Sacrifices

It's funny how as soon as you make some sacrifices, and die to yourself a little, God blesses you. I have been blessed with more love from God, and more ideas and am excited about the potential He has in store for me! It's also funny how once Satan knows you're committing, he wants you to stumble. Well, Satan, I will stand my ground!

The 2nd Mile

Matthew 5:41--If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

I have always wanted a "2nd mile" lifestyle, I just didn't know what to call it. A 2nd mile lifestyle--the kind of life that although not perfect, yearns for, aches for, and seeks the heart of the living God. Going the 2nd mile in our lives, our families, our communities. My church (http://www.bammel.org/) has recently introduced this series--titled the "2nd Mile Lifestyle", and the messages have convicted me to stretch myself and my faith to achieve it. What is it about this life that makes it so complicated? So many things...why do I allow those things to get in the way of my faithfulness? Perhaps because I'm afraid of the sacrifice faithfulness involves. So many things I have...gifts, love, passion...I need to give it away! I need to put them to good use! I feel limited at times. How am I limited? By myself! By the faith I have in my own abilities, not by God or His abilities! He can bless me with more and more knowledge; more and more passion for what I do; yet still I hold back, even when the things He could do are endless. If only I would hear Him... and REALLY LISTEN to HIM...I would be moved. I want to be moved! Lord, move me. I know it is up to me. I know it is my decision to hear You. I will make the decision to hear You.

Faith like a child. Lord, to have the faith I had as a child...I remember it so well. No wonders, no doubt. There is God. His son, Jesus. Jesus died so I could be saved. Jesus listens and God has angels that watch over me. I used to envision them before I went to bed in the corner of the ceiling, watching me. Lord, I want that faith again.

My Sweet Spot. The Gift that God has given me--on purpose. For a purpose. I have one. Photography? People? Church? Relationships? I love them all and many other things. Lord, help me find my Sweet Spot.

The 2nd mile lifestyle...I want it. Following Jesus Christ in my daily life. Do people look at me and see Jesus Christ? Not enough right now, honestly. I need to realize I will not find fullfillment on the 1st mile. What if I went past the 1st mile in my faithfulness, my loyalty, my love, my joy, my service, and went a 2nd mile--will people see Jesus then? I am called to go there. I've got to go there. There is where I will find a fulfilled life; Jesus promises it! Why do I do photography? Why do I call it Capturing Creations? Because I love God. I love His Creations, and I want to show the world His wonders. The 2nd mile in my photography is this--I promise, Lord, I will praise You with all my heart, and do my very best to tell of all Your wonders. To any customer, new or old, a free 11x14 print with any scripture you'd like printed on it...to display the word of God and His creation on your walls.

I love you, Lord. Thank you for my gifts. I will honor You with them, always.

Fun in Schulenburg, TX

I had a great time this past weekend with some family in Schulenburg, Texas! Met my little cousin for the first time, Kelsey, and she is such a joy! Here's one from our session, I had a little fun with the picture too!

See ya! Hope you like it, Christine!

Julizza

Happy Easter!

The meaning of Easter is Jesus Christ's victory over death. His resurrection symbolizes the eternal life that is granted to all who believe in Him. I am glad to know God, and I am glad to know Christ as my Savior. Happy Easter to you!

How does the time pass?

My goodness, how does the time pass? As a teacher, I'm just thinking..."Come on, Spring Break!", as a parent, I'm thinking, "Wait! Slow down!", and as a photographer...well, haven't figured out that one yet...

But something has struck me recently. I am looking for ways to stay focused on what I started this business for...Capturing Creations. My goal, my mission statement...to capture His Creations on camera and somehow present a fraction of His beauty to the world. If He has given me this talent, why not use it to His glory? I knew what the name of my business would be first, and I looked to the bible to see what scripture justified what I felt my role is here. I came upon Psalm 9:1 “I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonders.” That is exactly how I felt starting this business. I want to tell of all his Wonders! What are His Wonders? Everything and everyone and their relationships; all that is simple, and all that is complicated. Love and what it produces. Nature. O Lord, I do want to praise You, and I do want to tell of all your Wonders--I want to show the faces of those you have created and present them as Your wondrous works of art! Use me, O Lord!

Love, Julizza

Hello there!

Hello there! Brand new spot, can't wait to get it going! So many exciting things happening, don't know where to start! New website, great opportunities, and new photo toys, of course! The new site now has a shopping cart feature so ordering will be a breeze...cool or what?! I'm so excited!

On another note, my late father's birthday today, and tomorrow--the anniversary of his death. So in memory of him...love you and miss you daddy. All I hope is that I am and will become everything you wanted for me. Here you are holding my daughter in your loving Grandpa arms. She knows who you are--and has asked to see you from time to time. I wish I could keep her memories of you in her head forever, for you were great and your love for her was amazing. You were a rock and your loss shook my existence. Your teachings stay strong in me, however, and I have not dwindled to nothing--no, I did what you taught me--I pursued and became triumphant, just as you were. I never knew the strength of the thread you weaved through me and our family until you were gone. We miss you, and are convicted to be as one for your sake. I will see you again one day beyond the azure blue, and now I see your laughing face as I walk past you in the living room of the home you built...thank you.

These roses are for you... I love you.