miracle moments.

It's the most incredible thing to make it to the other side of a trial to look back and see all of the miracle moments that happened each step of the way. This was the case for me about a week ago. It was one of the most trying times I have had for a long time... but, I was convinced that God would see me through... after countless prayers... and trips to the computer repairmen... read on... :)

It started on Saturday... I was taking photos at an engagement session... getting out of the car with my camera and accidentally hit it on the side of my car... I didn't think anything was wrong with it until I tried to take a picture and a piece fell out of it... nice lens too that I needed for sessions this week! Praise the Lord that I had another lens with me to finish the session... took the lens to Lawrence, and they sent it in to Canon for 3-4 weeks to see if they can repair it... in the meantime, I purchased another lens that was a step below the one I had to hold me over til the other one is repaired.

Then, on Saturday afternoon, my external hard-drive all of a sudden wouldn't connect to my laptop or any computer for that matter... I was hoping for the best that it was just the connection... but, trying not to panic because of the thousands of photos that were on it... like my whole business... I wasn't able to take it in to the computer store until Monday morning... first store told me they couldn't do anything to help me and that it looked like nothing was there... I didn't even know what to do... [some of the photos were backed up... but not some of my most recent work... hence all of the thoughts going through my mind] The computer store said that my only option would probably be to send it off to a drive-saver place that starts out at $5,000. I left and took it to COMPUTER RENAISSANCE [where I would recommend taking any computer problems or purchasing equipment]. I left the computer with them... [Monday was my sister's birthday, and my mom, sis, and I were supposed to spend the day together... so I felt terrible that I had all this other stuff going on.] I was able to do some shopping and a movie with Hona and mom. During the movie, I got a phone call that it looked like my hard drive had crashed and that it was blank....but they needed me to bring in my laptop to check for sure. I went back into the movie sobbing... my mom and I prayed... my dad had been home sick and prayed all day too... we left the movie and my dad was waiting for me... to go with me to the computer place. When we got there, the tech said that since he had talked to me.... things had gotten... long pause... "better!!" I think he was as surprised as we were... we said we had been praying... I believe it was truly a miracle. Last week was a long and uncertain waiting process as they have retrieved one file at a time from the hard drive. But, PRAISE THE LORD... I now have the hard drives with all of the files... MIRACLE. This was a very costly venture... but, the next Tuesday, I made a deposit into my biz account from photo work for the EXCACT amount I had paid for the hard drive recovery... MIRACLE.

Then, on Wednesday, I was driving home from a photo session and the steering wheel just dropped to one side with a thud... I was driving into my neighborhood thankfully!! [I laughed a little to myself... I just couldn't believe it.] So, I just slowed down and made it to my house... we got it to the repairman... they had never seen anything like that happen before... we PRAYED. Two days later, the car was repaired with a salvaged part that cost 1/2 of the price of a new one... MIRACLE.

WOW. I have learned a lot. I know that God has set me up to have this photography business, and I know that He has taken care of me... I've been reminded that He is my source... even if I lose everything... and that I can only depend on Him... not myself and what I am capable of doing... without Him I am helpless. I have learned valuable lessons about data backup-- I now have 4 external hard drives and online backup. :) [word to the wise!] I never want to have a day like that again. I will praise Him in the good and the bad though. I am thankful that it was technical things that can be replaced, etc.... rather than sicknesses, etc.

OTHER COOL THINGS THAT GOD DID THAT WEEK:

I met and sat across from the editor of Metropolitan Bride magazine at the Realife leader banquet on Friday night... she invited to me to a wedding vendor lunch group. I went to this on Tuesday where I met some really great people and met one of the area's premier wedding photographers... had a good conversation with her in which she gave me some good advice for my photography biz. :)

I had a lot of quality bonding time with my Dad especially... I have been reminded of how much wisdom he has to offer... and how wonderful my family is... when something happens... we are all in it together. :) So thankful.

One of my dearest friends, Sarah, was in town for the week from Minnesota to sing in A James River Christmas... we had a wonderful coffee date. :)

I have received a lot of calls this week to schedule future photo sessions... even for April!! :)

I sold over $100 more of my jewelry I make... going toward my Speed the Light goal! :)

And, now I REACHED my Speed the Light goal (money for missionaries)... and the students at Realife raised over $220,000 this year for missions as of Wednesday night. INCREDIBLE.

GOD IS GOOD.

I am more convinced then ever that He cares about every detail of our lives and is capable of more than we could know.
Just had to share. :)

who's dream are you dreaming?

I recently read a book, Completely His by Shannon Ethridge, that really challenged my perspective. We live in a culture that constantly challenges us to "dream big", "reach for the stars", "follow your dreams"... while all of this can be good, it can also cause us to lose sight of something really important. As Christians in this world, our life mission is actually to fulfill God's dream. What is His dream? That people would believe in Him and be saved. This is where our individual dreams come into play... the way that we actually fulfill God's dream will look different for each of us. These are the dreams that He places in our hearts. Over the past couple of weeks, I have really been challenging myself to think each day... "how can I make God's dream come true today?" Now that's a new thought.

