Living Water
If you are a new or aspiring photographer, you must check out Go{4}Pro blog where Leah shares all kinds of tips and tricks for FREE! In fun news - she did an interview segment with me today. Stop by and give her some blog love. Thanks for the beautiful write-up, Leah!
So it’s Friday, and I am thankful I have nothing to do and nowhere to be. The sun is shining and I am going to sit out on the balcony and drink tea. The cats are covered in catnip from rolling in it. Pegasus just came into the office and howled a hello at me. It’s a good day indeed.
Can I just tell you that I am happy? I am happy because there is NOTHING that is impossible with God. I am happy because I have hope that nothing and no one can take away. This hope is Jesus. When your circumstances look grim, fix your eyes on Him. He is merciful to all who call on Him for help and fear His name.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction. Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37
I can testify to this rivers of living water. It flows out of my heart and it is the Holy Spirit filling me, healing me and then in turn touching others with the love and concern of Jesus. I have found there is nothing else in this life worth living for. I’ve tried it all, as in finding my meaning or purpose in many other things. So I’m sharing from my personal experience that seeking to be filled and satisfied with worldly things or accomplishments does not satisfy. In fact, the more I pursued the things of this physical life, the emptier and more lonely I became. A bigger house does not satisfy, a new job does not satisfy, owning your own business, having a happy marriage or being a recognized photographer does not make life complete. It’s all just a smoke screen, distracting you from what is truly real. The unseen.
Whatever your heart is fixated on at this moment -getting married, being admired, having more money, accomplishing that next goal…these are all nice things and can bring temporary happiness. But do they bring deep, abiding joy? Do they satisfy that deep, inner, eternal place that is longing for something greater…something bigger than ourselves…something that causes this whole messed up world to makes sense? It’s as if the minute we achieve something then there is that next goal we must conquer. The minute we own it there is that next purchase that will make life sweeter. No matter how much that person loves us, it just never seems to be enough to fill the void. It’s as though we are empty tanks, always longing to be filled, yet there is a hole in the bottom leaking all the water. But Jesus says if we drink of His water we will never thirst again.
We are spiritual beings. We were created to have a spiritual relationship with a spiritual destiny, only found in the one true God, Jesus Christ. This is the most exciting adventure I have ever found myself on. Nothing in the world can even touch it’s power, healing and truth. If this weren’t true in my life, would I have the courage to write such words on my business blog? I just wanted to share this today from my heart because I know many souls are searching, roaming the earth as it were, trying to find the answers. It’s not about going to church. It’s not about being a good person. It’s about an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. You speak to Him, He speaks back. You give Him your life, dreams, desires (completely, lay it all down, surrender it) and He gives you not only eternal life but also more purpose, hope, healing and wonder than you ever bargained for.
It’s not about this temporary life, my friends. Most of us get 80 years at best. Look inside your heart and you must know. Don’t you feel it? You were created for eternity.
Today is a good day.
Love the baby belly laugh and the bathing suit pseudo-wedgie! How adorable. Great job.
It is very generous and…well…wonderful that you are doing something like this for someone! One lucky person is going to be SO very, BIG TIME blessed by this!!!
From the very beginning you have been such a huge inspiration and your beautiful work has always motivated me to keep trying harder and harder to get better and learn more! One day though, I’ll be able to come to a workshop if you continue to have them!
Comments
Thanks for this post Amy, I really needed to read this today!
beautifully written. i am inspired by your boldness and true love for the Lord. thank you!
Amen and amen!!
What an amazing word today Amy. Totally spoke to me and reminded me that nothing else matters but Him. Thanks for the inspiration!
THANK YOU so much for the shout out and it was an absolute HONOR to feature you! As always you have a perfect way of putting faith into proper perspective!
i am so thankful that i discovered your blog a couple months back. I have been reading regularly, but this is my first comment. You have inspired me not only with for photography (which is exceptional) but your faith and your desire to share it. thank you for using your blog to stand firm and not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus!
