|
|
Monthly Archives: May 2012 The second day of our little anniversary trip was definitely the most fun. Jonathan and I both love animals, so we decided to visit the Atlanta zoo. There is a pretty awesome zoo where I’m from in Jacksonville, but this one really topped it in my opinion. What was the thing that sold me? SHADE!…  In my heart lies a dangerous mixture of pride and self doubt. They are potent enough by themselves, but together they create a deadly concoction. My pride holds on to mere shards of accomplishment, along with anything that makes me feel important. My self doubt keeps me in fear of losing them and tells me… 
That is awesome Jen! God really used you in this! Thanks. 
Thanks Haley. :) I’m glad. 
I can hardly think right now (I’ll blame it on being so close to my due date ;) but I wanted you to know that this really touched me. You’re a wise girl, and I’m so glad to know you! 
Your humility has brought much glory to Him. Really, this post has been the one I’ve mostly related too. You were Jennifer, unplugged (lol). And I loved every minute of it. Not because of your shortcomings but because God is so evident in you. There’s blessing in brokenness. 
You are a beautiful, beautiful person Jen. 
love the last picture of you! Very true words 
I have issues with pride as well – I get proud of my dancing “talent” (a.k.a. I think I’m better than I am) most of all. This was such a blessing to me to be able to read how you found out what your vanity lay in, and it’s helped me figure out mine. Thank you. :) {{hugs}} 
I loved this post. Thank you for writing it. It was definitely something I needed to hear and think about as well. I loved what you said about a cause (even a cause in Jesus’ name) can become more important than Jesus himself and that makes it an idol. Ministry and missions idols can be the trickiest ones to spot. 
Wow, this was so beautiful and encouraging. I realize we cover up our pride and selfish ambitions with ‘I’m doing it for you God’ kind of mentality. I did that all the time. I’m really encouraged by this post. Thank you 
I loved everything about this post. Thank you for sharing what you’ve been struggling with. I especially loved you saying ‘An idol is often a good thing in the wrong place’. That is so very true. ..and ‘ My life doesn’t make sense right now and that’s ok! His ways are higher.’. Which is me 100% right now. It makes no sense, but He knows and His ways are higher than anything I can see right now, so I need to continue to trust in Him. Emily at Amazing Grapes 
Girl, I am right there with you. In fact, I feel like my weekend has been centered around God bringing these things out and to my attention in multiple ways.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who struggles here Natalie! :) It’s always hard when He brings those things to light, but it’s so worth it in the end!
Thank you Hannah! I’m very much looking forward to the “yes” day! :)
Thank you Stacey!
Aw, thank you for the sweet encouragement Nicole! 
Fabulous post on something I’ve been thinking on a lot lately. Idols can so often creep up disguised as godly endeavors… it’s tricky, but God (yes those are fabulous words!) is always faithful to complete His good work in us and show us our sin! Love your blog. =) 
Such an awesome post Jennifer! So often, me included, we don’t consider if we’ve made our personal purposes or missions an idol =) Your encouragement on this though was perfect! 
I needed this so much. Thank you for sharing this and being so honest! This helped me see what I have been putting first, my selfish desires and wants. I hope you don’t mind, but I shared about this on my blog too. Thank you for helping me realize my idols and that God comes first. 
What a sweet and honest post. We all have worship problems, me definitely included. John Calvin said our hearts are like idol factories, and I resonate with that so much. Thank you for sharing. :) 
Beautifully written!! I loved when you said, “If He does not hold the highest place in our hearts, something else will.” So true!!! And it can happen so fast, sometimes we don’t even realizing what we are doing. We need to remember those powerful words daily!! 
I love your humbleness and truthfulness in this post Jennifer! It reminds me to keep God at my center, worship only him, and live for his glory. Thanks for this! 
Wow girl! This was my first visit…first post. Another affirmation that speaking His truth works. You have stirred something very deep in my soul this morning and I am so excited to spend time with God on this matter. What a blessing this post was for me, at just the perfect time ;)I can relate in so many ways being an artist. 
