The ends of November.

I am including some photos from the Azure Ray concert I went to last week. It was really good, as in, the music was wonderful live. It brought back many memories. Not that I don't still listen to their music. But for some odd reason, hearing them being played live, reminded me of the times that I had first heard the songs. I could even remember the feelings I used to feel when listened to them back in the day.

Things are so different now. I am so amazed at how far I've been brought.

And I'm thankful.

Things are still changing. Even now, this week, certain events are taking place in my life that will mold me. Hard things. But good things. Much prayer for strength is needed.

Here comes another season!

Turkey-turkey

I've been having some weird dreams lately. Weird and kind of scary. But at the same time, comforting..peaceful. Let me tell you why.

As rediculous as the images may be, in the background, a hymn will be playing. Most of the time it's "when peace like a river, attendeth my soul..." or "morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

How can I feel afraid when my Father is all there, all the time, even when I am not?

Especially when I am not.

Thanksgiving is almost here! So of course I drew my hand turkey in my planner. So I wouldn't forget :) I am so excited for a break. I'm excited to have nice time to do whatever I want, like craft and make stuffed animals and Christmas ornaments. I am most excited about family time. I love my family. I am also really excited about time with my pets. They really do bring so much happiness into this world.

I get to see one of my favorite bands play in Georgia tomorrow night. Azure Ray. It will be a long drive, but worth it. I'll post photos of it later!

Names

Here are some variations of my name that I had heard the past 15 years that I've been in school.

Just when I think I've heard them all...another one comes along and just blows my mind. Enjoy!

1. Venus Rice (a boy in PE class, tenth grade, I will never forget)

2. Viener (a friends roomates)

3. Vienna (like the sausage)

4. Vizenez (Sarah Thompson)

5. Vineez

6. "Vee-an-eZ Rayz" (about 90% of all teachers on the first day of school)

7. Vianey

8. DNA (Zev from Java's Brewing)

9. Ya-nay (my sister and some neighbors)

10. Na-nay (my mother when she's trying to be cute)

11. Bella (my parents)

12. Nay-Nay (Marquze from high school, he was hilarious)

13. Vea (The residents and my bosses from my old job at a retirement community)

14. "VNA" (7 year old Johanna who drew me a picture of a turkey today at church!)

15. Beesknees (my brother started calling me this and somehow, now almost all of my friends call me this...it really makes no sense. haha)

16. Veaney (my grandparents have always spelled it this way, even though they are the ones that named me...hahaha)

17. Phyllis (Brett Sheffield, the ONLY one who has ever called me this. I don't think even he knows why he calls me this. Only where it comes from...haha But I love it.)

18. Veanez (Wesley-I think the only one who ever calls me by my real name unless he's trying to annoy me, then he goes for na-nay.)

Thoughts on November 9, 2010

"You make beautiful things out of dust;

You make beautiful things out of us."

I am feeling very secure on this day. What a wonderful feeling.

That my Father "makes me dwell in safety"

He lies me down in PEACE and gives me REST.

Psalm 3:3-5

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.

I lay down and slept;

I awoke, for the Lord sustained me."

This reminded me of when I was young and lived with my grandparents back in Texas.

When I would have terrible dreams and couldn't sleep, my grandfather, Tata, would take me into his arms, pray over me and sing 'Allelujah' until I fell back to sleep. I was safe there.

He heard my cry in the night, and gave me rest.

I am encouraged by my grandfather over and over again. Just the thought of him. The most patient man I have ever known. Peace and joy in every line of his face. Humbleness in his voice.

He taught me how to capture beauty and God's creation through a lens, he gave me my first camera, and gave me my current camera. He taught me to pursue a career that I had a desire for, even if it wouldn't make me a lot of money.

What wisdom this man has.

It's so awesome to see the amazing people God has placed in my life.

And to see the things that I remember from my childhood, lessons I've been taught and learned, and how they are playing in my decision making this year, this day, this hour.

And all the while, it is what God has orchestrated.

His hand is over everything.

And that is why I am safe.

Psalm 4:8

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety"

Fruits, toots.

His name is Stephan.

Acorn Heads

I'm an acorn!

I think I am getting a cold. Uh-oh! This stinks because I'll have no one to take care of me.
These last few weeks have been incredibly busy with this and that.
Seems like all of my assigments are all due at the same time.
It's hard to keep up sometimes. I guess I am fortunate that I don't have a job right now. Although, I miss working so terribly!
Yesterday I took my friends Helen Marie and Jimmy's engagement photos.
They are two of the most delightful people I know. So it was a blessing to be with them for an hour or two. I met a dog named Jack! I feel like Sarah Hankins when I say that. But Jack was so friendly and talkative, he kept howling at us whenever we wouldn't pet him. It sounded like he was saying "yooooooooouuuuu!" I know he meant he loved me.
He was part golden retreiver, and part poodle! Huge dog! But lovely none the less.

Here is Jack:

Apart from feeling sick, and apart from all the crazy school things I'm having to do, I am at peace! There is joy inside my heart.
Tomorrow I get to go to my home, see my family, see my PETS! Relax, visit some friends in Columbia, go to church and cut all my hair off hopefully.
It will be an awesome weekend!

Keep an eye out for HM and Jimmy's photos on my photography blog:
photographybeesknees.blogspot.com