Just sharing my family...

Picture taken on Resurrection Sunday, by Daniel Tero Photography

A | Photoshoot

Little girls in nature. With flowers. There is just something beautiful about the simplicity and innocence there.

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"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

Shadows of the Past (1 of 3)

By Amanda Tero (Written in 2005, age fourteen)

This was my first short story, written as a school assignment (after I post all three parts, I'll share my original "Afterword" which explains a little more). It was fun to read again after all of these years. I can detect some immaturity of my thought-process at fourteen but the story was fun to read nonetheless.

Part One

Our annual family picnic had come once more, and we were all excited to get on the go. It seemed the ideal day, and we were all eager to find out where it was going to be this year. But as much as we prodded, Dad kept silent. Even my cousin, Carla, who was staying the summer at our house, was curious. Finally, the car stopped and Dad told us to start walking. He led the way.

We walked for what seemed hours then Dad finally stopped at a ravine in the woods. “This is it.” He stated as we all quietly overlooked the land that dipped in front of us.

Seventeen year-old Joseph looked up at Dad. “Isn’t there a–”

“Yes, I guess we’ll go there.” Dad interrupted quickly. “All right, just a little further.”

In a few moments, we were staring at an almost crystal-clear stream that gently rushed past an old, abandoned mill.

“Oh…” I couldn’t seem to take in all the beauty at once. Everything was so calm…so serene.

“Let’s unload.” Mom directed softly, handing Carla and I the yellow-checked blanket to spread on the ground.

“May we eat there?” Carla asked, pointing to a shady spot underneath a grove of oak trees.

“Yes, that is the perfect place. I don’t think I could’ve chosen a better place because, well, there is no better place than this one.” I stated as I scanned the area.

We shook out the blanket and cautiously spread it on the ground, being careful not to put it on any stumps or roots. Then, we helped Mom set the food out on the blanket.

“It looks so cheery.” Carla stated, staring at the plates of food on the yellow blanket.

“Yes,” I mused. “And out here, it is so…quiet and peaceful. There is no one to bother us.”

Out of the blue, Joel came whooping up to the picnic spot, very much like any eight year-old boy would do.

“Except for my brothers.” I added with a grin.

Soon, we were all seated on the ground and Dad said the blessing. Everyone got their food and began to quietly eat.

I took a small bite of my cheese sandwich and slowly began to chew. I looked out at the stream again and listened carefully. Yes, there it was. Somewhere close, water was rushing over high rocks. My mind flew to the words of Psalm 23:2 and 45:10. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters…Be still, and know that I am God: …” I quoted to myself. It seemed that God’s presence was surely near.

I looked down at my dress thoughtfully. Not many girls today wear dresses. Mostly pants. Then my thoughts drifted once more to our picnic spot. I wonder if anyone else once sat here. Maybe the family from that mill ate here once—or maybe a family that was waiting for their meal to be ground, I wonder… I shivered. That would be interesting if I sat in the exact same spot as one of them. Maybe it was a girl my age…or maybe the baby. I smiled, satisfied with my thoughts, and, since I was finished eating, I got up and wandered across the stream.

“Don’t go far.” Mom advised.

“Yes ma’am.” I called as I went a little closer to the mill where I could think better. I wonder if one of the workers of the mill ever sat here to rest during their break. Or maybe to eat their lunch, or dinner, as they called it… I felt someone behind me and turned around. Carla stood there silently looking at the mill.

“I hope you don’t mind me here.” Carla said softly.

“Not at all. I was just thinking of how nice it is out here and—Carla!” I gasped and grabbed her arm suddenly. “Look!” I pointed towards the mill.

Suddenly, a girl in a long, flowing dress disappeared into the mill. Without a word, I slowly pressed closer to the mill.

Can she be someone from the olden days? No, I quickly dismissed the thought. I didn’t believe that someone could come back to life. But so few girls now wear dresses…especially like that. Who is she? How did she find her way to the mill? Could she have thought that the miller is still here, and is looking for him?

I bit my lip nervously as I swung the old mill’s creaky door open.

. . . Come back next week for part two! :)

Word Wednesday #49

"And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed." Luke 17:14

When they obeyed, they were in the same state as before. However, while they were obeying, Jesus cleansed. So often we want to see change before we move. But maybe God is asking us to obey so He can change us.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 

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What About the Money?

I recently read through one of my favorite Old Testament stories. When King Amaziah began his reign in Judah, he did "that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart." (2 Chronicles 25:2) It always saddens me when kings began right and fell. But today, I wanted to focus on one of the good points of his life.

