Abby and brothers

One of my beautiful best friends asked me to take photos of her and her three brothers for her parent's at Christmas time. Needless to say, I was more than willing to oblige. She's stunning and her family is beautiful.

Aron, Tyler, Evan, and Abby

this picture just makes me smile!

LOVE THIS!

this is a personal favorite of mine! cute? yes! about to cause some trouble... you bet!

Rachel and Spencer

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to take out two great friends of mine.  I was able to capture some great photos of them around our hometown of Boiling Springs, PA. Watching the two of them in love makes me smile knowing that someday that may just be me. Below are some of the moments I captured around Children's Lake.

 

 

Who Am I?

My Name is Meredith Gross, and this is my journey.

Please join me, as I seek, experience, and share with you the simple joys of the everyday.
I believe a person can find happiness in any moment. For me it can be in a good photograph filled with memories, processing through writing, conversations I didn't intend to have but that impacted me immensely, or the simple joys of creating something that uplifts others.

There are three simple things about me...

First, my family. When I was younger they taught me things like how to bake apple pies and throw a softball, and now they are teaching me timeless truths about loyalty and perseverance. They are the reason I am who I am, the literal tie that binds to my existence, and if you've ever met them, you understand when I say,
"they are the best in the world!"

Second, my passion. Whether it's in my job as a Resident Assistant at Messiah College, singing and creating music, or cooking, my life is lived with passion.
I love quickly, I love big, and I love strong

Third, I'll try anything once. Twice if I liked it the first time. This rule can sometimes get me into trouble, but it makes for some amazing memories in the mean time!

The Art of Snail Mail

Snail mail. Does anyone even write letters anymore?

10 Reasons I have received something in the mail...
10. i ordered something online
9. magazine
8. bills
7. credit card offers
6. those free return address labels from the most random of organizations
5. birthday cards from my 'more mature' relatives (when i'm lucky!)
4. church newsletter
3. local government informing me about jury duty
2. driver's license information
1. my personal favorite... those times when you DO get some nice "thinking of you" in the mail (ignore this for the sake of the post haha)

Besides the birthday cards and the church newsletter, lets face it, I had to ask for everything else. The days of sending 'I miss you' notes or 'get well soon' messages seem to be long gone. The magazine, I actually pay them to send me something maybe once a month, and lets face the facts... everything from jury duty to voter registration is just part of being a citizen.

My mom who is part of the CGWM at our church (Church of God Women's Ministry) is in charge of letter writing right now and when I saw the large bag of cards (all shapes, sizes, for different reasons and celebrations) I was amazed! They send letters to college students while they are away at school, they send notes of encouragement to shut ins from our community, in general the person in charge of all those cards takes the time to uplift others through thoughtful words.

Maybe we can all take a hint from my Mom's CGWM group, or maybe just return to the old fashion version of telling people we care...


I guess it's time to buy some stamps!

You are beautiful.
If there is one thing I would help you see it is just how beautiful you are to me.

You are so worried about what other will think.
You're too skinny,
too fat,
too blond
too brunette.
Too perky,
too sweet,
not enough mystery.

But there's something
I want you to know,
something very simple,
you see.

My daughter, my prize,
you are beautiful to me.

You are stunning.
captivating.
a true delight.
You are a joy,
an angel,
through you shines my light.

And I understand You're worried,
it's in your nature to be,
but please, my child,
be patient with me.

For I have a plan,
a purpose for you.
You need not fret or feel afraid
I know what it is I chose to do.

So follow me closely, this is my only request.
So you can understand what has yet to unfold.
The dreams I have for you are yet to be told.
But I promise you one thing,
they are much better you see,
than anything you could imagine
outside of me.

You will sing.
You will dance.
Your heart will know rest.
When you wait on me, for I am not finished just yet.
I know you are hurried,
I have not turned from your tears,
but my darling please know just how close, I am here.
I have not gone missing while you toil in vain,
I know every heart break,
I have felt all your pain.
But please, my daughter, I have another request,
stop wasting your time that is my plea,
instead of seeking please just depend on me.
For I know you are troubled and your heart has been burdened before,
because you have for so long searched for an open hand,
an open door.
But he was not right,
he did not fit.
and still you blame yourself,
as if it was you in control.

There is truth to grasp,
something only I can see.
I have better waiting for you, please trust in me.
Yes, others could do,
you could settle for sure,
but what I have planned will never leave you wanting more.

He is calm,
He is patient,
loyal to his core.
He is seeking me too first just as you are.
So please, stop looking,
for false versions of the one.
You will only end up tired of running a race you were not meant to have won.
He will laugh when you laugh,
and cry when you cry.
He will admit he is wrong,
the harmony to your song.
But my daughter,
remember,
he is only a gift.

His integrity will be evident,
even from afar,
and in every situation he will guard your heart as his own,
and treat you like I've treated the church for so long.
With respect and affirmation for his bride,
His love from you he will not hide.
There is no fear for safety when you are by his side.

My princess,
believe me.
I see the things you cannot.
There are days to be spent and memories to be made,
before any prince could bend down on one knee.

So be patient
just as I am with you,
and trust me enough to let me do my work.
Continue to pray continually with all your heart.

I hear you,
I'm near,
I alone am more than enough.
So while you are waiting please would you take my hand.
learn to dance with me and enjoy the romantic I am.
For I will carry you,
easily though,
this journey in life.

And while you are near,
I will whisper sweet things.
I will tell you just how much I love you,
while you wait by my side.

And although the night can be long,
and the darkness seems so near.
Please my daughter,
Remember, I am here.