I love this, Jen. LOVE it. I had a hard time committing to go to Spain because I wanted to be sure it was His will, not mine. I am really starting to learn what it looks like to want what He wants, not what I want – and that’s so hard to learn, especially some days. May He always guide us gently but firmly along the path He chooses for us. Thank you for writing this, for being the iron sharpening iron. I am so grateful for you and your boldness for His sake. 
What wonderful introspective work (hahaha what I call it), very wise, and you have been listening to God when He is speaking from you, how beautiful. You are such a faithful daughter of His, so He is eager to speak to you! This is incredible, I love what you shared Jen. It’s a printer… 
This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing. God bless you! 
Wise, wise words, my friend. I was admiring all of your beautiful photography, and I came across this post. Sanctification is a painful process, is it not? Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…a terrifying thought for us sinners. But also comforting, because we have the grace of God. We are no longer slaves to idols. Yet sometimes my flesh tells me that I am, and I listen! I hate myself for that. And cling to Christ all the more. This post was beautiful, and I am thankful I came across it. Keep striving to please only Him, sister! :) 
[...] once mixed with pride, just created a pretty mask for my hunger for success. (More about that here.) I don’t want that again. I need Jesus – everyday to be my vision, the Lord of my [...] 
This moved me so much. As I recently wrote to you, I believe God has used photographers as so much of a ministry in my life as of late. I have grown up a Christian, but God has spoken to my heart more than I can say lately through fellow photogs that I admire. Today’s posts nailed it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your heart like this. I feel blessed having read it.  I am thankful for…my husband – he is wonderful. I am enjoying…writing in my cute, new journal – they are my weakness I am making…more time for what’s important I am looking forward…to June and all the traveling it brings for me, including a trip to see my family I am finding…that I love sunrises… 
I love all of these pictures! I am really loving worship too. My husband is the worship team leader at our church. 
it seems like life lately for you has been just gorgeous!! 
All of these photos are so lovely and it sounds like life is treating you really well.
I love what you did with your photos.
Your blog is so peaceful and cheerful! I love visiting! What a sweet photo collage and list of things to be thankful for! xo!
New journals are indeed a weakness! And yours is so pretty too =) 
I love how you put these pictures together! And I love your coral pants! 
AMAZING photos!!! 
Coral (or orange) seems to be the “in” color this year – so pretty. =) Fun post, Jennifer. 
I love your blog! You take amazing photos. New follower here : )  Well folks, it’s back to reality for me today! My husband surprised me with a wonderful trip to Atlanta for our anniversary last weekend. He had been telling me that we weren’t going to be able to go anywhere this year. Sneaky, sneaky! On Friday night he wanted me to go ahead and open my present, even… 
How fun!!! Love the photos!! 
I’ll be going to ATL Labor Day Weekend…I can’t wait!
Love love love! Pretty dress, pictures & places!! 
LOVE your dress. and I love surprises too :) for Valentine’s day my hubby surprised me with a roadtrip to Charleston, it was wonderful :)
the aquarium looks so much fun. sounds like you had a great weekend :-)
I have never been, but both places look really fun! Nothing wrong with being a “kid at heart”!! :) 
This looks like so much fun!! I looooooove the jellyfish picture! SO COOL! And I love all of the ones from the Coca Cola museum! That place looks so futuristic and awesome! 
So fun! Beautiful pictures… and did you lighten your hair? Gorgeous!
Eeep! This is so romantic! So glad you had a wonderful time! Can’t wait to see more pics :)
These are great pictures!! Seriously amazing.. but you are a great photographer. Your dress is adorable! 
That is so so cute that your hubs planned a little surprise trip for you!
Thank you Ashley! I did lighten it a bit! ;) 
the around the world soda…i mean who really drink some of that stuff. ha!
Daisy, you are too sweet! Thank you!
Gorgeous pictures. I love the ones of you with the buildings in the background! I’ve never stayed in Atlanta…only passed through, but it looks like fun! Happy Anniversary!
Hehe. I know Kelly! Some of that soda was so nasty! Thank you! :)
It was fun Meredith! ;) I really liked the jellyfish too! 
congratulations, It means I have been reading your blog for about 2 years now! 
happy anniversary!! looks like so much fun. your little dress is adorable! 
