We Are Published Authors and Photographers! Does it Matter?

To my Facebook friends and family I want to say how thankful I am that God gave me you for going on 10 years now. You have brought so much joy to me as I’ve come to know you more because of your posts and photos that gave me the opportunity to share your good times with you, and you also gave me the privilege to pray for you and stand with you in times of greatest need. Most of all, I'm so thankful for those of you who are conquerors through some of life's toughest stuff and I witnessed it via your posts. You encouraged all of us. We "liked" and "loved" your posts and we celebrated with you when you had great victories! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says "Encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing."

Here's a great Facebook story that explains what I'm saying. The first photos here are of Michael Douglas Anderson and Delight Anderson's twin baby girls that were born 6 weeks early on March 31st. That was the beginning of their “Anderson Twins” FB Group Page that we were able to follow them daily on "FB Live" or see their posts and photos of great progress or the times when extra prayers were needed, Many of us did pray for them. We watched Mike and Delight push through those ominous days when fear could have consumed them, but instead, they stayed positive in faith that their little girls would survive. And the best news is that they are thriving today.

They lived out loud for us to watch what it means to trust God in the midst of storms. Their photos from their birth in April to today are here. Were those just "photos" or were they the signposts of God's tender mercies that they will always look back on and remember God's faithfulness?

Then there were the photos of dear friends in Tulsa, Terry Clancy and Debi Caruthers Clancy – whose home blew up, literally, from an oxygen tank explosion that burned their home and so much World War II memorabilia, classic records and many family treasures. Today you see this couple resilient, determined, Debi – facing two more surgeries from the explosion, but you would hear them thanking God for the many miracles that happened. For example, God's mercies were with them as they and their grandson, Aiden (pictured here), survived the explosion. Another was that a neighbor they had never met before or seen since, that urged them to move their cars from their driveway. Because of that encounter -- they still have their cars, unscathed. And, they would tell you, they are still here because of their faith and their church family that surrounded them with love and support.

So, don’t tell me Facebook isn’t a worthwhile social media place -- at least when it comes to being determined to "speak the good, believe for good, and do good to others". For those folks, and for me – social media (i.e., Facebook) has brought me encouragers, cheerleaders and friends that have walked out my faith journey with me. My FB family and friends have supported and encouraged me in ways that have lifted my morale, my self-esteem, my faith and my vision. Your acts of kindness have helped keep me strong and joy-filled – just knowing I was hearing God’s voice clearly when He told me that my mission field is social media and specifically, Facebook – and to strive for a daily post that lifts Him and His people up. I’ve kept my promise. That’s why you’ll see me every day right here on Facebook – as close to 6 am Central time as possible. I punch in on God's "time clock" every day.

Did you know you're a published author if you post on Facebook or any other form of social media? Does your Facebook and/or other social media platforms reflect the man or woman you hope to be remembered as? Do your words and photos make a difference in other people's lives? I like to think that whatever we do, whatever we say, and how we live, is a reflection of not just who we are, but WHOSE we are. Maybe it's time for us to step up our attitudes, our role modeling and our strengths in times of great joys as well as in times of great sorrows. What if the words we say and the actions we take save a life, lift up or encourage someone? What if we are lights in someone’s darkness. We can be. Maybe we can turn a new leaf -- rather a new post that really, really matters!

A Day Filled With Imagination and Kodak Moments

Epcot is one of those great Disney parks where the imagination can run wild….rather, drive wild…literally. The first attraction we enjoyed yesterday at Epcot was the “The Test Track” where we were able to design a virtual concept vehicle and then go for a high-octane, simulated drive that went through rough terrain with obstacles along a winding test track. Then we came out of the test area to the open road that felt like we were going at crazy speeds whipping around curves and turns. It was thrilling to say the least!

Then it was on to Mission:Space Mission: SPACE where we had to hold on tight on a rocket ride to Mars aboard a NASA-style shuttle simulator. What a BLAST....literally! My favorite-of-the-day was a calm, easy-going hang-glider experience (Soar) that glided us around the world. Then we had a nice leisurely boat ride through the lands of the earth, that included the greenhouses of Disney, seeing lots of flowers, vegetables and plants that were all edible – some, like day lilies and marigolds that I had no idea you could eat the flowers, not that I would want to, but if ever the need arose, I know a good plant to eat!

With 11 countries that you walk through and explore at Epcot, you get to celebrate the life and culture of each with great entertainment, delicious authentic food and beautiful cultural displays. It’s a wonderful experience. Alexia and I loved Norway where we wore our Viking hats and shields – a great opportunity to send the photo to Bryson, my youngest grandson, who is studying the life and times of the Viking era. Then there was Japan that she just couldn't get enough of -- the yummy noodles and the shopping for treasures she was able to take home for the memories. And, of course, our beloved Canada that made us recall the blessings of having lived there for seven years, and remember the Folklorama Festival that was similar to this experience every year in August.

With all the great experiences of the day, we were ready to head back to our hotel, when we realized something was very wrong with our rental car. It was dead….literally. Nothing we could do would get it started. An on-call repairman from the rental company came out after about 45 minutes, and he couldn’t start it – apparently the battery was bad and it wouldn’t even take a charge. Two hours later, we were still waiting for another vehicle, only to have to leave the rental car and take a taxi to our hotel. Fortunately the Epcot security paid for our taxi ride -- there's something to say for wanting your guests to end their day with a positive feeling. If we looked at just the end of the day, it would be said that it was disappointing, to say the least, that our wonderful day had to come to such an abrupt ending! I loved when Alexia, at dinner, asked each of us "What was your favorite part of this day? She brought us back to the beauty of this great day of so many adventures.

