BLOG CIRCLE: TRANSITION

Transition....change....it happens every day---wanted or unwanted---every season---in the weather--in fashion---as every school year begins---gains---losses---the list goes on forever. 

Oh, how I welcomed summer. Popsicles on the back porch, water fights, lazy mornings, mud fights, looking at the stars on the trampoline, story time at the local library, exploring the neighborhood as the sun was setting, the screeching high pitched shrills that only meant----my children's delight over the simplest of things....all left too soon. Summer was sweet to me to us. Now, the weather has gotten a bit cooler and the sun is setting sooner. The school bell has become part of my daily routine. Time to juggle many roles in my life. Daily life isn't so simple.

 As summer came to a close for me, I visited with this woman on her front porch. Granny D said life was a gift. I needed to accept it, walk in it, and give it away. It wouldn't be until then, that I would be truly satisfied. As we continued our deep rooted 'Life Talk', I looked up and she had her feet curled up and hand on her face. It was as if we were life long girlfriends having an ordinary long chat.-one of my sisters.  I had to capture her, she looked so natural. Granny D is 94 years old. She ended with saying good bye and assuring me she was ready. "I have lived a good full life."

As I drove away, I stopped in an open field.....I meditated on what she had shared with me. Something shifted on the inside of me. I choose to no longer seem 'in a hurry'. I am choosing to enjoy the moment. My marriage, my children, my photography dream, my life and all that I desire all do not have to be a certain way or fit someone else's mold. I am learning it is a part of me. Yet, it is what is because it is not my job to control it. It is my job to experience it. To let it BE.  

Check out my fellow photography teacher, Nikki's blogpost on Transition. 

Blog Circle: Simplicity

In the every day tasks, we often get lost. Stress and anxiety begin to build. As a woman, a momma, a wife, an employee, a volunteer, a daughter, a sister to a soon to be bride.....well, I often truly get lost in the day to day roles that I have to fulfill.

Yet, this summer in the midst of loss, grief, stress, and many other emotions...I found myself seeking peace. I soon realized that in all my tasks I had forgotten to take the time to be grateful. My good friend Summie had recommended "One Thousand Gifts" to my friend Tina. I decided to find a copy and began reading. My search for peace soon was conquered. I started looking for the small things in my every day to be grateful. Soon I started giggling at loads of laundry fresh out of the dryer, the birds singing on my back porch, watching it rain, my children's uncontrollable laughing, a pile of fresh vegetables-locally grown, watching my children sleep, going to Redbox and renting a good movie, spending a long summer evening with an old friend, making a new friend, watching the sunset, laying in the backyard on our trampoline and looking at stars with my children, blowing bubbles, and laying out twinkling lights on the back porch. My list could go on and on because I challenged myself to stop looking at my circumstances and to keep it simple. I don't know what you might be facing today, but I hope you can at least take the time to look at things simply and find all the many ways that God has blessed you.....and smile.

Check out my fellow teacher, Kelli and her blogpost on Simplicity. http://kellikalish.com/blog/simplicity/

This was one morning on my way to my hometown. It was not by any means under good circumstances.....but I looked over and just had to pause and take this photograph. So much was already on my mind and on my heart. However, this photograph represents the simplicity of the dawn of a new day and water, which can quench a parched soul.

EMERGE: Berenice

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Hello name is Berenice. I am 20 years old. I can truly say that I love life. When I hear the word life there is no other thought that comes to mind other than we are here to complete our purpose and the will of God. It might not be the easiest thing to do. I love worshipping God. He has give me the ability to play the guitar and I can't thank Him enough."  -Berenice

You never know who you are gonna meet as a photographer. But that is the best part of what I do....meeting all the different people and all of their stories. I had known of Berenice but had never met her. Throughout our photo sessions and long chats, screaming at the thought of snakes, shooing away bees, and laughing uncontrollably----I feel like have her known her a lifetime. 

Berenice is a college student, who plays for a women's soccer league and loves God. I am so honored to have spent time with her and gotten to know her. I wish you the best Berenice in all you do. By the way Happy Birthday!!!!!!

