Foto Fun :)

I mentioned before how visually-oriented I am and my love for photography - color, shapes, people, nature....I go crazy when I go for walks with my camera!  Well, along with my "resolve" to spend more time taking photos, as well as a few other goals I have made for the next twelve months, I recently came across this webpage and project for 2012.  

http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/grab-a-mcp-project-12/

Following a theme and submitting my photos (about 4 a month) should be fun and keep me accountable to try some new techniques.  I am really looking forward to this :)


The theme for January is "RESOLUTION", how fitting, right?  I looked at some of their entries posted already and following up on my own resolve...

A portion of my resolve for 2012 is to do more writing....at least 30 minutes a day.  Mostly in the context of my own study of Scripture and what I have learned and applied through the course of my spiritual journey.

I can write about many things, but I do want to write about what I know...my life and my relationship with God which has led me to have many adventures in along the way.  As part of the guidelines for this project, I will be posting my photos on my blog.  So you get to enjoy (hopefully) the photos and whatever creativity I can muster from week to week.  Not sure which photo I like more...hmmm...well, I am off to post my entry :) 

Until next time ...

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The LORD is my Rock

Do you need a ROCK today?  Reading Psalm 18 challenged me..."The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn (strength) of my salvation, my stronghold." (verse 2) 


David expresses his heart's cry with these very words repeatedly throughout the book of Psalms.  He was continually in need of a rock.  He was relentlessly  pursued by his enemies  (verse3).  As I fed on these passages this morning, the thought came...not so many of us have our earthly enemies - flesh and blood people pursuing us.  Perhaps some of us do out there in the cut throat business world, or in our culture of survival of the fittest where greed and trying to be better and have more than everyone else abounds.  But I don't have someone lurking around the corner waiting to devour me.  


Or do I?  I may not have a flesh and blood "friend" desiring to offend or attack me, but I do have an "enemy" who is after my soul.  And I have little "enemies" wanting to steal my joy and victory.  We all have them.....they have names...insecurity, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, pride, self-loathing, ungratefulness....those "buttons" that get pushed to get us to take our eyes off the Rock.  


Years ago, I circled and noted Psalm 18:17-18 in my Bible "He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.  They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support."  In the margin, I wrote, "my demons....my problems, struggles and sin". When problems arise or disaster strikes, those little "enemies" can rear their ugly heads to discourage me and drag me down. To take me down a path I once trod, but no longer live.  An enemy is really someone or something that opposes you.  Yes, my struggles, sin, little problems do oppose me....they don't want me to move on or to walk in joy despite my circumstances.  They don't want me to get out of bed in the morning.  They don't want me to respond in kindness or in the "opposite spirit" of this world I live in.  They are my little "enemies" so to speak.


Oh, but read on...verse 19..."He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because he delighted in me."  HE DELIGHTS IN ME - and YOU!  


The LORD my ROCK, "Yahweh Tsuri"  - the Hebrew noun tsur is translated "stone" or "rock".  What better noun to display God's stability, permanence, His protection and His enduring faithfulness?  Rocks are often used to provide a foundation - to build altars, temples, houses and city walls.  They can provide shelter, shade and safety in the wilderness.  They can be an anchor in a rushing river.  In the Old Testament, they were used to commemorate important events in Israel's eventful history.  


Do we need to be reminded today that He is our Rock?  Is that same old insecurity or fear or sin that God has enabled us by His spirit and healing to overcome in the past creeping up (that button pushed) to cause us to fear?  Are we worried about something that we really have no control over?  Is an "enemy" poking at you to bring discouragement or feelings of hopelessness.  Has a word been spoken, perhaps unintentionally, that has caused old feelings to surface?  Do we need a Rock today?


Let me clarify something...if there are things in our lives that really need some serious prayer, unconfessed sin or bondages that we have never allowed to see the light of day, those areas will continue to hurt us and hound us until we deal with them.  James 5:16 tells us to "confess our sins one to another and pray for each other that we may be healed."  We need our spiritual leadership and community of friends to pray and see us set free from those things that have wounded us and kept us from being all God desires us to be. 


But we are at war in this world we live in. We don't live in a perfect world.  Life happens and troubles exist.  However, with God we can walk in freedom and victory.  And we sure need the eternal ROCK to grab onto.  Daily we need that Rock to be our strength, our fortress.  Daily we need to be reminded that HE is more reliable than the ground we stand on.  When we are shaken, He can steady us.  When we are in trouble, He can save us.  Because He DELIGHTS in us.

