In one of those moments when I am unsure of myself, God sends reminders that He will be with me if I just be obedient. I don’t have to wait to see the outcome to trust Him. Faith is the step I take when it comes to the unknown. A couple of days ago I noticed my purple iris flowers budding and then one in full bloom early this morning as I got the kids off to school so I grabbed my camera as I gave kisses, hugs and words of blessings in route to them walking up the driveway.

This is the second part of my testimony.

The first part began a few years ago as I found myself always posting a message of encouragement to others on Facebook. Little did I know or realize that I was being watched. My words were taking root in the heart of many. My passion had always been in the children’s ministry at church. Babies have pretty much been my soft spot since a teen so I found myself nurturing that profession. Well one day a pastor’s wife that I am friends with pointed out this gift of exhortation that I seemingly carry.( this just shows how much I pay attention or at least paid attention to what I was saying and doing because it flowed naturally out of me. The pure joy I felt inside every morning I could not help but pour out to the world of Facebook people I encountered so I had no motives to gain attention of self but of the joy of the Lord.)

Before I knew it, things began to change as I learned things about myself in the Lord. Not exactly like a snowball effect but to some extent it seemed that way. Facebook would become something of the past for me. Little did I know I would be blogging and getting into photography. Now please hear me out. I am not tooting my horn because I have not one to toot! I went through some thangs! Happy, sad, frustrated, a little depression, lack of patience and confusion all mixed up into one. God was shifting me and taking me out of my comfort zone.

“What do I know about photography and blogging?” I asked myself. “Nothing!” All that I knew was that things were changing and I was uncomfortable with it initially. The blogging came first. The photography a little ways down the road. Oh my gosh! Tylenol became my BFF for a little while but in the process God brought people into my life to help me along the way! Thank you Lord!

Okay I see that I have 15 minutes to wrap this up before it hits midnight my time so let me get to my point.

I have a purpose for this post. God has placed upon my heart to open up a Testimony page/corner. Now I am still a bit lost at times on this blog set-up page but I know that I will figure it out soon. Now the reason is to encourage His children to always remember that His hand has been on you. Not just during the good times but just as much during the hard times. Our words carry weight. Our words can empower one another to press on and push through. We all have a testimony to at least ONE thing He has done in our lives right?!! I know there are more than just one because if we think back on how He saved us, provided for us and our families and our friends, the events we see on tv knowing that it was no one but Him who brought a miracle to light right before our very own eyes.

He has healed the sick when a doctor cannot begin to explain how someone’s body turned around miraculously. It was Jesus! It was He who placed it on the heart of others to financially bless someone who was in need. The spoken word, the seeds planted, the many prayers calling out to Him for a loved one to give their life over to Him for years had been answered, rebellious children, addiction to drugs and alcohol, broken relationships, homelessness, widowed etc. Do you see where I am going with this? I hope so!

We need to share with one another the goodness of the Lord. Whether it’s something that He done in our lives or that of someone we know we ought to share it. Give Him the honor and glory!! May we as brothers and sisters lift one another up in prayer and to also rejoice with one another when God has done great things!

With this said, had I not complied with the Lord and followed His guidance, I would not be here blogging today. I would not be finding myself outside in the rain, the heat and the snow taking pictures of any and everything! What I thought would never be possible for myself to say or do when put on the spot (in my own thinking) , God already provided. I just needed to walk in the direction He sent me and He would speak for me. He would show His love through my typing, my heart and my compassion as well as my desire to capture the nature of His creations on camera that was freely given to us. There are so many things that we take for granted. It’s good to sit still and just listen instead of telling Him what we think we can not do like Moses for example.

^{Exodus 4:}

¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” ¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

We really have no excuse now do we? God will equip His servants. He will not leave us stranded or abandoned. He provides and is faithful as always. He keeps His word. I stepped out so here I am! Far from being a public speaker or famed writer but I speak from the heart and with truth of the things placed upon me to do. I am just a willing vessel wanting to share the goodness of the Lord and what He has done in my life in hopes to inspire another soul to be encouraged.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Can I get an AMEN?!!

I look forward to setting up a page or at least a continual post so that we can fellowship with one another and share our testimonies! God is good all the time and all the time God is GOOD!

*My time has run out 29 minutes ago. Sorry!

Blessings one and all in Christ Jesus….

~Terra

I posted these pictures on my photography blog if you care to follow or take a look a more I have not posted here. Thanks in advance. 🙂

http://tnewsome2creations.wordpress.com/2013/04/17/purple-iris-blooming/