cool sunrise pic...

I shot this Wednesday morning on the way to work.....I love the sunrises this time of year!

Close call!!

Well, it was a great Christmas! I had family over, we had dinner, laughed, finally cleaned most of my yard up, I almost had a 60+ year old tree fall on my house (and myself) with my wife standing close by, and I ate too much. I really thought that the tree would fall the other way.....I cut a wedge in it, then cut at it from the other side, but when it finally started falling, it fell the wrong way! It hit a tree closer to my house, and a 6 inch limb shot off of it and hit my house and damaged my gutter right above Michelle's head! I am not sure if I have ever been that scared before......I said, "God don't let this tree hit anybody or my house" right as I was running to get out of the way, and He answered my prayer! God really looks out for stupid people. My lumberjack days are over. Time to call the pros.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Merry Christmas everyone!
It's a great morning here in Oklahoma....this picture is misleading...it is NOT snowing here. That shot was from early 2007. I got a new laptop bag, and some long sleeved t-shirts! Also got a new camera---a Cannon point & shoot 35mm on sale at Wally World for twenty bucks!!
Family is coming later to help cut trees & clean up my yard. More later....

Back to normal.....

Well, it's been a whole day since my power came back on....and I am enjoying it. As I start to look at the damage and concentrate on cleaning up my yard, it will be a daunting task. My brother said he will bring his chainsaw & our family will come together & do cleanup. I am very blessed to have a wonderful family!!

Oh yeah, 4 days 'till Christmas!!

I HAVE ELECTRICITY!!!!!!!

SHA-ZAM! I HAVE LIGHTS!! YEE-HAW!! WOO-HOO!! SWEET!! COOL!!

I'm gonna turn on every light in the house!! I may even "Griswold" my house with Christmas lights!!!!!

There's fleas on my dog.......

Day 10 without power......
I heard a funny song this morning, a parody of Feliz Navidad called There's Fleas on my Dog. I laughed for a long time--cars driving by must have thought I was crazy. It is good to be able to laugh in a time of crisis. VVEC says today is the day-----I hope so. Our family seems to be stressed badly. I am grouchy, and that makes everyone grouchy. I try to keep smiling so everyone else will, bit it's hard......
As soon as the powerlines are out of my yard, I will be cutting & burning brush for quite some time:) I'll post pics of me actually working!

Church tonight....looking forward to seeing "my" kids.....

The sun will come out.....tomorrow........maybe

Day nine without power......VVEC says they don't know when power will be restored.....most of my neighbors now have power except for my side of the street.....

Ok, this is getting a little hard for my family. I start to wonder if we should have just taken a cruise or something (like I could afford that). Beginning to wonder about Christmas & how we will have money to pay the bills and buy the kids a little something for Christmas. We know that Christmas is not about presents, but we celebrate our Savior's birth by remembering why He had to come down here in the first place, and by giving gifts, because the best & most important Gift has already been given. Total expenses so far for keeping my family warm & fed-----about 1,200.00, give or take. But know this, we are better prepared when this happens again!

I could ramble about the problems I have had with VVEC, but it would not help the situation. What will help is what I already have, friends praying for me. I just got a message from a good friend & he said "I was just checking up on you & praying for you." Brother, you do not know how that simple statement has helped. As I thought about this message, tears welled up & I am so thankful for friends........

Maybe today will be the day that my power comes back on........

Chin up, dog!!

Day 8 without power......

My poor fat Boston Terrier is about to go crazy! It is like she's depressed. My mom's electric was turned on yesterday and she is happy. I am also happy for her as my generator gas bill was cut in half! My family & my brother & his wife all converged on mom's trees yesterday & cut limbs & trees galore! We worked for a long time piling limbs & here comes my buddy with his front end loader & scooped them all up & pushed the limbs into a big pile!! Thanks, Andy!!

...just now spoke w/ VVEC, and reported my power lines down for the bazzillionth time, and besides them acting as if it a new report every time I call in, they could not give me an ETA on my repair!! At least yesterday they said I would have power by Wednesday, and now no ETA!! They had crews working in my area both Saturday & Sunday, why couldn't they repair the lines lying across my back yard?? Maybe an hour or two to repair the forty some odd homes still dark in my addition.