After making his armies (2 Chronicles 25:5), King Amaziah hired 100,000 more mighty men of valor for 100 talents of silver (2 Chronicles 25:6). Immediately in the next verse, a prophet was sent to Amaziah saying, "O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down." (vs. 7-8)

I can almost see Amaziah's thought-process: "Wait! You don't understand! I've just spent an immense amount to hire this help - and God tells me to send them home? Doesn't He understand the money I'll lose from this investment?" His next words prove where his thoughts were: "But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel?" (vs. 9) I can sense a bit of apprehension, rooted in the fact that money had already been spent - and wouldn't be returned.

The answer he got was, "The Lord is able to give thee much more than this." This truth applies to me as well as Amaziah. God can give us so much more than what we've already spent if we but follow Him! After all, what am I looking to? My pocket-book? or God?

To those of us who like reading of the kings who actually chose right, Amaziah's response is applauded. He sent the men home and fought with his own men (vs. 10-11). Victory! (vs. 11-12).

Now to bring the story back home: is there an area in which I have invested (time, money, things) and then God leads me elsewhere? What is my response? "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22) At what price am I willing to follow God's leading in my life?

Boldness | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Paul considered himself and ambassador (representative) of the mystery of the Gospel (considering Ephesians 3, particularly the mystery of the Gospel to the Gentiles). This is the second time Paul mentions boldness.

Examples of boldness:

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:8-13)

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30)

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)

"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:11-12)

Boldness comes by the filling of the Holy Ghost. Boldness is granted by prayer. One cannot decide, "I'm going to be bold for Christ." Rather, it comes by following as Christ leads, granted as an answer to prayer for boldness. Do I pray for boldness? (for myself and others) Do I pray that God would help me (and others) to speak as He would have us to speak?

Six Free Songs

Today is the conclusion of a week of free piano solo sheet music at With a Joyful Noise. You can view and download piano solos for the following songs (click the title to go to the page):
At the Cross (beginner)
When I Survey (beginner)
Hallelujah! What a Savior! (early intermediate)
When I Survey (intermediate)
Jesus Paid it All (late intermediate)
Near the Cross (late intermediate/early advanced)

And, if you're not a pianist, here's something you can enjoy:

8 Unique Ideas for Mothers' Day | Guest post by Rebekah Dan

It may seem a bit early to think about Mother's Day, but it's never too early to start planning.

This post features some ideas to help you rise above the cliché of Mother's Day traditions: a bouquet of flowers, a card, breakfast in bed, and an outing to a special restaurant. Nice, but you can take it up a notch by being more original.

If you are looking for some fun ways to make Mother's Day more meaningful and memorable, this is the post for you!

1. Potted fruit tree. Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers, surprise your mom a potted fruit tree! If you have several siblings, you can put your money together to get nice a tree. Buy a tree with her favorite fruit, or an exotic fruit. Some ideas are: citrus, cherry, fig, apricot, (or even avocado)... the options are endless. Add a nice big bow on the tree to make it extra special! She will have the tree throughout the years to remind her of you. If she's not into fruit trees, a bonsai tree could be another idea.

2. A photoshoot. Seems like everyone is into photography nowadays. There are photoshoots for every event imaginable: high school seniors, maternity, you name it. But we rarely see photoshoots of a mom, right? If you own a good camera, plan a photoshoot for your mom on Mother's Day! Or hire someone to do a photoshoot of her. Then she can have some really professional and lovely pictures to keep and frame. You can even make it a multi-generational photoshoot of grandmother, mother, daughter etc!

3. Take her to a flower field or botanical garden. If you live near a flower field or a botanical garden, spring is the best time to go visiting, and it's a lovely way to spend Mother's Day together! Or, if flowers are not her thing, take her fruit picking on a farm. Then you can make fruit jams, pies or preserves together with the fruit you picked!

4. Print her recipes/photos into a book. Compile a collection of her best recipes, or photos of her life (from your birth to the present), and print it as a special book for her! Or you can have all your siblings put together "mom's words of wisdom", such as sayings that you always remember her repeating to you, and print it into a fun scrapbook with pictures of your life. It's super easy to do with websites like Blurb, Shutterfly, Snapfish, or even local stores like Costco or Walmart.

5. Cooking contest! Cook something and let Mom be the judge. Skip the restaurant crowds and do something special at home! Have everyone in your family cook a dish or bake a dessert, then present them to your mother and have her be the judge. Do not reveal who cooked which dish! Then have her give scores and awards/ribbons to the best dishes, and at the end, identify the cooks. To keep it simple, you can have a pie contest, everyone making a different type of pie. Or if you want a challenge, have each person cook one of your mom's favorite dishes!

