God Bless America ...

“While the storm clouds gather 

far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.

Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God bless America, land that I love,

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans white with foam,

God bless America,

My home sweet home.”

                  

                ~ "God Bless America"

        ~ written by Irving Berlin in 1918   

                   & revised by him in 1938

                  ~ Kate Smith’s signature song

The spirit of America and the spirit of the open road that only a motorcycle can give meet on the General Thomas R. Morgan USMC Bridge, Slatington, Pennsylvania, just before the Fourth of July.

I loved seeing the bridge festooned with American flags leading up to Slatington Baptist Church, founded in its current location in 1900. To me, this image quintessentially proclaims, “God Bless America!”

The signs on the lampposts designate Slatington, established in 1864, as the Blackboard Capital of America.

Shades of Alleluia ...

"A Christian should be 
an Alleluia from head to foot."
                   ~ St. Augustine
                               ~ 354-430 A.D.

It's a touchstone of faith in the city as banners
joyfully wave a colorful chorus of Alleluias outside Trinity Church at the corner of Broadway
and Wall Street in New York City in April.

The Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan
was a refuge for relief workers after the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001. A sculpture
in front of the church was made out of a giant
sycamore tree destroyed on 9/11.     

Irish Blessings ...

"An Irish Prayer"

May God give you ...

For every storm, a rainbow

For every tear, a smile

For every care, a promise

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share

For every sigh a sweet song

And an answer for each prayer.

 

The autumn sunshine of a gorgeous Indian Summer day

smiles on St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Belvidere, New Jersey.

The shamrock windows give a touch of an Irish blessing, with a

beautiful statue of Jesus Christ with his arms outstretched above them.

The cornerstone of this quaint, picturesque church at

327 Greenwich Street was laid in 1891.

Belvidere, one of my very favorite places,

is a charming Victorian town on 

the banks of the Pequest and Delaware Rivers. 

 

Soul Of Summer Video

LeAnn Rimes' beautiful version of "I Believe" sets the backdrop for this celebration of the inspiration and splendor of summer. My greatest joy as a photographer is harmonizing my favorite original  photos to music to create a lingering snapshot of the season. Enjoy!...