Tyler and Ansley

Made in the Pacific Photography: Tyler and Ansley Engagement | North Portland

I met Ansley less than a year ago through The Gathering Church, and we instantly became great friends. What an amazing woman after God's own heart. A lot of which Tyler is so drawn to about his fiance, is what attracted me to her as a dear friend. I was so honored to have the opportunity to take their engagement photos. <3 There's something about these two that make you wonder what "it" is. They've definitely got more than the spark. Jesus fuels their love more than anything, and it is beautifully lit.

<3

Celebrate & Display

It's been pouring, downfall, fall, falling rain, all day. As I was preparing to cook dinner, I glanced beyond the windows, outside. My heart jumped a little to see the rain, pouring, the clouds looming, the cold, windy chills out there. And then, wait. Wait, my heart just jumped to the fact that it's raining outside? It's still raining. Yes, it's raining and dreary outside, and I'm still content.

What an odd idea for me. I've been sitting this mansion-like house, and I feel as content as ever. I don't know if this is a good idea, to feel this way. I am not quite too sure why I feel this way. Being alone? Knowing I have pretty much everything I need here. Or am I becoming an introverted-loves-to-stay-home, please-don't-come-over-and-ruin-my-quiet kind of human being? Yikes. I hope this is not the case. I kinda like being energized by people, but maybe not right now...

But things are about to get pretty crazy. I'm moving this weekend...again. New home, new roommates, new neighbors, new pots, pans, bathroom, backyard, living room, mold problems, heat issues, etc. But also, new relationships, new cooking buddies, new garden, new hobbies, memories, running routes, grocery stores, and parks. I'm excited, nervous, anxious, sad and happy. Once I get used to one thing, something always changes, drastically, and God gives me brand new adventures. He doesn't often let me stay still. But He does give me times like this week, where I am rested, ultra rested, in His grace, in His love, in His gifts. I am soaked in comfort and relaxation at the moment, and I am basking in the gloriousness before it all ends tomorrow. 

There is so much beauty in adventures. And by adventures, I mean change. I mean, different. The beauty is the opportunity to find the strength to trust in God for everything I need. The beauty is in the cross, ultimately. The scandalous story of the sacrifice Jesus Christ became to give us the grace and mercy we shouldn't deserve. But we have it. We have the most amazing gift that could ever be given on earth. The gift of unconditional love, the gift of love from the God who created the universe.

To celebrate and display the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ. 

As I recline on this cushy, brown, leather couch in this oversized-for-just-one-person house, sipping on some lemonade and partaking in my delectable Trader Joe's potstickers, accompanied by the pouring rain outside my window, I find I am learning contentment as I grow in my walk with Christ. I find each season of life to be just another part of the journey - the journey with Christ, to celebrate Him and to display His beauty and glory. This is my sole purpose, and what a wonderful purpose at that. 

Who knows where I'll be within this year? I could end up on the streets of Portland. I could inherit a million dollars. Or, I could end up the same. But that's just the best part about serving my God. He asks us to trust Him, and He will give us the gnarliest stories, and the most beautiful spirit. 

Radical Gratitude

Housesitting!

What a delightful task to sit and watch this wonderful home. It's funny how things work out when Saturday I moved from the Philly house and had no clue where I was going, I was asked to housesit the day starting the day after I move. The Lord knows, yes, he knows.

Although this house is big, and sometimes gets a bit lonely, I've enjoyed the rest in its peacefulness. Also, the Tays left a good portion of food, of which, yes, I am eating.

Finding the Next Season

It's weird thinking that a season of my life just ended. Wow. 

Finding the people you share life with is a pretty significant endeavor, and scary, nonetheless. One never knows how living will be when you live with someone new. But I'm excited to move forward loving Jesus and loving others, all in God's strength. 

I'm anxious to find out where God leads me next. I want to be sensitive to hear His voice and to discern where He's leading me. I don't want to be discontent in the place He has me, but to create the fullest experience in each day. Never regretting a day gone by, but enjoying and delighting in the smallest blessings I've been given. Like Ann Voskamp writes in her book One Thousand Gifts, "To live fully - to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal. It is possible, wildly." 

The easiest thing in my life right now is to become jealous of everything that is going on with almost everyone in my life. New relationships, engagements, weddings, babies, education and travels. Amazing families and great, close relationships with them. It's hard to sit and watch the blooms of others lives unfold before me. To see the success that others find, and the guidance they were given to get there. I see the gratefulness of those who consider themselves blessed, and I long for the same gratefulness for every single blessing God has given me. I always seem to feel ripped of the blessings. I am not ripped off, I am rich in the blessing of a God who loves me, and who has created my life with beauty and creativity. I am climbing up to receive radical gratitude, and it is a long, painful climb. It is a step up, and often I step down, but this ladder is full of grace. 

