God Is In Control {Stout Family}

Hi everyone! I'm going to give you a little peak at my goal this past summer that I only revealed to my VIP clients. I appreciate every one of them and I love to return their gift of investment in this art I create by providing opportunities for them to pass on this gift. On Monday, May 20th, I sent the following email to my VIPs:

Hello, VIP Members! I am so excited to give your friends and family an opportunity to glean from your incredible photographer!

This summer, I have decided to run, not walk, towards God's purpose for my business and to continue to give Him the glory in all that all I do. I have thought about how blessed I am to have clients like you-clients that not only enjoy good portraiture as I do, but have truly invested in me and therefore in my ministry.

I wish you could see everything your investments have yielded. I truly am amazed at it all when I step back and take inventory-the people, pictures, stories, and glory have all been nothing short of inspiring.

In my focus, I am in search for stories. And that begins with you. I am giving every family a chance (or two-one for you and one for your husband or wife) to give someone you are inspired by the gift of forever photography and a chronicle of their story using me. I would like for you to think of someone whose story inspires you and give them this VIP gift certificate. Whether they've overcome odds, are still in turmoil, or need to see a light-it doesn't matter. I want you to take this to them and tell them your photographer wants to meet them. I do. I want to know what has happened. You are my vessel to finding these tremendous people! I don't care what they can pay for, what they look like, or what has happened in their life-I want to meet these heroes. With your help, I would even consider travel. I will allow God to take care of the financial toll this might bring; I'm making an investment in a world beyond this one in this effort. Please help me in this search and THANK YOU for the investment you have already made in me.

Here is a link to the certificate on this email if you'd like to print it out (and you can also forward this email). I will ask anyone who responds who sent it to them and verify it with you! :)

You have 2 WEEKS. GO!!

I was prepared to go monetarily unpaid all vacation long. That is so true. If you knew me or my heart, you would know it was true. I know it's hard to believe, but God has provided for me throughout this venture and I wasn't going to stop believing He would continue to do so. I was prepared for my payment to be in Spirit, and I was excited. God saw what I was prepared to do, and He responded with this amazing story and others I met on my own. Some of the VIP families didn't respond or understand, didn't get back with me or didn't book, but that's ok. It won't stop me from trying and widening my search for more. VIP client Macy McDaniel introduced me to this wonderful family, the Stout's. Thank you, Macy, for pointing me to them. Thank you, Stout family, for being an inspiration to Macy and countless others. My prayer was that I could chronicle your faith story for others to draw hope from and so I could be revived in Spirit as well. I know this is part of my calling! Thank you for being willing to do this! I know this is a long overdue post, but I pray it will give you strength as you go back to work ;)

Here's a guest blog from Shelley, the mother in this beautiful family. I hope her story and this testimony of wanting to see God's fingerprints in families everywhere will inspire you in amazing ways.

Shelley:
After what a person would call a “normal” pregnancy, our pediatrician informed my husband and I that our son, Logan, might have Down syndrome. She said I would not know for sure until the test results came back, which could take up to 6 weeks. I was pretty devastated, not really knowing much about DS at the time. Just feeling like I had done something wrong to cause my beautiful baby boy to not be “typical.” But all my husband kept saying was, “It does not change how we feel about him.”

One week after Logan was born, the pediatrician called us and told us the results had come back and showed us that Logan has Trisomy 21. I, once again, felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest and someone was stomping on it.

After reading a lot of information that first week after Logan’s birth, we were told he needed to get several tests run and go and see a cardiologist. Around 5-6 weeks we had our first appointment.  Our baby looked very healthy to us, eating (what I thought was normal), sleeping a decent amount, etc. At the cardiologist office the doctor did an echocardiogram (which took forever and he never said a word) and then said, “Let me find a room we can talk in.”

He then proceeded to tell us about Logan’s heart condition, a common one among children with Down syndrome, called Complete AV Canal. In layman’s terms, Logan was missing the wall that separates the chambers of the heart. He couldn’t breathe as well as he should have; he does not eat as much, and (normally children with this condition) sleep all the time.

He told us that Logan would have to have open-heart surgery. What!?!?!? Open-heart surgery is scary on the healthiest of middle-aged men, but on my baby. I was scared to death.

