A lovely day for photography

I think it's not secret that I absolutely LOVE photography and find the BIGGEST joy ever in taking pictures!-especially if it is for someone!

You know, lately I haven't really have the desire to go out and take pictures. I am usually more of a nature type of photographer, but let's be serious..you can only take so many pictures of the same thing. And because I don't really get out much farther than the area's close to my school it gets a little old, and frankly boring.

Well today, two of my greatest friends let me photograph them.

I've finally been able to fulfill the craving I've had for taking great photos of beautiful people.

All in all, today was a great day to spend photographing stuff, and I am going to share just a few of the pictures I took today!

I've just recently decided upon a name for my photography company(hopefully it will be one at somepoint in life) and it's TREEHOUSE photography :)

 The beautiful Natalie and Shelby! I've always wanted to do something fun with scarves, so it was great to be able to finally do it! It was a definitely cold day out, but I think the contrast of the scarves, the skin tone, and the freezing cold made for some pretty sweet pictures :) 

 

 

 

 

©TREEHOUSE Photography

Peace out everyone!

Hebrews 13:5

"Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you"

You know, that statement is pretty bold, and I don't think I would ever want to hear that statement unless it was from my Gracious Saviour.
Lately I've really just been feeling like I'm alone in this world, like I have to meet the needs of this world, and meet their "perfect" standards; it's like I've made a promise to this world, and the world has made a promise to me, but the world keeps dodging out on their promise. But then as I was thinking, you know, perhaps it really isn't the worlds fault. It's not the world's promise to me that I need to worry about being kept, it's the Lords promise to me that I need to worry about being kept, and he ALWAYS keeps it. So, why focus on the fact that the world has been letting me down, when in reality, it doesn't really matter.

I was talking to a friend today, and this person is honestly one of the greatest friends I could have EVER been blessed with. Whenever I am having just a horrible day, she's always there to talk to, even if it is through simple text messages. I often take for granted the advice and help that she gives me, and I often times think about how horrible I am; ya know? I have this super great friend who is always there for me, but some days I just throw it away. Anyways, that's not the point of why I'm writing this. Anyways, today I was talking to her, simply because well a) I just love talking to her and b) because I was having a not so good day, and I feel like because she knows exactly what I'm dealing with (because she's been there through mostly everything) that she's the best to talk to. I always find that in my worst times she is always able to frustrate me, but also put a huge smile on my face, simply because the things she says are ALWAYS what I need to hear.
So as we were talking today, she said some pretty profound stuff. Although I got frustrated and really didn't want to hear what she was saying, as I have thought about it for the day, it has really hit home with me. I often times focus on the negative, and focus on how alone I am, and how I feel like basically the world owes me something, and is the reason for my life being not so great. But it was the words that I needed to come to the conclusion that it's my perspective in life that needs to change, not the world around me.
As much as I hated hearing that, and feel like I've heard it a million times, it's so totally true.
I can't really move on with my life and accept the good and happiness in my life until I change the way I look at the world.
I need to stop thinking that the world owes me something, that the world has broken their promise to me, and realize that it's not the world around me and my relationship with it that matters; rather, that it's my faith, and the love and promises that God has made to me, and that's simply all I need.

The words that God will never leave me or forsake me REALLY is the greatest promise ever. Friends, they come and they go, and the real ones are the ones that are going to always be there. Even in times that I feel like I have no one, or feel like the world is basically crashing down on me, and that my problems are the worlds fault, I need to remember that it's not, and that I will always have my amazing Jesus to turn to, because in the end he's always going to be there for me.

The bible says in Job 11:18 "You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you, and take your rest in safety"

And God does say that He will NEVER leave or forsake me, so why not cling to that?

My plan for the rest of my life: Accept that, and run with it...or atleast try to.
He created the most amazing and simple things and life, so why let negative time ruin that? Well, I am still asking that question myself, but here is to changing that and allowing this time to be amazing, because well all deserve it, even if it's hard to believe.

Peace and Love my friends
Steph Tree.

and life goes on...

Well, life has gone on.
Seasons have come and gone, and I feel like I'm living a bitter sweet life right now.

