evening thoughts~

As I sit here resting this evening, I think of what a busy week I have had!  Many things going on, new and exciting things in the near future.  Some not so good things....  I officially have decided that my theory on myself, about me being electronically challenged, is a definite problem...not just me blaming myself for lack of computer savyness. 
Well, to start from the beginning, I am going to a photography class and I am VERY excited!  For this class I wanted to purchase some things for my camera.  Like a new camera bag. (check out these fabulous bags  http://www.epiphaniebags.com/#/shop-1/  I'm getting the Lola bag, so cute! :)
A filter for my 50mm lens, a battery grip, some other small things.  Then, my computer decides it needs a new battery!  So I'm like, ok....I can deal with this!  Find a new battery that is compatible with my computer, ok, did that.  Everything is bought, and shipped. 
Then, I check into my camera thats been having problems.  I called Nikon to see if we could figure out what's wrong over the phone...and...not so.  I need to send in my camera, to Nikon, in New York, two and a half weeks before I'm leaving, to be fixed because it is something internal.  Our family printer is out of ink, so I go over the my neighbors to use their printer to get the shipping label to send in my camera, got that shipped on Wednesday. 
On Thursday my Mom comes in my room with a flat rate envelope asking me should there be something in it, it had a huge rip in it, a big hole, and nothing in it.  It was supposed to be my new computer battery.  Why they sent it like that, just in a envelope, I don't know.  At first we thought someone must have stolen it out of our mailbox, but after further thought, talking to the post office, and a police report later, we think it must have been taken or fell out in route to my house.  Thankfully the battery company said they would replace it.  Big answer to prayers that they said will send me a new one!  Also Charlie (my camera) is going to start getting fixed tomorrow morning, and with many prayers I hope to get him back before I leave in two weeks!  Plus I think my computer has a virus.  I have anti-virus software so I don't know how that got in.  I don't know whats wrong with it.  It keeps freezing.  I am very anxious to have everything come safely and in working order before I leave.  sigh.

That is the end of the bad part of my week.  ;)

I think God used all of this to teach me this week.  I haven't been trusting Him with everything in my life.  I have been letting stress and waiting on things to take over my thoughts and my very being.  I made myself almost sick with worry.  Then I thought, why?  What really is the big deal?  It's just stuff, all replaceable.  Nothing that I can bring with me to God's kingdom!  He is what I should fill my thoughts with.  He is who I shall place my trust in.  So, I took a deep breath and asked Him to take my burden away.  And guess what!  He did!  All I had to do was ask Him, really give it to Him, completely lay my fears at His feet.  He then filled me with such joy, and peace!  

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 
Phl. 4:6-8

I know all will be well.  He is in control of my trip, everything will turn out just fine!  :)  I am looking forward to two weeks of wonderful fellowship and lots of photography! 

A good part of my week was all my awesomely talented  students!  On Saturday I had a recital for all of them.  They all played SO BEAUTIFULLY!  I am very very proud of them.  My little ones were so cute, and so very confident!  With their adorable bowing and curtsies.  And my older students all performed with sophistication and grace.  I loved each and every song. 

This week is going to be a good week.  I daily remember to give Him the pen to my story.  Sometimes I try to take control of things because I can't see what the future holds.  I need to remember that He is in control.  He will write out the most beautiful story for my life.  More beautiful then I could ever have imagined.  :)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  Phl. 4:8

Trust, and delight in Him this week.  God is here with each of us, leading us in His path.  <3 <3

~Stephanie~

a wee spring poem for all of ye dearies~

A Prayer in Spring

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;
And give us not to think so far away
As the uncertain harvest; keep us here
All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,
Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;
And make us happy in the happy bees,
The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

 

And make us happy in the darting bird
That suddenly above the bees is heard,
The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,
And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,
The which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends He will,
But which it only needs that we fulfil.

~Robert Frost

 

Have you noticed the smell of spring in the air, teasing us with it's freshness?  Do you see any tiny buds peeking their sweet little heads out, just waiting for the perfect time to blossom into their full splendor!

The promises of spring remind me of exciting things to come, sunshiny days, laughter, love, and many beautiful things.

What loverly things might you see around the corner??  ;)

~Stephanie~

~verse of the day~



Oh how I wish delighting myself in the Lord is something I do all the time.  But is it not.  How many times a day do I feel tired, stressed, and that I have just about had it with life!  A complaining spirit plagues me daily.  Why do I get so down all the time?  What really is that bad in my life that causes me to feel depressed?  When I really reflect on my life...there really is nothing!  Little things.  

But I have a warm house.  A Daddy that provides for our family, plenty of food for our bellies. 

A family who loves me.  A job that I love.  Friends that I cherish.  I have so many things to be grateful for! 

I think about all the children who don't have a family.  Those who don't have a Daddy who loves them.  Waiting for the next meal to warm their bellies.  It saddens me to think all those beautiful little faces, who are without love.  I have MUCH to be thankful for. 

The Lord has blessed me in everything!

So I thank You my Jesus.  Today I delight myself in You.  I am filled with joy. 

I pray for all those little children that need love and Jesus.  I pray that they may feel the absolute fulfilling joy that our Savior blesses us with.

 

Have a blessed day, and delight in His presence.  Your heart is in His hands.  :)

~Stephanie~

~florida moon~

Here are a few pictures of the moon rising over the ocean.  It was so pretty out when I took these. 

Quiet and still, except for the crash of ocean waves. 

Growling and singing in their deep, crisp voices. 

Peaceful.  Midnight beauty.  Sky's wraping around me like rich velvet, soft and warm. Wispy gray clouds on the horizon.

 

Millions of stars smiling down at me, laughing with me, letting me in on their little secrets.

How I love to look up at them.  They are the twinkle in my Lords eye.  The sparkle of promises, and hope.

I feel the nearness of God, when I stand there alone with Him.  Joy spreads through me like fire in the hearth.

Little beacons of grace.  Little glowing fairies, dancing and twinkling in their mirth.

Warm salty air kisses my cheek.  Blowing soft tresses of hair, tickling my face.

Oh, how I love you dear ocean.  A gift from my lovely Jesus.  Who blesses me with this beauty that He has created.

Stephanie

~*Fun in the sun*~

My family and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit my grandparents in Florida.  We didn't know till right before we had to leave if we were even going to be able to go.  Through many prayers, and patience, He blessed us with this visit to paradise. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing a glimpse into one of my favorite places on earth!  I have part two of pictures coming soon! 

~Stephanie