Photo 365 01.07.11

A photo of dear hubby in his office at work. :)

ct|women's article

My contribution for the February/March edition...

Well, it’s February and parents, you know what that means! It’s an opportune time to talk to your teenagers about dating and relationships. At least, that will be the topic we’ll be covering in shift the coming weeks. Even though we will be discussing this in youth, it’s crucial to that you don’t neglect your responsibility as a parent in this important area of life training.

So as a parent of a teenager, where do you begin?

Get a Biblical perspective. Be reading the Word, consult it on matters of sexuality. There are many great verses that map out very clear directions on ‘keeping you from the immoral woman’ and ‘rejoicing in the wife of your youth’, ‘fleeing from sexual impurity’ and of course, ‘anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ The Bible is a road map for every area of our lives, including sexuality, but like any good map, you need to study it to reach your intended destination.

Here are some tips to help you broach this difficult subject.

Bring the Holy Spirit into the conversation with you. Pray about how God wants you to speak to your children, to give you discernment when and how to discuss matters, and what depth to go to. Information about sexual relations can be heavy baggage for a young person to carry, so as parents we must ascertain how much they need to know and when is the right time to discuss particulars. At the same time, consider that your teenager is being bombarded with the world’s message of sexuality all the time. We both know that the world’s message is quite different than God’s. The world is shouting their message, how timidly are you representing Gods?

Realize that this will not be a one time conversation. I hate the term ‘The Talk’ because it implies that it’s a single, harrowing experience for both teenager and parent. Having one conversation about sex with your teenager and thinking you’ve educated them completely is like having them read a paragraph about parachuting and deciding they are ready for their first solo jump from an airplane. You may have had notes and covered everything, but your young person may not remember one thing from that first conversation because they are so stunned by the subject matter! When do any of us listen and learn the first time we hear something? You will need to start early, talk clearly, and talk often. I tell my children they can tell me anything and we’ll talk about everything. We’ve done this since they were toddlers, so they know within the four walls of our home, any topic is open for discussion.

Set clear boundaries for your teenager and hold them accountable. Again, it’s important to remember that the world’s message of sexuality is loud and constant. We need strategize for success for our teenagers. Make an agreement with your teenager on guidelines for them to follow such as; group dating only, specific curfew times, modest clothing requirements. Guidelines give your teenager a sense of security and a clear understanding of your expectations. Hold them accountable to these guidelines. If they want adult privileges such as dating or makeup or phone calls with the opposite sex, they need to behave in an adult way, respecting the boundaries you have established and they have agreed to. Give them a clear end–goal; reaching the altar with purity intact, and honoring God a lifestyle of integrity.

References; Proverbs 1:6:24, Proverbs 5:18, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Matthew 5:28

Scrapbook Pages

About five of these are from this past week at home. A few are from earlier in December.

photo 365 01.05.11

You should have seen me trying to juggle two huge Nikons to get this shot. :)

Photo 365 01.04.11

a little classy Nerdom for you. We got these 3d glasses before Christmas and this photo was begging to be taken. Rob is too cool for nerdy glasses.

Random Light Tests

Borrowed a few new photog books from the library today, and perused quite a few in Barnes and Noble as well. Discovered that my flash has greater wireless capability than I had originally realized so of course I had to go home and test it!! These are just a few snapshots as I was playing with the off-camera flash. (I had one child hold the flash while the other sat for the photo, child labor)

PS - the black and white is my fave of the day!

photo 365 01.03.11

Playing with the self-timer on my d300. (which I ADORE by the way, the Nikon, not the self-timer) Actually, I've discovered the problem with self-timer manual photos. I set the focus point (on my iPad because I was obviously behind the camera) and push the button. The camera will not refocus between the time I push the button and when I sit down in the frame. So it makes it difficult to get good clean focus, unless I widen the aperture, but I'm having too much fun without a flash indoors, I've gotten a little natural light greedy I suppose. Note to self: next time I need to have a model sit in my spot just to set the focus...

Anyway, the original intent of this photo was to show you all my iPad, which I love. They have revolutionized the way we work and play. And of course, my cover is pink. :)

Photo 365 01.02.11

Forgiveness can be a hang up for all of us. Yesterday I ran headon into a big pile of my own unforgiveness. It was an issue I thought dead and behind me, but as soon as new information reared it's ugly head, I fell right back into my own bitterness. And I went to the Word. I remembered that He forgived me first, for much more. Perspective is so good for us all.

