Loving is to Live

A Photographer who won’t work Saturday’s... I thought God was utterly crazy when He started to grow the sabbath seed planted in my mind. How would that even be possible? Saturday is THE wedding day of choice for most brides. {You won’t photograph most brides.} Most people have Saturday off work! {But some people don’t. And your clients won’t pay you on Saturday’s.} What about the vacationers?! {They leave and come into town on Saturday. There’s no time for photos on that day!} For every excuse or reason I’ve been able to muster for the past few months God has had an answer for me. Last night, He tested me. Someone needed a photographer today and I was already chatting them up. But while popping through insta stories last night, waiting for a reply, I saw something that brought on a ping of conviction. I’ve made a commitment. I have this desire in my heart to rest in my Heavenly Father. To find peace in Him. Even for just ONE day a week. Yet, here I am chasing a lead in desperation as though my God won’t provide!!! He uses ALL things to call us out. So I waived my flag in surrender. Not without a bit of discomfort though, because now I’m anxious. How do I tell this potential client I’m NOT actually available? All the while, still receiving no reply. I head to bed. And wake up this month to a reply basically saying “We found a volunteer to cover the event! Thanks anyway!” YALL the sigh of relief. He took care of it. He knew exactly where my heart was, AND took care of the rest. Where I was afraid, He stepped up and took care of it. Everyday He proves His unfailing grace in even the smallest of ways. I am in awe and have the deepest desire in my heart to be obedient to Him. Out of reverence. And love. So if you ask about a Saturday session... don’t be surprised when I suggest Sunday! Has God shown you something lately? Opened your eyes to see and ears to hear? I would LOVE to hear the ways and messages He’s shared with you! Comment below or message me so we can celebrate together!!! (Don’t panic!!! (We can’t be perfect, so the commitments I’ve made for a couple future Saturdays are safe.)) (at Windmark Beach, Port Saint Joe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGLtnwkMvnm/?igshid=1a07gf8l13j5c

I’ve basically been on the beach 3 days a week for a few weeks now. That’s probably one of the BEST parts of living here thus far. If you’ve never been to the beaches of the “forgotten coast,” you need to make a trip. My favorite thing growing up about Navarre Beach back home was how few people were there compared to Pensacola Beach. That’s how I feel here. It’s just not crowded here. There are days on end that the sand is completely wind blown & untouched. So, if any of my friends from home want to come out this way, I would love some company on theses beaches. I’ll bring my camera and we will have some fun! #apalachicolablogger #stgeorgeislandfl #forgottencoast #floridabeaches (at St. George Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CChsZbBMW3x/?igshid=ifbw4nqge1i3

Do you talk to your plants? I spend a lot of time loving on my plants. Speaking positively to them when I think about it. There are sooo many fascinating experiments out there about the power of your words. I think the same goes for the words we hear and allow ourselves to consume. Which is why being diligent in filtering all the areas of our lives where we consume anything is essential. Whether it be: who we follow what we read who we spend our time with the conversations we find ourselves in Do you love someone’s photos on insta? But maybe they talk in a very negative tone? Is that healthy for you to read, constantly? Same for Facebook... is it really healthy for you to so closely watch the person who is crazy successful on the outside, all the time? Lately, if I see a caption that doesn’t sit well with me... I unfollow them. If I see a post I envy too much, I unfriend them or “take a break.” I let Pinterest know when something isn’t “relevant.” I’ve found a deeper sense of appreciation for the Word of God. He speaks truth throughout His entire word. That is what I need to be consuming the most. I’ve grown hungry for it each day. More than the water I drink and the food I eat. I crave the God’s word. To bring hope. Peace. And clarity. Which are essential to growth. Much like our house plants, who need to be sustained by us, they flourish when life is spoken over them. God will sustain you, but HIS WORD, it will bring you to flourish. His life giving word. #ladykdesigns #plantlady #apalachicolablogger #apalachicola #Godsword #houseplants #plantdecor #greenaesthetic (at Apalachicola, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-U2a2zHUwH/?igshid=10nmpt51yzp5z

I’m attempting to change things up a bit... To my new Apalachicola friends... Does anyone know when this boardwalk will be open again? Or if there are plans for grant requests to make repairs to the Lafayette Park? If not I’d love to add it to my list of things to purse: Fundraising event for Lafayette Park I hope everyone is ready for this whirlwind of a life that’s about to unfold. There are too many ideas & goals to just let so many fall to the way side. These may not happen next month or even next year, but they will happen. I can only hope that my goals will inspire others to set meaningful goals that make a positive impact. Side note: there will be a Chick-fil-A closer to town one day. That’s on the list too. #ladykdesigns #apalachicolablogger #lafayettepark #localprojects #apalachicolasunset (at Lafayette Park, Apalachicola, Fl) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9j3m3Dn3iv/?igshid=4rid498rl6fa