Rest In Peace

As the world mourns the loss of Whitney Houston (although I am sad she’s dead), I would rather honor the life of a true hero. RIP Brian Naranjo.

Please visit my wornoutwoman blog to read a tribute to my friend, who died this week at the age of 39.

Where You’ll Find Me …

For those that stop by from time to time … thank you. For those that are new … welcome.

I’ve not blogged here very often lately, as life has been very busy over the last couple years.  However, I’ve been more consistently writing here at my other blog.

Or if you are a twitter user, you can find me here.

I would still encourage you to stop by here, from time to time.  As I’m contemplating starting it back up, but for now the above links are where you’ll find me.

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How long has it been? Testing testing 123

Hey there world…has this thing gone dark? I’m just wondering if anyone ever checks this little ole’ blog anymore. Is it worth reviving?

Leave me a message if you still read …

Sunday’s View

Here’s what I’m blessed with today: family, relaxation, beautiful weather, fishing …

Through Lifes Storms

I’m trying to post from my iPhone & wondering if it will successfully save. So this is somewhat of a test.

But as to not leave you high and dry, I’ll leave you with two things: a) a picture from tonight’s rain (one night in a million, that it’s been wet outside) and b) a thought…

Sometimes its through the storms that we learn how safe God is and will always be…

I’ve got a few things medically going on & although it’s not the most fun dealing with it—I know has me held safe on the center of this whirlwind I’m in at the moment. And I’m already declaring victory through Jesus’ name that my prognosis will be good!!

God is good ALL the time, and through the storms I learn how much more I love Him and am reassured how much more He loves me.

Friday finds me allll gooood!

Thought I’d pop in here to post for once. I’ve not been able to just sit for a while and have a single thought to myself let alone have the time to do anything about them.

In the last 3 months, my life has turned upside down … but in a good way. You all know I’ve had to work a part time job to help contribute to our family’s finances. Smart girl that I was decided to up and quit a full time career in July of last year – right before the big recession hits. So my family, that was used to doing a little of whatever they wanted, while still feeling like we had no money … didn’t know what was going to hit.

We had enough to get by then – we just didn’t know it!

No we’re on a skimmed budget and running a tight ship. We refinanced our home, which saved us $150 a month.

I still have my own photography company, which is picking up by the way, and I still further my writing pursuits – but I’m working part time as a manager at a women’s boutique. This is why I’ve not had time to sit as I’m gone all the time, between photography shoots or my part time job. I’m never home to just have a second to myself. I haven’t even watched TV in almost a month (except ‘The Bachelorette’, which I DVR and watch late at night).

The good news? We’re making it – barely but surely.
The bad news? I’m not running on my own schedule and I have nothing left over to write – which means my sequel is taking a loooot longer than I’d hoped.

BUT – counting my blessings is still a must.

For example – Yesterday my brand new tire blew out on the highway. Not even seconds before I heard it pop, I was praying for God’s protection on the roads. It was as if the Holy Spirit was guiding me or prompting me to pray that particular prayer. Within seconds, the wall of my new tire was blown off and I was trying to get off the side of the highway.

The blessings are obvious to me. I’m thankful my car didn’t flip or slam into traffic. Two police officers showed up before my husband did to protect my car from the traffic from the highway. Because of these brave men, my husband had the protection he needed to change my tire. Otherwise traffic wouldn’t have allowed him to get down and change it without risking his life.

2 service men showed up from my dealership too. I’m blessed that we know the owner and he’s a gracious man, who takes care of us.

PLUS – I was late to work to close my store. WHICH was a HUGE blessing, as my district manager was in town and my tire escapade caused me to miss her visit. Hmmm? I don’t see a downside to this one.

Just wanted to pop in real quick to let you know that life is good! Even if I have to pay for a new tire – I’m healthy and in one piece. Can’t ask for more than that and I’m thankful to God for answering prayer!

Have a great weekend you all!
Kim

Here’s an example from one of my latest shoots this month. Westmoreland Ministries asked me to work with them for their upcoming tour. KP is a great guy, who has a true heart for God. Pray for him as he targets college campuses with the reality of his testimony.

Your dreams vs. God’s dreams

IT seems all self starters or risk takers are met with doubters or insurmountable challenges in life. However the ones willing to take a risk are usually the ones that go where no one else would dare. The clarifying factor though is ‘taking a smart risk’. Is there such a thing? What are your thoughts?

I think there’s a huge difference between a ‘smart risk’ and a pipe dream.

A pipe dreamer is someone who always has a new idea every day that doesn’t fit into his abilities. It may be something that sounds fun, so they take off half cocked to pursue their dreams without preparation, planning, or prayer.

Prayer? How can that be a part of a smart risk? Prayer is essential to it! A smart risk in one that you’ve meditated over, asked God guidance for, and when nudged…took the leap of faith into deep waters for your dreams. A smart risk is one that has groundwork lied out in front of you, that is there for your direction. A smart risk is one that has a clear pay off in the end, with end in somewhat immediate sight.

YOU can not risk your time and effort without having a goal/payoff! And that payoff must be reasonable, obtainable, and is that which would make an impact for others. You owe this to the ones who are supporting you through your leap.

I think I fall into the latter category. THROUGH prayer, I’ve felt God’s hand guiding me. Now how can I be sure? Will the final result be a big payoff?

No one knows the answers to these sort of questions. Only God does. My job is to continue making sure that my dreams are in alliance with God’s plan for me/my family, and continue to ask for guidance down the right path.

I’d like your thoughts. When it seems the world would say – don’t jump … it’s too risky. But God’s spirit is nudging you to take a leap — what would you do?

Do you believe in the difference between a smart risk and a pipe dream? Or do you believe they’re the same?

I recently talked with Tam, a fellow blogger, who gave me some inspiring direction. The path to the door of opportunity can be a hard one, but if it’s a door that God wants you to walk through — then you’ll find your payoff when you walk through. And you’ll look back and see how great God’s plan was all along, even through the difficult times in getting there.