Lower

Mother Teresa once said, "You and I, we are the Church, no? We have to share with our people. Suffering today is because people are hoarding, not giving, not sharing. Jesus made if very clear. Whatever you do to the least of My brethren, you to it to Me. Give a glass of water, you give it to me. Receive a little child, you receive Me."


Go check out Compassion's Cry and read more of the post "Lower." I felt compelled to write this today.

This momentary marriage...

Lately I've been reading This Momentary Marriage  by John Piper. I've hardly read a handful of chapters, but I'm already seeing things in a different light. The books starts off by talking about martyrdom. (Funny way to start a book of marriage, huh?) What he has to say is very different from what you normally hear people talk about. Some of the comments I've heard make being married sound awful! It got me thinking about all the things people told us before we got married...

"It'll be a huge adjustment."

"The first year is the hardest."

"Just wait, the big fight is coming."

Well, we're still waiting for that fight and we actually love being married. Sure, we get frustrated sometimes and I know that there will be conflict and pain. Still, we are really hoping that we won't fight very much and we are very careful not to say anything negative or hurtful towards one another. We don't always agree on things, but have decided that most of the things we disagree on just aren't worth bickering about. We know how to push each others buttons, but choose not to do so. I think part of the reason we feel this way goes back to what Piper talks about in the book. We know that marriage isn't intended for simply for our happiness. Staying married isn't about staying in love. It's a covenant. it is meant to be a picture of God's relationship with His bride, the Church. 

Looking at marriage like this takes a lot of selfishness out of it. Now we certainly haven't perfected this by any means...our relationship is definitely not where it could be! By nature we are selfish beings, but the goal of conformity to Christ fuels our desire to love each other with selflessness. I know that we will hurt each other eventually, but in that moment we are called to forgive. Marriage is much bigger than we are. It is a beautiful, deep covenant. Knowing this helps when our differences get on each other's nerves! (And we are very different!) 

In marriage I am shown grace everyday. I am a flawed wife, and yet my husband loves me in spite of that. He chooses not to point out my faults, but encourages me and critiques me when needed in love. I am blessed to have a husband who has such a Biblical view on marriage. He shows me Christ every day by his actions. I look forward to raising children with Him to be little followers of Christ. What a beautiful and challenging calling!

So today if you are married, I encourage you to view marriage as the precious, sacred covenant that it is. Our culture has demeaned it's value but it is a beautiful thing. Sure, it's hard sometimes. In marriage the real you comes out, especially when personalities clash. But God has made this a tool to help you become more like Him! If you aren't married, seek God first. He never promised marriage to anyone, but He gives it as a blessing. He knows the right timing for you. I promise you can trust Him with that!


So what do you guys think about marriage? Have you heard those comments before? What is your experience and what has God taught you through the adventure of marriage?

The Answer...

As I listened to the voice mail, I knew the time had finally come for an answer. I hadn't really worried about whether I was going to get the job or not after the interview. Instead of wondering if I'm good enough, I've been sticking to the "I am who I am" policy. I know that it doesn't really matter if I'm good enough at all, because God can do anything through me if it is His will. For 10 days I had been calm and patient, but yesterday broke my stoicism. All of the sudden I thought, "What if they tell me no? What if they choose someone else? What will I do then?" I spent the rest of the evening trying to quiet those nagging questions.

I woke up this morning with that phone call hanging over my head. "No matter what, I trust You LORD!" I prayed and then picked up the phone.

After the hellos she said, "We talked about all the interviews and it was a really hard decision."

I knew then that I didn't get it.

"You were one of the top 3 but..." and she started telling me why they chose the other girl. I hardly heard another word because disappointment washed over me like a flood. I dropped to the bed, engulfed in confusion. I was surprised, but somehow I already knew the answer I got today. Wait. Why had God directed me to pursue an open door just to shut it in my face? He knows my heart is to do His will, so why the waiting?

"For still the vision awaits its appointed time;

it hastens to the end—it will not lie.

If it seems slow, wait for it;

    it will surely come; it will not delay."

(Habakkuk 2:3)

Wait. I'm pretty tired of hearing that word. I've gotten past feeling useless at home everyday. I have a schedule now and have plenty to occupy my time. I have my little photography business...but I know there is more. I know God is calling me to something else, but I must await the vision. On days like today, it is hard to wait. Still, I find my faith grows stronger with every passing trial; it is built up by waiting on God's direction.

The will of God is found in the pursuit of God...so I pursue and I wait.

In fields of cotton...

The other day I had the opportunity to take some photos of my friend Nicole. I have known her since college. We lived in the same apartment complex, lovingly dubbed "the ghetto". We tried to keep it as classy as possible though. Nicole is a very friendly person and easy to get to know. I've always loved her care-free bohemian style. From the get-go I knew this would be a fun shoot! You can see more on the photography blog and facebook page! 

