After the Rain

How incredibly beautiful our yard looks after a rain! The colors seem to sparkle in the sunlight and everything looks for vibrant, more alive, more refreshed. "He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills." So says Psalm 147 about the Lord God Almighty. Let me encourage you whoever you are in your life- God knows and is waiting for you to call to Him. Let Him refresh you! Everyone who seeks him will find God listens and cares.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

A Night Out with the Rockies

They may currently be the baseball team with the most dismal record, but an evening out last night with friends to see the Colorado Rockies play was still great fun! Yes, Chicago whipped us badly, but what can I say?
 

The Most Important Family Affair

The times when all our family is together are too few and far between, but they each hold significance. Last year, my grandson (on the left) shared about Jesus' heart for a broken and sinful people (that's all of us!) with his cousin (in the lime green shirt). This led to him asking me all about it over pizza one night while we were enjoying slices with his family. He asked incredible questions- deep ones. I could see by the look on his face that he understood the gravity of his separation from God and that he understood that only by receiving the gift of Jesus Christ and turning toward Him would pay for his sin and gain him entry into heaven upon his death. Weighty stuff! (It IS weighty! Read the Bible's book of John, chapters 1-3 and Romans, chapters 1-6 to understand these timeless truths.) 

My younger grandson prayed right then on the spot in the restaurant and gave his life to Jesus. Then he asked about baptism, saying his older cousin had explained it. He wondered if he had the facts right. When I asked more questions to clarify his understanding, it was obvious he knew it was a step of obedience in his newfound faith, one he wanted to experience. Since we were in a restaurant, I joked I could dump water on his head if I had to, but it would be better to do it later.

This year, we were enjoying the cool water of the pool, beating the July summer heat. Unprompted except by God and his own heart, he asked me, "Grandpa, can you baptize me now?" His parents gave their approval, and with his brother right there, and his cousin at his side, the youngest and newest follower of Jesus in our family, was baptized. I asked him all the appropriate questions you'd expect and asked him if he was ready to be dunked. Then, with his cousin helping me, we baptized him in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The small crowd around him erupted in cheers and with clapping. What an awesome gift God gives every believer to share the Truth and then also to be a part of a baptism afterward! I'm nothing special, but God sees each one of us as important and worthy of doing His joyful work!
 

The Gang's All Here

Today is a good day for many reasons, but when we count our oh so many blessings, family ranks at the top part of the list. Their hearts are as warm as the day was when I took this shot! And my heart was filled with joy and thankfulness.

 

Train Ride in Europe

In honor of my father's 86th birthday, I'm posting a shot of he and my mom on the train in Europe. It was one of their favorite trips, and I certainly understand why. Happy Birthday, Dad!

 

Bit of Kodak History

My oldest son and his family stumbled into this little ice cream parlor. As Eastman Kodak aka Kodak holds a very special place in our family history, he sent us a photo of this vintage mirror bearing a company ad.  It was due to my father in law's kindness that my then girlfriend and I got to dine in Disneyland's very exclusive Club 33.  Later on, his generosity was expressed in passing on to us free tickets to Walt's park and even Florida's Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center. 

Last night we watched a one hour television special from about Walt Disney World from 1977. Beyond the endlessly cheery music and storyline, the presentation included some ads- and mostly of products that no longer exist. So, preserving this piece of history seems all the more important.

A Birthday Without A Photo

Finally! Blogger was up to its old tricks again!  I wanted to upload a photo of our youngest daughter and her father on her birthday, but no such luck! But today, it worked. Since our birthdays are very close together, we often celebrate together. One year, she decided to take me to the Denver Zoo to sit in the sand near the manta ray exhibit and have a margarita together. What a creative and thoughtful gift! A bit of Southern California in the middle of the plains of Colorado. Anyway, happy birthday to our youngest daughter! What an amazing woman of God she is!

Next Generation Photographer Makes A Splash

I couldn't be prouder! Love of photography has been a staple trait in our family since the beginning. My wife comes from a Kodak family, and my love for photography blossomed during the early years of our marriage. This has passed on to a couple of our kids. And now it has passed on to our oldest grandson. Look at this photo! It's just terrific!

(Copyright Mark Taft - for the family interests.)

My Favorite Disney Park Photos: A Peaceful Morning at the Grand Floridian

Years ago, a visit to Walt Disney World could mean a relaxing time with tranquil evenings and leisurely paced days. No longer. Not even planning for a trip is simple and easy! But there's still peace to be found if you are willing to get up before the sun breaks. That's exactly what we did and when this photo was taken. Why were we up at the literal crack of dawn? To make absolutely sure we got to ride the Magic Kingdom's newest and hard to book attraction, Tron Lightcycle Run in Tomorrowland. Yes, we snagged seats on the ride, and the bonus was seeing this resort quiet and calm. Following the rush for a reservation was a wonderful sit down breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Not a bad way to start the day!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft)

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

The Great American Pastime of watching baseball is even more fun when it's with people you love! The look on my grandsons' faces tells the whole story. I just want to know why my daughter-in-law is not showing her team spirit. Just joking!

