Merry Christmas Eve

If you've been wondering where I have been lately.... I've spent a lot of time updating my photography blog the past few days.

There isn't much time to keep my posts regular when i'm working so i've tried to play catch up a little on that blog over the break.

Just incase this is news to you, I decided to start documenting my journey (more like - hobby) as a "photographer" since it's picked up a little here lately. The posts are, for the most part, in the order that i've taken them; From way back in 2008-ish to the present (except i'm way behind so not that actual present). I share my initial photos and how I got interested into photography to begin with. (You can click on those words to take you directly to the link)

So if you haven't had a chance to check it out and you are completely bored out of your mind, you should stop by!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

May the weary world rejoice as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.... Jesus Christ.

Silence.

There are two devotional books that I thoroughly enjoy and often repeat over many times.

You Are My Hiding Place, Lord by Emilie Barnes and the Journey catalogs that I get through my sunday school class each month.

One of my all-time favorite quotes comes from Emilie. You will have to read on to see it... although, I have posted it before. Possibly more than once.

As I was reading a few days ago this one entry in the Journey magazine stuck out to me.

Priscilla was speaking about silence. You know the good ole silence that often makes you cry out even harder because you are desperate for an answer.

She says, He is not only the God who makes the walls of our Jerichos fall down. Although, He is more than able to intervene, sometimes He shows His glory, demonstrates His power, and strengthens His children by His silence.

She then went on to share the story in Matthew where the Canaanite woman called out to Jesus as He and His disciples were taveling. She was begging Jesus to have mercy on her daughter who was "cruelly tormented by a demon" (Mt 15:22). Jesus didn't say a word to her.

silence.

Instead of giving up or retrieving back, this same woman continued to beg Him for help. If you read the story she begs not only once, but over and over and over until she receives a response.

the silence broken.

The sentence that caught me off guard in this devotional is when Priscilla pointed out that "when the woman received no response, she bowed lower to the ground." She continued to humble herself, knowing that she could not do it on her own, and persisted in her request.

God's silence increased the intensity of her pursuit. (Priscilla)

This caused me to pause and reflect on my own life. When I don't hear a response or am going through a season of silence, do I give up my pursuit or do I bow lower to the ground and pour out my heart?

I'm sure there have been times in my life where it's been both of those answers. But here lately the latter is true....

When a thorn is present in your life and the God of all chooses not to remove it for the time being, this often causes you to bow so very low to the ground. In my own life i've noticed how this silence can be very frustrating, but how it keeps me coming back and pouring out so many genuine prayers/requests to the Lord.

intensity.

So I would have to agree with Priscilla, "sometimes He shows His glory, demonstrates His power, and strengthens His children by His silence."

Don't give up your pursuit if you haven't heard a clear answer yet. Choose today to believe that He is doing something even in the midst of silence.
Bow lower friend.

And for the quote that I mentioned earlier -

A godly woman is one who possesses inner tranquility; she doesn't have to prove herself to anyone. She is strong, yet doesn't use her strength to control or dominate; nor does she depend on recognition from others. Hers is an inner contentment and satisfaction based not on accomplishments, position, or authority, but on a deep awareness of Gods eternal, personal love for her. (emilie barnes)

I truly believe that last statement changes everything.... when you are aware of how much God loves you and that it's eternal and personal (not just knowing about it or hearing about it, but truly being AWARE of it) it affects every area of your life. The insecurity fades away. The strivings cease. I desire to live in that place of inner tranquility with Jesus Christ daily.

I want you, Jesus. I want you so very deeply.

In All Circumstances, At All Times

It's been a while since i've posted anything school-related here in blogland. In complete honesty, it's been a very stressful, not so fun year.

That doesn't mean that it's been all bad, nor does it mean that nothing good is happening in my classroom. It just means that it's been hard. challenging. stressful. and a lot more things of which I can't go into detail.

My brother has been spending a lot of time at home here lately. He is in the process of interviewing for different jobs and waiting for guidance as to where to go next.

Thanksgiving night we were all sitting in the living room discussing his current job. He works at Sears in a mall quite a few miles from where he actually lives. This is his first year in retail during the holidays. He has mentioned many times that he isn't sure he is going to be able to spend Christmas with us... and that just breaks my heart (for him).

