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Don't forget...we will officially announce on New Years our wedding give away!
December 26th was the birthday of one of my dearest friends, Lisa. We haven't caught up with each other since then...but I hope it's the best birthday ever. Let's visit, okay?
December 28th was my mom's birthday...a special write up is coming soon!
I've been advertising on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and on twitter about selling my Nikon d80. Interested? Click here for pictures and details!
If you didn't get a chance...you should check out our post below of the lovely and talented Misses Whitney!
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Excitement Comes In Waiting
I remember when I was little on Christmas Eve. I could HARDLY wait till the next morning to go and run to look what was on the fireplace, in our stockings and under the tree. I just KNEW that Santa would come. No doubts in my mind. Before I could race to tear open with utter delight the gifts he had left....I had to go tell my parents he had come. After that...I was then sent to wake up my brother (I wasn't allowed to open any gifts until he and my parents had arrived.)
Not only was I excited on Christmas Eve...but I was excited the WHOLE month of December. I'd ask mom & dad all month, "Is it tomorrow? Is it tomorrow?" My mom would smile and tell me it wasn't. I was slightly disappointed, but I didn't DARE lose hope that Santa would come...and when he did..I KNEW HE WOULD DELIVER.
Crazy isn't it. Sometimes I'm the same way about life and God...just minus the excitement that comes with waiting.
Let's go through the comparison.
You know that God has given you a promise deep down (ex. Save a member of your family, financial help, a husband or wife, a car, next step in ministry, etc). You have no doubts. You KNOW that God is true to his word and never breaks his promises...in fact...if he did, he wouldn't be God (Let me say real quick..your promises do not equal God's promises...if he doesn't do something YOU want him to do..then you might want to step back and make sure that it's HIS will and not your own..I have to do this ALL of the time :)
Well...you ask him day after day..."Is it today? Is it tomorrow?" The answer is not right now. -----Now here's the part where we should be like the story above.... by not losing hope and still being EXCITED because you KNOW it's coming. However the turn in our story is that we begin to doubt that God will deliver, that God even hears us. We lose all excitement we had and begin to doubt.
Don't lose heart my friend. God will make GOOD on his word. Like when I was little and had to go look, then wake my parents, the wake my brother and wait on them to come with me....sometimes God asks you to do things before 'opening your gifts.' Be quick to listen and tune your ears to God's word. He will not disappoint, he never disappoints.
Not only was I excited on Christmas Eve...but I was excited the WHOLE month of December. I'd ask mom & dad all month, "Is it tomorrow? Is it tomorrow?" My mom would smile and tell me it wasn't. I was slightly disappointed, but I didn't DARE lose hope that Santa would come...and when he did..I KNEW HE WOULD DELIVER.
Crazy isn't it. Sometimes I'm the same way about life and God...just minus the excitement that comes with waiting.
Let's go through the comparison.
You know that God has given you a promise deep down (ex. Save a member of your family, financial help, a husband or wife, a car, next step in ministry, etc). You have no doubts. You KNOW that God is true to his word and never breaks his promises...in fact...if he did, he wouldn't be God (Let me say real quick..your promises do not equal God's promises...if he doesn't do something YOU want him to do..then you might want to step back and make sure that it's HIS will and not your own..I have to do this ALL of the time :)
Well...you ask him day after day..."Is it today? Is it tomorrow?" The answer is not right now. -----Now here's the part where we should be like the story above.... by not losing hope and still being EXCITED because you KNOW it's coming. However the turn in our story is that we begin to doubt that God will deliver, that God even hears us. We lose all excitement we had and begin to doubt.
Don't lose heart my friend. God will make GOOD on his word. Like when I was little and had to go look, then wake my parents, the wake my brother and wait on them to come with me....sometimes God asks you to do things before 'opening your gifts.' Be quick to listen and tune your ears to God's word. He will not disappoint, he never disappoints.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Storm, rainbow, storm
It's been raining all day and for the past few days. Gray skies and gloom. I have to be honest...after a while...it starts to get to you.
Then just moments ago, Daniel called from work saying, "Hey...go outside a minute. There's a rainbow outside." So Oli and I head outside and I don't see it.
Daniel: We can see the whole rainbow from here. Back up some and look towards the south.
Me: Umm..Don't see it.
Daniel: Keep looking.
Me: OH....I see it. Pretty. I didn't even realize it had stopped raining and that the sun had come out.
Daniel: Yup. Well, I had better get back to work, love you.
Me: Love you.
Oli and I gazed at it for a moment and as the wind blew, the dark clouds came over and it began to sprinkle again. However, as I was walking inside...there was still a smile left lingering on my face.
Almost instantly this parallel came to mind:
Sometimes we can be going through our darkest times. Day after day after day it's dark, gloomy and rainy!
While living in the gloomy...God gives you a glimpse of a rainbow and the skies clear. Sometimes you don't even notice that the rainbow is outside and that the skies have taken a breath. Often, God has to say:
"(enter your name here) take a look outside...the rain has stopped and a rainbow has been sent for you to gaze upon."
You say: Where, I don't see it.
God: Just take a couple steps back. You are way too close...you need a fresh perspective.
You say: I still don't see it. Oh...wait...now I see it. Wow...that's really amazing.
