An Inviting Country Chapel

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the charming little town of Los Olivos there rests a quaint little country chapel. Nestled between a small orchard and a tranquil creek that unfolds around back, it stands tall yet unassuming to passersby. In the past I have captured a picture or two out of my car window. But today... I found something so alluring about the enchanting walkways and aged windowsills. I pulled into the petite gravel parking lot and immersed myself in all things country chapel. From chipped paint, to scripture verses written on a chalkboard within, to the beautiful rose bush in back with a green garden hose draped lazily about.

Savor Don't Save

I took a break from blogging this month. When I found myself taking my camera everywhere and getting frustrated when I didn't have it I realized I really needed to put it down and savor the moment as opposed to trying to save every moment. 

Does that ever happen to you? You are taking pictures as if it's the last wonderful moment you will ever experience? Of course it is true...this particular moment will not last but there will be more. Don't live in a mindset of poverty. Don't fall into the trap of believing that nothing better lies ahead. For we are what we believe. 

What shall we do with these fleeting moments that are so rich? Shall we watch them from behind a lens or shall we get IN them? Savor them. At the end of my life, I do not want to simply have great photos. I want to have lived a life of greatness!

That doesn't mean I won't take pictures. I just had to put photography in it's rightful a spot, and set living in a place of honor in my life.

Wild at Heart

Today was the most beautiful day. The weather was lovely and I spent practically all afternoon pretending I was an Indian. If you tread lightly here you can meet all kinds of little forest creatures. I can't pinpoint what is it that I love so much about being in the wild but I know that my soul comes to life as I take in the fresh smells and feel the fresh breeze brush across my skin. I love to discover all the little goodies God has tucked into each day here. I think even the deer are getting used to me, as they are letting me come much closer these days. Either that or I have become quieter. This is where I come to center myself. To hear my own thoughts. To simply do some existing. "Produce produce produce," the world says. But I refuse to be told how to live. I want to live intentionally.

One Day at a Time

                  One Day at a Time

            One day at a time is all we can bear.

            When faced by concerns, problems and care.

            We must turn to our Lord and most patiently.

            Ask for the answers and what we must see.

            Then let him have the troubles we bear.

            Knowing it works to turn to Him in prayer.

            One day at a time we can handle, you see.

            If we don't get caught up in what has to be.

            So with the faith of a child turn all troubles to Him.

            Your Lord and your Savior your battles you'll win.

            So start it right now it is easy to do.

            One day at a time it is now up to you.