Stephanie Koshay Photography on Facebook
19 August 2009
Facebook!
Are you my fan on Facebook yet??? If not, search for Stephanie Koshay Photography or click on the link below and become a fan! I only post a few pics on here from photo shoots, and then post more on Facebook later, so if you want to see more, check it out! I'll be posting lots of pics soon, and you won't want to miss it!
18 July 2009
Love. Joy. Peace.
This year has been a year of growing for me—growing in my understanding of God, my love for Him, and His love for me. I feel like for the first time in my life I’m finally getting it. Knowing how infinite God is, my finally “getting it” is probably just one grain of sand on the whole huge beach. None the less, it’s been amazing.
One of the things I’ve come to understand this year is that living for God isn’t about rules and regulations. It isn’t about a code of morality that you adhere to. Yeah, that stuff is most definitely a part of the whole. But it’s not the whole at all. I think I used to follow God and His rules because I was supposed to. Yes, I loved Him, and it made sense to me, but a lot of my motivation was that it’s what I was supposed to do. But this year, I have started to see that it’s about the relationship. I’ve heard that before, and I’ve always agreed with it, but I’ve seen the reality of it so much more. The interesting thing is, the relationship ties in with the “rules,” per say. You can’t really have one without the other. Hmmm… I’m losing how to say what I’m thinking here… This is where a good quote can step in (as usual with me!):
In Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller says:
Just the other day, I was talking to a friend about how when we sin we’re essentially cheating on God. And I’m not really talking about those blatant sins we think of when we talk about sinning (although that applies too). I’m talking about the sins of the heart: Bitterness, and Self-Hatred, and Jealousy, and Fear… When we entertain those sins, we are choosing Satan’s lies (his Law) over God’s truth (His Law). And when that’s all broken down into formula, theology, and rules, it’s really not that big of a deal. But when we realize it’s about a relationship, it becomes a big deal.
A few months ago, I made a huge effort to finally get rid of Fear in my life. I decided that I was sick of accepting what Fear had to say above what God had to say. It hasn’t really been about “rules” or doing “what I’m supposed to do.” I chose to let go of Fear because I chose to believe that God is God, and I am not, and He deserves to be followed and believed and loved. And the most amazing thing has happened. Every time I repent of Fear and Stress (and I do mean multiple times—it’s not easy!), He replaces all that with the craziest, biggest sense of Peace and Joy and Love that I have ever felt in my life. And I haven’t repented in order to get that—I haven't even expected it. I repented because I decided to choose God. And He surprised me with that blessing. Either I’m manifesting Satan’s kingdom (Bitterness, Rejection, Fear, Self-Hatred, etc.) or I’m manifesting God’s kingdom (Love, Joy, Peace, etc.). By removing Fear, I’ve made room for God’s kingdom.
His Peace truly does transcend all understanding. My situation doesn’t necessarily change, but when I choose God, my heart is filled with His Peace, Love, and Joy. It’s incredible and undeniably amazing. I am finally just beginning to grasp how much He loves us, and I can’t help but share it.
One of the things I’ve come to understand this year is that living for God isn’t about rules and regulations. It isn’t about a code of morality that you adhere to. Yeah, that stuff is most definitely a part of the whole. But it’s not the whole at all. I think I used to follow God and His rules because I was supposed to. Yes, I loved Him, and it made sense to me, but a lot of my motivation was that it’s what I was supposed to do. But this year, I have started to see that it’s about the relationship. I’ve heard that before, and I’ve always agreed with it, but I’ve seen the reality of it so much more. The interesting thing is, the relationship ties in with the “rules,” per say. You can’t really have one without the other. Hmmm… I’m losing how to say what I’m thinking here… This is where a good quote can step in (as usual with me!):
In Searching for God Knows What, Donald Miller says:
“The hijacking of the concept of morality began, of course, when we reduced Scripture to formula and a love story to theology, and finally morality to rules. It is a very different thing to break a rule than it is to cheat on a lover. A person’s mind can do all sorts of things his heart would never let him do. If we think of God’s grace as a technicality, a theological precept, we can disobey without the slightest feeling of guilt, but if we think of God’s grace as a relational invitation, an outreach of love, we are pretty much jerks for belittling the gesture. …When I run a stop sign, for example, I am breaking a law against a system of rules, but if I cheat on my wife, I have broken a law against a person. The first is impersonal; the latter is intensely personal.” (p. 438-439 in his Greatest Hits collection)
Just the other day, I was talking to a friend about how when we sin we’re essentially cheating on God. And I’m not really talking about those blatant sins we think of when we talk about sinning (although that applies too). I’m talking about the sins of the heart: Bitterness, and Self-Hatred, and Jealousy, and Fear… When we entertain those sins, we are choosing Satan’s lies (his Law) over God’s truth (His Law). And when that’s all broken down into formula, theology, and rules, it’s really not that big of a deal. But when we realize it’s about a relationship, it becomes a big deal.
