Summer is officially over, the pool at our apartment is turning green, but I'm excited about Fall. I LOVE the promise of Fall and Winter. Tonight seemed extra Fall-ish because it was brisk, windy, and there was a lightning storm off in one corner of the sky. Perfect for a "spooky night" setting...though I honestly prefer seeing it as beautiful and awe-inspiring. I'm not one that gets into Halloween much. Megan says she's going to change that in me this year. Haha. But as I was rushing from my car to the door tonight in the dark, feeling the night air, I got excited about being freezing all the time, wearing a coat and socks, and the smells of the season. My mom even brought me candy corn in a little pumpkin bowl for the apartment!! I'm so excited. Candy corn is the Casey family tradition for Fall.
This week has completely been flying by. But tonight I had a photography gig! This is the first time I've had time to pick up my camera this week. It's a stark contrast to last week when I had sometimes more than two gigs a day. I like that I'm suddenly calling them gigs, like it's music or something. :)
I feel a little overwhelmed with photography and the thought of everything that will go into starting this business. There seem to be so many details to work out, so many vendors to get with, so many forms to type up. But at the same time, I feel so blessed to have found this deep passion in myself. It is such a gift from the Lord! Kassie and I were talking last night and she was mentioning how she feels she doesn't have her own passion, her own thing that she loves and can do for the Lord. It just hit me that I am so freakin' blessed to have had the Lord throw this photography opportunity at me. Seriously, it feels like he threw it at me. In my face. :)
Hey guess what? It's raining right now!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Thoughts on Esther 3
Tonight at Bible study we were looking at Esther 3. We're going to be going through the entire book this semester and it's been so nice to take it slow, just a chapter a week, and really dive deep into the contexts, words, history, and lineages to see what the Lord is weaving together from all these separate lives. I just wanted to share some reassuring thoughts we gathered tonight. Hang in there, it gets wordy but is worth it, I think...PS if you haven't read the book of Esther, this might not make sense. So go read it. It's short. :)
The craziest thing to me in this chapter is how much influence Haman (the "bad guy) has over the King. Haman has so much power, yet we read that he is a descendant of Agag the Amalekite. This is a big deal because God had declared "war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" because of their attack on Israel (see Exodus 17:8-16 and 1 Samuel 15:2 for more on that). So this guy who was an enemy of God was basically the King's right hand man. I find it fascinating that God allowed him to come to that much power. You would think God would be like, "Oh an enemy of mine? He can't be the king's right hand man. All my enemies have to be servants or something." Haha, sorry for the loose interpretation of God's persona. If I were a Jew at that time, I would be like, "Hey God, can't we get this guy out of office?! He's your enemy and he wants to kill us all!" But God is so in control. He allowed Haman that position so that He might further display his glory. He had it under control the whole time. Even when it seemed like Haman was taking over and was going to kill all the Jews, GOD HAD IT UNDER CONTROL.
It gives me comfort to know that even though God might allow "bad people" to come to power over our country, another country, the world, or even something local I'm involved in, He still has it under His control. No matter how powerful the person might seem, that person still must succumb to the power of God. NOTHING is greater or more magnificent than the power of God. EVERY knee will bow. I am so encouraged by that. It is good to know I am on the winning team. Sorry for the lame sports reference.
Another cool little tidbit from Esther 3 is that Haman decides to cast lots to pick the date when he wants to wipe out the Jews. "By a seeming coincidence the date indicated was nearly a year away. As someone has said, 'Even superstition is chained to the divine chariot-wheels.' God overruled to allow sufficient time to thwart Haman's plan. 'The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.' Prov 16:33" So encouraging to know that superstition, the stars, or even Satan are all under God's ruling. I just love it that my God is so powerful! And yet so full of love for His children! If this is making you stand in awe and reverent fear, it should! So awesome! I'm definitely feeling the holy fear in me just thinking about it.
The book of Esther is awesome. One thing that I'm loving right now is reading the Bible with a commentary next to me. Commentaries bring so much light and practical application to some passages of scripture where I'm like, "What?!" My dad bought me the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald a few years back and that's what I'm using and loving. It's a big fat book, but well worth it! If you're tired in reading the Bible, try it out! It really helps you understand.
