Grateful!

I love all my senses. As a photographer, however, I especially love sight. I love the colors, and taking pictures of colors, or patterns & textures. I love seeing God's Creation- seeing a smiling face, or reading a book. This past week has been a reminder of what an amazing gift sight is- a few weeks ago, my eyes started acting up, hurting a little, and very bloodshot. I finally had time to visit the optometrist, who spoke the dread words: eye infection. For the past week, I haven't been able to wear my contacts, depending solely on some pretty scratched up glasses to get me through several photoshoots, and just life in general. I had a few accidents [ crashing into rail on rollerblades being just one], but basically have managed to make it through the week unscathed. Hooray! Tomorrow morning I go back, to hear whether or not I may wear my contacts again.

This week has been more than just a reminder to keep my eyes safe- it has given me new trust in the Lord. I always thought that if I lost my sight, or most of my sight, I couldn't survive. I couldn't handle being without contacts, or seeing with perfect vision. But a few times this week I was unable to wear my glasses, experiencing life in a blur. Though not the most fun [its rather embarrassing confusing a dog for a child], I now know that Phil. 4:13 applies to senses [and the lack thereof]: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

I know this is a very simple post: but really, how often have you contemplated what life would be like without one of your senses? Without sight? Or smell? Taste? The ability to feel? Without hearing a friend's voice? How would you deal with this? Turn towards trusting God more, or becoming angry and frustrated?

I am grateful, very very grateful, for being able to see. I am even more grateful for the God who gave me sight, and loves me- whether or not I can see 20/20.

I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus- Phil. 3:8

Live with joy in every circumstance! - Habakkuk 3:18-19

my favorite tea place- Teavana <3

probably my favorite picture of M.P. - adoration of a chicken!

My daddy and me- getting ready for my birthday date!

Happy Early Thanksgiving from the Turkey Mob

b.c He lives and reigns!

me.

yum!

I had a delicious dessert tonight :) a concoction I think I shall name "chocolate banana overload", or "how to get 2000 calories in 1 sitting". ;) It consisted of:

1 banana

2 - 3 scoops of Edy's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream

6 -7 small bits of actual chocolate chip cookie dough

a goodish amount of chocolate syrup

:D

nothing of importance

"Don't speak unless spoken to." "Unless you have something good to say, don't say anything at all." "Even a fool is thought wise until he opens his mouth."

I have not written on this blog of late because I have nothing of major importance to type about. I do not want to be thought a fool, and, contrary to some people's beliefs, do not like to fill space with empty chatter. I do not, however, want you to think I have forgotten you! So, instead of a normal blog filling you in on every detail of my sometimes-humdrum-but-usually-busy-with-everyday-life moments, I want to inform you of some INCREDIBLE blessings the Lord has sent my way these past few months. 

1- I have a macbook now!!! a beautiful, 13-in, precious macbook :D :D my old laptop's motherboard is shot (if you are interested in the body of the laptop, it works great, is a 17-in screen, and i am looking for a buyer) . So my parents gave me this huge blessing! (also known as "mercy's mac")

2- though my old laptop served me well, it shut down drastically. however, I was able to save not only ALL of my photos, but my music , documents, and some programs that i wanted to keep. :)

3- i have a pair of chacos!!! :D :D :D Chacos are an amazing brand of outdoor sandals that my other siblings have had pairs over the years. I have wanted my own pair for years now, and recently found some online that were on sale! So, mommy dearest gave me an early graduation present of these fantastic shoes :) (I think she was just REALLY ready for me to get rid of my 2 yrs old thunderdog flip flops that I cherished for so long. haha)

4- for several months now, God has been convicting my heart and soul, showing me , by letting me go, what a horrid sinner I am. I know that does not sound like a blessing, but I can't tell you how grateful I am that the Lord chose for me to see my sins while they were just inward thoughts and come crawling back to Him, crying and pleading. while this lasted for such a long time, and during these times of feeling so far away from Him, I am grateful that the sins never became reality, and that God woke me up from my lethargy before it was too late. I hadn't even realized I was spiritually lukewarm until He gave me several months of wake-up calls. You truly don't realize what a sinner you are until He shows you. And now, after so long being stuck in a hole impossible to get out of, He is blessing my life abundantly, and in so many areas! To draw a picture of it would be a child, after disobeying her father by playing in a mud puddle in a beautiful white dress, finally looks down at her favorite dress and sees its stains and cuts and tears, and comes running to her father sobbing because she knows she made the mess and it won't come out. Her father picks her up and after disciplining her for disobeying, cradles her in his arms as he gives her a white dress even more beautiful than that which she destroyed. I feel like that repentant child, now safe in her Father's Arms. This feeling is greater than any other in the world. Who needs a boyfriend? (lol) I have my Father!! 

5- one more course and I am done with highschool!!!!!!!!!!! MAJOR blessing

6- I am still alive, healthy, and have an incredible family, all blessed by my Lord :)

7- my camera still works!! and though i dont get to do as many pics as i want, its all good. 

8- my friends are incredible, and i cant imagine life without them :) God has blessed them which gives me great reason to rejoice!

9- i still have all my senses! I dont know if you've lately thought of this, but I can't stop praising the Lord that my eyesight, taste buds, hearing, feeling, and sense of smell all work :) 

10- even without all these blessings mentioned before, I am so incredibly blessed because my Heavenly Father is in control and He has already won the victory. And I am safe, no matter what happens (or doesn't happen), in His arms that will never drop me. 

what blessings are in your life right now?

