Putting others first

[a very short devotion]

Read Philippians 2:3

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vein conceit, but in all things consider others better than yourselves."

Ouch! This very may seem impossible, but when we rely on God's power, we find the strength necessary to obey.
Followers of Jesus put others first. They seek to live this way every day. Of course they aren't perfect, but when they mess up, they ask for forgiveness and move on.

What is the most challenging thing about putting other first?
my Pastor's Wife's answer: I keep getting in the way. They don't say "thank you". Sometimes you can't do enough for them

The key to putting others first:
Listen first. Talk second. Always, always, always listen first and talk second. You many have the most fascinating life, but other people would rather talk about themselves. When you listen first and talk second then you give others the rare chance to express who they are, where they are, and what they are about. 


Most importantly: 
To truly listen first and talk second, forget about yourself and forget about what is important to you. Be able to listen to them without ever saying a word about yourself. You may be tempted to talk about yourself because we all have the need to have others notice us, recognize us, and give us attention. However, when we demand others notice us, recognize us, and give us attention by dominating a conversation, we end up ignoring others and we turn others off by letting them know they come second in our life instead of coming first.


I hope this has encouraged you to start(or continue) to put others first. 
Ashley Jean
http://photographybyashleyjean.blogspot.com/
ashley96jean@yahoo.com

PS- want a part 2 to this post focusing on listening tips/skills?
PPS- I would love to hear what you have to say!

Happy Monday

Hey Girls, This is Ashley Jean from the staff.

Over at my blog I am having a photo challenge. Its called Happy Monday and the theme this week is called the gold hour. Pretty much just capture a picture an hour before the sun goes down. I would love for you all to hop over a join in. This is the link to my blog-- here

In the end I will really appreciate it if you entered :) Thanks!

Ashley Jean

Interview Complete

Hey girls. Its Ashley Jean again. I've been posting about interviewing some teen girls and Allie, one of the staff members was the first to be interviewed on my blog. Go check it out here don't forget to leave a sweet comment :) Also I am going to be doing 2 more interviews very soon.

If your still interested in being interviewed just email me. I got different questions for each girl!

Blessings,
a.jeanphotography@yahoo.com
-Ashley Jean

Interview Questions

Don't worry if you want to be interviewed and haven't left a comment on the previous post I will still interview you. I am willing to do as many interviews as needed.

Again, if you didn't leave a comment you can still email me with your answers.
I am so happy to see that four of you want to be interviewed! If it comes down to you all wanting to be interviewed I will do more than just 3 interviews. No doubt.

These are the questions.- with a little more info at the bottom
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When did you decide to become a photographer?
What does photography mean to you?
Can you recall the first photo you took that made you go WOW!?
How does your personality change when you look through the camera?
How much time a day do you spend taking photos?
Who or what or where would you love to shoot that you haven't already?
What other thoughts would you like to share?
Do you have a favorite friend or sibling you enjoy taking photos of?
What program do you edit your photos on? Tell me a little about it.
How long have you loved photography?
I am guessing your very familiar with i heart faces, whats your favorite face photo?
What do you find the most challenging thing about photography?
What would you like to be doing in 5 years from now?
Best piece of advice you have been given?
Why did you choose to blog about your photography?

Do you have any website(s) you would like me to link to from this interview?
Homepage/blog:
Photography blog:
Facebook:
Other:

Name?
Age?
Any other info you want to share?

Please attach 6 or more photos of your work (watermarked is optional)
A photo (or two) of yourself (optional)
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Please. Copy and paste what is above and e-mail your answers and photos to-  a.jeanphotography@yahoo.com please. Take your time there is no due date. I will be sure to keep you updated (through email) on when your interview will become public. If you have any questions just leave a comment or email me :) Thanks!

Ashley Jean  my blog- http://photographybyashleyjean.blogspot.com/

Interviewing a photographer!

I think I have the right to post about this... But first you should get to know me. My name is Ashley Jean. I will be 14 years old this month. I live in Iowa with my dad, mom and 2 brothers. Along with another brother, moved out with his family of 5. I am a huge Christian and love photography. I enjoy reading, dancing, blogging, and taking pictures. I am so happy to be part of the bloom staff and you can find my photography blog here. Ok now back to the interview :)

I have come to the interest of interviewing a photographer. I have been wanting to do this but now I am really up to it. I have thought of many questions to ask. Prayed. Hoped. Thought more. And prayed much more.



 Things you should know before the questions come--
-The interview will be featured on my blog and can be featured on your photography blog if you want.
-I have a wide variety of questions you must answer at least 10 of them I already have 15+ questions. The questions are just about your photography (nothing is very personal)
-I will interview any of you if you have a public source (to your photos) on the internet for me to link to
-I will need at least 6 photos of your work and will except more :)


If you have any interest in this interview please just comment telling me so. If I get a comment or two or even more I will post the questions on a separate post on this blog. Just so you can see the questions then email me the answers if your interested :) I really hope to be able to interview one or two (maybe three) of you young ladies this is a huge opportunity for myself.


Ashley Jean