Feliz Natal-Merry Chritmas

Santa Hanging out Before the Big Day

Two young Boys Thinking of what to ask Santa.

At Christmas time my heart always goes out to the poor and less fortunate people of the world. Thank God, that there are people who care enough to share the love of Christ with other. Even though Santa might be fun and the kids love him this time of the year the real reason for this celebration is Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Someday, soon he will come back in all his glory to rule and rein forever and take away all the injustice in the world and make things right once and for all. No more corrupt governments or poverty, just Jesus 

Ponte JK on the Lago Paranoá

The Colorful Ponte JK in Brasilia, Brazil

Ponte JK Brasilia, Brazil

The JK Bridge or better know as Ponte JK, here in Brasilia, lit up for Christmas. I was trying to get a different perceptive this year so I went a little earlier to see if I could catch the sky before it went totally black. Anyways, I also thought they might change the gels this year but the didn't. The first year I photographed the bridge it was more colorful and the gels where in a different order. I've also tried different location but this one seems to work the best. There was one more spot I was going to try and shoot it from but time, traffic and rain got in the way. The bridge is also in the fight path from the airport as planes are taking off and landing making it a little more difficult to keep the streaks of lights from the planes out of the photos seeing how most of these exposure are 20 to 30 seconds long.

Fried Out Kombi

One of over Three Million Kombis Produce

The Classic VW Logo

I think this one was used by a Church

Fried out Kombis, or Kombis that have seen better days. I don't think the design of the VW  Kombi has changed much since they were introduced back in 1957 in Brazil, at least the color hasn't changed, they only come in white except for these custom made ones here. Well, sad to say this is the last year they are making the Kombi so to commemorate this event of the last 600 Kombis made in Brazil, they will be, I was told by a low ranking government official available in a two tone color, blue and white. But you can always have it painted to your liking like these ones here. Just a suggestion. I'm ordering mine in well, white.

Moon Rise over the Savannas

Moon Rise over Lake Paranoa, Brasilia, Brazil

There is noting more beautiful than watching the moon rise up over the hills. In this case I was a little late getting to my location so the moon appears a little small in the photo. None the less it still was beautiful sight to watch as God and nature puts on a show for all to enjoy.  

Jaboticaba Tree

Jaboticaba Tree bearing fruit

Jaboticaba Tree, before I ate all the fruit off of it.

Jaboticaba, fruit of the vine or in this case a fruit that grows on the bark of a tree. As far as I know this exotic fruit from Brazil, South America,  maybe the only fruit in all the world that grows on the bark and branches of the tree and not on the vine like most fruits do. No matter what the fruit is I'm always reminded when when I see fruit bearing tress about certain scripture in the Bible that talks about tress and fruit. Luke 6: 43 & 44  “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. ⁴⁴ A tree is identified by its fruit. And Verse 45 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Gal 5:22 & 23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 
As Christians we are to produce good fruit in our lives. This is what I try to remind myself about everyday it all about Jesus.

Praça dos Cristais-Park of the Crystals

Praça dos Cristais

Praça dos Cristais

I was driving by this park the other evening when I decided to stop and take a look to see what it would like as the sun was setting.  I guess they call it Praça dos Cristais or Park of the Crystals because you can easily find crystals in this part of Brazil, although not quite this big. I even have a few crystal that I use as paper weights that I found just from walking around the neighborhood. Since crystals are rocks I was reminded in the Word of God, that Rocks are used throughout scripture to refer to God as our safely, strength, salvation and refuge. 2 Sam. 22: The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! May God, the rock of my salvation, be exalted! Everything in nature in is always pointing to God the creator for his glory.

Waterfalls

Waterfall near Alto Paraiso, Goias, Brazil 

Yes Brazil, certainly has no shortage  of waterfalls. I'm not sure about this statistic but I would guess it has more waterfalls than any other country. These beautiful and tranquil waterfalls remind me of the handy work of a loving creator. I come across a lot of people who claim to be atheist and yet the Bible clearly states in Romans that God has put his knowledge in their hearts. And in Roman 1:20 From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Now, that's a powerful statement with the all of nature backing it up. You could say nature in all its glory is the Fingerprint of God.

