So I know I have kind of failed at blogging this summer. :p
It's been a crazy, amazing, faboulous, blessed summer. God has already moved in so many ways! Everyday he continues to capture my heart and draw it closer to him! :) He is jus so kind and so good!
This summer I've expierienced many amazing camps but the climaxe of my summer is going to begin tomorrow....... World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain!! :)
We are leaving tomorrow at 8 am to make it to our Houston flight which leaves at 3:45Pm. From Houston we will take a direct flight to London were we will land at 6:55 morning of the 9th, Londons time. (talk about jet lag lol) We will be in London, staying at St. Patrick's church in Soho, until the early morning of the 11th. On the 11th we will fly to Madrid, where we will quickly catch a bus to Cordoba. In Cordoba we will be staying with a number of families from a parish there and our group will be joining other pilgrims in pre-WYD festivities in that diocese. From Cordoba, we will again board a bus to Madrid on the 15th, where we catch a flight to ROME! We will arrive late that evening, and begin our exploration of the city and special tours the morning of the 16th.The tours in Rome are a totall blesing from God! One of my friends Dads is going to give us many free tours of the beautiful sights of Rome which will just be unforgettable! :) On Friday, the 19th, we will fly from Rome to Madrid, Spain. Where we will join the millions who have gathered to see the Pope at World Youth Day! Sunday the 21st we will fly back to London, and make our way back to Heathrow airport where we will stay the night, to catch our flight back to Houston. We will arrive in Houston on August 22nd at 1:20pm, and then make our way home! Hope this helps everyone get a feel for our intense adventure.
Thank you evreyone for your wondeful donations that have helped make this trip possible. I can't help but have the biggest smiel when I know tomorrow I will leave for Europe and when I coem back in 14 days one of my dreams will then be a reality. God continues to flood in genorulsy with providing all we need (as he always does) :)
I rest assured that we wil be safe in Christ's hands as we take this journey to expierience him more deeply. I also rest assured knowing that there are countless prayes being sayed for our group. I will remember each one of you in my prayers as I kneel in the Vatican city.
I know the pictures I come back with will be memories to cherish forever and I can't wait to share them with you, no worries, there will be millions! :) I feel a big blog update coming when I get home! :)
I don't think I will be able to update my blog will on the pilgramige but our group leader will be updateing, and probably using some of my photos on fmcyouth.wordpress,com
I can't help but say it over and over again that we're going to Europe... I'm sure it won't beocme a real reality until I step off that plain in London but I must say a few more times.... we're going to Europe, we're going to Europe, WE'RE GOING TO EUROPE! :D
Praise you Jesus!
In Christ, Hollis :)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
They Lived happily ever after.....
This was such a sweet engagement shoot! This couple is such a pure, beautiful couple and I was honored to photograph there engagements and there wonderful wedding, which was this past weekend. :) It's rare that you find a couple who's love you can see in there eyes, and this is that kind of couple! :) Jonathan & Kristen will truly have a happily ever after! God is so good to show his faithful plan for us, and I saw that in there love. God bless you guys! :)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Pilgrimage to Spain!
Hi Everyone! God has been so faithful to me in His promises and I am just overwhelmed with joy from his goodness! :)
For those of you who I sent a World Youth Day letter to, and for those of you that I did not, the donations are great! Thank you so much to all of those who gave a donation! Every penny counts, and every day My Mom and I are getting closer to living our dream.
On the letter it says the deadline for money is the 1st of May, we thought we would've raised it all by then but it hasn't happen yet, and I'm pretty sure that's because people are hesitating on sending past the "deadline". But I just want to tell everyone, please keep on donating, because we have changed the deadline to the 1st of July! Every cent we have gotten so far has been a blessing, and every cent we will get in the future will be a blessing as well! :)
Fo those of you that did not receive my letter here are some pieces from it, maybe you will consider donating as well:
God did so many amazing things last summer, and he still continues to do so. I’m hoping this summer will be just as blessed, and I have no doubt that it will be, while God continues to show his amazing grace to me daily.
The reason why I am contacting you is concerning a event that I feel God is calling me to attend this summer. I have an opportunity to go to World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. This is an opportunity like no other, an event that I’ve always dreamed of attending. World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of over a million young Christians to celebrate our union in Christ with Pope Benedict XVI. Since I was very young, I have watched these celebrations and dreamed of attending some day. I have been blessed to attend several local conferences and this will be my opportunity to attend the biggest Catholic Conference in the World. I love the opportunity that my Catholic faith gives me to be one with Christ in the Eucharist and to always be united spiritually with Catholics all over the World. But this opportunity will unite me with my Catholic brothers and sisters physically. Through your generosity , love, and support, you can be a part of this body of Christ too.