Psalm 18

Psalm 144:1-2, 7-10

2 Samuel 22:2-4

1 Samuel 2:2

1 Peter 2:6

Isaiah 26:3-4

Psalm 62:1-2

A few wonderful, encouraging chunks of "daily bread" to feed on today if you are feeling you need a ROCK to be your stability.  My prayer for you (and me) is that whatever faces us in this year 2012, we will trust in that Rock.  Prayerfully consider how your life could be different at the end of this year if you experienced more deeply the Truth that God is YOUR ROCK?

Even when we take "leaps of faith" that same Rock will always be there as  our foundation :)

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A Taste of Julia

Waking up to 24 degrees Fahrenheit and beautiful cold crisp sunshine, it looked like a day I might be able to spend a bit of time outside.  However, the grey clouds are now quietly creeping in and the forecast for the weekend into next week is snow.  I always get in the mood for winter comfort food when the weather turns wintery.


After a trip to the market, I decided today was a Julia Child "Boeuf Bourguignon" sort of day.  I had the house to myself and indulged in slicing, sauteing, mixing and tasting.  I adore the smell (and taste) of meats cooked in red wine.  There is a richness about it that makes my taste buds smile :)


Popping the casserole into the oven to cook for the next three hours, I enjoyed the peace and quiet...and promptly fell asleep in front of the fireplace.  Now, awake, the smell is oh, my....heavenly.  I used a recipe I tried a few years ago (I'm sorry, Julia!) and it takes much less time than the honored, well-deserved French version.  Let's just say, I wanted to match the meal to the area :)

There is an incredible beef bourguignon on page 48 of this book and other great recipes throughout.  I think Julia will forgive me this once :) But for those who would like to try the real thing...

Either way, it is a great dish to make on a cold and wintery day.  I'm looking forward to this masterpiece sitting atop or along side buttered noodles, a bit of steamed broccoli and crusty bread to mop up the sauce.  

We women love to cook (or some of us anyway!) - for those of us who do, enjoy  being creative and have a really blessed weekend!

  AND...Bon Appetit!

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Epiphany

An often unrecognized holiday appears on our calendar every January 6th, but how many of us even understand it's meaning?  When I see Epiphany, I am more concerned if I spelled it correctly :)   To enlighten us on this day (which by the way is also "National Shortbread Day"; perhaps we can get to that a bit later :)....let's explain....


epiphany - a Christian "feast day" which celebrates God the Son coming as a human being in Jesus Christ. It also commemorates the visitation of the Magi to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.  A second "Christmas" to some segments of the Christian church.  


epiphany - the sudden realization or comprehension of a larger meaning of something....an "aha" moment :)  This word also takes on the meaning of "manifestation", or a clear appearance of something or someone.  


It seems to me that we all "need" an epiphany from time to time.  A wakeup moment of realization in this walk of faith we take every day.  Doesn't your heart and spirit come alive when we "discover the last piece of the puzzle and now see the whole picture?"  To be honest, I wish I had this moment at least once a day...I could use some "aha" moments of epiphany more often in my life.


Proverbs 9:10 says "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  Psalm 111:10 also states "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His precepts (or ways) have good understanding."  My "aha" moment right now is....wisdom and knowledge (which are two different things by the way) are at our fingertips as we seek to know God, fear Him and walk in His ways. 

Fear of the Lord + following His ways = wisdom and understanding 

Epiphany moments can be more obvious to us day by day as we seek Him and spend time in His presence.  I want to say to my spirit, "Wake up and see what God is doing in and around you, dear girl! See the bigger picture and not just the "moment" you are living in or worrying about!"  There is a bigger picture out there and God wants to manifest Himself to us every day we look for Him.


I have a friend who has a blog entitled "Epiphany" and her subtitle is "Celebrating Moments of Discovery and Growth in the Daily Walk of Faith".  I pray that for myself and you, dear friends, that today in honor of this Christian holiday and a "second Christmas" - we would have moments of discovery...how you've grown...how your faith is being lived out.  Be a "wise man" and encounter that Jesus from Bethlehem.  Remember, when they saw the Star, they were filled with exceedingly great joy!  And they brought Him gifts. 

Discover and Celebrate! 

And while you are at it...go have that piece of shortbread with a cup of tea...

and enjoy National Shortbread Day.