The surgery was scheduled for April 30^th, which was about a week before he turned 6 months old. The weeks leading up to the surgery were scary for me. I was back at school teaching and I had days when I just couldn’t pull myself together. I would cry on the way to school, I would cry on the home from school.

About two weeks before the surgery, I was listening to KSBJ. There was a song that came on that made me realize that this was all in God’s control. Why was I worrying so much. I finally was able to be at peace with the fact that God would have his angels surrounding my little Logan in that hospital room. Of course this doesn’t mean I stopped crying (I am a big cry baby.) But I was just comforted in knowing that God is in control, He tells us not to worry about anything, the testing of our faith develops perseverance-this is what I learned.

The day of the surgery approached and I had not really slept much that night. I felt nauseous on the way to the hospital. We were able to wait in a room with Logan for about an hour. When the doctors came to get him, it was so hard to hand over my baby boy. Our family surrounded my husband and me that whole day.

We let Logan go with the doctors at 7:30 that morning and he was in ICU ready for us to see him at 3:30 in the afternoon. I knew in my mind what to expect in the NICU, but seeing your baby with so many chords, tubes, and monitors is never something you can be prepared for. I had such a hard time seeing him at first. The staff was extremely patient with me (and my tears).

Logan did really well after surgery. He was out of ICU in two days and into the step down unit. I was able to hold him about 48 hours after the surgery. Day by day we saw his reactions to us, then his smile, and then finally his laugh was back. Logan was eating crazy amounts of formula, compared to before the surgery.

It has been 5 weeks since the surgery and Logan is a new baby. He has gained almost 3 pounds in those 5 weeks, which is amazing for a 7-month-old baby. He brings us so much joy. Now that the surgery is behind us we look forward to each milestone in his life; all the ups and downs with a typical child, but also the joy that a child with Down syndrome can bring to any person’s life. He has changed the way I view other people and those with disabilities or special needs. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for this little boy. We are so grateful that God chose us to be Logan’s parents.

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The Great Fan Giveaway!

Yay! I've hit 1500 fans and I appreciate every single one of them! Thank you for sticking with me so far and I am so excited for the future of this ministry and service. As my photography grows, my clientele and outlook grows and I see so much potential in using the business to bless more and more people. It's been 8 years, the next 8 will be incredible!

As a part of my appreciation, please enter yourself in a drawing to win some fabulous prizes from some amazing businesses in the Spring and Tomball area of Houston. If you are linked to this area, we want your business! We are willing to showcase our product and give away a freebie to one very lucky winner. We serve Spring, Tomball, Cypress, Champions, Klein, Willowbrook, The Woodlands, Conroe, and Magnolia areas, so if you are from around here, please enter!

The Northwest Houston area winner will have "Liked" each business Facebook page and commented below that they've done so as well as shared the link to their own profiles (public setting). A random winner will be drawn from the names in the comments listed below or on my Facebook page (*new* since some have expressed having problems posting a comment on this blog-I've tried fixing it, but I'm not sure if it's computer/phone settings!). Just post that you're entering the giveaway :)

Participants can earn an extra entry by signing up for my JHCC email newsletter here:

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The winner will be asked to pay shipping on certain items if necessary, but the stores would really just like for you to stop by their locations to pick up your goods. That's why it's local! Please show each of the businesses some love and let them know JHCC sent you!

1. JH Capturing Creations Photography - FB Page - Website


2. Doorbdazzled Deco Mesh Designs - FB Page - Etsy Store


3. Naturally Nancy's - FB Page - Website


4. Gymboree Play and Music (Willowbrook Plaza location only) - FB Page - Website


5. Dickey's BBQ (Louetta/I-45 location only) - FB Page - Website


6. Delightfully Delish - FB Page - Website


7. Funky Pony Boutique - FB Page


8. Me and My Porch Designs - FB Page - Website


9. Sweet B's Homemade Sweets - FB Page - Website


10. MJ Bailey Properties - FB Page - Website


11. Bailey's Cleaning Service - FB Page


I cannot wait to see who the winner will be! Total value for these prizes is $750!! WOW. WOW. WOW!! Good luck!!

Giveaway will run from Monday, July 15th - Monday, July 29th. Deadline to enter is 10pm on Monday, July 29th with the winner announced on this blog on Tuesday, July 30th. Tell everyone you can and enter as soon as you can. Don't hesitate to subscribe to my email list for an extra entry!

