Owner: A Good Life URL:http://herrey.wordpress.com Join Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:14:08 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Louis Herrey's personal blog, with thoughts from all walks of life. Special emphasis is placed on photography and religion. Site statistics:Click here
The Journey is the Reward 2007-10-27 05:33:12 Why do we rush through our lives, as if we were in a hurry to get somewhere? Take me anywhere, just not to here! Why so? Sure, I am the first to admit that goals are important in life, but if we don’t take time to look around and enjoy the journey our goals will loose their effect; they are to make us happy now. Today. That is why I like this simple Chinese proverb:
“The Journey
is the Reward”
If we enjoy our journey our lives gain meaning. It’s as simple as that. Let’s not think that the only important thing is that celestial glory which awaits us some time faaaaar in the future. Seeing how wonderful this life is, here and now, lets us experience the sparking of that celestial flame in a hearts already today.
A lone driver in an old American car on an old Sweden road, driving slowly. I bet he’s enjoying it!
Enjoy your day!
Louis
Like Father, Like Son 2007-10-25 03:14:10 Took this shot in August, but wanted to share it today. The recemblance was just great, I thought. But I can’t decide… who has the best hair style?
Have a great day!
Louis
Read more:Father
Christ Heals Family 2007-10-24 05:42:38 One of my duties as a CES Coordinator is to visit teachers and students in their various classes, assisting with administrative matters. Last night, as I met with a class in central Sweden, I spoke at length with the teacher about her recent family tragedy. Her twenty-one year old son had passed away a month ago in a motor accident.
She explained that even though there had been many tears and a feeling of void in their lives, there had still been light - even peace. I asked her how it was possible? She spoke calmly but resolute: “It’s because of Christ
.” I thought for a second about others who have expressed similar words, and although I for the most part have little reason to doubt their sincerity, there was something different about this woman. She really meant what she said. I could see it in her countenance; still the same person, yes, but different still.
“How do you mean?” I asked. She explained that she had always believed in the ato Read more:Heals
, Family
Caring for the Green House 2007-10-22 08:15:58 I just wanted to leave a short environmental thought, an image from my photo story How is your Conscience Today?
Are you caring for it?
Louis
Read more:Caring
, Green
, House
How Is Your Conscience Today? 2007-10-19 05:28:41 Recently I was out walking with my baby girl. When we entered our favorite forest path, she rapidly nodded off to sleep as the carriage softly swayed back and forth. Lucky me, I thought, time for a photo shoot. It was a beautiful day and I had my camera ready with a 100mm macro lens.
I enjoy the forest immensely. There is a special feeling there that I can’t put my finger on. This is the first image a took (arranged a little in Lightroom)
At the edge of the forest we reached a field, at which there was a highway on the opposite side. All of a sudden I saw this truck driving by.
The combination of seeing the text on this vehicle and me being outdoors, my environmental conscience was making itself known. I rejoiced at the knowledge that I had a short moment to enjoy all the gifts of nature. I even decided to celebrate that fact - by taking more photos.
I looked after more signs of autumn. Here’s one.
I went past a few allotment gardens. Here I found some remains Read more:Today
Best Wedding Anniversary Tips 2007-10-18 06:40:47 Having our 11th wedding anniversary. I’m thinking of doing something special.
When I proposed I road in a knights full armour, galloping across a field to get to my princess, then kneeling at her feet. But I don’t think I can beat that today. Thought it would be fun to see what you thought:
WHAT IS YOUR BEST ANNIVERSARY TIP?
Louis
Read more:Anniversary
Show Your True Colors 2007-10-17 07:50:33 I was captured by some autumn motives today. This is one of them.
When I saw this yellow tree I got what may seem to be a silly thought, but nonetheless…
How does that birch tree feel? I mean, she stands there showing her bright colors, in the middle of everything, sticking out from the rest? Does she feel out of place?
No. It can’t be. Just look at her! See how she stretches towards the sky, how she waves to us with her beautiful color, projecting her branches for all to see.
She wants me to notice her. Here am I, look at me! She shouts it, not because she is proud in thinking she is better than all the other trees, but because she is proud of who she is, and the joy she can give others.
And right now she is moving on. The world around her is clinging to its old ways, but she is taking steps forward, not afraid to change. After all, that’s what her life is all about.
In every way she is showing her true colors.
Are you and I?
Read more:Colors
Have I Messed Up My Kids? 2007-10-15 09:09:29 “Dad, do you always have to bring that camera?” Haven’t I heard those words a thousand times?
