A Moment in Time

I trust the lack of complete sharpness in this image can be overlooked when the speed of the subject is considered.  Just try to imagine--or calculate, if you are so bent--the distance traveled in 1/400th of a second.

As I noted in the blog description above, one of the things I enjoy about photography is the capturing of a brief flash of time.  Some images seem frozen, some shout the fact that there is a before and after.  But in each case, we move through life a second at a time; all too often unmindful of its fleeting nature.

James 4:14.

Where there's smoke?

Our minds are well-designed and well-trained to draw conclusions by what we observe and the "rules" we have learned to apply.  This serves us well in many ways. Yet as we experience life, we come to understand that things are not always what they seem at first.  Or as they appear to us.  Knowledge is not the same as wisdom.  Google provides unlimited knowledge but one must search (no pun intended) diligently for wisdom (Eccl. 7:25).

Knowledge can recite the rules and exactly why the sinner should be stoned.  Wisdom turns the judgment on the judgers and inquires whom among you that is without sin let him cast the first stone.

Knowledge determines the rabbi to be guilty by association.  Wisdom catches His vision that the whole need no physician and that salvation is for those who are able to see themselves as lost.

Knowledge acquired puffs the mind.  Wisdom increases humility.

And, lest we take ourselves too seriously, knowledge is knowing that tomatoes are technically classified as fruit; wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad!

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 91:12)

Essentials

This one is for my fellow flying fans. The above cockpit instrument cluster provides the most basic information essential for flight.  It has fewer gauges than a Cessna 172 shot from a similar angle. Any guesses as to "make and model" of the airplane pictured? Note: to the observant there are a couple of indications that make it clear this is not a single-engine four-seater; partial credit for identifying them.

More importantly, do you know the essentials of the gospel?  Paul stated it very simply in I Cor. 15:3-4: 1) Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, 2) He was buried, and 3) He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

So, while there is much we can and should learn from the Bible, we'd do well to adopt Paul's credo: "I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." (I Cor. 2:2).

When I Look Down

No, this was not from "lofty mountain's grandeur" but it was from one of my favorite perches.  From where it's a little easier to imagine God's view of this earth.  Filled not with "huddled masses" but with individual people, each known by their Creator.  Each pinpoint of light a dwelling with people, families, places; none trivial.  None expendable.  Shining so bright even the clouds are illuminated from beneath.

"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him."
(II Chr. 16:9)

Wait For Me!

I struggled to decide whether to call this "Two's company, three's a crowd" (as my grandma often said) or the title I ended up with.  Something in this photo makes me think the trailing member of this Lima Lima Flight Team (based in nearby Naperville) is struggling to keep up. 

I guess there are times we all feel we're pushing hard just to keep pace.  Ironically, the answer is often not to push harder but to slow down enough to make sure our efforts are effective and focused on the important things.

Span of Heaven

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?" (Isaiah 40:12)

It's a good question.  I remember one of the first times flying in an airliner as a kid, seeing the "span" of the heavens stretching along the horizon, and pondering the vastness of creation. Who but God has measured out the span of heaven?

Little Help

This Boeing 737-700 is a technologically advanced airplane, capable of carrying 140 passengers over 3500 miles at speeds approaching 500 mph.  Yet it relies on a couple of guys in a tug to push it back from the gate to a position where it can taxi by itself.  (Sure, it could deploy its thrust reversers at the gate but probably not without blowing the glass out of the terminal windows!)

The Bible has many references to help us understand how much we need each other; even the "strongest" among us.  One of my favorites is from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken"

It's OK to ask for help--we need each other!

What Goes Up

Yes, life has its ups and downs. Paul spoke of being abased and abounding and being content in all thing; certainly not a natural response.  I guess that's why Paul said that he had learned that particular response to life.  And ultimately he gives credit to the source in Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

And the Apostle John, who felt so close to Jesus that he referred to himself as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" testified, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear."

Into the Sunset

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised. (Ps. 113:3)

Otto

So, I'm a little embarrassed that I was 40' above my assigned altitude in this picture (even though ATC doesn't holler until you miss it by 300').  Still it's kind of a cool shot, don't you think?  And this is all you get to look at when flying on instruments in the clouds (which I wasn't when this image was taken).