Sometimes the clear skies and rainbows last for a while and sometimes for only a moment. But as you walk by you've seen the rainbows and clear skies. You know that the gray skies won't last forever. You go back inside...and a smile lingers.
Isn't God good? He uses the ordinary things to speak to us. I'm so thankful..he speaks to us on a regular basis....but are we listening. (Check out Pastor Steven's message from this past Sunday at Elevation Church's website. Click here.)
Then just moments ago, Daniel called from work saying, "Hey...go outside a minute. There's a rainbow outside." So Oli and I head outside and I don't see it.
Daniel: We can see the whole rainbow from here. Back up some and look towards the south.
Me: Umm..Don't see it.
Daniel: Keep looking.
Me: OH....I see it. Pretty. I didn't even realize it had stopped raining and that the sun had come out.
Daniel: Yup. Well, I had better get back to work, love you.
Me: Love you.
Oli and I gazed at it for a moment and as the wind blew, the dark clouds came over and it began to sprinkle again. However, as I was walking inside...there was still a smile left lingering on my face.
Almost instantly this parallel came to mind:
Sometimes we can be going through our darkest times. Day after day after day it's dark, gloomy and rainy!
While living in the gloomy...God gives you a glimpse of a rainbow and the skies clear. Sometimes you don't even notice that the rainbow is outside and that the skies have taken a breath. Often, God has to say:
"(enter your name here) take a look outside...the rain has stopped and a rainbow has been sent for you to gaze upon."
You say: Where, I don't see it.
God: Just take a couple steps back. You are way too close...you need a fresh perspective.
You say: I still don't see it. Oh...wait...now I see it. Wow...that's really amazing.
Sometimes the clear skies and rainbows last for a while and sometimes for only a moment. But as you walk by you've seen the rainbows and clear skies. You know that the gray skies won't last forever. You go back inside...and a smile lingers.
Isn't God good? He uses the ordinary things to speak to us. I'm so thankful..he speaks to us on a regular basis....but are we listening. (Check out Pastor Steven's message from this past Sunday at Elevation Church's website. Click here.)
Friday, December 05, 2008
“Everything’s amazing. Nobody’s happy.” - Louis CK
Let me first say. I totally ripped this video and my title off of the ultra talented graphic designer, Ryan Hollingsworth's, site.
This guy is SO true...watch it....and watch it until the end....
This guy is SO true...watch it....and watch it until the end....
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
My Own Worst Critic.
Ugh. Can I be honest for a second?
^^I can't get the Couture Book Lightroom PlugIn to work on my computer and I must get an album printed PRONTO.^^
^^I purchased the ProPhoto Template to update my blog...but can't get it running...it's like I'm technologically brain dead.^^
^^I can't make everyone happy...^^
Boo hoo hoo. Oh woe is me. Here I am frustrated and feeling sorry for myself and I have no right. Why? I have a roof over my head, my bills are paid, my family is happy and healthy and I have food to eat. I have more than over 90% of the Earth's population.
Perspective. Sometimes I just need to get it. God's perspective.
^^I can't get the Couture Book Lightroom PlugIn to work on my computer and I must get an album printed PRONTO.^^
^^I purchased the ProPhoto Template to update my blog...but can't get it running...it's like I'm technologically brain dead.^^
^^I can't make everyone happy...^^
Boo hoo hoo. Oh woe is me. Here I am frustrated and feeling sorry for myself and I have no right. Why? I have a roof over my head, my bills are paid, my family is happy and healthy and I have food to eat. I have more than over 90% of the Earth's population.
Perspective. Sometimes I just need to get it. God's perspective.
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Perfectionist In Me.
The past couple of days I've had this kind of yearning....you know what I mean? The kind of yearning that inspires CHANGE! Let me go even further...and for my readers...let me be transparent .... I want to be the BEST at all I do. Know the feeling?
**I want to be the best wife** I have the best man, ever. Hands down. I want to be the best I can for him, for me...making our lives the most fulfilled they can be.
**I LONG to create photographs that will inspire, touch, and move those that gaze upon them.** I have been soaking up new concepts,new ideas, researching, and marveling at great photographers near and far . I'm longing for a great blog & website...I just want to be there NOW.
Yearning has been something I've been doing for a couple of weeks now...but I was even more encouraged at Elevation yesterday. Our Pastor spoke on an amazing topic of living inside the box rather than being frustrated by living outside it. When you live inside the box...you make your box larger! It's fabulous stuff...and it's sparked more and more thought about all of this yearning going on in the inside...you must check his sermon out here....go ahead..it's only 30 minutes or so...!
**I want to be the best wife** I have the best man, ever. Hands down. I want to be the best I can for him, for me...making our lives the most fulfilled they can be.
**I LONG to create photographs that will inspire, touch, and move those that gaze upon them.** I have been soaking up new concepts,new ideas, researching, and marveling at great photographers near and far . I'm longing for a great blog & website...I just want to be there NOW.
Yearning has been something I've been doing for a couple of weeks now...but I was even more encouraged at Elevation yesterday. Our Pastor spoke on an amazing topic of living inside the box rather than being frustrated by living outside it. When you live inside the box...you make your box larger! It's fabulous stuff...and it's sparked more and more thought about all of this yearning going on in the inside...you must check his sermon out here....go ahead..it's only 30 minutes or so...!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Happy Endings...
