Archive for ‘Life’

April 5, 2011

New Growth

by brenda

Often I feel like I have to get rid of the old and dead in my life in order for the new to grow.

So I work hard at eliminating bad habits and wrong thinking and ugly attitudes.

After all, no new growth can come as long as I’m still struggling with the other stuff, right?

I wonder…

If I put as much energy in to nurturing the little bit of new and living that does exist in my life, will the old and dead just release its grip and fall away?

 

Textures used:
2 layers of Kim Klassen’s warm sun
and Shadowhouse Creation’s Aged Parchment

 

Linking up with…

Sweet Shot Daykimklassencafe

 

April 3, 2011

6 Word Story…a She Speaks Scholarship Opportunity

by brenda

She Reads is giving away a scholarship to She Speaks  2011.

How to enter?  Tell a story…in 6 words.  Like Hemingway…

FOR SALE. BABY SHOES. NEVER WORN.”

See?

So write your story on your blog or facebook or twitter, then post a link to it in a comment here.

My story?…

Betrayal’s casualty.  Almost.  Restored through forgiveness.

If I can do it, so can you. ;-)

 

January 12, 2011

Preparation…

by brenda

Christmas is over, the New Year is here, and I feel compelled to continue in whatever the Lord is doing with me.  I can’t say I understand it, or have any sort of vision, or even a longterm plan.  But He has already led me to some changes and I’m certain there are more to come.

Let’s just say I am in preparation mode.

I’ve already posted about the choice to eliminate sugar/sweet from my diet.  I have no doubt that is so my health can be prepared for what’s to come.

I’ve enjoyed computer and video games since…well…since being a teenager in the ’80s.  But I’ve been led lately to set them aside in preparation for whatever my Father has in store for me.

I’ve already done some decluttering so to speak…on my laptop…making more room for my photography.  I was able to upgrade to Photoshop CS5, I am signed up to take Kim Klassen’s Photoshop ~ The Essentials eCourse starting next week, I received a monopod and several photography books for Christmas from my family, and my wonderful husband found me an external hard drive for photo storage.  So I am prepared to advance my photography skills.

I’m also feeling led to put my house in order and establish an element of routine so that my home life is prepared. Not sure for what exactly…perhaps just for anything, really.

Uh, did I mention I have never…ever…been a particularly consistent or disciplined person?

The spirit is definitely willing, but the flesh is oh so weak.  Father, please help me in my weakness and prepare me for every good work.

~bek~

January 10, 2011

What I Learned About Shooting in the Cold

by brenda

Yesterday I went out to try and get some winter shots.  I mean, I’ve taken pictures in the winter of course, but I’d yet to get out and shoot with intention with my newly acquired knowledge.  We’d driven past a lake that had geese resting on it and I thought I’d go and see what I could see.

And…I learned a few things…

 

  • 28 degrees is actually pretty comfortable with a good coat and an extra pair of socks.  Next time I will add my long johns under my jeans.
  • Hoods are not conducive to photography.  Definitely need a beanie with earflaps.  Maybe something like this…Really warm looking beanie with earflaps.
  • Your fingers do get cold wearing fingerless gloves (duh).  I need a pair of convertibles like these…Fingerless gloves with handy mitten attachments.
  • Wind makes still shots difficult (duh again).  Waiting for the wind to stop is painful.
  • My 75-300 telephoto does not like the cold.  It got pretty sluggish while focusing.
  • And…as soon as you tuck your camera inside your coat to warm it up a bit, a woodpecker will land right in front of you and then fly away when you pull it back out again. =/

It’s supposed to snow tonight.  I sure hope so.  I’m dying to get some snow shots.

~bek~

December 31, 2010

A Yearly Theme

by brenda

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

I’ve never been very successful with New Year’s resolutions in the past, but I’m really wanting to approach 2011 with purpose and direction.

I’ve seen the idea of a having a single word for the year, but my desires seem much too broad for just one word.

I think I’ve found a good fit in the idea of a theme for the year that Steve Scanlon at Reality and Hope proposes in his article Thematic Resolve.

My theme for 2011?

Just Do It.

I can envision this little phrase applying in so many areas of my life that I’ve felt I didn’t have enough time, energy, intelligence, resources, whatever, to accomplish.

From getting rid of the junk in my closets and drawers, to exercise, to Bible study, to enriching relationships, to expanding my blogging, to continuing to pursue my love for photography, whatever, these 3 words could be the catalyst to an amazing year.

Three little words partnered with the verse above?  What a sense of the power of God for my life!  They give me an excited anticipation to head into the New Year.

So here’s to 2011.  Whether it’s a resolution or a word or a theme, I encourage you give some thought to your vision for 2011.

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.” ~ Ephesians 3:20-21

His blessing to you all this coming year.

~bek~

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