Brooke Turner Photography

A couple months ago, I was approached with the opportunity to be a part of a “Blog Tour” to review a recently published book, “Religion Saves: and 9 Other Misconceptions” by Mark Driscoll.  I was thrilled!  I have listened to Mark Dricoll’s sermons on podcast for about 2 years now..most often while I’m  ”chained to my desk” while I’m editing photos  :)  So of course I jumped at the chance to read an early release of his latest book.   You can read a little more about Mark Driscoll here..but in short, he is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, one of the fastest growing churches in America.   He is known for his bold and sometimes “in your face” style of teaching, which I mostly love.  I always come away from listening to his messages not only challenged and convicted, but refreshed and wanting more!  Even more reason why I was thrilled to have his latest book in my hand!  

“Religion Saves: and 9 Other Misconceptions” was birthed out of a sermon series where Pastor Mark set out to answer 9 of the most controversial questions regarding the Christian life.  As I opened the book and saw the table of contents, previewing what questions were to be answered in the pages to come, I could not wait to get into the book!   About 3 years ago I truly came to know the Lord  for the first time in my life.  I had been a frequent church attender, but Christ was not at all at the center of my life.  Part of the growing process for me has been wrestling with some of these “frequently asked questions” that Mark addresses.  

The nine issues that are addressed in this book are: birth control, humor, predestination, grace, sexual sin, faith and works, dating, the emerging church, and the regulative principle.   So now for my review:

Overall, this book was an excellent read!  The responses to the topics were extremely thorough and had extensive scriptural references to back up his position   For me, this book will serve as an excellent reference to go back to in the future when someone asks why I believe what I believe about a particular issue.   

Click here to purchase a copy of the book.  If you are a Christian looking to get scriptually based responses on these “hot button” issues in the Church today, pick up a copy!  I believe you will benefit from it now and for years to come

here’s what you have to look forward to later this week, my dear blog readers:

some more pictures of this precious little man, Will…and a slideshow of his “Day in the Life” session, too!  Coming very soon (sorry for the wait, Carissa and Jason)

and images from Kathryn & Ben’s Charleston wedding. and of course their slideshow!

what in the world have i been up to?  shooting out of town weddings/rehearsal dinners, meeting with tons of prospective 2010 brides, shooting portraits, editing, editing, editing, and of course, lots of albums.  whew!

Also, don’t forget to send me your “ask anything” questions! see post below if you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m going to try to answer some of the questions later this week.  You can comment below or email me

This week I’ll be catching the blog up with all of the sessions I shot last week, including Kristin & Kenneth’s wedding yesterday.   For all of you waiting on a blog post - it’s coming soon!  

This week I’ll be shooting a bridal session, a family session, and Jeannie & Cory’s wedding Saturday.  THEN I’m off to Hilton Head for a week of vacation with my family!   More to come very shortly!

This was the perfect spring wedding! Amazing weather, bright blue sky, gorgeous flowers, beautiful bride, adorable groom!  The whole day was full of laughter, fun, friends, family, lots of smiles, and some oh-so-adorable children! Thank you for allowing me to capture your special day.  It was truly a blessing!

CLICK HERE for the slideshow!

Wow where do I begin! Saturday we photographed Anna & Ryan’s wedding in Kingstree, SC.    Every last detail was just perfect, including the weather.  All day we were thanking the Lord for such a beautiful day for a beautiful couple.  Amanda and I loved being a part of the entire wedding weekend!  All my love, Anna & Ryan!  Here’s to a future full of sweet blessings!

Click here for the slideshow!

Just a friendly reminder - book early!  For peak season (March - June) I typically book out about a year in advance, and take a limited number of wedding commissions.  Shoot me an email (brooke@brooketurnerphotography.com) if you’d like to schedule a consultation to see my albums and other products.  I’d love to meet with you and hear all about your wedding plans!

Saturday had to be one of the most gorgeous days to shoot a wedding!  Amanda and I headed up to Laurens in the beautiful weather on Saturday to shoot Ashley and Josh’s wedding.  We had such a blast with this couple, their family, and friends! 

Here are a few from the day.

And the slideshow!

One of the fun things about working for myself from home is that I’ve always got my music blaring.  I am a huge fan of playing the music LOUD and I’m pretty much always singing. I just love love love good music!!  I’m a little odd about music though. I am attracted first to the lyrics, and then the rhythm and tune.  If the lyrics speak to my soul, you can bet I’ll come to love the rest of it. 

Here are the tunes on repeat right now. Consider it the soundtrack of this season of my life:

Hungry - Kathryn Scott

My Desire, Beyond Measure - Jeremy Camp

Cry in my Heart - Starfield

Divine Romance - Phil Whickam

Arithmetic, CS Lewis Song -Brooke Fraser (pretty much constants on the soundtrack of my life!)

Here’s my favorite - Brooke Fraser singing Arithmetic. Pretty much my life story set to music-

“I won’t find what I am looking for, if I only see by keeping score.

For I know now You are so much more than arithmetic.

cause If I add, if I subtract, if I give it all try to take some back,

I’ve forgotten the freedom that comes in the fact

that you are the SUM, and you are the One I want.”

May He be your SUM today.

What songs are on repeat for this season of your life?

AND………

it’s time for a new contest!!  

Here’s how it works:  anyone who comments on this post will be entered to win a $20 STARBUCKS gift card!!  Y’all know me so well …several of you guessed the prize in my last post!   I’ll choose the winner on Wednesday!   

Have a great weekend! Love you all!