I love yearly milestones: Birthdays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are my favourites. I’m pretty satisfied I was born in August–conveniently 5 months from New Year’s Eve–because reflection on my birthday week and New Year’s are important to me. I combed through some of my old journals the week of NYE and found one from my 22nd birthday. I started a list of things that inspire me and a list of things that bring me down. I affectionately call exercises like this “lifestyle design.”
At the end of my life will I be happy with the days I lived? Will I wish I spent a little less time on your Facebook albums and a lot more time sharing dinner with people I love? A little less time thinking about how I don’t measure up and a lot more time in the Bible reminding myself I do? I wanted to stop and dwell on what I truly love about the beautiful life God has given me. So here you go. In 2013, this is my plan: yes to more of the things that fill me up, no to the things that do not. If you’d like to reflect and blog something similar, please leave your link in the comment section! I’d love to check it out.
ALSO. TODAY IS MY ONE THOUSANDTH BLOG POST.
That’s one-zero-zero-zero.
1000!!!!!
Five years in the making.
Pretty exciting.
PS. I’d love to hear from you today – how long have you been reading my blog? What part of the world are you from? I’d like to know. Comment if you’re feelin’ friendly.
i’ve been reading your blog for at least a year now! your have such a fresh photography voice, and its huge that writing plays such a component on your blog too.
and i’m reading from newfoundland, canada!
Hooray for milestones! I love the time of reflection they bring, too. I’m excited to see the way your “yes’” become a part of your blog journey. Happy day!
Congratulations Jamie! I have been reading and following your blog for the last 2 years. I came across it through my research into wedding photography and stayed for your reflections on faith, life and stories about each couple you shoot. The best thing I found about your blog is that you have done well to integrate your beliefs and passions into what you do for work, as a fellow artist I have struggled with this myself, but it gives me hope to know that there are people doing it out there and that it is possible. Thanks for your posts and I look forward to reading more.
I love the idea of saying no to obsessive social media-ing and comparison. I am so guilty of that, and I find that my days are miserable when I am trying to be someone I’m not. What a wonderful 1000th post!
I’ve been reading your blog ever since I stumbled upon it back in 2009. Your photos and words are an inspiration. Keep it up!
-Emily from Salt Lake City
I found your blog when showit did a feature on your website. I saw that you wrote about brooke fraser and journaling and instantly related. I enjoy reading your blog posts… especially the personal one’s on your faith and photo business. I am also a photographer in Fort Worth Texas. I love to go on missions trips, be in nature and spend time with my husband and extra large dog- Sam. If you’re ever in Texas, I would love to get you some coffee.
I’ve been reading FOREVER. maybe 4 years? I stumbled onto it through Kristen Leigh’s blog. :D and stuck around because you remind me of myself. If I was Canadian, like 7 years younger, and single. :D
Jamie! I’ve been following you for a few years, my college roommate Alison Roen now Wollenhaupt introduced me to your blog! I love your images and your authenticity. I also feel like when you write about your faith and relationship with God its like a mirror of what I think/could say. Needless to say I think we’d bond well over a good cup of coffee :) Keep doing what you’re doing, super encouraging!
Dear Jamie,
I have been reading your blog for a few years. I don’t remember exactly how I found your blog but I’ve been a faithful reader (though not one who comments much I’m sorry to say) because I LOVE your work, your writing, and most importantly your beautiful heart that loves Jesus and shares His love with people. I am truly inspired by you and praise God for your incredible talents.
I often relate to what you share about life and faith because I’m the same age as you so thank you for always sharing.
-from Malaysia :)
Been reading for about a year since I “met” you through Kristen. I’ve frequently sent the readers of my little blog your way, because I love the way you write openly about struggles as well as the simple joys in life. When I started reading I was in New Hampshire, but currently I’m reading at Oklahoma Baptist University for the next few years!
Hi Jamie!! It’s really awesome you reached 1000 posts!! :) I live in Vancouver and have been reading your blog for about 4-5 years :)
I’ve been following your blog for nearly four years. And no, I’ve never commented. Something I’ve said YES to for 2013 is to speak up and say hello to the bloggers I follow (and never comment on… lol.) and you gave the perfect opportunity for that! So hello! I live right on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois. I love your sincerity, your love for Jesus, and your photography. :)
Hey Jamie! I’m Emily, I’ve been reading your blog for about 2 years? I think, hahah. And I have lived in North Carolina almost my entire life (there was a short year in NYC, but thats another story). At the beginning of the year I started a blog (hooray!) and posted some goals for the year!
http://emmalouwrites.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/2013-youre-all-mine/
It’s a HUGE work in progress and I have A LOT to learn, but I’m really proud of finally starting a blog after lurking for 3+ years.