Well, thanks for reading this whole post if you made it this far. I hope it made sense. I was just so amazed I wanted to share it! Hopefully you will be spurred on to read the Word and God will reveal even MORE amazing things to you! Have a good night. :)
The craziest thing to me in this chapter is how much influence Haman (the "bad guy) has over the King. Haman has so much power, yet we read that he is a descendant of Agag the Amalekite. This is a big deal because God had declared "war against the Amalekites from generation to generation" because of their attack on Israel (see Exodus 17:8-16 and 1 Samuel 15:2 for more on that). So this guy who was an enemy of God was basically the King's right hand man. I find it fascinating that God allowed him to come to that much power. You would think God would be like, "Oh an enemy of mine? He can't be the king's right hand man. All my enemies have to be servants or something." Haha, sorry for the loose interpretation of God's persona. If I were a Jew at that time, I would be like, "Hey God, can't we get this guy out of office?! He's your enemy and he wants to kill us all!" But God is so in control. He allowed Haman that position so that He might further display his glory. He had it under control the whole time. Even when it seemed like Haman was taking over and was going to kill all the Jews, GOD HAD IT UNDER CONTROL.
It gives me comfort to know that even though God might allow "bad people" to come to power over our country, another country, the world, or even something local I'm involved in, He still has it under His control. No matter how powerful the person might seem, that person still must succumb to the power of God. NOTHING is greater or more magnificent than the power of God. EVERY knee will bow. I am so encouraged by that. It is good to know I am on the winning team. Sorry for the lame sports reference.
Another cool little tidbit from Esther 3 is that Haman decides to cast lots to pick the date when he wants to wipe out the Jews. "By a seeming coincidence the date indicated was nearly a year away. As someone has said, 'Even superstition is chained to the divine chariot-wheels.' God overruled to allow sufficient time to thwart Haman's plan. 'The lot is cast into the lap, but it's every decision is from the Lord.' Prov 16:33" So encouraging to know that superstition, the stars, or even Satan are all under God's ruling. I just love it that my God is so powerful! And yet so full of love for His children! If this is making you stand in awe and reverent fear, it should! So awesome! I'm definitely feeling the holy fear in me just thinking about it.
The book of Esther is awesome. One thing that I'm loving right now is reading the Bible with a commentary next to me. Commentaries bring so much light and practical application to some passages of scripture where I'm like, "What?!" My dad bought me the Believer's Bible Commentary by William MacDonald a few years back and that's what I'm using and loving. It's a big fat book, but well worth it! If you're tired in reading the Bible, try it out! It really helps you understand.
Well, thanks for reading this whole post if you made it this far. I hope it made sense. I was just so amazed I wanted to share it! Hopefully you will be spurred on to read the Word and God will reveal even MORE amazing things to you! Have a good night. :)
The Rundown (+ a few extras for you!)
Well, it was another successful weekend! Here's the rundown:
Friday: Went to Branch's CD release concert and then took my final picture for Blu's contest (which I did not win by the way...bummer).
Saturday: Meg and I relaxed and watched half of "Ever After" until 8, when we decided to get all pretty and go to Chris Norwood's CD release concert (it was so chill and wonderful!...made me want to go to Austin), then we played around on campus being dorks, then met up with Tino, Russel, and Megan to go to dessert at Johnny Carino's, then we went back to our apartment and all SALSA DANCED! So much freakin' fun! Then Meg and I stayed up til 3 being dorks again. I really cannot describe to you how much fun this night was...dancing is probably my favorite thing in the world to do, and salsa dancing? Even better.
Sunday: Got up and went to church at Morning Star (biggest blessing ever; I thought about sleeping in, but the Lord just put this passion in my heart to praise Him...it was so good), then went to the church-wide cookout-- yay free food!, then took an accidental 2 hour nap, and then woke up and went with Megan, Jenn, and Daniel to study at the new Starbucks for 5 hours.
I'm sure you wanted to know all those details. :)
For those of you with extra time, you should check out Nate and Jacelyn's blog (theblogisfound.com). They are awesome photographers, but are now on vacation in Canada, and are blogging the whole trip in pictures. For some reason, looking at it just gets me excited about having a family someday. They already have a little girl and just found out Jacelyn is pregnant again! Be encouraged as you look...it's really sweet!
