Two of my goals for the year were to get outside of my comfort zone and travel more as well as using my off season from wedding photography well. I have been a part of Delight & Be’s Facebook Group for over 5 years, always a quiet one as I am not much of a Facebook group person. I would occasionally post or comment, but never super involved. I met Kristin at ShowIt United out in Phoenix last November and we talked for a few minutes before we had to go our separate ways. I decided to send her a message and just ask about coming to visit the Delight House sometime in February. My calendar was open and I figured it would be a good way to explore the West Coast. She almost immediately responds back with “YES! We actually have others women coming from the East Coast for a work-cation, would these dates work?”. My flight was booked that day and I was so excited! 

I met up with Hannah, Katie, Heather, and Lauren in the Seattle airport around 10pm on Tuesday evening as we waited for the flight to Wenatchee where Marcia & Carina picked us up. We went from strangers to life long friends over the next few days as we worked together on Delight at the Delight House. Each morning, Heather led us in a Bible study where we explored how gospel and community work together. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the question she had us ask ourselves,

“ARE YOU VALUING YOUR WORK MORE THAN YOU ARE VALUING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?”. 

When you are involved in serving and community, it is easy to mistake the time you are doing things for God as time you are spending with God. How much time do you spend in service each week? And then thinking through how much time are you in the word and praying each week? It was eyeopening for me to think through because in Matthew 15:8-9 it talks about those who are just going through the motions but not seeking a relationship with God. 

After our morning devotions and prayer, Marcia spoiled us with the yummiest breakfasts (actually the most amazing meals all day, everyday. Seriously so good, she’s a wizard in the kitchen!) before we got to work around the big dining room table. The first day we had a brainstorming session about some of the main topics we wanted to get work done on for Delight. A mastermind session of sorts as we all bounced ideas off from each other, writing them down on a big easel.

AS I LOOKED AROUND THE TABLE, IT WAS SO CLEAR AS TO WHY GOD HAD BROUGHT US ALL TO THE DELIGHT HOUSE. EVERY ONE HAD DIFFERENT STRENGTHS, PASSIONS, LIFE EXPERIENCES THAT EQUIPPED THEM TO BE A VALUABLE PART OF THE TEAM WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOAL OF DELIGHT & BE. 

Hannah’s heart for creating the Delight & Be magazine is so inspiring, we all cozied up in the living room one afternoon, with piles of magazines around us to decide on where to get the next issue printed, what content should be included, honing in on the why behind the magazine and what purpose it should serve, and the future of what it should look like in the issues to come. Hannah has selflessly done so much to make this a reality and we worked on getting a team together to lighten the load and encourage others to get involved. I cannot wait to read the next issue, from what I saw, I can tell you it’s going to bless you so much! 

Lauren & Katie’s passion was to discuss how we can bring Delight into the local communities. Right now it is an online community and we all see the value of the face to face relationships. Delight & Be mission is that we strive to express who our Creator is through the gifts and talents that He has given us, and to foster strong community as we grow together in them. There was a lot of conversation around how do we keep that as our mission and equip leaders to facilitate local small groups. Katie and one of her friends have started their own small group for younger girls in their high school and she was able to give so much insight into how these could be run. It’s all about relationships and how we can love others so I truly believe in this Delight Community! Lauren & Katie are working with leadership to finalize details and launch a couple of beta groups in the next few months, so stay tuned as we work on those this year!

As I mentioned, I did not know why God had brought me to the Delight House, I knew there was a reason but had no idea what it may be. I came in with an open heart, ready to be used however I could. After a few conversations with Kristin, it became clear that my love for photography and business was going to be used for helping in the Facebook groups. Delight & Be started with photographers and has expanded to include all creative arts, & I see so much potential in our Photography group. We worked on creating a list of topics to create education on and then inspiration to go hand in hand with the education. Our desire is to combine education and inspiration to help the young photographers we have in the group to further the industry. Rising Tide Society’s motto “A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats” rings true in this, we all become better when we share knowledge and help others. If you are in the photography group you may have seen some of these things taking place already but get ready for so much more! I am excited to work with Kristin and Lyndsey Boyd to encourage our photographers! 

On my last day in Washington, we explored Lake Chelan (if you ever have a chance to visit the PNW, DO IT! It’s stunning!) and the area around the Delight House. When you have a bunch of photographers in one place, of course you all coordinate outfits to get new photos! We had an ice cream party on the kitchen floor and ate popcorn snuggled up in the living room, wishing that our time didn’t have to come to an end. Some of the local Delight girls came over for dinner and we held on to all those little moments that make up the best memories. 

Spending 4 days with Kristin & Marcia (& the other ladies) was such an encouragement. Kristin’s given so much to create Delight & Be and continues to love others with a selfless love. It is exciting to see how God is continuing to bless what is being done and bringing a team together to further this ministry! We all were in awe of how God handpicked each person to serve in their strengths and bring others that had strengths to match our weaknesses. We serve an amazing God.

If you are a girl age 16-22, I would encourage you to check out Delight & Be!