Okay guys... I just want to share a lovely prophetic word from a man named Graham Cooke. This guy is a true prophet. He speaks the heart of God and many of his sermons, etc have been super instrumental in my life. Recently I was introduced to "The Nature of God." I have listened to it so many times that I couldn't begin to give you a count. I really can't help but share it. It's incredible. So I'm going to attach videos of it. It's 20 min long which I know is kind of long, so when you get a chance, kick back, close your eyes, listen, and let God speak to you. Man it's good...
Friday, January 21, 2011
Falling Into Deeper Waters
Faith. If there is one word to describe this season of life it's faith. It's a time of uncertainty. I haven't the slightest idea what my future is going to look like. All I can do is have faith. God is good. And He gives good gifts. This is a time of character building, trials, molding, and oh so much growth. It can be scary, but it's so so good... So here I am in this season, and I'm taking the plunge. I'm going into deeper waters calling out to Him. He has said that the flood waters will not overwhelm me (Isaiah 43) so I choose to go deeper and deeper. I want to get more lost in Him.
The attached video is the best I could find of a song we've been singing at church lately. I love the lines "We're falling into deeper waters calling out to You" and "I've got a river of living water; a fountain that never will run dry." I'm choosing to take the plunge.
The attached video is the best I could find of a song we've been singing at church lately. I love the lines "We're falling into deeper waters calling out to You" and "I've got a river of living water; a fountain that never will run dry." I'm choosing to take the plunge.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Reasons I'm Excited for This Semester...
As a new semester begins, there is SO much to look forward to. Here are a few of the things on the TOP of my list...
(1) Awaken Conference- This weekend my church is hosting a conference and I'm soooo excited. If you're interested in coming, you can get info about it at www.awaken-conference.com
(2) Valentine's Party- This year's Valentines party with the girls is shaping up to be suuuper fun... More details to follow = )
(3) ACM Norman's Spring Break Trip "Revive"- I didn't go on this trip last year, but this year I'm packing up and heading out to San Diego to bring the kingdom with my sweet friends
(4) Passion Fort Worth- For the first time ever I'm getting to go to Passion!!! I've been wanting to do this for yeeearrrs now, and FINALLY I get to go this year!! My bestie Megan and I are going to Passion Fort Worth this April and it will be unforgettable = )
(5) New Year, Clean Slate- I'm so excited about having a brand new year to see God write my story on. I'm looking forward to seeing what He has planned!!
Bring it on Spring 2011!
Bahahah yes... I did just say that...
(1) Awaken Conference- This weekend my church is hosting a conference and I'm soooo excited. If you're interested in coming, you can get info about it at www.awaken-conference.com
(2) Valentine's Party- This year's Valentines party with the girls is shaping up to be suuuper fun... More details to follow = )
(3) ACM Norman's Spring Break Trip "Revive"- I didn't go on this trip last year, but this year I'm packing up and heading out to San Diego to bring the kingdom with my sweet friends
(4) Passion Fort Worth- For the first time ever I'm getting to go to Passion!!! I've been wanting to do this for yeeearrrs now, and FINALLY I get to go this year!! My bestie Megan and I are going to Passion Fort Worth this April and it will be unforgettable = )
(5) New Year, Clean Slate- I'm so excited about having a brand new year to see God write my story on. I'm looking forward to seeing what He has planned!!
Bring it on Spring 2011!
Bahahah yes... I did just say that...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Headed to Colorado
In a few hours, my family and I are heading to the airport and flying to Colorado! I'm so, so excited to spend some time with them and get a few great days of refreshment in before starting another crazy semester. I wanted to make some goals for myself on this trip to make sure that I remain intentional. Here they go!
