Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Stripes Addiction

I'm predictable.

Black. White. Grey.
Flip flops. 
Jeans or maxi skirt.
Easy. Simple. Comfortable. 


My husband always fusses at me picks on me for buying black clothes. Specifically black and white striped tops.
I can't help it. So many different styles. Different lengths. Different cuts.
It's just versatile and they don't show when I'm nervous, if you catch my drift. Sweaty pits are my nemesis.
Black and white is my secret keeper. 

I got dressed this morning and sighed a little sigh. This is definitely my "go-to" look. Some skinny jeans and my favorite bracelet along with some simple flops. Yep. Spring is here. Comfort is where it's at. 

I don't care what my husband says.
Black and white will never go out of style. The 17 shirts I have will last forever and complete my wardrobe!

That is until I find a new one!!

See what I mean?
Clockwise from the top:


What's your favorite black and white striped article of clothing?
Surely you have one?! If not....we can't be friends!

Possibly boring,




Endless energy, Boundless strength

Our women's small group has been recently studying the book by Lysa Terkeurst "The Best Yes". This past week the above verse was quoted and immediately my eyes welled with tears.

Oh the energy.
Oh the strength.

.....the energy and strength that just sometimes seems to go missing. There's a thief that sneaks around and steals my last ounce of energy. It sucks the life out of me threatening to reduce me to tears at any given moment.

That's satan, folks. God doesn't want a rushed life for His children that leaves little for Him.

Now I will be the first to admit, life can be quite overwhelming. But, gasp!, how dare we ever complain or feel anything but "BLESSED"?? For some moms, or women period, we feel like unless we are everything to everyone, we've failed. I know I get lost in the rush. I get lost in the yeses. I get lost in the everyday everything all the time non stop. I get caught up in the rat race competition for more money, more stuff, more people-pleasing.

And I'm SO completely and utterly over it.

I need Jesus.
I need peace.
I need calm.
I need my babies and husband.

I just need simplicity. I crave it. I yearn for more presence with my family and less work and time away from them. I need to focus on living my life intentionally. Making "Best Yes Decisions" that impact my family in a positive way, relying on God to work "utterly extravagantly" in my life.

All this time I've been asking "WHAT GOD?!" What will you have me to do?
"HOW GOD?!" How are you going to use "this" for Your glory?
"WHEN GOD?!" When are you going to hear my prayers and......let's be honest, answer them?!

This verse spoke to me and I wasn't prepared for what it had to say...

"Child, I'm here.
Child, be still.
CHILD.... I REALLY DO HAVE THIS AND HAVE YOU UNDER MY WING.
Child, be patient.
Child, this isn't about YOU...this is about ME!"

I used to wonder "why don't I hear the voice of God"? Why can't I discern my heart from His will? I asked all of these questions over and over about my purpose and why I'm where I am and what good is that serving? Surely....surely to GOODNESS, this isn't MY mission field.

Child. Be still.
Child. Be patient.
Child.......LISTEN.

He speaks friend. I heard Him. I heard Him through His word and it was clear.

Thank you Jesus, for clear thoughts.

There's reassurance that living with SOLID TRUST in our Master Jesus has been promised with energy and strength. I take that very literally. God will provide the endurance to get through even the toughest or mundane of times. He'll answer our prayers...in HIS timing. He'll answer my questions of WHAT, HOW, WHEN....in HIS timing. But we are to worship Him. Listen to Him. TRUST IN THE GOD OF GLORY.

I just said yes, to my Father. 
Will you?





Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Ronda & Tim | Matthews NC Wedding Photographer


Ronda and Tim and I met over coffee one evening last winter to discuss their upcoming wedding. I knew their wedding day would be simple, but full of love for their friends and family and each other. I love the unrushed moments of a simple wedding. It allows me to capture small details and truly capture each little moment with the attention that it deserves. 

 
You're a flower in bloom.
In the dark, in the gloom,
It's you who brightens my day.
How many ways do I need you?
Every day, every way, come what may.



This was one of my favorite images. As a mom, I know she'll feel the same way. Your children are never not your babies anymore.
 Another favorite. Va-voom. I love the angle and lighting on this one.




We had a little time so I played around with my lens, something I've been wanting to try. I definitely need some work...but I love the artsy feel of these with the blurriness. They feel almost vintage!
 Nothing more comforting than the support and loving touch of your husband.


My absolute favorite from the entire day. I love the detail. Her curl and lashes. The texture. The sweetness.
It's a perfect moment.






Thank you, Ronda & Tim, for entrusting me with your wedding images. What a beautiful day! I wish you both the most happiness and blessings in your marriage.

|| DETAILS ||

Wedding Venue: Morning Star Lutheran Chapel
Reception Venue: Savour Charlotte 
Limousine Service: Ride Sterling Limo

Ballantyne Hotel


Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Alanna | 9 months old | NC Baby Photographer

"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." 
1 Corinthians 15:51

I made a piece of canvas art for a friend of mine with that exact verse for her newest son's nursery. Oh boy, do those words ever ring true! She has captured my heart, stolen my sleep....but has blessed our lives in ways I never knew imaginable.

And she's already nine months old.
I still can't figure out how it happens.
How time gets away from us so quickly.

I always think time will just slow down because I plead and beg for it to. I want to remember every little moment. And I'm trying to listen more to that voice in my head, God?, that is telling me "LIVE NOW!"
To look now...don't "wait just one second" for anything.
Say Yes.
Respond. Love. Laugh. Take pictures.
Soak every little bit in.

She's a constant reminder of grace of goodness.
She's every ounce of stubbornness passed down from her father, and well, yes, from me as well!
She's truly a little ray of sunshine and sparkle in the midst of a bunch of mud and tractors and BOY!

I love her.
She makes me thankful.
She makes me live life just a little harder and deeper.
With her in mind, I pray to the Lord and thank him for answered prayers.

"For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord."
1 Thessalonians 3:8









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