WOW! I needed that reminder. Thank you so much for your transparency!
Thank you so much for your transparency, and this encouraging word to live for our God who has called us out, created us to live for Him and WITH Him! Your voice is refreshing and challenging!
Thank you.
I am so glad I found and follow your blog.
Amy, I have tears pouring down my face. THANK YOU for writing this today. It’s as if God used you to write this for me TODAY and for that I am grateful. I know all these things and truly strive to live by this everyday but sometimes life can beat you down and I was having one of those days actually weeks. Thank you for snapping me out of it and reminding me of what to keep my eyes fixed on. You are such a blessing! Have a fabulous afternoon sipping on tea! Love, Danielle
This is my first post too…and I just wanted to say thank you for your encouragement. You allow others to see who really is your source and that is what I want people to see when they read my blog and meet me. As I start a photography business, it is funny how I find myself at times all caught up in the business and dreams of what I want it to be and I forget to go to Jesus, my living water. I come to him on my knees apologizing and he never turns me away… I love how he opens up his arms and gives me a big hug. I am not sure why I every now and then forget to go to him…I never make it very far because I can’t live without Him- that intimate relationship for very long. Thanks again
I love you. Thank you for sharing your heart. It’s sounding more and more like the heart of God.
Wow…I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago and this post is amazing! You’ve said so much of what I believe and feel and could never put into words as well as this! Thanks for sharing your heart…
Wow, such an awesome and beautifully written post. I can’t thank you enough for baring your soul and having the courage to write this. It’s something I’ve been dealing with lately in reading John and Stasi Eldridge’s book Love & War and also in my prayers. You are so right about trying to fill ourselves with the things of the world…they just don’t fill like God can!
Thank you for your words. It is inspiring and it is the truth. I’m also very impressed that you are writing what is in your heart. Sometimes that takes courage.
You have an absolute heart of gold, my dear. I love hearing every step of your journey. Stay happy!!
Great interview! I’m glad you are having a great day! I pray that the feeling you have today will continue for many more days to come!
Preach it from the rooftops! I think it’s so easy to lose perspective and I still find myself trying to find happiness in every other little thing, forgetting this life is a vapor and it’s the eternal that matters. I hope we can meet one day– not only am I inspired by your work, but I am inspired by how you choose to boldly live your faith out in your life.
Amen! Thank you for having courage to print such beautiful words!!!
Bless you Amy Wentzel! Your words have touched my soul! Praise God!
You are an inspiration! I am amazed by your faith and how your share your soul. God is so perfectly in tune with us and our needs and he knew that I needed to hear the words you blogged here today. THANK YOU. Love in Christ.
Thank you, Amy! Thank you for having the courage to write those words on a business blog. They are words of Life.
you are beautiful, and your words were also so beautiful!
Courageous! Earlier this year, I thought about the legacy I want to leave my children ( you know one of those first of the year assessment of life thoughts), I came to one word, courageous. I want to be a courageous woman. You are courageous Amy! Webster defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” That’s you! I pray God will lift you up as you lift HIm up! Thank you for sharing the verses. I love the Word! I will share one of my favorites, it has become a constant in my life. “You will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is steadfast on You because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Thank you for being courageous, inspiring me, and being faithful to the life to which He has called you. Love and peace to you!
love it.
AMEN Amy!!!! Amen.
Joy in abundance. Joy in spite of. Joy from the Joyous One. Thank you Amy!
Amen!! Thank you for having the boldness to profess your deep faith on your business blog. It’s proof that you truly, truly believe it and ultimately rely on it. This post really encouraged me!
You spoke my heart in this post. You spoke the words that I cannot fit together myself to describe what has laid so heavily on my heart and in my mind over the past few months. Nothing of this world will ever fill that space. It is ABSOLUTE truth. It has taken me years to realize this. And this is something I am now reminding myself of on a daily basis as it is so easy to stray and get distracted by all the shiny things this world offers us. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for this post.
