Weekly Inspiration (09/09/17)

Flat Run, 3.6 miles on the Roaring Run Trail (from Apollo, PA trailhead).
Photo taken March 24, 2017 at 4:11 P.M.

When the run is gushing freely, this is quite a sight.  The run empties into the Kiskiminetas River, roughly 1 mile from Edmon, PA.

Weekly Inspiration (06/17/17)

Flickering, Apollo, PA.  Photo taken June 9, 2017 at 8:45 A.M. in my back yard.

The flickering went after something it wanted. What contrasts on this bird!  You can't miss that red "Y" on its gray neck.  Only God.

(This is the same bird I mentioned in the post for Sunday, June 11, 2017.)

Flickering In Its Habitat

Flickering in its habitat.  Location:  Apollo, PA, half way up the driveway
of Apollo Assembly of God.  Photo taken June 10, 2017 at 10:52 A.M.

I played peek-a-boo with this flickering for ten minutes before the shot presented itself.  It wouldn't stay put long enough to get photographed!  Birds do that, I guess.

Although this bird seems father plain to look at in this stance, hold your judgment until you see Saturday's "Weekly Inspiration" photo.

Weekly Inspiration (06/10/17)

Roaring Run Trail, Apollo, PA Trailhead
Photo taken February 9, 2017 at 2:59 P.M.

I know . . . you don't want to see any of this stuff.  You had enough of it last winter, right?  I thought that, with the upcoming four days in the high eighties and low nineties, this might be refreshing.

Apollo On My Mind (06/08/17)

PLANNING MEETING

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017 AT 7:00 P.M.

APOLLO ASSEMBLY OF GOD

609 First St. Ext.

Apollo, PA  15613

(724) 478-4929

We will plan the order of service for the upcoming July 16, 2017 inter-church service at Owens Grove. I'm hoping to see a good number of churches represented at the planning meeting.

Weekly Inspiration (03/25/17)

Light Snow in Apollo, PA - photo taken from corner of Summit St. & Route 56
(looking west).  Photo taken March 10, 2017 at 10:14 A.M.

I know some of you don't equate snow with "weekly inspiration." 😰 Next week I'll post something warm to compensate, okay?

Apollo On My Mind (03/10/17)

Route 56,  just above Apollo, PA
Shot taken March 10, 2017 at 9:12 A.M.

Apollo is down the hill beyond the red State Farm sign.  Apollo is a quaint borough comprised of hard-working people.  However, it is drug-laden.  It is affected by a poverty mindset.  Full-time, good-paying jobs are scarce.  Hope is in short supply for too many.

Please pray for my quaint, sleepy town.

• Pray for good-paying, full-time jobs to come to Apollo.
• Pray for success of law enforcement personnel as they battle the drug problem.  (Apollo is in Armstrong County, which ranks number two in Pennsylvania for overdoses per capita.) 
• Pray that drug dealers get caught, that citizens become more confident and skilled in reporting drug deals, and that police are in the right place at the right time to discourage drug activity.
• Pray for deliverance from a poverty mindset.  (There is nothing wrong with not having a lot. That is different from a debilitating, down-spiraling mindset which sucks life and hope.)
• Pray for increased resources so churches can help with ever-growing requests for assistance.
• Pray for wholesome, family-friendly recreation and entertainment outlets in Apollo.  (Students need weekend and after-school opportunities that are low cost or now cost.)
• Pray that people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Pray for genuine repentance, with its accompanying results.

Apollo On My Mind (12/01/16)

The Pittsburgh Zoo is coming to Apollo, PA on December 17, 2016.  The event begins at 1:00 P.M. at Apollo Assembly of God.   

There is no cost to attend, though donations are welcome.  Apollo Assembly of God looks forward to hosting this event, which is geared for K-8th Grade.

A representative from Apollo R.A.I.D. will be available to promote a simple anti-drug message for children.

Apollo On My Mind (11/17/16)

Apollo Assembly of God is pleased to partner with Apollo R.A.I.D. (website here) to bring you this event.  Please help us get out the word.  We're prepared to serve 250 meals.

Weekly Inspiration (11/12/19)

Sunset,    Apollo, PA,     October 1, 2016     6:57 P.M.

I took this shot in my back yard at the top of the hill.

Weekly Inspiration (08/13/16)

Sunset, Apollo, PA  07.26.16  8:42 P.M.

