Change of Name

Well I found out that someone else (someone that actually has a photography business) already has the name of Simple Life Photography so I have been trying to think of something else that would fit as a name for my photography. Lately our family has been talking about the importance of praising God and rejoicing always. I was thinking about what my parents had said this morning when I realized that I had the perfect name! "Rejoicing Life Photography".. yep its perfect! So, thats just a quick update for you.
Have a beautiful day.

To God be the glory.
Bethany Joy

Memorial Day

"Go Home and tell your Families, we gave our todays for their tomorrows."

Game of Life

"If you could share one bit of advice with the next generation, what would it be?" In a quiet gentle tone my great grandfather replied "To read your Bible every day." That is the secret to this game of life.

To God be the Glory.
Bethany Joy

A Rose

From their delicate petals to their soft fragrence, I simply love flowers. The way the bloom ever so slowly, cautiously almost and then all of a sudden one morning I am greeted by the most beautiful display of flowers. Some seasons it is a gardenful of irises with their flowing petals falling softly, other seasons it would be the sage plants in full bloom with buterflies dancing around them, and one of my favorite seasons is when the wild roses bloom. The most spectacular event of the season! The lovely roses pictured above are not real as the wild roses of the season have already gone away but the bring me much joy as I walk by them in the morning and leave me longing for the next time my lovely flowers will show their pretty faces again.

Happy Birthday: Elisha

Today is Elisha's 19th birthday! What a wonderful day. 19 years ago today there was a battle for my dear brother's life. The battle that still rages but in a much less seen way now. Born a preemie, the doctors had little hope for him and they told my parents to start planning his funeral. Little did those doctors know, God had a plan for that little boy. Months of prayer and fighting for their little boy's life my parents were finally able to bring their little boy home. That little boy is grown now. Everyone who knows him also knows of his love and desire for God. Growing up with Elisha has been such a blessing. I have learned so much from him over the years and I continue to learn from his example. He is a wise son. The son that the Bible talks of in Proverbs (Proverbs 10:1 A wise son maketh a glad father.) I remember being a little girl and listening to Elisha tell me something about science (we were probably only 8 or so) and I remember thinking "God, I want my husband to be EXACTLY like him...". The funny thing is, I still want that. I thank God for giving me a brother like Elisha quite often and I pray for the woman God has created for him. I see God working in Elisha and I pray the Lord continues to do so for him and his someday wife.
Today, I am simply thankful the Lord allowed my big brother to live and excited to see what the future holds.

God and a Cup of Tea

There are such wonderful treasures to be found in His word and with a perfectly sweetened cup of tea I believe I have the perfect ending for a day.

Chloe

I am very excited about little Miss Chloe! She is a beautiful 6 week old Golden Retriever puppy that we got to meet last week. It was such a wonderful time! Here is some of my favorite pictures of the day.

Bekah, Chloe, and Danny!

Chloe <3

Chloe's crazy little brother!

Our Sweet Chloe!

Practice

Don't only practice your art, but force your way into it's secrets, for it and knowledge can raise men to the devine.

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Marathon Training: To God be the Glory

Okay, so I am like super thin and I eat a ton! It's the craziest thing. The funny thing is that everyone takes one look at me and just assumes that I do a sport of some sort. Football -NO, I cannot throw a football to save my life. Tennis- hand eye coordination is simply something I lack. Soccer- hello? NO hand eye coordination! Basketball- ummm...yeah...no. Volley ball- Lets not even go there! I am pretty sure anyone with a camera could have got some funny photos though. Cross country- Zero endurance. I simply am not a sport person.


The funniest thing is that I am now training for a half marathon. I am even considering a triathlon. I know, I think I have lost my mind too. I still lack endurance. I still have to take long strides or I actually trip over my own feet (also pretty funny to watch). The only thing that has changed is my motivation. I desire to ALL things to the glory of God. My youngest brother, Daniel, has a terminal illness called Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and the half marathon we are training for is to raise money for my little brother. If you have ever even seen a picture of my little brother you would be running with me. Who wouldn't run to help a little boy like my brother? I am not sure.

Each morning my mother, brother Elisha, Ezekiel, and I all get ready to go to the gym. As a run on the treadmill, trying to catch my every breath (or at least it seems that way) I can only think of two things. 1st. Something I heard from a book once. "Who's way?" - "His way!" and I will tell myself that as I run. And 2nd. I will start thinking of my little brother Dan and all the other children or adults like him. People who would love to get up a run just once but can't. People who would give just about anything to do what I so often take for granted (pick up a glass of water, sit up on their own, . Usually by the time I think of one of those children or adults, I tell myself, "God gave me a body that could run so I'll do it." You know what? I know I do not run each morning on my strength but His. I am certain of that. So, if I happen to find the strength to complete that half marathon and go onto a traithlon I can guarantee you one thing. It won't be me it will be all Him. I'll be running for all the kids who couldn't and He will be the one seeing me through.

To God be the Glory!

Bethany Joy

Not on My Understanding

I have many great ideas. I tell my mother all the time, "With how many ideas I've got I could sale them!" Its probably true too. However, a good idea doesn't mean its God's idea. In those instances its important that we take our plans to the Lord and ask if it is what He desires for us too. If not, its important that we do not grumble or complain for he certaintly would never withhold good from his Children. As His children we should gladly wait on Him. When we feel the Lord's leading, than it is important that we are careful as we proceed with our plans and are quick to hear His voice. Yes, or No is pretty simple though, isn't it? What about those times when we don't feel the Lord's leading either way? Its not a yes but its not a no...That is when things get tricky. That is also when we really must not lean on our own understanding. Proverbs 3: 5-6 talks about that.
 ^"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Simply lean on Him, acknowledge Him, and HE shall direct our paths. Ah, what a lovely truth....
My encouragment to you is to listen carefully for His voice. Sometimes its not the huge whirlwind that we would like but rather the still small voice that we must choose to listen to.

To God be the Glory.
Bethany Joy