Mary Denman...Writer, Photographer, Observer

Wordless Wednesday

2012-03-07T00:32:00.000-05:00

Flowers inside a dogwood flower

Boot Camp

2012-02-28T01:55:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, I attended Writers Advance Boot Camp at The Cove in NC with Edie Melson. It was hosted by Christian Devotions. While we didn’t have to crawl through the mud and climb overobstacles, the weekend was intense. In a good way.

We all received dog tags when we arrived. Throughout theweekend, we were challenged by the speakers. The message was clear. God doesnot retreat. We have marching orders. He has called us to advance his kingdom: by serving, ministering and writing.

When he gives us a talent, we are to use it for him. Not forourselves. And we do need to use it.

I had a wonderful time in a gorgeous setting and madefriendships that will last for a lifetime and beyond. Friends that will get inthe trenches when times are hard and I want to question God’s call on my live.Friends that will encourage me, challenge me and help keep my eyes on what’struly important. And I will absolutely do the same for them.

When I join where God is already working, instead of “doingsomething” for him, there is muchmore joy and power. And I found that this past weekend.

So, while you may not have attended this conference thispast weekend, I do challenge you to ask God what he has called you to do. Tojoin him where he is working. You will find amazing people to work with whenyou do!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

Edie Melson on air with Jack & Kimberly on Your Carolina

I Went to the Circus and Found out I'm Wimp

2012-02-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

Yes, I went to the circus and found out I’m a wimp.

Recently, I took my boys to Ringling Brothers & Barnum& Bailey Circus. We had a blast. The theme this year was the dragon. So, theyfeatured true kung fu fighters. And what they did was amazing. They usedsolid oak poles and broke them over each other. Two of them placed a steel polein their necks and then proceeded to push toward each other, bending the poleas they went. One lay on a single sword and balanced there.

On his stomach.

I’ve seen things like this done before. But what struck mewas what the ringmaster said as they started. First came the disclaimer: “Don’ttry this at home.” That was a good thing. I have boys. Nough said.

But the next part is what made me realize I’m a wimp.

He said they’d started training with monks at the age of 5.Five years old. These weren’t children performing. They were men who had beenat this for years.

If someone took an oak pole and whacked me with it, I’d endup with broken bones or a massive concussion. But they weren’t injured at all. They’dbeen training. And their training wasn’t easy. You don’t learn how to deflectblows like that without being hit. And hit hard. Over and over again.

But these men were conditioned to handle it. I complain whenI get a small burn or paper cut.

I seek comfort.

They seek training.

So, I realized I was a wimp.

The blows in life are coming. But am I ready? Is my faith inGod steadfast in the hard times? I tend to cry and whimper and want the hardtimes to stop. But I need to realize I’m in training. I can be strengthened bydealing with the blows instead of letting them stop me.

As I was amazed by these men and what they could do, Irealized others can be amazed by how I respond to life’s blows. That is if Ilet God be my master trainer and let his spirit work in me. If I believe thatthe challenges are actually meant to strengthen me and not break me, then I canwalk closer to God, not questioning his love for me.

And that’s what I want. An unmovable faith and confidence inhis love for me. Then I can stop being a wimp.

And after that, maybe I can fly.

Does God Care Who Wins the Super Bowl?

2012-02-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

While millions of fans are watching the Super Bowl, hopingtheir team wins, the question arises: Does God care who wins the Super Bowl?

Well, short answer: Yes.

But for the reasons we think? Probably not.

I enjoy watching the Super Bowl and the commercials. Our family is just hanging out, eating,and laughing at the good ones. Personally, I really don’t care who wins thisyear. “My team” hasn’t been there for years. (Go Dallas!)

Since I don’t have a vested interest in this year, I startedthinking about it. People are praying for God to help “their” team.

This is not a bad thing. Prayer is a great thing. But whenwe go to God with a list of our wishes, we sometimes we lose perspective onwhat prayer is about. We come to him with some great requests: forgive me(which he always answers) and help me listen to Your voice (another good one).Some good requests: please change me. Some laundry list requests: please changeothers, please take away all my pain, please do this, and please do that. Amen.

Some of our requests grow very self-centered: Fix everythingfor me. The way I want. God, make my team win.

Does God care about everything in our lives? Absolutely!

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORDand he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he caresfor you.

But does that mean I know what is best for me? I pray like Ido sometimes.

Right now, God is working in millions of peoples’ lives andhearts. Only he knows best who needs encouragement, discipline, humbling, love,and compassion. He makes decisions that are for the good of many.

