November 21, 2011

November 15, 2011

  • [Randomness]: Chair-lift

    It's been one of those weeks... 
     
    where all my best-laid-plans of accomplishing uber amounts of things on the to-do-list and catching up on homework, projects, etc. have mostly been put into the "waiting" mode. Yesterday I was hit with a mini-headcold and they just don't make accomplishing thing very possible sometimes. It has been an incredible weekend though... tough, but incredible. Jesus has worked in so many ways. Answering several specific prayers... like wow. Lately, all I really want to do is sit and think of Jesus. I find myself wanting to go deeper! I want more! Some times, I am simply aching to go home... to see Him. Forever and always. mhmmm.  

    However, in the midst of everything, I did get a few things finished and completed yesterday which was very happy, including my first "re-finishing" project...my wood chair from Goodwill: 
     

      

    Ta Da!!!!!! 
    What do you think??
    It was not a ton of work, but still some time and so much fun. It was in a little rough shape and the sandpaper was quite handy to smooth things out and get most of the "bang ups" to the point of not being noticable. The spray paint I chose was called "Carmel Latte" and it not as silvery as it looks, it's rather muted... and I like it. It almost has a "royal" feel to it. Which is quite appropriate for the Duchess, I do believe. hehe. Anyway, I am rather pleased with how it turned out, and... yesterday, on my way to Bible Study, I picked up a wood rocking chair for $15 from someone on craigslist and now get to think about ideas to how to re-finish that.

    It may seem kinda random, but things like this give me such a thrill! Maybe its about taking something old and making it beautiful... but it is so much fun and makes my heart do happy dances. *grin*
     

    So this is your completely random update for the week. Without tons of photography jobs to post about, I am going to have to sit and actually write down those at-least-four-blog-posts-in-my-head! Yesterday, in the middle of Bible Study, Jesus gave me the most amazing idea for a new photo-card line and I am like wayyyy excited. It may not happen right away, but if and when it does, it's gonna be super amazing! Think about real life, encouragement, reality, the hand of Jesus and photography. Confusing? Yeah, kinda. hehe. But believe me, it's exciting. I love it when the Creator gives creators ideas. Wow. So more on that to come this winter hopefully. For now, I am off to finish some things before bed!
     
    "It is a sure mark of grace to desire more." - Robert Murray McCheyne
    -KM 

November 14, 2011

  • [Today I feel]:

    lost...

    lost in the midst of His greatness.
    lost in the amazingness of grace.
    lost in the vastness of the fact that it is, always, forever...

    all.about.Jesus. 

    Oh, for grace to trust Him more.
    Oh, for the desire to completely lose myself in Jesus!
    Oh, to be completely lost in worship and adoration of Him!
    Oh, for more and more and more of Him and a view of eternity.  
     

    "The idea many Christians have of grace is this: that their conversion and pardon are God’s work,
    but that now, in gratitude to God, it is their work to live as Christians and follow Jesus…
    No, wandering one, as it was Jesus who drew thee when he spoke “Come,” so it is Jesus who keeps thee when He says,
    “Abide.” The past grace to come and the future grace to abide are alike from him alone.    " - Andrew Murray
     

November 10, 2011

  • [Senior-ness]: Adam II

    So about two hours ago... it was snowing!! For real.
    It was beautiful, although it was pitch dark, you could see the white lace falling from the sky against the jet black blanket of vastness. 
    I thought about going for a walk, but it was so dark. Wouldn't it be simply delightful to go for a walk while it was snowing gently on a moon-filled, wispy evening!? Mhm! In all honesty, I am not a snow person. I enjoy my few good snows for picture and poetic wonderfulness and then I am done. Winter is wayyyyyyyyyyyy too long for my preference. It's facination looses its charm by the first week in January. hehe. Oh well. Winter makes you appreciate and cherish the other delightful days of the year all the more. 

