He Holds My Right Hand: Photo of the Week

Showing posts with label Photo of the Week. Show all posts

Sunday, November 19, 2017

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK #28: Thanksgiving Through the Years

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good; His love endures forever.

I don't have a picture from EVERY past Thanksgiving Day celebrated by my family, but here are some I found, starting in 1993...

Playing games has always been a fun Thanksgiving Day event. Here, in 1993, we are playing "Fast Scrabble" at Grandma's house. Pictured from left to right: Mom, Dad, my brother Daniel, his wife Julee, one of my nephews, and Grandma.

1995 at my sister's house. Pictured: Grandma, my nephew James, my brother Daniel, nephew Ryan, Me, brother-in-law Darren, and niece Amanda.

1998 - Our first Thanksgiving with our little EL. We are at the home of David's parents - the home he grew up in.

1999 - Hanging out at our house on Thanksgiving Day. Pictured: Dad (taking a picture), my nephew Ryan, niece Amanda, Me, Mom, and I think that is the top of Grandma's head next to Mom.

2001 - I love this picture of Grandma with little EL, holding hands on our way in to a restaurant. We decided not to cook that year, and all went out to eat.

2002 - A fun picture of my dad and little EL at Grandma's house.

2003 - Another great picture of Dad - this time with little JJ - at Grandma's house. My nephew Ryan and Grandma are also in this picture.

2004 - We had Thanksgiving with David's side of the family this year.

2007 - Celebrating an early Christmas on Thanksgiving Day at Grandma's house.

2008 - Mom & Dad came to our house on this year.

2010 - This was one of my favorite Thanksgivings. Both my parents and David's parents were at our house that year, as well as David's brother.


2016 - This was our last Thanksgiving with Dad - another favorite year for me because all of us were together that year - Mom, Dad, my sister, brother, Me, and some of each of our families.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day. Celebrate the blessings the Lord has given to you.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK #27: 6 Years of Pix from Lost Creek Orchards

Proverbs 25:11 - A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

We started going to Lost Creek Orchards back in 2011, when EL was 12 years old and JJ was 8. They have a variety of pumpkins, peaches, and apples, as well as animals to see, a corn maze, and a little store with country collections. We especially enjoy the apple cider slushies!

Apparently, we skipped going to the orchard in 2012, but then went five years in a row from 2013-2017. It is a Fall tradition that we enjoy.

2011

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Photo of the Week #26: Looking Up

JJ is wearing special glasses as he watches the moon's shadow slowly moving across the sun.

I love this picture of JJ.

He, along with thousands of others, were among the onlookers of the 2017 Solar Eclipse this past Monday. We were in Harrisburg, IL, when this picture was captured. It is full of awe and wonder, along with anticipation for totality to take place.

Once totality hit, the sky darkened to the level of sunset and everyone in the park clapped and cheered. We all removed our special glasses and were able to look at the eclipse without hurting our eyes. It was beautiful. It only lasted a couple of minutes and, unfortunately, I didn't get any really good pictures of the eclipse itself. But, I'm happy we were able to take part in seeing this rare event. It was a sight I will not soon forget.

David, and two of our friends, looking up as the total eclipse took place

These two pictures also remind me of how we should be looking up and watching in anticipation for the time when the Lord will descend from heaven with a loud trumpet call, and will take those of us who believe in and trust in Him for salvation to be with Him forever. Many refer to this event as "The Rapture." We won't know the day or the hour but, one day, He WILL be coming to get us. Are you ready?

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (ESV)

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Photo of the Week #25: Illinois State Fair 2001 & 2017 (Cherished Memories)

Last week, we spent EL's birthday at the Illinois State Fair. The last time we were there was 16 years ago, on her 3rd birthday, so I thought it would be fun to post a picture of EL and me 16 years ago in 2001, and then again in 2017. It looks like we were basically sitting in the same place for the pictures. Were were in the food-a-rama, which is the big area inside the fair where you can find many different food vendors, and lots of tables under one roof. In the background is the Ferris Wheel in both pictures.

We had a good time at the Fair, although I don't think we will be going back anytime soon. It was very warm that day, and I got a bit overheated. It took me a couple of days to get over the feeling of being exhausted. Plus, the food there is super expensive. But, at least we were able to get a discount on admission because of it being Scout Day. David and JJ both got into the fair for free. Then, the kids also got discounted ride armbands. (Instead of $30.00, they were only $20.00 each for unlimited rides, thanks again to Scout day.)

During our time at the fair, we saw several short stunt shows, looked at the exhibits, ate expensive food, drank lots of water and lemonade, went to a "Herman's Hermits" concert and, of course, the kids went on rides. Out of the whole fair experience, I think the kids enjoyed the rides the best. There was one ride (see photo above) where they sat in a car and went backwards in a fast circle. They both loved it and went on it several times. They also enjoyed the swings (photo below) and went on that ride several times as well.

