Ever since I read last night about the Chapman family, I just can't get my mind to focus on anything else, though I keep trying. Every time I sit at my desk, I see his face on his CD cover, which has been there for months, and I pray for him. His latest CD "This Moment" has been in the CD player in my van for weeks now, and today every time I got in the van (which was a LOT today), I heard each song with a whole new perspective. It is almost chilling the way his words to his latest songs were so ordered by the Lord. His own music is going to carry them through, and at the same time cause such anger in their own hearts as they grieve. But as his lyrics say "the God who heals and rescues and restores" will be their constant.
What struck me most today, and left me continually in tears, was not only his "Cinderella" song, but the very first song on his CD. "Miracle of the Moment". It's about living in the moment, and not looking back, no regrets. I think it's so much like God that the first phrase on this CD is "It's time for letting go of all of our "if only's", cause we don't have a time machine". I have been so convicted today to live in the moment. To cherish every single minute we spend with our loved ones. To realize how quickly they can be taken away. God has every moments of our lives planned, and every hair on our heads are numbered, He is in Control. God is using this man and his music in a very powerful way, and with His mighty plan that we can't understand, his music will be even more so. My prayers are with this family, and most especially the teenage boy, may God use this tragedy to work in mighty ways in his life.
"Miracle of the Moment"
It's time for letting go all of our if only's
Cause we don't have a time machine
And even if we did, Would we really want to use it?
Would we really want to go change everything?
'Cause we are who and where and what we are for now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about
So breathe it in and breathe it out Listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now, It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment.
There's only one who knows what's really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be, And all we need to know
Is He's out there waiting, To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment that we can do anything about
And if it brings you tears, then taste them as they fall
Let them soften your heart and if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back And let it go, let it go
You gotta let it go.
Listen to your heartbeat
When a brother or sister in Christ is hurting, we hurt also. We carry their burdens. Our hearts are heavy with them. Kirsten's homeroom class broke into small groups this morning to pray for this family, there were many tears. Hannah's class prayed for them during devotions, her teacher cried, Hannah had never seen her cry. The world is lifting this family in prayer, and this will carry them when they can't carry themselves.
"Cause all too soon, the clock will strike midnight and she'll be gone..."
I had the privelege last night, of photographing a military homecoming at the Aberdeen Proving Ground of the 20th Support Command. It was such an honor to be able to experience this family welcome home their "Captain", who had never even met his precious newborn son. I have never been able to personally shake the hand of a soldier, and thank him in my own words for what they do for our country, what an honor it was. There is quite a funny story that goes along with my adventure! First of all - let's say it was quite the learning experience for this natural light photographer, for this homecoming to be scheduled at 2:00 AM - there was no natural light... Now, getting through the security at the front gate of a military installation is....well..... not easy. I drive up to the gate, armed with my information that I was told I would need. The guard says to me "Your name is Heather and you are with WHO, here to photograph WHO? It's against regulations to take photographs on this property", I say "uh, Timeless and Treasured and here to photograph Captain Z.I.. for his homecoming reunion with his family" The guard starts speaking into his little speaker on his shoulder, "I have a Civilian here, a Heather O'Steen, claiming to be with a Timeless and Treasured Photography, she has no official clearance". It was really funny to hear my little business name in such an official way. Somehow, I don't think the guard understood why I was giggling. Let's just say that was JUST the beginning. After a very long and sorted ordeal, I eventually ended up with a police escort to my eventual destination (which was very round-about in nature), only after revealing my life history information to several military personnel, along with every piece of identification belonging to my person and my vehicle. I do believe I will rest a little easier tonight knowing full well that our military is ready and willing to protect our country at every cost, even from middle-of-the-night photographers. Enjoy the slideshow by entering the code "Irvine" under the client section at http://www.timelessandtreasured.com/
Quite possibly the worst-ever case of bed-head. This was after we learned of her "Bad Dweam" about the cow that was in her room in the night. 
