Thursday, May 21, 2009

God never ceases to AMAZE me!!!!!

I'm sorry I have neglected to post anything new here! I have been overwhelmed with something the Lord has done to bless me and to be honest I just had to let it soak in. :) You ready for this!?!?!?!?

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I started following the amazing Scarlett Lillian's photography blog this past winter. I quickly learned that she loved the Lord and was going through a deep valley in life. Her father was battling cancer. Soon after we started exchanging emails the Lord called him home. My heart ached and still does ache for her in the thought of her losing her dad. I rejoice with them that he is well now, yet have cried for their aching hearts. Through all of it the Holy Spirit laid her family so heavily on my heart. I was prompted day and night to pray things over them that were coming directly from the Holy Spirit. I felt so bonded to a complete stranger...but it was coming from the Lord as He was uniting our hearts to each others. We exchanged numerous emails and it was always my honor to keep her covered in prayer. I dreamed of one day making enough money with my photography that I could attend one of her workshops and get to hug her in person. Well, the Lord moved in ways that completely blew me away!

A couple weeks ago I received an email from her asking if I wanted to come second shoot a wedding with her. I was certain that the email was sent to me on accident, until I read something in there about being busy with moving, etc. I thought, "is this for reals?" I called Matt and talked a mile a minute telling him what I just read. My heart was racing and I couldn't believe it. He said very calmly that it was pretty cool and he'd look into getting the time off work so I could go. As the day went on I further convinced myself it was a mistake. She had launched her new website that day and her email crashed...so I was sure it came to me as an accident. I sent Scarlett a message on Face Book explaining how I completely understood she was having email glitches that day and I received an email asking to second shoot for her. I wanted to "reassure" her that I knew it must have come by mistake and that I didn't want it to be awkward for her to have to tell me she wasn't really asking me to come. Well once again, much to my shock...she wrote back "you silly! yes, Laura, i want YOU to come!"

I have been completely overwhelmed and humbled with how God works in ways we could never ask or imagine. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity that I can hardly stand it! I'm a mom, people! This stuff just doesn't happen to me. I'm used to staying home and being with the kids...which I LOVE! I teach them, I love them, I guide them, We clean, We cook, We laugh, We dance...but I don't ever get on a plane to fly somewhere by myself. Know what I mean!?!? We aren't the traveling by plane sort of family...well except for the time we got to fly to FL to get our baby boy!!! We go camping. We once in awhile do a get-a-way to a hotel. I've never had a pedicure...no wait, I did have one once at the beauty school, but the girl kept telling me about how her boyfriend beat her up. strange. We live off Matt's income in order for me be to be home with our kids...so those things go to the back burner. And I'm completely fine with that. I'm a dreamer and dream of stuff like this...but I want to be here where God has called me.

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I guess that is why I'm so humbled that He is blessing me with this amazing opportunity. You can imagine how excited I am! I've had some intense moments of being flooded with fear and doubt. I know I am not qualified to shoot with such a talented photographer. But I also know that this entire thing is coming from the Lord. I am going in His strength and my confidence is in Him...not myself!

So yea...in a week, I'm letting down the ol' pony tail and getting on that plane to go do this thang!


(photos used with Scarlett Lillian's permission)

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

8^}

Tengesdal 4 said...

I am so excited for you! May you be blessed beyond words with the chance to learn more! Congratulations!!!

Tengesdal 4 said...

By the way.... I have proof in old photo albums that you were always willing to MODEL for the camera- who knew one day you'd be on the other side of the lens!! :) (Maybe that'd make a good post.... Laura-model-through the years....)

Laura Lu said...

Yea, Bets, who knew!?!? ;) Now my youngest dd poses exactly like me...

you always make me laugh! :D

Tonya said...

This is AMAZING!!! Congratulations. I am sure God is sitting in heaven watching you get all excited just like as moms we are when our dear child opens that perfect gift that we got them. Enjoy this blessing! Praising God with you!

Anonymous said...

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO

suepsales said...

this is so....cool! I went to her blog and WOW, she sounds like a lot of fun. you will learn so much!!! I knew you'd enjoy this and God is blessing you with this adventure :)

Jaci said...

You go girl!!!! =)

Scarlett Lillian // Jacksonville Senior Photographer said...

LOL. Our To Do List when you get here:

1. Pick you up from the airport.
2. Get pedicures.
3. Let your ponytail down.
4. Take off hot photos of you.
5. Go to sleep.
6. Get up shoot a fabulous wedding together!
7. Crash in bed.
8. Head back to the airport.
9. Sadly say our goodbyes and pout over having to put you back on the plane b/c I know I'll have made a new lifelong friend.

Looking forward to our girls weekend! Can't wait to see you in a few days Laura! Yes YOU silly! :-)

Valerie said...

This is so fun Laura, I hope you throughly enjoy yourself and you have a rich time with your friend.

It was fun seeing you the other day in Target!