...on a positive note(I really am trying to keep a good attitude during this crisis), I was able to go to church yesterday & that was refreshing. All the folks at New Life are awesome & I believe I attend the best church in the world! We had our Christmas program last night & our OnTheEdge youth group did a skit to the song Mary Did You Know and they did a great job! Hubert also put on a great program with the choir!

Well, that's all my thoughts for now. Maybe my lights will be on tonight...(I keep saying maybe today's the day).....

Day 6 without power........

I am growing tired and impatient with my electric company. I understand that the linemen and crews are doing all that they can, but I am disappointed with the administration. VVEC started with 9,000 homes without power last Monday, and I heard that on Friday that they were down to 5,000. I also heard that my house may be back on by Wednesday! And others will be dark until Dec. 23rd!!! About half of my addition is back online but I have the line down in my backyard.......
I actually got some good rest last night....about 6 hours of sleep.

It is misting/snowing right now, some call it "snizzle". I am prepared, I bought a Poulan chainsaw yesterday so I can now vent my frustration & stress out on the poor fallen trees:)

Please understand, I am extremely proud of our electric crews, especially those that came from other areas, but my rural company I am extremely dissatisfied with. Crews have been in my neighborhood, so I ask while they are out here, why can't they repair my line? What is their strategy? Most of the time, you cannot even get through to VVEC........I wonder if my bill was late would they tolerate my phone being constantly busy? Or would they simply disconnect my service?

In the dark........

Extreme emotions....

Day 5 without power at my house.......

Well, after working every day at work, then going home and working on different solutions to the electricity situation, I am exhausted. I have went from being totally satisfied with my electric company, to being totally upset with them, and back again. As I made my way home, I saw lights on in my neighborhood but when I got home, I realized that power was on across the street, but my side is still dark due to lines down (see picture back a few entries).

I have spent probably in excess of a thousand dollars this week trying to provide for my family when I probably should have simply went to the Claremore shelter......stubborn, I guess but I fear for my property and my animals.......

The awesome thing is that I have gotten closer to God. It is amazing when everything is quiet how one can hear His voice more clearly. I have been up in the wee hours each day of this disaster just spending time alone with Him.

As I drove to work this morning, I saw several Pike Electric trucks heading into Tulsa. I honked, and rolled my window down & gave them all thumbs up. I also cried a little too maybe due to the stress, maybe due to my just being thankful that they are here. . I know that they weren't headed for my home, but they have left the comfort of their homes and families to help others in a time of of need. Sure they are getting paid for it, but I think they deserve it. So, for the few of you that read this (thanks, mom!), when you see an electric truck, honk & give them thumbs up!!

What is important??

Day four without power in Verdigris......

After contemplating the great ice storm of 2007, also the largest power outage in the history of Oklahoma, I was up at 3:00am wondering why we rely so much on creature comforts such as electricity......yes, I said creature comforts!! God has "loaned" us everything we have(no, we cannot take it with us when we go), and so it is His to take back anytime he wants. No questions asked... so, along that line, I think(my opinion only) that maybe God wants us to slow down and realize what is important. As I tried to sleep in my living room floor last night, I realized gone are the movies, video games, and TV, but what remains? Family and friends. That's what's important--the only thing that is more important should be your relationship with God. End of story.

...measured 2 inches of ice on the trees! WOW!!

The culprit.....

Well, here is the scoop....this is the transformer that feeds my home.....power company says maybe next week:-0 More later....

Ice storm in Oklahoma!

Ok, this is the second ice storm of 2007. Aaaarrgghhh!! This time my house lost power about 5:30am, and the power company says at least 1-1/2 days.......I kept hearing trees collapse under the weight of the ice all night. We had thunderstorms with freezing rain! At least one inch of ice on trees & powerlines.......this will be interesting.......

Executive Decision.....

Well, I have decided to let my website lapse for now. I have shelled out thirty bucks per month and sold exactly zero pictures from it.....maybe it's me and my lack of computer & Internet savvy, but I just didn't get the traffic I had expected. If anyone knows a cheaper solution for photography websites, now is an excellent time to chime in & leave me a comment.......
{EDIT}----I am leaving it up--I'll give it another month due to the time it takes to design & upload my work.......

Holiday food drive..please help!

