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-upWoman to Woman Ministries,  Growing in Grace Link-up, 3DLessonsLif4eInspire Me Monday Titus 2 TuesdayA Wise Women Builds Her HomeA Look at the Book,  Sunday StillnessThe Weekend BrewSpiritual Sundays, Soul Survival,  Give Me GraceA Little R&RTestimony TuesdayWomen with Intention WednesdaysStill SaturdayGood Morning MondaysTell His StoryFaith & Fellowship Blog HopMotivate and Rejuvenate MondaysBe SaltyMonday's MusingsThe Art of Home-Making MondayTuesday TalkWaiting on Wednesday, Reflect His Love and Glory  Words of Comfort Link-upWholehearted WednesdaysTell it to Me TuesdayFaithful at Home Fridays, Faith 'N FriendsTGI SaturdaysSitting Among Friends Encourage Me Monday Words with Winter Essential FridaysSo Much at Home Family, Friendship & Faith House to Home Intentional Tuesday ,Wonderful Wednesday , Monday of Many BlessingsLiteracy Musings Mondays,Imparting GraceSHINE Blog Hop Dance with JesusGive Me GraceBooknificent Thursdays UNITE Cozy Reading SpotMaking Your Home Sing Monday Social Butterfly Sundays  Let Us Grow Small Wonder Link-up Winsome Wednesday Growing in Grace Thursday After My CoffeeRewind Friday Fresh Market Friday






Comments

  1. Life is like a camera! A wonderful quote

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amanda, I know, isn't it! I was so happy when I found it researching for this post.

      Thanks for taking the time to comment. :-)

      Delete
  2. What a wonderful post! I loved seeing the peeks into your life and days! Such a lovely family our Lord has blessed you with, and it is just precious the way you all enjoy one another! May He just continue to hold all of you close to His loving heart and keep you together always! Love and appreciate you so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cheryl! He indeed has blessed me.

      Your thoughtful words mean so much.

      You are such a joy in my life, shining the light of Christ so brightly.

      Sending much love to you. :-)

      Delete
  3. What a neat post! I often read a post and get an idea for a future post also. I really like all the great pictures and stories you shared. You have a nice looking family. I really like all the beautiful pictures of sunsets also. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda,

      Thanks so much!

      I appreciate so much you taking the time to comment.

      You are very welcome! :-)

      Delete
  4. I see you had a great time celebrating. Beautiful happy photos.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What beautiful pictures and such a lovely family. Thanks for sharing this reminder to focus on the good times/moments in our lives. It is often easy to do the opposite. As you stated God wants us to focus on good things. When we keep our mind and eyes on Him we have access to the joy that only He offers! Have a fabulous weekend Karen and blessings to you and family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Horace, Thank you so much for your kind words.

      I appreciate so much you adding to the conversation. :-)

      Same to you Horace!

      Blessings,

      Delete
  6. Beautiful post, Karen, and beautiful photos. What a way to brighten the day! Blessings to you! I'm your neighbor at #ThoughProvokingThursday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gayl, Thank you!

      So glad you stopped by!

      Blessings to you too!

      Delete
  7. Sweet memories to focus and meditate on! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie, Indeed!

      You are welcome!

      Thanks for taking the time to comment. :-)

      Delete

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