Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
6.01.2011
Commitment
While in Tennessee on a working vacation with my family this Spring, I had the immense pleasure of photographing some dear friends one warm Spring evening. I've known Tim and Rachel since I was a teen, and have watched them as they have raised their five little kids, moved, and built a beautiful home (with the most amazing view!). Their commitment to one another is strong, quiet, and comforting. I love this picture I captured of them in their front field; to me it embodies who they are to a 't'!
11.27.2010
Not Your Ordinary Rollercoaster
The wind is rushing past, bringing involuntary tears to the corner of my eyes; I strive to hold my body core strong yet relaxed with the swift jerking of my body as we race over the track, bending this way, then that. The sounds of laughter are mixed with high pitched adrenaline filled screams. The pull of gravity is strong as we twist upside down, the weight of my body pushing my shoulders into the harness that is the only barrier between me and 60 feet of air and cement below. The pace slows as we reach a straightaway, my brain reminds my lungs to take another breath as I take a moment to pause and look around my surroundings. The moment I begin to relax and focus my attention on the world below, my body whiplashes as the speed jumps again to new highs; all my thoughts now concentrate on where I am and where I am headed. I strain my eyes to look at something other than the track we are eating up faster than I can blink, but everything is a blur. I release one of my hand's death grip off the harness, reaching out to grab the hand next to me, grateful that someone is beside me, that there is one thing that isn't blurring to oblivion; I look back and see the rows behind me filled with faces of friends and family, the ones I love, as we all race along the track at the same breakneck pace. In the face of a seemingly insane situation, my heart is pounding and yet I have peace. I know that the track will bring me safely home, that there is someone behind the controls, with numerous safety measures in place to keep everyone safe, and that there are many who have gone before me.
The difference between this ride and the one at Six Flags is the Maker of the ride, the Master of design; He fashioned my harness, my lifeline, by hand. He even fashioned me. He has His hands on the controls at all times, determining the speed at which we hurtle down the track. I know that NOTHING. not a single little bolt, screw, harness latch, or piece of track is out of place without His knowledge. The faith I have in the Maker is what keeps me from tearing my hair out when those blood curdling twists and turns show up on the track... the faith that I KNOW. that I know, that I know, that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) I take confidence that God will not allow hurt, pain, or chaos to come to my life without a purpose, because even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I will fear not therefore: I am of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
Lately my life has been on the twisty, crazy upside down part of the track... and it has been a challenge to keep calm and carry on in the midst of tummy flipping twists! My hair is mostly all still here, as I am pushed ever closer to lean on the one unshakable relationship I have. I am blessed with so many friends and family who are riding with me, but the only One who is completely steady and able to keep my heart is my Savior, the Maker of the ride. Sometimes when the ride gets bumpy and sways from side to side, all of us who are riding get jostled together and instead of leaning on each other, we gripe and whine about the bruises. But when I live for my Lord, instead of others it enables me to love those around me with a better, truer love. I know there are those who are on other parts of the track who don't have the support and friendship I am blessed with, which makes it poignantly clear to me how blessed I am to have the husband, children, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and countless friends I am so wealthy with. And gives me a heart of compassion for others who do not have the love surrounding them as I do.
When I took my sister to Tennessee on a photography business trip as "one last hoorah" together before her wedding and she got bit by a poisonous Brown Recluse spider and reacted very severely, I saw God's divine providence over us so very clearly by providing swift and successful natural treatment through many medical people in our path... we even managed to have a week long family vacation in Yosemite, followed by her wedding, only 19 days after being bit - she walked down that isle as radiant as she could be, with a wound smaller than a dime that was almost completely healed!
The morning after my sister's wedding we received a call that my sweet sister in law had gone into labor during the night, and my precious little nephew, Landon Scott, had been born almost full term but with complications. The next few days were another blurring twist on the tracks as we embraced God's infinite design of little Landon, who had Trisomy 18. We sang praises to the Lord of all creation as Landon left this earth for a better place. He ran his stint on the track and beat us to the finish. I can't wait to see him again someday!
Each time as another twist or surge in speed whipped my body as I raced through the last of August, all of September, and even most of October, I was amazed at how each and every moment God had perfectly timed. Every single time another major life change came, or the small things like kids with colds/puking/fevers, each of these was timed so perfectly that I knew He was giving me grace to pass through it. He only gave me what I could handle each day... if I leaned on Him, and the grace He gives freely.
