Anyone can make a difference.

Posted on March 31, 2022 by peacefulwatersphotography

One of the benefits of the time change is the evening are longer. While enjoying one of these evenings I took a ride around the neighborhood and this gentleman was on the sidewalk with this sign. He stood on the bicycle path, so I came off the sidewalk and rode past him. As I did , I tried to read what was written on his sign. I wondered what he wanted to tell me.

It intrigued me so I turned the bicycle around and stopped him. I learned that he and his wife are from Egypt, and they are Christians and have been in the US for over ten years. He wanted to tell everyone he encountered the good news about salvation and that we are entering the end times were here.

Even though he speaks very little English and elderly he still is making a difference. He inspired me; I’ll remind myself when I have the next pity party (wondering why I am here and can I make a difference). That I should get up and show up and do my small part to make a difference in someone’s life today. Be blessed.

Be your BEST self

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Why are we Here? Why do we exist? Most of us, if we are lucky, will live for at least seventy years. some will figure out why reasonably quickly; some never do. If you look at the statistics, you will find that the people who figure it out and do something to bring it to past live a happier and more satisfying life.

The other night I have the distinct pleasure of meeting Yvette Norwood Tiger and her husband at her jazz performance at the famed Ball and Chain in the Historic Downtown Miami. This club has been there since 1935 and has seen many notable jazz and blues artists.

Ms. Norwood-Tiger has a voice that reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday and she sings in many different languages. I went to her website and saw that she has tour dates not only in Florida but she will be going on a European tour. When she comes to your city, go see her; she is phenomenal.

If you are privileged to see her show, she usually will share her testimony that many years ago, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the doctors did not expect her to survive. If she did, she would not likely be able to sing or even listen to music again. But along with Gods grace and some good doctors, she survived and has become an international Singer.

I got the chance to chat with her between sets. Yvette was born with this ability to sing, but because of fear, she never sang publicly. In fact, neither her mother nor father heard her sing until just before the end of their life. She hid her talent from everyone even to those closest to her. I was flabbergasted because to see her on stage, it’s like she was transported to her happy place. It is like this is where she was born to be.

After further probing, I found out that she is an introvert, but after being to death’s door and after being given a chance at life, she decided to use her talent, her GOD given ability, the reason for her existence. With the Lord’s help, she conquered her fear, and now it is her passion.

We are all guilty. we all let fear or some other excuses to hold us back stop us from being our very best self. We get an unknown amount of years to make a difference. Are you satisfied with the years you have used? Make a difference today! Don’t wait for the perfect time.

The ideal time will never come.

Costa Rica Vacation

Posted on April 9, 2019 by peacefulwatersphotography

In September 2018 I went to Costa Rica for the first time. What a beautiful Country! From landing in this country I could see the beauty in the land and the people.

I made the trip with my sister (we adopted each other) and her husband who visited the country before and fell in love with it and encouraged me to come down and I am so glad I took them up on the invitation.

We are staying in a small town in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano called La Fortuna a quaint town with lots to do. We are here in the offseason or rainy season. As long as you are ok with it raining every day it’s great! Very few tourist around, No crowds, just you hiking on the trails just bring rain gear and wear waterproof shoes because of the rain and mud.

The temperature is perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze. I seat in my Airbnb apartment with the front and back door open and the breeze and sounds are enchanting the birds, roosters, and raindrops coupled with the breeze make for a perfect lazy Sunday morning. Looking out the back door at this majestic Volcano wishing I never had to leave.

I will be back Costa Rico, I’ll be back La Fortuna. Thank You for one of the best vacations.

Saying Yes!

Posted on July 2, 2017 by peacefulwatersphotography

When I am fearful, or I am unsure of the outcome it is so easy to say no. To not step out of my comfort zone, not to take a risk. There are countless times I have chosen to take the safe route.

No more! From now on, I will say yes even if I doubt my abilities or the voice in my head is saying you are not good enough. As the saying goes, the Lord does not call the equipped. He equips the called.

