Your eyes are immediately drawn to the two figures in the center of this black and white photo.  Both are unknown to everyone viewing it, yet we long to know more about what they are doing together as companions.

Was this the dog's first or last trip to the beach?  How long had they been walking? Did they just step onto the beach or were they about to head in?

The answers to the questions are not important.  Instead, we should recognize the need to simply exist in and enjoy the moment.  Never forget that our companions transform time into treasure, journeys into joy, and moments into memories.  When life is a bit cloudy, get out into it.  When the wind is whipping around, brave it.  When the waves come in faster than you expect, stand your group.  You can do all three better when you have a companion with you.

I was able to capture this great moment from a recent fireworks show our family attended.  When you take photos of fireworks, well, you just never know what you are going to get.  I loved this end result.

In one moment, I captured the past, present, and future.  The past is shown by the scattered and fading explosion.  The present is the starburst right after a launched firework exploded.  The future is the squiggly line of one on its way up.

Think about your life that way.  Be present in the here and now as these moments quickly fade.  We are also not guaranteed time in the future.  Live like there is no tomorrow.  Enjoy everything - even the tough times - because there is brilliance in every moment.  

For full disclosure, I need to share upfront: (1) yes, I used a little filter on this one, and (2) I snapped this photo without their knowledge.  

This image means a great deal to me as it captures my father and my brother on March 23, 2022. They had just attended the funeral of their sister and decided to visit the graves of their mother and father. These two brothers are the last from our family of that generation.

Why the title "Ready"?  Both of them lived wildly in their younger days and would tell you they wish they could change much of their past.  Oh, the crazy stories they could tell! That lifestyle, however, was transformed by the grace of Jesus and through God's Word. Now, as they are advancing in years, they are ready to meet the One who made them, changed them, and continues to sustain them.

The photo pondered some self-reflection that I'll put before you with one question - regardless of your age, are you - like them - ready to stand before God?

While taking our family photos, my attention shifted to this little spider.  It is amazing how it demonstrated their private craft in a rather public fashion.

As I thought about the spider's web, I was struck by the meaning for leaders.  We have all heard this statement - who you are when nobody is watching is who you really are.  In other words, everything done in private WILL make its way into the public eye (one way or another).  

Let that thought wash over you and may it change what you do.  Invest those "private" moments into character formulation instead of deterioration. 

What personal changes are needed so that others will remember you positively, just like this spider?

I stumbled upon a treat today. 

We decided to visit the Alamance Battleground as the location for our family pictures.  Upon arrival, we noticed volunteers dressed in period garb and our kids had a wonderful time listening to tales from 250 years ago.  At one of those presentations, my mind drifted and my eyes captured this moment - "Through the Open Doors of History."

I snapped a photo - from the present into the past - of the breeze-inducing openness of the Allen House (originally in Snow Camp, circa 1780).  History is just like this photo. 

We need a willingness to look through the doors of history so that we can learn how to live in the present.  The look-learn-live cycle requires pause and reflection but, trust me, those moments are worth it.

What do you need to look through today so that you can be a better you tomorrow?

What is in this picture?  You could say sand, bricks, storm damage, or many other things; however, those are only partially right.  The correct answer is this - these bricks are part of the original foundation for the Cape Hatteras lighthouse that was left behind when, in 1999, it was moved away from the sea.

So what?  You see, the day I took this photo was THE ONLY day this foundational remnant was able to be seen.  I returned 4 or 5 more instances, and at different times, but it was unable to be located - the tides buried it and who knows when it will re-emerge again.  That experience left an impression on me (something we talk about but fail to implement regularly):  the need to live in the moment.  We are defined by our moments!

Honestly, pause and consider these 3 statements:​  Yesterday, we esteem too highly.  Tomorrow, we fear too frequently.  Today, we value too lightly.  Right now, choose to make the most of each day!  If you look ahead and miss today, it'll be just like these historical bricks in NC - here today and gone tomorrow.

This.  This is the place of vision.

As the massive eruption on May 18, 1980, unfolded, David Johnston - a 30-year-old volcanologist - had mere seconds to live.  He was camped on this ridge to observe and his final words were:  "Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!"

When you visit the observatory that bear's David's name, you will observe a hurting history, a healing present, and an unknown future.  While here and reflecting, you are surrounded by an incredible and divergent atmosphere that includes beauty, scars, change, tragedy, healing, emotion, life, death, peace, hope, beginning, ending, dreams, and legacy. 

​​Look back at that list of words one more time.  Each and every one conjures imagery of vision.  A vision may affect each person differently, but the common ground is that everyone will be touched by the vision.

For vision, it's not where you sit that matters most BUT what you see.