I finished on my second year of University, not exactly how I had wanted to..but I got through it. I started my summer off probably on the wrong foot, but I slowly regained my balance.
I went to Colombia for a week in May, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. God did some amazing things in and through me, as well as the people of Colombia that we encountered. I was Blessed greatly, and I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for the things that God showed me while on the trip.

My dream in life is to make a difference in someones life and really actually, truly believe that I did, and I feel as though that dream came true while I was in Colombia. I'm not going to explain the stories here in this blog, because well, you would be reading for days, but let me tell you, God used me to help some young girls change their minds and not make life altering decisions. I was able to use my story, and my life as a living testimony to these girls to help show them that some things they were doing, weren't really the best things for them, and definitely were not things they are wanting to do if they want to live a life for the Lord.

So, yes it does seem like my year that ended not so great was turned around greatly while I was in Colombia...and it's true, it did. I returned after a week in Colombia, and felt as though I was right where I needed to be in my life, and in my walk with Christ. But it seems as though that's what it is supposed to be like once you return from a missions trip. Super on fire for God, crazy madly in Love with Him, and feeling like nothing can bring you down, but like most cases, it's just a "high" and then we all go back to living our lives how they were before. I'm definitely guilty of this, and I know that most others are as well. And I would be lying if I said that didn't happen to me, but this time it was different. I knew that I had came down from this "high" of Jesus, but I was still hanging on. Most often times, it's totally noticeable. I mean, people can tell, but this time I was able to fake my way through it. It was as though I had learned how to trick people into believing that I was this crazy happy person who loved Jesus with all their heart...but I was...however, maybe not to the extreme that I was showing.
Now please don't misinterpret what I am saying. I'm not some crazy depressed person who really has no faith..I'm not saying that one bit, but what I am saying is that I was not completely truthful to myself, or to Jesus, or to others, really.

You know, as I sit here at school, I wonder why and how I let my life get to what it is now. I'm not saying that my life is bad, or something that I regret or don't like, but I definitely think it could be more.
I'm starting off with a fresh start-or at least trying to- and trying to keep a positive life, where I fully rely on God for my strength, wisdom, knowledge, courage, joy, and pure love and direction.
But, the past 2ish(or more) weeks that I have been at school, I have realized that no matter what happens, or how I feel, how I act, and no matter how much I ponder what and why and how things are happening like they do, life goes on.

Life goes on..wow, such a powerful and bold statement, but it's oh so true. No matter how much people, and even myself hate to admit it, life does go on. You can try to control your life, I can try to control my life, as much as we, as much as I want, but life is just going to keep on trucking on. I can't stop my life, I can't pause it, I can't edit it and add things in, or take things out, because in all reality, my life is going to go on just as God has planned it to.

So why sit and wait? Why question, why try to change things, why try to control things? God is in control, and life's gonna go on.

Colombia!!--Fundraising

Hello to all my wonderful friends...(or to whomever reads this blog!)
As most of you already know, or are soon to find out I am embarking on yet another missions trip in a few short weeks.
With the time for me to leave coming soon, I am still in need of some funds.
I am asking you guys, that if you feel so called to, to help me out. I would greatly appreciate it if you would be willing to donate. Now I'm not saying you have to, because you totally dont, and if financial support isn't possible I am always appreciating prayer support!
However, if you would like to donate you can by going online. If you are a Canadian friend you can donate here: http://www.teenmania.ca/index.php?target=donate, and if you are one of my American friends you can go here: http://www.globalexpeditions.com/donate/ You can search by my name, or my Missionary ID which is: 2554761. If you are Canadian make sure once you get to the website you choose the Global Expeditions section to donate!

Thanks so much in advance, and please keep me in your prayers :)
Peace and Love
Stephanie :)

Thoughts....

Well, as my year comes to an end, with only one more exam to write, and getting ready to go home in about a week, I have mixed feelings/emotions/and thoughts.

I'm really excited that I have survived second year (well mostly), and I'm excited to be off on my adventure to Colombia, but along with all of that excitement I'm nervous, scared, and sad. This year has been hectic. It's been amazing, but completely horrible at the same time, and I'm not sure I'm just ready yet to give it up.