Still My Little Boy

What can I say? He may be a fully grown man with a life full of responsibility, but he will always be my youngest child. Taken just a few days ago, this photo captures the little boy smile that I find in his heart. He's a theme park geek like his dad, but like most folks of his generation, the Universal world is his playground- Harry Potter rules!- and Disney holds the number two spot.
 

Rome - Eternally Yours

Rome- The Eternal City. What an amazing place! The famous sights, the sounds of fountains, music, the people; and the utterly magnificent flavors! But they pale in comparison to what is to come. The true eternal city as described by the beloved Apostle John in the book of Revelation: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Can there be anything better than what is to come for all who have received the free gift of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ? No, a thousand times, no.

 

A Piece of Good Advice

Sometimes the best advice comes in a simple and straightforward manner. Life isn't all that it's cracked up to be at time. And it can always be much better by following these three simple instructions: Be With Jesus; Become Like Jesus; Do What Jesus Did. Will life get easier? Absolutely not! It will get harder because you will wake up to a new dimension of understanding and a clearer set up priorities. But it will be filled with purpose, joy, hope and eternal rewards. Nothing is better than that!

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Friends and Family

The new pope may have been chosen today, but for us, this special visit from out of state friends makes it a very special day indeed. God is so good to us!
 

The Unexpected Guest

We didn't see this coming, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a sweet little surprise. After a large family gathering full of food, fun, and great conversation, everyone went home tired but happy. We were so tired, in fact, that it took us several days to see this unexpected guest. Most likely this was the work of one of the youngest in our big extended family. But it certainly captures the heart of the day and put a smile on our faces as we had our morning coffee!

 

It's an Epic Universe in Our Backyard!

Spring has arrived! What a wonderful surprise we discovered in our beautiful back yard!Not once did we expect to have a tree with such lovely blooms on it. Who knows what else awaits us as God does his magic in the landscaping realm. There's not any Imagineer (or should I say someone at Universal Creative now?) that can outdo the original Creator!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Yes, Happy Anniversary to us! This great little photo was taken at the home of our first "couple friends" that were neither mine nor hers before we met... and we've remained life long friends many, many, MANY, years later.

Today as we celebrate, my wonderful wife, I want to tell you how much I love you. We're not young anymore, but you're still beautiful- and no one can compare.  May God be lifted up and may we be blessed as we walk out the rest of our life together!

Longest Winter Ever

Sure, it's been a rather mild March, and this week will even reach the upper 70s. But, oh my gosh, this winter has gone on forever! I'm done with it! Is anyone else with me? I say it's time for family dinners to celebrate everything from the resurrection of Jesus to every birthday known to man. Or just celebrate anything where we can all enjoy the warm weather. I'm ready to see green lawns, bright flowers, blue skies, and hear the sound of kids playing outside. Growing up in Southern California, I took Summer for granted. Never again.

My Favorite Universal Park Photos: An Evening at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

Why didn't I think of this sooner? My Favorite Disney Park Photos has long been a staple of the Insight and Sounds blog. But now after three visits to Universal Orlando Resort- and more to come- it's time for me to do the same for our trips to this growing and fun-filled Disney competitor.

After a great day at Islands of Adventure, it was time for an evening out at City Walk. With so many great places, where would we go? Where else to continue the fun than Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

When Ms. Penelope Toothsome and her steampunk robot Jacques stopped by to chat with our son, the results were hilarious and the photo opportunity great. The end result of the evening of good food, great desserts, and character interaction made for some terrific memories. And none of the exorbitant prices found at Walt Disney World's character meals. You have to check this place out!

Want to full review of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium? Jump over to this Dine or Ditch review.

(Photograph copyright Mark Taft.)

Universal Orlando Update: Harry Potter's Empty Hogsmeade

An off week and a quick trip to Florida. First stop? Universal Orlando Resort and Islands of Adventure for a tour through Hogsmeade. With Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure down for an extended time, the must do next choice ride is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The short trip began with last night's dinner at Raglan Road at Disney Springs, but that would be the only stop on the Disney property. What will I do next, you might ask? Well, I'll wait for more photos. It's (sadly) not my trip, so I'm living vicariously through other family members. But it's still a great time. Even especially when its an empty park!