Aletheia; The Truth will set You Free

You were made in His image.
& so was I.
Even though we look a little different
on the outside.
It only took me a minute.
to see your soul
The joy & love abounding
couldn't be controlled.
That's when it hit me...
I don't know how you can have the faith.
I don't know how you get through
the day.
What I know is His love is in you...
& you're teaching me to love Him too..
                                        
Page one was perfection.
Page two the fall.
The rest of the book revealed to us Your plan to fix it all.
In Love You came to be
You lived and died to set me free.. from the man I used to be....
In faith I'll take a stand,
with a broken heart I'll praise You...
with a broken heart I will give You all I am...
                                       I am the Lord Your God. you're My beloved Child. I will keep you, I will hold you through the night.
I will love you, I will lead you to the light. We've been here so many times...
This place where you start doubting My Holy Word
But so many times I've proven to you that
My covenant is true. Your cry is always heard....
I WISH YOU COULD JUST TRUST ME AND BELIEVE THAT ALL MY WORK IS ONLY GOOD FOR YOU. 






Poor & feeble. Lost & torn.
My soul is drying out...
Life uncertain
with no reward...
Send your flood in this drought.
Will You do what You claim to, oh Lord?

I look at the flowers of the field. I look at the birds of the sky.

                                                   HOW MUCH MORE AM I TO YOU?


Whatever you are holding to.. I pray you can release it.
Whatever holds you back... I pray you break through it.
Whatever tells you, you can't.... I pray you say that you can.
Whatever tells you, you won't... I pray you that you I will.

I WILL TELL THE WORLD OF YOUR GREAT LOVE

All Lyrics by Aletheia

The Great Escape...even if its only 2 days...

After a rather hectic first week back to class, I thought what would be more fun than a road trip!? Although we're only traveling to Bridgewater... I am determined to have a relaxing weekend before REALLY gearing up for the last few months. Work is manageable at the moment, but I am sure before I know it will all begin to pile upon me and trips such as this one will probably be less doable. SO even though there is pending snow, we (as in the boy & I) are heading to VA this afternoon to visit my dear friend Bekah! Please pray for safe travel and a great weekend of fellowship. All I know is ....

This

+ This

= This.

                                                    Yes. A weekend getaway with 2 of my favorites. Stellar :).

"A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity." Prov 17:17

cali dreamin on such a winters day...

Today I am cold. VERY COLD. normally I really enjoy chilly weather... but not arctic circle weather...
Today I am dreaming of warm places. <3

Hope you are too <3

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.  

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
   like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
It rises at one end of the heavens
   and makes its circuit to the other;
   nothing is deprived of its warmth. Psalm 19: 5-6

my heart is open.. so take it: The Purpose Driven Life; week one

I decided I would post weekly regarding the PDL rather than daily. That way the whole week would be encompassing. Plus getting a week's worth of knowledge in one post seems far more invigorating :).

Ok so:

Day 2: You are No Accident

Point to Ponder: I am not an accident

Verse: "I am your Creator. You were in my care before you were born." Isaiah 44:2

Question to Consider: I know that God uniquely created me. What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

Day 3: What Drives Your Life?

Point to Ponder: Living on purpose is the path to peace

Verse: "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You." Isaiah 26:3

Question to Consider: What would my family and friends say is the driving force in my life? What do I want it to be?

Day 4: Made to Last Forever

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now

Verse: "This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever." 1 John 2: 17

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?

Day 5: Seeing Life from God's View

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust

Verse: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones." Luke 16:10

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted in me?

Day 6: Life is a Temporary Assignment

Point to Ponder: This world is not my home.

Verse: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2nd Corinthians 4:18

Question to Consider: How should the fact that life on earth is just a temporary assignment change the way I am living right now?

Day 7: The Reason for Everything

Point to Ponder: It's all for Him

Verse: "For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory." Romans 11:36

Question to Consider: Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God's glory?

 After spending time reading through each passage, I couldn't help but feel like God was asking a lot of me. I've often thought to myself I don't know if I can surrender every part of my life to Him... that would take too much trust... And besides its me, like what difference can I really make? I'm just as sinful as everyone that I long to reach, how can they look to me as a reflection of You?