I need to come to him and cast my cares on him, but leavethe answers to him. To trust him that he will answer in the best way for hisglory and my good. But his glory comes first. My good comes from that.

And as for who wins the Super Bowl? I’m leaving that to him.

No Fishing Allowed

2012-02-02T01:16:00.000-05:00

I love fishing. Haven’t been in a while. But Istill love fishing.

There is a peacefulness that comes fromstanding on the bank, shoreline or sitting in a boat and just casting, over andover again. The warm sun, the watery sounds, the fresh air. It relaxes me justto think of it.

And then there’s the excitement from “the tug.”You know it when you feel it. The fun has just begun. Depending on the fish,you may get quite a ride. Setting the hook and keeping tension right in theline is part of the fun and skills to be learned. Distinguishing between afish, turtle or log is also part and parcel of fishing. Catching logs orseaweed isn’t fun. I know. I’ve had that happen.

But there is one type of fishing that is nevergood. That’s fishing for forgiven sins. Yet I do it all the time.

Why on earth do I do this? BecauseI don’t accept Christ’s forgiveness. Or because I feel the need to make sure Idon’t commit that sin again.

So how do I recognize this type offishing? It’s called living with regrets. Maybe bitterness. Worry. Unforgiveness.

When I ask God for forgiveness andaccept Christ’s work on the cross, he casts my sins into the depths of the sea.

Micah 7:19: He will again have compassion on us;

hewill tread our iniquities under foot.

Youwill cast all our sins

into the depths of the sea.

He does that so they’re out of myreach. He removes my sin from me and casts them away. To the depths of the sea.But I pull out the rods and go fishing. I let the regret of what I have orhaven’t done overcome me.

This is when I need a great bigsign that says clearly:

YOU ARE FORGIVEN.

NO FISHING ALLOWED!

So let’s put away our spiritualpoles and stop fishing for old sins. Once we’re forgiven, it’s done. Live likeit.

But pull out a pole intended forreal fish and enjoy some quiet time with God, thanking him for forgiveness andenjoying the beauty of the world he created. And who knows, maybe you’llactually catch a fish or two.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T09:15:00.000-05:00

Goodbye Poppy

2012-01-18T19:58:00.000-05:00

I just got off the phone with my brother. His wife's father passed away last night.

Death is never an easy thing. Though, hearing how sweet his passage was made me cry. And knowing my sister-in-law will miss her daddy makes me cry. And my brother and his daughters will miss him too.

But even as those who loved Poppy will miss him and shed tears, their tears are not without hope. In the first book of Thessalonians, Paul talks about grieving, but not like men without hope. If you believe this life is all that exists and life ends at the grave, then you mourn and grieve without hope.

But there is hope. Heaven is waiting for us. Poppy is there now, no longer suffering, dancing before God. How do I know this? Poppy didn't earn it. He didn't live a perfect life. He sinned just like the rest of us. But he humbled himself before God and asked for forgiveness. And because Jesus died in our place, God forgave him. All Poppy had to do was ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus' payment. That's all any of us need to do. Simple. Yet hard. You have to humble yourself. Admit you are wrong, a sinner. Then ask for God's forgiveness.

But the peace that comes when you are forgiven is amazing. And the hope of being in God's loving presence for eternity gives you strength in this life.

Poppy, many will miss you. But we rejoice that you are no longer in pain and that you are with your Father.

Of Waterfalls and Beauty

2012-01-09T23:37:00.000-05:00

I love a good waterfall. Any amount of water will do. The waterfall itself doesn't have to be large. Even a small fall of only inches can be both beautiful and soothing.

Sometimes I catch a glimpse of a waterfall. It makes me long to see more. So, after a hike and wading out into the cold river, I'm rewarded with a gorgeous shot.

It takes time to appreciate the majesty of most falls. We tend to hurry in to see them, snap some shots and head for the next one. But when you get beneath one and hear the roar, feel the mist and see how powerful it is, the experience can be quite profound. You have a chance to appreciate the constancy of the falls and the power of the water to smooth down the rocks. Like anything in life, getting to see true beauty and experience wonder requires some effort on our part.

And, like life, what is beautiful can't be defined. I saw this waterfall near Chimney Rock, NC. I'll never be able to get close to it. The falls are so high and there is no simple path to get there. So I appreciate it for what it is.

From a distance.

Yet I know it's beautiful as I watch it from afar.

