H Family Photo, Fox River, Elgin, IL

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt...
        ~Dave Barnes 'God Gave Me You'


What I've Learned: Blessings Reverberate.
Happy September, dear Reader!  Last week, while praying for guidance and God's wisdom as I prepare to shoot my first wedding in October, I felt Him nudging me to contact a few friends via Facebook and offer them free family portraits in exchange for the chance to practice shooting with my new gear.  I was super excited when all three agreed. 

Casual Couple's Shot

 This past Sunday, Brother (my official photography assistant) and I went to a service at the Joy River Baptist Church, in Elgin.  Joy River is 'home church' for VH, a dear high school friend that I haven't seen in over 15 years.  She invited us to the service and we arranged to shoot photos with her, her husband and their three adorable children after that.  After some wonderful fellowship and a great message given by Rev. Cynthia Hill, we walked outside and down to the newly re-landscaped banks of the Fox River in downtown Elgin. 

Love is a fine thing.

Brother, who was very professional and helpful, assisted in getting everyone posed and smiling broadly.  Then I got into the 'photo zone' and just enjoyed using my gear to capture the H family's natural joy.  What a pleasure!  Afterwards, I thanked my friend, promised to drop by her bible study later in the week and went home to see what kind of shots I'd gotten.  After working the editing magic, I was very pleased with the resulting 25 photos.  Here are my very favorites from that batch for your enjoyment, Reader.

Soon to be tickled...

 What a blessing this opportunity turned out to be!  Not only did I get to take (and give) great photos, but also got the chance to reconnect with my friend and build a wonderful new friendship--as Christian women.  I went to VH's bible study earlier this evening and found that God has provided an ideal opportunity for me to study His word with like-minded fellow believers.  The blessings of that simple request for a photo op continue to reverberate through the new lives I'm encountering and certainly, my own. Can't wait to see where they will lead next!

In Love

         
There’s more here than what we're seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me...
          ~Dave Barnes 'God Gave Me You'

Say you are well, or all is well with you,
And God shall hear your words and make them true.
~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Today's Joy: A Quiet Evening at Home.
As my appointment book fills up with holiday-related engagements over the coming weeks, a quiet evening at home suddenly seems precious. So, Reader, here I am on the couch, enjoying the glow of the Christmas tree with a pleasantly full tummy. You'd never know it's bitterly cold outside my window. Tucked in safe & warm, I'm blissfully content and feeling very blessed.

When I think of all the things others are facing on this December night that (God willing) I will never have to, I'm deeply grateful for the life I've been given and the people I share it with. Am looking forward to praying tonight for those in need, those in pain and those who aren't as fortunate this holiday season. May God ease their burdens and dwell in their hearts during this blessed season.

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back. ~ Arthur Rubinstein

Quotes courtesy of the Quote Garden.

Soup Course, Thanksgiving Dinner, November 25th, 2010

Today's Joy: Thanksgiving Dinner with the Family.
Reader, I've been looking forward to this Thanksgiving holiday for weeks. A whole lot of planning & delegating resulted in the most relaxed Turkey Day ever. Every dish that came out of the kitchen was perfectly done & more delish than the last. Had a wonderful time visiting with everyone--I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So many blessings to be thankful for!


Table Setting



Plate Of Joy
(clockwise from top: greenbean casserole, yukon gold mashed potatoes w/gravy, mussels, stuffing, oyster stuffing, scallop & shrimp scampi (center), cornbread & turkey)


Place Setting

Enjoying Old Photos

Buffet & Serving Pieces

Today's Joy: A Debt Paid Off.
Waited all weekend, Reader and finally, the car loan company deducted my last truck payment this morning. Hallelujah! My truck is paid off!! It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but once it does, I will be jumping around and waving my arms in a most unseemly way. Can't wait until the title comes in the mail, with my name printed on it! What an incredible feeling to know I did it and now that big Dodge Ram (my dream vehicle) is really all mine. Four years of hard work and making payments have definitely paid off!

Thank you, Lord for bringing me this wonderfully reliable vehicle in the first place and for the good friend who made it possible to purchase it. I feel so blessed!

Today's Joy: Cultivating A New Friendship.
Had a wonderful day, Reader. Spent the day with a new friend, SH, from my church community group. We went to Sephora to redeem my birthday coupon for a fabulous eyecare set and then meandered through a few clothing stores before eating a lovely lunch at Panera Bread on the patio and discussing this week's group session, which we will be leading together.

What a lovely day! I really enjoyed getting to know SH a little better. We had a ball bonding over sequined tops, turquoise rings and a zillion fun things at Home Goods. Once our shopping fix had been satisfied, talk turned to the spiritual and personal. Am really enjoying sharing my spiritual journey with others who are also walking their own newly-found path with God. I feel His presence strongly in those moments, and His delight in our efforts to be closer to Him. It's a sensation that is difficult to explain. At the same time, it's deeply fulfilling.

