Just so you know...

I completely forgot I had this blog!  Who does that??  Gosh, I started blogging a few years back and ended up redirecting the URL from my original blog, to my photography website: www.dawnmurphphotography.com. WELL, little did I know at the time, by doing so, I would no longer have access to my blog!  I suppose it is just floating around in cyber space!

I no longer use this blog, you can now find my entries at http://blog.dawnmurphphotography.com.  Do stop by and say HI!  

Much love!!

Dawn

Mooresville, Alabama

Mooresville, Alabama is the oldest incorporated town in Alabama. The town is located less than a mile off of I 565, near Huntsville, Alabama. It still appears as it did in the 19th century. Wikipedia describes it as picturesque of the 19th century. It is one of my favorite spots to visit. It is tiny, just a few streets and you've seen the entire town and it's few beautiful home; however, the preservation of history is like none other. According to Wikipedia the post office is the oldest still in operation in the state and features call boxes built prior to the American Civil War.

I met my brother and sister-in-law this past week and was able to take some amazing pictures of my nieces, Allyssa 4, Hailey 3 and new baby nephew Kyson, who is only 4 weeks old. It is by far one of the greatest spots for photography. The pictures above give you a glimpse of this lovely little Southern town.

Light Mojo by Dave Rice

Phenomenal close-up techniques I had never seen before!

I have to give a shout out to this wonderfully patient and beautiful model, Kate.  She sat in the same spot for 4 hours--God bless!

I was fortunate to attend a Light Mojo class, by Dave Rice; it was phenomenal! It was my first time to get to work, hands-on in a studio setting. The class was very enlightening and I was able to meet and work with other great area photographers.

This technique was done to show how to use accent lighting; I thought it was cool enough to share!

212 Mackay Road, Cedar Creek Lake, Russellville, Alabama

This is where Jason and I spent our 4th anniversary. It is owned by a friend who knew we were looking for a serene get-a-way! Little did I know it would be a true southern paradise. The late owner was a woman after my own heart. The birdhouses featured in the video were part of her very own bird sanctuary. Her children claim to have photos of her surrounded by hummingbirds. I have no doubt about that claim, as I was awakened by hummingbirds at 6am. The rental information is posted in the video's description. If you are looking for a serene get-a-way with spectacular views and entertainment provided by nature, this beautiful place is for you! It comes highly recommended!

Kauai, Hawaii The Garden Isle

This is truly Heaven on earth; one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited!

Summer Flowers

"For myself I hold no preferences among flowers, so long as they are wild, free, spontaneous. Bricks to all greenhouses! Black thumb and cutworm to the potted plant!" ~Edward Abbey

"Summer Flowers and Flutters"

2010-07-12

Count Your Many Blessings

Yesterday, Jason and I attended the funeral of an amazing man. The church had standing room only! Wow, to leave that kind of Christian legacy--phenomenal! We all stood and sang his favorite hymn, Count Your Blessings; those words have new meaning to me! I can honestly say it was the first time I ever stood and sang with a congregation at a funeral, but it was befitting. The minister of music said it was the only song he ever requested to hear, over the years. They fit who he was as a Christian!

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings,
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done.

Chorus:
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Every doubt will fly
And you will be singing

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings,
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven,
Nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
God is over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.


"Help and comfort give you to your journey's end." I am certain there were angels among him while he suffered his final weeks. We sat through a funeral and laughed at the repeats of his many jokes and tall tales; he was loved and will be missed by many, especially his sweetheart of 63 years, my husband's Aunt Pearl!

Uncle 'Dud' I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to know you better. Live Laugh Love!

Safety Harbor, Florida

"Tampa, Florida Weekend"

Complete Sunflower Neuroticism

"Complete Sunflower Neuroticism"

Songbird

"A wise old owl lived in an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard. Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?"

Wise Old Owl

by Connie Hinnen Cook

Like the Solomon of fowl
Sat a wise old owl
Perched in a Sycamore tree,
While the moonlight glimmered
And the starlight shimmered,
These words he spoke to me:

"I guess you've heard
I'm a wise old bird,
And if wisdom you would find...
Always look for the best
And your life will be blest,
To all others' faults be blind.

