January 11, 2012

January 10, 2012

  • [New Year] a.few.days.late.

    It's a New Year...

    Wow.

    One of the joys of blogging for me is the ability to look back and remember... see images, read thoughts, laugh at memories, re-live moments! 
    So much happens in a week, then a month and how about a year? How do you attempt to capture it in words? 

    You don't.

    My verse lately has been: "And Kristi kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." -  Luke 2:19 (Personalization added)

    It pretty much sums up everything for 2011. Without a doubt, it has been one of the deepest, most painful and trying years -- but also one of the richest, faith-filled and delightful. Have you ever noticed how walking with Jesus is filled with seeming opposites? Persecution but overwhelming joy... hardships and difficulties but growth and contentment in Him. Intense Battles... but peace knowing He has the victory! What.a.Jesus!!! My birthday was pretty significant this year, halfway to fifty. I felt the Lord tell me this year was going to be a big year... and it has been and I believe, will continue to be till my next birthday. There are so many times I think on many things that have happened and wished I would have written them down or expressed my experiences more accurately, but I remember that He keeps all things. He holds every tear I've cried, every moment I've lived. It's all for Jesus. 

    I am amused in ways to see how much I let my images speak for me in 2011. So many of my blog posts were images with quotes, verses or a few words. So so many. Interesting, since this year has been the most photography growth than the last three years combined. Several things contributed to that, the first was earlier this year I was able to attend a photography practicals kind of class in VA and it got my little brain working on all the ideas and vision I had for photography. It was around that time that Jesus started opening doors like crazy for photography jobs. Yeah, this year was huge for me: 

    8 weddings [four of them out of state, wheeeeee!]
    13 different portrait sessions.
    4 baby sessions.
    4 events
    all equalling almost 292 GB of images! Wheeewwww!

    A rather thrilling experience and answer to prayer was being able to finally (after three years of waiting) attend Portraiture and Lighting Photography class in Colorado this fall. It was so intense and crazy challenging but so good. Can you say studio lighting and new experiments with flashes, um yes!!

    Change is inevitable and this year has been full of it... good change and hard change. Style and photography developing (no pun intended *grin*). People moving on literally or into new seasons of life. Job changes. Unexpected events, trips or meetings. Sponsering two of the cutest little guys ever. PC to Mac. New cameras. However, the biggest aspect of change for me this year has been surrender. What it looks like, how it happens and the fact is that surrender is simply trust + obedience. It isn't complicated, although it isn't necessarily easy... it is simply about my perspective of Jesus. "Obedience is easy when you know you are being guided by a God who never makes mistakes." - Corrie ten Boom

    It's been about surrendering desires, longings, people, situations

    This year has been fillllleeeddd with adventures! 
    This year has been fillllleeeddd with pain and growth!
    This year has been fillllleeeddd with the unexpected and surprises!

    I am working on my list of goals and also list of things I would like to do for 2012, but honestly... I am really leaving things up to Jesus! Right now, I am grateful for each day of opportunity He gives me. For each moment of joy and pain. I am learning to rejoice in all things, pray without ceasing and make the most of the circumstances surrounding me - good and hard. How much more I need of Jesus! How much I desire to be more like Him... serve more, speak less, love always, boldly stand for Truth. Yes. I need Him. 
    So here's to 2011... 
    - KM

     

    Five Favorite Books:
    Crazy Love - Frances Chan
    The Greatest Thing in the Word - Henry Drummond
    The Valley of Vision - Arthur Bennett
    The Hiding Place - Corrie ten Boom
    The Ishbane Conspiracy - Randy Alcorn 

    Five Favorite Movies:
    Courageous
    Tangled
    You Can't Take It With You
    Cheaper By the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes
    Tin Tin


    Five Favorite Things:



    Five Favorite Adventures: 
    Virginia Adventures
    Returning to Colorado
     
    Five Favorite Quotes:
    "I wish I could write the same letter to everybody: Wait patiently for the Lord. He will turn to you and hear your cry. It is amazing how clear things become when we are *still* before Him, not complaining, not insisting on quick answers, only seeking to hear His word in the stillness, and to see things in His light." - Elisabeth Elliot, "Keep A Quiet Heart"

    "God is not a deceiver, that He should offer to support us, and then, when we lean upon Him, should slip away from us." - Augustine 

    ‎"Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends." -George Mueller

    "The supreme need in every hour of difficulty and distress is for a fresh vision of God. Seeing Him... all else takes on proper perspective and proportion." -G. Campbell Morgan

    "Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step." -Joni Erickson Tada 

    ‎"Any attitude that causes us to live in reaction to someone besides God is unhealthy. Christian growth can't be defined by whom we don't want to be like. It has to be defined by becoming like Jesus. It has to be rooted in relationship to Him. And it has to be built on real, Bible-rooted conviction." - Josh Harris in 'Dug Down Deep'      

     

January 3, 2012

  • [New.Year.] Heart Check


    Heart Check: 
    "Search me, O God, and know my heart!" - Psalm 139:23

    Answer each question as honestly as possible. Don't be in a hurry; give God time to speak and give yourself time to respond.

