A Time for Prayer

I am more than burdened for the events of the past week. I have decided to fast and pray for the last couple of days because its what I'm supposed to do:

*Pray for our Kari as she will receive the results of her cancer scan in the morning. We are believing God for complete healing. Pray against any foreign agents that might take root again.

*Pray for the Young family in the loss of their husband, father, pastor, and friend. It is heartbreaking. Josh and the rest of the CGB had the pleasure of working with him in the past. We join with the rest of the his friends and family through prayer.

*Pray for the family of Aubrey, a 10 year old girl who went to be with Jesus after a car accident on Sunday evening. This is the niece of Chad & Amy Johnston as well as Ashley & Mike Harris. This is inconceivable.

*Pray for Matt Chandler and his family as they begin this journey together. He is having surgery on Friday afternoon. We are hopeful that he is healed of this completely. Pray for his doctors and nurses as well. In all things, Christ glorified.

*Pray for the Krystal & Tyler as they are on the verge of welcoming in a new baby boy into the world. Pray against complications and for the good health of everyone.

*Pray for Portico as transitions are made for the move and all the changes that come with it.

I am confident...we have a High Priest...for the Glory of Christ.

One Week!

I am beyond excited for our trip next week! First, it is a bit of a vacation of sorts. We are heading out Monday to Dallas for the U2 show. I love U2 but I am crazy about Muse. LOVE them! We are staying at Mom's house, but she will be in Connecticut. Josh & I will have some time together during the week and then we head out to New Orleans for a long weekend! Mom is meeting us there! The craziest part is that Josh gets his first weekend off for the first time in 11 months. It will be an amazing time! We are so excited to share in this time with Liz & Alex. And if that wasn't enough, the Wilhites are going to be in New Orleans, too. I will be sure to take a TON of photos. This week will be epic. I think we need a refresher in the Grammon household. The Lord blesses and restores. He has ordained these relationships and we will have more memories. Praise Jesus!

Austin/Dallas Trip!

Even though it was almost a month ago, I still want to post a few photos from our adventures! We spent a few days in Dallas with my family hoping to get a shoot for Kari, but it wasn't the best time for it so we headed to Austin with the full cgb for a one time only worship time. It was awesome! (Don't know why the blue is so over saturated...they look great on my screen! Good thing this is a just a blog about our lives!)

We had fun on 6th Street and loved the incredible musicians we heard. After our time in Austin, Josh and I went our separate ways so he could drive back to Louisiana to work. Mom and headed out to shop in Waco!

We spent some cash at Spice and made it back just in time to get dressed for Liz's Shower. I cannot tell you how good it was to see old friends. Amazing. I am starting a countdown to New Orleans!

When I think about the weekend, I believe I needed it more than any other time in my life. It was wonderful to spend time with my Mom and feel like a normal person in Dallas again. Don't get me wrong, I love the life God has granted me, but there are things that I miss. Take some time for yourself in the near future! We all need it!

New Website!

Hey Friends! I've absent due to a busy work schedule, but I will not complain since I am living a dream! Please check out http://jessicagarzaphotography.com! It has been a labor of love. Hope you Love it!

Kari

Our Kari begins chemo treatment today. There is a reason I have not shared it. I don't think that I can...something this big almost makes me completely shut down. It has been a struggle recently to process...just ask Josh.

Please pray for complete healing.

Please pray that God would call the entire family to Himself.

Please pray for my cousin Alec (Kari's daughter) because she is struggling with painful affects of stress.

Please pray for Marc & Trevor as they are stressed as well.

Please pray for the entire family as we fight this together.

It's a Steal!

Just a little info for ya! I've lost my mind and I want to stay home & work!

The Last 5 Days...

Well, we are home...permanently! If the last 5 days are any indication of the crazy summer then there is a reason I am so tired! We just drove in from our trip to Memphis/Southaven. Here is a peek into our last 5 days! We spent time with Kevin & Wendy in from North Carolina on Sunday & Monday and did a photo shoot for K&B on Monday evening. Then we got going on Tuesday morning headed for Memphis! We stopped at Libby Story first and then made it to Reid & Amber's before meeting up with Taylor and her family. We did Taylor's shoot in downtown Memphis on Tuesday evening! AMAZING! We had some down time on Wednesday while we were at the Kirks, so I processed, did a mini shoot for some munchkins and Josh worked and he helped Reid with music last night! We headed out late morning for Jackson, Mississippi where we found awesome deals at Banana Republic and some retail therapy at the Apple Store! Wow! We are headed to our Thursday 7p life group now! It has been a long summer and a great first summer as a married couple. We are thankful that God takes us places we never thought we would be or have the opportunity to be with the ones that are so dear to us!