Hurray for new relationships (both earthly and transcendent). May they continue to bring long-lasting blessings to all the lives around us.

Today's Joy: Getting A Raise.
I was hard at work this morning, Reader, when my boss called to tell me they are changing the title of my fledgling position from Data Entry Clerk to POS Coordinator--and I'm getting a pay raise. Woo-hoo! This position has been such a blessing! Have only been with the company for a little over two months (just started full-time a couple weeks ago) and now I'm getting a nice-sized raise.

"Christmas comes early!" My boss joked. It's really wonderful to be surrounded by great people in such a supportive environment. I've never enjoyed a job as much as I do this one.

Of course, I have God to thank entirely. It was His voice I felt nudging me to look online at a particular website within hours of this job being posted there. It was His guidance I listened for during both my interviews and His will working through others that created such a great opportunity for me. I have prayed often for guidance on how to do this job to the best of my ability. And it's through Him that more incredible things continue to happen.

He has become more real to me through this process than at any other time in my life. I feel as if I can take risks and put all of myself out there in this situation because I know, whatever happens, God is there and He's guiding me. Being afraid is suddenly and simply irrelevant. As far as 'AHA' Moments go, this one's a doozy.

There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience. ~French Proverb

Today's Joy: Clearing the Air & Honoring Someone Else.
Made a phone call tonite, Reader, to say a few things that needed to be said. Took ownership of a few of my mistakes and offered forgiveness for someone else's. Not exactly what I thought I'd be doing tonight when I woke up this morning. But God works in wonderfully unpredictable ways and you can't ever tell when he's gonna drop something heavy enough on your heart that you just know those words need to be delivered now. Following His direction means taking a risk and stepping out in what you believe. Still, I'm glad I listened and said my piece.

I know God will use this experience in the lives around me as well as my own to teach lessons that will prepare us for what's to come. He has already blessed me so incredibly! I can't imagine what He has in store next and can't wait to find out!

When He puts a directive like that on your heart, Reader, take that leap. Do what you know deep down is the right thing--that which will work healing in another's life as well as your own. In honoring them, you are honoring God too.

Purple Passion Flower


Today's Joy: Blessings in the Garden.
As I was tootling around outside this morning, watering flowers with my flying pig watering can, I had an epiphany, Reader. It occurred to me that not only was this an absolutely lovely summer for the garden, with plenty of rain, sun and prime growing conditions, but also that God has fulfilled every single plant fantasy we've had this year. Seems like everything about which we've wistfully said, Gee, it would be really nice to have one of these or someday we'll have to try growing that has come true. And nearly all have been a great bargain.


Gerbera Daisy

While taking stock of the myriad of exotic and interesting plant species we have acquired this season, I realized that all my favorite flowers are present. Outside, there are double-ruffled petunias (in two colors), a little pot of fiber optic grass, another of that wonderful Curly Wurly stuff (which just makes me smile), several gorgeous shades of gerbera daisies, a vibrant bunch of celosia, some of that bright green steppable Scottish moss, a big hanging basket full of begonias, a passion flower plant, a lovely new hibiscus tree Aunt found on sale (with unique, double-ruffled apricot flowers) as well as several varieties of yummy herbs.


Paphiopedilum (Lady's Slipper) Orchid


Inside, we currently have four phalaenopsis orchids in bloom in addition to my little paph. hybrid (pictured above), whose flower has been open since May. Seems like everywhere I look, there's something wonderful blossoming.



Foxtail


Have also really enjoyed watching the garden evolve thru the season. The daffodils and grape hyacinth were adorable this spring. According to Aunt, the magnolias put on their best show in years. At their peak, the delphiniums put out breathtaking, five foot-tall flower stalks absolutely jammed with bright blue and purple blossoms. And now the foxtails, lilies and hydrangea are taking center stage. It's just delightful to step outside and inhale the scent of chamomile, dill & oregano in the herb garden or see the bumbles and gold finches landing lazily on flowers or euonymus in the back yard. Kind of like paradise.


Boot Garden

Thank you, Lord, for this gorgeous garden and glorious growing season. We are ever mindful, as we plant, tend, weed and harvest, what a blessing these living things are. May the joy they bring be contagious and spill over into the lives of our friends & neighbors. Amen.


Delphinium

Begonia

Passion Flower with Blossom Open

Lilies
Originally uploaded by Fresh Lens Photography

Today's Joy: More Good Stuff.
Happy Thursday, Reader. I had the day off and made good use of my time. Am now feeling very satisfied and ready to get back to work tomorrow. Am also feeling very blessed.