Proclaimed with power from the Holy Spirit! I pray that many will read these words and eyes will be opened to the truths you’ve testified to and hearts will be turned to the One True Living God Who loves us completely!!!
Dear Amy, you are truly inspiring! patti
Thanks for that amazing sermon. I needed to hear that today. You have blessed me. I just found you at Go4pro. Great interview. Love your work and yes I love Jesus too.
Looking forward to receiving your tips. Thanks.
Rhonda
Thank you so much for this post, I really needed this reminder today. Sometimes I get so caught up in the day to day, I forget that when I chose to follow Jesus my life became no longer about me. And when I make my life about Him, I’m actually more content. (more purpose, hope, healing) Thank you for allowing God to use you!
Great Post! So accurate, bold, and inspirational!
Excellent post…and so very true…
You couldn’t have said it better…have you ever read any of John Bevere’s books, Driven by Eternity? It’s deep, but great material and has changed the way I think about life! Thanks for stating the TRUTH! I have walked your road, and think about you a lot! You encourage me in your FAITH! Our God is bigger!
Thank you for this, I needed this reminder. I’m going to read it again now and let it all soak in.
so fixated on the seen I forget the “Unseen” …and I happened to be up too late worrying as I do so often, but especially these past few weeks and boy oh boy this is what I needed to read tonight of all nights. Thank you Amy!
Wow, such an amazing post! So inspiring and so definitely true!! Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and I so thank you for standing up for him too!
This is so beautiful amy! Thanks for sharing
Amen, my hope is in Jesus alone!!!! I love your photography and your blog. I sure miss Michigan and especially West Michigan. I hope you enjoy your beautiful spring : ) God Bless, Crystal in Kuwait
Every time I read your blog posts I find myself saying “AMEN!” Well said, Amy. Thank you for reminding me of what I know to be true but all too often loose sight of. God is good all.the.time. Praying for you and your husband. xo
love this post!! refreshing - the kind of water that you will never thirst again!! thank you.
Amy~You couldn’t have said it better! That’s exactly what I’ve been fighting with internally! There’s always something after the goal you’ve finally reached. The one and only goal we should have is to grow our relationship with the One and Only and also share His word with those who may have not heard it or are desiring to learn more!
Fabulous words and such a fabulous post!
Jenn
Awesome! I’m so thankful for the Holy Ghost and revelation of the gospel in my life! What an amazing testimony you have and so glad you are bold enough to share it! I’m just starting a photography business. In my prayer time today, I asked the Lord to allow me to bring glory to His name through my new business and open up doors of opportunity to share the gospel with the many people I will meet. I’m so glad you posted this!
This was a wonderful blog. I love how open you are about your faith. It really is inspiring. People always think that you can’t mix business with Jesus, but when in reality Jesus is the only reason why you have the business in the first place. I just tried to send you an email by clicking on the email link and it came back to me saying that it couldn’t deliver the message and that this was a permanent error. So I don’t know if you know anything about that, or have another email address that I could send the message to. The message is kinda too personal for a blog comment.
I love this post. So well written, so bold…SO TRUE!
Love this. Just love it. I’m so proud of you for sharing your faith with so many people. God is using you to make an amazing impact in people’s lives. I love your courage, faith and optimism. We’d get along well. My husband also had brain cancer, and although he tragically passed away at 30, I have full confidence and assurance in my God. I still praise his name. Keep sharing your heart. People out there need it.
Thank you, Jesus, for this on-fire daughter of yours and may you fill and overflow her with your Holy Spirit that she may testify to the gospel of your grace and the glory and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Great post Amy. My prayer to God last night was “You keep planting the seeds and I’ll keep sowin’ ‘em with as much diligence as I can”
It’s a beautiful thing to give all your trust to him and I do!
This is wonderful~ Yes, we all have difficulty being ‘content’ with out earthly things…if we could get your words thru our brain that it’s only temporary our lives would be so much more peaceful. Thanks for this great reminder:)
“It’s not about going to church. It’s not about being a good person. It’s about an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. You speak to Him, He speaks back.” ….. Wow!! So well written,so much truth in the simplicity of these powerful words. This will be go in as one of my fav quote!! Thank you!
