365 People Pictures--No. 47: So Easy to Photograph

Love lights up the face. I've seen it in both my oldest daughters as God has brought their man into each of their lives. With Lissie's wedding less than six weeks away, she just exudes joy. And that makes taking a photograph of her absolutely effortless. This picture was taken in Maine last week as we rested and had our souls refreshed by the Lord while staying on that state's stunning coastline for a couple of days. And, yes, her Eric was with us. Ahhh, such bliss!

I treasure the new beginnings that the Lord is creating in our family. Babies and weddings. It just doesn't get any better. I'm a very happy mother.

Twice a Day, Every Day

Sunrise as seen from Castine, Maine, on the Atlantic coast, 21 August 2013

Thoughts from my time in the Bible this morning:

"They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of your signs;
 You make the dawn and the sunset shot for joy."
Psalm 65:8

Twice a day, every day, God gives us a sign that He is -- each morning's sunrise followed by evening's sunset. Our days are bookended by a reminder of the wonder that there is a God. Even the farthest reaches of the earth are privy to this message of a mighty God--maker of heaven and earth. Oh may I stand in awe--not just of the signs--but of the Signmaker, the Creator. He is God. He is. Praise Him!

365 People Pictures: Days 44, 45, and 46--A Broken Mom's Prayer Answered

My husband and I eagerly anticipated  having children before we married. The number of little ones was up in the air (as if we had control over that! Ha! He is God, and we are not! But that we did not grasp years ago! He is the one who opens and shuts the womb! Not us!). But we were more than eager to be parents.

A couple of years of trying to conceive led us to infertility specialists who eventually told us we had ZERO chance of EVER getting pregnant. EVER. I was crushed. My hopes were pulverized.

Despite the prognosis, I just couldn't stop myself from continuing to pray. My prayer? The same as it had been since I was eight years old. That I would be allowed to carry, deliver and raise twins and that these twins would be a boy and a girl. In the face of the doctor's words I was praying for the impossible.

God's response? Twins. A girl and a boy. His way. In His timing.

"When God wills.
As God wills.
How God wills."
Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, pg. 22

Oh, how I thank God for my precious twins. Oh, how I thank God for answering this barren woman's plea! Oh, how I thank God for doing the impossible. Oh, how I thank God for John and Lissie!

365 People Pictures: Day 43--Just Happy, #2

Alexander, 14, at a recent wedding reception

When we saw the first picture of our son, Alexander, what struck us was this orphaned boy's smile. His grin reached all the way into his twinkling eyes. We wondered how could the then 10-year-old be so happy when he had already suffered so? We still don't have the answer to that profound question, even though he's been part of our family for 2-1/2 years now. His smile continues, and our wonder continues. We thank God for Alexander's happy outlook, no matter how mysterious. He's the former orphan with smile wrinkles. Go figure!

365 People Pictures: Day 42--Just Happy

Some baby photos have the power to evoke an involuntary smile. As I was sorting through photos this morning, I came across this picture of our granddaughter, Brielle, on January 1st this year. Anyone watching me at the coffee shop would have seen a wide grin suddenly cross my face as her smile surprised me. Isn't God good that He wired us to experience joy in response to baby smiles?

365 People Pictures: Day 41--Awestruck!

"I will give thanks to You,

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

And my soul knows it very well.

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul know it very well."

(Psalm 139:14,15 NASB)

365 People Pictures: Day 40--Christening A New Lens

My husband kindly indulged me in the purchase of a new lens this weekend. I asked him for a 50 mm fixed-focus prime, having read that this type of lens is well-suited to portraits (I may not have the description of the lens correct; I still have so much to learn about even the basics of photography). With our second grandchild due any time now, I'm looking forward to a great deal of newborn photography when I travel to Ohio to help Anna and her young family following the baby's birth.

Today I began practicing with the new lens by catching our second-oldest son, Mark (age 17), as he emerged from his bedroom. I'm thankful to the Lord for children who are remarkably good-natured about having a their photos taken. They live 24/7 with a "mamarazzi" who sometimes turns a camera on them when they least expect it. Mark experienced that today. He had just awakened from a nap. Bless his heart! What a smile, considering the circumstances. What patience! I'm a blessed mom with great kiddos!