SURE

One of the owner's of the company I work for loves to play a game with my boss. Whenever he asks, "Lisa can you do me a favor?" He likes me to say, "SURE!" Then he looks at my boss, "See Marsh, that's how you're supposed to answer!" So it's this on going little game that just cracks him up and Marsha plays along and acts disgusted. This goes on at least once a day...sometimes more.

I got to thinking about that simple, one word answer...S U R E. Why would that one little word make him so happy? I thought about how often we are put in difficult situations, forced to get a new job, move to a new home or step outside of our comfort zone, what if you always responded with...SURE. No second guessing, worrying, doubting...just SURE! What if you knew that you HAD to say SURE! Do you think you would face your fears and conquer them? Would you climb that mountain, chase that dream, overcome that pain from the past, trust God's plan and purpose for your life?

Think about it, a small word but packed with a lot of power. This is a word that the dictionary describes as:

Sure: (1) confident in what one thinks or knows (2) having a certain prospect or confident anticipation of (3) certain to do something (4) true beyond any doubt

When you are faced with a difficult situation, try saying this strong word...S U R E! Once you say it, you somehow feel more optimistic, positive, and confident. Can you do it? S URE you can!!!

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."
Matthew 21:22

WHY DO I GO TO THAT PLACE!

I'm not sure if any of you find yourselves visiting THAT PLACE? I tend to stop by on special occassions. This weekend was one of those little visits...it was quite a bit shorter than my usual stops. In my younger days the visits would be quite often and a lot longer. I was very good at sneaking around once I was there, trying to avoid the inevitable...staying for WAY too long!

Now that I've gotten a little older, I've figure out when I start to get nervous, anxious or edgy...it's time to grab hold of myself...AND LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! I HATE THAT PLACE!! Well on Sunday while I was getting ready, I felt it start to come on. I pushed the feelings aside and decided to prepare a little before I left so I would be ready. I read and tried to figure out as much information as I could, preparation helps a little.

I grabbed my camera said a little prayer and headed out the door. My initial instinct was to avoid THAT PLACE...I was doing really good, relaxed somewhat prepared...closer and closer, almost there and feeling pretty good. Picked up my husband, we started talking and then it started! I began to get edgy, everything he was saying was bugging me. He was a little startled at my demeanor and said in his gruff Italian, East Coast way, "What's the matter with you?" "Oh be quiet...you're BUGGING ME! I shot back. "WHATEVER...you were fine and now you're out of control," he replied, continuing to stir the pot.

Yep, this is pretty typical for us, when one of us starts...IT'S ON!LOL! We are both feisty, strong willed and hate to be wrong. It's nice to meet your match though, we both tend to be overbearing so it's fun to spar...that's what we like to call it. We've been married for 8 years and together for 10 so I guess it works for us.

Reaching our final destination only intensified the feelings. I need everything to be PERFECT...there it is, I've arrived at that dreaded place...MY SELF DOUBT! I just want it to go away! It's better but still lingers when I want everything to go right. I am the official church photographer...which I LOVE and feel such a sense of satisfaction. But today was baptism day...they were doing it at the beach and wanted great pictures to send with their baptism certificates. I feel pretty confident with my action and spur of the moment shots. But this is a VERY special day! I would be up against direct sunlight...which always makes the subject look dark.

I was hoping there would be a back up camera just in case mine didn't turn out, but there wasn't. I got to the beach and started taking test shots to get it right before the big event. I think they came out okay (could be better, but I'll keep working at it). But why do I have to go THERE all the time? I hate that I am such a perfectionist...it makes me doubt myself constantly...I even start to make excuses and tell people before I get started...just in case it's not good. WHY DO I GO THERE?

You can check them out...http://www.flickr.com/photos/fastframe/sets/72157607325474369/
Hit Slideshow (top right) watch it and only leave a comment if you have something nice to say...I've stressed myself out enough!LOL!

Uplifting Poem- PUSH AHEAD

I always try to post something uplifting and encouraging in my Blog, however my previous post was a little out of the ordinary. I have been going through a tough situation lately and really needed to get some things off of my chest. I felt bad after I wrote it and thought I need to re-post the poem I wrote for my son...and read it again myself, hope you find it inspirational!

PUSH AHEAD

Your courage and strength is your crowning glory

They can never take away your personal story

You and God determine your destination

Push ahead, without hesitation

Try as they might to break your spirit

Your heart and faith will keep you in it

Believe in yourself and your path will be clear

Push ahead, your dreams are so near

Fear and doubt will creep inside

You sometimes want to just run and hide

You’re scared of failure and all it entails

Push ahead, and you will not derail

The road ahead seems long and tough

The twists and turns sometimes seem too rough

Your goals are worth the struggle ahead

Push ahead, your hopes and dreams are worth the tread

Reach high above and look toward the sky

It sometimes takes just one more try

Your steps are sure and your way is clear

Push ahead, and you’ll overcome your greatest fear

Perseverance is what it will take to shape and mold

You and God will decide what your future will hold

All your dreams inside are about to unfold

Push ahead, the story of your life is yet to be told