    I just finished editing my last Senior session for the fall. Adam's part II. An interesting story about the delightful place we took his pictures at. There shall be a post on that sometime later. 
    Today was one of those days in which I got a bunch of things done, but I have to think hard to remind myself exactly what because they were random, smallish but necessary tasks. I also started a few projects that I've wanted to start working on for a while. One of which is re-finishing a wood chair I bought at Goodwill last week... I'm excited about it, its almost done, but I ran out of spray paint so maybe tomorrow it shall be finished, or sometime next week. 

    [Fact]:: spray paint is my new favorite thing, ever!!!
    Like I truly am loving spray paint. I have so many ideas I want to do now that I've started playing around with it. In Wal-mart on Tuesday, I stood there, staring at the numerous colors, texture and look of the shelves and shelves of spray paint and my heart went wild with creative excitement. So anyway, I'm sure there will be more posts on such wonderfulness later. 

    To one who asked George Mueller the secret of his service, he said, "There was a day when I died, utterly died; (and as he spoke, he bent lower and lower until he almost touched the floor)...died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will-died to the world, its approval or censure-died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends-and since then I have studied only to show myself 'approved unto God.'"

    Choosing Jesus, 
    -    KM     

          

          

     

  • [Senior-ness 2011]: Clare

    When it rains... it sometimes pours. 
    And sometimes... it doesn't. 

    Such was the case yesterday. Dad didn't need me to work since it was supposed to rain all day. Well, it rained in the morning and then was lovely all day long. Figures. *grin* Well, that meant a work day at home... lots and lots and lots to do, of course. Today, it isn't raining, but its freezing.cold.literally. So day two home work day. The productivity happening of late is almost shocking... hehe. Love it! Early morning time with Jesus, mhmmmmm. How I love Him. And how I want to love Him more!! Jesus makes everything richer, deeper, sweeter, more wonderful. Always. Why do I doubt? Why do I ever turn to other things? Why am I so prone to wander?
    Anyway, you very likely will be getting two blog post today [this one was ready last night, but the internet was down. boo] but for now, you can enjoy the creamy-light and wonderfulness of Clare and her cello. It's not often that I get to shoot a Senior with more than just her Mom or maybe a sibling tagging along. Clare brought not only her Mom and adorable-almost-two-year-old-brother, but she also brought along her four best friends from school, all Seniors. It was a party!! hehe. Not only that, but then Clare told me she had three instruments with her and asked if we could use them on the shoot... could we!??! Um, cello, ukulele and guitar... Yes! Yes! Yes! Clare also plays a little piano, saxophone and I don't-remember-what-all! 
     
    Yeah, talented girl! Very musical and also very smart! Academics are her thing. As we started shooting, I could totally tell Clare's world was music. The smile in her eyes and contented look on her face was perfect as she held which-ever-instrument-we-happened-to-have-at-the-time. It was a perfectly delightful day... slightly chilly, but as we walked downtown Zionsville, the colors, leaves and light was wonderful. It was such fun to get to shoot Clare's Senior pictures... I hadn't seen Clare since I shot her Aunt Tania's wedding [my.very.first.wedding.as.a.photographer] three years ago. 
    It was a delightful shoot... especially because it had a cello in it. Have I mentioned lately I have this thing for cellos?
    Like I completely love them... the way they sound, so rich, deep and vibrant... but also they way they look in photoshoots. Mhmmmmmm!

    Enjoy the richness of Clare's photos... it was a perfect fall day.
    And yes, I do want her hat. *grin*


    "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, Kristi, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." -     Isaiah 30:18

    -KM

          

          

November 8, 2011

  • [Love Stories]: Jacob + Mandie = Wedding

    Mandie and Jacob... mhmmmm! *warm fuzzies*

    Yes, that is exactly what happens when I think of Mandie and Jacob. It's probably because I have known both of them for a long time... but more likely because their story is so Jesus Authored, and its one of those beloved old-fashioned romances. The ones that develop over time... like a rosebud that over a set season, blooms into an incredibly brilliant rose. Things like, Jacob pursuing and following in faith, even when faced with rejection or Mandie, giving Jesus her heart and risking the pain... it's those kinds of things that bring tears to my eyes. 
    It all goes back to Jesus. 
     
