For Trina & Russel

So I know you wonder why I haven't posted in a little while (although it is much better than my, ahem, six month break :)), but this time I do have a really good excuse.

I was in a wedding.

No, I didn't get married (for some obvious reasons), but I did get to be the photographer. :)

About a month and a half ago, Trina called me and asked if I would be their photographer.  This would be my first wedding to do, so naturally I was really excited--and nervous.  I am so thankful to Trina and Russel for trusting me to take their wedding photos.  I learned so much and had a great time.   

Anyway, so I thought I would post a few from their wedding on March 18.   

The groom getting ready.

The rings.

The bride getting ready.

Walking down the isle.

Trina and the mother-of-the-bride.

Two little nieces: (left) Rachael, (right) Abby.  So sweet and photogenic!

 

During the whole wedding, dark clouds kept rolling overhead.  We didn't have much of a chance of rain, but it looked like every second the torrents of heaven could've poured down! Trey came to the wedding with me to assist me, so he kept checking the sky and the forecast.  Thankfully, we didn't get any rain until much later, but it made for an exciting (plus slightly nerve-wracking :)) day.  It was interesting editing the photos afterwards because some of them look bright and sunny, while others look more dismal.  Oh well, even with all the craziness I was still so blessed to be able have this experience!

In Him,
Kristin

Surprise! (We threw one at least...)

A few weeks ago right before my Dad's Birthday (Feb. 27), all of our family schemed together to throw him a surprise birthday party!  Now, it is very hard to keep secrets from my Dad--normally he can see right through me--but this time we were able to give him a big surprise!

We had planned it out to where my Nana would nonchalantly text Daddy and tell him that we could get together for leftovers at their house.  I had a violin practice that afternoon, so we planned that Daddy would come and pick me up and take me too my grandparent's house.  It was sooo hard all the way there to keep from smiling and raising suspicion.  I just kept thinking, "I hope he doesn't know, I hope he doesn't suspect anything!" all the way to their house. 

When we pulled up I had to work really hard to keep from smiling, I was so excited!  Daddy didn't have a clue about anything, and I just knew it would work out.  The funniest thing was that we had hid everybody's cars behind the house, and at the last minute he saw one!  He kept questioning about the cars as we walked towards the door, I was just praying that it wouldn't click in his mind what we were up too!

Of course, he was incredibly surprised.  The look on his face when everyone yelled "surprise" was so priceless!  Later he kept saying how he couldn't believe we pulled it off, and that he was so happy to see everyone. 

I was unable to get many pictures of him (he is an expert dodger :-)), but I was able to take a few of the party.  Pretty much all of our family was there, our Aunt Marilyn even skyped in from Colorado.  It was a great time. :-)

Aunt Kera and little Anna, plus cousin Caleb talking to Marilyn.

  

  

Besides Daddy, of course, there was another little person that everyone was quite excited to see.  Little miss Anna has now officially come to her first family get-together.  She probably won't remember it though. :-)

Aunt Sharion holding Anna.

Cousin Jonathan

I don't think Daddy minded too much having another little person steal the show. :-)  She might get just a little bit spoiled by everybody.  Only by a little bit though. ;-)

After we had finished eating cake and ice cream, Trey pulled out his guitar and played for everyone.  He has become incredibly talented on the guitar, sounding out different hymns and songs by either watching them being played, or just by ear.  His most recent song has been Amazing Grace by Josh Wilson.  I'll tell you what, it is really, really neat to watch Trey play it.  I know I just said this, but he has become so crazy good on the guitar!  I am so glad God has blessed with this ability.  It gives so much joy to others. Anyway the party was a great time to talk, just relax and enjoy ourselves. 

Us Alexander children had a surprise in-store as well, Mommy and Daddy had secretly bought tickets for Steven Curtis Chapman's Songs and Stories Tour, and finally told us that night.  We were so shocked, and soooooo excited (big SCC fans over here).  It was a totally awesome way to end the night, plus we had something to look forward too.  I personally had been feeling a little swamped with school, and so I was very, very thankful to Mommy and Daddy for giving us the privilege to go. :-) 

Anyway, I highly recommend throwing surprise parties.  They are so much fun. ;-)

Have a blessed day!
Kristin

Happy Birthday Mr. Nathan!

Dear Nathan,

You are so not supposed to be 11.  I mean you make ME feel old. Nah, just kidding, I know I'm still pretty young, but you are getting so big! 

  You are such a great brother.  You are so considerate, and you love taking the time to play with Ryan and Ashlyn.  You have also got the blue-est eyes I have ever seen, are great at many sports, but yet you don't let little things like that go to your head (and also, please, never get rid of your freckles!).

