Sunday, June 30, 2013

Earthly blessings

Tonight I was blessed. So blessed. But let me explain. 

Anyone who knows me will know that I love my church, Believers Fellowship, like crazy. I've been attending twice a week since 7th grade and I can't imagine going to any other church here in San Antonio. My 3 years in the high school ministry were the best years of my life, particularly this most recent school year. But not just that one particular ministry but the church as a whole. 

Tonight we had a pick-from-the-hymnal night and a Q&A with Pastor Blakey for 30 minutes. While the questions were all excellent it was the atmosphere and the feeling inside of the church that really struck me. It was impossible not to feel the love and joy the members felt as they chose and belted out their favorite hymns; as they posed their greatest questions to a man who knows more of the Bible than they do. They love the Lord so fiercely that nothing will come between them and their God outside of death itself, and death is welcome. 

While I didn't appreciate the time I had with my truly wonderful youth group I certainly treasure it now. The year I had with the group below was the best one ever and I grew so much in the Lord and as a person. I only wish I had more time with them, something I cheated myself out of by graduating early. They are the best group of people by themselves and all together and I can say with all my heart that I love them as brothers and sisters in Christ. 


My absolutely wonderful used-to-be youth group, Crosslife.


All of us seniors at our senior dinner. 

But now it is time for a different part of my life, the part of my life where I grow up and begin to be the person I choose to be for the rest of myself. I love my new group, Bereans, even though it took some getting used to {all those scary adults!}. 

//358. Memories 359. Strong examples 360. Meriodoc//

A new toy and a fresh outlook

I recently acquired a Canon 60d dslr camera and thought I would show the photographs I took with it within owning it for a week. I've been dreaming of owning a dslr for 2 years now and it's crazy that I finally have it!!

This is my sweet dog, Scooter, who actually goes go by the name of Bubba or Bubby. 


 R was pet sitting a rabbit, not sure of this guy's name. 


 Silly guy! Those kiddos know their silly faces!


Yet another one of them making a face at the camera. 


He doesn't know how to smile, apparently. But I'll get one out of him this week!


 The first picture I ever took with my camera, and it's of my mom's plants! I've never considered this plant an attractive one but this picture has changed my mind.


 And here's the baby of the family! He knows to give me a smile. :)


 He has a specialty for faces like these. 


 Last but not least Bruno, my sister's dog. We love this picture of him!

I think what I like the best about having this camera is how it is changing my view of beauty. I have always disliked living in south Texas because it's rather dead and is made up of shades of brown primarily. However when I look through the viewfinder I see the little details that I'm missing out on otherwise, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. 


//349. Bereans class 350. Chance's teaching 351. Comparing faces in the theatre 352. The right outlook on death 353. Hope from my Savior 354. Weddings 355. Staycations and vacations 356. God's love 357. Reminders and the Lord's Table//