Wednesday October 28th, 2009
a bit crazy lately. David started having pre-seizure symptoms last week which landed us in the emergency room. We were both pretty rattled at first, but nothing happened. The symptoms continued off and on for days and are finally starting to decline. We are still being very proactive about healing naturally and he’s been heavily detoxing this week and helping his body get rid of the toxins and dead cancerous cells. As scary as this “natural” route is, it’s so, SO exciting. We are learning so much about health, wellness and the body’s amazing ability to heal itself when you give it the right tools.
Anyways, just wanted to explain my absence as I continue to fight for balance in my life between photographer, wife, care-giver, friend, daughter, sister, child of God. Lately I’ve been overwhelmed and feeling pretty run down. It doesn’t matter how much I sleep, the weariness is still there when I wake up in the morning. So I’m spending some serious time on the couch today trying to lay it down at the feet of Jesus. That big heavy burden. I don’t want to carry it anymore.
Saturday October 17th, 2009
David and I have been conversing quite a bit lately about the ancient tradition of honoring the sabbath and what that really looks like in today’s day and age. Once upon a time it meant that if you bent over to pick something up you were pretty much screwed where the law was concerned! Now days, some of us have to work on Sundays whether we like it or not. But in looking at the idea of why God created the idea of the sabbath, it was really for our own good. It’s more than just going to church or honoring God for a day. It also serves an important purpose for us. Rest. Rest for body, soul and spirit.
I took this photo in Morocco 4 years ago. I remember rolling out of bed in the morning and being smacked in the face with this view, and thinking, “How in the world did I end up here? This is so beautiful how can it even be real life?” As I gaped at the exquisite beauty, it was like that mountain range created a channel from my soul to God’s heart. I’ve always cherished this image as it reminds me of that moment, but as I look at it more deeply I realize it’s also extremely symbolic for me. It represents everything I want my “view of life” to be….Peaceful. Serene. Breathtaking. Filled with wonder and gratitude.
Sometimes it seems like those are impossible ideals, or that moments of serentiy can only happen when you are on vacation in Africa. Yet imagine if you could get out of bed every morning and actually choose how you view the world? Looking out your proverbial window, what would you want to see? Pain? Sadness? Fear? Numbness? Why do we give away our life to these things? Why don’t we choose something different even though we’re only hurting ourselves?
So my question is, how do we choose each day to manifest our own reality? I say I love dogs, nature, reading, painting. But do I own a dog? Each day do I pick up my paint brush simply because I love it? Do I take the time to read a good book and relax? Though I live in an urban area do I make the effort to find nature and immerse myself within it? Do I do these things that refresh my spirit and make me come alive? Do I live with intention? And most importantly, do we truly understand that life is what we make of it, no matter what our circumstances are?
Considering these thoughts, it makes the idea of taking a sabbath seem extremely important. Necessary, actually for happiness. As I take an honest look at my work habits, each week do I truly have a day where I do no work AT ALL and only relax? For some of us, taking a sabbath is painful. It’s virtually impossible not to answer that one email, make that one phone call, or pop into your office just for an hour or two to write a quick blog or edit a session. Me = guilty as charged. As I continue on day after day without ever getting a clean break from the pressures of work, I feel myself wearing thin. I pray and ask God for strength, but then I hear his voice saying, “The reason you are so tired is because you don’t rest. And then you want me to pump you full of energy like a God sized dose of espresso. How am I supposed to re-fill your gas tank if you are driving circles round the pump at 60mph?”
So tomorrow I’m taking a sabbath. I’m going to completely unplug, push a large bureau in front of my office door and turn off the ringer of my phone. I worked really hard today to get caught up on phone calls, invoicing, emails, orders, etc so I won’t have that panicked feeling in the back of my brain.
So if on Saturday you happen to call me, email me, knock on my door, send me a telegram or a even a singing candygram for that matter, I WON’T ANSWER YOU. Because I’ll be too busy laying around, reading books, praying, taking a hot bath and going for a long walk out in nature. I guess the real challenge is can I stay off of twitter and avoid reading new emails on my phone because well, technically I’m not in my office. All things being equal I really don’t trust myself. I can pretty much guarantee that at the end of the day I’ll have to be all, “Father, forgive me for I have tweeted.”
