A blessed day.

"Live simply. Love generously.

Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God ."

One of the things I love most about God is how He is always the calm in the midst of a storm. Right now, a hurricane is heading toward Jacksonville. As it gets closer, the rain is pouring down so heavy that I just now in the late afternoon got to take my dog out for the first time to use the bathroom. The wind is so strong that the trees outside my balcony are dancing the tango back and forth. The grass and sidewalks are flooded and covered in debris. Businesses are closing down around town the next few days. And when I went to the grocery store earlier, all the water bottles were GONE! On top of that, I even had to cancel my fun river tubing trip to Ichetucknee Springs this weekend. So, meanwhile, our town waits on pins and needles to see what unfolds as God orchestrates the weather.

Yet, in the midst of the storm outside, I'm sitting here thinking about His goodness and how blessed I am as I strive to live in the center of His will where the calmness can always be found in our everyday lives. Not only am I so excited to share with you the big announcement on Monday (uh, unless the hurricane winds knock out my internet over the weekend!), but so many other great things have been happening big and small.

Something big, I got asked yesterday to be interviewed on one of my favorite photography podcasts! More info on that very soon!

Something small, I got the cutest stationary in the mail from the darling Justin and Mary Marantz! Justin and Mary are the kind of people who, just through email, you know are people with such sweet spirits. Then I got to meet them in March when the newlyweds made a surprise visit to the Love Affair Workshop I was at. I was excited to get my camera on them and to this day, this shot of them below is one of my all-time faves.





And here's a shot of the oh so cute stationary they got me.




On top of all of that, I've been giving my office and loft an extreme makeover the past few weeks, and I can't wait to show you how fabulous it has all come together when I put my finishing touches on it soon! It's just so great to be in a place in life where my eyes are open to so much good around me, and truly appreciating all God has blessed me with as I continue to seek His face each day.

Something else I would like to add. You all have been so incredible in surrounding my dad in prayer. Please continue to keep his health in prayer as he goes through the ups and downs of chemo, as well as financial burdens he and my mom are dealing with in the midst of it all.

But now I would like you to lift up some other people. The past few days, I've been getting some emails full of prayer requests, and because I believe in where two or more are gathered, I want to post those prayer requests here for you to pray for as well. My heart just breaks for Stephanie, Christian and Gavin with all they are going through, but I know through Jesus that our prayers for their healing will be heard!

From Carlye:
"Scarlett,
Hi. I keep up with your blog regularly and in doing so have learned what a Christ loving and faithful person you are. I am so happy that our prayers have been heard with regards to your dad and your family.

In my life I have learned that there can never be too many people, of all different faiths, praying for a good cause. I wanted to let you know about a blog-world friend of mine, Nie, who's family is having a very difficult time right now. You can go to http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com to see Nie's site and to http://blog.cjanerun.com for updates from her family.

Thank you so much for sharing your faith in our Savior in such a public setting. I continue to have a prayer in my heart for you and your family.

Have a wonderful day.

Carlye"



From Cheyenne:
Hi Scarlett,

You don't know me, however I feel like I know you so well. I have been a... err.... stalker of yours for quite some time. You inspire me more than you can ever realize. From your faith in God, to your amazing spirit, to your gorgeous photography skills. We are very similar, both LOVE pink, both are fully centered around our families and in the center of our family is God...

I prayed almost every day for your family, and still continue to do so. I would like to ask if you could please say up a prayer for my friends son Gavin. He is 5 months old and they just found melanoma on his liver and his lungs. He is going to have to undergo chemo for at least a year. This family needs a miracle, and I know they need God. I fully believe in the healing power of prayer.

I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for one crazy little girl who owns a camera. Thank you.

-Cheyenne