Kevin Talton
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A View of Forgiveness-

11/4/2019

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Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
​-Matthew 18:21

Well, I reckon if I were to say it’s been a while, that’d be an understatement.
Over the last few months I have been quite busy with things at home, my job, and my 3 year old young’n! I think the last time I published my thoughts here was back in May.

To my regular readers, please forgive me.


​Along with being busy in a lot of areas in my life, I also haven’t really been inspired to write much. I feel now though that maybe it’s time to get back to it.

​I’ve been trying to spend a lot of time with my son here lately. With my work schedule the way it is, and then having to occasionally get babysitters on top of that, I don’t get to see my boy a whole lot. When I have him to myself I try to get him outdoors as much as I can. It’s very important to me that he grows up with a good understanding and love for Gods creation all around us. I feel like if he has a firm grasp on what God did in the beginning, then hopefully with having a love for the outdoors, he will grow a love for the one who created it all. That is my sincere hope.
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Well, I had him out on the Blue Ridge Parkway a while back turning over rocks along a creek bed looking for salamanders and checking out the Fall color in the trees. Along the way he dug up a spider and got to see some deer next to the Peaks of Otter. While we were out exploring, I watched him run and laugh, and listened to him ask me questions. I tried answering him as best I could, as best I thought he’d understand.

​But I also observed something as well. There were a few times that I’d have to get after him and make him listen to me in obedience. He would naturally get upset as any child would do, but then in a matter of minutes he was over it and asking me to show him something again or tell me “come on Da-Da!” as he would laugh and run in the grass along the mountain path. It got me thinking about what a good model of forgiveness that is.
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People hurt us everyday it seems like. People at work, people that we THOUGHT were our friends, people that we KNOW are our friends. Family members fail us. Our spouses fail us. But we in turn will fail them too. Sometimes I really wonder just how discouraged Peter must have been with folks (or maybe one particular person) letting him down on every side for him to have felt the need to ask Jesus how many times we were to forgive those who wrong us. And then the Lord said those words...”Seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22) meaning EVERY TIME.
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Though it’s hard sometimes (and sometimes feels impossible) we are to forgive, get over it, and move on kind of like a young’n laughing and running in the grass on a mountain path and saying to the person who let us down, “Come on...let’s start over and try this again”!
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I hope you’ve been blessed by this entry. Thank you for stopping by and don’t forget to get outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made.
Even if it’s just in your own backyard.


In Christ,


Kevin-
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Alaska 2019 Part 2  -A Journey with My Young'n!

5/2/2019

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Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them. Splendid and majestic is His work, And His righteousness endures forever. He has made His wonders to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
-Psalms 111:2-4

While in Alaska I took my son for a ride down the Glenn Highway from Glennallen to Wasilla and back. It was an all day trek, but well worth it just to have that time with my boy. What we saw along the way was amazing. There were a couple of other days that we got to spend together walking in the snow and exploring new things in Creation.

Below is a mixture of photos that I took spending time with him and exploring God's artistic works.

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A panoramic shot I took from an overlook along the Glenn Highway with my iPhone 6s Plus.
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Being silly while checking out the moose and squirrel tracks in the snow.
It was a great time that we got to spend together. He wanted to get into everything and do everything. So many times he would tell me that he wanted to walk in the snow. He wanted to know where the moose were. Many times he just wanted to touch the trees and the spruce needles. Of course this made me happy because I’ve prayed and I am still praying that he’ll grow up to love the outdoors as much as I do.
So far, so good!
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Memories in the making.
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Discovering Alaska in a knit cap his Granny made for him.
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I don't have any idea how many fathers get to take their sons to Alaska, but I would encourage all who spend time with their boys in the outdoors to do so. There is so much to see and experience. There is so much to talk about concerning God's goodness, the creation of the world, and the formation of the mountains during the time of the Flood of Noah's day. My son at the time of this trip was about 2 1/2 years old, so I don't know how much of this trip he'll actually remember, but I hope the day will come when we can go back to this beautiful place after he is a little older  and dig deep in our study of God's Word, and explore more of the work of our Lord's hands.

