Knowing Him Daily

Random//Unedited

~ North Wales ~

~ Food ~

~ South Wales ~

~ Food ~

~Velocity 2 / Zip World Penrhyn Quarry in Wales~

Photo Gallery UK

~ The Bible College of Wales ~
~ Rees Howell ~

I took the tour a couple of days ago, but I’ll do my best to organize the photos so you can follow along with the same audio I did as I walked the tour. Enjoy!
https://www.bcwales.org/heritage-audio

I was encouraged to take the long way to my next destination, and I’m so glad I did. Visiting the Bible College of Wales was deeply moving, its rich history is filled with great faith and powerful moments I hadn’t known about before. The presence of God there was so tangible, it stirred something deep in me. As you listen to the audio and look through the photos, I pray you feel that same stirring, that the Lord touches your heart with the weight of the Great Commission, just as He did mine.

OH! I must mention, (if you know, you know) Reinhard Bonnke was a former student here!

~ Henrhyd Falls & The Nant Llech Waterfalls Trail ~

I quickly learned that the roads here are not just narrow, they often feel like suggestions rather than actual roads! Many are only wide enough for a single vehicle, and let’s just say there’s no such thing as a scenic pull-off. So, most of the photos were snapped from the safety (and occasional terror) of my rental car.

The hike itself was absolutely beautiful, and the waterfall was even more breathtaking on the way back up, partly because I was gasping for air! I somehow managed to come out a completely different way and almost ended up wandering through someone’s property (oops!). Thankfully, Google Maps remembered where I parked better than I did, and it guided me right back to my car like a faithful friend.

Adventures, right?

~ Hythe Grocery Store ~

~ The White Cliffs of Dover ~

~Fan Bay Deep Shelter~

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/the-white-cliffs-of-dover/the-fan-bay-deep-shelter-project-at-the-white-cliffs-of-dover

~ South Foreland Lighthouse ~

~ The Coastguard Pub – Dover ~

Chicken liver pate red onion marmalade, Docker Bakery sourdough and Beer battered fish & chips crushed garden peas, tartare sauce with an Elderflower Tonic Water (non-alcoholic).

~ Folkestone ~

This holiday, as I’ve come to learn it’s called, not ‘vacation’, has brought many memorable moments, but this has truly been my most enjoyable and comfortable stay so far. I’m genuinely grateful.

~ Folkestone Harbour Arm ~

In the first photo, you’ll notice the tide is out, leaving all the boats resting softly on their bellies, whatever the proper nautical term is for that! It’s a quiet, almost sleepy moment by the sea.

A little further along, there’s a view of the old train tracks stretching across the bridge, tracks that haven’t felt the rumble of a train in ages. I believe this whole area still falls within what’s known as the Folkestone Harbour Arm, full of charm and nostalgia.

Turning in the opposite direction, you can almost imagine the bustle of long-ago travelers arriving from London. That’s where the trains used to pull in, right up to the edge of the docks. There’s a beautifully restored building there now, repurposed as a coffee house. I think it may have once been the old ticketing booth, what a history it must hold!

Not far from there stands a lovely old carousel that, heartbreakingly, has seen better days. The salty sea air hasn’t been kind, and it desperately needs some love and restoration. You can still see its beauty peeking through, though.

One photo captures a hotel built to resemble a ship, clever and whimsical in design. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to be as well-kept as it once was. There’s something melancholic about a place that’s lost its former charm.

Then, in playful nostalgia, there’s a sign that reads, “Shesells Seashells,” just like the old tongue twister we all tried to master as kids.

You’ll also spot more harbor views, including a lower walkway that gets completely submerged when the tide rolls back in. While I was wandering down there, I noticed a cutout figure of a man looking out over the ocean, still and reflective, almost like he was standing guard. As the evening wore on, harbor security arrived, ushering me out and closing the gates behind me. That could only mean one thing: the tide was on its way home.

Before I left, I passed a sweet replica lighthouse with an informative display about how vital weather reports have always been to coastal life.

