Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever be the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees. ~Victor Hugo

What I've Learned: The Biggest Moments Are Often Rooted in Simple Decisions.
The first thing I will remember, dear Reader, about this--my Baptism Day--is the fading heat of a 90-degree summer afternoon and the scent of a hundred lilacs in the air. I will remember how, after days of being anxious, all the nervousness I felt melted away the moment I stepped inside the church. I will remember bouncing with joy and meeting everyone with a smile as I took it all in. I'll remember my family all being there and holding the hand of a dear friend who was also baptized today. Most of all, I will remember stepping down into that pool on the stage where Pastor Pete and I talked while my Faith Story was read aloud to the congregation. Then Pastor Pete took my arm and dipped me beneath the water, cleansing me of all my sins and signifying that I am now a new creation before God.

It was some weeks ago, after attending the last water baptism service at Christ Community, that I knew it was time for me to publicly declare my faith by getting in the water. Having made the decision to accept Christ as my savior in February, this was a tangible act of obedience I knew I needed to do. Neither of these decisions were arrived at lightly--it took something like six years of seeking before I really understood what being a Christ-follower meant and that I wanted to have a personal relationship with Jesus.

But once I knew that, the two biggest decisions of my life were eerily simple to make and resulted in huge moments of humility, awe and indescribable gratitude.

Reader, there are few things more joyful than acts committed in total confidence because you know you've made the right decision. I can't describe how this experience feels--it is something each of us has to decide for ourselves. But when it's right, there is no doubt. No anxiety. No regret. Only the most amazing peace and God's promise of everlasting life. Makes for a pretty darn good day.

God enters by a private door into each individual. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Today's Joy: Faith, Demonstrated.
It's been a hard day, Reader. I took my photo wares to my third show this year, very optimistic that this was it! I'd been praying and hoping the bad shows were behind me. I was finally going to recoup some of the cash that's been sunk into this venture! After all, I'm very proud of my work and the products I sell. They're thoughtfully-made from the best quality materials I could find. I'm proud to put my name on them.

However, once again, the show turnout was almost non-existent and for the second show in a row, I sold nothing. Yep, not a notecard. Not a bookmark. Zip! A few lovely people did stop by and offer encouraging feedback. There were also a few that monopolized 20 minutes or more of my time and man-handled several items before mumbling they were broke or unemployed and walking away. I tried not to notice when they bought ugly multi-colored roses made from wood chips at the booth next door.

I really tried to keep my positive attitude, but after six tedious hours of selling nothing, my positivity was utterly deflated. So, Mom took me out for a late lunch and we talked about what was successful (not much), what wasn't (a whole lot) and how to improve. Talking helped, but I was still in a funk.

After we parted ways, I realized there was still time to make the evening service at a local church God's been prompting me to visit. So I took my heavy heart over there and walked into a baptismal service.

Reader, there are few things more moving, more uplifting or more personal than watching someone who really believes in Jesus & God's love dedicate his or her life to God and re-affirm their faith. I watched a young widow renew her faith as she deals with grief and trying to move on. There was also an angry young man, now at peace with his demons. Most powerful though, was a couple being baptised. The husband led his wife, who has stage 4 breast cancer, into the pool and they went together. They were all so happy when they came out. It was really, REALLY wonderful and moved me to tears.

It also made me feel very silly for spending so much energy brooding over my problems. As a photographer, I spend a lot of time peering through a lens to capture little, infinitesimal moments of beauty. I forget sometimes that God uses me as a lens in the same way and I have to be just as mindful of those images. Good thing He loves me, 'cause I am SO not perfect! Is there anything He's put on your heart to see or do, Reader? If you're putting it off, what's stopping you?

Photo: Forsythia, 2008.