I love Happy Endings. Seriously. I do. But I have to be honest...I'm not a fan of the process it takes to get there (to the Happy Ending, that is.). We all have stories in our lives of how we met Mr. Right or how we got the job of our dreams. We have stories of the children in our lives and more. Those are all Happy Endings.
The key is, what did it take take to get there? Some may have had to go through a ton of heartbreak before Mr. Right was sent into your life. Some may have had to be in jobs they really hated to get the experience or networking needed to get into the job of your dreams. Then there are many that have had heartbreaking journeys with infertility and loss when trying to conceive.
Sometimes when we look at someone...we can only see their happy ending, and often forget to think of the high price that was paid for that happy ending. One more example, my Pastor is an amazing communicator and leader and pastors the 2nd fastest growing church in the nation. Do you think that 'happy ending' (it's never really an ending..but I'm using that phrase to drive home my point...work with me) came without a price? We'd be foolish to think so. All good things require a process.
The process IS the point.
I say all of that for this....it's easy for us to assume that someone has it all together. You can look at the material things they have, the way they look or the happiness they seem to possess...but you don't know the process. So when out driving, standing in line or just assuming that life is easy for everyone but you...remember...the process IS the point. Stick with it. Check out this passage in Galatians 6
The key is, what did it take take to get there? Some may have had to go through a ton of heartbreak before Mr. Right was sent into your life. Some may have had to be in jobs they really hated to get the experience or networking needed to get into the job of your dreams. Then there are many that have had heartbreaking journeys with infertility and loss when trying to conceive.
Sometimes when we look at someone...we can only see their happy ending, and often forget to think of the high price that was paid for that happy ending. One more example, my Pastor is an amazing communicator and leader and pastors the 2nd fastest growing church in the nation. Do you think that 'happy ending' (it's never really an ending..but I'm using that phrase to drive home my point...work with me) came without a price? We'd be foolish to think so. All good things require a process.
The process IS the point.
I say all of that for this....it's easy for us to assume that someone has it all together. You can look at the material things they have, the way they look or the happiness they seem to possess...but you don't know the process. So when out driving, standing in line or just assuming that life is easy for everyone but you...remember...the process IS the point. Stick with it. Check out this passage in Galatians 6
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Beth & Leo Wedding: Sneak Peek
Beth & Leo have a beautiful love story that takes place on the GORGEOUS country of Taiwan! I can't wait to share it with you...but till then...I leave you with this sneak peek of their American Wedding.....
....
Also I wanted to give you some quick personal updates.
#1- our car got broken into last week during the night at our house. Someone stole our iPod (160 GB) and adapter. We had not left it in plain sight...in fact it was hidden in our console under tanning lotion, napkins, sunglasses and a bunch of other stuff. Boo. I filed a police report...but nothing else can be done. Ugh. Nothing worse than a thief (an a liar).
#2- My parents came for a visit this weekend and helped us with a little house shuffle. We moved my office into the bigger of our two extra rooms. We bought some great office furniture...and I just love it! My brother will be installing wood floors into our house in the next couple of weeks. It will be hot. I might even record a tap dance for you (or I could be kind to your eyes and spare you ;)
#3 We have been so blessed by the business that we have been able to book...and more is coming our way! Thanks to all of you who have spoken into our lives and given us advice, spiritual wisdom and more! We can't express our gratitude enough!
Much...much...more to come!
....
Also I wanted to give you some quick personal updates.
#1- our car got broken into last week during the night at our house. Someone stole our iPod (160 GB) and adapter. We had not left it in plain sight...in fact it was hidden in our console under tanning lotion, napkins, sunglasses and a bunch of other stuff. Boo. I filed a police report...but nothing else can be done. Ugh. Nothing worse than a thief (an a liar).
#2- My parents came for a visit this weekend and helped us with a little house shuffle. We moved my office into the bigger of our two extra rooms. We bought some great office furniture...and I just love it! My brother will be installing wood floors into our house in the next couple of weeks. It will be hot. I might even record a tap dance for you (or I could be kind to your eyes and spare you ;)
#3 We have been so blessed by the business that we have been able to book...and more is coming our way! Thanks to all of you who have spoken into our lives and given us advice, spiritual wisdom and more! We can't express our gratitude enough!
Much...much...more to come!
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Heart Check.
All my life I knew these things about myself..
*I must have a creative outlet to exist at my ultimate best.
*I love music and it has to be a part of my life in some shape, form or fashion.
*I would have to travel the globe....
*Social Justice is how I function. I want people to be loved and treated equally.
*Jesus is my rock and there is nothing else that can sway my heart beyond pleasing him.
*The most recent is that after Jesus...nothing trumps Daniel.
*Friends to laugh with and do life with are an essential.
*Serving in my church and community.
*My family to share life with...
I am so blessed. I have so much. These things at the core make up what shows on the outside. These things help to shape Candice Ann Lanning.
I can't help but think that God should have given this wonderful life to someone more deserving, but friends, he gave this life to me. So because he entrusted me with this life...it's my job to share, invest and pour my life into others. I wanted to write about all the things I have instead of all of the insecurities and inadequacies that haunt me on a daily basis.
Click here to read the verses that really struck me .. Jeremiah 10:23-24
Also..yesterday and today..this song has come to mind...we used to sing it at the church I grew up in....Order My Steps...Click here for lyrics...
A sneak peek coming this afternoon!
