A New Adventure

Well, it's been a REALLY long time. Life, my job, new endeavors have been a little time consuming. I'm definitely NOT complaining ... things are going really good. And they say, a busy girl is a happy girl. ;-)

Anyway, my sister and I have started our own photography business. It's been a long time coming for my little sister, and for me, it's more of a hobby. I am trying to get better at it, but my sister truly is the talented one!

We've done a wedding already, as well as a few other minor gigs, including photographing a young, aspiring model! It's been fun ... and would love for you all to check out our work, and tell us what you think!

We've begun a blog, which you can check out here: http://heysistersphotography.wordpress.com/. I want to continue to write, so I promise to keep everyone posted as often as possible.

Thank you for sharing in these moments and adventures ... there are many more to come, I imagine so! Be blessed! ~Emily

Ah the Chaos ... and the Moments ...

I wish there was a dial that you could turn on and off for the brain. I mean wouldn't it be nice if you could 'flip a switch' when you actually WANTED to think and then 'flip a switch' for when you just wanted peace from the chaos? I don't know ... just a thought of nonsense perhaps.

Nonetheless, it's funny how we are who we are. While that's simple, yes, I still find it amazing how different and splendid each of us really is. I think that reality hit me when I was a kid. I looked up into the sky, realized how small I really was ... and then looked around me ... it was easy to see the beauty in others because I saw the insignificance of it all. Not the insignificance of life, but the amazing power of a moment.

I think so often, moments pass us by … without a glance, without a notice. They creep, they crawl, they unearth our inhibitions … Perhaps to be noticed, or maybe just to get our attention.

Whatever the reason, they bring life to us, they give us meaning, and somehow, they give us hope for yet another day.

It’s funny how time goes. It just goes and goes … it doesn’t matter if you want it to stand still for a moment … it just keeps going, with no end in sight. I guess, as I’ve gotten older that truth has become so relevant … it’s become a constant, no matter how fast my brain goes … and no matter how I wish it to stop.

I am not complaining … I feel so honored to still be here. I feel blessed that I still have breath in my body to STOP … LOOK … and CHERISH the ‘moments’ … whatever they are … because whatever they might be, they’re worth noticing.

So while that ‘flip ON and OFF' switch doesn’t exist for the brain … and while time continues to move and move … I am reminded of what’s right in front of me … and am so thankful for the beauty that surrounds me. Because after all, I can still look UP and realize everything is as it should be … and no matter how small and insignificant, I still have the 'moment'.

Changing Times

So, it's been a long time. So much going on, so little time. Perhaps that's just an excuse, but honestly ... it's the truth.

Nonetheless, life is good. My job has become increasingly more consuming, but I think that's just the season of where my life is at right now.

It's funny how things change ... I think change is a good thing, yet sometimes it can be so overwhelming. I think change is a character builder ... and as I've gotten older, I've realized that change is such a necessity ... it makes us become the people we were always meant to become.

While I wish I understood life a little better, I've learned and continue to learn that having all the answers and understanding everything isn't a prerequisite for living life. You just do it ... and live it ... day by day. You learn from living, and through living you learn life's greatest lessons. It's amazing how that happens, yet I think that's what it's all about.

Seeking ...

It's been a long time ... I know. While I don't have a ton of time to write much, I wanted to at least share something I wrote a few months ago. Just a little poem ... that I hope you like.

Seeking

Jumping into a sea of confidence…
That is what I seek…
Flying above the vast clouds that fill a beautiful blue sky…
That is what I ask for…
Climbing atop a mountainous terrain…
That is my greatest fear…
Wishing on a star …
That is what gives me hope …
Understanding humanity …
My greatest uncertainty …
Seeking You …
My only comfort …

It's a Roller Coaster Ride

Life can sometimes be this roller coaster of emotions. The ups, the downs, the twists, the turns ... it's rather remarkable that we can actually make it back to the docking point.

As children, I don't think we ever realize what we're getting ourselves into. As adults, I don't think we ever get used to the ride.

I guess, all we can do is go with the ups and downs ... and be the people that we know we should be ... Be genuine, be caring, be compassionate, be people of character and people who love first and foremost. Then, I think the roller coaster ride gets just a little easier.

Infinite

So I was thinking the other day ... I haven't written a blog in a REALLY long time. Almost a full month. That's not like me, but I'll tell you ... life has been a little crazy during the past few weeks. With work, relationships, and life ... sometimes, it gets a little hectic and you have to make the time to sit down ... take a breath, and make sure life isn't going in a whirlwind that you have no control over.

