Naders

Union University is VERY SERIOUS when it comes to Tornado season in West Tennessee. 

This is what happened the last time a tornado visited my campus. 

So, you see, it is kind of understandable why Union has a cow every time a green blob is seemingly heading our way on a radar.

Last Thursday was our first experience with Tornado weather this semester.

We were shoved into our "panic room" a.k.a storm shelter a couple times during the evening. Our panic room consists of reinforced concrete walls and three dead bolts on the door. It is very safe. 

Georgetown University called while I shoved into this bathroom with 6 people. I apologized for the noise and informed them that we were under a tornado warning. Georgetown became concerned for my safety but I assured them that I was in a secure location. Georgetown was happy about this. 

Union also always has us pack a "tornado bag" when ominous weather comes. 

My bag consists of my eye lash curler, a change of clothes and the external hard drive where all my photos are backed up. Its all about priorities people. 

Grace

Engagements and Cow Patties

Bobby and Jennifer

March 5, 2011

Had the opportunity to photograph Bobby and Jennifer this afternoon. 

The weather was so chilly that we decided to just use her home instead of venturing outside much.

Got some wonderful shots.

We did go outside for a little bit.

There is a lake a little ways behind the house.

However we had to venture through all of this to get to the lake. 

It was the first time I have trekked through cow patties for a photo.

These are the culprits.

Considering my life, it probably won't be the last time I have to zig zag through poop for a photo, though.

New adventures every day! :) 

Amen.

Grace

Hello all!

I am back in the grand state of Tennessee where the trees are green and the tea is sweet.

But I still have a few tastes of New Mexico to share with you.

The last event I covered for the Baptist New Mexican was an annual event they host called the Legislative Breakfast.

All the state legislators are invited to attend a breakfast that includes a speaker and time of prayer and encouragement before the legislators start another day of their job at the state capitol.

This is former Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley. He heads the Traditional Values Action Committee.  

"I have not found anywhere in the Good Book where it says that Christians should not be involved in politics," Bradley said during a dinner held for church leaders the night before the Legislative Breakfast.

"You have to be passionate about politics and you have to be passionate to change  them. We need to reignite the passion."

"If a law passes that is an ungodly law then we have the right to oppose it."

"We are fighting from a position of victory because Christ is already victorious," Bradley said.

The breakfast the next morning started bright and early. Prayer requests cards were placed at each seat for the legislators to fill out. The leaders of the breakfast told the legislators that it was our duty as Christians to pray for them as stewards of the nation. 

"God does command us in his Book to pray for you," said one speaker during the event. "And that is our commitment to you."

This is the new Lt. Gov. He offered a brief greeting to the audience and brought a message from the newly elected governor of New Mexico, Susanna Martinez. He said that the new administration has a "bold and strong vision for New Mexico" — something the people of the state seem to be begging for. 

And this my dear friends is Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Washington D.C. He was the keynote speaker. 

He said during his address that President Obama is wrong — America IS a Christian nation and needs to "honor our heritage and God who gave us such great guidelines."

He attributed the Tea Party Movement as part of America's next "great awakening." He also referenced a time when he was applauded for being a man of Christ while at a Tea Party rally.

"The Tea Party movement is anything but racist — more of a civic awakening," Jackson said.

"Church groups are starting to stand up and say they have a dog in the (political) fight."

Jackson concluded by encouraging the legislators present to stick to their morals and faith.

"We are on the wake of the next great awakening; it will be politically safe to vote according to it."

Grace

Immersed - A Bus Ministry

I got the opportunity to travel to the town of Gallup over the weekend to interview a pastor/ elementary school principal.

Meet Mark Chandler.

He is a principal (a full-time in and of itself) and pastor of First Indian Baptist Church of Gallup. 

He had a bright idea of turning a school bus into a tool to minister through.

       The bus is hollowed out and obviously never used to transport people... It is now complete with a tile floor, flat screen TV (in that back cabinet), wall to wall lighting and a generator.

He and his family use the bus to drive it into Native American communities. It provides them a place to minister to people in communities that often only have one-room buildings

The bus is an old bus used by a rafting company. Mark Chandler attributes the idea of converting it to no one but God. He attributes the fact that, even after over a year of sitting idle, it still cranked up to no one but God. 

He never once complained about holding two full-time jobs. His only concern was that there weren't enough hours in the day to complete everything he wanted to do with the people he is hoping to lead to Christ. 

The bus is named "immersed". John 7:38 was its inspiration. 

He was one of those people who oozed humbleness — something uncommon in today's society. 

It was a pleasure to meet him and hear his story and it is because of people like him that I want to go into journalism. 

It's stories like his that I have always loved hearing and passing on.

Grace

P.S. I leave for Tennessee on Friday... my time is dwindling so fast!!!

Did You Know?

I have attended around a dozen weddings since last summer.

I've been in the audience as a friend.

I've been by the alter as the Maid of Honor

And I've been the photographer creeping through the crowds and snapping away with my camera.

I love being hired to photograph the entire wedding day. I get to capture moments like this one — A younger sister helping her big sister into her wedding dress. How priceless!

And moments like this one — friends enjoying a moment of pampering as they get their makeup done. 

Posed photos are fun, too. One of my favorite things is to "layer" a photo. Here you can see the Maid of Honor with the Bride in background.

Sincere moments of joy are still my favorite things to capture, though. I bet they always will be, too.  Here you see the flower girl and Bride laughing at a joke someone in the church cracked while we were taking photos. 

So all in all, I will tell you one of the many things I have learned through attending so many weddings: The day is fleeting and every moment — no matter how small or large — is priceless and worth capturing. So a big thanks to all the beautiful couples and families who have allowed me to be a part of their day.

Have a safe and blessed weekend!

Grace