Will you choose to have a heart of a child?

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14

At times when I have read this scripture, I have meditated on the fact that children are innocent. Their innocence gives them the right to heaven. However, watching our children yield this week…..it did nothing but confirm that the reason the kingdom of heaven belongs to them is that they yield. They trusted Pastor Jay and Dr. Jack as they made alter calls. They quickly made their way down. No one had to beg them. The alter call didn’t have to be drawn out for them. They just came. The children yielded…worshipped with no reservations. I saw them rejoice and really dance like no one was watching. Nothing prohibited them from receiving.

As an adult so many times I only get so far in worship because I am so worried about the person next to me….I am thinking-I am not good enough…I wasn’t raised in that atmosphere…..or simply because I do not want to worship. I honestly believe that worship begins as a choice. Once I choose to worship I can let go. After I surrender, God can move. However, I can sing out loud, raise my hands, maybe even get the warm fuzzy feeling inside….but I won’t get passed that until I surrender my heart and turn off my mind. When I do……nothing can stop me….I don’t care who is watching….I can rejoice….my cup overflows with gratitude….I can receive all that God has for me. Yet, even though I get so much out of it……I believe that is when God looks down on me and is truly honored.

Lord, my heart’s desire is to worship with a true heart every time…..the heart of a child.

Background

If you missed any of the services, I urge you to get the cds of the services. My writings and photos do not even begin to display God at work. So much took place throughout the week. Healing, freedom, salvation, worship, repentance……People were challenged to change and were changed. However, our church as a whole was forever changed. The following image was the only way that I knew how to bring the week to an end. We were able to end on such a strong note because even the men of God that bring the word and lead God’s people…..became the background. Le Crae’s song, Background, is what came to mind when I shot this picture. Please read the following lyrics. I pray that as you do, it may become a song in your heart.

“Background”

[Chorus:]
I could play the background
I could play the background
Cause I know sometimes I get in the way
So won’t You take the lead, lead, lead?
So won’t You take the lead, lead, lead?
And I could play the background, background
And you could take the lead

[Verse 1:]
It’s evident you run the show, so let me back down
You take the leading role, and I’ll play the background
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I’m sticking to your script, and I’m reading all your signs
I don’t need my name in lights, I don’t need a starring role
Why gain the whole wide world, If I’m just going lose my soul
And my ways ain’t purified, don’t live according to Your Word
I can’t endure this life without Your wisdom being heard
So word to every dance, a foe, a pop star
‘Cause we all play the background, but mine’s a rockstar
Yeah, so if you need me I’ll be stage right
Praying the whole world will start embracing stage fright
So let me fall back, stop giving my suggestions
‘Cause when I follow my obsessions, I end up confessing
That I’m not that impressive, matter of fact
I’m who I are, a trail of stardust leading to the superstar

[Verse 2:]
I had a dream that I was captain of my soul
I was master of my fate, lost control. and then I sank
So I don’t want to take the lead, ’cause I’m prone to make mistakes
All the folks who follow me, going end up in the wrong place
So let me just shadow you, let me trace your lines
Matter of fact, just take my pen, here, you create my rhymes
‘Cause if I do this by myself, I’m scared that I’ll succeed
And no longer trust in you, ’cause I only trust in me
And see, that’s how you end up headed to destruction
Paving a road to nowhere, pour your life out for nothing
You pulled my card, I’m bluffing, You know what’s in my hand
Me, I’m just going to trust you, You cause the dice to land
I’m in control of nothing, follow you at any cost
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss
Man, I’m so at ease, I’m so content
I’ll play the background, like it’s an instrument

[Bridge:]
I know I’m safest when I’m in Your will, and trust Your Word
I know I’m dangerous when I trust myself, my vision blurred
And I ain’t got no time to play life’s foolish games
Got plenty aims, but do they really Glorify Your name
And it’s a shame, the way I want to do these things for You
Don’t even cling to you, take time to sit and gleam from You
Seems You were patient in my ignorance
If ignorance is bliss, it’s ’cause she never heard of this

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Matthew 24:35

Will you yield??????

Last night we worshiped and listened to the message. Then Pastor Jack led us into a time of reverence.

Webster’s Dictionary defines reverence as
1 : honor or respect felt or shown : deference; especially : profound adoring awed respect
2 : a gesture of respect (as a bow)

I truly believe that it was in that time that I was able to allow God to invade my heart. Not one distraction. Complete silence. No movement. To be sitting in God’s presence in complete awe. I could do nothing but allow Him to speak to me…..for me to yield. I saw how much more I need of Him. My heart cried out. I sat there on my knees as I began to TRY to comprehend His goodness.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

So many times we get all hyped up in our mind for service and do not prepare our heart…..and we miss it. We might have heard a good message, good music, and maybe even challenged. We might even dance, shout a few things……but the Word remains stagnant in our life. There is no fruit. There is no change. It is not a once a year “crazy revival” that is going to change your life. It is the complete surrender, the state of expectancy, the hunger for truth, the desire to change, and the obedience to God that is received that week that allows change to take place.