Fountain of Life

TV Tower Fountain-Fonte da Torre de TV, Brasilia, Brazil, DF

TV Tower Fountain-Fonte da Torre de TV, Brasilia, Brazil, DF

Sometime I really don't know what I want say so the other day I came across this great prayer, that to me really sums it up. We all need prayer everyday, but sometime we grow weary and its hard to pray. I don't remember were I found this so I can't give credit were credit is due.

My Prayer For You...
May God remember you like Noah, favor you like Moses, fight 4 you like Israelites, prosper you like Isaac! May God promote you like Joseph, intervene 4 you like Esther, protect you like Daniel, use you like Paul. May God heal you like Naaman, answer you like Elijah, anoint you like David.
May God bless you with handfuls of purpose like Ruth. Make you HIGHLY favored like Mary. In Jesus Name.. AMEN!!

WOW, I receive that!!

Sisters-Iirmãs

Preta

Fran, I think shes the boss

These two sister Preta, and Fran, work hard all day long six days a weeks running a little luncheon severing all kinds of typical Brazilian snacks known as Salgados. They moved here to Brasilia, two years ago from the northeast of Brazil, seeking a better life. They are always full of energy and greet everyone they sever with a big warm friendly smile. One day while I was walking by (they had seen me with my camera one day) they ask me if  I was a photographer and I said yes and I just happen to have one of cameras with me. So, ask them if I could take their portraits and they were more than happy to oblige me.  I pray they have many years of peace, safety and prosperity here in the capital city of Brazil.

No Corruption

Protester in Brasilia., Brazil

No Corruption, the sign reads. It normal, nobody wants a corrupt government or corrupt government officials in charge of their lives and future. People ask me all the time about the US and I must tell them the truth, right now, we have the most corrupt administration in charge that the US has ever wittiness. As Bill Clinton and other have stated "We have an amateur in the White House right now." With that said, most informed American know we have a big problem in Washington.  So, all I can think about at a time like this is that nothing is impossible with God. and that all nation around the world not just the US need to pray for there leaders, and that God would rise up a new generation of godly men and women. While some protest in and of themselves are not always a bad things the only thing that can change the world and the hearts of man is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Know Jesus Know Peace. No Jesus No Peace.  

Masked Protester- V for Vendetta 

Let the Games Begin 

How Great Thou Art

Sunset Over Brasilia, Brazil. 

Whenever I see a brilliant sunset I can't help but think of the Mighty Power of God (Not Allah) who created the heavens and earth by his breath. This last year I realized for the first time that the God of the universe that created me will never abandon me or forsake me. Humans are not capable of loving the way God loves us. It impossible. Flesh can not compete with God. This pass year I've seen wife's abandon there husband Fathers abandon the children and a Rouge US government that has no limits to  perpetrating evil. Thank God, that all this madness will come end with Jesus sitting on throne ruling and reining and putting everything in order. Lets face it man is to dumb to do anything right that's why we need a Savior. Jesus please come quickly!!

Music Masters

Daniel Oliveira, playing his new Brazilian made NAGANO DRUMS

World famous Brazilian drummer Daniel Oliveira, shows off this excellent musicianship the other night at the Music Master Concert Series, a monthly musically event held outside in front of the Music Master music store in Brasilia. Also on hand was the lovely and talent Michele Chitko. also from Brasilia, giving an outstanding performance with her band. In addition to being great performers these are also very nice people. I know from experience that music is a very tough business to in so I pray the best for them and there future. 

Michele Chitko

 

At the Cross

Lone Balloon rider from Brasilia, got lost and was found three days later in Matto Grosso. 

At the cross, I'm always reminded of many things. Most importantly, that there is forgiveness of sin through the shed blood of Jesus Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lord of all the Universe. And no matter what happens, I will have victory in my life. Victory over ever circumstance and situation that may arise. I John 4:4b because the spirit that lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Peace!