I hope as I continue on life's twisting turns and miles of track that I will not ever forget this season, the joy mixed with heartache, hope, and a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
The difference between this ride and the one at Six Flags is the Maker of the ride, the Master of design; He fashioned my harness, my lifeline, by hand. He even fashioned me. He has His hands on the controls at all times, determining the speed at which we hurtle down the track. I know that NOTHING. not a single little bolt, screw, harness latch, or piece of track is out of place without His knowledge. The faith I have in the Maker is what keeps me from tearing my hair out when those blood curdling twists and turns show up on the track... the faith that I KNOW. that I know, that I know, that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) I take confidence that God will not allow hurt, pain, or chaos to come to my life without a purpose, because even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I will fear not therefore: I am of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
Lately my life has been on the twisty, crazy upside down part of the track... and it has been a challenge to keep calm and carry on in the midst of tummy flipping twists! My hair is mostly all still here, as I am pushed ever closer to lean on the one unshakable relationship I have. I am blessed with so many friends and family who are riding with me, but the only One who is completely steady and able to keep my heart is my Savior, the Maker of the ride. Sometimes when the ride gets bumpy and sways from side to side, all of us who are riding get jostled together and instead of leaning on each other, we gripe and whine about the bruises. But when I live for my Lord, instead of others it enables me to love those around me with a better, truer love. I know there are those who are on other parts of the track who don't have the support and friendship I am blessed with, which makes it poignantly clear to me how blessed I am to have the husband, children, mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and countless friends I am so wealthy with. And gives me a heart of compassion for others who do not have the love surrounding them as I do.
When I took my sister to Tennessee on a photography business trip as "one last hoorah" together before her wedding and she got bit by a poisonous Brown Recluse spider and reacted very severely, I saw God's divine providence over us so very clearly by providing swift and successful natural treatment through many medical people in our path... we even managed to have a week long family vacation in Yosemite, followed by her wedding, only 19 days after being bit - she walked down that isle as radiant as she could be, with a wound smaller than a dime that was almost completely healed!
The morning after my sister's wedding we received a call that my sweet sister in law had gone into labor during the night, and my precious little nephew, Landon Scott, had been born almost full term but with complications. The next few days were another blurring twist on the tracks as we embraced God's infinite design of little Landon, who had Trisomy 18. We sang praises to the Lord of all creation as Landon left this earth for a better place. He ran his stint on the track and beat us to the finish. I can't wait to see him again someday!
Each time as another twist or surge in speed whipped my body as I raced through the last of August, all of September, and even most of October, I was amazed at how each and every moment God had perfectly timed. Every single time another major life change came, or the small things like kids with colds/puking/fevers, each of these was timed so perfectly that I knew He was giving me grace to pass through it. He only gave me what I could handle each day... if I leaned on Him, and the grace He gives freely.
I hope as I continue on life's twisting turns and miles of track that I will not ever forget this season, the joy mixed with heartache, hope, and a peace that truly surpasses all understanding.
11.23.2009
Jude {9.9.09}
Through a twist of events, I was attending her 15th birthday party even though we'd merely briefly met a few days prior. When she opened her gifts to reveal the newest craze in perfume, "Tommy Girl" and a bunch of cute clothes, I knew we were going to be great friends! Yes, I do judge a girl's personality by her clothes and the perfume she wears! Don't laugh, you do it too! Elizabeth and I did hit it off that day, despite the fact that I crashed her birthday party. We have now traveled many miles of our life roads together, and each milestone that comes has been hidden in my heart's keepsake box of memories. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding in 2003; then her wedding 2 years ago was one of the most original and beautiful weddings I've been to... not a detail overlooked! This September, Liz and her husband Andrew welcomed what is probably one of the biggest milestones in life can bring... a BABY! Jude Martin was a few days late, but only because he chose to make his appearance on one of the coolest dates around these days... 9.9.9!
When little Jude was 3 weeks old I spent some time with him and his beautiful mommy... what a sweet thing it is to hang out with such a tiny person! It was so special for me to watch my friend, no longer the cute 15 year old but now a beautiful mother, whisper sweet things in her small son's ear, hush his little cries, and look at him as only a mother could!
Li'l Jude did a fantastic job modeling for these pictures - I hope you enjoy them, because he worked it hard! :)
ln~
When little Jude was 3 weeks old I spent some time with him and his beautiful mommy... what a sweet thing it is to hang out with such a tiny person! It was so special for me to watch my friend, no longer the cute 15 year old but now a beautiful mother, whisper sweet things in her small son's ear, hush his little cries, and look at him as only a mother could!
Li'l Jude did a fantastic job modeling for these pictures - I hope you enjoy them, because he worked it hard! :)
ln~
8.30.2009
Real People
His twinkling eyes betray the laughter living inside and her huge ready grin that spreads all the way up to squeeze her eyes almost shut are some of the greatest reasons I love to hang out with Mike and Debi Pearl! They have the greatest sense of humor, and I love all the hilarious (and true!) stories they both come up with!
