one photo

The answer is blowing in the wind…

Life is short, friends.

I recently found myself remembering the “why” of all of this.  The “BIG picture.”  The reason I so firmly believe in photography, photographers and what we do day in and day out.  The craft, the art, the heart involved in “seeing” someone and capturing that moment.

My friends, Jim and Nancy gave me an incredible gift on their wedding day.  Their hearts were completely full of joy and FUN.  They wore clown noses and played kickball.  They laughed more than ANY bride and groom I have EVER seen.  Taking their wedding photographs was not only easy, but a joy to be a part of.

Jim is now with his Lord in heaven.  Their times are now remembered by the photographs they had, the memories they envoke, the moments they shared.

Friends, hug each other tighter.  Love each other harder.  Fight for it.  Take pictures.  Remember.

Life is too short to NOT do this.  Please, do it.

photo by Gina Zeidler, www.ginazeidler.com

IN ONE YEAR… 

I quit my “job” and took a risk on doing my business.

I put my family first.

I owned up to my past, and apologized to those on my heart.  I got real.

I started praying more.

I met amazing, life changing friends through Making Things Happen that still inspire and impact me.  Every. Single. Day.  

I made progress.

I worked on my marriage.

I surrendered to God.  My life, my finances, my worries.  

I started choosing to LOVE, instead of waiting for it to “feel” right.

I forgave.

I watched someone I’ve prayed for my entire life look death in the eye and come back stronger.  Prayer has been answered right before my very eyes.

I took pictures.  More than I ever dreamed possible.  THOUSANDS of them!

I decided what my style is, and stuck to it.  I didn’t compromise for the sake of what’s popular.  I decided to shoot clean… not fluff, and see if my work could stand on it’s own.

I watched my kids grow bigger, stronger, wiser, and healthier.

I stood up for myself when I needed to, even though it crinkled a few noses.

I had dance parties in my living room with my family.

I exercised.

I discovered I have asthma and allergies that I never dreamed I had.

I went to church more.

I cried, and dug through pain, and cried some more.

I got stronger.  I am stronger.

I made committments to my schedule and myself that are in the best interest of my family.

I said “no” to friends and things that are not supportive of my goals.

I failed.  But got back up.

I gave.  I served.  I listened to my heart and gave to those I felt lead to give to.

I was brave.

I built “Team Shelly” and am thankful for asking for help.  It was hard.  It was worth it.

I stayed true to what God lead me to.  I obeyed his calling.  I walked tall.  I learned a lot of lessons.  I am stronger.  I am brighter.  I am ready, for whatever is ahead.

I’m so glad I had the courage, one year ago, to look at my life, evaluate what was most important to me, make decisions based on those things, and to NEVER. LOOK. BACK.  It was the single most important thing I’ve ever done.  And I am so thankful.  It’s only by the strength God gave me, and his grace guiding me each step of the way, that I’ve seen so much occur.   As I look ahead, I’m planning to open my heart up to EVEN bigger dreams.  Why not?  Life is too short to not GO FOR IT!

Yep. One of my favorite thanksgivings ever.

(Source: justlittlethings)

“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.  As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.  Make me walk along the right paths for I know how delightful they really are.  Help me to prefer obedience to making money!  Turn me away from wanting any other plan than yours.  Revive my heart toward you.  Reassure me that your promises are for me, for I trust and revere you.”

Psalm 119:33-38 TLB

This morning in my mom’s prayer group we prayed this for our kids, that they would make this their prayer in their lives.. and it got me to thinking about how I live my own life.  Is this my prayer?  

I love how God’s word shocks us into the truth, holds a mirror up to our faces and reveals all that we need to see.  I love that the words, wholehearted, obedience, revive and reassure jump out at me with the loudness of a megaphone.  I love that God knows exactly what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it.

So, I choose to make this the prayer of my heart this week, going into Thanksgiving week with my heart open to whatever God’s plan and paths show and reveal.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how the world judges parents. Anytime anyone does something bad or inappropriate people often assume its because they have bad parents. Especially moms are guilty of this behavior and the eye rolling and assumptions begin.
I’d like to throw this out there as food for thought:
We’re all doing the best we can for the most part. Right? I mean there are cases of abuse neglect and downright harm being done to kids by their parents but honestly, that’s not the majority of the population. For the most part, we are all trying our hardest, by the grace of god, to figure this parenting deal out, to love and protect our kids, and to teach them the right way to go in life.
Sometimes they don’t choose what we think they should, and you know what? That’s ok, we have to let them make mistakes… That’s actually GOOD parenting in my opinion, as long as we use those opportunities to love them, too.
Moms you don’t have it all figured out. Admit it and just love and do your best. And when someone rolls their eyes at you because they are annoyed at your children, look them dead in the eye and smile your biggest knowing smile, that you are doing your best, no matter what they think.

Yes!!!!

(Source: justlittlethings)

Two full work days of unrelentless edits… Me parked and focused.

Whatever you do, do it with all you heart, as working for the lord, not men.