on your own

No, I've never been to jail, but I know what it's like to be imprisoned. No, I've never been an alcoholic, but I know what it's like to be addicted. No, I've never had a family to take care of, but I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed. No, I've never been short on cash, but I know what it's like to be broke.

I know what it's like because I'm human. I was born full of pride and selfishness and as those traits express themselves I am left seeing that I can't do it all and I can have it all and still feel empty. 

If you can relate to this let me promise you something: it's different when you have God in your life; when you stop trying to do life on your own... No, I can't explain it, but I know what it's like to experience it --- peace, joy, hope, freedom, protection, love.

My prayer for you is that He would become your Savior, your sustainer, your hope, your guide, and ultimately the love of your life.

the starting line

There are so many things begging for our time: events, people (of all different titles in our lives), to-do lists, meals, hygiene, fitness, entertainment, meetings/planning... and somewhere in there, sleep. I'm not sure if or when the list ends, but I do know where the Lord says it should start - with Him. Matthew 6:25-34 talks about the anxieties of life, but it also says we shouldn't be anxious because the Lord will take care of us. Do you believe that? Do you trust Him with your day? Then start your day, not with attacking your to-do list, but by making the decision to focus on Him, whatever that looks like for you: reading your bible, praying, being in the quiet or in nature, singing in your car... 

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

rely

There was a certain time in my life when God called me to make a change; to let go of something I found joy and comfort in, and to rely on him for joy and comfort. And there's a leaf in my bible that serves to remind me of that time and that decision. I could let go, I could trust in myself to make the best of it, or, I could remember his word that says, "For everything there is a season." So I would let go, and I would hold on to Him, and I would be at peace because of it. 

ready

They aren't ready. Nature knows when its time, it knows because it responds to the design of its creator, and it will let us know when our creator is coming. Yes, while the devastation of earthquakes and tornadoes, of floods and lightening, and of blizzards and hail can bring despair, they also bring with them the reminder of hope - that this world was not designed to be an eternal home - Christ has gone to prepare a place. Will you be ready when He calls us home?

rest

This was one of those accident photos, wherein I attempted to send my friend a thank you photo of the braided scarf trick she taught me, I actually captured my real day with the inclusion of those neatly bound books. (Not just any; the Pilgrim's Progress and the Holy Bible.) My morning; spent on Proverbs 4, my afternoon; recognizing the details of creation, the late day; absorbing the allegory, and at last the evening; spent in a picture of love where the gospel came to life. It was a day of seeing -Him- come to life. I cannot thank the Lord enough, that's the simple truth, but I can share with you why he is worthy to be praised: He is God. There is no other. And though we have some days, filled with his word, enjoying his creation, his change in people's lives... the next day, whatever it brings... He is still God.

Oh. It was a good day. May this picture remind me of what it's like to completely rest in Him on the days that it's a little harder to, and may I stand on the promises that have proven true.

the smallest

Don't miss it. The God of the heavens and the earth, the God of your victories and the God with you in your deepest pains, the God who took a cross and gave his life, He is working all around you. And it's easy, traveler, to see the Lord in moments of moved mountains, but don't miss Him in the silence and stillness. The flowers did not compare to the waters and trees beside them, but I am convinced, that as we learn to recognize God working in the smallest of ways, we have just seen Him at work in the biggest of ways in our soul. And as he wakes our heart to see the moments work together, it makes the path that much sweeter...