I've always loved Charles Spurgeon. There's something about his direct speech that captures my attention, and though some people may find him harsh, I find his heart beautiful and inviting. I also appreciate how today's publishers have kept Spurgeon's orginal Old English, it somehow demands more respect in my opinion.
I loved this passage from today's devotional...they are hard demands, but expected of us just the same. And with the anniversary of a dear friends home-going today, the end of this devotional hit me in a different way, allowing me to picture Pat seated at the feet of Jesus, hearing 'Well done, good & faithful servant'...
We run this race only for a while, and though the demands on us may seem overbearing at times, we have such glory waiting for us in heaven.
Kind of makes you look at things differently, doesn't it?....
-
"...Be much more in prayer.
Spend longer time in holy adoration.
Read the Scriptures more earnestly and constantly.
Watch your lives more carefully.
Live nearer to God.
Take the best examples for your pattern.
Let your conversation be redolent of heaven.
Let your hearts be perfumed with affection for men's souls.
So live that men may take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus, and learned of Him; and when that happy day comes, when He whom you love shall say: 'Come up higher', may it be your happiness to hear Him say: 'Thou hast fought a good fight, thou hast finished thy course, and henceforth there is laid up for thee a crown of righteousness which fadeth not away..."
- From 'Morning & Evening'- C.H. Spurgeon
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Happy Wednesday!
On Photography, life, faith, and everything in between...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Remembering You...
Today marks a year since my friend, Pat, went to be with our LORD. Her home-going has been hard for a lot of people, but I know Heaven is happy to have her...
I bet she's growing sunflowers, and sharing her beautiful smile with everyone she sees. She may even be giving out old-fashioned, homemade Mainer remedies! haha! I'm remembering her today & thanking God for the time we had her here...
From my journal: March 14, 2011:
"The LORD gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of The LORD” - Job 1:21
.
This Friday morning I had the blessing of watching my third beautiful nephew enter this world. I heard his first cry, as fresh air entered his lungs. I saw his little face shy away from the light, and his ears turn towards the noises around him. My heart swelled with the wonder of this little baby before me, and in that moment I gave his little life over to our Father, praising Him for blessing our family with this little boy. I'm sure in the years ahead, there will be many more moments like this....when I'll need to give his care over to The God of Heaven, and acknowledge that He knows best, and that He loves this little one even more than we do...
Today I got home from work to discover a sadness in my home. A sadness that has gripped my heart, as I mourn the Home-going of a dear friend, and faithful saint. Pat has gone Home to Glory; and today, the angels are rejoicing as another child is welcomed into the Holy City, but here on Earth, tears are being shed. But because of Christ's loving sacrifice for us, I know that I can put Pat in His hands, knowing that she's safe right now, knowing that I'll see her again one day.
He gives and takes away. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
A life is given, a life is taken. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
At some point in life, we all have to decide to give our loved ones over to Christ. We have to put them in His hands, knowing that He is a merciful God, knowing that He is a good God, knowing that He is a loving God.
We have to trust His will, and trust that He is working everything out for the good. We have to keep living, we have to keep believing, even when everything within you is screaming out in pain.
We have to keep praising, blessed be the name of The LORD!
It's a lesson that I think I'll have to keep relearning as I continue on my journey, because every time something like this happens, it's natural to ask God 'why?'. It's natural to get angry, and wish for a different outcome. But as I get closer to my Jesus, I realize that He is crying right along side me, entering into my pain, and holding me up when I can't. He's walking beside me everyday, holding out His hand, and telling me to put my burden on Him. He's inviting me let go, inviting me to rest, inviting me to peace.
But the question is...will I trust Him enough, to take hold of that peace?
Can I truly say that in giving and taking away, the Name of The LORD shall be praised?
As we enter the Easter Season, I'm reminded of this song. It's always been a favorite of mine, and every yr as I watch the sun rise on Easter morning I imagine what it will look like one day when Jesus comes back, and the Heavens are opened up, and everyone will see His glory. What a beautiful day to look forward to!
.
Because He Lives:
"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!"
.
Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
I bet she's growing sunflowers, and sharing her beautiful smile with everyone she sees. She may even be giving out old-fashioned, homemade Mainer remedies! haha! I'm remembering her today & thanking God for the time we had her here...
From my journal: March 14, 2011:
"The LORD gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of The LORD” - Job 1:21
.
This Friday morning I had the blessing of watching my third beautiful nephew enter this world. I heard his first cry, as fresh air entered his lungs. I saw his little face shy away from the light, and his ears turn towards the noises around him. My heart swelled with the wonder of this little baby before me, and in that moment I gave his little life over to our Father, praising Him for blessing our family with this little boy. I'm sure in the years ahead, there will be many more moments like this....when I'll need to give his care over to The God of Heaven, and acknowledge that He knows best, and that He loves this little one even more than we do...
Today I got home from work to discover a sadness in my home. A sadness that has gripped my heart, as I mourn the Home-going of a dear friend, and faithful saint. Pat has gone Home to Glory; and today, the angels are rejoicing as another child is welcomed into the Holy City, but here on Earth, tears are being shed. But because of Christ's loving sacrifice for us, I know that I can put Pat in His hands, knowing that she's safe right now, knowing that I'll see her again one day.
