Below is my own favorite image from Photos - Södertälje Party (2). It’s the lead singer from Nordman, Håkan Hemlin. The “moment” is caught, I think, that represent this performer the best (as I see him, anyway). I had a nice chat with Håkan after the show, in which he told me that he had just bought a new camera, an Canon 400D, and that he was having a lot of fun with it. But he explained that he feels stupid sometimes, because he take pictures of everything he sees. Said he: “It’s embarrassing leaning all over an ant hill with a camera when all these people are passing by you, wondering if you’re crazy.”

When he said that I laughed so hard. I explained that’s exactly what I was doing two days earlier. I was encircling the ant hill outside our house. (We actually got two of them right on our front side. I call them the Two Towers. Between them is a broad and very busy ant freeway). In this photo I was sticking my head in ant hill nr 1. It looked like I was just in time for dinner.

These other photos are taken from the “freeway”. I was lying on the ground, with ants crawling all over me, one of them biting my arm. I was fascinated by this one who was carrying a heavy luggage, several times his own weight.

It reminded my of a spiritual experience I had with an ant (yes, if you can image that) back in May, 2002. It was when I had just been called to be the Bishop of our congregation in Södertälje. I remember going out in the beautiful forest nearby, so I could be alone with my thought. I felt so small. I think you understand the feeling; you get a calling or assignment that seems too big for you to fill; that it could be done so much better by someone else; you maybe even feel unworthy. So what do you do? You pray, of course. That’s what I did - like never before. Some of the things that followed are too personal to mention here, but this much I can say, as I often try to do, that God answers prayer. He really does. The joy and comfort and peace that filled me that day made a remarkable impact on my soul.

When I turned back for home, I thought I had received more spiritual food than I could eat that day, but… another experience awaited. It was a special encounter with an ant. After walking a few minutes on a small path I see a little stick moving on the ground. It seemed to move around by its own force, but when I crept closer I saw there was an ant clinging on to the bottom of it. Of course, I knew of the incredible strength of ants, but I still couldn’t restrain my admiration. (The stick was much bigger than birch tree “seed” in these photos.)

For some reason I had the feeling I should stay around a watch this ant in action. So I did. And what became clear to me was that I had met the most determined, stubburn ant in the whole forest, I was sure of it. He took the stick up a steep hill. That in itself amazed me. But then he came to a huge root blocking the path. I though, okay, he’s got three options: Go over it (but that seemed impossible), go a long uncertain way around it, or give up and leave the stick. Guess which he chose? You bet, he was setting himself up for the impossible: he was on a straight path, and root or no root, nothing was going to stop him! So he sets off, or rather - up. The first try he failed… and the second. But now I’m getting in to this. I kneel down in the dirt, getting as close to him as I can, trying to get his attention. Kind of like this close.

I said to him: “Now you listen to me! You can do this, I know you can. Just don’t give up! You know you have it in you. This is what you need to do… what you want to do. Now do it!!! Then I paused. And as silly as this may sound, it hit me that I was living within my very own parable: I was the ant; I was that little guy struggling to pull a heavy load that by all logic was impossible to handle. But those words I just said? Didn’t someone else try to tell my heart those exact words a moment earlier? Yes… yes!

“Okay,” I said, getting seriously caught up in the situation, “I’m here.” With my face back in the dirt I said what I probably never will say to another ant again: “I won’t leave you. I’m right here, helping you through this.” I was so focused, and tears were spilling over because of all the emotions… and I’m laughing at myself, thinking what in the world I would say if someone should see me now.

Then the miracle. The ant, after several failed attempts, gathers his strength and starts to climb - with the stick. And I’m going crazy, cheering him on like he was my favorite Olympic athlete. “Come on! Come on! Up… and up… and uuuuup!

Yeeeeeeeeeeees!!!

He made it! I was so happy, waiving my arms in the air, doing a silly rain dance. Then I looked down again, wanted to tell the object of my admiration how proud I was over him. But he didn’t wait for me. He was already tugging along. Amazing, I thought.

Looking back at this experience, I realize how easy it would be for me to just have pushed this ant up the root. Yet, although it truly felt we were in this together, it would have been the “wrong” thing to do. This was his moment to prove himself, a test he had to do on his own. But I wanted him know, still, that I was there beside him, all the way.