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Resolve

The new year always brings thoughts of resolutions and promises to ourselves.  We actually follow through with some, and others fall by the wayside, as early as February :)  As disheartening as it can be not to accomplish a goal we set out for ourselves, God created us to be creative and to do new things, try new things and desire for something better than where we currently "exist".  So every new year, even though I try hard and don't always accomplish every one of my "goals", I at least put some out there to work towards.  Some are practical and others are "spiritual" in the sense I want to grow deeper in the Word and my relationship with God.  And in some ways, a few are difficult to "measure" and are only realized with time.  They do, however, give me purpose and a sense of living the abundant life that Jesus draws us towards. I hope we can spur each other on this year towards abundant living and a sense of purpose.  


A friend recently pointed me towards this quote: 

“Whatever it is you hope for this coming year, don’t stop at resolutions. Find resolve. Then map it out. How are you going to do it? Monthly, weekly, daily, what does this dream require of you? Now do it, and do it with all the strength you’ve got. You have one brief, beautiful, unique life to live, and only a limited handful of matches with which to set your world ablaze. Don’t you dare waste them.”

David du Chemin/Professional Photographer

It spoke right to my heart :)  There are some personal desires that have occupied spaces in my heart for years...some being lived out and others yet to be realized in their fullness.  I am finding that "resolve" to set some guidelines in my life to see a desire or two fulfilled this year.  I have always loved to write and being a visual person, photography has been a quiet passion of mine for years. (I have multitudes of "coffee table" photo books, as well as my absolute favorite cookbooks all have colored photos!)   Both writing and photography have lain dormant far too long. Maybe it is being in this fifth decade that is awakening passions to be fulfilled in the next half-century :)

For years, I helped write newsletters and articles, both for ministries and our own family.  I have scores of journals filling my drawers and closets.  I love to read and while reading, often am writing "in my mind" as I read.  In my early twenties, I had an incredible camera.  My best friend and I took photography classes and built up a library of photography books.  While a house fire consumed my camera and collection of photography know-how, the years of mothering and busy-ness left me little time to pursue this passion.  

I have loved living my life and the years that are behind me.  I don't regret a single moment of the busy-ness and being a mom has always been my number one love and passion.  However, I do believe a new season is ahead of me.  Of course, being able to blog and having a computer, as well as my birthday and Christmas gift of a brand new digital SLR may have something to do with it :)  

And so...I am resolving and mapping out my days and weeks to pursue my passion.  I believe God has placed the desires in my heart (Psalm 37:4) and I want to honor him with each and every plan.  I pray my writing and photography will bring Him glory and touch the lives of those He places in my life.  I don't really know what that looks like at this point, but I will leave that to Him. :)  For now, just the joy of learning and sharing will satisfy a hunger :)

I really had something different to write about today...but somehow these thoughts took over.  Perhaps you have a "passion" also or even a small desire you have wanted to pursue.  Ask God to enlarge and nurture that desire in your heart.  Ask Him to use it for His glory.  Ask Him to show you this year how you can move towards making that desire or passion a reality in your life.  Make Proverbs 3:6 a prayer to Him.  And I pray your life and desires will glory Him :)

A few of my first photos...by the way, when I studied photography years ago, film SLR's were what we used....I now need to learn the digital side of things, as well as the photo editing programs on the computer (there's A LOT more buttons on this camera).....so I have some learning and re-learning to do....

"From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, 

the Lord's name is to be praised. "  Ps. 113:3

I really like macro photography :)

Some outdoor Christmas lights in a neighborhood

in our town - love night photography!

And my favorite girls ....

And men....

I'll stop now, or this will become a Christmas photo album :)

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The Race of 2012

It's here!!  A fresh new year...a new start...a new day, week, month.  With all the possibilities of hope, joy, faith and promise waiting to be revealed.  I hope you are  able to face these coming twelve months with a sense of hope and promise, no matter what the last 365 days held.  Psalm 46 talks about a lot of shaking, but GOD being in our midst and our help, our fortress, our strength.  He can and will make us glad and He will be exalted.  He is with us!  That is a promise to wrap around us as we run into 2012 :)


The Word God has revealed to me for this fresh year is Hebrews 12:1-3:

"Therefore, since WE are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS AND THE SIN THAT SO EASILY 

ENTANGLES.  And let us RUN WITH PERSEVERANCE the race MARKED

OUT FOR US (me :), fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer

and perfecter of faith.  For the JOY set before him he endured the

cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne

of God.  CONSIDER HIM who endured such opposition from sinners

so that YOU WILL NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART."