He gives and takes away. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
A life is given, a life is taken. Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
At some point in life, we all have to decide to give our loved ones over to Christ. We have to put them in His hands, knowing that He is a merciful God, knowing that He is a good God, knowing that He is a loving God.
We have to trust His will, and trust that He is working everything out for the good. We have to keep living, we have to keep believing, even when everything within you is screaming out in pain.
We have to keep praising, blessed be the name of The LORD!
It's a lesson that I think I'll have to keep relearning as I continue on my journey, because every time something like this happens, it's natural to ask God 'why?'. It's natural to get angry, and wish for a different outcome. But as I get closer to my Jesus, I realize that He is crying right along side me, entering into my pain, and holding me up when I can't. He's walking beside me everyday, holding out His hand, and telling me to put my burden on Him. He's inviting me let go, inviting me to rest, inviting me to peace.
But the question is...will I trust Him enough, to take hold of that peace?
Can I truly say that in giving and taking away, the Name of The LORD shall be praised?
As we enter the Easter Season, I'm reminded of this song. It's always been a favorite of mine, and every yr as I watch the sun rise on Easter morning I imagine what it will look like one day when Jesus comes back, and the Heavens are opened up, and everyone will see His glory. What a beautiful day to look forward to!
.
Because He Lives:
"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!"
.
Blessed be the Name of The LORD.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Glimpses of Spring!
I was working on a Senior Portrait project today, remembering the sweetness of summer, and while I was editing, something wonderful happened: the sun came out!
I love natural sunlight so much, and really crave it. That's one of the reasons I chose a room that faces the south west, so I get a lot of afternoon sun right on my desk.
The last few weeks have been unseasonably warm, but I will take it. These transitional days between seasons may only be a tease for now, but Spring isn't far away!
I'll leave you with a few of the images I worked on today. Eventually they will be part of an album, showcasing Megan's Senior Portraits, how fun!
I love natural sunlight so much, and really crave it. That's one of the reasons I chose a room that faces the south west, so I get a lot of afternoon sun right on my desk.
The last few weeks have been unseasonably warm, but I will take it. These transitional days between seasons may only be a tease for now, but Spring isn't far away!
I'll leave you with a few of the images I worked on today. Eventually they will be part of an album, showcasing Megan's Senior Portraits, how fun!
The Last Bridal Show
This past Sunday was my last Bridal Show of the season. From October to March I pack in as many shows as possible, traveling around NY, getting my name out there.
So much of growing your own business is who you know, and getting out in the community & meeting people. I've met a lot of amazing people this year, and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share my work, make friends, network with other vendors, and meet a lot of great couples. It's been a great season, and I'm now looking forward to Wedding Season & all that's ahead!
Thank you to all of you who stopped by my booth, prayed for me, offered words of support & helped spread the word, you'll never know how much it means to me!
I can't wrap up without a huge heartfelt thank you to my cousin, Brittany, who has helped me every show; giving up her entire day, lugging heavy bins, setting up & following my crazy instructions down the the tiniest detail, talking to clients, handing out brochures, giving me pep-talks, and helping me to relax. Brittany, your belief in me has helped me to believe in myself, and I thank God for you & our relationship.
So much of growing your own business is who you know, and getting out in the community & meeting people. I've met a lot of amazing people this year, and am so thankful to have had the opportunity to share my work, make friends, network with other vendors, and meet a lot of great couples. It's been a great season, and I'm now looking forward to Wedding Season & all that's ahead!
Thank you to all of you who stopped by my booth, prayed for me, offered words of support & helped spread the word, you'll never know how much it means to me!
I can't wrap up without a huge heartfelt thank you to my cousin, Brittany, who has helped me every show; giving up her entire day, lugging heavy bins, setting up & following my crazy instructions down the the tiniest detail, talking to clients, handing out brochures, giving me pep-talks, and helping me to relax. Brittany, your belief in me has helped me to believe in myself, and I thank God for you & our relationship.
RosMari Brand: Spring Collection
A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of working with my cousin, Brittany, photographing her spring clothing line for RosMari Brand. Brittany & I had met weeks in advance to plan the shoot & I think we accomplished the look she was going for. It takes a lot of behind-the-scene work to make a shoot like this run smoothly, and I'm happy to say it all went off without a hitch!
Brittany & I first started our businesses around the same time, so I've enjoyed having her to bounce ideas off of, learn things with, and generally, be there to support one another. It's great to have a support system behind you!
If you haven't already, go give Brittany some love!
Enjoy just a peek at all the different looks available!
Thanks so much to all the models who participated & those who helped make this a successful shoot!
Happy Spring!
Brittany & I first started our businesses around the same time, so I've enjoyed having her to bounce ideas off of, learn things with, and generally, be there to support one another. It's great to have a support system behind you!
If you haven't already, go give Brittany some love!
Enjoy just a peek at all the different looks available!
Thanks so much to all the models who participated & those who helped make this a successful shoot!
Happy Spring!
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