"In this life, I know
You will find it so
That if you think kindly of others,
You'll soon find that it's true
They'll think kindly of you...
Praise your sisters and your brothers!"

You may think me a fool -
Owls don't talk, as a rule,
But in solemn tone he said:
"Don't be quick to enact
Words you'll wish to retract,
Dwell upon the good instead!"

Though I hate to admit it,
I could see, once I did it,
What that wise owl said was true.
Your faults I'll overlook
'Cause it says in The Good Book
What you sow comes back to you!

Now, if you will agree
With what he said to me,
Then my faults you will ignore...
Like that sage bird said
We'll both come out ahead
If we judge less, and praise more!

Easter 2009

Blogging via text! This should be interesting! More to come...

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. -Proverbs 31:10

Why Lie

I am not perfect, but thankfully I am forgiven! I am not judgmental, because I don't want others to judge my imperfections; please leave that to God. I have befriended many, only to have doors slammed in my face, that is ok, you didn't hurt me, you only made me stronger.

I don't need the world to love me, I leave that to God, my husband and my family. I love my friends, but try not to expect too much from them, because I have little time to give back to them. I realize they, like me, live very busy lives! I exhaust myself trying to please people, that is perhaps one of my greater hang ups.

I know what I can accomplish, because I have walked through fire, only to walk away unscathed by the love and mercy of God. I have a strong faith and know what God can bring me through. I know through Him all things are possible. I know through Him I can conquer all. I can overcome evil, I am stronger than vicious people! I know I am being tried, once again and I have to watch my words and actions and I hate it! I wish I could just get angry and lash out, but that would mean I had stooped to childish behavior, which is truly what has angered me.

Lies are hurtful and degrading and will always be found out. There is no need to lie to or about me; who am I? I am just me. If life has ever brought you to that point, with me, just take time to sit a while and talk it over with me. I may get miffed and show my hurt at first, but I am quick to forgive! I consider the people in my life blessings. That is why being lied to leaves me hurt,feeling betrayed and angry. It is okay, I will once again overcome! Please know this, I will forgive, but I can't promise I will ever forget!



Psalms 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Where I am and What I Believe

Of all the places and things, tonight enlightening experience was an unlikely one. I was watching 20/20's Live To Tell series and the stories were life changing. Each one gave me chills, and each one ended with a miracle tale and each one credited God. I am grateful for that, because I feel we are deeper in that time the Bible has forewarned followers of for centuries.

Each story had a major impact on me; I teared up at the end. Chills ran up and down my spine when they shared how they cried out to Jesus! However, the last one got me!

The last story was the tale of a cyclist on a bike tour. She was traveling with a partner, along with many other unknown cyclist. Her partner went ahead of her, leaving her behind, but heard her screams and turned back. She found the cyclist being mauled by a mountain lion. The partner did what any friend would do and began to fight along with her. They told how they cried out to God; the cyclist herself repeatedly cried out to Jesus. Both stated they knew this was far too big for them to handle alone.

More cyclist appeared and were able to throw stones at the lion and caused him to run away. She survived! After a long battle to recovery, she returned to church. The power of God never ceases to amaze me. She told her pastor was unaware of her return to church, as his sermon was already prepared. As she sat and listen, his message came out of 2 Timothy 4:16-18.

In my last note I shared with you about the giants I am facing in my life! This story hit me like a ton of bricks! God is amazing! Please read the scriptures below. These are powerful words we should all by fighting to live by! Please listen to the youtube song I have posted at the end. Please know these words are profound and if you find yourself faces lions and giants, just cry out to Jesus...He is there, He is faithful, He will deliver you!

2 Timothy 4:1-7, 16-18

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOb8ihacSM4

God is Amazing

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Why worry? God has a plan. Why is it so hard to let go and let God? Often I carry burdens around, as if I am on my own. Like a child who learns from a mistake I often have that wow factor moment, after it is said and done.