A few days ago a customer that approached me several years ago about helping her with her project, but because I was unsure of my abilities and I convinced myself that I had nothing to contribute, so I avoided committing to a meeting. Reached out to me and wanted us to meet, I said yes, and we had a constructive meeting, and now we are working together on completing her project.

There are many accounts, where people who were not qualified in a particular area that has made significant strides in the same area.

If you have a gut feeling that you should be perusing particular profession whether it is preaching, acting, photography or any other occupation, you Will make a difference, step out in faith and go for it. Your true Happiness depends on it!

It is easier said than done…..because I struggle in this area every day. There are times I feel unworthy or ill-equipped. This is where affirmations are important. The more I say YES to being uncomfortable. The more I step out in faith, the stronger I will become.

There is nothing that we cannot do without His help. Make a difference! Live your destiny!

A New Journey

Posted on June 25, 2017 by peacefulwatersphotography

I have said it before many times LIFE IS SHORT, ENJOY THE JOURNEY. It has been a dream of mine for some time and now, a goal…. To travel the United States in a Travel Trailer.

I decided to document my journey starting from today.

I was listening to a preacher, and he spoke about the Faith of Bartimaeus, a blind man who pursued Jesus for healing. Bartimaeus had stepped out with Blind Faith literally.

This resonated with me, and confirms that HE wants me to proceed with this endeavor! And it will take Blind Faith to see this one through.

So with that, I proceed, and I will try to listen to My Lord’s direction.

After thinking about the best way to travel, but staying open to the Lord to change and direct all aspects of this Journey, but my vision is to buy a 4 wheel drive type tow vehicle and travel trailer. This combination should be efficient and economical to transport.

Outdoor Photography is one of my passions and creating beautiful images. I will be traveling the country finding beautiful Images that inspire, uplift, motivate and bring peace to individuals.

It is my sincere belief that we all are placed here for a reason, and each one of us has a passion, unfortunately, not all of us are brave enough to follow our bliss.

It is so easy to come up with excuses why something cannot be done. Excuses hold us back from using our God-given potential. Get rid of the excuses in your head, Just Do It!

Ok Before the trip starts what will I need?

A way to generate income on the road.
A reliable tow vehicle like an SUV that will be able to pull a trailer
A Travel Trailer

What about this current job do you like?

Meeting new people every day and helping clients create their printing/publishing ideas or projects.
Editing images

What are my personality traits? (the way I see it)

Empathy, caring, upbeat, and positivity.

It is also my belief that everything that happens to us good and bad will be used to accomplish your goals. Our experiences will mold us and shape us if we allow the Lord or the divine to use it for good.

Be Open

Be Flexible

Be Positive

Be Brave

Be Confident

And have Faith Knowing the Lord or the Divine will Come to meet you where we are!

Enjoy The Journey.

Turning Disappointment into Divine Appointment

Posted on November 10, 2016 by peacefulwatersphotography

For the past few days, I have decided to disconnect. Disconnect from the news and all negative social media. This gave me an opportunity to adjust my attitude and my outlook. As I ask the Lord to help me process the events of the last few days where the country (my country) has elected Donald Trump to the Presidency of the United States. After much meditation and praying, I have come to this conclusion.

Where do we go from here? Is on many people’s mind. Some people are relieved, and others are disappointed. But regardless if you are exuberant or saddened, as a country we have to go on, and we have to move forward.

For all my Christian friends on either side of the issue…… this outcome is not a mistake. The Lord has allowed Mr. Trump to get to the White House. We all agree that when he started out, many of us did not take him seriously. He was the underdog but yet he triumphed! It is my opinion he had God on his side.

For everyone else regardless of what you believe, I am sure you will agree that this is not a mistake.

The question I asked myself and would like to ask you……. Am I willing to accept the results and move forward and work together for the good of the country? If your answer is YES! then we have work to do.

Accept that our President is now going to be Donald Trump.
Stay Positive. Refrain from entering into negative talk about this election and our President-elect.
Disconnect from any or all media that sensationalize this process. (personally, have avoided listening or watching the news or coverage of the election)
Go out and volunteer. You can make a difference in your small circle.
Pray that the Lord will use Mr. Trump to really make America Great Again for all and not a few.

