The Heart of Thanksgiving

"O give thanks unto the LORD;  for he is good; 

for his mercy endureth forever." 

(1Chronicles 16:34)

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 

and into his courts with praise: 

be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

(Psalm 100:4)

Wings of Protection

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets,
 and stonest them which are sent unto thee, 

how often would I have gathered thy children together,

 even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, 

and ye would not!"

(Matthew 23:37)

The Beauty of a Farm Sunset

This afternoon at chore time, I set out with my milk pail to bring Belle, our Jersey cow, in from the field to milk. Upon reaching the field, I saw the beautiful scene which the Lord had painted today: the sun reached out its warm, rich rays across the field where Belle and the other cattle grazed contentedly.

I didn't have my camera when I saw this breathtaking view, but I quickly realized it was worth running back up to the house to fetch my Canon friend and capture some of the beauty which lay before me.

The warmth of the sun created a beautiful combination of rich yellows and orange hues, while the autumn air was beckoning an invitation to enjoy the weather before winter, in its own unique splendor, sets in.

Thank you, Father, for every blessing of life - warm autumn days, zoom lens, milk cows, striking sunsets, crackling leaves, deep blue skies, health and vitality, wonderful family... May we each echo the Psalmist,

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,

my lips shall praise thee. 

Thus will I bless thee while I live:

I will lift up my hands in thy name...

My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." 

(Psalm 63:3-5)

Last photo courtesy Rachael

Garden Bounties

As the cool weather sets in, we have been cleaning the gardens and yard in preparation for  the winter months.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...

A time to be born, and a time to die...

A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted...

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart...

...so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 

-From Ecclesiastes 

Showcase of God's Handiwork

"Hast thou given the horse strength? 

hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?"

(Job 39:19)

Two Little Brothers {Children Portraits}

This week I spent an afternoon with these two sweet brothers. We had fun together napping, playing, and snacking. I captured the opportunity to take some pictures of them "in action" as well.

"Blueberries are delicious!"

"I can even slide with them in my hand!"

I was also excited to try out my new Canon 50mm lens - and what better opportunity than with two energetic little fellows hanging around? Although this is my first experience with a fixed lens, we've already made good buddies. I think this fast aperture lens will be my favorite for general purpose.

Play time

"I love bananas!"

The weather is getting chilly here

"For the word of the LORD is right; 

and all his works are done in truth." 

(Psalm 33:4)