Moth on Sunflower

What I've Learned: God's Fingerprints Really Are On Every Little Thing.

As soon as I heard Christ Community was taking submissions for a Fall Art Gallery exhibit, I was all-in, Reader.  The only stipulation made on submissions was that a bible verse must be displayed prominently on each piece.  Well, that was definitely God nudging me--for weeks I'd been thinking about putting verses to some of my photos with the intent to add a line of faith-based cards to my photography business.  Here was my opportunity to try it out! 

Slight Disagreement

For days I poured over my favorite photos to select three interesting, colorful and relevant candidates.  I then spent another few days looking through my NIV Study Bible and searching online for just the right verses.  It was amazing how each verse added an entirely new focus and flavor to the photos.  They were suddenly enhanced--God's presence becoming more discernible in their subjects.  Each photo took on a vibrantly meaningful depth I hadn't anticipated.  But, this love for taking photos is a gift from God, so it shouldn't be a surprise when He uses that to make something wonderful.

I suddenly felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude that He chose to use me, that I got to be a part of what He's doing.  I hope these simple photographs overlaid with the simple, powerful words of the Bible will make a difference somehow--get the gallery visitors thinking about something they might not have considered otherwise.  What an opportunity to use this creative gift to make something that could positively influence members of the Kingdom!  What's more fulfilling than that?  Here, dear Reader, are the three photo finalists and verses I've chosen to submit.  May they remind you of God's presence throughout your own life.

Earring Detail

Ready For Christmas Morning

Today's Joy: Christmas Eve.

It's finally, finally here, Reader! That most wonderful day before the BIG DAY. Marked by a final flurry of gift wrapping and that obligatory last trip to the store for forgotten sour cream, extra shrimp and, of course, a few more gifts.

I love Christmas, Reader! I've been wishing folks on the street a Merry Christmas since Thanksgiving. My radio at work has been playing Christmas Carols for weeks & when everyone else goes to lunch, I join in, singing loudly. But it's not just me. The whole family has been Christmasing for the entire month of December. Our house is covered in gorgeous light-up snowflakes and the Christmas Dinner menu has been planned since Halloween. We've also been baking cookies for three consecutive weekends (no need to rush perfection, after all).

This week, the house has morphed into Santa's workshop central with an onslaught of gift wrapping. I adore wrapping gifts, Reader. Coordinated papers and packages stacked in gift towers tied with sumptuous ribbon--ahhhhh! Each year after Christmas, I take advantage of the 75% off sales to buy next year's coordinated wrapping scheme. It brings me great joy to watch my friends & loved ones unwrap my patterned package confections. Add to that, the final phase of decking the halls and we are almost ready! Though, I'll probably still be tinkering with my red & white candy tree in the dining room until we sit down to eat Christmas Dinner. Speaking of which, Aunt & I have been plotting the perfect holiday table setting for days. And I won't even get into how I turn into the world's biggest kid on Christmas morning.

Now, having said all of that, I've already gotten what I want for Christmas this year. I have asked God into my heart in a way I've never done before. I have felt his presence almost constantly and am watching Him work small miracles in my heart & in the hearts of others around me every day. For the first time, I am aware in a dumb-struck, utterly humbled sort of way what it meant when that little baby was born in a Bethlehem stable. A promise was fulfilled. It really was to save you & me. And that changes everything.

Just a thought, Reader: while you're opening gifts tomorrow morning, surrounded by the sweet love of family & friends, remember that all the joy in your heart is but an echo of the love freely given by Our Father. What a staggering revelation to know He's done all this just for me. Just for you. May God Bless & keep you and may this Christmas be full of all the warmth, love, memories and illumination your heart can hold. Amen.

Today's Joy: Primroses. All week, as I come and go to and from work, braving the frigid temperatures outside, one little reminder of spring has kept me from falling into a winter malaise. These darling primroses.

A gift from Brother to welcome me home, four different colors of the happy little plants were presented to me. Not sure which one you'd like, he said. I love them all, of course.

Now they're clustered on a little tray in the kitchen where I can pass by several times each day and inhale the fresh scent of live, growing things. It's like having my own little spring indoors. And seeing as the real thing is still at least a month off, what a blessing! Reader, if you haven't already, go get yourself a little live color therapy. Happy Tuesday!