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

Are You In or Out?

Have you ever entered into praise & worship without praise & worship music?

Last night, we did. It was one of the most powerful, freedom, outpourings I have ever experienced. The Holy Spirit took the lead and we followed. Healings, restorations, declarations, and the Word of God all came forth. If you are following on LiveStream or actually attending…..I know you might be questioning returning. You might even question attending for the first time. You might find yourself afraid to participate. It is ok. We get in our own way. We get in God’s way of moving in our lives. It is hard to let go. I used to be a control freak. I had to plan it all. I had to research it all. I had to know all that would happen from A to Z. I needed to “take care of things” to make sure they got done correctly. I have learned to let go-to enter in-to follow-to kick fear in the face and just jump in. At times am I still scared to enter in???? Yes. But I know that the moment I do….I won’t be in control. I won’t know what is up ahead in that moment….let alone 1 year-10years down the road. BUT I would rather enter in and experience ALL that God has for me….than live without His presence or without His blessing or time with Him in that moment. I know I probably scare or shock people around me at times when I do enter in. However, you have no idea where I have been or the junk I have been through. I have reasons to praise Him!!!!!!!

I am here share that the moment you stop spectating and start participating….you WILL receive

Your

…….Healing

…….Miracle

…….Financial Turnaround

…….Answer

…….Comfort

…….Place

…….Peace

…….Freedom

…….Breakthrough

REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RESERVED

re·served

1. Slow to reveal emotion or opinions.  

2. kept especially for a person or specific purpose.

The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will not be quick or forceful in your life. He is there to guide-to lead. Brother Jay Hoskins, last night, gave a perfect example. He described opening and closing doors for his wife, then girlfriend. Bro. Jay acted as gentleman even though he knew his wife was perfectly capable to do that for herself……he led. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you?

Last night’s service, was completely led by the Holy Spirit. People entered into worship-totally surrendered-cried out to God-received declaration-received the Word of God-received healing-were renewed and transformed. There is a seat reserved just for you…..kept especially for you….for a specific time….TONIGHT!!!! Come as you are and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into the deep.