Work with all your heart.

I'm pretty sure by now that my long-time readers know about my faith, but if I'm being totally honest, some days I am not a great Christian. I sin, I fall short, I say things I shouldn't say. Sometimes I get angry at slow drivers, have a short temper with those I love most, and I question God's will for my life (more than I'd like to admit).

Another thing you should know about me is that I have a passion for photography and that Caleb and I own a business together. There was this one wedding in particular when we were first getting started that meant we would have to miss an event with friends/family. To be totally honest, I let the bitterness build up inside me that entire week leading up to it, knowing every one else had a day off to do whatever they wanted, and annoyed (even though we loved what we did) that we would spend that whole day working and on our feet, exhausted by the end of it.

Then I opened my Bible app and wouldn't you know it, I saw exactly what I needed to see. It was a much needed slap in the face. God was whispering His truth to me that morning. 

The whole version is this: Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

When I actually think about going through the motions of my day (whatever it is; work or play) and doing each and every single thing FOR THE LORD, and not for man or for myself, I can do it all with a little more joy in my heart. NOTHING that we do is insignificant. God can use you, even when you think it's "too small".

I don't care if you're...

taking photos,
flipping burgers,
typing essays,
cleaning toilets,
answering phone calls,
studying for hours
responding to emails,
making coffee,
feeding your kiddos,
driving a truck,
writing music,
making websites,
giving manicures,
scooping ice cream,
or watering plants.

What you do has significance. What you do and how you spend your time has purpose. I now go into each and every day at work, as well as weddings on the weekends, with a different perspective. The seemingly small actions that I do throughout the day is potential to serve. Like when I offer a client coffee to enjoy in our lobby while they wait for their appointment. Or on a wedding day when I help button up a brides dress, or when Caleb offers to pin all of the groomsmen's boutonnieres because no one quite knows how to properly.

IT ALL MATTERS. No matter how small it may seem in the moment, God can use you. You can spread joy in any situation. Give it a try :) I hope this encouraged you today to see that you are part of something bigger than yourself.

Taking that leap today.

Yesterday, I was home from work sick with a terrible migraine, thankfully, as the day went on, it got to be more bearable. I was able to even get a work out in and cook dinner! Then think about a big decision that has been on my mind recently.

You see, nearly two weeks ago I was approached at work with an interesting job offer. This was completely unexpected. I mean, I've worked hard at my job and I have to say I'm pretty good at it. However, this new job offer has caused me some serious stress over the past 2 weeks. I love what I do, I love the co-workers I'm near, but I really didn't know what was holding me back from taking this job immediately.

Then it hit me last night as I was in tears over it.

I was scared.

Scared to come out of the comfort of my everyday, and try something new. I prayed all day for an answer! Wouldn't it just be so easy for God to come down here and TELL ME what to do!? I bet He's havin' a good laugh at me now.

I kept seeing small signs and hearing things said to me; "step out of your comfort zone" "God's plan is bigger than yours!" "trust in Him!"... so I decided to take the plunge and accept the offer today...and yeah, I'm kind of terrified I wont be good at this, or that I won't like my day to day experience at the office...but I've decided to take that leap of faith and say yes to this new adventure.

God's got this, why should I worry?
_________________________________

Linking up with the gorgeous Shanna!

The day I was feeling adventurous

Friday is here, *party*... and I'm finally going back to work. Apparently the school districts surrounding my home are CLOSED today due to snow... so I'm hoping the roads are alright on my way in to work today!

I told you all in my Wednesday post about my random facts... and one of them was that when I turned 18, my birthday was on a Sunday, & I got baptized in my church, by my uncle... and my mom's present to me was to take me skydiving.

I had ALWAYS wanted to "make the jump", and that is what she asked me when I woke up... "You ready to jump today?" and I knew exactly what she meant. I don't think I could've hopped out of bed any quicker!

My baptism was the very best moment of my life, there are no words I could use to describe it but I can try:

Amazing.

Life changing.

Freeing.

So you can imagine my excitement as I leave church, with people asking "How are you going to spend your big 1-8?!" ...."oh you know, the standard. Jumping out of an airplane. Good thing I got saved today, right?..." I am so awkward.

So, we hopped in the car... and headed to the little airport that runs this thing. I was so excited I could hardly stand it!

We get there and I realize I totally was unprepared... I mean, what the frick am I wearing!? (skank) ... besides, I was wearing flip flops... did I really think those would stay on during the free fall!? I had NO socks.. and had to wear my brothers disgusting shoes.

I apparently got over it...

I met one of THE coolest people on the planet. His name is Dale. He was celebrating his 80th birthday, and we were plane partners... it was very cool getting to know him. Even funnier? We found him on facebook and keep up with he and his family from time to time. He's still kickin!

That is me training with my instructor who (I would be awkwardly strapped too) was teaching me the ropes.

Part of the package my mom bought me was for the company to document my entire visit there. They hilariously interviewed me as I got ready, as I was entering the plane, etc. The photographer "assigned" to me was wearing a helmet with a camera strapped to the top. I asked him how he took the pictures with out seeing and he said attached to the camera is a mouthpiece... and every time he bites down on it, it snaps a picture.

?!!?? How freaking cool!

I can honestly say... I wasn't a bit nervous until the thing on my wrist showed me how high we were... wowzaaas. We were getting up there. I mean, above the clouds. Like the view from a window seat in an airplane... except then I realized, I don't get to stay in this airplane.

My heart started racing and I actually started to pray, HA!

People started falling out of that plane one by one...Dale was SO ready he couldn't hardly stand it. I was the last one out... and I got hit by that wind so hard my lips couldn't stay shut. It took me about 4 seconds before I remembered how to breathe!

I must've forgotten the photographer was there because ALL I could do was stare at the ground I was plummeting towards! Then the little dude on my back yelled "CAMERA!!" in my ear... and I remembered. HECK YES!

My hair was CRAA(z)Y!

This shot was where I tried so hard to blow a kiss but I couldn't, for the life of me, get my lips to pucker. 

At this point we had been free falling for a good 30 seconds, and you can see we are STILL above the clouds. I mean, this was high.

He told me when he threw his arms infront of me like that and began to wave, he was going to pull the second parachute which is what would immediately slow us down...

& just like that. WOOP! Up we go. My poor legs didn't know what to do with themselves!

If you're wondering "wasn't it awkward? Gradually falling towards the ground at a really slow pace with a man uncomfortably strapped to your back?" .... why yes, yes it was. We talked about his kids, his tattoos, our hobbies... you know, the usual.

That was Dale, from my photographers perspective. Isn't is BEAUTIFUL?!

Success! Cannot wait to go again. Except Caleb swears that he'll never let me. He thinks I'm going to die. Doesn't he know its perfectly safe? ;)

Next on my list? Bungee jumping!