A New Day

Amethyst Sunrise

A NEW DAY

Watch for the new thing I am going to do.
It is happening already—you can see it now!
I will make a road through the wilderness
and give you streams of water there.

Isaiah 43:19 GNT

Sometimes, God brings an event into our lives that we know is the start of big changes; things like marriage, birth of a child, a move, a new job, and more.  We know that our world will never be the same. We hold onto God’s promise that he will make a way for us to live in abundant closeness to Him.  Other times, changes are more subtle, and we move ahead, not even really recognizing or comprehending what God is doing in our lives.

This Inspiration page is a combination of the two. In Advent of 2014, Scripture and Picture ministry began, but I didn’t know that’s what was happening at the time. To read the story of that process, go to the “About” page. To view Scripture and Picture postings, visit the Home page of the website where they are posted daily (or you can connect to my Instagram from there).

 In any case, Scripture and Picture became the foundation for Paths of Joy.  You see, in 2019, God began to give me ideas for writing devotionals. I jotted them down without any real thought of ever using them in a ministry.  Then, two years ago, the Holy Spirit began to put thoughts more frequently on my heart, thoughts about expanding His ministry of words and photos. So, two years ago, I began to write out those devotional ideas.  Around that time, God placed in my life a dear friend who encouraged me to step out with photography.  I also became increasingly aware of how Scripture and Picture had impacted hundreds of lives; many people spontaneously shared stories with me, even those that I didn’t know who had been viewing the daily posts for years. Another friend prayed for me to have an avenue to use both my photography and desire for expanding ministry.  This all led to the formation of Paths of Joy Nature Photography in September and, now, Paths of Joy Daily Inspiration Page on the website.  

 So, here I stand at the start of a new path, this time being much more aware that God has plans, and I just need to trust Him and move forward.  Am I apprehensive? Yes. Will the Paths of Joy Daily Inspiration ministry grow and touch lives?  Will God use the Inspirational Art to touch people’s lives with His Word and Creation?  Will the Paths of Joy website impact others or will God primarily use it to grow and deepen my own faith?   God promises He will be faithful making a road through this new wilderness and providing streams in the desert.  So, I move forward, one small step at a time, as God has brought me to this place of obedience to bless you with His Word and Creation as you walk your own paths of joy…