Sometimes when I wrote I think how silly my words must sound to some folks, but I hope this has made some sense. I guess what I wanted to say is that no matter how small we see ourselves, there is someone out there cheering us on, giving us encouragement, believing in us, never leaving our sight. When I continued walking home I felt all of this combine into a word: love. And not just any love, but the true love of God. Knowing I had felt that love this day (through other experiences also), I knew in my heart that I could do everything and anything he called me to do. And do you know what the beautiful thing is: so can you!

In this post I have used the word “silly” more than once. But today silly was a good word. Because I learned that God can teach us things through the smallest, “silliest” means sometimes. But as for me, I don’t mind. Why? Well… with me God can be as silly as he wants, as long as what he wants reaches my heart. Plus… silly is more fun.

It’s a good life.

I wish it would have happened a bit later… in about… oh, I don’t know… 16, 17 years perhaps. But now it’s clear to me: Clara is in love. The recipient of her affection is a neighboring boy, Johan.

As seen in the photos, Clara only has eyes for Johan. No matter how nice brother Isak tries to be to her, he just can’t seem to get her attention like he used to.

The other day when Isak asked for a hug, she went straight to Johan instead.

But I must say, Johan is really a good-hearted boy, from a wonderful family. If he can just wait 25 years, when Clara (maybe) moves away from home, then they can get married.

I am tired and need to go to sleep. But I thought of something Isak said awhile ago that made me laugh (and I want to write it down before I forget).

One morning he came to me, kind of excited, and said: “Dad, I had a dream about you last night.”

“Oh, really! What did you dream about exactly?”

He thought for a second. “Well, there were some bad guys and some good guys… like in the Lord of the Rings.” He was concentrating on remembering. “You were fighting with the good guys,” he said with a smile.

I can’t wait to hear the end of this one, I thought. It was the way he told it, as if he was building up to something special. Maybe a super-dad-hero tale. “Wow! I was chasing away Orcs? Awesome!”

“Yeah,” he said with a smile.

This is going to be good. But wanting to hear the rest I asked: “What then?”

“They killed you!” he answered casually.

“They what?”

“They killed you!” he repeated.

“But I was helping the good guys! What do you mean I was killed?”

I don’t know… but you’re pretty much a dead man!”

“Well… what happened after that?” I was still hanging on to the hope of some good ending.

“Nothing. I woke up.”

“That’s it! You woke up?” I had just dropped from hero to zero. He had me set up for a lot more.

“Yep, that’s pretty much it!” And without waiting for another comment from me he asked: “Can we go out a play now, dad?”

“Sure… why not?” Take me to the orcs, I thought.

Here are all of the artist’s photos, in slide shows, from the Södertälje party. I didn’t always get the best position for these shots, so I’m not pleased with all of them, but hopefully there are some in here you like. If you wonder, by the way, these are all nice people. I wish them all the best, especially Charlotte who will compete for Sweden soon in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. If you click on her link you’ll see some ready made winning pictures (just in case she could win - which she’s got a shot at).

Charlotte Perelli (Winner of the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest)
Nordman (Håkan Hemlin)
Magnus Karlsson
Andrés Esteche
Jan Johansen
Pernilla Wahlgren
Tommy Nilsson

Click here to get to the Music Photo page with a complete list of artists.

My brothers and I performed together with a large number of artist last night. It was Södertälje kommun (the Municipality of Södertälje - where I live) that had arranged a big party at the ice stadium for all its employees (7000 persons). It was really fun, especially taking photos of the other artists. Johannes also came with me. It became a big night for him. Here is a small gallery, where you see the following artists:

Pernilla Wahlgren
Jan Johansen
Tommy Nilsson
Andrés Esteche
Magnus Karlsson
Håkan Hemlin (Nordman)
Charlotte Perelli (who will compete for Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in a few weeks)

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Anna wrote a comment to Alive through the Love of God, and asked some really good questions. I was trying to keep my reply short, but was only half successful, so I’m copying these words into a new post instead. (I think I will do that also in the future with my longer replies, in case someone else wants to read them.)