And finally, you’ll see a few more random photos, things that simply caught my eye. Sometimes it’s the little, unplanned moments that tell the best stories.

The Harbour Arm comes alive on the weekends, I’m told, bustling with people shoulder to shoulder…

https://folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk/harbour-history

https://folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk/restoration-and-present-day

~The Samuel Peto~

~Folkestone, Kent~

While visiting Folkestone, Kent, I had the occasional pleasure of exploring the town with a local guide. On one of our walks, we stumbled upon a striking building that once served as a Baptist church. Today, however, its stained-glass windows and soaring arches echo with laughter and conversation, for it has been transformed into a pub. This imaginative repurposing is part of a wider trend led by entrepreneur JD Wetherspoon, who has made a name for breathing new life into derelict or foreclosed properties across the UK. Before becoming a pub, this particular building had already experienced several reinventions—first as a church, then a shopping arcade, later a theatre, and now a place where community life thrives once again, albeit in a very different way.

Since I had already eaten, I didn’t indulge in a meal, but I must say—the burgers and fries looked absolutely mouthwatering, beautifully plated and enticing. Instead, I opted for a refreshing Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic Water, a delightful choice for someone like me who doesn’t drink alcohol. It was crisp, subtly floral, and perfectly suited to the atmosphere.

I must admit, I didn’t capture as many photos as I would’ve liked—mostly because the staff didn’t seem particularly fond of my enthusiasm for photographing the space, much to my disappointment (and quiet amusement). Still, the few I did manage to take offer a glimpse into the building’s unique charm.

~ Sandwich, Kent ~

https://www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/explore/explore-locations/sandwich

~ Cow & Calf Rocks ~

Let me share a quick slice of my journey as a little faith-filled example. I had been planning a trip to the UK for some time, doing my research, dreaming, building the itinerary. But God had His own blueprint. He rerouted everything. This wasn’t just about travel; it was about trust. Letting go of my plan and embracing His, even when it didn’t make sense.

Two days ago, I was taken to a place that was nowhere on my original itinerary: Cow and Calf Rocks on Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. If you search the internet, you’ll find all sorts of historical facts, geology, folklore, and legends. But that’s not what makes it holy.

I found out that Smith Wigglesworth, yes, the man who lived and moved in miracle-working faith, used to come here just to pray. Sometimes for hours. That kind of dedication shakes me. The wind howls, the landscape is wild and striking, but what moved me most wasn’t the view. It was knowing that heaven touched earth right here because one man believed God and wouldn’t let go.

The history is fine, but history without eternity is just dust. When a place becomes soaked with faith and surrender, then it has weight. Smith’s life is proof of what happens when someone takes God at His Word. I stood there thinking, “Lord, help me pick up where he left off.” And I meant it.

~ Saltaire & Salts Mill ~

A Place Built with Purpose

Just outside Bradford, between the River Aire and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, you’ll find the historic village of Saltaire. This wasn’t just any village, it was a idea brought to life by Sir Titus Salt, a man who wasn’t satisfied with the way things were for factory workers in the 1800’s.

Back then, mill life was harsh. Long days, dangerous machines, and unhealthy conditions were the norm, young children were even employed in mills. But Salt had a different idea. He didn’t want to just make textiles, he wanted to make life better for the people making them. So, in 1851, he moved his operations out of Bradford’s crowded slums and started fresh near Shipley, creating not just a mill, but an entire village built with care.

By 1853, Salts Mill opened its doors. At the time, it was the largest industrial building in the world, but what really made it stand out wasn’t its size, it was the heart behind it. Around the mill, Salt built solid homes for his workers, schools for their children, and places for rest and learning, a hospital, a library, even a concert hall and science lab. Clean water, green space, and dignity were built into the roots of Saltaire.

He even made a very intentional decision to leave something out: pubs. There were no alcohol shops allowed in Saltaire. That wasn’t just a strict or religious choice, it was practical and protective. Salt had seen how alcohol tore through communities and hurt families, especially among the working class. Though he may have had the occasional drink himself, he didn’t want anything in his village that could undo the good he was trying to build. He believed sobriety created stability, and he was right.

