Under Construction

I bought a new camera for my trip to Siegen, Germany…in two days. Holy cow.  I like camera’s, and I like photography. I want to learn more about both, and be a better photographer.  After trips I always find myself looking at my pictures thinking of what I should have done differently, or taken more of that, less of this, or why did I NOT take a picture of that?!  Save for a few pictures that turn out pretty good, I never seem to take the time I want/need while in the moment of snapping. Anyway, note to self: pay more attention to what you’re doing!  I plan on having some good pictures to post upon my return. Casey, I’ve got a ways to go before I catch up to your skill!  Lord willing I will be posting some things whie on my trip, so please check here the next two weeks.  I’m quite certain I will be bringing my laptop and having wireless where we’re staying. *crosses fingers*

Besides cameras that capture God’s beauty, and Germany, the country and people I fell in love with last year, another of my favorite things: friends.

I am more than blessed with each friend the Lord has graciously brought into my life.  I am blessed to be going to Germany with some of them, and will miss terribly those I leave behind.  What a wonderful thing to love and to be loved, to miss and to be missed…”the greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love, and be loved in return.” Thank you, Moulin Rouge. Even Hollywood gets some things right. 

Family.  Both the family God chose me to be a part of, and all those in His family.  I am going across the earth on Sunday, meeting people for the first time, and without doubt I know we will be instantly connected by the Spirit of God within us.  What a glorious thing! Family everywhere!  To know I have had, do have, and will have the prayer and support of my family means more to me than I can express.  That goes for both families.

Jesus. By FAR my FAVORITE thing.  The One who holds the earth in His hands, holds my heart also. The One who reigns in glory in heaven loved me to the point of leaving all that behind, not just to come to a tainted and sinful world, but to die a guilty man’s death though being innocent.  He came for me.  He died for me.  He lives for me.  I live for Him.  Joel Houston in his song “The Stand” writes it ever so beautifully.  “So what can I say?  What can I do? But offer this heart, oh God, completely to You.  So I’ll stand, with arms high, and heart abandoned, in awe of the One who gave it all.  I’ll stand, my soul, Lord to You surrendered all I am is Yours.” 

I have more favorite things, but this will suffice for now.  I leave you with the lyrics to “The Stand.”  May our life declare His.

You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
And what could I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all
I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours