Thursday, September 20, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
13 People Who Have Inspired Me Recently
I'm stealing/borrowing this idea from my friend, Annie. She does Thursday's 13 every week. This is my first time but since today is Thursday the 13th, I felt it was appropriate!
This is in no particular order, just as thought came to me...
13. Bryant's 2nd grade teacher. She is AWESOME! We prayed that he'd have the right teacher and I'm certain she was Hand-picked for Bry! She is so fun but very articulate and firm. She is such a rare balance in a teacher. Usually they're very discipline oriented or fun oriented- she's the perfect blend of both!
12. The instructor for my photography class. He has such a unique approach to photography and the business side of things. It's been a good class to shake up my way of thinking on some things!
11. My girl, Delainey who reminds me not to take myself too seriously. She helps me to see the beauty in simple things and just enjoy each day that I've been given. I love her attitude like when I say, "We're going to buy groceries". She responds, "YAY!" Anything and everything is fun for DJ. I love that!
10. Ted and Karen, the hosts of our small group on Monday nights. I have no idea how they have their house cleaned and presentable, with 3 young children week after week. As inspiring as that is, the thing that really inspires me is their desire to open their home and honor God in such a sacrificial way.
9. My baby, Elle who shows me daily what unconditional love is really about. She thinks I am cool whether I'm wearing name brand or still in my old p.j.'s. She thinks I'm beautiful even before I've fixed my hair or put on make-up. She thinks I'm wonderful just as plain old me. And she thinks it's fun just to ride around on my hip without any additional entertainment. How cool is that?
8. My old friend, Angie who is strong and courageous and just moved to SC a few months ago. She inspires me because she is really having a hard time adjusting to living here. As we all know, moving to a different state with a modest income is HARD! I admire her because she is staying optimistic and continues to trust God even when so many things are scary and unclear. I can't wait to see things work out for her and I know they will.
7. My friend, Amanda, who I know from the Grand Canyon. She is my age, mother of two, very active and fit. Last November her heart stopped and her husband (a paramedic) had to bring her back. She inspires me because even though she has been through SO much in the last year, she stays focused and optimistic. She never feels sorry for herself or dwells on how hard it's been for her and her family. She is an amazing mom and woman. She sets a high standard and I continually use her as an example of the kind of woman I want to be.
6. Jim and June Warren, who are by far the coolest old people I have ever met. I've never known people in their 80's who are so with it and easy to talk to. They remind me of a couple in their 30's or 40's- in more ways than one. Jim and June inspire me in so many ways and have influenced our marriage hugely. They and are such a great example of staying in love through the years. Also, they inspire me to stay in touch with younger generations, no matter how old I am.
5. My friend, Annie , who I think is just wired with a servant's heart. She'll probably get mad at me for putting this on here because she wouldn't ever want any public credit, but too bad. She has been helping me with my girls so I can go to photography class and I continually overhear her offering to help others. Last week she made dinner for us when Caleb was out of town. Yesterday I heard her offer to watch a pregnant friend's little boy because they are moving into a new home. Tomorrow she's making a meal for a mutual friend who's son is in the hospital. Is that an example of a generous person or what? I want to give like that!
4. My son, Bryant. He has inspired me lately by his optimism and child-like faith. As we were waiting for the bus this morning, he said, "I think I hear the bus coming Mom. Will you pray for me before I go?" If he only knew how amazing he is! I love that kid so much!
3. My parents. Both of their pictures are in the dictionary, in case you didn't know. My dad's is under the word(s) "Hard Worker" and my mom's is under the word "Perseverance". I admire them and the attitude they have, especially when they're against all odds. They inspire me to press on in the toughest times!
2. My man, Caleb. What an example of a person with a good heart and good will towards others. I love so many things about Caleb, but his tenderness towards others has really impacted me lately. I love that he has such a soft spot for people who are hurting and doesn't ever want to a source of hurt for anyone. I love that he's man enough to tear up when he's moved by something. And I love that he will talk to anyone and treat them as his equal regardless of their social status, handicap or anything else.
1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm realizing over and over again that He really desires a relationship with me and even though it makes no sense at all, He sees me as valuable and precious. He wants me to love Him with all my heart, my mind, soul & strength. How often I worship the gift and not the Giver. "This stuff competes for the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of all good things." -Rich Mullins
This is in no particular order, just as thought came to me...
13. Bryant's 2nd grade teacher. She is AWESOME! We prayed that he'd have the right teacher and I'm certain she was Hand-picked for Bry! She is so fun but very articulate and firm. She is such a rare balance in a teacher. Usually they're very discipline oriented or fun oriented- she's the perfect blend of both!
12. The instructor for my photography class. He has such a unique approach to photography and the business side of things. It's been a good class to shake up my way of thinking on some things!
11. My girl, Delainey who reminds me not to take myself too seriously. She helps me to see the beauty in simple things and just enjoy each day that I've been given. I love her attitude like when I say, "We're going to buy groceries". She responds, "YAY!" Anything and everything is fun for DJ. I love that!
10. Ted and Karen, the hosts of our small group on Monday nights. I have no idea how they have their house cleaned and presentable, with 3 young children week after week. As inspiring as that is, the thing that really inspires me is their desire to open their home and honor God in such a sacrificial way.
9. My baby, Elle who shows me daily what unconditional love is really about. She thinks I am cool whether I'm wearing name brand or still in my old p.j.'s. She thinks I'm beautiful even before I've fixed my hair or put on make-up. She thinks I'm wonderful just as plain old me. And she thinks it's fun just to ride around on my hip without any additional entertainment. How cool is that?
