Week 44 || Project 52

"I love Your voice,

singing over me every morning.

I love Your voice,

calling out my name every morning."

-Your Voice || The Royal Royal

There's something about waking up before the sun even rises to spend some time with the Lord. Nothing like it. I woke up at 4:30AM this morning. Thankful for a pot of coffee, deer sightings in the suburbs, a warm home, another day. It's so easy to get stuck in the daily grind and take life for granted. But when you think that we are not even worthy of one day, it puts everything back in perspective. Whether the world seems quite and still or loud and busy, the Lord is always there.

Dark Room || Film Friday

Believe it or not, before I started with digital photography I shot film for 6 years. Yes, that's right FILM. I spent countless hours shooting, developing, printing and experimenting. I still shoot film frequently and there is nothing quite like it. If you are a photographer and have never shot film, what are you doing?! Get out there and enjoy the simplicity and roots of our craft ;)

I thought it would be quite a treat to start a new series on the blog "Film Fridays." I'll go through techniques, experimental options and oh, so much more ;) Today I'm coming at you with some work I did in the dark room quite a while ago.

Fun stuff! This week I challenge you to go out and experiment with film and share your results with me! Next Film Friday I'll have some fun techniques to share with you. Get excited!

Week 43 || Project 52

Autumn is bliss. I just love the crisp air. I love snuggling up in a blanket with a delightful book with way too many candles burning. I am a lover of all-things-autumn. I am a scarf addict, chai tea enthusiast and cider sipper. The grass is covered in a blanket of colorful leaves. Falling leaves are like God's confetti...why rake them up?! 

All the fall love aside, can you believe there are only 9 weeks left in 2012 meaning there are only 9 weeks left of the Project 52? Where has the year gone?! 

What is your most favorite thing about autumn?

Pray for Masha || Faith

I've been waiting to write this blog for quite some time. I have been blessed with so many amazing, faith filled people in my life. Masha is one of those people. 

This sweet girl has been in the hospital for over a month with an undiagnosed sickness. Through it all this girl has been joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Her love for the Lord is inspiring. The thousands of people that have been praying for her is moving. Masha's journey has truly started a movement and a revival. This girl has such a special place in my heart. She is always full of such joy. 

This summer I had the joy of being an intern at my church, being submersed in ministry. Toward the end of the summer, we went to camp with the students. It was such a joy to spend so much time with Masha. I'll never forget one day we were taking a hike through some rocky hills by the water and every person she passed, she gave them a smile and said "Hi! How are you today?" I just love her!

Please pray for Masha. Pray urgently, fervently and unceasingly. To show your support, tweet, using the hashtag #prayformasha. If you'd like to stay up to date on her condition visit the blog. 

Into the Wilderness Again || Personal

Fall is definitely one of my favorite seasons. Crunchy leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, apple picking, jackets, scarves, and Trader Joe's having everything pumpkin flavored (I'm kind of addicted to their pumpkin ice cream!) There's no better place to experience fall than in the north woods; the leaves are prettier, the wind is fiercer and the distractions are few. 

On Friday morning my good friend Sarah and I bundled up and made the road trip up to my lake house. Some good mix CDs and coffee to accompany us, there was not a moment of silence. I can talk for hours with that girl about Jesus, future and our love of pumpkin. The best part about our arrival...we got there just as the golden hour was starting! Perfection. It was a great weekend of small town, serenity, heart-to-heart, late night chatting, midnight baking, Jesus goodness.

We made pumpkin pancakes every morning and explored the small town before it got dark around 4 in the afternoon. Homemade pizzas and plenty of baking every evening. We sipped on pumpkin tea and cider throughout our hours and hours of challenging and inspiring chatter. Weekends in the wilderness always do my heart well.

Week 40-42 || Project 52

Sometimes life gets a little busy. Sticking to a blogging schedule can get a little crazy and life is just better with a little less screen time. From concerts to city adventures to weekends in the woods...I am blessed.

And today...a little project 52 catch-up.

WEEK 40

Phil Wickham is one talented man. Such a sweet night of worship. Feel free to watch the video below from the concert:

 Nights spent in the city are my favorite...my soon-to-be home. Went to this nice, little italian restaurant with a few of my lovely friends.

WEEK 41

 Kari Jobe and All Sons & Daughters are two of my favorite artists. They are so talented and so blessed. I would be thrilled if Kari Jobe would be my mentor. 

WEEK 42

Let's just say this week was phenomenal. I packed my bags and headed into the woods for a little fall retreat with a sweet friend of mine. There is no better place to be than in the woods during the fall. The leaves were crunchy and the fish fry was great. Here is a highlight from the weekend...but stay tuned! A post on the adventure will be here soon :)

Shannon || Studio

Studio photography is just not my thing. Not a fan. I'd rather be in fields of flowers than in a stuffy, hot, bright room...but hey, that's just me! But last week in class I had tons of fun shooting this Hollywood styled shoot. Take a peak... (Shannon was such a phenomenal model!)