Here are Anna’s two question:
“a) If trials and sufferings leads to something good for other people, does that mean that we shall not try to take away these sufferings (like poverty in the world, or the neighbor abusing his family)?
b) If trials and suffering might lead to something good for us, does that mean that we shouldn´t try to have better lives, that we should just try to endure no matter what?”

Here is her own answer:
“To both these 2 questions, I would definitively say: No! One good thing with the evil in the world is that it gives us something to fight, opportunities to do good, to show mercy and love towards ourselves and others, that need a helping hand to get out of their suffering.”

I put the last part in italics, because those are important words. I totally agree that the answer is no to both questions. But I’m glad it was brought up so I can expand just a little, to avoid any misunderstandings about my view of (my) LDS faith.

a) Just because we can grow from trails doesn’t mean that we should seek them out (like the time when I felt so blessed in my life that I prayed to God, asking for a trail to teach me humility, and I came home that evening only to find that burglars had broken in). It doesn’t mean that we should want anyone else to suffer either. The thing is: trails and suffering find their own way into people’s lives; it doesn’t have to be through a bad choice they make; it can be through a bad choice of someone else; or living in Burma (where millions are victims of the latest cyclone)… or whatever. So of course we have to easy the burdens of others. It’s the Christian way. To all of us, it should be the only way!

b) No to this question also. In fact, the LDS view is that we should strive every day to become better than the day before. Our last prophet, Gordon B Hinckley always talked about becoming a little bit better, being more kind to each other, and standing a little taller. We believe there is a God-given potential within all human beings, and its our responsibility to try our best to live up to who we really are, or can become. Although the scripture often talk about “enduring to the end”, we don’t interpret that to mean “suffer to the end”, but rather, keep the faith always and find joy - even when it’s hard - to keep the commandments of God.

Note: Please read Linda’s last (and first) comment to Alive through the Love of God. (I didn’t see that until I had posted this one.) I like the perspective Jeanette gives also, about Christ’s role.

Last night I was moved by a verse in the Book of Mormon, one of our sacred books of scripture. In 2 Nephi, chapter 11, we read that Nephi was anxious to learn from God what his father, Lehi, had seen in a vision about the tree of life. Then, as he pondered in his heart, Nephi was “taken away” by the Spirit of the Lord. A beautiful conversation followed between the two, but I want to focus on verses 16-17, where the Spirit asks:

“Knowest thou the condescension of God? And [Nephi] said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”

One of the reasons I cherish this verse is because it puts everything in the right perspective. In life we sometimes wonder why “bad” things happen, especially why bad things happen to good people. We search for an understanding. We search for reasons. And when we don’t find any, we get frustrated and perhaps even blame God. I personally believe everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean I always understand what that reason is. In fact, by the time our lives are over there will most likely be many unanswered questions. What I have to ask myself is: Am I okay with that, the part about not understanding everything - especially the times of hurt and despair?

Getting back to the “right perspective”, Nephi gives the answer that comforts. Although he is not in this context thinking about the trails of life as such, his reply is the key to everything. He says that he (as well as we all) does not know the meaning of all things. So far we agree. But before that he rightly states as his first conviction: “I know that [God] loveth his children.” Do we all agree with that… or rather, truly believe that?

This is the crucial key to making it through life: knowing, in your heart, that God really loves you. Why is this so crucial? Simply this: if you know you are loved and cared for - especially by your Heavenly Father - you will be able to cope with any difficult situation ahead; you will know that hardships are not punishments, but means to shape your character. If God cannot test you, how can you truly show who you are. And if you can’t show it, how can you ever know it? Again, we may still not understand everything, but now we will at least make it through, because of the love of God.

To put it in more simple words: God’s love is what keeps us alive. And by that I mean truly alive. My point is that we haven’t really lived if we haven’t felt the love of God. There is a power in God’s love, unprecedented in kind, nothing to match it. It is the power that sets us free, free to enjoy life in its full. What I am talking about being truly happy, experiencing lasting joy, being able to keep that positive nature through good times as well as the bad.