We will be traveling with a group of 20+ young people and our group leaders from The Family Missions Company. We are going with a group of missionaries on a pilgrimage through Spain, London, Paris, Europe, Cordoba, Spain, Rome, and Assisi.
We will be gone over a period of two weeks leaving August 8th and returning August 23rd. Over these two weeks our pilgrimage will backpack across several countries in Europe as we sleep on trains, in hostiles, and local homes. Included in this trip are many of my wildest dreams, such as traveling to all these countries and visiting many tourist sites. Some of the highlights include: Big Ben, the Parliament, the Eiffel tower, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Also, we will tour ancient rome, rome at night, the vatican and Assi, France. The climax of our trip will be several days of events in Madrid, Spain at WYD, with a million other young christians. One event I’m very excited about, a special audience and mass with Pope Benedict XVI on my 17th birthday!
While being in Europe we will not only be enjoying ourselves, the company, and the beauty of God’s creations, but we will also be ministering to those around us by being a group that truly reflects sacrifice and the true beauty of being one with Christ. Each day will also be filled with prayer, sacrifice, and service which are the keys to my spiritual growth and discernment about my future vocation for God.
Photography has become a big part of my life, I am so thankful that God blessed me with a gift such as photography to be able to share His wonderful creations with this world. As a photographer I am very excited about the photo opportunities this trip will bring me! And of course I will be posting them on my blog to for everyone to see. :)
Again this will be a trip of a lifetime for me, especially since I will share it with my mother. My mother and I will be able to make many great memories together so I am very excited that we will be going together. But this dream can only happen with your help. The Family Missions Company will handle all of our travel, lodging, and food expenses for our donation of $5000.00 ($2500.00 Each). Please help Me and my Mothers dream become a reality! If you would like to make a tax deductible gift your checks can be paid to the Family Missions Company with Hollis in the remarks line. Anything helps, whether its $10 or $5,000! The deadline is July 1st. Please mail the checks directly to me at my address below. I will personally deliver them to the Family Missions Company Youth Ministry.
I would like to thank you all in advance for your support of making our dreams a reality. Please keep Me and my Mom in your prayers as we embark on this pilgrimage for Christ!
If you would like to donate please email me for my address :) hollylvz2tlk@aol.com
God Bless!
For those of you who I sent a World Youth Day letter to, and for those of you that I did not, the donations are great! Thank you so much to all of those who gave a donation! Every penny counts, and every day My Mom and I are getting closer to living our dream.
On the letter it says the deadline for money is the 1st of May, we thought we would've raised it all by then but it hasn't happen yet, and I'm pretty sure that's because people are hesitating on sending past the "deadline". But I just want to tell everyone, please keep on donating, because we have changed the deadline to the 1st of July! Every cent we have gotten so far has been a blessing, and every cent we will get in the future will be a blessing as well! :)
Fo those of you that did not receive my letter here are some pieces from it, maybe you will consider donating as well:
God did so many amazing things last summer, and he still continues to do so. I’m hoping this summer will be just as blessed, and I have no doubt that it will be, while God continues to show his amazing grace to me daily.
The reason why I am contacting you is concerning a event that I feel God is calling me to attend this summer. I have an opportunity to go to World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. This is an opportunity like no other, an event that I’ve always dreamed of attending. World Youth Day (WYD) is an international gathering of over a million young Christians to celebrate our union in Christ with Pope Benedict XVI. Since I was very young, I have watched these celebrations and dreamed of attending some day. I have been blessed to attend several local conferences and this will be my opportunity to attend the biggest Catholic Conference in the World. I love the opportunity that my Catholic faith gives me to be one with Christ in the Eucharist and to always be united spiritually with Catholics all over the World. But this opportunity will unite me with my Catholic brothers and sisters physically. Through your generosity , love, and support, you can be a part of this body of Christ too.
We will be traveling with a group of 20+ young people and our group leaders from The Family Missions Company. We are going with a group of missionaries on a pilgrimage through Spain, London, Paris, Europe, Cordoba, Spain, Rome, and Assisi.
We will be gone over a period of two weeks leaving August 8th and returning August 23rd. Over these two weeks our pilgrimage will backpack across several countries in Europe as we sleep on trains, in hostiles, and local homes. Included in this trip are many of my wildest dreams, such as traveling to all these countries and visiting many tourist sites. Some of the highlights include: Big Ben, the Parliament, the Eiffel tower, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Also, we will tour ancient rome, rome at night, the vatican and Assi, France. The climax of our trip will be several days of events in Madrid, Spain at WYD, with a million other young christians. One event I’m very excited about, a special audience and mass with Pope Benedict XVI on my 17th birthday!
