Photography …

I enjoy Photography.
I need to learn how to “think outside of the box”.
Now, let me put these two sentences together.   I enjoy Photography but find myself getting bored with the possibilities I see around my place.  I need to “think outside the box”, I’m sure that there are tons of great shots to be made – but where are they??
AAAAUUUUGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!! Frustration!
I look at other people’s pictures and find myself wishing/longing to be “good” like them.   But I’m sure they sometimes feel bored with their surroundings. 
I end this short post like this:  I NEED TO LEARN HOW TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!!!

Tornadoes

I’ve always had this obsession with tornadoes.  They draw me to them.  They fascinate me, to say the least.  I have this strong desire to see one with my own eyes, yet a fear of the power that they display and the realization that I may not live if I see one up close.  I get a thrill from watching the movie TWISTER, for the adventure and excitement that comes from being a “storm chaser”.

They say that in the eye of a tornado there is almost a complete silence, and this has always been a beautiful picture for me! (maybe that’s why I like tornadoes so much)

When I think about the storms that I face throughout my lifetime, the many things that take place on the exterior.  The rumblings, the thunder, and the lighting that can cause destruction, even during these times there can be a CALM.  As I rest in the center of God’s will for my life, though the world around me may not make sense, there can be a place of quiet rest amidst the chaos and seemingly destruction that is taking place.

My soul, wait thou (be silent, be still, hold your peace) only upon God; for my expectation (hope, ground of hope, things hoped for, outcome) is from him.      (Psalm 62:5 KJV with additives from the Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions)

May I always strive for this place of quiet rest!

A Different Me

As I walk down the street, and interact with people I see, they see a different me! I put up a front that looks good.  I guess you could say, “I’m a hypocrite”.  They don’t see the real me.  The one who struggles with living a pure life, a life worthy of the calling.  I even put up a front with some of my closest friends!

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”   Matthew 6:1 (NASB)

I have been convicted.  I’ve been thinking about this especially since I’ve been teaching the 3rd grade Sunday School class.  I appear to have it all together, I’m serving in the church, I attend church regularly, and I say all the right words when people ask me how I’m doing!

But do I really have it all together? NO!!! I have believed the lie that I’m doing alright, when in reality I’m not!  I have slipped, and almost fallen! 

With God’s help, I’m ready to get back up and say:  “I have sanctified Christ as Lord in my heart, always ready to make a defense to everyone who asks me to give an account for the hope that is in me, yet with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15 (personal paraphrase) 

It starts TODAY!!! Thankful for the Grace of God, by which I stand.