Articulating Hope - Deacon Vernon's Blog

Mountains and Hills, Praise the Lord!

8/9/2022

Whether you read Psalm 148:9 or Daniel 3:75, we get a sense that God's handiwork fulfills its purpose simply by being what it is called to be. Thus we read: "Mountains and hills, bless the Lord."

These photos from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Estes Park area remind me of the grandeur of God.

My encouragement to you today is simple. Regardless of the struggles you are facing, be at peace. Give praise to the Lord, even in your pain.

"Praise Him, all you wild animals and cattle." (Psalm 148:10)

Three Disconnected Thoughts That Are Connected

8/8/2022

I perused LinkedIn early this morning before getting my workday officially started. Three random posts caught my attention.

Get into the habit of asking yourself: "Does this support the life I am trying to create?"

That question should certainly help in prioritizing our daily activities. It could also prompt us to eliminate some bad habits we may have developed.

Embrace the messy.

We don't have to do everything perfectly right out of the gate. Making mistakes and growing from them can be part of the process that leads to greatness. (Thanks Jesse Cole for that reminder from the vantage point of the Savannah Bananas.)

"Pay close attention to people who don't clap when you win."

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we celebrated life in a way that builds others up? Let's be the type of people who do that. Try to always see the bigger picture (just as if you are looking out an airplane window).

Have a blessed week!

Photos From Today--The Last Day of CFD 2022

7/31/2022

When the Mayor arrives, it is close to starting time.

I had a close-up view of Chute Number 9.

Six folks jumped from a helicopter and landed safely in the arena.

Three landed smoothly. Three landed a little less gracefully.

It has been a couple of great days for me at Cheyenne Frontier Days. I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little on the tired side. I may need to go back to work tomorrow to rest up.

I sported my cowboy hat that I purchased in 1978. It came with me from Old Monroe, Missouri to Powell, Wyoming in 1979 when I accepted a basketball scholarship to Northwest (Community) College. It typically sits in my closet quietly growing old. I thought I would break it out today for the finals.

As we move into the month of August, we know that brings with it a sense of upcoming changes. "Back-to-school" sales let us know that summer vacation is quickly drawing to a close. I hope you have had some chances this summer to make memories.

Blessings and peace!

Enjoy Some Photos From Today's Rodeo at CFD

7/30/2022

Doin' it with style!

Many thanks to Bryan Pedersen for inviting me into his box for the rodeo.

I was able to grab a photo of Bryan Pedersen and Mayor Patrick Collins.

Plenty of fun for all!

Do You Still Dream Of The Possibilities?

7/26/2022

When you were a child, what did you dream of doing or becoming? As you moved through childhood and adolescence, did those dreams take root, or simply fade away?

As I look at this photo, I wonder about the possibilities for her future. Will she be a barrel racer? Does her love for animals lead to a vocation as a veterinarian? Or will she simply scope out a good-looking cowboy? (It had to be asked.)

What about us? Do we still dream? As I get older, I think about running out of time before I accomplish certain things. That is okay. I would rather die pursuing my dreams than simply die with them safely wrapped up only in my mind. (Bucket list--climbing Gros Piton on the island of St. Lucia.)

As our country grows more and more divided, what type of society will we hand on to future generations? Will they have a chance to fulfill their dreams?

My invitation to you is simple. Make your little corner of the world just a little bit brighter today than it was yesterday. Then, continue doing that every day. Let's keep all of our dreams alive by building a world based on the two great commandments. Let us love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. That will empower all of us to keep dreaming about the possibilities.

Blessings and peace!

Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade Day # 2

7/26/2022

I was back to being a spectator this year. It was a beautiful morning for a parade.

In case you don't remember my photo from last year when I was in the parade...

I think I am living in the wrong time period.

The Thunderbirds Are Practicing for Wednesday

7/25/2022

I heard a distinct sound outside of my office. Yes, the Thunderbirds are in town. They were a good distance from my location, but I was able to capture this little message.

I had the pleasure of meeting the pilots last year. We'll see if that opportunity arises again this year. The photo below is from last year.

LONG LIVE COWBOYS--Cheyenne Frontier Days

7/23/2022

To all of my friends and readers from the Cheyenne, Wyoming area, I hope you have a safe and prosperous ten days at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

To my readers located in other parts of the world, I will try to get as many photos as possible throughout the week to share the experience with you.

Have a great weekend. Blessings and peace!

Articulate Hope--Spread Joy--Squelch Mediocrity!

7/22/2022

As we wrap up another work week, I simply want to encourage you to continue to strive to be your authentic, amazing self!

Please remember this:

“Never let anyone treat you like regular glue. You are glitter glue.”
~Unknown Origination

Stay enthusiastic!

"There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment."
~Norman Vincent Peale

Stay motivated!

"People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents."
~Andrew Carnegie

And finally, be grateful!

"It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation."
~Roberto Benigni

"Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius."
~Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Oslo, Norway--Anniversary of Attack on July 22, 2011

7/20/2022

"If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden."
~ Frances Hodgson Burnett

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we reached that point where we could view the world in such a magnificent way?

On July 22, 2011 there was a double attack in Oslo, Norway beginning with a car bomb and then a shooting rampage. There were nearly a hundred people killed and hundreds more were injured.

According to Wikipedia, "It was the deadliest attack in Oslo, Norway since World War II, and a survey found that on average, 1 in 4 Norwegians knew 'someone affected by the attacks.'"

The amount of violence that is exhibited all across the world is astounding. It grips us in a more profound manner when the attacks hit close to home, but the devastation is still real even when it happens half way around the world from where we are.

Let us pray for all the Norwegians who lost loved ones in these attacks. The anniversary of this attack (Friday) is sure to be a difficult day for all those who lost loved ones. May they continue to find strength to carry on.

Let us also remember in prayer all those who were physically injured. Some of these injuries were very serious and so we pray for continued healing and restoration of physical abilities.

Finally, we pray for all those who are struggling with the emotional and spiritual turmoil that is left behind in the wake of such a tragic event.

Matthew 5:9
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let you hearts be troubled or afraid."

John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”