Two more

While looking for my 'two' pictures I came upon this pair I photographed at the Ft. Worth Zoo the day I went with a friend to see the lion cubs. Bright blue being one of my favorite colors, these two caught my eye and seemed to pose just for me. I believe I get favor in what is put in front of me to capture because I ask for it, and want to send it out to glorify God. He shows many hidden things to those who are like little children. Believe me when I say the excitement of asking God to show me his riches and waiting with my camera is one of the most revealing and rewarding ways I get to play with the Holy Spirit. I feel like a giddy little child full of anticipation. I never know what God will show me! Although sometimes he gives me exactly what I asked for (like the moose or fox), most of the time he gives me immeasurably more than what I could imagine.

I am sure these lovelies go for more than a penny, but the sentiment is the same:

Two sparrows cost only a penny; but not even one of them can die without your Father's knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

Two

We attended a wonderful wedding yesterday of a young friend. The ceremony was quite creative and lovely. I had never met her fiance, but had heard very good reports through another friend. (c; I had no doubt throughout the ceremony, that they were very much in love and anointed in their marriage to forge ahead with freedom and grace into a wonderful future. I started thinking about when two or more are gathered in His name, there is love. The power of two sanctified by God represents a unity that is powerful in its fruit.

I was led by the Spirit to post some of my favorite shots of 'two's.'
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into the ark, two by two...

...two are better than one...

for where two or three are gathered...

He called his followers together and sent them out two by two

the testimony of two men is true...

two men stood by them in white...

two commandments cover all the law...love God and love one another

Mighty Heavens

Friend Frannie called me with a heads up about the stunning sunset tonight. I ran out with my camera and got a few shots. It changed so fast that I think the transition from corals to totally grey was only a few minutes. It was an amazing movie!

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Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Psalm 150::1

What Color is Your Road?

When I made the jump from the bunny slopes and an afternoon lesson up to the real trails and slopes higher on the mountains, I was amazed at the difference between a green and a blue interpretation. Unfortunately, the only way to the greens from the gondola at Deer Mountain was a single blue run. I was petrified, but managed to not take my boots off and walk down. My legs were so tired from a snow plow that I was worn out by the time I got to something more manageable. The second time I did the same section in half the time. The repetition and previous success helped me have the courage to try it again. It wasn't nearly as intimidating with the first time down it done successfully. But I also listened to the wisdom of stopping when I was too tired so I would not get injured. Resting, eating, and drinking were important parts of being able to sustain energy for the roads ahead.

I found myself, after having conquered particularly steep sections of green runs, looking back at the difficulty behind me and thanking God for giving me the courage to persevere. Before the last day was spent I was getting up some speed and enjoying myself. I recall becoming aware of a broad smile and giggles generated from that deep place within. One turn at a time, and keeping focused on where I wanted to go instead of looking at my feet, was the key to letting go and beginning to really enjoy the experience. I was keeping my eyes on the prize by leaning into the experience instead of resisting it. I can tell you I have lots of joy in pursuing my desire to get better instead of giving up. I have gotten on blues by mistake, but may get on some 'on purpose' next year.

My husband has told me that he is excited that I want to keep improving my skiing. He tells me that some places you get to see on the blue runs are breathtaking. My friend Erin told me that she saw four moose walking down one of the runs at The Canyons. Telling a photographer things like that can only spur me on to continue my physical training and return to take steeper roads of new colors. Count me out for the double blacks and moguls, at least for a few years. (c;

I think of the double black road that Jesus took on purpose for all of us.
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...wide is the gate and broad is the road
that leads to destruction
...small is the gate and narrow the road
that leads to life...
Matt. 7:13-14

His Shadow

I didn't realize until I saw some of these photos how long the shadows extended beyond the skiers. I started thinking about how the sun or light behind the object is the key to casting the shadow. Sometimes, when we are in someone else's shadow, we are not fully seen for who WE are. But being in the shadow of God's wing or under the shadow of his love brings us out to a fullness and fully loved awareness. Yes, my beloved is mine, and I am his.

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As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved...
I sat down under his shadow with great delight...
He brought me to the banqueting house,
and his banner over me was love.
Song of Solomon 2:3-4