Photoshop Editing

This is such a cute picture... but the people sitting on the rock in the background is kind-of distracting. So in a matter of minutes (as you can probably tell) I simply edited them out of the background using Photoshop. POOOF! Gone! Photoshop is an amazing program. Because of it, I am hesitant to believe the legitimacy of pictures on the internet. Some people have really mastered the program and can make fake pictures look authentic. It's an art. Anyways, enjoy!

Missing Summer

I'm so tired of wearing socks and having cold hands. I miss the warmth of the sunshine.


I wish I was some place where it's nice and warm. I would be soaking up the sun and reading a good book.

Summer just can't get here fast enough.

The Lord is my Shepherd-- A Look at Psalm 23

The name Shepherd carries so much meaning to it. Often pictured by a humble man with staff in hand, a shepherd is one who is responsible for the protection and well-being of his flock. He is the sheep’s source of guidance, provider, protector, instructor, healer, and encourager. To me, this simple but profound name is the perfect name to describe who my Lord is as my Shepherd.

I’ve heard it said that the more “blood, sweat, and tears” one puts into something he is trying to acquire, the more he will cherish whatever it is he buys. The Good Shepherd paid for His sheep with a large price. The cost: His life. Because of this, His sheep are very dear to Him. “I give [My sheep] eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” John 10:28.

The Good Shepherd wants the best for His sheep. The pastures He leads them into are rich with green grass. They never go hungry. The still waters are always abundantly running nearby. They never go thirsty.

The Good Shepherd restores the soul. He reassures the sheep that they are secure in His care. He encourages the sheep in troubled times. He gathers the flock safely together.

The Good Shepherd leads His sheep in paths of righteousness. Leading the sheep is one of the most important roles of a shepherd. He shows them the right path- the one that is safest.

The sheep have no reason to fear under the trustworthy authority of the Good Shepherd. Though there will be times when the valley is dark as death, the sheep remember the rod and staff in the hand of the Master. When they gaze up at Him and see Him ready to defend, it brings the sheep a sense of security.

The Good Shepherd provides food for His sheep. Also while the sheep are feeding, He continues to keep a watchful eye open for predators.

The Good Shepherd gives His sheep a sense of worth. The shepherd in the field would anoint the head of sheep with oil and spice to protect them from harmful insects. His sheep are well taken care of- they are blessed.

The Good Shepherd gives His flock goodness beyond measure. He not only gives them what they need, but He gives them more than they need. He is very generous.

The Good Shepherd is truly and genuinely good to His flock. His mercy towards them is a sign of His goodness. Even when the sheep wander astray, He doesn’t always punish them the way they deserve.

The Good Shepherd’s goodness and mercy is never-ending. It endures through all time.

The sheep always have a place to call home because the Shepherd will never leave them nor forsake them. They will dwell in His presence for forever.

Open My Eyes

"The closer that I come to You
The more I know that I’ve been living in a LIE
How could I have been so blind
To think that there is something I can hide behind?
The more I know You the more You…

Open my eyes now I can see

That where You are is the only place

I want to be wrapped in Your love.

For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of.

How could I deny Your love?
When You’re the one who takes me back when I break Your heart in two.
Maybe I should listen when You call my name.
You’re crying and You’re begging me to just stay here with You. The more I know You the more You…

Open my eyes now I can see
That where You are is the only place
I want to be wrapped in Your love.
For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of.

I’m starting to forget why I am here.
That when You’re near me everything is all so clear.
The only reason I’m alive is to
Know You more so You can …

Open my eyes now I can see

That where You are is the only place

I want to be wrapped in Your love.

For my lifetime You are the only one I am dreaming of."

Love Never Fails

"Love is not proud,

Love does not boast,

Love after all matters the most.

Love does not run,

Love does not hide,

Love does not keep locked inside.

Love is a river that flows through,

Love never fails you.

Love will sustain,

Love will provide,

Love will not cease at the end of time.

Love will protect,

Love always hopes,

Love still believes when you don't.

Love is the arms that are holding you,

Love never fails you."

True love. It's a priceless jewel to those who know it. Why is it so rare? It is because genuine love involes sacrifice and sometimes sorrow. If you say you have true love but do not give it away- you do not truly have it. A heart that bears this love may be battered and scared... but it is also strong. True love is a test of time. It is steadfast even when the same love is not returned. True love does not cease during the hard times. It will always do what is right even when there is real pain involved. This kind of love is an outpouring; completely selfless. You may be reading this and thinking, "Only God can love in such a way as this!" Yes, that is true. Only God is capable of really loving the way He does. No natural man would sacrifice his only son to be tortured and killed in order to save the lives those who work iniquity. "But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). However, we can learn and strive to love as He has loved us. He commands us to love one another as He has loved us.

1) "Love suffers long." Bearing with a person's worst behavior, without retaliation, regardless of circumstances.

2) "Love is kind." Diligently seeking ways to be actively useful in another person's life.

3) "Love does not envy." Delighting in the esteem and honor given to someone else.

4) "Love does not parade itself." Not drawing attention to onefelf exclusive of others.

5) "Love is not puffed up." Knowing one is not more important than others.

6) "Love does not behave rudely." Not engaging any person in ungodly activity.

7) "Love does not seek it's own." Being others-oriented.

8) "Love is not provoked." Not resorting to anger as a solution to difficulties.

9) "Love thinks no evil." Never keeping an account due on others.

10) "Love does not rejoice in iniquity." Never delighting in another person's unrighteousness.

11) "Love rejoices in truth." Finding great joy when truth prevails in another person's life.

12) "Love bears all things." Being publicly silent about another person's faults.

13) "Love believes all things." Expressing unshakable confidence and trust in others.

14) "Love hopes all things." Confidently expecting future victory in another person's life, regardless of the present imperfections.

15) "Love endures all things." Outlasting every assault of Satan to break up relationships.

~~LOVE NEVER FAILS~~