Salt’s approach was a totally new approach, a real model of thoughtful city planning long before that was a way of thinking. By the early 1870s, the village had around 800 homes and nearly 4,400 people living there. It even drew the attention of international visitors like Japan’s Iwakura Mission, who came to see this revolutionary idea in action.

Titus Salt died in 1876 and was laid to rest beside the church he built for his community. His legacy didn’t end there—his son and, later, new partners continued his work. Though the mill stopped production in 1986, it’s been reborn as a space for art, culture, and creativity, still serving people, just in a different way.

Saltaire isn’t just a place on the map, it’s a reminder that business can be done with vision, integrity, and compassion. And maybe, just maybe, a little less beer…or at least a little humor about it.

I would have liked to have taken more photos of the larger buildings, but so many of the them were hidden behind overgrown foliage, making it tough to get a clear shot. I did consider using some stock photos, but honestly, if someone really wants to see them, they’re easy enough to find. I did snag a few shots: two of the town’s well-fed cats, a charming little bakery, and a striking red car that caught my eye. ZaZa-Zing!

~Rolls Royce~

I wasn’t sure what kind of vehicle this was at first, so I looked it up—and here’s what I found:

The car in the image is a vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, one of the most iconic and luxurious early automobiles ever made.

A few key features helped identify it:

• The signature Rolls-Royce radiator grille with the classic “RR” badge
• Brass and chrome detailing, characteristic of early 20th-century models
• The license plate “R 749,” which fits the style of early British vehicle registration
• The open touring body, lantern-style headlamps, and exposed engine bay—all hallmarks of Silver Ghosts produced between 1907 and the early 1920s

The Silver Ghost earned its legendary status through its elegance and unmatched reliability, helping to solidify Rolls-Royce’s reputation for excellence. Judging by its design and detailing, this particular car appears to date from around 1910 to 1914 and looks to be beautifully restored.

~Dublin, Ireland/Howth Coastal Bus Tour~

~A Wonderful Tour of Howth Cliffs~

I took a bus tour of the breathtaking Howth Cliffs, and it was truly an unforgettable experience—made even more special by our incredible guide, Robbie. From start to finish, he was friendly, engaging, and made everyone on the tour feel welcome. His knowledge of the area—both historically and culturally—was impressive and added so much depth to every stop.

Highlights of the tour included:

• The Spire of Ireland, with his insights bringing the monument to life

• The stunning Cliffs of Howth, which were even more spectacular than I imagined

• A stroll through Howth Village, full of charm and coastal beauty

• A stop at Crabby Joe’s, where the clam chowder was delicious and the view was perfect

• Fascinating commentary on the Abbey Theatre and the literary legacy of W.B. Yeats

~Forged with Fire & Friendship: A Day at Silver Works, Dublin~

Tucked away in the creative heart of Dublin, I had the opportunity to take part in a silver ring-making workshop at a studio called Silver Works. What made it even more special were the people — every participant in the class just happened to be visiting from America. We were a beautifully diverse group: two lifelong best friends, a kind family of four (with a bright-eyed 10-year-old boy and his thoughtful 14-year-old sister), and then me — solo but never alone.

The atmosphere was so welcoming. The instructors treated each of us with patience and encouragement, guiding our hands through every step of the process. We started with a strip of raw silver, and little by little, transformed it into something uniquely our own.

We learned to forge the metal — carefully pounding and shaping it into a ring. Every tap of the hammer had purpose. The silver was annealed, meaning it was heated until it softened, making it pliable again after being hardened by the blows. As we worked, the imperfections began to disappear. And just like that, what once looked rough and ordinary began to shine with new purpose.

Though we were each making our own rings, it felt like we were all part of something shared — a quiet reminder that beauty can come through pressure, and strength can be born in the fire.

My finished piece may be simple, but it carries the memory of that day — the warmth of strangers, the joy of creativity, and the picture of how we’re shaped through life: forged, refined, and made into something lasting.