Merry Christmas

I'm not sure why... but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. The tree is up, the presents are all bought (even if they have yet to be wrapped!), there's lots and lots of snow outside... and yet, it just doesn't feel at all like Christmas.

Jessica put up the tree this year and decorated it almost entirely by herself. She did an amazing job of it too!!!! As I mentioned in a previous year, we let our kids pick out an ornament each year. This has led to a wide variety of ornaments! And we currently have sooo many ornaments that we couldn't possibly use them all on the tree! But I suppose when the kids leave - well then we'll find we don't have very many after-all! hahaha!

Jessica says that she can never find anything with her name on it. That they are always "sold out"! So when she found this cute little ornament - she snatched it up!

Brian's all-time favorite movie continues to be the Wizard of Oz. Last year he purchased the scarecrow... this year we got him Dorothy!

Heather has yet to get an ornament this year. Because of her surgery she really hasn't been out all that much. So this one is an oldie. Not sure what year it was... but at the time she really liked Precious Moments. And this one has a little slot in the back of the fireplace for the Christmas lights so that the fire looks like it's really lit. Well... sort of! ;)

I'm not sure who's ornament this one is... but it's a favorite! I figure if Santa's heading south, I should too!!!!!

I also took a few pictures of the dogs in front of the tree....

It was rather tough to get them both looking in the same direction at the same time! hahaha!!

If I don't get on again before Christmas - MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

Yesterday I had a photo session with Beautiful Baby Hannah!

Stay in Expectation

So today I have been digging into the scriptures trying to grab hold of Abiding...

4"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:4

After several hours of digging I'm finally getting a little nugget and I wanted to share with you all. It really is in keeping with the challenge to tithing our awake time.... Actually it's taking it further than just a simple tithe and into a lifestyle of abiding.

When I looked up the word Abide I saw that it could also be translated TARRY. Rewritten it would read...

Tarry in me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it tarries in the vine, so neither can you unless you tarry in Me. So I looked up the definition of TARRY and part of the definition is to stay in expectation.

So, this week as you seek after God and pursue Him... STAY IN EXPECTATION.

Expect that He is with you.
Expect that He is in you.
Expect that He hears you.
Expect that He speaks to you.
Expect that He speaks through you.
Expect that He will help you.
What is it you need to expect God for?.... STAY IN EXPECTATION for that!!!

More than Enough

Today I’ve been meditating on Matthew 15:30-37.

In verses 30 and 31 we see Jesus healing the dumb, the lame, the blind… People were excited and praising and thanking and glorifying God. BUT it wasn’t enough to sustain them… They needed something more.

Healings are great! And exciting! And something that God definitely wants to do for us and through us… Something we should be extremely thankful for… But we need even more than physical healings.

Jesus says in vs. 32 that he had compassion for the crowd because they had been with him for 3 days and had had nothing to eat. He went on to say that he was not willing to send them away hungry – lest they faint or become exhausted on the way. He wanted to give them something that would give them strengthen them and keep them on the journey.

How often am I willing to send people away hungry? Oh God, give me your compassion for those who are hungry!! For those in need of strength for the journey…. May I not be willing to send anyone away hungry!

The disciples were a little surprised that Jesus would even think of providing for all those people. In the natural there was NOTHING to give them… they were, after-all in an isolated and deserted place!

How often do I look at my *natural surroundings* and decide that there is no possible way I have anything of value to give to others? Lord, help me to see YOUR provision… And even to see how you might provide through me….

Somehow they managed to find 7 loaves and a few small fish. Still, in the natural, ridiculous to attempt to feed so many with such a little amount!!!!

How often do I discount the little things that I might have? Thinking that it’s no more than a drop in the bucket therefore why even try? Forgive me Lord for discounting the *little things*. For not remembering what you are able to do with the little things – that you love to multiply!

But Jesus was determined that they should eat before leaving! And so he orders the crowd to sit down.

Jesus knew that the little bit that they had was MORE THAN ENOUGH to feed an entire crowd.

He then proceeds to give thanks and break the loaves and fish. And he gives the broken pieces to the disciples. And the disciples proceed to give them to the people on the ground. And they ALL ate AND WERE SATISFIED. And they gathered up plenty of left-overs!!!!!

Jesus gave thanks for the little bit… How often am I not even grateful or thankful for the *little* things that God gives me? And if I think there’s not enough even for me… I’m not as likely to give it away… But when Jesus took it and broke it there was enough for the disciples AND the crowd! The little bit that they multiplied as it was broken and given away….