 You are a hard worker.  When you are given a task you DO it,  DO it well, and as fast as you can. Whenever we ask you to do anything, you always go at least a little above and beyond what you have been asked to do--whether it be cleaning your room, or fetching a glass of water--you try to go the extra mile. 

 

 You show great responsibility in pretty much everything you do.  Especially with the outdoor animals, and your new little puppy (now officially named Tebow ;)). 

  

 You are not afraid to face the unknown.  I mean, you will probably never see me going down the side of a cliff.  But you do it, and then do it again--even if it is a little scary.

 

 You are so sweet Nathan.  My favorite memory is when you saved your money and bought a little hair-bow for our new cousin.  You couldn't wait to give it to Aunt Kera, and you made sure that everything was perfect: buying a little bag and card so that Anna will know who gave it to her one day. 

I know I am a little late in posting this, and for that I am sorry, but I want you to know that I love you.  You are the best middle child I will EVER know, our family would not be the same without you. 

Happy Birthday Buddy-Boy!

Your big Sis' loves you.  

  P.S. So this is why you wanted my camera.  I am so glad I found this of you silly boy. ;)  You always seem to find a small way to make me laugh, even if I feel swamped with school.  Happy birthday  again you goofball. :P ;)

Fun with the Kids

 

  A few weeks ago I was babysitting for a family we know, when I decided to pull out my camera.  All the girls were playing so well with their jump-ropes, that I couldn't help taking a few snapshots of them.  These are some of the sweetest girls to take care of, plus they're lots of fun to be around!

Miss Vivian: Just keep practicing, you'll get it, I promise. :)

Lil' Miss "Milly" or Amelia: I hope you like me now. ;)

Miss Sophia: You are such a great help to me.

 (You are too Jacob, I just don't have a picture of you ;). Keep making movies by the way. ;))

I am so glad I get to babysit.  I love doing it so much! 

One of the best memories I have of babysitting was when one young boy came up to me and said: "You know Kristin, you'll make a great Mommy one day." Statements like that mean so much more to me than even the money.  I hope and pray that one day I will get to be a Mommy. Even though I know it's harder than I could imagine, it is so worth it.  

(Plus, if I am half as good as my mom, I think I 'd probably be pretty good. ;) Love ya Momma.)

Have a blessed day!
Kristin

Our New Little Addition...

We think he's pretty cute. :) We still haven't decided on what to call him, but we have a few choices picked out. He is a Great Pyrenees puppy, so this little guy will be big when he grows up. :)  Nathan paid for him with his own money, he has been searching and searching for a dog for a long time.  He is so happy we found this little guy.

Have a great day!

In Him,
Kristin

Little Miss Anna

This precious girl is my new little cousin, Miss Anna Grace Green. 

I think she may already have everybody wrapped around her little finger.  :)

 I was so blessed to get to hold her for awhile.  I think it made my day. :)  I probably could have sat and watched her sleep for a very long time.  Even though babies don't do much while they are sleeping, it is fascinating to watch their changing expressions, the little smile, and hear the soft coos that they murmur while they are sleeping.  I know I have already said it, but this little girl is so precious.  I pray that God will bless her and her Mommy and Daddy.  You may see this Kera and Andrew, so I just wanted to say thank you for letting us come see her.  It was such a blessing for all of us. :)

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."-Psalm 139:13-14

Friday For His Glory: Light

I am participating in a small photography challenge this year.  Each Friday we post on that week's theme.  I thought that I would also post my picture and thoughts from the challenge on this blog. :)


This week's theme is "light."

"Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, 'I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.'"-John 8:12

"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor 

toil in vain." -Philippians 2:12-16 

Have a blessed day!

In Him,

Kristin

Friday, For His Glory: Music

I am participating in a small photography challenge this year.  Each Friday we post on that week's theme.  I thought that I would also post my picture and thoughts from the challenge on this blog. :)

This week's theme is "music."

I Need Thee Every Hour

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; 

No tender voice like Thine can peace afford. 

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.  

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby; 

Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain; 

Come quickly and abide, or life is in vain.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will; 

And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One; 

O make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;

 O bless me now, my Savior, 

I come to Thee.

---

Although I haven't sung this hymn as much this year, I still think that it applies to all areas of my life.  These "old hymns of the faith" mean a lot to me because they help me remember to trust in God,
(Rock of Ages, I Need Thee Every Hour, etc.) as well as show HIS magnificence (Holy, Holy, Holy for example). 

