WW # 7 My Three

More Photography

and the learning continues....

Our first question this week, was "Could you please give us some tips on how you take pictures of an almost 18 month old?" When she just laughed.... we knew that this was not just drama for us.

I really wish you could see us - well, no, actually I do not! Up until now, all I wanted was just cute snapshots. And I have succeeded to get some. But, when I know that I have to take samples for the entire class to see, and when I know that they will be critiqued, and when I am supposed to be getting certain angles, certain lighting.....etc.... all of a sudden our Precious Aubrey does not want to accomodate. It is as if she knows we are trying hard - and she is avoiding the camera. When she sees us coming, she turns her head or runs away.

It was a scene. I was laughing so hard I could hardly see through the lens. I finally reached the point that it really did not even matter any more - I was just snapping pictures and hoping that with the editing that I can do - I would come up with four decent ones to take to class.

Regardless, I am having fun....and I really do think it will be much much much better when I get the new camera. At least then, I can zoom in and she may not even know that I am taking her picture.

More to come.... :)

Photography Class

If you read Jenifer's blog - you already know that we are taking a photography class together. Last Tuesday was the first - so this week we have had to take close up pictures and work on simple backgrounds. Of course, you know that means lots of pictures of Aubrey. I will show you the samples that I took with me on Tuesday night (Homework) Our teacher does not want to see all 32 pictures that we had to take - (I cannot imagine why???) We are to just bring 4 to 6. I am sharing four with you.

My first critique was to turn the date stamp off - if I want them to look professional.

Then there is the issue with my small camera. Can I make myself wait until Christmas for an upgrade?

Hope you enjoy! You can watch my progress as I learn more about real photography - not just point and shoot!

The photography is amateur - but the subject is straight from heaven!

WW # 6 - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!!!!

The Battle is Not Yours

Today Hal, Candace, Brantley and I went to the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Meeting for Jonathan's Unit. How thankful I am for the leadership and the support. But as I sat there today, my thoughts were on the reality that each of us were there for only one reason - because our loved one is at WAR. For some - a husband, for some -a brother, for some - a father, for Brantley - her future husband, for Candace - her future son-in-law, and for Hal and me - the reason is our Son. Jonathan is at War. Real War.

So, when I got home, I had to look up one of my verses that I had given to memory a few years ago... I needed to read it. I needed to meditate on it for a few minutes. I needed to be reminded of the Rock that I am holding on to. I needed to claim it one more time. I needed to refocus.

II Chronicles 20:15b says, "This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's'."

A verse for Jonathan - A promise for me. Faith in the Lord and His Word. This battle is HIS...

So, I lay down my fears. I put aside my anxiety. I wipe away the tears. And I stand on the Word.

Thank you Father...

No Greater Joy

The Apostle John says in III John 1:4 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Somedays you just have those "No Greater Joy" Moments. That is what I am feeling today.

Joy just watching Julia grow in the new role that God has given her as a wife to Ronnie. Seeing her display His image and reflect His glory in her home, through her work at church, in the words that she so beautifully writes on her blog and encourages us all in our walk with our Lord. Pure Joy for this MOM.

Joy as I read Jonathan's blogs and see what God is doing in his life on the other side of the world. Knowing that he is in our Lord's hands - and growing. Learning. Becoming the Man that God wants him to be. And he is stretching us all to think about our own lives and where we are in our journey. Joy unspeakable for this MOM.

Joy as I watch my Jenifer as a wife to Andy, mom to our precious Aubrey, and working so diligently at our church. She is bringing Glory to our Lord by her life. She is fun (as always) and growing in each of these roles so beautifully. She keeps me on track:) So Much Joy for this MOM.

Joy Joy Joy - more than I could have imagined - for God giving us Andy, Ronnie and Brantley. You are who I have prayed for all these years - and are treasures to this MOM. Your lives bring honor to our Lord and You are Joy to me! You bring Joy to me!

Abundant Joy even at her young age, as Aubrey chooses her Kid's Praise DVD's over Veggie Tales :) - She is soooo cute. She dances with MommaDee as we sing Praises to our Lord - and raise our hands to say "Thank you Jesus". (She thinks it is "touchdown" - but her crazy MommaDee shouts "Thank you Jesus".) I can hardly wait to hear it from her little voice. JOY - ABUNDANT JOY for me!

And there are more...

Because you see, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth," also applies to those who have been a part of our lives for these years.

Joy as I look at Jessie's blog and read of her journey. It is a delight for me - to read of her life with her husband, Keith and their two precious boys. She is honoring our Lord and that gives me - "No Greater Joy".

Joy as I listen to Nathan's songs that are posted on his myspace page. He is serving our Savior and God is opening up doors of opportunity - What joy to this Sunday School teacher!

Joy as I talk to Jessica and hear her heart toward the ministry with Billy. God has wonderful things for the two of you - and I have JOY just watching.

Joy as I meet with my Women's Ministry Team - and see them so willing to use their gifts and talents together with me. So much more is accomplished because they serve beside me. You ladies bring me joy.


And there are more....

I will have a new label added - No Greater Joy. And I will update this role call of Faith along the way.

I have NO GREATER JOY. Keep on keeping on my precious children. You have given this MOM Joy - Joy - Joy - more than I could ask or think.

Computer Woes

Having computer woes - hopefully will be back next week.

:(

~dd

WW # 5 How Could I ask for More?