I’ve never been the cheerleader type. Never the one picked first for most things. I’m a big girl. Not a bit graceful. I laugh a lot…mostly at myself. I’m a total dork. In fact, Po, from Kung Fu Panda pretty much sums up…..me.
So I’m constantly amazed when God chooses to use…..me. Just me. Not my adorably cute kids. Not my handsome husband.
Me.
He gives me the words to say…..when usually something stupid would come out. He gives me the right things to do…..when usually I’d do something funny, or ungraceful and totally clumsy. He gives me the vision He sees….instead of the normal, NATURAL things I see.
I don’t much understand it. Why in the world He would choose me? And the only thing I can think of is:
I’m available.
I made myself available to Him. I cleaned out the clutter and the crap of myself, and left the door wide open. Lord…..please. I can’t do it on my own. I don’t want to do it on my own. Let me see good works. Let me do good works. Use………me.
And somehow……He did! On my own, I am nothing. I know this. I look in the mirror and see the same thing other people do. But with the Creator of the Universe? I can do MUCH! I can reach people I never thought I’d reach. I can say and DO the right things! And I can be USEFUL.
Without Him….I am nothing.
I give total and complete credit to Christ Almighty. Any words I say that are RIGHT. Any lessons or messages I post that are GOOD. Any photo that I take that takes your breath away…. All Him.
So God has a vast sense of humor….and yet somehow….it works.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Having said that….I cannot take the credit for the talent. I told God to use my camera for His works. I’m not saying the photo will heal the lame or make the blind see….I had to start SOMEWHERE, and He knew this. I had to learn, and this is one of those learning photos:
But it won! 😀 Out of some….258 entries!
I am deeply honored and touched…and quite frankly a little shocked, alright a LOT shocked, but I thank God for loving me enough to put a passion in my heart and the wisdom to know when to let Him guide me. 🙂
Maybe I’ll slowly start to believe in myself. Maybe.
But the one thing I know…..I want to stay available for Christ to always do something better in me.
Just me. Only…..better.
Pam D said:
And we all said “Amen”… when the Lord said.. DANA… YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I’m thinkin’ that He cannot speak much louder than this!!!! Congrats on your award.. I am sure I would be more “wooo hoooo–bubbly” if I didn’t already believe that you would win it! I’m thinkin you BETTER move towards a professional career before He has to resort to even more drastic measures to get your attention…
Loving ALL that you are and ALL that you do!
Beth said:
I agree… AMEN! What a wonderful photo…I am so excited to see your talent emerge… WTG Congrats!
Alexis said:
The best part about this photo, was the story that went along with it. I went back to your original post, and showed my hubby the picture while I was squealing “she WON! and God helps her do all this great stuff! and she wants to photograph MISSIONS!” and then I read the little story behind the photo, and when tears came to his eyes, I knew your gift had touched one more person.
You are incredible… humble… and one of THE most beautiful daughters of God that I know!
Rachel said:
I love your post! It is the reminder I needed… it is so easy to get discouraged about our talents and ministries and giftings. We (I) forget that God has placed us uniquely because He NEEDS us exactly where we’re at with EXACTLY what He’s given us.
And yeah, I’m feeling a bit smug that I knew you had a great picture and the judges saw it too 🙂
heidi said:
Woot! *clap clap clap* Yay God!
Shanda said:
WHOO HOO!!! That is awesome. A friend and I were just discussing the fact that all it takes is us to be a willing and humble vessel for God to pour out His work through!
I would say that is a pretty strong confirmation that you are headed in the right direction!
wayne said:
Great not me monday, the pictures were great .
I was also wondering if you would like to take part in tribute tuesday a blgo on my page it is a chance to pay tribute to some one who lights up your life. it has a mr linky so the world can see your tribute to a wonderful person.
Daniele said:
Congrats again! Your photograph is so beautiful. My hubby loved the story behind the photo. Thank you for sharing.