---------------------------UPDATE JULY 30TH, 2013--------------------------------------------------

CONGRATULATIONS to JODY CLIPPINGER!! She is the winner of the Great Fan Giveaway!

A Dream Come True

 “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Our family was blessed to have an opportunity to visit beautiful Florida during vacation time this year. My husband and I were excited to share our newfound love for Pensacola that started last summer with our kids. Last year, my husband and I ventured out to Pensacola alone and we decided back then that we would definitely be returning to the Florida beaches with the kids the following year. Soon after returning home and picking up the kids from their grandparents, I was driving with Rio somewhere and telling her about the fun we had. We hadn't mentioned to her that we were vacationing in Florida before we left because we didn't want her to think we were visiting her favorite dolphin, Winter, without her. Ever since she saw the movie Dolphin Tale, she has been a huge Winter fan, visiting the website to watch the webcam online that showed Winter's activities 24/7. Winter is an amazing dolphin whose story of surpassing incredible odds to survive inspired the movie. At only 3 months old, she was found trapped in a crab trap line and as a result lost her entire tail. No other dolphin in the world has survived such an amputation, but her story is different due to a one-of-a-kind prosthetic tail created and used to help her heal. The sacrifices made for this sea animal is nothing less than amazing. You can read the rest of her story here or watch the movie sometime. Armed with knowledge that Winter lived in Florida, I knew she would assume that if we were going to Florida, we would have naturally have visited her beloved dolphin that was in the same state. When I shared that we were in Florida, her first question was exactly what I had thought, "Did you see Winter??!!"

"No," I replied. "Winter is actually a lot further away from the place in Florida where we visited. Florida is a large state. Next year, though, Dad and I want to take the family to Florida for vacation. We know you'll love it!"

"Wow!", she replied. Then as I expected, she jumped through to her next dying question, "Can we visit Winter since we're in Florida, Mom? Pleaaasssse??"

I knew that was coming. I was already shaking my head. "No, I'm sorry. We can't, honey. Winter is much farther than where Mommy and Daddy were. It's an extra 8 hours of drive time to where Winter lives and where we were was far enough. We would be driving 16 whole hours, which I don't think you and your brother can tolerate." I looked back and watched her countenance shift from beautiful and beloved expectation and hope to one of creeping disappointment and sadness. Winter would be closer, but not close enough. Tears welled up and I tried to soothe her. "Rio, it's going to be ok! We're going to have plenty of fun-you'll see..."

Her bottom lip started peeking out and the frown was now spread from cheek to cheek. "I wish I could just see her. It would be my dream come true. I just love her so much." The tears had come loose. Her heart was breaking.

I looked away and stared at the road. I did that thing I often do when it comes to my kids and their "wants". Is this a total no? Should I be considering this? What if she really means that? What's the cost to me really? I knew it would cost more monetarily, but somehow as I searched my own past and couldn't come up with any instance of a sacrificial event that satisfied my own childhood dreams out of financial constraints, part of the cost of being part of a 12 children family, the financial concern began to wane.

"Why are you being so hard? Why can't we take her? Is it just the drive time? We can deal with it if that's all. If it's the money, we can make a plan and save..." I was talking to myself. I glanced back at her, tears still streaming, and broke the news. "Ok. Don't cry. We can go see Winter next year."

Her face turned to look at me in the mirror and her eyes focused. "What? Really? We can see her?"

"Yes, honey, we can."

"YES!!! WOO HOO!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, THIS IS MY DREAM COME TRUE!! THANK YOU, MOMMA!! THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Oh I can't wait till next summer!!"

And that was it. The plan was set.

It's been a whole year since that car ride and I don't know of many people that she's close to that didn't know of our travel plans for this summer. She shared that her dream would be coming true with everyone she could. She imagined Winter couldn't wait to see her either.

