a story about a family

I wanted to post this story...a redemptive story! This family of 9 has faced incredible storms and still have smiles of hope to show. I was fortunate to shoot Tony and Lou Ann's wedding and capture what a beautiful family God intentionally has a hand in. Below is a link where Tony and Lou Ann share personally a part of their story. I hope this story stirs emotions of compassion, hope, and love for you.

TRM link to Lou Ann and Tony's story

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard

sicky sick...surrendering to rest

October and November have not been the best months for me this year. It is unfortunate because I really do enjoy the crisp and beautiful NW fall. About 3 weeks ago I was bedridden for at least 6 days to apparently what everyone is calling N1H1. Now, three weeks later, I find myself in the same position with a sore throat, congestion, and headache. What is the deal? Now I am not trying to be a big baby that complains all the time but I have to be honest about how inconvenient this has been. If Grad School was a walk in the park, relationships naturally initiated, and I had a magic maid to cook and clean...well then I wouldn't be so unhappy! Besides, laying in bed alone gets kind of old after awhile. I caught up on the latest television shows (thanks to hulu.com), made a dent on my side of the bed, and have had lots of zzzzz. It is interesting how I think I have control over how I spend my time, my health, etc. And then it is taken over night and I am left with surrendering to rest. If I am to learn anything from these experiences of illness (besides the latest t.v. gossip), I am learning to not take things for granted. I have been overwhelmed with the responses of others. My professors, friends & family (FB prayers), and of course my caretaker-husband. There comes a time when we need to recognize that slowing down is not such a bad thing-even if it means being bedridden. Momentum is an interesting thing...and what it takes to get us to change directions. Though it has been a tough last 30 days healthwise...I have learned a new meaning of gratitude and rest.

Words and Forms of Prayer

I am currently taking a 2 day prayer module class at my school (www.mhgs.edu). I am still in the midst of reflecting on what the last 24 hours has revealed in me. I am grateful for this classes' timing, despite the papers that need to be written, articles/books that beckon my eyes, or the the friends and family that deserve my attention. This open conversation of how we communicate with God (both speaking and listening) has encouraged me to think outside the box and step out in faith. Siah תלונה is the Hebrew word for complaint. I have been reading Psalms and how the words of lament are so near to my heart. So many times we approach God with a complaint and quickly attempt to resolve the chaos. I want to be authentic with God and be with him in it all - the mixed responses of numbness, anxiety, joy, suffering, pride, wondering, loneliness...sometimes we pray and have no words. Have you ever thought that a grunt, groan, or moan as a form of prayer? Psalm 77:3 "I remember you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit inquired." Yesterday's class we were encouraged to write our own Psalm, to express our heart in regards to a situation or frustration in our life. I thought I would share what I was compelled to write:

My God, my God. My heart is a raging sea. Why do you allow the suffering? Where are you interceeding on the behalf of the abused, the drug addicted, the helpless? I am full of rage at why your people continue to choose war. Where are you God? Why does it seem so helpless when I walk by and see your people consumed with hurt and suffering?