I feel like things this year were so crappy that it made things so amazing...weird I know, but that's how my mind is working right now. The things I went through this year (not so good) led to some pretty amazing things. I honestly don't know where I would be right now, this instant if I didn't have those things happen. I mean, perhaps if they didn't happen I would be in a more positive state more often, and perhaps have an idea of what my life is going to consist of post Colombia trip, but sometimes I like the adventure and the mystery...however I can say right now I don't like the mystery.

I'm faced with decisions I feel I need to make now in order to diminish the amount of stress that I am faced with. But, sometimes it seems impossible to come up with an answer to my decisions. I'm constantly thinking "what do I decide?" "how do I make this decision?" and "why do I need to make these decisions?"
I mean I'm only 21 (almost) and I hate having to make decisions. I mean yeah I am an adult, and these are necessary, but I hate it. Lately, I have been just so wishing that I could be 5 again, and now have to make adult decisions, rather have my mother or father make my decisions for me. haha, but that's not going to happen unfortunately!

Sometimes I just wish that I could get good advice. You know when you go and ask people for advice, or just support as a friend? Ya well, lately it seems like I've been doing that a lot, and I haven't been geting it. I mean I'm not saying my friends are horrible, because they are far from that, and I'm not saying by any means that I have a horrible life, because I have experienced first hand people who have a worse life than I do, but you know, I don't have the best life ever, and sometimes needing a friend, and hearing advice from them is what you need. And this past little while I felt like that is what I needed, and I feel like I haven't gotten it. Perhaps, I'm being selfish, and just thinking about myself and not others, and that may be true, but I don't really believe that, and sometimes I wish I had that support.

I mean, really, how hard is it to just be a listening ear, and give advice when needed and if you can't, just say so, but atleast you were a listening ear..it's not that hard is it? Am I asking for too much?
I mean I provide a listening ear whenever someone needs it; I may not be the wisest, most knowledgable person out there, but I feel like I am able to give a bit of advice when needed...so why can't the same be done to me?

I know I've completely switched my focus of this blog, but like the title states it's thoughts, and oh boy, do I ever have a lot of those! So, sorry for being so jumbled, but you just have to get used to it :)

I don't know anymore. When it comes to making decisions for my life, I know that ultimately I am the one that needs to make them, but sometimes I would just love advice or an opinion from the ones that mean the most to me...but, like I said perhaps I am asking for too much, and if I am...I guess I'm done here, and will try to figure things out on my own...

I mean I guess I have God as my guide. I mean, I know I have him as my guide, and ultimately he's the best friend a person could have, and will give the best advice ever, but I'm not sure if that's really the road I want to go down. I mean I've been a Christian for a while now, but part of me wonders if I'm a real Christian...do I really live the life of a Christian? Do I really shine as Christ would want me to? I don't know anymore....I guess only time will tell..

In the mean time, for those of you who actually read this...if you do, I could use some prayers!

Love!
Stephanie

As of lately...

As of lately, my life has been weird.
I was recently put on a break from my job at school, to help me focus on school and my life and to help me become a better person I guess. For the whole time I was on the break, I really hated it. I was angry, upset, and really didn't want anything to do with anyone. It was in that time that I realized I needed God the most, and needed the help of others the most. BUT, because I'm so stinkin' stubborn and love to do things on my own, I neglected God and the help from others..almost. I mean I accepted the help from others but I was very reluctant, and super spiteful. It isn't until now, now that my break is over that I realized I needed to accept that help while I was on that break. I mean, don't get me wrong, the people who offered, helped a lot..but I really believe that if I had fully and completely accepted their help I would be so much better, and wouldn't be in the weird life situation I am in now.

