Thoughts // Ninety Nine Years

To say that my great grandpa's funeral service was inspiring would be an understatement. ...Wait a minute... A funeral...? Inspiring? Yep. Because it was the funeral of my great-grandpa.

Ninety nine years of life: Born on January 29, 1912; Died on March 24, 2011.

This man lived through: WWI & WWII; the rise and fall of the Soviet Union; severe famine and poverty; imprisonment for his faith; relocating to a different country at age seventy-eight; and much more.

His legacy includes: eight children; twenty-seven grand children; seventy-six great-grandchildren (of which I am one); and six great-great-grandchildren. His life was blessed, and it is living proof that our God is alive and faithful in every season. 

A little blog post by one of his great-granddaughters says so very little. It is the years, the prayers, the blessings that speak for themselves to all who had the privilege of being touched by my great-grandfather.

Bittersweet tears.

Great-grandchild, Allen.

On the way home from the cemetery, this song came on the radio; after today's happenings, these lyrics put words to what was on my heart...

"So what can I say?

And what can I do?

Then offer this life, oh God,

Completely to You."

My Great Grandfather

Some say that it is not the years of your life, but the life in your years that really matter. It seems like my great grandfather had both the years and the life. But most of all, he had the faith to make it through it all, faithful and unmoved because his foundation was on Christ, the Solid Rock. That was clear for all to see.

Photo by Yuriy Manchik Photographers

He was the greatest man that I have been beyond blessed to know. We love and will miss him dearly. He went to be with the Lord on this rainy day, March 23rd, 2011.

* * * * *

"I have fought the good fight, 

I have finished the race, 

I have kept the faith. 

Now there is in store for me the 

crown of righteousness, 

which the Lord, 

the righteous Judge, 

will award to me on that day—

and not only to me, 

but also to all who

 have longed for his appearing." 

2 Timothy 4:7-8

For Japan With Love

Check them out HERE

For Japan With Love. All proceeds will go through ShelterBox

I still keep checking updates on the situation in Japan, and often I feel helpless, like there is absolutely nothing that I can do to help. But we all know, that living in America, sometimes the best thing we can do is just send some prayers and love to those who are hurting. And that's why I am so glad that there are awesome organizations, like ShelterBox and Do Something Now out there that make this possible for us. Check them out. Give, if you can. Pray regardless.

All photos from In Focus with Alan Taylor.

Lyrics & Pilot G2 Pens

While going through some old stuff, I came across a few of my sketchbook(s). This is what I used to do on my lunch breaks.

Hold My Heart-Tenth Avenue North

Matthew 6:6

Always-Hillsong United

Glimpse // Balloons

 

This weekend, it was the perfect weather for another shoot with Alex & Natalya. We had a blast prancing through meadows, hills, and puddles. More images coming soon!

Thoughts // Rain

There is something so incredibly soothing about the rhythmic sound of raindrops pitter-pattering on the windowpane in the late hours of the night. Rainy days always make me reflect on the past, contemplate on life today, and look forward to the future.

I've been following some of the news coverage on the Friday's natural disaster in Japan; the raw footage boggles my mind. It is so incredibly humbling to accept and delight in this beautiful rain that we have here, when on the other side of the world, people's lives have been literally taken and destroyed (death toll: 10,000 and counting) by this innocent element of the earth... water.

We have so much to be thankful for and absolutely nothing to complain about. 

Thoughts // Japan

Isaiah 54:10

In this day of heartache and strife for Japan, I find joy in this verse. As the world stands and watches, my heart goes out to those who are experiencing incredible loss. May God's unfailing love embrace, heal, and restore the people of Japan.

Inspired by various album cover designs.

Thoughts // A Blink

In a blink of an eye, that is when, I'll be closer to You.

"Seeing Light," December 2009.

A Weekend Wish

Blue skies with prance-worthy clouds.

Bare toes, pretty nail polish, summer sandals.

A kayak, a good read, and open water.

Quality time with close ones.

Zero homework.

Glimpse // Alex & Natalya

My older brother is marrying one of my best friends... [insert excited squeal].

Alex & Natalya

Mani... Met this girl at a Wagreen's parking lot years ago. She pretty much changed my life.

My handsome brother. He is so happy.

Concluding words: Guaranteed friendship for life! :)

*Expect seeing these two on the blog often for a while.

Twenty Eleven 2

View Part 1 HERE.

Passion 2011. Jan 1-4. Atlanta, GA. 

Downtown Atlanta. An evening stroll in the rain.

Watch the story behind the sign HERE.

Surrender.

Do Something Now.

Goal: Raise enough to feed 1,000 kids in South Africa for one year.  Actual raised: Enough to feed 2,225 kids in South Africa for one year.

Together we are a force for good. Proof: 22,000 college students investing $1.1 million in four days to bring hope to a world in need.

The glorious exchange: Trading in my little life for God's great Story.

"I am part for the movement."

Goal: Fund 15 wells in India. Actual raised: Enough to fund 24 wells!!!

The homeless of Atlanta touched by thousands of college students. Beautiful.

Students writing encouraging notes to women caught up in the human trafficking industry, who are awaiting rescue. So touching.

Massive. Symmetrical. Beautiful.

Inna and I with Mr. & Mrs. Kristian Stanfill. They are so cute.

Kristian Stanfill doing what he does best.

Love this photo.

Kristian Stanfill.

Matt Redman.

One of my favorite parts of Passion Conferences... The Kneel Prayer Journey.

This photo best sums up my experience at Passion 2011.

Concluding thoughts:
Passion is more than a conference/concert/weekend. It is a movement within this generation towards God. To love Him and to love people. I'm so thankful to everyone who makes this experience possible for my generation.