In the Arms of Grace..

Under the canopy of trees I find the Infinite Source of all that is good. It embraces me and soothes my soul. In the shadow of the giants around me, I am not alone. My family surrounds and nourishes me. When I leave here, I will be satisfied.

Here, I am connected.

Here, life's purpose is clear.

Here, simplicity reigns.

As I turn to leave I urge myself to keep this feeling of connectedness inside of me...allow it to settle into my bones.

On this misty Monday afternoon, a photo shoot at a local park turned into a silent meditation with my Creator.

God met me in the stillness of this forest.

And I will be better for it.

- Krista

Wint'ry Surf and Sand...

In March the ocean air is bracing...it whips through the sand and seems to spray the surf much further than it does in July. The chill in the air is almost enough to send one back to the warmth of their car. Yet, the experience of a walk on the beach in early spring is not to be missed. Hidden in that icy, salt air are the promises of balmy sunrises and steamy sunsets yet to come...a reminder that everything has a season. I close my eyes and listen to the cold surf pound against the sand. An inward struggle rages inside of me...a fight against the temptation to picture the shoreline full of happy beach-goers, the feel of warm sand beneath my bare toes and the scent of coconut suntan lotion wafting through the air. Shaking off the movie in my mind, I will myself to be in this moment...now. I tell myself that I accept the beach here, as it is...a little bleak, cold, dark and wondrous. As I close my jacket a little tighter around me I think to myself, this beach at this moment, is enough.

- Krista

Above photo taken on March 7th, 2009. Cape May, NJ.