Man, i have not been consistent with this... ha and so much has been going on :) and as usual, many life lessons. Hm, where to start...
Lesson 1 :
My focus in life needs to rely on God. Lately I had this not so lovely thing in my photos where I seemed to have an issue on focus (WHAT grr i don't usually have this issue at all!) and as you can tell, it was driving me insane. To look at what would be a beautiful photo but when i zoomed up to on what should be in crystal clear focus, it was not. Oh it was aggravating, it makes so many photos seem like a waste. And God really likes to take the things that bug me the most and really show me something not to wonderful about myself. If you know me well, you know that I might as well be diagnosed with some sort of ADD because I keep myself constantly busy and am all over the place. This can be good for getting things done, and becomes an advantage when it comes to photography because I capture almost everything since I bounce around so much. But in life, in general, there needs to be focus on God. As said repeatedly in Ecclesiastes, (paraphrased) without God as the focus of your life, everything is all for not, pointless, like dust in the wind. When I start just rolling with life, having no focus on God and His work, His grace, His love, I even feel like I am just along for the ride, things do not turn out right, and all in all, things just are not really pleasant. God took my frustration with my focus in photography and turned it around to the focus on why I photograph; to capture God's love and beauty in the world for others to see. I need to remember that although it is my business, it is God's work that I am looking at and that I need to respect that, and also realize that this is all going to happen at His pace, which is ultimately the best pace.
Lesson 2:
I have learned a lot about, reverence, respect, and servanthood lately. Now, a lot of times (especially for girls), I can admit that I get a little grumpy when people bring up the whole submission and servant part regarding the wife's actions, especially toward her husband. And yes, I know better, that it is not at all the modern day definitions, but a completely different weight is carried with these words. And lately, I feel a bit better about it and actually would, dare I, recommend it? Oh dear, I know. But as I have more time at home now and work from home, it has given me the opportunity to really serve Skyler and I have to say it has created a new and deeper respected between the both of us. I get up in the mornings and make him breakfast and lunch for the day, and it gives us some quality time in the morning, to just quietly sit together or read the bible which really is the best start to a day that you can have. And as I do more and more at home or for him, his respects me all the more because he sees the pride I take in our home and in him as my husband. It is a great feeling.
Lesson 3:
I love hearing what people have to say on why they don't live how Jesus calls them to, or commands us to in the bible. They usually are the dumbest things, or they completely have no support. Like this one -- if I lived like Jesus commands me to in the bible, my life would be boring. Okay, so lets think of what allll young people thing is awesome and fun.. travel to many places, meet many people, and see some amazing things. Sounds about right, correct? Now think of a missionary, who devote their lives to Jesus and live His word daily. They are the least boring people in the world. They travel, all over the world, and see miracles all the time ! And think about this, God says specifically, that He knows the desires of our hearts and that with Him these are possible. That means that those things you deeply dream of, those genuine things that you hide in your heart. With God it is possible. I look at my life, and it amazes me how even when things seem against me, it is really God working in my life to bring glory to Him, and to really fulfill me. My life is far from boring. I am 23, I have my own business that is already doing decent for where I am, I have an adoring husband who I love dearly, I have no fear because of our Father. How is this not a wonderful way to live? How is this boring?
Lesson 4:
This Sunday, our good friend Patrick spoke at church and it was very good, very convicting ( just the kind of sermons I like :) lol as skyler likes to joke, we like to feel like crap at the end of a sermon, haha just proof that we are not perfect and God is holy and wonderful. His sermon was on loving God. It is easy to say we love God, just like we love pancakes, we love kittens, we love the smell of tea in the morning. But there is more to loving God. It is not mere obedience. IF we love God, we are obedient to His word. I like to compare it to my dad, there are some things that I thought about doing that maybe were not the brightest ideas, but at the time I thought they were totally validated, but I knew my dad did not approve, and that it would be a choice against him, and although I believed I was validated, I did not do it because I love him, respect him, and since I love him, I obeyed him. It is the same with Jesus. Sometimes we do feel validated, and we can piece together perfect reasoning, even use words from the bible (wrong i may add), or from other pastors to back us up. But here is the catch. God says no, its in the bible. You know it, don't make up an argument, if you love God, you should be obedient. If you are not, maybe you should re evaluate your heart. Thats what I did on sunday. I love God, I know I do.. don't I? This is what was going on in my head. How do I love God? Do I look forward to seeing Him in heaven ? or do i look forward to what it promises (no illness, no sadness, beauty...)? Honestly, I am still working on it. And by God's mercy I have another day to genuinely love Him, and discover what that looks like :)
So here are just a few lessons I have learned recently. I hope it inspires you to think for yourself, reflect on your life, and grab ahold of this wonderful adventure we are given and live it to the fullest with God as your focus.
