26 March 2008
This year I entered a photograph of my father in the IAHE Convention Art Contest. The category for my age group (8th – 12th) was a photo of someone that has encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. I decided to capture a photo of my father, he has been a wonderful blessing and encouragement to me.
He has taught me about God’s Word, shared with me what God has taught him and still teaching him, he has encouraged me to read and study the Bible everyday, he has led us as a family in worshiping God every evening, and he has provided for his family. I love my daddy!
This is the picture I “captured” of him. We spent a couple evenings just working on getting the “perfect” shot. He was very patient with me as I tried to get everything just right, his position, the camera and tripod, the board behind him, etc. Finally I captured this shot of him. The black and white gives it a classy look, and keeps the color from being a distraction. The board behind him is actually a dark blue.
Today when I went out to get the mail after lunch, I saw that there was a letter for me from the IAHE Convention. All I could say was, “Lord Your will be done. I entered this to honor my father and glorify You. May You be glorified. Your will be done.” When I entered the kitchen I held up the envelope to Momma. She hurried and put the milk away and I opened the letter with Bre and Mom watching me.
“Congratulations! You are a winner! Your entry has been chosen to receive the First Place Award in the Photography category for 8th thru 12th Grades and Champion for the Photography Division.”
My eyes almost fell out of my head.
“Thank you Lord” was all I could say. Excited, I hurriedly picked up the phone to call Daddy who had come home for lunch, but had already left for work when I got the mail. He was excited and happy, and he actually came home (he works about seven minutes from home) to read the letter. Isn’t that just sweet!
My dear sister, Breezy, won the Champion over all the portfolios (click here to see her entry). She had been notified that she won about a week ago, but we didn’t know about the photography because it had not yet been judged. Our friend Kate won Champion over the other 8th – 12th categories (excluding portfolios and photography). Also, our sweet distant cousin Holland won Champion over the K – 3rd category!
“O my strength, I will sing praises to You:
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.” – Psalm 59:17
We will all receive our awards at the convention . . . on stage. I’m a bit nervous about that part, but oh well. The portrait of Daddy will most likely be on the big screen where they will display images of the artwork for all to see. I hope he doesn’t mind. ;)
