Only as I've grown older that I have gotten that less is often more. Focusing on your most important priorities is the key to true success in life. When looking through the lens of a camera, sometimes the image is blurred. However, with one small tweak of the lens, it can become crystal clear. For...
{ more }Only as I've grown older that I have gotten that less is often more. Focusing on your most important priorities is the key to true success in life. When looking through the lens of a camera, sometimes the image is blurred. However, with one small tweak of the lens, it can become crystal clear. For me, that's what happens when beautiful photography is combined with inspirational words/video. My life became became crystal clear when I began to look at things through the right lens. God's lens, not mine!
At today's hectic pace, we often forget to savor small pleasures while we make big plans. Of course, the balancing act between family and career is difficult for all women at some point in there life. Without realizing it, we look to temporary things to orient ourselves, make decisions, and guide us to that abundant life we want. If we're happy, or the job or kids are going well, we check the box in our mind that "Life is good; I am not stressed; I am going in the right direction." Our life has so many opportunities and choices, but it's when we look for His guidance that we begin to embrace a Big-Picture Understanding of Life. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says " There is a time for everything, and a reason for every activity under heaven." It's amazing how He knows how your life will fit together, and obeying Him is the most important way to find what's best in your life.
Making the decision to volunteer a few years at Camp Debbie Lou was an experience that has forever changed my life. Camp Debbie Lou was created for just one purpose–to provide fun, love, and laughter for families with children who suffer from cancer. The low country ranch sits on 150 acres that is supported by volunteers and donations made from individuals, churches , and businesses. Campers have the opportunity to swim, ride horses, go-carts, and bumper boats. The families make memories of a lifetime and I thought I was there to help them in some small way. However, God could see the big picture. It's not what I did for them, but what an inspiration they were to me!! "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and world's deep hunger meet," Frederick Buechner.'
These are activities in which, by using our gifts, we come alive. I began to search to see how I could help these families throughout the year and found Flashes Of Hope. As a mother of three, it is a reminder that every day is a gift. All the families and children who suffer from cancer have made such an impact in my life and others around them. They are a daily reminder that no matter what the challenge or opportunity that life brings you to, you must never loose hope. Thank you for this blessing!
As the Chapter Director in South Carolina, I was able to start at Camp Debbie Lou. We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. Romans 12:6 I never thought of my camera as being "My Gift" and could be used to advance God's kingdom. If we make the decision to trust, God will show how trustworthy He really is. After photographing only a few families, I knew that I have found my calling! Two of the children passed before their pictures were delivered to them that summer. The gift of a free family portrait is priceless and I am humbled to be a part of such a wonderful organization. I give Him all the glory and the praise and hope for a cure for all who is suffering from Cancer. God bless all of you and you're in my thoughts and prayers daily!