Like in the song below
Coat of Arms
(a current absolutely favvvvorite of mine lately) He talks about if people can see our coat of arms, our Father who protects and guides us. :)
My prayer today:
Lord, forgive me for not fearing you, respecting you, like I should. Help me to love you better and really see your true beauty and love. Father be with your children and protect and guide us as we go through life. Convict us, and lead us into repenting, and living a better, fuller, life full of adventure of Your light. May we focus on You so that You may use us to Your greatest glory. Father I want to be a light in this world for You. Please with your mercy may I do so.
Love,
Laura
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
The In-between Stage
So I haven't been online for a while, for good reason, as we have been kind of keeping things on the down low as we sort them all out. So with the official decision as of June for me to officially start my own business and for it to be my only job a lot of things changed.
We no longer are looking for a big piece of average to build a house on, instead we are looking at a small home in town that will be a good first house and also a great rental when we are ready to move forward. We currently have an outstanding offer and are awaiting on if the bank will take it since it is a short sale.
Also Skyler is looking at other positions relative to his job, mainly as an electrical apprentice with the union or another warehouse like he is in now.
Basically, it is kind of a weird season for us as all our visions and goals take a huge change.
Being a business owner is great, also scary. I am not a very confident person, so this definitely stretches the limits of my comfort zone. I find myself second guessing my actions sometimes, and being crazy critical of the images I produce. It is not really allll a bad thing, because I feel with each shoot I get much better, but I still feel there are things that I could be more familiar with on my camera to produce what I invasion.
So to keep this nice and brief today, please pray for us, we are in this in-between stage, where things are constantly changing and although it is not bad it is definitely a whirlwind :)
We no longer are looking for a big piece of average to build a house on, instead we are looking at a small home in town that will be a good first house and also a great rental when we are ready to move forward. We currently have an outstanding offer and are awaiting on if the bank will take it since it is a short sale.
Also Skyler is looking at other positions relative to his job, mainly as an electrical apprentice with the union or another warehouse like he is in now.
Basically, it is kind of a weird season for us as all our visions and goals take a huge change.
Being a business owner is great, also scary. I am not a very confident person, so this definitely stretches the limits of my comfort zone. I find myself second guessing my actions sometimes, and being crazy critical of the images I produce. It is not really allll a bad thing, because I feel with each shoot I get much better, but I still feel there are things that I could be more familiar with on my camera to produce what I invasion.
So to keep this nice and brief today, please pray for us, we are in this in-between stage, where things are constantly changing and although it is not bad it is definitely a whirlwind :)
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
ever changing.
So I have't been on for a while. So yes, I did get laid off, which still kind of dumbfounds me, that at my age I am already facing layoffs like most of America. And now I am being "crazy", as I always am told I am, and starting my own business.
My ultimate goal has always been to be a tech for a limited amount of time while building my photography business on the side until it was large enough to replace my job. Then I would have a way of income that would still allow me to be home when we do decide to have kids.
And although it didn't happen the way I wanted or planned, my sister made me realize that this was probably the only real way it could.
Even when I spoke about our plans, each time it seemed to be further, even after having kids or when we found out we were pregnant. Which, now when I think of it, would be an even more difficult task because who knows how to really be a mom at first? My sister told me on day when I was still freaking out about being laid off that maybe God did this because it was the only way I would really have to do it. And really it is a huge blessing, getting to my ultimate goal at 23. Not being laid off at 23. But being a business owner, a stronger wife, friend, and light of God.
Although this may sound grand to you, you have no idea how much flack I get for wanting this, and for Skyler supporting me. Our world is so insane and so caught up on equality that me wanting to be an at home mom and have my own business instead of a "regular job" is looked down on. When I generally tell people our plan I get a roll of the eyes and a sarcastic "good look at that".
