"breathe it in"

I had the opportunity to photograph my friend Danny's CD release concert last Sunday night. His new album, "Breathe It In," is definitely worth a listen!

Here are a few highlights from the concert...










My favorite song on Danny's new release is the one he wrote for Rayna, one of the best mommies I know...

"If Ever You Worshipped"

It wasn't that long ago
You were a girl all alone
There was no way to know
How soon you'd have kids of your own

Now you're the first one awake
And the last one asleep
Cleaning and making your plans
And there are days when it feels
Like there's no time to pray
You wonder if God understands

But if ever you've worshipped, it's now
If ever you kept your vow
You may not understand how
But if ever you worshipped, it's now

The memory of leaves in the fall
Walking through canyons so tall
God was so close in it all
Now your chance to worship seems small

You're the first one to taste
But the last one to eat
When everyone goes their own way
And it's your name that's called
In the deep of the night
One more hour of sleep floats away

But if ever you've worshipped, it's now
If ever you kept your vow
You may not understand how
But if ever you worshipped, it's now

Every shirt that you fold
Every nose that you blow
Is a gift to the Father above
Every lunch that is made
Every game that is played
Is an offering of love

And if ever you've worshipped, it's now
If ever you kept your vow
You may not understand how
But if ever you worshipped, it's now

santa barbara

a lesson in contentment...

No photos this time... the only picture I have is a mental image that I hope will stay with me forever...

While I was in Santa Barbara last weekend, the Lord taught me a powerful lesson about contentment... En route to my hotel one evening, I encountered several homeless men lining State Street. I began to feel a bit guilty as I passed by them while sipping my chai latte, and I made a mental note to "do something next time" to reach out in Christ's love.

My opportunity came the following evening. I had seen another homeless man on my way to dinner and decided to bring him some food...

"Sir, are you hungry?" I asked as I approached him. "I brought you some dinner."

"Well, not right now," he responded. "But I could save this for later, when I wake up around 4am." And he put the white styrofoam container into the grocery cart beside him.

I walked away with tears in my eyes.

How often do I eat just because I can, and not because I'm really hungry? Here was a man truly in need, yet he displayed more contentment in that one moment than I likely exhibit on a regular basis.

Wow.

Lord, teach me, that I may be able to say along with Paul, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12)

heaven's gain

Earth is grieving today...

We are celebrating that you're finally home, Sheryl.... finally free from the cancer that so quickly ravaged your earthly body.

But our hearts will ache for a while.... perhaps a long while. Your absence is leaving an irreplaceable void on this earth.




You're one of God's most special creations. Do you think He's allowed to have favorites? If so, I'm sure you're one of them. You're certainly one of mine.

Remember our last lunch together? I felt badly that you had to put on your "counselor hat" that day. "Not counselor," you said. "Friend."

Thanks, Friend.... for nearly ten years, I've enjoyed the journey with you. You've listened well, loved well, encouraged well, counseled well, and spoken truth well. You've left your imprint on hundreds of lives now scattered around the globe.

I still can't quite fathom that you're "there" and not "here." But I can only imagine the "welcome home" party that must have been thrown on your behalf.... because our loss is truly heaven's gain. I bet you're already scouting out the best places to hike in heaven. Find a good trail, OK? I'll look forward to joining you when I get there!

So, dear Friend, we certainly grieve your loss. But we do not grieve without hope. And that hope allows us to rejoice in your complete and final healing.

I've asked the Lord to whisper to your heart what my heart is wanting to communicate to you right now... the words I would have spoken to you had I been given the opportunity...... and I trust He will.

Just know that I'll be looking for you when it's my turn to join you in heaven. I can't wait to hug your neck!!

You've finished strong, dear sister. I can only imagine that when you met the Lord face to face, He must have said to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

the struggle for spring

We woke up yesterday morning, on Easter Sunday, to a frosty "Narnialand!"

It was actually really beautiful... the city was adorned with sparkling white branches, leaves, and blades of grass... almost as though the Lord was reminding us that no matter what the calendar may say, He is in control of all creation!

And as I observed the little shoots of spring fighting for their existence under the persistence of the frost, it caused me to wonder..... how often do I ask the Lord to hurry up and bring me into the next "season" of my life? Sometimes I feel as though I'm in the midst of my own personal "struggle for spring". The winter season can tend to feel long.... and bitterly cold.... and barren... and I grow tired of waiting more quickly than I'd like to admit.

I long for new growth. But in my desire to grow, I often resent the frost.

So thanks for the visual aide, Lord. Thanks for the frost, reminding me that You are the creator and the author of every season of life.

texas wildflowers!

I had the privilege of spending some time in Texas last weekend with my brother and sister-in-law. I was so excited that the wildflowers were beginning to make an appearance while I was in town!

And yes, Kristen, I really did pull over on the side of the highway to take these photos! It was well worth it...