My dear brother

The past week has been hard on many people from probably all over the world. I know for sure it has been hard on people from the small town of Woodville, TX. My brother, for the most part, grew up in this town. It is a small town, so most everyone knows everyone else. I know that most everyone probably knew Josh Rogers. And I know that Josh Rogers was my brothers best friend. He was the best man in my brothers wedding last August and he did an amazing job at being best man. I believe that the role of being best man goes beyond just the wedding night, or the bachelor party. The best man is always there, he never leaves the side of the groom, and he is the strongest man in your party. He is the first one in line when the groom turns to his boys. And after last Tuesday, he won't be there for my brother anymore. Josh Rogers was killed last Tuesday by a drunk driver, and let me tell you, it is news that will turn your stomach. It is news that will make you forget how to walk in the middle of the sidewalk in front of Rudder. And it is news that will absolutely break your heart if you knew Josh Rogers.
I never knew Josh well, but I knew that he cared for my brother, and my mom. I knew that he was one of the best soldiers this country will ever have, and that he was a really funny guy. He had a number of military awards and at the tender age of 22 had made rank of Staff Sergeant. He had the dedication and passion that was beyond what anyone could ask. I feel honored to have ever met him.
I have been thinking a lot about Josh and my brother and Woodville and God a lot over this past week. As I have walked around campus, I have noticed the Dogwood trees around Harrington. I find Dogwoods to be absolutely stunning. They make me feel like I am in a fairytale, or Narnia. And this week, they made think a lot of God and Heaven. As I looked at them, I wondered about all the perfect things in Heaven. To me, Dogwood's come pretty darn close to perfect. Something that I was very glad for and felt very blessed for was that when I walk by or think of these trees, I feel comforted. I felt my heart know that everything was ok, and that although none of us have any clue why this tragedy had to happen and to someone that we all hold so dear, God had everything under control. I never have truly believed in coincidences or accidents or mistakes or anything of the sort. I have to believe in my heart that the Dogwood's were placed in my path for a reason this week, and that Dogwood's mean something important to Woodville, and that the people in Woodville mean something important to me.

Tonight, my prayers are with my brother. I hope that he might read my blog and find some kind of comfort and peace through these words. They were written (typed) with him in mind. I am praying that he might be able to find comfort through God also. John 14:27 says, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
I love you, Bud. I love you a lot.

And for Josh, we all miss you. We will all always miss you. You were the best man to my brother and I am grateful to you for that, forever. I dont know that I am allowed to say this, but I feel it is appropriate...

...Rest easy Soldier, you're home now.

Photography

...has officially won my heart.

I have always loved taking pictures, Courtney can vouche for me on this one, but I never thought that I would love it so much that I start looking at places as if I had a camera attached to my face. I got a new camera for Christmas (thanks David!) and I am obsessed. I think that this could not have come at a better time in my life. So many things had changed and the Lord was opening my heart to new and exciting things. Although I still have many days that I struggle, I love my life. I love letting go of all the dumb little things and just letting God take over completely. He knows that inner workings of my heart, and has slowly pulled out a small passion of it and turned it into an obsession. My favorite part is that I usually take pictures of Philip and Sarah, and when I go back and look at them and do some editing I am always transported to that moment. I love that when I think back and slow down to focus on the moment, I can see that in every facet of the picture or that moment or that day, He is everywhere. He has made every second of this life, every inch of the subjects of my pictures, and every ounce of His Creation. I love it....

...maybe that is why it always takes me so long to edit pictures. I get so caught up in them. :)