A prayer

 

Oh precious Heavenly Father – the Creator of all things – I praise you for the beautiful colors all around me.  I thank you for filling our world with beauty … I thank you for the changing of the seasons.  May I never wish this season away – pining for what was or yearning for what is to come – but let me be fully present right now, right here.  My life is yours.  I trust you.  I desire that my heart for you would continue to grow.  I don’t merely want to be an enthusiastic fan … I choose to follow you.  In good times and bad.  In lack and in plenty.  You are worthy!  You are holy!  You are mercy and grace!  You are love!  Your creation reflects who you are.  Thank you for allowing me to see, enjoy and capture the glorious splendor of your creation.

A-hunting they will go! [This or That Thursday]

It’s that time of year again.  The time of year when the boys don their camo, grab their hunting bows and set off into the woods, hoping to not come home empty handed.  Between an ailing back and a move to a new corporate office for the company he works for, Joel hasn’t been extremely available for hunting.  But he and Andrew have managed to get a few hunting excursions in so far this fall.  Unfortunately, they have come home empty handed each time, but I believe that sitting in a tree stand for several hours – father and son – is about so much more than the deer.

Last Sunday when Andrew was talking about going out to the stand, Joel asked Andrew if he wanted him to come along.  Andrew’s response was so precious … “Oh yeah, Dad!  I’d love for you to come with me!”

Whether they get a deer or not, I just love that they get to spend that special time together … just sitting near each other, whispering about things that really matter.

The above picture is my personal favorite.  Andrew had to borrow Joel’s overalls, but because they were too big, we had to use a clip to make them fit.  It reminds me that even though Andrew is growing up way too fast, in some ways he’s still just our little boy!

[Linking up with Deb at This or That Thursday]

Sometimes it’s the little things

…like drops of rain on fall leaves … that make me happy!

Had I not been looking, I would’ve totally missed these crystal clear droplets of water.  Thank you, photography, for teaching me to notice the little things in life!  I am forever grateful!

fall’s splendor.

 

Choosing Joy

I find myself wishing for some kind of different for today.  Joel’s company is moving into their new corporate offices this weekend which means he has to work … a lot.

I saw the following quote on Pinterest yesterday, “Don’t let comparison steal your joy.”

In addition to comparison, there are a lot of joy stealers – discontentment, unmet/unrealistic expectations, selfishness, taking my eyes off the One True source of joy.

Sometimes joy is a choice.

And so today, there is joy to be found in …

Saturday morning pancakes … sleeping in … waking up all snuggled in my new down comforter … a husband’s job that provides for our family and allows me to stay home … three children who are at this present time, playing nicely together … a crisp, clear, blue sky … vibrant fall leaves on the trees and in my yard … sunshine when I was expecting rain … knowing God is in control … trusting God with the bumps in the road … learning, growing, becoming … fall break for my kiddos this week … the anticipation of a family trip to Chicago … being still … encouragement from God’s Word … a freshly mowed lawn … homemade chocolate cake … wonderful neighbor kids for my kids to play with … taking pictures.

My 30 day challenge [Week 2]

The 30 day challenge rolls on.  I’ve had to switch the days up a bit to accommodate life and my family has had to step in and help but that’s been part of the fun.

Day 7 – Fruit … I really wanted to go to the apple orchard to get some fruit shots, but it just didn’t fit into our schedule so this one had to do.  We plan to go this weekend, though, so hopefully I’ll have more fruit pictures in the next couple of days.

Day 8 – A bad habit … this one should actually be titled: a bad habit conquered.  I asked my family if they thought I had any bad habits and the only thing that came up (not because I don’t have any other bad habits, but because we just couldn’t think of anything at the time!) was my lifelong habit of biting my nails.  My dad even bribed me once with money to get me to stop.  I did stop, got the money, and then continued my habit.  Earlier this year, however, my doctor put me on a Vitamin D regiment when tests revealed a deficiency and miraculously my nails became much stronger and I stopped biting them.  They’ve been long since February or March and I’m confident my bad habit has finally been conquered!  Yay!

Day 9 – Someone I love … I’m always taking pictures of my kiddos but rarely do I ask Joel to model for me.  He graciously agreed and was by far my easiest subject!  And oh how I love this man!  He is and always will be one of the greatest gifts that God has ever blessed me with.  Nineteen years ago God brought him in my life but I can say with certainty that I love him far more today than I did all those years ago!

Day 10 – Something blue … Initially, I thought I’d share the picture of my friend's little boy, but since I had already posted that one, I thought I’d go with the blue sky just before sunset instead.  It’s a bit sad to me that we already have some leafless trees around here, but we do.  Thankfully, we also still have a lot of green ones, but the reality that colder weather is on the way is starting to set in.  Boo!

Day 11 – Sunset … taken at my in-law’s farm when we were there for piano lessons this week.

Day 12 – Me with 12 items … How about 12 fall leaves?  I had no trouble finding twelve pretty ones … after all there are already lots and lots of them on the ground!

So there you have it … week two is complete! I’m looking forward to this next week’s prompts because there are several that I have limited experience with – long exposure and silhouettes.  I’m eager to challenge myself and practice!

This or That Thursday

Is this little man adorable or what?  He is the son of a dear friend of mine and I got to take some pictures of him yesterday.  His momma and I were on a walk when she decided she wanted some pictures of her sweet little guy in the fall leaves.  She snapped away with her camera and I snapped away with mine.  I just can’t get over how cute he is.  Thanks, Emily, for letting me take pictures of your precious boy!  He’s definitely a keeper!

[Linking up with Deb at This or That Thursday]