A few months ago, I made a huge effort to finally get rid of Fear in my life. I decided that I was sick of accepting what Fear had to say above what God had to say. It hasn’t really been about “rules” or doing “what I’m supposed to do.” I chose to let go of Fear because I chose to believe that God is God, and I am not, and He deserves to be followed and believed and loved. And the most amazing thing has happened. Every time I repent of Fear and Stress (and I do mean multiple times—it’s not easy!), He replaces all that with the craziest, biggest sense of Peace and Joy and Love that I have ever felt in my life. And I haven’t repented in order to get that—I haven't even expected it. I repented because I decided to choose God. And He surprised me with that blessing. Either I’m manifesting Satan’s kingdom (Bitterness, Rejection, Fear, Self-Hatred, etc.) or I’m manifesting God’s kingdom (Love, Joy, Peace, etc.). By removing Fear, I’ve made room for God’s kingdom.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
His Peace truly does transcend all understanding. My situation doesn’t necessarily change, but when I choose God, my heart is filled with His Peace, Love, and Joy. It’s incredible and undeniably amazing. I am finally just beginning to grasp how much He loves us, and I can’t help but share it.
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 4:17-19)
01 July 2009
A Bit of Heaven
I just got back from an absolutely fantastic weekend in Michigan! As usual, we crammed everything possible in--which left us entirely exhausted and yet so fulfilled. We also had some co-travelers this time--my brother, Shannon, and his roommate Alabbas--which helped make the drive more bearable (and I always love spending time with Shan!). Alabbas is from Saudi Arabia and hasn't been in the States all that long, so it was fun to learn about his culture and show him ours.
We spent most of Saturday at the park and the beach with Matt's family. The weather was 75 and sunny! Couldn't have asked for anything better. I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Huron. Even though it was cold, I've missed the water so much I didn't care! And we got to catch up with family and see how much all of the kids have grown since we last saw them.
This is Mackenzie, our newest niece--such a cutie:
One of the older nephews, Jason, decided to have a little fun with the sunscreen!
Madelyn and Nathaniel had lots of fun together. That little guy has changed so much since our beach outing last year--but still just as cute!
Our newest nephew, Jeremiah, is so adorable!
On Sunday morning, we go to go sailing!!!! I totally love sailing, and was psyched that we got to fit that in! Our family friend, Ralph, took us out on his Catalina. I grew up sailing with him and his family, and it's always nice to see him again. After some initial misty rain, it cleared up perfectly and the water was soooo smooth.
That's me at the wheel, with the huge smile I couldn't wipe off my face the whole time!!
Shannon and Alabbas in the cabin (wasn't much room for everyone to sit!):
My dad, who taught me the joys of sailing:
After that, the four of us southerners headed on the road, stopping quickly in Gross Pointe to visit my grandparents, and grabbing oh-so-yummy, highly-recommended lunch at La Pita in Dearborn (had to get some authentic food for Alibas!). We got back super late, but filled with lots of excellent memories. Oh to have a weekend like that again! :)
More exciting things are on the way this summer. A couple more visits up north are in order, and I'm also taking a trip to Colorado in August! I'm going to visit my friend Megan, get some quality girl time in, and take some Rock the Dress photos!
As always, I'm excited for whatever God has in store for the future. I'll keep you posted!