    What are my priorities? (Matthew 6:33)
    - Does my schedule reveal that God is first in my life?
    - Does my checkbook reveal that God is first in my life?

    What are my values? (Colossians 3:12)
    - Do I love what God loves and hate what God hates?
    - Do I value the things that please God (ex: giving, witnessing to lost souls, studying His word, prayer)?
    - Are my affections and goals fixed on eternity? 

    Am I willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ? (Philippians 3:7-8)
    - Am I willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to see God move in  my life and church (time, convenience, comfort, reputation, pleasure, and so on)?
    -Is my life characterized by genuine sacrifice for the cause of Christ?

    Is God's Spirit in Control of my life? (Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 5:18-21)
    - Am I allowing Jesus to be Lord of every area of life?
    - Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to "fill" (control) my life each day?
    - Is there consistent evidence of the "fruit of the Spirit" being produced in my life?

    "Daily Reflections", Nancy Leigh DeMoss  

     
    How is that to start out the New Year? Conviction much lately? 
    Basically... "If you aren't saying amen, you better say ouch." - Voddie Baucham  

    -KM 

December 25, 2011

  • [Today I am]:

    ...captivated by: 

    light and life.

     

    "Life and light to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings... mild He lays His glory by, born that man, no more may die." - Hark the Herald Angels Sing

    "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not..." - John 1:4-5

     

    Merry Christmas, friends!
    -KM 

December 17, 2011

  • [Today I am]:

    holding on.

    And realizing...
    it is about Him holding me, not me holding onto Him.

     

    It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
    It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument; it is Christ's blood and merit.     

    - Charles Haddon Spurgeon
     

December 4, 2011

  • [Today I am]:

    Choosing to believe Truth...
    that there is Light at the end of the tunnel.

    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:
    he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
     - John 8:12

    "When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark,
    you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer."
    - Corrie ten Boom

November 30, 2011

  • [Familyness]: The Bryants

    There is something completely and inexpressibly precious about the making of a family... two become three.
    I love three-some-families. A couple completely captivated by their first-darling little one, so awed with gratitude for the blessing of life.

    Yesterday, I had the delight of spending time with Scott and Ashley... and of course baby Grayson! You may remember, but I met up with Ashley and Grayson for three month pictures back in the summer time. A few weeks ago, Scott and Ashely asked if we could do family pictures when they were up for Thanksgiving! Um, yes! Yes! and YES! It was my first time seeing Scott since their wedding day back in 2009! It was so so special to get to see their three-some-family! Grayson was all smiles and laughter pretty much the entire time. Wow. I think you would agree with me when I say that hands down, he is the cutest-little-guy-EVER! Not gonna lie, I got kinda distracted from taking pictures at times, cause he would come up and just grin and smile at me... I just had to play with him! My heart was a puddle. We danced and talked and he giggled... Scott said that Grayson could be my "boyfriend" and I am totally good with that. *grin*

    Seriously, Grayson was so good. His eyes, his smile and laughs were just perfect!! He takes after his Daddy with the charm and looks, his Mommy with the laughter and sweetness. You gotta love his little hair-styling, cute outfits and he even got to play with his very own string of lights (great idea, Mommy! Priceless!)... I should just let the pictures speak for themselves... but be forewarned, sighs, awww's, pitter-pattering-heart and countless grins may ensue.
    Hooray for families of three-some!

    It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ. It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument; it is Christ's blood and merit. - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

    -KM

     

         

     

  • [Sneak Peek]: Babyness


    Believe me... my heart is dead gone on this little guy. *grin*
    Way more adorable-little-man-ness coming later today.
    I couldn't resist a sneak peek...  

November 27, 2011

  • [The Door]:

    There it was... 
    the door.

    I stood there, staring at its obviously closed state, my heart sank with all the unspoken implications. 
    Words like: locked. impossible. struggle. difficult. hopeless... all whirled around in my mind. 
     
    Still, I reached for the handle. 
    It was locked. 


     

    "I knew it! Why did I even dare to think it would be unlocked? Why did I hope?"
    Another voice was heard over my own heart: "Try again."

    I looked over my shoulder... one way and then the next. Pause.
    My hand once again grasped the handle and it moved... just a little. 
    But it was stuck. I grew even more frustrated!
    I pulled and jingled the key around in the lock.
    I twisted and jarred. 
    Fail. It was no use. 
    It would not open.
     