Their daughter Shoshanna and I met years ago, at what some would call a "chance meeting" - both of us over a thousand miles from our homes... but it was kindred spirits from the first moment! Debi actually met me first and called Shoshanna over to introduce us, sensing that we would be a great match for friendship. Since that day over 11 years ago, Shoshanna and I have traded visits, gone on cross country road trips, and had a whole ton of fun doing it all!
I love that their family is genuine, real, and down-to-earth... not changing their way of life with the opportunities of ease they could have chosen with their busy schedule heading up their large ministry, No Greater Joy. Instead they have delegated, and have a wonderful team of people who do much of the business side, which enables them to direct and write articles while still living a "real" life... using their own hands to do gardening (to eat, not just to look at), build things (such as houses and wood mills), clean house, and spend time together.
While visiting this Spring to do some photography work for Shoshanna and her husband James' business, the Bulk Herb Store, we crammed in some time one Sunday morning before church to do some relaxed photos of her family with her parents. They also wanted to document the amazing house that Mike is currently building for his bride at the top of their property... with almost a 360 degree view! Mike hauled all the rock up there with James, after digging each one out of an old abandoned quarry; he is cutting each one to fit in it's special place. Each portion of the foundation is amazing and custom fitted to showcase the beauty of each rock. It is beautiful, and it is being built by a big old mountain man, who lives his life for real and won't slow down!
Their daughter Shoshanna and I met years ago, at what some would call a "chance meeting" - both of us over a thousand miles from our homes... but it was kindred spirits from the first moment! Debi actually met me first and called Shoshanna over to introduce us, sensing that we would be a great match for friendship. Since that day over 11 years ago, Shoshanna and I have traded visits, gone on cross country road trips, and had a whole ton of fun doing it all!
I love that their family is genuine, real, and down-to-earth... not changing their way of life with the opportunities of ease they could have chosen with their busy schedule heading up their large ministry, No Greater Joy. Instead they have delegated, and have a wonderful team of people who do much of the business side, which enables them to direct and write articles while still living a "real" life... using their own hands to do gardening (to eat, not just to look at), build things (such as houses and wood mills), clean house, and spend time together.
While visiting this Spring to do some photography work for Shoshanna and her husband James' business, the Bulk Herb Store, we crammed in some time one Sunday morning before church to do some relaxed photos of her family with her parents. They also wanted to document the amazing house that Mike is currently building for his bride at the top of their property... with almost a 360 degree view! Mike hauled all the rock up there with James, after digging each one out of an old abandoned quarry; he is cutting each one to fit in it's special place. Each portion of the foundation is amazing and custom fitted to showcase the beauty of each rock. It is beautiful, and it is being built by a big old mountain man, who lives his life for real and won't slow down!
5.11.2009
James & Shoshanna's Family
I have so many different photo shoots to share that Shoshanna had lined up for me a few weeks ago and hope anyone doesn't get bored with all the photos - I certainly haven't tired of looking at all the fun! James & Shoshanna wanted to get some fun, creative family portraits done with their awesome son, Jeremiah... so fun and creative we got! :)
Shoshanna inherited a genuine antique Louis Vuitton trunk from her grandmother, and wanted to incorporate that into their session. Using the trunk as the inspiration, we kind of went with a 1950's vibe. This amazing girl also designs dresses, including the adorable two you see in this session and the dress she wore for her photos with James in my last post! Enjoy!
~len
Shoshanna inherited a genuine antique Louis Vuitton trunk from her grandmother, and wanted to incorporate that into their session. Using the trunk as the inspiration, we kind of went with a 1950's vibe. This amazing girl also designs dresses, including the adorable two you see in this session and the dress she wore for her photos with James in my last post! Enjoy!
~len
5.06.2009
James & Shoshanna
Their eyes sparkle and smile at each other, speaking silent words of mutual love and happiness. James cares and provides for Shoshanna's every need, while she in turn lavishly pours on the praise and devotion openly and with great pride. Witnessing the two of them interact and seeing one of my best friends happily live out her life with the man of her dreams makes me so happy! :)
I count myself blessed to have witnessed their wedding 5 years ago next month, and to see them today, more happy than ever!
We only had about 5 minutes or less while waiting for some friends when I asked Shoshanna & James to grace the lens of my camera for some sweet lovey dovey photos. I think they are happy they did! The dogwoods blooming in the background are so lovely here, the perfect fairytale touch on such a great love story, don't you think?!
(To learn more about James and Shoshanna's herb business, click here.)
~len
I count myself blessed to have witnessed their wedding 5 years ago next month, and to see them today, more happy than ever!
We only had about 5 minutes or less while waiting for some friends when I asked Shoshanna & James to grace the lens of my camera for some sweet lovey dovey photos. I think they are happy they did! The dogwoods blooming in the background are so lovely here, the perfect fairytale touch on such a great love story, don't you think?!
(To learn more about James and Shoshanna's herb business, click here.)
~len
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