A-MAZE-ING

Yes I am alive. Sorry I have neglected my blog. I got caught up in my own little world for awhile. But I am back and hopefully I can stick with this again. So, this picture was taken a couple weeks ago at Craven Farm. I went to the pumpkin patch there with my family. We went through this little corn maze to get to all the pumpkins. Mazes can be fun, but they can also be scary. Wandering through different rows revealing the mystery of what's ahead of you. You don't know what's ahead of you which can be exciting but can also make you afraid if you can't find the way out or get lost along the way. Mazes can be a part of daily life in a way. We all have our path we are going on. We all have goals, tasks, and dreams that we are aiming to accomplish. However, sometimes we have some bumps along the way, some dead ends that are unforseen ahead of you. These "bumps" can trip us up and force us to turn around or move onto a new part of the
 maze. Our job is to decide how we are going to react to these bumps along the way. Sometimes these bumps are there as lessons that we may need to learn. Changes we need to make in our lives. Sometimes we may feel like these bumps are too much to handle, unfair, or like they are taking their tole on us. These are natural reactions, natural feelings. The good thing is that we are never alone. God is always with us and can get us through anything. No matter where you're from, where you've been, what you've done, He loves us unconditionally. He shows mercy and grace. All we have to do is lean on Him. Just trust Him and everything will turn out alright in the end.

God's Creation

I took this picture at Alki one day. The sky looked amazing. A unique picture I had never seen before. A beautiful glimpse of God's creation. It's the little things like the sunset sky that remind us of God's presence, that He is always with us no matter what. During the business of life, we must always take time to stop and smell the roses so to speak. Admire God's beauty.

Freedom...

This was taken at the Golden Gate Park in Ballard. I loved walking along the paths. There's just something about it I can't explain. Some kind of peace. You don't know where the track stops, you just have to keep on going. The end destination is yet to be determined. But for us we have the freedom to choose life or death. Eternity with God or eternity without Him. We have the freedom to live in this country, to choose our life's dream, and also the little things we choose on a daily basis such as what to wear, what eat, and what we to see/do. But, none of this freedom would be possible without the men and women who gave up everything they had, including their families, to risk their lives for everyone, so that we could live freely. Just like God did when He gave up His one and only son to die on the cross for our sins. May we never forget those who died and sacrificed everything for us, so that we could truly have a chance at life...

Pretty Flowers...

I took pictures of these flowers at the Ballard locks. I love all the different angles, views, and settings you can take a picture with. Somethings will turn out exactly the way you want, some won't turn out so great, and others will turn out better than expected. The same saying can be used in real life. All you can do is try your best in everything you do and God will handle the rest. Your life is in His hands.

Stand Up...

I took this picture at the Golden Gate Garden Park in Ballard, WA. It stood out to me because it was just one little tree standing alone in the middle of a pond with all the other trees trying to fade into the background. It reminds me a little of what I learned in church this morning. We all have a mission. What is that mission you ask? That mission is to stand up for your faith, rights, beliefs, etc. and bring others to the glory of God. Shine your light. Live according to the gospel. Always be ready to give an answer for Christ's account. Stand up when nobody else will. Don't be conformed to the ways of the world and get swept away by the beliefs of this day and age. Don't try and fade into the background, but be brave and stand out no matter what people might do or say about you. Lead by example. Actions speak louder than words. You are in the missionfield. Ready...Set...Go...

Kitty...

This is my landlady's cat. She is a beautiful little cat. Very easy to photograph as you can tell. That's one of the reasons I like nature photography (and sometimes animals) so much. They don't move around much and therefore make for very nice pictures. In a similar way, if we stand still with quiet hearts listening to God, He will show us the way and therefore make our lives transition smoothly. 

Trademark...

I took this last Saturday when I went to the Star Wars exhibit at the Pacific Science Center with my bro-in-law. Whenever I think of downtown Seattle, I often think of the space needle. It's relatively well known as a staple or a trademark of Seattle. Other cities have their own trademarks. New York has the statue of liberty. San Francisco has the golden gate bridge. Many other places and things have their own. Even people have something that they are well known for. A character trait, a skill...What stands out when people think of you? My hope that it is something honoring and pleasing... So what is your trademark?

Odd Things...

I saw these at seahurst park. I'm not sure what they are but I think they're really interesting and look pretty cool.

Cute Litte Puppy

Yesterday I went to Seahurst Park with a friend and took some pictures. While we were there we saw this adorable puppy so we were taking pictures of him while talking to his owner. He went between being curious of what we were doing and thinking he needed to be ferocious and letting out little barks. I hope to get a dog someday. Maybe when I have a little yard for it to run around in while I'm at work so I don't have to worry about it tearing up the place.

Pretty Flower...

I love flowers. All the various types, sizes, and colors. My favorite ones are the pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows. I love the way they blossom in the springtime and the summertime. Especially the cherry blossoms...One of my favorite spray smells...