    Feeling completely defeated, I stood there, frustrations continuing to rise in my heart. 
    Impossible! Of course it was, hadn't I tried everything? Hadn't I believed?
    Anger began to accompany my frustration. God had told me to try again! He had spoken! I had listened!
    Tears came to my eyes. 
     
    I wiped them away violently, ignoring the implications of a deeply disappointed, hurting heart. 
    The voice came again, though I tried to ignore it, "Push the door." Defiance built up within me. 
    "No! It won't open! Why should I even listen to You? You already told me once and it failed... God, I can't try again! It hurts too much."
    Then I felt Him... so near. So close. His presence overwhelming. "Dearest, walk forward."
    "God, do you know how stupid I will look? No one will understand, it doesn't make sense. I can't take the pain! I can't do this!" 
    I wept. I cried. 
    He cried with me.
     
    "Remember, dear one, you are not asked to understand... but simply to obey.
    Faith never does make sense... except the One You put your faith in."
    He wiped my tears.
    He gave me fresh courage.
    I took a deep breath. 
    I chose to believe Truth. 
     
    I closed my eyes...
    put my hands on the door...
    pushed...
      

    "I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God:
    first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done." - Hudson Taylor
     

November 24, 2011

  • [I am thankful for]:

    Today was my first Thanksgiving back home in a year... last year was in Colorado. 
    It's been quite the thanksgiving season. I've been thinking about one my heroes, Corrie ten Boom and her sister Betsie... giving thanks for everything, even fleas.

    Don't we all have "fleas"? I sure do. Honestly, I hate them. Not going to spiritualize it or be all nice. I hate them. However, I have thanked God, for all the "fleas" in my life right now, regardless of how I feel or the circumstances. Giving thanks in all things... it is a command to obey. Not an option. Obedience is an act of the will. Hmmm. God always rewards obedience. 

    I am excited to do my 100-things-i-am-thankful-for-list, again.
    Last year, in Colorado, it wasn't so easy.  

    1. My Jesus
    2. The Holy Spirit
    3. My perfect Heavenly Father
    4. Brand new pens
    5. Blank notebook paper
    6. Hand written letters
    7. getting mail
    8. surprise phone calls.
    9. family.
    10. His great faithfulness
    12. Pain
    14. Bargains and clearance
    15. Prayer journals
    16. Isaiah. Psalms. John. Philippians. 
    17. dancing! dancing! dancing!
    18. old scrapbooks
    19. blessings of technology
    20. photography jobs of 2011
    21. eyes to see. 
    22. a voice to praise Him. 
    23. hands that feel. 
    24. feet that walk. 
    25. legs to stand on. 
    26. arms to hug. 
    27. a tongue to taste. 
    29. Christian heroes. 
    30. inside jokes.
    31. IBCC 
    35. drinking water. 
    36. Noblehaven.
    37. Special places.
    38. answers to prayer. 
    39. renewed friendships from the past. 
    40. life long friends. 
    41. my marked up-becoming-well-worn KJV bible
    42. pianos
    43. journals that aren't perfect.
    44. stringed instruments [violins and cellos]
    45. orchestras
    47. people who return a smile. 
    48. gluten free food
    49. answers.
    50. questions.
    51. unending grace.
    52. joy.
    53. my name-less Mac
    55. Jesus endless provision.
    56. blogs
    57. long-hard-journeys.
    58. soundtracks.
    59. creativity.
    60. beauty.
    61. colors.
    62. new friendships.
    63. cell phones
    64. free minutes.
    65. godly counsel. 
    66. godly mentors.
    67. fall
    68. pain.
    69. hope.
    70. laughter.
    72. long-distance driving. 
    73. my ipod [sir.percey.blakney.the.II]
    74. The Royal Court of her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the I [and ghosts]
    76. quotes
    77. My boys.
    78. Truth.
    79. Long conversations
    80. Adopted siblings.
    81. technology.
    82. waiting. 
    83. hot tea.
    84. Jesus coming back.
    85. Hobby Lobby.
    86. sunshine.
    87. grace.
    88. hymns.
    89. random surprises.
    90. babies. 
    91. daily strength. 
    92. Jesus' provision.
    93. post it notes.
    94. child-like-faith.
    95. worship
    96. humility.
    97. Long walks under the stars.
    98. Sunsets.
    99. photography. 
    100. evidence. 
    Cultivate a thankful spirit! It will be to thee a perpetual feast. There is, or ought to be, with us no such thing as small mercies; all are great,
    because the least are undeserved. Indeed a really thankful heart will extract motive for gratitude from everything, making the most even of scanty blessings.
    - J. R. MacDuff