*I must have a creative outlet to exist at my ultimate best.
*I love music and it has to be a part of my life in some shape, form or fashion.
*I would have to travel the globe....
*Social Justice is how I function. I want people to be loved and treated equally.
*Jesus is my rock and there is nothing else that can sway my heart beyond pleasing him.
*The most recent is that after Jesus...nothing trumps Daniel.
*Friends to laugh with and do life with are an essential.
*Serving in my church and community.
*My family to share life with...
I am so blessed. I have so much. These things at the core make up what shows on the outside. These things help to shape Candice Ann Lanning.
I can't help but think that God should have given this wonderful life to someone more deserving, but friends, he gave this life to me. So because he entrusted me with this life...it's my job to share, invest and pour my life into others. I wanted to write about all the things I have instead of all of the insecurities and inadequacies that haunt me on a daily basis.
Click here to read the verses that really struck me .. Jeremiah 10:23-24
Also..yesterday and today..this song has come to mind...we used to sing it at the church I grew up in....Order My Steps...Click here for lyrics...
A sneak peek coming this afternoon!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Week 2
It's the beginning of week 2 as a full-time business owner/photographer! We've have had 2 engagement shoots and many more planned. Thank you Lord for providing!
I think one of the first things a full-time photog should do is have goals. If not, you are treading water. I started with..reviewing a mind-blowing book, E-Myth, by Michael E. Gerber. Check it out. It will revolutionize your way of thinking about small business.
The second thing I feel like a full-time photog should do is....well....network. I need relationships with vendors and other photographers. Thankfully I got a headstart... my friend and fellow photographer Cheyenne Schultz and her hubby have been SO generous with their time, resources and networking. I hope I'm able to help others they way they've so generously helped us.
It's also important to blog regularly. I think it's important to share honestly about photography, life and more. I don't think anyone can really understand our photography and our style if you don't know the role it plays in our everyday lives. So in an attempt to help anyone thinking about starting their own business, whether photography or not, here we go!!!!! Click here to see our latest photos!
**
Speaking of what's going on in our life....our Pastor, BROUGHT IT, on Sunday. We are in a series about relationships. It was real and honest...sure...when you tell the truth it can feel a bit uncomfortable...but don't let that stop you in your tracks, let it propel you to be challenged to be better. That's what his sermon did this Sunday. Go here to listen to it (it's week 4).
I think one of the first things a full-time photog should do is have goals. If not, you are treading water. I started with..reviewing a mind-blowing book, E-Myth, by Michael E. Gerber. Check it out. It will revolutionize your way of thinking about small business.
The second thing I feel like a full-time photog should do is....well....network. I need relationships with vendors and other photographers. Thankfully I got a headstart... my friend and fellow photographer Cheyenne Schultz and her hubby have been SO generous with their time, resources and networking. I hope I'm able to help others they way they've so generously helped us.
It's also important to blog regularly. I think it's important to share honestly about photography, life and more. I don't think anyone can really understand our photography and our style if you don't know the role it plays in our everyday lives. So in an attempt to help anyone thinking about starting their own business, whether photography or not, here we go!!!!! Click here to see our latest photos!
**
Speaking of what's going on in our life....our Pastor, BROUGHT IT, on Sunday. We are in a series about relationships. It was real and honest...sure...when you tell the truth it can feel a bit uncomfortable...but don't let that stop you in your tracks, let it propel you to be challenged to be better. That's what his sermon did this Sunday. Go here to listen to it (it's week 4).
Friday, September 26, 2008
A Bit of News
Life is amazing. You can go through a series of good times, bad times, meaningful times and well...changes. At first...change can be difficult..but when you come out on the other side of it...you look at it and say, "You didn't scare me...bwahahaha!" Well, maybe not the 'bwahahahaha' part...but you can look at it and be amazed at the change and the process. The process is the most important part...because it's during the process that you are forever changed...it's the process that teaches you and that you learn from.
Where am I going with this? I'm glad you asked...Daniel and I made the jump (no...we are not having a baby...)! We decided that now is the time for us to have me go FULL-TIME into photography. It's a dream come true. I'm excited, scared and a tiny bit insecure....BUT--I am looking forward to the 'process' of it. I'm looking forward to meeting FABULOUS clients and their families, meeting vendors, finding great locations, becoming a smart businesswoman...and a better photographer.
What does this mean for you? Well..this means that you'll have a very regularly updated blog to read, photography sessions coming down the pipeline...and more! Thank you for your support on this!!
Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
Where am I going with this? I'm glad you asked...Daniel and I made the jump (no...we are not having a baby...)! We decided that now is the time for us to have me go FULL-TIME into photography. It's a dream come true. I'm excited, scared and a tiny bit insecure....BUT--I am looking forward to the 'process' of it. I'm looking forward to meeting FABULOUS clients and their families, meeting vendors, finding great locations, becoming a smart businesswoman...and a better photographer.
What does this mean for you? Well..this means that you'll have a very regularly updated blog to read, photography sessions coming down the pipeline...and more! Thank you for your support on this!!
Looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Renewed Mind is the key....
Good Morning!
WOW! Last week as a blur!! I have had this post in draft mode for two days! I don't even know where to begin...but we'll do the quick rundown...
