[MERRY CHRISTMAS]

Merriest Christmas wishes to you and yours!

Reuben + family [southwest family session]

 {family- where life begins and love never ends}  this session was just perfect. i may be a little biased but seriously look at these people ;) i'm so happy for them and excited for this new stage in their life!

Best Family [northeast family session]

 {hold him a little longer, rock him a little more. tell him another story-- you've only told him four. let him sleep on your shoulder. rejoice in his smile. he's only a little boy for such a little while} This little cutie happens to be my cousins baby. He also happened to have just turned one and it was so fun capturing their little family. Happy first birthday Eli!

The Twins [northeast senior photography]

 [happy girls are the prettiest] Deidre and Denae are two of my really good friends at church. i was honored when they asked me to take their senior pictures and we had such a good time laughing and hanging out together. i couldn't have asked for two prettier clients ;) so excited to see what's in store for them down the road!

Burkholder Family [northeast family session]

[children will not remember you for the things you provided but for the feelings that you cherished them] dear, sweet, little Emma. i know right now you're just a little one and you don't realize it yet, but it's moments like there where your family is growing together in love as you grow older your love for each other will grow bigger. you won't remember every tiny detail of the things they bought you, but you will always remember all the little ways they loved you. this love is a gift you'll never be able to buy. it was such a delight working with this little family! 

11.17.15.

Dear Reuben,

exactly one week ago today (11.10.15) you were born. Here you are, your darling little self and I am completely smitten. Your birth had complications and we prayed for you and waited to hear news. You are just more proof to us that miracles happen. I cried the morning you were born. Tears of joy as I rejoiced with your parents. Your mama is my best friend and for our entire lives she dreamed about this day. Marrying her man and building a family together. Reuben, you are your mamas dream come true and that makes me happy enough to cry. I've been with you since Thursday and people are wondering why I'm just getting around to mention you, but you know what? I've been savoring you. Every minute we get together. All your little fingers. Your tiny baby feet. Your adorable little Mohawk. Your strong willed (Davis) personality. Your yawns. Your stretches. Every little detail about you. I'm just soaking it all in because I know you won't be this little for long. You are the answer to so many prayers, Little Man. There's grand adventures in store your little life and I know we're going to be great friends. My heart is so full! I can't even describe to you what you mean to me! I love you so much Reuben James, and I am so happy to have you in my life.

All my love you cutie,
your auntie Erin

Cheyenne [northeast senior session]

[enjoy the journey] i had such a good time taking pictures of Cheyenne, and just catching up with her. she is one of the sweetest girls i know! i know the Lord has big things out there for her- things beyond what she could ever imagine. it is going to be a journey to get there, but it's best to just learn to enjoy the journey. instead of just going through life- LIVE IT, because life is a gift and even though it gets hard at times it's so worth it in the end. congrats, Cheyenne! 

David & Emily [northeast engagement photography]

[but when the bible speaks of love, it measures primarily not by how much you love or want to receive but how much of yourself you are willing to give to someone] The couple, colors, and location in this session were just perfect! Best wishes to the future mrs. and mrs. It's always a pleasure to capture such a special time in life for people!

life.

Hey y'all! I'm still here, not sure any of my readers are still following me due to my lack of posting, but I'm here to catch you up on what's been going on and give you some things to look forward to!

Bearing Precious Seed Trip: Part Three

 After spending several weeks down here I have spent lots of time with Bro. Hector and his family. And oh how God used this family in my life. I watched Brother Hector as he led the programs in the park, how he cared for the little ones that were around, how he reached out to those on the outskirts of things, how he interacted with his kids and how he touched his wife just to let her know he loved her, I watched him as he talked about God and I listened as he told stories and magnified his God, I saw him give up his lunch for someone less fortunate, I watched him spread Jesus and share hope. I saw compassion.

Bearing Precious Seed Trip: Part Two

For weeks leading up to my time at BPS, I anticipated this trip. Last year the Lord allowed me to lead 3 people to the Lord and I was excited to see what He had in store for this trip. I knew that He would definitely be working as long as we would let Him.

1 Corinthians 13 and You.

                                                                                                     If I were to ask you where and when 1 Corinthians 13 is most used through out life, I think most of us would probably agree that at wedding would be the most popular. It is normally shared during a wedding ceremony and most of the time directed towards young couples. Rightly so, the whole passage is about charity, or love. But really, it's not written just for the lovers. It's written for everyone. Because charity should be an active part of every Christian's life.