Thanks for always being a fun and inspiring read, can’t wait to see where 2013 takes you!
I came across your blog about 2 years ago through Kristen’s blog. I am glad that I did! I love your photography, but also that you are Christian and that comes thru in your posts.
-Katelin from Buffalo, NY
Hi Jamie,
I first came across your blog from a friend of mine who posted a link on fb. I adored your photos, and how you expressed your passions and faith. It was super encouraging, so I’ve been a follower ever since. And I feel that a lot of things you say remind me of myself. Actually it’s funny, our moms know eachother from church years ago. Small world! Oh and I live across the river- maple ridge. Keep doing what you do- you’re an inspiration to many!
Tara
I’m not sure how long I’ve been reading your blog, three years? When I first stumbled across you and your loveliness I lived in Seattle! Bellevue actually. :) That’s where I grew up, but a few years ago my parents decided to move us back to Switzerland where my dad’s from, so here we are. (Although we do do an awful lot of border hopping–our church (and thus church family) is located in France). At first I read for the photography, hoping to someday go that direction myself. I’ve now moved on to other dreams (and for me, I think, better) but I sill love looking at your work and in the past year, reading the parts of your heart that you share with us. :)
God bless you!
I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years. I love watching your faith grow and you inspire me in so many ways. Rock on, Jamie. :)
Hey! I’ve been coming to your blog for about two years now. I don’t actually remembered how I initially came across it, but your honesty and beautiful photos have kept me coming back ever since! Really admire your drive and your talent!!
- Sara from Alberta
i found your blog YEARSSSSSS ago through melissa jill! i think you’re pretty amazing, and what you’re doing on your blog is very special. keep your eyes on the prize (heb 12:2). :D oh, and i’m from moncton, NB!
Wow! 1000 posts that is so awesome! I’ve been reading your blog for over 2 yrs I think…I’m from Iowa, US.
i’ve been following you for almost three years, when i first got into photography. i can’t remember how i found you, but i stayed because your blog is the kind of blog that i want to have someday. a blog that inspires people, through both photography and also through your words and how you are devoted to sharing the Gospel. i don’t really comment often, but i figured now would be a good time to say hello from park city, utah :) and also just to say thanks for the encouragement, not only in pushing me to be a better photographer, but also to be more open and try work everyday to be a testament to the Lord. congrats on your 1,000 post! you definitely have a blog to be proud of :)
Hey Jamie :)
I’ve been reading your writings from just down the highway in Abbotsford for a few years. I’m not sure how I found your blog originally, but I’m always inspired by your drive and your thoughts. And of course you’re beautiful photography :D
Congrats Jamie! I’ve been reading your blog for 3 years now! You have been a great blessing for so many people, you are a big inspiration. I pray the Lord continues to use you in such a powerful way to reach more people for Him! (And I pray that I can get to know in person someday haha!) Blessings from Mexico City!
Congratulations on 1000!!! I’ve been reading for a couple of years now; I’m from Abbotsford :)
Greetings from Vancouver Jamie. I’ve been reading your blog for close to 3 years I guess? I somehow stumbled on it during a boring day at the office and the joy and inspiration i felt from reading your writings and looking at your beautiful photos I had to let you know that I sure will be choosing you as MY photographer when the day comes. :)
Hi Jamie!:) I’m from Iowa! I’ve been reading your blog for 3 to 4 years now…wow. It’s been so amazing to see you grow more into yourself, and you’ve always been a huge inspiration to keep going when it is tough. I love reading your faith posts, because usually they’re right on track with what I’m learning at that point! So crazy how the Lord works that way.
Hi Jamie,
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years now. And you’re such a big inspiration to me. Thank you for your words and images. I love it!
I’m your age and I’ve also wrote a blog about the past and new year: http://merithebbers.nl/blog/relive-2012/
And I’m from The Netherlands!
Congrats Jamie! I’ve been reading your blog for almost 2 years now, read about it from an article in a photography magazine. I’m from Southern California! Love to read your blog it is very encouraging!
Greetings from Ohio, Jamie! I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and I keep coming back for your beautiful images and your equally beautiful words about your faith. Keep on what you’re doing. You bring inspiration to many days, and may God bless you for it.
