Counting My Blessings

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:14

July has been a rather busy month so far. The first week we celebrated my blogaversary and on July 5 was my fifteenth birthday. The following days have been filled with days at the park, visits to the library, church, books, cleaning and so on! I haven't had the opportunity] to count my blessings in a few weeks, so I will make up for it today!

On July Fourth we had a church BBQ. The food was great and the time we all spent fellowshipping was a blessing.

As a little surprise, my parents celebrated my 15 birthday (a day ahead) with a cake. I am so thankful to God that He has allowed me to grow up in His ways. I hope that this new year  will allow me to deepen my relationship with my Heavenly Father and grow to be more like Jesus. The picture above is of gift I received from a very special friend. Do you notice any resemblance of the canvas and my blog?

The next day was my birthday! Every year, my sweet mother tells me the story of my birth and the days that followed. I don't think that I could ever get tired of that tale:)

After a bit of birthday fun, my mother took me out for a little photo shoot. I have to say, I thought that I would be a natural in front of the  camera, but I know that my place is behind the eye cup:)

Those are just a few of my favorites. My mom says that we will def. have another shoot...soon.

Birthday photos courtesy of MOM

My parents took me out to eat at Red Lobster! They have the BEST cheddar bay biscuits!

A few days ago, my mom took me and little sister to the zoo. If you've ever been to the zoo, you know that the trip will last several hours and that your feet ache when you get home! I did enjoy seeing the animals that God thoughtfully created. I think that my favorite exhibit is "Tiger Mountain" The tigers seem pretty calm and if you catch them on a really good day, one will walk right up the glass. I didn't take many photos of the animals (the plexi-glass doesn't photograph well) but relished the beautiful architecture and foliage.

These fish are in in the tiger exhibit.

Little sister insisted that I take a picture of this bald eagle.

I spent much of my time wandering about, finding pretty things to photograph.

When I look around, I see God's hand all around us.

My tomato plant (at church) bore two ripe tomatoes! 

How has this month been for you? How have you been coping with the heat? How have you seen God's goodness in your life?