Happy Easter

I have been meaning to post other pieces of my life on this blog in addition to my photography work.  My intention was to have this blog be more of a journal… a way to document my journey as I create and grow my photography business.  But if I want to be honest about that journey, I also need to share about the rest of my life because it’s all intertwined.  So I thought today would be a good time to start writing more about me.

I went to church today.  I haven’t gone to church on my own (except for weddings and funerals) in YEARS.  And I have to say, I’m so glad I took the plunge and attend church today.

I grew up Catholic, so church to me was a series of rituals, communion, gospel music, priests, in a stained glass building full of statues of Jesus and Mary.  Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I just never felt connected to it.  As I moved on in my life, I grew more aligned to New Age teachings, such as the Law of Attraction and other energy related ideas.  But today I decided to attend a service at the Mission Community Church in Mesa, and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.  (Thanks Chris for recommending this church to me!)

My first clue that it was going to be an awesome experience was when I walked into the venue with the most amazing Christian rock musicians on stage.  For a moment I thought I was attending a concert.  Was I in the right place?  Uh… church and rock music go together?  Anyway, I found a seat (not easy to do because there were hundreds of people there) and got comfortable, not really knowing what to expect.   So what happened in that one hour?  Well, I learned about Jesus and Easter from a different perspective… not like anything I was taught growing up.  I learned that the Pastor is probably the coolest person I’ve ever listened to in a religious setting, and I felt his honesty and love in every word.  I learned I can be moved to tears when hearing the stories of 11 adults and why they chose to be baptized today.  And, uh, dare I say I learned that I actually like church now?  Well, yes, I guess I do.  My experience today was really beautiful.

I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Easter experience today too.  Wether you celebrate it in your faith, with your family, or even if it is just a cool excuse to have some yummy food and catch up on your favorite reality show…  I hope it’s full of love and happiness for you all.

Happy Easter!