words to inspire

**all images via my 'of quotes, words, and inspiration' pinterest board**

Sometimes, just because we're young, we fall into a trap. We think we have all the time in the world. But the truth, the truth we desperately don't want to face, is that we don't. Today IS the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you'll ever be. Instead of 'doing what everyone else is doing' & giving into 'the fear that we just can't', let us use our creativity and make something different, let us inspire others... for His glory.

Christine || birthday portraits

**linking up with Jessica. you can view the sooc here**

On a lovely rainy day, a couple of days before her birthday, I asked Christine to come out to the backyard with me for a birthday photoshoot. She was kind of reluctant at first, because she hates it when I chase her around with my camera (so guilty), but I did, eventually, persuade her. And yes, I had to do/say quite a few funny/crazy things to make her laugh, but all in all, we had an amazing time! :)
You might have noticed that the above photos are edited (just basic touch-ups, no actions or anything like that), but still, none of them are SOOCs. Quite unusual for me, but I really wanted to try something different, and I'm very satisfied with the results. Your thoughts? :)

Ohio // part 1

**in case you missed my vlog, this (super outdated) post refers to our Victoria Day long weekend trip to Ohio**

The highlights of our Saturday morning road-trip (via my trusty iPod notepad):

3:30am. I got out of bed after my three hour nap (yes, it felt like a nap).
4:15am. in the car. blankets, overstuffed rectangular-shaped tote bag full of books, & all.
4:30am. Regina Spektor. :)
5:00am. can just catch a glimpse of light blue sky in the east.
5:30am. sunrise & lots of shutter snapping.
5:45am. listening to the narnia & lord of the rings soundtracks.
6:00am. port Erie (second to last photo) and across to NY.
7:15am: Pennsylvania!
8:15am: Ohio.


Happy Father's day! :)

use your talents

We all have talents & abilities of various kinds; stuff that just comes naturally and we really enjoy doing. Sadly, I think in our day the majority of people tend to abandon theirs for the 'cool', 'popular', 'trendy' things... and they don't even realize it! I'm telling you, it annoys me to no end. I'm not saying that you should totally and completely drop a hobby/dream just because you're not talented. No, I firmly believe that with most things, more work than actual skill is required to achieve success. However, I do also believe that we were given the skills we have for a reason - to glorify God's name - and saying they're 'not as cool compared to _____'s' is just the same as saying that God made a mistake... and God never makes mistakes. We were each given just enough, not too little & not too much.

"And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability..." ~ Matthew 25:15

Let's not bury our talents in the ground... let's use them to make a difference.