Monthly Archives: September 2009

Animals, Black & White, Contests, Flowers, Jill, Night, Pufferbilly Days

Jill Gorshe

I was pleasantly surprised by Jill’s choice. Since I had decided to have all people of the female persuasion pick the photos this year, I thought a frog picture would get very little love.

But Jill came through for the frog.


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee
“It’ll Do Fine”

I actually struggled with the naming of this picture. Even now, I think that I’m going to rename it to “So Many Other Ordinary Things”. I’ll have to meditate upon it further.

There was a point when I wanted to name this picture after the prince from The Frog King or Iron Heinrich, but as I looked into the story a little bit deeper, I found that the Frog King doesn’t have a name. But perhaps even more importantly is that I don’t think that the princess really deserves the Frog-King. At least not as the story was originally written.

In the original story, the princess doesn’t break the spell with a kiss. She throws the frog against the wall in disgust.

“Now, thou wilt be quiet, odious frog.” The princess says and throws the frog against the wall. This turns the frog back into a prince. For some reason he still wanted her?!?!?!?

He should have stood up and told her to bugger off. There are other fish in the sea. Some of those fish probably aren’t spoiled little brats that try to go back on their deal. He did get her stupid golden ball for her out of the well. He should have known how small and petty she was then. It is just a stupid golden ball. No need to offer up your clothes, pearls or jewels, princess.

But I digress…

Jill of course had other pictures she liked, before deciding on the frog.


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee

2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee

2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee

2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee

If Jill can pick a frog, I have hopes that one of the guys will pick a flower picture in 2010.

Black & White, Contests, Flowers, Macro, Monica, Pufferbilly Days

Monica Henning

Monica had the next choice. She struggled between 2 pictures as well. She finally picked the picture below, even though it wasn’t her favorite.


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee
“The Solace of Ordinary Humanity”

A picture that I have titled: “Monica’s Childhood” was actually her favorite.


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee
“Monica’s Childhood”

Monica wrote perhaps my favorite ever description of that picture in her email where she chose “The Solace of Ordinary Humanity”:

#13 is great. It reminds me of growing up on the farm. I would lay in the grass as a little girl and just stare up at the clouds for hours. I would think about all sorts of things. Just lay there in the grass and dream! I remember the cool breeze blowing across my face and the warm sun beating down on me. The clouds make this picture. It gives it perspective for me.

I also like how the one flower on the left is just kind of sticking its head in the pack to see what’s going on. Much like life. It gives it a bit of humor too.

Black & White, Candid Portrait, Contests, Pufferbilly Days, Sara, Weddings

Sara Junck

This past weekend was the Pufferbilly Days photo contest. I had 6 different people pick the 6 different entries this year. The first person to pick was Sara Junck. She picked the picture below:


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee
“Cozy Combination”

Sara actually took slightly over the 24 hour deadline. She waffled back and forth between her final pick and the picture below:


2009 - Pufferbilly Days Photo Contest Nominee

None of the other five members of the selection committee chose the fire picture. I think Sara was saddened by this fact.

Christianity, Mark

The Taiwan Times – August 2009

The Taiwan Times
by Mark Wolfram
Reporting on God’s mission in Taiwan

Quick Update

Hello everyone from Taiwan. Just wanted to write and let you know that I made it back over here safely, after a wonderful time in the United States. I spent 7 weeks in America this summer, which is the longest I had stayed since coming overseas as a missionary. I really enjoyed the chance to meet many of you and come speak at several churches.

One prayer for the summer, was for the necessary funds to be raised for the coming year. Praise God that He always provides. I am elated to say that I am fully funded for the coming year. I thank so many of you who provided financial support for the mission work that is happening here in Taiwan.

As I write this, Concordia Middle School has just begun a new semester. After a month of optional summer classes, the students are now beginning their mandatory school. I am excited for another opportunity to teach Bible and English classes here at CMS. My schedule this year will include 7th,8th, 10th, and 11th graders. The 11th grade will be a new class for me, although I am blessed to be able continue teaching an amazing group of the students I had last year as 10th graders.

In addition this month will start up our Thursday evening On-Campus Student Fellowship, and Friday Night Bible English Bible Study. The Salvation Youth Group has continued through-out the summer, and I have been able to attend the last two Saturdays.

That’s right boys and girls, it’s the start of a new year, and it brings excitement, energy, and many chances to share the love of Christ through words and actions.

It’s Prayer Time!

1. Pray for me as I start a new school year. Pray that I may get all of my classes organized and off to a good start. Pray that I may love my students and share Jesus with them in all things.

2. Pray for Friday Night Bible Study, On-campus Student Fellowship, and Salvation Youth Group. Pray for God’s blessings as these start and that many kids may come eager to hear about the love of Jesus.

3. Pray for all of the missionaries here on Team Taiwan. May God bless all of us as we work together and share the Gospel.

4. Pray for my barber (whose name is Sue Hway…some had asked). Pray that she may come to faith in Christ.

5. Pray that God would help me continue to improve my Chinese.

May God bless you all,

Mark