Thursday October 15th, 2009
Okay, so you know when you capture that stellar shot, and then you get home to your computer screen and the eyes just aren’t sharp and you want to crawl out of your skin? Getting consistently sharp images (especially around the eyes) takes practice, patience, and sometimes just better equipment. Speaking as a true perfectionist, eye sharpness was one of those annoying technical issues that made me wail, rent my garments and pour ashes on my head. In the beginning of my career I just couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong, and I had some serious frustration going on! So if any of you reading this right now are picking up what I’m throwing down, allow me to throw some tips your way that now help me to get a sharp image almost every time!
1. Focus on the eye
When shooting a portrait, make sure your focal point is directly centered on your subject’s iris. If their head is turned or tilted at an angle away from you, always grab the eye closest to the camera. Simply pointing your focus at the subject’s head or at the space between their eyes is not going to yield a tack sharp image. I set my AF point to a single point of focus rather than allowing my camera to auto detect my focal point for me. This gives me absolute control. Between every single shot I grab the focus on the eye, and holding down my shutter button half way, I recompose the shot for composition. This takes a lot of practice when shooting kids because they are always on the go. But stay diligent, and in time you will become “quick on the draw” so to speak, if you don’t get discouraged.
2. Toggle your focus points
When I shoot a horizontal photo I generally set my focus to the center AF point. However, when I rotate my camera to shoot a vertical portrait I change my focal point to the AF point that is now at the very top of my viewfinder since I always use the focal point closest to my subject’s eyes. This is a good practice because I generally shoot at wide apertures such as 1.8. Shooting with a shallow depth of field gives you very little leeway when you grab your focal point and then move your camera to recompose the shot artistically. The further you shift your camera from the original point of focus on the eye, the more chance you have of losing the tack sharpness. Therefore, I have learned to quickly toggle my focus point back and forth without even taking my camera down from my face, which has helped greatly with getting a sharper image every time.
3. Light your subject properly
Lighting plays a drastic role in the end result sharpness of the eyes. Lighting is an entirely in depth topic in and of itself, but in general, your subject should face the light source unless you are intentionally back lighting or creating a dramatic portrait. So when you are shooting in open shade think about where the sun is located. The same is true when you are shooting with window light. I prefer that my subject’s face is almost completely directed at the window itself so that the light is glamorously illuminating their skin and eyes. To see the difference proper lighting makes, raise your ISO to 800 and shoot a portrait in a dim room, then shoot another portrait at 100 ISO with your subject directly facing a south facing window (within 5 feet of the light). Having bright, even light falling on the face allows your camera to grab the focus of the eyes to a greater degree.
4. Use fixed lenses
I find that fixed lenses are always sharper than zooms. I sold my 24-70 2.8 L because it just didn’t compare in sharpness. Nuff said.
5. Avoid motion blur & camera shake
With kids I like to stay at 160 shutter speed or higher to avoid motion blur. Camera shake can also blur your image simply from your breathing or failing to hold your camera steady.When taking a still portrait I tend to hold my breath while clicking the shutter, and I brace my elbow into my body to stabilize my camera. You can also lean against door frames, walls, etc to brace yourself.
6. Sharpen the eyes in post processing
I like to defog/sharpen every image I work on. One of my favorite techniques for sharpening is the high pass filter and I use it on almost every image, however I do take the time to grab my erase tool and erase it off the skin areas. To try it out, watch this quick Photoshop tutorial video I found on Youtube.
7. Don’t shoot at maximum lens aperture
Most lenses perform at premium sharpness one or two stops above their maximum aperture. So for instance, on a lens that opens up to 1.2, try shooting at 1.8 instead of maxing it all the way out.
8. Don’t recompose the shot at f 1.6 or wider
I have a hard time getting an image tack sharp if I have recomposed when shooting that wide. It may look sharp on the web, but it won’t be sharp if your client wants to print a 16×20 for the wall. So if you are a daring individual who likes to shoot at 1.6 or wider, I recommend that you don’t recompose the shot after you grab the focal point on the eye. Instead, take the time to position your camera and your composition so that the focal point still lines up with the eye when you are ready to take the shot.
9. Shoot at a low ISO
Although ISO doesn’t technically affect sharpness, the added noise of shooting at higher ISO can contribute to an image looking hazy. As a portrait photographer who can choose and control my locations, I always shoot at 100 ISO unless absolutely forced by lack of light.
10. Invest in a sharper lens & better camera
I hate to say it, but equipment makes a big difference in image sharpness. Buying new equipment is never going to make you a better photographer, but it certainly can increase your image integrity and save you time correcting the shortcomings of your lens in Photoshop. I’ve personally experienced this myself. If you are doing everything right and still aren’t happy with the sharpness of the eyes, it’s time to upgrade your equipment. =) You can read here about what’s in my bag and why upgrading my equipment was a hallelujah! moment.