--Emergency Root Canal on Thursday- $1030
--Two engagement shoots on Friday & Saturday (Charlotte & Charleston)
--An amazing Sunday at Elevation with the beginning of our Visionary Love Dream Sex Series. Oh....you haven't heard about it? Click here.
(Designed by the talented Graphics Designer at Elevation Church.
--An amazing Sunday Night at the "Meet Pastor...Join a Community Group...Get on a Volunteer Team ..."
--My friend and volunteer extordinare, Brandi Jones, had a sweet baby girl, named Marley Paige.
--Reba, Daniel's sister is having a baby girl today (they've yet to reveal her name).
--My brother gets MARRIED this weekend.
God is so good! He has provided crazy strength for us..and we are excited about the weeks to come. Keep waiting for 4 weddings to be posted within the next week or so.
Below is a video sent from Geoff, our motion graphics staffer at Elevation. It's way funny...and yes....it's for real.
WOW! Last week as a blur!! I have had this post in draft mode for two days! I don't even know where to begin...but we'll do the quick rundown...
--Emergency Root Canal on Thursday- $1030
--Two engagement shoots on Friday & Saturday (Charlotte & Charleston)
--An amazing Sunday at Elevation with the beginning of our Visionary Love Dream Sex Series. Oh....you haven't heard about it? Click here.
(Designed by the talented Graphics Designer at Elevation Church.
--An amazing Sunday Night at the "Meet Pastor...Join a Community Group...Get on a Volunteer Team ..."
--My friend and volunteer extordinare, Brandi Jones, had a sweet baby girl, named Marley Paige.
--Reba, Daniel's sister is having a baby girl today (they've yet to reveal her name).
--My brother gets MARRIED this weekend.
God is so good! He has provided crazy strength for us..and we are excited about the weeks to come. Keep waiting for 4 weddings to be posted within the next week or so.
Below is a video sent from Geoff, our motion graphics staffer at Elevation. It's way funny...and yes....it's for real.
Friday, August 15, 2008
day off.
Daniel and I have been working steady for the past several months. We love the amazing things that we get to be a part of...and feel so honored to be a part of it.
But...it's so nice to get a day off.
Thank you Lord for days like today to get things done around the house...get finished in photography....and caught up with friends that I've not had the chance to talk to in a long while.
I have a blessed life.
But...it's so nice to get a day off.
Thank you Lord for days like today to get things done around the house...get finished in photography....and caught up with friends that I've not had the chance to talk to in a long while.
I have a blessed life.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Feeling Like a Failure?
I think there are times in our lives, more often than not, we are our own worst critic. I’m guilty of it. When I was part of the band at whatever place of life I was at, after every service, I’d listen to the playbacks…and instead of noticing the good parts…I focused on what was flawed.
We can put on an outfit that we feel great in. But notice that our stomach is muffin topping or that our hair is flat or something….It’s easy to pick out our flaws.
This past Sunday at Elevation (where I work) I was at the Providence campus. As Guest Services Director I’m over all campuses for the following areas: lobby, parking, ushers, First Impressions (bathrooms), and First Time Guests. That includes hundreds of peoples and leaders. When something goes wrong on Sunday…I have to make corrections and changes to it for the week coming up. Sometimes those mishaps happen before my very eyes, brought to me from another campus, or shown to me on the campus that I happen to be at.
A trap that I often fall into is that allow those mistakes own me. I had an epiphany on Sunday when someone was showing me something that was not running as it could have been….it was this, “Own every mistake, but don’t let every mistake own you.”
Freedom. Yes, that statement brings me freedom. It’s hard to not let our flaws, mistakes and mishaps own us. The solution: we should do all in our power to make things better, but don’t let them own you.
I pray that in your own life, you will own up to those things that you are responsible for in life…but don’t let them own you.
**Daniel and I had the privilege of being a part of the ‘Safe Journey’ Graduation. What an awesome time to be a part of what God is doing in the community. Click here to see a few of those pictures that we took.**
We can put on an outfit that we feel great in. But notice that our stomach is muffin topping or that our hair is flat or something….It’s easy to pick out our flaws.
This past Sunday at Elevation (where I work) I was at the Providence campus. As Guest Services Director I’m over all campuses for the following areas: lobby, parking, ushers, First Impressions (bathrooms), and First Time Guests. That includes hundreds of peoples and leaders. When something goes wrong on Sunday…I have to make corrections and changes to it for the week coming up. Sometimes those mishaps happen before my very eyes, brought to me from another campus, or shown to me on the campus that I happen to be at.
A trap that I often fall into is that allow those mistakes own me. I had an epiphany on Sunday when someone was showing me something that was not running as it could have been….it was this, “Own every mistake, but don’t let every mistake own you.”
Freedom. Yes, that statement brings me freedom. It’s hard to not let our flaws, mistakes and mishaps own us. The solution: we should do all in our power to make things better, but don’t let them own you.
I pray that in your own life, you will own up to those things that you are responsible for in life…but don’t let them own you.
**Daniel and I had the privilege of being a part of the ‘Safe Journey’ Graduation. What an awesome time to be a part of what God is doing in the community. Click here to see a few of those pictures that we took.**
Friday, April 25, 2008
All-Inclusive.
That's one thing I like about cruises. They are all inclusive....food, fun, lodging and the beautiful ocean...all at your fingertips. It's amazing....(wait for it...you'll see where I'm headed with this one..)
