It is by Grace.

"When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and I get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. Ia m trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer." Brennan Manning - The Ragamuffin Gospel.

"Grace is opposed to what is owed." Romans 4:4.

Ian just gave me The Ragamuffin Gospel as another one of the books I need to read. I am hoping to have more time to read and get through a whole book.

Grace is something that is skewed in my view so I could use a refresher in what it means in my life and how to live it out. In honestly, I am good at doing. Helping, taking on a task, being committed, 'serving'. But I am not good at just being. I feel the need to earn people's affection and show the 'best' part of me and I guess I often think that comes out in things I can 'do' for others. This causes me to seek affirmation in an unhealthy way and to have unrealistic expectations of others based on what I expect of myself. Then I am reminded of what God expects and desires and it is much different than what I've been operating in. I don't have to present myself as better to Him. I don't need to sway His view. I am a bundle of paradoxes. It all depends on the day. But no matter what state I am in He is love, He is grace and He desires to do life with me. I mean, He gave His so I could go through all this and learn what it means to accept His grace over and over.

What is Grace right now in your life?



All I know is each day the sun sets and I awake to a new day to be free, alive and me.. who ever that is.. with Him.

clear night skies.

This doesn't happen often.
I mean, I like southern california but the skies are rarely super clear, pretty, star viewable skies. But last night was gorgeous. So I spent some time in my driveway and it reminded me how valuable random little photo shoots are.

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The Real World

Congratulations to both of my roomies who graduated two weekends ago. Now Karin and Colleen can both say they are officially done! Now it's job interviews, changes, 'responsibilities' and all that stuff.

We took a few photos in our front and back yard:





Ps.. If you need a last minute senior photo or anything else let me know. Our yard/house has so many great options for a quick, easy and beautiful picture.

Erika's Graduating

It's that season.. I've been to two grad parties already and there's much more on the way.
But these one's are pretty special.
I love that I get to take pictures for people so important to me like Erika. After 6 years of doing youth ministry with her as one of my girls.. she is at the end. High school will soon be a part of the past. I've seen her grow so much, go through so many changes, learn and become who she is. We once thought we were going to die while being followed the whole way to the movies. We've shared stories, laughed like crazy, danced, prayed and so much more. She can graduate but she's not getting rid of me!





























So excited for what is ahead.
Thank you, Erika, for allowing me to be a part of your journey.