“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Friday’s post – “Feeling a little in-between” came out of a wistful sense of reflection, waking up home in Wake Forest that morning and kind of “taking stock.” Consequently I skipped the “Photo Friday” collection I usually share at week’s end.

So this morning, waking up in Wake Forest again – our first two-nighter since moving – here is my collection of unpublished photos from the week.

I have to start with our most wonderful grandchildren, taken by Naomi on their recent cruise. David (12), Beks (10) and Geoffrey (3) apparently had the time of their lives. I know everybody’s grandchildren are beautiful, brilliant, and seriously above average… but would you look at this crew?!!

Then, this snapshot that I took in the middle of a ZOOM interview I did for Florida’s MyOspreyTV Podcast. I am a regular columnist for The Osprey Observer newspaper in the Brandon/Valrico/Fish Hawk area east of Tampa. The managing editor, Marie Gilmore, invited me to be interviewed on their video podcast. It was a lot of fun, and I will likely share the finished product in this space when it airs.

Unless I bombed. Then we will have to see! (don’t worry, I will be happy to share a video of my bombing!)

Max Retriever and great food:

Next up, two dog photos. Max in the living room at our Tarboro home, then Max chatting with me during a meeting at church. Not my favorite image of yours truly, but the picture – taken by Cindy Brittain – tells the story.

Finally, a series of foodie photos from another excellent week in the world of eating.

First – and most importantly – the dozen eggs supplied by our seven-year-old neighbor, who has been talking chickens with Rebekah and came up with a good business arrangement. His dad, John, may have helped with the egg production, but good luck to him if he wants to get any money back from our little salesman once he had it in his excited little hands!

Then, my “Guaranteed to win a chili cook-off” homemade chili followed by Eggs Benedict and Grits & Biscuits at one of our favorite Wake Forest brunch locations in. Kudos to First Watch for some of the most consistent and tasty breakfast food in the area.

Keeping our eyes open:

I hope you enjoy the photos. More importantly, I pray that you are keeping your eyes wide open, learning to appreciate all the wonders that we are privileged to encounter every single day.

As Jesus often liked to remind his disciples, “But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear” (Matthew 13:16).

Peace, and more peace – DEREK