In my side bar you’ll notice I’ve added an email sign-up for free photography related tips. I’ll be sending out exclusive info each month that you won’t find on the blog, so make sure you join in on the fun.
Until next time, Happy Sharpening!
Friday October 9th, 2009
I sit here drinking a tall, orange glass of carrot juice. I would be feeling extraordinarily healthy and pleased with myself if I hadn’t completely vetoed the effect of the carrot juice with the grande latte I downed this morning that is now making me type at 300 words per minute. (But just so there’s no confusion about my office skills, I already had incredible typing prowess BEFORE the double latte took effect. I’m like, awesome at typing fast. Well, that is according to the feedback I receive from people who step into my office unannounced. I may never have received a medal at field day, but THANK GOD I can type fast because that makes me so cool).
Anyways, I drank the latte because I guess I thought I needed the extra energy as we are setting up the space today for another photography workshop this weekend, but I’m feeling a bit hysterical and jittery. More like supercharged. It feels like I’ve been plugged into a 50o volt battery. Needless to say I regret my decision to drink that cup of pure evil. Coffee is the killer of men’s souls. Caffeine = maniac. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go lift cars off of trapped children.
Thursday October 8th, 2009
Oh the world of technology. The blessed, all too time-consuming, deliciously fun world of technology. I’ve cracked under the pressure.
I used to be a nice girl who was content to curl up by the fireside with a good book. I was happy with my outdated cell phone, my quiet life, my trips to the darkroom to develop my film. But alas, I married a man named David Wenzel who recked me.
First it was gasp, a DIGITAL camera for Christmas! I went down kicking and screaming (almost literally) when he suggested that I switch to Apple. I guess you could say it was all down hill from there. Like a slippery slope, next I was blogging. How progressive. Then I learned to text message. (Okay, maybe I was a little late on the game with that one, but cut me some slack I was busy learning how to use my DIGITAL camera). iPhone came along and forever affected my already dwindling attention span, and NOW, my friends, I’ve finally joined you on twitter.
You can follow me here.
Blessings to you…
Comments
Praying for you and David, Amy! The Lord is amazing and he heals. Thanks for sharing your faith and your story via your blog.
You and David continue to be in my prayers. May you find grace and peace at the foot of the Cross. And may David’s body find complete healing. This is not an easy journey, but you are traveling with courage and honesty. May God’s presence along the way be visible day in and day out.
Oh Amy, I’m sorry you and David had a rough week. Keep fighting the good fight knowing that so many of us are praying for you both. xxx
Praying for rest and peace for you right now.
amy…had to write bc your words hit me.
you are so giving and going through so much right now. take today without guilt, wallow if needed, sometimes that makes ya feel better anyway:) after a few days, you will feel better!
hate that you guys are so young and going through such a tough ordeal. sometimes life is not fair…sucks.
you guys are amazing people. rest up:)
Praying for you, Amy. God has this… Just one step at a time–He knows that this is hard! xoxo
Your burden must be so great. Now, I don’t know just how much you have, but your feelings remind me of that picture…the one on a beach, with two sets of footprints, and then one set…Let the Lord carry you through this time. Feel of His love and support, and let it renew you. You are in my prayers.
Our bodies are amazing. I’ve read about fasting doing the very same thing. When we fast, our body’s cells start to die… BUT it’s the BAD cells that die off first and the strongest, healthiest cells survive leaving your body stronger and healthier… just something to think about. I wish I could remember where i read this… I want to say Christina Pirello, but I’m not absolutely certain… but it’s always stuck with me
I love your blog and your photography!I’m a “wanna be” photographer. You’re very inspiring to me and I’m sure many people out there!!!
thank you for your continued willingness to share. my bestfriends father was recently diagnosed with a non-operable Glioblastoma. i have shared your story of hope with her. at 51 he has so much life left to live…unfortunately it is rapidly changing his world. heres to giving cancer the boot!
When prayer seems futile, wearisome, and useless, hold onto the small hope within. Remember that God hears you, your blog readers hear you, and David hears you, and we love you in this season.
And if my words aren’t helpful, eat a Twinkie
And know we are praying for you when you no longer can.
Amy,
With everything that is going on in your life, you need to re-charge your batteries as well. A day on the couch is well deserved as well as a long walk if possible, as it gives you space as well as fresh air.