Lord, here I am… From all appearances I don’t have much of anything to offer anyone… But I choose to look to you and believe you for provision! I choose to believe that you are in me and that you desire to feed others and strengthen others with what you have given me. I choose to believe that there is MORE than enough for those that you send my way! I am thankful for the little things that you have placed within me! And gladly give away what you have given me! Knowing that as I do, you will multiply it and feed and strengthen MANY in the process. In Jesus name.

Supporting Missions Trips

My pastor and a friend will be heading down to Brazil next month on a short term mission trip. I'm so excited for them! And want to support them in whatever way that I can. So... I'm offering several different ways for others support them with their portrait orders.

For the rest of this month and ALL of next month a portion of every order will go to support their trip! I'm very excited about this and already have some money to donate!

For those who have had portrait sessions (or even weddings) with me in the past.... There will be absolutely NO processing fee (normally $25 if ordered after 30 days of proofing session) for the month of November and December. This is a great opportunity for you to order gift prints for family and friends. And if you ask me - portraits make the best kinds of gifts. Especially for parents and grandparents!

We also offer custom photo cards. Get your orders in for Christmas cards ASAP! Or thank you cards, baby announcements, etc.... We have a variety of sizes and types of cards available!

(A 4x8 flat photo card with envelopes - minimum order of 25)

(This is a 4.25x5.5 folded card... the bottom half is the front and the top is the back. Minimum order of 10.)

I'm also offering gift certificates, good until December 1, 2009, for portrait sessions and the ENTIRE creation fee will go to support their trips! So... if you or someone you know needs a portrait session within the next year, purchase your gift certificate before December 31st! (These also make great Christmas presents!)

Finally, for those of you who don't live in the area and would like to support their trip... You can order from my predesigned cards..... Again these are 4.25x5.5 folded cards with envelopes. The insides are blank.

Predesigned cards are $2.25 each or 10 for $20 plus shipping. Currently I'm only offering two designs as I've never done this before and would like to see how it goes before offering more designs....

These and other photos I've posted online could also become prints.... If you are interested in any of those, feel free to contact me (fotoimpact@verizon.net) about prices....

I hope to have some stories to share with you all about their trips when they get back!!!!

TESTIMONIALS....

The finished portraits made me feel wonderful. Michelle captured what we wanted and more. When I showed my husband the finished products he got the biggest smile on his face and said, "Oh Wow!"
--Abby Hanson, Walworth, NY

While I love my Sears photos I can not compare the two because the sessions were so different. Sears was posed and with Michelle it was very relaxed. We really liked that we could just do whatever and there wasn't a lot of stiff poses. I loved my photos and Michelle. She is a very kind person and really does her very best to get the pictures that her clients want. She is also very accomadating. I would love to have special moments captured by Michelle again.
--Ajaleah Bobowski, Williamson, NY

I didn't ever realize how pretty I looked! I was hoping to have a decent looking photo of me that I could put in th eyearbook, and I didn't want it to be embarrassing years later because for some people that's the only way they'll remember me. I was more than pleasantly surprised when the majority of the pictrures came out looking beautiful. And I definitely will have a great picture in the yearbook.
--Shannon Gillen, Webster, NY

When I saw my finished portraits for the first time I felt like I wanted to cry -- they were so beautiful! We have used Sears, JCPenney, and Walmart for portraits in the past. Although the cost is higher with White Rose, the service is far better and the quality is on a whole different plain - WAY better!
Marlene King, Marion, NY

Tagged by Martha....

I was tagged by Martha.The rules…

Find the 6th folder in your pictures directory and post the 6th photo in it.

So here are the instructions:* Go to your sixth picture folder then pick your sixth picture.*

Pray that you remember the details.*

Post it on your blog.*

Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

So.... I wasn't quite sure what to do because I have a picture folder on 3 different hard drives. I opted to go with the drive on my laptop.... Not at all knowing what to expect. And this was the 6th picture in the 6th folder.....

Bet you weren't expecting a picture of your beautiful Grandson were you Martha?!

I'm not sure how old Josh was when we took this picture (Bethany?). We had waited and waited hoping his cord would fall off... We finally gave in and did the photos and it was a simple solution of making sure he was on his belly for the picture!

I love this photo... It was taken at Bethany and Adam's house on their bed. The bedspread was PERFECT with all the lines leading right to little Josh's adorable face. Of course with a face like that - well it's not hard to take a nice picture. Even if he really wasn't happy being on his belly. And probably wanted some clothes on!

I had this photo blown up to a 24x36 (I think) on canvas that I use for a display piece.... That's how much I like this portrait of Josh.

We did a couple more photos after this with Bethany in the picture... and that was when Josh decided it was time to go! hahahaha!!!

