365

Three hundred and sixty-five days in a year. On the one hand, it seems like a long time, and on the other, not so much. The years are like a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. But this isn't a blog about life's fleeting nature; it's about today's post being the three hundred and sixty-fifth post on Upward focus.

But Jeremey, didn't you just post a blog about it being a year since you started blogging here? True, but I only post six days a week. So, take off the Sunday's, and here we are—a year of posts. Kind of nuts.

Normally, I'd share various posts from the past. But I really want to take a moment to thank God publicly; not as a "look at me" moment, but because it's a public ministry, so thanking Him publicly makes sense to me for this.

And I'd also like to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking around and for your support.

A lot has happened in the last year. Good, bad—just like any other year, I suppose. But God has been faithful. I feel there's a lot I could probably say about all of that, but the words don't seem to want to come. From starting the blog to various travels (including Peru!), it's been an interesting 365 days on Upward Focus. But what has probably stood out most is seeing how God has moved in my life, in personal events, and in the relationships that have formed and been strengthened.

And so, for those things I am thankful.

That all said, I want to share something that I'm hoping to make into a video to help explain this website. I wrote something similar to this a while back, but hopefully this post will help explain what Upward Focus is. With this being the 365th post, I figure it makes sense to explain what this site is.

Is it a photography website? Is it a blog? Now there are some random videos, a name change... What is the deal? I'm going to try and answer those questions, because you might be wondering what in the world this Upward Focus thing is all about.

First of all, it's been a bit since I changed the name from Kingdom First Photography to Upward Focus, but I think it's worth noting why. While the direction I wanted to take was obvious to me, it may not have been obvious to others. I mean, having the word "photography" in the name didn't exactly scream "Hey, this is a ministry!"

So here we are: Upward Focus. But, why that name? Because I want to share things that help our focus (that is, our foundation and purpose) to be "upward" towards Christ. Simple enough, I hope.

To break it all down, I have three points:

1. The Goal

First, what is the goal of Upward Focus? In short, it's to share the gospel and help you trust in God and His word. I want to do that by using the gifts, talents, resources, and opportunities God has given me to bring you quality Christian content.

Right now, that means written articles; photographs, either curated or taken by me; videos such as podcasts or short devotionals; and longer-form videos documenting my own travels and the natural world.

I want to cover a host of topics from creation, science, and history to art, technology, mental health, missions, and a range of others. Ultimately, I want to help us all have a Biblical worldview in every area.

2. The Direction

This brings us to the next point: What is the direction of Upward Focus? To bring you even better quality content. By God's grace, I hope to improve my skills and understanding and bring you even more helpful, and hopefully at times, even entertaining blogs, images, and videos. I have some other ideas, too. But it's in God's hands, and I want to be faithful to His guidance in it all.

3. Your Support

Finally, as I hope you are gaining a clearer picture of what Upward Focus is, would you consider supporting this endeavor? How can you do that? Mainly, through prayer. I need it. It's easy to say that. It can come across like a tack-on before I ask for money or something, but I seriously need prayer.

Prayer that I would have the right focus and that I would keep my eyes on Christ and His purposes. I ask for prayer for the mission's success, that God would use Upward Focus however He wills, and that it would bear much fruit. And for my own growth spiritually, personally, and professionally, as God works despite my weaknesses.

I'd also ask you to support this through interacting with the content. Like, comment, share, all of that good stuff. And consider joining my newsletter and Patreon, both of which can be found on the main page of the Upward Focus site (and both are free).

And you can support me through your input. I ask for your feedback. What do you think is working, what isn't, and what would you like to see as part of Upward Focus?

So, that's it: Upward Focus, a Christian content ministry, designed to help you know God, His word, and His world. Thanks for your time.