So here is to living different and against our world. I am 23 and starting my own business. My goal through my business is to capture the love in our lives, the joy, the blessings, and be able to share in this amazing adventure of life that we are given. I see God's work everyday in my job and I cannot wait to share it. And feel ever so blessed by our Father that this will provide for my someday family. And I cannot wait to share it with you .
And for you, when you hear the world fight against you, remember who you are, what you want to be, and that maybe the world doesn't like it, but if you are grounded in truth, faith, and Jesus, you will probably be just fine :)
Here's to living against the world
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and thepride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17
And here is the song that got me through my last few weeks at work while I was unsure of what would happen. Maybe it will comfort you as well
My ultimate goal has always been to be a tech for a limited amount of time while building my photography business on the side until it was large enough to replace my job. Then I would have a way of income that would still allow me to be home when we do decide to have kids.
And although it didn't happen the way I wanted or planned, my sister made me realize that this was probably the only real way it could.
Even when I spoke about our plans, each time it seemed to be further, even after having kids or when we found out we were pregnant. Which, now when I think of it, would be an even more difficult task because who knows how to really be a mom at first? My sister told me on day when I was still freaking out about being laid off that maybe God did this because it was the only way I would really have to do it. And really it is a huge blessing, getting to my ultimate goal at 23. Not being laid off at 23. But being a business owner, a stronger wife, friend, and light of God.
Although this may sound grand to you, you have no idea how much flack I get for wanting this, and for Skyler supporting me. Our world is so insane and so caught up on equality that me wanting to be an at home mom and have my own business instead of a "regular job" is looked down on. When I generally tell people our plan I get a roll of the eyes and a sarcastic "good look at that".
So here is to living different and against our world. I am 23 and starting my own business. My goal through my business is to capture the love in our lives, the joy, the blessings, and be able to share in this amazing adventure of life that we are given. I see God's work everyday in my job and I cannot wait to share it. And feel ever so blessed by our Father that this will provide for my someday family. And I cannot wait to share it with you .
And for you, when you hear the world fight against you, remember who you are, what you want to be, and that maybe the world doesn't like it, but if you are grounded in truth, faith, and Jesus, you will probably be just fine :)
Here's to living against the world
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and thepride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17
And here is the song that got me through my last few weeks at work while I was unsure of what would happen. Maybe it will comfort you as well
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
and it all ended with a horse's hug
So as if there was not enough to think about with the still occurring back problems from the car accident and working all that insurance stuff out, my now new problem with my job, I found something else out; I had a lump on my breast right against the wall of my chest. And like I said, we had family in town and I work pretty much as long as my doctors office is open, so the waiting began.
Luckily my mother in law is an oncology nurse so I had her take a look and see if it was anything to scoff about and she too suggested I have it looked at. But I have one day off and of course my doctor is completely booked for the day. So I keep getting calls back and forth with her nurse since she knows my history as well as my mom's and she referred me to see a specialist.
A whaa?
So if I am not already kind of worried, when my doctor just bypasses me to a specialist I get really nervous.
And so then I am waiting for a call from some other doctor to make an appointment... and of course when I finally do get a call we see that with my crazy schedule and her almost exact hours I cannot be seen until June.
JUNE.? seriously. I cannot wait to see what this lump on my chest is until June! And even more terrifyingly, what is supposed to happen to see what this lump is. I hate needles. Mammograms do not sound like fun. Ugh.
Like an answered prayer the receptionist calls me two days later and says she had a last minute cancel for monday (THANK HOLY CRAPPING COW). But it wasn't until I was faced with it on monday that I was going to a doctor I had never met, at a place I had never been, doing who knows what to my body, where I would hear who knows what news, by myself. As it got closer to the appointment time I was so scared, I even thought about making a different appointment so maybe Sky could go with me. Luckily, I had met with my sweet friend, Katie and baby Clara, and she had prayed with me and reminded me that I am never really alone.
So, I finally get to the doctors and they actually used an ultra sound to detect the exact location and see if it was cancerous or not (apparently the tissue looks differently). The whole process was actually incredibly fascinating, as the little medical nerd popped out of my as I watched her search by breast tissue for cysts. She did find one that was tiny and she said nothing to worry about as it had no abnormal tissue in it and the large lump I felt? "Your just a boney little girl" is how she explained it. "when your tiny like you are your ribs tend to push out and you do have a good chunk of tissue that rolls over it just like a lump, but all it is is tissue". Yup. a tissue lump on my rib, which was now inflamed from me pushing on it so much so it seemed even more like a cyst. I felt really dumb, but she told me it is much better that I came in, we now know of one to keep an eye on, and I know not to push that spot unless I want another one to form.
