Growing

For any goal worthy of pursuit it is necessary to set your eyes on the future while taking care of the present. In photography I have spent the last couple of years committing myself to learning all that I can from those who know more and then practicing consistently in order to make improvements. As a student of photography one of the commitments that I have made is to place progress before purchase. If you are just getting started in this craft as I am I hope it is encouraging to you for me to let you know that all of the photos on this site as of today were taken with just a basic point and shoot camera or my iPhone. My personal goal is to make all the progress possible with basic equipment before taking the next steps with more advanced tools. Someday I may take the next steps but only when the time is right.

This image that I captured today of Whatcom Falls near Bellingham, Washington is an excellent example of what I am wanting to convey concerning the discipline of practice and commitment to a goal. This location is a 115 mile drive from home but I had a goal to get a good shot of this beautiful location so I made the drive. On location the light was good but in order to get the composition I wanted it involved climbing around and down to a bit of a precarious spot where I took 25 shots with various settings. With the two hour drive and 25 images taken, I came away with exactly ONE image that I consider a keeper. Ultimately, getting one good image was absolutely worth the journey and the experience gained.

Compared to photography, spiritual growth is obviously far more important to pursue but the principles are similar. 1 Timothy 4:16 states, “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.” This verse from Paul to Timothy is the final exhortation at the end of a chapter from the elder to the younger that contained instruction concerning discipleship and the need to take pains to practice his faith and be absorbed in it so that his progress would be evident to all around him. Philippians 3:14 is another excellent verse to this point where Paul states “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Finally, we should have patience with ourselves while moving forward. Whether the goal is something earthly such as photography or the higher goal to grow spiritually keep your eyes on the prize, practice consistently, be patient, and press on!

I hope this was encouraging to you today and on the topic of growth I am encouraged that after just two weeks this little photoblog has reached at least 61 different visitors with 454 views in 9 different countries! My goal for these photos and writings is to glorify God alone so if you have been blessed then my goal is being accomplished. If you know someone else who might enjoy this site please pass it along so they might be blessed as well.