Every night has been completely different from the previous one. Which leads me to say this….God will change your life at any point and time if YOU are willing. The Spirit can move in a ‘regular Sunday or Wednesday service’ and cause that ‘crazy revival.

To rejoice in God’s presence is the most freeing feeling in the world!!!! Thank you Lord, for You invaded my life last night. Chains have been broken, lives have been changed, clarity, direction, peace, healing…..worship with an open heart has taken place throughout this week.

Hallelujah! Praise God! Gloryyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! REVIVAL IS HERE!!!!!!!!!

Saturation

Our church has been in revival all week. We have experienced complete saturation of the Spirit. God has moved in HUGE ways! People are being set free, healed, saved and challenged to grow. Thank you, Lord!

I have been trying to capture what God has been doing in our church. The anointing is so strong. At times, I have found myself frozen not able to move with my heart in complete worship. Other moments, I am sobbing with camera in hand. Many of the images were distorted with a white haze above them. I checked all settings and all the technical side was set to produce a perfect picture. You may say, “Well it was the camera-the lack of lighting-camera shake.” I think not. Coincidence? Sure! All I can do is figure that God will only allow me to capture what He wants to display. Many people question the move of the Spirit. Many bash, ridicule, and even question when we choose to live a radical life. We do not need to dissect what God is doing. We need to surrender and obey. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that God’s glory has fallen upon us each service. If you were there you know. If you watched by livestream you know. If you happen to get the cds you will experience it as well.

Overwhelmed, overflowing cannot contain all that God has done, is doing and is to do in my life!!!! For last night, I was set free to operate on a higher level. I have made the choice to believe–who I am in Christ. I press forward with authority proclaiming….I AM ANOINTED!!!!!! He has chosen me and will use me…therefore I am confident in Him to be used to touch and change other’s lives!!!! Lord, I choose to be used for YOUR GLORY!!!! WHOOOHOOOOOO!!!! Watch out world….He is just getting started! Praise God! Hallelujah!

Rejoice in the Lord!

Our church has begun revival services this week. All I can say is if you want to be forever changed, go. However, you cannot just attend to spectate…..you have to attend EXPECTING!!!! Believe me, you will receive so much that God has for you. Last night, there was a turn in my destiny. I learned to rejoice. I will be so loud that God will know it is me. I choose to ponder all of the times God has met my needs, given me the victory, provided, allowed me to overcome, and all that He has restored. Never again will I be defeated! My God has the victory! I will be thankful and I will meditate on God’s promises. As I try to put this post together, I can only reread this passage over and over. I can only rejoice because only HE can make the light shine out of darkness.

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.”[b] Since we have that same spirit of[c] faith, we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 1-16

Oh Lord, may you saturate me with Your Holy Spirit. Quench my thirst. Let Your presence flood me. Alter my life in such a way that I never look back. Help me not to cap off my faith. Grow my faith. Help me to have new eyes every time I read Your word. Thank You for breaking me. Thank You for healing me. Use me for Your kingdom. Lord, I want to see Your Greater Glory!!!

Waiting on God’s Best

Last Sunday as the praise and worship team led us into a worship song, I happened to glance over and see Shauntya and Benjamin worshipping alongside each other. It overwhelmed me. The tears rolled. I thanked God out loud for their union. They will be married in July. My joy overflowed for them. Marriage is hard and you have to work at it. However, these two have cancelled out so many odds. Waiting on God’s best can do that for you.

“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

I was so blessed to attend Shauntya’s bridal shower later that afternoon. Michelle Chaney hosted the event in her home. Shauntya was welcomed and blessed with many gifts from our church congregation. The table was adorned with their initials and goldenrod roses with accents of royal blue ribbon. In attendance were friends and family of the Delays. So thankful to be a part of such a great family and church congregation!

Congrats Benjamin and Shauntya!

Milestone

“You have made known to me the path of life; You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

One year ago today, I was blessed with God’s grace and His gift of my DSLR camera. I have always loved taking pictures. My high school junior and senior year were spent working as part of the year book staff. My first year of college my major was photojournalism. The decisions I made the next few years, changed the course of my education. I changed my major to education with a double major in Spanish and Communications with a minor in ESL. Here I am 12 years later, watching-trusting God unfold that very same desire. If you read the about me tab, it tells a little more about how this all began.

However, this morning I cannot go on about my day with thanking God. He has guided my every step. I still don’t know what this journey will bring along the way or the direction it is going. I do know where it leads. It leads to bring Him honor and glory every step of the way. So far along the way, He has brought conviction, forgiveness and personal growth. He has also blessed me with the opportunity to meet some Amazing people, especially kids. These encounters have forever changed my life. I pray for them daily. I know it was not a coincidence that we were able to cross paths. Hopefully you needed something I could give-a positive word, lend an ear, someone to pray for you or with you, a new perspective. Maybe at our appointment, I walked away with something you had for me-a new perspective, encouragement, gentleness, and zeal.