Apollo On My Mind (08/04/16)

As part of the monthly R.A.I.D.¹ meetings, one of the segments is called “Fifteen Minutes of Learning.” At tonight's meeting held at Apollo Assembly of God Church in Apollo, PA, the Armstrong County Coroner was our guest.

Being careful not to divulge sensitive information, he mentioned one woman who had overdosed on heroin 27 times. I had to write that number down, as it was seemingly incredible and indescribably sad. She overdosed and was “brought back” using Naloxone (a.k.a. Narcan) each time. She died on the 28^th overdose. Naloxone couldn't save her that time, as she apparently had built up a resistance.

What a sad account! While it highlights the epidemic of drug abuse and the effectiveness of Naloxone, it also reminds us to appreciate this brief and fragile thing called life. The time to “get things right” is always now. “Later” is not guaranteed. If you or someone you know is battling drug or alcohol addiction, please talk with an addiction recovery specialist. Your life might depend on it!

There is another factor in this story, one that many would prefer I not mention. When that woman died, where did her soul go? Much tender patience went into helping her fight drug abuse. Did anyone tell her about Jesus? Did anyone share the plan of salvation with her?

When you die, where will your soul go? The Bible says that “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Invest in your soul this weekend. Go to church. Talk with the pastor about the Person and work of God's Son, Jesus Christ. Only Jesus can rescue you from spiritual death.

1Residents Against Illicit Drugs, Inc., Apollo, PA

Storm On The Horizon

"Storm On The Horizon"
Photo taken 7-16-16 at 8:52 P.M. in Apollo, PA

There sure are some eerie looking skies in southwest Pennsylvania!

"Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?" (Mt. 16:3)

Color-Rogue

Photo taken 7-4-16 in Apollo, PA

July 4th isn't the time for foliage, so I'm not sure why this leaf decided to go color-rogue.  I snapped this photo because the one leaf was remarkably different from all others.  Then I thought about Daniel.

" . . . an extraordinary spirit, knowledge and insight, interpretation of dreams, explanation of enigmas and solving of difficult problems were found in this Daniel . . ." (Dan. 5:12)

I pray that the same will be true about my children.  May they not merely exist in this world but make a difference for Jesus.

Apollo On My Mind (07/21/16)

Many might never have the opportunity to visit quaint Apollo, PA.  Fear not!  We still want you to feel at home.  To get a pictorial overview,  click here.  (Since the website is for the bicentennial celebration, which ended July 10, I don't know how much longer the site will be active.)

Apollo On My Mind (07/14/16)

This should be quite the event. Don't miss it!

Weekly Inspiration (07/09/16)

Sunset,  Apollo, PA   7-3-16

This shot was taken at 8:51 P.M., halfway up the hill in my back yard.  What a variety of colors on God's palette!

Apollo On My Mind (07/07/16)

Just a reminder to check regularly the Facebook page of Apollo R.A.I.D.  You can access the page here.  You will find good information, updates and resources.

Speaking of information, remember that the next meeting of Apollo R.A.I.D. will be Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 P.M. at Apollo Assembly of God Church.    The group gathers in the meeting hall.  Please use the ramp entrance in the back.  Guests are welcome to audit a meeting to see what we do.

Happy Birthday to Apollo, PA.  The big 2-0-0.  Events are listed at www.apollo200.org. Though all are welcome, church-goers will especially enjoy tonight's concert (by Risen To Serve) at 7:00 in Owens Grove.  Of course, don't forget the two-hour parade on Saturday.

Saturday, July 23, at 9:00 A.M., parishioners from Apollo Assembly of God will be walking the streets, praying over the neighborhoods.  If you have something specific you would like them to pray about, please call the office at 724-478-4929.

Apollo On My Mind (06/30/16)

Photo Credit: www.apollo200.org

Ten days of celebration begin July 1.  To keep up with all the events, go to the website or visit the Facebook page. Happy Birthday, Apollo!

Apollo On My Mind (06/23/16)

Below is a copy of an e-mail received from Apollo R.A.I.D.  We want you to know what's going on. I encourage you to utilize this service.

Safe Medication Disposal Now Available To Apollo Residents Old medications are dangerous when left laying around the house.  But, they should never be thrown out with the trash or flushed down the toilet. There is now a better solution!  This Medication Disposal box is now located in the hallway at the Apollo Borough Offices! Anyone is welcome to stop by to deposit unwanted medications of any type during normal business hours.  M-F 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.