Hello Everyone!

Today is a very special day for my wife and I. It's a day that marks one of the fastest years of our lives. Today is our son's first birthday. It is hard to imagine how quickly he has grown. I know every parent goes through this and that so many folks can tell us what to expect, or tell us to enjoy it while it lasts, but there isn't anything like experiencing this feeling yourself.

It seems like just no time ago that I could hold him with one hand. He was a mere 5lbs and 15oz. when he was born. I was scared to death holding him for fear of breaking him. My wife and I had never seen anything that God had created more perfect than the little life that He gave us this day a year ago.
I'm remembering when the nurse in the hospital asked me if I wanted to look up and see my son being born, seeing him arrive for the first time, and hearing him cry for the first time. I remember the feelings that ran through me as I tried to hold things together in front of my wife at the time of her delivery. But there was no way to contain what I was feeling and the tears flowed.

I'm remembering back to when we were worrying about his weight gain because he was so thin. But even more I can remember the first time he smiled at me one day when I came home from work. But nothing compares to the way he smiles at his mother. He will grab you with his grin, there's no doubt. Everywhere we go, he captures people with his smile and his giggles.
God has given him a big family of proud grandmothers, granddaddy's, uncles, aunts, and cousins who love him very much. And for that my wife and I are incredibly thankful to God.

In his fist year our boy has traveled to several states including North Carolina, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Florida and Kansas just to name a few. He has seen his first Christmas, Easter, strolled through parks, explored space museums, children museums, been onboard his granddad's sailboat, eaten his way through a good portion of the U.S.A, found out that he likes molasses (like his dad) and hiked on the Blue Ridge Parkway with his Mom and Dad.

Well, to say that my wife and I are proud of our little guy is an understatement. Over the course of the last year he has brought us nothing but joy and has made us the happiest parents in the world. Before my wife and I got married we knew that we wanted a child. We had no idea of the blessing that God had planned to give us an eternity ago. Jesus is mighty to answer our prayers when we ask for His will to be done in our lives
​(1 John 5:14)! I pray everyday that He will give me the wisdom to raise our son to grow up and be a man after His own heart.
Of all God's creation, my wife and son are the greatest gifts that He has given me.

Happy 1st Birthday to my son in whom I am well pleased!

I believe that God created every person for the purpose of serving Him and giving Him glory. Unfortunately not everyone will. When Jesus went to the cross, He went and died for all. Not just a select few. I also believe that out of all the people on the earth, God has planned for particular people to cross the paths of others. Non- believers will cross paths with believers so that they might hear the good news of the gospel. And believers will cross paths with other believers to strengthen each other -Proverbs 27:17. We can think "well that's unavoidable isn't it?" but think about it, why do we live where we live? Why do we work where we do? And so on. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't believe in accidents or that we just float through life without purpose.
One example for instance would be my dad working together with a man from Hatteras, NC for a tugboat company in Norfolk, VA many years ago (probably early 80's). I would have been little at the time (maybe in the 2nd or 3rd grade). Who would have thought that so many years later, after everywhere I've worked and places I've been and seen that I would be working with that man's grandson in NC and together on the same boat?

I will come back to this in a minute.

When we give our lives to God, I believe that things get a whole lot harder after that. I don't want to get to far off track here, but bear with me. I'm not a believer in what's called the "prosperity movement" that is so very popular today. This movement teaches that if you love the Lord enough that you'll have your every dream of whatever you yourself desire come true. This might include becoming wealthy, or never being sick again just to name a couple. But did Jesus teach this? No, He didn't. Jesus said that the road with Him would be difficult -Matthew 7:13-14.
I believe that part of the difficult road is being despised by the world. Here are some quotes from Jesus Himself...
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."
-John 15:18-19