Thank you to everyone who has taken a chance this year and given me the opportunity to shoot photographs of you, your children, or your families. It has been a true honor. Thank you to the Price family who sowed into my dream. You are such a blessing in my life! Thank you for your friendship. Thank you Kelly for believing in me from day 1. God is up to big things in your life. Thank you for calling me a friend.-That is a true compliment. Stacey, at WHP Designs for designing my logo. Thank you for sharing your gift with me. It will represent me well. Thank you for my 8 subscribers. You may say huh? Only 8. Although I have many that frequent my blog, I know among these subscribers there are 3 of my biggest fans. Not fans in the since they think I am great. These fans have cheered me on and believed in me even in the moments I haven’t. They have been pillars of faith. Standing and believing with me even before this started unfolding. They have prayed with me or for me. They have given their advice and opinion on different aspects. They love me and they know God’s potential in my life. Thank you, Daphne, Michelle, and Shelley.

My prayer for you reader, is that you are able to see the beauty in ALL God created. As I look back for images to attach to this post, I see the huge ways that God has grown my work. He is so faithful! Please continue to pray for me. I am excited to see what lies ahead. However, I want every step to be led by the Holy Spirit.
Thank you~Veronica

“…..establish the work of my hands.” Psalm 90:17

Answered Prayer

“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him.”
1 Samuel 1:27

Meet Mason! We have known his parents, Gerald and Amanda for awhile now. It has been exciting to grow alongside this family. God is using Gerald and his brother Israel as beacons of light within their family. These men have taken a stance for Christ and in turn God has changed their lineage for future generations. I have to share that I remember praying at our women’s group every Thursday for quite some time. Amanda, Mason’s momma, never gave up. We prayed a healthy baby boy and that’s exactly what they got. God is so faithful!

These little details change so quickly. I hope it captures what you wanted Amanda. Thank you for the opportunity. Enjoy!

Destined….

“May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed.”
Psalm 20:4

I have had the honor of knowing this young man and his family for a few years now. His parents were our first Life Group leaders. From the moment we met Noe’s parents there was a sincere love for them. God allowed them to lead us spiritually for a time. It was a joyful journey. Now, we have the pleasure enjoying their friendship. Thank you for helping us, praying for us and encouraging us. You have a great family. I believe there is never a dull moment. 😉

Noe worked alongside us in children’s ministry. I am excited to see what God does through this young man. He has a true calling on his life.
Noe, I hope your roots remain deeply anchored in Christ. I pray each step and decision you make will continue to bring honor and glory to God. Now that you know the calling on your life, continue to work towards allowing that to unfold. I know that God will use you to bring many to encounter Him. My husband and I are very proud of you. We are happy to see make a difference at such a young age.

Here are some images from our shoot. The last one is my favorite. I know these moments are flying by. I am so glad I didn’t listen to your mom. She might be upset but she will enjoy it. I know it! Love you guys! Thank you for the opportunity.

Crescendo*

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” Luke 18:27

I have had the honor of knowing this couple for awhile now. Callan and I met while I worked at State Farm. At the time, my husband and I had just started attending our church. After we had finished up our Helps Ministry class, I was paired up with Callan’s wife Mary to work in our nursery. I served alongside her for 2 years. God knew what He was doing pairing us two together. Mary and I were able to grow into a friendship. Our conversations were anything from something hilarious to the more serious ‘life prayer requests’. We saw each other through several of those tough prayer requests.

I remember sitting in front of Mary’s house one night. My friends had been through a lot. She was struggling to make sense of it all. She was upset and her heart was broken. A loss is a very difficult thing to go through. You know, it is often said that when you go through something, as awful as it may seem at the time……God has a purpose for it. Over 8 years ago, I had found myself in Mary’s shoes….questioning God-confused-brokenhearted-empty. That night, God used all of that for the good. I was able to understand and encourage Mary. My prayers for her over the next few months were very specific. God is so intricate and so purposeful. Trusting Him is wonderful. His timing is better than we will ever know. When we got news a few months ago that Charlee was on her way….all I could do was rejoice!

When I was asked to do this photo shoot, I was honored and overwhelmed all at the same time. My heart rejoices for Callan and Mary. I know they have alot of love to give. Charlee will be so blessed! I can’t wait to meet her.

I love you Callan and Mary. Thank you for the opportunity.

Here some images from our shoot. The beauty of a woman hosting God’s greatest miracle, is the most beautiful picture, ever!!!! So to all my friends and unknown fellow expectant mommas…..you are so blessed to be chosen by God to display Him at His finest….God’s crescendo. LIFE!!!