The day of our visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida was a hot and humid day all the way until about 3:32. The Aquarium is a non-profit organization whose mission is preserving the marine life and environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and release. We got to see the animals and sat in on many talks about the rescued animals that live there in the early afternoon. Lathan had an appointment for a dolphin picture and was able to do his around 1pm that afternoon. We purchased a "dolphin encounter" for Rio since it was her dream to be up and close to her favorite animal. The books she borrows from the library up until now have been scores and scores of dolphin and marine animal-related books. She has so much knowledge already and the dolphin encounter would just bring all of that knowledge up close and personal. I was excited for her. 3:30 hit and we had already been waiting at our assigned area for about 20 minutes to make sure she was present when they needed her. She was so excited. Everything was great until the skies clouded and the rain and lightning started at 3:32. They needed an "all-clear" from the lightning to allow anyone near the platform that stood on the water of the pool. The ensuing storm looked like it meant business, however, and I became worried. We still had a site to visit about the making of the movie, but they closed at 6pm and we were quickly running out of time. After about an hour of waiting on clear skies, the other two girls signed up for the encounter got their refunds and headed home. We had decided we would stay all day if we needed to. Rio had the patience of a saint, and although she was worried, you couldn't tell. She took it all in stride and just waited patiently for her turn. She got to speak to the dolphin expert who did about 30 minutes of dolphin knowledge with her and the group. As the hours passed, despite prayers for a clear sky, the manager came out to let us know the all-clear would not be occurring that day. We didn't expect to stay another day in Clearwater, but when asked if we would like a rain check for the next morning, I didn't hesitate. We got a time at 9am the next day and I prayed all night for a clear morning. Upon waking up, we got what we prayed for. Clear and beautiful skies and a second chance at a dream encounter for my little girl. I couldn't be more excited for her!

Winter is pictured first. You can tell her apart from the rest because of her missing tail. Rio's dolphin encounter was with Hope, another rescued Dolphin at the Aquarium. Rio was excited to be able to see Winter and play and interact with Hope. Her encounter included working with the trainer to give Hope hand signals for tricks and playing fetch with water toys. Here she is-a girl in her dream come true.

Lathan's interests naturally follow his big sister's. As an avid Dolphin Tale fan himself, he kept exclaiming things like, "Wow! That's just like the movie!!" His huge, beautiful smile burst into a thousand joys. He was ecstatic. His photo opportunity came and he felt like a big kid getting to go out on the platform without Mommy or Daddy. Here he is. The dolphin pictured in the second image is Panama-she's got a great smile! I mentioned the rain on the first afternoon and had an opportunity to capture a green-clad Lathan with a matching umbrella. His look melts me!


The next day was a drive to Pensacola and the surf on the beach was very dangerous. We ended up playing along the shore and looking for shells. The next day would produce more rain, so this was the opportunity we had for the beach at this location. That was ok because one opportunity is all I need to grab some fabulous pictures of the kids playing.
Rio got preoccupied with shells and lost interest in the camera pretty quickly while we were out there, but I still had Lathan to play with. I convinced him he needed to give me his best "surfer guy" pose-a pose he was looking to do since our friend Melanie had mentioned he'd make a cool one the week before. He was ready to pose!
And finally, a couple of great fatherly images for my husband to treasure. I don't mention enough what a wonderful, supportive, and patient father he is. Here he is, existing in "the moment" with our kids. I adore it!


What a wonderful trip and time we were blessed with! My 15 year old niece also came along with us, but she's too shy to have her picture posted. I am still relishing in the bond that occurred between the cousins and between us all through this trip. Relationships are still building and bonds are being strengthened through her time with us still. I'm extremely joyous to see so many dreams come true!! -

Coco {Senior 2013}

"That's exactly how it should be."

It should be the reaction you always get with every Senior session out there. "That's exactly how it should be." That's exactly how that session should have gone. Showing what that Senior was passionate about and doing what it takes to bring out who he or she really is.

And so was the case of Coco Stewart. This is exactly how it should be. It's never happened before that I have had the opportunity to shoot such a special person whose evidence of the way she loves actually overflowed onto her shooting scene. Shrills of laughter and smiling children of varying ages invaded our space. And she couldn't be any happier-I know this for certain.

Coco's family and ours are members of the same body at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. She has been a blessing to everyone she meets and I truly haven't met anyone quite like her. Loving and caring for children is in the deepest part of her heart. It just comes so easy to her! I know she can't imagine her life without kids. Are they family? Not by blood. But they are family. They're her spirit family and she is their spirit sister and mother. What an amazing bond!