    It all becomes beautiful, because of Him. He only gives the best... and it may cost a lot, it will probably be painful and challenging to extents you never dreamed... but how much deeper, richer, sweeter, vibrant, beautiful and amazing the results of trusting Jesus!! 
    My faithful blog readers may remember that I had the privilege of capturing Mandie and Jacob back in May for their engagement pictures. It was so much fun to get to spend time with them together and get to know them more as a couple. I have decided that I love.love.love doing engagement sessions of a couple before I shoot their wedding (that happened with only two out of eight weddings this year) because it gives the couple and I the perfect time to get to know each other... for me to feel them out, learn what works for them and what doesn't and even become familiar with what to anticipate, reactions, exclamations, looks, glances, touching, etc. Also, the couple has the opportunity to know how I work, to get used to being the "center of attention" (in front of the camera) and attempt to learn to become experts at ignoring the person with the big black thing. *grin* 
    It is totally a win-win situation!
    I didn't realize how much of a win-win it truly is until shooting Jacob and Mandie on their wedding day. They had their first look. We did all the group portraits and then shooed everyone else out of the sanctuary while we began to do their portraits... together. A few minutes after we started, Jacob stated: "Kristi, we love working with you. You make it all so relaxed, so fun... so exciting! Mandie and I have so been looking forward to our wedding pictures!!!" Mandie agreed whole heartily! I was shocked! Mostly because it was coming from Jacob, usually the guy isn't so verbal about feelings with pictures. But here he was, thrilled and excited... and looking forward to pictures!! And that is when it hit me... they had worked with me before, they saw what I was able to capture of them once and completely trusted me to do it again! So much so that it gave them the ability to actually be thrilled and anticipating their wedding portraits because they knew it would be fun and they trusted the results would be as before, better than what they anticipated. 
    Wow. 
    Humbling. Honoring. Thrilling. 
    Thank you, Jesus!!  [I have the best.job.ever.]
    We had so much fun with their portraits, especially. Jacob and Mandie were probably my most relaxed couple, therefore, it gave us more time to shoot and because they were so comfortable I was able to play around with a lot more poses and angles... score! They also are a model couple: Mandie is always a picture of elegance and Jacob, well, as a friend of mine said: "He could be a model for Men's Warehouse!" Yep. Love.it.so.much. It also helped that I had photographed Stephanie and Andrew's wedding at the same church earlier this year. So I had a good idea of what I wanted to get with Mandie and Jacob. Their wedding day was lovely. The place was overflowing with love. It was oozing out the sanctuary, through the lovely-English-themed reception and out to their getaway car. Mandie pretty much couldn't stop grinning and giggling. Jacob could hardly take his eyes off of her. She was his. He was hers. Their Jesus did it all... yeah, grab the kleenex. hehe. 

    “Marriage is more than your love for each other… in your love you see only the heaven of your own happiness, but in marriage you are placed at a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind. Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is more than something personal – it is a status and office. Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule, that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man…

    It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love.” -Dietrich Bonheoffer, A wedding Sermon from a Prison Cell, 1943

    That was the quote Jacob and Mandie had on the back of their wedding program. Mhmm!
    Enjoy all the lovely, elegant lovey-doveyness. 
    I am now off to bed,
    -KM 

         
           
         

         

     
     

  • [Sneak Peek]: Mandie and Jacob II

     

    Can you tell they are best friends?? Aw, gee. My heart is melting. 

    Almost done editing Mandie and Jacob... be looking for more later tonight! So much love and happiness in store to show you... they are rather a model couple, seriously. So so so cute, classy and caring. It shows in every.single.picture. Mhmm. Happy dances have been occurring all morning. [Maybe that is why I am still in my pajama's and waiting to take a shower. hehe.]  

November 7, 2011

  • [Maybe Monday]: Epoch Update

     
    As usual, I have about four incredible, inspiring and in-depth posts written in my head, pictures and everything, however the time to sit and get them completed and compiled in reality has been occupied with other more important things. Such as editing two weddings (almost done.almost.done.almost done.), backing them up, burning CDs, designing wedding albums on top of other every day life necessities. There is always so much more that goes into a job than anyone realizes. Just like any occupation, until you have worked it, you don't realize how much in entails. However, I would suggest that being a photographer is one of the jobs that is clearly overlooked as detailed, physical, mental and creative insanity at times. hehe. 

