Photo Art

I have been experimenting with photography. With today's technology you can take a horrible photo, and it make a piece of art. Here is some of my original work.



This was simple to make, and I like the final project.


Green is one of my favorite colors. I like this picture's intensity.



I absolutely love when my hair is long. This picture shows it off!




I know this picture is spooky, but I still like it for some odd reason.

Gaza

The nation of Israel is in turmoil once again. Even during the cease-fire tensions were mounting. I knew another clash was inevitable. I am praying for peace, and watching all the news I can. Personally, I believe Christians must be watchful. Israel is a key component of the end times. If there is war within that nation there is war in the heavenly realms as well. Please join me in prayer!! God loves Israel!

This Is Reality

For about 5 years now I have wanted to be a martyr. The majority of my Christian friends think me strange. Luckily, I am not alone. Some of my closest friends have the same desire.

Unfortunately, many Christians in America are deluded. We live in a democracy where some religious freedoms are available. We think these freedom will endure through every hardship. This is wishful thinking. It is much more likely that America will meet her end. If one looks at history one will notice that powerful and influential nations eventually lost their strength in war. I am not saying this will happen soon, but it will happen.

I looked at this ARTICLE, and shivered a bit. Apparently, church members were hacked to death with machetes. What a horrible way to die. I still long to serve God... even by my death. I don't want to die in a car accident, from some terminal disease, or natural causes. But, the prospect of dying such a vicious death still scares me. I need to realize such an experience will not be beautiful. It will be horrific and troubling. When Jesus went to the cross He suffered. He suffered physically and emotionally. We can't make the cross a piece of jewelry. We must embrace its reality and die daily!

I Should Do Something

I watched the movie Taken yesterday. This movie is about a man who decides to leave the life of an American spy to be closer to his daughter. His daughter wants to visit France, and the father reluctantly allows her. When she visits France she is taken by men who specialize in sex trafficking. After watching this movie I felt guilty of my inaction. Not only have I done nothing to end this injustice I also know very little about the subject. Watching Taken motivated me to learn and act.
This section in scripture has been in the back of my mind all month. Matt 25:34-46

Christmas 08

My family had Christmas early so we could celebrate it with my sister, her husband, and her four cute kids! It is easier to enjoy Christmas when you have four toddlers bouncing around. Here are some pictures of the event.



Great Grandpa surrounded by his three great grandboys!



Elias enjoyed cleaning up after everyone.



The three eldest decided to attack their dad. Isabel is making good use of the sleeping bag.



Lisa snuggling with baby John!

Ice Storm

An ice storm hit Fort Wayne. Trees are covered in ice, and fallen branches and limbs are everywhere. Two thirds of Fort Wayne was without power. Check out my plum!!! (Nickname for my purple car).

My Cute Roommate!!

Why buy toys when your kid can play with Tupperware!



Every baby has the messy, spaghetti photo.

Heart Torn

I attended the Desire More service tonight and my spirit wept. I had to ask God for the millionth time, "Am I suppose to move?" I have grown to love Fort Wayne and her people. IHOP Fort Wayne is a small, but dynamic group. God is moving amongst them, and it stirs my heart. I fear I might miss His move if I leave in a haste. They are having another 5 month Holy Revolution School this coming July. The same month I am setting out for Marion! The Holy Revolution School will call people to sacrifice everything just to seek God. I long to live in such abandonment. My heart is breaking. I will miss Fort Wayne. I will miss IHOP. I will miss The Point. I will miss my roommates. Please pray for me during this transition. I need to feel solid. I need to have the confidence that I am in God's will.

Another Publication

Taylor University has a publication called Calliope. It is a selection of student's works..poems, short stories... I just received a notice informing me my entry will be featured in the Fall 08 publication. As soon as I recieve my copy of Calliope I will share it on my blog. This is fun! I am currently working on two projects which I hope to also publish. Keep these works in your prayers. I want to glorify God in everything I do. I want to serve with excellence.

Turkey and Guilt

Thanksgiving causes guilt. I feel those extra pounds. Love handles are not lovely. When I notice my fat I have the motivation to run on the tread-mill. When I notice pumpkin pie cheesecake I have the motivation to EAT!
I showed little restraint this holiday, but it would be a tragedy to restrict my diet on Thanksgiving. Especially when my family tree is saturated with good cooks! The Sawyer family (my mother's side) is superb company. I haven't missed our traditional gathering once, and I don't ever intend to.

It was beneficial that I celebrated Thanksgiving this last week. Why? Because when I got home my little Nissan wouldn't start. I also discovered a 2,000 word term paper was due Monday! For some reason I thought I had one more week. I spent Saturday and Sunday in front of a computer screen. I actually enjoyed writing on the subject, but I know the quality will be poor. But, for a two day cram I am astonished that the paper was slightly cohesive! I need to continue to thank God in the midst of car trouble, homework cramming, and love handles!