WOW....I can't believe its been SO long since I posted!!!!  Time just flys!!!
Well, anyhoo, its been a VERY busy few months.  The new job is going great.
I absolutely love it!  I work with a really great group of people.  I'm still taking
pics here and there and I adopted a new dog.  (We are still trying to figure out if
he's a keeper!  I'll post a pic soon...)
Life is just going by too quickly....Montana is growning up and changing more and
more every day.  I'm 25lbs down and counting.  I could kick myself for letting
this happen to me!!!! Its SO much harder getting it off!!!!

I am of a THANKFUL HEART this holiday season.  Although, life is NOT
turning out quite like I had planned I am attempting to make the best of it.
Unfortunately, I am more successful at it some days and a good bit less on others!
I find lately that I am struggling to FOCUS on ANYTHING.  My mind is all over the
place!!  I feel the need for CHANGE and thats really ironic because the older I get
the less I like change! 

Truthfully, I don't even know why I blog.  It's not like anyone is really reading it!!
I originally started blogging to expose my photography and then it kinda just grew
from there.  I've invested so much time in it I hate to let it go..... I'm just thinking
out loud....hhhmmmm guess I'll post a few pics!

It's a NEW Season...It's a NEW Day!

It it with great excitement and anticipation that I approach this next phase of my life.
NOoooo...I would NEVER have dreamed I'd be going at it alone with my precious
lil' Montana but nevertheless, I AM.  (I mean I have really done it alone most of these
8 years anyway!)
AND, of course, I know that I am not totally alone.  My Jesus is with me ALWAYS!!!
For that, I am SO THANKFUL!!!!

Anyhoo,  Praise the Lord, my TEST at the studio has blessedly come to an END!!!!
I'm sorry to have to say it, but I met some of the most rude and ignorant people
during my time at Picture ME! 

It is with GREAT GRATITUDE and EXCITEMENT that I am going into my
position at Eye Care Surgery Center!! I believe many opportunities are going
to be opened up to me in the near future.  Lord help my brain to retain as I
study for my certification which will afford me higher pay!
My God has HIS hand on my life and I KNOW that HE is ordering my
every step!  I have been in Ophthalmology since 2005 and I truly love it.
Of course, the eye is exactly like a 'camera' so maybe there is some
weird connection?  jus sayin......

Have no fear, I will continue to operate my lil' ole photography business
on the weekends! So if you live in my area...CALL ME!!!

I have a whole NEW world that is getting ready to be opened up to me
at the sweet age of 44 (very soon to be 45! ssshhhhh)  I really cannot
hardly believe it!!

With every pound that I shed over the next few months I am not only
shedding WEIGHT.  I plan to let GO of alot of things along the weigh!!
(way...heeee)  The burden from these past 6-8 years is being lifted!
I see the SUN shining through!!! I feel the cool breeze of fall.....

It REALLY is a NEW Day and a NEW SEASON!!!!

Resting in Jesus

Like the Dew in the morning gently rest upon my soul....

REST JESUS!

 I wish I could say that I NEVER worry or fret but that would NOT be the truth!!

I REALLY do have FAITH in God.  Why can't I just sit back and RELAX while

I am waiting ....WAITING...and WaAaaiiiTTTing ????!!!!

I KNOW HE is up to something BIG concerning me. 

I have been spending alot of 'quiet time' (during the moments

that I can) over the past couple of weeks;

worshipping, praying, seeking and attempting to LISTEN

for His voice;  awaiting direction; needing some 'tidbit' of assurance that He

IS listening and HE IS working all things out to the GOOD for me !

Life is SO loud...work, traffic, people, media, kids, obligaitons, bills, sickness,

guilt, fear, confusion, betrayal....Sometimes ya jus gotta TURN IT ALL OFF!!!

Get in a QUIET place, b r e a t h e....and LISTEN.

 a n d .be.reminded...

'HE is the Master Builder'

'Peace in the Midst of the Storm'

'For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you'

'When you pass through the waters I will be with you &

when you walk through the fire you will not be burned....'

'TRUST and Believe that HE IS a rewarder to those who seek him diligently'

(I could go on and on!)

These words resonate within my heart and brain constantly.

So since I know all of this..what's my problem?

Why do I let the enemy plague me with fear?

God has NEVER let me down yet!

HE has NEVER failed to show up on time!

Character is developed in the presence of adversity.

O.K.

Lord, I pray today that whatever it is that You are trying to perfect in me that I

fully allow you to accomplish it!  I know that the longer I resist, question,

argue, cry and pout I am only prolonging the process.

I truly desire to EMBRACE this situation and move FORWARD.

I don't know how to cope with the fracture of a 20 year marriage!

I just DON'T. 

Speak Lord -- I'm Listening.....

Ya know sometimes, God doesn't always answer right away, but He IS listening!