In life, we need to learn that in God works in us through the strong storms and rushing waters. Making us smooth. Showing His hand in our lives. I often fail at being thankful in my times of difficulty.

But I'm learning.

Slowly.

And I hope that others are able to see God's hand in my life, reflecting Him.

And I hope that you too, will step back and watch for Him working in your life to make you a reflection of his Son.

Goodbye Christmas

2012-01-04T22:54:00.004-05:00

Sand and Struggles

2012-01-02T18:05:00.003-05:00

Several years ago, life took a toll on me. I had five kids under the age of ten, had moved to a new house and had a husband who was working long, long hours. My husband had so much stress from work that I tried to be his helper and take care of everything so he wouldn’t have to. Insurance, car repairs, home schooling. You name it, I did it. Then throw in health issues for me and what happened? I grew exhausted.

I felt like I was trying to climb a mountain made of sand. Three steps forward, one slide back. The wind whipping around, stinging my face. Legs crying out for relief. But I had to keep going.

At times like that, the inclination is to feel so alone. Isolated. I did.

We tend to focus on ourselves and forget God's eternal perspective. But if we stop and take a look around, we can see other footprints. Footprints of those who have climbed the same hill. We can be honest and humble about our struggles and ask for help—help from others who have made the same journey. We can learn from their mistakes. They can step into our lives and encourage us that we will make it to the top and that the reward is worth it.

But, ultimately, we need to seek help from the One who promises not to forsake us. It may feel like God abandons us in the hardest times of our lives, but sometimes that’s because we don’t understand what that promise means. I certainly know I’ve been guilty of feeling forsaken when times are hard. But that’s a shallow, self-centered view of God—what can He do for me?

I’m learning that the difficulties and struggles are the times when I can grow the most in my faith and see God’s hand at work more clearly. Unfortunately, I want comfort and ease. But nowhere in the bible does God promise a pain free life. He tells us that we will have trials and tribulations. Can we trust him to walk with us in those times? Yes. But that’s not natural. We need to ask for faith to believe. And we can learn so much about listening to him and looking for how he’s working in and around us.

And once he helps us conquer the obstacles and struggles, there is often a great reward he has waiting for us. New friendships, more faith, a deeper walk with him. The ability to seek out and comfort others who come behind us. That’s what living in fellowship with each other is all about.

So where are you in your journey? Ask God to send you help and ask him to show you how to live strong through the trials. And when he gets you through them, you can celebrate how God has worked.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T23:19:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-15T00:13:00.000-05:00

In Honor of My Dad's 87th Birthday

2011-11-28T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today I have the distinct honor of sharing with you a message my mom Carolyn wrote about my dad Jim for his 87th birthday. May you be blessed by this as much as I have been. Mary

In Honor of Jim’s 87^th Birthday

By Carolyn Freeman

Jim never brought me diamonds, rubies, and pearls. Instead he brought the priceless jewels of integrity, wisdom, loyalty, steadfastness, faithfulness, stability, and faith.

Jim never carried me to a spa/resort. Instead he bathed me in his love, he soothed me with his comfort, and he massaged away the hurts and pains of my life.

Jim never encouraged me to adorn myself with fine clothes and the latest in beauty products. Instead he clothed me with acceptance and encouragement and sought my inner beauty.

Jim never bought me a luxurious car to preen in. Instead he looked for safety and dependability.

Jim never built me a fine mansion with fine furnishings. Instead he surrounded me with the solid walls of simplicity and freedom from pride.

Jim never used flowery words and fancy phrases to express his love. Instead he conveyed the essence of true love by his whole existence.

Jim never sought recognition for a life of quiet devotion and quiet service. Instead he kept his eyes on the needs of others and gave himself to meeting them.

God brought blessings to me, his family, and many by providing us the gift of a Godly man to head our family. We are eternally grateful.

Mom and Dad watching a sunset.


Eating North Carolina BBQ and listening to live Blue Grass.

Grow Where You're Planted

2011-08-09T00:46:00.000-04:00

I'll be the first to admit I like comfort. I like a soft bed, nice surroundings in my home and things like clean water. In the winter, I don't like to be cold and in the summer, yes, I like air conditioning. My definition of the good life is when things are going my way. But as a Christian, is that what God promises? No. He promises many things, but a simple, comfortable life is not one of them.

Paul, who murdered Christians before he became one, spent his life telling others of Jesus. There were times of prosperity and there were times of persecution and much suffering. He lived the last years of his life in jail, awaiting his trial. But listen to what he says.

