THE JOURNEY...

An Update...

Just wanted to update my blog for those of you who follow and have been praying for my brother in law, Scott.  Last week, he was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. 

In Scott's own words, written the day of the diagnosis:   "On the spectrum of diagnoses that I could have received, this is actually good news. While my hope and trust is not in the diagnosis, I am comforted to know that this type of cancer is known to be one of the more curable...as Teresa waited on the results today she found comfort in Psalm 91: “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” God has led Teresa and I to this place of shelter and we are finding rest. He is teaching us that no matter the circumstance, He can be trusted fully. I don’t know what these next months will hold, but I do know that God is with us."

He will have his first of several chemo treatments next Tuesday, and we would appreciate your prayers as he continues his treatment over the next several months. 

It was a beautiful fall evening...

The weather was perfect, as I enjoyed my time with this precious family Thursday night.  We've been friends since they moved in next door to us as newly weds several years ago.  I've loved watching their family grow over the years, and was thrilled when I found out they were relocating to this beautiful property outside of town.  I was sure it was a perfect place for little boys to grow up and they proved me right while I was there as we explored the big fields and played peek a boo around the big hay bales... I'm sure the boys both slept well that night.

 

 

 

Write LOVE on your arm...

Early in 2008, I became aware of TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS, a non-profit movement dedicated to helping those who struggle with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.  At that time, my husband and I were working with the student ministry of the church we were a part of and were having our eyes open to how very real and common these struggles are among teenagers today.  I am so thankful for what this movement is about and want to continue to help spread the word...

Today is "TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS" day.  Take a few seconds and write the word "LOVE" on your arm in support of those who struggle, and then let it serve as a reminder to you throughout the day to pray.

I dug through the Cheryl Weaver Photography archives to bring back one of the most popular images I have ever posted.  This is from last year's Cheryl Weaver Photography blog post about TWLOHA day.  I have to admit that I was a bit overwhelmed by the feedback I received.  I believe it just serves as confirmation that love and support are so needed to combat the emotional and physical scars so many of these precious teens bear.

An update on my brother-in-law...

We received news today that the needle biopsy done last Thursday was inconclusive and a more thorough surgical biopsy will be done this coming Thursday.  I ask that you continue to pray for strength and peace for both Scott and my sister Teresa during this very difficult time of waiting...

PLEASE PRAY...

This morning as I was praying, I was struck by the enormity of community available through social networking sites and blogs...so I have decided to use my little corner of the blogging world to ask for prayer.

This past week has been tough for my family as tests have revealed a tumor in the chest and neck of my sister's husband, Scott.  As I am typing this, he is having a needle biopsy in an Atlanta hospital to determine if the tumors are benign or malignant. 

Of course our first request would be that the tumors are benign and removal be as easy as possible.  But I would also like to ask that you pray for peace, comfort, and strength for him, my sister Teresa, their young children and everyone who knows and loves them, no matter what the outcome of these tests are.  As devastating as news like this is, I just have to say I am in awe of how obviously God has ALREADY shown himself in this situation and I just can't imagine our family walking through this without our faith in him as our provider and keeper. 

I will post an update when we get more information.

Thank you for praying!

Right before my eyes...

This is one of the reasons I've loved returning to Searcy.  Look at this beautiful girl.  As I spent time with her on Saturday afternoon, enjoying the beautiful young woman she has become, I couldn't help remember the energetic toddler I once knew.  Right before my eyes was evidence of Proverbs 22:6 and the fruit of her parents' love and guidance.  I love this family and am blessed to be able to see their children grow up.  Not only is she outwardly beautiful, she has an inward beauty that radiates and blesses those she is with.

 

 
 
 
 

Around downtown...

This high school senior, her mom and I had so much fun last weekend as we made our way around downtown Searcy for her portrait session.  She was high in style and personality, comfortable in front of the camera, and up for an adventure...which in my book, is the recipe for a GREAT session!

 
 
 
 

 
 

Moving right along...

So, now that I've finished with the session peeks from my Ohio Photography Tour, it's time to start posting sessions that have been taking place here in Arkansas.  It's good to feel more and more like I'm settling in and I am happy to adding local clients.  This is the first of three high school seniors that I need to blog, and I just want to say "THANK YOU" to those clients who have been so patient as I play catch up!  I am still working on getting session galleries up on my web site, as I continue to post session peeks!

 
 
 
 

Ohio Photography Tour Session #8...

Ok.  You know that suitcase I was talking about in the previous post?  Well, it would have to be pretty big, because this entire family would be smooshed in there too!!! I don't even know where to start to describe the impact this couple has made on my life.  I truly believe one of the ways God sustains people through tough circumstances and painful seasons is by putting people in their paths who will be his voice, his hands and his feet.  And sometimes an added blessing is those same people become some of your best friends!  I can honestly say I don't know how I would have weathered the storm I was walking through without them.  I am a better person for knowing them!  :)  They have been an inspiration and a blessing to me, my husband and each one of my children!  Thank you both for everything!  I love you and your boys more than you will ever know!

 

 

 

...and this next one had me cracking up.  I'm pretty sure this was about the time during the photo session that I resorted to technology to liven things up a bit.  A certain iphone application makes great, and might I add, realistic body function sounds...  FUNNY, that's all I'm sayin'.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Ohio Photography Tour Session #7

My husband and I have said often that if we could have packed up a suitcase of friends to take with us when we moved back to Arkansas...this family would have been smooshed in that suitcase!  To say their friendship was a blessing to our time in Ohio would be such an understatement!  At the risk of getting too emotional and sad at how much I miss them, I will just share a few of my favorites from our session, and let my sweet friend know that I can't wait to share the rest of the images with her! There are sooooo many GREAT ones!  I'll be in touch soon!