I feel such a blanket of SILENCE above me right now that it's unreal.

To watch the enemy violently destroy someone whom I loved and trusted

for over half of my life is painfully unbearable.

Yet it HAS happened.  As Job so stated:

'the thing I've feared the most has come upon me'

STILL I WILL TRUST HIM

Yesterday, as I was loading my groceries in the back seat I

heard the gentle whisper of the Lord saying..

'REST IN ME'

I'm telling you, it stopped me dead in my tracks!

.........d e e p s i g h..........

HE IS LISTENING....HE WILL ANSWER

REST IN HIM

The Most List

I SHOULD READ THIS EVERYDAY!!

The most destructive habbit - WORRY

The greatest joy - GIVING

The greatest loss - SELF-RESPECT

The ugliest personality trait - SELFISHNESS

The greatest shot in the arm - ENCOURAGEMENT

The greatest problem to overcome - FEAR

The most effective sleeping pill - PEACE OF MIND

The most crippling failure disease - EXCUSES

The most powerful force in life - LOVE

The most dangerous pariah - A GOSSIPER

The worst thing to be without - HOPE

The deadliest weapon - THE TONGUE

The two most power filled words - I CAN

The most worthless emotion - SELF PITY

The most beautiful attire - A SMILE

The most prized possession - INTEGRITY

The most powere channel of communication - PRAYER

The most contagious spirit - ENTHUSIASM

The most inportant thing is life - GOD

 PASS IT ON.....

My Thought for TODAY

God knows how to take a MESS and turn it into a MIRACLE!
If you're in a mess, don't be too upset because God specializes in
cleaning up messes.  God is saying some definite things about women
being set free and delivered to fulfill their purpose in the kingdom.

When the Lord gets through working on you, ALL your adversaries
will be ashamed.  ALL your accusers will have to take it back! 
ALL the people who contributed to your sense of low self-esteem
will have to admit they were wrong.  When God gets through
unleashing you, you won't have to prove anything.  God will prove it! 
When HE gets through showing that you've done the right thing
and come to the right place, ALL the naysayers will drop their heads!!!
T.D. Jakes

All I can say is AMEN and AMEN!!!!!

I read this today as part of my morning devotion.  It spoke to me
so deeply!!! I hope it blesses and encourages YOU too!!!!

I Bless You,
Chele   =)

Youth Camp 2010

So my baby girl is going to her first youth camp at the same camp
grounds that I attended as a child!!!
I am having so many emotions this week.  It seems that we just got
off the plane!!  Has it been 8 years already? 
Of course, SHE is excited and doesn't really understand just how
 MUCH FUN she is really going to have--5 whole days without
MOM!!!  All she knows is that she wants the TOP bunk!!   lol
It will be SO weird without her...just me and the doggie....s.i.g.h.........

It is my prayer for her to experience a wonderful time of making
memories with her friends since birth, but I REALLY want her
to experience a powerful GOD moment!  I want her to be touched
as only GOD can touch.  If there are any wounds or hurts that I am
unaware of I believe God for healing. 

We have been through alot in our short 8 years together, but 
The Lord Almighty has been FAITHFUL to us!

I am excited about our future and looking forward to the
GREAT things that God is going to do!

Just Thankful

Today I find myself with a heart
FULL of thankfulness.

I am so grateful just for all of the little things that can
get taken for granted so easily in this busy life we live........
The opportunity to snuggle and giggle with my sweet
precious daughter;  long conversations with a close
friend; hot yummy almond flavored coffee while I
read Gods word in the stillness of the morning;
SEEING!  the gift of photography;
my home;  my mom..... s i g h
just so many things.................

I cannot truthfully say that my life is what I thought
it would be at this time,  but I CAN say that
I am SO thankful to the Almighty for breath and PEACE!

HE works in mysterious ways; who can ever understand?
I just TRUST that HE knows what is best!  I am just an
humble follower!  I know that He WILL perfect ALL things
concerning me in HIS time, HIS way!

For TODAY, I will be thankful.

YEP...I'm just getting the CHRISTMAS pics up!!!!
Thats awful, I know, but there have been MANY
challenges!!! 
I absoulutely hate that my family only gets together
at Christmastime.   It's really sad because FAMILY
is SO important to me!  
It seems we always realize how important family is and
how SHORT life is when it's TOO LATE.

At the recent funeral of my Uncle Fred (my dads brother)
I realized just HOW MUCH I miss my family!!!!
My Granny in Florida, My Aunt Kathy, My Uncles,
My cousins, (most of whom I barely know anymore!)
and sad to say, but my own father and siblings!

Life is SUCH A CHALLENGE in itself.  There just
seems to NEVER be enough time, and well, of course,
there is the FRACTURE of my marriage that has
dampened things a bit ....
Every year I promise myself to get MORE connected...
to stay in touch MORE....to remember EVERYBODYs
BIRTHDAYS!!!!  Man...it's tough! 
Oh well...S I G H....

