Wish...

Ever wished on a star as a kid? Ok...who am I kidding...I still do that!

After reading the news today and feeling overwhelmed that our society is spinning out of control I realized something. The world may be out of control, but God is still in control.

There is something about a childlike faith that makes life seem so much easier.

"He's got the whole world
In His hands.
He's got the whole world
In His hands.
He's got the whole world
In His hands...."

Although wishing on a star isn't the answer. Having a childlike faith that God really does have the world in His hand is. So don't wait for a shooting star to wish for peace, a safe place for our children, or the end of wickedness. Just pray and trust that someone much bigger, more powerful, and loving has us in His hands too.

Little Man

For those of you who know Eli, you know he is quite the "Little Man". We are so proud of him and can't wait to see the kind of man he turns out to be.

Happy Birthday ~ Elijah

We love you!

Ready to Rock

My wonderful "IT" department has the website back up and running!

www.ImagesbyNaomi.com

We are ready to ROCK and get back to capturing memories!

Give me a call and set up your photo session time today!

Down Down Baby...

My website will be down for the next couple days due to a server change. Be sure to check back in a few days!

Don't forget that Spring is here and now is a great time to start capturing those

Memories for a Lifetime!

Life is a "ZOO"

Ever...

felt like you didn't fit in?

thought it was all about you?

thought no one could hear you?

just tried to blend in?

gone out on a limb?

forgotten to brush your teeth?

gotten lost in the crowd?

had a bad hair day?

been a little moody?

been the last one to catch on?

just tried to hang in there?

had to watch your own back?

~~~

If this is you...

you are not alone!

~~~

Remember to look for the good even in the midst of the zoo!

Sacrifice

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

no need for greed or hunger

a brother hood of man

Imagine all the people

sharing for the world....

you...you may say I'm a dreamer

but I'm not only one

I hope some day you'll join us

and world will be as one

Oh...you may say I'm a dreamer

but I'm not the only one

take my hand and join us

and the world will live as one.

(Imagine-John Lennon)

The news today is full of talk about recession,"cutting back", doing without, and fear of tough days ahead. I wonder just how much each of us will have to sacrifice in the months ahead. How does our potential sacrifices compare to those around us?

I've been to countries where our "needs" are others luxuries. New shoes - any shoes, eating out - eating at all, affordable health care - any health care, and the list continues. You don't have to go far to see the drastic differences in our world. Even here in the middle of the "bible belt" people go without these comforts everyday.

Each of us has something we could sacrifice for the good of someone else. I want to challenge you, as I challenge myself, to not wait for a recession to see what you can do without. Don't make sacrifice a forced dilemma - make it a planned choice.

I am thankful that I live in this country and that God has blessed me with the gifts, talents, and resources I have. Shame on me if I sit and hold on to these and choose to worry about my own future rather than helping a person in need.

~~~~~~

Sacrifice isn't sacrifice if it doesn't hurt a little.

Let's not forget the significance of this weekend and the most painful sacrifice of all.

I'm Not Who I Was

I've thought a lot over the past year about who I used to be. I wish I could say that I was someone to be proud of. Sure, there were moments when I reflected the image of someone so much greater than myself. But those times when I didn't respond the right way, say the right things, or "walk the talk" sometimes leave me ashamed, embarrassed, and defeated.

There isn't always an opportunity to say the words I'm sorry. Those words can't change the reality of a who I was then and the choices I made. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to show the change rather than just say there was one.

I hope the people around me now see a different person than I used to be. I want to be genuine in my words, confident in my actions, and value the thoughts, opinions, and emotions of those around me.

I think the words in the song below say it best...

(I'm Not Who I Was - Brandon Heath)

I wish you could see me now

I wish I could show you how

I'm not who I was

I used to be mad at you

A little on the hurt side too

But I'm not who I was

I found my way

to forgiving you

Some time ago

But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph

I saw me and I had to laugh

You know, I'm not who I was

You were there, you were right above me

And I wonder if you ever loved me

Just for who I was

When the pain came back again

Like a bitter friend

It was all that I could do

To keep myself from blaming you

...I was thinkin maybe I

should let you know

that I am not the same

But I never did forget your name

Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing

Is amazing grace

Is the chance to give it out

Maybe that's what it's all about

I wish you could see me now

I wish I could show you how

I'm not who I was

Lucky for me I learning the meaning of Grace. What it means to need it, give it, and receive it.