I'll Always Thank God for Iowa

Life is changing once again, in beautiful, painful, unignorable ways. I've come to learn that is how God works--He works in unexpected ways, in ways I often don't like, to move me to places I need to be. I think He does this because He knows I won't move on my own. Not without the slamming of doors, not without me kicking and screaming. Not until I realize that this is the only way.

God has taken me many places; I call it the nomad life. I don't think it's a life I would've chosen on my own, but the more I live it, the more thankful I am for it. It has brought me to more places and people than I ever would've known possible. It catches me off-guard at times, when I realize how spectacular it is to be in a place I never knew existed, colliding with the lives of people who never knew I existed.

The beauty of the nomad life exists in its painfulness--it is a kind of death that brings a new life. Something must end for something new to begin. I must leave behind people and places I have come to love in order to discover what awaits. As my time in Iowa ends, I can't help but reflect on this piece of my journey.

I tried everything not to live in Iowa. My family moved there, to Clinton, while I was in college. My first experiences of the state were on short visits and holiday breaks. After college, I tried to stay in Chicago, but cost of living quickly closed that door. Less than a year later, I tried to escape to Colorado and an idealized relationship. A year and a half later, dead ends, poor choices, and job loss left me with one alternative: return to Iowa.

Iowa became the place I called home for the next six years. It was undoubtedly a struggle at times, trying to find my place in a culture I couldn't relate to. I hadn't grown up in the Midwest, or lived on a farm, or even lived in a small town. But I met so many amazing people who became like family, who welcomed me in, and made Iowa my home.

My first Iowa family will always be the people of Clinton, particularly those from my church. They supported me through unemployment, the death of both of my grandfathers, my work at the Clinton Herald and my side photography business, my marriage to Nick, and our move to Iowa City. They opened their homes and their lives to a pastor's kid from Texas and made me part of the family.

The youth group in Clinton also helped solidify my love for youth ministry by allowing me to be a small group leader and occasional teacher. I will never forget those first students I was privileged to work with and know. It was truly an amazing experience to watch them grow up through the program, and to now see them as successful adults.

My second Iowa family has been forged through the past (almost) four years, after Nick and I relocated to the Iowa City area. Once again, a group of wonderful people welcomed us, made us feel at home, and gave us a family. We grew close to peers in our church, and the awesome group of young people who made up the youth group. Later, I would get an even bigger family through my job as I got to know and work with some of the best co-workers I've had.

I never could have guessed the bonds that would be born out of this family, a family that walked with us through many highs and lows. We have mourned together as we have experienced loss in many forms, and rejoiced at triumphs and answered prayers. We have journeyed to other states and countries, and cried on each others' couches. We've shared countless laughs and cups of coffee. We've challenged each other to grow, and shown up in the darkest of hours.

I will always thank God for bringing me to Iowa and giving me the family I found here. I wouldn't be who I am today without each person who became a brother or sister, grandparent, or child. And though God may be leading me elsewhere, I will carry my Iowa family in my heart, wherever the road may lead.

Cullen Family Photo Shoot

Life is definitely staying busy, but I finally got another fall shoot edited this weekend! I had to force myself to set aside time dedicated to only photo editing (with maybe some football on in the background), which was a little hard with my newfound love for Periscope. Don't judge me.

These photos were from a fun session I had with the Cullen family mid-October at Kent Park in Tiffin, the same place where I look the Clark's family portraits. This location may become my favorite out here, it has beautiful trees, architecture in the form of some bridges, and meadow areas with long grass.

Thanks for checking out my blog! Find out more about my photography and what I offer here.

Vogts Family Photo Shoot

Fall has been a busy season for my photography! This month I've had at least one photo shoot scheduled each weekend, which has been awesome! But it also means I'm constantly playing catch-up on editing and sharing photos. I had a session with the wonderful (and very photogenic) Vogts family earlier this month, all in their backyard! Here are some highlights from their shoot.

More photo sessions will be coming soon! I've got some awesome senior photos and a maternity shoot to share with y'all! If you're looking for more information on my photography, you can find it here.