(1.) Read at least two books (Emma and Celebration of Discipline)
(2.) Go on a date with Chan to get in some more sister time before we get crazy and never see each other = (
(3.) Go on morning walks with Jesus
(4.) Meet somebody
(5.) Attempt to capture the beauty of winter in a picture or two
Five is good. They may seem simple, but I'll report back on whether or not I do them. I hope you all are having a wonderful last week of break for those who are still off school and a great first week back to those who aren't. And to all of you who aren't even in school... Well I hope you're having a good week! Hah
(1.) Read at least two books (Emma and Celebration of Discipline)
(2.) Go on a date with Chan to get in some more sister time before we get crazy and never see each other = (
(3.) Go on morning walks with Jesus
(4.) Meet somebody
(5.) Attempt to capture the beauty of winter in a picture or two
Five is good. They may seem simple, but I'll report back on whether or not I do them. I hope you all are having a wonderful last week of break for those who are still off school and a great first week back to those who aren't. And to all of you who aren't even in school... Well I hope you're having a good week! Hah
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"W" Looking Pants
Tonight my family an I watched home videos. Last Christmas we had all of our videos put onto DVDs and I love watching them together. But tonight one of the scenes gave me something to think about... It opened to a 3 year old me crying and Mom talking to me. After listening for a moment you realize that I'm upset because in a picture I drew, the pants looked like a "W" so I got angry and "teared it up.". Both Mom and Dad are trying to make me feel better, reasoning with me that I draw very well for a 3 year old etc etc. However, you can tell they're trying not to laugh. Finally I just curled up in Mom's lap and wanted to be held.
I couldn't help but think about how God must see us and our problems. We act like the world is coming to an end, and may even feel that way. He isn't condescending or rude. He doesn't tell us to shut up because our problems are no big deal. Rather, seeing that we're making a fuss out of something that is going to turn out okay in the end, He reasons with us, speaks identity over us, asks us to go try again, and finally welcomes us when we go to be held. He knows it's going to be alright. He sees the big picture. He has a plan. He isn't stressing out about what to do or how he's going to fix our big mistake. All He does is listen and love. Man, that's a beautiful picture. I had to share. Hopefully it touched you like it did me. So if you ever feel like everything is going wrong, remember the "W pants" and run to Abba. He'll take care of it...
I couldn't help but think about how God must see us and our problems. We act like the world is coming to an end, and may even feel that way. He isn't condescending or rude. He doesn't tell us to shut up because our problems are no big deal. Rather, seeing that we're making a fuss out of something that is going to turn out okay in the end, He reasons with us, speaks identity over us, asks us to go try again, and finally welcomes us when we go to be held. He knows it's going to be alright. He sees the big picture. He has a plan. He isn't stressing out about what to do or how he's going to fix our big mistake. All He does is listen and love. Man, that's a beautiful picture. I had to share. Hopefully it touched you like it did me. So if you ever feel like everything is going wrong, remember the "W pants" and run to Abba. He'll take care of it...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Things Babies Born in 2011 Will Never Know
I came across this article on yahoo, and while it was humorous, I also found it so sad!! I thought I'd share...
Video tape: Starting this year, the news stories we produce here at Money Talks have all been shot, edited, and distributed to TV stations without ever being on any kind of tape. Not only that, the tape-less broadcast camera we use today offers much higher quality than anything that could have been imagined 10 years ago -- and cost less than the lens on the camera we were using previously.
Travel agents: While not dead today, this profession is one of many that's been decimated by the Internet. When it's time for their honeymoon, will those born in 2011 be able to find one?
The separation of work and home: When you're carrying an email-equipped computer in your pocket, it's not just your friends who can find you -- so can your boss. For kids born this year, the wall between office and home will be blurry indeed.
Books, magazines, and newspapers: Like video tape, words written on dead trees are on their way out. Sure, there may be books -- but for those born today, stores that exist solely to sell them will be as numerous as record stores are now.
I REFUSE TO LET THIS ONE HAPPEN!!!
Movie rental stores: You actually got in your car and drove someplace just to rent a movie?
Watches: Maybe as quaint jewelry, but the correct time is on your smartphone, which is pretty much always in your hand.
Paper maps: At one time these were available free at every gas station. They're practically obsolete today, and the next generation will probably have to visit a museum to find one.
Wired phones: Why would you pay $35 every month to have a phone that plugs into a wall? For those born today, this will be a silly concept.
Long distance: Thanks to the Internet, the days of paying more to talk to somebody in the next city, state, or even country are limited.
