Life-Long Beat

Is there something that just is a part of you? Or hobby or interest that seems like it has been with you all your life?

Meet Judy Wood! She is now works out of KBella Ray's. K Bella Ray's is in Dr. Parkey's office, right here in Seminole, TX.

As I got the VIP tour of the facility, Judy explained how she has always had a passion for skincare. She shared that since she was a teen and struggled with acne, she was constantly trying different products. Judy is licensed and has worked for a dermatologist office, in a salon atmosphere, and now in a medical office. The office is quiet and private. Make an appointment with Judy Wood or soon to be licensed-Aide Lopez. They offer many different services from facials, laser hair removal, and skin care products to follow up your procedures. Check out K Bella Ray's on Facebook to keep up with promotions.

Our conversation continued and Judy stated, "All I want to do is help others feel good about themselves." Nothing confirms that more, than the ability Judy has to listen and thoroughly explain the services and products.

All or Nothing

I met Beth a few years ago. I was totally drawn by her upbeat sweet spirit. Her laughter is contagious and when she is around you are bound to smile. You just can't help it. I absolutely love that this "business" of body treats remains consistent. As I spoke with Beth she said, "It's God's business. He will do with it, what He wants. I have to remind myself of that daily. However, in doing so.....I am reminded of His faithfulness every step of the way."

So find a minute, for yourself or even just to bless someone. Buy a product and "treat" yourself. While you do, stop by and say hello. I promise you won't regret it.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

Facebook: Body Treats by Beth

Body Treats by Beth

C&L Wedding

I have to say that I have been to many weddings. However, I have never been to one where the bride totally enjoyed her time and company. It was such a delight to see the bride laugh and not stress, usually not the case. Both families were so welcoming and fun to be around. However, more than anything......Liz thank you for reaching out and extending a friendship. You are a true gem. Thank you!!!!  Thank you for allowing me be a part of your day. Wishing you guys the best!!!

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.