Life is short, and we are only here for a short time, Let’s unite and make a difference. Make a difference for our children and for our grandchildren. Put away Greed, Anger, and Resentment. As the Lord said……… Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.

Making life’s disappointments into life’s lessons…

Posted on July 5, 2015 by peacefulwatersphotography

The popular saying a few years ago was, “S**t happens”. Well, I am here to say that all of us have unfortunate things that happen in our lives, but the big difference between one another is our reaction.

I am no expert by any means but from my observations. As human beings, we have a tendency to want to blame ourselves, blame someone else, or blame God. But in any case, we try to rationalize why situations occur the way they do. All these reactions are not constructive in my opinion.

I had the opportunity to learn this a few days ago. I potentially lost a significant amount of money (at least for me). Money that I was planning to use… I watched the opportunity literally fall out of my hands!

A friend was with me and I could see the pain of not been able to help in his face. It felt like someone punched me in the stomach. After I got over the shock and started to breathe I felt myself wanting to play the “What if” game in my head… What if I did something different? What if I did it earlier? And so on. I had to stop this line of thinking, realizing it was not constructive. From there, I analyzed the damage and started to be thankful. Thankful that the situation was not worse. Thankful for the opportunity to learn something that God wanted to teach me.

It’s a simple fact that we live in a corrupt world and bad things happen. But I believe that God allows bad things to happen so that we all have the opportunity to learn, grow, and become spiritually stronger. If life was too easy, what use would we have for Faith? What need would we have for God? Would we even appreciate Him?

So I made a choice: move on and appreciate the Lord and ask for His guidance

As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons – make lemonade!

The Potter

Posted on May 14, 2014 by peacefulwatersphotography

HE is the potter we are the clay………Pain is inevitable, the struggle is optional. We all go through some kind of difficulty in our lives and when I ask why Lord do we have so much pain in our lives the answer I got was in order to build our faith and increase our praise. I have come to learn that worry and fret does not fix anything…it actually is more destructive to our mental happiness and destroys our peace.

Crying out to God asking him for strength to ride out the pain which in pottery its the hardening process. God will never give you more than you can bear… I know that when you are in it nothing can be worse and it feels like you will never survive but I am here to say…….With GOD’S help, you will make it through, and it will be your testimony the harder the trial the Greater the testimony.

In my life I have had some pain to the point of a suicide attempt, the pain seemed so unbearable, it seemed like it was no way out. I told myself I was no good….. worthless. All negative self-talk that is so unhealthy and is from the pits of hell. God does not make junk! As I read Psalm 139, David reminds us how much I am valued by God.

I hit rock bottom and did not have anywhere to turn at 4 am in the morning, I went on my knees and asked God to take the pain away to show me a way out. And he did, for some reason, I had my laptop with me, and I decided to open Facebook, and God sent and Angel in the shape of an old friend that I had not spoken to for a long time and lived in a different country. She sent me a message via Messenger inquiring why I was up in the wee hours of the morning and that she could not sleep. And she talked me off the ledge. We text back and forth for hours, and through her, I realized that God needed/wanted me here to make a difference and there is always a way out.

It has been a few years now, and I realized how foolish and selfish I was, I would have left work undone on this side of Heaven and inflicted, even more pain in hearts of all the people who love and care for me. Thank You, God!

There are a few things I want to reiterate……..When you are in pain,

Reach out to God in prayer…. Ask him to help you through your valley experience
Stop the negative self-talk….. Everyone is here for a reason you are unique and precious
Know that all will be well…… There will come a time that you look back it won’t seem as bad as it looks now.
Share your experience…… Help someone else that maybe going through a painful experience and need a word of encouragement.

It is sincerely my hope that I will help someone in their time of need…….. Peace and Be Blessed

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Father’s Day

Posted on June 17, 2012 by peacefulwatersphotography

On this and every Father’s Day since the passing of my beloved dad…. I reflect on how fortunate I have been to have had an exceptional dad. In December it will be two years since he went home and there is not one day that have passed that I have not thought about him. As I said earlier he was exceptional dad and a phenomenal human being.