God has put some really incredible opportunities right in front of me, and I'm just beginning to see the weight and influence of them. On a weekly basis, I interact with non-Christians through my photography business... I have a couple hours with them to just walk around and talk about life. God has recently challenged me to be very intentional with these conversations. Also, God has given me a window of opportunity to really focus on investing in the lives of high school students. I have made the decision to be full on in this, and it has affected every aspect of my life. I want to give more and keep on giving, whether it's my time, energy, finances... My high school life group had a pancake breakfast yesterday at Applebee's... praise the Lord that we were able to raise $1,000 for Speed The Light for missionaries. When you take people on such a journey with you, it definitely causes you to raise the bar in your own life. I'm not looking back. I'm running ahead. This is worth living for.

p.s. Dad's most recent insight to me... "as you enter your mid-20's, you may actually find yourself marrying a man rather than a boy." I would be okay with that. :)

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.

take me deeper.

God is so incredibly good... I cannot begin to wrap my mind around it.  He has really been doing some deep things in my heart and life over the past couple of months.  I know that He is preparing me for what He has already prepared.  I absolutely love being a youth leader... the opportunity to interact and influence students... showing them what it means to love the Lord and serve Him every day of their life.  In the past, I have been presented with the opportunity to be a life group leader... and I'm feeling that I am just now coming to grips with the reality that maybe that is what I should be doing.  I'm continuing to pray about where God is taking me in all of this and trying to stay available for where He would desire to use me.  I feel like I have always had it in my mind that I would like for a guy to be the leader... but, I must remember that I am not a substitute for a guy... and that God has called me and wants to use me.  Christine Caine came to my church this weekend and shared messages that really challenged me.  Resources can be found HERE.  Also, God is really taking me deeper in my worship.  I have a deeper desire than ever to lead God's people into His presence.  He is really teaching me to get over myself and my fears and my lack of confidence... and giving me the courage to step up into the life He has called me to.  I absolutely love living for the Lord... a faith adventure it is... but, I wouldn't want it any other way.

beyond blessed.

I am so incredibly blessed.  It seems like yesterday and today I have been reminded of it more than usual.  Yesterday I was eating dinner before church... all the fresh farmer's market veggies I could have asked for.  There are starving and malnourished people all around the world... and I am eating food that tastes good and is good for me.  I savored each bite.  Last night after church, I was standing in the kitchen thinking... thinking how incredibly blessed I am to have been born into a Christian family that loves God and has taught me how to love Him.  I basically had the gospel handed to me on a platter... I didn't have to search my whole life to find Him.  So blessed.  I went to our neighborhood pool for a while this morning and noticed how beautiful and clean it was... and how nice my beach towel is... I have been so blessed.  As I was telling all of this to my dear sister, she was quick to remind me... yes, you are blessed... and to whom much is given, much is required.  That is a big responsibility God has entrusted to me.  I have had more of a burden than before to really jump on board with the Overflow Experience we are doing with the youth at my church... to raise money for missionaries through Speed the Light.  I don't need a single thing or to accumulate possessions for myself... this life is not my own... I'm living for eternity.  Take a look at the life you are living... there may be some blessings you have overlooked.  Thank you Jesus for being so incredibly good.

saturday morning.

I am sitting at Starbucks. processing photos as always. drinking my tall skinny caramel macchiato. (fave)  The rest of my family is busy this morning... and there is nothing like Starbucks on a saturday morning.  Who knows what I will do today... that's the beauty of it.  Life is good.  One of my favorite couples just came in for coffee.  They take photos together and are so obviously the best of friends... kind of an inspiration in my life.

SUMMER.

Summer is such an interesting season... such a growing and transitioning time.  It's a time when some people come and some people go... time to take a deep breath and do some evaluating.  I don't think I've ever really noticed it like this before.  It's sure a good thing that God does not change.  I love this place in life... knowing I'm right where God wants me but also sensing the possibilities ahead.  I'm being reminded of passions and dreams God placed in my heart long ago... I'm desiring to spend time with Him and know Him more deeply.  I'm being reminded that regardless of any accomplishments we may obtain, life is about loving God and people.  I love my sister and family so much... a lot of the time, I feel quite content to just spend time with them... whether that's good or bad.  I am blessed.  Change is inevitable.  It will be coming.  I don't want to walk anywhere God has not first been... so, I'm holding on to Him.  I'm going to enjoy the remaining days of warm sun, hammocks, iced green tea, sundresses, fireflies, friends, and family.  I know this moment won't last forever, so I will treasure it.  God is so incredibly good.

I LOVE AMERICA.

I Love America was awesome once again this year... 121 decisions for Christ... approx. 120,000 people in attendance.  God really helped us with every aspect, including the weather.  The testimonies are incredible.  Check out the stories and photos here.  The concerts after the fireworks were awesome as well!  Leeland then Israel Houghton.  It was so fun to hang out with friends... and so exciting that lives were changed for eternity!

WEDDING.

Hona and I made the flight to Houston, Texas for our friend Heather's wedding.  I was taking photos the whole time... it was lovely.  Only setback: outdoor wedding, 110 degrees, fire ants.

It was a time to remember. :)  Praying for Kevin and Heather and their new life together.

check out a few of their photos here.

CAMP.

I have been so very busy this summer... it all started out with the 10.12 youth camp.  It was an awesome time for students to grow in God.  It's surprising to most... but I LOVE CAMP. :)  late nights. messy games. hosed down with water. face paint. screaming team cheers. services. getting to know students and leaders. hearing from God. I don't like that it has to end. :)  It's physically exhausting but spiritually refreshing.  The leader's retreat will be fun this fall.