one frame: kelsey & john wed

The light — it draws us in. Kelsey & John's wedding was dreamy — Queen Mary, perfectly bright and lovely on an overcast Long Beach day.

erin & ethan: proposal

She said yes. When Ethan messaged me last week, I had high hopes for what it meant — he was proposing to one of my dearest, bestest friends ... really, my sister. I've known Erin for as long as I can remember. Literally. (Our moms were pregnant together.) My hopes were confirmed when we talked later that night and for the remainder of the week, I was nervous to call or text Erin in case I would somehow let the surprise slip. Luckily, no one let the surprise slip.

With the perfect cover, Ethan planned a date that ended on the Balboa peninsula at the Bay Arcade, where they spent their first date two years ago. With the ring slipped in the prize counter, Erin and Ethan played skee ball and air hockey after a ferry ride over from the island. Eventually they made their way to the counter, where Erin found a much prettier prize than she ever expected.

Erin and Ethan, Congratulations! I am beyond excited for the two of you. I have loved watching your journey as a couple and it was a blessing to photograph your engagement and celebrate with you! Erin, you will always be my sister. Ethan, I am so excited to have you as a brother! The two of you make not only an incredibly gorgeous couple, but a couple whose story will continue to bless and minister to others. I love both of you — individually, together and for each other!

look and listen

Lately, I've had too many words. As a verbal processor, my words often tumble out too fast. My lips are loose with canons. Sometimes, fireworks — colorful, good, joyful. Sometimes, otherwise. There are days like today where it is better to stop talking, stop writing. And, to look and listen. 

So I invite you to pause. To look and listen. And today, as John Muir recommends, keep close to nature's heart.

Look and listen today. What may God have for you in pausing?

*Photos taken on a day trip to Big Bear in May 2013.

patrick the pony

I couldn't resist.

We pulled over and as soon as Patrick realized we were there to see him, he galloped the distance between the back of his pen and where we stood. If he wasn't a puppy in another life, this pony was definitely a child model.

*Photos taken in Livermore yesterday.

spyglass

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea ...

It was off the path, easy to miss. I wasn't supposed to stop. But I must, I thought. I was on an adventure. The windows down, faint clouds and a summer breeze, I slowed off the exit pondering where this round about exit with a fantastical title may take me. 

It was the first time I had driven that far up the coast. The first time my eyes laid on the cold waters near San Luis Obispo and the first time I drove without time. That exit proved to stop time that day allowing space and retreat from the road, a busy world and earthly thoughts. Wonder opened to heaven.

Yesterday, we drove up the coast. The exit, an absolute must. Once again, I pulled off the path. My own place of heaven. This time to share and revel and of course, stop time. Even if for a few minutes in a chilly wind and heavy clouds, it will always be mine.

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake ... Selah.

*Photos taken off the coast yesterday.