WoW! So beautifully stated.
Amy - just wanted to say that even though I don’t know you - I want you to know that we pray for you and are thinking of you guys. You are an amazing person and have amazing things to share with the world. So much love from colorado.
hello! i’m so happy i stumbled upon your blog. i love your style! so so many beautiful photos. i just wanted to say hi, and i hope that you don’t mind if i add you to my blog roll.
Amy,
I love you and David. Its been at least a year, maybe more now. It all started when Jasmine first blogged about you two. That was quite a bit ago. I don’t even remember. and I stalk you and David :). How often have you heard that? I think I’ve had the nerve to comment on David’s site since he isn’t as “cool” as you and less famous…but maybe i haven’t. I have “thought” many many comments….
Either way. Bless you. Bless you for speaking truth on your business site. Bless you for proclaiming joy and everlasting hope in Jesus Christ. He is good. He is the sweet wine. He is our Healer and joy.
I sit in my little lapa here in South Africa and pray blessings on you and David and your home. I pray healing on David’s body and for Jesus to continue to get glory in both of your lives. He must be so pleased with you both.
love from the other side of the world!
~bekah
It takes a lot of courage to talk about faith so overtly in this kind of venue. In college {I went to Hope}, a friend of mine used verses like a club; so many people were offended, not drawn in. It shaped me. I share mostly my lifestyle and hope people will feel a depth and joy there; then, sporadically, I have deeper, more evangelical posts. It’s a hard balance. You are very good at sharing your faith so openly–it’s very inspiring. God is using this painful circumstance to draw people to Himself through you; I can see it.
Oh how true this is! Thanks for sharing!
i simply adore you and your faith and love for our savior and Lord Jesus Christ, brings such a deep joy in my heart for you. thank you for sharing these thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit. it’s truly uplifting and inspiring and brings such conviction. hope all is well with David!!
thank you for your insight….. i love Jesus too……
kym
Great picture.
Your are truly blessed and keep being you, what a great piece.
this was a blessing. chills & tears.
Thank you.
Every time the Lord brings me to your blog…it is exactly what I am needing. Thank you for sharing your heart and the truth with others. You are beautiful both inside and out:)
Amen Sister! Just clicked on your blog off the Iheartfaces website. True inspiration only comes from God. Thank you for being a sweet vessel of the Lord today. Blessings, Tanni
Hi Amy,
You stopped me in my tracks. I’m considering becoming a professional photographer and have been reading everything I can get my hands on, constantly playing with my camera, experimenting, etc. It’s a fun journey. It’s been my main focus lately. My days have been filled with “when I learn my camera better . . . , when I get new equipment, when I make the right contacts . . . when I deliver fantastic photos to my first client . . . ” Thank you for reminding me where true happiness comes from. I really admire the way you posted your beliefs for all to see and share. I don’t believe in coincidences. I think I needed this message at this time. Thank you for helping me see the Light! God Bless you. and oh, by the way, your photos rock!
Jill
amen, sister. the only happiness we find is turning to our Heavenly Father and His perfect Son, Jesus Christ. It is only IN and THROUGH Him that we find that peace, rest, and hope. i thank you for a dose of perspective, which we all need.every.day. no matter what we’ve been through, Christ knows. and He can help. all we have to do is turn to Him. He is perfect. He is eternal. He is loving, and just, and able. God is good.
I loved this post. A thousand amen’s! I just have to ask if you are LDS. I am and your thinking and beliefs seem exactly like mine!!!
That is by far my most favorite Psalm. Beautiful post, thank you very much for putting it up.
