Fresh Air and Family

Just thought I'd share some shots of this beautiful day. :) As I've mentioned before, I love those days when I don't have to run anywhere. My brother Nelson, a budding photographer with a new camera, wanted to go to a nearby park this morning to get some shots of this gorgeous, clear day. Getting some fresh air and exercise - and photography time to boot - sounded like a good plan, so my mom and I tagged along too. It certainly brought back memories, as we would often walk to this same park growing up.

I have so much to be thankful for - a wonderful, supportive family, a loving Saviour, godly friends, a beautiful place to live, a Christ-centered church, freedom to worship... and the list goes on! Canadian Thanksgiving was way back in October, and American Thanksgiving was last week, but I want to have a thankful heart every day, and in every season. I think on the many blessings that have been given to us in this land, and I realize how rich I am compared to so many. I shake my head when I see the crowds lining streets and filling parks in their Occupy campaigns... we are in no place to complain.  I pray that this generation would awaken - that we would learn to work hard and to give generously instead of succumbing to greed and envy.

My apologies - I digress.  Back to today... a trip to the park, and down memory lane. Ah, yes, my little brother Nelson. Not so little anymore.

The playground set has changed, but I remember swinging here overlooking the pond,

feeding the ducks, getting hissed at by the scary geese, and having the occasional picnic.

picture by nelson

The air was so fresh today after the rain - crisp, but not terribly cold. 

Those little moments of beauty - so perfect.

 

These little berries were so pretty...

What an incredible Artist!

I love seeing His fingerprints.

picture by nelson

Consider the lilies...

Would you believe I took these pictures only last week?

They're still out there blooming in the garden, despite the frosty nights. :)

It was a perfect evening to take the camera out,

capturing the resilient, transient beauty.

 

The nasturtiums bejeweled by afternoon showers...

A perfect little fairy mirror...

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." (Ecc 3:11a)

"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." (Isa 40:8)

Beautiful.

Giving Thanks

Today was Thanksgiving here in Canada.  God has given so many things to be thankful for! On Sunday, my family and I went out for a hike.  It was so beautiful.  The leaves were beginning to fall from the trees, but many of them were still green, translucent with the sun filtering softly through them.

{the beauty of creation}

{changing seasons}

{breathing lungfuls of clean, crisp air}

{the happy ache of tired muscles}

 {family}

{laughter}

{friendship}

{love - 1 Jn 4:19}

{books}

{creativity}

{music}

{freedom}

{a warm and happy home}

{food... even though I'm too stuffed right now}

{chocolate - yes in a different category than food :P}

{the body of Christ}

{the Word of God}

{salvation}

"Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually.
Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done!"

(1 Chronicles 16:8-12a)