Wednesday, October 31, 2012

{Preparation | Personal}



"Beginning your day alone with Me is essential preparation for success. A great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle. If you are not adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow weary and lose heart. Relax with Me while I ready you for action." {Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young}

I read this in my devotional two days after I ran my first half marathon, and I had to laugh. I completely experienced this in the physical sense... I was NOT mentally prepared for this race, and I tried to rely just on pure muscle strength to get me through it, which ended up not working (who knew? haha).

But the same is so true in our relationship with our Father, and the rest of our life. So often we try to "muscle through it", without preparing for the day or task or battle ahead of us first. The week before my race I failed to get enough sleep and eat the right foods, and that was my first problem. When we're faced with something tough in life, our first step should be resting with the Lord, but usually our choice of a first step is to get out there and RUN.

Back when I played softball in highschool, I remember my dad telling me over and over and over again that softball (and baseball), is so much more mental than physical skill. And I would see it... when my attitude was strong going into the batters box, and I KNEW I could hit this girl, my batting average soared.

When we spend time resting in God's Presence, and gaining confidence in our relationship with Him and the power and strength that comes from Him, THEN we are prepared for our second step, which is the training, or the running.

I know from experience that my most miserable runs come when I haven't mentally prepared for them. I remember running a 7 mile run and having a great time, I felt so good after it... and then two days later I ran just 3 and it was horrible. I struggled through it, had a hard time staying on pace, and from the first quarter mile all I could think about was being done. I was obviously physically able to run 3 miles, but mentally I wasn't.

I don't want my life to be like that 3-miler, when it could so easily be different. And it can change from day to day if we aren't focused on the Lord.

Focus on the Lord! Let everything else become blurry as you prepare for the tasks that God has ahead of you. Don't give up.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entagles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." {Hebrews 12:1}

"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." {1 Timothy 4:8}

Friday, October 19, 2012

{Enchanted Papers | For My Clients}

I've been compiling a Pinterest board lately of things I've been finding that would be helpful to my clients, and I decided I'm going to start sharing them here.

The first one I want to share is a lady name Sara Swanson, who is the creator at Enchanted Papers. A few weeks ago, I got the invitation to one of my couple's wedding reception (John and Carol), and I seriously fell in love with it. Super gorgeous, and creative, and totally the couple! Lucky me.. I actually ended up getting to meet Sara at the reception. Here are just a few images of what she'd created for them... if you're getting married, or having a party, get in contact! Visit her facebook page here for more contact info: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Enchanted-Papers/134498936599050?fref=ts






Saturday, October 13, 2012

{Aaron and Suzanne - Preview | Little Falls, MN Wedding Photography}

I have been so blessed with my couples... they've been ones that make me not want to leave their wedding! I'm so glad I got to be part of Aaron and Suzanne's wedding, and I CAN'T wait to share more... they were total rockstars on their day. Thanks guys!





Friday, October 12, 2012

{Devon - Class of 2013 | Staples Motley High School Senior Photography}

We did Devon's mini session at the high school baseball field, and we were even lucky enough to have a beautiful fall tree right across the street! :) 
















Monday, October 8, 2012

{Matt - Class of 2013 | Staples Motley Highschool Senior Photography}

Matt and I had fun with his senior session, we basically drove all over Staples and found some really sweet places that aren't usually used :) Thanks for the great time, Matt! 













 The story behind this is kind of funny... We were finishing up Matt's session and we ended up getting stopped by not one train, but TWO trains. For a total of 22 minutes. No, that's not a typo, we were there for 22 minutes. But Matt didn't let that bother him, next thing I know he's got his chair out next to the tracks and his pop, and he's enjoying the waves and thumbs up from the conductor, and cheers from everyone parked behind us. Too bad the overpass is opening this month... 'cause that'll put an end to great parties like this one ;) 









Can you tell we had some fun on this one? haha




Thursday, October 4, 2012

{Island Breeze Impact World Tour | Park Rapids, MN Event Photography}

Last week I went up to Park Rapids for a night of the Impact World Tour. Annnd I got to take pictures for them :) How great is that? hehe

IWT is a YWAM {Youth With A Misson} outreach geared toward high school students. Different teams travel around entertaining and presenting the gospel to kids that wouldn't necessarily hear the message otherwise. Check out their website for more information. 

The night that I was able to make it was team Island Breeze; super cool! 







 {Saying "Aloha" the correct way}



 {A MN native sharing her testimony}







 {Another member of the team sharing his testimony as well}

 {Telling the story of the crucifixion} 







 {Prayer and the altar call}



 {Volunteers praying with and giving each person a bible}


 {Giving advice on how to become a missionary :) }


{Two of the team members with gifts from their fans}

{I think this is one of my favorite images of the night... after most people had left this little girl was sitting in the back of the auditorium praying by herself. Such a sweet moment. }