introducing: some louisiana littles + my very favorite // denton, tx lifestyle and portrait photographer

For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, 
plans for welfare and not for evil, 
to give you a future and a hope. 
|| jeremiah 29:11 ||

Life is such a funny creature with all its unexpected twists and turns. I don't want to go all cliche and use the box of chocolates analogy...but it's true, you know. You really do never know what you're gonna get. I am a pro when it comes to planning for my future. As in...seeking to single-handedly set in stone what my life will look like in the coming years. I am a master when it comes to playing out possible scenarios in my head with grandiose detail of exactly what I and others around me will do and how things will fall precisely into place just how I would like them to. My plans are often tweaked as time progresses..."Like a skilled sculptor chisels away at their masterpiece, improving upon its lovely potential to be absolutely perfect." says my mind. But in reality, I have to tweak these fantasies because that's all they really are. Fantasies. Impossible figments of my imagination that usually seek to please myself more than anyone else. And as time goes on I start to notice that my plans are ill-fitting like a pair of shoes that is getting too tight or a sweater that's been stretched out. My real life just can't seem to get the memo and pour itself into the mold that I've created for it so diligently. It always seems to take a drastically different course. What's up with that, huh?!
Then I remember. I know exactly what's up with that.
I serve a sovereign God whose ways and thoughts are not mine. They are not only different but infinitely higher according to Isaiah 55.
He has a plan for me that I cannot even begin to fathom that is so much more marvelous, and grand, and wonderful, and good than anything I could try to conjure up in my dreams. The hairs of my head are numbered and my days are in His hands. He does all that He does for His own glory and for my good. Not what I think will be best for me, but what He knows is perfect for me. He knows because before the beginning of time He planned it that way for me.Wow. Why can't I remember that?!...what a way to throw my selfish perspective into a tailspin.
I'm going to introduce you to some rather special people today. I really want you to meet them. Now take note: I also really want you to like them. Because I sure do. Very much. They make my heart burst with happyhappy thoughts and praise God for creating them. God has graciously used them in a particular way to teach me to better know that I am not in charge of my future. And that is not only "not a bad thing"...that is the best thing. :)

The last weekend in March I attended a Bible Conference in Denton, TX and while there I was finally able to meet some littles that I had heard so much about, they had already managed to get themselves wrapped tightly around my heart. I wasn't sure what they would think about me. I was all jittery and nervous hoping that I could be their new friend. I take making friends very seriously. Especially when they're as cute as these two. ;) It took some patience but finally I got what I was waiting for. An invitation from Miss Anabelle to join her game of pretend. Score. :)

This is Anabelle. She is not your average little Miss. She's quite extraordinary. She has the most adorable southern drawl, she has a pink BB gun in her possession, and she had a pet pig named Wilber that got its head stuck in a can one time. Now she has a pet dog named Goldie. Its a Golden Retriever. Because I'm her new best friend, {yes. obvious fact} she said that one day soon I get to come to her farm in Louisiana and take pictures of her in a pretty dress with Goldie at her side. I will be more than happy to oblige. :) Something else quite special about the girl behind those piercing blue eyes and smile that could melt anyone's heart is the undeniable love she has for her little brother, Abram.

That's this cute little dude right here.

Abram himself is quite a story of God's ultimate control and goodness. It blesses my heart tremendously to see how much he is loved, not only by Anabelle, but by his Mama and Daddy too. What a wonderful thing God has done to give him loving parents to bring him and his sister up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Something unique about this precious boy is that last year, after a series of struggles and much confusion, he was diagnosed with autism. I knew this before I met him but I didn't really know what it would be like to finally meet him face to face. What I was struck by is what a beautiful little person he is...made in the image of God. :)

"Abram's such a silly boy." Anabelle giggles as she watches him hop from side to side. I smile as I watch him playing in his own little world. I'm fascinated trying to wonder what is going on inside his head. "Do you like being a big sister, Anabelle?" I say. "Oh yes. I love my brother. I love him so much." she replies.

One thing I admired greatly is how treasured he is by his family. He is not treated like a burden...but like the gift that he truly is. They don't treat his differences like hindrances...just part of who he is. Something particular about him that they simply adapt to. He has to be on a very special diet {having over 30 food intolerances} and he can't interact with others in the same way as children without autism. But I didn't see them despairing over these things. I'm sure on a day to day basis its tough...its a trial. But I was encouraged to see them embrace it as what the Lord has seen fit for them and for their son. They have been very diligent to find out things that he can safely eat and also find means to keep him calm and happy. Like music. Abram loooooves listening to music.
{me too, buddy. meeee too. :)}



Such a goofball. ;)




Meeting him blessed my heart beyond words. The Lord has been seeking to teach me that His sovereignty over my life and everything else is a wonderful truth. Even when I can't understand it. Even when it makes little to no sense to me. It is perfect. He used Abram as a tool to drive that home even more. There's not a thing wrong with Abram. His autism is the very thing God intended to bring Himself glory. We may not know exactly why. But He does. And that is a precious thing.




