My brother Ben took this while he was here and i just found it today(!);
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
One Cold Day
Today i went for a walk and froze my face taking these shots...
Totally worth it if you ask me!Friday, January 16, 2009
Name your son Benjamin...
...you'll be glad you did.
Benjamin means "son of the right hand". I am not sure what exactly that means, but it sounds neat. In the Bible Benjamin was the 12th son of Jacob and was the "favorite son" after Joseph was sold out to Egypt. I know a few Benjamins. Three of the amazing Benjamins all have one thing in common... they are photographic geniuses!!!! (click on each name to see what i mean.)
#1 (and my favorite) - Benjamin Jacob Diacogiannis. 
Number 7 in the "D" family line up, I had the priveledge to be inthe room when little Ben was born. He has always been a rad little brother, and i think if you have to have a little brother this Benjamin is the one to have. He is fairly even tempered. He has the biggest servents heart of any 15 year old i know! He love's God and loves life. In the past 2 years "my" Ben has become a little brother after my own heart; he fell in love with photography!!! Click on his name and experience his blog and the beginnings of his photographic genius.
Number 7 in the "D" family line up, I had the priveledge to be inthe room when little Ben was born. He has always been a rad little brother, and i think if you have to have a little brother this Benjamin is the one to have. He is fairly even tempered. He has the biggest servents heart of any 15 year old i know! He love's God and loves life. In the past 2 years "my" Ben has become a little brother after my own heart; he fell in love with photography!!! Click on his name and experience his blog and the beginnings of his photographic genius.#2- Benjamin Edwards 
As i mentioned in my post regaurding the close of 2008... Ben is my photography "hero". I found out about his work long before i thought about moving to Bend, and when i found out the webiste i most visited for inpiration was in my "new" city, i was elated and couldn't wait to meet him in real life. Ben and his wife Lauren are 2 of the most kind people i know. They love the Lord and are not shy about bringing his love into their work. They take pictures that caprute my attention for hours. They live with a passion to see lives changed. They have a super cute son named Parker... who someday will be my good friend. =)
As i mentioned in my post regaurding the close of 2008... Ben is my photography "hero". I found out about his work long before i thought about moving to Bend, and when i found out the webiste i most visited for inpiration was in my "new" city, i was elated and couldn't wait to meet him in real life. Ben and his wife Lauren are 2 of the most kind people i know. They love the Lord and are not shy about bringing his love into their work. They take pictures that caprute my attention for hours. They live with a passion to see lives changed. They have a super cute son named Parker... who someday will be my good friend. =)And so you see, you should indeed name your son Benjamin, but please refrain from calling him Benny.... most likely he won't like it. Ben, Jamin', benji. Ben, B-E-N-bennen, B, BenHamen or other variations are ok, but not Benny.
Starbucks; Quote #17
The world bursts at the seams with people ready to tell you you’re not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don’t take it personally when they say “no” — they may not be smart enough to say “yes”.
– Keith Olbermann
Monday, January 05, 2009
Post Script (P.S.)
Oh how i love the comments that the last post has generated!!!!
This is my P.S. to that post.
Although i am single and most defiantly am waiting/longing for "Mr. Wonderful" the previous post was not only thought up in the mind of a 23-year-old who desires to have a man by her side. It was written by a 23-year-old who desires to see real change in the World around her....a change not by any political party or group of people who have their panties in a ruffle, but change that is inflamed by the Word of God and HIS desire to be loved, see others loved and serve the World. Love is a central key to change. And more specifically unselfish love. Think about real change. Perhaps change you have seen or dreamed of. If it is change only God can bring about then it is fueled by His love for the World and desire to see all people come to a knowledge of Him. If it is change people can bring about... on a large scale it needs to be fueled by a love that has no selfish ambition.