If you are close to us at all and know what he is currently going through, then you understand how very hard his first christmas alone might be. I just want him to be near people who can shower him with love.

As I sat and listened (with my very over-analytical brain) and thought through what he must be feeling, I began to realize how very blessed I am despite the struggles at my school.

Now that doesn't mean my brother is not blessed.... the Lord is completley in charge of the time-table of each of our lives and i'm positive He is up to something far bigger than we can envision or imagine.

It's just one thing to hear about strangers who don't have jobs and are struggling to make it, but when it's a sibling whom you care about deeply it hits a little closer to home.

Although Thanksgiving is over, we are called to "give thanks in all circumstances" and at all times... so I want to say thank you, Lord, for my job. Thank you for allowing me to know the hours of my day and the schedule for my year. Thank you for giving the priviledge of leading young children. Thank you for a job that allows me to get up, move, communicate, and invest into other peoples lives. And I thank you even in the challenges... because without them, I would not grow.

I. am. blessed.

You are good, Lord God.

MK Photography

If you've been keeping up with my posts lately, you've seen quite a few photoshoots. After officially setting up my account with a photography website tonight so that I can print and keep up with things, I figured it was time to start a blog that could hold my pictures.

I'm not sure if i've ever told my story of how I got into photography. If you haven't heard it, click on over to my new blog to see my introduction on the sidebar, as well as, my first post.

It's a little boring at the moment... i'm in the process of making it look a little more inviting!! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Megan Kilgore Photography

The Shirley Family - Photoshoot

When I edit pictures I never fully feel done. There are always random ideas that i'll get on different nights. Nevertheless, here are my favorite five from The Shirley Family!

You know i'm crazy about random cut-off pictures! :)

Shirley's - I truly hope you enjoy your pictures as that is always my desire when capturing families! Love you guys and enjoy every minute that we get to see each other! I'll always be grateful that you guys allowed me to practice and learn with your family!

Sneak Peek - Family

Here is a lil' sneak peek into my time with The Shirley Family!

Love the Fall colors!

Maternity Photoshoot - Kayla

Here are my top ten... okay, maybe there are eleven, I lost count... favorites from my shoot with Kayla! I'll even include why they are my favorites just for a lil' commentary as you read! :)

I like this one just because that door is ten kinds of yummy and her nuetral outfit looks fab with it! It looks comfortable to me!

See... here is the full view of the door. Neat-oh right?!

This is one of my favorites!!! I love, love, love it!

Of course, we had to try some pictures with blocks!

I like her head tilt, smile, and the fact that she is holding Laney in this one!!

Tiny Toms :)


This is another one of my all-time favorites because of the beautiful colors!! That blue is GORGEOUS and she just looks natural standing there!!

Cool angle.

...another smile here!! Probably talking about how she is horrible at taking photos.... lies.

And her precious, precious belly!

Kayla, thanks for letting me practice with you and hopefully capture some moments that you'll want to keep forever! I love you tons!!

The Perfect Match - Are You Ready For This?

If you live in the East Texas area i'm sure you have heard the story about Charley Rae, the toddler who went through surgery to have a non-functioning kidney removed last year and in the process lost both kidneys. If you haven't heard and would like to read the story, click here.

They have been looking for a donor since they found out the news after surgery and well, the time has come.

Monday, my very brave and selfless friend, Jessica, is donating her kidney to precious Charley Rae. I can't even express to you how much I admire Jess for such a noble task.

For months we have talked about how it's coming up and happening, but it's so strange for it actually to be here. When I heard the news I immediately texted her and said, "Are you ready for this?"

Like any normal person Jess is pretty nervous, but so very ready. Once again, I just can't express how blessed I am to call her friend and how much I admire her.

As I left her house my mind drifted off to many thoughts about this concious decision that Jessica was making; donating an organ to save a life. A perfectly healthy individual who has no problems, giving a piece of her life for another.

My thoughts then flashed over to my Savior. A perfect individual who gave not a piece, but His life to save others.

Can you imagine God sitting there with His Son, asking, "Well, it's here. Now's the time! Are you ready for this?" as Jesus prepared to give up his life to save the world.

