There's only one problem... In the past when I have tried to use a sewing machine... it would break. Not even joking. So this time I would like to conquer this without breaking anything...
4/14/11
Wants to try...
to learn to sew... I know, I know it sounds old school... But I wanna give it a try. There's a few projects I want to attempt- like making carriers for the light cans I have for photo shoots. Maybe even making a different camera bag? Gonna give it a shot.
There's only one problem... In the past when I have tried to use a sewing machine... it would break. Not even joking. So this time I would like to conquer this without breaking anything...
There's only one problem... In the past when I have tried to use a sewing machine... it would break. Not even joking. So this time I would like to conquer this without breaking anything...
Sacrifice and Obedience
A life journal post from April 14th, 2011:
Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:20-23
20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Observation: Saul gave in to what his men wanted and didn't kill all of the men- He left the king alive. He tried to JUSTIFY his actions by saying "Oh I did this so I could offer a sacrifice to the Lord". No. The Lord gave Him specific instructions. He disobeyed. His actions were wrong- he knew it but he tried to act like he was doing the right thing. He tried to defend himself. How often do I do this? How many times do I do something- knowing its not what I was supposed to do- but I try coloring it by making it look better than it is? Samuel called Saul on it tho. He blatantly says "To obey is BETTER than sacrifice" He goes on to point out that rebellion is like the sin of divination- witchcraft and soothsaying. I know that at times when I would rebel I would try and act like it was my right- since I knew what was up- I took pride in the rebellious acts that I did. When I read those words it hit me so hard- rebellion is like witchcraft. That is such a eyeopening statement! I had to repent and ask for forgiveness for my actions and the pride I had in taking them. I want no part in any of that. But after that this brings me back to the thought- OBEDIENCE. This seems to be a theme in this book. Samuel obeyed God and he grew and the Lord was with him; whereas Saul didn't obey God and in turn God rejected him as king. How embarrassing. I don't want to fall out of the place God has me in- nor do I want to live in rebellion or disobedience.
Application: I want all of my actions and all of the intent of my heart to be in obedience to what the Lord instructs me to do- complete obedience. I want to honor Him with my obedience.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you guide me in obeying your word. I pray that I stay in line with the plan you have laid out for me. I praise you for how far you've taken me and for what you continue to do in my heart.
Sacrifice and Obedience
Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:20-23
20 “But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21 The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 22 But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
Observation: Saul gave in to what his men wanted and didn't kill all of the men- He left the king alive. He tried to JUSTIFY his actions by saying "Oh I did this so I could offer a sacrifice to the Lord". No. The Lord gave Him specific instructions. He disobeyed. His actions were wrong- he knew it but he tried to act like he was doing the right thing. He tried to defend himself. How often do I do this? How many times do I do something- knowing its not what I was supposed to do- but I try coloring it by making it look better than it is? Samuel called Saul on it tho. He blatantly says "To obey is BETTER than sacrifice" He goes on to point out that rebellion is like the sin of divination- witchcraft and soothsaying. I know that at times when I would rebel I would try and act like it was my right- since I knew what was up- I took pride in the rebellious acts that I did. When I read those words it hit me so hard- rebellion is like witchcraft. That is such a eyeopening statement! I had to repent and ask for forgiveness for my actions and the pride I had in taking them. I want no part in any of that. But after that this brings me back to the thought- OBEDIENCE. This seems to be a theme in this book. Samuel obeyed God and he grew and the Lord was with him; whereas Saul didn't obey God and in turn God rejected him as king. How embarrassing. I don't want to fall out of the place God has me in- nor do I want to live in rebellion or disobedience.
Application: I want all of my actions and all of the intent of my heart to be in obedience to what the Lord instructs me to do- complete obedience. I want to honor Him with my obedience.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that you guide me in obeying your word. I pray that I stay in line with the plan you have laid out for me. I praise you for how far you've taken me and for what you continue to do in my heart.
4/12/11
Daily Renewal
A life journal post from April 12th, 2011:
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:14-16
14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day.
Observation: Our spirits are being renewed everyday. Alot of days we can feel like we are dying, I think that when I get that in my mind its because I'm focusing on what I'm doing and not what God is doing with me or with my testimony. Alot of times I think that I just recognize the fact that I'm getting worn down and not seeing the lives God is changing and using me as a tool in that. When I get focused on the fact that I'm worn down it usually has something to do with the fact that I'm not asking God to renew me. But that is what I need- I don't need a break- I don't need to take a vacation- I need for Him to renew me everyday otherwise I am going to feel like my body is dying. How do I change my focus from being that I'm dying to that I am bringing people life? I ask God to renew me and my focus everyday- I CANNOT get caught up in myself. That is what really kills us.
Application: I need to be renewed by Him EVERYDAY. He needs to be my source.