We spent most of Saturday at the park and the beach with Matt's family. The weather was 75 and sunny! Couldn't have asked for anything better. I really enjoyed swimming in Lake Huron. Even though it was cold, I've missed the water so much I didn't care! And we got to catch up with family and see how much all of the kids have grown since we last saw them.
This is Mackenzie, our newest niece--such a cutie:
One of the older nephews, Jason, decided to have a little fun with the sunscreen!
Madelyn and Nathaniel had lots of fun together. That little guy has changed so much since our beach outing last year--but still just as cute!
Our newest nephew, Jeremiah, is so adorable!
On Sunday morning, we go to go sailing!!!! I totally love sailing, and was psyched that we got to fit that in! Our family friend, Ralph, took us out on his Catalina. I grew up sailing with him and his family, and it's always nice to see him again. After some initial misty rain, it cleared up perfectly and the water was soooo smooth.
That's me at the wheel, with the huge smile I couldn't wipe off my face the whole time!!
Shannon and Alabbas in the cabin (wasn't much room for everyone to sit!):
My dad, who taught me the joys of sailing:
After that, the four of us southerners headed on the road, stopping quickly in Gross Pointe to visit my grandparents, and grabbing oh-so-yummy, highly-recommended lunch at La Pita in Dearborn (had to get some authentic food for Alibas!). We got back super late, but filled with lots of excellent memories. Oh to have a weekend like that again! :)
More exciting things are on the way this summer. A couple more visits up north are in order, and I'm also taking a trip to Colorado in August! I'm going to visit my friend Megan, get some quality girl time in, and take some Rock the Dress photos!
As always, I'm excited for whatever God has in store for the future. I'll keep you posted!
24 June 2009
Summer Savings!
Hey everybody! Sorry I haven't been updating things lately. Hopefully soon I'll be filling you in on everything! I just wanted to share a great deal with all of you Louisville area people. Summer is a fantastic time to get photos taken, with all the sunshine and great weather going on. So, here's a little something to bless your pocketbook:
Book your portrait session before July 25th, and get $25 worth of free prints for every $50 ordered! Or, get $50 worth of free prints with the purchase of all of your images on CD (includes permission to print)! Sessions may be scheduled through September. E-mail me or contact me through my website to get your session booked today!
14 April 2009
Meet the Browns
A few days ago, Matt and I got to hang out with the Browns, an awesome family we know from church. They're such a joyful, warm, and friendly family. It was great to spend time getting to know them better. I also got to take pictures of them on their large, country property. This is one of my favorites:
10 April 2009
Land Between the Lakes
I just had a fantastic week with my family! Once a year, my parents come down from Michigan to do some vacationing with my brother, my husband, and me. Last year we had a great time in Gatlinburg. This year, we met up at Land Between the Lakes, in western Kentucky. It's a really pretty wildlife area, with lots of water (us Michiganders love water and sailboats!), trees, trails, and the like. As always, we made tons of yummy food, relaxed at a nice cabin (I would highly recommend the Lake Woods Log Cabin), and enjoyed laughing and talking together.
Our first evening there, we made sure to visit the Elk and Bison Prairie at dusk so that we could spot the animals. We definitely saw quite a few elk and bison. It was hard to take pictures because it was so dark, but I did manage to capture the neat textures and colors in this one:
Matt and I were off to the side, viewing the animals, when I decided to take a picture of Shannon, my brother, and my parents looking out at the prairie. Then they spotted us!
On another day, we hiked around a small lake. There was this neat area where you could walk across stepping stones at the top of a waterfall. Matt went to take a picture of the four of us, and while he was walking away, we set up in the YMCA stance! He got a kick out of that when he turned around! We're so silly.
This one shows the waterfall:
There were tons of butterflies all over the trail. They gathered in little clumps a lot.
We had fun playing put-put golf at Maggie's Jungle Golf, and then checked out their Jungle Run, which is filled with lots of crazy animals, from emus to goats to donkeys to a camel.
I think this is an emu:
They had peacocks EVERYWHERE!!! I asked the owner how many they had and he guessed it was around 28 to 30. Crazy!
The camel liked to have food thrown in his mouth!