Earlier I said we had a lot of Kodak moments as you can see from these photos, and all the end-of-the-day drama with the car could have made us look at the whole day as a “wash”, but as we sat in the dead car, we would pray and speak “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His promises.” Romans 8:28. As much as we might not like to hear it, good things can come from the negatives in life. Not that we should seek them out, or somehow try to manipulate their appearance, but, more times than not, we realize that those negative moments do have a purpose.

If we look at life in retrospect, we will discover that the times we grew the most were those moments when situations were not the most ideal. It's possible that we prayed for deliverance from those moments. But now, as we look back, we realize and appreciate the fact that those so-called negative moments, had some very positive effects in our lives. In fact, we are able ...NOW... to thank God for those moments, because without them, we would not be where we are today.

Let's determine to be photographers and "develop" from the negatives in life. I pray that you have many "Kodak Moments" that enable you to shine like the star you are! Stay tuned for tomorrow at "Hollywood Studios"!!

It's Just a Photo.....Or Is It?

Day 331 of Photo Inspirations -- It's JUST a Photo....Or is it?
#TBT -- Throwback Thursday and Throwback Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!  I'm not sure it's that my childhood memories are so vague, or that this season of the year holds SO MANY memories with my children and grandchildren, or that there are so many precious times in this season that I'm in right now, but I can't resist seizing moments and making memories.

For as long as I can remember, getting my annual family photo has been a MUST, much to the chagrin of my children and grandchildren.  This maximum 30 minutes of this on-task photo shoot for Nana, has not come without the usual chaotic moments of determining what to wear, when we can make our schedules work, and strategically finding THAT PERFECT spot where the photos should be taken, and then just getting everyone to give a decent smile.  Me:  "If you would just give me a sweet smile, this would be over.  Please stop making faces.  Please look at the camera.  Please stop talking.  Please stand up straight!"  I know, you know the drill.

I laughed last week, when I saw sweet Jennifer Gooden's post about their recent family photo shoot adventure (with 4 children under the age of 5). What memories it brought back to me.  With all she went through, her final analysis was  "The truth is, family photos (especially what we are wearing in them) are not that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. But they are something I treasure.

Something I love to see all around my home. God knows my heart. He knows how much I love beautiful photos of my children growing each year. He knew months before our photo shoot that I would need His help. And with His help, we had a great time together!  So I am sure as you look at our photos this year, you see our family laughing, smiling, dressed nicely, and our sweet Natalie all dressed up. Well now you know the truth. The baby was almost photographed in a stained onesie and cream colored tights. But then God stepped in......"   (Thank you, Jennifer, for the reality check -- what's really behind those picture-perfect photos!)

And this first photo inspiration taken in 2007 at Ryan & Shawntel's home in Raleigh, NC was not without similar moments of chaos.  And, neither were the ones taken yesterday.  It was misting outside.  We were losing daylight.  Trying to hustle the kids in to get ready. Part of the family didn't even arrive in town until the last minute. And, the location?  Settled on just a photo in front of my home -- no fanfare.  Just click the photo, sweet Denise Gerrich, who always comes through as my photographer.  But I assure you, like Jennifer said, "In the grand scheme of things, family photos are certainly not what matters most" -- but, speaking from my heart, this Mama/Nana, it certainly comes in at a close 2nd -- especially once those babies are out on their own.....and the remembering is some of your sweetest joys!"

The family that captures memories together......STAYS TOGETHER....in love, in support, in encouragement, and in MEMORIES!   Missing having my oldest grandson and his little fiance in the pics this year -- but, no problem, just expect many, many wedding photos with them next year!  Now, go make some memories on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day!

The Wedding Video That Went Viral

D

Day 153 of Photo Inspirations -- The Wedding Photo That Went Viral   

Having a God-centered marriage was the key to our 44-years of wedded bliss -- well, it wasn't ALL bliss -- there were tough times, disappointments, struggles and challenges.....but even so, because we founded our marriage on the foundation God and His Word -- making Him our central focus, we weathered the storms, overcame the hurdles and were actually able to say we had wedded bliss.

When I saw this Saturday wedding photo on Facebook of a Marine and his bride posted by their North Carolina photographer, it made my heart leap for joy. U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Caleb Earwood and his bride, Maggie, wanted to keep the tradition of not seeing each other before their wedding, but they did want to pray together. "They put their hands around the wall and then he started crying. And when he started crying, she started crying. And then everybody in the room started crying. And then I almost started crying." So explains the man who took the wedding photo now seen around the world. "I felt it's right that we should have said a prayer, I asked God to protect us, to help us," Cpl. Earwood said.

The picture has now captured the hearts of people around the country. There are thousands of likes and shares on Facebook. "I've had a lot of people message me and say, 'In today's world, thank you for showing this is the way it should be,'" Schmidt (the photographer) said.

I was so blessed to see this precious couple and the desire they had for putting God first in their marriage. They knew what they needed most: the blessing of God.

Shouldn't the desires of that young couple be our desires, too? We need to seek God before each new day begins and then all through the day. When we live our lives independently of God -- it shows an attitude of "self sufficiency". Self reliance instead of God-reliance is part and parcel of the reason for so many of our failings. Seeing this young couple's dependence on God at the onset of their marriage certainly shows their desire to rely on He Who instituted marriage in the first place. Just as a home needs a firm foundation to last, the same goes for us. We need to be firmly planted on an unmovable source to outlast the storms of life. God is unchanging and immovable. If we build our foundation upon Him we, too, can be immovable and unshakeable.