Day 24: 365 Project

"Bringing Hope"

Another picture from my foggy day photoshoot yesterday. This one is Sam's favorite of the bunch. I hope you like it too! :)

Day 10: 365 Project

and the Light overcame the darkness

"The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." - John 1:5

Just to let you know, this picture wasn't taken today. In my 365 folder on my desktop, I have an extras folder inside that holds pictures that I take randomly to use on days I don't get the opportunity to take a picture. And yes, you just got a sneak peak at how freakishly organized my computer is. Don't be alarmed!

Anyway, I love candles. They're all over my apartment. This particular candle was used in the wedding proposal process! Therefore, it's extra special. 

I also just really like this picture. I love how dark it is, but the light from the fire brings about such brightness in this photo. I think this is a wonderful way to remember how even in the darkest of times, having faith in Jesus Christ can bring the light that nothing else can. That's especially what I need to remember, especially now when I'm trying figure out what I'm supposed to do with my life since graduating. I was turned down from the job I really wanted because I didn't meet all the requirements, but I'm trying to remind myself that God has a plan for me and I just need to give it to him fully. If he didn't want me there, then I don't want to be there.

The Jan. 2 chapter in Oswald Chamber's book, "My Utmost for His Highest," really spoke to me and I see it being the chapter I continually go to throughout the year for reminders to trust God. It says, "The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to 'go out' in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely." I challenge you to remind yourself of this because I think it's a key component of a Christian's life that's often looked over. 

Another great thing to remember is: "Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is!" I've never thought about it this way before! Not only is God the same throughout time, but he's got your back! Worrying gets you nowhere and who are we to worry about what the Creator of the world is doing with our lives? He has it all under control. Of course we can't go worry-free, that's just a part of human nature, but that doesn't mean it's necessary, so every time you worry about something (large or small) be comforted in knowing that Christ knows what he's doing.

Wow. That turned out to be a lot longer than expected, but it's just something that's been on my heart a lot lately. Hope it encourages you as much as it's encouraged me!

In need of a major rejuvenation

Have you ever had a place literally take your breath away? I don't find it happening to me very often, or ever really, but it has happened.

These are the places that I want to go when I want to get away. When I need to replenish my soul. That may sound cheesy, but it couldn't be more true.

I'd venture to say one of the more obvious places is Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Mostly because that place holds a good portion of my heart, but also because it's simply a beautiful place with beautiful people. Now, this isn't one of those places that I can just jump in the car and get to in a few hours, but the memories always make feel better. This place changed my life, which is another blog for another time.

The following pictures were while on Sugarloaf in Brazil.

Another place, is the beach. Really, any beach will do. It's the ocean that I love. Not even swimming in it, because I don't like swimming in the ocean. It's just peaceful. I love the sound of the waves as they crash against the shore. I love the sand in between my toes. I love walking along the beach... not to sound like a lame classified advertisement.

There's just something about staring out into the ocean that brings me peace. It's just amazing God's creation. It's hard to describe. Now enjoy some more loveliness:

Then there's those times when I wish I were a bird and could just fly!

Finally, there's a place where I can say "this place took my breath away." It was so wonderful, in its entirety. A picture won't do it justice but I'll share anyway.

Know where it is yet?

Yup, Yosemite.
Yosemite is filled with amazing sites, but this is the one place that I just loved.
Now, I couldn't tell you where exactly in Yosemite, because I don't remember. What I do remember is that to get to this, you had to walk down and around this walkway and looking between two trees was this huge green meadow, mountains, a waterfall, several trees and a deer eating. It was if this moment was made for me. I can't explain it. Writing this, it reminds me of an excerpt I love from a book called "Captivating" written by John and Stasi Elderedge. I know it's long, but it's beautiful and the best way to describe my thoughts on this.

"Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying tress, lush gardens, and fierce devotion. This romancing is immensely personal. It will be as if it has been scripted for your heart. He knows what takes your breath away, knows what makes your heart beat faster. We have missed many of his notes simply because we shut out hearts down in order to ...endure the pain of life. Now, in our healing journey, we must open our hearts again, and keep them open. Not foolishly, not to anyone and anything. But yes, we must choose to open our hearts again so that we might hear His whispers receive His kisses."

I thank God for these places and that He gave me the chance to experience them. I hope I get to do so again several times in the future.

With that said, I could really use a rejuvenation. Just a day away from this place. Any of these places will do, really. Just me, my camera, the world God created and probably Sam too. :)


Now I'm interested in where you go and what you do to rejuvenate. Leave what you have to say in the comments because I'd love to know.