For most of the rides, the kids boarded together, although there were times when they separated, like when JJ went on the big swinging boat while EL chose the milder Carousel. Thankfully, the lines were not too long while we were there, so the kids were definitely able to get their money's worth out of the rides.

After a long, 12-hour day at the fair, we walked out exhausted and ready for bed; but it was a good kind of exhaustion, as we all enjoyed getting away and spending time together as a family.

As I look again at the picture of 3-year-old EL, it makes me realize how our lives have changed since then, and how fast the time has gone. Soon, JJ will also be grown and making a life of his own; so, times like these with our children are always cherished times. Exhausted or not, it was definitely a trip worth taking.

Psalm 127:3 - Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. (NIV)

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Photo of the Week #24: Our Graduates

Last Sunday, we had a graduation ceremony and celebration for our two graduates. EL has finished High School and received a Certificate of Completion. JJ received his 8th Grade diploma. It was a nice day celebrated with family and friends. A huge milestone.

For more pictures and details, click over to the newest post on our homeschool Blog: SONset ACADEMY: Our 2017 Graduates

Psalm 113:3 - From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Photo of the Week #23: Car Show Bonus

Last weekend, we went to a family reunion on David's side of the family. While we were in the area, the "boys" went to a car show in town, and JJ was in "heaven." He loved looking at all the shiny cars, as did his grandfather. While they were looking at one of the cars, the owner noticed JJ's interest and asked if he would like to sit inside. "Ummm... Yah!" was the reply. What a neat experience for him. Most of the time, there are signs that say "Do not touch!" on the cars, but JJ was allowed to SIT in this one! The man was very gracious. He showed favor to JJ, but it wasn't because JJ was someone "special" or because he did something for the owner of the car. He was simply given this opportunity without doing anything to earn it, except show an interest.

This is an example of God's grace to us. God gives us his grace for salvation, not because we are someone special, or because we have done something special for Him, but simply in response to our faith in Christ for the forgiveness of our sin.

Numbers 6:25 - The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;

Sunday, July 23, 2017

Photo of the Week #22: Oil Painting Class

EL is using a "fan brush" to make grass

I love exposing EL to different opportunities, just to see what she will or won't enjoy doing. So, this past week, I took her to an oil painting class. The instructor showed us step by step what to do and, with a little help from me, here is the final product....

The finished painting

She didn't show much interest in it at first but, as we got into it more, she seemed to enjoy watching her blank white canvas turn into a painting. She did really well on making the trees and grass on her own, but needed my help to do the more intricate work. So, a lot of the time, I held her wrist to help keep her hand steady and guided her on where to paint. When she couldn't do something on her own, she made sure to tell me what she wanted in the picture, and where to put it. She wanted the wheel inside the barn, and we couldn't forget about the hay in the top window. She also definitely had to have the squirrel in the tree (can you find it?) and the birds in the sky. She has always loved the living creatures created by God.

Genesis 1:24 - And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. (ESV)

I asked her if she wants to do another painting sometime and, for right now, she doesn't seem to have much interest in doing it again. But, we'll see what happens. At least she had this experience, and we'll have to see what we can come up with next for her to try. Any suggestions?

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Photo of the Week #21: Happy Birthday America - My Home Away from Home

Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

I currently live in the United States of America. It is my home on Earth. But, as a Christian, my true citizenship is in Heaven (see verse above). I am thankful for that because it gives me hope to one day be living in a perfect world. We all know this world we live in now is NOT a perfect world, am I right? In fact, it is downright messed up. There are days when I am so very ready to leave it all behind and finally encounter perfect peace like never before. Yet, while I am here, I am an American. And, even though the struggles are real, I am often reminded of how God has blessed America in many ways... and I am thankful...

thankful for our freedoms.
thankful for the men and women who have died for those freedoms.
thankful for the luxuries we have compared to other countries.
thankful to be living here, where God has placed me.

The photo above was taken less than two weeks ago, when my son was at Boy Scout camp. We were there on Family Night and they closed the evening with a fireworks display. The American flag was lit up, and Lee Greenwood's "I'm Proud to be an American" was playing over the sound system. It was a nice way to end the evening, and made me thankful (and yes... proud) to be an American. Even with all the political messiness, and crime, and struggles we go through, it is still my current home away from home. I am glad to be here, and I am honored the Lord has given me the opportunity to serve Him while I am here.

Happy Birthday, America!

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Photo of the Week #20: 25 Years As Husband and Wife

Wedding Picture - 1992

This coming Tuesday is our SILVER wedding anniversary - 25 years! Wow, hard to believe it was 25 years ago when my dad walked me down the isle to give me away to David. Here are some photos of us throughout the years. Some were definite anniversary pictures, while others were not taken on an anniversary but on the dates closest that I could find.