Love,
Diane
Hi Jamie! I’ve been reading for about two years now, and always look forward to your posts. Your work has a really fresh and natural feel to it, and I think that’s what I love about your writing too – that it’s down-to-earth and honest.
I used to read your blog from my home in Montreal, but have recently moved to Madison, WI, which is where I will continue to read from :) Keep up the awesome work.
Bonjour Jamie,
I started getting serious about photography this past fall, and that’s the road that brought me to your blog. I started reading it because I loved your images, but I stayed because I like who you are. You even responded to my request for a coffee through your FB page while you were in Montreal! Even though you didn’t accept, you did respond, which is cool. ;) Back to your blog… your list is heavy on the side of YES things, and light on the NO side. I see that as a very positive sign.
Hello! Reading from Saipan.. a tropical island in the Pacific. Got to 100 blog posts a month or so ago after moving here last July.. 1000 must feel like an accomplishment. Thanks for introducing me to many things that I now love and being an inspiration that writing to write is sometimes what is needed.
Hi!
I’ve been reading your blog for quite awhile. Since I’m pretty awful with numbers and dates, I can’t exactly tell you for how long, because I don’t know. ;) I’m from Ontario. Love your blog- faith, photography and otherwise! :)
Hi Jamie! I’m guilty of being a blog lurker– I’ve recently made a goal of trying to comment more, though! I found you in 2011, and I love reading your genuine words as well as looking at your marvelous photos. I might have found you through a friend, but I honestly have no clue. &I hail from Huazhou, China, but I’m a Georgia girl. (:
Has it only been 5 years? I swear it’s been longer since you first started blogging! Congrats on the 1000th post and one that will make a huge impression on how you live out this year! I too have recently been cutting back from social media and feel so much fuller without it. And I also decided that unless I have a “Heck, Yes!” response to an activity or request that I’ll have to put it aside and decide if it’s something I want to pursue. Thank you for continually sharing your thoughts, dreams, and life! Can’t wait till our next coffee date :)
It feels like i’ve read your blog for pretty much forever, but i think it’s only been about 3 or 4 years. (: and i don’t plan on stopping any time soon!!!
I have followed your blog while living in 3 states(i only now realized that. Crazy!)–new york, georgia, and now pennsylvania!
Keep being the beautiful, inspiring person you are!
Jamie!! I found you through ShowIt. I love coming to your blog. I feel like I need to grab some coffee(or in my case some sweet tea), get in my pjs, and settle in for the night while reading. :) It’s just such a comfy vibe at your blog. I’m a born and bred North Carolinian(NC). Mount Airy to be exact, or as everyone calls it Mayberry from the Andy Griffith show.
I’ve been reading for a few years now and I found your blog through Chelsea Patricia Photography. I started reading while living in Alabama, continued during a year in Okinawa, Japan, and I’m now in North Carolina. I’ll continue reading when I return to Okinawa next month! I’m always encouraged and challenged hearing about the way you live your life.
not sure how long i’ve been reading…probably a year and a half or so. absolutely LOVE your pictures, writing, everything. so inspiring. i’m from chesapeake, virginia. keep all the good stuff coming (:
Jamie,
I have been reading your blog since 2009. This is the first time I have commented. I started reading your blog because I love your photography, but what has kept me reading has been your honest writing and beautiful posts about your faith journey and your love of Christ (And the fact that we are about the same age;) ). Your honesty about your faith journey has inspired me to start blogging about my faith. Congratulations on your 1000th post and I hope you write many more!
God Bless,
Teresa
LOVE this! Jamie, you’re amazing. <3 Happy New Year!
Hello Jamie!
Congrats on reaching 1000 posts – what a milestone. :) I’m one of your local fraser valley followers – been popping in from time to time for years now. I can’t remember when I stumbled on your blog, actually – but we seem to know a lot of people in common so I’m sure I found out about you through one of them. Anyway, keep up the good work – I am always encouraged by reading your posts. Oh, and here are my yes/no reflections for 2013 (plus some other tidbits): http://mondayswedance.blogspot.ca/2013/01/today-is-special.html
Been following you for 4 years now… ever since Denise found you while searching for wedding photographers online! You were one of my biggest inspirations when starting my own wedding photography business and I’ve loved getting to know you over the past few years!!! Congrats on 1000 and can’t wait to get to your 2000th post! :)
Hey Jamie,
I’ve been following your blog for maybe 4 years…Love how you’ve grown in your photography and relationship with God! you have inspired me to trust Him more and to make Him a tangible part of my life.
