a little help please?

We were on the beach near low tide. The rocks were covered in starfish. I love how they are piled colorfully together...hundreds of them. And then, now and again, we'd find one no longer attached, facing the wrong way up. Maybe a bird had gotten to it, or it was somehow loosened by a wave. Kevin would be called on to reattach it to the rocks near the others. Sometimes, it would cling, but sometimes we were too late.

It got me to thinking about this journey of faith. We get knocked around and sometimes end up legs up, so to speak. We loose our grip on what is truly important. It is here where being a member of a loving church body makes a huge difference. When I am disconnected or feeling low, I have friends (and a husband) who will gently help me to be restored. Like holding the starfish to the rock to see it start to cling again, the church at its best should be a place that surrounds its people. We should be about the restoration of relationships, first with Christ, then in a way with ourselves, and then with the world around us. When we are in that right place is when we are most alive and most useful for the Kingdom. Hebrews reminds us to not get out of the habit of meeting together (10:23-25). The writer understood the starfish concept. We need each other.

Feeling glad of my friends today, and looking forward to being in service tonight with the youth.

rear view

So we got home from camping at the beach, and I uploaded my pictures to the computer. It struck me that many of the shots of my family were from behind. My parents have complained about this phenomenon. I like those pictures. I like that it is the one time when the crew is not pulling funny faces at me. I like the shapes of their bodies in silhouette. I like seeing the connections between them as they walk together. I like that it doesn't matter whose eyes are closed this time. Maybe it is that they are going out to face what is ahead...whatever it is, I love these photos. I love the subjects, too.

being present

I've been thinking about what this means lately. I sure am good at wasting time. And I don't seem to focus enough on the important stuff. Am I about the business God has for me? Am I real with my family and friends? I have had trouble falling asleep lately, so I have had more time to pray...that much is certain. And yet, there is this tension: I feel pretty anti-social. I guess in a way, that shows that God is at work...how else could I have my niece and her friend over last week or spend much of the past few days with my husband's family? The problem with vacations is that I think too much. At least when I'm at work I have other details to keep straight. Now my poor family has to deal with me obsessing about them :)

My photography lately has been working on the effects of light. I guess that's what's important here. Am I being filled with light? Am I letting it shine? Despite my inner worries about whether or not I'm good enough (and who has that imaginary ruler anyway?), am I offering grace? I hope so.

Best foot forward

So, I was thinking about this blog thing yesterday. Why do it? What do I hope to say? I suppose in part it serves as an online journal. I have meant to start a journal again for years, maybe this will propel me forward. It gives me a chance to share my cards, and scrapbook pages with those that inspire me. It will give me a place to muse about my faith. So for now, I want to make myself a ground rule. I really want this to be a positive place. That doesn't mean that I can't express sadness or pain, but I don't want it to be a rant. I see people who seem to have lost the ability to be nice. Everything they say is snappish. I need to commit myself to not being like that. May I always think before I talk or write, and may grace always season my words.

What's your name?

Meredith came home a little sad last night. She said that Grandma doesn't remember her name anymore. That Grandma asks her her name. While this makes us both sad, it reminds me that Grandma is only asking the name. She knows she loves Meredith, and that somehow they are related. She is happy to see Meredith (and all of us). The question is currently "What's your name?" not "Who are you?" The time will probably come when the latter question is true. For now we will enjoy what we have.

what if?

It's comforting to know that no one will read this. Not yet. But the idea of being able to post photography, scrapbook pages and cards, or just my random musings appeals to me. I like the idea of being able to share...but am nervous about it, too. Well, the only way to find out is to dive in. So here goes.