So here's a list of the blessings that I noted today:

• Kind and loving words from Aunt Chef.
• A nice conversation with Mom. And we made plans for the weekend.
• Finally got a chance to catch up with Aunt.
• Baked cookies today and got to share them--love to spread joy to tummies everywhere!
• A job well-done. For some reason, was particularly proud of my stall-cleaning effort this morning. It's nice to take pride in your work, however insignificant it might seem.
• Having some of Uncle & Aunt Chef's cottage bacon for breakfast--feel pretty darn blessed to be able to eat something they take such pride and ownership in.
• Lots of opportunities for extra income. Every bit helps!
• Just having another day on the Earth to make a difference!

What blessings did you notice today, Reader? If you didn't take the time to find some, do so now. Was there anything illuminating? Anything that just made you feel good? Did you do something that made someone else's day better? Did someone do that for you? Did God answer a prayer?

If you don't already, take a few moments each night before you close your eyes and think of three things that are good in your life. Go to sleep surrounded by a feeling of gratitude. You'll be surprised what it will do.

Aunt's sundial.

"The kiss of the sun for pardon,

The song of the birds for mirth,

One is nearer to God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on Earth." ~ Dorothy Frances Gurney

Today's Joy: A List of Good Things.

It was an ordinary Saturday, Reader. But as the hours passed, I made a mental list of all the good things I found on this 12th day of June in the year of our Lord, 2010. I present it to you in hopes that it will inspire you to make your own mental list of the good stuff in your life. Cheers!

Today's Good Stuff:

• Dark Chocolate cappuccino


• a brand new issue of Victoria Magazine


• sherbet-colored pj's


• sleepy-eyed orange tiger cats


• wearing my galoshes to work


• lush country commutes


• cornfields that are already almost knee-high


• being of use & making a customer's day


• receiving a genuine smile & a handshake


• singing along with K-Love on the way home


• spending some quality time with God


• fussing over new plants in the garden


• getting the DVD player to work for the first time


• watching the BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia


• taking a nap


• sitting down to blog and have my daily conversation with you, Reader!

Aunt's incomparable Aurora Blue delphiniums.

Today's Joy: Those Things God Provides.
Uh-oh, Reader. Woke up this morning with all the classic symptoms of a UTI. I began to panic a tad when I thought about the bills coming due this week and now an added health expenditure. Opened my mouth to complain, but then remembered my week-long No Grumbling, No Complaining Challenge and held my tongue.

Aunt said,"Maybe it's a test." I suspected she was right, so instead of being afraid & whining about bad timing, I told God I knew he had this covered and I would wait for the solution to present itself. Then I called Mom, who works in the healthcare industry, for some advice. Long story short, that call led to an inexpensive physician-approved solution. Hurray! Thanks to Mom & God for taking good care of me.

This got me thinking about all the ways God provides for us each day that we take for granted. When I get in my truck each morning to go to work, I turn the key in the ignition and expect my vehicle to work. An hour before that, I turn on the faucet and get in the shower, expecting hot, running water. 20 minutes before that, I put a mug of cold water in the microwave and expect I will get hot water for my coffee. And every night, I go to bed taking for granted that I'll wake up the next morning. I have hundreds of expectations like this throughout the day. And if just one of them doesn't happen, it can throw the whole day out of whack. How utterly my daily life depends on God! Without Him, nothing would work or even exist at all.

Sometimes it's good just to keep that in mind, when the day runs smoothly and I'm still peeved about some little insignificant problem. After all, if it's important, He's gonna fix it. And if He doesn't, it's probably not that big a deal, anyway.


Delphiniums are huge this year!



Blossom Detail.

Stepping out into Aunt's garden reminds me of something else He provides: all the beauty in our daily lives. All those deep sighs of contentment--whether they happen when you get home from a long day at work, or when you take time out of your day to stop and have lunch by a pond, or when you step out of your house and feel blessed to be surrounded by so many gorgeous living things. Of course, there's also those 2 and four-legged beings moving around your life. They may not always be pretty, but they are beautiful.

Go forth this weekend, Reader, and take a moment to look around your life at all we take for granted. Say a little thank you for all those blessings. I'll be right there with you.


Stalks are over 4 feet tall!

Cozy coral roses.

Yellow Lilies at Sundown.

Today's Joy: Freedom & A Sunday Morning Trail Ride.
It was so lovely this morning, Reader, to forego all the fancy show trappings of the last few days and just get the horses out for some fun at the forest preserve. It was warm (high 80's) and beautiful at the Cook County-Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve in Barrington, IL. We were quite the entourage with 5 carts & buggies and 4 people on horseback.