Oh wow…just found your blog and your photography is phenomenal! Love it… Lizzy
Looks like an awesome awesome trip Jen! Fun to go through all the pics, Happy Anni again to you both:) Oh and Madelynn and I got to try different Coke’s in Palo Alto in March, I loved the LIME! I would go nuts in a Coke museum, I am a huge fan!
I actually love just south of Atlanta, so I’ve visited the aquarium quite a few times! Isn’t it marvelous? I love each and every exhibit, but the penguins are probably some of my favorites, along with the beluga whales. I’m glad you had such a nice anniversary visit! =) 
Kay, where do you shop? That dress is just way too cute!
Thanks Chantel! :) The dress is from Old Navy I think! I don’t shop anywhere special…the usual Target, Old Navy, Forever 21…that’s about it! Haha!  Photo credit – T2 Photography Two years! I can’t believe it. I’m so incredibly thankful that I get to share my life with such a wonderful man. I am so blessed. Our life isn’t perfect and neither is our marriage, but we are learning and growing together. I have a man who loves me… 
Congrats on two years! We celebrated our 2 year anniversary last week, so we got married just one week apart :) 
Congratulations! You guys have a beautiful love, and you my dear have to most beautiful smile! You look so completely and totally happy. :) 
HAPPY 2 YEARS!!!! Also – I love the photos of you two by the piano! Wedding pictures of the couple laughing and having fun are some of my favorites.
Congratulations Jennifer! We’re coming up to our two-year anniversary in a few months too :) I love marriage!! 
You guys looked like magazine models!! Absolutely stunning! At first I thought it wasn’t you because no red hair hah but congrats!! I like how you mention marriage isn’t perfect but it’s growing. :-) I find my marriage to be like that. Always growing.
Those wedding pictures are incredible! Who knew you’d be doing wedding photography 2 years after your own? amazing!
Congrats girl! Wishing you many more happy years together! 
Congratulations!!! Brian and my 2 year anniversary is less than a month away, and I can’t believe it’s coming up so soon. I LOVE your wedding pics! I had hydrangeas as my wedding flower too, and my bridesmaid’s dresses were very similar to yours, but short instead of long. Funny! Congratulations again, have a wonderful day celebrating!
Your wedding was so beautiful. You guys are the best looking couple. I really like the bridesmaids dresses. 
Your wedding was so timeless and elegant. Congrats on a marriage that’s even more beautiful than that!
Congrats on two years! And you’re wedding pictures are beautiful =D 
You two are absolutely beautiful together! I love reading your blog. 
Happy Anniversary!! These pictures are stunning! Gorgeous couple! 
Beautiful wedding pictures! Happy anniversary! 
Happy 2 years, lovebirds! Continue to keep God #1 and you can do anything! Much love! xo
I always wondered what your wedding pictures were like – they are gorgeous!! so sweet 
Gorgeous pictures! Happy Second Anniversary! Hope your weekend away was fun! 
You were such a gorgeous bride! Happy two years! 
This is crazy-beautiful! Your dress, the colors, the two of you…*faints* Thanks for sharing these lovely shots and congratulations on two years! 
As a person who got to experience the beginning of your covenant of marriage firsthand, it was a super treat! I definitely cried and not just a misty cry, but when you took the Lord’s Supper and we were instructed to worship, I did just that. What a sweet thing! We are a moment, HE IS FOREVER! It was a wonderful day, with yummy cake–it’s on the top of my mental memorable wedding cakes list, great worship, and great people to celebrate! May the Lord be made much of as you put Him on display by being together!
Happy Anniversary!!! I loved looking back at your pictures. I remember seeing them on your 1 year, which was right around when I started following you. :) They’re so beautiful! 
Aw congratulations, Jennifer! Such beautiful pictures!
Jennifer you are GORGEOUS! I’m sure you hear this everyday, but you’re so beautiful.
These are so lovely, Jennifer. Love that pretty periwinkle color you chose – so pretty. =)
Thank you Rissi! :)
Thank you Leslie! :)
Aw, that is so sweet of you to say Hannah! :) Thank you!
Aw, thank you Stacey! :)
Thank you Amy! ;)
Thank you Melissa! :) We had lots of fun!
