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Friday, February 27, 2015

R | Photoshoot

I've not been posting photoshoots recently because, due to my dad's request, we've been trying to figure out what works. Here we are at the return of photoshoots! There will be several fewer pictures - but enjoy nonetheless!

In January, I enjoyed doing a photoshoot with R. I loved how everything pulled together with the style of her outfit and the setting!





~*~
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:4)

Truth Pics - Etsy

Some of my graphics designs on TruthPics will be discontinued tomorrow. They will be put in the archives and probably will not be relisted until requested. 

On a side-note, I now have a page on my blog designated for graphics designs: http://withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com/p/graphics-designs.html

Printable cards - link

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Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Announcing . . .

It is with excitement and gratitude to my Lord that I present the first book from With a Joyful Noise:


Now available as a DIGITAL DOWNLOAD. Visit the digital store for details.

Keep on the lookout - Lord willing in the next month we'll have more digital downloads PLUS printed books available!

Word Wednesday #43

And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life.
(1 John 2:25)

Promises of God!!!


Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Title my Story . . .

Sabina, you dawdler!” Impatience etched Gillota’s voice. “Mass is nigh over and Lord Raboc will not be kept waiting!”

Sabina nodded mutely and balanced her tray of bread as she piled on another loaf.

Enough! Go!” The head cook flipped her hands and Sabina quickly heeded the message.

In the dining hall, Sabina could hear the low tones of Raboc’s laughter. At least he was in good humor this morning. Sabina relinquished her load to the table and returned to the kitchen for more. The rowdiness in the dining hall only escalated as Raboc filled himself with food and wine.

With her task finished, Sabina waited in a quiet corner for Raboc to leave the room. Her eyes travelled to the narrow slit of a window. From her elevated standpoint, she could see for miles down the well-worn road. In the morning sunlight, a cloud of dust formed on the horizon. Sabina squinted her eyes. No small company formed such commotion.

Raboc pounded his fist on the table and Sabina jerked her attention to him. “More!” he commanded, holding his cup out. Sabina rushed to fulfill the task then took initiative to clear up the used dishes. Each time she passed the window, she paused, her curiosity intensified.

More!”

How much wine would Raboc inhale? It was still early morning, but Sabina obeyed without word or question. Finally, Raboc loitered to the next room and Sabina hurried with the other girls to clean.

On her final trip to the dining hall, a loud exclamation from the next room stopped her.

And what pleasure have I this visit?” Raboc’s polite query contrasted his earlier tone. Sabina slipped to the doorway.

No pleasure, but duty.” The man speaking was surrounded by several guards. Sabina’s eyes quickly took in the velvet cap and fur coats carefully adorned with peacock feathers. The king himself. “It has been brought to my attention, Lord Raboc, that you have taken control of funds and misplaced them.”
(the first tidbit of Ancel’s story)

~*~
After hearing a sermon on Matthew 18, the story of Raboc and Ancel brewed in the back of my mind for a few weeks. This week, the Lord allowed me to finish the rough draft of Ancel’s story (2, 133 words). It is not my desire to retell Scripture or reinterpret it neither is this story intended to be an allegory. It is simply a story to demonstrate forgiveness and a few of the lessons that I have learned in that subject.

I had fun jotting down this story, doing several things which are new for me: 1) writing with an omniscient viewpoint (following more than one character), 2) writing mainly from the guys’ perspectives (yes, I am a girl and usually write in the viewpoint of which I’m most familiar), and 3) writing a story loosely {very loosely} set in feudal England (little did I know that my research for a paper on feudal England when I was sixteen would resurface to help me with a piece of fiction).

Now for the part which is of semi-importance: I really need a title. The working title was “That Thou Owest,” but after writing the story, I realize the title does not display the content of the story. So, I have a favor to ask: I need a title and would like your input! Of course, to know the content of the story, you must take your time to read it.
If you are interested in reading Ancel's story, please shoot me an email at withajoyfulnoise(at)gmail(dot)com and I would be more than happy to send you a PDF of the story. In return, I ask that you offer some title suggestions – and while you’re at it, you can also give me your critique of it, if you notice anything that needs to be addressed.

