It’s book review time!–Awakening by Stovall Weems

I was given the opportunity to review Awakening by Stovall Weems. It was interesting to me because it promised an awakening in my relationship with God. I have been walking with Him for a couple decades now – I love Him, and appreciate all He’s done for me – but I had let my relationship get stale. I was eager for a boost in my personal connection to God. The cover copy promised a satisfying and passionate relationship with my Savior – I love the word “passionate!” It exudes excitement, energy, enthusiasm! That’s exactly what I was looking for!

The subtitle of the book is “A New Approach to Faith, Fasting, and Spiritual Freedom.” I’ve never been one who fasts often, so I wasn’t sure how that would work for me…but maybe that’s the reason my relationship was stale? As I began to read the book and understand what the Bible has to say about fasting, I realized I have been missing a large facet of my spiritual life.

Now I must admit, I haven’t started the fasting portion yet. The math doesn’t work out. The fasting plan is a 21-day program. Because I blog my reviews for WaterBrook Multnomah, and they ask their reviewers to post within 30 days, I had a bit of a mathematical issue. I couldn’t read the book and do the fast within the 30 days with my current schedule.

With that said, I have to say that Stovall Weems has already jump-started my renewed relationship with God. He speaks of living daily in a passionate, joyful walk – that’s exactly what I want, and some of the concepts have really opened my eyes:

• Passion – “God created us to be passionate about what we love; therefore, we should always be passionate for Him!”
• Creating space – “Don’t try to figure everything out. Just create some space for God.”
• Fasting – “Fasting hits the reset button of your soul.”

Just these small snippets have made a difference in my spiritual walk. If you’re looking for renewed zeal, want to take another step forward in your Christian walk, or are just starting along God’s path, I recommend that you read Awakening.

I’m going to make some spiritual space for God!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

My littlest artist

TDS inside activity, a photo by Elli :-) on Flickr.

Caleb loves loves loves artistic activities, so the Daily Shoot assignment (being inside) worked well for us today. It's a very chilly spring day - one that called for a fun indoor activity. Maybe I'll share some masterpieces later - this was shot just as Dubbies was getting started painting.

Oh - and I actually got my 7d out for this photo! No cell phone shot today!

It’s a monochrome Monday

The Daily Shoot assignment was black & white, so I played around with a variety of black and white images. I ended up liking two that I took with my cell phone more than any others. This first one is my new cabasa. I love it! It makes great sounds that add some texture to our worship music at church.

I can’t wait until I have really mastered this thing. There’s more to it than a simple shake. Some really cool sounds can be made with it!

This one was taken with my phone and an app called Camera360.

This is the pencil sketch option in the app. I like the minimalist-type feel to this one.

My sweet friend Felice gave me an early birthday present – a new Canon flash! That means I once again have 2 working flashes! I can do some real indoor portrait work if I want to! Yay! I can’t wait to get stuff set up and really play with my 2 flashes now!

What are you working on in your photography skills?

A sure sign of spring

A sure sign of spring, a photo by Elli :-) on Flickr.

Okay, now I believe it! My mom's and my neighbor's crocuses are coming up! Whoohoo! Spring is really coming! It may not feel like it yet - it's only 47* F outside - but these crocuses really do mean spring! Whew!

Caleb went on a crocus hunt for me. I asked him to check Bonnie's yard for any flowers peeking up, and he came racing back to the house yelling, "They're UP! They're UP!" He was so so so so excited to see flowers! We are going to have to get that kid a garden plot. Who needs Transformer toys and video games? Give him a shovel, some seeds, and a watering can and he'll be a happy boy.

Happily snoozing together

Happily snoozing together, a photo by Elli :-) on Flickr.

The Daily Shoot challenge today was to capture "happiness." These two guys were unquestionably happy. It was a busy Saturday - especially for Ken - but he took time to have a few moments of peace.

Have I mentioned how much I love my new cell phone? The phone signal is terrible inside my house, but otherwise the phone is perfect! I think that problem has as much to do with my house as anything - Ken's is the only phone that has ever gotten a good signal inside this house. Anyway, the camera is great, and the photo apps that are available are so fun! This one is (once again) Retro Camera Xolaroid.

I'm ready to watch a good movie. Have you seen a good movie lately? What was it? I need some Netflix ideas.

Have a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Dubby in motion

TDS Motion Dubby, a photo by Elli :-) on Flickr.

The Daily Shoot assignment for today is "Make a photograph of something in motion. Use blur to help convey the motion you are capturing." I don't really have blur for this, but I did catch his motion. He was having fun taking the biggest possible steps to get across the field. I love the simplicity of childhood!

Fuzzy spring

Fuzzy spring, a photo by Elli :-) on Flickr.

Caleb and I took a walk to see if spring was going to come. It looks like it just might! Caleb loved the fuzziness of these little guys!