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Taking a walk on a path in amongst the Alaskan Black Spruces.
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A moose we were blessed to see on the way back from Wasilla on the Glenn Highway.
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Whether he remembers this trip or not, we will always have these pictures to look back on and enjoy.
I hope you've enjoyed this blog entry, and I thank you for stopping by and staying a while.

In Christ,

Kevin-
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Alaska 2019 Part 1 -Snowy Mountains!

4/5/2019

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Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
-Psalms 90:2

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Hello everyone!
I recently had the chance to return to Alaska with my wife and son. This was my second trip to “The Great Land”. My first trip was right at the end of summer back in 2015. This time I had the opportunity to see it right at the end of winter. I don’t think anything or anyone could have prepared me for the beauty that I would see there this last time.
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To say that the mountains were breathtaking would be beyond an understatement. I was able to meet new folks while I was there, folks that were fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. One of them was Chris, a pilot who offered to take me up in one of his planes for what he called a chance of a lifetime to see the mountains in a way that most people don’t get to see them. What he said was on the money, and what I saw left me short of breath.
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By his kindness and generosity of taking me up in his plane, I was able to see a side of God’s creation that I have never seen before. My eyes went into sensory overload as I took in the beauty of the snow covered mountains, glaciers, frozen rivers and lakes.
I was reminded of what it must have been like as the mountains and volcanos formed from the tech tonic plates shifting as the fountains of the great deep were opened up during the time of the flood (Genesis 7:11, Psalms 104:8 NASB). I wonder what was going through Noah’s mind as the earth shook and the waters raised the ark over the mountains as they were forming?
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This was a trip that I will never forget. The pictures I have included here are just a fraction of the photos that I took. I wish cameras could see all the detail and color that our eyes actually see. I have more pictures from our trip and will share them in up coming entries. Thank you for stopping by and staying a while. Spring is here so get outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made...even if it’s just in your own back yard!


In Christ,


Kevin-
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Blue Ridge Beauties-

2/10/2019

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Hello All,

About a week ago I went exploring on the back roads in the mountains near where I live. While exploring, I came across these beauties and they let me get pretty close to them for a few good camera shots. It was a fun day and the Lord showed me a great amount of sights. I always enjoy a ride in the mountains or out in the country. It's very relaxing, and I never know what I'll get to see. There was a little bit of snow on the ground up there, and that made everything all the more prettier.  
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One of my wife's favorite Bible verses is Psalm 18:33 - He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places.

One of mine is Psalm 42:1 -
As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God.

I find it amazing all the examples God uses in creation to remind us of His Word.

I hope You're having a good year so far. Don't forget to go outside and explore all the things God has made...even if its just in your own backyard.

In Christ,

Kevin-
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Lunar Beauty: 2019

1/24/2019

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The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
-Psalm 19:1

Hello to you all!

I'm a little late getting these pictures that I took of the eclipse on here, but I hope you enjoy them. I didn't get outside in time to get  a picture of the full moon before the eclipse, but I was still happy with what I got. I used my Canon EOS 50D, and my 100-400mm lens for these shots. And I remembered to cut my image stabilizer off while using my tripod. Thank you all for stopping by and checking these out. I hope you were able to see the real thing as it happened on January 20th. It was quite spectacular.
Click on the images to enlarge them-
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!
Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!
Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all stars of light!
Praise Him, highest heavens,
And the waters that are above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For He commanded and they were created.
-Psalm 148:1-5

Don't forget to get outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made. Even if its just in your own backyard!

In Christ,

Kevin-
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Never Give Up-

1/20/2019

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“But you, Be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.” -2 Chronicles 15:7


A few days ago I went for a hike up Sharptop Mountain along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was a cold and windy day. It had recently snowed. It was a challenge going up the mountain because I had not been in a while, and I’ve gotten a bit out of shape for lack of getting outdoors like I should.