And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.
-Matthew 10:22

​Now back to my original point.
As we live in a world that hates God and those who have given their lives to Him, God pre-planned for us to come across other believers on the difficult road. One such person that comes to mind on my road is my mate at work. The maritime industry is a rough/tough environment. I have worked on fishing boats, dinner cruise boats, passenger ferries, research boats, and tugboats nearly my entire life. I believe that there are many more non believers than there are followers of Jesus Christ in this line of work. So one who loves Christ can feel pretty alone in this field.
My mate on the boat (who for privacy reasons) I will just call Mike has been a bright spot where I work now for quite a few years. He is a man of high moral character and truly loves the Lord. He speaks often of his love for his wife and children. I see him involved with his church. Each day we work together we talk about the things of God (creation, marriage, and loving others) and we listen to Christian music and sermons by well known pastors (who we believe teach correct theology) from around the country. Mike is an encouragement to me and many others in our workplace. He helps to strengthen me by example, and always has my permission to hold me accountable as a brother in Christ. I can only hope that I do the same for him. I am very happy to call him my brother in Christ!
With my work schedule, I can only attend church once every other week at home, so it's a bit difficult to get connected with other Christian men on my time off. Is it an accident that in such a harsh world we are blessed with like minded believers when AND where they are needed. I think not! As a matter of fact, isn't that the reason for the church, to come together and uplift and encourage each other in Jesus' name?
And isn't it encouraging that in a cursed world where we are hated by that world for His name's sake while enduring difficulties in life that Jesus promises us this...
"For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them." -Matthew 18:20

God's plan is always perfect and there are no accidents. Obey Him and be someone's bright spot right where you are... and know that he is always in your midst!

I hope you are encouraged by this.

We're right in the middle of summer so don't forget to go outside and explore the things God has made even if it's just in your own backyard!

In Christ,
​
Kevin-

Day before yesterday I went to do a little work to my boat lift with my Dad and Uncle. I arrived at the house in NC where I used to live very early in the morning. Once there, I decided to do a quick walk around the property. I walked down to where my Granddad's fig farm and garden once was.
When I got down there I saw an old friend in the woods. A very wise old friend that I have spent several years trying to catch on camera. I have heard him many times in the early mornings and in the evenings at dusk telling the news to his friends down in the swamp. The friend I am referring to is an old Barred Owl that lives in the woods down there by the fig trees. I saw him fly silently from one tree up into another and turn around looking at me.
I walked back slowly to my truck in order to get my camera. While making my way back to the truck all I could think was "He won't be there when I get back...He's never been there when I get back." I got to the truck and put my 100-400mm telephoto lens on my EOS 50D. I walked back to the fig trees and I couldn't believe it...there he was still sitting there as if he were waiting on me to come back.
I stopped as soon as I saw him because I didn't want to scare him off before getting a shot. I took a few pictures and then he shouted a hoot at me. I hooted back and he blinked and moved his head in a circular motion. It was quite comical.
I enjoyed watching him for the few minutes that I had. He hooted at me once more and then I decided to leave him alone. After that I went up to the house for a short nap before going over to the beach to work on the boat lift. When I got to look at the pictures of this beautiful bird (that I have waited patiently for years to get)  I thought about Proverbs 19:20 that says "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days." Oh how true that is in so many areas of life! I am thankful to God that I could  see this amazing animal that He created. I am thankful to Him for allowing me to finally get pictures of it. Mostly and always, I am thankful for the Truth and Wisdom of God's Word and for Him reminding me of His Word through creation.

Spring is quickly approaching! Don't forget to go outside and enjoy the things that the Lord has made. Even if it's just in your own backyard.

In Christ,

Kevin- 

A lot has been going on in the last year and 4 months. I've gotten married, moved away from my home in NC, and am living near the mountains of VA. My wife and I have a little boy now. With the baby comes diapers, baby formula, diapers, doctor visits, diapers, toys, diapers, lots of love and attention...and diapers. My wife and I think we're finally settled on a good church. Trying to make new friends and get into a good support group hasn't been easy with my work schedule. Oh, did I mention my work schedule. I'm gone a week at a time, so that makes things hard on my wife for the time I'm away from home. As you can tell by reading this, there's been a LOT of transition in my life in a short amount of time. My wife has been patient with me through it all. She is amazing and I love her for it!
Before I go any further know this, I am not complaining here.
The point I'm making is that in all of the transition, I have had to be very careful that I don't loose sight of the Lord in all of it. I can totally relate to what Paul meant when he said "But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife." -1 Corinthians 7:32-33
​

When I was single I gave so much of my energy to God. Now being married I want my wife to be happy and I want to be a good husband and father. There are so many distractions now, and I have to really make time for prayer, reading God's word, and keeping my mind and focus on Him.