The TV station that I chase for, KJRH in Tulsa, is hosting a food drive today, November 30. This is awesome and I appreciate the concern that KJRH has for the less fortunate....get out & donate if you can!!

http://www.kjrh.com/content/community/story.aspx?content_id=dee59761-3c97-438b-a5ac-561537611b7d

Christmas is coming...........SOON!!

I heard this on the radio yesterday:

The big guy in the red suit is cool.......but the Baby in the manger....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!!

I thought that was way cool. People are obsessed with getting and receiving the right gift....sometimes taken to extremes like fist fighting over gifts that are in short supply. Let me tell you, the best Gift has been given many years ago, just if we could all realize that fact & do what He says (Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, & strength...AND love your neighbor as yourself)....maybe we would be spending a little more time in church and with family, and less time at the mall.........

What is important?

1.God

2.Family

3.Friends

4.The other "stuff"

Yummy!! Too bad it's over!

Had a great time.....looking forward to Christmas! And maybe a little snow so I can shoot some cool pics.....

Happy day after Thanksgiving.

Going....going....gone!

Well, I cannot get pics to upload right now.....hmmmmm. We had a great time! My mother, both of my brothers and their families, and my family. About 13 folks! WOW! It sure is good to get together----I heard a few comments like we should do this more often......yep, I agree!
Pics coming soon.

Aaaaahhhhhh! 'Das good food!!

The Turkey Blog........

11:16am:

Okie-dokie! I'm ready to eat! MMMMMMMM!! Michelle already has chased me out of the kitchen twice!!

Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, etc....

Gotta go! Later!

....Here's one of our children from Childrens' Church....meet Sydney!

For those of you who are wondering, yes, I fixed my shower!!

I looked at my calendar for the rest of 2007 and I was shocked to see that every weekend is booked with church activities! From our youth activities to a church-wide Christmas dinner! I get so excited around Christmas!!

Plight of the homeless.....

My name is Ernie. I have lived on the streets for 20 years. It has been so long sometimes I forget what I used to do, who I used to be, where I used to live. I have no family left after they all have disowned me or died. I am sixty-something years old-I am not sure when my birthday is and I don’t want to remember. My only possession in the world is my bicycle that I cannot ride because of my bad leg. Oh yeah, I also have my backpack and my cane. It’s pretty rough out here. There is no shelter from the cold, and when someone wants my spot, I have to give it to them because I don’t want beat up no more. I’ve been beaten, shot, robbed(who’d want anything I’ve got, anyways?), thrown in jail, set on fire, you name it, I’ve been there.

I watch as people go by, glaring at me with mean looking eyes, probably wishing I wasn’t here. Sometimes I hear “go to work, you bum” or “get a job” from some kids, but it’s okay, they don’t know my story. Please don’t be mad at them, they have nice lives. Nice is a funny word to say, nice house, nice cars, nice clothes, nice family, nice hot meal. I have none of this. Once in a while some nice people come by and feed us and have church revivals, and here I met a man that fixed my cane. He is the best guy I have met in a long time. He took the time to listen to me and actually cares for me…said I matter to him and to God. He said he used to drink like I do, but God healed him of that. I wonder why God ain’t healed me yet. It seems like every little bit of money I get always gets spent at the liquor store. I sometimes go weeks without any food but the wine warms me and I don’t feel the rest.

I have a watch, but it’s broke. Been that way since I got thrown down the stairs at this old abandoned house. Don’t matter, I don’t care what time it is, I just keep the watch-reminds me of my family-my daughter got it for me a long time ago. If I do matter to God, I wish he’d show me, because I don’t know how much more I can handle. It gets cold at night and my bones sure hurt. Sure would be nice to get a bath, and some new clothes. Maybe even a turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. What do I got to be thankful for? Can’t think of much…..maybe my bicycle.

Someone said why don’t you go to a shelter? Well, they are all full-can’t get there in time with my bum leg so I quit trying. Too many homeless people out here you know. Maybe someone could donate one of these old vacant buildings so we could keep warm this winter. I feel lonely, sad, and helpless. What can I do? Just keep on keeping on, I guess….

-----Ernie’s story is told by Jeff Smith, who while helping at a homeless revival several years ago, met Ernie and fixed his cane with a dab of super glue. See, you can make a difference by just helping where you are led to help. Don’t ignore God’s Spirit when He asks you to help out. You may think that giving money or time is a huge sacrifice, but it is not. The more we turn away from these folks, the farther away they are in our hearts. But, they are still there, needing help, hope, and the knowledge that they do matter to God.

