The past week since my last post has been full of highs and lows. I’ve experienced some really wonderful things, like my lovely trip to California with my sister and my mom for an unforgettable girls weekend to celebrate some special birthdays. And I’ve had to get through some not-so-fun things, like the stomach virus that attacked our house leaving all five of us plus my in-laws sick as dogs and landing my two girls in the emergency room. I think I’ve done enough ranting about that nasty bug on my Facebook page, so today I’d like to focus on the positive parts of the past week.

You might know by now that photography is a hobby of mine. It is my way of sharing the beauty I see in ordinary moments and showing praise and gratitude for God’s gifts. Here are some of my favorite photos I captured during our three day stay on the Palos Verdes Peninsula outside of Los Angeles. California is one of my favorite places on Earth. Here are some reasons why.

Sea Grass

Babysitter

Point Vicente Light

Reach for the Sky

Pacific Pier

Wildflowers

Watchtower

Seaside Slumber

Purple Point

Saturday Sunrise

I’m certain I will always remember standing in awe of these extraordinary places, admiring the grandeur of the enormous cliffs meeting the vast ocean as far as the eye can see. From the top of these rocky overlooks it’s as if I could touch the sky. Observing God’s creatures who make their home on the shores of these waters, I was reminded of an entire other world under the sea. I felt humbled and small, in the best way possible. In wonderment, I contemplated how it all came to be.

As I reflect on the ups and downs of the past several days I recognize a lesson. It may be cliche, but it is a message I think most of us can probably use to be reminded of often. Enjoy THIS day. Soak in whatever beauty that you can find around you; a pretty landscape, the laughter of your children, the smile of your partner. You don’t know what challenges face you tomorrow. For me it was just a little stomach virus this week. For others and at other times in my life there will certainly be other much bigger hurdles. Absorb the sunshine, warmth, happiness and love today, live it to the fullest and then hold it in your heart (and maybe take a picture like I do). Then, in times of trouble, uncork that love and happiness when you need it most and share it with others. Maybe even take a second to remember that, whatever your struggle, no matter your problem, there is most likely someone else out there on this vast planet battling something even worse. Even though we don’t always understand why or how, God has a plan.