feel the fear and do it anyway

What has been tugging at you lately?

You know... that thing that if you get quiet and actually listen is calling you to immediate action.

You know you need to act but you are paralyzed.

The fear has seeped in. You've given it control.

Thousands of questions start a flood that is quickly overtaking you and you feel like anchors have replaced your feet. This dissonant chorus clouds your mind causing you to believe lies that everything will fall apart if you move an inch from this spot you desperately cling to.

What is this thing that scares you?

Maybe it's committing to one of your passions and actually following through. Fear says, what if I commit to the wrong one? What if I miss out on my other passions but only focusing on one? What if I fail? What if I find out it was a waste of time? What if I don't have the money?

Maybe it's sharing your voice and insight, sharing your story. Fear says, what if they don't get me? What if I have nothing of value to say? What if i'm rejected? What if I don't know how to be myself? What if my words don't come out right or I don't make any sense?

Maybe it's time to lead or take a leap of faith. Fear says, what if? what if? what if?

Maybe its time to ignore these "what if's". To feel the fear and do it anyway. What is it that is stopping you? What is it that scares you? If this thing that you fear is a good thing, something born out of love... then your should probably be doing it.

Let go of any fear that is paralyzing you and run after your God given passions.

If you can't run then just take a step. Baby steps toward action are way better than standing still paralyzed with fear. Forget common sense that tells your to protect yourself from the fear. Let go! Listen to that whisper that tug at the heart that God desperately wants us to act on. Start. Commit. Act. Even if it means making mistakes and dealing with set backs. At least you are moving toward something. Doors will start to open up, the fog will start to clear, and you will beginning to see all the possibilities as adventures to take instead of fearful unknowns. You'll start to feel alive again. You are bound to make some mistakes, it's all part of the process, part of learning. Mistakes make you stronger, make you better. In the end we are still loved, Thank God! So what have you got to lose? You have everything to gain. So get going!

:)

A revisit from an old blog...

(needed a reminder so decided to re-post this one on here)

Self-portraits taken in front of a foggy mirror.

A good friend told me that we are attacked in the areas we have most potential. We are made for community but the devil likes to isolate us and keep us from making connections. He knows that together Christians are stronger. So please don't ever feel like you are not needed or your voice doesn't count. You are very much needed and loved. No one else has your experiences or connections or talents. Please share those with the rest of us we desparately need you.

Making art is one of the scariest things. Don't let the fear paralyze you.

Apple doughnuts

My apartment is cool this morning and leaves are swirling around on the roof outside my window. It is definitely Fall. Today is the day where I procrastinate going to the grocery store by looking through food blogs and drooling over all the amazing recipes I want to try in the up coming week. This is the season for campfires, apples, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. I've been craving fall flavors this week. More specifically Apple doughnuts from Wick's Apple House near Dowagiac, MI. My family could always tell Summer was preparing us for Fall when these delicious treats popped up at Wick's. Cool mornings at the lake I would wake up smelling coffee grab one of these cakey doughnuts from the counter and walk barefooted to the end of the pier. I always found my parents down there toes in the water sipping their morning brew. I love crisp mornings! It's mornings like these that reminding me of my childhood and what a joy it is to be alive.

Check out these awesome recipes:

Anyone want to go camping?

If anyone has a deep frying pan to borrow I am making you doughnuts!

Jeremy & Bethany!

On June 12th I had the privilege to photograph Jeremy & Bethany Hampton's wedding. They had mentioned doing an exit with sparklers but ended up doing Kazoos instead (which was amazing i might add...). Before I left for PA my mom bought me some sparklers just for fun to use as a prop if I wanted. She had no idea that Jeremy and Bethany talked of using them but she ended up orchestrating some amazing shots. Here is one of my favorites...

My Madre

My mom is my best friend. She is strong, courageous and such an inspiration to me. I am truly blessed by her encouragement and love. I took these pics of her at lunch on a visit to California. She lived in Los Angeles for 8 months to work as a travel nurse in Cedar Sinai's Surgery Center. Never living outside the midwest before this was a huge risk and incredible experience for her. She jumped right into the opportunity with a mind wide open and no fear. If she can move across the country to take a chance with the unfamiliar and learn new things way out of her comfort zone, then so can I.

Thanks Mama Bear for showing me that I really can do anything. I love you more than you know!

Bloomington Good Friday

This Good Friday I had the privilege of spending the whole day with my friend and fellow photographer Scott Clark. Scott is one of those rare gems that can talk to anyone and make them feel like family in the first 30 seconds of meeting them. This is one of the many reasons he's a kick ass photographer and even better friend. I can always count on meeting new friends and dreaming up grand ideas with Scott around.

Check out his shots from friday's adventure on his blog.

Thanks Scott for reminding me of forgotten passions and encouraging me to inspire others.

Kent & CJ

they are just too cute!