Taken on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, these images join the multitude in capturing the aftermath of the enormous amounts of rain that came earlier in the week. The flood levels are being compared to the latest record from 1990. At the time that these images were captured the levels were recorded to be at about 281 feet and continuing to rise, expecting to reach roughly 283 feet by the peak. These images were taken surrounding the areas of Toad Suck and the Arkansas River. 

I know this is different than my normal posts and images, but part of capturing the world around you includes capturing things that are not always beautiful or desirable. 

"If you want the rainbow you have to deal with the rain."

It's a common saying these days that if there is no picture, it didn't happen. What better way to end one year and start a new one than to record memories through photography! Let me know if you want a little help "recording your memories!" 

"Friends are the Family we choose for ourselves." 

If I have learned one thing in my first semester of college it is the value of true friends and friendship. College is all about making new friends, widening your circle, and still hanging on to old ones. That is a lot of pressure when you pile on school and transitioning into college, but if we make the right choices, it can seem as if we are still surrounded by family, even if it isn't the family we left at home. Broaden your horizons. Take a risk. Find who you can be when you put your whole self into something. In college, no matter how different or similar you might be, these friends may be there for you when no one else can be. Let them. Your reaction to these things may just determine who you become. 

"Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." 

- Proverbs 27:17 - 

Berryhill Park, a public park near campus, complete with larger-than-life replicas made of lights with centerpieces of a large light fountain and an interactive tree whose lights change colors and tempos to music. 

Just as I received my first semester at Harding, I give you a warm welcome to A Searcy Christmas. 

Yet another weekend adventure for this college student consisted of a Saturday spent in the River Market area in Little Rock while the fall leaves were changing and doing their thing being beautiful. We ate in the River Market and spent the rest of our time wondering around the surrounding area resulting in pictures like these. Hope you enjoy! Feedback is always welcome! Thanks for reading! 

You know you have a true friend when you come home from college and your reunion date is a photoshoot. This is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out, and their family's new golden retriever puppy, Madden. While he is a bit of a biter and the stereotypical crazy, distracted puppy, it made for some excellent impromptu photos. 

This one of the hardest posts for which to narrow down images; so many good ones! I hope you all enjoy these as much as I do. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

The second half of our day in Corinth consisted of climbing Acrocorinth. As I discussed in reference to the Acropolis of Athens, "acro-" refers to the highest point or edge of a city. Acrocorinth is the resting place of many a fighting solider and ruins of the places in which they took shelter and gave their lives to protect. As we hiked up this steadily steep mountain, which was a struggle for nearly everyone of all fitness levels, I couldn't help but think about the stories that surrounded the grassy fields. They looked so calm, but housed many stories of death and victory. 

The top of Acrocorinth was the single point that was only big enough for the small foundation of the temple that once sat atop it and overlooks the city of Athens and the surrounding area. It was breathtakingly beautiful. 

The ancient city of Corinth, a day trip we took during the Greece portion of the trip, was most definitely my favorite of these day trips. I have split this one day into two posts: the ancient city of Corinth and the Acrocorinth. 

Corinth, the recipient of Paul's letter known as Corinthians, is one of the few places we went that had not been changed by the modern growth around it. Walking down the main street of the ancient city felt like walking down an ancient first century street. Before entering the protected area, we viewed one of the most physical proofs of Scripture in archeology - the Erastus Inscription. Due to the dating of the inscription which would have been in the streets, the mention of Erastus and his position are verified undoubtedly in Romans 16: 23 (and also mentioned in Acts and 2 Timothy). After viewing this artifact that many archeologists have tried to discredit, we entered what is considered the main part of the ancient city of Corinth to view multiple old distinguishable buildings, like the temple and meat market, and streets as well as other ruins. 

As we continued we came to the Bema, the public place of council and trial. At the Bema found in Corinth it is known that Paul did stand trial, but was not beaten. Nonetheless, Corinth's place of trial is one of the most fully found, thus allowing us to imagine what Paul did go through when he was beaten in other cities in the same manner as he was laid over the small stand with indentions made onto which arms could be held in place. 

The ancient city of Corinth was one of my favorite places simply because of the atmosphere preserved. I felt as if I was walking down the street of the ancient city because nothing had been changed, just imply uncovered. I felt the reality of the significance that other places held even though they had been tampered with and modernized, especially in Israel. After this we went the the Acrocorinth which will be in my next post. 

I know what you're thinking... what? she is posting portraits? yes. I know it is different than my usual, but this is my latest branch out, and I really enjoyed it! When you photograph someone else, then they get just as excited about it as I do, and it makes for a very rewarding outcome. 

My lovely first model ever is my roommate Kathryn! We went to Peebles Farm Pumpkin Patch one Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago and, on a whim, decided to shoot some pictures of her in a patch of her favorite flowers, and, if I do say so myself, I think they turned out pretty good! So I thought I would share them with anyone who would give interest! 

I have already taken some shots of some other friends and will be sharing them soon! Hope to build my confidence in this area to be able to do this for others as well very soon! What better part-time job than doing something you love?! Especially in college! 

Thanks, KitKat, for being my first official model and making me look good and thanks to everyone who keeps up with my photography, even if it is a little different!