Intro
The castle is storybook stone, but the roses are living color. Faith is like that—rooted, seasonal, and bright against whatever feels immovable.
Excerpt
I framed this low in the rose bed to stack three layers: blooms, castle, and reflection. The flowers pull you in, the bridge and turrets anchor the middle, and the sky opens the scene. The castle gets most of the attention, but the roses do the inviting.
Notes from the Devotional
“Make Jesus the light of your life. And then by his light, see everything else.” — Elder Neal A. Maxwell
When the Light is first, everything else makes sense.
Perspective
“Sometimes it is better to be left out than to be taken in… It is better for you to be alienated from the gang than to be alienated from God.” — Elder Maxwell
Beauty is not popularity; it’s alignment. Choose the view that keeps you closest to the Light.
Practice (today, not someday)
“Obeying is one of the best ways of exploring.” — Elder Maxwell
Honor park rules and guests. Work within limits: arrive early, stay off the beds, wait for gaps in foot traffic, and compose from the edge.
Final Reflection
“Trust the Lord for he sees your possibilities even when you do not.” — Elder Maxwell
The bloom you notice is rarely the only one ready to open. In time, a whole garden appears.
Pocket I’m Keeping
“Be very careful about what you let come inside your storehouse of memories. Those memories will be there for a very long time.” — Elder Maxwell
I want a storehouse full of color and peace—moments of quiet light with people I love.
Behind the Shot
• location: Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland
• approach: arrive early; look for still water in the moat for a clean reflection; use flowers as a foreground frame
• composition: very low angle, flowers as leading foreground, bridge arches and turrets for structure, negative space in the sky
• settings (starting point): 16–24 mm, f/8–f/11, base ISO, shutter as needed; confirm nearest bloom focus; keep verticals natural
• etiquette: stay out of the beds; don’t block paths; be quick and kind with guests and cast
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