Blessing 20 - Irene

Happy Birthday, Irene!

The best thing I love about Irene is that she can make me laugh until my tummy hurts! I praise God for giving me such a wonderful sister in the Lord. It was a beautiful sight to see her so happy on her 28th birthday! A dinner celebration with a few close friends at Skates By the Bay was such a blessing for both Ron and Irene. More blessings to come as they await their new baby boy, Aaden, to be born in August.

Please enjoy the following pictures of today's gifts.

"Mango Mousse Cake"
The long awaited dessert from Madeline.

"A nice cold glass of refreshing water!"

"Friendships"
Maria, Adelin, Irene, Ron, Jon, Lan, Pat, and Franz

"Our window view of the sunset shining on a sailboat."
(If you can see it.)

"Another beautiful day coming to an end."
Praise God.

"Key Lime Pie"
A sweet way to savor the moment!

Blessing 19 - Ashley Goes to Camp

I can hardly believe that my little girl is not quite so little anymore. Today was Ashely's first time to discover what Summer Camp will be like for her. She packed her bags without any help from me. She willingly carried her own things on the bus. She is becoming who I have always prayed for...a young lady who will passionately follow after God's heart and to develop her own "back bone" in this world. I have to admit that as I was quietly taking this picture of her from afar, I was almost in tears that she did not need "Mom" to walk with her this time. She walked on that bus so excitedly! How fast they grow up! How slow we want to let them go.

Have a wonderful and blessed time, Ashley!
Embrace all that God shows you this week.
Love you!

A bus load of promising lives!
"I see a generation...rising up to take their place."

Blessing 18 - Coolness of the Day

Goodbye Hot Sun...Hello Cool Evening

What a beautiful hot day we had today in Vallejo! I was trying not to complain for if it was raining, I would be even more miserable. I have been waiting for summer all year and now that it's here, I welcome it with arms open wide! I already have a killer tan to prove it! But what a pleasure to feel the coolness in the air as our scorching sun sinks beyond the horizon! Time for head lights, time to go home, time to unwind. I will see you tomorrow when the sun peeks through my window.

Blessing 17 - Tea Light

Tea light and Cuteness

Out of all the pictures I took today, this one made me smile. I knew then that this was today's blessing. I love candles...yet alone...tea lights! One may not make a big difference, but when two or three are placed on a table, it turns something ordinary into extraordinary. It will illumine anything that is within close range. I really don't know what this little toy animal is, but the gentle light bouncing off it really showcases its cuteness. (At least that's what I see!)

I pray that in my life or what you see in my images, for they are the same, will showcase God's goodness when His light shines on me. Nothing good resides in me except that which comes from God. To be honest, there is nothing "cute" about me. The ugliness of sin ruins everything. So I pray that His Beauty will illumine and purify my life. "May His light always shine in my temple."

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

Blessing 16 - Hope

CLAM DIGGING

Digging for clams requires a lot of FAITH! In the vastness of the muddy sand during low tide, one doesn't have much to go by to locate those clams. Sometimes it's a hit or miss situation. One must have a lot of patience and persistence.

HOPE is that light at the end of the tunnel.
Keep digging...don't get discouraged.

Today's catch: 5 clams within 3 hours, an unforgettable experience, making lasting memories, permission to get dirty, laughter, patience, persistence...

PRICELESS.

Romans 8:24-25
But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Blessing 15 - Japanese Mugs

My Anticipated Desires

I was anticipating for these Japanese mugs to go one sale at Starbucks! I love Japanese mugs for each one is uniquely made. I was so tempted to buy all eight for only $4.99 each. But did I need them? Sadly to say...No. I was soon reminded of a great verse that I was meditating upon today.

Mark 14:38
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
The spirit is willing but the body is weak."

I praise God that I was able to be obedient in the small things today. I know that someday, these small things will end up being the big things tomorrow. I did not purchase them, but was able to admire them from afar.

Someone once told me that "the light in my temple is always shining". That brought a smile on my face. But how I wish that was true all the time. The Spirit in my temple is very willing and very capable to always outshine any darkness that might want to penetrate through my windows. But this strength is manifested only if I am living in the Spirit. So I pray that though my body is weak, I will allow the Spirit to shine. I really want to live up to the way my friend lovingly sees my temple (body, life)... May the light in my temple always shine. I want to draw others to that Light. Maybe if I wait patiently enough...again...God may allow me to purchase a Japanese mug. I will remain content for now. I wonder if God is smiling down on me? =)

Blessing 14 - Escape to the Creek

"My Shoulder to Lean On"

What a blessing it was to ESCAPE for even a few hours! Gloria and I decided to pack up her truck with the kids, some snacks, and sunscreen and just "Chilax" at Cull Creek near Castro Valley. It was a beautiful summer day. God knew I needed some time away to enjoy and relax, clear my mind from distractions, and do absolutely nothing, but to sit on a chair in this lovely lagoon! I had a short devotion and prayer time while doing so. Maybe next time you should join me? Praise God for this wonderful summer day! I was glad to have had the opportunity to freeze time for even a moment...

Ashely, Noe, Niko, and Josiah

Blessing 13 - Hearts

My Heart Collection

Row 1: Drake's Beach (My Birthday 2007), Drake's Beach (Memorial Day 2008), Rose (Missing Heart from Mare Island 2009).
Row 2: Rodeo Beach 2009 (Elyssa's Day), Rodeo Beach, Rodeo Beach shell
Row 3: Rodeo Beach shell, Drake's Beach (Memorial Day 2009), Drake's Beach (Memorial Day 2009)
Row 4: Rodeo Beach (Girls Day Out), Canoe Trip (Forrestville), Pacifica Beach

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Blessing 12 - Gifts of Love

(Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies made by Kennan and Zoe)
The best kinds of surprises are those made with LOVE!