You and David are so courageous, and even though you are going though a very rough patch, it’s a blessing to read that your relationship as well as focus is strong.
I’m amazed that you are able to focus on work at all, but I’m delighted that you can, as I always finds tons of inspiration from your images.
Keep well, and continue to listen to your body as well, you need rest to be able to be Super AMY.
Gisela
Hey Amy, we are continuing to hold you up before our Jesus. We don’t want you to have to carry this anymore either.
Sending lots of hugs and kisses your way…
We are praying for you both. xo
Praying for you both!
So glad you blogged today. I was going to give you ooooone more day…or else…or else I’d go down there, rip the covers off you, and force you to sit at your computer.
xoxo
We’re never given more then we can handle!
I’m heart goes out to you while reading this. I know it’s not the same, but my husband has epilepsy so seizures are apart of our life. Prayers for healing… for both of you.
I’m here for you, friend…praying praying praying
Hugs!
My heart goes out to you and your family. I know this is a difficult time but there is a light at the end of that tunnel. Praying for you.
Yes, rest. You are very, very wise to give yourself that gift.
Take care,
Bets
praying peace and joy over your home.
Hello Amy, I come to your blog not only to see your beautiful photos but to see how things are with you and David. You are so strong, very faithful and loyal to the Lord Jesus. My heart goes out to both you and David-and yes yes yes…don’t forget to rest.
ohhh i am sorry. just keep praying and hang in there… God will provide, I just know.
Thanks for sharing Amy. Glad to know where you are. Will be praying. Isaiah 40:28-31.
Beautiful lady - I haven’t read over the other comments, so this may have already been said, but you and your husband are awesome. I’m praying the Lord would fill up your well with new strength, energy and peace like you’ve never felt. Now go lay on your sofa…veg out and read a good magazine, watch some mindless reality TV and have a good belly laugh with your hubby!!
Hi there Amy, I feel so bad, i sent an email to you asking for advice, I didnt realise how much you were going through so i am very sorry for that. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and David.
Amy, we’ve never met, though i feel i know you just a little bit. i came across your name through jasmine star, and started following your blog. i always look forward to seeing a new post! but when i noticed you hadn’t posted since the 17th, i knew something must have happened with David … so i added the two of you to my prayers. i’ll keep ya there - the power of prayer does amazing things - and i just want you to know that even though we’ve never met - there’s a photographer down in Niles Michigan that loves your work, and is wishing the best for your family.
I knew something was going on with you and David and read his blog. How very scary for both of you. I am glad you blogged to let us know how YOU are doing. I can tell you I know exactly what you are feeling because my husband is fighting brain cancer right now. His had a Glioblastoma, grade 4 removed in July but we are so scared of it not being totally gone and thoughts of it coming back scare the crap out of us;to be blunt.
Keep praying. Keep holding on to Hope, Faith and Peace.
Prayers and hugs from Northeast Michigan!
You and David are such an inspiration….I am in awe of your unwavering faith even in the face of adversity
No doubt God has HUGE plans for you both!
And you shouldn’t have to carry it anymore, or at all for that matter. That’s what God is there for, to carry our burdens. I know it’s easier said than done… My prayers are still with you and David.
I found you by googling the name “Amy Wenzel”, because that is my daughter’s name. I had never searched on that name before because she goes by her middle name. But since yours was the first link I found I now know a little bit of your and your husband’s story. So naturally, now, I will be praying for you both daily.
This brought tears to my eyes.. you and David are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Amy,
I follow your blog and love your work. I am watching my aunt battle ovarian cancer and seen a long list of people battle this. I am very interested in the natural method approach. Is there a certain book that you have found helpful? Could you share that process with us?
Blessings - Brooke
Amy, I just found your blog last week and I think you’re amazing! You and David are in my prayers. I know that things are overwhelming right now, but stay positive and know that you and David will come out of this much stronger. God Bless you!
Hey Amy,
I’m here for you if you need a friend to talk with. Missing you two and I’m keeping the positive energy flowing your way.
HUGE hugs,
Laura
I started following your blog because I LOVE your photography (my sis-in-law is a photographer and adored your work! She flew up for one of your seminars) But I’ve come to see your blog as inspirational! I am so amazed at the grace you and your husband exhibit through yalls difficult time. Your faith in Jesus and the pride with which you claim it is refreshing! You and your husband are in my prayers and the prayers of so many people you don’t even know! Keep the faith and keep fighting!
