Let My Conviction Match My Passion

This past week has been so filled with God moments.

I got to have breakfast with my parents and unofficial godfather Wednesday morning. At one point, Dave, who is quite blunt and will tell you the truth and nothing but the truth, made the comment, "The damn government can pay me 'cause I sure have paid the damn government." He makes me laugh every time I see him. However, this is a godly man, who gets on his knees daily, and I know for a fact, prays for me daily. When he prayed over us at the end of the meal, it was the simplest prayer that began with "Dear Holy Spirit, help me pray. I prayed for the Purtells this morning..." He asked only one thing for us, but in the end, there was not a dry eye left in the room.

I didn't have many of those still, peaceful moments with God, as the week progressed, but that by no means, stopped God from showing up. I felt like every time I turned around, God was revealing new things to me, whether it was an epiphany that would seem mundane to most everyone else, or if it was a heart attitude that did not belong. (I have this picture in my mind of God holding up two photos and saying "Now Ella, what does not belong?") I found myself thinking about conviction and compromise quite a bit. How many seeds of compromise have I allowed? How many of them have taken root? What do my every day choices, from movies to music to food choices, say about me? I don't want any of it, the crap. My cousin and I were flashed by cops (we weren't doing anything!), using their spotlight and let me tell you, it is a bright light. That's what I want God to do with those seeds; turn His mega light on them. Let my conviction match my passion.

The week of course, was not all seriousness and deep thoughts. :) There were weddings, beautiful brides, fun family moments and new friends. I watched a childhood friend marry Monday night and definitely came close to tears. I got to help my cousin prepare for her wedding and then watch her walk down the aisle to her adoring (now) husband. Definitely some tears of joy there. I got to hang out with cousins I rarely see and joke around about silly things. I met new people with whom I had an absolute blast! I bowled a 64 this week (no judgement!) and got hit by a pool ball. No damage though, I assure you. I think this week will be one of those weeks that will stay with me for a long time to come. Many sweet memories were made and crazy times were had.

There will be new photos soon. I'm also working on a photography website... hopefull that will be up in the next 3 weeks or so. Thanks for reading my rambles. :)