In life, too, it's important to know which are the important "gauges".  Focus on them and ignore the rest--especially in time of trouble.  Here it's the six in the very middle.  Bonus points if you can name all six.

Any guesses who Otto might be?

Aaron & Hur

OK, it's quite a stretch to compare the biblical account of Aaron & Hur holding up Moses' arms to the often unseen support aircraft of the Blue Angels known affectionately as "Fat Albert".  But it's worth it to draw some attention to the unsung heroes who lend their loyal, quiet and unassuming support to those who are more visible.  The famous "Blues" get the focus but they'd attest to the reality that the show would not go on if it weren't for their ground, maintenance, and logistics crews.

Thanks to all who selflessly serve in so many places, lowly and great.  The Lord is your reward.

Intersection

This shot reminded me of those graphs that plot two variables and often make the point that the intersection is the optimal point.  And that got me thinking of Ephesians 4:15, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ". 

Truth...in love.  How easy it is to come down on someone with a full load of "truth".  And how we appreciate it when someone approaches us in love and esteem.  I bet Paul had to work on this too, as do I.  Worth the effort.

Follow the Leader

When flying tight formations like this, it's imperative that each plane follows the leader.  Even in a deep dive.  But not into the ground.

Like the noble Bereans, we all must "search the scriptures".  Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." (I Cor. 11:1).

Single Focus

Back to the airshow theme!  I'm quite sure this guy didn't know I was taking his picture.  In fact I'm very sure he was intently focused on the job at hand -- "driving" an F/A-18 Hornet at high speed and with utter precision.

This guy's intensity reminds me of the Apostle Paul's singular focus and determination to know nothing save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (II Cor. 2:2).  Indeed, though he was talking about running a race, these verses from I Corinthinans 9 seem to apply as well:

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (I Cor. 9:24-27)

Perfection?

Sorry, but the airshow pix might be a staple for awhile!  When you look at this picture, what do you think?  Are you amazed at the unbelievable formation flying of these four, no five, F-18 Blue Angels airplanes?  Frankly, I am.  As a private pilot with a mere 350 flying hours, I can't imagine getting this close to another plane; never mind at their speed and with the turns they do together.

What else do you see?  Maybe you noticed that the #4 plane is slightly out of formation; actually noticeably farther away from his flying comrades than the rest.  Do you think he's a slacker?  Maybe just not as good as the rest?  It's interesting to ponder how we react to slight differences -- do we overlook the incredible reality of how close they are to focus on the variances?  I confess to having some of those thoughts.

Then, it turns out that the #4 guy dropped out of the show the next day because of illness.  So maybe, just maybe, he was feeling a little off his game when this shot was taken and left just a little extra margin of error to protect his formation partners.  That changes the perspective, doesn't it?

Lord, help me to be quick to listen, slow to judge, and to be full of grace.

Upward!

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

OK, so these aren't eagles...and not really "angels" either...but their upward attitude reminded me of this verse.  And as I soak in the effects of a very blessed week in which waiting on the Lord was key, I'm thankful for the promise from God through the old prophet.

Southwest

Nothing particularly inspirational here.  I just like airplanes. Have I mentioned that?  And Southwest is the best out there.  Their "gate turn" is a well-oiled machine, part of which you can get a glimpse of here.

Teamwork

It's a lot harder than you might think to capture these guys in flight. But then again, it's a lot harder to fly like they are flying.  You'd be surprised how close another airplane looks just 500' below you -- I can't imagine how this would feel.  It was taken at last summer's Chicago Air Show.

Short Final II

If you ever wondered what view the co-pilot sees when landing at a major airport, wonder no more!  This shot was taken by my dad as we were landing on Runway 32 at Sarasota Airport (SRQ) in Florida after a delightful sightseeing trip around the area.

This Nikon Coolpix product is more about the angle than the quality of the image. By the way, by the time you get to "short final", it's essential that you have everything set and a stable approach established.  Kind of like life.

Why I Fly IFR

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:(Ps. 104:3)

I recently gained the right to fly an airplane through the clouds and gain such spectacular vistas.  These were taken with a cell phone camera but still capture the magnificence of the carpet of clouds at about 5000 above sea level.