Happy Birthday: Sarah!

Ah, yes the day has finally come. Sarah's birthday. I can't believe its already been another year! Wow. She sure is growing up and becoming a beautiful young lady. Thank you Sarah for being my little Sister. YOU are beautiful inside and out.

I love you!

Your Big Sis,
Beth Joy

Growing Up

17th birthday on its way all I can think about is the strange fact that I truly am growing up. Wasn't it just last month that I was making mud pies and playing Cowboys and Indians with my brothers? How did the time fly? Wasn't it just last week I got my first horse? Wasn't it just a few days ago that I felt the Lord leading our family to KS and wondering what lay ahead? Wasn't it all just a day ago....Ah, but time is fleeting and here I am, almost an "adult" and excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. As images of my past flitter through my mind the thing I see playing through my life is the faithfulness and love of our Lord over and over and over again. When I was young and my first kitty ran away I remember my parents comforting me and erasing all my worries telling me Jesus would take care of the kitty. When friends came and went my parents were there to remind me who was my best Friend was. When my grandfather moved to the hospital and passed away He was there to comfort my little soul. When Good and Evil fought for my dear brothers and sister (Zeke, Matthew, and Sarah) and I couldn't understand what was happening He was there to encourage and strengthen me. When our family moved to Kansas and I had to sell my beloved horses he taught me lessons that I hold forever dear in my heart. Each time there has been a trial or triumph He has been there. Cheering me on, holding me up, and leading me on. I praise and thank Him for all that he has done. His faithfulness is written all throughout my life, in every chapter, on every page, in every paragraph, and sentence of the story that tells my life.

Praising God,

Bethany Joy

Change of Name

Well I found out that someone else (someone that actually has a photography business) already has the name of Simple Life Photography so I have been trying to think of something else that would fit as a name for my photography. Lately our family has been talking about the importance of praising God and rejoicing always. I was thinking about what my parents had said this morning when I realized that I had the perfect name! "Rejoicing Life Photography".. yep its perfect! So, thats just a quick update for you.
Have a beautiful day.

To God be the glory.
Bethany Joy

Memorial Day

"Go Home and tell your Families, we gave our todays for their tomorrows."

Game of Life

"If you could share one bit of advice with the next generation, what would it be?" In a quiet gentle tone my great grandfather replied "To read your Bible every day." That is the secret to this game of life.

To God be the Glory.
Bethany Joy

A Rose

From their delicate petals to their soft fragrence, I simply love flowers. The way the bloom ever so slowly, cautiously almost and then all of a sudden one morning I am greeted by the most beautiful display of flowers. Some seasons it is a gardenful of irises with their flowing petals falling softly, other seasons it would be the sage plants in full bloom with buterflies dancing around them, and one of my favorite seasons is when the wild roses bloom. The most spectacular event of the season! The lovely roses pictured above are not real as the wild roses of the season have already gone away but the bring me much joy as I walk by them in the morning and leave me longing for the next time my lovely flowers will show their pretty faces again.

Happy Birthday: Elisha

Today is Elisha's 19th birthday! What a wonderful day. 19 years ago today there was a battle for my dear brother's life. The battle that still rages but in a much less seen way now. Born a preemie, the doctors had little hope for him and they told my parents to start planning his funeral. Little did those doctors know, God had a plan for that little boy. Months of prayer and fighting for their little boy's life my parents were finally able to bring their little boy home. That little boy is grown now. Everyone who knows him also knows of his love and desire for God. Growing up with Elisha has been such a blessing. I have learned so much from him over the years and I continue to learn from his example. He is a wise son. The son that the Bible talks of in Proverbs (Proverbs 10:1 A wise son maketh a glad father.) I remember being a little girl and listening to Elisha tell me something about science (we were probably only 8 or so) and I remember thinking "God, I want my husband to be EXACTLY like him...". The funny thing is, I still want that. I thank God for giving me a brother like Elisha quite often and I pray for the woman God has created for him. I see God working in Elisha and I pray the Lord continues to do so for him and his someday wife.
Today, I am simply thankful the Lord allowed my big brother to live and excited to see what the future holds.