.000+09:00

It was actually nice and cool when I woke up this morning. So Jazz and I went for a bike ride, and I actually didn't sweat for the first time in a very long time. And while the clouds hid the spectacular sunrise from us, the gray sky over the river and the gray, misty island in the distance made me pause and give thanks for the wonders of His creation. Yes, even His grays are beautiful!

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.

Psalm 145:4-6 NIV

Hopefully, some morning soon, I'll catch that sun coming up from behind that isle, as it only does about this time each year.

Until then, here are a few shots of some other bits of His creation, taken during the last week.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Fritillary
(Canon EF-S 60 F2.8 Macro)

Hummingbird Hawk Moth
(Canon EF-S 60 F2.8 Macro)

House Sparrow

(EF 135 F2L w/1.4x II TC)

Dragonfly

(EF 135 F2L w/1.4x II TC)

Little Red Flower

(EF 135 F2L w/1.4x II TC)

Cosmos

(EF 135 F2L w/1.4x II TC)

First Few Picts w/ the Canon 40D

2007-09-05T09:10:00.000+09:00

Well, I took the plunge. It was a bit of a tough choice between a new lense and the 40D. My Digital Rebel XT has taken 22,000 picts. I wanted to be able to take bugs and birds at more than 3 FPS, and I wanted the sensor cleaning feature. The 40D is quite a camera. I am trying a lot of shots and different exposures, different ISO setting, and just trying to get used to the new toy.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Canon EFS 60mm F2.8 Macro

Canon EF 135 F2L w/1.4x II TC

Canon EF 135 F2L w/ 1.4x II TC

Tokina AF Pro DX 12-24 F4

Canon EFS 60mm F2.8 Macro

Cormorant Fishing

2007-08-23T09:50:00.000+09:00

Next year, I'll make a point to get some more action pictures. It happens really quickly, so I have to be better prepared...a strobe, other than the internal one, might help...

Gripped,
Kevin

The Master Fisherman

Done for the Night

Waiting to Go Home for the Night

Sure You're Focused, But on WHAT?

2007-08-21T08:55:00.000+09:00

Focus. It will make a huge difference in the results we get. My son is in University in San Diego. Thankfully his focus has been on his studies and his church life, and not solely on San Diego's beautiful beaches. Great grades, a closer walk with His Lord, new Christian friends, and happy parents are just part of the result.

How true this in our Christian life, too. If our focus is on the minor "stuff", rather than the major, critical things, it can impact us and others in a very negative way. The Body could very well be discouraged rather than built up, and joy will not abound, as God would like to see.

Working for the Lord in Japan, and in a part of the Body where so many cultures and sub-cultures are represented, I'm still learning to focus on what is truly important, rather than "majoring on the minors", as someone has very appropriately phrased it.

Here are some words of wisdom from the closing verses of Romans 14, The Message. Read the whole chapter when you get a chance.

Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Cormorant Fishing Boats

2007-08-21T08:33:00.000+09:00

A typhoon and its resulting flood of the lower Nishiki River two years ago, all but destroyed Cormorant Fishing in the Kintai area. Both birds and boats were casualties. Thanks to donations of boats, cormorants, and cash, this popular local tradition is getting back on track.

Here are a couple of picts of fishing and dining preparation, shot from atop Kintai Bridge.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Buddhist Festival of the Dead and...

2007-08-13T14:49:00.000+09:00

In Hiroshima Prefecture, during the week of Obon, the Buddhist Festival of the Dead, "bon toro/盆灯篭" are placed around gravesites by relatives and friends. These paper lanterns are purchased and placed to remember and honor those who have passed away. While I am a Christian, and a pastor, I have a strange affection for these colorful, paper lanterns. Maybe it's just the fact that just once a year, these colorful objects of light, seem to celebrate life, in a place where death is known to reign.

The white lanterns indicate someone who has died within the last year, and the multi-colored ones, are for those who passed away more than a year ago.

Last year I stumbled upon a huge cemetery, just a few kilometers from our home. This morning as I respectfully walked through the cemetery, camera in hand, I found the gravesite of a Christian. The gravestone was engraved with "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." That one makes quite a statement in the middle of thousands and thousands, of whom in all likelihood, had never known Jesus Christ as a certain a Christian named "Hironaka" did.

Gripped,
Kevin

Delivering the Lanterns?

To get an idea of how big this cemetery is, click on this pict!

Iwakuni Harbor Fireworks '07

2007-07-23T15:22:00.000+09:00

I got to the harbor a little late, so I didn't get a spot right on the water. Even so, I had one or two that turned out really nice.

Here are a few.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Bees and Lotus Flowers

2007-07-19T14:31:00.000+09:00

This morning I went out to the same local lotus paddy to get a few more pictures, and to pray. I was treated to a flurry of bee activity. I hope you enjoy these just a fraction of how much I did as I was shooting them, oh, and dodging them, too! ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin

Lotus 蓮

2007-07-18T14:31:00.000+09:00

These flowers are amazing and really quite big. Fully opened they are about 30 centimeters/12 inches across. The area of Japan we live in is famous for lotus root, quite a delicacy. These pictures were taken at a small paddy not too far from our home.

The large view is quite nice. Click on the pict ;)

In His Grip,
Kevin

Shout!

2007-07-17T09:26:00.000+09:00

Applause, everyone. Bravo, bravissimo!
Shout God-songs at the top of your lungs!

