365 People Pictures: No. 80 ~ My Beloved Anna

This morning I had the rare opportunity to go out for coffee with my oldest daughter, who is now a dear friend. While we were out, we stopped in at a nearby garden that used to be a large estate in Cincinnati but was willed to the city in the early 1990s to be used as a park. This gave me the chance to take an updated photo of Anna Mackenzie. It seems as though it was only yesterday that I was taking her senior pictures.

I thank God for the sweet, trusting relationship we share. Anna is ~ and has always been ~ a blessing in my life.

365 People Photos: No. 79 ~ Elegance Personified

This weekend I was blessed to attend the wedding of the daughter of a dear dear friend of 16 years. I met Sheila during the years our family lived in England in the late 1990s. Her oldest three children and our first three were great friends during those years when both families lived as American ex-pats.

Again, I was granted the privilege of being invited into the bridal suite to photograph the process of the bride and bridesmaids preparing for the biggest day in Ashley's life. When this young woman was fully dressed in her champagne-colored gown, I was entranced by her elegance. What stunning beauty! The best part for me, however, is that after spending a few days with the family, I know that Ashley is as beautiful on the inside as on the outside as a result of her relationship with Christ.

365 People Photos: No. 78 ~ A People Picture?

You may be wondering why I've included this in my collection of people pictures.

However, if you look closely you'll spot a pair of farmer's legs between the second and third horses on the photographer's right.

Last year we drove through Amish country in southern Illinois at sunset. As we made our way west through the well-manicured farm area, we were stunned to see six mammoth workhorses tromping heavily toward us. We slowed down to nearly a stop as we took in this unusual sight. As we stared, we came to realize that behind several tons of horse one man had these staggeringly strong animals under control with just a set of reins! As we approached, the young man slowed his beasts to a near stop, waved and smiled. We rolled down our windows to compliment him on the beauty of his beasts. He thanked us and then told us he'd better keep moving because his team was hungry and eager to get home. We waved good-bye and drove on silently, our hearts filled-to-overflowing with the gift we'd received from God. The Lord abounds in lovingkindness!