Sweet Everly...she's a fighter, born with Pierre Robin Sequence and kicking it's butt!
Photography... a hobby, a dream, an outlet, a passion. I've wanted a nice camera for quite some time. However, life always seemed to get in the way...college, surgeries, cars, houses, you name it. Recently, I have been blessed with the opportunity to purchase a camera to develop my passion. Little did I realize how God would speak to me through it all. I have been able to experience more deeply all that He's created specifically the crown of His creation, YOU ALL!
Miracle baby, Hannah, prayed for by so many!
I cannot put into words how much I've enjoyed capturing life's most precious moments, sharing sweet memories with friends, proof of answered prayers and being a part of their life's journey. Over the past year I have had the honor to see friends find their soulmate, marry their best friend, shed tears of joy over tiny lives they thought would never come to be, celebrate healing after months of uncertainty, and watch children grow into beautiful, strong and mature adults and capture it all in a picture. New meaning to a picture is worth a thousand words.
Rachel, beautiful inside and out living her life for Jesus and setting an example for others to do the same.
Looking back at these photos I love what they represent...LIFE. With all of the bad in the world, sometimes it's hard to find the good, but here in these photos we see life's beautiful moments. Reminds me of the verse in John 10 verse 10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have LIFE and have it to the FULL." As well as John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." In the midst of life's struggles and heartbreaks don't miss out on God's blessings.
Friendships that span over thousands of miles.
p.s. If you're interested in booking a photo session contact me at jlagerman@gmail.com
Help me develop my passion and get a great deal! $40/hr location photo shoot, 25 edited pictures and
all unedited digital files.
Anxiety...fear, worry, loneliness, sin. "Have more faith." "Pray about it." "Just trust God." ...they all reply. I need more. That's not enough. The common responses from fellow Christians tend to require more of me, more action on my part. I know people are just trying to be helpful, however I can't do it on my own, those things haven't worked for me. I don't think many of us truly understand anxiety, but most of us experience anxiety, constantly! I know I didn't fully understand it and still don't completely. My main question through all of this searching became: What about Him? What's His role in all of this? I've been working through the study:The Gospel Centered Life this summer and the root message is More of Him, less of me. Thinking about this and meditating on Matthew 6:25-34. I came up with the following on how to bid my anxious fears: v.25- Trust God with the details- He's got this. More of Him, less of me v.26- I'm valuable, precious in His sight- all because of what His Son did for me. More of Him, less of me v.27.- Worry/Anxiety- more harmful than helpful- WAIT? When Me, Myself and I try to figure out a solution to every possible problem or potential issue and stress out like crazy it's creating more problems. More of Him, less of me v.30- We are the crown of His creation, He will take care of me. More of Him, less of me vs.31-23- When I, me again, worries I am forgetting His promises and diminishing His power. More of Him, less of me Oh the Father's love... So summing it all up God revealed these steps to me and they WORK! 1) Identify: I am anxious! I am worrying! I fear ____. 2) Recognize: I can't make it stop. I can't make it go away. I am powerless. 3) Release: Give up! Let go, let God, release my control and power to Him 4) Reside: He's got this! He's go me! He can handle it. I put so much pressure on myself to be prepared for any and every circumstance when all I really need to do is STOP- Identify-Recognize-Relax-Reside in HIM! More of Him, less of me
Lately I have felt unsettled, unhappy, desire more, and don't understand why God hasn't met my unfulfilled desires yet. However, over the past few days I have been humbled by his graciousness to me. He has already had given me so much and shown compassion in ways I don't even stop to recognize.
I am reminded of his graciousness in the following verses:
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are those who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18
"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10
"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Romans 8:32
He wants to give us "good" things, he longs to give us good things. We just need to stand with open hearts and arms and accept what he wants to give us and what he gives us is more than enough, because he has chosen for us to have what we need when we need it.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
In all reality we deserve nothing, but he is gracious...
So it's been a long time since I have posted and know that I am most likely the only person that will ever go back through and read the words I have written, but I enjoy letting these words, these thoughts spill out and it's quite refreshing. You should try it some time :)
Today at church we were going through 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 where it talks about the Lord's Supper and how we should approach the table. The thing that always strikes me/scares me the most are Paul's words found in v27:
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord."
