List

I like list.
Things that need done, places to explore, goals, things/people to pray for, etc.

In my head I have been making a list of things I will miss about Las Vegas. For the record, the heat will not be one of them.

There are a lot of things/places/people that are close to my heart.
But, I am mentally and physically drained so we'll just start with -

Restaurants I will miss:

*Red Velvet
*Robertos
*24 hr. It's A Grind
*Ellis Island (home of the $6.99 steak meal)
*Late night Diners (always interesting people)
*Sam's cookin'
*Half off sushi
*Serendipity

That is it for now. Just some thoughts on my mind.

I like you, Las Vegas.

The work of Rachel

Last weekend Giles and I took pictures of Katie with her Make Up professionally done by Rachel. Rachel is doing a great job to build up her portfolio and her passion. Katie was a great model (I am pretty sure she does this regularly and doesn't tell us).

Not so lucky in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is know for a lot of things - one major thing being money. It is known for glitz, glamor, vacation, spa treatments, 'entertainment'.. but if you drive just a few miles north of the captivating Las Vegas Strip you drive into what seems like a whole different world. It looks something like this:



You see tent after tent lining Main Street in North Las Vegas. This is the not so glamorous area with a huge homeless population, shelters, The Rescue Mission and poverty. Right now it is 96 degrees which seems cool for Las Vegas right now. But people are living in tents with no source for cool air or hydration. 115 is not uncommon in the summer and it gets extremely cool in the winter. Harsh weather either way are a part of daily life for these people. Driving through this area feels like a different country. How easily we forget this is a reality where we live. The Rescue Mission feeds 700 people daily along with providing shelter, the hope of Jesus and much more. Thank God for these people who are devoting their lives to the overlooked in Las Vegas.

I drove past this area as I went to visit a women, children and pet shelter in North Las Vegas - The Shade Tree. This place is amazing and heart breaking. The facility is so nice, women can bring their pets to be cared for, they receive heath care, a case manager, beds, classes to help them be self sufficient, 24 hour security, job assistance and so much more. 300 women and children find shelter daily. I am so thankful they have somewhere wonderful to go but my heart breaks for the position they are in. Women who are 8 months pregnant who have had no prenatal care, women who have fled abusers and women who feel they can't seem to get a break. I am reminded how much hurt there is within the city I live in and yours as well. I am excited to help women who are applying for Jobs with a hair cut and style and however else I can possibly help.

The needs are all around. Please be open to those who may need your help.

More Lightning.

When I arrived home tonight the sky was loving me with more displays of lightning! Jessica wanted to take some shots as well. She caught great ones. We both loved it!

Here are a few winners. Sorry if you are bored - I am hoping there are more to come!

1


2


3


4


5 (out of focus, I know)


6


7


8


I think I need to travel to the crazy midwest for some intense thunder storms.

G'night.

Bolts of light from the sky.

Tonight I haven't felt very well. I spent most of my night in bed until I went to water my little sunflower and saw none other than LIGHTNING in the sky. Okay, If you do not know - I am completely obsessed with stormy weather, rain, thunder, wind - anything other than plane old sunshine. So in a matter of minutes Giles and I jumped in the car full of adrenaline with camera gear in hand. We wanted to take pictures tonight anyway, so now was the perfect chance. A quick 5 minute drive to a dark side street later we were perched out, shooting away! I cannot tell you how many times I high fived Giles, screamed when I missed shots and when I nailed them or the amount of joy during this hour long shooting experience. I haven't been around lightning to try shooting it but this first time was great! Sorry, I am overly excited.. but here are the winners:

















Seriously, I am amazed at God's display! This by far made my whole day (and then some). I am crossing my fingers for more tomorrow.

inbetween.

I am on the phone with a woman who is breaking my heart.
We have had lunch twice. We talk on the phone regularly. She is transitioning out of the sex industry and it is no easy task.
Here's an idea:
A landlord who wont fix the Air Conditioning unless she gives him what he wants - sex.
An ex boyfriend who still has power over her and is constantly manipulating her for her money, body - whatever he wants.
Overdue rent, late fees
Homes that wont shelter her because she does not have children
Home items stolen
Health issues
Not to mention all the emotional damage she has and is facing.

I want to do everything I can to help her. This is big stuff. Most is beyond my control.

Please pray for her. Pray for protection, peace, healing and restoration in her life.

Hidden Gem

Tonight the skies turned stormy and my roommate Giles and I had to take some pictures. We found this tiny town that had some attractions - petting zoo, train, stores and more. The little train station and tracks were great! It felt like we went back in time.









so many rules!

Ellie - a little older.

This weekend I spent some quick time with Ellie, Mom and Dad. She has changed so much from the first session. I am loving bits of time with my niece and can't wait to be there as she continues to grow. Anyway, the good stuff..