Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I WAS DISOBEDIENT

I know that is hard to believe. That I would not do something God asked me to do, either directly in Scripture or through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I admit that there are times when I don't do what I am supposed to do. Sometimes because of laziness, or fear of rejection, or stubbornness, selfishness...It really doesn't matter what my excuse is, I was and am disobedient.

I was to send notes of encouragement and thanks to certain people that had invested in my life. I put it off for another day.....and the days passed and I thought about it but thinking isn't doing and I didn't do.

I composed notes in my mind but never put pen to paper. My flowery thoughts were beautiful and flowing and those who received the epistles would know how deeply they had touched me. But they never knew.

One day, I did. I wrote a couple of notes. At peace that these dear ones would finally KNOW. And then I learned for one precious saint, I was too late. In my disobedience the time had passed and this beloved lady was called home and I never did tell her.

In her honour, I share with you the thoughts I penned to her:

"May 2013
Mrs. Donaldson,

You may not remember me, but I have never forgotten you.

Your beautiful smile and the gentle way you loved your Sunday School students. I always felt important and special to you. I have taught Sunday School now for many years, inspired by the example you set for me.

When I think of the verse 1 Peter 3:4 "...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." I think of you. What a precious gift I have been given -wonderful women who have invested in my life over the years, expecially through difficult years, imprinting godly principles as standards to live by.

I certainly have made regrettable mistakes in my early years as I tried to figure out where I fit in this life. I am so thankful that by God's grace he drew me back to Himself and I returned to a blessed life of walking daily with Him.

Thank you for being a faithful part of "training me in the way I should go." I am priviledged for the opportunity to pass this heritage down to the amazing children God has blessed me with.

I am quite certain I will not be in North Bay again but I look forward to a heavenly reunion with you and all of the other dear saints from Bethel Chapel.

Much Love and Prayers,
Marnie"

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

WEEK 14 - BLUE

So, the beginning of this week finds us still in San Francisco. The blue, blue sky was a constant during our time in California. It seems that most of the pictures I took were dominated with blue.
 
However, since I overdid last week's challenge with numerous pictures, I am going to stick to just one.
 
My absolute favorite.... subtle but captivating....
 
As we toured the bay by boat, I looked at the distant skyline and was thrilled to see tints and shades of blue from top to bottom.
In the bouncing boat (the Bay is not calm, kind water at all)
I hoped I could capture what I saw and felt.
This doesn't do the breathtaking moment justice but still, I am drawn to the angry blue-green waves and the grey-blue majestic mountains with a hint of clear sky blue across the upper edge.
 
 
Next Week's Challenge - Three
 
 
 

WEEK 13 - ARCHITECTURE

 This week I had the pleasure of touring San Francisco and Santa Rosa for a friend's wedding. San Francisco was a treat (no pun intended) of varying architecture. A eclectic mix of the old and the new. Bear with me, since I couldn't choose just one favorite, while I give you an architectural mini-tour of our trip.

 
We started at Detroit Metro Airport. The ceiling in the McNamara Terminal.
The ceiling intrigued me.

It's a good thing because I had a few extra unplanned hours to stare at it.
 
 
Driving through wine country. I liked the intricate lines of this bridge. Thankfully McKenna is handy with a camera so I didn't have to stop.
 
She captured just what I wanted to remember!
 
 
Korbel Champagne Cellars. Absolutely beautiful grounds surrounded by redwoods. History and nature and culture and wonderful food from the delicatessen to be enjoyed on the patio all in one stop!
 
 
I love wrought iron. It is beautiful even when aged and rusting. Character. Strength. Elegance.
 
Another McKenna capture (I hope you don't mind my inclusion of her shots. I will give her credit. Often she was forced to put down her book and take pictures of things I wanted to remember because I couldn't shoot and drive.........safely...)
 
 
 
I loved the light at the end of this tunnel. Though the curved tunnel was more fun to drive, this was definitely more picturesque.
 
McKenna captured this well through the front window of the car!

 
The Golden Gate Bridge. We didn't walk it. We ran out of time. We did drive over it one way to Santa Rosa in the wee hours of the morning. (We don't have any pictures of that.) We drove back the other way Sunday afternoon.
 
McKenna took a series of pictures while we drove up to and across it.
This is one of my favorites. 
 
 
Sunday afternoon we took a hop-on/hop-off tour.
 Sitting in the top of an open bus was a great way to see San Francisco downtown.
We didn't ever "hop-off" but took the opportunity to capture the sights. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity in architectural style.
 
 
Our tour guide described this building as books lined up on a bookshelf.
 
 

 
I love columns. Classical Greek style Ionic capitals on the columns. AND I love sunshine and the moment that individual rays of light are distinguished.
 
An image that captures both!

 
Ornate arches - Roman inspiration.  

 
No simple or clean lines on this building. It makes me think of Europe.
 
 

 
The Transamerica Pyramid.

 
Saint Francis of Assisi Church.

 
 We were waiting on the corner for the historic trolley to pick us up. I found these houses built on the hill very captivating.
 
Thus ends our tour.
 
 I hope you have enjoyed the sights of San Francisco and the wine country around Santa Rosa.
 
 
Next Weeks Challenge - Blue 




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I am the very blessed wife of my best friend. The humble mother of five precious children. Walking a life-road that is more amazing than I could ever imagine.