It was an exhausting day, full of emotion, since I was about on the verge of tears the whole day since I had no idea what the outcome would be, and since I had been holding in all this craziness for so long. From the doctors I went to see my ponies. My sweet Belle nickered as soon as she saw me and I wrapped my arms around her chest and said "guess what, mommy's not sick" and she wrapped her neck around me to give me a big hug. The best cure for anything. Always an answered prayer.
Luckily my mother in law is an oncology nurse so I had her take a look and see if it was anything to scoff about and she too suggested I have it looked at. But I have one day off and of course my doctor is completely booked for the day. So I keep getting calls back and forth with her nurse since she knows my history as well as my mom's and she referred me to see a specialist.
A whaa?
So if I am not already kind of worried, when my doctor just bypasses me to a specialist I get really nervous.
And so then I am waiting for a call from some other doctor to make an appointment... and of course when I finally do get a call we see that with my crazy schedule and her almost exact hours I cannot be seen until June.
JUNE.? seriously. I cannot wait to see what this lump on my chest is until June! And even more terrifyingly, what is supposed to happen to see what this lump is. I hate needles. Mammograms do not sound like fun. Ugh.
Like an answered prayer the receptionist calls me two days later and says she had a last minute cancel for monday (THANK HOLY CRAPPING COW). But it wasn't until I was faced with it on monday that I was going to a doctor I had never met, at a place I had never been, doing who knows what to my body, where I would hear who knows what news, by myself. As it got closer to the appointment time I was so scared, I even thought about making a different appointment so maybe Sky could go with me. Luckily, I had met with my sweet friend, Katie and baby Clara, and she had prayed with me and reminded me that I am never really alone.
So, I finally get to the doctors and they actually used an ultra sound to detect the exact location and see if it was cancerous or not (apparently the tissue looks differently). The whole process was actually incredibly fascinating, as the little medical nerd popped out of my as I watched her search by breast tissue for cysts. She did find one that was tiny and she said nothing to worry about as it had no abnormal tissue in it and the large lump I felt? "Your just a boney little girl" is how she explained it. "when your tiny like you are your ribs tend to push out and you do have a good chunk of tissue that rolls over it just like a lump, but all it is is tissue". Yup. a tissue lump on my rib, which was now inflamed from me pushing on it so much so it seemed even more like a cyst. I felt really dumb, but she told me it is much better that I came in, we now know of one to keep an eye on, and I know not to push that spot unless I want another one to form.
It was an exhausting day, full of emotion, since I was about on the verge of tears the whole day since I had no idea what the outcome would be, and since I had been holding in all this craziness for so long. From the doctors I went to see my ponies. My sweet Belle nickered as soon as she saw me and I wrapped my arms around her chest and said "guess what, mommy's not sick" and she wrapped her neck around me to give me a big hug. The best cure for anything. Always an answered prayer.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
What I didn't want to say
So it has been some time since I wrote, which you may have thought I was just busy and was not able to do my once a week post. In reality, I just didn't want to say.
Some time ago at work we were notified of lay offs higher up in the cooperation and that a low seniority list would be made so as a last alternative the people could look at jobs that they were qualified for a possibly "bump" a person out of their job. We lucky me, I was on the low seniority list and someone out there decided it was best for them to bump me out of my job.
I know.
fantastic .
super.
It is still kind of unreal since I am still there and will be through most of June. And its super unreal because I really have no answers to where to go from here. Currently I am waiting for news from a human resources rep for what jobs are open (which there are pretty much none in our area, so I would probably end up commuting). And I am also looking at comparable jobs that are open.
I thought upon hearing the news I would be super bummed or depressed or sad, and really my main feeling was embarrassed.
super embarrassed. I mean its an awesome job. where can I go from here thats much better? And here it was such a big deal, a big answered prayer that I got it. And now, I don't. How could I loose it? I didn't do anything wrong...
It's the last thing I expected to feel or have overwhelm me, but I still am kind of in this fog of embarrassment and confusion. And then there is that now what feeling while Skyler and I try to find solutions for every circumstance that could come from this. Which is hard considering we do not have much information yet.