Newspaper classifieds: The days are gone when you have to buy a bunch of newsprint just to see what's for sale.
Dial-up Internet: While not everyone is on broadband, it won't be long before dial-up Internet goes the way of the plug-in phone.
THANK YOU JESUS
Encyclopedias: Imagine a time when you had to buy expensive books that were outdated before the ink was dry. This will be a nonsense term for babies born today.
Forgotten friends: Remember when an old friend would bring up someone you went to high school with, and you'd say, "Oh yeah, I forgot about them!" The next generation will automatically be in touch with everyone they've ever known even slightly via Facebook.
So, so true...
Forgotten anything else: Kids born this year will never know what it was like to stand in a bar and incessantly argue the unknowable. Today the world's collective knowledge is on the computer in your pocket or purse. And since you have it with you at all times, why bother remembering anything?
The evening news: The news is on 24/7. And if you're not home to watch it, that's OK -- it's on the smartphone in your pocket.
CDs: First records, then 8-track, then cassette, then CDs -- replacing your music collection used to be an expensive pastime. Now it's cheap(er) and as close as the nearest Internet connection.
Film cameras: For the purist, perhaps, but for kids born today, the word "film" will mean nothing. In fact, even digital cameras -- both video and still -- are in danger of extinction as our pocket computers take over that function too.
Yellow and White Pages: Why in the world would you need a 10-pound book just to find someone?
Catalogs: There's no need to send me a book in the mail when I can see everything you have for sale anywhere, anytime. If you want to remind me to look at it, send me an email.
Fax machines: Can you say "scan," ".pdf" and "email?"
One picture to a frame: Such a waste of wall/counter/desk space to have a separate frame around each picture. Eight gigabytes of pictures and/or video in a digital frame encompassing every person you've ever met and everything you've ever done -- now, that's efficient. Especially compared to what we used to do: put our friends and relatives together in a room and force them to watch what we called a "slide show" or "home movies."
Wires: Wires connecting phones to walls? Wires connecting computers, TVs, stereos, and other electronics to each other? Wires connecting computers to the Internet? To kids born in 2011, that will make as much sense as an electric car trailing an extension cord.
Hand-written letters: For that matter, hand-written anything. When was the last time you wrote cursive? In fact, do you even know what the word "cursive" means? Kids born in 2011 won't -- but they'll put you to shame on a tiny keyboard.
Talking to one person at a time: Remember when it was rude to be with one person while talking to another on the phone? Kids born today will just assume that you're supposed to use texting to maintain contact with five or six other people while pretending to pay attention to the person you happen to be physically next to.
Retirement plans: Yes, Johnny, there was a time when all you had to do was work at the same place for 20 years and they'd send you a check every month for as long as you lived. In fact, some companies would even pay your medical bills, too!
Mail: What's left when you take the mail you receive today, then subtract the bills you could be paying online, the checks you could be having direct-deposited, and the junk mail you could be receiving as junk email? Answer: A bloated bureaucracy that loses billions of taxpayer dollars annually.
Commercials on TV: They're terrifically expensive, easily avoided with DVRs, and inefficiently target mass audiences. Unless somebody comes up with a way to force you to watch them -- as with video on the Internet -- who's going to pay for them?
Commercial music radio: Smartphones with music-streaming programs like Pandora are a better solution that doesn't include ads screaming between every song.
Hiding: Not long ago, if you didn't answer your home phone, that was that -- nobody knew if you were alive or dead, much less where you might be. Now your phone is not only in your pocket, it can potentially tell everyone -- including advertisers -- exactly where you are.
Video tape: Starting this year, the news stories we produce here at Money Talks have all been shot, edited, and distributed to TV stations without ever being on any kind of tape. Not only that, the tape-less broadcast camera we use today offers much higher quality than anything that could have been imagined 10 years ago -- and cost less than the lens on the camera we were using previously.
Travel agents: While not dead today, this profession is one of many that's been decimated by the Internet. When it's time for their honeymoon, will those born in 2011 be able to find one?