Monday, February 23, 2015

The Armor of God - GOSPEL | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:15
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;


Shod - NT:5265  hupodeo (hoop-od-eh'-o); from NT:5259 and NT:1210; to bind under one's feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals:

Preparation - NT:2091  hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee'-ah); from NT:2090; preparation:

Gospel - NT:2098  euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on); from the same as NT:2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:

Peace - NT:1515 eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:

The preparation of the Gospel of peace is to be bound under our feet. It gives the image of directing our steps - going places where we can share this Gospel.

This peace is the same peace that Jesus uses in John 14:26, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." It is by this peace that Jesus sends us, "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." (John 20:21)

Other verses that came to mind are:
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)


Taking these verses into consideration, as believers, we are responsible to prepare ourselves with the Gospel of peace. We are to have it on, like shoes, ready to go when God may send us.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Word Wednesday #42

"The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them." (Ezekiel 34:4)

What a responsibility for the pastor is outlined in this verse. It's interesting to note the order: those in the sheepfold (though diseased, sick, and broken) come first to be ministered unto. Then those astray, then those lost. Interesting the progression: diseased - sick - broken - driven away - lost.


Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 


Monday, February 16, 2015

The Armor of God - RIGHTEOUSNESS | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:11-14
(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
(12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;


The second piece of armor is the breastplate - that which covers the chest and protects it. This armor is righteousness (equity [of character or act]; specially [Christian] justification:). The simple definition and reference to armor implies that this righteousness is more than what comes from us. It is something we must put on, not draw from ourselves.

- We can receive all we need to know about righteousness from God's Word
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)

- Righteousness by faith in God
"And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."(Genesis 15:6)
"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Galatians 5:5)

- Righteousness by keeping the law
"And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us." (Deuteronomy 6:25)

- Clothing of righteousness
"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem." (Job 29:14)
"Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy." (Psalm 132:9)
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)
"By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," (2 Corinthians 6:7)
"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelations 19:7-8)

- God of our righteousness
"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4:1)

- God's righteousness
"For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright." (Psalm 11:7)
"Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps." (Psalm 85:12-13)

- Path of righteousness
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3)

- Righteousness comes from God
"He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." (Psalm 24:5)
"In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." (Psalm 89:16)
"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."(Jeremiah 23:6)
"In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness." (Jeremiah 33:16)
"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:3-4)
"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)
"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24)
"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11)
"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9)

- Sacrifices of righteousness
"Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar." (Psalm 51:19)

- Righteousness of God's Word
"Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness." (Psalm 119:123)
"The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live." (Psalm 19:144)
"My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness." (Psalm 119:172)
"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them." (Proverbs 8:8)

- Promises for righteousness
"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness." (Proverbs 11:5-6)
"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner." (Proverbs 13:6)
"He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." (Proverbs 21:21)
 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12)

- Righteousness by truth
" He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." (Proverbs 12:17)

- Righteousness: reflection of our love for God
"The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness." (Proverbs 15:9)

- Righteousness and peace
"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)
"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18)

- Seeking righteousness
"Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." (Zephaniah 2:3)
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:11)
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

- Our members as righteousness
"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." (Romans 6:13)
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

- Righteousness and believers
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)
"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)

- Righteousness by chastening
"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11)

- Wrath defeats righteousness
"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." (James 1:20)

- Saved for righteousness
"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

- Suffering because of righteousness
"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;" (1 Peter 3:14)


As believers, it is but our duty to be righteous in the Lord. We must seek righteousness - and seeing as God's Word is profitable for instruction in righteousness and is righteousness Itself, we must again turn to the Bible to know how to live righteously. 

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Creating a Watermark in Photoshop Elements

Last week, we saw how to create a simple watermark in Adobe Lightroom. Using Photoshop is a little more complex but (in my opinion) is worth the better effects!

First, create a blank file (I did 4x6").


Next, just for the ease of visuality, I colored the background.


Now it's time for text! Find a text that you enjoy and that captures the genre of your photography.


If you like, add some extra little elements. I added a butterfly (with the elements shapes) and a swirl (using the text Nymphette) to create a fun, cute logo.


This will give you a few layers (see bottom right corner). Select all of your logo layers.


Right click and select "Merge Layers" (or press ctrl+E). This will pull all of your layers together so that you will not accidentally select only part of your logo.


With your logo selected, use the move tool (on the left it is the top left option - image of the cursor and "plus"). Right click on top of your logo and select "Edit layer styles."


A new window will pop up.


Select "Bevel." It automatically will give you a 5px bevel. I usually like this option so select "okay" when done.


