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Tuesday, 07 July 2009
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Currently
To Live Again
By Catherine Marshall
see relatedWeddings, Weddings and Weddings!
Yes, it has been the year for weddings.So many of them! I have been the photographer for three weddings so far this summer, one more in August and then one in November. Wow!! If someone would have told me this time last year, I would have been a wedding photographer six plus times, I would have not believed them. So much can happen in a year... it really is astonishing. Rather disconcerting too, but I suppose not when one realizes that the Lord's plans are always so much better than our own. [Although it may take some of us a little while longer than He would like to learn that fact... *no comment*]"God's plans for His children are always so much more bountiful than our best-laid plans for ourselves." - Catherine MarshallWith every wedding I have been the photographer for, I get butterflies in my stomach and wonder: Lord, are you SURE about this??? Of course, He always is. I love the fact that I can trust Him even with such things as photography locations, settings, ideas, etc. Even when they aren't ideal, He is always faithful. I pray on the way to all my photography jobs, it keeps me so humble, knowing that I must rely on His strength to sustain me. Yes, I have learned so much and my photography skills have grown immensely in the last year, let alone the last six months! However, one is always learning and every situation is new... providing new opportunities to trust."You are not really trusting God until you are trusting Him for the ultimates of life... and what are the ultimates of life? Life and death, health, economic necessities, the need to find one's own place in the world, to love and to be loved." - Catherine MarshallThis Saturday was incredible and long. Wonderful and not-so-amazing all at the same time. It was overcast, perfect for pictures. But raining, not so great for pictures. The bride was late and everything kind of fell apart from there. However, somehow, the Lord just allowed things to continue to keep going and provided situations and moments to capture! The best thing of the day was the company and assistance of my dear Elli, who proved to be the most wonderful photographer's assistant ever (also the first photographer's assistant I have ever had)! I picked Elli up on the way downtown and she stuck with me all day long! It was so wonderful to have her along side me, getting chairs, giving hugs, smiling at me right when I needed encouragement, cheering up the crying flower girl, fetching bridal party people, looking for lighting locations, holding reflectors, adjusting the bride's train, cutting the cake... the list goes on and on and on. I couldn't have done it without Elli!In general, it was a wonderful wedding. The Statehouse was beautiful, although it does have ticky lighting. The bride was stunning and the groom didn't stop smiling. Our only trouble was attempting to keep them from talking with people too much or kissing when they needed to be looking at the camera. *Grin*So now I have the next few weeks to edit and sort through about 1800 pictures from the various weddings.Lots of computer time... lots and lots. However, I am currently listening to "The Lord of the Rings" being read aloud by Rob Englis again, so that helps keep my mind stimulated while clicking away at the mouse. In other news: Tomorrow night is the cast party for "A Tale of Two Cities" and I am so excited, I have been nearly dancing around the house all day!!! I think part of it has to do with suprises! I love surprises and surprising people! *grin*-KMRyne and Hannah - 7.13.2009[I had brought my camera just for fun]
Ashley and Scott - 7.4.2009[The wedding at the Statehouse. Sole Photographer]
Saturday, 04 July 2009
Friday, 03 July 2009
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The week and weekend.
It was a wonderful weekend with Mom. Lots of hours in the car of course, but we had so many wonderful heart-to-heart conversations in the midst of winding through not-so-nice traffic on I-65 and finding our way around the West side of Chicago. Quite the adventure. In between convos, we listened to "The Hiding Place". It has become one of Mom and I's favorite stories... and Focus on the Family Radio Theater does an amazing job.Anyway, besides the fact that it took us five and a half hours to get to Chicago, instead of the estimated three and a half, we found the location of my great-grandparents first Italian Restaurant: "Tony and Lil's"... way amazing!! They were "famous" for their home-made pizza, (everything from scratch, from the crust to the sauce) and Italian food. So much so that their name still stays on the sign even though it has changed owners and names many times since they owned it! It was very special to see it and remember my precious great-grandparents and their heritage!