We are NOT ALONE !!

Throw off ANYTHING that hinders (might not be "sin"...just something holding you back).

Get rid of sin that so EASILY entangles.  (figure out what is making you "trip" or slow down in your race).

We have a race "marked out for each one of us"  - no one else can run my race!

My eyes so FIXED on JESUS.....at the finish line!!

For the JOY.....there is JOY awaiting us (and in the midst of the race....but I have a feeling the JOY at the end is indescribable :)

Consider HIM.....do not grow weary and lose heart!

I have to include this passage from the Message version...it is toooo good to miss....

"Do you see what this means - all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.  When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!"

What does YOUR race look like?  

What "tools" do you need to have in your life to successfully run your race? (deeper into the WORD, surround yourselves with strong believers for support, perhaps a small group, moms prayer groups, be mentored......this is one "tool belt" you can wear around your waste and it won't be cumbersome in running :) Choose prayerfully so you will be running a marathon with endurance and not losing steam halfway through :)

What shoes or lighter clothing do you need to wear to persevere? (Col. 3:12, 1 Peter 5:5) ?

I am pondering my race this year....what do I need to take on, or peel off, to run my race successfully?  How about you?  Worth some thoughtful prayer before the One who enables us...as we run the race He lays out for each of us.

My prayer is you will have ears to hear, an open heart to His Voice, and the perseverance to run YOUR RACE.  Put on those spiritual Nike's and let's line up on that starting line.....

Ready....set....GO!  

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Close Out of a Year

Whew!  Have you been able to take a moment and stop and catch your breath after the holiday "gladness"?  (I'd say "madness" but that word only fits in certain cases and not in this one :)  I've said it before...I love the holidays!  But, this week between Christmas and New Year's can be a bit of a "no man's land".  Sleeping in, eating up all the leftovers and goodies, continued visits with guests and the big decision "Do we have a New Year's party or not?".  (oops...forgot the other big question "Do I take down the tree and all the decorations, or wait until the first week of January?"  This week holds all the possibilities of getting something "done" or continuing on with celebration.  Once your family and guests leave...we are left with...what now?  


At this moment, my dear sweet and incredibly gifted, strong husband is re-rocking our fireplace (is re-rocking a word?).  We have an old grey brick front on our fireplace and have for 6-1/2 years wanted to replace it.  An unexpected "blessing" is enabling us to do this.  It was "planned" for January, but the rock came in yesterday and since Jim has a couple of free days...and yes, if you know my husband at all...it will be done in a couple of days!  My tree is still up; the garlands still hanging, and my living room looks like a rock quarry!  The questions playing in my mind yesterday (as in the first paragraph of this blog)...have now been answered.  The only thing getting "done" this week is that fireplace!  I am hiding in the bedroom!  Actually, I have been invited by two very close girlfriends to go to the coast for a couple of days...Jim was invited also, but with the arrival of the rock...well, you get the picture....I get a girls' trip away and it couldn't have come at a better time :)  When I return, all will be done, the dust and rock will be cleared (I HOPE he reads this blog :)  and I can rejoice with a lovely fireplace setting.  The Christmas clean-up will wait :)


My favorite part of this week is the quiet waiting upon the Lord to get a sense of His plan and goals for the coming year.  I always ask Him for a Scripture reference to "pray over my children" for the next 12 months.  I ask for a sense of purpose and some practical goals I can write in my journal.  I admit that I feel a bit distracted as I write this and hear banging in the next room, but I am hoping and anticipating the quiet time at the coast will give me some direction for 2012 :)   My prayer for you, my dear friends, is you will also be able to find some quiet time with no distractions to wait on God and hear His voice and His heart for you for 2012.  It brings a sense of joy and peace to go into a new year  having heard from Him.  I certainly don't get all my questions answered or have a 12-month plan, but just knowing in my heart I am being held by His hand enables me to face January with a measure of hope.  Some of us need hope for the coming year - perhaps 2011 was definitely not what you expected. Life threw some curve balls at you.  If the past twelve months is a year you do not want repeated in any shape or form...and you need hope and joy once again, take some moments in these last couple days of the year to sit at His feet and draw strength from Him.  So that "times of refreshing may come from the Lord" Acts 3:19    


And I pray the God of all peace will grant you all the strength, comfort, peace and joy your heart is needing and wanting as you close out 2011.  

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