A couple of things I do each day are...

1- I have a Bible study plan for reading a little each day using an application in my phone and tablet. This will take me through the Word in a year.
2- I read an article or watch a video on marriage by Christian organizations I follow on Facebook everyday to keep myself accountable and to get ideas for fun things to do with and for my wife.
3- I read articles about Biblical Creation and the creation/evolution debate often to keep my mind sharp on these topics.
Another thing I believe we all should do is take time to examine our thoughts, speech, and daily conduct to make sure we're really walking the walk. (2 Corinthians 13:5)

I don't do these things just at home. It's hard with the many distractions at work for 7 days as well. So whenever I have a little down time I try to read and pray with the moments God gives me. He is always faithful to give us the time. We just need to grab that time and make it happen.

Thank you for stopping by and staying a while. I hope that if you've been pulled in different directions by life's transitions and distractions that this will help you to come up with ideas for staying close to God.

Dont forget to go outside and enjoy all the things that the Lord has made. Even if it's just in your own back yard.

In Christ,

​Kevin-

Hello again!

Recently I have been fortunate to work most of my last two shifts on the water in Currituck County, NC. While there, I was able to see Currituck Sound frozen, lots of fog (which is never welcome), and a million stars on incredibly clear nights. One thing that really stood out to me were the sunrises and sunsets. They were pretty fantastic. One day the sound was so incredibly still that we couldn't make out the horizon line without the help of the shoreline off to the sides of the sound as a reference.

Another thing I noticed were the incredible number of Bald Eagles. I've never seen so many in one place before. One day while I was there, the crew and I counted 10. Below are some shots of three that I was fortunate enough to get while there. It's hard to believe how beautiful these animals really are if you've never seen one up close. They really exemplify power and grace.

There was so much to enjoy there and I am thankful to God that He allowed me to experience it and photograph a lot of it. My time in Currituck was very enjoyable... on and off the job! Our Creator is a wonderful and good Father. Thank Him when you pray tonight for His provision, His love, His upholding of all things, and what for He did for us on the cross. And don't forget to go outside and enjoy all that He has made, even if it's just in your own backyard!

In Christ,

Kevin-

Hello to you all!
I am a bit late with this entry because of all that I've had going on the last couple of weeks, but I feel like it's better late than never.

God is a wonderful Father. He has shown me a tremendous amount of wildlife this year as well as changes and transitions in my own life. My wife and I were able to do a final bit of traveling for a while, and  I was blessed to witness the birth of my son in 2016! We spent the remainder of the year (Christmas through the New Year) in Indiana and had a great time relaxing.
 
I just wanted to take a look back and remember some of the highlights God has shown and given me in 2016...

I pray that you all had a good 2016 and that God will bless you abundantly in 2017! Don't forget to go outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made even if it's just in your own back yard.

In Christ,

Kevin-

Today I went for a hike up Flattop Mountain. I wanted to get some exercise and thought a walk up the trail would the way to go. I've gotten a little out of shape so it was a strenuous hike. I became very winded and my pulse raced. Not a great feeling at the time. It was just strenuous enough that I considered quitting and turning around to go back to my truck several times today.
Each time I thought about quitting I would remember this verse of scripture that says -Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. I Cor. 9:24

The Trail was steep, the air was cold, and the wind was blowing harder the further I got up the mountain. I didn't want to give up and I'm glad that I didn't. I got to see that incredible view of the mountains from the summit. And on the way back down as it was getting dark, I was able to see the sun setting beside Sharptop through the trees, and the colors were pretty spectacular.
After I got home, I read a few more verses in the Word concerning not giving up...

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:32
​
And a very familiar verse...
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Besides not wanting to give up, I also didn't want to go home and have to tell my wife that I quit ;)

I hope the next time things get tough and the mountains are awful steep, that you'll press on and put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ!
Get outside when you can and enjoy God's creation even if it's only in your own back yard! Thank you for stopping by and staying a while!

