Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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!!!
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!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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
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
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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! ;)
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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...
Saturday, November 01, 2008
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!
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