Easter....

"Happy Easter!"....Does that statement just seems so ran over by the fluff and colors of culture? Is your mind jumbled with thoughts of pastel colors, chocolate bunnies, flowers, big hats, egg hunts, tons of yummy dishes and more? Easter isn't about 'Little Bunny Foo Foo', its about Jesus. And yes, I do think of Christ when I hear "Happy Easter" but living in such a colorful and visual culture, I can't help but be flooded with images of big fluffy chocolate bunnies. Now don't get me wrong here, this girl loves her chocolate and I also have no problem with all the eggs and candies and such. However, I just pray for balance...especially for the day I have children of my own. I pray that I may find balance and share it with my children that Christ comes to their mind first and bunnies are a second yummy thought. Now this Easter I had visuals brand new in my mind...visuals from my recent trip to Israel! This morning my pastor recalled much of the story of Jesus' few last days...the garden, city gates, mount of olives, Kidron valley and more! I thought I'd share photos of some of these precious places....

On top of the Mount of Olives. From here you can see the triumphal entry, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Kidron Valley and the East Gate of the city.

This is a tree just outsdie the Church of the Black Tear...notice the thorns!

The Garden of Gethsemane...these olive trees date back at least 1,500 years if not more!

The Church of All Nation at the Garden of Gethsemane. This was my favorite church on the trip.

This is the rock at the altar in the Church of All Nations. This rock is believed to possibly be the rock or close to the rock that Jesus prayed on in the Garden just before He was arrested.

The Garden Tomb!

Golgotha....do you see the skull in the side of the hill?

The tomb!!!

The best part....it's empty!

This church is on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. The church is built where Jesus reappeared to his disciples after He was resurrected. Its where he reinstated Peter.

This is a stone just outside that church by the water. I loved these stones!

[HD] Carrie Underwood Ft. Vince Gill - How Great Thou Art @ ACM Girls' N...

Wow! I don't think I've heard this song sung any better! So beautiful!

A Big, Little Blessing...

This month calls for a celebration...my adorable little niece Kyla has turned one! We've had a blast watching her grow and become her own little lady. She has the most beautiful blue eyes that capture your heart instantly! Dora, oh yeah...she's already a big fan! And just days after her birthday she took her first steps! And also fun to watch, has been her interaction with her big sister, Jada! Kyla loves her big sister! She's easily mesmerized watching her sister and she often giggles so hard I'm sure that little diaper is quickly filled! Even amidst their great love for one another, they are growing up to be two beautiful different little girls. Sometimes as I step back I see my sister and I in both their differences and love for one another! I love these little sisters so much and their mommy, my little sister...a beautiful woman and amazing mommy!

Learning & Loving a Long Passion...

A long time passion and hobbie of mine has been taking photos! I can remember back on youth trips...I was the girl with the red coca-cola bear camera in everyone's face!....But guess what guys, I have loads of memories captured from our good ole' days at PBC and EHS!

So up to speed now...I've stepped it up past year and started taking and creating photos on the side for friends and family! This has been both a blast and challenge, yet there's so much more to learn. So I'll post some photos from varying sessions from time to time! And to start us off...these are a few favorites from a session I did with a coworker, along with her sister and boyfriend.

Beginnings...

Well this is my first blog...I've decided to start this blog to give you a peek into the window of my life, heart and thoughts! I often share on facebook but it just seems so crazy on there and not as laid back and real. I don't claim to be a writer, I mean just ask my sister...she'll tell you, I'm not the best at percise grammar or even spellllling...but I'm sharing desipte. So here it goes, you have a front row seat to perch at my window and catch my....laughs, questions, struggles, photos, prayers, and all other goings in my life in His world.