Usually I gripe to Rob, and then maybe Lori. I usually spread my funk around a bit before I go to God to solve the problem. Yesterday Rob did get an earful, but I promptly grabbed my Bible and sorted it out with the maker of heaven and earth. I feel a lot better about the whole situation, and all that has changed is my perspective.

(ps, Rob didn't do anything hurtful, in case you are wondering)

photo 365 01.01.11

Eli reading one of his favorite series..

Photo 365 12.31.10

Last photo of 2010. Sare at Walmart vascillating over a decision with her $10 gift card.

50 Year End Questions:

What are your resolutions for the next year?
We've already covered this topic... although I do see some additions needed. You can find them here.

What happened in your life that you never expected to happen?
We moved to San Antonio. (deep in the heart of Texas) And no, the Alamo doesn't have a basement. We checked.

What is one thing you did that you have never done before?
Painted our house.

What were your biggest achievements?
The first five courses of Berean. In fact, I just tested out on the fifth one this evening.

What were your biggest challenges?
Leaving Baytown. Living apart for 7 weeks. Squeezing into a 2 bedroom condo. 5 courses in Berean. Returning to the workforce. Re-establishing my photography business. (wow, it's been a challenging year)

What is your biggest regret?
Not valuing people the way God does.

When were you happiest?
Learning new things in my courses. Spending time with my family. Youth group is always awesome.

Who was your best friend?
The same three people really hold me together. I miss talking to Lori all the time, work has interfered a lot with that. Rob and I have had a lot of incredible conversations this year, with school and job transitions.

Who surprised you this year? In what way?
My family, with my convertible. I will always be grateful.

Who did you admire most this year?
I feel a little out of mentor this year. I feel like, with the whole Berean and not knowing where God is leading me with photography and ministry, like I'm paving my own course right now. And that's a little wierd and a lot scary. But then I remember that God is leading me down that road.

Who were you in love with?
Always Rob. He holds my heart and my hand and my attention. I am so thankful for him in my life.

What was the most important lesson you learned?
That the Holy Spirit can and will empower me to do anything God calls me to do.

What was your favorite TV show?
the Office, because I will never outgrow it. We also enjoy Community, and most recently have added Chase to our short list of awesome tv shows.

What was your favorite film?
Voyage of the Dawn Treader was pretty epic. So much poetic scripture played out in the film. Took my breath away.

What was your favorite book?
Unlikely Disciple was pretty good, but can't remember if I even read that this year. I also really enjoyed Crazy Love even though the audio version is pretty dry. And another dry but life changing book is 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. loved it. Wow, I just listed all non-fiction books. God has grown me!!

What was your favorite food?
We had a wedding dinner at Maggiano's at the Rim. Oh my goodness, four courses of wonder. I dream about that meal.

What was your favorite song?
This is my official top-down song with the kids. We just love this whole album!!

What were your favorite phrases?
might could. It just works.

What did you do for your Birthday?
not good. Moved into our new place. sick. prefer to forget it. perhaps I'm still only 30?

Which was your favorite holiday?
Christmas was awesome. Very low key, lots of chill time. I loved it.

What was the best gift you gave?
new tv for the bedroom to my sweet husband.

What was the best gift you received?
permission to buy an iPad. oh my, I love it so.

What did someone say to you that surprised you?
can't think of anything off hand.

What was your hobby?
hobbies indicate free time. I still like to scrapbook, but it's few and far between. I love photography and remain pretty committed to that. I'm pretty addicted to Facebook. And my personal quiet time. And this year I've enjoyed taking drives with the top down when the weather's nice, that's pretty fun.

What new discoveries did you make?
the iPad in all it's glory. LOVE it.

What was your guilty pleasure for the year?
pretzel bites from Pretzelmaker. They are amazing.

What did you do on an average day?
work out, shower, bible study, Berean classes, photo shoots, reception at church, pick up/drop off kids at school, remind them to brush their teeth, pay bills, plan meals, texted and of course, FB.

What was your fashion like?
skinny jeans. lots of scarves. Toms. flashier earrings. Big sunglasses (never leave home without them) heels. tons of big flowers on my left shoulder.

What was your career/job like?
photography is making a reappearance and I love that. 3 days a week receptionist/secretary at church, also loving that. Lots of bulletin making/ monthly calendar producing, scheming with Rob on youth events.

Did you make more/less/same amount than the previous year?
not sure. we'll see what year end numbers say.

What new skills did you learn this year?
managing my HUGE Nikon. Publisher (a lot better than before). Honed my study skills.