Anyway, I've also been thinking a LOT about blessings. I have so many of them and I can't even begin to express my gratitude for each of them in words. It's amazing how things come and go ... and it sure is amazing how God always provides ... even in the darkest of days ... even in the midst of uncertainty ... even when hope is only as small as a grain of sand ... it's rather remarkable knowing that even in those moments, He is carrying us ... carrying us to something greater ... carrying us through something monumental ... carrying us and making us stronger ... wiser ... and even more grateful.

While I wish sometimes I had all the answers ... there is a little comfort in knowing that I can look up into the sky, and see every star, exactly where it should be ... and ... see the universe and all it's infinity ... in those moments, I realize, everything is as it should be.

The Power of Film

I love film. I think it’s an amazing medium to get a message across. I’ve watched a couple different films the past few weeks that have really left an impression upon me.

The first is a film called Slumdog Millionaire ... It's an amazing story … of amazing triumph. It chronicles the life of a young man, who grew up in the slums of Mumbai. Without giving to much detail, he winds up on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire. He ends up winning big, but because of his status in society, he is thought to have cheated. From there, he is interrogated and reveals to authorities pivotal moments in his life, which then reveals why he knows each question asked of him on the show.

I’ve never seen a film so enthralling, so captivating … it makes you truly blessed with what you have right in front of you … but also, it will make you aware of the atrocities in other parts of the world. Despite this young man’s tragedy, heartache, and pain, he overcomes, and in the end, truly finds the happiness he deserves.

The second film is in a completely different genre. It’s called The Family that Preys. It’s a Tyler Perry film that I must say, I was truly mesmerized by. It follows two families from different walks of life …

The story tells how the families become intertwined by tragedy, infidelity, and lies. But it also reveals the amazing power of grace and forgiveness. It shows how our choices can affect our lives ... how they can make us the people we become, whether that is good or bad.

Amazing films, with amazing messages! Check em' out!

Slumdog Millionaire

One of the most amazing films I've ever seen ... check it out!

... "I Have Found My Strength In You" ...

How amazing it is that God knows us so well, He knows exactly what and who we need at exactly the right time. I’ve been recently amazed by some of the people that I’ve been fortunate enough to have encounters with. They make me realize the beauty of PEOPLE and the power of human contact.

With my job, I don’t have much of that. I miss that interaction with people, real people. It’s nice to actually have actual encounters with people and to learn more about their lives …

I’m so amazed at how strong people really are. To go through their struggles, hardships, pain … and in light of them, they find hope and comfort in knowing that it all happens for a reason. I’m astounded by their strength and perseverance.

To each of you … you know who you are … thank you for giving me a little part of yourself … and showing me what it truly means to be courageous. I am forever grateful and can only hope to be as strong some day.

Endless ...

I'm writing a little late tonight. As I can't sleep ... which, if I'm honest, is most nights in my existence. Although I wish I could sleep, I feel like I must be awake for some reason ... I'm wired in this way to think ... and think ... and think some more.

Nonetheless, is there ever a time that you're thinking and you really have no idea what it is you're thinking about? I mean, that probably sounds very strange, but I imagine, it's the endlessness of my thoughts themselves ...

Anyway, as we get further into this New Year, into 2009 ... I've made it a point to start 'living life more'. We live in such a beautiful place ... a place filled with freedom and hope ... a place where I truly believe, anything can happen. It's amazing what a little hard work and determination can do...

In this New Year, filled with endless possibilities, I'd like to think I'll try new things that I've never tried before ... visit places that I've never visited before ... but mostly, I want to do more for others ... give time and attention to those things that really matter ... because after all, we're not promised tomorrow ... so, this year, I want to live every minute, embrace every moment as if it were my last ... enjoy life and simply ... LOVE every second of it ...

Happy New Year ... from Chicago!

While it's been WAY to long ... I wanted to share a few photos with you all ... my husband and I, and a few friends celebrated the New Year in Chicago. I can't tell you how awesome it was! More writing to come ... but for now, please enjoy the photos! God Bless!

~Emily

So ... Why are You Here?

Have you ever thought about the reason why you’re here? I mean really, honestly, sat down and thought about what it is you were put on this earth for? And, with that … have you thought about why you’re still here? I know I talk about this a lot, but it’s something that I ALWAYS think about.

See, I’m a twin. When my sister Melissa and I were born, we were born two months premature. I was just under two pounds and my sister was 2.5 pounds when we were born. We were in an incubator for the first 6 months of our lives and I have to wonder what was so special about us that we made it? And then I realize … and remember … God knows so much more about why were here then we do. He knows what we are meant to do … He knows why He breathed life into us and He knows when we fail or succeed.

After overcoming that obstacle of existing, even after doctors saying we just might not make it, I realize that His plans are so much greater then my own. And why not use the time that He’s given me to make something and be something, even if failing first is the actual first step.

Granted … at times, I sit back and think about what could have been … but then I realize what already is … which I am certain … is exactly what should be.