    At lunch with friends on Saturday, we were discussing sports (a boy majority at the table) and one of them declared that Curling shouldn't be a sport and continued to argue why and why not. Then Rugby came up and the same argument began. One of the boys said defensively: "Rugby is great, its just mostly mental." I grinned, "Is that what makes a sport then? Mental intensity combined with some sort of physical movement? Because if that is the case, I would argue that wedding photography should be considered one of the top five sports activities!!!"  They all laughed, mostly in agreement, from their limited understanding. *grin* But seriously, there is some truth to it... however, I am not about to turn my job into a "sports" title. I shall just leave it as is for the masses to continue to speculate and wonder about. 

    That said, I have one wedding and two senior shoots currently on the dock to be sorted and edited this week. Tomorrow I have an interesting job of taking head shots for a Medical company. Not very thrilling, but it will be challenging as it is my first studio job since class in September! I am grateful as it is another job... a blessing from Jesus.

    Speaking of my Jesus, life has been very interesting of late. The last month has been battling... mostly myself, but also several other situations. My health has continued to be a clueless problem of which we are hoping to get answers to in the next three weeks when my test results return. The last two weeks have been not-so-fun taking new supplements which have been working their wonders on me... which is good, but not so fun. [I.loathe.toxins.] But I am so grateful for my body to be responding... such an answer to prayer. It's hard to know how to explain and share so many things that have developed over time like my health challenges that I haven't really blogged about. How does one articulate the depths of one's heart-changes over a month or two or even the last year? When I had my birthday earlier this year, I felt like Jesus was telling me it was going to be a big year. I had no clue what that exactly meant, but I chose to believe Him. 

    Good thing I did. 
    It's been a huge year. Like really huge. 

    No, I haven't moved. 
    No, I'm not engaged.
    No, I haven't bought my dream car. 
    Nothing quite dramatic like that... but:

    Yes, I am now a morning person (more or less). 
    Yes, I am learning what it means to live the Gospel.  
    Yes, I am almost a full-time-photographer. 
    That is just to name a few... 

    I find myself loving Jesus so much, I want to do whatever it takes to make changes in my life so He is first and foremost, always. I daily find myself hungering and thirsting for more of Him and less of others. Daily, I wonder at the loss of attraction to the world (I have so far to go, believe me) and more desire for eternal wonders. "Delight comes after you choose to discipline yourself." - Dr. James MacDonald 

     
    Jesus has been changing me. It delights my heart when this happens in practical ways... so many practical ways the Lord has been answering prayers from months ago. Things like heart changes and seeing character develop, working on priorities, starting to possibly find answers for health issues, losing weight, getting organized, working on life goals, life purpose and identity statements. It's not as if life is perfect right now and all these things are accomplished or completed, but it is as if I can sense that things are all starting to come together... instead of everything being everywhere, I feel as if pieces are falling into place for a bigger picture. Deeper purpose. Greater goal! It is a rare feeling!! Believe me, I am cherishing it! Every moment of it. It's the joy of walking in faith.... not by sight. 
     
    "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for... the evidence of things not seen. 
    But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, 
    and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11: 1, 6
     
    Life is coming to an interesting season:
    - Photography jobs are coming to a close for the year. I say that with all cautiousness, knowing that anything can happen and Jesus may have other plans, however by next week, I shall have most all projects finished and completed, Lord willing. Then starts the big project of logo, branding, figuring out new packages and pricing, and praying about what Jesus has in store for the future with photography. 
     
    - Getting organized is so helpful - for the last two months, I've been working on cleaning out my room, closets and of course, the Creative Castle (my office) and while there is still a lot to go... there has been tons of improvement made which is so encouraging. Getting rid of things I don't need or use and even knowing where most-everything is at is great cause for rejoicing and happy dances. Although I know some people are laughing at me right now because they know that my "version" of clutter and messy is often most people's version of tolerated cleanliness. Ah, first-born-perfectionist strikes again. hehe. 
     