EMERGE: Luz Veronica

Dreams and desires can be one day and not the next.

When did you stop dreaming? When did anything become impossible? 

LIFE

The word "life" in our english grammar is a noun. However, we tend to make it a verb quite often. More so when we are talking about "life" happening and getting in the way of our dreams or our emotional state. Used as a verb, "life" becomes so powerful and carries negativity. A word that is meant to flourish becomes a word that stagnates. 

Back in March, I lost my sister and best friend, Arely. The very things that made me get on to her....are the very things I miss. Don't think I have ever known someone who loved life so much. All the details, long talks, pranks, and every day routines are all things I miss. Arely imprinted my life with her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and giving heart. Her love for life and acceptance of herself has empowered me to step forward into the fear that will fuel me to go forward. She taught me so much with her words but more by her silence. 

I stood at the edge of the ocean and cried out to God because the pain was more than I could bare. How could someone so full of life----flourishing---make everyone beam with delight---giving---upbeat---and true......be taken. Taken from this world and taken from my everyday life????? I yelled out as if someone would answer me. I cried as if no one was present. Yet with every crashing wave, every sea gull's call, with every spray of water, the wet sand beneath my feet and the mighty rushing wind that blew across my face......I knew He was present. God in that moment allowed me to fall apart.

 As I cried and could cry no longer, I found myself. Not that I was physically or spiritually lost.....but lost in the sense of a girl who use to laugh, use to dream, use to give, use to embrace each day with a purpose.....had allowed "life" to happen. Everything I had experienced along the way up to that point had set deep root in me. All of those experiences-good, successful, bad, trying(more than not) had severed my life line. I no longer lived my life. I allowed life to happen to me and define me. I stood still and I realized for the very first time in a long time.....I was present. I was aware. I was engaged. I was grateful. I could feel my every breath and feel my every heart beat. Whoa!!!! Life......so real. For hours I sat and just took in all of God's creation and sat in complete silence. It was then that decided I would choose to LIVE life and not allow it to happen to me or pass me by.

It was from that moment on that I decided to accept myself. All that I am and all that I am not. All of my dreams and desires. And all of my poor choices and all of shortcomings.....it was ME. All of me....take it or leave it. Love me or hate me. Embrace me or pass me by. Hire me or don't hire me. Take my class or don't take my class. And all the in between. Here I am. Present and savoring life in every moment that God graces me. 

It was then that my dream and God's desire for my life was to help women of all ages see themselves in His perfect light-to embrace all of who they are right in this moment-to rekindle those dreams-to help birth new dreams-to be gentle-to be sweet-to be true-to be transparent-to be real-to be fierce-to lead-to ignite & burn brightly in their communities and in their families. I am so excited to feature a woman and her story every Friday in blog feature....EMERGE.

WATER

In West Texas we have an abundance of water but it is all under ground. It is used for drilling oil field operations. It usually is stored in water stations to help out that industry. It is not drinkable water. Our land is dry and parched. We depend on many different types of sprinklers or water pivot systems to water our lawns and crops. Unlike many places in the United States, we have to depend on rain. We pray for rain often and you here that conversation all over town. However, when it does rain....farmers are happy and so are the kids. We take the time to watch it or go play in it. Or we go find somewhere to  enjoy it, like a water park.

Check out what my friend and co-teacher Jess has to say about water, Jess Roberston Photography

Man of His Word

Our country has founding fathers. Men who helped shaped this country. There are men who have gone down in history for taking the industrial reigns and paving the way for generations to come. If asked, I am sure many of you could name the men who have changed the world in technology and social media.  And yet, who I will write about today has never won an award, a nobel prize, has not been recorded in history for anything he has invented or created. However, this man is a man that forever changed my life and I know helped shaped the destiny God had for my life. My Father

At the age of 2 we were visiting my grandparents in Mexico. I came down with cholera. Immediately, I was brought back to the US and admitted into the hospital. After battling for my life in ICU facing total dehydration, I flatlined for over 8 minutes. The doctors pronounced me dead. My dad at the time knew of God but did not know God, stepped out of my room and proclaimed Jeremiah 33:3. He asked God to meet him in that moment. He asked God to give life back to me and he would serve Him all the days of His life. He hasn't stopped since.  As I contemplated on what to share, I was reminded of all the things that my earthly father has instilled in me....what he is to me.