 

a link

just a quick update: Im taking the SAT this Saturday morning, Lord willing. My current laptop is in the process of dying, so my parents have decided, after much talk and prayer, to buy me a macbook! Hopefully it will arrive in the next few days (Im shooting for tomorrow, but I doubt it.. :) ) Until then, I can not upload any of my latest pics or work on anything.. so please bear with me on that..
Lately I've been concentrating on trying to figure out what God has for me in this season of life. I'm a single girl living with her [amazing] parents in a beautiful home, finishing high school and trying to decide if college is an option, taking pictures like crazy but not sure how to get the most out of them, and is blessed with a wonderful church life. In the midst of all these blessings and busy times, its still quite easy to lose focus wondering if your knight in shining armor took a detour and got lost, or maybe is sitting in Atlanta traffic somewhere. Here is a great post my dear friend Jasmine Baucham wrote recently on Delusions of Grandeur . Enjoy, and blessings on your weekend!


Because He Lives and Reigns

Is style more important than substance?

If you were asked, "Is style more important than substance?" and then quoted "When people form opinions about someone or something, what affects them most is not substance but style. In other words, the way something appears or is presented is more important than what it actually is. This principle affects how people look at their leaders and their lives, the books they read, the products they buy, and even the subjects they take at school." .... how would you respond? here is my reply..

While the phrase "don't judge a book by its cover" is often quoted, most people in this era tend to live their lives on a more superficial level, others' makeup and clothes interesting them more than who a person is or what a cause really is about. This change through American history is evident by comparing and contrasting our nation's literature, politics, and how their time was spent.
In 1607 through 1776, the Pilgrims and Puritans read the Geneva Bible, a book they believed was the Word of the Almighty God, where they could find instructions for life, liberty, and the true pursuit of happiness. They played out each day in accordance to what they found in the Word; they made the Word of God the center of their universe. In 1776, one of the two most commonly read books was "Lex Rex", or "Law is King", by Samuel Rutherford, a Scottish pastor and author. This book preached on how no earthly ruler is over the laws of the land, preaching against the wiles of the monarchy that believed they were above all rule and law. These books were required deep understanding. Compare those writings to the "Best-sellers" of today, where it is all about the image, and how to portray yourself in a better light, or how to help yourself feel better about your image.
The politics of our nation's early presidential elections were differently portrayed also. Our first presidents won their job through the speeches they made, which were then printed out in newspapers and bulletins for weeks at a time, so the people of this country could take their words and study them, find the true meaning of the politicans, and compare the words to the previous lives of the campaigners to see if their promises could hold true. Today's electoral campaigns are run on looks, on which tie represents power and which tie signifies weakness; who would look better on a postage stamp. The speeches of the politicans contrast greatly with their previous statements in former years, and the promises they make are monumental and unconstitutional.
The time of our forefathers was spent revolving around their God, knowing that what is in the heart is more important than what the style of the day was. They also knew, however, that to get their point across, they must dress classically and with taste. Today's generation spends their time on movies, watching images, where what the stars wear matters greatly. This nation is a consumer nation, spending millions of dollars on items that will only last a year, while producing next to nothing.
Our culture is now in an economic crisis, while the nation of 1781, even after going through a revolutionary war, was beginning to truly prosper. From changing our focus from substance to style, we have suffered. So, while style may matter to impress a first glance, the substance of an issue will present prosperity.

be realistic. pray for a miracle.

thanks Johnny. I love my brother. Sitting here with him, discussing my future. He says I have too much on my plate, to narrow it down to 3 or 4 per 3 or 4 weeks. So here goes something.

March 09 (or rather, this last week):
- Finish God and Govt series
- Buy SAT prep online course

April 09:
finish:
- Chemistry
- SAT prep online course
- sign up for GED

May 09:
finish:
- SAT
- college Applications
*book list
*portfolio


sound any more reasonable?


so far, I have completed:
- Signing up for the SAT
- buying the notebook, working on college lists
- with 2 lessons left, SAT prep VOCAB

and with reality..the oddest urge to laugh and cry.

I am doomed. here is the schedule if I want to make all the requirements in time.

March 09-
must complete following items:
- series God and Govt, by Gary DeMar
- With Liberty and Justice for All, by Joseph C. Morecraft, III
- SAT prep VOCAB
- buy College Board SAT online course prep
- send in applications to at least 2 scholarships
- buy notebook, begin making college lists
-sign up to take SAT (ACT as well?)

April 09-
must complete the following:
- SAT online course prep
- Chemistry
- Paradise Lost, by John Milton
- paper on at least one book from Greenville Seminary.
- Portfolio of best pictures
- send in applications to at least 5 more scholarships or financial aid
- sign up to take GED

May 09-
must complete the following:
- SAT
- British Lit.
- papers on at least 3 more Greenville Seminary books
- American Govt book (extra)
- Portfolio
- running book list
- college applications
- resume
- a million other things


is it just me, or do I need to become supergirl combined with Betty Crocker with the style of a vintage 50's photographer? however, throughout this all , I praise God for His strength getting me through each day; a family that supports and understands; amazing friends who provide moral support, biblical support, stress relief known as laughter, and cookie dough ice cream. and my music and photography. I am immensely blessed and don't want to let anyone down. I don't want to let my God down, for He has blessed me with great talents and surroundings, and with such comes great responsibilities. Haven't felt so stressed out in a peaceful way in a while. this aught to be interesting. . . . . . I'd be tempted to laugh if it wasn't my life! :)

By His amazing grace that moves each moment.
me. <><