Anyhoo hope you enjoy the pictures!....  =)
It was a BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON !!!

It's a NEW SEASON....

WELL HALLELUJAH!!!
 I FINALLY FOUND a JOB!!!!
I am going to be working at the 'Picture Me' portrait studio located in your
local Walmart.  Can you flippin believe that? 

I have been looking for a job for several months and after sending out
MANY resumes and applying for close to 50 jobs with NO success
I have been, (to say the least) DISGUSTED and MENTALLY EXHAUSTED!!!
The interesting thing is that the Studio is NOT owned or operated
by Walmart.  Its a company called CPI, and they also own the SEARS
portrait studios.
I will be mainly located in the Hammond location but after
I am trained I will be able to float to other locations in
Covington, Walker, and Denham Springs. 

so this is how it happened....
While getting groceries one Monday morning I decided to break my normal
routine and check my groceries out on the 'grocery side' of  walmart.
I NEVER do that.  Do not ask me why, cuz I have no clue.
I just have my little Walmart routine and thats just the way it's done!
This particular morning I just couldn't find a short enough line or
a fast enough cashier on 'my' end of the store so I went AaaaaLLLLL
the way back to the 'grocery side'. 
As I was about to leave I turned to the left and noticed the portrait
studio...(it's really more like a large walk-in closet) and there was
the sign:  NOW HIRING
Well what the heck...?  SOOOooooo, on a whim I applied.
BAM...got called for an interview (a very intense interview i might
add) and BOOM...starting next week!!!
It's really ironic because I do NOT care for STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY!!
But hey, it sure beats being out on the streets with a sign.

It will be a challenge for me and a HUGE change as I am a
'location' photographer.  To be 'boxed' in...w h e w...s i g h ............
I AM hoping however, that it will teach me a few new things and
help me in a different aspect of shooting.  Of course, I must follow
the protocol of the studio and meet certain requirments.
I'm NOT a salesperson so it should be interesting!!!
The studios also shoot with CANON.  In fact it's almost the
identical camera that I currently shoot with.  The only thing
is that all of the settings are 'pre-set' so there is no room for
creativity in that area.  (The light is ALWAYS the same in the
studio.  No challenges there)

Who knows where it will lead...maybe it's just a stepping stone...
a resting place....????  It will defintely be a REFRESHING and FUN
way to make a living for a while!!!  Even though screaming 2 yr olds that
will not cooperate are NOT exactly my idea of refreshing fun!!!!
heeeeee =)  But oh, the NEWBORNS....YES!!!!

I have decided to just go through this open door as it IS the ONLY
one that is being opened at this time for me!!!
Fortunately for me, I am gifted with versatility, and I am able
to adapt well to change.  I learn quick and have worked in
alot of various areas in my little life. 
Some may frown on that...but for me it's been a good thing.

I really do love and enjoy Ophthalmology which has been my
field of expertise these past 5 years, but it seems that God
is leading me in another direction.  (Obviously, since no one
in Ophthalmics has hired me! )

I am entering into a NEW SEASON and I am EXCITED!!

Sorrow without Seed

If you are reading this today and your life has been 'RANSACKED',
I have to tell you something; the first thing you need to do is
evaluate your relationship with Jesus.

When we are in 'right' standing with HIM we have a guarantee
according to HIS WORD that HE will supply ALL that we need.
Now, we know that there is a great difference between
'wants' and 'needs'.  He is our most gracious, loving, heavenly
Father, and he LOVES to give good gifts to His children.
However, HE does know what is best for us, so there are
times when He says 'NO' and there are times when we just
have to WAIT.

Now, if you are like me, You DO NOT like that word!!!!!!
Unfortunately, because I do not like that word, HE has
taught me and IS STILL teaching me many lessons regarding
waiting on HIM!

You can forget about setting your watch or marking your calendar
with God.  HIS timing is absolutely NOT our timing. 
I have wailed and groaned until (like David) I have become
so weary with my own groanings...I make by bed to swim...
trust me, there are MANY bottles in heaven with MY tears in them!!!!

However, it is NOT NEED that moves God.  It is FAITH.
It is VERY difficult (for me) to have faith in times of EXTREME
desperation.  I don't mean the "oh my, I've got a run in
my pantyhose" kind of situations. 
I mean the out of work, overdrawn, out of gas, out of groceries, the utilities are being
cut off, the rent is due, the car note is PAST due (many times
over) and there are NO SOURCES of which to draw from;
NO ONE to turn to!!!  You've been terribly hurt by those
you deemed 'closest' to you,  relationships have gone
sour....your family is distant and doesn't understand, and your friends are
praying fervently: God PLEASE PLEASE HEELLLLLP!!!!
You are SO ALONE and literally SICK inside.....