Looking forward

I've always been one who loved to move on to the next step in life. I guess it all started when my mom put me in school early. Most of my friends have been older than me, I moved to college when I was 17, and I got married at 21. The 'next step in life' has always excited me. However, the past few weeks I've found myself looking back. Often, I have slipped into self pity on days that I'm tired of being self-disciplined. I think back to when I had a steady income, money in the bank, a normal routine, etc... It's not like me to look back. So I've decided to focus on the things I'm looking forward to...

Ethiopia - I leave in one month! I can't believe it's so close! It feels so surreal. I've been dreaming of Africa since I was 15 and now I'm finally going. I've been praying that God will use me "to make a difference for [Him] that is completely disproportionate to who I am" (David Brainerd) and that we may reach the lost and hurting for Christ. I have much to pray for. It began to sink in when I wrote the check for the last payment last week. I was able to raise over $1000 just from selling headbands! Thank you to all who helped me! I am so blown away by your generosity.

Going home - I get to go home at the end of this month! One of my friends from highschool is getting married, so I'm taking the opportunity to spend a few days with my family, taking pictures and having fun. (They are always willing subjects for photo shoots!) It is always such a blessing to be with my family. I want to take advantage of these moments before my little siblings are all grown.

My birthday - I love birthdays and I love that mine is in October. It's obviously the best month of the year! Jonathan somehow forgot to take time off before the holiday season, so he has to use it in October! He's planning on taking some time off before my trip. Maybe we'll get to do something fun. :)

So that is what I'm looking forward to these days. Finding things to be excited about is perfect for chasing away the pity party blues!

What are you all looking forward to?

Autumn is in the air

Autumn is in the air these days. I can smell it! The past few days have been a bit cooler, so I've opened up the windows to let it all in. I was so excited about the weather that I pulled out my boots too! I really adore this time of year! I can't get enough of the crisp breeze, sweaters, scarves, hot apple cider, pumpkin bread and warm soups. Mmmm! Oh, and my birthday is in the fall too! :) I get more excited about this season than any other. I've already put away all my summer decorations and filled the house with fall!

What do you love about the fall!

Rural Portraits

I have some new photos up on my photography blog and facebook page. I was able to take some portraits of my lovely friend Cassidy and one of the girls in her youth group. We had such a fun time traipsing around old buildings and some train tracks. We got a few stickers, but it was well worth it! Make sure to go and check them out!

PS: Thank you for all of your congratulations on my new business! I appreciated every single one. You guys are so sweet and I am thankful for all of the support!

Telling my story...

"Can you tell me a little bit about your story?" she said as we got closer to the end of the interview. It had been exactly a month and a day since I began my adventure in unemployment. Here I was sitting in only my second interview. The first one was 3 weeks prior. I'd given up on searching and praying prayers that sounded more like begging than seeking the will of God. I definitely wouldn't have quit my job to take the one I was applying for. It only pays for 10 hours a week, but I'd be working way more than that. Going from having a job that is full time with benefits to something hardly enough to call part time sounds crazy. But there I was telling this woman that I was willing to sign up for it. 

Am I crazy? Who in their right mind would do that?

"I'm not from here. I grew up in Jacksonville Florida" I started. I started at the beginning and told her of growing up in a Christian home, our family Bible study in the morning, coming into a relationship with Jesus Christ, being homeschooled, moving from the city to a small, country town and having to decide between fitting in or making my faith my own....

I told her about my first real crush and how God said no. Then I explained how I changed and grew during my 16th year, how I read my Bible like it was really written to me and how I started praying that I would only fall in love once and that it would be with the man I married. The words fell from my lips like a gentle rain. It was as if I was reading my life like a book. I saw the time God called me into the ministry (which all Christians are called to...which is another post!) and when I heard Him speak directly to me for the first time. It was so clear. I felt so special. "After that, I moved college when I was 17" I continued...

Then I told her of the sickness...I told her of the pain that plagued me for 4 years. Memories flooded my mind and took me back to the little pantry where I kept all my many myriads of medicine, when I was crying alone in pain because no one was there to hear or care, hearing doctor after doctor tell me that they didn't have any answers, and God all the while breaking down my pride, my perfectionism, my plans and my grasp on this life. By the time I was so sick I couldn't move from my bed, I told her that healing came. Oh, it was a miracle that happened because of the faith of the believers in my church! Ever since that day, I have been perfectly fine.

"Then two months later I met Jonathan at a Bible study" I said. That was the beginning of a new life for me. I certainly hadn't planned things to work out that way, but they did. I remembered the first time I ever held hands...it was with him...and our first kiss (my first glorious kiss) a few months before we got married. I told her how I graduated in December of '09 and how we got married the following May. I told her about how our passions are exactly the same and that we love serving together now. Then I explained how God told me to quit my job, what He was teaching me, how He led me to start this new photography adventure and that He led me to apply for this position...this ministry position that doesn't pay much and requires a lot of time and effort.

