It’s not too late to share a New Year’s Resolution of mine, is it? It’s actually more of a ongoing mission of mine, a promise to myself, a goal to focus on what really matters.  When I think of past resolutions I’ve made it seems like they fade away with the summer breeze. Speaking of summer, all this spring weather has me thinking of working in the garden already! It’s amazing to me that one little seed can produce a harvest like you see in the photo below {our first family garden!}. When I think about planting seeds it also reminds me of my purpose on this Earth. To be a disciple and plant seeds to help spread the gospel of my savior, Jesus Christ. My goal this year is to not place value on Earthly treasures, but focus on my {ETERNAL} life. One way I can begin is with this promise to myself.

What’s the promise you ask? It’s funny how the Holy Spirit speaks to you and sometimes you act and sometimes you choose to ignore it. I think it was last spring/summer in the heat of the busy season when I chose to ignore. I felt like the Spirit was telling me to give something back. I thought to myself, what if I donate 10% of my earnings to a charity, mission, etc. ‘Yeah, that’s a great idea! I’ll get right on it! { dot. dot. dot. } Did I? Nope! Instead I made up some great excuses though. So, this year { and going forward } I’m making a promise to myself from now on to give 10% of my session fee and portrait orders to missionary work either through my church or our friends that are currently in Peru { planting seeds and watching them grow }.

Last week we had a Missions Summit at our church and the message last Sunday was very powerful. It was about reaching the nations. The message got me fired up and made me want to hop on a plane to Africa to disciple to others. I instantly became discouraged though, because right now it’s not realistic for us. I don’t feel like I’ve been called to do that {yet}. I felt a little hopeless. That’s when the Holy Spirit assured me that I can be planting seeds right here, right now and I can do my part financially to help others speak to the nations. I wrote this post, knowing that I was probably going to offend some people or turn them off, but that’s quite alright with me { another resolution of mine….stop being such a people pleaser}. This is me. This is my faith. This is my resolution. This is my promise. Here’s to a courageous, fearless, meaningful year. So, what are you waiting for? Go plant some seeds! May the harvest be fruitful and glory be to God!

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.  - Luke 10:2

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  - Galations 6:9