Bearing Precious Seed Trip: Part One

Let's go back to early summer 2015 when I'm not sure a trip to BPS will even happen for me. I don't feel at peace about it and so I wrestle over the thought for days. I go to camp and hearing preaching on compassion. I begin to see the need for change in my life over this topic. I study it when I am home and continue to hear thoughts and quotes about it. And this is really where the journey begins...

Longing to be Like the Virtuous Woman

Is there a bible character you've read about and you long to be like? We, as Christians, should obviously all should be striving to be like Jesus because He has set the ultimate example, but there are other people out there for us to look to.

Bearing Precious Seed Trip: Intro

I'm here to finally post about my summer trip to work with BPS. Please understand now that words aren't even adequate to describe this trip, but I'm just going to try and give you a glimpse of what God taught me and how He changed me through this trip. By the way tears may or may not have been falling while writing this, because it really is still just so amazing to me.

j o y.

Joy /noun/. A feeling of great pleasure and happiness. 

Joy. Such a little word, but yet so powerful. Lately I have been seeking joy. Can I be completely honest? Some days I feel like joy is hidden and impossible to find- like how can I be joyful when e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. seems to be going wrong? 

Change of Seasons. Change of Life.

I was delighted by the pleasant little things this morning. It seems as though
fall has just all of the sudden come. The leaves are turning colors, the mornings and evenings are cool, the sweaters are getting used more and more, and even the golden rod, mums, and zinnias are blooming in their perfection.

bidding summer farewell.

We are bidding summer farewell and welcoming fall and all it dainties. From warm drinks, falling leaves, cozy sweaters, and beautiful hues. It's definitely been a tremendous summer and one that is pretty much impossible to forget.

Matt & Anna [southern couple photography]

This couple just celebrated 4 years of marriage in August. They also happen to be my sister and brother in law, but despite the fact that we're related I think they're pretty cute together. This is the only time I give them permission to be all affectionate in front of me...you know hugging and kissing and gross stuff like that ;) I love the way these pictures so clearly portray their marriage. Four years later and more in love today then they were on their wedding day. 

Naomi [midwest portrait photography]

This was by far one of my favorite sessions to capture! This girl has such a personality, which is clearly displayed in some of the pictures!! We both enjoyed gallivanting the farm and countryside taking pictures and enjoying each others  company. I love the expressions, warmth, and backdrop of these pictures! 

Mitch & Cassidy [midwest wedding photography]

I was asked to take candid shots throughout the wedding day for this couple. The bride and her family are friends of our family from way back. Best wishes to the new bride and groom! May the Lord be magnified in your marriage! 

Olivia & Baby [southwest lifestyle photography]

What makes life beautiful? Is it the fancy dinners, the nice cars, the expensive luxuries, or the perfect always-in-order home?

Paul and Esther [Northeast Senior Session]

I had the opportunity to shoot Paul and Esther's Senior pictures. They are homeschooled siblings graduating in the same class. Congratulations Paul and Esther as you enter this new stage in life! 

enjoying life

there are so many things waiting to be posted on this blog. for now i have just been enjoying life...

|| l a t e l y ||

So many escapades, adventures, and endeavours have been going on in my life. Let me catch you up a little...

mexico trip || o n e ||

As I sit here and reflect on the first Mexico trip I think over all the things God did and wonder what it is that I learned?

This was a trip never to be forgotten. So many obstacles, battles, and work. So much more victory. Our God is not dead, He truly is alive and working things for our good and His glory.

So what was the main thing I learned?

It was not patience as we waited at the border each night for over an hour and a half each time.

It was not learning to trust when bus two had numerous issues.

It was not relying on God's strength after getting only three hours of sleep and having a full day ahead. 

It was not realizing how much more I need to pray about everything.

 It was not recognizing that serving without love is vain.

It was not hearing that seeing people saved is a huge way that God is glorified.

Yes, I did learn lessons from each one of these things, but there was one thing that I really, REALLY  learned on this trip, and it was this:

 that God's ways are higher and better. 
At the beginning of the week would I have planned all the complications and all the battles? No, because I, being human, couldn't see the outcome. I had no idea who would be changed, who would learn, who would grow because of these things. But Thursday morning as I sat and listened to the various people give testimonies about what God did in their hearts that week, I wouldn't have changed for a week with no problems. God used these hard times and battles as a means to teach us. So you see the thing God taught me on the first Mexico this trip is that His ways are always higher and better. I just need to look up and keep walking towards Him. Trust Him- He's got amazing things planned for you!

[Isaiah 55:8-9] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

|| thinking BIBLICAL ||

i desire to have good, godly, biblical thinking. the WORD even tells us what to think about.

finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are True,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are Just,

whatsoever things are Pure,

whatsoever things are Lovely,

whatsoever things are of Good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, Think On These Things.

