Sunday, October 28, 2007

The Power of Prayer

Ever pray? Yeah, maybe sometimes- ok, more than that, but not nearly enough. Ever wonder if your prayers matter? I do. Sometimes I think it's just a waste of my time (and His). Do my prayers really make a difference? Have I accomplished something by praying, have my prayers been hear, and does God really answer MY prayers. All difficult questions to answer.

Over the last few months I've been praying that my sweetheart, S.O. or ?(insert the term of your choice here) would get the appointment at a specific church, (he's a pastor). I was, am, really excited about this church, for a variety of reason, the main one being that I really feel like this is a place where we as a couple can work in ministry together, to grow and spread the kingdom of God. What a great thing that would be for all involved- the church, but closer to home, for us as a couple. To love one another, and have God at the center of that relationship, well, that's about as good as it gets, for me anyway. (Richard might have other ideas- he is so from Mars sometimes!)

Ok- well that prayer has been answered. His start date is Nov. 1. I'm so excited for him! But wait-what about me? I'm not pastor's "wife"(for lack of a better term) material- heck I'm not sure that I'm congregation material! I don't know the right things to say, the right things to do, and I'm not really big on the right things to wear either!

And politics- I am not, and probably never will be politically correct, or suave. In fact office politics tend to go right over my head. I've led a "sheltered" life, and am pretty naive. And for the most part I like that- what you see with me is what you get, I don't sugar coat things or really embrace things like that. A spade is a spade.

OK, so where does that leave me? Eating a lot of crow, or pulling my foot out of my mouth? Probably both. I know one thing for certain- God has been hearing my prayers, and answers them. Maybe I need to learn to be more specific- who knows? Like perhaps, let me not be a problem in this move, and show me what it is You want me to do? All I know is that the ride starts, and I just pray that I'm a help to this career move and not hurtful to him in any way.

Be careful of what you pray for- God is an awesome God and answers prayers that we have no idea on what to do with...
Until next time, blessings...

Monday, October 22, 2007

Deep in thought and in need of prayer



Hi. I know I mentioned major decisions that need to be made this week. Well, that still needs to happen- I'm really dragging my feet. So I thought I'd sign on and ask for prayers- prayers for guidance and strength, prayers for ends to means, and ways through the ups and downs. Prayers that God will provide the guidance I need, and the faith to believe in the things he puts in my path, and the ability to achieve all these things and more. So, if you're reading this, please pray for me.

The photo is a candid of Steph, deep in studies. I'm really proud of her- works full time, and continues to make great progress towards her next degree. She is a blessing.

My prayers are with all...
TC

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Dreams

I made the comment today that I really, really hated that word right now- dreams, or perhaps I said that I was really tired of it. I think it was that I was tired of it. It's come up on a regular basis lately, which is pretty scary, considering the thoughts I've had lately of letting dreams go, of moving on, of finding other paths, journeys, desires.
I question the timing of these thoughts, and of the origin. Are they of me, in my finite humanness or of God, in his infinite wisdom and goodness? I wonder at this greatly, because I believe that God is consistent, and the things he has brought me to have been consistent. So... it must be me.Ok, so, do I throw away things that I've worked so hard for, only to regret that in the future, or do I hold on to the things that God holds for me, and have faith in his word, vision, dreams? Only time will tell...

