Jen's Kids

Jen's sneak peek is up on my photo blog. :)

Piper on William Cowper

I finished reading the sermon entitled, "Insanity and Spiritual Songs in the Soul of a Saint" this morning, given by John Piper in 1992, about William Cowper, the hymn-writer. I recently read a sermon/short biography on Spurgeon by Piper. I have found that these are very encouraging to me..to read of saints gone before us, of their struggles, and yet to be reminded of how God used them and continues to use their lives today. I don't have the same struggles as William Cowper, and yet was still encouraged.

We, many of us, go through times of despair or darkness. Even if you don't, you know someone who does. Some go through deep dark times like William Cowper did. Others just struggle with despair from too much introspection, and for others it may just be brief moments of despair. May we be encouraged to press on and to cheer others on when they are struggling. May we be like John Newton, who never gave up on Cowper, but cheered him on til the end, even if it would have been easier to leave him behind.

I think we need to be reading the Word constantly, and yet also give time to study those who have gone before us...be encouraged by their struggles and how God was faithful to them, realize God will use us if we are willing to be used-despite our own struggles or failures, and be spurred on in our walk...whether to encourage someone else or to encourage our own souls. Be blessed today as you spend time with the Lord, as you come to know deeper who He is and who you are in Him, and the realization that you need Him for your very life and sustenance. Thank God that His mercies are new every morning!

A Good (and cheaper!) Cup O Joe!

I love those expensive coffee shops...but these days, it comes as a very special treat! I try to schedule photography meetings there, so I can write it off as a business expense! :) But, other than that, rarely can I afford the price or the calories! :) I've been experimenting with my coffee at home. Now, I LOVE coffee with heavy cream...no, not half and half, but the real stuff! :) However, my waist and other body parts do NOT love heavy cream! I still have it as an occassional treat...my favorite is coffee with 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp. honey, and a dash of cinnamon--Cafe De Miele. However, that is off limits for me right now!

But, this morning, I made a good cup of coffee I wanted to share with you.

6 oz. strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup 1% milk

1 tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)

4 tbsp. sugar-free (splenda) English Toffee Syrup ( I used Torani)

2 tbsp. light whipped cream to top (pressurized can)

I figured out it is about 65 calories! You could use any type of syrup here...caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, creme de menthe..mmmm! The cost comparison...well, no figures here, but I can tell you it did NOT cost me $3.95! :) And, at S___, a tall nonfat mocha (no whipped cream) would run you about 170 calories! So, have your cup o Joe, and have a great day! :)

My New Favorite Website!

As a photographer, this site gives me all the confidence I need! I laugh and laugh and laugh some more! Enjoy! http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Drew and Anna-Kathryn

Drew and Anna-Kathryn...it was so much fun! :) So glad you love these as much as I do! :) http://www.karimcgrath.wordpress.com/

Phil and Ellen

Congratulations, Phil and Ellen! :) What a blessing to be able to photograph your wedding day! Thank you for the opportunity! :) May God's blessings rest upon your marriage! :) http://www.karimcgrath.wordpress.com/

From the Mouths of Babes

Awhile back, my oldest daughter was having a hard day, and so she got sent to her room and I wrote out 1 Thessalonians 5:18 on a piece of paper for her to meditate on. It says, "In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I guess we were having trouble being thankful for what we had that day!)

After awhile, she came out of the room and handed me back the paper, on which she had written: "God's word is true. God's word is holy. God's word is loveing. I'm sorry..... I love you mom. Love you mama. P.S. Look in the bak....I'm not saying this becus I'm sorry for my self. I'm saying this becus it is from my hart. I love you mom. Love, ____"

I love how God's word pierces through to the heart and marrow! :) Although, I guess we need to work more on spelling! ha! :)

From the Mouths of Babes

Garden

Here's a few pictures from what we have harvested from our garden this year! :) We LOVE eating food that we've grown...don't know why, but it seems fulfilling somehow to us! :) How about you? Anyone else gardening out there this summer? We've had a decent crop. We had some problems with some pesky little rabbits, but we put up a fence, and so far that has deterred them!