Philippians 4:11 NASB
¹¹ Not that I speakfrom want, for I have learned to becontent in whatever circumstances I am.

Paul had learned the secret of growing where he was planted. (Read that: where God planted him.)

So what does that look like? Well, here's what I want it to look like.

I want to have a constant source of clean, cool water. I want to hear the wonderful noise of crickets, frogs and birds.

I want to feel the warm rays of the sun as it rises over the mountains.

But let's be honest. Sometimes this is what life feels like. Like we're drowning.

We may be surrounded by problems: emotional, physical, financial, spiritual.

And we may not see a way out and so we feel hopeless.

Or, this could sum up our life. We're growing in a little patch of dirt in the middle of concrete and hardness. And not only that, but we're right next to the air conditioning units.

We have to listen to their noise and feel the heat they put off. As if being sun-baked isn't enough.

But yet, there that tree is. And doing fairly well. Nice green leaves. Sturdy trunk. Protected from strong winds.

And what about the crazy tree in this photo? Yes, that is a tree, hundreds of feet up in the air atop and abandoned smoke stack.

Why did it grow there? Because that's where it was planted.

Are you getting the picture? God has planted you where He wants you to grow.

Maybe you're in a season of plenty. Maybe not.

Instead of asking God to remove the difficult circumstances you find yourself in, ask God to help you grow well where He planted you. Ask Him for the nourishment you need in your specific challenges.

He is where your contentment and strength comes from.

Ask Him to help you live close to Him, especially in the difficult times, to be content in Him. Ask Him to help you grow where He planted you.

2011-08-09T00:00:00.001-04:00

Social Media Marketing, an Interview with Edie Melson

2011-07-28T10:20:00.000-04:00

Edie is on a blog tour for her bestselling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, How to Blog, Tweet, and Peep Your Way onto Amazon's Best Seller's List. And today she'll be hanging out here!
You can get her book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble for only 99 cents.
Remember, you don't have to own an eReader to read it. You can download either the Kindle or Nook software free to your computer, tablet or phone. I know it's hard to read fiction on the computer, but it's great to have a short reference book like this at your fingertips!

How long have you been writing/how did you get started?

I actually wrote my first book—long-hand—in 8^th grade. It’s funny, I was looking back through some of my old year books and several kids commented about me becoming a bestselling writer.

I began my writing career as a technical writer in the 80’s, then had kids and began writing again seriously as they grew up.

How did you get interested in social media?

It was a sink or swim situation. I got a job as managing editor at a Centered Mag, an online Christian Magazine for College age guys. Everyone I worked with was young enough to be my son—and social media is the only way to reach that audience. I had to become an expert or quit my job.

With my success came a huge sense of accomplishment. It’s become one of my passions to show others that social networking is NOTHING to be afraid of. Believe me, if I can do it, ANYONE can!

Why did you write Social Media Marketing for Writers?

This book wasn’t originally my idea. My publisher, Eddie Jones with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas came up with this idea. They are also publishing my devotional book, Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, later this year. Eddie knew I taug

ht Social Media Marketing to writers at conferences all over the country and he asked me to send him my notes so he could evaluate the possibility of doing a book. The rest, as they say, is history.

Why is social networking important for writers?

Writing is all about building relationships—with readers, editors, agents, other writers—and what better vehicle than social media? It’s tailor made for writers. After all, we communicate best through the written word. And it gives us an unprecedented opportunity to connect with our readers.

I know your has lots of tips for writers using social media to build their platform and connect with their audience, but how do we find the time? How do you find the time?

I developed my schedule because I was totally overwhelmed. I felt like I was spending all this time on social media and not getting any writing done—which was the reason for starting the social marketing. I found the minimum I could do and still get results.

I’m very ADD and without a schedule I don’t get anything done!

Here’s an overview of my schedule on days when I’m home:

Most important, I only check email/phone messages 3 times a day. That makes a huge difference in my ability to concentrate.

I’ve found my best creative time, mid-morning, so I reserve that for writing. But here's how my day breaks down:

First hour of my day is spent on email and social networking.
Then I write until lunch.
After lunch, I check email, return calls and do about 20 min of social networking.
Then I work on editing assignments, rewriting, marketing, whatever is next on my list.
Then the last 30 minutes of the day is spent on email, phone calls and social networking.

That’s a rough estimation of my days—some work better than others. But this is the schedule that made it possible for me to publish over 700 articles in 2010.