When Coco's mom asked her about Senior pictures, Coco was reluctant. A beautiful but humble girl, she just wasn't looking forward to having herself as a spotlight. Mom cried, and she agreed. LOL. So I came over to her home and we did her planning session. As I asked her about her vision for her photos, she said, "I'm just doing this for my mom. Really, I don't care where we go or what I wear..." She wasn't excited. She was about to be a tough client. That's ok! I get it. I understand. It's my job to see what defines people. I wouldn't be a good photographer if I just stopped there and let her pick anything and just go anywhere. Avoiding this "whatever" session is why I go over and meet them. I already knew Coco, though, and I kept having this creeping thought of how to integrate what she means to the kids she loves into these pictures. Her spirit needed to be the spotlight. She would be leaving a gaping hole in our children's ministry at my church soon. How can I capture what she means to our church body?

We went up to her room and began rummaging through her closet. As we casually talked about outfits, she jokingly said, "Well, you can bring Rio and Lathan." My kids. She invited my kids to her shoot. That was it. THAT'S what I needed. A vision was born for Coco's shoot. "Ok," I said. "Or you can invite all of the kids you babysit. We can take you to a field and get a picture of you with all of them. Then you'll have something to take with you to college." The sparkle in her eye wasn't just a sparkle. I touched something. Her whole self lit up. "Really?" she said. "That would be soooooo cool! I would love that!" And it was done. Yes, really. Yes, let's do it. Yes, yes, yes, let's put you in your element for your Senior pictures because...that's the way it should be. In my opinion, I would be doing you a disservice by not taking this picture. I am all in-whatever it takes. Whatever craziness I have to endure. Toss aside the extra work, editing, and physical toil-it is all worth it. This is now an inspired session. Yes. That's what I want to do. Capture your spirit...and they are a huge part of it.

We did some solo shots for mom first. Here is Coco! Along with sooo many other awards, she was Valedictorian of her class. She will be attending Lipscomb University in the fall and *surprise*, she's a potter. I got her to pose with one of her favorite pieces she's made.



Here she is with her heart, her kids. "Coco's Kids." Her mom posted an invitation on Facebook and about 20 kids (some not pictured until later) showed up, representing between 8 and 10 families. A small piece of the real legacy Coco is creating. One family drove up from Austin just for this event! I can't say how many families said, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." She is deeply appreciated and loved!!
 

And that's exactly the way this session should have been. Coco with her kids.



Sometimes a person plays such an important role in your life that you actually remember the first day you met them. I never knew on June 1st, 2008, that I would be capturing this little girl as a Senior and she would be capturing my children's hearts in the meanwhile. On June 1, 2008, I went to a summer playday at a park that my church was hosting. It was one of the first events I attended with Rio, who was turning 3 years old that month. I took Rio to the bathroom and there was Coco. She asked if she could take her to the bathroom for me while I juggled our things. "Wow," I remember thinking. "What a help..." "That would be great, thanks!" She took Rio in and helped her drink some water outside the park bathroom in the summer heat when she was done. I said thank you and asked her her name. "Coco," she responded with a smile. About 3 or so kids came up to her right then and she left to take them to the playground. "Interesting name," I thought. I was still learning people's names. We went over to the playground and I noticed her with the kids but didn't think much of it. She acted like a babysitter. I watched Rio integrate herself with the other children and Coco as I talked with the other moms. Then Coco took over. She took them as a group here and there and led them around with games. I took this picture that day. I didn't know it then. I didn't know what I was witnessing then. Now it seems just so familiar...



Everyone's so young!!! Ack! Tears. Over the years, she would be our babysitter. My kids and a host of others would love on her and run up to her and hug her neck while she would sit on the center stage steps and hold the basket for the children to come up and bring their offering on Sunday mornings. They would all know her name or learn it quickly. They would all want to sit next to her on her pew. They would come to her house. They would love Coco. Always. And she would love them back. In true Coco style, the kids were invited to her graduation party at her house. Pool time, water games, a bounce house and cotton candy-it looked like a child's birthday party. A really big birthday party. But no, it's Coco's graduation! Congratulations! Here she is posing with one of her spirit families. So many of us would call her our own..

And we come to the end...or rather, the beginning. Leaving a legacy at such a young age, this spiritual giant is an example and an inspiration for countless people-young and old. I adore her legacy already and I know her parents are proud of her. I asked her to let me get a dramatic picture and because she's so sweet, she let me get this one...