The Bible teaches us, "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful" I Corinthians 1:9 and "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." I Corinthians 10:13 My God IS faithful, how exciting is that?

I have gave Him my life, twenty years ago, and now I give Him my future, and all it's worries and burdens. It seems with every turn I've make lately, giants await me. They've awaited my mistakes and failures, and have hindered my views. I have allowed them interfere with my future, as God would have it. They didn't succeed!

I am rejoicing in sharing with you that these giants have tempted me and in turn I am burning inside to seek God's will for my life and my future, more than ever! Get ready...because here I come! I am back with a vengeance which I have turned over to God. Hebrews 10:30 teaches us, "for we know Him who said, “vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “the LORD will judge His people.”'
(check out this youtube video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8

Main Street Boutique

IT’S OFFICIAL! I am a business owner. Sounds exciting right? Well, here is my story! I have been commuting 130 miles per trip to a job I absolutely adore. I am currently a Licensed Hearing Healthcare Practitioner, which is lavish term for licensed hearing aid fitter! I was blessed to fall into the field, and have met some amazing people along the way, including my boss, Don Littrell. However, since marrying in July of 2006 the strain from the commute clouded the love for my patients and the career itself. Therefore, I started praying that God would open doors for me to be able to get off of the road and possibly pursue other interests.

Some of you may already know that Jason and I have been enduring the blessed battles of infertility. While working toward that dream, with the help of great doctors, I wanted to find something to do with my time which is rewarding, lucrative and would provide me the opportunity to be able to bring a baby to work, in the blessed event we are able to conceive! When you pray, you have to expect amazing things from God! That is called living by faith!

One great Saturday in August, I accompanied my friend Tanya to my favorite boutique, while in search of her daughter’s homecoming formal. While shopping there, out of the blue, the owner handed me a card with figures on it. I asked what is was and she stated it was the total sales and the price and the price for which she wanted to offer her store to me for. I took it, laughed about it and when home and laughed with Jason . However, as time went on, it grew and grew heavier on my mind. I actually reached a point where I couldn’t sleep at night, wondering if this was God’s answer, as owning my own boutique has been a life long dream, but one I had pushed far back in my mind!

After MUCH prayer and thought, Jason and I explored the idea. We decided this was our answer, therefore we pursued! As of today, October 30, 2008, I am the proud new owner of Main Street Boutique, as well as a Licensed HHP. My official last day at Droke is tomorrow, however, I will be working once every three months, in order to maintain my license and still service some of my more recent clients. At some point I plan to make a full comeback to the field, as it is truly in my blood.

I have had a lot of anxiety over leaving Droke. I have been there going on 8 years. I have had the blessing of working with my mom as well as developing a family type relationship with my boss. I have cried and sweated this decision, but know in my heart I have made the right one. I have this sense of relief of knowing, if I am blessed with my own child, I will only be a mile from my home and my husband!

As for the boutique, well, it is as girly girl as it gets! We specialize in formal wear, including all pageant and prom dresses for all ages and sizes. We are getting into bridal and also offer tuxedo rental and sell mens suits. We also carrying a substantial gift line along with home décor and collectibles. We have jewelry, purses, shoes, various other accessories and apparel. I will be doing custom floral design and offering decorating services! Stay tuned as I will be launching a website with most of our items available for purchase!

Family Randomness

Just some random photos of the Hogeland family: Dad(Ike), Mom(Donna Kaye), My husband Jason and I; My older brother David with his fiance Tanya and her two babies, Allyssa and Hailey; My baby brother Darrin with his wife Helen and their three: Taylor, Hannah Grace and Calvin James (CJ). I will be posting the Murph family slide show soon! Enjoy

Autumn

A collage with pictures from a trip through the mountains in the fall of 2005. The pictures are from the Ocoee River, Chattanooga, TN, The Blue Ridge Parkway, NC and Chimney Rock Park, NC

Summer Flowers and Photography

I get lost in my flowers! I love this time of year. I come home from work, cook supper, clean up, then kiss my husband goodbye. He knows at that point he will see me at bedtime. Of course, I am just outside, I am not really leaving him every evening!