The separation of work and home: When you're carrying an email-equipped computer in your pocket, it's not just your friends who can find you -- so can your boss. For kids born this year, the wall between office and home will be blurry indeed.
Books, magazines, and newspapers: Like video tape, words written on dead trees are on their way out. Sure, there may be books -- but for those born today, stores that exist solely to sell them will be as numerous as record stores are now.
I REFUSE TO LET THIS ONE HAPPEN!!!
Movie rental stores: You actually got in your car and drove someplace just to rent a movie?
Watches: Maybe as quaint jewelry, but the correct time is on your smartphone, which is pretty much always in your hand.
Paper maps: At one time these were available free at every gas station. They're practically obsolete today, and the next generation will probably have to visit a museum to find one.
Wired phones: Why would you pay $35 every month to have a phone that plugs into a wall? For those born today, this will be a silly concept.
Long distance: Thanks to the Internet, the days of paying more to talk to somebody in the next city, state, or even country are limited.
Newspaper classifieds: The days are gone when you have to buy a bunch of newsprint just to see what's for sale.
Dial-up Internet: While not everyone is on broadband, it won't be long before dial-up Internet goes the way of the plug-in phone.
THANK YOU JESUS
Encyclopedias: Imagine a time when you had to buy expensive books that were outdated before the ink was dry. This will be a nonsense term for babies born today.
Forgotten friends: Remember when an old friend would bring up someone you went to high school with, and you'd say, "Oh yeah, I forgot about them!" The next generation will automatically be in touch with everyone they've ever known even slightly via Facebook.
So, so true...
Forgotten anything else: Kids born this year will never know what it was like to stand in a bar and incessantly argue the unknowable. Today the world's collective knowledge is on the computer in your pocket or purse. And since you have it with you at all times, why bother remembering anything?
The evening news: The news is on 24/7. And if you're not home to watch it, that's OK -- it's on the smartphone in your pocket.
CDs: First records, then 8-track, then cassette, then CDs -- replacing your music collection used to be an expensive pastime. Now it's cheap(er) and as close as the nearest Internet connection.
Film cameras: For the purist, perhaps, but for kids born today, the word "film" will mean nothing. In fact, even digital cameras -- both video and still -- are in danger of extinction as our pocket computers take over that function too.
Yellow and White Pages: Why in the world would you need a 10-pound book just to find someone?
Catalogs: There's no need to send me a book in the mail when I can see everything you have for sale anywhere, anytime. If you want to remind me to look at it, send me an email.
Fax machines: Can you say "scan," ".pdf" and "email?"
One picture to a frame: Such a waste of wall/counter/desk space to have a separate frame around each picture. Eight gigabytes of pictures and/or video in a digital frame encompassing every person you've ever met and everything you've ever done -- now, that's efficient. Especially compared to what we used to do: put our friends and relatives together in a room and force them to watch what we called a "slide show" or "home movies."
Wires: Wires connecting phones to walls? Wires connecting computers, TVs, stereos, and other electronics to each other? Wires connecting computers to the Internet? To kids born in 2011, that will make as much sense as an electric car trailing an extension cord.
Hand-written letters: For that matter, hand-written anything. When was the last time you wrote cursive? In fact, do you even know what the word "cursive" means? Kids born in 2011 won't -- but they'll put you to shame on a tiny keyboard.
Talking to one person at a time: Remember when it was rude to be with one person while talking to another on the phone? Kids born today will just assume that you're supposed to use texting to maintain contact with five or six other people while pretending to pay attention to the person you happen to be physically next to.
Retirement plans: Yes, Johnny, there was a time when all you had to do was work at the same place for 20 years and they'd send you a check every month for as long as you lived. In fact, some companies would even pay your medical bills, too!
Mail: What's left when you take the mail you receive today, then subtract the bills you could be paying online, the checks you could be having direct-deposited, and the junk mail you could be receiving as junk email? Answer: A bloated bureaucracy that loses billions of taxpayer dollars annually.
Commercials on TV: They're terrifically expensive, easily avoided with DVRs, and inefficiently target mass audiences. Unless somebody comes up with a way to force you to watch them -- as with video on the Internet -- who's going to pay for them?