After seeing "Tony and Lil's" we made it to see "Mark's Gospel". Wow. Words cannot describe. You can see clips of the performance here. Well, worth the watching, I believe. Mr. McLean was incredible. Every movement, look, gesture was planned and purposeful. I watched breathlessly the entire performance. All sixteen chapters of Mark from memorization, word for word. It was a feeling like none other. It made me want to hear the entire bible read aloud that way. You were captivated by the stories, parables and you felt like you were following Jesus on His journey. It came alive. Truth itself filled the room with It's presence. It was wonderful.
That night we crashed at my Aunt's home and then enjoyed visiting with family Saturday morning. Baby cousins are so adorable. Yes, lots of pictures. Go here to see some of them. Then of course we went to the 50th Wedding Anniversary Party of our friends. That was quite precious. So touching to hear their testimony and the testimony of so many people's lives they have touched through their love for Christ. Also, they are still so in love it is adorable. They wrote each other poems and read them aloud. Precious! It was so inspiring to me to see such "real" love: sacrificial, true, honest, thoughtful, patient... and not without its hardships, but together they have persevered after Him.It was quite a weekend. Then Sunday, my dear Elizabeth flew in and we had quite the three days together. We practically drove around all of Indianapolis: buying frogs, picking up pictures, having breakfast at Cracker Barrel, visiting the Joneses, Adopted sisters, getting interviews, etc. Three days of sleeping in, yummy food, almost-non-stop-heart-to-heart convos, laughing over inside jokes, making phone calls, editing movie files, memorizing clips from T2C practices, etc. etc. etc. It was such fun to have E back.
Meanwhile, its the night before America's birthday and I am wondering how on earth I have survived such a long season without engrossing myself in our Nation's history!!! It has been way too long. I miss it. So I think it is time for some good old history reading soon! Right now, I am off to finish packing the cooler for the most amazing night ever at "Conner Prairie" listening to the Symphony, eating amazing food, watching fireworks, being together as a family and thanking the Lord that I am an American... and for all those who have given their lives for my freedom!-KM
Friday, 26 June 2009
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"UP"date...
It has been a while since Jeremiah and I had been on a "date" and since Timothy is gone at Horse Camp in PA, Dad and Christopher both working of course, I decided to take Jeremiah out on Wednesday. He was so thrilled and even got "dressed up" on his own and we ended up matching without really planning it! Hehehe. I love him so much. Anyway, we went to see the new Pixar movie, "UP" and really enjoyed it a lot. Well, once it got started. Our theater had troubles with the film and it delayed the video by almost 25 minutes, because of this they gave us two free tickets to come back anytime we wanted. Yay! More dates. Jeremiah is already planning on one for next week. *grin* I wouldn't mind seeing "UP" again, it is quite a precious movie. Bring a kleenex... hehe. Jeremiah always grins at me when I cry in theaters. But he even told me later: It was even hard for me not to cry, Kristi!After the movie could you guess where we went for lunch?? Yep, "Steak and Shake". It was "Happy Hour" which means half off all shakes. So we split a strawberry milkshakes (my last one for a while) and it was sooooo goood. It was such a hot day outside. This whole week has been quite the heat wave and I am praying it won't last too much longer. (Yes, I know it is summer...)
Then yesterday I had a haircut appointment and when talking with the gal who did my hair last year, she asked me if I had ever considered getting highlights... so after a little chat, I decided to get some very "soft" and "light" highlights. It is something I have never done and never thought I would do, but I like them! My cut isn't exactly what I was picturing, its pretty much the same thing I have had done before, layers and slight side bangs, but the layers have already helped a lot. I had Jeremiah do some before and after pictures . Its funny cause Mom didn't even noticed the highlights till way after dinner. It was rather amusing.
