Ran into some poison ivy

I ran into some poison ivy in my backyard the other day. I was pulling overgrown vines that were mostly Honeysuckle but I found out later that I was also brushing up against poison ivy.  I decided to take a few pictures of it to teach my kids what it looks like so they'll know to stay way.

Here's a mature leaflet cluster.

Here's another leaflet cluster that shows some leaves with jagged edges.

I used to think this was poison ivy but it is actually another plant called Virginia Creeper.

Through this experience and research into poison ivy, I found that they have a memorable saying that is helpful in recognizing the dangerous plants.  "Leaflets three; let it be"

Contentment versus new desires

Definition of CONTENTED
: feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contented

I had a feeling today while driving to work that made me realize that at that moment, I was content with my life.  I realized that I didn't need (or want) to purchase anything new and I was happy with everything that I owned.  I love when I have this feeling.

On the flip side, I know that I'm going to desire new possessions and experiences.  I know I'll want to travel, purchase new geeky toys, and will want to eventually trade in my pickup truck for a newer, slightly used vehicle (like a Tesla Model S or an Audi A5).  So, I guess I realized that there must be a balancing point to achieve.

However, maybe I'll strive to remind myself of all of the blessings in my life that our Heavenly Father has provided and keep that feeling of contentment in tact most of the time.  Because, I would rather live my life with in a contented state rather than constantly chasing new pleasures of this world.  After all, why should we continually strive to gain if it does not lead to fulfillment in life?

---

"I keep on buying new things that I can't really use
If it gets you annoyed - then what is the point
...
'Cause when you got it good, you just don't know when to stop
Don't worry 'bout the earnings if it stops you from living "
- lyrics from "Simple Life" by Casey Abrams

Simple Life

I was listening to a song by Casey Abrams this week and found myself being ministered to by it.  The song is called Simple Life.  The lyrics include a message on how the technology around us can break down and be a source of frustration.  He sings about returning to a simple life.

Simple Life

I'm not dealing with technology and equipment breakdowns but I do feel like I need to return to a simple life.  God created us for a purpose and that is to love and praise Him.  Sometimes I get caught up in the things of this world and forget that I just need to walk my daily path in praise and worship to Jesus.

Lately, I have been striving to change certain situations that I face on a daily basis and have tried to take it upon myself to make things happen.  This song reminds me that I really just need to put my trust in Jesus and follow after him.  When we do that, everything else is added unto us.

 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

But [continually] seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."   Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB)

Adventures in new ministries

Our family recently decided to transition to become members of a new church.  We didn't come to this decision lightly and earnestly sought out the voice of God to confirm our decision.  My wife and I both felt that this transition would help us to grow and learn in the kingdom of God but we had no idea what types of doors would be opened for us in a new ministry.

We decided to meet with the pastors of the church to introduce ourselves to them so that they could become familiar with who we are.  During the meeting, the pastors asked us where we felt that we could help out in the church.  Obviously, they are not wanting a family to come into the church without serving in some manner but at the time, neither me or my wife intended to jump into a new ministry so quickly.  After all, we had a new member of the family that needed our attention.  However, we briefly discussed with them some possible areas for us to help out in the church and that's when I mentioned we could possibly help in visual arts (like photography or videography).

A couple weeks after that meeting, we were asked about setting up a photo booth for an Easter community outreach.  I was a little hesitant at first since we are by no means expert photographers but we decided to give it a try to help out.  Even though the weather didn't cooperate, the results of the photo booth were a success.  The church was very pleased with the pictures that were taken.  My wife did all of the work on the pictures so I can't take credit for that aspect.  I helped out in the administrative position by meeting the families, documenting their information, and keeping track of the order of arrival for matching faces to names during the editing process.  I can say that we work well as a team in this environment.

A few more weeks later and the members of the church are starting to ask my wife for more pictures.  There have been families seeking her out for shooting family portraits.  There have been requests for artistic and candid pictures of other church ministries for use in the church's magazine that is distributed to the community.  There have even been discussions with the school administrator for taking the spring school pictures.  I try to help her in terms of the technical aspects of photography when I can.

So, it seems that there has been a new ministry dropped onto our laps.  We are glad to serve in this capacity.  This ministry caters to our desire to be creative and will also help further our skills in visual arts.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." - Romans 12:6 (NIV)

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

...and to whoever photographs, as one who captures visions of God's kingdom for His purposes.