What do you think was your most valuable contribution?
lots of hard work. and some great photos. :)

What lesson(s) did you learn about yourself?
God's grace is enough for me. His Holy Spirit enables. I can depend on Him to show up, and He will.

What were the most significant events of the past year?
relocating to San Antonio. Selling our house. Grandma Ann passing. Becoming a two car family.

What were you afraid of?
failure.

What was your most memorable journey?
driving from Bemidji, MN to San Antonio, TX.

Which did you do more of? Smile or cry?
cry? nah, more smiling, but definitely did some crying this year.

Did you make any new friends?
oodles. We've fit in really fast at ct and I praise God for it.

Did you lose any old friends?
That stinking defriend button on FB annoys me! I refuse to use it!

Did you have any births/deaths in your family?
Yes, my grandma passed. And my dear friend Kim welcomed a baby girl. Can't wait to meet her!!

Did you fall in love/out of love?
more in love with Jesus.

What is your newest tech item?
my d300.

What was your most extravagant purchase?
iPad. Man, it made a lot of questions this year.

What should you have done more of?
prayer. I need to remember to pray without ceasing! It's much more productive than worrying!

What should you have done less of?
moping.

What made the biggest difference in your life?
the infilling of the Holy Spirit. life changing.

What gave you joy?
my sweet family. photography. worship. quiet times with my savior. receiving my prayer language. completing classes. driving my car with the wind in my hair.

What made you sad?
lost and hurting people.

What is your motto for the year?
Jesus saved me, He's saving me, and He will save me.

Photo 365 12.30.10

So I tried a long exposure today... It was pretty fun but didn't quite turn out like I'd hoped. Oh well, didn't have time to pursue anything different. This is me in my kitchen, starting dinner. I was hoping it would look like Superwoman, moving too fast for the shutter. :) I was on the phone while I was doing this, and truly making dinner. Nothing like a little multi-tasking.

Reflection

Well, I suppose you can tell from my multiple postings this week that I've had a bit more time on my hands than usual. And I've been loving it. Tomorrow I'm hoping to slip back into get-er-done mode to accomplish some projects, but it has been great being restful (not lazy, I've still kept up with the house-ish) for a change. I've watched some tv this week, got a lot of schoolwork done, taken some photos, cooked 3 meals and it's only Wednesday!! It's been really nice to live like normal people for a little bit. :)

But I'm thinking it's time for my big year wrap-up post. I've spent the last couple days mentally wrapping up 2010 and preparing to unpack 2011. I guess I'm a sentimental person, I treasure memories (and photos, obviously) and I like to mentally go back over things. 2010 had it's ups and downs, but overall it's been one of the best years of my life. Even typing that kind of surprises me, for a lot of reasons, but being 31 is right up there at the top of that list. :)

But really, we had some major challenges this year. We had walk through the Hayes retirement. Oh, that was a hard season. We love the Hayes and so enjoyed our season working with them. We bore the burden of knowing that for months before it happened, and I am grateful for that knowledge, we had a full season to pray and mull it over and seek God's will for our lives. We had every intention of staying at Trinity until God very clearly showed us He had other plans. So then there was that difficult season, having to announce and carry through actually leaving a place where our hearts were sown so deep. We loved our 3 years at Trinity and will always look back with fond memories and a deep appreciation for the people. I cried so hard over that decision. Our last Sunday was one of my most difficult Sundays thus far as a pastor's wife. And if those two difficult seasons weren't hard enough, the toughest one was around the corner. Rob and I living in seperate cities for 7 weeks. That was about enough to push me over the edge. Although, looking back, I can see where I wasn't exactly 'emotionally fit' for that transition because of the stress leading up to it.

But God is God. And He had me exactly where He wanted me. I was so desperate in that hour of need. I felt like my marriage was falling apart, being outside of ministry, my purpose was muddy, not having a church family to lean in to, or an immediate family to cry to... All of those things led to the perfect storm of dependence on God. In my darkest hours I cried to Him, and after fourteen years of seeking, He filled me with His Holy Spirit in a moment. My life has been set on fire ever since.

[Just to back step a moment, I felt like my marriage was falling apart, it wasn't. The thing about feelings is that they often lie to you, and satan will use this to his advantage. God's promises hadn't changed. Rob hadn't stopped loving me. I just felt like I was purposeless, useless. I know better.]

I'd like to tell you that everything was hunky dory from that moment of infilling. It wasn't. But the difference was that I now had the power to handle it. There is a definite difference in a spirit-filled life, I know because I spent the first 30 years of my life without it.

