I spent the past week driving through New Zealand with three of my friends. It was an incredible journey both with the chance to fellowship with my travel mates and certainly an amazing treat to experience such a beautiful country!

Here are a few of my favorite images I captured. The first set are from our first two days on the North Island; the second collection is from the remainder of our trip through as much as we had time for in the South Island. I have the rest of my images up on my Facebook page. If you're interested in prints of any of these (or any other of my photography) please do contact me.

I woke up the other morning as the sun was rising to greet beautiful fog covering our backyard. I didn’t have the proper time for a photoshoot, but did grab my camera to snap a couple images from my window. Then after dropping off my youngest son at his school, I stopped at the park to breath in the glorious morning air.

I was quite bummed that responsibilities kept me from setting up for a proper photo shoot. Instead of simply shooting out my window, I would’ve loved to grab my camera and head over to the cemetery or the lake. I missed the best photographic opportunities during the time spent getting ready for school and work. Even still, I was grateful to look out the windows (of the house and then car) to take in the beauty with my eyes.

Last week I took a three day trip to Chicago for the Story Conference. As per normal, I choose to travel light. A few people commented on my setup so I figured I’d take a photo and share about the contents I carried on my back.

I read this prayer this morning and have found encouragement in it. I've been contemplating it as my morning moves along.

Here are a few photos (that help me consider those thoughts and remember perspective) from last week's camping trip with some dear friends of ours.