I would love to thank Stef & Matt Chapman, Reid & Amber Kirk, Wendy & Kevin Walker, my family, the Wilhites, the Daniels, and the soon to be Wade & Megan Preston for an amazing opportunity to work, for hosting us, and for being there for us! Thank you for trusting in me and allowing me to be creative with you!

Thank you to Joshua because you always hold onto my gear and my heart at the same time. You are my biggest and brightest cheerleader, support, and hold me accountable for everything that I say, think, and do. You keep our wedding vows every day and I pray I keep mine. Thank you for your love.

And thank you to those who have left comments and messages in the recent days. I am thankful to have your support. And a special thanks to those of you who are asked to give critique, I appreciate your time (Brent Hammett!) and your insight!

Keep a look out for the new stuff on the jgp blog...what an amazing life we have! Glory!

My Jenna Bear!

Jenna Bear is a Senior this year and I had to post a picture from her session. There are no words that express what she means to me.

Chopped

Bout time the Grammons got trimmed up! I just thought it would be fun! Josh asked for a mullet & I needed a bit of bang! We're silly! 

Vacation!

I figured I would cover my bases!

Hey Guys! I will be out of "the office" on vacation for the next week! I will not be returning phone calls or emails until July 6th! If you would like to make an appointment or need information, send me an email: jessicagrammon@gmail.com and I will get back to you the first full week of July! Thanks and have an amazing and blessed week!

Dance Party in the Van

Zephyr

We've been at camp zephyr all week...it has been amazing. We have been brought before the throne multiple times a day...what a change. Camp is usually filled with expectations of spiritual highs, tears, a call to repentance and a promise. What have experienced is an eager anticipation of the Spirit of God to expose and restore. This is the church. This is what Christianity was meant to be. And so I have to say that its not the same at home in West Monroe.

I am often discouraged at church. I feel that the we all come to a place that we are unique individual believers, but not a body. We carry so much baggage into the place that we do church that we don't even set it down to meet people to pray over, affirm, love, and give to. There is none of that. I do confess that I believe there are several agendas that developed over the course of the last 3 months. I feel like I'm called to be transparent at this point.

There are so many photographers in the area. So many tools to measure us by and the fact of the matter is, I don't do it to be the best, I do it because I am an artist, not a money hound. I don't care who I can be associated with and I love to be together with other artists for camaraderie. So here's the deal....we are taking people's money to support or supplement our families. We are not curing cancer...we are flies on the walls at events...whatever. And I'm sick of walking into my church and feeling like my friendships with fellow artists in the area are dissolving because of the chips we have on our shoulders. And I don't feel like this can cost me anything. I once had friends there and now I don't...thats all I know. And so we have an incorrect picture of how to do life. I'm sick of it. If I wanted petty living with the church, I would've stayed in middle school because truth be told, my high school buddies were amazing men & women of God and remain so.

So lets get right what is wrong because this song is tired...a joke. Let's do church, let's get into the mindset that we are consumed with Christ and nothing else. Let's let the Holy Spirit rip us a part and put it back together...it won't matter cause everything God gives us is better than the stuff we have now, right???

So Blessed!

Happy Father's Day to Daddy & Toto Palma!

About my Dad: 

-We are thankful that he always has an insane & fun crazy vacation for us every year. He works hard without complaining so the family can be together for just one week. 

-We are glad to know that it is always okay to laugh & not take things so seriously...Like fainting in a room full of people! 

-We are grateful that he never says, "No" to something important to us, like a wedding. 

-We are relieved that he is mellowing in his old age & we (I) am starting to see that he does have our best interest in mind...just look at the athletic sandals we have for vacation. 

-I am proud that he is accepting of new people and that he trusts Joshua to take good care of me. -I am so happy to know they can connect through music especially when Dad & I have at times, not seen eye to eye. 

-He prays for us & helps us any way he can. Thanks Dad! I love you! You are so good to us. 

About My Toto Palma:

-We are proud of him and the way he has made the decision to go on even though it is uncomfortable without Lita. 