Am I crazy? Well, you could say that I suppose.

"For if we are 'out of our mind' as some say, it is for God...He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for their sake and was raised."
(2 Corinthians 5:13,15)


Going back over my story in that interview made me realize just what God has done in my life. I am so blessed. Before I was even born He knew that I was going to be there in that chair talking to her that day. He prepared me for this. He has walked me through life in good and bad circumstances, in joy and in pain, on days I couldn't help but sing and others when all I could do was cry. Everything I am, all that I have is because of Him. He has made me new and given me a new life in Him. He died so that I might live. 


So yes, I am out of my mind. I am crazy. I am foolish enough to follow Him because I realize that this life isn't mine. It hasn't been since I gave it to Him at 6 years old.

So I guess we'll see what He decides to do with it. I'm just the pages He is writing on...

Exciting News!!!!

Well, for starters I bought the camera I've been wanting for FOREVER!!! I love it, I really do. I am about to start a new venture in photography. I have always loved the creative process behind photography. I started using my Dad's old manual film camera when I was a kid and continued to play around with my trusty ole' point-and-shoot just to be creative. Now, the timing is finally right to pursue this passion more seriously.

I now reveal to you..........(drum roll please)...........

Jennifer Blair Photography!!!!

Go ahead and check out my new website and facebook page! This is really a dream come true. Even so, I know it will take a while to get rolling, so there are more job opportunities that I'm praying about. Still, who knows where this could go? To be honest, I have a lot of fear and feelings of inadequacy. (I mean, there are a TON of great photographers out there for goodness sake!) Still, I know this is the direction I am supposed to go. I know this is going to be tool to bring glory to Christ. I pray He uses it for His Name or takes it away. How will photography accomplish that? Well I'm not sure, but I know this is what He called me to and that He can do anything. He doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called. So here I am on the brink of a new journey. I'm excited to see where it will lead. I'm learning to trust His voice and depend on Him for each day's purpose. I'm so grateful that He has put a new tool in my hand to use for Him! I really pray that it NEVER becomes about me and what I can do, but about Him and about what He can do through a nobody who is willing to be used.

Can you tell how much I love this little guy? :) I feel like a kid on Christmas morning these days!

Well, if any of you guys live in the south-eastern states and need a photog...you know where to find one!

Faith Spotlight: Faith

Hey, guys! I have a treat for you today. My friend Faith is here today with a really great post. I don't know about you guys, but I am a recovering perfectionist. Often I will beat myself up over the mistakes I make and my imperfections. So without further ado, here is Faith to share her heart!

Hello, readers!  My name is Faith.  In June, I married my high school sweetheart, a young man whom I started dating over five years ago!  We are very happy together, and we currently live in a cute, vintage apartment in downtown Chicago.  

I blog at Sojourn of Faith, enjoy photography, and share with my husband an undying appreciation for French press coffee, ice cream, and NCIS. In December, I will graduate from Moody Bible Institute with an undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies and Communication Studies!

I am a student of the Bible and theology, but my knowledge of God does not always nurture my relationship with God.  I primarily grapple with fear.  I am a timid, insecure perfectionist who overemphasizes failure and continually overlooks the grace of God.  Somehow, in my self-centered universe, God loves everyone but me.  My soul is less worthy, my personality more flawed, my hypocrisy more hypocritical, my failures less forgivable.  This sort of misguided martyrdom is rooted in narcissism and breeds paralyzing fear.

It is healthy to be grieved by sin.  This grief squeezes my heart and beckons me to return to the Lord.  However, it is not healthy to entertain ongoing guilt for forgiven sins.  Jesus said to woman in Luke 7, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  He did not say, “Your faith has saved you, but your sin was especially awful, so please sit in the corner and mull over your stupidity.”

I John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  These words are deeply encouraging.  My God is just, but he is also faithful to forgive, faithful to wash away my terrible decisions.  I must receive this forgiveness with joy and determination to “go and sin no more”!  Living in shame after I have been forgiven does not glorify my Savior.  It depreciates the cross of Christ and spurns his ability to bear my sins away.

I cannot love God rightly if I allow fear to feed unnecessary guilt.  This fear turns my attention from God and to myself, to my self-image and self-definition.  This fear causes me to “need” more stylish outfits, a better decorated apartment, a more attractive personality, a better work ethic, more followers on my blog, a better singing voice, etc.  This need for “more” and “better” breeds insecurity and discontentment.  Insecurity leads me to compare myself to others, and I become reluctant to use my talents at all.  This self-focused mentality leaves my heart discouraged and my ministry utterly fruitless.

I am incapable of building my own significance.

My identity is found in Jesus Christ, my Savior.  I am significant because I am a daughter of God, a coheir with Christ, fearfully and wonderfully made, a workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works.  Please pray that I will surrender my fear!  It is my prayer that I will walk in a manner worthy of the calling, joyfully celebrating the God who has given me a name.

Go in peace.