is it enough?

A few months ago, we went down to Montana for a quick get-away.  Very fun, beautiful, relaxing, fulfilling (shopping and all!).  While we were down there, we saw this old Ford F-700 that I VERY much liked.  Ever since we laid eyes on it, I've been trying to think of creative ways we could justify buying it...business ideas, to everyday usage (ha!)...suggestions anyone?!

Not just about this truck, but with other "things".  We have these perpetual thoughts, "If we had/knew this...", "If we could just...", and we continually look for what is about to happen.  Don't get me wrong, dreaming is what sometimes keeps me sane, but yearning to be anywhere but the present is what merits a negative perspective on life.  And really, it's not a  new message.  I've heard it from so many different sources said in so many different ways... "Carpe Diem-Sieze the Day", "Live now...", "The present is a gift", etc, etc, etc.  So, why/how do we always get back to the cycle of thinking if  (1) we know the answers or (2) have at least gotten these empathetic phrases from past thinkers who have contemplated these very same things?

Maybe I'm digging a whole lot deeper and going on a curved tangent from the simple dream of wanting to own this truck, but it has really got me thinking about what I REALLY want.  Where I want to see my life.  How I should be spending my time now.  Am I living freely...satisfied...bound to my Savior's grace?

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.  I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-14 

As a heart-cry, I ask God to continually remind me of all that He has done for me ... sending us His Son Jesus, His Spirit as our Comforter, giving us grace so freely, all so that I will not be in want.

All so that I may be satisfied in knowing Him and wanting nothing more than to learn more of who He is.


pic pix: FORD F700, Whitefish, MT, April.2011

it "works"

Years ago, my Mom gave me some useful advise that I've used for nearly EVERYTHING!  When it comes to shopping or designing, I've heard her voice in my head, countless times quoting the same few words.  I've even repeated her advice back to her when she's asked the questions, "Does this suit me?", "Will this go with my style?!".  Her wisdom ...

As long as you love it, it's going to work.   

A simple logic and great reminder for me never to get away from the basics of who I am or what I see beauty in.  Maybe the first time she spoke the words, she didn't intend for me to take it to heart in ALL areas of my creative perspectives ... but I have.

Again, as any time I think deeply about inspiration, creation, or beauty my thoughts are turned to our Creator, God.  My God loves everything that is in existence around us, regardless of it's flaws, nics, or scratches.  And somehow, and in someway, if you take a look around, all that has been created just seems to "work" together.

There is not one shade of green that is exactly the same if you look at a mountainside pixeled with trees.  The fact that combinations of different instruments can make many stylings of music that soothe and sing to us.  When words and textures that have never been integrated together are mixed and produced, some label the phenomenon as "original" with an instantaneous appreciation.  An instance where two opposite personalities attract, that make for a successful marriage...wonderful parents...

How does it all work together when it's not perfect or matching?  Simply ... because of His love for us.

    pic pix: 2 of my favorite things - peonies & paper - that "work"!  Jun.2011

his image.wonderful

wonderful : full of wonder
inspiring delight : delightful inspiration

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.
He causes us to remember his wonderful works.
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
Psalm 111:3-4

 

 pic pix: colorful, intricate bark, Whitefish, Montana, April.2011

run hard

There are clubs you can't belong to
Neighborhoods you can't live in
Schools you can't get in to
But the roads are always open.
Just do it.

This is a Nike poster I've been holding onto for years.  I took it off the wall after it had ripped and was looking rather tattered (even after taping it over and over!) … but still, have not been able to throw it away.  I got it from a flea market when I was 9 years old.  Definitely the era when I "had" to have posters up on my wall.  At that point, I thought I was going to make it to the Olympics as a 100m runner.  A-N-Y-thing, may I repeat, A-N-Y-thing to do with running … I was drawn to.  Funny, now I try to picture a 9 year old having the desire to be a runner, and cannot imagine how obsessed I must have seemed! 

Now, facing realities, I find that too often I put limitations on myself for what I CAN actually do. Somewhat like what that prose talks about "...clubs you can't belong to ... schools you can't get in to ...".  No, I will never be an Olympic short distance sprinter (surprise Sarah!), but who says I can't run?!  And run hard as if I were?!  Even the Bible talks about giving running in our race of faith, not expecting to win, but running as if you would anyway ... with your ALL!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? 

Run in such a way as to get the prize. 

1 Corinthians 9:24

Today, I will take on the day ... grabbing hold of the desires that have been placed in me.  Being obedient to that which I know God has given me a heart to do.  Why wait any longer?!

The roads are always open.


pic pix:  my favorite poster, Jun.2011

his image.awesome

 

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
      He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
 for through him God created everything
      in the heavenly realms and on earth.
   He made the things we can see
      and the things we can’t see—
   such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
      Everything was created through him and for him.

Colossians 1:15-16

pic pix: above Spray Lakes, Canmore, Alberta, Jul.2010

his image.joy

 

 This day was THE happiest day of my life!!  There was so much promise fulfilled 

as God shared His pure JOY with us ...

pic pix:  picture courtesy of Perspective Eye Photography - "our happy day" - see some more of our wedding pictures here, 19.Feb.2011

his image.love

The book I was looking at had pages filled with images taken from the HubbleSite...a fascinating space telescope.  Picture after picture, the stars, planets, and funny-formed gases held new wonder and intrigue.  As a coffee table book, there were captions and quotes that expressed, awed at, and pointed to the amazing creation within.  Flipping through the pages, I couldn't help but be drawn to the question this verse asked:

With whom then, will you compare God?  To what image will you liken Him?
Isaiah 40:18

 

I am all about documenting the moment.  Usually, I remember special moments with the perspective I had when capturing the image.  Even for our wedding, I had to really study the photographer's viewpoint before it felt like the event really took place(!).  Images speak to me, teach me, and help me remember.  But when I ask myself about the Creator of it all ... how can an image(s) begin to render the Great YAHWEH?  The One who brings into existence whatever exists.  What do YOU liken Him to?

 

 Beginning with this image, starts a series of depictions that remind me of special moments when God has revealed a side of Himself to me. 

pic pix: God's pure love...for everyone, Llano Bonito, Panama, Feb.09