That's when MY cry goes UP and OUT to the Almighty One.
(usually after I've had a huge pity party!)
Whom have I in Heaven besides HIM?
All that I NEED (and want) TRULY comes by and through Him.
We cannot look to OTHERS to fulfill us, to provide
for us, to 'be there' for us.....it's in those moments
that we must LOOK UP!!! 
Grab on to whatever SHRED of FAITH you have left and
just STAND and BELIEVE.....maybe you are reading this
and you don't even understand what I'm talking about...
trust me...JUST TRY IT!!!   Just say: Lord, I believe but
please help my unbelief!!!!

My point is we are not to lose our minds and stress out over
these things.  (YEAH RIGHT!!!!!)

Yesterday, was a HORRIBLE day for me, and I am ashamed
to have to admit but I was doing 'just that'.
Totally STRESSING.  I dont' know why, because
God has NEVER failed anyone yet.  (especially ME)
I was 'freakin out', pacing, literally wringing my hands...but
some how I managed to 'grab that shred'....and guess what?
The answer was right on time!!!

My life has been totally and completely RANSACKED
and RAVAGED by HELL these past several years--the
GOOD thing is that I HAVE learned to lean on
THE WORD, MY ROCK;
That's what it says right? 
When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to The Rock!
I have held it, carried it and have even slept with it on
my chest!  I have placed it on my head!
It DOES bring a peace that passes all understanding!

Anyway, yesterday it was kind of comical because,
(and I kid you NOT)
the very first scripture I set my eyes on was
Philippians 4: 6--- Be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving , let
your requests be make known to God....
hhhuummph.....and a little further down:
verse 19: and my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory....

OKAY............

then here comes a little tidbit from Pastor
T.D. Jakes: 
If you're going to bring forth anything in your career,
your marriage, or you life; if you're going to develop
anything in your character; if you're going to be a fruitful
woman, it will come through the things you SUFFER;
You will enter strength through SORROW.

Man on Man....I wanted to send the flippin
thing sailing .....(only momentarily =// ....)

Oh and it doesn't end there.....
flipping over to Psalm 40: 1-3
God is our refuge and strength, A VERY
present help in time of trouble. Therefore, we
will NOT fear, EVEN THOUGH the earth be
removed, and the mountains be carried into the
midst of the see; though its waters ROAR and be
troubled, though the mountains shake with its
swelling.

WHEW.... Powerful stuff, huh?

That tells me that when ALL that can be
shaken IS shaking and life is in COMPLETE
TURMOIL and there just seems to be NO
REST, NO REPRIEVE, NO RESPONSE....


HE is THE CONSTANT, NEVER CHANGING
SOURCE...He is the master of the wind, the
maker and MOVER of the MOUNTAINS!!!!

SO all of this being said: Do NOT let the enemy
give you sorrow WITHOUT SEED!
The SORROW is NOT the object; it is simply
the canal through which THE OBJECT comes!
Any time you have sorrow, it is a sign that God
is trying to get something through to you!!!
You are a vehicle, an expression of blessing.
Be CAREFUL what you allow to come through you.
CLOSE the doors to the enemy. 
When sorrow is multiplied it is a sign that God is getting
ready to send something to you!
Don't become so preoccupied with the PAIN that
you forget to PUSH the baby.
When the pain is at it's peak that is when you have to
PUSH.  IT's NOT the time to give up!
Don't settle for the pain and not receive the benefit.
Hold out for the PROMISE.  Understand that God
has promised some things to you and He WANTS
you to have them, but you WILL stay on the table
until you get to the place where HE desires you to be---
Do your best to 'embrace the process'.
My Pastor recently said to me: "you don't
have time for the pity party, we will have
it later...right now you've got to PUSH!!!"

No matter what your situtation is...finances, divorce,
sickness, deliverance etc....Keep PUSHING --
After all, the PAIN is forgotten when the baby is born!!!!
 The PAIN WILL bring THE PROMISE

Hang In There!!!!
I Bless You
Chele.

I'm BACK!!!!

You probably were wondering where I disappeared to?  Well, my custom domain name with
google was not renewed and I could not figure out how to retrieve my blog!!
DUH...so simple just go back to BLOGSPOT...yippee!!!!!!

I have so much in my heart to share and ALOT of new pics ...so get
plugged back in and enjoy =)

Gotta run for now, but will be posting and REFRESHING things
very SOON....

I Bless You
Michele

GO SAINTS!!!!

I actually watched my first football game last night!!!
My husband is not a football fanatic
but he does like the saints, (especially when they are on a winning streak)so he said he would
explain it to me if I would watch it with him.
I must say I really enjoyed it!!!  I don't understand everything, but it was exciting!

GO SAINTS GO!!!!

P.U.S.H. I know its LONG but READ it!!!!