6. Surprise envelopes every hour! Have everyone in your family write special notes of appreciation, Mother's Day cards, Bible verses, sweet memories, or words of encouragement and put them in separate envelopes. Tie the envelopes together in a bundle, and label each with the time she should open an envelop (example: open at 8:00 A.M., or at noon). Every hour that day, she can open a surprise envelope with a special note inside! You can add envelopes with little surprises like gift cards, tickets to a museum/amusement part etc.

7. Make it classy, go to a music hall! Let your mom experience something new this Mother's Day! If she's never been to a classical music concert and she loves music, now is your chance to spoil her! If you live near a music hall, look up dates around Mother's Day when there will be nice concerts with choirs, philharmonic orchestras or chamber music in your area. Before the concert you can visit a cafe, antique shop, or bakery for a treat!
Of course, when it comes to a special outing, the options for fun adventures are abundant (horseback riding, kayaking, hunting, depending on what your mom enjoys doing ;)).

8. Mom interview. Get your family together and have everyone interview mom and videotape it. Make a list of questions in advance, such as "how did you imagine yourself as an adult?", "what was the most exciting moment you remember as a child?" "who did you admire most when you were young?" "what advice would you give for....?" "what is the best advice you got from your parents....?" You can also look up ideas online.

Hope this will get you bubbling with ideas for making Mother's Day better than ever!

What Mother's Day traditions do you have?



Rebekah is a homeschool graduate and college student living a life redeemed and justified in Christ. She blogs about theology, art, music, health & nutrition, book reviews, and a variety of other topics she is passionate about at Heritage of Grace. She enjoys connecting with her readers and using her blog as a ministry to her peers.

A Parisian Tea

A few weeks ago, I was asked to take pictures at a Paris-style mother-daughter tea. Besides enjoying the tea with friends and family, I thoroughly enjoyed being photographer at this event.

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"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Proverbs 15:23

Wisdom for Writing

Sometimes, I get this feeling of trepidation when I think about the load of responsibility I have as a writer. There are verses of warnings like Matthew 12:35-36, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." There are verses of responsibility like Colossians 2:8, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." A writer's pen is a mighty weapon which can be wielded for good or for evil.

First, we must understand that good writing cannot come from us ("The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jeremiah 17:9).

Secondly, we must understand from where good writing does come: God and His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.").

Thirdly, we must apply this knowledge ("But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22).

I know that left to myself, I should feel under-qualified to write. However, there are several things that I can do to glean from God's Word that wisdom I need:

1) Read Scripture (it is a good idea to continually read through your Bible year by year)

2) Study Scripture (broader than reading, studying is comparing Scripture to Scripture, looking up original word definitions, etc.)

3) Memorize Scripture (the more we hide God's Word in our hearts, the more it will freely flow from our pen)

4) Glean from others (take notes during sermons, talk with elderly believers, etc.)


What are some ways you can think of to glean wisdom for your writing?

Word Wednesday #48

"Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein." Hosea 14:9

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you'd like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 

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A Week of Free Sheet Music!

I am so excited to be sharing six piano solos with you at my music website, With a Joyful Noise -- all about the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! Every day this week (Monday-Saturday), I will be sharing an arrangement for you to download. There will be one of pretty much every level, so you are bound to find something for you, your child, or your student. And if you're not a pianist, please share this with a pianist friend!

Visit here for our first piece: At the Cross for beginning pianists: http://www.withajoyfulnoise.com/blog/about-the-cross-day-1

Prayer for Preachers | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:18-19

(18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(19)  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Not only does Paul exhort the believers to pray for the saints, but he also requests prayers for himself.

Utterance - NT:3056 logos (log'-os); from NT:3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):

Boldly - NT:1722 en (en); a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between NT:1519 and NT:1537); "in," at, (up-) on, by, etc.:

NT:3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see'-ah); from NT:3956 and a derivative of NT:4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance:

Though Paul was known for his boldness, he still requested prayer. Taking his example, we should pray for the preachers and pastors we know: that God would give them utterance and boldness to declare the Gospel. We cannot pray too much for the men of God that we know.

Author Interview | Kelsey Bryant

Today, we have Kelsey Bryant, author of the Six Cousins series, visiting With a Joyful Noise (you will notice me mentioning the two current books in her series: Family Reunion and An England Adventure)! I had such a blast interviewing her and reading her answers. Thank you, Kelsey, for taking the time for this interview!

