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January 13
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Some things in my life have changed in an essential way, thus the way I see the world every day is changing, too! Well, I am sure this will be visible in my artworks.
We all have hard times in life, some more, some less. But I found someone who is a constant light in my life and all the darkness and sorrow is bleaching away in this light.
I am talking about a person whose love was stronger than anything else in this world. Many people think that 'pure love' is exemplified in stories like Romeo and Juliet who died for each other. But there is a love that is much stronger and deeper: "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?" You can find this verse in chapter 5 of the book of Matthew in the bible. Indeed, it is easy to love those who love us in return! But we can find a much stronger love in Jesus Christ, as he even died for his enemies, not just for those who loved him! He died for everyone and his love is not limited to time or space like our human love is! I have known this for many years now, but I never really understood the impact implied by this. I believed, but then dark times entered my life and many works in my gallery are inspired by that period, such as two of my DDs:
 and  
I did not trust the word of God and I tried to solve all my problems on my own. And well, all of us develop a certain strategy to deal with these hard times.
In my case, I started martial arts and confronting my fears, I proved myself capable of enduring long and exhausting mountain bike tours; as a photographer, I found recognition and pleasure in sharing my works. I also wrote down my sorrows in poetry and literature and shared them with others. And I tried much more, things like studying my mind, psychology, science; I tried out everything that came to my mind, but it was of little avail.
These things were great for temporary pleasure and joy, but deep in my heart everything was the same as before, the main part was missing. I realized that I cannot attach my life to something that is not eternal. For example, if you link your joy to a relationship and the person leaves you or dies, you will break down completely. I tried that many times on my own and I must say that is no fundamental of life, no anchor in the storm and at best, it is over when you die. We find this principle in the words of Jesus:

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it." (Matthew 7)

I realized that just knowing or hearing the word of God does not change anything in our lives for as long as we don't live it. When we don't apply it to our lives, it's a dead faith. I had tried to live this word for some time before that, but I did not trust in God that he can change my sorrows into joy and my darkness into light! I broke down again and again and it was a hard way to trust God with all of my heart, to know that he can deal with everything.

There are many religious people out there who want to evangelise you, promising you many good things and that you will be happy from the day you decide to trust God onwards and some of them create illusions that look beautiful or even unrealistic. Be sure that all your sorrows and problems will NOT disappear completely when you become a Christian! Some things might change, but the fundamental part that changes is something else: it's the hope you will find and the comfort of Jesus who knows about your suffering, your struggles. If you trust him, you can experience the same as what I have been experiencing for some months now! It is a reality that is hard to describe, in which you can find peace with yourself and with God and experience the way he will lift you up whenever your own strength ends:

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12)

I also read in the bible that I should be a light:

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5)

Reading the bible with open eyes and an open heart, I began to love the depth of its wisdom and meaning. Everything in the bible is connected and realizing it is an exciting journey. Thus, I have wanted to tell you about the treasure I have found, hoping that you can discover the same for you! That is why I am including verses to my latest images.

Last, but not least, I want to apologize for every bad word that might have left my mouth since I am a member of deviantArt or for any other negative activity or thought that I might have had.

If you want to know anything more, I will try to answer your questions!
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:iconsarah-bk:
*Sarah-BK Feb 23, 2013  Hobbyist Photographer
Wow. Reading this actually brought me to tears.

I am so happy for you. I've never managed to get that far in my faith, because I somehow get distracted by all the horrible things that exist and I wonder how He lets all this happen... But maybe it's because I don't search hard enough for his help which he offers to everything...

You are a Very inspiring person. Thank you for being the lamp of my day :)
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:iconthinking-silence:
~Thinking-Silence Feb 23, 2013   Photographer
I am sure everyone can have this trust in God, just believe in what he has promised in the bible and don't try to solve everything on your own, I mean, He is God, he can do what we cannot do and thus we can be silent and full of peace because he cares for us :)
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:iconrcorb:
~RcorB Feb 11, 2013  Student General Artist
I thought your photography was pretty cool, but your post is very encouraging. In exchange for complete submission and obedience to His will, God gives us that abundant life. It is great that you are experiencing the good that He is. Stay diligent, bro! and God bless. Romans 4:20-21
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:iconthinking-silence:
~Thinking-Silence Feb 11, 2013   Photographer
Thank you kindly :)

"he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised"

That's indeed a beautiful verse, thank you!
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:iconleannansith:
Thanks for the encouragement. When hard times seem like they are never going to stop and death is all around, I must remember that inside there is a light that I can always have no matter what my circumstances are(Isaiah 60:19-20).
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:iconthinking-silence:
~Thinking-Silence Feb 6, 2013   Photographer
Thank you!
I also found comfort in this verse:
"Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart."
(Ecclesiastes 7:3)
I guess, I would be a cold/selfish person without this period of life!
Thus I am glad I went through it.
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:iconleannansith:
Pleasure, thanks for the verse :)
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:iconthinking-silence:
~Thinking-Silence Feb 7, 2013   Photographer
no problem :)
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:icondouglashumphries:
I am not a believer - but I think what ever gets you through the night - whatever keeps the wolf from the door --- is fine .:)
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:iconthinking-silence:
~Thinking-Silence Feb 1, 2013   Photographer
Thank you.
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