I have neglected my blog so much!  I am happy to say it is
for GOOD cause though!  So many doors have opened
to further my dream of photography!  I am still part-time
at the eye clinic and most of my free time I am at the computer
working on pictures! There just isn't enough time in the
day it seems!  There are so many demands on our time.
I wish I had a PAUSE button sometimes!




God has done SO many great and wonderful things in my life
and family in the recent weeks.  I want to take this opportunity
to give Him praise and honor.




My WORD for you today.......


P.U.S.H


pray until something happens


DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




The enemy is a BLINDER of the MIND and
through PRAYER we must BIND HIM.
Whatever you may be going through...
KNOW THIS:
It is NOT to HARM you! HIS plans for you are
perfect.  You are NOT being punished, you
are NOT cursed!!!!  I know sometimes it seems
that Gods way is just too hard. It's so much easier to
just give in and to try to do it on our own.  Sometimes
we try to push or prod things in a certain direction,
we attempt to 'make something happen' to get us out
of the quicksand that we seem to be bogged down in.
We just want the pain to stop!  We say, (maybe not out loud)
"Ok God, you are just not moving fast enough,
I'll take care of this one!"
The only thing we are really doing is making a BIGGER
MESS for ourselves and prolonging the PROCESS.





I have been in a very long and DARK storm and through it
all my Pastor would keep telling me is: 'embrace the process'
I THOUGHT I WAS!!!
I am faithful in church attendance/tithes/giving. 
I live a separated life...I pretty much figured that I was
'embracing the process'  NOT
What more do you want....what do you expect with
all I am going through?  blah, blah, blah.....I'm doing
all I can just to breathe and get up every day!!!!!!!!
Do you feel me?





Embracing the process is to walk COMPLETELY by
FAITH.  We think we have faith, but do we really?
How do we KNOW we have faith if we are not tried?
How can he be our comforter if we do not experience
pain/loss?
When storms come our way it is vital to our FUTURE
that we just EMBRACE THE PAIN!!!
I know it HURTS!!!!!  I know you feel that NO ONE
really understands!  I know your tears are MANY.
Just invest in some nice soft tissues with lotion and HOLD ON!!!





One time quite a while back, after probably about 2 yrs of
consistent crying-- in prayer as I was whining to God I asked
Him "what are you going to do with all of these tears?"
He spoke to me and said: "pour them back out on you in
Holy Anointing"  WOW...talk about stopped dead in my
tracks...I was truly speechless.  I have been places in my
journed that were so dark I could not see my hand in front
of my face.  I was a desolate human being filled with
bitterness, anger, resentment, grief, self pity, pride......
so many questions...WHY WHY WHY...please make it
stop! this is too hard....YOUR way is just too hard God!!
(I actually had the audacity to tell Him that!!!!)


Remember Joseph and his journey.  He was betrayed and
left to die by the ones he deemed closest to him.  My goodness,
for your own family to reject you..what greater pain/loss?
BUT GOD had a GREAT DESTINY for Joseph and he
had to walk through it.  His betrayal and imprisonment was
preparation for his future. 
Don't think it strange ...this thing that has come upon you!
Fall to your knees today and ask God to help you.
You are being calibrated for something GREAT.
You are being made new and ready to fulfill HIS
purpose for you. 
We go through life...I, I , I , I, I,
its' ALL about US...
(I want this, I'll do that when...., I think/feel THIS)
We MUST make it ALL ABOUT HIM.
If it TRULY becomes all about HIM (God) then we
don't care what others think. We have a mission, a
purpose, an appointment so to speak.
We are looking forward...pressing on toward what
we are really destined for.
EVERYONE has God given Gifts.  Look deep into
your heart of hearts.  Ask yourself:  "Who is the
REAL me I could really be?"  "Who is the REAL
me that GOD designed and desires me to be?"


When we have been through a long
dark storm, persistent problem, prolonged sickness,
financial trial, heartbreak, suffered loss, shock, betrayal
etc....it begins to take a toll on our minds and
hearts .(even our bodies)
But it is when we come to the END of ourselves
that we find HIM.  When we stop asking the
questions and just listen.
When we FINALLY surrender we will find
peace.  PEACE that surpasses ALL things...
ALL pain....ALL confusion!!!!
Its through troubles and stuggles that we find out what
we are really made of. We see what is REALLY
in our hearts.  Our TRUE character is revealed.
It is not revealed to God. HE already knows us!
He knew us before we were formed in our mothers
womb.  It is so it can be revealed to US!!!! 


God cannot use someone who is
not broken---
who is filled with pride, arrogance, vanity, self pity,anger,
bitterness, resentment,  depression, and all other manner
of spirits and things that go against the HOLINESS of
Gods spirit.


I'm sorry to have to tell you this...but there are
NO SHORT CUTS with the Lord.  It will be
HIS way and HIS timing. (which we know absolutely
do not match up with ours!)
Before God allows  us to come out on the stage of
life with him --so to speak. HE MUST know that
He can trust us! --- That we are commited!
We must come to the END of OURSELVES
and ABIDE in HIM.