I do not take this warning lightly as I sit in the pew and confess to God the things I have done that have caused me to be led astray, and hope and pray that I am not bringing down judgment upon myself for not being "good enough", but TODAY was different...
I realized that yes, we should not take the Lord's Supper lightly and we should repent of our sins before we partake with our brothers in sisters in holy communion, but it's also important to REMEMBER HIM! He has given us the this feast as a way to REMEMBER HIM!
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
(1 Corinthians 11:23-26 ESV)
This feast serves as a reminder not that I am unworthy and not good enough, it is a reminder that I am redeemed by the blood of Christ, it is a reminder of all that He has done for me and continues to do for me, even though I am a sinner.
Inspired by this message I was humbled and understand now more than ever that I am a child redeemed by grace called to remember my Lord.
You who created the seas, created me You who sit in heaven upon your throne, have chosen to call me your own
Even though I fail, Your love prevails Even though I fall, You're around when I call
I run to you when I don't know what to do, what to think, what to believe, and You tell me...
I'm all you'll ever need You are my child and even though you run wild I am hear, do not fear, but draw near Come back to Me and you'll see I'm all you'll ever need
My friend Kate and I have been memorizing different scripture passages since this summer, so far we have memorized Romans 12, Isaiah 55 and are currently working on Romans 5. Memorizing scripture has been my saving grace over the past few months. These passages are all that I have had to hold onto at times when God felt so far away and at times when I have felt too unworthy to even speak His name because of the choices and decisions I have made in my life and continue to make when I know they are not the best for me.
Most people would consider me an "outgoing" and "social person", but lately I have felt the need to withdraw from that part of me and take some time for me. Time to reflect and reconnect with who am I and with the one who made me. Too often I get caught up in what others think about me, getting it right, and making the most of my life. I have come to the realization I apply these same thoughts when approaching God...what does he think of me? Oh no I screwed up again. Am I doing enough quiet times? Am I learning enough? What is my purpose and am I living up to my fullest potential?
Memorizing scripture has helped me to truly meditate on God's word and has reminded me of all that God has done to prove that He loves me and accepts me as I am. He has gone above and beyond. I am only 8 verses into Romans 5, but cannot get enough of these 8 verses....
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Look at all that he has done for me, for us! So I sit here tonight, I still don't have everything figured out, but I do know that I have a God who is at peace with me, who have given me grace, who pours love into my heart, and who died for me while I was a powerless sinner!
I encourage you to find a friend and memorize scripture. It's great accountability, easy to do, and God will continue to reveal himself more and more to you if you choose to let him!
' “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher.“Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” What do people gain from all their labors, at which they toil under the sun?' Ecclesiastes 1:2-3
"I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees" Ecclesiastes 2:4-6
I have not been sleeping well lately and know it's due to anxiety. Anxiety over work, relationships, finances and me and my character. I decided to pick up a book that I have been reading all about thoughts on change, grace, and learning the hard way "Bittersweet" by Shana Niequist...highly recommend it. The chapter I opened up to this morning focused on anxiety and how to overcome it. We all know the verse well...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
But sometimes it's easier read than done! In the book Shana talked about presenting your requests over and over and over and over to God. All of your anxious thoughts keep praying about them until you truly reach a point where an unspeakable, powerful, transcending peace that passes all understanding consumes your soul.
As I continued to lay in silence pumped to use my new "how to get peace" strategy, God revealed to me that the things I worry about are meaningless. Everything but me!
Me, my God loves Me, He cares for Me! Whoa! Job, Houses, Things, Friends, Dates, Boyfriends, Future Husband, Future Children=Meaningless
Now I am not saying that it means nothing to be married or have children, what I mean is that it is meaningless to worry about all of those things. On the day I stand before my Savior most of those things will be meaningless. My God will be looking at Me.
So as I go on with my day holding onto a little sliver of peace. I will take comfort in the fact that my God cares for Me and I am not meaningless to Him.
