wedding dresses.

I have been involved in "church" since... I dunno... probably a few mornings after I was conceived.

I can't really remember a time that a church wasn't a part of my life.

It was 1995 when I got it. It was then that my heart understood what my head always had. It was like starting a new relationship.

I think it was 1996 or 1997 when I first began making signs and graphics for my college student ministry group. It was 1997 or 1998 when I made my first website. It was for a ministry.

It's now almost 12 years since that night at summer camp when my life changed. I've been on staff for a church since October 2004. My job is a little different.

This job has helped to hone what I think is a focus in my life right now:

The Church is described as the Bride of Christ. She deserves to be beautiful. He deserves for her to be beautiful. Too often, however, instead of a gorgeous bride, radiant and seductive, walking veiled down an aisle to her groom, she seems more like a kindergarten aged little girl, wearing her mother's shoes that are too large, and clothes grossly out of proportion. Instead of an vision of mystery, she is a sight of comedy.

I don't think she wants to be childish. She just is.

I hope that Christ's return is soon, but not too soon. I know that might sound bad.

"I love Jesus, but I don't want to see him any time soon."

It's not like that. Jesus tells a story of some young girls. Some have oil in their lamps and what for the "bridegroom" to return to the city, while some of the other girls do not have oil in their lamps. The groom returns late at night, and only half of the girls are prepared to light their lamps and find their way to the wedding party. The others are left out.

I don't want Jesus to come back yet because I'm afraid the Church still has a lot of growing up to do.

For me, I see the Church trying to use media to reach her own and reach the masses around her.

Unfortunately, many churches use Word clipart to look savvy.

The world around her employs designers to appear professional and to be taken seriously. The Church uses volunteers (NOT that there is anything wrong with volunteers, I love volunteers)... but they are not equipped. They are not aware that they should be like bridesmaids, attending the Bride's dress... her makeup... her flowers.

So, metaphorically, I see myself as a Bridesmaid. God has made me to do what I do very well, and for that I am thankful. I think it's because he wants me to use what I have been given to prepare his Son's Bride to see her Groom.

I want to make the Church look amazing.

I want your church to look amazing.

She deserves it...

...Because He deserves it.