The man on a bike

I was driving home from church Saturday night and began to complain. I know, I know, I'm a horrible person but it was cold and rainy, and I DO NOT like being cold; being wet and cold is a double negative in my book! So there I was, driving in my comfy car, that has been oh so faithful to get me where I'm going, with a roof that has only leaked on my once (ok, actually it poured water on my head but we're not going there), complaining to God, pleading with Him to just make my car warm up a little bit faster. And then a pass a man on a bike. Yes internet, he was biking in the cold rain while I was complaining to God because my car wasn't warm! Paaaathetic. Im pretty sure God was sitting up in heaven saying "Seriously, Justine." Talk about a reality check for me. God has blessed me with so many comforts in life, and I still had the nerve to complain.

Today I'm thankful for the little things that God has blessed me with; a fully functional car, a pillow to rest my head on at night, a roof over my head, shoes on my feet, and a wonderful family that blesses me daily

My new found love...

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity of a lifetime to learn from an amazing photographer, and friend, Holli True. I can't say enough about how much I absolutely adore Holli and the amazing friend she has been and is to me. And to have the chance to learn from her was unbelievable. I truly felt honored.

We were able to round up a threesome of girls who were nothing short of fabulously gorgeous for our shoot and went out in search of some spots. The day was cold but the girls stuck it out and we all had a great time.

Ok, enough talking- here are my very first shots as a photographer! (how exciting!)

To Write Love on Her Arms

Tomorrow is International To Write Love On Her Arms Day (in case you hadn't heard). I am a HUGE supporter of this amazing organization and hope that you become one too. They are amazing people, doing amazing things for other amazing people who just don't know amazing they are yet. Check it out and I think you will share in my support.

We prayed, worshiped, prayed, worshiped and prayed and prayed and prayed.

All night prayer? Like, you pray ALLLL night?! On Halloween?

I had never heard of such a thing until I started this internship; but needless to say I was stoked to experience such an event. We prayed, worshiped, prayed, worshiped, and prayed and prayed and prayed. It was epic, to say the least. The moment that really touched my heart and brought out a few liquid tears was when, towards the beginning of the night, we prayed over the girls that were out and about who were very vulnerable, lost, and looking for some sort of love and approval for someone, somewhere. This really hit home. I used to be one of these girls. I looked to men for the love and approval that would only come from Jesus. We prayed for these girls; for their safety, that they would feel the love that Jesus has for them, realize their self worth, and come running to their Saviour. My heart went out to them. I knew where they were, how they felt, and what they were looking for.

I then began to think about all the prayers that had gone out in years past; prayers for me, my safety, and salvation. When I was lost, vulnerable, and looking for love and approval, some one was praying for me. The amazing thing about my God is that He answers prayers. My parents, my family, my church had not idea how or when God would answer their prayers (just as we have no idea how or when He will answer the prayers we prayed that night) but knew that He would; and He did.

I have days; days where I feel discouraged, days where my heart hurts for my unsaved family and friends. But God always reminds me that all I have to do is ask.

Matthew 7:7-11 says:

7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!