Running...a word I used to cringe at when I heard it. So many people here in Charlotte run, run, run, run, run. Well, I have finally been bitten by the running bug! I am currently training for a 10K in April and dare I say "running" is becoming something enjoyable?!?
I have much more respect now for people who train and run races. I never realized how hard it is to get started, the aches, cramps, pains and sweat are hard to get through those first few weeks. However, somewhere in the midst of all that pain is joy...joy that you are working towards a goal and becoming stronger with each step taken, joy in God's beauty that is displayed all around, joy in the realization that life is a lot like running and you are not alone.
Every time I run now I think of the passage found in Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
So I am still running, but not just to complete a 10K. I am running because it brings joy to my heart, it reminds me of my God and how much he loves me and that he is right there beside me running the race marked before me. Life is not always easy, it brings on a lot of pain, aches, cramps and sweat, but I know what I am pressing on towards and I know what my eyes are fixed upon...the author and perfecter of my faith!
I have been camping out in Philippians all summer long and the words written by Paul have never rung truer to me than now at this point in my life, specifically his words spoken on humility and contentment.
It's crazy to think it's almost been a year since I've moved 600 miles away from Michigan to Charlotte, NC. God has stretched me in so many different ways, yet I still find myself oftentimes with feelings of discontentment. I have a lot to be thankful for, unfortunately I still desire so many things in life that I do not yet have.
This summer God has really opened my eyes to the meaning of humility and what a life marked by humility should look like...JESUS! In Philippians 2:5-6 Paul commands us "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". Paul continues to explain the attitude of Jesus while He was here on this earth "...did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped...made Himself nothing...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death."
As I think back on Jesus' life and the things he did, the people he associated with, it had nothing to do with buying a house and worrying about all of the renovations and closing process. His life had nothing to do with searching for a soul mate. His life had nothing to do with figuring out which party He was going to attend on the weekend. No, Jesus was concerned with who could He serve! That should be my attitude.
I truly want to get to a point where "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13
This should be our desire in life to chase after Jesus, to serve his people, and to be content in whatever circumstance we have been placed in.
As I was laying by the pool on this crisp cool evening relaxing with my bible, notebook, pen, and some delicious ice cream I decided to lay back and stare into the expansive blue sky. Tonight the sky was clear with the exception of a large cloud blocking the sun causing the rays to scatter across, it was breathtaking. I began to thank God for the beauty of His creation and how amazing even a cloud is, the way it floats through the air, swirls into different shapes and eventually dissipates. It make me think about how little control over life I really have and how much control over life I think I have.
I am in the midst of purchasing my first home and it is completely stressful. The pressure to get things done has taken a toll on me over the past few months and tonight God spoke to me and said, "Jenna, throw your hands up in the air! You're done worrying, you're done controlling the situation. It's my turn." Amazing I got that from a cloud right?
The clouds tonight reminded me that God is always in control in every circumstance. It's whether or not we choose to recognize it. God created everything, He causes everything to move, live, and breathe. Why wouldn't I want Him to have control over everything in my life? It was humbling to realize that I think I know what to do more than God. More than the God who created the world and everything in it in 7 days. It's craziness. Why wouldn't you want Him to be in control with that kind of power?!?
Everything in this life is meaningless when it comes to knowing and experiencing the love of God. Buying a house? Meaningless There are so many things in this life that are meaningless that cause us to lose sight of the true reason we are here. We are to exhibit humility and reflect God's glory, because without Him there would be nothing. Therefore, tonight I found humility in a simple white wispy cloud.
Philippians 2:5-6 "You're attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped."
I love the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair. Every time it happens it reminds me that life is good. I know it sounds kind of cliche when I say that it reminds of God's presence in my life, but honestly it does.
When I feel the wind I think of the power it has to guide ships, to create energy, and to refresh. And when I relate it to God, I don't think of the typical "it's just like the wind, even though you can't see it, it's still there". No, I think of it as much more. It's God's reminder to me of His Power, His Strength, and His Guidance. And so today, as I go about my day, I hope to feel the wind so that I can be reminded that life is goodbecause the One with the most power is in control of my life!