While being in Europe we will not only be enjoying ourselves, the company, and the beauty of God’s creations, but we will also be ministering to those around us by being a group that truly reflects sacrifice and the true beauty of being one with Christ. Each day will also be filled with prayer, sacrifice, and service which are the keys to my spiritual growth and discernment about my future vocation for God.
Photography has become a big part of my life, I am so thankful that God blessed me with a gift such as photography to be able to share His wonderful creations with this world. As a photographer I am very excited about the photo opportunities this trip will bring me! And of course I will be posting them on my blog to for everyone to see. :)
Again this will be a trip of a lifetime for me, especially since I will share it with my mother. My mother and I will be able to make many great memories together so I am very excited that we will be going together. But this dream can only happen with your help. The Family Missions Company will handle all of our travel, lodging, and food expenses for our donation of $5000.00 ($2500.00 Each). Please help Me and my Mothers dream become a reality! If you would like to make a tax deductible gift your checks can be paid to the Family Missions Company with Hollis in the remarks line. Anything helps, whether its $10 or $5,000! The deadline is July 1st. Please mail the checks directly to me at my address below. I will personally deliver them to the Family Missions Company Youth Ministry.
I would like to thank you all in advance for your support of making our dreams a reality. Please keep Me and my Mom in your prayers as we embark on this pilgrimage for Christ!
If you would like to donate please email me for my address :) hollylvz2tlk@aol.com
God Bless!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
FEAR-What it really means
Fear
This 4 letter word has so much impact, so much meaning.
Fear of a new begining, fear of an old ending.
Fear of love, fear of hate.
Fear of fullness, fear of emptiness.
So many ways it can ruin our lives, and save our lives.
Latley theres been lots of fear in my life. Not fear of bad things or of hurt, but fear of the unknown. Fear of what God is doing in my heart. For so long he has comforted me and used me as just his, for so long I didn't need to leave his arms. He's the only thing
I needed, and the only thing I wanted. Of course him being the only thing I need, and want always remains the same :)
But now he has whisspered in my heart another plan, one that calls me to leave my comfort zone, one that sends me where Iv'e never been. And of course what is my heart feeling? That dreaded word again.... FEAR
The bible says
"Do not give way to fear" 1 Peter 3:6
Then why do we? Why do we give way to fear if God clearly tells us not to?
My lovely friend once pointed out to me that the word abandonmet is full of fear.
I mean just think of the word abandonment
It's lonely, it's cold, it brings upon much fear. The scary words abandonment and fear becomes lovely words when we put it like this
"In Abandonment to God. I fear only one thing-to keep my own will." St. Theresa
These are two regretful words put togther to make a lovely anaglogy.
We fear so much, but when it comes to our walk with Christ is fear really a bad thing?
I know in my life I am most afraid when I am following God's will, but not a fear that brings scariness, a fear that brings peace.
A fear that keeps me off of the dark paths, a fear that makes me say "take my own will my Jesus, the only thing I fear is following my will and not yours".
So in this wonderful life, when you feel fear creeping up on you, the way you handle the fear should not be to make it scary, but instead peaceful. Peaceful of knowing that abondment to God requires fear. If we feel fear we should not run and hide, we should not avoid stepping out into Christ arms. But instead we should Trust. Trust. Trust. Fear and Trust go so well together, just as Fear and Abandonment do. When we fear the unknown of abandonment to Christ all we need to do is Trust. Trusting that in our abandonment to God there will be no Fear, afterall.......
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love (Jesus's Love) drives out all fear" 1 John 4:18
In Christ, Hollis Y. :)
This 4 letter word has so much impact, so much meaning.
Fear of a new begining, fear of an old ending.
Fear of love, fear of hate.
Fear of fullness, fear of emptiness.
So many ways it can ruin our lives, and save our lives.
Latley theres been lots of fear in my life. Not fear of bad things or of hurt, but fear of the unknown. Fear of what God is doing in my heart. For so long he has comforted me and used me as just his, for so long I didn't need to leave his arms. He's the only thing
I needed, and the only thing I wanted. Of course him being the only thing I need, and want always remains the same :)
But now he has whisspered in my heart another plan, one that calls me to leave my comfort zone, one that sends me where Iv'e never been. And of course what is my heart feeling? That dreaded word again.... FEAR
The bible says
"Do not give way to fear" 1 Peter 3:6
Then why do we? Why do we give way to fear if God clearly tells us not to?
My lovely friend once pointed out to me that the word abandonmet is full of fear.
