Destin, Florida Sunsets

What is it about Destin, Florida sunsets that makes them so amazing? The colors along 30A last night were breathtaking! I couldn't ask for a more amazing backdrop for portrait photography!

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Constant In A Changing World

Isn’t it true that we live a world that is defined by seasons? Its fall and during this time of year I’m filled with a childish anticipation of all things autumn. Pumpkin spice everything, apple cider, cozy sweaters, scarves and crisp cool evenings spent around a crackling bonfire. Sure as the seasons change and the colorful leaves turn green then gold before falling to the ground, life has a way of moving us through seasons of metamorphosis and change.

Reflected in the physical world around me, I see the changing seasons of life. Child then adult - daughter then wife. The face looking back at me from my mirror seems similar but different with wrinkles that seem to appear without warning.

So in this changing world, what is constant? 


God does not change

One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms (102:25-27). Here David speaks of the changing physical world versus the unchanging nature of God… “In earlier times You established the earth; the skies are Your Handiwork. They will perish, but You will endure. They will wear out like a garment; like clothes You will remove them and they will disappear. But You remain; Your Years do not come to an end.” What an incredible thought! 

I find comfort in two things more things that will never change: 1). God’s Word and 2). God’s plan.

God’s Word is forever
Psalm 119:89 “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

God’s plans do not change
Psalm 33:11 “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

So enjoy the changing season, but take comfort in knowing that you can trust in One who never changes!

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Christmas Card Bundle Deal

I'm already in the Christmas spirit, how about you? In anticipation on this holiday season, I'm so excited to offer my first ever Christmas card photo card template bundle deal!

You can easily design your season greetings for your yourself or your clients with these modern Joy 5x7 holiday photo card template designs unique to my Etsy store, within the frame design! These templates include 5x7 front and back designs in a digital file PSD format that can be instantly downloaded for use.

Here's a breakdown of what this bundle includes:

* 3 5x7 templates including front and back designs
* Detailed instructions
* Templates saved as unflattened PSD files

Be sure to visit my Etsy store for this and other photo card template deals!

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5 Ways To Stay Positive As A Creative Business Owner

As a small business owner since 2011, I can say from personal experience that owning your small creative business is a lifestyle that requires a lot of faith and perseverance. So why do it? It’s incredibly rewarding and freeing – the secret is to stay positive! With that in mind, here are 5 ways to stay positive and motivated as a small business owner.

1). Remember why you began

Why did you make the change from officer worker to work from home entrepreneur? Was it to spend more time with your children? Did you have a great idea that you knew would be your key to entrepreneurial success? 

Sometimes I have rough days when the grass seems greener on the other side of the fence. I may even look backwards and feel a pang of regret that I left my steady office job to work from home. When I feel this way, I take a moment and remember why I chose to leave the corporate work environment. For me, it was the need to create a career that would be portable as I move every few years in support of my spouses’ career. Sometimes it’s good to remember what motived us to make the change!

2). Be good to yourself

Working for yourself is the hardest work you will ever do. Period. 

If I’m not at my computer creating new designs or authoring blog post, I feel like I should be! As my own boss it’s really difficult to remind myself that I need a break (and a vacation) from time to time. In fact, after a few months of working for myself, my health took a major nose dive. I wasn’t exercising because I felt guilty taking time for myself and I neglected the healthy eating habits I had maintained most of my life. 

The moral of this story is, don’t be me! Take care of yourself! Invest in your health – physical, mental and spiritual.

3). Create structure

Work/life balance – we all crave it. In fact, it’s one of the number one reasons that smart, motivated individuals like us strike out to make our own way in the world. The irony is it’s easier said than done to maintain balance for entrepreneurs. 

For me personally I’ve found that I need to separate my work life and my personal life in some way. Since my home is also my office I’ve found the best way to do this is to create an office area dedicated solely to that purpose. Ok, you’re saying, I don’t have the space. An office nook may be a corner of the sofa or closet in the guest room, but it really helps to be able to establish a work and non-work zone for work/life balance. Another think that really helps create structure in my work from home life is to have office hours – and to keep them, seriously!

4). Nurture your connections

I’m not going to lie, I’m horrible at this! However, it’s such an important part of owning your own business that I have to include it. Having a strong support network is key to staying positive and motivated through the ups and downs of being a small business owner. 

We all needs friends - whether it’s a weekly Bible study or a play date at the park don’t forget to enjoy time with others.

5). Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint

I started my small business in 2011 and had I known how my business would grow and evolve, I probably would have been overwhelmed! Being an entrepreneur has forced me to push outside of my comfort zone personally and professionally. It has been a lot of work and I’ve experienced quite a few growing pains, but I’ve also gained many rewards, although not always the monetary kind! So hang in there and remember owning your small business is a lifestyle that requires a lot of faith and perseverance.

Owning your business can be a dream come true - incredibly rewarding and freeing – the secret is to stay positive! So how do you stay positive and motivated as a small business owner?

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