...even though she thinks she looks like Mother Teresa. Not really on the outside, Coco. but you are certainly of the same Spirit on the inside. Love you!! Thank you for letting God use you. I know your story will be even more amazing in the years to come. I can't wait to see what God does! Congratulations, Graduate!

Love, the Holub family

P.S. A HUGE "Thank You" to the families that were able to make it to this photo session for Coco. She is so grateful to have your children's faces on such an image that defines her passion. She will be keeping you close to her heart. I don't believe you will ever fully understand what you've done. I know you did it because you care. Imagine what it will be like for her 40 and 50 years from now and she's looking at your kids faces in this picture. It's unimaginable. THANK YOU. If you were involved with these pictures and would like to order for your own memories, please visit the webpage on your flash-enabled computer and enter "coco" for the username and password in the client galleries. Enjoy and Thank you!

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Amongst My Daddy's Things Is...Me. {Memorial Post for Corey Pruitt}

Meet Kimber. Her picture was posted a few weeks ago on my Facebook page and a flood of family and friends gathered to not only welcome her into the world, but to also leave blessings and love for their lost friend, brother, family, and son, Corey. Corey is Kimber's dad and as I think of the magnitude of feelings certain images can invoke, I sit back in amazement.

"She never met her daddy. On this side of heaven. Yet, we know their paths crossed and will continue to cross for the rest of their days-even when they are reunited beyond that azure blue. His hat. His boots. His guitar. His rope. His picture. His legacy. His blood runs through her. He tips his hat to his sweet, sweet love of his life on this side of existence.

I love giving way to the holy; to the sacred things of life. I don't stand....I kneel in amazement. I knelt as I took this...and I lost my breath. Holy ground. I'm nothing more than an instrument. And I'm so blessed to be....far beyond measure. More on Corey and his sweet, precious, 6-week old Kimber Rae as soon as I can ask his mom to write something for me. She's a precious jewel. Please be in prayer for Kimber's circle of family. I know you can't look at her and not be inspired to go to God for her." ~Facebook post



Corey Pruitt passed away late in September of last year. If you would like to read more about him, here a link to his official obituary. His mom and I are very close friends-she has the biggest heart for children I have ever known. She owns my son's daycare and I couldn't ask for a safer place for my son to be loved on and cared for-all of the children can't wait to get their daily dose of love from her. If you saw her smile, you would know how they feel. I asked her to write something up for Corey and these pictures, but what can you say? How can you summarize a life, really, in the midst of so much pain? Well, for Corey, it's just not that simple. From his mom, sisters, and friends, and despite only coming in contact with him once personally, I know that Corey was incredible. I know I am not worthy to tell this tale, but doing exactly this is what I pray for. I'm just a vessel...

Corey valued people and their circumstances. He was the strength behind countless people's struggles. Many of them wonder "what now"? Who will they turn to now? Corey has left a hole like the Grand Canyon in a lot of people's lives. This canyon now runs through the lives of his family, fiancee, and now daughter.



I don't have answers. As a believer in the Good Lord, I don't believe that He creates these situations. I believe the enemy does and God just cries with us when they happen. As He does, He promises to wipe all our tears one day in a place with no more hurt or pain-where He can protect us forever.

As I reflect on Corey and what he's left behind, I can't help but think, "But that's the way we're supposed to live, isn't it?" The world should miss us. The more they miss us, the larger the evidence is that we loved. If he hadn't loved people as much, he wouldn't be missed as much...so who's to blame? Corey is! How could you be so amazing? How could you be so loving? Why did you do that? Please...it's all sarcasm. He chose to love, and for that, we are ALL grateful. THESE are the stories that people should hear. These normal, everyday, amazing people who are rocks of faith and security for others are the people we should be loving. Because they love. Because they point people towards what is most important. They don't draw attention to themselves if only in the way they laugh, joke, and friend. Bravo, Corey. Well done. You are to be praised and celebrated!! And your legacy lives on in Kimber...