Also, for those of you wanting an amazing song to listen to, check out Phil Wickham's song "Always Forever." I heard it the other day and was so touched that I almost started crying. It could be taken as a love song between people, but I found it to be an incredible love song between God and me. It just seems to usher me into the presence of God every time I hear it. How sweet is it that we are invited to have intimacy with God?
It's so overwhelming and good. He is worthy...
Friday: Went to Branch's CD release concert and then took my final picture for Blu's contest (which I did not win by the way...bummer).
Saturday: Meg and I relaxed and watched half of "Ever After" until 8, when we decided to get all pretty and go to Chris Norwood's CD release concert (it was so chill and wonderful!...made me want to go to Austin), then we played around on campus being dorks, then met up with Tino, Russel, and Megan to go to dessert at Johnny Carino's, then we went back to our apartment and all SALSA DANCED! So much freakin' fun! Then Meg and I stayed up til 3 being dorks again. I really cannot describe to you how much fun this night was...dancing is probably my favorite thing in the world to do, and salsa dancing? Even better.
Sunday: Got up and went to church at Morning Star (biggest blessing ever; I thought about sleeping in, but the Lord just put this passion in my heart to praise Him...it was so good), then went to the church-wide cookout-- yay free food!, then took an accidental 2 hour nap, and then woke up and went with Megan, Jenn, and Daniel to study at the new Starbucks for 5 hours.
I'm sure you wanted to know all those details. :)
For those of you with extra time, you should check out Nate and Jacelyn's blog (theblogisfound.com). They are awesome photographers, but are now on vacation in Canada, and are blogging the whole trip in pictures. For some reason, looking at it just gets me excited about having a family someday. They already have a little girl and just found out Jacelyn is pregnant again! Be encouraged as you look...it's really sweet!
Also, for those of you wanting an amazing song to listen to, check out Phil Wickham's song "Always Forever." I heard it the other day and was so touched that I almost started crying. It could be taken as a love song between people, but I found it to be an incredible love song between God and me. It just seems to usher me into the presence of God every time I hear it. How sweet is it that we are invited to have intimacy with God?
It's so overwhelming and good. He is worthy...
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Redefining of Music
Music has found a place in my life again and I am enthralled!
When I first started college, my friend Amanda and I were ALWAYS playing some gig somewhere (i mean nothing special AT ALL, just local coffee shops or churches-- although one time we played at The Door in Dallas!). Man, I remember how much a freakin' blast it was to haul all the equipment, analyze other band's drummers techniques, chords, etc., sit in the studio for hours, and talk to other musicians about pedals and stuff. Haha. We really weren't hardcore or anything but the atmosphere was so fun! We quit all that stuff our Junior year because life got crazy you know :)
But now, after hanging out in the studio with the Look to the Sky boys and going to two CD release concerts this weekend, I've just realized how much I missed that music stuff. And live local music, man, call me crazy but I don't think I've heard a live local performance the past 6, 7, 8 months (or something like that). I LOVE local talent! Local is way better than the big guys because you probably have some sort of personal connection to the locals.
Also this weekend, I got to play the piano. I mean really PLAY the piano. I bruised my fingers haha. I grew up playing and my favorite thing to do was improv (I still can't really read music well after years of lessons), but I hadn't played a piano in probably half a year. It was so encouraging and worshipful to just sit down and sing to the King all by myself, making my own music to Him. Ahh, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
I've led worship with a guitar for a girl's bible study the past year or so, but for some reason I forgot it was music. Music is so passionate and worshipful! The way the Lord gave us fingers to play with, voices to sing with, minds to write with...such a gift! It is so beautiful and it is such a gift! Music can get mundane in the church because it's what we do every Sunday and, well, every time we get together...but harmonies and beautiful sounds and the emotion music carries...it's not mundane.
In the same way I've seen my view of the world around me shifting through photography, I now see my view of music shifting. It is all for the glory of GOD! All of it's beauties and complexities point to OUR GREAT GOD. And he makes gifted people to point others to Him. How I want to use my gifts to point others to Him!
Man Lord, what's next? What are you going to radically change my perspective on next? Because I'm ready!!