You know I’ve read this at least a dozen times but still it brings tears to my eyes and a peace to my heart. You are the best! I hope your Good Friday was a great one! xo
Amy, I just found out about your web site from a wonderful photographer out in Utah, named Nicole Nelson. I have never met her, but I have been following her web page for about a year now. What is amazing about her, is when I am down or when I need a pick-up in life, I will pull up Nicole’s Pixie dust web site, and there it is, the love, joy, inspiration of what is really important in this life. She not only captures the personality, the emotion, but she captures the sprit. Amy, I even heard of a truck diver, after a long haul, pulling up Nicole’s web site just to put his life back into perspective. After seeing your web page, I need to write you, and encourage you to pick Nicole for your workshop. We just need more people like you and her in this world, thanks for what you do!
Amen! Thank you for sharing your heart, Amy. I’m rejoicing with you that we can have life abundant in this world and for eternity.
With love from your sister in Christ!
great thoughts wonderfully written. thank you. miss and love you guys.
I love it! Living for Jesus is what it is all about! It is easy to get side tracked…I am grateful for your boldness in sharing the love of God will all of blog readers.
Your work is amazing!!!! My friend and I just signed up for one of your May workshops and we can’t wait!!!!
This was my very first visit to your blog so I know it was destined for me to visit today.I am a new photographer and a believer of Jesus Christ and your words have truly touched and inspired me to hone the gifts God has given me,and served as a reminder not fixate my heart on anything but Him. So excited to follow your blog! Lloryn
Beautifully said.
Amy,
I just wanted to tell you thank you for your transparency. We’re walking through a very difficult place in our lives right now and this post really encouraged me. I don’t even know you, but I really appreciate you. Thank you for living your life so passionately before Jesus and before men.
Thank you for sharing what was on your heart.
Joyfully,
Jenna
Amen, amen, AMEN!
Beautiful post. Thanks!
Wow, thank you Amy, that was beautiful. Just beautiful. Dont ever change, be who you are because we love it. your an inspiration. God bless you!!!
Amy,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your passion, desire and love for the Lord and for provoking our hearts and reminding us of the point of life–To know Him and to make Him known. Life is a vapor, only what’s done for Christ will last and it is so easy to forget that and live for the moment; to plan a life after what the world deems is success, to try to achieve wealth and status. But you are so, SO right- it will never fulfill, ever. And only leaves us wanting more. Thank you for challenging us to live our lives with a lasting, eternal goal and purpose, rather than the moment, and to find ourselves in Him. I have no doubt that the Lord is going to use this post to reach the heart of many, many people, because it certainly did mine. I don’t know what else to say but that what you have shared is truth that needs to be hidden in our hearts!
Liz:)
Wow. You are obviously gifted in more ways than one. Thank you for having the courage to share your beautifully articulated thoughts. The world needs more cool, hip, creative, fun Christians.
Colleen Morgans
P.S. I’ve never been to a workshop and (gulp) I’ve been a photographer for twenty years. Time to learn something new, is there room in the May 10-13 session?
WOW! You have touched me today as you and your hubby do every time I read your blogs. What an amazing testimony and life lesson! thanks Amy
My name is Carrie and I’m an athlete and student of Brad Peters. He sent me your blog entry from today and it was very inspiring and just what i needed to hear today! thankyou!
wow Amy, I’ve been feeling lost lately and tying hard to restore my faith .. haven’t checked your blog in weeks and today, one of my worst days, I come here and read this! THANK YOU!
Hi Amy,
I haven’t been to your blog in a while but always LOVE to read it…fills my cup!! I was at Shadow Lake in Papillion when David shared his story and have been following both of your blogs since then. Just wanted to thank you for sharing your heart and doing it so beautifully….your gifts are bringing much glory to the FATHER!! I will continue to keep you both in my prayers!
Much love,
Elaine Stoner
Wow. Amy, thanks for sharing. This really spoke to my heart!
-Jodi
My wife directed me to this post Amy and I was truly blessed. As you, I have tasted the goodness of God, but you reminding us all of it today was something I needed. Thank you!
Such a TRUE and beautiful post. Makes me think of a new song by Kutless….I’m Still Yours…..a deeply moving song. Thanks-what an inspiration you are to me!