As an 'update' on the friend deal...God has really been refining us. Daniel and I have put our neck out and have really reached out to those around us. We still feel far from where we want to be....but God has SO encouraged us.
One of the biggest things I have learned about myself, and I think Daniel would agree. I have learned how important it is to include people. I think about times when I knew that I should included other's or invite others--and I didn't. Why? It was inconvenient, I was selfish...there were many reasons. Now...as Daniel and I have ventured out into the married world...we've learned that some friendships (even family at times) require you to have children to be friends with them...while there are others...that don't have 'openings' in their lives for new friends.
I must say that I am changed for this experience...and I thank the Lord for the way he has taught both Daniel and I to make those around us feel included, important, encouraged, edified and more.
That's all. More pictures to come soon. PS the new blog look is to allow us to post larger pictures ...all of our links can be found at the very bottom of our page.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
As an 'update' on the friend deal...God has really been refining us. Daniel and I have put our neck out and have really reached out to those around us. We still feel far from where we want to be....but God has SO encouraged us.
One of the biggest things I have learned about myself, and I think Daniel would agree. I have learned how important it is to include people. I think about times when I knew that I should included other's or invite others--and I didn't. Why? It was inconvenient, I was selfish...there were many reasons. Now...as Daniel and I have ventured out into the married world...we've learned that some friendships (even family at times) require you to have children to be friends with them...while there are others...that don't have 'openings' in their lives for new friends.
I must say that I am changed for this experience...and I thank the Lord for the way he has taught both Daniel and I to make those around us feel included, important, encouraged, edified and more.
That's all. More pictures to come soon. PS the new blog look is to allow us to post larger pictures ...all of our links can be found at the very bottom of our page.
I hope you all have a great weekend!
Monday, April 14, 2008
He's Still Workin' On Me...
...to make me what I ought to be... I love that song. I remember growing up and singing it (it's by 'The Hemphills). Still true...he's still working on me.
Monday's at the Elevation Church Offices mean MOMENTUM. That's our all-staff meetings. Each meeting can be so different...and today was no exception. Pastor Furtick led MOMENTUM today. He prayed for each staff member individually. What an amazing honor to be prayed over by him and to hear his prayers for my amigos in the ministry. We are all on the same team...and to hear the prayers for each person go up makes me want to weep. I guess I just wanted to take a minute to share how incredibly honored and blessed I feel. Thank you Jesus for your grand design and plan.
**
This past week was crazy. Crazy busy. But God is good..and it was fabulous! We photographed a couple from our small group on the most important day of their lives next to salvation...at their WEDDING! Eric was such a gracious groom. I can't wait to post some of their pix soon...
Today we are photographing Mack & Meredith. Meredith is the Creative Director here at Elevation. The girl is crazy talented and a gifted leader. Mack is a worship leader at Elevation. This dynamic duo is doing AMAZING things to further the gospel. Our gift to them are their pictures for her CONGO missions trip coming up. So cool we get to photograph them.
**
Thank you God for your unfailing love. I just had to say that. There are times when I just run up and grab Daniel to hug and hold onto him. He'll respond, "What did I do to deserve all of this attention..?" My response is.."I was just so full of love for you at this moment, if I didn't show it...I was going to burst." That's what I feel for God right at this very moment. God. You are so good.
Monday's at the Elevation Church Offices mean MOMENTUM. That's our all-staff meetings. Each meeting can be so different...and today was no exception. Pastor Furtick led MOMENTUM today. He prayed for each staff member individually. What an amazing honor to be prayed over by him and to hear his prayers for my amigos in the ministry. We are all on the same team...and to hear the prayers for each person go up makes me want to weep. I guess I just wanted to take a minute to share how incredibly honored and blessed I feel. Thank you Jesus for your grand design and plan.
**
This past week was crazy. Crazy busy. But God is good..and it was fabulous! We photographed a couple from our small group on the most important day of their lives next to salvation...at their WEDDING! Eric was such a gracious groom. I can't wait to post some of their pix soon...
Today we are photographing Mack & Meredith. Meredith is the Creative Director here at Elevation. The girl is crazy talented and a gifted leader. Mack is a worship leader at Elevation. This dynamic duo is doing AMAZING things to further the gospel. Our gift to them are their pictures for her CONGO missions trip coming up. So cool we get to photograph them.
**
Thank you God for your unfailing love. I just had to say that. There are times when I just run up and grab Daniel to hug and hold onto him. He'll respond, "What did I do to deserve all of this attention..?" My response is.."I was just so full of love for you at this moment, if I didn't show it...I was going to burst." That's what I feel for God right at this very moment. God. You are so good.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Check your tires....
Yesterday as I was driving home from work I was going to make a stop at the jewelry store in the mall to get a necklace fixed for Candice. There are two entrances to the mall...typically Candice and I choose the first. Yesterday was no different...except that the roads were wet, my mind was wandering, and my front tires were shiny bald. Not a good combination.
As I realized the turn was here sooner than I thought, I slammed on brakes and tried to turn right onto the ramp. Not going to happen...I am sliding straight ahead.
So I tried to pull the car left and get back on the road. Not a chance...now I am really sliding and the curb ahead is drawing too close too fast.
