thankfulness through my lens || march 22

\\ the promise of spring \\ 

It has been winter for so long - not just outside, but in my soul.  However…yesterday,  I sensed the smallest seed of spring sprout in my soul…

I was reminded that after every winter comes the promise of spring. 

Spring.  

The season when all that was dead comes to life.  The season when all that was gray becomes vibrant and full of color.  And the season in which hope is renewed.

In this life I will experience pain, and betrayal, and loss and confusion and grief… Yet, I can make it through with joy because of Jesus.  because He promises to be with me every step of the way.  

He promises to comfort me.  and He is there - catching every tear that I cry.

I can make it through because He promises to meet me in my brokenness and heal my hurting heart. 

He promises that He makes all things beautiful in His time…

He promises that His mercies will be there, waiting for me, every morning. 

He promises that His plans are better than mine - even when it seems that His plans are horrible at the moment. 

He promises that I can live an abundant life - with purpose. 

He promises that He can and will redeem the years that the locusts have eaten.  

He promises to take that which the enemy intended for evil and turn it into something good. 

And He promises that one day He will bring me to a place where there is no death, no pain, and no tears.  Just joy.  Perfect, unhindered, everlasting joy.  Forever. 

Spring is on it's way. 

(I already linked it, but go read the post that inspired me to write this. click >here<) 

thankfulness through my lens || march 19

\\ books \\ 

I love reading - entering into other time periods, other lives and other worlds…

It's just so captivating. =) 

I was inspired by >this< picture on pinterest. (So, I didn't come up with this idea).

thankfulness through my lens

\\ that God can meet me anywhere \\

I find healing when I play the piano.  It's a time to just bare my emotions.  I don't have to come up with the right words.  I can just play.  And let the emotions out.  It's in those moments where the Lord brings hymns to mind - His truths to my heart.  I remember.  I trust.  I feel.  I play.  In those moments there is a calming assurance that comes over my restless heart…  

Piano is kind of a ministry for myself.

\\ painting \\ 

I always said I couldn't paint.  Then I wanted to try.  So I did.  And I really enjoyed it.  I'm not very good, by any means.  But, I have fun doing it - and that's what's important.

A friend told me to try it.  "It's really relaxing," she said.  So, I took her advice.  She was right. =)

I think I want to do more of this…

 "If you hear a voice within you saying 'You cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." 




(To read my original post about "Thankfulness Through My Lens" click HERE…) 

|| thankfulness through my lens ||

:: sunshine ::

|| thankfulness through my lens ||

\\ afternoons spent reading \\ 

which edit do you like better?

“Faith don’t come in a bushel basket, Missy.  It come one step at a time.  Decide to trust Him for one little thing today, and before you know it, you find out He’s so trustworthy you be putting your whole life in His hands."  Candle in the Darkness

|| thankfulness through my lens ||

{Anna}

This gem-of-a-girl turned fifteen today.  FIFTEEN!?!  Where did the time go?  I don't know…but all I know is that somehow my little baby sister is a woman.  Weird. 

I love this girl.  She is amazing. I'll tell you the things that I love and appreciate about her - cause you should know her.  Trust me. =) 

Why I Love Anna:

• She is a total goofball 
• She has the biggest, most beautiful smile
• She has a beautiful, crisp, moving singing-voice
• She stays up late and watches movies with me
• When you hurt, she hurts; and when you cry, she cries with you
• She is super good with little kids and babies, and they LOVE her
• She loves Jesus 
• She is an amazing example to me of forgiveness - she almost says she forgives you before you even ask

• She asks me to workout when I don't want to - and then I'm glad I did
• She dances with me
• She acts stupid with me in public

• She is a prayer-warrior
• She loves animals
• She is super sensetive
• She gets along with everyone

• She lets me do her makeup, hair and nails and photo-shoots of her, even though they're not her favorite thing to do 
• She lets me wear her clothes
• She is always there for me
• She is my best friend =)

"Because I have a sister I'll always have a friend." 

 "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

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\\ this man \\ 

My dad turned the whoppin' 50 years-old today. What a great guy. =)

Seriously, this man is amazing.  He loves Jesus,  loves minions, has silver (NOT gray) hair, is a fantastic writer/theologian, and even graciously lets his daughter beat him (multiple times) in board games.  I love my dad. And I have learned a lot from him.

He's taught me that….

• God never, ever changes
• You should make time for those you love
• It is always the right moment to break out in dance
• You should talk to your mom often
• You shouldn't eat Cheetos and write at the same time - it makes your keyboard orange :P 
• You should follow what Jesus is showing you to do - even if everyone thinks you're crazy 
• It is a good thing to win and lose graciously
• I need to entrust those that I love most to the Lord
• Sometimes its more important to be quiet than to prove that you're right - even if you are.
• I should choose my words carefully
• Don't  ever waste your time on gross coffee - get the good stuff!
• When you do the things that your loved-ones like to do, even if you don't like doing them, it makes them feel loved. 
• Family is important.
• There is nothing that I can ever do that'll separate me from God's love. 
• It is better to put your trust in the Lord than to trust in man (Psalm 118:8)

Papa, I can never thank you enough for your godly example in my life; how you've led and guided me; prayed for me; trusted in me and taught me what it means to follow after Jesus.  

I hope, pray and trust that these next fifty years will be even better than the first. 

Love you.
Love,
Your lil pooh bear =)