Sunday Morning in Hawaii

We all need a little aloha! No, it's not Walt Disney World's Polynesian Village Resort, it's the real thing. Hawaii is perhaps one of my very favorite travel destinations, and growing up in California, flights were always plentiful and cheap. 

I took this photograph in 2017 on a Sunday morning, when we would normally be in church. But, boy, did we still have a very worshipful heart. How can you look at this creation and not burst out into praise to God and His goodness?

"Let them give glory to the Lord
           and proclaim his praise in the islands."

   from the Old Testament, book of Isaiah 42:12

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Friday's Island Escape

Breathe in, breathe out. Everyone deserves a little island getaway after the end of a busy week. This photo is of Kauai, my favorite escape from the Mainland. Ah, Hawaii! It's the stuff daydreams are made of...

(Photo from Getty Images.)

Sunday in Kauaii

Another dreary day, the sun has gone away, and I'm longing for my fantasy island home. Kauai that is! I've been to the Hawaiian islands many times over the years, particularly when I was young and lived in California. This one island is still my favorite of all. 

I think I'll go back to bed... and dream.

(Photographer unknown.)

Blue Hawaii

When I took this shot, I had no idea it would end up being used on calendars, desktops, and more. It's just one of those moments in time that captures something very special. God's stunning creation in all its glory. Minutes later, we would discover a large sea turtle coming in from the water. He sat on the warm golden sand letting us watch from a fairly close but respectful distance. What a way to end our last day in the islands!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Little Aloha

It's been so cold lately, that I could use a little aloha. So, here's a photograph from our recent getaway to remind me summer is on the way- and to remind me how good God is to give my wife and I such an incredibly blessed time away!

"Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them." (Isaiah 42:10)

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Island Song

One of my prettiest shots from our recent trip. As I was praying today, this verse came into my mind from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament: "Let them give glory to the Lord and proclaim his praise in the islands." It's chapter 42:12 - a not so subtle reminder that all who are created by God should be telling of His Goodness, His Power and His Love. 

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Paradise in Blue

Unretouched, unfiltered, unimaginably gorgeous.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Return from Paradise

How can it be that my heart grieves and rejoices at the same time? Easy. Just now returning from a long needed trip to Kauai with my wonderful wife. It was beyond wonderful! The beauty of the island and the time alone with my wife was just what The Doctor ordered. Using many miles from all my business travels, we were able to go for $11 a person. Hard to pass that up!

Days at the beach swimming and snorkeling, seeing the sights, and waking up to the sound of the ocean was the perfect complement to spending time alone with my lovely bride.

Granted, this isn't a great photo from my friend and excellent photographer Len Yokoyama, but it's the best I can do in capturing the beauty of God's creation. (Yes, fellow Disney fans, I really did go all the way to Hawaii and skipped seeing the Aulani Resort.) I'm positive that God created Kaui'i and then stopped, saying to Himself- "THIS is perfection!"

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

The Garden Isle Awaits

Kauai, Hawaii. The Garden Isle. The future site of a long needed vacation using my United Airlines miles and the total sum of $11 each. God is so good to us- He knew what I needed when. Thank you.