Don't listen to the LIES of the enemy. FAILURE
is NOT final!  Gods mercy is everlasting and NEW
EVERYDAY! 
...Rejoice not against me oh mine enemy, for when  I fall
I will ARISE.  Michah 7:8


Don't let the wilderness only be a place of judgement for you!
Let it be a place of mercy and grace!  Sometimes He
just lets us sit in the wilderness for a bit to get our
attention!  It's in THOSE times that we see our NEED for
HIM.  Don't let the devil talk you into having a
SLAVE MENTALITY.   The sun WILL shine again!!!
This too shall pass....its up to you how long it lasts!!!!


We tend to think/feel/believe that God has forgotten
all about us when he is SILENT for a while. 
Its sort of like this: we train and teach our children
all of these things like manners, consideration,
sharing, and so on....its when they are away from
us that we hope they are APPLYING it and actually
using it!!! How proud and pleased I am when someone
compliments me on Montana's behavior, manners etc...
I guess what I am trying to say is.. we put it out there and
then we have to step back and watch ....lets see if she will
follow through, if whe will remember what I told/taught her....
We hold our breath, we cross our fingers so to speak...
We don't want her to fall off the bike, but we have to give
that last gentle push and just hope she stays upright!!!!!
and Oh that smile of jubilant success!!!! The bursting
in my chest as my heart pulsates with LOVE :)
My point:
I think God does that with US.  His Word is our guide book.
Sometimes He just steps back and watches.....He is NOT
ignoring us.  He is just observing and hoping we will
pass the test THIS TIME!!!!!! He sees us fall and just
waits for US to GET UP!!!!  (picture HIS smile and
his heatbeat of unconditional LOVE)


When we are in a WINTER season in our life
it leaves us feeling betrayed and bewildered!
DEAD-- COLD -- DESOLATE
but SPRING ALWAYS FOLLOWS
Thought:
When you prune a plant/tree,
it is not to KILL or HARM it...it is to HELP it!!!


Know This:
We cannot hurry God. (Lord knows I sure have tried!)
We cannot hurry HIM but we sure can slow things down!
Its in the WINTER that we learn to TRUST.
Its in the WINTER that we learn to really BELIEVE.
Dry seasons in our life promote GROWTH.
Nope, its not any fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT MISS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON
It is vital to the productivity of the NEXT season.
It is preparation for something GREAT.


I know you don't see it, you don't believe it, and you
surely don't feel it.  In a storm we DO NOT see
things clearly.  It's dark, the winds are fierce,
the lightning is stiking on every side, the boat is about
to tip....call on the PEACE SPEAKER.
J E S U S!


I challenge you TODAY,
to just TRY to view it through HIS perspective.
God IS going to answer. He is just saying....NOT YET...
he is not really saying NO....and if he does say
NO it is only for our better good.
Don't you desire to give good gifts to your own child?
Don't you desire to do what is BEST for them?
How much MORE do you think that the ALMIGHTY
desire to give you?
He died for YOU. It is His will that you prosper, be in
good health, and ultimately fulfull the purpose you were
created for!!!!
The weapons formed by the enemy against you
will NOT prosper!  (unless we let them!)


Here are few tips to help you through the process:
1. be thankful in everything
2. FORGIVE God for the loss and pain etc....
3. Accept it as His will
4. Remember good times
5. Carry on!


Remember that Jobs ENDING was GREATER than
his beginning!  He suffered tremendous loss. 
He held on and it was worth it! 


MAGNIFY HIM
to magnify means to MAKE BIGGER....
Make HIM bigger than your circumstance!
Stop telling him how bad your famine is!
Speak to your famine and let the enemy know
how BIG your God is!!!
Do not view your situation, sickness, problem
etc..from Earth to Heaven
View it from HEAVEN to EARTH!
What I mean is this:
View your present REALITY from
Gods perspective!!!!!
Where you are is NOT the be all--END all!!!


If you see it...
Believe it...
You CAN BECOME it!!!!!


Use the OBSTACLES as STEPPING STONES!
Step right over the enemy into your God designed
DESTINY!!!!




I Bless You
Michele

Just me RANTING!