    - Decisions.Decisions.Decisions - there always are decisions that need to be made. Several bigger ones have made their appearance on the stage of possibilities lately. Praying for wisdom, discernment and clear leading from Jesus. Truly, I am rather contented where I am right now... so excited about slowing down, focusing on routine (ha, yes... now the holidays are coming.) consistency, getting to work on projects that have long been put on the to-do-waiting-list, growing in Jesus, reading good books, etc.etc.etc. But at the same time, I am praying Jesus will lead me to where He wants me and not just where I feel inclined. 
     
    In many ways, I feel like my life is at the turning point that many stories come to... the epoch of one's life. 
    The season in which one decision shall effect others for a considerable period of time (although I suppose one could argue that any decision at any point in time could effect one's life forever...) or perhaps it is better put, that decisions made now shall likely dictate the direction of the future. Jesus is at the helm.I am just sitting contentedly on deck until I receive further orders. Or perhaps more poetically, I am standing in the delightful path of life... awaiting for Jesus to tell me to move forward. 
     
    For now, I am contented to gaze upon the beauty around me... captured by the joy of knowing Jesus is my all in all.

    "Yea, the Lord will give that which is good." - Psalm 85:12a
     
    -KM

    PS - Learning short cuts on one's Mac is oh so helpful!!
    PPS - I found my new favorite spot in the world... well, kinda. I mean its my new "Jesus and Me" spot. Mhmmm!
    PPPS - Be on the look out for Mandie and Jacob's wedding post soooonnn!
    PPPPS - I can't get enough of worship lately. I found chords to this song and have been attempting to sing it without crying. So.good. 
    [Ok, I now feel like I am in grade school again... did any one else have "PS" wars with their letter writing friends when they were little!? hehe. Ah, yes.] 

     

November 3, 2011

  • [Love Stories]: Emily and Nick

    It was a beautiful day.
    She was a beautiful bride.
    He was completely in love.

    "Emily, you are so gorgeous!!!! And I mean that with all sincerity!" Nick exclaimed upon first seeing his bride. Moments later, and continually throughout the day, he would appeal to me: "Isn't she gorgeous, Kristi? Isn't she?" I would smile and nod, "Yes, she is, Nick." Emily giggling and telling him to stop it in response.

    I had the privilege of getting to know Emily and Nick during their engagement session back in the very.hot.month.of.July. They are such a kind and caring couple. Thoughtful and deep. So concerned about each other and their Jesus. I was really looking forward to their wedding. What a delightful fall day it was. Seriously, perfect. It was one of those "story book" kind of days. The colors were vibrant, smiles exuberant and the breeze caressing our faces... delightful! They also had the cutest little peoples in their wedding party!! 

    It was my second to last wedding for the year... wedding number seven. Wow. It was wonderful. Jesus centered weddings are always so delightful. 

    Meanwhile, it is November. It is November and I am still thinking its September. Yes, that is a slight problem. hehe. It is going to be a big month, so is December. Jesus has been preparing my heart, calling me to make changes, work on things and finish up projects. He is challenging and calling me to go deeper. One of those ways is joining one of my adopted brother's in "No Facebook November", Facebook is something the Lord has been challenging me on for a while and I have been contemplating what that looks like, so I am off for November and possibly longer. Praying about that. [So you will not have a nice link to extra images now.] In Bible Study, we are going over Acts... talk about convicting and challenging. Try the Apostle Paul on for size. Whew.  

    "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

    Jesus has been asking me to live things in deeper ways... to give up and let go. He always gives more than I give up. *smiles* Do I truly love Him with my whole heart, mind, soul and strength? Does my heart delight in Jesus more than things or people in this world? What thoughts does my heart love to focus on... is Jesus truly "my best thought by day or by night"? I have come to the point, yet again... of thinking through life, purpose and motives. How I long to bring Him glory and to make much of King Jesus. Anything I may sacrifice will be nothing in comparison to that, to His love, to the Gospel! Oh for more and more and more of Him. 

    "We may want God, but we want something else more, and we get what we want most." - A.W. Tozer
    -KM

     

     

November 2, 2011