NYC

I love visiting NYC! Its iconic sites include skyscrapers and Central Park. Broadway theaters staged in the neon light of Times Square. I love capturing the sites and people. The food and coffee...amazing!

Here are some of my photos from our last trip to the city that never sleeps.

Choose HOPE

“Once you choose HOPE anything is possible.”

#ATLUTD Unite & Conquer

Last night we went with a few friends to the Atlanta United MLS Soccer match at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The stadium is gorgeous and offers an amazing fan experience. 

Unfortunately, the boys in red and gold lost but we have already qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season! So exciting! Next year we will have to go to more games!

Eatonton, Georgia

I’m a city girl at heart. I didn’t grow up in a big city but having lived in Washington DC and Atlanta, I have enjoyed all that a big city has to offer.

Yesterday we travel 90 minutes east of Atlanta to Eatonton on Lake Oconee for a beautiful wedding. When we were driving to the church, we drove through the center of town where there was a huge festival happening on a perfect day. The church was exactly what I expected.

It was great spending time with friends celebrating love.

laurajdake  

Luger

This boy has my heart.

He is a strong being...physically and in will but on the other hand can be the sweetest boy. Wanting to be in the same chair as you on your lap. Let me remind you he is at least 75lbs but I don't care! 😘

I have to admit that I could have given up on him many times in the being training phase of life because he tests my patience to the very limit. I can't compare him to Osa. They are on complete opposites of the spectrum.

After being gone for 13 or so days we have a new bond. Maybe he's just growing up and moving out of puppy stage but I'll take it!

📸 : lauradake

The Journey

We just spent 10 days at the beautiful Salvation Army's Camp Hoblitzelle in Texas.

📸: laurajdake

The Bible leaders for the week were Captains Andy & Abby Miller. Our theme was, The Journey. 

We have to own that the journey is not your own.
Captain Andy Miller III

God has a marvelous path or journey for our lives. Life happens and sometimes we get detoured from the path He has planned for us but He is with us guiding us. We have to listen to His voice. Many times we listen to our heart because it makes us feel good at the time. Captains Miller said this, Our hearts lean toward sin. Following your heart has lead couples to adultery and has led people right out of the church. We need to have a pure heart. 

The theme verse was found in Philippians. I love the translation they used. The Voice. The creator of the universe, the God who knew me at the very existence of my being, the God who created me, created a journey for me. Nothing comes as a surprise to Him. I love capturing images with my camera. I think telling a story with images comes so much easier to me than writing words on a page but I love how this translation paints this image. God, the creator, will not stop in mid-design but He is constantly perfecting me. 

I thank God for the opportunities he has provided for me. I'm grateful for the friends and family I have that keep me accountable.

I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you,
will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you...
Philippians 1:6 The Voice

The Gunshow Experience

I love when we get to spend time with our friends Jeff and Sheena. Besides having a great time together we love "good" food and the dining experience. We went to a restaurant that has been on my list for some time now called Gunshow. 

Chef Kevin Gillespie’s restaurant, Gunshow, offers a bold, new take on the traditional dining experience. Inspired by Brazilian churrascaria-style dining and Chinese dim sum, Kevin combined the two for a decidedly fun and delicious result. Dishes are presented on rolling carts and trays to diners at their tables where they can then choose what to order. Pricing is a la carte.

The menu changes constantly and the kitchen is highly visible. You can watch the chefs at work creating art on a plate.

Here are photos of some of the food we had. We had our favorites! the Crispy Beef Short Rib, Onion & Cheese Tart, Handmade Tortellini and the Roaster Diver Scallops. Of course we had to try dessert, so we had Banana Pudding. My least favorite and it confirmed that I don't really like them were the Oysters.

📸  Laura Dake (photos 1-4)
📸  Sheena Marquis (photos 5-7)

Hosanna

I see the king of glory

Coming on the clouds with fire

The whole earth shakes

I see his love and mercy

Washing over all our sin

The people sing

Hosanna

Hosanna

Hosanna in the highest 

I see a generation

Rising up to take their place

With selfless faith

With selfless faith

I see a near revival

Stirring as we pray and seek

We're on our knees

Heal my heart and make it clean

Open up my eyes to the things unseen

Show me how to love like you have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks yours

Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause

As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna in the highest

Hillsong United Lyrics

tsamtk.org

Three Year Anniversary

As I lay my head down tonight (Friday night), my mind is consumed with thoughts and memories of three years ago. We laughed. We cried. He struggled. It is almost paralyzingly. I went to bed hoping that he would make it through the night and a few hours later Doug entered heaven. I miss him so much! But I am confident that he lives in heaven with God The Father. I can't even imagine. 

I am reminded of these beautiful words:

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

I looked up into the sky through the trees while I was walking around the dog park this morning. I want to believe that the clear skies and sunshine are sign from heaven that all is well.