8. My old friend, Angie who is strong and courageous and just moved to SC a few months ago. She inspires me because she is really having a hard time adjusting to living here. As we all know, moving to a different state with a modest income is HARD! I admire her because she is staying optimistic and continues to trust God even when so many things are scary and unclear. I can't wait to see things work out for her and I know they will.
7. My friend, Amanda, who I know from the Grand Canyon. She is my age, mother of two, very active and fit. Last November her heart stopped and her husband (a paramedic) had to bring her back. She inspires me because even though she has been through SO much in the last year, she stays focused and optimistic. She never feels sorry for herself or dwells on how hard it's been for her and her family. She is an amazing mom and woman. She sets a high standard and I continually use her as an example of the kind of woman I want to be.
6. Jim and June Warren, who are by far the coolest old people I have ever met. I've never known people in their 80's who are so with it and easy to talk to. They remind me of a couple in their 30's or 40's- in more ways than one. Jim and June inspire me in so many ways and have influenced our marriage hugely. They and are such a great example of staying in love through the years. Also, they inspire me to stay in touch with younger generations, no matter how old I am.
5. My friend, Annie , who I think is just wired with a servant's heart. She'll probably get mad at me for putting this on here because she wouldn't ever want any public credit, but too bad. She has been helping me with my girls so I can go to photography class and I continually overhear her offering to help others. Last week she made dinner for us when Caleb was out of town. Yesterday I heard her offer to watch a pregnant friend's little boy because they are moving into a new home. Tomorrow she's making a meal for a mutual friend who's son is in the hospital. Is that an example of a generous person or what? I want to give like that!
4. My son, Bryant. He has inspired me lately by his optimism and child-like faith. As we were waiting for the bus this morning, he said, "I think I hear the bus coming Mom. Will you pray for me before I go?" If he only knew how amazing he is! I love that kid so much!
3. My parents. Both of their pictures are in the dictionary, in case you didn't know. My dad's is under the word(s) "Hard Worker" and my mom's is under the word "Perseverance". I admire them and the attitude they have, especially when they're against all odds. They inspire me to press on in the toughest times!
2. My man, Caleb. What an example of a person with a good heart and good will towards others. I love so many things about Caleb, but his tenderness towards others has really impacted me lately. I love that he has such a soft spot for people who are hurting and doesn't ever want to a source of hurt for anyone. I love that he's man enough to tear up when he's moved by something. And I love that he will talk to anyone and treat them as his equal regardless of their social status, handicap or anything else.
1. My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm realizing over and over again that He really desires a relationship with me and even though it makes no sense at all, He sees me as valuable and precious. He wants me to love Him with all my heart, my mind, soul & strength. How often I worship the gift and not the Giver. "This stuff competes for the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of all good things." -Rich Mullins
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Lifetime of Learning...
I just completed week 2 of my second photography class at Charleston's Center for Photography. This class is great but a little intimidating because it's all about having your work critiqued by the instructor as well as the rest of the students in class. My first assignment went very well with a lot of great feedback (whew). In trying to grow myself into a better photographer, I've been getting out some of my old stuff that I photographed in prior years and critiquing myself. Thankfully, I'm my toughest critic because I'd die of humiliation if my class were as hard on me as I am on myself.
As I was looking at some of my older work I saw some really great stuff and then I saw some stuff I wish I'd never shot. In a way I guess that's good because I can see that I'm making progress. I sometimes would see a shot and realize my composition was all wrong or my exposure was not right. I would cringe and think "why didn't I see that?" With some images that I once thought were pretty good, I'm now throwing in the trash.
Life can be like that too. Sometimes when I think back to seasons in my life (some not too long ago), I cringe and think, "why didn't I see that?" or "why did I say that". I wonder why I acted in a certain way or lacked the wisdom and knowledge to handle myself better in a situation. Sometimes it's hard to look back and I don't think it's productive to do too often because we should continue to look forward and press on. Occasionally, I do think it can be useful to look back though, to learn from our selves and our own history. I sometimes think how I'd like to handle things if I got a "Do-over".
I'm so thankful that God doesn't require perfection from us. I would miss the mark every time. I'm also so glad He lets us learn and loves us enough to keep teaching us and refining us. I can't go back and re shoot all the great photographs I missed in years past or go undo all the wrong things I've done, but I can look for new opportunities with a better understanding of what I want to accomplish. Thank you God for allowing me to look back but not requiring me to.
As I was looking at some of my older work I saw some really great stuff and then I saw some stuff I wish I'd never shot. In a way I guess that's good because I can see that I'm making progress. I sometimes would see a shot and realize my composition was all wrong or my exposure was not right. I would cringe and think "why didn't I see that?" With some images that I once thought were pretty good, I'm now throwing in the trash.
Life can be like that too. Sometimes when I think back to seasons in my life (some not too long ago), I cringe and think, "why didn't I see that?" or "why did I say that". I wonder why I acted in a certain way or lacked the wisdom and knowledge to handle myself better in a situation. Sometimes it's hard to look back and I don't think it's productive to do too often because we should continue to look forward and press on. Occasionally, I do think it can be useful to look back though, to learn from our selves and our own history. I sometimes think how I'd like to handle things if I got a "Do-over".
I'm so thankful that God doesn't require perfection from us. I would miss the mark every time. I'm also so glad He lets us learn and loves us enough to keep teaching us and refining us. I can't go back and re shoot all the great photographs I missed in years past or go undo all the wrong things I've done, but I can look for new opportunities with a better understanding of what I want to accomplish. Thank you God for allowing me to look back but not requiring me to.
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