When I first started college, my friend Amanda and I were ALWAYS playing some gig somewhere (i mean nothing special AT ALL, just local coffee shops or churches-- although one time we played at The Door in Dallas!). Man, I remember how much a freakin' blast it was to haul all the equipment, analyze other band's drummers techniques, chords, etc., sit in the studio for hours, and talk to other musicians about pedals and stuff. Haha. We really weren't hardcore or anything but the atmosphere was so fun! We quit all that stuff our Junior year because life got crazy you know :)
But now, after hanging out in the studio with the Look to the Sky boys and going to two CD release concerts this weekend, I've just realized how much I missed that music stuff. And live local music, man, call me crazy but I don't think I've heard a live local performance the past 6, 7, 8 months (or something like that). I LOVE local talent! Local is way better than the big guys because you probably have some sort of personal connection to the locals.
Also this weekend, I got to play the piano. I mean really PLAY the piano. I bruised my fingers haha. I grew up playing and my favorite thing to do was improv (I still can't really read music well after years of lessons), but I hadn't played a piano in probably half a year. It was so encouraging and worshipful to just sit down and sing to the King all by myself, making my own music to Him. Ahh, I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
I've led worship with a guitar for a girl's bible study the past year or so, but for some reason I forgot it was music. Music is so passionate and worshipful! The way the Lord gave us fingers to play with, voices to sing with, minds to write with...such a gift! It is so beautiful and it is such a gift! Music can get mundane in the church because it's what we do every Sunday and, well, every time we get together...but harmonies and beautiful sounds and the emotion music carries...it's not mundane.
In the same way I've seen my view of the world around me shifting through photography, I now see my view of music shifting. It is all for the glory of GOD! All of it's beauties and complexities point to OUR GREAT GOD. And he makes gifted people to point others to Him. How I want to use my gifts to point others to Him!
Man Lord, what's next? What are you going to radically change my perspective on next? Because I'm ready!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Where have I been? What have I been doing?
*EDIT* I added even MORE pictures! This is probably the biggest picture post ever!
Whew! Sorry for the absence of blogging this week...it has been insane. This has been my life:
I've had SIX shoots between Monday and Wednesday and I still have THREE more the next two days. Not only have I been busy with photography, but I had FOUR tests in school. All of it has left me in that strange happy mood where you're so overwhelmed that you forget you should be feeling super stressed, and instead you just walk around in a strange happy bubble.
Chase looks like he's saying, "Feel the baby!" and Tino is going, "Yeah, he's kickin'." Awww :)
Whew! Sorry for the absence of blogging this week...it has been insane. This has been my life:
I've had SIX shoots between Monday and Wednesday and I still have THREE more the next two days. Not only have I been busy with photography, but I had FOUR tests in school. All of it has left me in that strange happy mood where you're so overwhelmed that you forget you should be feeling super stressed, and instead you just walk around in a strange happy bubble.So...want a taste of what I've been up to this week? Here's a few of the awesome guys from Look to the Sky recording at Glass Jar...
(those are my shoes ^^ right there ha!)
(those are my shoes ^^ right there ha!)
This shoot is taking up my life right now (it's kind of a multiple hours, everyday thing), but I'm loving it! Studio atmosphere is always so cool and chill to be in, plus these guys are awesome, talented, funny, and they love Jesus.
There are more shoots to blog, but maybe later :)
Hope you're having a good day!
P.S. The contest on bludomain.com is going great! It's so fun! Pretty sure I'm not going to win, but it still has been a ton of fun! Here's my proudest entry so far; the beautiful and graceful Megan showing off some serious ballet skills. The word is "Passion." 
Friday, September 14, 2007
My head is spinning...
WHAT THE DEUCE!?!
A few days ago, bludomain.com (a website that designs photography websites for professional photographers worldwide) announced a contest:
Blu will pit 5 photographers against one another in a creative battle that will take place in front of the world and Blu's audience and judging panel. Competitors will feverishly work and their cameras will document the 5 different assignments that Blu gives each photographer. 5 days later we will award one winner. In addition to the fame & glory the winner will receive 2 iPod Shuffles. Choose any two colors! The winner will also receive 2 - $25.00 iTunes cards and $100.00 in CASH. Blu's Open Casting Call Photographers will receive a unique "noun" daily. Each daily assignment will be due in 24 hours.
Somehow, out of hundreds of applicants, I GOT CHOSEN!!!! ONE OF FIVE!!!! WHAT?!?!
So I'm unbelievably stoked. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. Check me out:
www.bludomain.com/blog.cfm
AH!!! This is the most exciting day of my life! Okay, maybe not, but it's up there!