So... not sure who I can tag.... I'm not all that active on this blog anymore. Anyone want to volunteer? Just leave me a message! ;)

I'm trying to pop in here every once in a while....

First a quick update...

Some of you know from reading my Facebook that I have been going out on the streets on Monday nights to minister to anyone who will let us. It has been a GREAT experience for me. I'm getting bolder about talking to complete strangers and asking them if we can pray with them for anything. And most people are totally cool with that! And I'm also learning that it's really not a big deal when I am rejected. Most, however, seem to appreciate that we want to pray with them and listen to them. And we've seen God heal people on the spot! One woman was totally set free from neck pain and another from pain she had in her feet. It was really cool!

I'm still behind on my work - mostly now because of computer troubles. *sigh* I hate it when I get behind and can't even try to get caught up! It seems to be one particular set of files that is giving me trouble. Brett has been working hard to get a solution... What would I do without my own personal computer wiz?!

My mom, Jessi and I are planning a trip to Florida in early December. We are working on a photo project. I'm really looking forward to that! I will have TONS of pictures to share I'm sure. :)

Here's a few recent (and some not so recent) pictures....

These are from a wedding way back in September.

She had an absolutely GORGEOUS veil!!!! Kind of had an antique look to it....

This is my newest model - so you will be seeing more pictures of her for sure! She's an absolute doll!!

I finally finished up Meg's senior session. We've been trying to set up her studio session for quite some time now and she finally came in on Tuesday. :)

Heather has been after me to get some new pictures of her! She saw some of a senior I did this summer and wanted some similar ones. We finally did a few last night...

More Doggie Torture...

He's supposed to be a cave dog... but he wouldn't sit up and so it doesn't do the costume justice... but it's still hysterical! He kinda looks like a punker! BTW, we bought him a big old bone to go with the costume - but he got too excited and wouldn't pose for pictures when we brought that out. I had to call Heather down to take it away or he might have bitten my hand off!

This one just cracks me up! He looks so.... Proud to be an American!

We tried and tried to get Teena to sit up... but she kept sliding down. Oh well, we take what we can get sometimes!

The dogs do well in costumes IF they aren't forced to wear hats or wigs! That's when it gets difficult!! Teena's hat kept slipping down over her eyes and she couldn't tell where she was going. It was sooo funny! Although I don't think she agrees. hahaha!! But when the hat was off - she was totally cool playing Mrs. Clause!

Trick-or-Treat!

My kids don't do Halloween... but our dogs do! hahaha!!!

Sgt. Romeo

Doggie Diva

Sleeping Babies

I had a newborn session tonight. She mostly wanted to EAT... so we didn't get much in the way of variety. I'm going back tomorrow morning and hopefully get a photo of her with her big sister! But she's the sweetest little baby girl!!

Mike's Amazing Cakes

Check 'em out here!

Yes, Martha, I'm Awake Now!

Sorry it's such a long time between posts. I have just been sooo busy with life. I haven't learned how to balance it all just yet. hahaha!! So, a quick update...

Hmmm... where to begin....

I turned 40 back in September. I've been gearing up for a mid-life crisis. Trying to plan out some big, fun, crazy thing to *celebrate*... I'm afraid I didn't follow through cuz either it was too expensive (like getting a Mustang, or travelling the world!) or something I just didn't want (like a tattoo or a bellybutton piercing). Instead I went to the Olive Garden with some friends and my hubby. That was about it!

I've been attending some revival services that are being held in the area. They have been incredible as far as getting my focus back on the things that are truly important. And I feel like I'm finally being changed... my attitude, my outlook, etc... Something I have been wanting for years and yet... well, it just seemed like I constantly was battling the same things without any victory. My husband even said he sees changes in me. :)

I still haven't caught up with all of my work. Partly cuz of the revival services which have taken up so much of my time and partly cuz of regular life which seems to get in the way! I'm sooo thankful to have such wonderful and patient clients! :) But I am making progress... I've almost completed the wedding album for the August wedding. Then I have a few sessions that need a bit of editing, then another wedding (but I got smarter and will do things differently and speed the whole process up!).... Plus I *think* things will start to slow down. Senior pictures need to be turned in so no more senior pictures until next year probably! I've decided not to do weddings anymore. Though I love doing them... I have major stress about them! And also they are a ton of work and I then fall behind on my other sessions...

Hubby is all better. He had another scope which revealed that the ulcer was completely healed.