Wham! The Maxima hits the curb, rolls up on the grass so that the passenger front tire and 2 back tires are on the grass and the front driver side tire is off the grass and back on the road. I got out and saw there was a big knot on the side of one of the tires (like when those people sit on a basketball and pop out one side of it) but that it still had air. I crawled into the mall parking lot, did my business in the mall, and then came back for a check on the car. Still a full tire. Thankfully, the Lord kept the car and tire okay to crawl home, crawl to the tire place this morning, and have everything fixed...and thankfully Candice didn't freak out when I told her what had happened!
As I've been processing the event, it reminds me of how in my walk with the Lord I can be coasting along (or ignoring the warning signs....cause I knew the tires were getting thin) thinking everything is alright and then God directly and intentionally reminds me that he is in control and that I need to continually be checking myself, my choices, my heart, my thoughts, and my relationships. If I coast for too long without his intervention, it can lead to much more severe problems (i.e. a flat tire) that cost a lot more and take a lot longer to get fixed.
p.s. Check out the post below...so cute.
As I realized the turn was here sooner than I thought, I slammed on brakes and tried to turn right onto the ramp. Not going to happen...I am sliding straight ahead.
So I tried to pull the car left and get back on the road. Not a chance...now I am really sliding and the curb ahead is drawing too close too fast.
Wham! The Maxima hits the curb, rolls up on the grass so that the passenger front tire and 2 back tires are on the grass and the front driver side tire is off the grass and back on the road. I got out and saw there was a big knot on the side of one of the tires (like when those people sit on a basketball and pop out one side of it) but that it still had air. I crawled into the mall parking lot, did my business in the mall, and then came back for a check on the car. Still a full tire. Thankfully, the Lord kept the car and tire okay to crawl home, crawl to the tire place this morning, and have everything fixed...and thankfully Candice didn't freak out when I told her what had happened!
As I've been processing the event, it reminds me of how in my walk with the Lord I can be coasting along (or ignoring the warning signs....cause I knew the tires were getting thin) thinking everything is alright and then God directly and intentionally reminds me that he is in control and that I need to continually be checking myself, my choices, my heart, my thoughts, and my relationships. If I coast for too long without his intervention, it can lead to much more severe problems (i.e. a flat tire) that cost a lot more and take a lot longer to get fixed.
p.s. Check out the post below...so cute.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mafia
No. I’m not in the mafia. But I’ve got a great story.
Last night our homeslice, Ally, invited us over to a ‘friendly’ game of Mafia and Spaghetti at their place (they live 4 houses down from us). We invited Shannon & Jenny to come along with us, for they had not yet experienced the game before.
We played several games…and it was full of sarcasm, accusations and harsh tones (it’s the whole point of the game to accuse people of being in the mafia. If you’ve never played….go here to see the rules )
So the great story. Well in the final round, I was the ‘cop’. It was my responsibility to find out who the mafia was. In the round, I had found out who the mafia was. I wanted to reveal as quickly as possible who the mafia really was. Why, because in the rounds before when others were the cop, they did not help out the townspeople. SO, as we were asked to wake up…I didn’t give the narrator time to say who had been killed that round and blurt out…”I want to be a useful cop, I know who the mafia is…it’s so-in-so.”
All of this happened in slow motion, as it was coming out…my husband was trying to stop me…and I kept going….and pointing at the mafia….Then my husband (the narrator), looked at me and said…’Candice, you were just killed.’
What does that mean? That means, I wasn’t supposed to talk or reveal who the mafia was. That ended the game, because of course, the townspeople, voted her off.
Wow. I mean, I just blurted it out. I should have known better, but after the games prior…I knew that I wanted to be useful. The mafia person was upset that they had been revealed, which made me feel worse than I already felt. Thankfully, the entire crew got the biggest laugh from it…and it will be a memory engrained in our minds forever.
Where am I going with this? Sometimes we can be so convinced that we know what the Lord wants us to do next. We’ve got the next steps figured out. So, instead of waiting to hear His voice, we go ahead and take another step (or blurt out) in the direction that we think will be most useful. I’m so thankful in times like that, that God is like a GPS …he doesn’t give up on us, but he redirects us to get us back on the path we need to be on.
Last night our homeslice, Ally, invited us over to a ‘friendly’ game of Mafia and Spaghetti at their place (they live 4 houses down from us). We invited Shannon & Jenny to come along with us, for they had not yet experienced the game before.
We played several games…and it was full of sarcasm, accusations and harsh tones (it’s the whole point of the game to accuse people of being in the mafia. If you’ve never played….go here to see the rules )
So the great story. Well in the final round, I was the ‘cop’. It was my responsibility to find out who the mafia was. In the round, I had found out who the mafia was. I wanted to reveal as quickly as possible who the mafia really was. Why, because in the rounds before when others were the cop, they did not help out the townspeople. SO, as we were asked to wake up…I didn’t give the narrator time to say who had been killed that round and blurt out…”I want to be a useful cop, I know who the mafia is…it’s so-in-so.”
All of this happened in slow motion, as it was coming out…my husband was trying to stop me…and I kept going….and pointing at the mafia….Then my husband (the narrator), looked at me and said…’Candice, you were just killed.’
What does that mean? That means, I wasn’t supposed to talk or reveal who the mafia was. That ended the game, because of course, the townspeople, voted her off.
Wow. I mean, I just blurted it out. I should have known better, but after the games prior…I knew that I wanted to be useful. The mafia person was upset that they had been revealed, which made me feel worse than I already felt. Thankfully, the entire crew got the biggest laugh from it…and it will be a memory engrained in our minds forever.
