Capturing the Good Times

Life is like a camera

Just focus on what's important

Capture the GOOD TIMES

Develop from the negatives

and if things don't turn out

- just take another shot.

Author unknown

Today's blog post was actually motivated by another blog post I read last week.  I love when that happens! 

I am trying to find the link for the blog post, but haven't been able to locate it.  If you recognize what I'm about to share as coming from your own post, please comment below with the link so you can receive credit.  :-)   

The blogger shared about scientific research that showed how our thoughts can effect our overall mindset. We remember the bad moments in our lives much easier than we remember the good... Human nature tends toward dwelling on the bad.  According to research, if we dwell on something for just 15 seconds, we essentially imprint that image or thought into our minds with lasting effects.  

We've all been there, dwelling on the negative...  It's not pretty...  And it really does effect our overall thought process.

The blogger went on to challenge her readers to savor the sweet moments in life for at least 15 seconds.  In so doing, the mind that dwells on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, will reap a harvest of blessings.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights

James 1:17a

In looking back over the last month, there were many moments that I felt fully present in, moments that I soaked up and treasured, moments indelibly imprinted on my mind...  Moments captured in photographs... 

Moments that I'd like to share with you.  :-)

As I've mentioned before, we are blessed to have a gorgeous park right in our home town.  On my birthday, my daughter, granddaughter and I took advantage of  the gorgeous summer weather to take a walk there.  

Mr. Ox says, "Happy Birthday Karen!"  :-)

Lexi LOVED seeing the Ox!

This tree canopies down and forms the perfect hideaway.  
I'm peaking out at my daughter and granddaughter from inside.  :-)

We babysat my granddaughter on the evening of my birthday and she went with us to play mini-golf.

She was an awesome scorekeeper!  :-)

A few days after my birthday, my husband and I celebrated in town by trying out a local grill on the waterfront - with outside seating!  In the 28 years we've lived here, I can't believe we never went to this restaurant!  The food was great and reasonably priced!

This was the view from our table - Priceless!

Afterwards, we went to a concert in the park, and then took an evening stroll downtown.

This beautiful town common is actually the view from my work office window as well!

And in more birthday celebration news, this past weekend my parents came up from New Jersey. We relaxed outside on Saturday, and took a walk along the ocean in the evening while enjoying a few belly laughs.

Lexi loves her Great Nana and Pop Pop.  <3

On Sunday, my parents, daughter, son, son-in-law and granddaughter were here to celebrate.  (We missed my daughter-in-law who was on-call, but we got to FaceTime with her which was a treat!)   We enjoyed a cook out, playing Kan Jam and going for a walk at the park.

My granddaughter honing her Kan Jam skills!  :-)

My daughter treated me to a belated Mother's Day outing in the city.  Although you'd never know we were in the city as the restaurant we went to had a beautiful, peaceful terrace out back to dine in. It was the perfect summer evening to enjoy good food and sweet conversation.  Oh and their espresso cupcakes were AMAZING!!

My Angel - beautiful on the inside and out!  

Afterwards, we went shopping.  I LOVE spending time with my Angel.  :-)


My granddaughter is 15 months old already!  She has been walking since she was ten months old.  She keeps us smiling and laughing.  Oh what a delight she is!!

Lexi trying out her new pool.

Lexi and Papi enjoying each other's company.

Lexi loves flowers, especially picking them.  lol.  She picked this fake flower from a bouquet in my room.  lol.

My two Angels.  <3

The sunsets at our hometown park are a sight to behold, always providing a different show every night.  I never take one of them for granted...

And finally, on a funny note, my hard boil egg fail turned into a delightful surprise.  Doesn't it look like a chick breaking out of the egg?!

For every photograph taken

there is one less moment forgotten...

Author unknown

I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for all the beautiful moments He blesses me with, moments to savor, moments to cherish, moments that bring to remembrance His greatest gift to me, Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who hung on a tree so that I would be set free from the penalty of sin and would one day be welcomed into my Heavenly Home where Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me.  

What beautiful moments await us in Heaven!

What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, 

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

1 Corinthians 2:9

 Oh that we would continually imprint upon our minds the goodness of the Lord for  "Behold, {He has} inscribed you on the palms of {His} hands".

You might find me on these link-ups:
Grace & Truth Link-up, Woman to Woman Ministries,  Growing in Grace Link-up, 3DLessonsLif4e, Inspire Me Monday Titus 2 Tuesday, A Wise Women Builds Her Home, A Look at the Book,  Sunday Stillness, The Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Soul Survival,  Give Me Grace, A Little R&R, Testimony Tuesday, Women with Intention Wednesdays, Still Saturday, Good Morning Mondays, Tell His Story, Faith & Fellowship Blog Hop, Motivate and Rejuvenate Mondays, Be Salty, Monday's Musings, The Art of Home-Making Monday, Tuesday Talk, Waiting on Wednesday, Reflect His Love and Glory  Words of Comfort Link-up, Wholehearted Wednesdays. Tell it to Me Tuesday, Faithful at Home Fridays, Faith 'N Friends, TGI Saturdays, Sitting Among Friends Encourage Me Monday Words with Winter Essential Fridays, So Much at Home Family, Friendship & Faith,  House to Home Intentional Tuesday ,Wonderful Wednesday , Monday of Many Blessings, Literacy Musings Mondays,Imparting Grace, SHINE Blog Hop Dance with Jesus, Give Me Grace, Booknificent Thursdays UNITE Cozy Reading Spot, Making Your Home Sing Monday Social Butterfly Sundays  Let Us Grow Small Wonder Link-up Winsome Wednesday Growing in Grace Thursday After My Coffee, Rewind Friday Fresh Market Friday