“Yes, my son, I do!” I said patronisingly, “and one day you’ll thank me for doing you this favor! Just get up there and enjoy yourself!”
Both of my sons knew the drill. When dad takes up that big lens, that’s the signal. We were at Church, with all of the Primary (”Sunday school”) children practicing for their annual presentation at worship service. My boys got up on the stand with the rest, and after a few minutes when they spotted me, they cranked up their smiles. Can you guess who they are?
That’s nice, I thought. But I just wanted a “situation” shot. I tried to discretely signal to them to pretend I wasn’t there - and to just look normal! They both nodded. Good, they understood. Then my finger reaches the shutter, and I have a nice image in the view finder. But right as I press down…
Skinheads Assault Mormon Missionaries 2007-10-13 18:21:08 I was reached by chocking news today. My nephew, who is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, was together with his companion assaulted cruelly by a band of ten skinheads in Bolton, England last night. While the two missionaries were severely battered a vehicle passed by with flashing light, scaring off the offenders. “Without the arrival of the car we probably wouldn’t have survived,” my nephew told his father, seemingly aware of the gang’s fatal intention. Currently he and his companion are in the hospital being treated for multiple injuries.
Naturally, my brother and his family are in a state of emotional turmoil right now. And although not parents of the victims, me and my wife’s hearts are turned to Sebastian, whom we love so dearly, and to his companion. We honor them for their bravery and pray for their fast recovery.
Sadly, persecution has always been geared toward our Church. From the very beginning, verbal and Read more:Assault
, Mormon
, Missionaries
Al Gore and the Divine Irony 2007-10-12 16:28:30 I certainly don’t have all the answers, but when things happen I’d like to think there is always a meaning - somewhere, somehow. Many are familiar with Isaiah’s words from the Old Testament: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” (55:8) I take this to mean that even though we don’t always understand the turn of certain events, there is someone else who does.
I’m not sure if there is something that’s called divine irony, but if there is I think we may have gotten a glimpse of it today. When Al Gore lost the presidential office to George W Bush in 2000 he had more votes in his pocket than Mr Bush. Gore’s loss seemed shattering, and we had doubts, at least here in Sweden, about his survival on the political scene. If someone would have told me then that Al Gore would go and win the Nobel Peace Price today, seven years later, I would have shrugged my shoulders in doubt - no doubt.
So&he Read more:Divine
, Irony
What Beats a Bedtime Story? 2007-10-31 17:53:39 What beats a bedtime story? How about four bedtime stories?
My sons kidnapped me! They wouldn’t let me go. I started with one story (which was our deal), then a second, just to show them I cared. When my time was up, the little terrorists started pressing me. “You’re not a nice daddy if you leave now”; and “We’re going tell mommy that you…” (well, we’ll skip that part…). “Okay”, I answered with faked authority, “but only one more!” Somehow that one became two.
You know, life is big! The universe with all it’s wonders encircle us. Mankind has reached its height in terms of scientific discoveries. Still we’re just getting started. Technology is entertaining us with gadgets to many to number. At this very moment you are sitting here, surfing the net, reading this blog, looking for information, or searching for some kind of happiness through this miraculous world wide web. (Who would ha Read more:Beats
, Bedtime
Mormon Missionaries Forgive Attackers 2007-11-04 17:34:50 For those who read the sad news in an earlier blog, Skinheads Assault MormonMissionaries
, about my nephew and his companion who are serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there’s this article from Bolton News that might interest you.
Both of the young Elders impress me. To be a part of such a beating, and then to unconditionally forgive your offenders, I think that exemplifies charity, the true love of Christ.
From what I understand Elder’s Herrey and Woolsey are feeling better and are happy in continuing their work, teaching the gospel of Christ - the gospel of peace. Of course, happenings such as this leave a mark on the soul, so it’s just my wish that we keep praying for them, that the Lord’s strength will keep them and guide them always.
Brother Louis
The Smallest is the Greatest 2007-11-02 18:18:43 Today is a planes-trains-and-automobile kind of day. I’m travelling back from a CES job convention in Frankfurt, Germany. At present I am on a train, getting closer to home. But I just spent two hours in an airplane, having a pleasant conversation with a nice lady who shared with me the faith of a Christian.
