Went for a walk today. Took some pictures.
A friend of mine said to me yesterday that people like my blog, “because of the pictures”. I’m glad that I can use something that I enjoy doing to give another person pleasure. Some people can do it with words, other use photos, others do both. Like many of you, I love the Lord with all my heart, and I honestly believe that we can glorify Him with our words and photos here on xanga. Although not a professional, although I do not have a professional camera, I still find satisfaction in my little “hobby for pleasure”.
In our photographs, we seek to give small glimpes of what large things we see: in nature, relationships, and different perspectives. We also make little things big, in order to inspire others to look and perhaps, to see what we see. A picture of a child also reflects and gives a glimpse a mother or father’s love. A picture of a tree gives us a taste of our awesome Creator. A picture of something homemade, like pancakes, calls to mind the memory of a loved one’s sacrifice. These are moments in time, moments to be thankful for.
I remember how I said, “Give me your best smile”, and I smile when I see the result. I remember how they took FOR. EV. ER. to arrange themselves on the ground.
I look at the detail in this picture and I am touched once again by the beauty of God’s handiwork. I think about the Bible, and how it teaches us that someday there will be a new earth. Can you imagine? Like the old hymn says, “Oh that will be glory for me!” Someday. What a beautiful word for a Believer.
To me, this is a perfect picture. First of all, I love the tree. It’s a HUGE evergreen that grew and divided into two parts. Sadly, half of it broke and fell, but it made the perfect seat for my son.
Secondly, I love my son.
The woods can be a magical place. This picture is my favorite. My children love the Narnia books, and the effect of the woods in this photo reminds my family of Narnia. That’s the wonder of it, it could be Narnia, with just a little imagination!
I have a weakness for curling bark.
“Will you love Jesus more when you go on your way?
When this moment is a memory, will you remember His face?
Will you look back and realize you felt His love more than you did before?
I pray for nothing less than for you to love Jesus more.”
~some of the lyrics to a song that was sung at my wedding. The words can also apply to a BLOG.
Good to be Home 
I too love the pictures on your blog!!! They are always so beautiful!!! You’re such a great writer.. have you ever heard that before? Hope you have a most wonderful weekend! *hugs* ❤ Jami
It’s so easy to overlook the ‘little’ things that God has created so specially. Your pics remind me of the simple treasure God has given us for our pleasure, like pinecones, clouds and smiles!!
I think you are definately my soul twin…you put all my thoughts into words!
*Definitelylol… probably because I’m poor at spelling
“We also make little things big, in order to inspire others to look and perhaps, to see what we see.” YES! It’s God… He is here and we are reflections of Him! May our lives be a worship to God as we reflect His Love to others and back to Him once again as we seek Him with all of our hearts….He is worthy to be praised and adored…
Such beauty here! May we all glorify the Lord as we minister to our families in Spirit and in Truth. May our touch be His touch,, may our words be His words, may our love be His Love. May we be that relfection of the beauty of the Lord! He is altogether lovely.
Have a cozy evening with your family, ~Amelia
I enjoy reading what you write here and seeing your pictures, you are very talented with the camera!
beautiful photos
“I pray for nothing less than for you to love Jesus more.” Oh, how I echo that thought. I love the second shot, but especially enjoyed your “woods” photos. The black and white is really special.
This post is beautiful — you have such a wonderful way with words and pictures — my heart has been blessed.
Thank you for sharing.
I love coming to your blog not only to look at your wonderful pictures but to see into your beautiful heart. Thank you my friend for sharing both with us. RYC: I think my back problems are from both…10 pregnancies in 15 years and a car accident 2 years ago(a tee ran a light and hit us)
Shanda I have never heard that song before, the one sung at your wedding, but want to write down the words you wrote so I can remember it!
It can be applied to all of life!
You have inspired me to take more pictures of the people and the things that I love. Thank you and God Bless!
those pictures are amazing. Please remember me, your Xanga friend, when you are all rich and famous from these pictures! 🙂
What a beautiful post, enhanced by the gorgeous pictures. Bless you!
What an encouraging post. Too bad the slow dial-up connection won’t let your lovely pics download properly. I will try to check them out when I get to high-speed at the library. Thanks for your encouraging comments. As you raise your children, pray for God to reveal their hearts and talents to you and your husband, and it will amaze you what they can accomplish. To me home education is not so much about making the children learn “information,” as it is to help them learn to love learning. Help a child develop a wholesome interest, and you can’t keep them from learning. May God bless your sweet family. Blessings
ryc, the deserts and wilderness areas of California are huge…we saw maybe a total of 30 other vehicles out there during the whole 8 hours. There are only a couple signs to mark special places, the only way to get around is bring topo maps and have an excellent sense of direction. A GPS locator is also helpful, but only if you have a map. There were six cars and 13 people on this trip. We had all sorts of emergency gear (plus food and sleeping bags) with us that we fortunately didn’t need.
Thank you! I often feel that a visit here is like a cup of cool water on a hot day— refreshing!
Your kids looks so peaceful – so perfect. Is that the way it is or only in pictures? lol
Thanks, Shanda. You are a dear, encouraging sister. I anticipate the new earth where you and I will get to hang out–in person!
Shanda, we all love your blog and your inspiring words and pictures. You are truly a blessing to many. Your family is preciouse. Love, Tara
i feel so blessed when i visit this site. your words, your pictures and your love of the Lord just give me holy goosebumps! 🙂 thank you and thank you Lord!!! 🙂
I, too, love taking pictures for pleasure. I love it even more if my daughters are in them! Nice shots. lovely kiddos. ~M.E.
We certainly think alike! Maybe that is because we both enjoy photography so much. It gives such pleasure to the soul. God bless and keep posting photos. I know I will!
Wonderful pictures~!