Joyous Journeys

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Knowing Him

A dear friend asked me "how do people survive that don't know Him." Her question generated the following response:

I do not feel as sad about the ones who have never heard the plan of salvation as I do for the ones who have heard and have no relationship with Him. It amazes me - even in myself - how those of us who KNOW Him - really know Him - can draw close to Him during times of need and then walk away when things are "better."

Even as I reflect on my own life, I see how I have done that over the years. Ebbing back and forth in my closeness with Him like the waves on the beach. My prayer and desire is for those of us who follow Christ to have a close relationship with Him at all times - no matter what the circumstances - be it good times or bad.

In our human lives, true friendship exists through all circumstances. And for us, as believers, we must have that same type of friendship and relationship with Him no matter what the current "weather conditions."

Our closeness to God depends upon whether we choose to spend time with Him - or not. He is always the same. God is constant. He never moves. But we do.

Sharon Jaynes of Girlfriends In God put it this way: "Let's say that you met and married the man of your dreams, but soon after you walked the aisle and said "I do," you moved to Texas. He is still in North Carolina and you call him once a week to tell him what you need. Oh, let's say you call him on Sundays, except when you're too tired to pick up the phone. How much intimacy would you expect from such a union? How well would you know your man?"

Boy, that analogy sure hits the mark. Doesn't it? In plain English: How can we expect God to work on our behalf if we just tip our hat at Him by occasionally saying hello, stopping into church every now and then, and saying a prayer whenever we feel the need?

I challenge you, and I challenge myself, to get to really KNOW our living, loving Lord. We can do this by spending time with Him each day in prayer, reading the Bible and memorizing His Word. If we do this, I am as certain as the air that I breath that we will grow in ways we have never imagined.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Underwater Photoshoot

I absolutely LOVE this commercial.

He Has Everything Worked Out

These thoughts and verses leapt out at me during my devotion time today. I wanted to pass them along as an encouragement to you.

What lies ahead for us in 2011 is no surprise to God. With Him we are empowered to face each and every day with victory. Jer. 29:11, Prov. 3:5-6, Romans 8:31

Whatever you are hoping for, open your heart and expect that God is working on your behalf, right now. Believe God will come through for you. Stand strong and declare that the victory is yours, now! Let your words put action behind your “now” faith and receive His strength and power to see victory in every area of your life! Hebrews 11:1

No matter what you are going through, if you are seeking a personal relationship with Him daily, you can know that He has everything worked out for you.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Growth Through Storms

It would be just fine with me if I never had to go through another storm. However, God is more committed to my character than He is to my comfort. Every storm is an opportunity to grow in Christ and trust Him more. (Taken from Girlfriends In God)

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Choices

Every choice you and I will make this year ~ whether large or seemingly insignificant ~ will make a statement about our values and priorities. Our choices rise out of who we are, what we believe, and what or who we cherish. Join me in asking God for His vision for our lives. Let's cast away everything that doesn’t fit in with His plan.

(Paraphrased from LOL with God.)

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Christmas Lights of Charleston

Tonight I ventured out to see what lights might still be up. I found that many were still up but few were turned on. Some of the photos were taken here in my neighborhood, some in the Old Village Historic District of Mt. Pleasant and some in historic downtown Charleston.

I hope you enjoy viewing these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. Happy New Year!

Snowman at my neighbors house

Flamingos and Sago Palm in the Old Village

Old Village Fence Lights

I feel like Rhett Butler should be nearby this Old Village House.

Peering through the wrought iron fence in the Old Village

Just off East Bay in historic downtown Charleston

Two Meeting Street Inn

A house on Meeting Street

House on Meeting Street

House on corner of Meeting and Tradd Streets

In my neighborhood

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Lights on Sanibel

Here are some photos I took of Christmas lights on Sanibel tonight. Taking photos at night is new for me. I'm using the tripod that Santa brought me.

Thanks to professional photographer and friend Michelle Pearson for recommending a tripod to steady my camera for night shots. And thanks to Santa Mother and Daddy for buying it for me.