We talked about everything from religion to education. But a few minutes before landing we both settled in silent awe as we looked out into the night sky and saw the beautiful lights of northern Stockholm below. Expressions were made of how grand the earth was, and how small we are in comparison. Then amazingly, we both started to quote, simultaneously, the well known words in Psalms 8:3-4:
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
No words can describe the grandeur of God. To me, God’s creation is utterly amazing, yes, but another thought is even more mind-b Read more:Greatest
Repairing My Son’s Heart 2007-11-09 06:45:12
Our firstborn came to this world with a serious heart problem. He had holes between the his chambers, which fortunately is a not so unusual condition and easy to fix. But he was also diagnosed with Truncus, meaning he was born with an Aorta but no Pulmonary artery, hence giving his body no chance to receive oxidized blood. The doctors noticed it when he was a week old. I never forget the Cardiologists word during the ultra sound: “Well…” he said abruptly, “your son has a heart failure. He will die if we don’t operate immediately!”
Just like that. No forewarning. No preparation. Our child, whom we had been longing for during much tribulation (my wife was very ill during her pregnancy), was now about to be taken away from us. How can one take such news without going into a state of shock.
Today I won’t go into all details, but suffice it to say that our son had his surgery. After eleven hours of complications on the operating table Read more:Heart
Giving is Better than Receiving 2007-11-07 17:42:34 Giving is better than receiving.
That’s at least what my daughter thought when we tried to take her picture, luring her with some candy from the side lines. You see what her eyes are saying, don’t you? If you just GIVE me some of that candy YOU will feel a lot better… and I will scream a lot less!
And so it was.
Just think of all the wonderful things life teaches you.
Louis
Read more:Giving
Repairing My Son’s Heart (2): Hospital Queen 2007-11-11 17:19:32 When our oldest son was in the hospital for his heart surgery (see Repairing My Son’s Heart
), my wife and I took turns looking after our baby girl. It turned out, however, that she was looking out for herself most of the time, prancing around the place as if she owned it.
First thing she grabbed the stroller and ran, yes ran with it across the hallways.
Then she grabbed a nurse and forced her onto the floor to play.
I actually think the nurse was happy to have a little break.
In the playroom she carefully choose the right chair and dragged it all the way to the receptionist’s office…
… just to have a little chat.
And of course, when big brother was coming down from surgery, guess who went along for a ride?
But most importantly, we couldn’t leave the hospital until daddy had taken that goofy looking surgeon’s glove and blown it up like a balloon.
It’s a good life for a little girl.
Louis
Read more:Queen
Big Pictures and Sacrifices 2007-11-21 17:48:03 I had a tricky lesson recently. The text was taken from the first half of Leviticus (Old Testament), and dealt a great deal with the sacrificial offerings the Israelites were commanded to perform. Understandably, some of the students were… how shall we put it… a bit nauseated by the description of these offerings; blood sprinkled on the altar and intestines being cleaned, etc, didn’t appeal to all students. For these reasons I tried to minimize those part, so as not to gear our focus in the wrong direction.
Because the true focus should be on the big picture: Jesus Christ. If we, like many of the Israelites, get caught up in the details we might miss the crucial point: that all the ancient sacrifices constituted one great symbol, that of remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ; that our hearts and minds are locked in focus toward Him who gave all that we might have life.
Both the Bible and Book of Mormon are clear on the matter. The law of Moses, with all its ordinanc Read more:Pictures
For the Endowments of Life 2007-11-27 08:20:38 Last week I attended a CES Conference. At one point a friend and colleague gave all the participants a few minutes to write a personal psalm. I’m not a poet, I know, but I was still glad to have a few solitary moments to clear the world from my mind and write these words of gratitude.
For the wonders of the earth, I adore Thee
For the light in heaven, I see Thee
For the glories of thy creations, I admire Thee
For the blessing of family, I honor Thee
For the companionship of friends, I thank Thee
For the power of Thy Word, I worship Thee
For the gift of Thy Son, I praise Thee
For the Spirit that enlightens me, I follow Thee
For all the endowments of life - I love Thee
If I were to add (my own) images to my thoughts it could look something like this.
For the wonders of the earth, I adore Thee
For the light in heaven, I see Thee
For the glories of thy creations, I admire Thee
For the blessing of family, I honor Thee
For the companionship of friends, I thank Thee
For the po
Loosing Agnes, Gaining Love 2007-12-07 06:49:36 A week ago we lost one of our oldest, but dearest members of our congregation, Agnes
Traviss. Yesterday her funeral was held. Until my release two months ago, I had been her bishop for many years. I had truly enjoyed her company. She always wore that gleaming smile on her face that would make you forget your own worries for a moment. Often when I looked at her from the stand I thought about her life as a single woman, struggling to get by. She had had many reason to complain, but never once did I hear a bitter word from her lips. On the contrary, she always gave thanks and praise, especially to her Lord Jesus, who had given her the richest of lives. This was the lasting impression and legacy she left to my heart: her perfect example of gratitude. Imaging if we all could adopt this feeling of appreciation for life, and not think so much on what we are missing, but rather about the wonderful gifts already in our hands.
