This week has worn me completely out and it is only Tuesday. I feel like I could just sleep the rest of the week but that would probably not be the best decision so I am thankful that throughout everything, God is strong when I am weak. I am also thankful (SO thankful) for my husband. He really is there for me when I need him (which is always…I always need him).
I have been feeling very defeated lately. The enemy has been trying to steal my joy and lately this jumbled up world has been making it easy for him. Yesterday was a particularly frustrating day and I decided to take a moment and edit a couple photos. Photography is like medicine to my soul, focusing me on other things besides my problems. Something that effected me even more this time is, after editing 2 photos and texting them to my husband, he replied in such an uplifting way. He was so proud of me and excited that I was working on my photos. He told me he almost got choked up at work because he thinks I really have a gift and he really likes to see me using it.
Now there are some things going on lately that are obstacles for us and I have been trying to stay positive and focus on the bigger picture, the end result, the promises God has for me, but sometimes it is just plain hard. Reading His word and praising Him in song help. Praying helps. God is holding me and whispering to me every day that He loves me, He’s in control, and He will fulfill what He has promised. Even so, we as humans really rely a lot on affirmation from others, encouragement from others, someone else saying God will never let you down. We know He won’t leave us, we know He loves us more than we can imagine but just like children who need reminded of what is right and good, we need others telling us the truths of God, strengthening our faith with their encouragement and their testimonies. I have been encouraged by others stories, by songs and scripture, but when my husband, my sister, or friend tell me that I have a gift, that I should share it with the world and that they themselves like my work…I cannot help but feel blessed and redirected. They remind me to focus on the good and that while I am waiting for certain things in my life, I can use my talents for God’s glory.
When we are waiting, when we are facing uncertainty, God is there and He is working and He wants us to do our part to use our time wisely while we are waiting. He is expecting us to spread the joy of knowing Jesus to everyone we know. He is expecting us to still remain joyful no matter our circumstances because we have hope in Him and because we cannot win over the hearts of men by acting hopeless and unhappy. We have to be a beacon of light to a dark world. We must remember to rejoice for the blessings we have and show others that God is faithful, He is for us, and nothing can come against us. This morning, as I reflect on the past few days, past few weeks, I am reminded of the words of my husband. I’m reminded that he loves me, is proud of me, wants to help me, and is there for me. I am constantly blown away by how much my husband loves me. How much more still does God love me? We should be constantly in awe of His grace, mercy, and love.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:4-7
Click the link if you would like to see the 2 photos I edited yesterday and if you would like to purchase one please let me know!
A View of Life Through an Amber Lense 
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