the arboretum

(to read my original post in this series "Thankfulness Through My Lens", click >here<)

I love any chance that I get to go to the Minnesota Arboretum - and this was no exception. And what made it even better was that I got to go twice in one week! =)  I went on Thursday with my grandparents and had a lovely afternoon enjoying time with them, flowers and sunshine. Then on Sunday I went with my dear friend Elizabeth, and had a wonderful day spending time with her and my camera. =)  It was slightly overcast that day - so it was perfect for taking pictures! And take pictures I did.  

I was one happy camper.

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you?" Luke 12:27-28

reminders that He loves me

I once had a friend who told me that whenever she saw anything heart-shaped it reminded her of Jesus' love for her.  So now whenever I see anything in the shape of a heart - a rock, a leaf, a puddle, etc…I think of her, and also am reminded that Jesus loves me.  

I came upon these flowers when I was at the arboretum with my grandparents and I had never seen them before.  And they made me so happy! =] There are actual flowers that are in the shape of a heart! How cool! 

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."  
{Psalm 36:5} 

thankfulness through my lens || rainy days

...rainy days to take pictures, and a sister that models for me…

    I was so thrilled when Anna said she would model for me.  It had just stopped raining, and everything was dark and wet..and it was just so beautiful! I had a lot of fun with her =)  And I just can't get over how stunning she is.  And not to sound cliché, but she is just as beautiful on the inside too.  

<3 <3 <3 

thankfulness through my lens || may 18

…this song...

Cal·va·ry

 

noun, 

1.

Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. Luke 23:33.

"Calvary covers it all, my sin and shame don't count anymore. All praise to the one Who has ransomed my soul.  Calvary covers it all." 

thankfulness through my lens // may 14

|| spring evenings || 

Spring evenings are one of my most favorite things ever.  Yesterday was a gloomy day.  And then the sun came out, and all of a sudden it was a gorgeous day.  I walked outside, breathed in all the glorious sunlight, and then walked right back inside and grabbed my camera - 'cause I could not see the gorgeous lighting like there was and not take pictures.

The little world outside my door just came alive with the sunlight.  It was amazing.

The end. <3 

thankfulness through my lens || may 11

~ my mom ~

(I was going to write this on my mom's birthday…but it was a super full day.  So, since my sentiment remains the same, and today happens to be mother's day, I wanted to share it.) 

This lady. She is amazing.  She acts as mother, wife, daughter, role-model, teacher, dietitian, prayer warrior, house-cleaner, cook, friend, chauffeur, doctor, nurse, editor, advisor, shoulder-to-cry-on, exercise-partner, cheerleader, play-buddy, fashion consultant, accountant, schedule coordinator, comforter, follower of Jesus and so, so much more.

I realized, not too long ago, just how amazing my mom is.  You see, while I have been going through my own trials, and trying to figure out life, my mom has been there to listen to me, talk through things with me, cry with me, pray for me, and remind me of God's promises.

But she doesn't just do this for me - she does it for the other six people in this family.  Every day.  And that's not to mention her own stuff that she has to walk through.

I think that then next time someone asks me who my favorite super hero is  I'm gonna say, "my Mom." 

My mom is my super hero, and her super power is Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is #1 in my mom's life.  She has made Him her rock and foundation.  Almost every morning of my life, I have woken up to my mom in the art of pursuing her Lord and Savior.  That's one of the things I most admire about her - her persistency and faithfulness in knowing Jesus.  And it's not because she "has" to, or she's doing it religiously - it's because her heart really hungers and thirsts to know more of Him.

For my mom's birthday, our family wrote out 50 reasons why we love her.  And my favorite was one that my nine year old brother wrote.  "You’re really into the Bible, and you always want to be reading it, and that helps us more to be better in Jesus."  I love it because it's so true.  My mom always wants to be in the Word. but not just by herself -  she wants others to join her.  And to experience the life and blessing that comes from seeking Jesus.  And that has hugely impacted the lives of her husband, kids and the people around her. 

I am so thankful for my Mom.  The biggest, most important lesson I've learned from her is this:  Jesus loves me.  And there is nothing that I can do or say to make Him love me any more or any less.  And that He only wants goodness for my life… And those things are far more important than any math lesson or cooking lesson she could ever give me.

She has made a huge impact on my life - not just here on earth, but for eternity as well. 

Mom, you are a priceless jewel.  I don't know why God saw fit to put me with such an incredible woman, but I am so grateful He did.  

Happy Mother's Day!

 Love you<3

"What is a mom but the sunshine of our days and the stars of our nights."