Just so you know

I'm going to New Zealand tomorrow. And I'm pretty excited about it.


Yours truly... on top of the world. Lost Horse Mine, Joshua Tree, CA

Happy trails til we meet again. ;)

All you need is a sunrise

All you need is a sunrise
Just a moment of dawn ...
Even though it’s gonna take you a little more time
A little more time the sun’s gonna find you
~Sunrise, Brandon Heath



I’m not a morning person. Waking up at four in the morning is not my idea of a good time. My corner of the world is still dark at that time. The stars and the newspaper delivery boy are the only ones up so far as I know. No matter, the fellow drives off after handing me the paper, and the stars melt into a pale purple sky as we drive down the road. A quick pit stop, before we enter the park. I stare at the horizon while I wait for Dad. It’s still outside. I love that, but still debate whether it was worth loosing 3 hrs of sleep. We continue on our way. Winding through the Queen Valley up to Keys View, passing groves of joshua trees as we go. Dad parks the car. I pop out to grab camera gear from the back seat only to be greeted by a gust wind. Nope, that’s not a gust. The wind really is that strong. 45 miles per hour, Dad estimates. I lean into it just to keep standing, and am grateful I picked the wind breaker not the fleece to bring with this morning. I sit on the ledge that separates the tame cement walk way from the rugged hills that drop down to the Coachella Valley. You can see all the way from the U.S. – Mexico border to the Pass where I live. City lights dot the desert floor. The breadth of it all starts to put things into perspective.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. … For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so high is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us. … For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower in the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. Psalm 103: 8, 11-12, 14-15

God created everything. He understands. He is not taken back or surprised by my troubles. I am small compared to Him. He knows this and is merciful, abounding in steadfast love.

Marissa at Oak Glen

Do you remember my friend Marissa? Well, last week we drove up to Oak Glen to hang out and of course take some photos. Oak Glen is a little community up in the mountains known for their amazing apple cider and just about anything else apple related. The leaves are just beginning to turn colors, and it's beautiful.

Mona Lisa smile. For reals.

FEED

A while back I had the privilege of taking some photos for Delaware City Vineyard, specifically their food pantry. They provide food and basic hygiene items for those need around the community. They have an awesome outreach happening and it's continuing to grow. Check it out.

Joshua Tree

It's one my favorite places.

Keys View





So keep'em coming these lines on the road
And keep me responsible be it a light or heavy load
And keep me guessing these blessings in disguise
And I'll walk with grace my feet and faith my eyes

~Faith My Eyes, Derek Webb