Willie & the Wailers

Willie and the Wailers 

Street Festival at 716 Asa Norte, Brasilia 

Ok, the other night I stumbled across this band playing in my  neighborhood. All they played was reggae, so, I called them Little Willie and the Wailers. And these guys were quite good I must say although I'd like to see if they could play more than one styles of music. A lot of young musicians  seem to be fascinated with what I call the Bob Marley syndrome much like the Che Guevara syndrome that young and dumb college student seem to be duped into.  If you actual research the lives of both of these people you'll see there is not really a lot to admire. Bob claimed to smoke about one pound of dope a day and Che was nothing more than a thug and a terrorist. Sometimes I'm surprised that no one has come up with a Charles Manson tee shirt the three of them would make a great pair. However, being a musician myself  I know the power of music and how it can be used for good or evil or to heal or destroy.  And so I pray that Willie and his band will use their talents that God gave them for good. Lord know theirs enough evil in the world today.

Catedral de Brasilia

Catedral Metropolitana de Brasilia

Ok, with much attention now focus on Brazil, and Brasilia, with the upcoming World Cup and Olympic coming to town I thought a post a photo of the Catedral Metropolitana. In the last few month they've been cleaning it up and restoring the grounds around it. When I first moved here two years ago there was a fence around it which made for bad photographs of the building. One day while passing by I noticing the fence was gone and a cleaning crew washing all the exterior glass. So, I thought to myself now would be a good time to rephotograph the Cathedral and have a better documentation of this very unique structure which is sort of one of the symbols and landmarks of Brasilia. And hey, theirs always someone inside praying which is, well, a good thing!

Five Friends

Five young Boys giving a helping hand.

While taking photos for a local church in Brasilia, the other day these five young boys were more than happy to help out with the unloading and distribution of food a blankets. It did seem a little strange to give out blanket with the temperature in low 80s, but it is winter time here and it does get down into the upper the 50s at night this time of year. All things considered  I was most impressed with was how orderly these people were and how appreciative there are that someone cares enough about them to help them.

Dia dos Namorados

Dia dos Namorados aka Valentines Day in Brazil. It was fun filled evening shooting all the happy couple that were in love. I had a great time interacting with all of them as one by one they came through the  line to have their portraits taken. May all the young couples who were recently married have many wonderful years ahead of them and be bless with many beautiful children. Amen.  

Lone Bike Rider of the Apocalypse

Lone Rider at National Museum, Brasilia, Brazil 

Riding off into the Sunset

In a world gone mad as we wittiness this past week in England, other counties should take notice and learn from this especially the very gullible and naive US, with an estimated ten million muslim living there.    Boston was just beginning of things to come. It won't be long before terror attacks like this start to happen on the streets of New York, and other major US cities where large muslim populations exist. And with a government so obsessed with disarming it citizens this will really help there cause with no fear from retaliation as we saw in England. No guns, then stop and stare, take pictures, and wait for the police to come who can't even shoot straight enough to take these animals out. Islam maybe gaining ground in the US and England, but I for one will not live in fear. I've read the back of the book (Bible) and guess what? Those who are in Christ win!!
Revelation 19 vs 11 "Then I saw a heaven opened and a white horse was standing there, It's rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war."
So, whenever I get a little discouraged about all the injustice of this wicked world I remind myself  that Jesus the King of Kings will someday bring order to all this madness and that my friends is good news.  

Dock of the Bay

Lago Norte, Brasilia, Brazil 

Everything always seems better at sunset. To me it's a majestic time of the day. A time to give thanks to God for all the good things he has done in life. Although at times I don't understand everything that happens along the way I still trust him knowing that he will never betray me or abandon me like people have. They say never put all your eggs in one basket but with the King of  Kings and Lord of Lords it the only choice. And it's right one!

Rock'n at Sunset

Raul Emanuel on Drums and Vocals

Os três Músicos do DF, Playing into the Sun. 