Commercial music radio: Smartphones with music-streaming programs like Pandora are a better solution that doesn't include ads screaming between every song.
Hiding: Not long ago, if you didn't answer your home phone, that was that -- nobody knew if you were alive or dead, much less where you might be. Now your phone is not only in your pocket, it can potentially tell everyone -- including advertisers -- exactly where you are.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
My Website!
For the past couple of months I've been working on a website for my photography business, and I am happy to announce that TODAY my website has officially gone live!! Go check it out people... And give me some feedback = )
www.makenziryannephotography.com
www.makenziryannephotography.com
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011
I told myself I wasn't going to make a New Year's Resolution list this year... Not because I have no vision or no goals, but because I rarely end up accomplishing my goals!! But... Alas, I have changed my mind... First, let's check out which of last year's resolutions I accomplished..
Completed 2010 Resolutions...
1. Started a photoblog for my photography business... Not only that, but I worked on a REAL website () and will be going live THIS WEEK!!!
2. I raised my GPA (barely, but hey I did it)
3. I took a ballet class
4. "Know God in a more intimate way, talking to Him as a constant companion and best friend" By the grace of God, I can honestly say that I got closer to my Creator, and for that I am truly thankful.
The rest of my resolutions largely dealt with traveling, which I only had so much control over. SO I guess I was actually fairly successful this past year. Woohoo!!
And now I present to you 2011's Resolutions... (Drumroll please...)
1. Become more frugal.
2.Plant a garden (I realized that being gone most of the summer might kill that idea)
3. Join the Siesta Sister Scripture Memory Team
4. Cross 10 books off my 1001 Books to Read list
Wow guys... I'm really sorry, but that's all I've got!!! There are a few more between me and God, but I'm not going to share those.
If you've got any suggestions for me... PLEASE SHARE! I'm feelin' pretty pathetic at the moment!!
Completed 2010 Resolutions...
1. Started a photoblog for my photography business... Not only that, but I worked on a REAL website () and will be going live THIS WEEK!!!
2. I raised my GPA (barely, but hey I did it)
3. I took a ballet class
4. "Know God in a more intimate way, talking to Him as a constant companion and best friend" By the grace of God, I can honestly say that I got closer to my Creator, and for that I am truly thankful.
The rest of my resolutions largely dealt with traveling, which I only had so much control over. SO I guess I was actually fairly successful this past year. Woohoo!!
And now I present to you 2011's Resolutions... (Drumroll please...)
1. Become more frugal.
2.
3. Join the Siesta Sister Scripture Memory Team
4. Cross 10 books off my 1001 Books to Read list
Wow guys... I'm really sorry, but that's all I've got!!! There are a few more between me and God, but I'm not going to share those.
If you've got any suggestions for me... PLEASE SHARE! I'm feelin' pretty pathetic at the moment!!
2010 In Review
Abba,
Thank you for carrying me through this past year. Thank you for ending my year with laughter. Thank you for the relationships you blessed me with, the vision you've given me, the joy you've poured on me, the love you've lavished upon me, the opportunities you've allowed me to have...
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Genesis 50:20
"The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
Psalm 16:6
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you..."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Thank you for taking what the enemy meant for evil and making it good... Oh so good. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for taking care of my past, present, and future. You are a good God. Worthy of praise much better than I shall ever be able to give. Above all, thank you for continuing with me into this next year.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR ME THIS YEAR.
Your daughter,
Your beloved,
Your lioness,
Makenzi
Thank you for carrying me through this past year. Thank you for ending my year with laughter. Thank you for the relationships you blessed me with, the vision you've given me, the joy you've poured on me, the love you've lavished upon me, the opportunities you've allowed me to have...
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Genesis 50:20
"The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance."
Psalm 16:6
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you..."
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Thank you for taking what the enemy meant for evil and making it good... Oh so good. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for taking care of my past, present, and future. You are a good God. Worthy of praise much better than I shall ever be able to give. Above all, thank you for continuing with me into this next year.
I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR ME THIS YEAR.
Your daughter,
Your beloved,
Your lioness,
Makenzi
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