Clark Family Photo Shoot

The first of my fall family portrait sessions was with the Clarks! We had a lot of fun scouting out pretty locations at Kent Park in Tiffin. I hadn't been there before, but I loved getting to check it out with them. We had some adorable and priceless moments with their little ones, who were so much fun to photograph. Here are a few of my favorite shots from their session.

I'm currently booking fall photo shoots for families and individuals. If you're interested, check out my photography page for more information.

Faith, It's a Journey

I have been having so many great discussions about beliefs and faith with my girl friends lately. It seems like a topic that won't go away, and I don't really want it to. It's encouraging, humbling, challenging, and uniting us each time we gather to talk.

It's been kick-started lately by discussions about eternity, death, and life after death as our church is currently going through a series on eternity. Last Sunday, the topic of the sermon was hell. If talking about hell isn't a kick in the pants to share truth with those around us, I don't know what is.

 
Last night with our community group, I found tears in my eyes as we read Matthew 8:12 that describes "the outer darkness," a place with "weeping and gnashing of teeth." Where there is weeping, there is such great sorrow and pain, I thought to myself. I don't want anyone I know and love to experience that.

There are so many misconceptions about hell, what it's like, why it exists. I think even Christians don't really get it because we've never experienced life without the presence of God. It's something we can't fathom, yet its reality should drive us to proclaim Christ all the more. It's not about getting "converts" or shoving our beliefs down people's throats or telling people how to live. It's about introducing them to the only Person who can complete them, give them true joy, rescue them from sin and death, and offer eternal life.

I'm challenging myself to be more open about Jesus, about what I believe to those I know, because I care about them. Because I don't want to just know them on earth. Because someone once introduced me to Jesus and it changed my life forever in the best possible way. How could I not tell people about that?

IF:Gathering

Another thing that is generating discussion is an upcoming conference for women that we're having at our church in Iowa City called the IF:Gathering. IF states that it exists to "gather, equip and unleash...women to live out their purpose." I wasn't too sure about it at first, but the more I watch and read, the more excited I am for it.

Since it's a conference that is video-streamed from Austin, there are locations across the country hosting IF:Gatherings next month. So it's not just for locals, which is awesome to know that women from all over will be participating. If you're in or around Iowa City, I invite you to check it out and consider joining us. The conference is Feb. 6 and 7, and you can find a little more information on our church's website, or click here to register. (If you decide to attend the IF:Gathering, let me know! I would love to connect with you at the conference!)

I'm a little late to the party, but today I started going through some Bible studies to gear up for the conference at IF:Equip. They started on Monday, so it won't take long to catch up. Even if you can't go to the conference, these studies are so great and I encourage you to check them out. There's a little reading, a little journaling, and a short video clip, going through the life of Joshua and talking about faith.

The Journey

All of this, discussions about eternity, Bible studies, personal testimonies, just keep bringing to mind that faith is a journey. It's a long process of asking questions, seeking Biblical answers, growing and changing, maturing and learning, seeking God and asking Him to change us into the people He wants us to be. It takes tender hearts, openness, and trust in God that His way is perfect. I don't think anyone ever arrives or has all the answers, but the beauty is in the journey.

I'm excited for this journey, for where it will lead and the people I will meet along the way. God has already put some great women into my life who are encouraging and challenging me in my faith journey, and it's so great to know we're not alone. I'm also excited to continue sharing my experiences here on this blog with all of you. :)

McConnell Family Maternity Photo Shoot

I was so excited when I learned that my friend Kim was pregnant, and also really excited when she asked me to take her maternity photos! The shoot with her and her husband John was awesome, probably my favorite photography session I've done so far (and also my first maternity shoot).

The setting was gorgeous--early evening at Wilson's Orchard in Iowa City, Iowa. The slightly setting sun and different settings made for beautiful backdrops. We also had perfect weather and temps, and chose a great time to do it as Kim delivered her baby about a week later!

I was so happy with how these photos turned out, so I'm probably sharing way too many, but I can't help myself. I hope you love these photos as much as I do, and if you're looking for a photographer in the Iowa City area (for portraits of any kind), I'd love to hear from you!