No beauty and rejected

We the world reflect various beliefs,

Who am I to question what you believe, or do not?

Each has mind, soul and thought within;

Given by divine or simply of women and men.

Lives reflect what surrounds us, products of what was taught, and shown;

My views formed at early age; I searched for truth, released from the cage.

If we seek, we will find, less we desire other paths sublime.

I choose not to judge others’ beliefs; I only speak for myself – and my life’s relief. 

It’s a relationship I learned to love; the Love I found from God above. 

He the sacrifice to atone for me; and answered to my feeble plea. 

He bought me with a very high price; it cost the one who came, His precious life. 

Isaiah relates suffering and pain, of the coming Messiah – the world would not know.

He comes for all, God reflects His Love; life blood poured out – from His veins it flowed.

But who would believe, message from above; He grew like a tender shoot, with no beauty to attract,

Even today, many turn away, allow nothing within; waiting – waiting – for answers to be exact.

Despised, rejected by each of us around; has it really changed from way back when,

No matter how gloom and dark, light overcomes and provides life.

We didn’t believe – one to earth He would send?

Yet He bore our pain, suffering; pierced for the world to see,

But who is to blame, putting Him on the tree?

Was it government, religion, others – but no – it was even me.

Skull Hill face in Jerusalem. Do you think this is the actual site of where Jesus’ cross was placed – on top of this hill with the face resembling that of a skull? 

Where is one today who would die for another?

Would it be sister for sister, or brother for brother?

I’m not able to display such Love, as only God could show.

He gave His life for me; now risen, living – and I am free.

(Inspired by Isaiah 53)

For an image to see what the crucifixion site of Jesus at Golgotha (Jerusalem) may have looked like, you can link it here on Trip Advisor.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293983-d325092-Reviews-Golgotha-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

How safe is YOUR work zone?

Construction worker having to cross the highway between vehicles slowing down for him.

I guess it depends on your interpretation but we each have a work zone, don’t we?  Okay, for those who don’t work outside the home how about our safety or comfort zone?  Think about it for a minute. 

We all want our “zones” to be free from threats, abuse, danger and even discomfort.  We need to strive toward ensuring personal safe zones for sure, but let’s expand it also for driving as well.   

It’s really not much difference between the small zone and the large work zone where so many workers around the highways have to work.  Give it some thought again.  Construction, maintenance and emergency response along our roadways create work zones for those who make a living around them. 

Highway repair workers work close to Interstate traffic.

If we realized a family member works just a couple of feet from people driving at high speeds, and sometimes while being distracted, would we be more conscious about slowing down and being observant?  I think so.  They deserve to work in a safe environment too, and come home safely to their loved ones. 

This week is the National Work Zone Awareness Week 2019 in the U.S. 

I’m not sure how work zone safety is emphasized in other countries, and I would like to know, but let’s be more mindful as we see these orange zones, barrels and flags while driving the highways.  They are not placed there for decoration.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), in its 19th year, is a national public awareness campaign that spreads the message that we are all responsible for work zone safety. This year’s NWZAW is April 8-12, 2019, and this year’s theme is “Drive Like You Work Here”. (Florida Department of Transportation and National Highway Safety Administration)

Recent statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) show (from 2016 to 2017) a two percent increase in total work zone fatalities and increase from 668 to 710 total work zone crashes. Those startling statistics further demonstrate the importance of spreading awareness of work zone safety and participating in NWZAW to spread the message that we all play a role in getting roadway workers home safely.

Additionally, there were a total of 158,000 work zone crashes total in 2016—of which 42,000 were injury-involved crashes that resulted in 61,000 injuries – which underscores the need for further awareness of how to behave and drive safely in work zones.

U.S. National Highway Safety Administration

This awareness campaign is only a week but let’s allow it to carry over throughout the year. 

To learn more about NWZAW, visit http://www.nwzaw.org.