I mean just think of the word abandonment
It's lonely, it's cold, it brings upon much fear. The scary words abandonment and fear becomes lovely words when we put it like this
"In Abandonment to God. I fear only one thing-to keep my own will." St. Theresa
These are two regretful words put togther to make a lovely anaglogy.
We fear so much, but when it comes to our walk with Christ is fear really a bad thing?
I know in my life I am most afraid when I am following God's will, but not a fear that brings scariness, a fear that brings peace.
A fear that keeps me off of the dark paths, a fear that makes me say "take my own will my Jesus, the only thing I fear is following my will and not yours".
So in this wonderful life, when you feel fear creeping up on you, the way you handle the fear should not be to make it scary, but instead peaceful. Peaceful of knowing that abondment to God requires fear. If we feel fear we should not run and hide, we should not avoid stepping out into Christ arms. But instead we should Trust. Trust. Trust. Fear and Trust go so well together, just as Fear and Abandonment do. When we fear the unknown of abandonment to Christ all we need to do is Trust. Trusting that in our abandonment to God there will be no Fear, afterall.......
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love (Jesus's Love) drives out all fear" 1 John 4:18
In Christ, Hollis Y. :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
danielle rose explains "see you in the eucharist"
You will definitely need tissues watching this video.... it WILL bring you to tears, but not tears of sorrow, tears of pure joy to see someone this beautiufl, and to know just how desperately Jesus loves us! :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Happy (late) new year!!!!!!! :)
Hello blog followers (if theres any of you out there), How was your Christmas/New year?
Mine was just so beautiful and blessed! I know it's kind of late to be blogging about the new year, it was over a week ago..... and I guess it's a good thing that Iv'e been crazy busy with photography and God's been crazy at work in my life by blessing me in so many ways!!! 2010 was an amazing year for me in so many ways! His love showed unconditionally, through my photography, through my family, through my friends, and trhough the beauty of his creations. So many ways he has blessed me, pulled me out of my broken spot, and mended my heart back together full of his love. As far as my photography goes I shot 3 weddings, 2 engagements, 1 senior, and 3 families. To most people that's not a lot but for me that is more than enough! In fact at one point I felt on overload because of all the photography work but I realize that God has placed this desire in my heart and given me this gift. The way I love to use this gift is to just capture life's moments, to capture real moments and make them unforgettable and lovely, With God at my side I know I can do that! Of course there were some down parts but hey life can't be perfect right? But why should we focus on the past and what was bad when we have so much more to look forward to in the future? Why even bother to remeber the bad moments, remebering them doesnt get us anywhere in life. Besides we act like life is some long thing that we can take advantage of, but in God's eyes our life is just a vapor in the wind, something that is here and then gone. That's one of the many thoughts God has placed in my heart while going into the new year! I know that through Christ and with Christ I can do all things and I hope that he will continue to inspire me and others through my photography! I love this life, I love were God has me, and I love not knowing what he holds for the future! :)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures."
Proverbs 19:21
Life is good, live it to the fullest!!!! :)
In Christ, Hollis.Y
Mine was just so beautiful and blessed! I know it's kind of late to be blogging about the new year, it was over a week ago..... and I guess it's a good thing that Iv'e been crazy busy with photography and God's been crazy at work in my life by blessing me in so many ways!!! 2010 was an amazing year for me in so many ways! His love showed unconditionally, through my photography, through my family, through my friends, and trhough the beauty of his creations. So many ways he has blessed me, pulled me out of my broken spot, and mended my heart back together full of his love. As far as my photography goes I shot 3 weddings, 2 engagements, 1 senior, and 3 families. To most people that's not a lot but for me that is more than enough! In fact at one point I felt on overload because of all the photography work but I realize that God has placed this desire in my heart and given me this gift. The way I love to use this gift is to just capture life's moments, to capture real moments and make them unforgettable and lovely, With God at my side I know I can do that! Of course there were some down parts but hey life can't be perfect right? But why should we focus on the past and what was bad when we have so much more to look forward to in the future? Why even bother to remeber the bad moments, remebering them doesnt get us anywhere in life. Besides we act like life is some long thing that we can take advantage of, but in God's eyes our life is just a vapor in the wind, something that is here and then gone. That's one of the many thoughts God has placed in my heart while going into the new year! I know that through Christ and with Christ I can do all things and I hope that he will continue to inspire me and others through my photography! I love this life, I love were God has me, and I love not knowing what he holds for the future! :)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures."
Proverbs 19:21
Life is good, live it to the fullest!!!! :)
In Christ, Hollis.Y
Monday, December 20, 2010
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