The Purposeful Snowflake

I know this may not be the best picture in the world, but in my world of Christian Photography, it represents something profound to me that I thought I would share. The snowflake, that you see has not been altered in any way. It is here now before you, exactly as it was then on that cold snowy day. If you click on the image you can see a larger view and will notice the amazing detail. There are many types of snowflakes, this particular one is called a Fernlike Stellar Dendrite. These are the largest snow crystals, and can often fall to the earth with diameters of 5mm or more. In spite of their large size, they are single crystals of ice. These crystals can be extremely thin and light, so they make a low density snow pack and are what every skier or boarder hopes to find- "Great Powder".
There in that moment was captured the wonderful complexity of God's creation. Yet it will never be as it once was. All we have is a frozen image , caught in time, allowing us the luxury to look back and contemplate how the life of a snowflake can be much like our own fragile and temporal lives. The bible tells us in Psalm 103:13-16, As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field, the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.

Like the snowflake, our lives here will soon be over. The impressions that we have made on the lives of others are the only things that will carry on after we are gone. Our choices have far reaching effects. Some that we may never know. Yet many times we let our emotions and desires rule us and we end up regretting things ignorantly done or said.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires- Romans 8:5

There is only one answer for this conflict that we experience. We must become purposeful in all that we do and we must do, as the bible tells us in Galatians 5:16 and 24, So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

This death can be a painful experience, but it is necessary if we are those which belong to Christ and we want to leave impressions that positively impact the lives of people we love.

Next to that snowflake is a boy that I love with all my heart. He has experienced both the blessings and cursings that have resulted from the choices that I have made. He is not completely in focus in this picture, and I'm sure he would tell you that he is still not completely clear about the road he wants to travel in this life. There have been confusing messages, broken promises and hurtful words spoken. As I take an honest look at my life, I must admit that I have not always walked by the Spirit, yet there is a powerful truth that I cling to. I know, that if I confess my sins, God is faithful to forgive them, and the bible tells us in Romans 8:28, that in all things God will work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.

One snowflake, aimlessly falling may silently disappear without notice. Then we also see the majesty of God, as many snowflakes purposefully come together and cause a mountain side to glisten and sparkle like a jewel in the hands of the King. My hope and prayer is that we can be a part of something greater than ourselves. That we will determine to be a people of purpose aside from our ever changing feelings, and in so doing leave something on this earth that is beautiful and ultimately glorifying to God.

Isaiah 55:10
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater.

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Portland Roses

Portland is one of my favorite places. I think it must be not only the beautiful scenery that make it advantageous for taking Christian Photographs, but the beautiful, inspiring people as well. I would be there for six days and by the end of day five, every day had been perfect! The sky was big and blue, above the Columbia River and it held a sun that shined continually. This is not the norm for a city that is known for multiple rainy and cloudy days. The conference I was attending, had taken much of my time, and I was looking forward to my last day as I had planned to venture out around the city and capture some new images. But, towards the end of our final meeting, I heard the gloomy news. The rain was headed our way and my picture-perfect, hopes of a sunny tomorrow was clouded over with news reports and well meaning friends that explained to me that the most I could look forward to tomorrow was rain soaked sneakers!

Well, I thought, I'm trusting in the One who commands the weather, I knew that my Father was going to make a way where there seemed to be no way. So, with renewed faith and a prayer of thanksgiving I laid my head down to sleep and waited for the morning. When I awoke I excitedly looked outside and much to my dismay I saw a thick cover of clouds and light sprinkles of rain. Now those of you from Portland know that this usually means that rain and misty fog would take hold, for what could be, days on end. At this point I knew that I had to again, make a choice. I decided that I would trust God for a sunny day. Now many may be thinking here- "What? Does she actualy think that God will answer her prayer and move away clouds?". Well it depends on what your clouds are made of. You see, whether God moved a natural cloud or a spiritual cloud, for me it did not matter. What I knew was that God could be trusted.The first words out of my mouth were- "Thank you Lord for a beautiful sunny day!". I then decided that I would drive through McDonald's and buy some extra cheese burgers to hand out to some of the homeless downtown. I cleaned myself up and got dressed in some comfortable clothes, grabbed my black rain coat and continued to offer up prayers of thanksgiving, for a beautiful sunny day. Now, what I saw in the natural, every time I looked out the big sliding glass door, was more clouds and rain. The daily paper, at my room door, also collaborated with all the other doom and gloom, bearers of bad news. Nevertheless, I was on my way. First stop, McDonald's!