Me: When did you know that you would be an author?
Kelsey: It came as a decision at my high school graduation celebration; at least, that's when I have the clearest memory of feeling the decision settle its weight inside me. I was 17; people, of course, wanted to know what I would do after graduation, and I told them "something to do with books"; I didn't want to commit to being an author just yet, though I was working on a novel (Family Reunion, as a matter of fact!). Writing stories was something I'd done since I could print, and at age 11 one of my biggest dreams was to publish a book, but it took me until age 17 to fully make the decision. It felt like God's leading. Writing a novel became my main academic focus after high school, since I didn't go to college. That was seven years ago this spring. (How time flies!)

Me: When you began writing Family Reunion, did you know that this book would be your first publication? If not, when did you realize that it would be?

Kelsey: I didn't know it would. When I first started, its plot was so indistinct I didn't know if there was a whole story behind the mist or not. Then plenty of ideas emerged, and I realized, maybe in 2010 or 2011, that my dream to publish truly was doable and this would be the easiest story to pursue. (My others were too ambitious to be taken seriously at my age.)

Me: How long did it take you to write Family Reunion? In comparison, how long did it take you to write England Adventure?

Kelsey: It took me five years to complete every little detail in Family Reunion, but I interspersed it with other writing projects and set it aside some, either because I was getting stuck, feeling intimidated, or waiting for beta readers. I hope it doesn't take me that long again to finish another book! The first draft of England Adventure I wrote in 13 months, which I was rather proud of, given my history. (It was 18 months from conception to completion.) But then came more drafts and other projects (including polishing and publishing Family Reunion); and so it has been in the works almost four years from the very, very beginning. 

Me What is one of the biggest lessons you feel God taught you during your writing/editing/publishing process?

Kelsey: It's hard to pick the biggest one, because He taught me so much. Probably the most important was to trust Him with everything: my future, my dreams, my life, my work. There were times I was afraid I was going to lose everything I worked for, like when my computer crashed. Things like that made me question whether I was moving in the right direction. But God never let me lose my work. He saw me through all the setbacks and Family Reunion was published in His timing and blessed beyond my expectations. He also brought other writing opportunities to me, such as magazines and blogs. Hand in hand with trusting in Him, He also taught me not to trust in and take myself too seriously ... that I'm not ultimately responsible for how my career goes; He is. (I'm still learning this lesson of trust!)

Me: What is your goal/vision in writing?

Kelsey: Before beginning a story, I ask myself if it possesses a truth or lesson somewhere in its makeup that will enrich people's lives and/or draw them closer to God. If it does, I know it's worthwhile to write. We absorb thoughts and ideas from everywhere, especially in our "entertainment" (when our minds are relaxing, they seem to get more elastic or something), so my goal is to provide safe, uplifting, thought-provoking literature that will make readers desire God more and feel that they have a mission to glorify Him, be a light, and do His will for their lives. 

Me: Do you find yourself using struggles, victories, and spiritual lessons that you have personally experienced to help teach lessons in your books?

Kelsey: Yes, I think I do ... in fact, it's essential to my books. Even if I haven't experienced what a particular character goes through, I still have to identify their struggle with mine in some way or else I can't really write about it. Spirituality seems to naturally enter my stories, so I feel that struggles, victories, and spiritual lessons are most effective when they're personal. It's the same case as when I write devotionals ... they have to come from my spirit. 

Me: Do you usually plot out your novels, or have random ideas and just write?

Kelsey: So far I plot out all my novels. Sometimes, in the midst of plotting, when I'm stuck on how I want them to go, I just dive in and start writing at the beginning, just to get over that feeling of immobility, and that usually helps me continue the whole process. I could not write a novel without some sort of plan or outline ... I just don't think that way. That's how I am in the rest of my life, too! Very much a planner, unless I can't see where I'm going, and then I take a potentially risky jump forward so I can actually advance. 

Me: What is one thing that you would encourage younger writers in?

Kelsey: Hmm ... it's a little hard to limit it to one thing! I would say give your talent to God, but it seems like a lot of the young writers I know have that down pat. I really admire their heart of faithfulness! On second thought, I will go with that, because it's absolutely the most important thing to do with any talent: use it to glorify God. It involves different things for different people, but make sure you're writing what God wants you to write. What readers need is uplifting literature, not more stuff that is popular with the world now. 

Me: I remember seeing that you recently went to England (for your second Six Cousins novel?). What is one of your favorite England memories?

Kelsey: I smile whenever I think back on my trip to England. I'd always wanted to go; that desire was where the inspiration for England Adventure(Six Cousins, Book 2) came from, and before I published this book, I was blessed to be able to go on a historical costume tour with a dear friend. One of my favorite memories was actually outside the tour ... my friend and I met up with another young author and her mom who live in England and visited Jane Austen's House Museum in Chawton, about an hour from the borders of London. It was like a scene out of my book; I felt just like Marielle, my MC, as I walked the wooden floors, admired the curios from Jane Austen's life, and imagined her living there. The entire village of Chawton was beautiful, and we had such a sweet time together as friends. We even had a cream tea at Cassandra's Cup, the tea room right across the street from the House. It's something I'll savor forever.

