I haven't posted in so long.  I have not taken pictures or been creative in so long.  I have been missing photography so much.  There just isn't any time.  I am so behind in every way and more challenges continue to roll out.  Lately, many sad things.  I suppose that's why I am missing the photography so much.. just some way to find comfort and hope and beauty.

Anchor

Not much time for photography or for blogging these days.  What a change all of this is!  I literally hardly ever pick up my camera.  The thought of actually shooting and editing for fun is almost laughable! :)

I had two recent ideas, though and wanted to jot them here.  I can't remember the first one. ha. The second was a docked boat or anchor with Hebrews 6:19
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

Oh Lord, be merciful to me.  Let me find my rest in You.  Let my hope be in You, anchoring my soul.  Let my hope, my trust, my faith, my joy...be firm and secure.

Haven't shot anything for creative purposes since Ireland. Some days I feel like I can't because of emotional debilitation.  Some days feel lighter emotionally but so, so busy with 1,000 things all the time.. just can't devote the time and energy.

I've been working on editing the scripture prints.  So far, I haven't wanted to post them here.  It seems too personal.  I have about 5-6 done.  I am looking forward to being finished with the project.

I downloaded a class on lighting.  I think there's like 27 hours of teaching on lighting. I'm excited to learn some stuff about that.  I haven't had time to watch any of it, yet.  Free time is taken up with job search and applications, etc.  And, mostly, I just want to SLEEEEP!!! Stress-- always makes me so tired.

verses

I haven't posted in so long.  I think I lost my groove. :) I have hardly had any time for photography but I am slowly working on editing from our trip to Ireland.  I seem to get one pic done every week or so.

My husband asked me to work on a project for him.  He emailed me a list of scriptures that are his favorites.  He would like me to attach the verses to a photograph I have taken.  Then he would like me to have a book made.  Later, near the time of his death, he would like them printed and hung around "the room."

Ain't gonna lie... these kinds of things are hard to hear.  Hard to do.  However, it's sweet he asked me for this.  And, a blessing that he felt comfortable to share this request with me. I have started the project.  I hope I can find images that complete the message of the verses...yet, don't want to get too hung up on my standards with that because I don't think he cares.

Ireland

Leaving in 2 days for Ireland. Taking my camera but feeling afraid that I will squander the opportunity of such beauty with lack of skill.  I hope I can get some worthwhile shots while I am there.  Robert said I need to just remember that taking pictures isn't the point of the trip. It's true, I suppose.  Yet, I am expecting to be moved by that place and I hope I can capture what is stirring with my camera-- just because that's what the photography journey is about for me. Hard for others to understand, I guess.

Be Still

Re-post

I have nothing new to post with photography.  I haven't used my camera in at least a month.  This photo from a couple of years ago has been on my mind a lot lately.  I also came upon the song, "Be Still" by Kari Jobe. It is so simple. But, it is so beautiful to me.  It carries a message that I need to lean into time and time again.  It is soothing and as I sing it, my inward tensions uncoil and are met with tender mercies that nurture and restore. The picture-- the song-- they belong together.

...For burdens that seem too big, for worries that sneak in during the night, for thoughts that swirl too fast and too long, for decisions that demand sight beyond our scope....

https://youtu.be/jY_csMVzvgo

"Be Still"

He is here for the broken and life to the one who is undone
He is peace to the wounded and hope for the helpless one
He is here, He is here

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

When the waves rise against me and the wind tries to draw me away
I will stand on the mountain, safe in Your arms I will sing I will sing

Be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

Be still I know He is God
He is here, He is here
Be still I know He is God
He is here, He is here

So be still my soul, be still
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still
Wait patiently upon the Lord
Be still my soul, be still

solace

From the song "Shelter" by Sandra McCracken

"In the arms of a good Father
You can go to the deep water
Where the questions, we have left unspoken
Come out in the open
We will find shelter here

So I lay down, what I cannot hold in my hands
Every sorrow and hope spinning out of control
And here I find sweet resolution comes in letting go
And we will find shelter here"

"Solace"