Devotional: Laugh At Fear

 
Most of us face fear. Our circumstances could be different, but the same feeling is shared. It's that sinking feeling in the pit of our stomachs. Even our heartbeats speed rapidly, not slowing down. We can also pace because our minds are frantic with worry. I've experienced fear, too. Too great, actually. Fear is unfortunately powerful and can make us act so desperate. Once it grabs hold of your mind, it's hard to shake off. And when fear takes over, anxiety begins to grow within us. It can cause stress, and even health problems. Our fears begin to take its toll on our bodies and heart, actually weighing us down.

What's the antidote? I wish I knew what the ultimate cure was. Fear is something that probably can't be taken out of our lives completely. It'll probably always be there, deep within us. I know. That doesn't sound too encouraging. There are, however, some things we can do to fight it. Instead of allowing fear complete control of our lives, we can find solace, bravery, and love. But the most ultimate way to fight it, is to laugh. Yes, laugh. If you can stand tall and laugh in the face of fear, you've eased some of its hold on you. Just show fear that it has now power over you. That, it has no say in your life.

Laugh. Laugh because you know that Jesus is with you. Fear can't defeat Him. And it won't defeat you. Yes, fear will always be there. It won't forever leave, but you've got what you need to fight it. You've got Christ, and He's your safe place amidst those dark storms. In fact, with Him, you can challenge anything. Fear might be right in your face, and you know what you can do? You can laugh at it. Whether it be a little chuckle, or a hearty one, it doesn't matter. It has the same freedom either way. You'll see. Laughter will loosen those chains that fear has restrained us in. I promise you'll feel lighter.

I still deal with fear. I know it's there, and it's a struggle. I remember. Jesus is with me, and I can laugh at it with Him. Honestly, though, fear is a huge struggle for me, so I suffer from it daily. To combat this, I got a bracelet that has a cross beaded within it. It's my reminder to laugh at fear. I wear it as often as I can. If you deal with fear, too, I suggest doing the same thing. I love that Jesus gives us His Word, and tools to use for the fear in our lives. Laughter just happens to be one of them. I know that when fear comes around, I'm going to keep laughing, because I know that Christ has me. And He has you, as well, my friend.

Laugh at the future, and what may come of it.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." - Proverbs 31:25 NLT

Do you need prayer? Leave a comment, and I'll pray for you.

Many blessings,
- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: Looking For Textures

 Photo Quests: Looking For Textures

Intro: I took photos of textures with the idea of keeping them colorized. Failed miserably.
After examining them, I turned all five into black and white photos. I couldn't help it.
They just looked better, and I liked how striking they come across as.

Quest Ending: I've always enjoyed taking photos of textures. I don't know, I find them
intriguing, and it's fun to turn them black and white. This probably won't be the last 
of these kinds of photos. As I find more of them, I'll probably share what I've found.

Wordless Wednesday: Stay Soft

Wordless Wednesday: Trying To Blend In

Blog Update: Taking A Few Days Off

I'm taking a few days off. Kind of like a break. I just won't be on as much until things settle in my life. To get more into detail, a family member is having surgery. I want to be present to help them out, and not have to worry about blogging. There'll still be a post for this Wednesday, because it's an easy one to do. I also won't be posting anything on Facebook except a link to my blog post for today and Wednesday. This won't mean, however, that I'll not be writing or coming up with ideas. It's just that I won't be doing much in the time being. Once the surgery is completed, and my family member is healing well, I'll be back.

While I help my family, I'll still be working on my book. I don't want to stop writing, as I have my own deadline set for it. I find time to write 500 words each day. I usually enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while I write. A lit candle usually is by my side, as well. My ultimate plan for the book is to be finished with the rough draft before Christmas. It's a discipline that I want to keep up. I feel like I need to write this book. It's called Wandering with Grace. I already blogged about it and what it's focus is. You can read more on it here. 

The book, Wandering with Grace, is going well. I'm writing stories, the history behind my photos, and placing a gallery that would be within the middle of the book. I'm hoping to have it self-published next year. Any spare time that I have, I'm also working on my other project - which is the White Heron. I don't know if both will be finished next year, but that would be awesome if it came true. I have many ideas that can't get finished soon enough. But I tell myself, they'll get done. I just have to be consistent. My next project after the Wandering with Grace and White Heron, is another book. Imagine that! But I don't want to give out too much info on what's next on the horizon. It's just really exciting.

Thanks for being a reader of my blog. I enjoy sharing my life journey with everyone. I don't know if people like it, but I look forward to writing my excitement for things. I just don't want anyone to get tired of reading about the books I'm working on. I'm eager, and I hope people are somewhat that way, too. I have to be patient, however, and that's a tough one for me. I want to finish my books now, but it takes discipline, hard work, and a strong focus to get them all done. I honestly don't know what's down the road from here, but I'm so determined and stubborn to get my projects completed. So, yeah, there's much to do in the next months ahead. Within that time, I pray that my writing encourages, inspires, and brings a sense of love to you. Thank you so much! (Could you pray for my family member?)

Many blessings,

- Grace Thorson

Photo Quests: From The Darkness

 Photo Quests: From The Darkness

Intro: I know I've done it before, but I had the idea to do it again. To be honest,
you can't really just quit doing photos in black and white. There's always room for fun in
experimenting with different textures and objects. So, that's what I did.

Quest Ending: This won't be the last time I take photos like this. Because there's a bit
of mystery to them, and that mystery is always begging to be understood. It provokes a
need for emotion, curiosity, and deep thinking. Yes, indeed. There will be more.

Wordless Wednesday: A River View