I hope this song blesses you like it has me. :)

In Him,

Kristin

A Word on Language

John Witherspoon, an American founding father and educator, said "What follows from this?  That he is the best friend to american liberty, who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind," (emphasis added).  Witherspoon believed that vulgar language and immorality went against the principles of our nation.  However, the common view today has drastically changed.  Patrick B. Pexton, an opinion writer for The Washington Post, says in his article Profanity in the Post that "A war of words is being waged in The Post newsroom...This is mainly about whether The Post should reflect in its stories how people talk, whether and how to quote them when they swear, and whether as writers we can occasionally throw in the well-placed expletive to convey emphasis, tone and verisimilitude."  I believe that profanity opposes Gods commandments, can unnecessarily communicate emphasis, and indicates a foul mind.

God expressly commands in the Bible to not use foul language.  For example, in Exodus 20:7 God tells us that "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain" (NASB).  Uttering God's sovereign name while angered, or to make a point, undermines His glory.  Another example, Proverbs 22:11, says that "As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout,  so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion."  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "discretion" as "cautious reserve in speech."  If we do not practice this reserve in our speech, than we will become a ridiculous beauty, lost in sin.

 Writing, a powerful and effective gift, can make great impacts without the use of curse words.  One of the most vast languages in the world, English, constantly grows in vocabulary.  What does this mean?  In Profanity in the Post, Pexton writes that "Asking writers to forsake any foul language would be like asking artists to paint without the color blue." I believe we have many words to convey "emphasis, tone and verisimilitude," (Profanity in the Post) without the use of a curse word.  For example, Patrick Henry a founding father often called a "passionate speaker" by his peers, had the ability to produce speeches that rang with truth, without a single profanity.  One of Patrick Henry's often quoted statements says: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains or slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take but as for me; give me liberty or give me death!"

Incredibly reflective of the human mind, the human mouth shows plainly the inward thoughts of a person.  In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus warns his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits ye shall know them" (emphasis added, ASV).  Similarly, a person's "fruits," or in this case their words, reflects either the person's Godly intentions, or their sinful desires.  When a person uses a curse word, even if out of habit, it displays the inner reprehensible thoughts from the person. We must not become as the wolves, but strive to mirror the lamb in word and thought..

Pexton sums up his views in the following quote: "Occasionally, though, a writer needs to take a risk to tell a story faithfully and creatively, and that risk should be rewarded. Asking writers to forsake any foul language would be like asking artists to paint without the color blue."  While I do agree that a writer needs to represent a story effectively, we should not use foul language to "get the point across," so to speak.  God commands us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV) and so we must apply ourselves diligently to make certain that our words, actions, and thoughts, give glory to God.  We need to "bear down upon profanity" because God commands against it, we can achieve "creative writing" without it, and because profanity indicates the sinful thoughts of a person's mind. 

---

Thanks for reading, I would love your thoughts!

In Him,

Kristin

My Violin

Many of you may know that I love to play the piano.  And I do mean love.  I couldn't imagine life without it. When I'm in a huff over something, and have temporarily lost my ability to reason (hehe), my Mom knows what to do: "Kristin, go pray and play the piano." :) Yep, it's true.

But, there is another instrument that has also captured my love.  However, this instrument took much longer to learn to really love, and not just for its looks.   Only through many tears, have we come to the relationship that we have today. :) 

A few years ago on my birthday, my Memaw L brought a small, navy blue case to my house.  I had been thinking about learning how to play another instrument, but I wasn't sure yet which instrument I wanted to start.  When I opened the case, it was like love a first site.  It was so beautiful in that ragged blue case, that I couldn't stop looking at it.  I had absolutely no idea how to play it, or how to tune it, or really how to take care of it, but I was eager to learn.

Now fast forward two years. :)

I didn't practice, I didn't touch it, I was so frustrated with it!  My teacher said I was doing well, but I wasn't moving forward as fast as I wanted too.  "Why don't I sound good!  Why do I get so tired!" were questions I kept asking myself.  So, when I didn't get the results I wanted, I got bored with it and quit.

Gasp I know.  Great is the journey of maturity and patience in my life. :)

Fast forward, again, and here I was a year later, greatly regretting my decision to quit.  So I started back again, willing myself to keep on.  I still struggled though.

Oh boy, I struggled.

But I at least felt like I was getting somewhat better. 

And so I would have time lapses.  I would love it for a month, hate it for a month, and so on.  But, I did not want to quit again.

And now about now.

There are still many times when I wish I sounded like so-and-so, or could play notes as fast ever, but I have at least realized three things: that I need patience, prayer, and diligence to learn how to play this amazing instrument.  Somewhere, at sometime, God gave a person the smarts to create the violin.  And while I still need to strive to get better, and to push myself, I just want to say that if there is something in your life that your are struggling in...

Learn violin.

No, not really. :)

Turn to God and pray that He gives you the patience, strength, and diligence to keep on keep'n on.

Have a blessed day!

In Him,
Kristin

Now, I need to go practice... :)