Motivation for Monday & Help Portrait

Good Morning! I hope you all had a Happy and satisfying Thanksgiving with your friends and families. We had a lovely Thanksgiving dinner with a minor glitch with the ham. It was my first time ever making ham, ever.  I had no idea what to do. It's a good thing there were directions. A family member had given us a South Hampton dry cured ham over the summer. Well, after reading that it would only keep for 2 months I opened up the pack and there were these white bugs infested all over it. Yuck! I sent Beau out to get another ham. Good thing there was ham left to buy at the store the night before Thanksgiving. He returned with the same kind of ham. I soaked it over night and did all that the directions called for me to do. Cooked it for 3.5 hours and basted it with the water I put on the bottom of the roasting pan. Everything turned out just fine so I'm told. My hubby, my f.i.l., and my littlest super hero ate the ham. Julian and I like to stick to poultry. And that's all I got to say about that ;)
I was watching 60 Minutes last night and saw a story about a family in Central Florida who are living in their truck. The report focused on the children who have to "improvise" with their daily needs, where to bathe, etc.  I can't even fathom that and yet I was listening to this little girl's account of her young life. Now, these are Florida's statistics, but of all the homeless families in Central FL two-thirds live on the streets. One-third of the families without shelter live in FL. I realize that homelessness is everywhere, in every state, province, and country in the world. Hearing it from a child though was more heartbreaking for me than hearing it from a news reporter. I can remember some of these children when I was teaching in the public school system of NC about 5 years ago. The principal of our school informed the teachers who were assigned to breakfast or lunch duty that for some students this would be the only time they would eat all day. What?! I wanted to know who, of course, because I wanted to send these children home with some groceries. We weren't allowed to know who. We just had to be considerate and vigilant of that fact. As I taught through out the course of the year, certain students were highlighted in my mind as I got to know them. For some, creating just brings out "the stuff" that you can't verbally get out. Art is therapeutic. As Picasso once said, "Art washes away the dust of everyday life." I love that quote.
Anyway, this brings me to Help Portrait. Saturday, December 10th, I will be a part of a beautiful giving spree called Help Portrait. It will be located at Reimage Church in Winterville, NC. In short, Help Portrait is for those who are in need. People who are unable to afford a family or personal portrait. There is a few studio set ups, clothes, props, and hair & make-up offered. They will receive a hot meal and a sack meal to take home for later. I am so excited about this event. I can't wait. It's only 2 weeks away. If you or anyone you know would like to donate, please visit this link. Also, please help me pray for this event and all who are involved.

Matthew 25:40 ~ "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Ashley {Maternity Session}

Ashley & Trey are a sweet couple expecting in January. As you probably have seen, it's a Boy! I can remember my first conversation with Ashley on the phone. I was so thrilled she contacted me to do her maternity photos. I haven't done a mama-to-be session in quite some time. I just love the belly shots and Ashley came totally prepared with her grandmother's heavy black iron chair, and 3 outfit changes. Did I mention that the black iron chair was heavy? ha! Thanks Trey for carrying it :) Anyway, Ashley truly is a beautiful mama-to-be and wears that baby belly proudly.
The weather yesterday was perfect for an outdoor session. The lighting was pretty over the water and the trees still had a little left over fall color to show. Ashley & Trey were such good sports too, willing to try anything. Posing and showing love sure came easy for them. These two were alot of fun to hang out with and laugh with. I am so thankful for them. Enjoy this special time together as you await your first born.

Psalm 127:3 ~ Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

Daniel {Senior Portraits}

Daniel is one of my husband's Senior Football players. I've had the pleasure of photographing him on and off the field. Daniel was a leader and a constant encourager for the team this season. I know my husband was very thankful to have his leadership and talent on the team this year.
When I asked Daniel what his plans were after high school, he answered without hesitation. He listed his aspirations and goals with ease and delight. I love seeing that delight for the future in a young mind. I can see Daniel accomplishing all of his goals and then some. God has a special plan for you Daniel, with Him all things are possible. Thank you for allowing me to take your Senior Portraits. I had so much fun hanging out with you and your sister.

Proverbs 16:3 ~ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100:4 ~ Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy this time with those God has blessed you with. Eat & fellowship all for the glory of God. I'd love to hear how you spend and share during the Feast of Thanksgiving. Please feel free to leave me a comment.



Our Thanksgiving Menu:
1. Virginia Ham {please pray for me, this is my first time cooking a ham}
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes {for my f.i.l.}
3. Turkey Stuffing {even though I am not cooking a turkey, Thanksgiving dinner is not the same
     w/o stuffing}
4. Steamed Green Beans {something healthy}
5. Sweet Potatoe Biscuits {something sweet}
6. Corn Pudding {my mom's recipe}

And for Dessert:
1. Pecan Pie {my husband's favorite}
2. Pumpkin Bread {it makes the house smell divine}
3. Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch {a Chex recipe just to snack on while dinner is cooking}

Motivation for Monday

Galatians 3:26-29

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Eternity is forever. Some believe in life after death; some believe that this life on earth is it. I am currently in a Bible Study on Revelation by Beth Moore. Many times I've attempted to read Revelation on my own to try to make sense of it with commentaries, but this in depth study has taken me far beyond any past perceptions or findings of this perplexing book. I am so thankful for godly scholars and for faithful teachers of the Word. My heart is being molded and freed through this study. To live each day knowing Whom I belong to is a victory and a great comfort. I am His! You too can enjoy this kind of confidence. Alot of godly revelations have stuck with me so far in this study. The one I am about to share though is one that many others may struggle with: Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and still wonder if you'll make it to heaven? Man! I have. There are times in my life when I thought, "Lord, I love you so much. Will I even get to see Your face?"