After the awesome weekend, my parents spent a few days in Nashville with Shannon. Then they came back to visit us for a couple of days as well. We did some shopping, lots of eating (as always!), and a little sightseeing. We stopped in at the Jim Beam distillery, and checked out the Bernheim Forest. Both are places I'd like to visit again--especially since they're just 20 minutes down the road!
I'm always thankful for time I get to spend with my family, and this week was no exception. It's great to get together and talk, experience life together, and encourage eachother in our walks with God. It's such a blessing! I wonder what we'll do next year!
Our first evening there, we made sure to visit the Elk and Bison Prairie at dusk so that we could spot the animals. We definitely saw quite a few elk and bison. It was hard to take pictures because it was so dark, but I did manage to capture the neat textures and colors in this one:
Matt and I were off to the side, viewing the animals, when I decided to take a picture of Shannon, my brother, and my parents looking out at the prairie. Then they spotted us!
On another day, we hiked around a small lake. There was this neat area where you could walk across stepping stones at the top of a waterfall. Matt went to take a picture of the four of us, and while he was walking away, we set up in the YMCA stance! He got a kick out of that when he turned around! We're so silly.
This one shows the waterfall:
There were tons of butterflies all over the trail. They gathered in little clumps a lot.
We had fun playing put-put golf at Maggie's Jungle Golf, and then checked out their Jungle Run, which is filled with lots of crazy animals, from emus to goats to donkeys to a camel.
I think this is an emu:
They had peacocks EVERYWHERE!!! I asked the owner how many they had and he guessed it was around 28 to 30. Crazy!
The camel liked to have food thrown in his mouth!
After the awesome weekend, my parents spent a few days in Nashville with Shannon. Then they came back to visit us for a couple of days as well. We did some shopping, lots of eating (as always!), and a little sightseeing. We stopped in at the Jim Beam distillery, and checked out the Bernheim Forest. Both are places I'd like to visit again--especially since they're just 20 minutes down the road!
I'm always thankful for time I get to spend with my family, and this week was no exception. It's great to get together and talk, experience life together, and encourage eachother in our walks with God. It's such a blessing! I wonder what we'll do next year!
23 March 2009
Quick trip
I just got back from a wonderful whirlwind weekend in Michigan! It was jam-packed with lots of people and fun. I got there after midnight on Friday since I had to work 'til 5. I got up super early Saturday to run over to my friend Corey's house for a short short visit (I'll steal a chance to see her any time I can!). I got to see her son Aedan for a few minutes too (hubby Jer was still sleeping--sorry I missed you!). He's growing up! He'll be three in a day or two, I think... Corey and Jer are expecting a second baby soon! I'm excited!
Then I ran back to my parent's to have breakfast with them before Matt and I headed over to his sister, Teresa's, where Matt's three sisters were gathered with some of the kids and hubbies. We had lots of fun talking and watching the kids play games. We were there a few hours, then headed to the riverfront where my uncle, aunt, and cousin were hanging out with my parents. They made the trip to see us since they're a few hours past our hometown! It was awesome to see them.
We discovered that Aunt Sandy and my mom have the same coat!
Katie and I by the bridge:
Having some fun with Katie and the camera:
Then we headed back to my parent's to hang out for the night. We played Charades and had a blast! We always laugh so much when we're together!
Katie and I again :) :
Sunday, we got up super early again and drove to Matt's brother, Rob's, to meet our newest nephew, Jeremiah! Congrats, Rob and Jacquie, on your third wonderful little boy!
Of course I had to get lots of pictures of photogenic Nathaniel. He's so smiley! Still as cute as a button.
Then we headed over to my grandparents to celebrate Grandpa's 89th birthday!
After that, we made the drive back to Kentucky, stopping in Dayton to see Megan & Andy before they move to Colorado. We'll defintiely miss you two!
It was a jam-packed weekend! I'm so grateful that we were able to see so many people. It's always so hard to say goodbye every time, but I'm glad we have the opportunity to make trips as often as we can!