Aw, thank you Mia! ;)
Oh my goodness, LOOK at your wedding pictures! How beautiful that day was, God is so so good, beautiful Jen! 
Sooooo beautiful, Jennifer!!! Stunning pictures – you’re gorgeous and you both make a most beautiful couple! I can’t wait to see you again sometime! And congrats on two great years!!
Happy belated anniversary, Jennifer! |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg)
I just love reading your blog and your pictures are as always… FANTASTIC!
LOVE these photos! The flamingos look fake :-)
I haven’t been to a zoo in so long but I love going, I especially would like to see a tiger.. they’re my favorite!
A couple months ago my friend and mom and I went to H&M in Atlanta! I fell in love with that area! Huntsville is getting an H&M, which means I will be there quite a bit!!
Such great photos. You can be a pretend National Geo photographer with these ;). I am so jealous what a fun date idea!
awwww you guys are so cute!
I’m not really fond of caged animals but it is convenient to have them all in one place :)
I’m dying laughing with the lazy kangaroos, lol
Ashley recently posted..in which I talk about what I do
It looks like you had a wonderful time! You got some great photos, Jen! (Don’t you just love H&M?! We have one in downtown Chicago, but I can’t go there too often… too much temptation! Haha.)
Happy Anniversary! It sounds like you had a great time. :)
So fun! I love going to zoos! :)
It seems like you had a really wonderful anniversary!
Oh gosh Faith! It’s a good thing there’s not an H&M near me! Hehe. I’d be too tempted! :)
Hehe. I don’t know about National Geo Chelsea, but thank you! ;) It was fun for sure!
I love tigers too Jennifer! Sadly, the one there was napping where we couldn’t see it! :(
Aw, thank you Lisa! We still need to do lunch soon!!!
They do look lazy, don’t they? haha I’ve never been a bird person, so feeding it wouldn’t have thrilled me any. haha but I always am amazed the flamingos can perch themselves on 1 leg. How DO they do that!!?
Emily at Amazing Grapes
Emily grapes recently posted..Caught in a truth
Great photos! Those parakeets are actually budgerigars, or budgies :)
soo, i just commented but i don’t know if it went through so of course i’m commenting again! this looks like such a great anniversary! all of these animals are beyond precious!!!!
xo TJ
Looks like you had fun at the zoo! We go to the Cincinnati zoo frequently! And congrats on your photo shoot being featured! Those pictures are beautiful…love the setting!
I love the Atlanta Zoo! I haven’t been there since I was little, but it was always such a treat. And the budgie feeding is new– I would absolutely love it. I had a budgie when I was younger too and I loved her. =)
So glad you had a fabulous time! Congrats on the second year of marriage. I’ll be praying you guys will be like my parents, who are celebrating their 28, and my grandparents, who celebrated their fiftieth! <3
Thank you Allison! :)
Great photos! Spending the day at the zoo is so much fun! Glad you two had an amazing anniversary. Here’s to many more years together :)
Happy Anniversary! It’s so awesome to celebrate young love :)
What a fun outing, I love those birds and that little red fox just melts my heart.
Thanks for your sweet comment about my move. It is so nice to have the comfort of knowing that my husband will experience everything with me and no matter what our circumstances that together we can face anything. I’m sure you feel similarly.
Beautiful photos! And LOVE your red lipstick! Those birds and flamingos are so gorgeous!!
Your pictures are breathtaking!! So glad I found your blog!! And you must spill the beans on what color red lipstick it is you are wearing- looks like MAC russian red but you tell me!!
JennySue Makeup recently posted..Improve Your Skin With Dove Body Washes
Great post over at Ever Ours; congratulations1
Beautiful Photos and looks like LOTS of fun!! Happy Anniversary!!
LOOK at these lovely photos, you saw so many amazing animals! God is so majestic PTL!
AHHHH! do you have more pictures of the red panda??? my favorite!
these are great Jennifer!
I LOVE the zoo!! Cincinnati has a very good one, supposedly. I’ve lived here all my life and don’t have much experience to compare it to but I’ve heard it’s considered one of the best! I would love to go to ATL again and visit theirs!