-I am thankful that he still has the energy & strength to work & travel. He is still a sub for his fellow bus drivers...not bad for 81!

-I am grateful that we can try new things as a family. He loves Josh & I couldn't ask for more than that...We leave for San Antonio in 1 week! The first annual Palma-Garza-Grammon Vacation!

-It gives me joy to know that he has the strength to officiate & help preach a funeral for his beloved. He has not been angry at God during this entire year & he has let us take care of him. He is such an amazing example of God's mercy & love for us. I love him dearly. 

I was blessed enough to marry a man with the combined qualities of these two men. Thanks for everything. I love you both!

Would you eat this cake?!

Would you take a piece from each cake? Si Si! Check out the posts from Stef & Matt's Wedding on my photoblog!

Falls Creek::Tuesday

Things are going well this morning. Last night's session was great & we were able to see White Collar Side Show perform. They were sooo good! Here is one of their websites: http://www.myspace.com/whitecollarsideshow

Please continue to pray for the things in the previous post! Love ya'll!

In Oklahoma!

Hey Friends!
We are heading to Davis, OK this week for Falls Creek Camp. I really do covet your prayers Monday through Friday night. Josh & the boys have an opportunity to minister to 4,500 students and it is a weighty task.

Please pray that Christ would be glorified & known.
Pray for the Holy Spirit of God to fall like fire on this place.
Pray for the spiritual & physical healing for those attending.
Pray for miracles.
Pray for the mysteries of God to be revealed.
Pray that God would call His sheep.
Pray against the work of satan & his demons.
Pray that people would be changed by the Glorious Blood of Christ.
Pray for the work of the saints to serve one another.
Pray those attending would have the mind of Christ...Holy.
Pray for the spiritual, physical, & emotional health of those leading.
Pray for sensitivity to God's Spirit.
Pray for amazing friendships & bearing the burdens of others...that we would be the Bride he intended us to be.
Please Pray.

If you feel led, please join us in prayer at 7:30pm wherever you are during the week & feel free to comment here. Love you guys! Thank you so much!

Tortilla Recipe!!!

I had a few comments about the tortillas on facebook and decided that I needed to share my super easy recipe for them! This recipe is pure approximations thanks to my Lita...she taught me everything I know about authentic mexican cooking and she never had measurements!

supplies:

-white wings (you can find it at any walmart...especially in texas! look in the baking aisle!)
-glass bowl
-rolling pin
-cast iron griddle
-hot water

First, Heat your Griddle! Trust me! Get it hot and then your tortillas will rise adequately when you are ready to cook them!

In your glass bowl, place a 3/4 cup of white wings flour, add 1/4 cup of warm/hot water. Work flour and water until it becomes a dough. Feel free to add more water to the mixture or more flour depending on the consistency of the forming dough. It should hold together and resemble a very moist bread dough.

Next, add about a tablespoon of fresh tortilla flour and coat the tortilla dough. Let it rest for about a minute. (This gives you time to clear your space to roll out the tortillas...Get your rolling pin ready!

Then brake off a piece of the dough (I usually break them into golf ball size pieces) and work it with your fingers into a flat ball (see picture)...just something Lita taught me. Continue doing this until all the dough is made into flat balls.

Next, sprinkle your workspace with tortilla flour and throw down a piece of dough. Roll it out, always making sure the dough does not stick to the rolling pin or the counter. It will want to, just add a sprinkle of flour here and there. The tortilla should have a bit of thickness to it. I have found that when I roll them out too thin, they don't reheat well and harden the next day!

Okay! You have rolled out your first tortilla! Throw it on the griddle and begin rolling out the next one. It does take some timing, but you don't want the dough to dry out waiting to get to griddle. When you begin to see air rising in the tortilla on your griddle, flip it!

It won't take you any time at all to get through all of your dough. And it is customary to eat the first tortilla with butter!

Josh's 31st Birthday!

My J.D. turned 31 on Saturday! We had red velvet cake and root beer! I do think the greatest gift was having Chad come in for a visit. I've never been on a guys weekend, but I think that was a close as I ever want to get. Josh had an awesome birthday! Does anyone think the last four photos look like a boy band reunion...???

Trinity Camp!

We spent last Wednesday through Saturday in Kentucky at camp with Trinity from Southaven, MS. We had a great time. I wish there were more diversity in the photographs, but I was battling a stomach bug which meant zero energy to hold up a camera. It was an awesome time to see friends & fam. Oh, and apparently I've lost some weight so that's why the last picture of me looks like I've blown up! Just a huge jumper now...oh well!