Where am I going with this? Sometimes we can be so convinced that we know what the Lord wants us to do next. We’ve got the next steps figured out. So, instead of waiting to hear His voice, we go ahead and take another step (or blurt out) in the direction that we think will be most useful. I’m so thankful in times like that, that God is like a GPS …he doesn’t give up on us, but he redirects us to get us back on the path we need to be on.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Soaking and a little bit of elbow grease....
Two nights ago…I cooked dinner for my sick husband who had come home early from work. (Poor thing, I hate it when he’s sick). I had baked pork, string beans and carrots. I wanted to be sure to be really attentive to Daniel, since he wasn’t feeling well. So I got the string beans and carrots on the stove in separate pots with water to a boil. I left them there, on high temperature (to cook faster, or course) and checked on them once…adding water. I then went back to my husband and thought that they would be fine.
All of a sudden it began to smell really weird …like something was burning. I ran over to the carrots. The water had completely dried up…and the carrots were stuck to the bottom of the pot with black mess all around. BOO. I couldn’t have been away from the pot for more than just a few minutes.
I was amazed at how quickly it burned, without me even seeing it coming. It took MUCH longer to soak the pot, clean it and see if it was even useable at this point. It took 2 or more days of soaking and my husband’s elbow grease to get it back to normal. Surely, we thought we were going to have to throw this damaged pot away.
It hit me square between the eyes in a moment (and I shared it with Daniel then too), that it’s amazing how quickly bad things can happen in our lives…bad choices can be made in moments, accidents happen in moments, bad things can happen to us in just moments…and it takes a lifetime of soaking and ‘elbow grease’ to get our lives healed from that experience that only took moments to affect us. At times, I’m even amazed at how God can heal a heart (body, mind, soul, life and more) that looked as if it was beyond repair.
This is a very basic concept, and at times I think we make it difficult. God can truly take something bad that happened to us in only moments and restore it and make it worthy of use, love, healing, a testimony to change others and more.
Just a thought.
All of a sudden it began to smell really weird …like something was burning. I ran over to the carrots. The water had completely dried up…and the carrots were stuck to the bottom of the pot with black mess all around. BOO. I couldn’t have been away from the pot for more than just a few minutes.
I was amazed at how quickly it burned, without me even seeing it coming. It took MUCH longer to soak the pot, clean it and see if it was even useable at this point. It took 2 or more days of soaking and my husband’s elbow grease to get it back to normal. Surely, we thought we were going to have to throw this damaged pot away.
It hit me square between the eyes in a moment (and I shared it with Daniel then too), that it’s amazing how quickly bad things can happen in our lives…bad choices can be made in moments, accidents happen in moments, bad things can happen to us in just moments…and it takes a lifetime of soaking and ‘elbow grease’ to get our lives healed from that experience that only took moments to affect us. At times, I’m even amazed at how God can heal a heart (body, mind, soul, life and more) that looked as if it was beyond repair.
This is a very basic concept, and at times I think we make it difficult. God can truly take something bad that happened to us in only moments and restore it and make it worthy of use, love, healing, a testimony to change others and more.
Just a thought.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Oh the places you'll go....
It's only 7:46 am on New Year's Day, and I've read some pretty inspiring blogs so far (Michelle and Lisa L) So Daniel and I thought we would share some of our own things from 2007 that were wonderful or caused growth....and some goals too (you don't get all of them...well...because...not everything is for the internet:).
2007....The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Getting Married.
Traveling to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, South/North Carolina.
The sale of our house in Michigan.
Getting our Photography License and brand as well as all the friends that gave us an opportunity to shoot pictures for them...as we learned.
Blessing people with resources. (Daniel and I love to give. If you don't give, please do, it is one of the most wonderful gifts we've given to ourselves.)
Finding a church home (Elevation) and making friendships in our church and small groups.
Buying a new car. With two cars that had 200K miles on them, we needed one dependable car. Thank you Lord for your provisions for our new vehicle.
Turning our house into a home. (All of the little projects we've done/added to our house are so nice....)
Visiting family and having new additions to our family and more. We are so thankful for our two nephews as well as having Katie enter our family.
Our jobs. We are so blessed to have jobs....thank you Lord for your continual provision in our lives.
There are so many more we could list....but you wouldn't want to read that long of a blog post..
2008...Oh the places we'll go..
Give more. Whether it be financial, relational, spiritual...we want to continue to give more. I want to less selfish in all areas of my life.
Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Broaden our business....get our website up and running....
Keep growing deeper in our relationship with Christ and with each other. It takes work....and it's so worth it too! **Daniel wants me to specifically add that he wants us to grow deeper in love every day...isn't he sweet?!**
Travel. Daniel and I put flags in a huge map on our wall in the sitting room of our master bedroom of where we've been. The goal is to do little trips throughout the year and an international trip every year/or every other year. It's amazing how our perception of life and the world change for better understanding when seeing places outside of our own community.
Creative expression. I need it. I crave it. I'd like to sew, do fun cooking experiments and just be more creative. (Candice)
Sports Outlet. I would like to find a rec team that I could play with weekly. (Daniel)
...In the words of the wise Will Smith....from the movie Hitch..."Wake up every morning like it's on purpose.."
Happy New Year!
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