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