Coming out of the drive-thru window, I happened to look up. There before me was an opening in the clouds and a small patch of blue sky peaking out from behind the veil that wanted to steal my joy, but couldn't. I spoke out loud in my little, white rental car, "Thank You Lord!!!". I knew that He heard my prayers and was blessing me. The God of the universe hears us. He hears every cry and every shout, and every breath of praise. The bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God, and that He is a rewarder of those, that diligently seek Him. That blue sky was my reward that day, but it was not to be my only one. That afternoon, I met an interesting homeless man, that became my friend and tour guide. He directed me to The Portland Rose Garden, where we both excitedly jumped out of the car. I began to snap away at roses but continued to peek over at him and was so blessed to find this grown man smelling every flower that he saw. It was as if the smell was freedom to him. Freedom from the pain of homelessness, and the worries of where his next meal would come from and would he ever find laughter and joy again. Though he had lived in Portland for a long time , he had never taken the time to visit this Rose Garden nor had he ever taken the time to smell the roses as he did that day. I often live like this homeless man. I can become so preoccupied with the cares and worries of life, yet all the while, Christ calls me to Himself and says I am your freedom, and the truth that you have been searching for. Inhale deep, like the fragrant rose, I will overwhelm your senses so that you can rejoice in my sweet aroma. I will penetrate every part of your being. My joy will become your strength.

I do believe that God answers our prayers, but not always in the ways that we would like to see. Our faith is in Who He is, not What He does. This means that, in just the same way that a loving Father will always do what is best with his own children, so our Father in heaven does, in regards to us. Even when answers to prayers come in unexpected ways and hidden rainbows. You see, it could have been raining cats and dogs, and I would have still been able to see the "sun shine" that day. God actually performed two miracles in Portland. First, He brought the sunlight through the darkest of clouds- literally. Second, He brought light to the heart of a man that had been covered over by darkness. A miracle is that which happens in the heart. My continued prayer is for that man to be brought into the fullness of Christ and that He would experience the blessings that come to those who put their faith in Him. Remember we all need to take time to smell the roses..


PSALM 145:
8You are merciful, LORD!You are kind and patient and always loving. You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation. All creation will thank you, and your loyal people will praise you.They will tell about your marvelous kingdom and your power. Then everyone will know about the mighty things you do and your glorious kingdom. Your kingdom will never end, and you will rule forever. Our LORD, you keep your word and do everything you say.When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. Our LORD, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere. You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help. You take care of everyone who loves you, but you destroy the wicked. I will praise you, LORD, and everyone will respect your holy name forever.

The Lamb Story

I recently spent a week in Tahoe with my family and on the way home I came across this little lamb that inspired me for this new christian photograph. We were driving along the freeway when I spotted this herd of sheep grazing in the late afternoon. I decided that I would stop to take some pictures of these amazing creatures. I pulled over and hoped my children would be patient with me, as I hopped the small fence and began making my way across the fields. Now while all the other sheep saw me approaching and cautiously backed away - there was this one little guy that was totally oblivious to me and everything else going on around him.

In some ways I had the feeling that I had been drawn into a Warner Brother's cartoon, and I had to chuckle at the image before me. He continued to chew away on whatever it was that was in his mouth, with his eyes closed in an almost dream-like trance. I'm sure he must have been thinking about how wonderful this day was- the nice warm sun on his back, plenty of sweet green grass to munch on, the wind lightly caressing his face, and seemingly not a care in the world. It was a joy to behold him and yet it also reminded me of how we, like little lambs, can so easily be caught unaware. Had I been a predator- this lamb would have surely been an easy target and a welcome meal. I watched him for a while, in-between carrying out my mission, to snap as many pictures of him as I could. And there, in that moment, I was lovingly reminded of the Good Shepard that watches over His flock.

I have been told that when a number of sheep, belonging to different shepards, are lying in the same pasture, a shepherd can summon out his own herd by his voice alone. A stranger could try to emulate the call, but it would be difficult to fool the sheep, as they will only follow the voice that they know. How often do I close my ears to that voice. How often have I wandered away from the safety of my Shepards call. There have been times in my rebellion and pride, that I insisted on going my own way, forsaking the truth that I knew. Those experiences have humbled me, and made me realize my utter dependence on the Good Shepard. I have come to understand that I will hear His voice best, when I continue to abide in His presence. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, and I do believe that in His tender care we can find comfort, reconciliation, and protection. We may be simple minded, and limited in our abilities, but there is really only one thing that is needful. Like Mary that remained at the feet of Jesus while Martha went away busy and preoccupied, we must continue to draw close unto our Lord, even while the rest of the world rushes by. Then we can be assured that we will hear His voice,and He will be faithful to guide and direct our lives so that we can ultimately bring all glory and honor to Him. Jesus tells us that He has come so that we might have life and have it to the full. Imagine how easy that is--we don't have to be any more intelligent than a little lamb!

All we need to do is listen to His voice and follow Him and He will give us Life!

John 10: 1 - 18.
The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own he goes on ahead of them and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech but they did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved." He will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life and have it to the full