My 20th birthday was an awful day but I am thankful for the lessons learned on that birthday.
I remember it well. I was sick and miserable and alone on my birthday ( I am not looking for pity, just setting up background ). Â And when that day of birth came around, my Facebook wall was filled with close friends and not so close friends wishing me a happy day. Â It was nice but there was a trend I noticed that stuck out to me. Now remember I was sick and tired which makes me over emotional. So that is why I over reacted and got upset about this. The majority of facebook friends left a message saying ” Happy Birthday Sabrina! You are such a great photographer!” My immediate reaction was, “Of all the things to say about a person, they just think I am a good photographer? ” (remember I was emotional; don’t judge haha) ” Gosh, I must be a lousy person because all they can say about me is something that I do and not about who I am.”
In the end, I can say it was a good thing that I got upset over something so little. It really makes me think about what I want to be known for in life and what I want to leave behind. I go back to my 20th birthday and how I felt and it inspires me and challenges me. Â When people think about Sabrina Nohling what do they think? I don’t think this is selfish to consider. I think it is a good heart check because how I act and what I am known for is a reflection of my heart.
I want to be known for something more than just a photographer.
I want to be known for having a life  devoted to glorifying the Lord.
I want to make Christ known through me.
I want to be known for having a heart that if full of joy and love and a life that overflows with service to those around me.
I desire to be known for my inward beauty. For my heart that made alive by Jesus and eyes and smile would burn bright.
I want people to think and to love on the elderly when they think of me. That is my passion and I want to challenge people to notice them.
I want to be known as the woman who doesn’t have anything bad to say about anyone.
I want to be known as the woman who knows my photography gift and uses it to bless others.
That is what I want to be known for. And I am not there yet but it gives me something to aspire to and these are things I pray that the Lord will work in me!
My 20th birthday challenged me to live a life more full and to have my actions show it. I hope this challenges you as well and you start to ask what you want to be known for. Then go live it out!

Jaime Patterson - Arielle you are gorgeous.. and side note.. I need to know where you got that dress!
Emilia Schobeiri - GORGEOUS!
Hollie Schools Dyson - So beautiful! Love her style!
Sara Lucero - She DOES have some great style! How cute is she? Great job, Sabrina!
Bryndi MaRae Schult - Just gorgeous! Love these!
Maria Abelaye - These are absolutely beautiful! =)
You go, girl!
Deborah Z. Parker - adorable:)! love them all!
Ashton Oakes Dawson - So adorable! And wow, I need to know where she bought all her outfits? They totally rock!
Liz Bishop - Gorgeous! You captured some beautiful expressions! Love em!
Cat Neumayr - Wow! She is gorgeous, and these pictures are amazing! Umm…. remind me to get you to take MY picture someday.
Zipporah Kapambwe - Everything one of these images are gorgeous! love love
Maggie Fortson - Gorgeous colors, light, and model! Love them!
Sabrina Marie Nohling - thank you both!!
Sabrina Marie Nohling - oh gosh Cat that would be so fun!!!! adding it to my bucket list :))
Arielle Larkin - Thank you so much everyone for the nice words! Sabrina is so incredibly talented at bringing out the BEST in you during the shoot. Really, I was always so nervous to be in front of a camera, but she made me feel relaxed and lovely. Also in regards to my style, I’ve learned that “Modest is Hottest” and I really look up to singer/songwriter Meredith Andrews in regards to her style (and everything else.) You all ROCK! 🙂
Arielle Larkin - I got it at Old Navy!! They have awesome summer dresses! 🙂 Actually you know what…everything I wore in the shoot is from Old Navy haha 🙂
Arielle Larkin - Everything I wore was from Old Navy! 🙂
Caitlin Elizabeth - OHMYGOODNESS THESE ARE GORGEOUS – HOW FREAKING BEAUTIFUL IS SHE?@? these are too cute! SUCH a great job with these 🙂 the expression on her face in the very second photo melts my heart!
Shelley Richardson Hohe - These are really great! Not only is she beautiful, but she looks so natural in front of your camera.