Me: Who do you find encourages you most in your writing journey?

Kelsey: My mom. She's usually the first brain I pick when I'm asking advice about my writing, the first ear to hear my ideas, and the first heart I share my struggles with. She's always there to encourage me and spur me on to better writing.

And then some random questions. :) 

- What is one of your favorite Bible verses?

Jeremiah 31:33 "But this shall be the covenant I will make with the house of Israel; after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." 

- What is your favorite hymn?

"Be Thou My Vision"

- What is something that you love about your family?

We understand one another and therefore can be open with each other.

- What is one dream that you have?

To go to Israel.

- What is your salvation testimony?

I don't clearly remember making the decision to trust in Jesus (it was something I always believed, because I was raised that way), but my parents obviously knew I was sincere and I was baptized when I was 7. What happened later I remember better: My spiritual life really became real to me when I was around 13, and I think that came about as a combination of feeling convicted of certain sins, like pride and selfishness, and delving into the Bible and reading certain books on the Christian life. 

- Anything else you'd like to add?

I am very grateful to you, Amanda, for interviewing me! It was fun and thought-provoking. For the rest, I can't encourage you enough to seek God and His honor and to die to yourself. "In all your way acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov. 3:6). Don't get so caught up in life that you miss out on a rich, intense relationship with the King of kings!

A little more about Kelsey:

Kelsey Bryant is a homeschool graduate from Central Texas. Books have been a part of her family for generations. Ever since she can remember, Kelsey has been writing stories and dreaming of the magical moment when her books would join the ranks. She draws inspiration from the Greatest Story Ever Told, which culminates in the Messiah’s salvation offered to every person. Her life would be meaningless without her relationship with Yeshua (Jesus). She’s also inspired by the classics, especially the works of her favorite authors Jane Austen, L. M. Montgomery, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Louisa May Alcott. She loves history and even her contemporary fiction has a historical bent.

Website     | FaceBook     | Blog

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Note: While I interview different authors on here, I have not read all of their material and cannot personally endorse what I have not read. :)

5x20=

One hundred!!!

The past two afternoons have been busy for me, {Mom's} printer, paper cutter, and stapler!

Next month, Lord willing, I will be setting up a booth at the Louisiana Homeschool Conference (CHEF). In this booth, my family and I will have music books (www.withajoyfulnoise.com), my sister's signs (www.parlagrace.com), short stories (www.amandatero.weebly.com), and possibly more. Needless to say, things are looking quite busy until April 17-18!

I am so grateful that today, the Lord allowed me to get all of the short stories printed up (this is a "special" because online, I currently sell my short stories as ebooks - only those attending the conference will have the opportunity to buy my short stories printed!). It is such a blessing to have one of many things checked off my list.

On the With a Joyful Noise side of things, we're still working on getting music books printed to also sell at CHEF, and another "praise the Lord," I've got my four page-outline for the workshop, "Music and My Child," completed! (now, to get all that info out in one hour means super-sonic speed, right? Don't say it: some of you are thinking "PLEASE don't talk faster than normal!!") I thoroughly enjoy answering parents' questions when it comes to getting their children involved in music.

So, everything is getting pulled together little pieces at a time. Today is one of those days in which my heart is SO grateful to God for His goodness in allowing preparations for my first "big event" to go relatively smoothly! For those of you who have been praying with me, thank you SO much and please - keep the prayers coming!!!

What's on your schedule this weekend?

J | Photoshoot

Another photoshoot! This time, I had fun using the mandolin as a photo prop. I'm getting spoiled on photo props. :)

Canon Pics

I've not posted much about my equipment. My standards is my Canon Digital Rebel T3i with my brother's 17-40mm Canon L-lens. Here are the pictures that I took in my comfort zone.

One of these days I'm going to master the "spinning" shot! :/

A little fun with B&W

Nikon Pics
My brother recently bought a Nikon D7000 so he could better help our Nikon friends use their cameras. The other day, he mentioned that I should pull it out and try it. I'll admit that even though I spent a few days playing with Nikons in December, when it came time to pull it out for the photoshoot I had a hard time finding all of the settings. Hence, I got more blurry pictures which was disappointing, but I did love the different aspects given with using a 35mm lens.

Gaussian blur added

Yes, I was trying different angles for this pose :)

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"Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in Thy presence is fulness of joy, at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11