The ancient apostle Paul understood this. I esteem his words in Romans 8:38-39:

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Whenever I write in this forum, of course I can only speak for myself. I do so today as well. But I nevertheless feel the need to bring you my strongest witness about this. I have felt the love of God. I have planted it in my heart. This very moment it is consuming me, and there are no words to describe how that feels. The only way I can begin to convey that feeling is to say, in the spirit of Paul’s words, that nothing in this life can separate me from the love of God. The very thought of that happening is terrifying .

I try not to use the word “truth” flamboyantly, but here and now I say: the love of God will keep you truly alive. That is the truth.

I’m trying to put together a folder of studio photos. Working in the studio is great fun, but unfortunately it’s a bit of a time consumer - and I don’t have much time. But here’s a start anyhow. Hopefully I’ll have a change to add some more photos… in the future.

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

Dear friends! This is something new I want to try out: a monthly overview. The main objective of this “wrap-up” is to allow myself the chance to point out what posts have been most important to me, or most amusing, etc. Remember, however, this will be based on my personal opinion. (You might have another feel for the matter.) In addition I have added a few blog statistics. To me, these are unimportant, but I know some folks who just love them - especially the Americans Happy reading!

16 Posts
78 Comments
7683 Views

Most inspirational post: Reflections of Christ
Most amazing story: Baby Born with Two Faces & How to Forgive a Murderer
Most important message: Opportunity is the Blessing
Most adorable photos: The Faces of an Angel
Most amusing photo: Angel turns Thief (nr 6)
Most useful quotes: Opportunity is the Blessing & Spending Money You Don’t Have (2)
Most enjoyable experiences: Embarrassing Dad at Airport & Out in the Fields

Have a great May!
Brother Louis

Thanks to those of you who wrote great comments to Spending Money You Don’t Have. (If the rest of you have the time please take a minute and read those remarks.) I think we can all agree that this is a difficult, yet important subject. And we’re all still learning, aren’t we? Speaking for myself, I know I understand the principle more or less perfectly, but in theory it’s a different matter. Let’s just say that at times I have, like many of you, learned the heard way. But in retrospect, those experiences have been good too - as long as I try to learn from them.

I also wrote a comment to the aforementioned post. It’s too long to post again, but I am summarizing it here with the following thoughts:

The happiest moments in life are not the costliest.

Control your money, or it will control you.

Today’s “standard of living” is not to be synonymously defined as “standard of happiness”.

There are no shortcuts! The only likely positive effect from gambling halls or lottery tickets is a fleeting thrill. But it is just that: fleeting. The sure positive effect from a pay check resulting from honest, hard work is personal satisfaction and lasting joy.

If we fail to balance our budget we face the danger of being pulled overboard into the currents of debt and economic dependency.

Finally, here is a wonderful quote from the talented Garth Brooks:

“Happiness isn’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you got.”

Just before the sun was about to set I asked Isak if he wanted to go and find some deer and take pictures. I told him about this place where I’ve seen them hang out. “Sure,” he said, “but I want to take the pictures.” (Click on images to enlarge)

And so he did. This one is taken by Isak, of the only deer we could find. Then it took off into the forest.

But we didn’t feel like going home yet, so went out into a neighboring field to greet the local farmer.

Isak look on as the tractor turns…

but start to run as some seagull get near.

Here he is coming back. There is something about this shot I like. But its not the dust nor the impressive tractor. It’s the cool focus of the farmer, keeping his eyes forward, driving in a straight line. He knows exactly what he is doing. He probably tended this soil for a better part of his life. It struck me that I, and thousand with me, are enjoying the fruits of this man’s labors. When’s the last time I thanked my friendly neighborhood farmer? “Thanks friend!”

“It’s my pleasure!” [He waves to us]

Mmmm… What a good life.

This is my answer to government policy that we need to spend more and more money to boost our national economy, even though it means joining the crowd of bankrupt millions who are treading water just to stay alive. It’s a quote by Will Smith.

“Too many people are spending money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

For a lack of a better word, I would say that this is one of the great evils of modern society, that we feel more or less forced to spend money we don’t even have. Every day companies and advertisers play the game of lets-see-who-we-can-trick-today. And we fall for it. My “favorite” one is: “Get your flat screen today, pay for it next year!” Not to mention the offers that fall into our mailbox at least once a week to get this or that credit card or bank loan, and everything is practically given away for nothing.