Keep it up sweet girl! ♥ from South Africa!!
dear Jamie,
that was a great post! Reflection on special milestone dates is very significant and important to me too, so I totally agree:)
I love the idea of ‘lifestyle design’ listing–of thinking over my current lifestyle and making a conscious effort to spend more time on what is good for me, spiritually and emotionally, and less time on vice versa.
I believe with all my heart that God has created life full of wonderful goodness–possibilities, joys, loves, fruitfulness–but it also slips by relentlessly, and we need to grasp it tightly if we want to do anything with it at all. Like a wet bar of soap, unromantic as the analogy might be;) So ‘lifestyle design’ seems a great idea:D
How I ‘met’ you: I’ve been reading this blog for many years already, and it has proved a blessing: giving delight and beauty (good photos are a wonderful way to capture the good life God has given us, and such a great blessing as a result!) but also much motivation and encouragement:)
My prayer is to have a fruitful, useful life, please God; yours has been a great example to me in a wonderful way.
So thank you once and for all….since I would NEVER otherwise leave comments…from Singapore, on the other side of the world;)
Hi Jamie!
Been reading your blog for about 4 years. I’m all the way from South Africa :) I remember reading your 18th birthday and I thought “Wow!She’s so young and look at her pursuing her dreams!”. I love your honesty about everything in your life and the fact that your’re so driven to get what you want. I forward your emails to so many of my friends and family coz your writing is super inspirational! Can’t wait to see where Jesus takes you this year :)
I’m pretty sure I’ve followed you for about 3 years and I’m from Mt. Pleasant, TX :D (I’m an hour and 45 minutes northeast of Dallas).
I’m pretty sure I’ve been following your blog for about 4 years now. I can’t remember if I found it through Kristin Leigh’s blog or Sara Barlow’s. I absolutely love your work and think you have awesome things to share through your photography and blog! Btw, I’m from Atlanta, GA.
Yay on 1000!! I love your writing especially your posts on Faith. I’ve been reading for a few years now not sure the exact start date?
I’m from Halton Hills, ON (just outside of the greater Toronto area)
Hi Jamie,
I said that this year, I would comment on one of your posts to let you know how your words inspire me. So this post works. I’m reading from Nairobi, Kenya. I found your blog through photography, perhaps two years ago? I stayed for the writing.
Thank you for blessing me with your words.
Hi Jamie!
I’ve been following your blog since 2009. I stumbled upon your website while looking for a wedding photographer for my brother. LOVE your work and your love for the Lord! All your faith posts are so encouraging! I love how you are so open with all-things Jesus and gospel oriented, too!!! That takes incredible faith! :)
I’m from Mississauga, ON (suburb of Toronto!)
&& Congrats on numero 1000 :)
Hi Jamie! I’ve been reading for several years now…three maybe? And yours is one of the few that I’ve really stuck with because I feel like I get a sense of your life, your faith, AND I get to see really pretty pictures. Not to mention the fact that I’m also a huge fan of traveling! Being a young photographer as well, I love your the way that your ambition is grounded with humility. As a loyal Austinite, if you’re ever in Texas, I’d love to take you to lunch!
jamie, this is so inspiring to see that your readers are from around the world! i’ve been reading your blog for almost 4 years now (summer 2009)!!! congrats on your 1000! and i recently moved from vancouver to toronto. keep up the good work!
That sure is a lot of posts! I found you shortly after getting into photography 5 years ago. Loved your style, your youthfullness, and your can-do ability! But now I really love all of your God-inpired posts :c) I live in Edmond, OK and just can’t understand how you do all that cold!
Hi Jamie,
Congratulations on 1,000!!!! I’ve been reading your blog for a little over a month. I know I’m new but hopefully I will be able to catch up soon. I love you work. I’m from the beautiful Hudson Valley, NY.
Erica F. <3
I’ve read your blog about 1 and half years now.
I saw one video and your blog link in Carlotta Cisternas’ blog post. And I’m happy I found this blog! Main reasons that I’ve continued reading this are you’re a christian and I like your photos too (I’m intrested in photography also).
God blessing to you Jamie!
I’m from Finland :)
Congratulations on 1,000 posts. Let’s see… I have been reading your blog for probably about four years! Love it!
I’m from the midwest.
Oh, and I love all your book suggestions. Keep ‘em coming!
Emily
I think I’ve followed your blog for a year or two now. I am from Northern Wisconsin.
