Author: Paurian

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75 Steps

Two weeks ago I visited the Washington DC / Georgetown area. Given the opportunity, I took some time in the evenings to do various photo-shoots. One of the interesting highlights of Georgetown is that the basis of “The Exorcist” really took place there. Of similar interest, parts of the movie were shot there as well. This includes the torturous stairs that the priest fell down at the end.

What I found interesting about this location was the lighting. On one side there’s a bright orange tungsten and on the other side there’s a pale blue florescent. They clash together like retro 3D glasses. No doubt, though, it was the ominous appearance of that tall staircase that made it ideal for the scene. Camera crews tend to bring their own lighting.

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Rock Ledge Ranch – 100th Anniversary Celebration

Rock Ledge Ranch celebrated their 100th anniversary last Saturday. My wife was charmed by the community’s involvement – particularly the appearance of the Ladies of the Evergreen Cemetery. This is a group of women who dress in period costume to represent some of the people buried in the prestigious Evergreen Cemetery. Their costumes were elaborate Victorian and Edwardian era style and most included parasols. It’s amazing how much better the photos turned out because of the parasols in the blazing sunlight. Just Lovely!

That same afternoon, I caught a glimpse of a Rock Ledge Ranch docent walking towards the grounds church. It made me think of how hundreds of years ago, people wouldn’t even hitch up their horses on the Sabbath because that would be making the horses work. They walked quite a distance to get to their church. This solemn scene was a big contrast to the gaiety throughout the rest of the park. Perhaps through its supplication it felt more sincere.

Later in the evening a terrific storm brewed over Garden of the Gods. The rain hit the road so hard it created a fine four-inch thick heavy mist hovering over it. Lightning lit up the park from behind the monoliths. It was amazing. I became soaked, but fortunately the equipment just got a few drops.

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Meditation

“Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise-worthy — meditate on these things.” – PHIL 4:8

I am very lured to talk about the incessant corruption evident in the current events. From companies that treat people like cattle to government corruption to the media that amplifies it.

I hate to admit, but when there’s a bad accident I’m drawn to see what happened. When work becomes stressful, I begin to concentrate on how stressful work is. This clouds my judgment from seeing obvious solutions to the problem.

I’ve been called a worry-wort and a wet-blanket amongst other things. There are many others out there who also mount worry and complaining in the halls of their daily living. They are like trophies. That’s not what God calls me to be.

We could ask why and go into some Freudian explanation just to explain it away, but that still focuses on problems.

In Disney’s movie “Pollyanna”, Philippians 4:8 becomes a pivotal element several times. The pastor is discouraged and dis-enlightened, a man is frustrated with the political corruption, one woman has a fixation on death, another on sadness, another on herself, and finally Pollyanna becomes fixated on her crippled condition.

Taking the lesson from the Bible, when I’m discouraged I should look for something to be glad about rather than complain.

I shouldn’t let discouragement build to the point of anxiety. The verses leading up to Philippians 4:8 explain how we should deal with anxiety – by bringing it to God. God is then said to bring peace – not solutions.

Like any good doctor a prognosis is mentioned with the cure to go with the medicine. Am I anxious? Bring it to God and get some peace. Chances are I’m anxious because there’s a focus on the wrong things. Change the focus and my condition will change with it.