Photographic Journal (October 13, 2022):

God has a way of reminding me of His glory when I start to forget, and it is easy to get caught up with our daily challenges and not thank Him for the gift of our day.  As I wrapped up my morning photographing the elk against the beautiful fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I came across a little country church that I had passed so many times before.  My neglect of honoring God's house with my presence was due to my excitement about capturing images of the elk.

But that morning, as I drove by, I felt a pulling in my heart to stop and finally walk through the little church. As I entered, I was overwhelmed by the spirit of God as if He stood at the door to say, "Welcome home, son, it's been a while; let me hug your neck."  I was the only one in the church, but I didn't feel alone; He was there with me.  

Earlier I had filled my camera with hundreds of images of elk, but I quickly deleted several of them so I could have the space to share His house and the love He has for you and me that I felt in that moment.  Take time right now to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind.  He is always there to listen and He loves you, more than you'll ever know.