The perfect match. The Donor.

I think forward to the day whenever Charley really understands what her friend, Jessi, did for her. When they can look each other in the face and just relive such a sweet season of their life. Oh the gratitude.

And I think forward to the day when we truly understand what our Savior, Jesus, did for us. When we will look each other in the face and give him the thanks and glory that is truly due His Holy Name.

The Donor. All glory to You, Jesus.

If you would like to support Jess and Charley, many people are declaring Monday their day and wearing purple so that they can intentionally pray for them all throughout the day. I know they would both be forever grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

Jessica, I love you and admire you, sister. I know that you don't want any praise and have given God the glory through out this entire situation, but I want you to know how much an impact you are making in this small town. There is no doubt that He is using this for His glory. You are such a brave, selfless person and I am blessed to call you friend! You can use my fridge to hold your jug anyday :) !!!

Sneak Peek - Maternity Edition

I'm in the process of editing maternity pictures of my gorgeous, pregnant friend Kayla! She won't agree with me on this, but she is seriously one of the prettiest people i've met! I just love her!

It is taking me a while to edit all her pictures, not because there are really that many, simply because life could not be any busier right now! This might work out to her benefit though because the more I sit and look, the more ideas I get and changes I make to the pictures!

So... I leave you tonight with a little Sneak Peek into our photoshoot together! This picture doesn't do justice to her cute lil' belly! The rest of the pictures show off Lil' Miss Laney Jewel!! Guess you'll just have to come back and see the rest later!!

Isn't she just beautiful?!

Love you sister!!! :)

Carter Ray - Photo Shoot

Had my first little "session" with a soon to be two year old today!

Below are my favorites!!

This next one is def in the top 3!

And peace out.

No Pun Intended

It's been a while since i've posted, but i'm making time tonight because.... well, just because.

My students finally reached ten compliments today! It only took us, what, nine weeks?! Three of the points were earned today within 3 minutes of each other. Hmm... oooooh what happens when you actually work towards a goal!

A prize is always given when you reach ten compliments! Then, of course, we start over to receive some more! So, with all of that said... we had a good ole stinkin' time this afternoon! ;)

I'm not sure why it's such a thrill to take off your shoes at school, but they absolutely love it! The scentsy was packed full of some yummy-ness before one sneaker was allowed to come off because hello.... feet.

My to do list is quite full so i'm going to cut this short tonight, but before I go I'm going to admit that I need some prayers. Life is going 90 to nothing it feels like and the negativity of school (plus stress from being pulled in one million directions) has taken over. I would truly appreciate any prayers for this school year and all the many other activities God has placed in my life currently (plus an unspoken). You might as well throw in my future husband because he clearly aint in a hurry (kidding)!

Hope you are well!! Love.

Jordan - Casie Engagement

Alrighty people! In my last post I promised to post my favorites from my photoshoot with my sister and her fiance! So i've thought... and here they are! We started out at Jordan's parents house. They have quite a bit of land, a pond, hay bells, and the old truck (pictured above) that Casie and jordan went to prom in their Senior Year. Have I mentioned they are High School Sweethearts? That is very sweet, if you ask me. Then, we moved downtown to use some of the old walls...

We only had an hour to shoot so we did the best we could! It was truly a blast! Really think it helped that we are all so very close to begin with. I know it helped this very ameteur photographer feel comfortable behind the camera.... especially trying lots of new ideas!
Casie and Jordan, thank you for allowing me to capture some very sweet moments with you guys! I know I say it alot (possibly still not enough) but I love both of you and am so blessed to have you guys in my life! The evening was so much fun (and great practice) and you were both way more fabulous than you acted like you'd be! :) Love you so so so very much!

Sneak Peek

Yesterday evening was packed full of celebrations!

My best friend from high school, Mary, moved back home a few weeks ago from Philadelphia and her wedding is getting very close. Now that she is back in town we finally got to have her engagement party. So glad she is back!

My lovely bff, Kayla, found out the sex of the "golden nugget" at her reveal party last night! That was a very neat thing to experience! When the pinada was busted pink confetti went everywhere! So sweet!