Let me tell you what I've learned and what the Bible has confirmed for me. The enemy's way to torment us on earth is by FEAR. Fear can be debilitating. It can paralyze someone into an unhealthy habit. Fear can trick someone into believing a lie. Christian, have confidence today that if you have accepted Jesus into your heart, you've prayed the sinner's prayer and meant it with your whole being, YOU ARE HIS! You belong to Christ. You are an heir according to the promise given to Abraham. It doesn't matter what ethnic group, what culture, what economic status, what gender you are...we are all one in Christ Jesus. Please imagine this with me, the God of the universe looks down upon you with His perfect love and declares, "This one is Mine!" He says it with the warmest smile on His face and all the angels in heaven shout "Amen!". You are HIS! Believe it.

John 10:26-29

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; NO ONE can snatch them out of my hand.

My Father who has given them to me, is greater than all; NO ONE can snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and the Father are one." {emphasis mine}

Thank you Lord for your promises that we have the right and the power to claim in the name of Jesus.

I hope you have a blessed and very Happy Thanksgiving! Oh, and a Happy Monday, too :)





My Sister's Wedding!

Kaylen is my youngest sister. She has had the most romantic courtship and back story of anyone I know. She loved playing the princess when she was a little girl, but on this day she was the princess. My sister's wedding was BEAUTIFUL! Everything went perfectly right down to the details. The weather was gorgeous, cooler than normal for South Florida. The JoY & LoVe shared between family and friends during this occasion was an experience straight from heaven. The venue, the food, the music, the company, everything was special to behold. I wish we had the ability to relive events like this.
Kaylen had an old friend from school, Lena, photograph her wedding. She did a great job. I didn't want to be in the way, so I snapped some candids and some details here and there. Mostly, my camera was in the bag or in someone else's hands because I wanted to be a part of this joyous day. I didn't want to miss a thing. My boys and I, along with some others tore up the dance floor. Man! We all had a blast! Many blessings to you, Kaylen & Andrew, as you embark on this crazy, but fulfilling journey called marriage and may your tribe increase {wink}! Love to you both xoxo!

Motivation for Monday

{This image is copyright Karrie Drake Photography}

After moving to NC this summer, we took a couple of days here and there to explore the neighboring towns. We visited Plymouth, NC one day and discovered this cool little Civil War Museum with amazing relics. Pictures, flags, guns, you name it. My husband and I enjoy history so much. I hope it is something that will catch on with our boys when they get old enough to appreciate it. Even if it's not, we'll drag them along anyway... ;) There was an old canon outside the museum, so we stopped to take some pictures there. Then I saw these Black-eyed Susans. I love flowers! There was a bunch of them all clustered together. I took a picture and kind of forgot about it. This past week I was looking at old pics and came across July's folder. I clicked to crop and edit the picture. Something in this picture made me want to study it a little longer. Maybe you can see it too...He is always with you.

Isaiah 41:10 ~ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
{emphasis mine}

Kaitlyn & Tyler (Engaged!)

I had the privilege of photographing this sweet couple last night. They met me at my place and we drove around the area stopping here and there around town. It was a little windy and cold, but we made it work. Kaitlyn & Tyler, being native to North Carolina, are no strangers to this weather. I have to admit though, I am a wimp when it comes to cold temperatures. Don't get me wrong, I love the change of seasons and the change in weather, but my heat is on when it's like 50 outside. And I wore a stocking cap to keep my head warm. It's probably time to retire my flip flops for the year, but I wore them anyway. Yeah!
Kaitlyn & Tyler are newly engaged and certainly in love. They were so sweet when I was posing them for the next shot, it's like they were reading my mind because they knew exactly what to do and just fell into place naturally. I love when sessions go that way. K & T were willing to go and do whatever I suggested. It was such a nice and easy going evening. Talking about family and the Holidays coming up made me so thankful we brought our family here. I am also thankful for this sweet couple. Hope y'all like the sneak peek. Have a great week!

And the Winner is...

Congratulations Bethany Slocum! 

We will be in contact with you soon. Can't wait to send you some product love. 

Thank you to all the participants and those who entered. I am in the giving mood! Because I appreciate y'all so much for your support, I'll be giving everyone who entered a free 5x7 fine art print. So go look at the album and let me know which one you'd like to have to display in your home. xoxo!

List Randomizer

There were 8 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. Bethany Slocum
2. April Jones
3. Wnedy Davis
4. Amy Stapleton
5. Alika Rosser
6. Debby Wittenmyer
7. Marie Williams
8. Dee Dee Popwell

Timestamp: 2011-11-01 00:15:40 UTC