I go to my flowers and feel close to God. It amazes me how we plant this seed or small tiny plant and nurture it over several weeks. The end results are phenomenal; who couldn't appreciate it? Furthermore, you will see in my slide show, the many visitors we receive in the flowers. I have enjoyed chasing these creatures around, for my own personal joy. Only God could produce something so beautifully intricate. I feel privileged to get to be a part of it.

I have started taking photography lessons, for my own personal benefit; meaning it is a hobby, not a profession! I found a way to combine two of my favorite passions by photographing my summer flowers!!! Jason makes fun of me running around chasing bugs with my camera. He asked why we built a pool, if I were only going to chase insects around it with a camera! I do believe he thinks I am crazy at times.

The Monarch Butterfly, in my slide show, was caught by dual efforts. Jason and I were out for a nice swim on a hot day, but I spotted the butterfly and my swim was over! After that I was hooked. I find myself running for the camera every time I water my flowers. It is a weird addiction, these bugs, flower and me!

I hope you enjoy the pictures!

California Vacation 2008

First Year of Marriage!

First Year of Marriage!
Current mood: grateful
Category: Blessed Romance and Relationships

(Originally written July 17, 2007; transferred from: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=110426580)

Jason and I are officially one week away from celebrating our one year anniversary. I am so excited, as all married couples are, to finally reach this point.

I have learned more in my first year than I ever thought I could, likely not how you might think. I have learned not to listen to the foolish magazines or the world when it comes to marriage. I have learned that you marry and just live life one moment or one day at a time.

So many people said the first year is the hardest, I completely disagree. If this is our hardest year then I can only imagine the bliss that awaits us! That said of course, without seeming callow!

I have learned quite a bit about Jason, as he has learned about me. More about our true habits and lifestyle, but mainly about how we both react to and deal with life.

I will tell you, I am as happy, if not happier, today as I was a year ago, while a blissful doting bride! I have learned to say and know the true meaning of a best friend, and that I have found in my husband!

My main thought, while writing this, is how shameful the world can be, when it comes to marriage. Throughout my engagement so many people wanted to talk with me about my wedding, my engagement ring, my wedding dress, our honeymoon. Then comes the marriage! The world then wants to tell you how hard it is, how you should live for yourself. Everyone says to be sure and take time for you, don't spoil him, don't do this or that. I just thank God for him everyday. I thank God I have him right now, to share my life with.

Again, I simply live my life day to day. I do not plan too far ahead, I try to enjoy each moment we are given. I try to show my husband daily, how much I love and respect him, just how grateful I am to him, for loving me! I have learned in this year just how to appreciate and respect my husband and show my love and support for him, which makes it simple for him to give back to me! That makes me overwhelmingly happy.

I have learned through our relationship, when you wait on God, He blesses you far beyond the capacity of your thoughts. I have had other relationships, and sometimes didn't understand why they did not work, or what God's plan was for my life. I think the song on my page explains it best, God did bless that, seemingly long, broken road, that led me straight to Jason!

To my single friends, be patient, God does have a plan for you! To my married friends, I hope we never lose sight of the gifts in our life, including our life partners! God placed us together; he will always lead us through the rest of our married lives, provided He be placed first.

As I close, I don't want to imply I am naive! Jason and I have had our ups and downs during this first year. They have only built our marriage and strengthened us. I suppose that is how we learn and grow! Ann Landers said it best "All married couples should learn the art of battle as they should learn the art of making love. Good battle is objective and honest--never vicious or cruel. Good battle is healthy and constructive, and brings to a marriage the principle of equal partnership."

Finally, I have learned in a year, what I knew, while I was still single. However, the things I know now, that I am married, I guess you could say are to another caliber. The negative aspects are somewhat impetuous, because we feel free to let our guard down! I guess, in a year, I have learned that Jason has committed himself to me and I no longer have to worry about scaring him off!!! I have that confidence, through God!