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The hike started out pretty easy. It was nice to have some alone time with the Lord and enjoy the visuals of the sides of the mountain and trees covered in ice and snow. As I went further up, the mountain got steeper and the snow got deeper. My legs really started to burn. I had to stop to catch my breath more than usual. There were a few times that I thought about turning around. But I hate quitting!
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Whenever I quit something, I feel defeated. It’s the thought of knowing that I gave up, and I really despise that feeling. I don’t want this mountain or any mountain to beat me whether it be a literal mountain or life challenges like my job, staying in God’s Word, or my marriage. I don’t want to quit!
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Sometimes the paths in this life are really hard. But when the trails get steep and the snow gets deep, we need to pray for God to give us guidance and strength to keep going, to keep moving, keep our eyes on His wonders, and never give up.
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Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
-1 Corinthians 16:13


Thank you for stopping by and staying a while. It’s cold outside but don’t let it stop you from getting outdoors and seeing the things the Lord has made, even if it’s just in your own back yard.

In Christ,

Kevin-
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A Year in Pictures 2018-

12/29/2018

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Hello Everyone,
Here are a few memories I thought I’d share from my 2018. It was a good year of spending valuable time with my wife and son and other family members. It was also a good year of exploring nature and God’s word. I hope you enjoy these memories as much as I do. Click on the small tabs to expand the pictures.
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January- Fun spending time with our son
February- Orlando and Tampa,Florida
March- Micah got to help his Granddad a bit and I got to meet Dr. David Jeremiah
April- Easter Sunday, walks in the park, and Micah’s dedication to the Lord
May- Lots of good times in the outdoors
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June- My wife arranged for me to meet my favorite marine artist Guy Harvey at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. My cousin Ellen and her husband can to see me in the OBX of North Carolina as they made a trip around the country.
July- Went to Kentucky and saw the Ark Encounter! Very exciting! Later in the month we went to Luray Caverns in VA.
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August- More outdoor fun, my wife and I got to see Wynonna in concert. Micah got a haircut from his Granddad, and got to attend his very first baseball game. Unfortunately, this was the month I lost my little Treasure.
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September- Beach time, fun on a farm, and preparation of the boat for Hurricane Florence.
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October- Amazing sunsets, hiking with my boy, and fun at Bush Gardens for Micah as he got to meet some of his favorite Sesame Street Characters.
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November- Micah’s first barber shop haircut, fun fighting at a marriage conference, and Branson, MO.
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December- Christmas with family, Micah’s first visit from Santa, and creation where I work.
God is good and provides for us all. Even in ways we cannot see. I hope you had a great year. Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made. Even if it’s just in your own back yard!

In Christ,

Kevin-
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Uncertain Paths

12/27/2018

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I will bring the blind by a way they did not know;
I will lead them in paths they have not known.
I will make darkness light before them,
And crooked places straight.
These things I will do for them,
And not forsake them.

-Isaiah 42:16-

Hello there!
It’s been a few months since I’ve had time to sit down and write. I ran into someone in a restaurant who reads my blog a few nights ago and she gave me encouragement by telling me how much she enjoys it. So I thought, well it has been a right good while, so here I am catching up and sharing some thoughts that have been on my mind for quite some time.

Occasionally we all go through times of questioning things in our life. Things that seem to drag us down. Those questions leave us with more questions for God.
Questions like...
What is my purpose in this life?
Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing right now?
Am I doing all I can do to serve God right now and for my remaining years?
Am I helping others enough?
Did I do the right thing by making this decision or commitment?
Should I have done that?
Why didn’t I speak Truth in love at that perfect moment?
Am I forgiving enough?
Will I ever get to get back to using the gifts and talents God has given me?
Am I a good enough leader and father?
Am I visiting my parents enough while they’re still in this life?
What am I to do with the time I have left?

Then the questions for God...
God, why am I angry so often?
God, am I truly yours?

Why am I having such a dry spell getting back into your Word?
God, are you hearing my prayers?
All these questions can lead us onto a tremendously uncertain path of doubt. But I believe it’s not only the questions. I believe it’s someone that seems to not be talked about enough these days... the devil. When we get on a wrong path he is quick to whisper directions that seem solid to us for a while, but end up leading us to an area of dead ends or deep waters far away from the Savior.
This time of year (especially), with the days being shorter and darker we tend to fall into a period of depression as well, making it easier to get on a wrong path.
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God on the other hand puts us on a path that we don’t always understand. Though we can’t always see where it leads, we need to trust Him on the way to the destination that’s His will. This is certainly not easy. I know for myself here lately, it has caused me to ask so many questions like a child asking “why” after every answer. My dad has told me so many times looking back on his life that he wondered many times what God was doing in his circumstances, but later could see clearly what He was doing the whole time. Dad always referred to it as God leading him through different doors.