I'm amazed more and more each day at the mercy of God.
That's one reason I love the song 'ya make ya mercy new
every day, you changed my life in so many ways....'
ooohh, I gotta pull that cd out....it's old but who cares....!I'm just
a little tire of it all....'it's old, it's traditional....WHO CARES????
God sure don't!! Nobody wants to be on top of things more than me.
Nobody wants the latest and greatest more than me!!!!
I just wanna have CHURCH. I find myself lately craving a good ole
devil stompin....dancing on the grave of the enemy shout down!!!!
Anybody with me? I get so weary sometimes with everything having
to be 'proper' and orderly....what happened to the days when the
power literally shook the house and the bobby pins went flying!!!???
We just had church! What's so wrong with that? It must have worked,
because I'M STILL HERE!!!!!!!!!!! Nowadays, if you break out it's almost
frowned upon because we might 'scare somebody off'....I'm sorry,
I don't believe that the power of God is gonna scare off a TRUE, hungry
searching heart!!! This world is so full of hate, disappointment, pain,
sorrow, darkness....people need something REAL...something DIFFERENT
...something POWERFUL!!!! Its' like FIRE shut up in my bones....
I realize we all have different personalities and 'expressions of worship'
I don't expect everyone to be like me! But come ON....lets get with
it people!!!! Are we really Apostolic ? I think WE have been refined,
transformed into mannequins....
Cuz, what I see in churches today ain't too apostolic.....It's been a long
time since I've seen someone REALLY transformed by the HOLYGHOST.
God hasn't moved, HE hasn't changed...WE HAVE!!!! Society dictates
what is acceptable....what is 'up to date' ....where are the MEN?
Men should be the LEADERS!!!! Not just in the home....but in prayer,
in WORSHIP, in PRAISE!!!!! When I was growing up it was the MEN
that were always in the isles. I know, I know, THAT was THEN.....
THINGS are different now....blah, blah, blah,.......
I was telling someone this week in a rather strong discussion...there is
ONE main thing that I need to leave with my daughter and that is the
ability to TOUCH GOD...that she may KNOW how to touch THE
THRONE when trouble comes is ALL that matters to me!!!
I'm so past what kind of home I live in, what kind of car I drive,
I'm so past materialism and vanity!!!! (probably could stand
to be just a little more vain these days...ha)
Thank God....how did any one tolerate me all those years
I was finding myself!!!!???
I was so prideful and arrogant...SO, SO critical and judgemental!!!!
OH THE STINCH in the nostrils
of the ALMIGHTY!!! I am SO thankful for HIS everlasting
mercy!!! I don't know why I am ranting like this....but it's my
blog and I'll rant if I want to!!! lol....heeeee
I just want the PEACE of God to reign in my heart, life and home.
That my girl might know that no matter what: God is ALWAYS
in control. If she doesn't learn to pray it's no ones fault but my own.
I have failed in A LOT of things in my life. In this, I MUST NOT--
CANNOT fail.

Just a little update about my life and the goings on lately......

First of all, my baby girl is 8 already! She was 8.5 months
old when we brought her home. What a tremendous joy and
blessing she has been to me. So many times she has been
my anchor, keeping me focused and strong enough to keep
pluggin' along when I didn't feel like it or didn't feel like I
COULD. We are very close and have a deep bond. I am
so grateful to the Almighty for this. She will go to summer
camp this week at the POLR and shortly start school again.
Where has the summer gone?
I am working full time again so my photography has once again
been pushed to the side, but NOT to the back burner!
I will continue to SHOOT AND SHOOT AND SHOOT!!!!
I guess when everyone gets sick of seeing pics of Montana
maybe they will call! HEEEEE......
I have worked diligently these past 6 months to lay a foundation
for 'Lifetime' and I will continue to move forward even if it
is at a slightly slower pace.
I need a new camera so badly, not to mention a laptop and
a new photoshop program....actually the list goes on and on...
trust me, my want list is mostly photography related!
I believe and trust that the Lord will continue to open doors
for me and I will begin to get more and more referrals.
I will continue to try and win the Canon Mark iv..........
I have a lot of new things in my mind and heart that I
would love to see realized soon.
A new exciting WEB SITE being one! I have exciting plans
for my 'shoe collection' photos....
I am blessed and looking forward to the great things ahead!

I simply love living in ponchatoula. (which i never thought I would)
Its such a quaint quite little town with so much character and
history. One day, 'Lifetime' will have a home somewhere
locally in Jesus Name!
Until then, I'll continue to be a 'weekend warrior' as the pros
call it....
Sometimes life just doesn't turn out the way you planned it!

Hey, I'm blooming LATE....but at least I AM BLOOMING!!!!
;)

