I know it's been a long time since I posted anything. I have a ton of post worthy thoughts, ideas, recipes and pictures... I've just been putting things off. You see I have a ton of digitals I need to delete (Linda I think you understand) before I upload the tons of pics on my camera and sort and delete those! My manual camera is calling my name really loudly these days especially when I feel like I'm wasting so much time sorting through my digitals! There is something extremely enticing and mysterious about taking a real photograph. You wait for weeks sometimes to finally see the results. I love the suspense and process of a genuine photograph. In the mean time I've copied and pasted another devotional from Joni. I have such respect for this woman. Despite all odds she continues to live out her faith in a very real way every single moment of every day.


Joni and Friends Daily Devotional
June 1, 2011
Let Me Not Shrink

His intent was that now, through [Christians], the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--Ephesians 3:10-11

Loneliness mixed with affliction can be a dangerous potion. You lie awake, persistently needled by pain. Physical pain, yes, but also mental. The mountains you face are unknown to others. Quite frankly, you are tired of always talking about your problems to others. You'd really rather bear the burden alone. Yet that thought, too, can add a more dangerous element to the potion - if we get the feeling that no one notices our hardships or sorrows, it can drive us to emotional numbness, if not downright despair.

If I am describing you, I want you to be encouraged. Something dynamic and electrifying is abuzz all around you. It is filling the air and agitating the atmosphere above you. Angels, along with powers and principalities in the heavenly realms, are watching, listening, and best of all, learning. Angels - even demons - are intensely fascinated in the thoughts and affections of every human being. Especially Christians like you who bear up quietly under pain and loneliness.

I can hear you thinking, Angels eavesdropping on me? Demons wringing their hands in glee, hoping I'll yell at my kids when they cross me? Principalities and powers watching to see whether I turn to God or turn away? This isn't science-fiction. The Bible tells us that angels get emotionally charged whenever one sinner repents... they get excited when God's people choose to trust him (Luke 15:10; Ephesians 3:10). You are not alone.

* * * * * * * *

Make this poem by Amy Carmichael your prayer today:

O Prince of Glory, who dost bring Thy sons to glory through Thy Cross,
Let me not shrink from suffering, Reproach, or loss.

And by the borders of my day The river of Thy pleasure flows;
The flowers that blossom by the way, Who loves Thee knows.[1]

[1] Amy Carmichael, Mountain Breezes "Let Me Not Shrink," (Christian Literature Crusade), Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, 1999, pg. 219.

Blessings,

Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org