The end is nigh...

Tonight is bittersweet, as it marks the end of the last weekend of Winter Break. *cue dramatic sigh and hand to forehead*

The past six weeks have been absolutely wonderful. Taking a break from studying, deadlines and papers has given me a chance to step back and focus on the things that I love: My husband. Building relationships. Photography. My Savior. Having time off brings into perspective what really matters. When classes are in, it seems like my entire world has to revolve around school. Around getting the grade. But I am resolved to not put the important things on the back-burner this semester. Somebody keep me accountable! ;D

One of the cool things I've gotten to do over the break is mentor a few friends in photography. Wait....YOU taught someone something?? Yes! And it made sense thank you very much. Really though, I'm completely flattered that someone finds anything I have to say worth listening to. So I was REALLY flattered when I was asked to teach a class to the Photography Ministry at our church. Everyone was great and nobody brought earplugs. Success.

 But ironically enough, I have no pictures for you. haha

However, I DO have pictures from a Senior session on Saturday. Elle goes to The Church in St. Amant with Lee and I. As you will see, she is an absolute beauty and has a beautiful soul to match.

I warned her that I might confiscate that top. Love it.

For the end of her session, we went to Eddie's Frozen Custard in Hammond. They were so sweet (pun intended) and let us take over the place for a few minutes!

So there you have it. I hope you all have a wonderful week! For those of you with classes starting, I feel your pain, but let's choose not to complain about it...however hard that may be ;D

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.

                                                                                          Philippians 2:14-16 

It's all for Him,

Julie

Wednesday Nights are BACK!

Last May, my husband and I began attending The Church in St. Amant along with the rest of our family. For a while we simply wanted to receive and grow, but soon wanted to get plugged into ministry. For Lee, it was easy to find his place. He has been playing guitar since he was 16 and is amazing in my humble opinion. He joined he Worship Team and has been using his talent for the Lord since! 


I, on the other hand, had to do a little more searching to find my place. If you've ever met me in person, you may note that I'm a wee bit....awkward. So talking to so many new people wasn't an easy task. I was nervous and tended to ramble a bit. Hi, I'm Julie this is my husband we were just married blah blah blahhhh...... I'm still working on it ;D


Anyway, we ended up going to this class where a paper was handed out noting all of the ministries we could serve in. To my delight, there on the paper were the words "Photography Ministry". *cue spot light and angelic chorus*. I contacted the ministry leader (who is now a dear friend) and was able to get plugged in. Since then I've had the honor of photographing events and services at The Church, among other things. I've also met some of great friends through this ministry who enjoy photography as much as me. And they don't mind my rambling!

All of that being said, here are some photos I took at our first mid-week service of 2012. 

Cooking for Christ feeds us every single week! I cannot imagine all of the work that goes into providing food for 3 services during the week. These are some awesome servants!

One time a friend asked me what makes me cry. This picture is it. There is nothing more touching to me than a man stepping up and leading his family in Christ.

There is nothing like worshipping the Lord with my church family. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us this year!

It's all for Him, 

Julianne

I'm entering a contest...

Hey everyone! I'm not usually the type to enter a contest, because I always doubt that I'll win, but optimism is going to win out this time. ;)


Crave Photography is having a super cool contest where they are giving away a lens (85mm Canon or Nikon). You don't have to be "qualified" because the winner is chosen at random. Sounds like MY KIND OF CONTEST! ha!


Anyway, wish me luck everyone!

Setting some goals...

Today I sat down and made a list of my goals for 2012. I've always heard that if you want to accomplish something, setting goals is the best way to follow through. As thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year, I realized that most of it had to do with internal things rather than acquiring the external. Sure I'd love wealth, a big house, a nicer car or 15 shoots per month, but God has bigger things to refine in me right now. 

So here are a few of my goals for 2012:

1. Respond to tough situations with prayer instead of frustration.

   

    For the past few days, I've been going through a lot of emotional ups and downs. One thing after another after another...Lots of tears, lots of "whys?" and lots of trying to do things on my own. After a few days of this, God finally used a friend to simply tell me what He was trying to do. He wanted me to come to Him for the answers, not just complain.

   Yes, I prayed during these situations, but it was more like whining to God. So my number one goal for 2012 is to pray for a resolution and for guidance, not to whine to God and ask "why". I want to respond to adversity with grace.

2. Stop comparing myself to others. Spiritually, physically, financially, and situationally.

    Can I get an AMEN?? I think women especially struggle with this. The constant question of  "Am I as good as so-and-so?". For me, it's about learning to be content where God has placed me and with what he has given me and Lee. Do I want that amazing new lens and camera body? OF COURSE! But I'm not going to dwell on the fact that I don't have it. Because really, not appreciating what you have is like saying "God...this isn't good enough. Can't you do better than that?" Wow.

3. Journal often. And use it to let God speak to me.

     I have been journaling semi-consistantly (ha!) since April 2011 and I've found that it really helps me focus my thoughts and get some perspective on things. And sometimes, when I'm writing, things pop into my head and I feel like it's God telling me something important. Like when I was writing my goals. I really didn't know what I wanted to achieve this year, but these things came to me. Obviously it's some pretty big stuff that I need to work on. So writing it out is good. You should try it.

4. Build a brand that focuses on Seniors.

    I know what you are thinking...she actually has a goal about PHOTOGRAPHY?? I thought the same thing. This is actually something that has been on my heart for a few months now. While I love the wedding world, I think that God is leading me in another direction. I love seniors. They are closer to my age and so much fun to work with. It's more like hanging out with a girl-friend than working, really! Who wouldn't want that?

5. Build a new website.

     While I am very thankful for this blog, I am ready to have a "real" website. I know exactly what I want, it's just the execution. But I'm willing to be patient. See goal #2. ;D

At this point you must be thinking....this girl has ALOT to work on...and you are absolutely right! I'm feeling pretty vulnerable for putting up my more personal goals, but I know it is important to have accountability. I'm going to revisit them often so I don't forget. I encourage you to make your own goals for 2012. And if you have no idea what to write, try it anyway! You never know what God will give you to work on.

In other news, I'm about to start reading "The Resolution for Women". I've heard incredible things about it, so I'll keep you all updated with how it is!

It's all God, 

Julianne