January 1

1 Corinthians 13:12 

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.  (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 13:12

Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now. (NLT)

Right now there is no one on earth who knows you completely.  There are people who know you well--your parents, your spouse, your best friend--but there is no one on earth who knows every little bit of you.  There is One that does though.  He knows your deepest longings, your wildest dreams, your darkest secrets.  Matthew 10:30 tells us that the very hairs of our head are all numbered!  Psalm 139 tells us that God is acquainted with all our ways (vs. 3) and that His thoughts toward us are more in number than the sand (vs. 17-18)!  He knows us so well! 

However, we are in a haze here on earth.  We have things grabbing for our attention, our love, our allegiance.  We struggle with sins and self worth.  What a glorious thought and a glorious hope to know that one day, that haze will be lifted!  We will see Jesus face to face!  We will truly know Him, just as He has known us completely all along!  The mysteries of our trials, our struggles and everything for which we wonder "Why God?" will be made clear through His sovereignty.  What Joy!  What Freedom!  One day all things will come into focus: and we will truly fix our eyes upon Jesus. 

Preface

I just want to take a moment to say a few things I am not.  I am not a theologian and do not claim to be.  I am not a "good Christian."  I am not perfect and do not pretend to be.
So what am I?  I am a sinner saved by Grace.  I am a humble servant of Christ.  I am redeemed by my Savior who paid the price.  I am His beloved child.
I am starting this blog with the intent of glorifying God.  It is my goal (Lord help me!) to take a picture a day and write a devotional to go along with it.  For a year, Lord willing.  It is going to be a big year with a lot happening.  Somewhere in the middle of 2011, my husband and I (Lord willing) will be moving to Guyana, South America to be missionaries. 
This is an attempt to document the year with all its trials, triumphs and everything in between and point each day back to the One who created it.  This is an attempt to daily focus myself, and anyone else who happens to read this, on the Only One worthy of all thanks and praise.
May the Lord be glorified in and through it all--not in my strength, for it is mere weakness, but in the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

~L

[Note:  If anything ever seems out of line with Scripture, please contact me immediately with the Biblical reference so that it can be righted.  Thanks!]