I will not sit here and pretend that the previous post came solely from a place of "world change". But please read it again. Please don't read it through lens of a girl desiring a man. I wrote it as that girl, but also because of SO MANY MORE THINGS going on in my life... and RISK is involved in every step. I once heard it said like this; Faith is jumping over a river. It takes a small amount of faith to jump over a 10ft. stream of rushing water. Risk is still involved, yet on a small scale. It takes a larger amount of faith to jump over a 15ft. stream of rushing water. More risk is involved. It takes a lot of faith to jump over a 25ft. stream of rushing water. There is a lot of risk in even thinking about jumping 25ft. However it's faith in this situation is not just believing that God will catch you, build a bridge or give you wings. It's believing that you are actually hearing the voice of God and you believe in your self to actually make that jump.
Peter did not start sinking because he didn't believe Jesus. Jesus was doing just fine. Jesus had in fact told Peter to walk to him on water, so in fact Jesus believed that Peter could do it. Peter didn't believe Peter could do it.
My hope is that we all would be in the Word, and listening to the voice of God, so that when we have waited. When we have prayed. When we have heard the voice of God pointing us in a direction. We would indeed be ready to take the risk and jump... and then change would come.
**the C.S. Lewis book is The Four Loves**
This is my P.S. to that post.
Although i am single and most defiantly am waiting/longing for "Mr. Wonderful" the previous post was not only thought up in the mind of a 23-year-old who desires to have a man by her side. It was written by a 23-year-old who desires to see real change in the World around her....a change not by any political party or group of people who have their panties in a ruffle, but change that is inflamed by the Word of God and HIS desire to be loved, see others loved and serve the World. Love is a central key to change. And more specifically unselfish love. Think about real change. Perhaps change you have seen or dreamed of. If it is change only God can bring about then it is fueled by His love for the World and desire to see all people come to a knowledge of Him. If it is change people can bring about... on a large scale it needs to be fueled by a love that has no selfish ambition.
I will not sit here and pretend that the previous post came solely from a place of "world change". But please read it again. Please don't read it through lens of a girl desiring a man. I wrote it as that girl, but also because of SO MANY MORE THINGS going on in my life... and RISK is involved in every step. I once heard it said like this; Faith is jumping over a river. It takes a small amount of faith to jump over a 10ft. stream of rushing water. Risk is still involved, yet on a small scale. It takes a larger amount of faith to jump over a 15ft. stream of rushing water. More risk is involved. It takes a lot of faith to jump over a 25ft. stream of rushing water. There is a lot of risk in even thinking about jumping 25ft. However it's faith in this situation is not just believing that God will catch you, build a bridge or give you wings. It's believing that you are actually hearing the voice of God and you believe in your self to actually make that jump.
Peter did not start sinking because he didn't believe Jesus. Jesus was doing just fine. Jesus had in fact told Peter to walk to him on water, so in fact Jesus believed that Peter could do it. Peter didn't believe Peter could do it.
My hope is that we all would be in the Word, and listening to the voice of God, so that when we have waited. When we have prayed. When we have heard the voice of God pointing us in a direction. We would indeed be ready to take the risk and jump... and then change would come.
**the C.S. Lewis book is The Four Loves**
Sunday, January 04, 2009
C.S. Lewis... on Love
This right here beautifully sums up a lot of things i have been mulling over the last couple weeks:
"There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. The alternative to tragedy, or at least to the risk of tragedy, is damnation. The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell."
-C.S. Lewis
It's all about RISK people. What kind of risk are you willing to take to possibly love and be loved by another person? Is it worth it to stay safe inside yourself and feelings? Or to take a risk, with the possibility of failing or hurting?
It's all about RISK people. What RISK are we going to take to see life, real life... and really if I fail... I know that God is still working to make me look more like Jesus, and perhaps the mud I attain from failing(falling) will actually make me more beautiful!
**Thanks and shout out to my good friend Elizabeth Fischer for reminding me of this quote from C.S. Lewis.**
-C.S. Lewis
It's all about RISK people. What kind of risk are you willing to take to possibly love and be loved by another person? Is it worth it to stay safe inside yourself and feelings? Or to take a risk, with the possibility of failing or hurting?
"Are you afraid to be the only one to fail?