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Work hard, play hard – live

This sign at Mission Barbeque (BBQ) caught my attention on Sunday.  They have photos and various items to thank first responders and military, and even play the national anthem at noon.  I enjoy the atmosphere and the appreciation shown by the team there. They also have excellent food at an excellent price. 

I happened to notice the Navy is missing a helmet on the wall.  They are probably refurbishing it.  😊

Anyway, just ponder this thought, that applies to life itself.  “If you knew you couldn’t play tomorrow, how hard would you play today.” 

Doesn’t this statement apply to our lives?  If we couldn’t live tomorrow, how will we live today? 

Blessings along the Way!

El Camino Real

Mission way-station along Florida’s El Camino Real.

From the time St. Augustine (capital of Florida at the time) was established in 1565, Spanish military and religious authorities began extending their reach beyond the town limits.  They developed various modes of transportation between widely dispersed settlements which eventually included forts, missions and ranches. 

Map placed at Ichetucknee Springs near Fort White highlighting part of the Camino Real.

During this period, many roads were established in Spain’s New World colonies, often following earlier Indian footpaths and trade routes. In La Florida, the Camino Real helped move people and supplies between St. Augustine and the more than 100 missions located to its west among native populations living on the frontier.

Rontittle.com photo of the drawing by Edward Jonas depicting movement of an oxcart along the Camino Real toward a mission.

In the 1680s, Florida Governor Diego de Quirogay Losado contracted the services of military engineer Enrique Primo de Rivera to build a formal road across north Florida that was suitable for oxcarts. 

Rontittle.com photo of drawing of oxcart by Edward Jonas.

Although there are no standing Spanish missions in Florida today, important clues found in historical documents, archaeological evidence, and the land itself have allowed researchers to reconstruct this royal road’s path.  So, come learn about, explore, and enjoy the places and stories of La Florida and its El Camino Real!  https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/explore/el-camino-real/

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Dance love

Ballet shoes of a dance instructor, through her childhood.

I recently attended an open house at a dance academy and saw these shoes hanging on the wall. They are shoes of the studio owner and instructor as a reminder to the young dancers to learn, practice and persevere. The shoes reflect years of hard work and labor to be the best one can be – and enjoy the dance. So, below is a simple little poem I attempted to honor instructors and students for their dedication.

The dance is within, from child to aged

Each awaits the moment, to learn and dance. 

When one gets the dream and feels the move.

The mind triggers the thought, but still –

Feet flow without rhythm, striving to become smooth.

Years of dedication and work,

To train the feet the way they should go.

The placement, each muscle learns to conform.

Legs form into the emboîté,

Alternate legs as they are bent,

Or escape with an echappé.

Frappé is quick and precise,

Plié from two into one fondu.

Terms, movements rhythm, grace

Require countless time to improve.

Commitment of years, learn to lead,

Guiding youth steps along the way.

Flowing with grace, beauty,

Standing on tips, learn not to sway.

From pointe on toes – encounter relevé.

Grace, beauty and form now belong,

Countless work becomes perfect, never ending for most.

Love shows through as you dance along.

Grasp every move, on your feet become steady,

Shoes tell the tale, of struggle and growth,

It’s not easy, but dance when you’re ready.

Never give up – achieve the most.

Dance with Love!

Blessings along the Way!

Ron

Door to somewhere

External view of the decorative doors to the courtyard at St. Francis Barracks, St. Augustine, Florida. The balloons were there to identify where birthday party attendees would enter.

As part of the Thursday Doors emphasis, I thought it would be neat to post these decorative doors at the historic St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Florida.

It reminds me of how doors lead to opportunities instead of shutting one out – if one has a key.


Courtyard doors looking outward at St. Francis Barracks, St. Augustine, Fla.

Where is your somewhere, and through what doors to you need to travel?

This is part of Norm Frampton’s Thurday Doors – Norm’s comment section.

Blessings along the Way!

Ron