So we sold our house this year. That was another difficult transition, moving into a small condo while we got our feet wet here in San Antonio. But event that was miraculous in such a terrible housing market. In fact, being asked to come to ct|church was an incredible experience in itself. We had never been persued to the extent that we were here. We have been so accepted and loved and allowed to really jump right into an incredible youth ministry here. What a blessing!!

This summer we went to camp with our new students (less new to Rob than I after our 7 week commute) and of course it's camp and it's awesome... but then on Thursday night God revealed to me the next step in His plan for my life, and it scared the daylights out of me! So much so that it really took me 24 hours to process it before I spoke to Rob about it. The call into ministry was so strong, and has only become stronger with the passing of time. So we got home from camp and I registered with Global University for Berean courses. These courses have been challenging, enraging, encouraging, overwhelming, and edifying. As much as I've wanted to throw a book across the room, I have loved the challenge and accomplishment of it.

This summer with my grandma passing, it was again a reminder of the frailty of life, and the importance of each soul. It presses me to reach the people within my grasp for Jesus, to let my light shine strong and consider every soul worth my effort. Compelled by His love, her passing prepared my heart (like a meat tenderizing hammer to a steak) to receive the lessons in my Evangelism in the Local Church coursework. And her legacy of leaving her convertible to me was another tangible reminder of God's grace, even in our consitent unworthiness.

The trip to Minnesota was bittersweet. Actually, I don't think I have ever cried so much as I have this past year. But I notice as I become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit, I experience emotion much deeper than before.. I spent so much time talking to God about the loss of my grandmother. And the roadtrip home, all 1500 miles, well, it was an exercise in healing. I was so incredibly blessed by time with my mom, and then time with Lori, and then time with my Aunt as I worked my way emotionally and spiritually back to Texas, back to home. I was surprised at the sigh of relief when I crossed the state line, and I realized more solidly than ever before, that my home is where Rob is, and even beyond that, where ever God has called me to serve Him.

Returning to working outside the home this year has been an adjustment, but I've loved it. I love my job, I love serving pastors. Today someone in the office was joking with Pastor Doug and said that he could see why Pastor kept me around, because I respect his authority. And it's true, I love serving our pastoral staff. I acknowledge the call on their life and the sacrifice they've all made to serve God full-time. I love being in the office, answering the phone, praying for needs, participating in brainstorming and planning, and being at Rob's disposal. I feel like we are more the team now in ministry than we have ever been before.

And of course, photography has been a journey this year. I mourned over leaving Baytown for many reasons, but high on my list was leaving my clients. I had cultivated many relationships in two years of professional photography, and it was disheartening to start over. And it was a slow start here in San Antonio. But slowly, God is restoring my business, only at a pace that I can handle with all my other responsibilities. And I am grateful that I still have opportunities to shoot. I was so thrilled and humbled by the purchase of my dream camera body at the end of this year. It felt like quite an accomplishment, especially to have gotten there financially in a way that honored God.

We've grown a lot in the area of financial responsiblity this year, too. And that has been a slow and steady journey for us. I feel like we've reached the tipping point, not out of debt yet, but at least having a definite plan and living well within our means.

So I think you can see where it's been a good year. A year of stretching and growing and learning, which is uncomfortable but for our best interests. A year of big ups and downs, but mostly a year where I can consistently see the hand of God on our life. I'm sad to see it finish, but I'm excited for 2011. I'm probably most excited to finish the first level of credentialing, but pretty thrilled about where ATP is going as well. God is good and I trust Him. In 2011 I plan to put Him first and do the right things consistently. I don't think we can fail with a plan like that.

Photo 365 12.29.10

This photo is a bit celebratory... even though it may not look it. I just finished up the final questions on my Unit 4 exam in "Evangelism in the Local Church" which is my 5th course towards credentialing. Five of nine completed, I'll take my test tomorrow and then have pushed myself over the half way mark towards the first level of card-carrying A/G preacher. I'm amazed at how far God has brought me in just six months. I am also insanely grateful to be finishing a full ten days before my next class begins. I've accomplished my personal goal of 'catching up' with the classes I missed with the district, since they began in May and God called me in June. His grace and strength are my refuge. I could not have made it even half this far without His Holy Spirit empowerment. Feeling very blessed and encouraged right now. Of course, I haven't checked to see what that next course will be...

Beautiful Things

this song has been stuck in my head for the past two days. Now it's in yours. :)

A Social Network Christmas

Rob showed this video at our shift Christmas party. It was very powerful, kind of a what if Jesus was born today kind of thing...