PS I am so interested in the healthy living and natural health you talk about. I know you are busy but if you have time, are there any books/materials you suggest to buy?
My prayers are with you.
Take some time to sit at the feet of Jesus, it is the most precious place to be.
Amy,
its amanda from paperdoll. I found your sight and loved it. I read what you posted a week ago about taking a sabbath and I started to cry. You are very gifted, and God is working in your life. Hang in there girl, God is a God of miracles and will provide for you and David in every way. I hope your new clothes are helping a bit, good luck and hope to see you soon! I’m praying for you, remember God is always there!!!
Trust him always.
amanda!
Oh my, while I have a blog of my own I cannot say that I am really into reading others blogs as much (mainly due to lack of time). However, I just book marked your blog. What an inspiration you are…both professionally but more important spiritually. Thank you for opening up your heart to an internet of strangers…you touched mine tonight!
i don’t even know you or david. yet i think about you and pray about you both so often. i am drawn to your candid nature and the way you are ok to be open and to allow us to see where you struggle and where you are strong. thank you for that chica. for real. it’s awesome.
Amy, I have followed your blog since I discovered it and I just want to say that you are an amazing person!!! Sharing your story must be kinda hard, but you have everyone’s support…I definitely will be praying for you guys through this journey! =)
Hi Amy,
I tried emailing through the blog but it wasnt working, maybe you are getting tons of emails and needed to cut it off or maybe I just did you a solid and let you know…anyway, I wanted to let you know that my mother-in-law has cured herself of cancer in the same fashion and she has a ton of resources that I can send along if your interested as well as a GREAT and amazing doctor in the NY area…. If you need some more materials, or resources let me know and I will send them to you right away. It changed her life, saved her life really and proven to be the only way if you ask me. If your done getting “help” and “advice” no worries, just thought it might be a crime to not say anything and offer.
You are handling this all with a grace and strength only few posses… I am in awe.
peace.
maria
TOTALLY spelled my email wrong… oops!
Praying for you both!
Hi Amy,
I was compelled to write after today’s service at church. My name is Lynne and I led worship today, such that it was. I didn’t want to intrude as I know you were pulled in many directions during what I’m sure was a hectic weekend for you and David.
But…
I was married this past June. My redemption story was FINALLY gonna get the big, beautiful bow, with the happily ever after ending written in swirly calligraphy. God had rewarded our faithfulness, right?? As you know, cancer has a way of changing the ending to stories. My husband was diagnosed and had surgery for prostate cancer just a few weeks before our wedding. It was not a success, as the cancer spread. He is now undergoing radiation with less than hopeful expectations from the doctors.
All I want to say is that I understand what it feels like to have great hope and trust that God is sovereign. I know God can be trusted with our future and I don’t know what that will look like. There has been much to be grateful for because of this journey we are on. I really mean that.
But…
Some days I am sad. Some days I don’t act sad but it’s right there, below the surface. I feel like if I brush up against something just right or I look someone right in the eye it will all come spilling out. It doesn’t mean I don’t have faith. I do. I just love my husband and was naive when I thought growing old together was a sure thing. We have today and most days it’s really perfect…but then there are those other days….
Thank you for coming to our church and sharing your faith. God is good. I will keep you and David in my prayers.
Lynne Kerr
I am so sorry to hear about your week, you guys are so inspirational and I appreaciate you guys being so open and sharing. I was wondering if you would share w/ us more about your diet. It sounds intersting and we could all keep our bodies a little healthier. I would love to hear more about your juicing and what foods you eat and avoid!
Thanks
Praying. You are at the only place you can be, the foot of the King. May you find peace and rest as you hang out there.
Totally praying for you guys!!
Amy: You are on my mind and my prayers. I don´t know you, but I can feel your pain. I admire your strength and I can feel how you tray to fight everyday… Please try to take some rest and continue allowing HIM to guide you.
You are both taking the best route and I wish you all the best. My prayers are with you and your husband. Fight the good fight!
Amy,
I have been following your blog and think you are adorable and crazy talented! I just want you to know that you and David are in my prayers. You know the great physician and He loves you both with an unfailing love. My prayer for you today, grace, peace and strength. As you rest in His presence, take Hebrews 4:16 as your own and Ephesians 3:20! My mother-in-law was healed of breast cancer without any treatment, My Dad and Father-in-law both took Chemo/Radiation and are both now completely cancer free! All three attribute their healing to the Lord.