Over all, it has been a slow going week. Yesterday, I met with the Bride who's wedding I am doing on the 4th of July at the Statehouse. She is so much fun and I can't wait to get to capture their special day. She is marrying a Navy man and he is going to wear his dress blues on their wedding day... I know, totally amazing! There are so many details about their wedding that are different and so fun. So anyway, this week has been so random, except for the fact that I have actually made it to work out at the "Y" four times this week. Yay for intense workouts and consistency it has helped so much to have something to push myself with and give me a goal!Wednesday, Mom surprised me by telling me that she had gotten us two tickets to go see Max McLean perform the gospel of "Mark" in Chicago for tonight! We are going up to IL to see the newest cousin who was born a few weeks ago and then attend a 50th anniversary for friends of ours who actually were our photographers growing up for school pictures and family pictures! So anyway, I was thrilled beyond measure that Mom wanted to bring me to see "Mark", I have wanted to go ever since I have heard about it. Max McLean did the "Screwtape" letters last year, I am sure it was amazing.So today is getting the house cleaned up for certain company that will be arriving on Sunday to visit for several days (and there was much rejoicing!!!), packing for our little trip to IL, editing some pictures and filing paperwork from past photography jobs. There are always things to be done, but I am learning to take things as they come, slowly and as I can get them done. Rest and enjoying the moments are so much more important than running around like a crazy person attempting to get my-list-of-things-do-to-done. I have actually picked up "reading" again. I know, how awful is that? I haven't read a whole book since January. Well, in the last two weeks, I have read a book and a half! Wow. Once-upon-a-time Kristi used to read a book a day...Sometimes you never realize how fast time is moving until you take time to rest and enjoy the "little" things. It many ways that was the message of "UP" and it was challenging to me. I am not what I want to be, I want to be more and do more for the Kingdom. I want to glorify Him and do "great" things... but sometimes those things are just being still and quiet, resting in His love."I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be. And by the grace of God, I am what I am." - John Newton
Saturday, 20 June 2009
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Currently
Cyrano de Bergerac (Enriched Classics)
By Edmond Rostand
see relatedAttitude of Gratitude
So many moments in the last several weeks I have wanted to write... writing is usually such a comfort, a reasoning of my thoughts and feelings. Sorting through what the Lord is doing in my life. But lately, the words refuse to come. There are burdens in my heart and seasons of change. In the midst of all God is still good. No matter what the trouble, no matter how deep the pain, how hard the trial... He is always good and can always be trusted. He may choose to allow the pain to teach a deeper lesson we cannot yet see. He may see fit to let the pressure of a trial shape and mold us. In any and all circumstances, we are to thank Him. I have found that in moments of feeling down or discouraged, the best medicine is an "Attitude of Gratitude." When focusing on the blessings (and there are so many blessings) it keeps our perspective in check.
Things I am thankful for:
Good books.
Lovely cold air conditioning.
Prayer.
Trustworthy friends.
Soundtracks and good music.
Challenging quotes.
Finding things on sale.
Rainy days and nights.
Just enough energy to make it through each day.
Long phone conversations with friends.
God working out all things together for good.
Photo shoots that turn out well despite the circumstances.
Surprise email from very a very precious mentor and friend.
A week of house sitting for my adopted-Murray family.
Laughing with dear friends while catching up.
Knowing I can trust Him no matter if it is logical or makes sense.
Hot showers, naps and plenty of food.
Grace to work through hard things.
Digital photography and the literally endless creativity with it.
His hand and care in the late-night watches.
Patience and perseverance to live one day at a time.
Movies and popcorn and cozying up on the couch.
The warm-fuzzy feeling after journaling three whole pages of thoughts.
Anticipation of Jesus' return.
Patience to work through hard seasons.
Redbox movie rentals.
Flip flops, capri's and tanktops
Water with ice in it.
Hopes and dreams they are rather inexpensive compared to reality.
The way God continues to provide.
Safety while driving home surrounded by tornado watches.
His never ending love.
I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.
Because He turned his ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. - Psalm 116:1-2
-KM
PrincessKristi
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- Name: Kristi Michelle
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 6/24/2005
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True
About Me
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Currently I am passionately pursuing purity in every area of my life and encouraging younger girls [my adopted sisters] to do the same. My heart's desire is to glorify the Lord with my life, to draw nearer to the Lover of my Soul as I seek Him with my whole heart.