We refrained from really saying anything to anyone for a bit of time. We had family visiting so there was no way we could mention anything then, and plus, we do not have answers and really we don't want people to worry about us. We know it will be okay, we know that it will work out because God always takes care of us. Definitely not the way we expected, or currently think we want, but we know that it will end up taking us to a better place. It's just scary.
I recently visited the compounding pharmacy in our area which actually has me really excited because it is a lab pharmacy where it wouldn't be so much retail, but more so the science part of it which I love. But it is still all up in the air what will happen. We just keep praying. And praying. andddd praying.
And counting blessings. I find this is the most comforting
So yes, this is what has been happening. I am not sure yet what we will learn or maybe what we are learning, but this is whats happening.
So some things for you all, since who knows if you are here or have these thoughts ---
Proverbs 3:5-6
Phillipians 4:13
Matthew6:25-27
((credit due to my fantastic friends with bible verses for random statuses. ))
oh and more things happen. not very fantastic things. but you will just have to wait :)
God Works in Mysterious Ways
Some time ago at work we were notified of lay offs higher up in the cooperation and that a low seniority list would be made so as a last alternative the people could look at jobs that they were qualified for a possibly "bump" a person out of their job. We lucky me, I was on the low seniority list and someone out there decided it was best for them to bump me out of my job.
I know.
fantastic .
super.
It is still kind of unreal since I am still there and will be through most of June. And its super unreal because I really have no answers to where to go from here. Currently I am waiting for news from a human resources rep for what jobs are open (which there are pretty much none in our area, so I would probably end up commuting). And I am also looking at comparable jobs that are open.
I thought upon hearing the news I would be super bummed or depressed or sad, and really my main feeling was embarrassed.
super embarrassed. I mean its an awesome job. where can I go from here thats much better? And here it was such a big deal, a big answered prayer that I got it. And now, I don't. How could I loose it? I didn't do anything wrong...
It's the last thing I expected to feel or have overwhelm me, but I still am kind of in this fog of embarrassment and confusion. And then there is that now what feeling while Skyler and I try to find solutions for every circumstance that could come from this. Which is hard considering we do not have much information yet.
We refrained from really saying anything to anyone for a bit of time. We had family visiting so there was no way we could mention anything then, and plus, we do not have answers and really we don't want people to worry about us. We know it will be okay, we know that it will work out because God always takes care of us. Definitely not the way we expected, or currently think we want, but we know that it will end up taking us to a better place. It's just scary.
I recently visited the compounding pharmacy in our area which actually has me really excited because it is a lab pharmacy where it wouldn't be so much retail, but more so the science part of it which I love. But it is still all up in the air what will happen. We just keep praying. And praying. andddd praying.
And counting blessings. I find this is the most comforting
So yes, this is what has been happening. I am not sure yet what we will learn or maybe what we are learning, but this is whats happening.
So some things for you all, since who knows if you are here or have these thoughts ---
Proverbs 3:5-6
Phillipians 4:13
Matthew6:25-27
((credit due to my fantastic friends with bible verses for random statuses. ))
oh and more things happen. not very fantastic things. but you will just have to wait :)
God Works in Mysterious Ways
Sunday, April 21, 2013
As solid as the ocean
So, you may not know, that our latest adventure is that of buying a house. Which no one tells you is quite stressful. Especially if your an insanely frugal person like I am, any number that involves so many zeros is hard to bear. And we find that this is where faith comes in and remember God has a plan for us, a place prepared for us, and knows the desires of our heart. But although i know that, its hard to really truely have complete faith in it.
Yes I know that I should, but the good Lord knows that I am an absolute control freak. And of course, this whole house buying thing is not going exactly as planned.
So our dream -- a good piece of property (5 acres or more to be exact) where we can live until we have the means to build our own house, and flat enough for horses and a nice 8 stall barn and arena so we can board horses without it being a huge production. And we found it! Ok, well kind of.
Listed at $250,000 is 10 acres. In the area we want (close to family and the schools we like), that is flat although it has many drainage problems, and a house that we could live in. But the house is old and has some issues that would need to be fixed before we moved in for safety reasons and for most of the year there is some standing water in the dips of the property. No big deal right. Right. Except the seller does not want to budge on price.