What's worse, to try and fail or never live to tell the tail?...
...When did the skeptics get to define you?"
-Elliot
Those are the lyrics to a song that is fast one the heels of my top favorite 5! They have been haunting me for about 3 weeks. What RISK am i willing to take to possibly live a dream? Should I just continue to sit and "wait" for life to hit me in the face or take action and embrace the life that God has given me? Should I let the opportunities to see something miraculous happen pass me by? If I let them fly by with the wind that won't stop blowing I know I will wonder and over-analyze "why" or "what if" until I fall asleep.What's worse, to try and fail or never live to tell the tail?...
...When did the skeptics get to define you?"
-Elliot
It's all about RISK people. What RISK are we going to take to see life, real life... and really if I fail... I know that God is still working to make me look more like Jesus, and perhaps the mud I attain from failing(falling) will actually make me more beautiful!
**Thanks and shout out to my good friend Elizabeth Fischer for reminding me of this quote from C.S. Lewis.**
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Hello, My name is 2009 and I'm full of Wonder!
*Please tell me the title at least made you smile a little tiny smile?*
2008 was a year to remember for sure. So many good times. I'm sure there are many moments i wish i could remember better; and one's i know i will never forget. As i ponder the last year there are many was i could write this blog, by the number or events or hardships. I could make some really great spiritual allegory or try and paint a picture. I could upload a thousand photos from the last year or one that i think captures the whole year. I could just tell you to go to my blog archives and start with January 2008 and work your way forward. I'm still pondering, so please forgive what may come as a random jumble of moments as i remember them.
Favorite Photos of 2008(6 of 9000+ taken in '08):
2008 was a year to remember for sure. So many good times. I'm sure there are many moments i wish i could remember better; and one's i know i will never forget. As i ponder the last year there are many was i could write this blog, by the number or events or hardships. I could make some really great spiritual allegory or try and paint a picture. I could upload a thousand photos from the last year or one that i think captures the whole year. I could just tell you to go to my blog archives and start with January 2008 and work your way forward. I'm still pondering, so please forgive what may come as a random jumble of moments as i remember them.
Favorite Photos of 2008(6 of 9000+ taken in '08):
January 2008:
April 2008:
May 2008:
June 2008:
December 2008:
Yes i really did take over 9,000 photos in 2008!!! I know I'm a little shutter happy.
And so to answer my wake up call this morning(aka the title) I say this: BRING IT ON! I am thrilled and full of Hope for this year i have ahead of me. I can't wait to see God act on His Word. I can't wait to hear His whisper. I am anticipating His challenges. I eagerly look forward. I stand on my tip-toes and crane my neck to see what's ahead. Oh, the moments that are waiting to be captured. Oh the stories that await to be walked out. Oh the dances of Joy that await and the tears of growth wait to burst out! Bring on the Wonder. Bring on the year.
April 2008:
May 2008:
June 2008:
December 2008:
Yes i really did take over 9,000 photos in 2008!!! I know I'm a little shutter happy. The following is(sort of) what i wrote for my family's Christmas Newsletter and sums up my life nicely:
This year has been full of so many joys, surprises, pleasures and excitement I could fill a book! The faithfulness of God was exactly what got me through the first year of living in Bend, and I am so grateful that he never let’s go of us when we surrender to Him completely!!!
Ministry. I am still volunteering with the High School ministry at Westside Church and weekly have moments that make me want to JUMP, DANCE and SCREAM: This IS what I was made for! I counseled cabins at both Winter and Summer Camp, I mentor a few girls one on one and spend lots of time letting my creative ideasrun wild with themselves. My goal: to see young people follow hard after God and His purpose for them on the earth. Few things bring me more joy then to see a student “get it”.