[philippians 4:8]

We all know however that unless there is much preperation, much work, and much reliance, it's right next to impossible to think biblically. I have so much growing to do in this area and it's really a journey that i've started months ago, i'm just here to share some things that have been helping me along the way!

|| 5 ways to have a God-focused thought life ||

I. ASK God for help

Do you really think that God doesn't want you to think on Him and His Word? If you do you're absolutely WRONG! He wants us to bring our thoughts captive and control them!

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

II. LISTEN to good media

Most people always have some sort of background noise...so why not choose something that will draw your attention to the Saviour? Listen to music that sings His praise and exalts Him.

Psalms 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Psalms 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Why not turn on a sermon? Everyone has access to the internet these days and Sermon Audio is a great place to turn for good preaching. Personally I like to listen to a sermon before I go to bed at night, or when I'm doing housework. It's so easy to look one up on your laptop and for those of you with a smart phone or some sort of ipod or mp3 player it's even easier! All I have to do is open my app and I already have messages that I've chosen to download. Podcasts are a great place to find good sermons too! Taking walks and long car rides are a great time to turn on some good media too!

{for those of you wondering who to look up on SA try out a few of these names: Jerry Ross, John Van Gelderen, Rand Hummel, or Dr. David Gibbs II. That should at least get you started!}

III. MEMORIZE Scripture

Scripture memorization is something I've gotten pretty serious about over the past year and have no regrets about the time I've given to it! When you're trying to memorize something more than likely you will meditate on it- you'll mull it over in your mind again and again. How much more Biblical can your thinking get than thinking on the Bible? Set a goal for yourself and work at it. For me keeping the verse I'm working on somewhere where I'll see it helps. A tip I just got from a good friend was to read over your verse at the start of the day. Make it the first thing you do after you turn off your alarm clock! I am so thankful for this tip. It has helped me tremendously, because from the start of my day I've got something to grasp hold of and recite all throughout the day.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalms 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

IV. PRAY throughout the day

God wants us to pray!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Not only that, but did you know that you can't pray without thinking of the Father? I believe in time spent in prayer where you confess to the Lord, praise the Lord, thank the Lord, and lift your supplication to the Lord; but I also believe that aside from your prayer time, you should remain in a spirit of prayer. Some call it popcorn prayer. Just little requests offered up to the Lord as you think about people and things. Some people put requests on 3X5 cards above their desks, or just focus on one request a day. Something new I've tried is plastering the mirror on my closet door with sticky notes. On each sticky note is a different name of a relative or friend and under their name I have their requests listed. For me I knew I'd see them fairly often because once I open my closet door in the morning it stays open all day. I have also tried to target one person each day and really earnestly pray for them throughout the day. Checking in with them about requests and really spending the day praying for them. I know there are a lot of creative ideas out there...what works for you? Talking to the Father means thinking about the Father!

V. SURROUND yourself with the Bible

When your eyes are constantly running across a verse or portion of Scripture every time you walk in to a room, it is a great way to draw your mind back from it's wandering. Not only is it great to have Scripture displayed throughout your house, but putting it as your desktop wallpaper or phone lock screen is a great place to display it too! Put verses up where you know you'll often look...maybe it's the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, on the door, the fridge, in your lunch box, on your locker, or wherever your eyes frequent!

Psalms 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Right now in my life right now I have placed at least 5 signs to draw my attention back the the Lord and back to the goal. A chalk drawing rests on my desk that displays Philippians 4:8, a picture on my mirror displays Philippians 4:8, my lock screen on my iphone displays Philippians 4:8, my picture frame has a 3x5 card with Proverbs 31:26 written on it, a sticky note on my laptop screen has Psalm 50:23 on it, and another chalk drawing hangs above my head that simply says “glorify God.” I know, I know three of the six things I mentioned are all the same, but when my eyes meet those words and my mind reads them I am immediately reminded to draw my thoughts back to Christ!

I hope this may help someone or encourage you. We are daily becoming what we think about! There are plenty of others ways to keep a right focus, these are just a few that I often use. What about you? What helps you think biblically? 

|| first year photography || olivia + family

Here are the pictures from the photoshoot I was talking about in this post.

Though Olivia wasn't very full of smiles during our session, she is still just as cute as ever! :) It was a pleasure to photograph my youth leader and his little family! 

|| c a p t u r i n g || grandma's house

earlier this week i was out at my grandma's house. there were so many different things to capture...this is just a preview! feel free to follow the links that lead to my photography blog to see more! 

grapes.

fields.

flowers.

 raindrops.

 roads.

farms.

{sorry. that was like picture over load!}