I've prayed about opportunities like this. Knowing full well that I'm not worthy (who is?), I still ache to tell stories of people's lives beautifully. To give God the glory for it all. Look what He made! Look what He's done! Look at the faith birthed from this situation. Look at the new incredible places of the heart we've discoverd through this. Look what has been inspired in people. Look what little Kimber can do. She can make people think about God. She can make people think about how important family is. Her situation reminds us of what is pure and holy. What is there in a fatherless infant that speaks to our souls? Please allow your heart to give. This is why God calls them out. This is why He calls Himself "Father of the fatherless". Kimber is why.



My prayer for Kimber and her family and friends is that you remember that God is faithful...always. What would Corey ask of you? What would he say? "Take care of my baby girl." And you know he would too. You know he's watching every. single. move. You know he's in her room night and day and he loves everything about her. He's watching his mom, his sisters, and his fiancee too. Because he knew and loved Christ. And Christ is the ultimate defender of death and destruction-even conquering it so people like Corey could spend eternity with Him. Well, the bible says we get assigned some duties in heaven. I have a feeling that Christ welcomed Corey and then whispered, "you've got some work to do, son." And gave him his post at Kimber's side. Corey takes the job seriously. And so it is with life. Our guardian angels are watching-I have no doubt. My mom even reassured me this past weekend. She should know...



I hope you enjoyed the priceless images and the story that comes with them. I hope they inspire you.

{Story behind the story} The fact that I have these images, I just want to say, is not from my own doing (none of them are. I usually reserve these posts for my spiritual blog, but for me, spiritual life and work are not separate). God composed this whole thing-start to finish. From the day Kimber's mom decided she would come into town for a visit to setting up the session, to gathering the props, to allowing Kimber to sleep peacefully throughout he session while I placed her, to the composition of props and the final image. It was His vision. I can't make anything like that. Alone, I cannot. I was in need of a session. Not just any session. I needed something right then and I needed spiritual food. I prayed for it longingly one evening. God sent Terri the next morning (God sends Terri to people a lot). I heard the story and Terri and I cried over the phone together. I just couldn't believe what God did. I couldn't believe what I was being asked to do. I just could't believe it. I tell people, "remember that God is faithful". Each time He does something like this, I become still in awe. I praise Him! And that's the way God works. Amen!

Giving Back

I have had this vision to be able to use my work for God-not only to bless the lives of people I take pictures of and their families, but also to bless people on a larger scale. I'm beginning to offer my work to businesses and intrigued clients that love my work. You see the images on Facebook and they flash across the website...then that's it. They lay there--stagnant. A new eye comes across the website and the image revitalizes in the heart and mind of the viewer, but what now? Well, my work is not meant to stay in digital format. I've shared with my clients that I'm profoundly scared of this outlook. That's why digitals in my business are gifts for VIP's on top of their purchases-they are never the end result. Ever. I was convicted of this when as a family we had an extremely rare afternoon all together, and I happened to be sorting prints. I realized that the prints were the only way we could comfortably gather together and laugh and share memories. Wall hangings and prints are what we talk about! All the work I've done in the past that still sits on my computer meant nothing at that moment...because those images weren't being passed through our hands or hanging where we could all see. My family-even with a photographer in it-will not gather around the computer for hours clicking through files. It's just not the same.

But who will purchase pictures for themselves of people they do not know and why?? Is that creepy??

Haha! Yes I thought that. It's NOT creepy if the purchase blesses others. It's not if it's inspiring and emotional and visually pleasing. Businesses rely on images to invite people into their store; to make them feel welcome. Art has been around for decades and pieces are displayed in homes everywhere. Do I feel like my images can bless people at this level? Do I feel like they depict God's handiwork? Absolutely! He is the Creator, He created me, He inspires me, and He made everything I've ever captured. So then, His work is worth the praises!!

The gallery will always be up on my site. So far I've picked some of the works that have inspired many. If you own a business or simply need some art for your home, I can take orders anytime. You can add scripture to the image or order it as is. These are not discounted art. They are worth every penny. The proceeds from every sale will go to Compassion International. I've given to this organization before, and I want to have something ongoing for them. The work they do is phenomenal. If you are interested in what they do, please visit their website. We are sponsors to 2 beautiful children (throught Compassion and through Food for the Hungry) and my kids love their new sisters.

To view the gallery, please go to my website on your flash-enabled computer (http://www.capturingcreations.com). Hover your mouse over "Giving Back" and click on the words "Compassion International". Enjoy!!