When an image speaks to you…

While reviewing images from a recent wedding I came across this photo and almost deleted it. For some reason the file was corrupt which turned everything dark … everything … except the cross. My first instinct was to delete it since it was ‘corrupt’ but then I paused and looked at it a little closer. At that moment I felt that the Lord was reminding me of an important truth … in a world that is filled with so much darkness we need Christ’s light more than ever.  I then had to ask myself if I’m doing anything to shine His light in this world. I think I’ll keep a copy of this photo in my office as a daily reminder  

Dance Recital

My niece Lily just completed her first year of ballet lessons and performed in a dance recital that was beyond adorable. Here is my little star

And a few more cute dancers…

More photos from the dance recital can be viewed HERE

 

Sunny California

I just got home from visiting my friend Emi in California and had such a blast getting to catch up with her. Emi and her husband are both amazing photographers (Evoke Photography) so of course we ‘talked shop’ throughout the week. We haven’t talked all that much since she moved to California 8 years ago but the second she met me at the airport we just seemed to pick up where we left off.  I love friends like that!

One afternoon we cruised over to Santa Monica to walk the pier. As I look out my window from home and see snow falling… I can only dream of being back in sunny California 

This one man band was quite the entertainment!

Only Emi could make these glasses look so good!

 

The greatest Love Letter ever written

When I was a youth group leader at my church I used to love spending time with ‘my girls’ around Valentine’s Day.  We would laugh about how immature the high school boys were and then compare their so called love to the love that we receive from our Heavenly Father.  Even the boys who have matured will never be able to live up to that kind of love. To this day I still like to take a step back on Valentine’s Day and consider how incredible it is to have a loving Savior who will pour out his AMAZING Love to me every second of every day, whether I choose to acknowledge it or not.

In honor of Valentines Day… here are some cliff notes from the greatest love letter ever written (the Bible)

I am a precious treasure in God’s eyes. My worth is priceless to him and he has overcome all obstacles so our love could be made perfect.

He is gracious and his blessings are abundant.  He is gentle and loving and never ceases to amaze me with the beautiful gifts he gives me everyday.

He says that He will never leave me. He protects me and guards me.

He knows my heart better than anyone and has given me a desire to know and seek Him.

He cares for me with a love unlike any other and gave his own life so that we may be together for all eternity.

He pursued me, even when I ran from him. He looked deep into my eyes and whispered his unconditional love, grace, and forgiveness into my life.

He knows everything I have ever done or will ever do, knows every hair on my head, every thought before I say it. He has seen me at my worst, and knows the depths of my heart and loves me the same.

My cup runneth over when I am in his presence. He lets me come to him any time I want, calls for me and rejoices when I do.

He writes a love letter to me everyday, and whether I choose to read it or not, he continues to shower me with his letters and his words of ultimate love, healing, compassion and grace.

His heart breaks when mine breaks and He holds me by my right hand, and leads me on the straight path.

He gives me breath, a beautiful sunrise and sunset, and shows me the beauty that he created for me every day. Flowers and candy have no meaning when I see what he has created for those he loves.

He has set my heart free from this world and allowed me to be overwhelmed, fulfilled and at peace with him alone.

He has opened my eyes to true love, and in him I am satisfied.  

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

(Love Letter notes courtesy of Tera Shelton)

 

Let it snow let it snow let it snow

I hope everyone is staying safe and warm while we enjoy this crazy weather! Here is a glimpse of what I am enjoying at my house. 

Abby absolutely loooooves the snow – I am suprised she sat still long enough for me to snap this photo of her with a santa beard. ho ho ho!

While I was at my neighbors today I asked if she would like to take some photos with her daughter in the snow. I don’t know why I would have ever expected these two to take ‘normal’ mother daughter photos 

Is anyone else craving hot chocolate after looking at these?