Yes, this is the place of vision.

I am not going to tell you the story of this modern-day shipwreck, but google "Ocean Pursuit shipwreck" and you'll find it.  The ship ran aground in March 2020 and has been left to the elements.  This photo, taken in April 2021, shows the condition of the vessel - buried under tons of sand.

As I photographed and researched the ship, my thoughts turned to how this happened.  When the vessel ran aground, it was allowed to remain there and drift with the daily tides and ride the storms.  That tendency to drift instead of intentionally taking action resulted in it being buried. 

The same is true in our lives!  When we do not intentionally act, we unintentionally make things worse by burying ourselves. 

So, what will happen to the Ocean Pursuit? It's unclear at this time; however, the National Park Service has indicated that they will dig it out (at some point) and send the bill to the owners.  When we get buried due to our unintentional actions, we face the same prospect - intentionally digging out at a great cost.  In summary, diligence prevents drift and "the bill coming due."

This is one of my favorite pictures from my recent trip to the Outer Banks here in North Carolina.  I stood nearby and took at least 100 photos of wave after wave striking this jetty near the old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse location.  Several of these were installed to prevent erosion and, thereby, protect the Cape Hatteras light (until it was moved in 1999). 

The jetties have endured so much and continue to do so even now.  You can see how this man-made shield has worn.  You can imagine the forces it has endured from powerful hurricanes to the daily tidal changes.  You can see the spray on this side of the structure after impact.  The imagery is evocative!

Looking back on these photos and reflecting on the experience (along with a powerful statement by my father last week) taught me an important life lesson - your satisfaction during the struggle shows your strength.  When you become comfortable as life is uncomfortable, you reveal an inner strength.  Never forget that the things we most want to get rid of (frustration, discomfort, hard times) are the same ones that produce growth, maturity, and development. 

​The next time you face a tough time, remember that statement to embrace the storm, endure the struggle, and expand your soul.

I love lighthouses and took so many pictures of Bodie, Ocracoke, and Hatteras.  This day produced child-like glee for me as I was trying to get a sunset with the Hatteras light in it.  Mother Nature did not cooperate with the clouds and I was disappointed.  Then, IT happened - for the first time in my life, I saw the Cape Hatteras light in action.  This photo was my favorite and it got me thinking.

​​All my photos were of a structure - nothing wrong with that - but we, far too often, focus on structure.  Yes, that structure (much like the lighthouse) has withstood many storms BUT simply standing is not enough.  The purpose of a lighthouse only becomes clear in the dark.  To you I say this - know your purpose and shine when others need it.

The title originates from the fact that I had sat down from an exhausting set of "pistons" with that dumbbell.  As I sat there, something hit me.  Look at the photo - what do you see?  While under duress, I saw this immediately in color but going to black and white makes it more distinguishable.  See it yet?  Note the 2 shadows:  one from the dumbbell and the other from a light pole not in the frame.  

I do not know where I heard this years ago but it went something like this:  "you cannot have a shadow unless there is light."  That statement really puts things in perspective for our lives and leadership.  Shadows and light exist everywhere; so, ask yourself which one you look for the most in life.  If we are honest, we focus far too much on the shadows and miss the brilliance of the light.  Whenever you are facing a tough time and see a dark shadow, remember the shadow only exists because light has created it.

Simply put, do not fear the shadow but, instead, find the light.

This basketball goal forced some philosophical reflection as I faced reality today.  That lesson is condensed into one statement - our ever-increasing age is not something to be lamented but, rather, should be celebrated. 

Far too often, we grieve getting older because we can no longer do the things of our youth (e.g. play basketball at the same level).  We should change our perspective about age and embrace it.  Yes, we lose the ability to do certain things from our past, BUT we gain a right perspective that those things never really mattered anyway.  With each passing year, age reveals what is most important about life.  Are you getting it?

If you ever wonder if you can, as one person, make a difference, then look at this photo.   

The one little rock protruding from the water has created multi-directional ripples that go off and bounce off other rocks creating more directional ripples.  One rock!  

Yes, you can make a difference; but, it requires you to make a difficult choice.  It means that you intentionally go against the flow.  It means that you have to stand out and, at times, take a beating.  It also means that someone may not see the difference that you make.  But, as this photo shows, someone may notice and then tell your story!

In any kind of life or leadership lore, you will quickly hear about the need for a strong foundation.  We need to be rooted in values or principles that will last when the storms come.  You also hear about people talking about their "roots" and how it sustains them for what lies ahead.

That talk is great, but leads to a posed question - is it talk or is it a reality?  This photo reveals what many people, unfortunately, have as their roots - yep, they certainly exist but they are hanging in the air.  Those roots are not attached to anything and, as such, are worthless.

