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Where does my Journey Lead?

“And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”” ~ Mark 9:23-24 (ESV)

Over the last couple of Sundays I have shared with you part of my resent journey. Today, a day before my ‘big’ birthday, I am wondering ‘where does my journey lead?’. One thing I know for sure; one day I will see my Savior face-to-face.

But what until then? Will I have to work in accounting until I retire? I pray not; it has been 30 years. Oh, how I pray the Lord will allow me to use my photography professionally. But then again can a 50-year-old , plagued with arthritis in her knee and hands, change carriers?

Too often I feel like the father who had a son with an unclean spirit (getting discouraged because things don’t work out). The father came to Jesus’ disciples to have the unclean spirit cast out of his son (Mark 9:14-29). However, Jesus’ disciples were unable to get rid of the unclean spirit. The father ask Jesus if He could help. I love Jesus’ answer “All Things are possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23).

Why is so hard for me at times to believe God with the day-to-day stuff. I am trusting God with my salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, so why not with the rest of my earthly life? I wish that God uses me to make a difference this side of heaven. I only can do that though if I lay down everything, my dreams included, at the foot of the cross and let Him reign completely. Even when life does not make sense to me, I need to trust that He does use me for His glory.

Lord of my salvation, thank You for Your gift of Your precious son. You know my failures, but still love me despite of them. You know my passions and dreams, use them for Your Glory. Lord, like the father of the son with an unclean spirit “I believe, help my unbelief”. I am trusting You for this journey until life eternal. In Jesus’ precious name – Amen.

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September 2010 ~ Giveaway #3

***Comments are now closed – winner announced on 9/27/10***

This week I thought I will give something away that you cannot buy (at least not yet). You might remember that I produced some postcards with 5 of my photographs I took this year at the Desert Botanical Garden.

White Calla LilyYou can see all five images on my Flickr page to get an idea on what they look like. They will ship directly from Moo.Com. I really like Moo’s print quality; they also created my portrait business cards. I wish Moo would print larger photographs, but they have specialized in postcards, cards, and business cards.

I was really excited when I got my postcards (I had a couple tears in my eyes); the colors are just amazing. I like to use mine to send off to friends; as a note of encouragement.

I also added a Scripture line on the back of the card: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:7 (ESV)…

So, if you would like something unique, this giveaway is for you. Like I said, you cannot buy the postcards anywhere. How to sign-up for this week’s giveaway? Simple; just leave a comment with a valid email address so I can contact you to get your snail-mail address.

Also, last week’s winner of Elaine Olsen’s book “Peace for the Journey” is (drum-roll): Denise from Shortybear’s Place. Congratulations Denise.

Thank you for stopping in today and celebrating my 50th birthday with me this month.

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The Journey Continues

“Change is not only a part of life; change is a necessary part of God’s strategy. To use us to change the world , he alters our assignments”. ~ Max Lucado (Fearless)

Walking the desertLast week I shared with you on how God has been breaking down denominational walls in my life. I believe that God, over the past 6 months, has been opening my eyes to others faith. I am not saying that I agree with the statement “many roads lead to heaven” (Jesus was pretty clear about it in John 14:6). I believe that we first need to listen, have compassion, before God allows us to share the Good News.

Sometimes, we as Christians, condemn people before we understand their way of life. We assume a lot when we meet someone from the Middle East, or from India. The other day I watched an independent film about a woman from Syria moving to the US living the American dream. It was assumed (by her neighbors) that she was a Muslim. Come to find out she was not. Her statement: “We were a minority there, and we are a minority here”.

Sometimes we fall into the same trap as the religious leaders of Jesus’ days. We cross the street so we do not have to come in contact with people of other cultures or even faiths. Jesus was not like that at all. He recruited a tax collector (Matthew 10:1-3); He spoke to the woman at the well (John 4:1-45). He reached out to the ones hurting, no matter what their background was. Shouldn’t we do the same?

You may have noticed a new little button in my sidebar. As you know, photography is my passion and when I saw the website “Visual Peacemakers” I had to link up. I truly believe that visual peacemaking can be used to reach out. The website is for me a personal reminder to not cross the street when I see someone from a different culture, but to listen. And next time when I attend a cultural festival here in the valley I will see others not only through my lens, but through Jesus’ eyes.

Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for the journey You have put me on, helping me to understand what it means to be follower of Christ. Lord, I pray that You will continue to guide me, to reach out, to have compassion for all people. Show me Your way and stop me when again I want to do things my own way. I am trusting in Your mercy. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen

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September 2010 ~ Giveaway #2

***Comments are now closed – winner will be announced September 20th***

Last Monday I started my ‘Birthday-Celebration’. I know, I know, my birthday is still 2 weeks away, but instead of receiving gifts, I thought it would be fun to give them 🙂 …

This week I am giving away another marvelous book. This book is very precious for two reasons: 1) it is signed by the author; 2) Elaine is on a very tough journey right now but continues to encourage others to look to Him for peace.

Yes, this week I am giving away a copy of Elaine Olsen’s book “Peace for the Journey“. I think that we all need a little daily peace these days. You just have to turn on the news to see what I mean (I guess that is why I avoid news altogether).

I just started working through Elaine’s book, but I know that this book will help me find the peace that is not of this world. The first chapter is titled “Peace in the Pardon”. Elaine talks about more in depth what grace means and why it may be tough for people to receive it as a gift.

I really enjoy working through “A Further Pause” at the end of each devotion. Elaine encourages with Scripture passages to explore the topic and answer the questions. What a wonderful way to start or end your day; sitting at His feet 🙂 …

What do you need to do to enter the giveaway? Not much, just leave a comment below and I will draw a winner next week. This giveaway is open until Sunday, September 19th.

The winner from last week’s giveaway is (drum-roll): Laurie Adams from “Women Taking A Stand“.

Have a blessed day and week…See you soon.