I was supposed to be a youth pastor.  At least that's what I had convinced myself was God's plan for me when I was back in high school. But here I am, years later and that's just not in the cards for me.  I've been thinking a lot lately about how complex God's will is.  How we can't even begin to imagine what's in store for us.  How we dream so freaking small.

So I'm from Sarasota, Florida.  The thought of living in Tallahassee never even crossed my mind... but here I am.  Straight out of high school I randomly started playing music with a few close friends, and we ended up leaving home to tour the states as a crappy hardcore band. Living out of a suitcase with $17 to your name isn't what we had really hoped for, but God was using this time to shape me and show me what the world outside of the Christian bubble was all about.  And if it hadn't been for the road-life, I never would've met my amazing wife. (And end up here in Tally)

What a strange way to get to where I am now, right?  Looking back, I never would've thought that my life would've gone this way... but God's always led me right where He wanted me.  I can see now how He was helping me learn to be completely relient upon Him for even the seemingly insignificant details.  

Four months ago I became a dad, and two months ago we decided that our best option is for my wife to stay at home with our new daughter.  We're jumping in head-first and trusting that God will bless our new adventure as photographers.  This would have been a scary time because we know that if it's not successful, we're screwed... but this is what He's been shaping us for. We have a hope that frees us from having to worry because God's plan is complex, intense, and so much better than anything forced that we could think up on our own.  

My encouragement to you is this:  Be open-minded to what God is asking of you.  He doesn't want us to be boring clones of each other, wearing khaki pants and polo shirts.  Be confident that His plan always trumps yours, and find the peace He offers in knowing that you'll always be taken care of. 

Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."

(Bryan and his wife Kelly are photographers with The Black & Hue Project.  Their daughter Saylor was born on August 31st. Bryan also works for the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court, and Kelly has attended City Church since its beginning in Dean's parents' house.)