Photo 365 12.28.10

I found this jewel at Family Christian Store a few weeks back. We had one just like it when I was growing up. Thought it would be a great way to sow scripture into the hearts of Eli and Sarah.

Photo 365 12.27.10

trying out my new year's resolutions early... We went to the Alamo today. Took a few photos. Loved this one the most. :)

2011 Resolutions.

It's that time of year...

Thinking about New Year's resolutions. I love that opportunity to start fresh. I need to check back to last years, but I'm feeling like I've made a lot of headway in 2010. It's about time. :)

So this year...

1.) Get a gym membership of my own. I've been mooching off of my friends with gym memberships long enough. Tomorrow I'm setting out to become one of those people with a gym membership. :) Ths resolution includes USING the gym 4 times a week, which I was actually doing really well with until Janet fell and broke her heel. Man, I've missed my gym buddy!

2.) Quiet time before Facebook. Been pretty great about my quiet time this past year, but now I want to work on priorities. So if you don't see me on FB you'll know I haven't done my quiet time for the day yet. I've actually already tried to implement this...

3.) Photo a Day. I tried this last year, but life got pretty hectic pretty fast and I quickly abandoned this when everything started to get crazy with the move and all.

4.) Finishing my first level of Berean and attaining credentials with the Assemblies of God. I'm just over half way down with this process. I need to finish 4 classes and then make my way through the interviews and (gulp) test on the 16 Fundamental Truths.

5.) Build my photography business. Usually I'm not this vague with a goal, and personally it's a bit more specific than that, but for the sake of the public, we'll just leave it at this. Relocating was a hard hit for ATP but we began to pull out in the 4th quarter this year. I'm believing for a strong 2011, with two weddings and a special project on the dockett already. Pretty excited about this.

6.) Paying off our Saturn! We are slowly but surely getting there, and this is our major financial goal this year.

So, that's it for the time being. I've got some other things brewing.. Cause it's me. :) Have you thought about what you'd like for the new you in 2011? And can you believe it's almost here? I thought we'd be flying cars by now. LOL.

Blessed Beyond Measure

We have had a beautiful Christmas. We both worked right up until the last minute. Even Christmas Eve itself was kind of stressful, but by the time service was over, we were ready to really chill and enjoy our family. We love going out of town to be with extended family too, but every other year or so it's really nice to stay home and enjoy our own traditions. This year we did some new things;

1) the Riverwalk. Oh my, that was beautiful. We went down on a night when it was almost 80 degrees! It was lit up fantastically and we got some really neat photos.

2.) Fiesta Texas. No photos this year, but we did really enjoy riding rides as a family, and especially the "Night of Miracles" performance. Incredible.

3.) The Bethlehem experience in Burnet. Wow, this was totally worth the 2+ hour drive up there. We went with several families from church. It felt like we stepped back in time and experienced the world the way it was when Jesus gifted us with His presence.

We also visited the Walkway of a Million Lights on the way home from Burnet. That was amazing too!

4.) Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3D. Not so hot on the 3d, from a photography perspective it really kills sharpness, which is of utmost importance to me. But LOVED the story. We took the youth group, and our own kiddos. What a special night and shared experience. LOVE when our work makes us better parents.

4.) Christmas lunch at IHOP. Yep, you read that right. Sarah had the idea of going out for pancakes on Christmas Day. I was totally cool with this, I love to cook, but I hate that my family is not generally excited about a traditional Christmas meal. This was a perfect alternative. And it was yummy.

And of course, we still did the usual things, like the Children's musical. Eli was a wiseman and Sarah was an angel and it was fantastic, of course.

It wouldn't be Christmas without candlelight service, so that was pretty special too.

And now we have almost the entire week off. No church this evening, we've been compelled to 'spend times with our families' and I am so cool with that! Rob's talking to his dad now, but we are halfway through the new Robin Hood and I'm pretty sucked in. It's so nice to just lay around the house and chill. Last night I watched 3 episodes of House back to back. That never happens in my world. My number one goal this week is to relax. My number two is to finish up 'Evangelism in the Local Church' - I have one unit left. My number three goal is to organize the condo a bit, and number four is to prep our papers and numbers for taxes. If three and four don't get accomplished, I'm not going to get too worked up about it.

We are still hoping to drag the kids out of bed late one night, shove cups of hot cocoa in their hands and run around and look at Christmas lights. (that's on my list) And we may try to head back to Six Flags for a few more rollercoasters. But really, we are planning on just enjoying each other's company this week. And feeling really blessed to have that priviledge.