As it was Memorial Day weekend, I couldn't help thinking, as we laughed and rolled over hill and dale and through the backwoods, how blessed we are as Americans. The sacrifices of innumerable men and women throughout our country's history have made it possible for us to spend this carefree morning in the country, not worrying about our personal safety, or a corrupt government, or religious persecution, or if we'll have enough to eat tonight.

It's so important to remember how we got here. And equally important to recognize the people who give up so much so that we can continue to live this amazing life. I pray that God brings hope, joy and peace to those who are called to serve and to their families. They are doing sacred work.

Here, for your enjoyment, Reader, are a few shots of our wonderful day on the trail. More trail ride highlights are available here. I can't think of a better way to honor and celebrate the sacrifices of our forefathers & mothers and of our dedicated military than to get out and really live! What are you going to do today in celebration of all you're blessed with?


Little Man, Cousin & the Divine Ms. "M" on the trail.


Julie & Breezy, Serious Trail Riders.

Follow the leader.

Stay to the right!

Grace & Norma come up over the hill.

Uncle & Ginger coming up the hill.

Little Man hitches a ride with Aunt.

Waiting for stragglers.

Ginger meets the water obstacle.

One look and she's an old pro.

Elated smile or terrified? You decide.

Taking a break in the shade.

Cathy & Harry traverse the water.

Charge taking the plunge.

Just chillin'.

Uncle, Driving Portrait.

Today's Joy: Texas Is In Town.

Reader, I am so excited to have one of my dear friends from Texas up for a visit this week! She's on her way abroad for an eastern European missions trip and called last week to see if she might drop by en route. Of course, I said YES! It's so wonderful to have her here. Almost like being back in Dallas. While I'm very happy to be home, I do miss all the great people I met during my stay in the Lone Star State.

I love it when God gifts us lovely and unexpected moments we never thought to pray for! Just proof that he knows what we need to fulfill our hearts. What surprise blessings has He granted you lately, Reader? What needs has He fulfilled that you didn't even realize you had?

Photo: My dear friend, S, at the Grapevine Botanic Garden, Grapevine, TX, October, 2009.

Joy is the will which labors, which overcomes obstacles, which knows triumph.
~ William Butler Yeats

Today's Joy: Opportunities As Blessings.
Reader, it's a good day. Had another interview today (new company). I think it went well, will know in the next day or so if I'll be called back for a second round. It looks like an excellent opportunity. With the job market so competitive, I'm feeling blessed just to have back-to-back interviews this week. Thank You, God!

Then, tonight, I open up my email and find my photo notecards and bookmarks have been accepted into a juried art show (my first!) scheduled for late July. Hurray! What a wonderful creative opportunity! My mind is all a-whir with plans for the next 2 & 1/2 months. Will need to increase my inventory, add collections (diversify, diversify, diversify!) & will need to acquire my own display equipment. But I'm not going to worry about it tonight--God will provide!

O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'
Isaiah 30:19-21

Isn't it amazing how we are blessed when we follow the path He puts before us? Of course, there will be setbacks and difficulties to overcome. But that's simply the price we pay for what is most worth having. If you're on the fence about doing something, Reader, or if you just aren't sure what would be accomplished by tackling that little thing you've been wanting to try, put in the effort. Pray about it. Meditate on it. Ask for guidance. If after that, the obstacles in your mind have diminished at all--move forward. Do it! Put that positive energy out there! Even if it isn't successful, you will get back so much more than you hoped for.

Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart.
~ Myla Kabat-Zinn

Problems are only opportunities in work clothes. ~ Henry J. Kaiser

Quotes courtesy of motivationalquotes.com.

Photo: Me, In The Creative Process, May, 2010.

"Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees."

- Robert Frost, A Prayer in Spring

Today's Joy: Gratitude & Spring Sunshine.

It's one of those quiet days, Reader, when nothing extraordinary happens. A little peace on a warm afternoon--the perfect time to take stock and count blessings. I'm grateful for windows that roll down, yellow shirts paired with pink-n-orange scarves, homemade potato salad, dinner with loved ones, listening to Aunt read from the latest issue of Victoria Magazine and fat, orange tom cats crabbing because they're ready for bed. It's after seven at night, I'm drinking Limeade and the sun hasn't gone down yet. Yep, a darn good spring day!

"What delights us in the spring is more a sensation than an appearance, more a hope than any visible reality. There is something in the softness of the air, in the lengthening of the days, in the very sounds and odors of the sweet time, that caresses us and consoles us after the rigorous weeks of winter."- Philip Gilbert Hamerton

"I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face. "

- Langston Hughes

Quotes courtesy of the Green Way Blog, by Mike Garofalo.

Photo: Earring Detail, Chaplin Creek Re-enactment, Franklin Grove, IL, June, 2008.