Hi Amy. Just wanted to say two things - 1. I love your work - it’s amazing. And 2. I’m not sure if you’ve already read it or been told about the book Crazy Sexy Cancer, but when my mom got diagnosed with colon cancer, a friend gave it to me. It’s so helpful in many aspects, but it is written by someone who is fighting cancer naturally and gives alot of good information on doing so. It very much helped me in that cancer doesn’t just hurt the person who has it - it effects the people that love that person as well. It helped me see things through their eyes, how to be a shoulder to lean on, and how to cope.
You are helping people by sharing. I will continue praying for you and your husband.
Today is the day for healing. http://www.ibethel.org/features/sermonoftheweek/207/Bill-Johnson-Fill-%27Er-Up-48Kbps/free_message.html
I just came across your blog and can’t stop reading it. You have touched my heart, especially about your new cat. I have just started my journey in photography and wished I lived closer, so I could go to a workshop. God bless you and your husband. I am a carrot juicer too.
Just ran across your blog and wanted you to know I’m praying for you- don’t know you, but God does and HE CAN, GOD CAN re-prioritize our lives - take some time for yourself and he’ll guide you where you need to go… Depend on HIM!!
Amy-I just fell upon your blog and I wanted to tell you that I am not only inspired by your work but by your great faith. Lay down your burden, I know you will be comforted and blessed.
Allison
Just wanted to let you know you and David were on my thoughts and prayers today.
My thoughts are with you both. I am praying for you and I know David can this battle. Although I don’t know you, I feel your strength and I know you have what it takes to beat this. Keep going, don’t give up x x x x
Hi Amy,
I’m a random stranger, but I had to comment to you because I can’t stop thinking about you and I wanted you to know that I am sure to be one of many that are keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing and gifted woman that is part of an extrodinairely strong husband and wife team… and right now, I just want to help lift the two of you up.
Sending you the most heartfelt support, care, strength, and love I can muster.
Heather
Amy,
I can relate. It is difficult to find the balance. I am struggling similarly in finding a balance between caring for my now seven month old, growing and managing my business, nurturing my relationship with my DH and also nourishing my own spirit. It is hard work! I think it’s part of what we’re here on this planet to learn though so I keep going… remembering that the only constant thing in life is change…
Wishing you many blessings on this incredible journey called life!
Hi Amy,
I found your blog (& David’s blog) through Jasmine Star’s Blog… Small world, I live in Holland, MI
I am truly touched by your story
I love your blog and it makes me smile…
I am a new photographer and I just adore your photos…
You seem so sweet and down to earth!
Thinking of you both today and saying a prayer to our Heavenly Father!
Trish
Amy you are such a sweet person! Thank you for your example!
oh you sweet girl. i know the burden and we know jesus. you are doing the right thing. give it to Him. I am thinking of both of you as the DAY approaches. steady pray! jaime
I pray the Lord comforts you as only He can, that He will send His Holy Spirit and give your heart a peace that surpasses all understanding. That He would place His healing hand on your husbands brain- that He- the Master physician would change that tumor and bust it right up. In Jesus’ Holy and Powerful name.
Amen.
Lots of prayers coming from a small town in California.
I imagine that your life continues to be full… hopefully with less worries about your DH’s health and more with family gatherings, love and laughter. I wanted to write a note and let you know that this blog reader misses your entries. I’ll keep checking in though, so no worries! Take care of yourself.
Thank you for your indirect encouragement. Your strength in the Lord is so wonderful and I can’t to see how he blesses you and David.
Thinking of you and David..
Amy,
Your families strength is amazing and inspiring. My heart and prayers are there for you all. May the holidays lift your spirits and keep you strong.
Best wishes…
Hi Amy,
I originally found this post about a month ago, linked from someone else’s. I have been praying for you and your husband, and the struggles you are going through. I am (crazy) from Holland, MI originally, but live in Arizona now. Though a completely different kind of struggle, we dealt with 6 months of illness with our daughter, Mya Sadie, who passed away in 2004. It takes such an emotional and physical toll. I will continue to pray for the two of you, and hope for strength, encouragement, and healing.
Much Love, AJ
Amy, life sometimes is very-very surprising and turns things upside down. But than there are forces that put things back together in amazing ways. With so many people praying and keeping your wonderful family in our thoughts, I hope we are creating an enormous force to turn things in the right direction.
Amy….everything will be alright. =) Everything has its own, natural way of working out. Just keep believing! I will include you guys in my prayers.