Hello from Phoenix, Arizona! First time commenter here. (;
I discovered your work from your guest post on Justin and Mary’s blog two or three years ago. I was around 15/16 years old at the time and what caught my attention is that you started your business at such a young age. You were doing exactly what I wanted to do. [Several years of procrastination later, I've now decided that I want to pursue photography professionally.]
Anyways, love your blog and thought I’d drop in and say hey.
Wow! Happy 1000th blog post! That’s amazing. I’ve been reading your blog (from the UK) for about a year and half. I love your personal posts and I really like it when you show your office makeovers – I love seeing where other creatives work. :)
Congratulations on 1000 posts! I’m almost to the 600 mark after 4.5 years. 1,000 is a huge accomplishment, not to mention your stunning photography. I’ve been reading for a few years, and loving it. I’m from Florida, USA!
Congratulations on your 1,000 post Jamie! Yahoo. I’ve enjoyed each one since I’ve been reading your blog. I love milestone’s too…and the reflection and celebration that comes with them! Here’s to 2013 too, and I love your lists. Happy photographing and happy writing! ;)
HI Jaime! I am a 28 year old female currently living in Colorado, originally from N.Y. My step-mom is from BC and my parents own a home on Galiano Island. I haven’t visited in forever, and since reading yours and Mikaela Ruth’s blogs, I want to come back SO badly!!! I always so I’m going to move there someday, but I’m not called yet! Just waiting for God to get on the same page. lol jk :) I have been reading for a little over a year, and I thoroughly enjoy your God-focus and how you really stay true to yourself. Thank you! God bless!
Hey! Congrats on the blog milestone. That’s a big deal! I’ve been reading your blog for, I’d guess, a year and a half? I love your authenticity and transparency…especially the fact that you’re not afraid to talk about anything on your heart, even if most people wouldn’t. I have this thing where I pretty much can’t be dishonest about how I feel, which can be both a blessing and a curse at times. Your images are great, too – but for me, anyway, they’re just a manifestation of what’s in your heart, which I love. Anyway, I have a blog over at http://www.brittanywilliamsphotography.com if you want to have a look. :)
Congrats, Jaime! I have been reading your blog for several years and I’m always inspired when I do! I currently live in Louisiana. I plan on writing a blog post soon to answer the question you’ve asked because I’d love to share my gratitude list of “yes” with my readers. Keep up the great work.
Hi Jamie!
I’ve been (quietly) enjoying your blog since about summer 2010. I was hooked when I started reading your honest, thoughtful posts… and your images are beautiful too! I recently became a Christian and I love that you are a Christian as well and talk about your faith online – thank you. :) Keep up the great work!
I’ve been reading your blog and following your work for a little over 3 years now! I loved your photography style from the first time I discovered your website. But the blog posts were what really inspired me and kept me reading all your writing. I’m from just a few towns over – Chilliwack, BC!
Congratulations on your 1000th post, I know I’m a little late to say but I want to say it anyways.
I have been following your blog for 2.5 years now. You truly inspired me to take the leap into what make me smile everyday.
Thank you for always being so true and honest
With love,
Megan (Waterloo Ontario)
About 2 years now!
Still one of my favourite places to look at beautiful photography! (Port Moody, BC)
I visit from time to time to see your work. two main things in common: love for Christ and a photography-filled life :)
Oops! About a year and a half and from Sunset Beach, Hawaii – now living in Lakewood, Colorado :)
I have been reading your blog for about 8 months now. I live in Niagara Falls Ontario. I love you photographs. Wish you could come to Niagara to do a photo shot for me :)
Hey Jamie
I’m from Germany near Frankfurt and I love reading your blog ! Your Photos are very beautiful and muchly natural !! I’m in your age, but not that good as you, you’re amazing! Thank you for so wonderful pics.
PS: I love your video about you !
Best wishes and God’s blessing !
Steffi
Hi Jamie!
I have been reading your blog for, well, since you did the photography for my boyfriend’s brother’s wedding (David and Chantal) back in 2010 at the Falls golf resort!
This last month here on Gabriola Island, BC, has been crazy so I haven’t been reading your blog as much as I would like, so now I am catching up.
Not only are your photos so fun and beautiful, your writing is encouraging and inspirational. Thank you for sharing your many talents and your love for Jesus so openly :)
God bless!
Congratulations on 1000 posts Jamie! I’ve been following your blog since you photographed my old co-worker Alanna, and her husband Stan. As a Christian, I’m always so inspired and uplifted by your writing. Thank you for being so open and honest with your journey.
Reading from Toronto!