Fairytale...

Sometimes I think of what it would be like to be a real princess and live in a castle. To have everything you've ever wanted and to be waited on hand and foot. At times I kinda wish life was like that. Happy, fun, loving world all the time. But that's not how God intended our lives to be. He put us here for a reason and has a purpose for everything and everyone. What that purpose is, is just something that God reveals to us in His own timing. We just have to listen and wait. It's still nice to dream sometimes...

The Painted Church

This is from the "painted church" in Hawaii. It's called the painted church because it has beautiful painted pictures all over the walls and ceiling. I love churches that have the cross at the top as a reminder that Christ died for us.

Still Climbing...

Hey all! It's been awhile I know. I was having computer issues and my harddrive crashed so I wasn't able to blog for awhile. Don't worry I'm still here...

Here's a picture that represents my life right now. It's on the small hike we took to see a waterfall in Hawaii. Life's a climb. However, it's not the destination that you need to focus on/worry/stress about getting to, it's the journey. So from one person to another keep on climbing...

Sailing Away...

This was taken on the beach at our hotel during sunset. Sometimes it would be nice to just get away for a while. Forget about the business of life and just relax. Get in the car and keep on driving, go for a long walk, get on a bus or a train or a plane, or in this case a sailboat...

The end of the earth...

We had lunch at a little bakery on the way to see the volcano. It's cool because it is the southern most bakery in the USA. Pretty neat to be able to say you've been there.

Mongoose...Squirrel...Mongoose Squirrel

This is a picture of a mongoose squirrel, known as the hawaiian version of our squirrel. They, like the little geckos, are very popular in Hawaii.

Crashing Waves

This was one of the views from the "backyard" of the condo we stayed in. I loved eating my breakfast on the lanai watching the waves crash against the rocks soaking up the sun, and watching for whales.

Golf Courses

This is a view across the way from our condo. It looks out onto another complex and a golf course in between. One thing I noticed about Hawaii is that there are A LOT of golf courses. People in Hawaii must really love golf. They are probably one of the most beautiful areas of land of golf course I have ever seen.

I love hammocks...

In the hotel we stayed at in Hawaii, the Mauna Lani, they had hammocks to lay on on the beach. It was nice and relaxing. I love hammocks and have always wanted one.

Volcano Crater

This is one of the many craters of a volcano in Hawaii. They had several different ones along a very long stretch of road called the chain of craters. Each one a different width and depth. I think the bigger ones are the coolest.

Sea Turtles...

When I was in Hawaii I got to see several sea turtles up close. I also got to snorkle with them and follow them swimming.

Aloha...

Hey all,

Sorry it's been awhile since I last blogged. I've been on vacation in Hawaii. It was my first time on the big island and I really had a great time. The weather was warm and sunny and the scenery was beautiful. This is a picture on the beach at sunset.

Things are never what they seem

This is what I saw when I walked outside this morning. Cold but beautiful snow. Snow can also be danger in disguise.  Slippery ice underneath. Just a reminder that things aren't always as they seem. The outer covering could be completely different then the inside. So, don't be to quick to judge. Don't judge a book by it's cover and so on and so forth.

The Yard

This was taken in my sister and bro-in-law's front yard. I love their yard because it's so big. They have a teather ball set and a tree house fort with a slide. I love going there in the summer and soaking up the sun. So many things to do...

The Crapper...

This is a picture of an old toilet in the underground seattle. Dedicted to Thomas Crapper. Seattle had very bad sewage problems back in the early days and really bad plumbing. The underground tour was really interesting and everyone should go see it. Especially if you like history...

Flying high

This picture was taken down on the beach at lincoln park. I love swinging on the swings and letting my inner child out. I love the feeling of being free and flying through the air. You feel like you're on top of the world and in control and all your worries just fly away for awhile. Sometimes it's nice to just take a break and let it all disappear...

Shinning Down

This picture was taken at alki beach. I love going to the beach and looking and walking along the water, especially in the summer. I love seeing the sun shinning on the water with it's beautiful glow. Just another reminder that God is always there. Shinning His light down on us.

Lighthouse Keeper

This picture was taken on the beach in Savannah, Georgia.

Every lighthouse has a lighthouse keeper. The lighthouse keeper's job is to shine the light out to sea to guide all the ships home at night. They protect the people and are their eyes when they can't see everything themselves. We all have our own lighthouse keeper. His name is Jesus. He is the light of this world that shines through the darkness. He protects us and has a plan for our lives. He is always there for us no matter what and loves us unconditionally.

Anything is Possible If You Just Believe

This is just a picture I took in sepia of one of my wall art pieces.

Believe...Faith...Dream...Hope...Imagine...Love...

On their own these words might not have as much meaning or credibility. But put them into perspective and they can become some of the most powerful words ever.