Wow, we think to ourselves, what a deal! So well are we tricked - although it should be easy to see the deception - that we are shocked when the bill finally comes, and we have to pay a price we cannot afford - unless, of course, we could take another loan to pay for the loan we couldn’t afford to pay back in the first place. Isn’t it wonderful? The bank will gladly help us out of a tricky situation. And should they fail to comply, then just turn to the loyal friend who always stays near your heart (in your breast pocket): your credit card. He is so generous; he’ll let you buy whatever you please, and you’ll never have to pay for it. Until later.

Can the politicians and financial lobbyists really be correct: that in order to save our collective economy we must put ourselves in personal bankruptcy?

Linda posted a comment on Opportunity is the Blessing, with a great quote and personal challenge. Here it is.

“Came to think of it; there was another movie some years ago, quite similar to this one - Bruce Almighty. I looked it up and “God” has a few interesting words to share from this movie as well:

Parting your soup is not a miracle, it’s a magic trick. A single mom who’s working two jobs and still finds time to take her kid to soccer practice, that’s a miracle. A teenager who says no to drugs and yes to an education, that’s a miracle. People want me to do everything for them, and what they don’t realize is - they have the power. You want to see a miracle, son? Be the miracle.”

“BE the miracle. We have the power within us, granted to us by God. He has given us the opportunities AND the power. Imagine that.”

Linda

My family watched a movie recently, Evan Almighty. It was a cute film, one I would strongly recommend. Morgan Freeman plays God and and Steve Carell a US congressman who is given the task from God to build an ark. I won’t tell you the whole plot, but suffice it to say that Evan runs in to some obstacles while starting the project. One of those is convincing his wife that he actually is acting under God’s command. She is a good woman but she simply does not understand him. So finally she takes the kids and drives off, leaving Evan alone with his work.

Then something happens. She meets God. Well… she doesn’t know it’s God, but he start a conversation with her. And the words he speaks affect her so deeply (of course) that she immediately turns around to go home to her husband. These are the words God tells her:

If someone prays for patience, does God give them patience? Or does He give them the opportunity to be patient?
If they pray for courage, does God give them courage, or does he give them the opportunity to be courageous?
If someone prayed for their family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm, fuzzy feelings? Or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

When I heard that I had to stop, rewind and look at it again. I was struck by the profoundness, yet simplicity of those word. I thought to myself: Yes, of course! Whatever we gain in life of real value, we gain through our experiences. So if God wants to bless us, sure, theoretically he could just send blessings our way without any effort on our part. But then we would loose the real blessing: the opportunity; meaning the work, effort, and experience associated with these important attributes (like patience, courage, and love).

For example, what good will it do if your heart was suddenly struck by a thunderbolt of love? Will you love become stronger? Maybe for a short time, yes, but then what? It’s like when people instantly fall head over heals in love. Most of them fall just as fast out of love. Why? Because there is nothing substantial there to hold their love together. What really matters are the opportunities given us to show love. And those moments can be big or small: saying “yes” at the alter - and meaning it; massaging a sore back; helping your wife with the diapers and dishes; communicating your feelings openly and honestly; carrying a crying baby at night so your loved one can sleep; and in Evan’s case… building an ark.

I learned a lesson that day, that I would not complain so much about the lack of this or that in my life. Instead I would be grateful for every single opportunity to do something about it. Because what is an opportunity, really? Isn’t it our very own chance to prove ourselves? Isn’t it a chance to plant that seed which will grow up to be that very fruit we wish to partake of in the future? Isn’t it our chance to create the surroundings we wish to live in.

Think of all the opportunities in life. Aren’t those the greatest blessings?

She did it again… (see Angel turns Thief)

But big brother is more forgiving this time.