Now, lower the opacity of your logo so that it is translucent. I selected 25% opacity.


From here, you can drag the logo from your workspace directly onto a photograph in Photoshop.


Another option is to prepare your logo to be used in Lightroom. First, crop the logo so that there is little excess space around the edges.


Then, hide the background layer (deselect the eye in the layer box). This will make your logo completely translucent.


Save your image as a PNG file.


When it gives you the PNG options, select "None."


Now, back to Lightroom, go to the watermark window (same as when you made a simple logo). Under the first option, select "Choose."


Open the PNG file that you just saved from Photoshop.


As with the simple watermark, you will need to play around with size and position until you get what suits you.


Save this as a new logo.


Export your picture (or hundreds of pictures) and there is your logo!


~*~*~
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 
(2 Corinthians 10:5)

Friday, February 13, 2015

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Word Wednesday #41

"And they shall comfort you, when ye see their ways and their doings: and ye shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, saith the Lord GOD." (Ezekiel 14:23)

God never moves without purpose or plan but wisely works for His pure and perfect cause.


Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 


Monday, February 9, 2015

The Armor of God - TRUTH | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:11-14
(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
(12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;


Put on the armor of God . . . take unto you the whole armor of God . . . now STAND.

The first part of armor to help us stand is truth; girding (gird all around, fasten one's belt) ourselves with truth.

Truth
-All of God's paths are in truth.
"All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." (Psalm 25:10)

-All of God's works are done in truth.
"For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth." (Psalm 33:4)

-God's law, commandments, and words are truth
"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." (Psalm 119:142)

"Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth." (Psalm 119:151)

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)

-God's truth will preserve us.
"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me." (Psalm 40:11)

-God's truth is a shield and buckler to us.
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4)

-God has given us His truth to lead and guide us.
"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." (Psalm 43:3)

-God desires truth in our inward parts.
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."(Psalm 51:6)

-We are to study and rightly divide God's truth.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

-God wants us to speak the truth.
"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:" (Zechariah 8:16)

-We have the choice whether or not to walk in God's truth.
"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name." (Psalm 86:11)

"I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me." (Psalm 119:30)

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:3-4)

-Truth helps to purge iniquity.
"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."(Proverbs 16:6)

-God lives in truth.
"And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory." (Jeremiah 4:2)

-Jesus Christ is truth.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

-The Holy Spirit is truth.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

-Man can deceive himself to believe something that is not God's truth - they can change God's truth in their minds.
"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Romans 1:24-25)

-Man can disobey, reject, and resist the truth.
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

"Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." (2 Timothy 3:8)

-The way of truth will be evil spoken of by evil men.
"And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (2 Peter 2:2)


Even believers can deny God's truth and ignore it. To do so is only opening our lives to a direct attack of satan. It is so very vital for the believer to be rooted and grounded in the truth. How can we use the Sword of Truth if we do not even know the truth? I don't believe there is any "coincidence" that truth is the very first weapon mentioned. The first step of the believer should be to read God's truth, study God's truth, seek God's truth, and follow God's truth. By doing so, they are putting on the first weapon in their armor.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Creating a Watermark with Lightroom

I'm gradually learning more and more in working with Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and Adobe Lightroom 3 (both programs which I recommend for any photographer who is serious about their pictures). One of the "big things" right now with photographers is creating a watermark. You can do this easily in Lightroom if you are just looking for a simple watermark.

First, import your image to Lightroom.


After you have edited your picture, export your picture (under "file>export").


In the window that opens, you have various options. Scroll all of the way down until you see the option "Watermarking."


You will  need to create a new watermark (or, if you have a watermark already - like I do - click to edit watermarks at the very bottom).


A new window will open. Notice that I circled the place where you will type in your watermark. I did "www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com"

On the right, notice that you have various options: Image options (if you want to get advanced and have a logo instead of text), Text options (where you can select different fonts, styles, etc.) and if you scroll down . . .


. . . you will notice Watermark Effects (opacity, layout, etc.).


From here, you will play around with your watermark until you have placed it where you like, have it large or small enough, and so on. Just play around with it.


When it looks pretty, select "save." It will pop up with a screen for you to title your watermark - this makes it easier the next time you decide to watermark you pictures: it will be there, ready and waiting.


Export your picture as usual and there you have it! Your picture has its watermark!



~*~*~
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:" (1 Timothy 1:5)