On to other topics- photography is killing me. I am doing so poorly right now.I mean, BAD. As of now there goes that 4.0! Makes me wonder at all the above even more... and then we get this really, really cool assignment. To put images to whatever song it is we wish- it can be a video set to instrumental music, images set to a song we like, anything. I was debating on doing a montage of photos that relayed the steps of grief that one works through when faced with the loss of a loved one. At first I thought that this would be a way to work further through the pain of losing LBH, but I'm shying away from that one. A little too much of me in it, a little too personal and painful.
So, that one's out- for now. One of the great things about being female is that God, in his infinite wisdom, gave us the ability to be able to justify our changing moods! My next idea is to do a "video", a personal look at the images I think of when I hear a song. Ok, like that's not personal. Being female here! The song is my current favorite, East to West, Casting Crowns. I've worked through most of it, which is pretty easy, considering that almost all music influences some thought of images in my mind- so this hasn't been too hard. I am a little hung up on the lines:
I don't want to end up where you found me
and it echoes through my mind
so if anyone has any ideas for that, please write. I was thinking about showing neon from a bar, but that gives the wrong idea- if people take this as my personal look at this song then they might get the idea that alcohol plays a part in what I don't want to go back to- but that's not the case. I really just don't want to go back to being a person who didn't have a real relationship with God, but I'm not sure how to portray that.
Ok, well enough for one night. Please pray for me over the next week as I struggle with the decisions that need made, the dreams that need faced, and the things I stand to loose- like myself.
In Christ's name-
Amen

Friday, October 5, 2007

No great title for this one!





Hi! Nothing really to talk about tonight- just got back from taking more photos and wanted to share some of them. Perhaps I'll have some deep thoughts or such later- but right now it's enough that it's finally Friday- TGIF! God is good.

Ok- gotta love the sad puppy dog eyes- this is the "queen"of the house, Trixie- she really just tolerates we mere mortals.
The sunset was a blessing from God, the view from my kitchen window. I enjoy how the sky lights up the chimney cap, adding texture to the color (it's easier to see in a larger image). The middle one is from some center downtown by the square. I love the colors- again easier to see larger.

I'm really starting to get into this- and have added a new camera to my wish list. So, we'll see, but it's pretty far down the list, behind all the new mac stuff that I really, really want. Have you seen the new IMAC's- beauty in the simplicity- Apple really does get it right!
In Christ's peace...

Monday, October 1, 2007

Rambling...


Hi. Rambling will probably occur at great length here. One of the way my mind works- or doesn't work, depending on who you talk to! No great, (or even bad) photos to post today. Last week's project really kicked my rear end. Oh well, such is life. Next week promises to be more fun-night photos- if not better images(blame the photographer and NOT the subject!

It's funny how God works- now why would I call that funny? Maybe mystical, spiritual, but funny- ok, maybe not... anyway, as I was driving home last night I heard the song for which this blog is named, and it was a reminder- a reminder that words mean so much to me, written, spoke, sung, and that I was neglecting myself when I neglect one of my "loves". So, here I am again,(writing) naturally (isn't that a really bad, old song?)

Then this morning the first song I heard was East to West- mentioned in a previous writing- but it really meant much to me today- especially the part about the (wo)man I used to be- not that I was ever bad or evil, but I know that the person I was isn't who I want to be today- mainly because if I was still the old me, well, no learning or growth would have occurred and without that, well why bother?
That's pretty relevant to me today. I had a learning experience over the weekend that really touched me, and made me see a few things. One of them was that we choose our scripts- and that the scripts of yesterday need not apply today. Another one linked to that same experience is that if we believe something about ourself, say we believe we are useless, or less than, or not valued- as much as someone tries to convince us otherwise, we won't believe it. The final thought that came out of this was that unless we trust, ourselves, others close to us, God, that we WON'T grow. So, I guess I'm not the person I used to be after all. What a great thing.

I changed my mind about adding a photo- the beautiful blond (or should I say multi-colored?) is my daughter, Stephanie, and the little girl is Lori's daughter, Gabrielle. Can you tell I'm partial to the person my daughter is? She's so neat. She's as pretty inside as out. The only real thing I wish I could change about her is her relationship with God- I wish it were stronger. But He's pulling at her, so I know it's only a matter of time. I have this hanging at work over my desk, so that I can remind myself of how beautiful life is and how short it is. I wish Lori could have lived to see this. Yeah, I miss her today... and every day.

Lord, thank you for the day, the opportunities and the your love. Guide me, protect me and love me. Help me to love others as you would have me too, and to walk in your path, your way and your light. In Christ's name, amen.

'Til next time- Blessings and love. TC