Sometimes, I compare life to a digital camera.  Funny? 
Maybe.  But hear me out... 

     How many of you have bought or recieved a camera as a gift?  I
know I have.  For those of you who were at camp this summer you
know that I frequently (or infrequently...depending on who you talk
to) lost my camera.
     I remember when I first got my camera, I was so excited
to use it that I immedately charged the battery up and took
it into my room and started taking pictures of my dog, Buddy.  I just
put that thing right on the "auto" setting and started snapping away. 
I really never bothered to use all the other 182.4 different things that
my new camera had to offer me.  Things like the "landscape" setting
....or "night" setting.  I realized that if I took a picture in the dark, it would unfortunately come out dark - but that was OK, as long as I had my new camera.  I was content with just "auto."  
          Do any of you ever feel like you are just running on auto?  Ever feel like maybe there is more to life than just your normal routines and your every day lifestyles?  I know that sometimes, I feel that way.  
          God designed us, humans, as such amazing creatures.  Our brains alone are 1,000 times more complex than even the best computers that Microsoft or Dell can produce.  Our God is a god who is so involved in our lives...from the littlest cell in your body, to the friends and family that are in your life, or to the most terrible, awful, no-good-very-bad-day.  He designed us in such a way that he can use us for so many things; to minister, to serve, to care, to love.  He designed us to witness, to support, to listen, and to give him glory.  
          How many settings do you have??
     
     Maybe one of your settings is to help your friend who is struggling to love his or her parents or siblings.  Maybe another one of your settings is to be a role model in your community whether that involves sports or clubs or church.  Another setting could be to be a servant and help in a soup kitchen or service project.  Maybe another setting is for you to witness and share the love of Christ with someone you may not even know.  
          God is so good to us that He thought of EVERYTHING!   We even have a manual that describes to us very clearly how we should go about life - just like we have a manual for our camera.  Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth - B.I.B.L.E.  Basic Instructions....  
          So challenge yourself to switch off the "auto" button and step out of your comfort zone and look through the lens a little differently.  Take some different pictures.  If you feel God calling you to something, don't resist.  He has a plan, he cares for you, and he loves you. 

Phillipians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO LIFE THAN "AUTO"
Taking Pictures