When I originally heard that it was the response I should have. It's okay. If it is where we are supposed to end up then it will happen. If it doesn't happen I know God has something better in store.
But then my doubt comes in. What if it really is a fair price for that much land in the area. Am I being the crazy old coot that won't pay more than a quarter for each thing at the garage sale? Or am I valid in what I want to pay? Could we really pay more? Well we could but do I want to?
Ughh. then poop. my faith is not that stable. not that solid. what on earth do I do?
Go for it? Leave it? What if then someone else buys it? What if...
And then I remember when Sky and I first got married. I had just graduated from school and did not have a job. He was working at a pizza place. And we had about $50 budgeted out a month for groceries. It was crazy. It was tight. And we were content.
God provides for us all the time, and it is easy to forget that as much as we try to control every aspect of our lives, really He has a wayyy better idea. That is where faith comes in. Which obviously I need some work at because it is a big and scary world with big and scary decisions which I won't always know how to decided. But if I take the time to sit down, pray, and calm down I can see Him working. And if He really has prepared this place for us like I feel He has, I need to trust and have faith that it will happen in the best way possible. His time.
So on a personal note, please pray for us on this adventure, that we may have faith and peace about it, and remember to rely on God, because He has always saved us.
And my prayer for you; that you have faith in all you do. And that your faith grows to be solid in the Lord. And to trust what He calls you to do because even if it is hard, He has something better for you.
I Will Trust -- John Mark McMilan
and just incase your looking for the answer to your questions today
Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God, Jesus answered"
Yes I know that I should, but the good Lord knows that I am an absolute control freak. And of course, this whole house buying thing is not going exactly as planned.
So our dream -- a good piece of property (5 acres or more to be exact) where we can live until we have the means to build our own house, and flat enough for horses and a nice 8 stall barn and arena so we can board horses without it being a huge production. And we found it! Ok, well kind of.
Listed at $250,000 is 10 acres. In the area we want (close to family and the schools we like), that is flat although it has many drainage problems, and a house that we could live in. But the house is old and has some issues that would need to be fixed before we moved in for safety reasons and for most of the year there is some standing water in the dips of the property. No big deal right. Right. Except the seller does not want to budge on price.
When I originally heard that it was the response I should have. It's okay. If it is where we are supposed to end up then it will happen. If it doesn't happen I know God has something better in store.
But then my doubt comes in. What if it really is a fair price for that much land in the area. Am I being the crazy old coot that won't pay more than a quarter for each thing at the garage sale? Or am I valid in what I want to pay? Could we really pay more? Well we could but do I want to?
Ughh. then poop. my faith is not that stable. not that solid. what on earth do I do?
Go for it? Leave it? What if then someone else buys it? What if...
And then I remember when Sky and I first got married. I had just graduated from school and did not have a job. He was working at a pizza place. And we had about $50 budgeted out a month for groceries. It was crazy. It was tight. And we were content.
God provides for us all the time, and it is easy to forget that as much as we try to control every aspect of our lives, really He has a wayyy better idea. That is where faith comes in. Which obviously I need some work at because it is a big and scary world with big and scary decisions which I won't always know how to decided. But if I take the time to sit down, pray, and calm down I can see Him working. And if He really has prepared this place for us like I feel He has, I need to trust and have faith that it will happen in the best way possible. His time.
So on a personal note, please pray for us on this adventure, that we may have faith and peace about it, and remember to rely on God, because He has always saved us.
And my prayer for you; that you have faith in all you do. And that your faith grows to be solid in the Lord. And to trust what He calls you to do because even if it is hard, He has something better for you.
I Will Trust -- John Mark McMilan
and just incase your looking for the answer to your questions today
Mark 11:22 "Have faith in God, Jesus answered"
Monday, April 15, 2013
Let God be Your Bow
So those of you who know me well know that my husband is a worship leader at a local church and I play along with him at churches either on cello or violin. Recently, I had saved up and gotten a new bow for my violin and oohhh its so nice :) its made with pembucco wood and it is lighter than the general bow and plays like butter on the strings. Now I know this probably has no importance to you, but God uses sometimes the silliest of simple things to teach me things ( I am kinda a simple thinking person).