....BUT GOD

I am of a thankful heart today and feel privileged to see another
beautiful day!
I have awaken today to the realization (once AGAIN) that I can
do NOTHING without God. I AM NOTHING without God!
The only way I can get through each day successfully is to
COMPLETELY rely on Him for strength and guidance.
HE IS MY PEACE.
I am determined today to identify my 'Peace Stealer's' and
remind myself (once AGAIN) that God has a PLAN for my
life and that the enemy is seeking to see that plan ABORTED.
I must not and will not give any room to the enemy to allow
that to happen! I cannot allow my mind and my life to be
polluted by negativity and doubt! I have also realized that
although I claim to be 'thankful' for all that I have yet I am
at times clinging to the memory of things that I now NO longer
possess and that my focus is TRULY on ALL that I DO NOT
have. Is that genuine thankfulness? It was brought to my
attention this morning in devotion that IT IS NOT.
I have been allowing myself too much liberty in COMPLAINING
and murmuring, which is a pollution of my mind, spirit and
LIFE! Therefore, I cannot move beyond or rise above where
I am currently in God .(or in life)
I will seek refuge today in the ALMIGHTY...He will hide me in
His pavilion...I will count my BLESSINGS...I will remind myself
that No Weapon Formed Against Me Can Prosper because as
long as God is FOR me so WHO (or what) can be against me?
I must remain determined that NOTHING shall seperate me
from God!
Circumstances may seem overwhelming and hopeless...
Finances may be lacking...
Family may distant....
Friends can be too busy...
and on and on it goes!
I must be 'KINGDOM MINDED' and keep the 'God FACTOR'
in place at ALL times...add BUT GOD to the end of the
above thoughts and EVERYTHING CHANGES!
....BUT GOD is my HOPE AND MY ROCK!
....BUT GOD is my PROVISION and my HELP!
....BUT GOD is ALWAYS by my side!
....BUT GOD is a FRIEND that sticks close at all times!

I leave this with you today and pray that you are
encouraged in YOUR heart & life and/or current circumstances.
Don't look AROUND...DO NOT LOOK DOWN!....Look UP

Have a Great Day! I Bless You!
Michele

Spring Special

I shot my first Spring Special Session this morning.
What a beautiful morning it was! I am grateful for
the pleasure of meeting Scott and Robin Morvant
and there two precious children.
They were a JOY to shoot!
I have posted a few sneak peaks.....

Robin I sure HOPE YOU LIKE-EM' !!!!
:)

The Dawning

I love to pass these wonderful tidbits on to you....
I hope they encourage and strengthen you as they
do me.
I have been heavy hearted these past few days...
(awww poor me!)
I have been forced into situations that I cannot
control and that has caused me tremendous frustration
and agitation!

But once again, my friend and comforter "Jesus"
spoke to me through his word this morning :)
and I am encouraged that all will be well and
that in HIS time HE will perfect all that concerns
me and my life.
I BELIEVE.

So....if you are in the funk today or just slightly
weary, I hope you receive a little pep from this
Or, if all is just 'rosy posy' in your world and this
doesn't speak to you, trust me, keep living, ONE
DAY it will...so copy it down and tuck it away
safe somewhere or hey...do a good deed and
just pass it on!

HERE GOES:

You are a woman of excellence. You are strong and powerful
in your own right. Occasionally, if God so wills, He sends to
an excellent woman an excellent husband who has the grace
to be a lover and the anointing to be a friend.
Occasionally, He will send a strong arm to wrap around
a weary body and give you a moment of rest and tranquility.
But none of these experiences will ever take the place of the
ultimate experience. For the greatest MORNING you will
ever know is the dawning of faith in Jesus.
No matter what sorrow life has brought to you, don't stop
until you see morning, because morning DOES come!
It is at the end of every tragic divorce, but it does come.
It is at the end of setbacks, betrayals, delays and denials,
but when they are all over, MORNING DOES COME!
I challenge you, my sister and my friend, hold out for the
morning. It DOES come.
Do not allow the tragedies of life to so depress you that you
lose your hope. do not allow the bitter disappointments and
losses you face to rob your expectations of daybreak.
Wake up singing hallelujah in the morning.
Breathe in the fresh air, expel the stale air of your past and say
"I can fee the breaking of day." And it WILL come.
Overcome obstacles with confidence. Rise above trauma with
triumph. Feel solace through sorrow. Know comfort in the
midst of crisis. The MORNING DOES COME!

Psalms 57:1-3
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!
for my soul trusts in you; And in the shadow of Your
wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have
passed by.
I will cry out to God Most High, To God who performs
ALL things for me, He shall send from heaven and save me!

I Bless You!

now i gotta go to work!

Photo Tips

Just a few basic photo tips:

Try different angles...you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Watch out for distracting backgrounds that take away
from your main subject...

Don't get stuck in the 'CENTER IT' syndrome!
(I was for years!!!)

Get CLOSER....focus on the subjects eyes

Use fill flash in bright sun....helps those harsh dark shadows

Shoot children at eye level....

Generational Session

I did a session for my friend Leanne on Saturday.
It was SO cold! We went out to Carter Plantation
in Springfield. It was beautiful. I didn't even
know it existed. It's like a bunch of cottages on
a golf course. I wish I would have known about
it for my anniversary!

Anyhoo, I have posted a few from the shoot
for viewing. I will leave them up for a few days
and then leave up only my favs.

They are the sweetest people and the best little
family! It's actually 4 generations....Cloe, Leanne,
Charm and Gran....Enjoy!