I must say that I am incredibly excited for the next 8 months. I am truly amazed how God continues to bless everything that I just do not deserve.
The World Ag Exposition is just under a month away. For those of you who are not familiar with this, it is hundreds of acres of farming equipment, vendors, and activities - the largest in the world. I will have the chance to photograph industry leaders, possibly the Governor of our state, and the Secretary of Food and Agriculture. Yes, it is a different venue than most weddings, but I absolutely love to be back in my agriculture roots that I grew up in and look forward to seeing old friends while working. However, this will be an incredibly stressful time for me since it is such a "make or break" event.
Then, Bonnie's Wedding. I can't say how excited I am to work with Bonnie and Nathan, two people that I have come to love since I moved to the Bay Area. Truly genuine, kind, and caring people. I can't wait to document their day and give them photos that they will cherrish throughout their lives.
Then, Ethiopia. All of these have made it possible for me to upgrade this year's camera equipment to offer the very best in professional photography.
On a side note. The students I coach won their sectional debate competition, and now we are on to regionals. I think the greatest joy available right now is to help guide children towards a successful future. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they see the result of their hard work payed off is priceless. Now, onto coaching the kids who are competing in speaking competitions.
God's grace is truly amazing in what he allows us to do.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
What We Can Learn From MLK
There are a few reasons I love MLK. The first and least of these is a day off. The most of which is his unyielding dedication to stand up for what is right even though he knew it would eventually cost him his life.
We were talking yesterday about how revolutionary King's non-violent protests were during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. Before that time, the two common methods for dealing with conflict and abusive behavior were to 1. take the punishment, and 2. retaliate. Taking it "on the cheek" only breeds bitterness and heightens the gap between the two factions. Retalaliation only breeds more violence and will eventually sway the neutrals to believe a stereotype that you are trying to correct. Learning from Christ's teachings, MLK showed that by our actions and heart, we must sometimes stand up in such a way as to force someone to think about their actions and reevaluate their viewpoints. The heroics of the protestors at the Selma riots showed the world needed a change in its viewpoint. On his last speech recorded before he died, he spoke of the mountaintop he had been to. He had seen the Glory of God, and though he said he doubts he will enter this time with his brothers, that he saw it coming. How amazing. Even if you don't get to see your dream come true, to know that it will. He was a man that was comfortable with dying, knowing he contributed all that he could to his cause - heart, mind, body and soul.
So I have to ask myself what my cause is. Am I committed heart, mind, body and soul? I must allow my dream of reaching the world to put my actions that hinder it into submission. For when it is my time to go just like his, I want my faith to be unyielding, my dreams fulfilled, and the world better off.
On a side note, I finally received a few sample albums from Candids2000. I love the quality of the prints, the finishing that they use, and the leather for the covers. All seem to be very high quality. I am excited to be apart of this company, and I cannot wait to see the Destiny and Legend albums.
We were talking yesterday about how revolutionary King's non-violent protests were during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60's. Before that time, the two common methods for dealing with conflict and abusive behavior were to 1. take the punishment, and 2. retaliate. Taking it "on the cheek" only breeds bitterness and heightens the gap between the two factions. Retalaliation only breeds more violence and will eventually sway the neutrals to believe a stereotype that you are trying to correct. Learning from Christ's teachings, MLK showed that by our actions and heart, we must sometimes stand up in such a way as to force someone to think about their actions and reevaluate their viewpoints. The heroics of the protestors at the Selma riots showed the world needed a change in its viewpoint. On his last speech recorded before he died, he spoke of the mountaintop he had been to. He had seen the Glory of God, and though he said he doubts he will enter this time with his brothers, that he saw it coming. How amazing. Even if you don't get to see your dream come true, to know that it will. He was a man that was comfortable with dying, knowing he contributed all that he could to his cause - heart, mind, body and soul.
So I have to ask myself what my cause is. Am I committed heart, mind, body and soul? I must allow my dream of reaching the world to put my actions that hinder it into submission. For when it is my time to go just like his, I want my faith to be unyielding, my dreams fulfilled, and the world better off.
On a side note, I finally received a few sample albums from Candids2000. I love the quality of the prints, the finishing that they use, and the leather for the covers. All seem to be very high quality. I am excited to be apart of this company, and I cannot wait to see the Destiny and Legend albums.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
A great Vacation
Since leaving college, a day off has become so much sweeter. I believe that is because, at this point in life, I have never been this busy as any other time in my life. In addition, it allowed me to follow my dreams, think, read philosophy, and meet with old friends.
The best thing (besides sleep) was celebrating Dan and Megan's engagement with a very brief engagement shoot (though the only alloted time was the worst time of day to photograph). Seth (Nathan and Jordan's son) turned 18 months and was also a dream to photograph.
The best thing (besides sleep) was celebrating Dan and Megan's engagement with a very brief engagement shoot (though the only alloted time was the worst time of day to photograph). Seth (Nathan and Jordan's son) turned 18 months and was also a dream to photograph.
Exciting News
My dream has come true, and I did not do anything to deserve it. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go to Africa, photograph that amazing country, and help the people living there.
20 other members of my church will be headed to Ethiopia on a support mission to establish initial contact with the country, bring much needed medical supplies and food, and hopefully help with the children in the schools. My role will be just like that of the other members, but I am also going to be photographing the entire mission from the people we encounter, the work that God does, and the tragedies facing a country that is one of the most impoverished in the world. I hope that God can use a talent He is building in me to reach America's heart and drive support for this nation.
I am incredibly excited, but also very nervous. I have never taken a leap of faith like this before - financially and in faith. I am missing a very, very important meeting in my profession, but this is worth it.
We need prayer as a group - both for our safety since there have been bombings and confusion with terrorist activity in this region, and for financial support. We must raise over $2800 to go to this mission. Many of us can afford to pay this on our own, but we are trusting God that He will bless others in their hope to bless us.
I pray that my pictures will move the Silicon Valley, an area of rich resources, to share just 1% of their wealth for this amazing country and their nationals.
20 other members of my church will be headed to Ethiopia on a support mission to establish initial contact with the country, bring much needed medical supplies and food, and hopefully help with the children in the schools. My role will be just like that of the other members, but I am also going to be photographing the entire mission from the people we encounter, the work that God does, and the tragedies facing a country that is one of the most impoverished in the world. I hope that God can use a talent He is building in me to reach America's heart and drive support for this nation.
I am incredibly excited, but also very nervous. I have never taken a leap of faith like this before - financially and in faith. I am missing a very, very important meeting in my profession, but this is worth it.
We need prayer as a group - both for our safety since there have been bombings and confusion with terrorist activity in this region, and for financial support. We must raise over $2800 to go to this mission. Many of us can afford to pay this on our own, but we are trusting God that He will bless others in their hope to bless us.
I pray that my pictures will move the Silicon Valley, an area of rich resources, to share just 1% of their wealth for this amazing country and their nationals.
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