Oh, last night I went downtown with a couple of young people to minister on the streets. That was an adventure! They've been going out every Monday evening and have been trying to get me to go with them. I finally went in spite of all the work I felt like I was supposed to be doing! Let me tell you, it's a whole different life out there!! Many were drunk or high. Lots of homeless... So many teens just bored and looking for excitement. It was sad! One of the guys that I went with bought a bunch of candy bars from Walmart and when someone was hungry he'd give them several. Then we would pray with them and give them an encouraging word... I plan on going again next Monday.

I have a few more sessions lined up... But here's a few photos from previous sessions that I haven't posted yet...

I took Meg out yesterday - a BEAUTIFUL fall day for pictures!!! The first two pictures were taken at a nearby cemetery which is quickly becoming a favorite spot for me!

This is what I call my *tween* look. It's a photo that I converted to sepia (brown tones) and then added back a hint of color. For this photo I also brought back more color to her eyes.

These last two pictures were taken right in her backyard. They have a lovely backyard - perfect for photos!

A family session...

This is Krissy. She's hoping to break into modelling. We had a mini session and will be doing a regular session later....

I thought it was fun doing a photo of her in her winter coat with the beautiful summer flowers behind her. It actually was quite toasty out this day! Krissy did a great job pretending she was freezing! hahaha!!

The next pictures were my first attempt at a full fledged maternity session... It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience for me. I actually treated it more like an engagement session only was sure to include the belly! :) I wanted to capture the love between the couple as well as the excitement of becoming parents for the first time.

Another senior... This is Zoe! She actually was one of my Senior representatives. And she has been particularly patient with me! (THANK YOU ZOE!!!!)

Another at the cemetery. I just LOVE that door!!!!

That's all for now! I hope I didn't bore everyone!!!!

Living From a Place of Dreaming

Living From a Place of Dreaming

This is why I love Graham Cooke! (Excerpt taken from Living from a Place of Dreaming audio recording)


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What if the Gospel is so good, it’s too good to be true?
What if it’s so good it borders on fantasy?
What if the gospel is so astonishing and amazing you have to go to a place of beyond thinking into dreaming in order to articulate what it’s really, really like to be a Christian?

I sat on a plane going from one place to another place…. And I sat next to a guy and I’m reading my Bible and he said, “What’s that your reading?”

I said, “Oh, it’s a cook book.”

He said, “No it’s not! It’s a Bible.”

I said, “Dude, there’s no getting anything past you, ‘eh?”

And then he starts disparaging me because I’m reading a Bible. He said, “You’re one of those Christians?” And he’s really contemptuous.

So I turned around to him and I said, “You’re not a Christian???? What the hell is wrong with you? You’re not a Christian?! How can you live?!!! Do you have something defective in your brain? You’re actually sitting here telling me your not a Christian??? Oh my God! I’ve never met anyone like you!”

And he’s like really shocked. And I’m thinking, “Yeah right. Have a taste of your own stuff pal.”

“How can you live with yourself? Your not a Christian? Oh my God!!! You poor guy, would you like to be one? Can I tell you why I’m a Christian?... He is the most amazing, brilliant person I know. He’s the kindest person I know. He’s astonishing, He’s outrageous, he’s funny, he’s delightful, He is so huge in terms of his heart for me I tell you I can hardly stand to live through each day. The row of seats in front suddenly all tilt back. And you can see an ear sticking in between the seats and you look behind you and the guy behind you has got his nose in the crack and he’s listening. I said, “Let me tell you about Jesus. Oh my gosh.” And I start to tell him what my story is. How God is with me. How much God is for me. How much God loves me. How in all of His thoughts he has great thoughts about me….


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Why are we not ASTONISHED when someone isn't a believer?! Could it be that we are not living in wonder and awe of who God is????

Nan and Friends

Shhh! I'm not putting these up on thepurplevan.org site until the slideshow goes up. I should really wait to put them up here... but I know everyone is anxious to see the fantastic job Nan and Chrissy and Leah did! (Thanks Nan for letting me know your fantastic helper's names!)

I just love the Z's they had all over the room. (The first letter of the Kim's new last name.)

She also had some of Kim and Jason's engagement pictures out as you can see on the wall and behind the shoes.

Lights, candles, flowers and flower petals, etc... beautifully adorned the entire room!

Because the hard work and thought that these ladies put into decorating the dressing room, detail shots like these were a SNAP! Beka and I hardly had to think. The light/candles added soooo much to the photos.

What a gorgeous background to go with such a gorgeous bride!

That's Kim's parents in the background.

And just one more for fun!

Now, you will just have to wait for the slide show for the rest! hahaha!!!!

So again, thank you Nan and Chrissy and Leah! You made my job much easier!!!

***Edit*** Okay, I couldn't resist... I put the pictures (along with a couple extras) on my facebook.