-Strength

-Guide

-Teacher

-Love

-Direction

-(when needed) Correction

-Protector

-Counselor

-Unfailing

-Provider

-Example

-Honor

-Man of his word

As I wrote these words in my morning pages, I realized that those qualities, titles, adjectives perhaps all could be used to describe my Heavenly Father. I thanked God for my dad today for all that he has been for our family, continues to be, and all that I know God still has in store for his life. Gratitude overflows because I am so blessed to have been raised in a faith filled home. My dad honors God with striving to serve Him and instill His word in us----now son in-laws and grandchildren, too. 

I have been so blessed to have many Fathers of Faith in my life. I have seen them serve God with integrity, lead their families, honor their wives, and lead congregations to worship God. I am so blessed. Several have not fathered their own children but have stepped in to fulfill the void. 

For my husband----I am thankful that the Lord who is my Redeemer....restored and renewed US!!! Thank you for the father you are to our children. Thank you for the love and honor you have for me. Thank you above all for choosing to love God with all your heart. I am blessed to have you in my life.

Happy Father's Day!!!!!!

My Daddy and Momma

REFRESH

I must say that when I hear that word all I can think about is water. Whether I am drinking it or swimming in it. Refresh reminds me to be made new, to be joyful, laughter, memories, and new perspective. Although there are many ways to refresh my spirit, mind, emotions, my will, my soul, the one true thing that refreshes me is making memories with my family. As a working mom with a "side business of photography", I have to be intentional when it comes to spending time with my children. Two weeks ago we made an intentional Saturday. I remembered as a child that my siblings and I would go to a small amusement park at the end of the school year. My parents would take us and it was like announcing "Summer had arrived!!!" The amusement park was our beacon of delight every year for all of our school years. All four of us are grown and have our own families now. We decided to revisit our old childhood playground. Wondering if our kids would enjoy it as well. They absolutely loved it!!!!! As a mom, a woman, a photographer sometimes you just have to feed your soul. I was able to stop thinking so technically and just snapped away and capture moments with our kiddos. So take some time to feed your soul. Remember why you became a photographer in the first place. Go back to the basics. Be intentional but most of all HAVE FUN!!!!!!

My fellow teachers created a blog circle.  Check out MeRa and her version of Refresh.

Vacation vs. Legacy

Wow!!!! 5 days have passed since our last Word&Spirit service. It was an intense life changing week. I delayed in posting the last night's images because I wanted to save them for today.

Physical healing, perceptions changed, mental bondage....broken, relief, peace, renewed passion for Christ, satisfied, salvation, recommitment, face to face encounters, super-natural, true worship....the experiences and transformations are each honorable in the eyes of God. He was there. He led us to His encounter.  However, I am led to remind you of Rev. Marie's charge...."will you be the same next week. Or will you be different?" It makes me search deep within. Will the word of God take root in my heart and bare fruit in my life? Or will this past week just be that..the past?

We have all gone back to our daily lives. You may be facing doubt. You might be facing strife in your marriage. You might be facing illness. You might be facing the job you hate to get up to every day. You might be facing differences with your close friend. You might be facing doubt/unbelief. You might be facing financial ruin...even though you have given everything in obedience to God. Whatever the situation will you be the same???

Are those worship songs just a memory that give you the warm fuZZIES? Do those scriptures you notated just another way to bump your ego by causing the "wow-factor" on your Facebook post? When you see these images or any of the previous week do you just laugh and make conversation that leads your ill-willed heart into weak conversation about your brother or sister in Christ who may just be struggling as much as you are, on their journey????