Now you see my violin is not of bad quality, but nothing super impressive. It plays well for what I need. But with this bow, my little violin resonated, I could feel the sound well up in the body of the violin and explode from it, filling the church I was playing in. With just the change of what I used to conduct my instrument, I empowered it, changing it from a nice violin to something extraordinary sounding.
It resonated with me that God uses us; old, tattered, and well abused violins and if we choose to let him direct us, and lead us, we can become something so beautiful. I think, as a christian especially, we get into the mode that God loves us and we are good to go. Golden, right? But it is soo important to daily note that were all old tattered violins. We all have flaws, we all have tendencies, weaknesses. And on our own, were just a box of wood held together with glue. But it is with God and His grace that we can shine and when we bring glory to Him, is when we fill the world with the sound of His love for us all. And what better song is there.
Just a thought :) and bite of what God showed me on Sunday when playing with my new bow I have been blessed with.
"My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed"
Psalm 71:23
Now you see my violin is not of bad quality, but nothing super impressive. It plays well for what I need. But with this bow, my little violin resonated, I could feel the sound well up in the body of the violin and explode from it, filling the church I was playing in. With just the change of what I used to conduct my instrument, I empowered it, changing it from a nice violin to something extraordinary sounding.
It resonated with me that God uses us; old, tattered, and well abused violins and if we choose to let him direct us, and lead us, we can become something so beautiful. I think, as a christian especially, we get into the mode that God loves us and we are good to go. Golden, right? But it is soo important to daily note that were all old tattered violins. We all have flaws, we all have tendencies, weaknesses. And on our own, were just a box of wood held together with glue. But it is with God and His grace that we can shine and when we bring glory to Him, is when we fill the world with the sound of His love for us all. And what better song is there.
Just a thought :) and bite of what God showed me on Sunday when playing with my new bow I have been blessed with.
"My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed"
Psalm 71:23
my little introduction to why this is here :)
Why a blog?
Well, the honest truth? I had it set on my heart.
For some time I have felt that there was a need for some online bible study. like a real one. not a lesson one from a book or video, more so filled with the grimy stuff of life.
Why now?
Looking at the things soon to come, I realized that I have thrown myself into this huge adventure of life and that I learn things each day that are worth sharing. I married young, and jumpstarted my career young. I also am a side photographer, violin teacher, horse competitor, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and possibly soon to be homeowner. Life is insane. And I am pretty sure we are all kind of there in one way or another. And with friends spread out in life stages and in different states I think we all need some good fellowship to come back to.
This blog is hopefully going to be a way to continue to connect with old and new friends. To inspire each other to live something different. To take a moment to get away from the world and live a better path. Mainly God's way. Because its pretty much way better then we can think of, although we all like to think we know what is best.
So the jist of this story. I will be on here once or twice a week, maybe more if i feel called to it, writing what is put on my heart and what I am learning and the adventures that my husband and I are going through (even if they are not the fun adventures). And for all my friends out there I hope we can kinda bounce of eachother's life stories and what we feel we are called to do/be. and if you like you can stalk this page and read what this crazy, God loving, time stressing, adventure seeking little lady is up to, and maybe join in if you like :)
Well, the honest truth? I had it set on my heart.
For some time I have felt that there was a need for some online bible study. like a real one. not a lesson one from a book or video, more so filled with the grimy stuff of life.
Why now?
Looking at the things soon to come, I realized that I have thrown myself into this huge adventure of life and that I learn things each day that are worth sharing. I married young, and jumpstarted my career young. I also am a side photographer, violin teacher, horse competitor, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and possibly soon to be homeowner. Life is insane. And I am pretty sure we are all kind of there in one way or another. And with friends spread out in life stages and in different states I think we all need some good fellowship to come back to.
This blog is hopefully going to be a way to continue to connect with old and new friends. To inspire each other to live something different. To take a moment to get away from the world and live a better path. Mainly God's way. Because its pretty much way better then we can think of, although we all like to think we know what is best.
So the jist of this story. I will be on here once or twice a week, maybe more if i feel called to it, writing what is put on my heart and what I am learning and the adventures that my husband and I are going through (even if they are not the fun adventures). And for all my friends out there I hope we can kinda bounce of eachother's life stories and what we feel we are called to do/be. and if you like you can stalk this page and read what this crazy, God loving, time stressing, adventure seeking little lady is up to, and maybe join in if you like :)
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