Sitting in this big house alone, gazing at this blessed house of riches, I can only imagine the thankfulness these owners may have for the great God they serve. How much long suffering they must have pushed through and how much trust and faithfulness, loyalty and obedience they had to have in the Lord.  This house is a blessing because they are a huge blessing to others, including myself. They have a heart of hospitality, a servant-like attitude, a humbleness, a meekness, and a joyful spirit in everything they do. What an inspiration to me.

My mind is blown. My heart is open. And I am ready to continue this journey in the right way.

Farewell Philly House

Three more nights in Pony House #3: The Philly House. It's kinda surreal and difficult; bittersweet. This apartment has been my favorite, by far. A walk to Laurelhurst Park, Hawthorne, Belmont, Sandy & Halsey, a homey-like hostel-like home. It's always felt like we've lived in another country here. The community is so easily seen in its U-like structure, compared to the stale and uninviting atmosphere of Russelville apartments last year.

I'm gonna miss this house. And the girls.

Goodbye Philly. Goodbye Ponies. 

Hello to God's next adventure for my life <33

Noelle & Lucas

Noelle + Lucas Engagement | Mt. Tabor & Broadway Bridge

A small-town Illinois girl meets a Mexican-Canadian Oaxaca boy, and fall in love. 

I had the amazing opportunity to shoot my very first engagement photos with my roommate, Noelle and her fiance, Lucas - a dynamic powerhouse-for-the-Lord-kind-of-couple. You will never find these two without a passion and a love for people. They desire to display God's glory and share His gospel with everyone they know. I am stoked to have my very first engagement photo shoot with these two. I'm happy with how these turned out, and look forward to a future in capturing more moments like these. 

<3

The Tripod Ponies

It is only when I catch my breath above the fierce waters, I find strength to share here. What an incredible storm I've been swimming and struggling through. Let me catch my breath, because this life is extraordinarily unpredictable. And never did I predict that my emotions would be so acute, in a sphere that I rarely sense. The sphere of friendship.

Multnomah University brought a lot of unknowns into my life. The surprising unknown that I'd be strongly turned off my first year to my roommate constantly smiling and saying, "Good Morning" to me when we woke up for school. The pleasant unknown that I would create a community of friends that are passionate and in love with Jesus Christ who would love me. The unknown that I would experience the kind of relationship you can have with others when Christ is at the center of every action, word, emotion, and thought. The enduring unknown that I would live with two girls for three whole years and become completely torn when we will walk in different directions.

Both of my roommates are engaged to be married. It is both a delight and a sorrow for me.  I have become comfortable being known as the "tripod," and the "ponies," from our eventful days at The Prancing Pony, to Russellville, and now the Philadelphia House. I am not only delighted in my friendship with these two, but I am so compelled at the fact that I have grown in extreme measure from sticking to these two girls for the past three years. Not only have they shown me what a picture of a godly woman is, they have endured my spiritual growing pains significantly well, and I could not be more grateful for God giving them to me for companionship, for encouragement, for extremely amusing and entertaining moments, and for the love of Christ they have shown me.

This storm I've been struggling through, windshield wipers have slowed down significantly. It is a storm that I am overwhelmed by because of it's ultimate light at its end. Like the grass that shimmers from the sun after the rain, the skies are blue and clear. There is a beautiful glory about it because I have realized that there is a place in my heart that has been opened to relationship. To friendship. I didn't realize what a friend was until now.

Noelle, Julie, I am beyond grateful for you both. I have learned so much from you two, and I have received so much love and grace, that I cannot fathom what I would do without the relationship I have been honored to have with you amazing ladies. You undoubtedly have shown God's amazing, unwavering and precious love to me. It is a gift to me, and I will forever remember these last three years and the ministry you have bestowed upon me. Thank you. I love you guys!

Your Love Is All Around

I went on a stroll down Burnside Street early this evening to Whole Foods Market. As I listened to my new favorite band, All Sons and Daughters, I realized these cute little flowers on patches of grass next to the road. They were in such random places, hanging out by the dirt, or odd areas that one would not normally find flowers. As I was walking, God spoke to me so gently, in a whisper, "My love is for everyone." I immediately smiled and my tears began to well. It reminded me of the Parable of the Scattered Seeds in Matthew 13. 

God has allowed me to grow in such a weary place. He does it for so many. These flowers reminded me of myself and others who have found Jesus in the patches of grass next to the busy road, in dry dirt, or in the unlikely places. God is so good. He is our redeemer and glorious Savior. His love is unconditional, unfathomable, and undeserving. I have done nothing to be able to stand here, blooming as a daughter of Christ and loved. 

He fills my heart with joy. I am so thankful.

God of mercy

Full of grace

You are forever

Always forever

Slow to anger

Rich in love

You are forever

Always forever.