You're all probably thinking, how can your life be so "weird" and unexplainable right now, especially since you are no longer on the break...things should seem amazing right? But they don't.
I regret how I handled the break, and I regret everything that has happened in my life this past year. I failed epically last semester, in school, my job, friendship, and in my faith, and not to mention the fact that I am continuing that this semester too. I mean I was on that break, I didn't get to work, I have ruined friendships, and my relationship with God is super rocking, however I am slowly getting back on track to where I need to be with him, which is great :)

Now, to break it all down. The break, I definitely should have handled it better. I mean I neglected to accept help completely from others, and I feel horrible about it. Not only do I feel like a complete and utter jerk for being rude and not accepting it, I feel like an idiot because I know my recovery and road to success would have been much faster and a little easier. If only I could go back in time.
I've ruined probably one of the dearest friendships I have. I let my insecurities take over, and I feel like there is nothing I can do to redeem myself, and have the relationship back to how it used to be. It's killing me completely!
As for my faith. I am having the worst time relying on God, and trusting in what he has planned for my future. I so want to be able to do what I want to do, but I need to remember that what God wants for me is the best.

But it seems although my life hasn't been the best the past couple months, I am still able to wear a smile. Perhaps it's not always a real smile, or a real happiness, but at least I am able to fake a little bit of it, which makes it I guess easier to move on with my days.

So here's where the weird part comes into play. My life is so broken, and so not what I had hoped for it, or even thought God planned for it, yet I am able to be happy. Hmm, it's weird. I don't know how that works. How someone can have such a broken, messed up life, and still be happy. I used to envy people who lived a life like this. Who had a horrible life, yet was still happy. That's always what I wanted, but now that I have it, it feels weird, and somewhat wrong at the same time. Perhaps that's God working through me completely, a sign that my life is going to be great soon, a sign that there is something greater planned for my life that I am gearing up to encounter..I can only wonder...and I guess be happy, that I am able to truly be happy amongst all that is happening...

So, as of lately, things have been weird, and I think I'm alright with that.

Philippians 4:6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God"

For the whole day this verse has been resignating in my mind with me. I guess it started this afternoon as I waited and anticipated a pretty important meeting that I wasn't sure how it was going to end up.
I guess you could say that I am a pretty anxious person, and that is something that has only begun recently, and is pretty difficult to deal with. I find myself in situations where I become so totally anxious and consumed by what is possibly going to happen next, that I get all wound up and can't even think straight.

Today as I anticipated my meeting, the only thing running through my head was "do not be anxious!" I knew there was bible verse pertaining this, but I couldn't for the life of me remember what it was. So what did I do? I just typed into google "do not be anxious" and the first thing that came up was this verse. I knew that it was exactly what I was thinking of, and I think it's just so great how God works in these situations. He puts a thought in your mind and doesn't just easily give you the answer, he makes you search for it. And ultimately that's what God wants us to do in our relationship with him. He wants us to search for him, seek him out, and draw near to him in times of weakness, troubles, hardships, happiness, and even times of anxiety.

Well, I am now on a break from a lot of things in my life in order to help me focus and figure out where my life is headed, and what to do next. Although I don't really agree with this break, or really want to have it, I do know that it is needed, and will definitely be a great time to focus on myself, school, and most of all my relationship with God.

This past weekend I went home to work, and on Saturday night I went to a church service in London, which is something I quite often do when I am home and am working day shift. Anyways, at this service a song was sung..."Meet With Me" by Ten Shekel Shirt. This is a song that I have known for a very long time, but have just recently(saturday) been re-aquinted with, and have fell in love with it all over again.

It's just one of those songs that speaks such great truth, and is something that "you just need to hear", and totally helps. I have been listening to it like crazy since Saturday, and is something that I am working towards. I so long to meet with God again. To have a solid relationship with him, and have him back in my life. Ya sure, he never left my life, but I kind of strayed away, and need to find my way back. Hearing this song on Saturday showed me just how much I need to be back on track, how much I need God.

I used to be so surrounded by God, and was my life. I did everything with him, and made sure that everything I did was Glorifying to him. As my life has gone on, for the past couple years I feel like that isn't my greatest priority, and it feels horrible. I so long to meet with God again, and to have my life back to how it was. To be a happy, joyful person again. I know that it'll happen soon, so maybe this break is a blessing in disguise....
I guess, in time I'll figure out..but for now, I'll never know.

Love you all,
Stephanie.

PS...here's the link for the song if you wanna hit it up and listen to it...I HIGHLY recommend it..it's super great :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMb3xBsGiZU