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.

this day.

morning walk in the beautiful sunshine.... check.

coffee and work at Panera with sis.... check.

leave sis sitting next to nuns at Panera... check.

lunch at a different Panera with Becca... check.

18 year old cashier at hobby lobby's name: Benedict... check.

toilet overflows at coffee shop... check.

man from fairplay calls about wedding photos: he has no computer, e-mail, or internet... check.

slightly late to worship team practice: sit on floor... check.

worship leader is not there:  I lead... check.

Oh what a day it has been.  I am laughing... and loving how God can orchestrate a day.

I started out with Him... walked it out with Him... and shall finish it with Him.

What a glorious way to live. :)

consider the flowers.

Today was one of those days where I have wondered if life will ever make sense on this side of Heaven... most likely it won't... but I would like to hope so.  God is so obviously working in my life.  He has given me so much favor with my photography business... even new developments today.  He is continually placing passions and dreams in my heart.  I know without a doubt that I am right where God wants me... but that doesn't mean I will be staying in this same state of living for long.  God is always requiring us to grow, improve, change... and that little bit of fear starts to creep in when I forget how small I am and how big God is.  I love the feeling of living life on the edge of my seat... where things are unpredictable and God is the only way.  I've been a little emotional this evening... I think I have lost sight of this... and the fact that the only way life makes any sense at all is in Jesus... oh, how I need Him and desire Him.  I love these poppies... standing so tall, bright, and vibrant... a moment of inspiration.

la la la la...

Oh what a week it has been.  Last weekend, I went to urgent care because of severe pain in my tailbone... to find out that I had a cyst on my tailbone.  They proceeded to drain it right then and there... most painful experience of my life.  This week has been a process of recovery.  Thank you, Jesus, for helping and healing me.  I feel like I can handle anything now. :)  (and to my dear mommy for helping me).  It has been a wonderful time to get rested up, though... didn't realize how tired I was.

The great weekend started today. :)

neighborhood garage sale.

designed for life photo shoot.

sunshine and iced green tea.

dinner with friends.

more garage sale.

newborn photo session.

worship at jra.

mommy's day. :)

jrmc graduation.

kc with mom on monday.

glorious. :)