As Abram danced around and Anabelle flitted about telling me stories of her fishing pond, I snapped away enjoying and trying to capture each moment I could. It was such a sweet time of simplicity and joy. I wanted to soak it all in and not miss even an inkling of its beauty.









{matching pink sandals. i tooold you we were besties.}





Now. We've reached something of a climax to this post: the next person that I want to introduce. A means of grace the Lord has specifically used to instruct me in recent months. To assure me certainly that His plan for me is beyond words and imagination better than anything I ever wanted or thought I needed. We're watching the story...our story...that God had written before time, unfold everyday. It's an achingly beautiful thing learning to trust God as He leads and guides us. One day, Lord willing, I hope to tell you all a bit more of our tale...but for now;
Internet....at this time, I would like to proudly present...ummm, I mean....I want you all to meet someone who has become my most special friend in the whole world...: Trevor. :) He's my very favorite. :) :)

{you may all now applaud if you wish. ;)}

He is actually the mutual connection between Anabelle + Abram's family and I. Jeffery, Anabelle + Abram's Daddy, is one of his best friends. He had told me so much about them so naturally I had been dying to finally meet them in person for awhile.
Anabelle, I know what you're thinking here....and you're right. He's a mess. ;) And ya better watch out cause...

Yep. I knew it. Spontaneous tickle fight. Shoulda seen that one coming, girly. ;)
Man...seeing this makes me think about her giggle. One of my new favorite sounds ever. :)






And now for the final introduction: This is Jeffery and Challie. Such dear dear Christians. I can't even begin to say how thankful I was to meet them. They were fun and refreshing to be around. Their patience, humor, kindness, joy, sweetness, unique personalities, wisdom, and overall just their utter love for the Lord Jesus Christ....they are magnificent trophies of God's grace and mercy. I love these four already. So much.
Anabelle said this as they were getting in their car to leave,
"Isn't that girl taking pictures of us coming to our house to take pictures of me and Goldie today? I wanted her to come home with us today." :)
That's it. Count me in. I'll pack my bags. Mark it on my calender. Sometime, hopefully very soon....I'm coming to Louisiana. ;)

~Through Christ's Love ♥

P.S. April is Autism Awareness Month. 

Our Florida Story : Part Two : personal // destin, florida portrait and lifestyle photographer

It has been nearly three weeks since I met you for the first time. 
Seventeen days have past since I told you goodbye. You mimic the very waves that crash upon your shores. You rushed over me, swirling me around, made my heart race; you went so fast I could hardly savor the moment as you pulled back quietly into the ocean of beautiful experiences. And I was left staring behind me, hoping against hope that you weren't over. But you were. Now I make myself feel better by looking back at the pictures.
But nothing will be the same as how it felt to stand there.
Feeling Florida sun rays paint me in golden hues of light.

Standing on the shore, waiting for the water to cover my feet, and then when it would recede back...

it took sand with it and I would sink slightly. It was one of the smallest joys, but something about it was exhilarating. :)

Ooooh, my heart aches trying to relive in my mind what it was like to step out on the balcony and THIS. {Those bitty persons are my parents. :)}

I would stand out there and literally turn around and around in circles, snapping pictures from every direction. There was beauty ever where I looked.

Mornings were majestic and colorful, but the crisp brightness of midday was a happy sight as well. :)

Our seagreen home away from home I told you about. Second floor was ours...the one that looks the most lively with all those towels and swim clothes hung out to dry. ;)

And when we would go into town, there was still sights to see. 

Day and night. :)

At nights, the balcony had a different breath-taking view to experience. To the left there was Panama City shining brightly like a beacon in the darkness. 

The stars were as innumerable as they can possible be. And the ocean had an added mysterious element in the dark. You could barely see it, but it was as loud and vast as ever. 

Then morning came back to charm us. :) If I were anymore melodramatic, I would've fainted from excitement and wonder overload.

Just after the sunrose that day, thunderclouds came out to play.

This man didn't really correctly estimate the arrival of rain. He set out on a walk across the whole beach, stopping once for quite a while to look at the hole we had dug. Needless to say the next time we saw him, he was running for his life to get out of the rain.

While I just sat and enjoyed it as it fell. :)

So you see, my new friend whom I love so dearly, I long to see you again. Pictures will never do you justice. Bits and pieces of your skies, your colors, your light, your ocean, your birds, your fish, all your sights, and smells, and sounds are tucked away in my memory like scraps of inspiration pasted into a notebook. You overwhelmed me with your splendor and I was made more fully aware everyday that no one but my Savior and Creator could've crafted something as truly awesome as you. 

~Through Christ's Love ♥

P.S. To all who didn't catch the link in the last post, you should check out the video I made for our trip. Its fun. :)

P.P.S. Speaking of a video! Vlog Reminder. :) You still have a few more days {until the end of August} to send in questions for me if you want them included. :)