Shane

This is my precious friend, Mark Shane and his beautiful family.

Our story goes back over 20 years.... in a little place called Dry Creek, Louisiana. Mark and I were both counselors at Dry Creek Baptist Encampment. The lifeguard for that week had gotten sick and the director asked if there were any counselors certified. Mark and I both were... so we were volunteered as the lifeguards for that week.

We were instant friends. There are just some people that you feel like you've known a lifetime in just a short amount of time. That's us.

So we spent 5 days together corralling kids and worshipping. It was so much fun. And when we all left (our church groups had become friends too)  I would have NEVER thought it would be more than 20 years before I saw him again! But it was.
When we left, Mark handed us a card with a scripture on it- I thank my God upon every remembrance of you... Philippians 1:3-- that was the 1st time I had ever really read that scripture to my knowledge, so it really stuck with me.

We have kept in touch through the years-- FB became a little help in the last few (he doesn't get on it like I do- LOL)...

Back in December I was sitting in church reading the bulletin... and there was that scripture...Philippians 1:3. I immediately thought of Mark Shane  (rarely just Mark to me =)
So I looked him back up on FB and sent him a a message. It had been a little while since we'd last talked.  It took a couple of days... but I did hear back from him.

We picked up right where we left off, but had a lot of catching up to do... His kids are getting older (almost exact ages as mine) and of course, I had never met his wife, Leah. He had never met Brandon.

So we started planning a trip to introduce our families. We had a wonderful weekend in Burleson Texas (outside of Ft. Worth) at the Shane's. I enjoyed every minute with his sweet family. We visited and went to the zoo. It was great. We have so much in common-- our faith in God being our greatest. It was wonderful to have our families together worshipping at his church.

Since then, I went back out there and took my sister in law and saw the Maroon5 concert with him. It's like 20 years never passed. Some friendships just do that.

We already have our youth trip planned out there they will join us on this month, and a trip to Louisiana for them, and another Maroon5 concert (with Kelly Clarkson, who is also from Burleson) in September! We will never let 20 years go by again.... of that I am certain.

So, Mark Shane I thank God when I remember you too! I am thankful that in 20 years you have not changed one single bit... and you are still the sweet, sensitive, generous, serving soul you always were. You are a blessing to me. And now x4-- because your family is a blessing to me too!

Thank you for having us in your home, and all that you have done.... and most of all for your friendship.

Promise of Joy:
I thank my God upon every of you.
Philippians 1:3

This is us-- at Dry Creek- LOL!!!

Sierra

This absolutely gorgeous senior is a true miracle!! Almost exactly a year ago this precious family got the phone call that our worst nightmares are made of. Sierra had tragically flipped her car and was not expected to make it through the day. They gathered in the ICU waiting room clinging to each other and the faith in the literally thousands of prayers being lifted up. Minute by minute and hour by hour they had to wait for the news that she was still holding on,. It was just heart wrenching!

But God is faithful and has BIG plans for this beautiful girl's future! Her most severe injuries were all to her head. It was basically crushed. They feared so many different injuries in that first week. They weren't sure what her functionality would be. But they wanted her- any way God would spare her. They truly depended on Him.

It didn't take long to see God's hand at work. To see Sierra fighting in the way only Sierra can! They would see glimpses of her personality and sweet spirit, and knew God was answering prayers!

A year later, you would NEVER know by looking at her that she had been through so much trauma! She is flawless! Just gorgeous! She has been released by her doctors to back to doing the things she loves--- such as soccer!

I just get chills when I think back to that day.  It was so awful. But what stands out to me the most is how our wonderful little community pulled together! The high school created a parade of blue to show their support for their classmate and friend. T-shirts were sold and fund raisers held. It was amazing to see the love poured out.  I have no doubt that lives were changed that week.

So I am soooo thankful that this story has a happy ending. I am thankful we serve a living God who hears and answers our prayers and carries us through such hard times.  It was truly an honor to be able to capture the beauty and spirit of this precious girl!!

Thank you sooo much!! I am looking forward to watching Sierra soar in her future! =)

Promise of Joy:
Therefore I tell you , whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be given to you.
Mark 11:24

KATIE!!!

 

This absolutely gorgeous senior is near and dear to me! She and her sister have coached, encouraged, and inspired my Hannah Beth to be all that she can be in cheerleading for the past several years. I love them and am sooo proud of the young women they have become!

 

I am so happy for you, Katie- to get to go to the school that you want.... but you will be MISSED!! Your gorgeous smile and fun loving spirit is always a joy to be around!! Best wishes to you and lots of prayers for you in all that you do. You know where we are is there is ever anything at all we can do!!

 

Promise of Joy:

God will reward you for your kindness.

Isaiah 16:4

I truly beleive this =)

 

****There will be more on FaceBook--- I can't get the upright pics to post correctly on here!!

Gunner

 

They have changed this blog--- and I am sooo frustrated!! I can't get my upright portraits to upload correctly! I used to have a little trouble with a few.... but now it's all!! Something about me shooting with a Canon. Ugh!! So the upright pics will just have to be on FB!

Look me up on Fb-- Margie Wilson Nielsen. I have albums with Nielsen Photography work in them! Lots of excaamples of my work.

 

This is my first guy senior for the year! And my first time to meet him. He did great! He, like most guys, would rather not have a humongous lens stuck in his face.... but he was a trooper and did GREAT!!

 

Thank you so much for trusting me with your memories!! I had a great time-- and wish you the best iin all that you do!!

 

Promise of Joy:

For great is your love, higher than the heavens.

Psalm 108:4

 

MINI SESSION TIME! March 16th

I am READY to welcome SPRING!!!
So I am celebrating with a mini-session day!!
This is also a great time to get Mother's Day pictures done!!

We will be having a mini-session day on March 16th from 3:00pm- 6:30pm at my home in Swartz.
Each session will be 25 minutes-- for up to 4 people-- each additional person is $10 a person and will limit the individual portraits.

You will receive:
a CD with minimum of 10 edited portraits
an 8x10 linen finish- board mounted portrait of your choice
10% off any additional orders
Half off the session fee for any regular session booked in the future
Cost: $100 - must be paid when booking your spot to ensure your session. The deposit is non-refundable- but can be transferred to a friend if needed.
If you are late for your session, then you forfeit that time in your session- I can not adjust my schedule that day. Thank you for understanding

Book early-- these spots go really fast!

Promise of Joy:
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good, to give you a future and a hope."

Gatlin ♥

This absolutely BEAUTIFUL baby is my sweet little nephew. Meet Gatlin. He was born about 6 weeks early... so there were LOTS of prayers going up for this precious baby. God saw fit to answer them... he is perfect!! We give Him the praise.

Gatlin is Brandon's youngest brother's (Guthrie)son with his sweet wife Tara. We are so excited about our new addition. Guthrie is 11 years younger than Brandon... so we have been looking forward to this moment for many years. Guthrie was 2 when I first met him... and 4 when Brandon and I started dating! He probably doesn't remember life without me! LOL!! Sure makes me feel old! They are so special to us and we love them so incredibly much! -- Brandon has been confused with Guthrie many, many times-- they look so much alike-- they've had fun with that a time or two!

Well... Congrats, Tara and Guthrie, and big brother Dalton! He is perfect! Thank you for asking me to take his first pictures!! I loved every minute-- and will cherish these memories-- just like you!

Promise of Joy:
I pray that you...may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
Epphesians 3:17-19

When looking at the sweet face of a beautiful baby.... you can't help but know God's love for us...