Photography
When I reached Tribble Mill Park, the dull colors of winter offered me little inspiration for photography. I mentioned to another photographer that I planned on capturing monochrome images. However, my plans shifted when a radiant golden hue cast across the grass and trees, marking the beginning of the golden hour. As the setting sun transformed the previously dreary winter day into a picturesque dusk behind me, I found myself in awe of the beauty that surrounded me.
This picture from my evening walk at Lenora Park reminds me that sometimes life’s pathway leads us through darkness. But Jesus, the Light of the World, shines through to give us hope and remind us there is a bright side somewhere.
I finished my evening walk, drove past the Red Barn, and out of Lenora Park to the park across the street. From there, I looked back across the street at the Red Barn and saw it silhouetted against the fiery sky.
This experience reminded me of a lesson Jay Maisel taught us in a class years ago: “Sometimes the best picture is behind you.”
On October 13, these trees were vibrant green in the early morning light. By November 7, less than a month later, they have transformed into a brilliant display of reds, marking the arrival of autumn.
Each fall, this stately maple slips into a blazing red coat, then gracefully undresses for its long winter sleep.
The golden rays of a bright morning with clear skies bathed walkers at Lenora Park in Snellville this morning. May your path lead to golden opportunities and blessings wherever you may be today.
The Red Barn Festival is being celebrated at Lenora Park in Snellville, GA, on October 11, 2025. Enjoy some of the photos of the Red Barn that I have taken during my walks at the Park since August 2011.
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I was driving to Minter, Alabama, to visit a family in my shiny new gray Toyota Corolla with a black vinyl roof. They had given me directions: “Drive south on Hwy 41 until you reach a fork in the road. At the fork, turn left and go until you see a large oak tree on the left side of the road with an old car under it.” I followed their instructions, reached the tree, and turned left onto a dirt road. Bumping along, I came to a mud hole that stretched across the road. Seeing no way around it, I stopped, shifted into reverse, and started backing up. I didn’t want to drive my new car through that mud hole.
But then I heard my conscience ask, “Whose car is this?” Immediately, I remembered dedicating the car to God before I drove it off the lot at Selma Toyota. “Yours,” I replied. God then said, “If you use this car to take care of my people, I will take care of it.”
I shifted the gear into drive, splashed through the mud, and headed to the family’s house. I realized that my car was not to be for show but for service. With that Toyota, I took church members where they needed to go, carried building materials for the church renovation, taught young people how to drive, and did many other tasks. And God kept His word. With his blessing, I put over 270,000 miles on that car.
From then on, every time I have purchased a vehicle, I make sure to do two things before I leave the car lot: one, ensure my automobile insurance covers it; and two, dedicate it to God for His service. And God has blessed each vehicle. My current 2007 Ford F-150 has more than 370,000 miles, looks good, and is running well. God blesses what we give to him.
“In this photo, the contrast between one fading azalea blossom and another in full bloom offers a powerful reminder of the fragility of life. It prompts me to reflect on our purpose here on earth. Each day, I ask myself, ‘What am I here for?’ The answer is clear: My purpose is to join God in spreading love and making this world a better place. Let’s commit to being actively involved in our Father’s mission during our brief time here. 🌺💕 #Purpose #Love #MakeADifference”
Steven's Travels and Thoughts 