Before I freak out more, I just want to notate that I am so amazed by my God. There seems to be way too much to say about this on levels that are way too personal for blogging, but I am amazed. He has been refining me this summer through photography (you can look at older posts for more about that). I have lived with this huge "fear of man" my whole life. And my Lord has said, "Enough." I've always known that I've struggled with it, but I've never given it up to Him...until now. He's apparently gotten fed up with me living my life halfway, always afraid, and not allowing Him to reach His potential through me. And He is working it out of me. He is working it out of me, and it is good.
I've actually surrendered myself to prayer with photography, and WOW. Can I just give you a rundown? Okay...bought my camera on September 6 (first off, I wasn't expecting to have money to buy it until Christmas). In exactly one week I have been offered to second shoot three weddings, actually shoot a wedding myself, got chosen out of hundreds for this contest on Blu, have a couple more random shoots people have wanted me to do, AND while I was writing this blog entry, I found out I may have a job offer with an incredible local photographer. The Lord is doing things so fast, my head is spinning. It's just one thing after another. PRAISE HIM! I'm in LOVE with Him! He is ASTOUNDING me!
And all these gifts were showered on me during THE hardest time I've ever faced.
What.The.Deuce.
Our Lord is too good. Too good! Jesus...thank you.
A few days ago, bludomain.com (a website that designs photography websites for professional photographers worldwide) announced a contest:
Blu will pit 5 photographers against one another in a creative battle that will take place in front of the world and Blu's audience and judging panel. Competitors will feverishly work and their cameras will document the 5 different assignments that Blu gives each photographer. 5 days later we will award one winner. In addition to the fame & glory the winner will receive 2 iPod Shuffles. Choose any two colors! The winner will also receive 2 - $25.00 iTunes cards and $100.00 in CASH. Blu's Open Casting Call Photographers will receive a unique "noun" daily. Each daily assignment will be due in 24 hours.
Somehow, out of hundreds of applicants, I GOT CHOSEN!!!! ONE OF FIVE!!!! WHAT?!?!
So I'm unbelievably stoked. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. Check me out:
www.bludomain.com/blog.cfm
AH!!! This is the most exciting day of my life! Okay, maybe not, but it's up there!
Before I freak out more, I just want to notate that I am so amazed by my God. There seems to be way too much to say about this on levels that are way too personal for blogging, but I am amazed. He has been refining me this summer through photography (you can look at older posts for more about that). I have lived with this huge "fear of man" my whole life. And my Lord has said, "Enough." I've always known that I've struggled with it, but I've never given it up to Him...until now. He's apparently gotten fed up with me living my life halfway, always afraid, and not allowing Him to reach His potential through me. And He is working it out of me. He is working it out of me, and it is good.
I've actually surrendered myself to prayer with photography, and WOW. Can I just give you a rundown? Okay...bought my camera on September 6 (first off, I wasn't expecting to have money to buy it until Christmas). In exactly one week I have been offered to second shoot three weddings, actually shoot a wedding myself, got chosen out of hundreds for this contest on Blu, have a couple more random shoots people have wanted me to do, AND while I was writing this blog entry, I found out I may have a job offer with an incredible local photographer. The Lord is doing things so fast, my head is spinning. It's just one thing after another. PRAISE HIM! I'm in LOVE with Him! He is ASTOUNDING me!
And all these gifts were showered on me during THE hardest time I've ever faced.
What.The.Deuce.
Our Lord is too good. Too good! Jesus...thank you.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Life is real, Life is earnest...
Hi friends, just a quick message to let you know I'll be updating the ol' blog again! But not this moment...this day is too freaking gorgeous and I'm headed outside to take some pictures with my new camera-- that's right, during the blog break I finally bought a Canon Rebel XTi!!!! If you want to see a few pics I've taken, check out my facebook. Anyway, thank you all so much for prayers and your friendship. The Lord really astounded me with all the people He brought out of the woodwork to encourage and help me. It sure is a hard journey...but I'm finding peace everywhere.
More to come...Much love.
"Life is real! Life is earnest!
and the grave is not its goal;
dust thou art, to dust returnest,
was not spoken of the soul." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
More to come...Much love.
"Life is real! Life is earnest!
and the grave is not its goal;
dust thou art, to dust returnest,
was not spoken of the soul." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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