Life Through My Lens - When lightning strikes....

I am a being of Heaven and Earth, of thunder and lightning, of rain and wind, of the galaxies.

 - Eden Ahbez

Here are a few other great places to see and share photos. Often there are even more photo meme links on these sites. So - go forth and share - Favorite Photo Monday, Sweet Shot Tuesdays, Show off Your Shot, Your Sunday Best, This or That Thursday,  Community Global, Bigger Picture Moments Project 366 Rewind.

Life Through My Lens - Backroads and byways...

Take the back roads instead of the highways. - Minnie Pearl

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, 

and that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Recently, as I was returning home from a few days out of town, backroads and byways I'd never before traversed beckoned me to follow. I headed their call. Vistas vast and seemingly unending greeted me as I followed the winding twists and turns of the road.

I was struck by the reflection of the surrounding scene in the window of this one-room schoolhouse. I thought to myself what an amazing thing it must have been to have such views encompassing one while learning.

One room schoolhouse - Fruita, Utah

This scene seemed to capture a sense of homecoming, of peace and serenity, after a day spent eking out a living amidst the beautiful but often unforgiving terrain. I am in awe of the perseverance and courage it must have taken to settle and thrive in the shadows of the redrock.

Gifford Farm, Capitol Reef, Utah

I think perhaps a little bit of their pioneering spirit lives on in me because as I left the majestic landscape behind me I longed to stay and explore. Yet on that day I had to finish my journey home. Still, it seems as though a part of me was left there wandering among the monoliths and crags awaiting the time when I return again.

Yes, I do exist - despite rumors to the contrary...

Here are a few other great places to see and share photos. Often there are even more photo meme links on these sites. So - go forth and share - Sweet Shot Tuesdays, Show off Your Shot, Your Sunday Best, This or That Thursday,  Community Global.

Restoration...

“I restore myself when I'm alone."― Marilyn Monroe

As I was driving through the natural beauty of Capitol Reef, I noted that periodically off the side of the paved trail there were little green signs staked into the ground. I finally decided to stop for a moment to see what information they were meant to impart to those who travelled on the long and winding road.  The signs stated that all along the trail were "restoration areas" and urged passers-by to "stay off" in order to allow the restoration effort to be as successful as possible.

I wondered how often we trample (sometimes unknowingly) on others who may be in the beginning stages of a "restoration" themselves. Do we jump to conclusions about who they are and what their lives are like? Do we rush in with ready-made solutions when all they really may need is a listening ear, or even just a little bit of time to work through and process things on their own? Do we sometimes stunt others' growth by our preconceived notions of what we think their problem is or what the "right" solution is - at least in our minds?

How often have we been in a state of "restoration" ourselves when someone has unwittingly tromped across our own fragile growth that may be struggling to push its way through to the surface? How many times have we put on a good front when deep inside what we really need is a moment or two to step back, reassess, and restore ourselves?

Maybe we all should pay a bit more attention to the "signs" that let us know that someone just might need an extra smile or hug; a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.

Though the words in this song speak about a divine restorer and restoration, I think it can apply just as much to each of us and our relationships with those around us.





May we all be tools of restoration, rather than destruction, in the lives of those with whom we pass through this mortal coil.

Restore Me - Anthony Evans

On the outside, You think I'm alright

There's a smile on my face, everything's okay

But on the inside there's a different story

I've stumbled down this road and I've got so far to go

I'm a broken man

On my knees again

Longing for a touch from You

I need your hand to

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

I wore my mask, running away from my past

Hiding all my scars, thinking I'd gone too far

But He knew my pain and He loved me just the same

He promised, I'd be free if I fell on my knees and cried

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Oh, take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

Restore unto me the joy of my salvation

So I'll sing again, the song You wrote for me

Give me a clean heart, I want a brand new start

Like the moment when I first believed

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Oh, take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

Please Jesus, oh yeah

Give me another chance

I want to be a new man

Please restore me, yeah yeah, yeah

Friday Flix - Beautiful

It's amazing what five guys and one piano can create...

Just one word describes it...

Beautiful...

Life Through My Lens - Light Up the Sky...

On the point 

Of the precipice 

The sun's rays 

Envelope billowing clouds

Painting the sky

With

Brilliance

Life Through My Lens - Sparks...

What would July be without fireworks?

This image brought to mind a song I've heard a few different versions of. I thought I'd share a cover of it by a band I was recently introduced to.

Friday Flix - Small Rebellions....

The world might just be a better place with a few small rebellions...

If our days could be filled with small rebellions

Senseless brutal acts of kindness from us all 

If we stand between the fear and firm foundation 

Push against the current and the fall, the current and the fall

Happy Fourth of July

I thought I would share a few of the highlights of this year's Fourth of July celebration.

2012 Huntington Heritage Days
 Grand Marshals

New wheels... lol 

The elusive search for candy...

Inferno...

Billowing clouds

of roiling smoke

Filtered through

the evening sky

Enveloping the sun

in scarlet robes

Inferno