oh to truly live.

How incredible is the expression in this photo?! :) Nice capture, Hona. :) God is doing something deep, deep, deep in my heart. It's one of those "learning and growing" times in life... the times we would just rather pass by or hurry through... the critical times that shape us... and without... we won't be prepared to handle the next season of life to which God takes us. It's times like these when we become fidgety, antsy, and just want to wiggle in our skin. :) We sense that God is up to something new... and it takes everything within us (and a strength not of our own) to be still and know that He is God.

I feel like this past week (as always) has really had God's favor upon it. About two weeks ago, a recent contact with the Metropolitan Bride magazine contacted me and said there was an opening to be in the bridal expo... huge God-opportunity! There are typically 6+ photographers on the waiting list for these! I have met photographers and wedding vendors in the past couple of weeks (including today) that I could have never planned to meet on my own... and in the details... I see God working and setting things up. It's truly incredible how He places the right people in your life at just the right time... providing you with the resources you need to carry out something greater than you thought possible. But, that's God for you. :) Sometimes I wonder and contemplate how I am right where I am... but, I'm quick to remember that it's God's doing... He sees way down the road... knowing why I take photos, why I have my own business, why the creative ideas won't stop flowing in my brain, why I love to sing and lead people in worship, why I love to see students' lives restored, why I love to host and entertain guests, why I can't stop thinking about working with Hispanic people. He has my full attention.

me and Jesus.

There is nothing in the world like a long walk on the beach... sand between your toes and the vast ocean before you as the landscape.  It is such an incredible reminder of how big God is and how near He is to us.  (even saw stingrays and dolphins)  It's continually amazing to me how we can ask God for help but seem so surprised when He answers us.  This summer I have really prayed about what to do in relation to a high school life group.  Let's say that the answers to my prayers have been different than I thought or could have come up with on my own.  I was asked to lead a life group with my sister.  At first, neither of us knew what to think and our immediate response was to resist.  But, the more we prayed and talked about it, the more right it seemed.  We realized how much of the same page we are on, how well we work together, and how much we enjoy being together.  This is going to be quite and "overboard" experience for me.  I don't feel qualified or capable of doing this, and I could so easily ask "why".  But, I know that's right where God wants me and where He can be glorified.  My life has in no way turned out the way I thought it would up to this point... so I suppose that's the way it will continue to be.  Life can seem downright overwhelming and stressful at times.  But, I must be quick to remind myself that I am not the one who got myself here, and I am not the one who can sustain me or equip me.  wow.  This life God is asking me to live is so much bigger than me.  It will have to be taken one day at a time.  So, I'm going to take today and embrace this moment.  After all, God is just wanting us to stay close to Him.  I envision myself holding on to Jesus' hand like a little child... standing on the edge of a big chasm (me being scared to death, but Jesus realizing it's not as big as I think)... counting one, two, three... then we jump together, just me and Jesus... accomplishing something I could have never dreamed up on my own.