We are excited to announce that the Family Tree movie is available to rent or buy in the UK, Germany and Japan on Amazon. It has been a journey, but we are happy that there is a venue to see all the great work that went into this film. Please review it on Amazon once you have viewed it.
I saw this tree all day, but it wasn’t until the end of the day that I actually looked at it. Then I saw the one leaf hanging on for dear life. It is funny how you can see something all day and not really see it. How you can work at a job for many years and wonder what the heck you are doing there? How many of you are hanging on to something that is not for you? Like this leaf, you think you are going to make this work.
Many of you are in places you were not supposed to be. Maybe God had you there for a little while and you got comfortable and stayed. You figure the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t. But it is slowly killing you, physically, mentally and spiritually. You have lost hope because you have your hope in the wrong things, like a job, a child, a marriage, location, a president.
The Creator of the universe created you for something special. When He called you into being, He specially designed you with a purpose and a plan. He knew He could bring something beautiful out of darkness.
And like the sun that sets everyday, He has a purpose and plan for you. It is time for you to start operating in your purpose. I remember seeing this sunset and thinking wow. I need a picture of it, but sun was setting faster than I could get my camera ready. If you don’t start operating in the purpose He has for you, you are going to miss those amazing moments God has planned for your life. It is possible to miss the blessing.
But it is never to late to catch a glimpse of His glory as long as you are on this side (in the land of the living). It is not as spectacular as the original blessing, but still worth it. In 2017, ask God what is your end game? What are you working towards? What were you created to do?
Welcome to 2017. It is going to be a great year. We are starting the new year with a new look. We will incorporate some new stuff into some of our old which will make for a fun year. You can keep up with us here or on Facebook.
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
To do this.
and why should you listen to anything she says?
I am first, a child of the Most High God. I have many roles in this life, but very few of them define me like being a Jesus follower. I love Jesus. He gifted me with salvation. He has given me many other talents and a life full of adventure. He has created in me the ability to tell stories through several mediums: film, books and photography.
I have stood at the feet of the Great Emancipator in the District of Columbia, stood at the edge of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and touched the Gates of Time in Oklahoma City, OK. Those are just a few of the places, I have stopped at. Not only has He given me adventure, but a heart for the people I encounter along the way.
I am also a mom, sister, travel companion, coworker, friend, annoying person who always reminds you of what God’s Word says on a subject. I cherish all of the roles (especially the latter.)
In 2016, many of you have gotten to know me by some of those roles and I would like to thank you. It has been a year full of photography, books and film. I appreciate your support.
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Karen
UPP Creative Media
Life is full of great moments and I had one today. Some friends and I were talking about buying Christmas presents for our children and how overwhelming it could be. Then T said “Remember when all you really wanted for Christmas was a bike?”
“Yes!”
Remember when everyone in the neighborhood had to have a bike. And if you didn’t have one, you were riding on the back or sitting on the handlebar. I remember getting my bike for Christmas. (and the hell of having my father try to teach me to ride it.)
But I learned and rode with my friends who had bikes. We would ride fast with the wind in our hair. We would pretend to be bus drivers or race car drivers. There was a hill where I lived so it was always a challenge to get down the hill and still be upright on your bike.
And then T said “Then everyone wanted roller-skates.”
And so did we. This was before helmets, knees pads and etc. I remember my sister and I in our bright new white skates with the cousins skated to the store. When we was almost at the store, this big dog jumped out barking. Baby we was like those Fred Flintstones feet. (Running as fast as we can but going nowhere.) (Although my sister did fall on broken glass and hurt herself) But we made it through.
T reminded us of the Walkman and that Boombox with a record button. You could put your cassette tape in and record yourself singing. Beautiful memories.
My pastor said we should give our kids memories, not more stuff. He was right. I have great memories, as jacked up as some of them are. I wouldn’t trade them. Go make memories.
I love to tell stories. I love allowing you to connect the dots in your head. My goal is always to create a moment that you can feel. When you read or view one of my stories I want to leave an impression of hope.
I love seeing how a good story is told. Frank Capra is one of my favorite storytellers. I enjoyed seeing how he saw the world and the people in it. There is a moment in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when George realizes his dream is not going to happen. The rest of the film shows him he has something better than what he dreamt about.
This is our life. There are things we want in this life and some of us are killing it to achieve. And we are so disappointed when we get there and it is not what we thought it would be. But God knows what we really need. After all, He made us. He knows us intimately.
Sometimes we are sent on detours to build up our spiritual muscles for the tasks that are coming to us. You may be on a detour right now. Soak up as much as you can. Enjoy the journey. I am on a detour right now, and it is such a blessing.
Just like these roses don’t pop open instantly, they have to press the hard green leaves away so that they can bloom. Know the hard green leaves that are around you are there to protect you until it is time to bloom. Remember God has a season for everything.
The best quote from BSF this month was that true worship was when your spirit meets Jesus’. Amen. Don’t miss this opportunity because it could be the thing that takes you where your spirit will bloom. You see God only creates beautiful things.
It is my quest to stay connected to Jesus so that the work that comes from me will make you laugh. Be Encouraged. Live.
