Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Kayla... A Marion Local Rep

Kayla was so excited for her Senior pictures, that she and her mom had a consultation with me, and booked her Ultimate Senior Session for the next week! I think that's the fastest I have ever been booked after a consult! :)

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We found a car/truck graveyard, seriously! I bet she thought I had won the lottery because of how excited I was to come across this place! What can I say, it's the little things that mean the most to me...

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I love this picture... love love love it!

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Kayla I had so many favorites, it was so hard to pick! I cant wait til your 2nd shoot :)

Emily... Vantage Senior Rep

Here's a sneak peek, Emily. Hope you like them.

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Summer QuickTakes...

Summer QuickTakes are now over, and boy did we have some cuties!

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Thank you to all who signed up! We are already booking up for our Christmas QuickTakes, so if you want the perfect Christmas card, get your spot!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Leigha.



My friend, Leigha that I have been blogging about for prayers, went home to Jesus yesterday morning.

Yesterday was going to be hard already. July 14th is the day 3 years ago that our family lost a brother, Ryan, to canser. When I awoke, I then found out that Leigha had also passed. Yesterday was probably one of the hardest days I have faced in a long time. Probably since Ryan's passing. I still am blank. It's just surreal.

My heart tells me that I know where Leigha is. Her unfaltering faith, in my opinion, kicked canser's butt. Kicked it hard. All around town. And into outer space.

I'm trying to view her last moments not in pain, but in joy. I imagine her seeing Jesus's face and his arms open wide. Giving her a hug that sends warmth and healing all throughout that broken shell. All the sickness washed away. Feeling the excitement of a child, the feeling of true love in Jesus's arms. He then holds her hand and walks her into the most bright, golden and shimmering sight her eyes have ever seen. Her mind says, "This is Heaven."

We held a vigil in Leigha's honor last night at the studio. Nearly 100 people showed up, on hours notice, some from Columbus. I wanted to document it with my camera, but then I realized, no matter if I document this or not, for those who were there, it won't ever be forgotten. So I didn't take a single picture. We shared memories, hugs and tears last night. And it healed a little bit of my heart last night.

On my way home, I was barely listening to the radio. Thinking more than listening. But then the song I have posted above began to play. I had to pull of the side of the road. I cried. I screamed. I prayed. And this song will forever be Leigha's song to me.

I know some of us are sad, some of us are angry. Why so young? She didn't even get to begin. But I can tell you something that Leigha did, that most of us will probably never do. She fulfilled her purpose here on earth. I know this because of faith. God tells me in my heart that her purpose brought more people to Christ than one person probably ever could. Sure there are television preachers, and evangelists who speak to sold-out conferences, and auditoriums; But Leigha, armed with a laptop, and a fiery will to beat canser, brought people who probably would have never begun their journey with the Lord, to Him. Through a blog. Through Facebook. Through MySpace. Through a message. God's message. If God is with me, who can be against me?

I think the hardest part of Faith is understanding. But I think Leigha, totally got it. She could have picked any verse about healing to present to you on her blog. She could have picked a verse about courage. But she chose to pick one about Rejoicing in the Lord!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

A joyful heart can trump any disease, any addiction, and inner conflict. I've met people who are decades older than me that still have not learned this. But Leigha knew. She even knew through canser.

I ask you in closing, to please send a prayer up for Leigha. But send one in joy. Pray that she is enjoying her eternal life in Heaven. Pray that she got to touch God's face. Pray that she got to feel the flutter of angels wings. Pray that she is the happiest she could ever be, a happiness that could never be found on earth.
Please also send a prayer up for her family. They are hurting. They are in terrible pain. Pray that the memories trump the pain. Pray that God scoops them up and cradles them like children. That he catches every tear.

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I love you too, beautiful. I could never forget you.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Dylan Lee.. Newborn

Dylan has stolen my heart. I'm so blessed to be his aunt! He was a natural model during the newborn session of his Kicks to Coos package. I cannot wait to document how much he grows in a year, and to witness it for the rest of my life.

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He dozed on and off during his session. Told you he was a natural! But who wouldn't want to sleep in a Hammock of Mommy & Daddy's hands?! Talk about comfort!

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Here is one of my favorites :) I will be ordering this one for myself!

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A proud Daddy. I'm so happy for my brother.

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Introducing The new Painter family...

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(Doesn't it look like he's smiling? LOVES IT!)

Also wanted to share with you that QuickTakes are next week, and I still have a lot of spots open. So please call the Studio (419.203.0889) or email me to book your session (jtphotography@live.com). $20 for 15 minutes is a great deal. Especially if you are budget cutting, but don't want to cut out documenting your kids in professional portraits! It's a steal!

And... I know most of you know this already since you read my blog on Facebook, but... I am pregnant!
We are due in January and are very happy about our new little surprise! I think Liberty has kissed my belly about 30,000 times! :) Prayers for a safe and healthy pregnancy and baby would be much appreciated!

Please also pray for Leigha as she was sent home from the hospital with not so good news. Please read her blog (AND LEAVE COMMENTS OF CHEER AND SCRIPTURE! It brightens her day!) for further details and updates. Please please please continue to pray for her healing, for God's guidance and encouragement for her and for continued purpose in her life. She is one of the strongest women I know. I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER! Be a prayer warrior for Leigha!