A BIG "ASK" {For the Love}

Wow... personal blogging has fallen by the wayside lately. I could say that this is not entirely a bad thing because it means I've had lots of photography work to keep me busy and just shows how God is continuing to bless and grow my photography endeavors. I am so thankful for the ability to actually work whenever I want and actually supplement our finances by doing something I am passionate about. I will say however, that a couple of weeks ago, some serious burn-out was going on with everyone in this household. We've been blessed beyond measure this past year, but those blessings did not come without their fair share of frustrations, disappointments, and heartbreaks. Over the past few months we have really begun to feel the effects of too much work, too many frustrations and too many heartaches. Finally, after getting through a very busy time at the church and serious illness in our household we knew we needed to take a break. So, Jimmy and I sent Declan to my parents house (where he could get a much needed break from Mama and Daddy) and we drove on down to Asheville (where we could get a much needed break from life as we were living it)! Wow, did the Father ever bless us with some mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional refreshement! It was a miricle that we could have the time off (thanks to some well deserved comp. days), that we could afford to go (thanks to minister's retreat rates at Camp Ridgecrest), and that we could spend time together as just a couple (thanks to my wonderfully giving parents). We had many wonderful experiences, but none quite as refreshing as our 3 1/2 mile hike through the mountains! God not only gave Jimmy and I some time to really reconnect with each other, but he also really spoke to me intimately and reaffirmed a message he has been giving to me for some time now. Over the past few weeks, through group Bible study, sermon series, and personal devotion, God has really driven into my heart a reoccurring message... that HE has great plans for my life and I am not allowing him to accomplish anything by drudging through the day-to-day. It is time to seek HIS face and to ASK HIM to do mighty and powerful things in me and through me... whether those things be simply in my marriage, or as a mother, or as a minister! This verse has been revealed to me by the Spirit over and over again over the past few weeks...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. " Jeremiah 29:11-13

All I have to do is look... all I have to do is ASK! There are many areas of my life where I've been afraid to seek wholeheartedly and ask boldly... but things have got to change. So, where is all this going... well, I want to share with you one BIG ASK (among many) that I feel is very important. It is extremely difficult for me to do this because it feels so selfish, but I know it is necessary. There is an AMAZING retreat taking place this year for Christian photographers. It is called "For the LOVE" and it is going to be an amazing time for photographers to retreat, to fellowship together, and to seek God wholeheartedly for His desire for our lives and our photography endeavors. I truly feel that this is something I could benefit from in so very many ways, so I am asking God to open the doors for me to be able to go. I have even entered a contest for a scholarship to go. So, I'm asking you to please join with me in prayer that God would make a way for me to experience this awesome opportunity. Whether I will get to go or not, I know that God can do great things simply by the process of our asking and seeking together. So, I'll end with this...

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20



... and because no post is complete without photos... here are a few from our trip to Asheville....