Verse of the Week

This week's verse that has resonated with me has been Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is far too easy to become distracted with everyday circumstances, but this verse reminds me that I can let go of feeling like I have to be in control of every little thing. Because in the end, it's ultimately in God's hands anyway and He has far more awe-inspiring plans for my life than I could ever imagine on my own.

Location Wishlist

I know that if I write down my ideal photoshoot locations, then I'll be more likely to actually put some effort into making it happen. Here's a list of the "ideals" and I'll definitely add to the list periodically.

• Train stations and the classic "track" shot
• Farmhouse and Barn-I can already hear Reba in the background...
• Basketball Court and someone slam dunking
• A field of Sunflowers
• Emeryville Warehouses
• Baseball Stadium
• Empty Indoor Parking Garage-sounds strange, but I've seen some great shots here before
• Graffitied Walls -my ultimate favorite!
• Airport

Study Hall: Post-Processing Software

I always get super jazzed when I find a website that is informative and sooo easy to follow. One day on one of my searches, I came across Patty Reiser from This Digital Life. I sent her a question about presets using Photoshop Elements because this is what I have to work with right now. She kindly and ever so quickly sent me a reply back with the most savvy suggestions. Thanks to Patty and her Tuesday Tutorials, I am now a bit more informed on Photoshop, Lightroom, and Watermarks. Thanks Patty!

Photographer Spotlight: Jules Bianchi

It all started with scouring over photographer websites for my sister's wedding three years ago. My mom and I kept coming across photographers that had good work, but nothing that really stood out UNTIL we came across Jules Bianchi. Long story short, we all met and her funky, original, and spectacular style stood out and we were all sold. Jules and Joy ended up shooting my sister's wedding and ever since then we've been two of her top blog fans. So much so, that when Jules had her new studio grand opening-Jules Bianchi Photograhy Bay Area Studios, guess who showed up to support? Yep, my sister and I were there and can say that we have first-hand experience with the JoyCam...don't be jealous.

Tears and Cheers

TEARS & CHEERS

Every week has its share of highs and not so highs. So, in an attempt to find memorable humor in life's happenings, I'm starting a weekly Tears & Cheers Section. So, here goes to this week's winners...

Tears-Dealing with student loans over the phone, ughhh! Loving the fact that I have a "classic" car, but not loving the pricey bill to keep it working.

Cheers-Major applause goes to storms that literally last for a day and sunshine clear mornings the very next day, bunnies (what can I say, sometimes when I ask God for a sign, it can come in unexpected things), growth groups that refresh my spirit and soul, episodes of Holidate, and library book sales where I was able to buy a Kaua'i book for a buck! Wahooo! :)

Security...Lay it Down

This faith walk that I've been on lately has been quite the revelation. The only reason for tonight's post is so that I remember this particular revelation and not let it pass me by. I had a slightly unexpected pricey bill come my way today and had the crashing realization that I had felt pretty "cushy" until this blow to my current stash. In this moment of rushing heaviness, I was met with the reality that I had based my security not on God alone, but on what I monetarily posssessed on my own. This lesson was definitely not a pleasant one, but appreciative nonetheless for the reminder that God is truly my only security and the worries that can come with having "seemingly" less need to be laid down at the cross of Jesus Christ. For only through, with, and in him does my true security lie. So, Jesus my troubles, I lay em down to you.

Sacred Echoes

So, I just finished this incredible study by Margaret Feinberg called the Sacred Echo and it was pretty awesome. It is about how God can speak to us through repetition, but only if we're attentively listening and open to his whispers that echo through his word, wise counsel, or through random conversation. I sooh yearn for God's voice in my life to be the guiding light through every waking moment, thought and action. But because I can get so caught up in this life being about me instead of being about Him, this study was beyond a welcome refreshment. I'd like to continue on with this theme of Sacred Echoes and keep track of the things that God is speaking to me through his whispering echoes.

As I write, the song that has become this season's theme song, "What Do I Know of Holy" is on in the background by Addison Road and I've started to consider it my special song between God and I. In my life, I really feel that God uses songs to speak to me the loudest and when I'm at my most broken points, He reaches me and reminds me of his outstretched arm that is always in a constant embrace over me. So, thank you Lord for the constant reminders of your power, grace, and constant love that cover me always.