Well. as the first entry said... its not about me. and its not about you. It's not about us at all. We were made to serve a purpose. The essence of ourselves, is to serve Him. The end. Through His grace, we are good enough. Through His strength, we are strong enough. And through His plan, we all have a purpose. Don't doubt yourself, don't give into the lies of the world. Most of all.. don't doubt Him. After all, He chose you. He chose me. I pray we can have open hearts to have our lives driven by His amazing purpose for us all.

never thought id say this... wedding(s) in my future? ;)

So. I've been doing some thinking, and everyone needs a plan B right? While I so desperately desire to be a photojournalist photographing particularly in third world nations, I need to also plan for what is within grasp as well. I am currently interning with Kimberly Brooke Green, an outstanding local wedding and lifestyle photographer. Through spending some time with her on location at a wedding as well as being recently asked to shoot an upcoming wedding this summer... I feel as though weddings/wedding photography may be a potential route of exploration? I also decided that if my dreams of being a photographer pan out to just be a dream thennn I can see myself being the designer who pulls together all of the visual elements for a wedding, aka, floral arrangements, decorations, name cards, place settings, etc. sooo perhaps weddings are in my future after all...

Below are some wedding photos I've come across that I think are just stellar. Trying to get some ideas.



 

And When did I forget?

i was made to love You
i was made to find You
i was made just for You
made to adore You
i was made to love
& be loved by You
You were here before me
You were waiting on me
& You said You'd keep me
never would You leave me
i was made to love
& be loved by You

We were made to LOVE.

The Purpose Driven Life; lets do this together.

Recently, I've been feeling very called to begin a devotional or something to sorta kick start my day. Allie lent me The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. The book is a guide to a 40 day spiritual journey that ultimately strives to help you discover what you are meant for in this life. He shares a point to ponder, a verse to remember and a question to consider. I thought I should share this with you as I go through each day so that you can also react to it and grow from it in the ways I hope to.


He opens with stating the Bible is very clear that God considers 40 days to be a spiritually significant time:
-Noah's life was transformed by 40 days of rain
-Moses was transformed by 40 days in Mount Sinai
-David was transformed by Goliath's 40 day challenge
-Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal
-The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after his resurrection

What stands out to me most here, is the idea of transformation. Just yesterday, our sermon discussed transformational growth. I find myself just at the tipping point of that journey. The one that stands out to me most is this:
-Jesus was empowered after 40 days in the wilderness

Empowerment. Boy, I could use some of that.

Day 1 Is titled, "It All Starts with God." - seems like a pretty legit place of origin... I love the first sentence: "It's not about you." Pretty sure this is going to be just what I needed. Once again, I find myself longing to disregard my own wants and desires in hopes of finding His for me.

Day One:

Point to Ponder: It's not about You.


Verse to Remember: For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and
invisible..everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him. Colossians 1: 16.

Question to Consider: In spite of all the advertising around you, how can you remind yourself that life is really about living for God?

No one said this would be easy. No one said I'll find all the answers. But I am simply asking for transformational growth over the next 40 days. Whatever that looks like. I pray to be molded, shaped & used... for something far beyond myself...

I am ready for a purpose driven life. Are you?

There is More Than Meets the Eye: The Inspiration. The Girls. The Vision.

I have been drawing much inspiration this fall from testimony. I feel that the power of testimony is one of THE most inspiring and genuine ways of witnessing God's great love. I have had the pleasure of getting to know SO many new faces this fall, with joining a new church and so forth. Due to the time in my life, I often compared myself to those around me, and often felt as though I wasn't "as good as, as talented as, as spiritual as, as pretty as (it could go on and on) ______." Essentially, in my weakness, I felt that I was in constant comparison with those around me. What is most exciting is that through that insecurity, I developed a desire for deeper exploration into others. I know for a fact many people often told me that they had perceived me as having it all together, when I absolutely didn't. I became very interested in finding out the potential stories of others. Now, this was no easy task. The girls I asked to be a part of my "vision," for the most part, I didn't know super well. In addition, I asked them to sorta share with me their stories...and in doing so... sorta share it with the world. It was a recipe for uncomfortable, but with God behind it all, it was anything but.....

Tiffany

I have known Tiffany for awhile now, but recently have been getting to know her on a more personal level. She is deff a fighter. She is someone who carries a lot on her shoulders, daily, but wants nothing more at the end of the day to make those around her happy, even if they don't realize it. She is an extremely talented hair stylist who recently got a job at a prestigious salon. My prayer for you babe is that you aren't too hard on yourself. Remember everyone has days that are less than what we hope. Keep searching. Don't doubt you. Keep looking for the good in others. It's your loveliest gift <3.

