To my dear friends, who commented on my last … last … last post, thank you!! I’ve missed you all! I know I keep in touch, in a very small way, over on Facebook, but, it’s just not the same as being here! I don’t even know where to begin to update … it’s been since March, and so much has happened since then!  I’m not able to change the size of my font here, for some reason, so I hope this isn’t too small to read!! I may have to work at getting it right, once I see what it looks like after I submit it to my site! Have they been making changes around here, too?!  Well, anyway, first, a quick update on the family, for those of you who have followed … Mom Betty, and O.P., are still hanging in there, and seem to be doing pretty good.  They finally got a new doctor, which is a definite plus for them both.  The family is relieved that they’re getting much better care!  My sister has recently moved near us, again, and I’m happy about that.  I’m concerned for her, though … she’s been having some health issues which could turn serious, if she’s not careful.  She’s a hard working lady, and doesn’t know when to slow down! I know I haven’t been around much, but if you would, please, say a prayer for Pattie.  Our son, Ian … is still in California, and is struggling with some issues, and also needs prayer.  We’re praying he’ll be home within the year.  We miss him more, and more, every day … it’s been hard, but, we hold onto hope, our faith, and trust, knowing God will bring him through the circumstances he’s facing, complete the work He began in him, and bring him home again, in His time! Please keep him in your prayers! I’m not at liberty to share it openly, but, God knows!

Here at home, we’re not doing many shows these days. Things have slowed way down, and the soap is shelved for the time being, but we’re grateful that God is providing work for my husband! These are days that we’re learning to trust Him in all things, and, with all things dear to us… days where we spend more time in the Word, growing closer to Him, learning to listen to what He would have us do.  Hubby is still ministering at the prison, and now he’s teaching a class at church, “Abiding in Christ’ … a timely message for today!  I’ve been spending time studying all-things-photography, trying to get a small business started.  Right now, I’m still in the practice, and preparation, mode.  I recently did do an engagement photo shoot, for some special friends, who will be getting married in September.  It’s taking me time, this month, to get all of the photos edited … they’re excited to see them, and I was so blessed they asked me to do this! I’ll be sliding in as a third ‘shooter’ at their wedding, to capture those emotional moments of the day.  They have a fantastic pro-photographer, Evangeline Renee, doing the main photos, and Tim, Ian’s best friend, who had gone to CA with him, will be working with her!  I know I’ll learn a lot, by working with those two!  Also, our pastor’s wife, asked if I’d want to do their family photos soon … we’re waiting for cooler, dryer, weather for some outdoor shots.  I’m practicing on some willing family members, as well … you should see how many photos I have of my dear husband! Lol!!   It’s all a process … there’s a lot to learn with all of it … not just the camera, but also the technique, lighting, and learning to work with people to capture the best images.  I do need all the prayer I can get!! I’m hoping to take some classes that are being offered at a local photography school, soon.  I also, became a member of I Heart Faces, for those who love photography, and it’s been a very good place to learn from others, about every aspect of it, including the editing.  It’s really an art these days, not to mention, time consuming, with the new, more involved, cameras, and all the other programs they offer for post processing.  Last month, I did a photo shoot with some very cooperative subjects … flowers!  Yep, they were very easy to work with!! Lol! I’ll share a couple of photos below … I need constructive criticism, so, do let me know what you think!  I’ll share more of some other things I’m working on, later. God has given me such a love for this, and I want to bring Him glory through the images I take!

We’ve had some turbulent weather for the past few days here … the storms seem relentless, with high winds, hail, and lots of rain, all of which have hit about the same time, for the last four days, but, I hear we’re getting a break for the next couple of days … although not from the heat. in fact, it’s going to be even warmer … in the 90′s!! It’s wilting season around here … hazy, hot, and humid … yep, it’s summertime in Indiana!

Well, that’s about it for now, except maybe a few other boring facts that I’ll save for later!  I do hope you’re all doing well … I’ll be making some rounds this week, to catch up with you.  It’ll be good to ‘see’ you all again!  In the meantime, thank you for stopping by, and catching up with me … I really have missed it here!  Thank you, too, for those prayers!! Have a blessed day, and let me know how you’re doing, as well!

Hugs,
             ~ Deborah <><