Can you imagine...

 A world without these shots?

As if my life has not given you enough reason to know that prayer works!

I searched the web for "Free Photo Recovery Software" and came up with several. Recuva is what worked for my CF card. All 1168 pics were recovered!

Photography Prayers Needed...

I believe that God wants us to talk to Him about the "little" things in life. I figure that by my acknowledgment that He is in total control of ALL of the parts of my life {both big and small} He gets the glory.

With that said, I need prayer for a "small" thing. Actually, it is about 1128 small things.

First, I need to tell you that today has been one of those days. You know the ones, where you want to just throw something at turn off the alarm and pull the covers over your head. Not really because there is anything wrong; but just because. It was a long weekend and first part of the week caring for Carys through her recent virus {which started as a rash/fever but has since morphed into a horrible cough.} I cannot remember the last time I had to get out of my bed at night to check on either on of the kids. That is, until this weekend. Satan used this unusual situation to get into my head and attempt to steal my joy.

I could not sleep for this deep down feeling that something terribly wrong was about to happen. I would awake quite certain that Carys had stopped breathing, or have a vivid dream concerning Sawyer and his bunk bed (enough said). Of course each time I would have to go into their rooms, place my hands on them and pray. That took a lot out of me.

So, back to the photography...

My mom was nice enough to pick up both kids from school today. I feel guilty to say that I arrived home about 20 minutes before they did. Each year about this time I cut back my ferns and let them come back out with new foliage for the fall. They are beautiful for October and November. So I sat down trimming them and praying. I asked God to prune me and my life just like I was doing to these ferns. I want Him to take all of the old stuff, habits and thoughts that I might have that keep me from being beautiful in His eyes.

The the kids got home. We spent the afternoon outside playing. I grabbed the camera and shot some absolutely breath taking shots of them. It was like a gift from God. It was like He was showing be His goodness through my lens.  So why am I asking for prayer.

I came in and got the kids in the bath for church. I was trying to view  my pictures in my computer when the message that NO photographer wants to see popped up "CF needs formatting" In case you don't know, this means that somewhere in the transfer, the files have been corrupted; inaccessible.

I am was heartbroken.

Sometimes you can put the memory card into another reader and it will work. I put it back in the camera, same result. I am going to take it to the store and see if the files will open there tomorrow. If not, there is some software out there that claims to be able to retrieve erased, corrupted, or formatted files. We shall see. I am not just upset that the pictures are gone, but they were so lovely.

If you have nothing else to pray for, please, pray that somehow I can retrieve my precious memories.

P.S. Carys' birthday pictures are on there as well...

Happy 6th to the Bravest Person I Know...

 

That of course being Carys Jo Cottingham!

I just had to break the blogging silence (caused by nothing more that life:) to wish my beautiful darling a happy birthday. She is nothing short of amazing. To let her know how I feel on this day...

My Darling Carys,

About 6 and 1/2 years ago, God blessed me with the best birthday present ever. You see on that day, my 22nd birthday I discovered that God had placed a tiny life inside of mine. The joy, thankfulness, and honor that your Daddy and I felt at that time we thought could not be topped. Boy, were we wrong! I hope that you can one day understand how God used YOU to start a mighty work in your parents lives. When we were hoping to have you we discovered this verse:

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 

We knew that we must set God and His ways at the center of our lives if blessings such as you and Sawyer were ever to be. We have not been perfect, but we hope that with our every step we set an example for you on how to delight in the Lord.

My prayer for you is that one day you realize what so many people already know. God has chosen you, my dear, as an instrument through which to reveal His power, His love, His grace, and even His beauty. You have made me proud in so many ways, the least of which was your courageous spirit through your cancer journey. What blesses my soul even more than those days is you faith and love for God. You probably will not remember being upset to learn that you would not be required to have memory verses at school this year, or wanting a copy of the 10 Commandments for your new Kindergarten Friend who you felt was using God's name inappropriately, or even how you cried when you could not go to church because you were sick with a rash. You may not remember these times, but they have been defining moments in your life so far. Times when God confirmed to me that despite my many faults, you understand what in most important in this life...Faith, Service, and Dedication to God.

It is so hard for me to look at you and think that you are only SIX! What a full and blessed life you have lived already. But guess what!?! I just know that if you live by Psalm 37:4 you will have many, many more blessings in store. I have loved having you as my child, and I cannot wait to watch the rest of your life unfold.

I love you!

Momma