"Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert."
~ Isaiah 43:19
A quick side note before we begin. Two weeks ago, I was informed by a marketing/PR expert that I was no longer to use stock photos... no, not ever.
Real photos only.
I often enjoy that matching process of the kernel of an idea with someone else's art. However, the masters are the masters for a reason, so I defer to his greater wisdom and experience.
That being the case, you will now get to experience a new and different side of me.
I love photography.
More often than not, I keep it to myself. But I love it. I'm not sure I have any idea what I'm doing, but there is joy for me behind the lens.
Hopefully the pairings won't be too abstract given the library of images thus available to me, and hopefully too you will enjoy catching a glimpse of another way I see the world as together we explore the ways you see and expand your own.
Interestingly enough, the week before I received that mandate was only the third time I had ever used a photo of my own. The random half blue house in Montana.
God's confirmation? Perhaps. 🤍
So, there it is. And, with that... Onward!!
~ ~ ~
Of late, one of my common salutations has been, I hope you're enjoying the waning days of summer... because they are waning and I do hope. But, it really brings present for me that we're in something of a bridge time. Limbo, perhaps.
I suspect there isn't any moment in the course of a lifetime that we aren't in limbo in some area of life. Don't you think?
If our family life is solid, perhaps a job is in transition.
If a career path is solid, then maybe a child is off to college.
Several elements of life in the realm of stability, while several others seem to be wandering in search of some sense of found-ness, others yet somewhere in between.
It's so interesting, isn't it?
One of the few certainties in life is change. Every single element of us, our lives, the people in our lives, the facets of our lives, everything changes. Whether by small or large measure, things are constantly changing, yet we resist... often fiercely.
One would think humans would get really good at the whole change thing. And I suppose some people do, but by and large there seems to be a mass strategy of avoid and ignore.
What if we considered mastery?
What if we considered getting really really good at observing, traversing, and maybe even leveraging change?
It's going to happen. Why be "surprised" and steamrolled by it at every turn?
Here we go again with getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. There's such power there.
The seasons change. In spring the flowers bloom. In autumn, mountainsides are swathed in gold. In winter, pine needles dazzle adorned with glistening ice and snow. There's merit to each transition and in each place we stand.
What if we became treasure hunters for the gifts?
Having traveled some challenging seasons, I can attest that if we're willing to seek, there's beauty even in the hard times. So often, we look back and find it. But, what if we were willing to seek and find in the here and now, willing to find the presents in the present, so to speak?
Not only do I believe those gifts are there and can be authentically felt and known, I suspect that the seeking, finding, and relishing strengthen something within our hearts, minds, and souls that make the Father smile.
Up to you what you choose to do, this is just my 2¢... Take it or leave it. But, I'd love to see you find the presence of mind to tap into the power of walking with the Trinity to own and leverage all kinds of change, and I'd love to hear all about how it goes.
Abba,
Thank You.
We know You work all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. We know that's true even, and perhaps especially in the times of trial. And, we thank You for walking with us through it all.
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing the person reading these words, and all of Your children, with a gift to be observers, travelers, and masters at leveraging all manner of change and transition as various seasons shift in various areas of life.
May they be ever-blessed in their journey with You and their journey in the world.
All this we pray in the name of Your Son, Yeshua.
Amen.
"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out." ~ Proverbs 18:15
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." ~ Philippians 4:6-7
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
P.S. God is so good in so many ways, even the little things. I've never heard this song before today. When I finished writing, I went looking for something that would work well and the first thing I found was this perfect gem.
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
********************* Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture citations are sourced from The Holy Bible, Study Bible, BSB
Copyright ©2016, 2018 by Bible Hub
Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
*********************