Friends. Oh, how the Lord has blessed me with incredible friends this year!!! I remember the lonely times, but I praise the Lord that those moments are fewer then before! Boating, coffee, hiking, coffee, wake boarding, coffee, games, coffee, laughing and more coffee. I love that each of those things reminds me of great times with friends. Watching my brother fall in love with
Heidi was something i will never forget! Watching Jenna walk in Faith as she gets ready to head to Botswana is something that makes my heart dance. Watching Stu fall into real life with Jesus brings tears to my eyes. Watching lots of friends DO what they were made for makes me want to shout for joy and smile lots! Seeing Paige and Whitney head off to college made me a proud "big sis". Sitting at Backporch with (Joann, Mekenzie,Katie, Stephenie,Lisa, Jessie, Karlee, Jordan, Michelle, Cliff, Casey,Dave, Majell, Jenna,Bo...)Did i leave anyone out? Basically Backporch Coffee+(amazing)Friends= LIFE!
Work. After a year and a half at Red Robin, I took off my blue polo and khaki pants. I put away my apron and birthday songs. I picked up a blanket, binky and a BEAUTIFUL baby boy named Seven! Becoming a nanny has been one of the biggest blessings of my Fall. Seven and I
have lots of fun together. He is one of the sweetest-tempered babies EVER! We like to go for walks, read books and play pee-a-boo.
I have also had the pleasure and blessing to start developing my photography business here in Bend. God totally blessed my socks off with a great Photography mento who is incredibly gifted and fun to learn from. Benjamin Edwards finally relented from me web stocking him and let me come along to a few shoots!!! I feel so blessed with the learning and with the business! My goal is to expand, get a website, and take double the pictures in 2009!
Ministry. I am still volunteering with the High School ministry at Westside Church and weekly have moments that make me want to JUMP, DANCE and SCREAM: This IS what I was made for! I counseled cabins at both Winter and Summer Camp, I mentor a few girls one on one and spend lots of time letting my creative ideasrun wild with themselves. My goal: to see young people follow hard after God and His purpose for them on the earth. Few things bring me more joy then to see a student “get it”.
Friends. Oh, how the Lord has blessed me with incredible friends this year!!! I remember the lonely times, but I praise the Lord that those moments are fewer then before! Boating, coffee, hiking, coffee, wake boarding, coffee, games, coffee, laughing and more coffee. I love that each of those things reminds me of great times with friends. Watching my brother fall in love with
Heidi was something i will never forget! Watching Jenna walk in Faith as she gets ready to head to Botswana is something that makes my heart dance. Watching Stu fall into real life with Jesus brings tears to my eyes. Watching lots of friends DO what they were made for makes me want to shout for joy and smile lots! Seeing Paige and Whitney head off to college made me a proud "big sis". Sitting at Backporch with (Joann, Mekenzie,Katie, Stephenie,Lisa, Jessie, Karlee, Jordan, Michelle, Cliff, Casey,Dave, Majell, Jenna,Bo...)Did i leave anyone out? Basically Backporch Coffee+(amazing)Friends= LIFE!
Work. After a year and a half at Red Robin, I took off my blue polo and khaki pants. I put away my apron and birthday songs. I picked up a blanket, binky and a BEAUTIFUL baby boy named Seven! Becoming a nanny has been one of the biggest blessings of my Fall. Seven and I
have lots of fun together. He is one of the sweetest-tempered babies EVER! We like to go for walks, read books and play pee-a-boo.
I have also had the pleasure and blessing to start developing my photography business here in Bend. God totally blessed my socks off with a great Photography mento who is incredibly gifted and fun to learn from. Benjamin Edwards finally relented from me web stocking him and let me come along to a few shoots!!! I feel so blessed with the learning and with the business! My goal is to expand, get a website, and take double the pictures in 2009!
And so to answer my wake up call this morning(aka the title) I say this: BRING IT ON! I am thrilled and full of Hope for this year i have ahead of me. I can't wait to see God act on His Word. I can't wait to hear His whisper. I am anticipating His challenges. I eagerly look forward. I stand on my tip-toes and crane my neck to see what's ahead. Oh, the moments that are waiting to be captured. Oh the stories that await to be walked out. Oh the dances of Joy that await and the tears of growth wait to burst out! Bring on the Wonder. Bring on the year.
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