Can you share some of your favorite writing quotes?

"Easy reading is damn hard writing" -Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I write for the same reason I breath - if I didn't I'd die." -Isaac Asimov

And my life verse -

Who knows, perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

For those of you who don't know Edie, be sure to visit her blog. And don't forget to LIKE her book on FaceBook!

Striving for Excellence

2011-07-21T23:03:00.002-04:00

Guesting for me today is Alycia Morales.

"Do you see a man who excels in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before unknown men."

~ Proverbs 22:29

Many times I've heard editors and agents mention how few writers pay attention to details and strive for excellence in their work. These writers produce their manuscripts, write an uninteresting query letter or proposal, and turn them in, expecting acceptance and publication. When they receive rejection, their poor attitudes continue in their follow-up correspondence, blaming the agent or editor for not accepting their work.

These same writers tend to be people who believe they've been given a gift to write and write well, but they refuse to put any effort into the details. Editing? That's for people who aren't gifted. Spelling? Grammar? That's what editors are supposed to fix before they print my story. Professionalism? Who needs that when you're as talented as I am?

The scripture says that a man who excels in his work will stand before kings. I am consistently working at presenting my best in every work I do. I desire to see my work published in hopes that God will receive glory each time it's printed. I want His word to go forth for all to hear (or read). I want people to know Who I serve. In striving for excellence in all I put my fingers to do on the keyboard, I have confidence that God will be pleased. I know it doesn't bring Him glory to do something with laziness and poor attitude attached.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." ~ Proverbs 3:23-24

If we are truly serving God with our writing, we will write with everything in us, focusing on the Lord and His will, rather than the publishing dream. It's then that He can move and place us before the agents and editors and publishers and bring us into a publishing contract.

If you're wondering why you seem to be stuck, ask God and yourself if you're doing all you can with excellence and if you're doing it for God or for yourself. Take the time to edit. Take the time to rewrite. Take the time to ask others if they enjoy your work. You may be surprised what can happen when you do!

Alycia Morales is a daughter of the King of Kings, wife to a wonderful husband, and mother to 4 children of her own and 1 who she accepts as my own. She loves Jesus. She loves to write. She loves to create. These things are that she lives for...

In addition, she is a great friend.
Enjoy this post and check out her blogs:

Write 4 Life

A. Morales Thinks

Photo courtesy of Beate W.

Life in the Rear View Mirror

2011-07-18T18:35:00.003-04:00

Okay. So I have a thing about taking photos in the rear view mirror. It's so much fun. You never know what you might see.

Maybe a buffalo.
(Or me taking a picture of a buffalo.)

Or beautiful clouds.

But whenever you take a shot from the rear view, it's always of a journey. And some journeys we find ourselves on are more enjoyable than others.

This shot reminds me of a great time and journey. My friend Alycia Morales was following me and Edie Melson after we left BRMCWC this past May. That's her red truck back there.

This is a picture I enjoy looking at. It makes me smile to think of the good times we had at Blue Ridge and to know Alycia was right behind us.

And sometimes, the view from the mirror really shows where you are and where you've come from.

This is a mountain top experience. And we're still on the mountain. That's a nice place to be. But we don't stay there forever.

But sometimes, life is going by so fast and in such a blur, that it shows in the picture and in our lives. And you may want things to slow down for a spell.

Sometimes, the view from behind is one of relief. Relief that you've left a dark time.

But whatever shows in the rear view mirror, remember this: You can't drive forward while focusing only on the view from behind.

Rear view mirror snap shots are just that. Snap shots. While it shows what has affected our journey and life, it isn't the end all.

Whether your past has consisted of lots of mountain top times or dark tunnels, don't look back longing for what once was.

Ask God to let you see what He was doing in those times and how He wants to use them for His glory. And then face forward and join what God is doing in your life.

Again, what perspective do you use to view life? One of eternity or of the here and now?

Grace and peace,
Mary

Secrets to Help You Connect with Your Readers

2011-07-13T23:44:00.001-04:00

Every writer wants to connect with her reader through the words on the paper or screen. And we’ve all felt the thrill that comes from a perfectly crafted sentence. You know the type—it’s made up with something that makes the reader feel something, think about your point and apply what you’ve just said.

When I started writing I referred to those rare instances as magic or inspiration. Now, with some experience behind me, I’m a bit more deliberate in crafting them. I want to share some of the tricks that will help you make your writing shine. These suggestions are specifically for non-fiction freelance writing, articles, devotions, etc. But they also translate well when writing fiction.