Prayer: Lord I want you to renew me and give me the strength to be a witness for you. Without it I feel like I'm overwhelmed. I can't do it on my own or without You. If I try to I want to give up. My desire is to be able to reach more for you Lord. Teach me how and renew my spirit.
Daily Renewal
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:14-16
14 We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus,[d] will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 15 All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are[e] being renewed every day.
Observation: Our spirits are being renewed everyday. Alot of days we can feel like we are dying, I think that when I get that in my mind its because I'm focusing on what I'm doing and not what God is doing with me or with my testimony. Alot of times I think that I just recognize the fact that I'm getting worn down and not seeing the lives God is changing and using me as a tool in that. When I get focused on the fact that I'm worn down it usually has something to do with the fact that I'm not asking God to renew me. But that is what I need- I don't need a break- I don't need to take a vacation- I need for Him to renew me everyday otherwise I am going to feel like my body is dying. How do I change my focus from being that I'm dying to that I am bringing people life? I ask God to renew me and my focus everyday- I CANNOT get caught up in myself. That is what really kills us.
Application: I need to be renewed by Him EVERYDAY. He needs to be my source.
Prayer: Lord I want you to renew me and give me the strength to be a witness for you. Without it I feel like I'm overwhelmed. I can't do it on my own or without You. If I try to I want to give up. My desire is to be able to reach more for you Lord. Teach me how and renew my spirit.
4/11/11
Red Lodge MT
One of the only cool things about living in Montana is going up to the mountains every once in a while. Last year about this time my family and I headed up to the Red Lodge area. It was still cold but gorgeous. I had just gotten my dslr and was able to snap a few shots...
FOR-EV-ER
A life journal post from April 11th, 2011:
Forever
Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 *1, 10, 15, 18, *19
Observation: This passage talks about the first time Samuel hears from the Lord. The first verse of this passage tells us that "word from the Lord was rare in those days". Samuel was not familiar with God's voice, in fact he thought the voice he heard was coming from Eli. When he finally recognizes the voice and who it belongs to God revealed himself to Samuel. This revelation wasn't a "Oh hi there, how are you?" It was a, "Oh hey that guy thats training you- the one you are living with- yea I'm gonna bring judgement against him and his sons. Their sins won't be atoned by sacrifice or offering... FOREVER." When I read that I pictured the scene from The Sandlot where Squints just keeps repeating "FOR-EV-ER" slow-mo over and over again. Note that I'm not making light of what God was saying to Samuel- but can you imagine being a just a kid and the very first time you hear from God He's telling you that your mentor is going to be judged- and you get to tell him about it? Well that sounds like a fun day... But the point of this is Samuel came with an open ear, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." He came with a listening heart. I think that a lot of times we come to God just wanting to talk- or wanting something from Him. It's not very often we come just to listen. Not only did he listen to the word of the Lord, scripture says that when Eli asked him what the word was he told him everything and hid nothing from him (v.18). He didn't say,"Well God's going to have a lil chit chat with ya later... " He didn't sugar coat it- he told Eli what God said. And the result of his obedience was that Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail. How awesome would it be to never be wrong? Well that was part of what came from his obedience. Amazing.
Application: I need to stop and listen. I need to get to the point where I can recognize the Lord calling me and respond with "Speak, for your servant is listening." When I do hear from the Lord, it then becomes my responisibilty to be obedient with the word he gives me. It brings great reward.
Prayer: Lord, I want to recognize your voice. Help me recognize You calling my name and recognize that I need to stop and listen to the word you have for me. Lord give me the wisdom to obey the words You give me because I desire to grow and have You be with me.
4/10/11
Being a Realist
A life journal post from April 10th, 2011:
Observation: Manoah quickly forgot the words spoken to him when he realized the one who had said them to him. His wife had to be the realist and remind him God probably wouldn't tell them all of what was spoken- just to kill them. She had faith in the word spoken. I can't help but imagine her response to her husband having some sort of sarcasm to it...
Application: I will look past my humanly way of understanding and over-reacting and trust what the Lord speaks to me. I will be a realist :).
Prayer: Lord, give me your understanding and let me look past what is right in front of me and realize Your ways are much higher than mine.
Being a Realist
Scripture: Judges 13:21-23
21 The angel did not appear again to Manoah and his wife. Manoah finally realized it was the angel of the Lord, 22 and he said to his wife, “We will certainly die, for we have seen God!” 23 But his wife said, “If the Lord were going to kill us, he wouldn’t have accepted our burnt offering and grain offering. He wouldn’t have appeared to us and told us this wonderful thing and done these miracles.”Observation: Manoah quickly forgot the words spoken to him when he realized the one who had said them to him. His wife had to be the realist and remind him God probably wouldn't tell them all of what was spoken- just to kill them. She had faith in the word spoken. I can't help but imagine her response to her husband having some sort of sarcasm to it...