Then I ran back to my parent's to have breakfast with them before Matt and I headed over to his sister, Teresa's, where Matt's three sisters were gathered with some of the kids and hubbies. We had lots of fun talking and watching the kids play games. We were there a few hours, then headed to the riverfront where my uncle, aunt, and cousin were hanging out with my parents. They made the trip to see us since they're a few hours past our hometown! It was awesome to see them.
We discovered that Aunt Sandy and my mom have the same coat!
Katie and I by the bridge:
Having some fun with Katie and the camera:
Then we headed back to my parent's to hang out for the night. We played Charades and had a blast! We always laugh so much when we're together!
Katie and I again :) :
Sunday, we got up super early again and drove to Matt's brother, Rob's, to meet our newest nephew, Jeremiah! Congrats, Rob and Jacquie, on your third wonderful little boy!
Of course I had to get lots of pictures of photogenic Nathaniel. He's so smiley! Still as cute as a button.
Then we headed over to my grandparents to celebrate Grandpa's 89th birthday!
After that, we made the drive back to Kentucky, stopping in Dayton to see Megan & Andy before they move to Colorado. We'll defintiely miss you two!
It was a jam-packed weekend! I'm so grateful that we were able to see so many people. It's always so hard to say goodbye every time, but I'm glad we have the opportunity to make trips as often as we can!
04 March 2009
Website Update!
I finally got my website updated! Woohoo! If some of you have peeked over the last couple of weeks, you may have seen some of the changes. Now everything is completed, so take another look! New pictures, new slideshow links, new everything! Click the picture above to check it out.
08 February 2009
Ice Storm
2009 has gotten off to an interesting start. As you may have heard on the news, Kentucky got hit by a pretty big ice storm. Thousands of people lost power--us included. Some still don't have power, over a week later. We were out for 6 days. Thankfully, friends took us in so we had a warm place to stay! We were able to move back home just in time before Matt had shoulder surgery, which was on Thursday.Besides the power being out, I must say that I really enjoyed seeing snow and ice all around. Crazy, eh? Seriously though, it felt like I was home! You're supposed to be surrounded by snow in January!
Keep on watching for my website updates. I was planning to have them done last week, but between the power being out and taking care of Matt, it's gotten pushed back quite a bit! I'm looking forward to sharing some new photos with you all though!
14 January 2009
Catching Up
My goodness! Time flies! I haven't written an entry in over two months! Finally, though, I am entering my slow season (thank God for that!) and I have a chance to sit and catch up.
Let's see... Some of you may wonder how I've been doing on my new lease on life. Well, I've been doing better! I still catch myself getting caught up in the busyness of just living, but I've found some opportunities to live a little more. Shortly after that entry, Matt and I had the opportunity to spend a day together (he had it off, and I was in between jobs... more on that in a sec), so we lived it up the best we could, despite the cold, rainy weather. We decided to scout the downtown area, where I would be training for a while, and in the process discovered a covered walkway that runs all the way from Fourth Street Live to the Galt House Hotel! So we took that and snooped around the big, luxurious hotel. Then, we headed to Frankfort Avenue, where there are lots of cute boutiques, antique stores, and unique restaurants. We found an awesome pottery shop called Pottery Rowe. The artist, Melvin Rowe, was there working on some Christmas ornaments. There is some amazing stuff there! I absolutely love pottery. I used to make it when I was in college. I would give anything to have the chance to work on a potter's wheel again... ah... so therapeutic. After that, we explored the campuses of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. They're both in a beautiful area with lots of pretty houses.
Then, my parents and brother came for Thanksgiving.
It was a lot of fun to have them here! We spent a little bit of time back at the Frankfort Avenue area, and discovered a model train shop! That was SO fun! My brother and I had an HO scale train set when we were kids (we still do, but it's boxed up now). We had so much fun building it, painting the landscape, adding trees and grass, racing the cars, building mountains, etc. etc. Needless to say, we really enjoyed being around that stuff again.
Christmas was different this year. I was only able to make it home for a day and a half. We tried to make it home in time for the annual neighborhood Christmas party, but bad weather all through Ohio and Michigan turned our 7 hour trip into 11 1/2 hours. :( We spent Christmas Eve at home, and Christmas day I flew back to Louisville, leaving Matt behind to enjoy some more time with his family. I had to work the day after Christmas. I'm really glad I did get to spend a little bit of time at home though!
