Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:6-8 (ESV)

Goodness, it is Thanksgiving; where did this years go? This year has been a year of ups-and-downs; emotionally and physically. But nonetheless, I am grateful for the life God is allowing me to live this side of heaven.

The most important lesson I have learned this year is that God is using my weaknesses to keep me grounded and focused on what truly is important in life. Not all things that I had planned for this year have come to pass, but that is okay.

Many of my friends have been impacted by the economy, have lost loved ones, or have been robbed of their possessions. So, why should I grumble when some of my dreams did not come true. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, water to drink, and family and friends that bless me every day just for being there for me.

So, this Thanksgiving Day I thank God for the things I have, and not focus on the things I do not have.

What are you thankful for today? Check out more thankful hearts over at my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“…

Thank you for stopping by today – Happy Thanksgiving and Thankful Thursday.

Current Mood: Blessed † & Thankful

“Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.”
~ Psalm 37:4-5 (ESV)

Patience is not one of my strong sides. Little by little the Lord is teaching me to wait on Him, to turn everything over to Him.

Over the last year I have been praying about what to do and how to share my passion of photography. I do not want to be famous, but at some point I would like to leave corporate America behind; make my living through photography. Am I too old to start a new thing? No, because if God is part of the equation, all things are possible (look what God did through Moses at the age of 80).

No, I am not there yet, but the Lord opened a door for me to step through. Kristen Schiffman, editor/founder of Exemplify Online Magazine invited me to become part of the magazine as their photographer. I am giddy about this opportunity. I believe that this was orchestrated by God through my dear friend Debbie from Heart Choices.

Yesterday I shared a photo that I took a week ago, on Facebook. A friend commented on the photo with this: “Good photographers see the same things we all see. They have the gift to present those visions in ways we never imagine. . .and therein lies the art. Iris, you have the gift. I have a camera, but I do not have the gift. You are blessed.” (thank you Hilton – your comment made me tear up)…

Lord of Heaven and Earth. I want to thank You for the opportunity You have given me to be part of Exemplify. Thank You for the gift You have given me. Lord, may I always use it to Your glory and never forget that the gift comes from You. May I always commit may way to You, even if it means to be patient. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thank you for stopping by today. Don’t forget to stop by on Monday for part 2 of “Living Fearlessly in 2010.

Current Mood: Blessed †

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 (ESV)

A brand new year…new goals, dreams, hopes for a year ahead. As Lori mentioned on her blog, she does not like to make new years ‘Resolutions’ — I don’t either. I break them within the first week. But I do have goals, dreams, and hopes for 2009…Allow me to share them with you:

• Spiritual Growth: Realizing in 2008 how much I like to be in control of things, having pride-issues (still), self doubt, feeling worthless…I believe that the study of Esther by Beth Moore is just perfect for me. Reading through Esther is the last part of 2008, I realized how much Esther relied on God’s timing. She didn’t rush anything but waited on His ‘green light’. I also plan on attending the Phoenix “Women of Faith Conference” in October 2009
• Marriage: With God’s help taking the focus off of my own needs. Continue to pray for our marriage. We have been married for almost 26 years, waves hit our marriage, but I trust God to continue to protect it.
• Motherhood: Keeping out of the affairs of our son. He is grown up — I need to acknowledge that (hard one for me – )
• Work: Let God handle the details. Keep my eyes focused on my own tasks to complete. Don’t worry about the work ethics of my co-workers.
• Writing/blogging: Take one day/blog at a time. Continue hosting Thankful Thursdays — as long as the interest is there. Sharing His Word, grace, love with a world to read/see/respond. With His help, I will find the time to do so. As I have mentioned often (but can’t say it enough), God truly has blessed me with a wonderful writing team at Laced with Grace. I hope to deepen the friendships I have made through the team blog this year. These women are an incredible encouragement to me personally.
• Photography/Scrapping: My dream for photography — get published or sell a photo or two (I know dreaming here ). One thing that I want to finish though this year is my Faithbook to have it printed. I hope that God uses my scrapping to make Him known through a different medium – digital layouts.

Maybe some of my goals, dreams and hopes for 2009 are a little lofty…but you know – all things a possible with God (thus Matthew 19:26 as my verse for the year )

If you would like to read more bloggers sharing their goals for 2009, stop by Lori’s blog “New Year’s Meditations”…

Be blessed today and as always…

Current Mood: Okay

As for me, I am looking forward to 2009. 2008 has not been a great year, but I know that I needed the growing experience . I am glad that I had Jeremiah 29:11 as ‘my verse’ for 2008. I hope that God will reveal a verse for 2009 soon.

Well, I hope you will join Laurel, me and others on January 1st to meditate on 2009.

Thanks for stopping by today. Blessings to you and yours…

Current Mood: Blessed † & Happy