Luiz Fernando Guitar and Vocals

This trio was entertaining the crowd that had assembled at sunset the other evening. Not a bad idea knowing that hundreds of people would come to see the sunset at this popular spot in Brasilia. I can't believe these guy's knew Johnny B Goode.

Make a Joyful Nosie

Edgar, leading in song

Los Cinco Rumberos de Colombia, Playing for Change 

Armando pounding out the Rhythm  

The Bible is full of versus about music and the power of music especially in book of Psalms. The Bible also names the the first musician on earth; Jubal was his name found  in Genesis 4 vs.21. David is good example of using music for power as he was called upon by King Saul to play for him to drive a tormenting spirit away. So, music in a sense can be use in three different ways.  1.Good; to glorify God through Praise and and Worship and breaking down strongholds. 2.Evil; we see this everyday especially in today's modern music from pop to rock to rap. 3. Neutral; music that is not use for moral or immoral proposes like these guy's on the streets here in Bogota, Colombia just playing some traditional music that's designs to make you feel good and you go about your daily business.

Mila & Gleisa

Mila 

Gleisa

These are two of my friends that live on the streets in Brasilia. Just about everyday I see them when I'm going to work and I always pray that someday their situation might change. I've never had to opportunity to take their portrait until the other day. They were more than happy to oblige, and being typical women, they were of coursed concerned about how their hair looked. Mila is married and can not walk very well because she has a bad right knee. So, she's always sitting on the hard concrete trying to sell Jewelry that her husband makes but tells me she doesn't sell much. Gleisa, unlike Mila, is not married and tells me she eats whatever scraps local food vendors throw out. I meet her one night after it was raining and she drying her feet off with some newspapers she had found in the trash. Neither women have ever ask me for anything but occasionally I'll give them some money or buy them a cup of coffee or a snack.  The Bible says you will always have the poor and weak with you. So, I know I can't help everyone just the ones I believe God has placed in my path.

Planaltina de Goiás

Me and my Best Friend.

Young mother with baby outside a class were they teach them how to be better mothers .

Bye for now and hope to see you soon!

They say, the best camera you have is the one you have with you at time. Such is the case in these photos. I didn't have time to grab my trusty 40D and speedlite so I had to make do with what I had...my ipad camera. Well, it actually was a good lesson for me in more ways than one. For one thing, at least I did have a camera with me and was still able to inter act with these kids and have fum with them, though I keep thinking I wish I had my regular camera with me. These photos are from kids who live in a poor community outside of Brasilia, Brazil called Planaltina. Where once a month a local church from Brasilia, goes and teaches them about God, prays for them, listens to their problems and distributes food to them. In Mark 10 vs 14 Jesus said "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them. For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. Amen. I guess I'll never grow up then.

The Savannas of Goiás

Sunset in the Cerrado

Typical Cerrado Tree against a Beautiful Sunset 

The Sunsets Slow in The Cerrado, Goias, Brazil. 

As the Sunsets on the Savannas in the State of Goiás, in Brazil, the heart of the Savannas or as they called it here "Cerrado." Here in the "Cerrado" the weather is always pleasant years round with a wet season ans a dry season. In a recent poll I took there was a 50/50 split on which people preferred the wet season or the dry season I for one was undecided. There are things about both season I like and dislike. The cerrado is not as recognized around the world as the Amazon, and I myself didn't know it existed until moving here almost two years ago. Well, gotta go now, it getting dark and the wildlife is starting to come out.

Dog Day Afternoon

Boomey & Sadie watching the boats go by at  Lago Paranoá, Brasilia, Brazil.

Boomey, enjoying a Dip in the Lake. 

Sadie, I love this Lake!!

Boomey and Sadie, these two are quite a pair together. They both love to run and and swim and never get tired.  And yes, when it's time to leave and come home Sadie, the ringleader, all of a sudden can't hear and heads back into the water with Boomey right behind her. Well, I don't blame them I love it out here too. Seems like there's just never enough time for fun in the sun.