Falling in Love This Fall Season (Part 2)

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

A little something to make ya smile. Photo Credit: The hubby

Last week my handsome husband graciously wrote about how he found God's love through his trial.  

And so today, it's my turn! But first, in order for me to tell you guys my "falling in love with Jesus" story, you first need to know the back story. I must to warn you...I'm being very transparent in hopes to help heal and/or encourage anyone who is hurting. So please bare with me!

My story begins back in high school...

I was in a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad relationship that was sucking the life out of me. but at the same time, I was addicted to it. I kept finding excuse after excuse to stay, when something (which I now know was God) was telling me to leave. 

Unfortunately, I didn't listen right away. And before I managed to leave, I ended up having two abortions. As a result, my heart started turning cold and numb. I was broken, depressed, and occasionally had suicidal thoughts. I felt completely alone and to make matters worse, because of everything, my relationship with my dad was damaged (and I am definitely a daddy's girl).

Contrary to what people might think, I never really grew up with a solid knowledge of God...

In fact, there were times I questioned His existence. It wasn't until college that I learned all about His undying love for me. I ended up going to Liberty University, which was the last place I wanted to be but the only choice I had. It was there I found a group of people who, through God, changed my life forever. They prayed for me, they taught me about The Word, and helped me see God for who He is; igniting a love that I never knew before. A love that healed me from my past (it wasn't instantaneous, but healing of my heart and mind happened!)

It was from there I decided to fully give my life to Jesus. Allowing Him to guide me through this life and letting Him love me the way He says He does. And in turn I do my best to love Him back (though it's no where near the same) by reading and listening to His word, and being obedient to what He asks of me. 

It's THE most special and important relationship I could ever have.

He loves me more than I could ever comprehend!

He's so kind, honest, trustworthy, faithful, and His grace towards me is never ending—even during the times where I've made mistakes and forgotten about Him— And I have all of eternity to continue getting to know Him and having my love for Him grow! 

Just like any relationship, it's not always easy.

I've gone through many dry seasons where my relationship with God was stagnant, and I couldn't feel or hear him. However, the big difference is that God never goes away or gives up on me. He and His love stays exactly the same. I'm the one who stops listening, and stops paying attention. It really is an "it's me, not you" kind of thing, because it really is me.

Having a relationship with God is both simple and complex.

Because He is sooo big, it's impossible to grasp all that He is. But one thing's for sure, that there is no one like Him and falling in love with Him is the best decision I ever made. He's where true healing, love, peace and satisfaction lies.

So here I am, 6 years later...

with a wonderful husband and super sweet 7 month old son, who both bring joy to my heart. AND a completely mended relationship with my papa bear! 

I was hurt by my past, but through the hurt and pain I found a love that I never knew was possible. And I know you can too, but only if you let Jesus into your heart.

Falling in Love this Fall Season (Part 1)

As promised here is my fantastic wonderful husband here to share his love story about falling in love (again) with God. So with out further ado I introduce to you Uriah D. Bentick!

*applause*

Gosh he is just so handsome!

I’ve heard it been said a number of times, I’ve sung it at Church, I’ve read it in the Bible over and over again. God loves you. But this time that truth registered much deeper than surface level; I received it in my heart rather than my mind. God loves me! I can’t necessarily put it into words, but I know early that morning He reminded me of His unfailing love at one my lowest moments in my career.

As a professional athlete, one of the most challenging times in life is when you suffer a serious injury that prevents you from practicing, traveling with the team and hardest of all, playing in competitive games.

Well, that was exactly the time God chose to reveal this truth to me like never before. My very first game with my new team, came to an abrupt halt, I was only on the field for about 12 minutes when I injured my left ankle. The next few days I could not even walk without limping, my ankle was swollen, I would miss the away game in Texas, I had to watch practice from the sideline and I  learnt that this type of sprain usually took around 6 weeks to fully heal (that may not seem very long, but for an athlete, any time spent away from playing the sport you love is too long, especially when making up for lost time by getting back in shape).

Hearing that caused me to spiral into a borderline depression, that affected not only myself but my marriage. But one day, in the midst of one of my “moods” God spoke to me, words that changed my life forever...

“You have to believe that I love you.”

For the first time in my life it clicked, and I began to truly know and experience God’s love for me with a sense of peace, hope and joy. God, the Creator of the universe LOVES ME. He loves me unconditionally, He loves me when I am consume with things of this world, He loves me when I make mistakes, His love for me is always present and real.

For this and many other reasons, I have decided to love God with all that I have; my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength.

We love because he first loved us -- 1 John 4:19

So this Fall season I dare you to intentionally fall in love with God with more than just your words. But in a truly, intimate way;

1. Love Him with all your heart
2. Let Him be the main focus of your life
3. Continue to love your spouse or spouse to be as an extension of His unfailing and unconditional love.

Brittany + Jimmy (Engaged) + Announcements

Announcements!

Okay you guys I have some super exciting news to share with you all before we get to the awesometastic (yes...it's a made up word) session I had with Brittany and Jimmy!

First things first, and this is sort of a mixture of sad/happy news....

I am only going to focus on weddings and engagements for now. I love all kinds of photography and I have some personal projects that aren't strictly wedding coming up. But as far as my clientele goes...they will only be weddings and engagement. I seriously need to focus and grow my business and this is the only way I can do that right now.

Secondly, I am pleased to announce that my amazingly sweet, handsome, and caring husband and I are teaming up! No...he won't be shooting with me (yet) BUT he will be joining me on my our blog! 

We've got themes and topics coming up that you seriously don't want to miss! 

With that being said, because it's officially fall we are going to talk about the subject of "fall"-ing in love for the month of October. We're going to talk about or personal stories and even hopefully feature a couple who has inspired us in more ways than one.

It's going to be great!

Now that, that's out of the way....

Let's get to the awesometastic engagement session I mentioned before!

 Brittany + Jimmy (Engaged)

These two made it so easy for me to capture the love they have for one another! Plus, Brittany's little sister Brooke, who tagged along, was an unexpected but fantastic assistant! Some of the images are inspired by her.

 I am so grateful they chose me as their photographer. 

Next is the wedding!  

And now...without further ado...I present to you...the lovely bride and groom to be...

BRITTANY AND JIMMY 

*applause*