Anyone living in Sweden has not been able to go untouched by Engla and her tragic story. She is the ten-year-old girl who was recently abducted and killed by a middle aged man in central Sweden. In a newspaper yesterday I read something that moved me to tears. It was an open letter from Engla’s family. Here’s a copy of it:

“Vi vill tacka för den enorma uppslutningen stöd och engagemang från alla som varit vid vår sida under sökande och i vår sorg, som blivit allas våran sorg.
Engla var en tjej som spred ljus och glädje.
Engla har alltid vetat att hon skulle bli något speciellt, nu vet vi att hon blev en ljusbärare som förenar våra hjärtan över hela världen. Vi känner tillsammans och påverkas av varandra. Vi förstår att vi är ett.
Snälla ta hand om varandra och var varlig mot vår jord.
Vi får frågor om vad vi känner för 42-åringen - Folk kan bara gå till sig själva och känna, så förstår de vad vi känner. Att han har erkänt gör att vi kan släppa oron för att Engla fortfarande far illa någonstans.
Vårt liv kommer aldrig att bli sig likt men vi kommer att kämpa för att hitta en vardag för oss och våra barn, där vi vill hitta ett sätt att bära Englas ljus vidare till något stort och positivt för alla.
Frid och kärlek
Carina, Torbjörn, barnen”

This 42-year-old murderer is the most despised person in Sweden at the moment. Anyone who’s had the chance to say anything about him has used words of hatred and disgust. Now Engla’s family had the opportunity to speak, and if any had the right to feel hatred it would be this family, of course. But in their words to us, they choose another path, regardless of the crushing heartache they must be experiencing, caused by this man; they choose the path of “peace and love”.

Although they do not explicitly say they forgive their daughter’s killer, they want to tell us that light and love is a better way than ill-feeling and hatred. They don’t place much focus on the murderer, but rather what we all – and not just their family – can bring with us into the future that will help make this world a better place.

There has been a kind of an Engla fever in the media. Everyone is writing and talking about it, ever since she disappeared; the business of finding Engla - and now grieving for her - has become everyone’s business. The whole nation is united in heart and purpose in way that is quite unusual to see. I feel it almost dreadful to say, but her death has brought so many others to life. And this is actually what I think is the core message from her family. I quote in part:

“Engla always knew that she was going to be something special, and now we know that she became a light-bearer that united our hearts all over the world… We understand that we are one…. Our life will never be the same but we will strive to return to everyday life… where we will find a way to carry the light of Engla onward to something great and positive for us all.”

I think this viewpoint is commendable beyond words. What a great example for us all, turning this tragedy into something hopeful for our society. I can only hope that I would have the same strength in that situation; for many of us it would be hard. But wherever we are in life, we could learn from this family, that hate and revenge is not the answer; that it will in truth only hurt us more than whichever offender we direct our anger at. Rather, we could push forward in a positive spirit, putting away the gloom of hate, and like Engla’s family carry a warm light with us instead.

I wish God’s choicest blessings for the Engla, now in her heaven, and for her sweet family.

It seems that there was split “voting” on The Faces of an Angel. Your thoughts, which by the way were very kind, represent pretty much what I feel too: she was so cute in many of the shots, in different ways. Therefore, it’s hard to pick a winner, but if I was force to, I would pick this one, as some of you also did.

But as it turns out, our Angel is not always who she appears to be. I was acting Paparazzi the other day, and look what I discovered at the end of my lens.

Clara: Hmm… I would sure like to play with those marbles.

Clara: “Isak, can I play too?”
Isak: “Just wait a second, okay!”

Clara: Wow! This bag is full of them!

Clara: Okay… he’s looking away. I’ll just grab this little string here, and…

Clara: Dam-di-du-di-doh… quietly we go…
Isak: “What in the…?

Isak: “Oh, no you don’t!”
Clara: “No, no, no, no…nooooo!”

Louis: “Maybe she wouldn’t do that if you let her play with you?”
Isak: “But we we’re just in the middle of a game!”

Back to the game area.
Clara: “Mask? [This is what she calls our neighbor, Max.] Can I have a marble from you?

Max: “Sure, let me get one from my box.”
Clara: “Really! Oh, thank you!”

Max: “Here you go!”

Clara: “Thank you, Mask! At least there is one nice person here…”

What lessons can we learn from this? Don’t steal? Of course, this is fundamental. But maybe also: if the rich would share some of their wealth with the poor, maybe the poor wouldn’t be forced to steal.

Reader: “Ah, you’re just saying that to defend Clara.”
Louis: “Why, yes… of course. After all… she is my angel!”

Our baby girl just turned two. As you can see, she’s had fun this year.