So did you catch that I have a new job? Haha... Yep, I'm a part time teller at a bank now. I had been working at a portrait studio. It's been an interesting change. I think it will be nice to not be doing photography related work 24/7 now. Now I can focus on what I want to do with photography and enjoy it more!
So that's why I was incognito for a while. I had full time training for the new job, then it was the holidays on top of the adjusting to the job. Now I'm back in business! I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in this new year. I'm sure it will bring many new and exciting things!
Now, before I head off to work on my website updates (stay posted!), I'd like to share a quote from Ronald J. Sider's book, "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger." I've been reading it lately, and this part really jumped out at me today. He's talking about social injustices, but I really think that this principle applies to the grander scheme of things too. Some food for thought!
Let's see... Some of you may wonder how I've been doing on my new lease on life. Well, I've been doing better! I still catch myself getting caught up in the busyness of just living, but I've found some opportunities to live a little more. Shortly after that entry, Matt and I had the opportunity to spend a day together (he had it off, and I was in between jobs... more on that in a sec), so we lived it up the best we could, despite the cold, rainy weather. We decided to scout the downtown area, where I would be training for a while, and in the process discovered a covered walkway that runs all the way from Fourth Street Live to the Galt House Hotel! So we took that and snooped around the big, luxurious hotel. Then, we headed to Frankfort Avenue, where there are lots of cute boutiques, antique stores, and unique restaurants. We found an awesome pottery shop called Pottery Rowe. The artist, Melvin Rowe, was there working on some Christmas ornaments. There is some amazing stuff there! I absolutely love pottery. I used to make it when I was in college. I would give anything to have the chance to work on a potter's wheel again... ah... so therapeutic. After that, we explored the campuses of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. They're both in a beautiful area with lots of pretty houses.
Then, my parents and brother came for Thanksgiving.
It was a lot of fun to have them here! We spent a little bit of time back at the Frankfort Avenue area, and discovered a model train shop! That was SO fun! My brother and I had an HO scale train set when we were kids (we still do, but it's boxed up now). We had so much fun building it, painting the landscape, adding trees and grass, racing the cars, building mountains, etc. etc. Needless to say, we really enjoyed being around that stuff again.Christmas was different this year. I was only able to make it home for a day and a half. We tried to make it home in time for the annual neighborhood Christmas party, but bad weather all through Ohio and Michigan turned our 7 hour trip into 11 1/2 hours. :( We spent Christmas Eve at home, and Christmas day I flew back to Louisville, leaving Matt behind to enjoy some more time with his family. I had to work the day after Christmas. I'm really glad I did get to spend a little bit of time at home though!
So did you catch that I have a new job? Haha... Yep, I'm a part time teller at a bank now. I had been working at a portrait studio. It's been an interesting change. I think it will be nice to not be doing photography related work 24/7 now. Now I can focus on what I want to do with photography and enjoy it more!
So that's why I was incognito for a while. I had full time training for the new job, then it was the holidays on top of the adjusting to the job. Now I'm back in business! I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in this new year. I'm sure it will bring many new and exciting things!
Now, before I head off to work on my website updates (stay posted!), I'd like to share a quote from Ronald J. Sider's book, "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger." I've been reading it lately, and this part really jumped out at me today. He's talking about social injustices, but I really think that this principle applies to the grander scheme of things too. Some food for thought!
"However, living differently...by no means involves trying to do everything. We each have our own unique gifts and calling. God wants many of us to fast and pray about social sin. Most should study, and many should write and speak out. Some should join and support organizations promoting social justice. Others should run for political office. All of us should ask how changes in our personal lifestyle could help model a better world. But God does not want anyone to feel guilty for not doing everything--or for taking time off for relaxation and recreation. Everyone should prayerfully ask God what limited, specific things God wants him or her to concentrate on. It was God, after all, who made us finite with only twenty-four hours each day. Being called to do all God wants us to do to correct social sin is not a heavy burden. It is an invitation to joy and meaning in life, an occasion for blessing our neighbors, and a wondrous opporutnity to be a coworker with the Lord of history."
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