First, you want to find a specific point of connection with your reader. As I’ve said before, writing is all about relationships. There are several ways to connect with your reader.

Tell a story—you can use this to show common ground with the reader.
Ask a question—this can show that you understand what the reader is concerned about.
Tap into an emotion—it helps to engage the reader’s heart when you begin.

Second, you need to establish credibility with your reader. What you want to do is invite the reader to walk down this path with you. You may be writing an article about weight loss and want them to consider your method. There are several ways of doing this as well.

Quote an expert—if you’re not a fitness expert and you’re writing that weight loss article, borrow the expertise of someone who is.
Use personal experience—maybe you’ve lost weight. This would be relevant to the reader.
Find an understandable statistic—statistics are good to use IF they are quantifiable. In other words, 3 out of 4 people is easy to visualize, but 15.5 percent of the population under age 30 leaves us clueless.

Word of Warning—don’t lecture, preach or point your finger at anyone. No one appreciates a superior tone.

Now it’s your turn. What tips can you share that help you connect with the reader?

Blessings,

Edie Melson

Photo courtesy of Mary Denman

Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog and is a frequent contributor to many others. As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. She’s the assistant director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Southwest Christian Writers Studio, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. Edie is also the Assistant Acquisitions Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us.

In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Her first eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, has just been released. It’s currently available on Nook or Kindle for only 99 cents.

What Are You Focusing on in Life?

2011-07-11T17:05:00.000-04:00

So what are you focusing on in life? Are you looking at all the stuff that seems to be going wrong around you? I know I do. I can get caught in a pity party. Of one. It's the loneliest party I've attended.

Take a look at this picture. What do you see? Nothing special, right? There's a decrepit parking lot where a business used to be. At least grass is growing where the building once stood. But look at all the power lines. The sky looks washed out. Not a pretty picture. At all. Or is it?

Sometimes, our lives may feel like this photo. Maybe grass is growing, but a lot of things aren't working. This shot certainly doesn't make you want to take a breath and relax. It screams, "There's lots of work to do here. And it's hot."

So what can we do about it? Stay with me here.

God made us to love beauty. But when our lives aren't measuring up to what we think it should look like, to be beautiful in our opinion, we gripe and complain. We grumble at God.

But God is working. And we need to train ourselves to look for His hand. How do we do this? Let's move in closer on that clump of stuff growing on the far side of the lot.

Look. There are sunflowers growing there. That makes sense. They're a hardy kind of plant. They can survive in the heat. And they need lots of the bright, hot sunlight.

Sunflowers have lots of uses. Bees like them. People, birds and squirrels all eat their seeds. They have lots of protein and can be made into oils. They're healthy for us.

But they don't grow in the shade. Or in cool weather. They're made for the heat.

Following? Let's move closer in. And look up instead of down.

And see what I found.

Can you believe I took this picture from that same decrepit parking lot in the middle of a downtown?

It's called perspective. The flowers in the middle of the parking lot caught my attention. I had to see past all the junk to get the picture I wanted. I had to stop and take the time to look for the right angle. And look at the results.

Notice I'm looking up? That's what God asks of us. To look up to Him. To seek Him.

And look at what we can find when we try to look for beauty. For God working.

What do others see when they look at your life? A bright spot in the midst of trials and suffering?
What about you...what do you see in your life?

Let me know. How do these shots inspire you?

Until next time...
Grace and peace,
Mary

Icy Flowers

2010-04-04T17:29:00.005-04:00

Christmas lights

2009-12-18T19:58:00.003-05:00

Five of my favorite people in the world

2009-09-21T17:16:00.004-04:00

Sunset from Lookout Mountain

2009-08-17T17:11:00.003-04:00

Tennesse Clouds

2009-08-10T09:49:00.005-04:00

Firetruck

2009-06-26T19:51:00.006-04:00

A thing of beauty...

2009-06-19T22:32:00.001-04:00

Subway Motion

2009-06-19T21:46:00.002-04:00

Growing a cat in a flower pot.....

2009-06-14T21:10:00.004-04:00

Swim Meet

2009-05-31T21:58:00.012-04:00

Spring

2009-05-31T21:38:00.004-04:00

Sunrise in the Outer Banks

2009-05-22T21:40:00.022-04:00

All images copyright of Mary Denman

Shadows

2009-05-22T12:10:00.012-04:00