I just found this blog ten minutes ago. I read “about me” and loved it, then “Living Water” and got tears in my eyes. You are a wonderful spirit that feels kindred. God Bless you. I am so excited to follow your blog and really hope you update it more often.
I just love reading your posts that come from your heart. They make me smile and make me wish I could express myself so beautifully. You have a gift..not just in photography..but in sharing your faith and spreading the hope, joy and love that our Savior has for us. He has a special gift for each of us and is simply waiting for us to reach out and accept it. Keep up these heartfelt posts! Someone who read this needed the hope and found it here! God Bless!
xo
Hana
THANK YOU - I needed to hear this today Amy
Hi Amy,
I found your blog through Karin Prunty’s blog. She is a friend of mine through the blog world mostly (although we were able to meet a few months ago.)She had an amazing time at your workshop and I havd tried to bleed her dry of the details and information she gathered as we are pretty much in the same boat, photographically speaking. Anyway, I have come across your blog and I have to tell you how encouraged I am this morning by your post. I love what you have said here and it has been a good reminder to me that Jesus is the author and perfector of my faith. And He is the glue that holds my life together. I awoke this morning with a lot of weight on my shoulders concerning my children, homeschooling, adoption issues, etc. Before my feet even touched the floor, I was overwhelmed and crying out to God for His help. I know He is able to carry me ,but I am thankul for being reminded that ALL things are POSSIBLE with Christ. In fact, He is the God of the Impossible!
As a homeschooling mom and a wannabe photographer, I sometimes find myself looking for affirmation through feedback. Your post reminded me,again, that my self-esteem is in Christ. I could get all the positive feedback in the world and it would still come up short when compared to the relationship I have in Christ.
Anyway, I could go on and on but I did want to tell you that I will probably read your post to my girls this morning in our devotional and that I appreciate your insight.
Lisa
i stumbled onto your blog today and i wanted to say thank you for speaking the truth! it’s rare that anyone these days will be bold enough to do so and it was refreshing to hear! Jesus is the answer, i agree wholeheartedly with that! God bless you in all your work and again thanks!
Amy,
Lea’s Living Water sent to me by a friend just made my day.
Thank you,
Mary
I am so moved by what you have written. It really blessed my spirit! Thank you for that profound word.
how wonderful to hear your testimony. I know who sits on the throne on your life.
Amazing would not sum it up- you are a beautiful heart lady. I somewhat accidently (no such thing as accident) stumbled on your blog through another photographer, and allow me to say…you have touched my life. I read your story(s), moreso, your daily life…you are beautiful. And with that, so is your work.
Continue craving Him, for in that is true, deep, unfathomed life.
May He bless you and keep you.
Hi Amy,
You really should create an online class! I would be all up for that! have you ever thought about it? If not do you know of any good online classes that you would recommend? Thanks!
Praise God for Jesus! Amy this is so what I’ve needed to hear. You hit the nail on the head sister.
.I miss u girl. (it would be great just to hear “3 lines” from you)
Preach it, sista! Amen and amen
I stumbled onto your site and this post after watching a commercial by Michael Koerbel “Digital Cribs” on Vimeo, about your house and you and your husband. This was after watching his film Apple of my eye, done on an iphone4.
Back to your post. Nicely written. You have a great enthusiasm for what is truly important, so easy for so many to forget or just let it get pushed aside in the daily stream we know as life.
As I was watching Michael’s other works, it reminded me that I wanted to be a filmmaker originally, and somehow have been pointed down other paths. Divine intervention. And now, I seem to be coming closer to my original plan. I too am a pro / semi-pro, some thirty years later, but I’m just getting warmed up.
Your work is crisp and fresh. Your writing is uplifting. Keep it up!
Love this!! Thanks for sharing! I’ve thought about it a lot, it’s a great post!!
It’s a reflection that inspires. We should indeed be grateful for whatever we can get in life. Enjoy life, and grateful.