As awkward as it sounds, I believe her death has actually increased Read more:Gaining
Winning is not Everything 2007-12-01 12:50:25 Lately my sons and I have gone to quite a few hockey games to cheer on our local team, Södertälje (SSK). When we went two days ago the team lost 0-1. In fact, every time we’ve seen them play this season they have lost. I made that comment to the boys and jokingly added that perhaps we should stay home next time. Then perhaps they would win for a change.They didn’t like that idea at all, wondering how in the world their dad ever got so superstitious. Besides, it was fun to go to the arena. Big deal if our team didn’t always win.
My youngest even taught me a valuable lesson. When going to the car I asked if he thought the players were happy about the game.
“Yes, of course!” he replied
“But they lost the game!” I reminded him.
“Daaaad! The most important thing is not win, but to have fun!”
“Well… I agree, son,” I answered a bit shamefully, “but do you really think they thought it was fun when the other team s Read more:Winning
, Everything
A Different Christmas Card 2007-12-14 04:30:19 Just want to send to all my friends a different Christmas
card this year. We decided to have some fun in the studio (and in Photoshop). Hope you enjoy it! But most importantly, I hope you enjoy your Holiday Season. And please, don’t forget to do some good out there. There may be someone just around the corner who stand in need of your love and service - today!
God bless you!
Brother Louis
A Real Christmas Card 2007-12-19 07:05:43 I know I posted a different Christmas
card earlier, but I (and the family) can’t help sending this second one (with a photo by courtesy of the Nativity Story, a motion picture from 2006). To me this photo is amazing. I am filled with so many thoughts and emotions when looking at it. I don’t even know where to start - so just feast your eyes on it and let yourself go.
In the past weeks I have met many people in different circumstances. Most of them are more or less stressed by the hustle and bustle of the upcoming Christmas celebration. Personally, I have always loved Christmas. But sadly, as the years have passed by so has also the spirit of Christmas started to pass us by. The reason is obvious, of course: We have removed Christ from Christmas. What we (or our children) want has become more important than what we can give. Hence, we’re missing the whole point.
So let’s bring Him back! Let us talk more about His life and deeds. I promise, this will inspire us t
The Unforgetable Elves 2007-12-26 14:12:15 Click on the image to see my kids magically transformed…
Read more:Elves
Disturbing Sleeping Beauty 2008-03-11 17:46:06 Clara fell asleep on the cough today, something she seldom does. I just had to take out the camera.
What a beauty. Just hold it still for a second… Click!
Oops, she turned. The shutter is making too much noice in this quiet room. Just one more shot… CLICK!
Ooops! Again.
[...] Read more:Sleeping
, Beauty
I’d Like to Have an Argument 2008-03-10 05:58:06 After being serious for quite some time now, this is just to help us look at the brighter (or wackier) side of life. I don’t know if you have the same strange sense of humor I have… but I love these guys (and there’ll be more to come, I promise)
Should one want to be serious, [...] Read more:Argument
Johannes says Thank You! 2008-03-06 17:04:41 Johannes wanted to say thank you to all of you who prayed for him these past weeks, that he would be safe during his open-heart surgery. I think there are a lot of things he would like to say, but because of the language barrier, it will only be a short message. But I hope [...] Read more:Thank
A Prayer for the Heart (7): Clean Hands 2008-03-06 07:49:42 We came home to Södertälje today. It’s a five hour drive from the hospital in Göteborg. It was really good to walk through that front door again. We have been gone for exactly two weeks. Every bone in my body ached for my bed, feeling tired after the drive. I am used to driving for [...] Read more:Prayer
, Heart
, Clean
, Hands
A Prayer for the Heart (6) 2008-03-02 17:48:57 Get ready for lots of photos!
Angelica and I have both asked Johannes and he thinks it’s okay to post these photos. We have a large family circle, and this is an easy way to let everyone see and know what’s been happening. I also know that Johannes’ friends and school mates would like to see [...] Read more:Prayer
, Heart
Why We Should Write 2008-03-01 17:54:06 If some of you are getting tired of the many “A Prayer for the Heart” posts, about our son’s heart surgery, I understand. If you think it might be a bit too much, you certainly don’t have to plow your way further. It’s you choice. But I don’t - and please don’t misunderstand me on [...] Read more:Write
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