                                                                                                                                         

Elizabeth

Elizabeth is deff a new friend. Out of all the girls I prob know her the least well, but from the very short time I've been around her, it is obvious this girl is anything but ordinary. She is currently investing much time in auditioning for acting schools across the east coast and devotes large amounts of time to rehearsals, all the while preparing to graduate high school. Girlfriend, it was truly awesome getting a small peek into your goal driven life. My prayer for you is that you can keep your eyes on God through all of it. Keep giving up those big hopes to Him. His plan for you is one of greatness I believe. Thank you for sharing your dreams with me, and with the world. Go get em babe <3

Brooke

Although getting to know Brooke has been anything but typical, I can honestly say she has become someone quite dear to me. She is a freshman at what sounds to be one pretty awesome Christian College studying Ministry, has one of the most outstanding voices I've ever heard, & may just rival me in my undying love of Starbucks. Girlie, my prayer for you is that you continue to find YOU. I am certain that God has big plans for you, especially with that big voice. I hope that you continue to seek true friendships and that God will reveal to you all that you have to offer this world. <3

Jillian

Last, but certainly not least. Of all the girls, I've known Jillian the longest. But it's in the past few months out of the many years I've known her have I truly come to love her dearly. Jillian is finishing up her sophomore year, studying and teaching dance. She is a fabulous dancer. I was most proud of Jillian for being a part of this series. Babe, my prayer for you is that you spend this year investing in yourself. I truly hope that you will come to realize just how much you shine and better yet, just how much more you could. I hope that you will close a chapter in your life and look anxiously towards the next. You are stunning. When God closes one door, He opens another. My prayer baby girl is that you courageously walk through <3.

Girls, Thank you for you allowing me to be a part of what I feel is an experience I'll never forget. You all were very bold and trusting in sharing your stores with everyone and I think in doing so, you've touched and inspired those around you.

If you have not yet seen the series, I encourage you to look through each girls album on facebook and get to know their stories a little bit better.

As an artist, I am always trying to plan new ideas for projects. Although the "notes" I used for the series is not an entirely original idea, I truly want to start exploring ways in which I can make it unique and original. Getting ready to start my final semester of college (gahhhh!) I'm going to continue implementing this concept into my work. I have some new ideas of how I want to display the messages of others... I feel God is calling me to do this. And I can honestly say I am more than ready to see what He does through me. I think this is going to be big....

My hope in reading this is that you will contemplate YOUR story. If you had a message, what would it say? Remember, despite the circumstance, whether it is the greatest joy or the deepest pain, God uses our testimonies to help those around us. I encourage you to share. You may just find strength in those who are listening. <3

ah yes...

I literally just said yesterday I wanted to be able to just be a kid again....

Maybe you did too.....

frustration nation.

Tonight I find myself in a bit of a pickle. This week consisted of me running around like a wild woman. I began this new photo series which is I am so so proud of. However I am trying to knock it out in a week, which is exhausting. Applying for grad school has also been on the list. Everything for 3 of the schools is due on the 15th, and I'm still plugging through applications. I also quit my job... which was freeing yet at the same time a little concerning. And to top it all off, my week ended with the stomach flu. Not gonna lie... it's been horrible. If you know me at all, you know I'm not one to lie low... ever... and this illness has been a bit paralyzing. However, hopefully I'm on the mend. At least by tomorrow... I just have too much to do!

So. I find myself tonight with concern and a little bit of a heavy heart. I just am not sure whats going to happen this spring. As many of you know I don't own a professional camera... lol if you saw what I own, you would probably laugh. I have been blessed by my good friend, Chris, who has been so kind to let me use his digital camera through out this fall. I've been able to do so much through the use of his awesome camera, and I am truly blessed by his generous heart. Yet, obvi, I need my own... unfortunately that costs mucho $. And with quitting my job and getting ready to take on the 18 credit spring semester of senior year... that doesn't really leave much room for working or saving...

I'm simply frustrated. I know I need to get over it, but in honesty, there is just a lot of uncertainty in the coming months with finances and direction. I think may be the reason why I'm feeling this way is because I haven't really been prayerful. I've sorta let the hecticness of the new year and so forth sweep me away. I think I need to stop panicking and just be still. I am hoping I am well enough to get to church in the morning, as well as finish the 3rd person's, Elizabeth Anglin, pictures for my series.

If you are reading, I just simply ask you to pray for me tonight. Pray that I have peace about the coming months. Pray that God will provide for me financially....pray that this stomach bug HITS THE ROAD. sigh.

 You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life. - Joan Miro