Jordan came in town for Casie's birthday and they let me practice taking engagement pictures on them! We had so much fun! It really helped that we are all three already so very close and comfortable with each other! I'll post my favorites later.... I have to think for a few days before I decide which ones to post so that I don't overload you! For now you'll just have to enjoy the sneak peek picture above!!! :)

Have a great, restful day!

Increasing Faith, Part Two

Before school began I posted an entry on how this year was definitely going to be one that increased faith.

Our class rosters were over-flowing; over the legal state max number of students per teacher.

Three weeks into school the Lord took care of that and it has been so much better since.

Still.... this is a year of increasing faith.

I wish that I could share details of why, but i'm not allowed to. There is more than one reason and believe me when I say, it's been a challenge and will continue.

But without a challenge there is no growth! And, as it turns out, I actually like a challenge!

My soveriegn God hand-chose each of these children that are in my classroom this year. I know it's not a mistake or coincedence.

When you visit our classrooms you will clearly see that they are lopsided.... once again, can't share how or why, but i'm the end of the balance that is on the floor. for lots of reasons.

I believe in them and I choose to push them farther than anyone would ever imagine we could go this year! :) They've already surprised me!

(They make me want to pull my hair out. They make me laugh my head off. They make me close my eyes and breathe. They remind me that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.)

This journey that i am on is so not about the teaching... it's building character, it's preparing me for the future, and it's increasing faith.

May my actions and words reflect Him, therefore, to point others to Him.

Will you join me as I pray over my students this year and beg God for wisdom as I lead them? I am nothing, without Him. And to God be the glory!

School Daze

I realize I haven't posted a single sentence since school began. It's been a crazy couple (or triple) of weeks. Sometimes it's hard to blog about my job because so much of it is bound by confidentiality laws and such.

Just know that I appreciate your prayers. More than I could ever express.

There ended up being 27 students on my roster. Only 25 of them showed up. It's now three weeks into the school year and we have a new first grade teacher joining our campus to even out the class sizes and take some of the load off.

I knew that it was taking a lot out of me with that many children in my room, but I hadn't realized how stressed I was about it. When I heard the official news a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.

It wasn't easy getting rid of the kids though... it's bittersweet.

You don't realize how fast you get attached.

On the other hand, i'm glad to finally get to write names on desks, cubbies, and give assigned seats on the carpet. There are lots of little things (and big, I guess) that you can't do until your class is finalized.

I'm so ready!!! :)

I'm begging the Lord for wisdom and guidance when it comes to organization and time management in my classroom. I've probably mentioned that before, but i'm saying it again. There has to be a way to get everything done so that i'm happy and parents are happy and adminstrators are happy and children are happy... and having fun! :)

There is lots more on my heart, but don't feel obligated to share at the moment. Please pray.

Thanks so much. Love you all.

KJ Photoshoot

My precious friend, Katy, gave me permission to post some of my favorites for our photoshoot on their date night! I had a really hard time deciding on my favorites; the first go round had like 25 photos on the list. I knew you wouldn't want to sit through a post with that many pictures so I tried to narrow it down a little bit. As it turns out, most of the ones that made the cut are from our very first stop. Katy wanted to go back to the place where Jeremy proposed! :) So sweet!I'm crazy about this red door and the million steps. Definitely want to go back there when I can think of some more ideas and have more time! Jeremy acted like he wasn't photogenic, but as you can tell in the photos he did great!!! When I got to their house, Katy said we needed a purpose before we headed out to take pictures. Her purpose - to capture them.

I like to think we did just that!!

Katy is just so bubbly and happy!

And the love they have for each other is so obvious!

I love this next photo... everything about it. The heads tilted towards each other. The naturalness of it. Their smiles. The red, green, white, tan, black. mm. mm.
And here is the same photo in black and white, zoomed out.

Moving on to the next spot...Katy loved this wall so we got a few shots there. This was my favorite!

And lastly, I wish I could take credit for the chalkboard idea, but that was allll Katy. It turned out cute and I can't wait to find more opportunities to use it!
Katy, I love you so much sweet friend and had a great time taking pictures of you guys! You are a true friend and great encouragement to me! Thanks for the opportunity to practice and learn a few things as well. Can't wait for many more chances to "capture moments" together!