(Ann Taylor Dress given by Marie)

A thoughtful gesture is what warms my heart.

I praise God for new friends that He brings along my path. Even if no gifts were received, their friendship alone is a gift in itself.

Blessing 11 - Father's Day Luau

WHO'S YO DADDY?!

Wil, Bill, Pat, Dwin, Glen, Mike, Chris, Pierre, Jon, Ron A., and Ron R.

Red Velvet Lava Cake
by Yo Mama Dan-Dan!

What an awesome time we all had in celebrating Father's Day! We had a special luau planned for the DADS at the Washington's residence and God couldn't have blessed us with a better day! The warm afternoon was filled with love, laughter, games, and delicious food! I had a moment where I had to step back just to listen to all that was happening around me. Hawaiian music in the background. Children playing harmoniously. Fathers laughing and enjoying themselves. Mothers happily preparing the spread in the kitchen. Quiet conversations in little corners. Laughters heard throughout the day. Love felt among one another. Perfect Day!

We Love you, Dads!

Blessing 10 - Enduring Strength

Climbing hills in Clayton

Strong as an Oak Tree

I praise God for the enduring strength that He graciously provided today. From sunrise to sundown, every hour was accounted for. From car washes, camp leadership training, and worship practices...then to a wonderful graduation picnic...it has been a long but blessed day. To God be the glory!

Blessing 9 - An Afternoon Stroll on First Street

My Purple Friend

My Sanity

My Comfort

My new humongous friend
ROSCOE!

Blessing 8 - Canon Lens 50mm

Focussed Attention

(an eye-level view)

(a bird's view)

My Eiffel Tower

Today, I borrowed a 50mm Canon lens from a good friend. What a difference it made in the quality of the pictures my camera was able to take combined with my flash! Too many times, I focus on the creation (the picture) rather than the Creator (the lens). I get so caught up with the blessing that the One blessing me ends up getting blurred in the background. But in this case, I am blessed because of the TOOL that was used to create such treasure. I love the Eiffel Tower! But I love Christ more! My life is enriched and is of the highest quality when Christ is the focus.

Philippians 3:8
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..."

Blessing 7 - A Day in the City

THREE FAVORITE PICTURES OF THE DAY
Haight Street

1. Cafe Sign
"There's a fine line between LOVE N' HAIGHT."

2. Three Victorian Ladies
"All dressed up but no where to go."

3. Mural of Friends
"It really doesn't matter where we're at...
as long as we're together."

What a nice way to spend a summer afternoon in the city!
A day of walking, shopping, and eating crepes can immediately become habit-forming!
Praise God for being able to do something out of the ordinary today.

Blessing 6 - Quiet Corner

My Quiet Corner

I prayed that I would find a quiet corner to read and write today. When I got to a local cafe, there it was! An empty table with an empty chair where it would be filled by a young lady who is eagerly waiting to fill her empty pages with words that would one day encourage someone to let God fill his/her life with His Love.

Psalm 46:10
"Sit and be still so you can hear and know Him."

Blessing 5 - Pacifica Beach

Pacifica Beach

A totally unexpected blessing to be able to stumble upon such beauty.

It seems like LOVE keeps following me around...

This one is for YOU.

Ecclesiastes 3:5
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain.

Blessing 4 - Little Friends

Zoe

My little friend asked me today what the bread and grape juice stood for during our communion service at church. God gave me an awesome privilege to share why Jesus had to die on the cross for our sins. Praise God for the little seed that was planted in Zoe's little heart today. I pray that the seed will grow into a beautiful relationship with Christ one day.

Kevin

Today, I was reacquainted with my little friend who is not so little anymore! The last time I saw him was 5 years ago. My, how time passes by! Kevin is a missionary kid from Costa Rica. What I love about him is how delightful it was to be around such a happy individual and I know his disposition has a lot to do with the joy of the Lord in his heart! When I told him what I remembered about him (that he thought flowers were so beautiful at the age of 5 and his dad insisted that he play with some swords !), he started laughing so hard! We bonded instantly as if time was never a factor!

Isabella

Today was her first day singing worship for the Children's Worship Team. What a blessing to see someone so willing to serve God with all her heart at such a young age! She had to wake up really early today to practice and also had to commute to church. I know that the sacrifices she is learning to make today will only deepen her love and worship for God.

Proverbs 22:6
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Blessing 3 - Mugs

My Favorite Mugs

Some of these mugs I have personally painted, hand picked from favorite cafes, or were given by friends. I have never seen my mugs as blessings until I realized the special friends who drank from them. The great conversations and shared moments over a cup of coffee or tea just makes my heart overflow with gladness.

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:5
For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Blessing 2 - Flash

My New Flash

Praise God for a new "Best Friend'!

Everyone, please meet Mr. 430EX II Canon!
He will brighten up my days to come...

Genesis 1:3
And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

Blessing 1 - My Reflection

My Reflection
"Me" starting my day...

Lani: Can you take a picture of me?
Elline: Ok!
Lani: I don't trust too many people.
Maybe take my first blessing pic?
It has to be ME as the first day.
Elline: I'm not sure if I can match up to your expertise, but I'll try to capture a nice pic of you!
Lani: Oh stop it!
You know me so it will be perfect.
You have to know your subject...I think that's the secret.
That's my take on life...

Psalm 139:13
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Blessings 365

TODAY...marks the first day that I will be "Counting My Blessings". I will be taking pictures everyday of what God will show me within the next 365 days. Not only will I remember what blessing will happen each day, but that I will gain a greater knowledge of who God is in my "365" through the subjects in my pictures . I invite you to come along on this journey with me. I pray that this new blogspot will show both you and I how to be more thankful. I shall begin with myself. Ready? Take my hand...=)

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.