Psalm 47 The Message

How Great! How Marvelous!

2007-07-16T21:38:00.001+09:00

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to."

1 John 3:1-2 The Message

Damselfly Gettin' Some Breakfast

2007-07-11T15:19:00.000+09:00

Ishnura Asiatica, female, catching, munching, and woofin' down breakfast. To fully appreciate the process, click on each pict ;) .

Catch breakfast...

Munch...

Woof the bug down.

Robber Flies, the "Hanging Thieves"

2007-07-06T09:58:00.000+09:00

(Asilidae)

Not much to say about these "lovely" creatures...

Kevin

Gray Heron Sillhouettes at Sunrise

2007-07-02T17:33:00.000+09:00

We live in Iwakuni, Japan, near a large tidal river called the Imazu. I go there to walk or run our border collie, Jazz. And I go to take pictures. There are birds and bugs and flowers and the sunrises are often spectacular. The beauty there often encourages me to praise Him for the majesty of His creaton, as I bring my prayer requests, along with my camera gear, too.

On this day, I was headed to a small patch of land where people grow lotus root. There are a variety of dragonflies and robber flies around the patties of standing water where the lotus root are cultivated.

On the way, gray herons were perched along the rivers' edge, as the waters of the higher tide was teeming with potential breakfast for the heron.

I did get to see some dragonflies, damselflies, and robber flies eventually, but first a few pictures of the herons.

In His Grip,
Kevin

Some Butterflies

2007-06-26T08:32:00.000+09:00

Indian Fritillary

Cabbage White

Don't know...

Small Copper on ...

Small Copper on Clover

Just the Convenient Parts

2007-06-22T11:54:00.000+09:00

Some of my friends really dislike my sarcasm. I’m surprised they remain my friends. I do attempt to employ sarcasm for effect and impact, though I don't always get the result I hope for.

But let me warn you ahead of time, this post might not be fun for some. These thoughts are partly a result of my study of 1 John, chapters one and two. And in particular, 1 John 2:6.

Can Christians just keep and obey the Scripture they are comfortable with and they feel is convenient? No, really! Should we just keep the feel-good verses, chapters, and books? Or those that are in times with the social thought of our day?

Some who who say they are called by His name so easily and routinely toss aside certain parts of the Word. Passages that have recently been brought to my attention are those that deal with our body-not-being-our-own, verses against homosexuality, premarital and extramarital sex, and others like those.

Well if we’re going to ignore any of His Word, why not John 3:16? I mean, accepting God’s free gift and then trying to live for Him, or avoid living for Him, is just too tough, and as I was informed recently, that half of the church doesn’t live the life their pastors and the Bible expect them to anyway. Oh, really, now?

Then let me propose that we go a step further and toss all the salvation-is-a-free-gift kinds of texts. Why not? I say let’s stop making others feel guilty about the worry of hell by saying goodbye to grace and mercy! I mean, the majority of people, in or out of the church, don’t believe at least some parts of the Word, so maybe they're onto something. And offending the majority is not what we want, is it?

NOW! BACK TO REALITY!

Is all of the Bible His Word or is it not? How dare we cherry-pick His Word for our convenience' sake, or because of what a certain percentage of so-called-believers is not doing! God have mercy on us for our blatant arrogance! We are to respond to Him and obey Him, or we are lying to ourselves.

AW Tozer said:

"It is altogether doubtful whether any man can be saved who comes to Christ for His help but with no intention to obey Him. Christ’s saviorhood is forever united with his lordship. Christ must be Lord or he will not be savior. Any professed faith in Christ as personal Savior that does not bring the life under plenary obedience to Christ as Lord is inadequate and must betray its victim at the last. The man that believes will obey; failure to obey is convincing proof that there is not true faith present."

John wasn’t advocating that salvation comes through perfectly obeying a set of rules, and neither am I. Yet, John didn’t pull any punches when he wrote that those who claim to live in Him cannot separate themselves from obeying Him.

Here’s part of what he wrote...

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6

In His Grip,
Kevin

Dragonfly (Calopteryx Japonica)

2007-06-16T05:39:00.001+09:00

This is the "ao hada tonbow", literally, the blue-skinned dragonfly. Just as I was squeezing the trigger, it stretched it's wings for me. Here's that series.

Gripped,
Kevin

Sparrows

2007-06-12T20:32:00.000+09:00

Most of the migratory, colorful, popular birds have migrated to cooler places. Or at least they've moved up into the mountains and away from our home, which is in the city. There are plenty of tree sparrows around, though.

The tree sparrow is a not-too-appreciated birdy, and maybe that's why I like 'em. Their colors are not too bright, nor very cheerful. They can be noisy and their manners wanting. Yet God has even them in His thoughts.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. --Jesus (from Matthew's gospel)

Here are a few that have visited us recently.

In His Grip (and His thoughts),
Kevin

From the Flag Iris Fields

2007-06-07T16:32:00.000+09:00

Morning pruning ...

The flag irises ...

Blessed Be the Name of the Lord!

2007-06-07T15:56:00.000+09:00

I listen to worship music via the internet, while working at home. And even though it's not a new one, this song never ceases to get me to stop whatever I'm doing and really worship along. Thanks Matt and Beth Redman!

Here's a bit from my current favorite, "Blessed Be Your Name".

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there´s pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I´ll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Please visit Matt's website... www.mattredman.com