The Range

On Saturday, we were up early to see Kevin's shooting competition. The week before I had to ask myself, "What do you wear to a gun fight?" Gotta love Louisiana! Anyways, we were able to check out some crazy good shooting skills by the guys on the force and I took a couple of pictures.

Kevin's Baptism

Here a just a few pictures from Kevin's baptism last Friday. It was an amazing time...there really aren't words. Glory! I purposely didn't post pictures for the actual baptism being that it was super personal and private and I want Kev & my sis to see them first. The Gospel continues to change our family. Praise Jesus!

SUMMER!

We are inching closer to summer each day and it is can't come soon enough! I am so so blessed to have the freedom to be with Josh and the band on all their trips. We are excited! It should be an interesting summer trying to fit his work & my work into normal life...nothing really normal about it. I do have some goals for the summer though:
+ I will listen to books on tape!
+ I will try to expose myself to new music...kinda a copout since we have Jamie and his library
+ I will ONLY shoot film this summer for my personal photographs...I will be doing this for 2 reasons:
1. I believe I have been spoiled by having multiple tries, I need to develop a better sense of getting one good shot & I used to be pretty dang good at it.
2. I have NO time to edit my personal images with the work load during the summer.
(*I can't abandon my canon, I will be taking it along, but its only so I can get good pics of the kiddos during camp)
+ I am going to be more adventurous when it comes to fashion...hence the skinny jeans in my closet. I just don't want to look like a 27 year old in a pair of skinny's. Humph.

Those are the only goals I have so far...I want to keep it simple and attainable.
What are your goals for summer???

Lost & Found

Tomorrow is a day that we've dreamed of for a long time in the Grammon family. My brother in law is being baptized. God has called his name, redeemed & forgiven him, & he has received this gift. I can't even think of it without my eyes filling, full of joy. Josh offered to sing a couple of songs and when my sis asked Kevin if that would be all right, he just cried. Pray for Kevin tonight & tomorrow. We are so grateful. Pray for our time of worship together at 6pm.

God is so faithful.

PS. I am going to try to keep it together long enough to get a couple of pictures. We'll see how that goes.

PPS. This weekend is my Pop's (Josh's dad) Birthday, too! Yay!

Sweet Tweets

I have a friend who has started a new business and I am happy to help! This is cute stuff for babies! I might have to have a onesie with words because they are done in glitter! For a little retail therapy, visit: Sweet Tweets

How do I say this...

I've encountered it more here in the south than any other place and I've tried to really think of how to respond. Our little West Monroe, LA bubble is not as metropolitan as one would hope.

Unfortunately, I have heard several people use "mexican" as a derogatory term. I don't really want to hear, "be careful, you're starting to look Mexican." What does that even mean?

I am starting to believe that even the folks that don't consider themselves racists, are indeed racists. And it is difficult to hear this kind of thing at a church function. Hear me, that it is not the view of the church, but of a few members. I think we need to do a better job of being aware of who we are as people and what love is.

My only point of reference for being "mexican" is parents with 2 or 3 college degrees, a great family, amazing friends, and a passion for knowing and sharing my culture. I've never had a fear of looking "white" or "black" or "asian". If God created the beauty of all of these things, what is so terrible about them.

I just can't let this happen again. I was so stunned when I heard this that I just walked away out of hurt. It was such mixed company that I didn't want to make a spectacle. But I should have...perhaps the embarrassment of that would have kept this group from future bigotry.

And let me just address the slur that people use as "gay". It is the same concept and I don't think it's respectful at all. People are people. And thankfully, we are all different.

New!

It was time for a new look!
Trying to figure out the undefined box...can't give up because i like the template!

Everybody's Working for the Weekend!

This weekend was insane, but it was beautiful. I was able to work like a dog and loved every moment of it. I spent Saturday with Stef and her awesome fiance, Matt. Then I was blessed to visit with Megan & Wade all the way in from Florida & Alabama. And last but not least, my family! It was an amazing time, although Joshua was at home. We are getting ready to spend some time with Tim Corbin tomorrow. It will be great to catch up with him in Shreveport. Pray for us on our journey! I will blog some of the family pics and post a picture from each of the sessions later this week & next. God continues to bless our home!