I’m just trying out this new gallery. Click on any thumbnail to make the image larger. You can even comment on each image (in the reply box). By the way, which is the cutest photo? I’ve got my own favorite. Let’s see if you feel the same.

My brothers and I performed in Vemdalen Saturday evening, along with some other artists. E-type, alias Martin Eriksson, was also there with his band. They put on a great show. The music was tight and the mood was happy. Here are some photos from their concert.

E-type in Vemdalen, Sweden

I have met Martin several times and consider him a friend. When he saw me after the concert, he came over and gave me a bear hug. It was good to see him again. It struck me, however, how different we are; I am a religious educator, and he’s a rock artist in a truest sense of the word…. although a very sympathetic, compassionate rock artist. He’s got a good heart. And he cares for his fans, constantly showing them gratitude, whether on or off stage. I wish him all the best on his new tour.

Here is a photo story from the other week. Johannes loves anything that’s got to do with airplanes and airports. Knowing that, I have suggested a few times that we go to Arlanda airport, north of Stockholm, just to stroll around and maybe take some photos. (I also knew he needed some time away from home, so he could train more on his injured foot.) He loved that idea. So, one late afternoon we finally went ahead with our plans.

It was a strange weather day. When we drove to the airport, something of a snow storm was brewing up. It got worse and worse. I told Johannes that it would be best not to expect to much (of the visibility). Although I knew he most of all wanted to see the take-offs and landings, he tried to keep a straight face. “Well, at least we can see the inside of the airport as we walk around,” he said. Bless his heart, I thought, but please God, give him a fun experience. He really needs it.

Ten minutes later we arrived at Arlanda. And I tell you, it was the strangest weather phenomena I ever laid my eyes on. All of a sudden the snow stopped. And the clouds dispersed. Well, not completely. Only around the airport. Facing us was Arlanda in a fish bowl; dark clouds were together creating a huge circle around the airport, leaving an open top of clear, blue skies. It was being in the eye of the storm; calm on the inside, but raging weather on the outside. Our jaws just dropped, and we both said simultaneously: “Cool!” And I just smiled. Thank you, God.

We walked around for about an hour in all the terminals. Johannes knows I am a frequent flyer, so he throws all these questions my way: “Have you flown that plane? Did you ever feel unsafe? Which is the best airline? Why do they spray orange stuff on the wings?” And I put on my teacher’s mantle and say: “Glad you should ask… let me tell you, son…”

After a while he gets tired in his bad leg. We stop and take this photo. Then we look at some planes coming up and down the runway (behind Johannes in the photo). However, we notice it’s getting darker. But it’s also clearing up outside the airport. So we decide to try to find the road that take us to the end of the runway, so we can get a better view of the take-offs.

After about ten minutes of driving we actually find it. This is the place. Now we just have to wait for a plane.

Here come the first one.

And the second one. We are standing right underneath them as they come. “This is soooo cool!” Johannes yells over the engine noise. “Yes, but also soooo cold!” I reply. I’d forgotten to bring my jacket. Not a smart thing with temperatures at freezing point.

“I have a great idea!” Johannes said. “Why don’t you take the blanket from trunk of the car to cover yourself with.” Good idea, I thought. So for the next twenty minutes, this is how I looked. (Don’t laugh… at least I was warm.

We took a lot more photos. Some good. Some not so good. But it wasn’t the photos. It was just being together. And seeing Johannes laughing again and enjoying himself, that was worth more than anything.

But those sugary, dandy feelings were abruptly changed as a security car stopped by the side of the road, just behind ours. It struck me that perhaps we were trespassing or something, so shamefully I stroll to the officer’s car. He rolls down the window and explains that we are aloud to take photos, but not park on the side of the road. “Okay, sorry,” I reply. “We’ll make sure it won’t happen again.” Content he drove off.

Johannes said: “Dad, that’s so embarrassing. They’re gonna kick us out!” I responded: “No, it’s okay. Besides, it’s time to leave anyway.” Then we got in the car and drove toward home. But on the way, this particular road passed near the place where the planes landed - the opposite side of the runway. I asked Johannes if he wanted to see it. He gladly approved so I took him there, and stopped again by the side of the road.