So the next time you feel the wind, I hope you remember what it's reminding you of.
"The Road Not Taken" is one of my favorite pieces of poetry written by Robert Frost. Today as I was walking through the woods I found new meaning in those words written so many years ago. I ventured out to Elizabeth Park today with just my camera and my dog. I planned on just walking around the outside of the park admiring the beautiful waterscapes. After walking for about 20 minutes I came upon a path that led into a wooded area. Not knowing where this path would take me I decided to embark on a journey knowing that at least I had my dog by my side. As I began walking I was thankful to have my dog with me and most likely would've never walked into the wooded area alone for fear of getting lost or coming upon wild animals or even strangers.
However, as I was pondering this decision I had made based on not being alone I began to think about the decisions and choices in my life that I have made and how many opportunities "roads" I have seized to take for fear of having to walk it alone. At that moment it occurred to me that I never am alone, I have Jesus to walk with me. Why do I continue to neglect that fact? How many opportunities "roads" have you not taken for fear of walking it alone? Robert Frost ends his poem with these words " Two roads diverged in a wood and I-- took the one less traveled by and it has made all the difference." It's so true, we are not able to see what God has in store for us if we don't step out in faith and realize He is there right along side of us all of the way. What road will you take? I took the one less traveled today...and it made all the difference.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other as just as fair And having perhaps the better claim Because it was grassy and wanted wear Though as for that, the passing there Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet, knowing how way leads onto way I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence Two roads diverged in a wood And I took the one less traveled by And that has made all the difference
Time, something that is irreplaceable. Time, something that haunts me each night as I go to sleep each night. I feel like the time I have left here, in Michigan, is quickly running out and it depresses me like you wouldn't believe. I find myself drawn to be around people all of the time, as if it's going to satisfy the loneliness. And the worst part of it all is I know that Jesus is the only one who can satisfy my loneliness, my feelings of worry and anxiety and I am deliberately choosing to ignore it. My relationship with God has changed a lot in the past few months. I think I am experiencing God in a way I never have before. I am realizing it's okay to not always put on a happy face when spending time with Him. Sometimes at night when I sit down to spend time with Him I express my feelings of anger, sadness, and my doubting faith and I realize it's okay. All He says is "bring it to me" no matter what it is. So as I sit here tonight I am a little angry at God, I am a little disappointed, but as I type these words I hear Him saying, "It's okay, Jenna. I'm still here, just don't stop talking to me. I love you and I will be with you wherever you go." And it's just that constant reminder that God understands hurt, He understands anger, He understands ME! So whatever aspect or characteristic of God you are experiencing tonight know that God can take every single aspect of who you are as a person, even the angry, stubborn, mad, faithless you. Just don't stop talking to Him... "BRING IT"
Sitting in church today listening to a sermon labeled "Live your life outside of the box: Taking risks" got me to thinking about what risks have I taken in my life? I tend to play it "safe" as most of us do and today I realized how boring and how faithless it is to be like that. Taking risks means giving God an opportunity to show his faithfulness...to display his power, and I have failed. So many of us do each and every day. We get scared, we worry, we have anxiety, but what does playing it "safe" really accomplish? Nothing. In a few months I will be moving halfway across the country to teach in a city where nothing and no one is familiar to me. I have never been away from home for more than 2 weeks and worry constantly about what my future holds. However, God has proven faithful to provide constant reminders that He is in control, and this is a risk, but it won't be worth it unless I release my control over the situation and place it in His hands. And that is what I think taking risks is all about. Not just making the choice to do something, but making the choice to give up the control. Start taking risks and start letting go. One of my favorite sayings... "Let go and let God."
As I was wasting time on Facebook as most of us do I came across this blog that has inspired me to write, share, and strive to know Jesus more. I am just amazed and in awe of the faith that is displayed in people and find it quite refreshing when I come across it. This specific blog really touched my heart and brought tears of sadness and joy to my heart. This family truly exemplifies Jesus Christ. I am familiar with some of their family and have grown up hearing people talk of their great faith. Please check out this blog and see what living for Jesus truly means. http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
