2.0.1.3.//WHAT?!

WOW.! SO much has been happening this last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. ;) But seriously, here's the low down on a few minor significant places in life that have occurred over the last few years. 

2010: Graduated high school.

2011: Got MARRIED! 

2012: Graduated college.

So what will 2013 bring?! I have no idea, but I do know it has rather large shoes to fill. ;) Also, I am so excited about hopes, dreams, and goals for the new year. Knowing that the creator of the universe is  doing something new (Isaiah 43:19) prepares my heart for the challenges, experiences, and opportunities that lie ahead. That being said, I thought I could share a few of my goals for the new year!  I love writing down goals, it helps me be more purposeful in my day as well as more committed to my long term dreams. Here we go! 

1) SCRIPTURE MEMORY

The first 'goal' is to successfully participate in Beth Moore's Scripture Memory challenge. This is awesome because it will allow me to simultaneously be more disciplined in spending time in the word WHILE writing it on my heart. This challenge is essentially to learn and memorize a new verse (of your choice) every 2 weeks for the entire year. After the challenge, Living Proof Ministries holds a HUGE conference that is completely FREE to everyone who complete the challenge 100%. You log your verses on her website, but you 'ticket' in is your journal with all the verses you've memorized. This is a GREAT challenge and I encourage you to join in! This is a great way learn the Word and let it directly influence your life. To find more info you can click here! This was my first verse:

"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense."

--Proverbs 19:11, ESV  

2) ROUTINE

To be honest, I have NEVER had a routine in my life. Every day is different, and I really do like it that way. However, it complicates things sometimes as I slack on things that should most definitely be a priority. This goal is to discipline myself into a morning routine in which I get up earlier to the things that really matter, that I most likely never have time to do later in the day. This means making a point to wake up earlier and first spend time in God's presence. Without a doubt the sweetest seasons of my life so far was when this was a priority. This goal also includes exercising, but in a variety of ways. I generally love to workout, I just get bored very quickly, so I'm being specific so I will be intentional. :)

3)BRANDING, LEARNING, AND STEPPING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY 

I know, that was really broad--and kind of cheating. But they are my goals so I can do what I want. ;) This section is all about my business, this business of documenting special seasons in people's lives that I so dearly love and am continually am inspired by. By the end of january I will have specified my brand (what has taken nearly two years to define...) and will structure my website, style of shooting, and every other aspect of my business with said brand. I have been excited about this FOREVER. :) I also intend to immerse myself in all the training I can get, and never stop learning. This is a great opportunity to dive in again, because I got an AMAZING camera upgrade this Christmas! (:D!) As for stepping out in the industry, this is relating to two specific areas. Networking with other photographers, and stepping in the WEDDING side of the industry. There, I said it. I have been SO NERVOUS about whether I should pursue this avenue. I love what I do already with families, newborns, couples, seniors, etc. I have done wedding bits before, but have never really pursued that market. However, this challenge is so exciting to me in a way that gives me confidence for the future, and it can never hurt to try something new. That being said, if you know anyone looking for a wedding photographer, send them my way! I'm eager to get started on this one! ;) 

4)HOME

Ever since we got married, we've been renting a house. The first one we did TONS of work, and loved it. But it was extra tiny and a little awkwardly layed out, so when our landlord told us there was another house opening up that was newly renovated and a little bit bigger, we jumped on it. We've been looking to buy a house throughout the year and almost even bought 2, but each time God closed the door each time we sought his guidance for wisdom, which we are so very thankful for. I've been holding off on decorating mostly because we are still renting and I wanted to wait until we were somewhere for good, but a little because I've just been busy with life yet lazy with personal things lately. This year, even though we are still just renting for however long, I want to do one home project a month to make our house more like home. This is going to range from little DIY projects to who knows what, and I am very excited to make our home represent who we are and a space we can love being in for however long we are supposed to be there. 

Well, if you made it this far, I hope you can be praying for me as I work toward my goals for 2013. I love that everyone is so inspired at the beginning of each year, and think is should be spread throughout the rest of the year as well! Leave some of your New Year's Resolutions in the comments so I can be praying for your journey as well! :) 

Blessings and Peace to you in the new year! 

--R. 

Here's a photo from our trip to Washington D.C. where we were vacationing on New Year's!