If you have faith, then you can believe in the impossible, imagine the unthinkable, hope for the best, and love with abandon. Anything is possible if you just believe in yourself. Take risks and you never know what the outcome will be. If it doesn't turn out right, well at least you put yourself out there and tried your best. That's all you can do. Don't just assume things because the reality could be completely different then what you perceive it to be. Ask questions and never be afraid to step up, give your opinion, and stand up for what's right.

Thinking Spot...

This picture was taken at Seahurst Park. There's something about black and white pictures that make everything still and peaceful. Especially ones with a stretch of walkway with no people. Walking along a path can be a good way to reflect on things and take a chance to breathe and get away from the hussle and bussle of everyday life.

L.O.V.E.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 ⁸ Love never fails.

Love comes in many different forms. A love a father has for a child, a sister for a brother, a best friend for another, a boy for a girl. None of these forms of love can function correctly without the kep aspects mentioned in the above passage. The most important love, is the love God the father has for all His children (us) He gave up His only son to die on the cross for our sins so that we could live. He loves us unconditionally.

Unending Love.
Amazing Grace.

The World Is Our Playground

This picture is taken of the playground in Lincoln Park. I used to play at this park all the time when I was a kind. It was my place I went to to have fun and get away from the everyday routine of life. This world is our playground. We must live how we want, do what we want, and be who we want to be. The sky's the limit. So reach for the stars. Go the distance. Don't let anyone or anything stop you or get in the way of your dreams.

Beauty In Pain

This picture was taken from my dads room at Swedish hospital. Just a little reminder that God is always with us during the bad times, as well as the good.

Up in the air...

This picture was taken from the airplane. A view from up above. In our busy lives we must always take time to stop, breathe, and take in the scenery around us. We are too distracted with our daily routines that we are always looking straight ahead and never up. Everything is better from above...

The Secret Garden

This picture was taken around the town of Savannah, Georgia. I used the setting on my camera called sepia for this picture. I thought it went well with the town cuz it's old/antique looking and sepia kind of has that antique appeal. This picture reminds me of the secret garden. Looking in on a secret world on the other side of a locked door. Only getting to see a glimpse of the unknown...

Your Story

This is taken on the beach in Savannah, Georgia. When I look at this picture I can't really think of anything to say about it other than the fact that I really like it. Well, obviously since I took it and am putting it on my blog for you to see. lol. I'm sure if I were to ask each of you to think of a story or inspirational message you would all tell me different things. Everyone has a different point of view, or perspective. We all have our own imaginations, our own ways of thinking. Not to say that one is right or wrong, just our own. So let your imagination run wild. Don't let anyone tell you your ideas are stupid or worthless. They might not work in certain situations, but in the right place at the right time, they could be perfect.

The Journey To The Top

This is a picture taken at Falls Park in Greenville, South Carolina. Everytime I take a trip to SC I love going to this park to see the beautiful colored flowers, and walk along the paths. This staircase is representation of our life. We are always climbing, trying to move ahead to our destination. Sometimes it's a short climb and your goal is in sight. Other times you have to keep on going and going. Even if you don't think you will ever reach your goal you must always keep on going until you finally reach the top. The best things are always worth the wait.

Things aren't always what they seem

Sometimes things turn out to be completely different then what we expect them to be or from what they really are. Everyone has different opinions and various scopes of the imagination. What do you think this is? It is actually a picture taken from the top view of a candle. Pretty cool huh?

Lincoln Park

This is a picture on the beach of Lincoln Park. When I was a kid I used to go there all the time. Walking around the water, swinging on the swing set, and collecting shells, rocks, and interesting creations on the beach. Here it is on a beautiful sunny day...

Light In The Darkness

This is a black and white picture I took of the light outside my front door. When I first took it I didn't think much about it but now the more I look at it, the more I think it is a pretty good representation of Christ being the light of this world. Shining through the darkness, His light is the small beacon of hope we have to make it out alive. That's one of the best things about taking pictures. They can portray a meaning far more valuable and memorable than you could have ever intended.

The Famous Rock

This picture is of the famous haystack rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon. My family and I visit there every summer since I was born (and long before that). We would often take walks from our hotel down to Haystack Rock. Sometimes, when the tide is out far enough, you can explore around the rock and see all the various sealife. Hope you enjoy the picture. Makes me excited for the next trip in July.

My First Post

Hey everyone! Welcome to my blog. I decided to start this thing to try and get my photos out there in the blogging world. My goal is to post a new picture each day and to share a little story with it. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to leave feedback and to pass this blog on to anyone who might be interested. i.e. family, friends, co-workers. Anyone who enjoys photography. So here it goes...

I love taking nature photos, and sunsets are my favorite. Every sunset is different. Each one portrays various forms of reds, oranges, purples, pinks, and yellows. This specific photo was taken at Cannon Beach, Oregon from the balcony of the hotel room.