Application: I will look past my humanly way of understanding and over-reacting and trust what the Lord speaks to me. I will be a realist :).
Prayer: Lord, give me your understanding and let me look past what is right in front of me and realize Your ways are much higher than mine.
Thankful Sacrifice
A life journal post from April 5th, 2011:
Scripture: Psalm 50:7-14,23
7 “O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
I am God, your God! 8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. 9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. 10 For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. 13 Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? 14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High...23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Observation: Our sacrifices are NOT for God's benefit- we do not provide for Him, everything belongs to Him. Our sacrifice should be out of thanksgiving-Honors Him. His revelation comes from honoring Him.
Application: I will not let my sacrifice/tithes/giving of myself become a meaningless routine or habit- it will be done PURPOSEFULLY and with THANKS.
Prayer: Lord, I want to honor You. You sacrificed so much for me- let the sacrifices I make be done with a thankful heart.
Thankful Sacrifice
Scripture: Psalm 50:7-14,23
7 “O my people, listen as I speak. Here are my charges against you, O Israel:
I am God, your God! 8 I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. 9 But I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens. 10 For all the animals of the forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know every bird on the mountains, and all the animals of the field are mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. 13 Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? 14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High...23 But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Observation: Our sacrifices are NOT for God's benefit- we do not provide for Him, everything belongs to Him. Our sacrifice should be out of thanksgiving-Honors Him. His revelation comes from honoring Him.
Application: I will not let my sacrifice/tithes/giving of myself become a meaningless routine or habit- it will be done PURPOSEFULLY and with THANKS.
Prayer: Lord, I want to honor You. You sacrificed so much for me- let the sacrifices I make be done with a thankful heart.
Life Journal
The study group at my church has started reading the book titled "The Divine Mentor" by Wayne Cordeiro. We also have the opportunity of using a "Life" journal that has daily scripture verses listed and a portion for you to journal about what you learn while reading. It is set up in a way that you list the scripture you've read, the observations you've made from it, the applications it has to life and a prayer space (SOAP). I started reading the book and doing this set up of devotionals at the end of March. I love this. It is helping me to become disiplined in my scripture reading and prayer life again. "The Divine Mentor" is such a beneficial book to read. Through reading both I am learning to hear from God again, something that I have just flat out missed. I look forward to the time I get to spend in the Word again and the the things the Lord are showing me through that time. I will be posting some of the things I learn on here.
Photo Project #1
So after I decided I wanted to do the 50 photography projects I finally have a couple ready for a post. About 2 months after I did the shoot I finally got two of the ones I actually liked edited. The day I took the pictures it was freezing outside. I need to find a better time to try and take them because Saturday mornings here are just flat out crazy. I am still creating a list of locations I want to go shoot, so I guess you can say that Project #1 will be on going for a while.
Here are the two I took on February 18th:
Both were taken at a church in downtown Billings. I had originally planned on taking some of a very detailed church close to this one- but the day that I went there a funeral was going on, and out of respect I figured I could find a different church to take pictures of that day.
The good news is it is finally starting to look like Spring so I will be able to be outside so much more.
Here are the two I took on February 18th:
Both were taken at a church in downtown Billings. I had originally planned on taking some of a very detailed church close to this one- but the day that I went there a funeral was going on, and out of respect I figured I could find a different church to take pictures of that day.
The good news is it is finally starting to look like Spring so I will be able to be outside so much more.
2/14/11
50 Photography Projects
Happy Valentines Day!
Feb 14, 2011
So I haven’t been all that dedicated to blogging on here. I am going to be changing that quite a bit. I want to incorporate some of my photography so I decided to start an (almost) year long photography project series. The idea came from a Lee Frost book, 50 Photo Projects. I am wanting to get a better understanding of using my camera and getting some fun new pictures. I think having a weekly project/goal will give something to be creative with and make me get out of my comfort zone. It will also give me an opportunity to blog each week (at least once). This way I will also figure out what lens I want to get. Every week I am going to read and used the ideas from the book to go out and take some pictures of something new.
This week I’m starting out with Architecture with Attitude.
The first thing I’m going to be looking for is a local place that I will be able to find some new and interesting shots. I’m thinking I will be mainly looking in downtown Billings or maybe even heading out to Laurel and trying to find some out there. I know that there should be some cool architecture downtown. Even if it isn’t that modern, there should be some cool opportunities. The hardest part with this is having daylight to shoot this. I work a 8-5 so I think these projects will be easier once the spring comes and the days get longer but in the mean-time hopefully I have some good light on weekends so I can do some cool shots. Although in the book he suggests that for this first project, a lot of buildings look best right after the sun goes down, so I may be in luck.
Off we go…
*Disclaimer- Amazon did not ask me to link to them nor did Lee Frost or his publisher ask me to suggest the book~ I just think its a good/fun project :)
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