The choice is yours.....let this be like a good vacation...oooohs and awwwws. A few good photos and stories for a lifetime. Or will this be the proof of the week you decided to take a solid no more wishy washy stance for Christ???

Everything or nothing???? In or Out???? LIVE IT LOUD!!!!! I dare YOU!!!!!

In God's Perfect Light

copyright Laura Swift Photography

Today is a day of true overflow of love pouring out all over the world. The outpouring crosses cultures, races, and ages. A simple gesture in giving a token of appreciation no matter how big or small brings many mommas to tears. This week as a school teacher, we were busy making all kinds of gifts for our moms. My students took pride in making, writing, and carrying all these tokens home. My heart sank as one of my students is not with her mom, but an aunt. She was a little sad at the beginning of the week. We were busy writing an acrostic poem about mom. I approached her desk and she was crying. I asked what was wrong. She continued to explain the situation, which I knew quite well. I wrapped my arms around her and asked God to give me the right words.

It made me realize that as a mom, woman, teacher, step-mom, child of God, friend, daughter, and mentor........I am a woman who fulfills many roles. As a mom....I am a chameleon. Beginning as a desire in my heart, I fought-prayed-longed to conceive and birth a child. Let alone be up at all hours of the night-sacrifice my wants for their needs-and now.....desire more than anything to guide them and show them the truth and knowledge of God's word. Never in my life had I longed to be raw, transparent, and genuine, than in this moment now. Not only for my children, but for every student, friend, my children, sisters, and every single woman out there. It has taken awhile but God has taken me through a process where I have learned to see myself in His perfect light. 

Today

          -I am thankful for my mom who birthed me, who helped shape me, who loves me unconditionally

         -I am thankful for my own two children who allow me to be honored with the title-MOM

         -I am thankful for my step-daughter who without in my life, I would have never realized what is like to CHOOSE to love someone.
         -I am thankful for my mother in law who has made become an expert in my love walk.

         -I am thankful for students who I get to love all year long and who remind me of my calling as a mom to my own children. Who make me better and who remind me to love.

         -I am thankful for every single woman that God has placed in my life as an example to me of what it is like to walk in God's perfect light. They sharpen me, they challenge me, they love me, and then cheer me on. Thank you! 

As I hugged my student and cried with her, I was reminded of how truly blessed I am. I also stated to my student that it didn't matter if her biological momma was in her present life. Each woman in her life a mother or not, could love her and influence her. She was blessed beyond measure with women in her life who loved her-who were believing for her success-who hurt for & with her-who knew without a shadow of a doubt she reflected goodness in God's perfect light.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!

Chiaro Perfecto Photography is honored to have found a genre to represent. I am proud to announce and invite you to hire Chiaro Perfecto to capture YOU-baby girl-tween-adult-mature-mid-life-grandmother-momma-woman.... in His perfect light. We will begin offering workshops and photo sessions specifically designed for women.

For more information on upcoming photography workshops, click on the link below

http://store.merakoh.com/Veronica-Bernal/

Thankful for my momma and who I love with all my heart. It is through her that I have been able to endure all that has come my way, clinging onto the promises of God. She is an example of giving up her desires for our needs. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders for fulfilling the calling God has on my life. 

Thankful for my pastor, as she has been an example-cheered me on-and who teaches me with the word of God. More than anything she has given me the opportunity to translate for her and be a part of her vision. To reach the entire world with the message of righteousness. 

Thankful for bible study leader who shared on many occasions her struggles, heartaches, but reflects God's goodness through it all. Teaching me to rise up and keep going and allowed me to share my story in our circle of women.

Thankful for spiritual leader who inspires me with a challenge to be a solid God fearing woman....to not be shaken or moved.

My photography mentor, who saw something in me and has loved me through it all. She is transparent and inspiring. She has a huge vision for women across the world to empower them with the vehicle of a camera. I am so honored to work alongside her and my team of 1-4. 

Abundance.......

¹⁰ 

"Glory in His holy name;

    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice." 1 Chronicles 16:10