No doubt this tree has lived a long time and has other roots that provide it valuable nourishment and anchor it to the earth, but what about you?  Are your roots real or are they just hanging around?  If you want to know if your roots are deep and real, then try to live without them (and not just talk about them).  If you cannot, then they are real.  If you primarily talk about them and do not match them with a walk, then those roots are worthless and will erode when the storm hits. 

So many great lessons can be discovered just sitting around a campfire and thinking about life and leadership.  "Captured Moments" is too short of a section to deal with them all, but here is one from tonight - to keep the fire burning (your passion), sometimes the fuel needs to be moved. Tis’ easy to leave everything as it is; however, even the biggest fire will burn out.  That shift breathes oxygen into the fuel and a reigniting occurs.  The same is true of your passion - changing your position, sometimes, promotes your purpose.  You are the one that has to decide if a change is necessary. 

Bird poop.  Yes, you did read that right - the reflection upon this image is all caused by bird poop on the "power towers."  See the darker line near the top of the tower?  That coloration is not due to sunset but comes from the inclusion of more metal acting as a shield (the technical term is "anti-avian security") over the power lines. What would these lines need to be shielded from?  Yep, you got it - bird poop. I had no idea until my friend, who owns this property, explained all of this to me.  While you may call me crazy, just like I called him crazy, read this article for more information.

​​It is not just the presence of any bird droppings that causes the issue; however, a large accumulation of "streamers" (a nice way of saying bird poop) on the power lines creates the problem.  The severity can go from minor (decreasing operational efficiency) to major (causing a reactor shutdown described in the article above).

Stop and think about how that relates to life.  Allowing people to constantly dump their negativity onto you can and will reduce your life's operational efficiency.  Some "negativity" is needed (e.g. constructive criticism) but an overabundance of the unnecessary kind is counterproductive.  What are you going to do, right now, to insulate yourself from the constant negativity that could be coming your way?  If you do not act to control that negativity flow, then a shutdown - whether emotional or physical, or social - is on the horizon.

This path did not always exist.  I got tired of walking through the high grass on the way to my special spot of reflection and prayer, so I decided to make the path.  In slowing my walk to that place, you can see many different animal tracks revealing that others have taken it too.

In life, just like in leadership, you either choose to follow the path created by others (learning) OR you create a path that others will follow (legacy).  It takes wisdom to decide correctly depending on your current circumstance.  You cannot always be a "trailblazer"  because there is much for each of us to learn.  It is only after you have learned and experienced something special that you can begin leaving a legacy that others will follow.

Find your place of reflection and prayer.  Once you find it, the learning and legacy will naturally come together.  Commit to doing that today!

By far, this is the best no-filter picture I have ever taken with any camera (and this was taken by a cheap cell phone).  What did it take? 
Purpose or desire of wanting to get this picture instead of extra sleep. 
Planning to get up at the right time and be in the exact location necessary. 
Patience to wait in the dark and slowly watch the sunrise on the horizon. 
Persistence to take photo after photo without stopping to check the quality of each photo taken. 
​Presence to be right there focused on the task at hand (and nowhere else).

For successful life and leadership, they require the same "Ps." 

I took this photo after a miss with my bow.  The deer was well within my range, and my technique was just fine.  So, what exactly happened?  Commitment.  Truthfully, a lack of commitment.  This buck was a little one that I normally let walk, but he was "gimpy" and would not survive much longer.  One side of my brain said to let the arrow fly thereby saving him what the coyotes will do BUT the other side was arguing that the effort (dragging and cleaning) was not worth the reward.  Which argument won?  You could say both did - an arrow flew and I did not have to invest time and effort afterward - but the clear winner was lack of commitment.  What a lesson as I paused to reflect and captured the moment of that amazing sunset.  If you are not fully committed to a course of action, don't try to fake it.  The resulting lack of success will tell everyone that your commitment was missing.  Simply put, be all in or don't go in at all.

Have you ever noticed an increase in mental negativity when you get tired? It happens all the time to me. This picture challenged me because I discovered this flower at the end of a long day. You see, I spent a couple of days working for a men's ministry to prepare for our fall retreats. We got started early, faced poison ivy and mosquitoes, had a sandwich for lunch, and had not yet eaten although after sunset. Mentally and physically, I was tired and grumpy leading to silent complaining as I was hoping to leave and get something to eat. As an introvert, I separated from the group and took a walk to be alone with my thoughts when I saw this flower. Its color stood out brilliantly as the light faded. That forced a question - why was I not just as brilliant, although tired, as the light faded? It was my choice and I had chosen poorly. Learn from my mistake!