A Silly For Today:

Things have been somewhat hectic the last few days and I haven't been very attentive to blogging, though I have a lot to post as time goes by.

So for today, I thought I'd just post this little brain teaser.

Be blessed!

What is "Divine Providence"?

One definition of Divine Providence: 
 
Something chosen and promoted by God for us, 
not necessarily perceived as positive. 

Now that makes me think! 

Reducing my Taxes!

I was reading an advice column the other day.  The eye catching headline said something like, "How To Reduce Your Taxes!" 

Now, I've always thought I did a pretty good being a good steward of my resources in order that I wasn't obligated to pay more taxes than necessary.  Not that I mind paying taxes.  They are my contribution to the programs that are necessary to provide the framework in which I can live in security and comfort.  But I dont' find it necessary to make a larger contribution than necessary.

So, that headline drew me into reading the article.  It suggested that I could reduce my taxes by as much as half.  Wow!  I wondered what I had been missing all these years.  I wondered what strategy could be employed to make this work for me.

Then I got to the last paragraph.  It said, "If you want to reduce your taxes, simply reduce your income.  If you want to cut your taxes in half, cut your income in half.  It is as simple as that." 

Hum....  I wasn't expecting that.  But it is true.  I could do that.  It would work. 

But what is also true is that suddenly I was thankful for my tax bill.  It means I have income to tax. 
And it means that I am blessed! 

Very blessed!!

Today's Prayer

"Good Morning, Lord.  Thank you for today  It is the beginning of a new day that I have never seen before.  Help me celebrate today.  Guide me to recognize the fresh opportunities this day brings.  Amen."

Gumusler Monastery

As we toured on through the region of Turkey called "Anatolia" we came to the small town of Gümüşler.  A historical monastery is located there.  This monastery, carved into the soft stone of the area, is believed to have been built between the 8th and 12th centuries.  It is one of the best preserved and largest of its kind in the region.  The "church" is an open courtyard with a "Greek Cross" plan.  It is entered via a low tunnel.  The courtyard also contains storerooms and graves.

Here are some of our snapshots of the area. 

The Courtyard Church

View of the "outside"

Thanks for stopping by.  The "comment" button is on for your questions and/or observations.

Gypsies

I guess every culture has its own version of gypsies, transients, migrants, roamers or nomads.  The people who roam from place to place, never putting down roots, but stopping here and there for a while to engage in an activity that will net a little money for the next leg of the journey.  We generally don't have a very good opinion of gypsies, even though we may occasionally find a reason to purchase some of their goods or support them somehow on their journey.

If we look to the Bible we find that many of God's chosen people were transients and nomads.  The chosen people of Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years.  Jesus and his band of disciples went from place to place in a nomadic fashion to serve the world.  And, our faith says that our true home is not in this world and we are but nomads here, visitors for a while.

While we might never call our selves "gypsies", indeed, that is what we are.  We are here in this world by the grace and promise of God to visit for a while before returning to our true and eternal home.  While here we depend on the grace of God to bless us along the way, to guide and direct our journey and to shower all goodness upon us.

In Turkey we saw the occasional band of gypsies.  Some were more like our migrant workers, camped out to work in the fields.  Others, like these, had camped alongside the road to share the wares of their craft.

Thanks for stopping by "Sketchings..."  as we roam this world together.

The Cilician Gates

The Cilician Gates is the main pass through the Tarsus Mountains.  This pass connects Syria and Asia Minor.  This mountain pass is located about 30 miles north of Tarsus.


The "Gates" are pretty much like any mountain pass you've driven through.  But here are a few views of the mountains in the area.  The mountains are quite rugged.













Thanks for making a stop at "Sketchings ... " today.  Stop by again soon!

And, like always, you can click on the image to get a larger picture.

Cydnus River at Tarsus

On our way out of the city of Tarsus, Turkey we passed by this scenic spot on the Cydnus River.  No, we didn't get to make this a lunch stop, although it would have been a beautiful little place for such a stop.  The waters are cold so the place was a respite to the warmer temperatures of the plains.  In fact, Alexander the Great visited this very site.  It is said that he almost died from the after effects of bathing in these cold waters.

Enjoy these pictures and thanks for visiting "Sketchings .... "!

P.S.  We didn't go swimming.  It was cold and we had an example from ole' Alex the Great!