Busy, busy, busy!!

Wow! What a week....well, Saturday was spent at church hanging new speakers....the sound system really rocks! I can't wait till we have a full blown cram nite in there! Sunday was the first day of our revival, with Bro. Johnny Timms, Pastor at FBC Chickasha. Very challenging messages!! I feel I need to do more for the Lord and less for myself......

My engagement shoot didn't happen as the young lady had a family emergency. We will try to reschedule at a later time.

Craig West from KXOJ radio here in Tulsa has been literally on the streets the past couple of days--he's is experiencing the life of a homeless person without hope as we all sit in front of our computers, nice & warm, in our busy lives. He made a remark this morning that the reality is that people just don't take the time to help out. We are busy rushing to & from work, etc. and my opinion and experience is if you don't think about them, your heart grows colder towards the needy. Let's all pray for these folks and do something to help out! Check out KXOJ.com for ways to help. Do it!

Healing...

Well, it has been a long couple of days. But, we are doing better after the loss of our cat, Sabrina. Chrissy and I took her to the vet early yesterday and he confirmed that her back was broken. As he asked what we wanted to do, I choked back tears and said what was obvious, "Go ahead, doc." We said goodbye and then he took her and put her to sleep:( Time heals, and we will be ok. I do appreciate the prayers of my friends. Thank you.

Now, back on track, I have an engagement shoot tomorrow, and I picked up a whale of a deal on a telephoto lens for my point-n-shoot for a whopping 25.00! I searched on Kodak's website and found that the lens sells for 150.00!! Now, I know you are thinking, this guy needs some pro gear, but my budget precludes that expense at this time..... I did ask Santa for a 40d, though, and I have been a very good boy:) I am looking forward to tomorrow's shoot, though!

Your prayers please...

Well, it's been a long day. I worked a full day, then went to church tonight, and when my wife returned home from taking kids home from church, she accidentally ran over our family cat. Sabrina was left here when we bought our home in 2004, and has been a great pet. She is dying as I write, we can only make her as comfortable as possible. Michelle is torn up as well as Chrissy my daughter. I can say that I am pretty sad as well....thanks for listening.

Busy weekend!

Well, I have had a very busy weekend! had a breakfast at the church, then TJ, Stenton, and I hauled off several loads of junk to the dump (yes, I am a pack rat!) Then, we all invaded the Leath's house for a Cram Nite with the youth from my church (OnTheEdge Youth). (Thanx, Del & Karen).....
Today, I headed up to church at the usual 7:30am. This is precious time I get to study and pray. No interruptions,phone calls, emails, etc. I cherish this time alone with my Lord. Had a record in our Children's Church of 31!!
Then, after an emergency auto repair job for a friend, Michelle & I took a drive to Gilcrease Museum to check out the place--I'm doing an engagement shoot this Saturday!! I am excited about this opportunity!
God bless!

Well, here it is! This is Nathan from our church. He was ready for action! Now I have to drive the school truck to Pawhuska for the football game tonight! Loooong drive ahead! Here we go!

Oh, yeah, by the way...

My good friend Geroge Flickinger commented that I forgot a self photo on my blog........

This is his suggestion:)

My nickname is "Nacho" (loooong story..lol).

Thanx, George!

Celebration...

Last night, we held the first annual "Tailgate Treats" at New Life. It was a blast! Most of the church showed up armed with candy, Gospel Tracts, and coats & gloves to share His love and provide a safe alternative for trick or treating. Pics coming later.......

link to my website...

...until I get a bit more familiar with html and post a links section(I know, I'm a dummy), here is a link to my website....

Intro to....me!

Hi I am Jeff Smith, a Christian, husband, father, youth minister, wholesale Ford parts specialist, storm chaser, Seminary student, and now photographer. Whew! That's a mouthful! In this blog, I will share some of my work in photography but I reserve the right to ramble about meaningless subjects at times:)

I have had a lot of encouragement to broaden my skills as a photographer (thanks Dan, Julie, George 1 & 2), so I have decided to "jump in" as time & finances provide. I have an engagement shoot scheduled for next Saturday and I will let you know how that turns out.

Ok, so here I go into the world of blogging.........