Season of Refreshing

I absolutely love the Spring season!  Sunshine, fresh air, windows open, birds chirping, green grass, flowers blooming, new animals being born, and a sign that warmer weather is on it's way.  

This season refreshes my spirit like no other.  Yes, it reminds me how God is growing me and changing me.  One of my favorite verses says it all..."See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19

But it's so much more than the new things He is doing in and through my life.  Yes, that's a very beautiful thing to be a part of......to be a part of His divine plan.  It's about my heart and soul being refreshed simply because HE IS GOD.  

Because as my eyes see the colors appearing from the earth, precious life being born from His creation, hearing the sound of birds giving praise to their Maker, feeling the fresh breeze of wind on my face, and smelling the sweet aroma of blossoms in the rain......

...all these things remind me that through the joys and through the tears of life....I am in awe of who He is as my Creator.  I choose to praise Him not based on how my life is going, but simply because HE IS GOD.  When I acknowledge who He is and all that I am is because of Him...

...it is then that I am refreshed with His joy.

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Psalm 8:1

Portraits of LOVE

I will be doing a fundraiser this year to raise money for a few organizations that help orphans and help fight against human trafficking (mainly sex trafficking).  It's so awesome to look back from my first post on this blog about getting started with my photography journey and how I wanted it all to bring honor to God. 

There are over 153 million orphans worldwide.

There are over 27 million people worldwide in bondage from human trafficking.  

My heart has been heavily burdened by these statistics.  I asked God how He wanted me to help.  I really wanted to help on-hands with an organization that is working for these two causes. I would adopt a child this very second if I could, but due to finances....I wait for God's perfect timing.  God said, "I want you to give. For now, I want you to give to support these ministries."  

He showed me how I can use my photography to raise money to support these three organizations:

Show Hope www.showhope.org

Project Rescue www.projectrescue.com

Starfish Project www.starfish-project.com

I encourage you to check out these websites to learn more about each ministry!  I will be doing photo shoots this year, and every single penny will go to support these three organizations.  

God's been challenging me to live beyond myself. My heart says, "I want to save the world!" Maybe He has something bigger in store for me to do down the road, but for now, God tells me to be a voice and to give.  It's not always about WHAT we do or HOW BIG we do it.....it's about how OBEDIENT we are to what God asks of us.  

Please keep the "Portraits of LOVE" fundraiser in your prayers this year and please continue to pray for all the orphans and many lives that are victims of slavery.  Ask God how He would have you help with these causes.

Brooklyn Bridge

Not many words for this blog....just images. I absolutely love the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The architecture is simply breathtaking. 

Merry Christmas

I had lots of fun experimenting with Christmas lights this season.  These are a few shots that have our tree in the background.  

I love this book by Max Lucado, One Incredible Moment.  It brings out the essence of the Christmas season, the celebration of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  There is a great quote in the book by Oswald Chambers...

 "God came as a baby, giving and entrusting Himself to me.  He expects my personal life to be a 'Bethlehem.'  Am I allowing my natural life to be slowly transformed by the indwelling life of the Son of God?  God's ultimate purpose is that His Son might be exhibited in me."

By allowing my life to be a "Bethlehem," I welcome Christ to be the center of my life as I strive to honor Him in shining His love to others.  Let us continue to allow the essence of Christmas, the message of our Messiah, transform our hearts and inspire our daily lives to bring glory to our God! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am beyond blessed and so very thankful for many things this year! Thanks to God for His love and grace in my life! Life brings ups & downs, but God has been such a Rock and Healer to me.  I am so thankful for my amazing husband!  He is such a huge support and encouragement to me and brings so much joy to my life.  I am thankful for family and friends, laughter, and deep conversations.  

In my photography journey, I am so extremely thankful for my husband, family, and friends who have expressed so much support and encouragement along the way.  You all keep me growing....keep me inspired....and keep me pressing onward! This journey has been so much more than just taking pictures....it's been a special part of healing in my life.   

I've noticed we, as humans, have a hard time of not complaining and being thankful for all that God has done for us.  We get so wrapped up in our daily routine, desire of "things" and our human expectations on life and others.  We tend to lose sight of what's truly important.  

May we all slow down, love more deeply, cherish life & loved ones, talk to God more, live more passionately, and remember that every breath we take is a beautiful gift from above.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

My First Photo Shoot!

I had my first photo shoot this month! There were definitely some things I learned along the way, but it was so much fun!  I did the shoot for some dear friends of mine from college. It was such a beautiful day at a local park that we went to.  

I didn't have much equipment...just my Nikon D40 and 50mm f/1.8 lens.  This experience was such a blessing!  It "got me out there" and stretched me in my photography journey.  Several months ago, I would have been scared crazy to attempt a photo shoot...with real people! Ha ha! :)  But now, I can't wait to do another one! 

I am so thankful to my husband, my photog friends and my other friends for so much support and encouragement along the way! You all truly help me to keep on trying, keep on growing, and never give up.  

Living On Purpose

God has been growing me immensely with the powerful impact of "living on purpose."  Abiding in His presence, showing love in all situations, being thankful in all circumstances, expressing my creativity to bring Him worship, and using my joys AND struggles to bring honor to His name.   

My husband and I met up with our friend at a local hot air balloon launch a few weeks ago to get some fun shots.  It was a blast!  I feel like photography has branched me out of my comfort zone to do a little more exploring.  It wasn't Mount Everest, but it was something new.  We probably never would have gone seeking out a hot air balloon launch before our photography journey.  It has pushed us to think outside the box and explore even our local area a little more.  While in these new explorations, we create fun memories and cherish life in the moment.....the moment God has given us.  

Are you tired?...Are you always "busy?"....Do you feel bored with life?  Be encouraged to find rest in God's presence today, to slow down, to cherish every moment, to make some new explorations, and to be grateful for all that comes your way.  Your life has so much value!  You were created for more than the busyness of life....you were created for purpose.