In Christ,

​Kevin-

Hello to you all,

Thanksgiving is upon us again, and I wanted to share just a few things that I am thankful for this year.

First and always first, I give thanks to God for choosing me to be one of His elect (Colossians 3:12-17) and the salvation I received through His grace.
I am thankful for my family and friends.
I am thankful for the area I live in right now.
I am thankful for my job and income.
I am thankful that I can feed my family and have a roof over their heads.
I am thankful that I still have my parents.
I am thankful for the talks I get to have with my Dad.
I am thankful for being an American.
I am thankful for the traveling I've been able to do this year including adding Colorado to my list of states visited.
I am thankful for my wife and son.
I am thankful for the talks I get to have with my wife.
I am thankful for my Mother and Father in law, my Happy Sister in law, my Brother in law and his family.
I am thankful for God's creation all around me and my senses for taking it all in.
I am thankful that my wife also enjoys His creation and that we have the outdoors as a shared interest together.

There is much more that I could list, but I need to get back to loving my family.

Take a few minutes today and think about all the things that you can thank God for. The list will always be longer than you thought! And don't forget to get outside and enjoy all the things the Lord has made. Even if it's just in your own backyard!

​Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

In Christ,

​Kevin-

Hello all!
A couple of times during my leave from work I have been fortunate enough to go hiking up on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway. Each time gave me a chance to get a little exercise, and be alone with God. It would be a lie to say that the last few weeks have not been taxing with the lack of sleep my wife and I have gotten tending to our son. Both she and I have needed to take turns getting out of our apartment for a break and a little sunshine. There has been a time or two that we've packed up Micah and gone to the park together to stretch our legs and enjoy the outdoors.

I have really come to love where we live. The opportunities for exploring here are pretty much endless. As soon as I'm out of town here and into the mountains, I feel very relaxed (much like I did on the property in NC). I reckon it's  the woods that I love so much and the slow pace of being out in the country. But here, there are so many  streams and waterfalls within just a few minutes drive.

While the trails here that lead to waterfalls understandably seem to have more hikers on them, I've been fortunate enough to find a couple of secluded places to sit on a rock or an old log and be alone with God. One such place was on top of Buzzards Roost, a large boulder formation on Sharp Top Mountain. I was also blessed to have the summit of Sharp Top all to myself for a few minutes a couple of days ago. A very rare occurrence from what I've heard.  

God's wonders are abundant here. Looking out at the mountain tops gets me to wondering what it must have been like during the days of the great flood and the tectonic plates shifting as the fountains of the great deep were opened (Genesis 7:11) causing the mountains to rise and the valleys to sink (Psalm 104:8, Genesis 7:1-24). What must it have been like when the highest mountains were underwater and sea creatures like Megalodon were swimming over and around them!? 

Coming to places like these and seeing, hearing and smelling the beauty of God's creation is a constant reminder that He is in full control and upholding all things. No matter what we go through God is watching over us and taking care of what we can't handle on our own.

I am thankful for the things God has allowed in my life, for the things He has given me, and for the things He has delivered me from. Most of all I am thankful for His grace and my salvation through Jesus Christ.

Thank you for stopping by and staying a while! Don't forget to get outside to enjoy and explore the things that God has made...even if it's just in your own backyard!

In Christ,

Kevin-

A year ago my wife and I walked down the isle together outdoors on a beautiful Autumn day on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We vowed to God to stick together until "death do us part". Since then there have been many changes and adjustments for both of us, but we have come through our first year triumphant! I am a lucky man with so much to be thankful for. I am married to the woman of my dreams, and was fortunate a few weeks ago to see our son come into the world. Below are a few photos of our first year as Husband and Wife.

In the beginning God created marriage to be between a man and a woman.  That is still His plan and design today. He said that it is not good for the man to be alone. And out of marriage children would come along. I'm truly thankful that God chose for me to not be alone. I'm truly thankful for the wife He has given to me!
Our Creator is good, and we simply love living for Him!

To my wife...
Happy First Anniversary! I love you more than you'll ever know!

Thank you all for stopping by!

In Christ,

Kevin-