Tonight I’m praying for answers to my many questions and I want to trust my Heavenly Father to lead me on the paths unfamiliar to me.
I hope you will pray for God to lead you as well by giving your whole life to Jesus Christ and letting His will be done in your life for His glory.

Don’t forget to get outside and enjoy the things the Lord has made, even if it’s only in your own backyard.

In Christ,
Kevin-

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28 Years Thankful-

8/16/2018

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Well, Hello to you all.

Tonight I am sad writing this.

Today I lost a dear friend and companion of 28 years. My Lil' Buddy, "Treasure" has passed away. I don't know what to say really except that I am so very thankful to God for the time He allowed me to have him in my life. I am also thankful for my wife who loved him dearly and took him in like her own.
Treasure was a spark of joy all the time. He was always so happy to see me and Jen  come in the door from work or a trip, bobbing his head up and down, chirping, and dancing side to side on his perch. He was just the best for therapy, always making me laugh with his getting into everything and wanting to climb all over me. It was so good to have him during many tough times in my life.
I got Treasure from a little pet store in Virginia Beach, VA when I was 16 years old. I'm 44 now. It will be a big adjustment not having him around and hearing him whistle and cracking seeds open with his beak. I know and trust that God will ease the pain of this loss using time as His tool.
A short while ago tonight my nearly 2 year old son was looking at Treasures cage and then looking back at me as if he were asking me where Treasure was. That was tough. Well, I just wanted to share some thoughts and pictures of him from over the years.
God is good all the time and we should be thankful always with Him sharing His creations with us. Treasure was certainly a part of His creation I won't forget.

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We had us a good run.

Good night and God bless.

Kevin-
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My Dad  2018-

6/17/2018

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Remember when you were a kid and you had all those dreams of things you wanted to become and later on things you thought you’d become. Then as you got older and God directed your path, you started noticing that there were things you thought that you’d never become because it might not be Gods plan and will for you. I grew up admiring my dad. I used to watch him in the garage fix and build things. Sometimes when I’m lucky, I still get to do just that when we visit my mom and dad in Eastern North Carolina.
I love watching my dad create things with wood. I love watching him figure things out and come up with solutions, answers, and fixes for things that seem to be unfixable.
Dad was not only good at fixing and building things, but he was and still is a comforter with his words. In my entire life there has never been a time that I couldn’t talk to him and not feel better, calmed down, and/or reassured. From the time I was very little, Dad always had answers to my questions about God and the Bible. If he didn’t immediately know then he would say “let’s find out” and he would get his Bible and his Strong’s Concordance, and we would sit down together until we found what we needed to know.
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My Dad aboard his sailboat that he fully restored himself.
Dad always made time to take me fishing. He taught me boathandling and how to navigate from the earliest time that I believe I could understand it. He showed me how to read the waves, tides, and currents. He gave me a love for the outdoors and instilled in me that it is all created by God. He taught me how to dive and spear fish. He taught me about my southern heritage and to always be kind to folks. “The Lord created everyone” he would say, “and you don’t know who will be touched by you for Him”. He used to say “A big mouth never made a big man” and he would explain that our speech needs to give glory to God.
So going back to the beginning, one thing that I began to think a few years ago was that I would never become a dad myself. Nearly two years ago God changed that. Actually, at the moment I'm a Da-da. I will never be the man that my dad is. I will never come close. But I will continually strive to be like him because he continually shows me Christ through himself and his love for family.
Dad is "Granddad" now. He loves all of his grandchildren (my son and my sister's children) in a way that I can't describe. My hope is that I'll be able to pass on much of what Dad taught and teaches me to my own son. I hope that I will always have time to take my son fishing like Dad did for me. He is a blessing that I will always be thankful to my Father in Heaven for.

Love you Dad!
Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
-Proverbs 4:1

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    Author- Kevin Talton

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    About This Blog

    A collection of my thoughts, images, and art giving glory to God for what He has Created, and His internal workings in my life.

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