Even though I am not a Father, I salute the Great Dads out there. I asked myself who makes a good dad? If we use our heavenly father as an example we all fall short but we can try to emulate his characteristics.

Oh Father in heaven is

1. Loving

2. Compassionate

3. Understanding

4. Forgives

5. Heals

6. Giving

7. Caring

8. Accepts

9. Righteous

10.Gracious

11.Kind

Just to name a few. (if I missed any please post)

As I look back my dad left a great legacy where he tried and achieved all of these characteristics. This is why I KNOW that I am BLESSED to have called him father.

I ask the fathers out there what Legacy are you leaving for your children?

Remember children learn from us and emulate us as they grow up. Keep this in mind always………

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads out there. Have a GREAT day . Peace

Life with Death

Posted on June 13, 2012 by peacefulwatersphotography

The other day I was driving by a cemetery and had a stong feeling that I should stop.

While walking around the grave stones I felt this over whelming sence of love and peace. All the graves were decorated with wind chimes, figurines of angels and other objects even bottles of liquor depicting item that the love one once loved or enjoyed.

Death seems so final to us that are left behind, but in actually our departed love one is at peace and are at rest.

Even though it is difficult for us to say goodbye… We can show love in our own way whether elaborately decorating our love ones head stones or just remembering them fondly. I feel they are with us as we go about our day-to-day life.

One of my favorite poems is by Henry Scott Holland,

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped away into the next room,

I am I, and you are you,

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still,

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the same easy way which you always did,

Put no difference into your tone;

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without effect, without the shadow of a ghost on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity,

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am just waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well.

My First Blog

Posted on June 11, 2012 by peacefulwatersphotography

This gentleman and his dog watching life go by….

A couple of Young ladies getting some rays…..

As I embark on a new and exciting adventure into social media, I asked the holy spirit to guide me and to lead me in whatever direction I should proceed. This is not comfortable to me but i embrace it like a hunter would embrace a porcupine. They say the more you do it the easier it will become. With Gods help it will become easier.

This weekend was incredible the weather in South Florida was Hot and Humid but it was wonderful on the beaches…. I decided to go to Deerfield beach with a buddy of mine that I have known for all my adult life. We went to a local burger joint called Charm Burger, they make an excellent charbroiled burger with a secret sauce…. yum. We got there after noon and the small place was packed but we were lucky enough to get a parking space in front of the door and got a table easily.

We then headed to the beach Sun, Fun and beautiful people… Lots of people out enjoying the beach weather. With Camara, Cigar and Ipod in hand I set out to capture some images that spoke to me….

Life is what you make it as

someone once said…. Even though we all have issues try to accentuate the positive and walk away from the negative drama of life…. Be Well.

Friends

Posted on February 20, 2012 by peacefulwatersphotography

Water Buffalo, Keep in cool in the mud pit……

Why is it important to have friends? This question reminds me of a meeting I had with my guidance counselor in high school… I went to see him because I felt I was not able to make good friends. At the time I was shy and insecure. He gave me an assignment to go to downtown Montego Bay, Jamaica and position myself in the front of Woolworth department store and introduce myself to anyone that happened to walk by.

I could not get up the courage to complete the assignment, but the reason he gave as to why people need friends is that friends help in times of need. The 1985 song by Dionne Warwick & friends song comes to mind, “That’s What Friends Are For”. Comes to mind every time I think of why we have close or best friends.

The challenge I have faced though is to discern which friends are good friends that I can count on, and which friends are bad news… As Proverbs 18:24 says There are friends who destroy each other but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

Another revelation I had about friendship was that to attract good friends, one must be a good friend. A good friend that is reliable, dependable, trustworthy, a confidant, a shoulder to cry on, an encourager, a supporter, never a judge and someone you can come to get an honest answer.

I came across some quotes on friendship…

“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” – William Shakespeare

“I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.” – Helen Keller

“You can go through life and make friends every year – every month practically – but there is never any substitute for those friendships of childhood that survive into adult years. These are the ones in which we are bound to one another with hoops of steel.” – Alexander McCall Smith

In analysing my life, I have or had some wonderful friends and I cherish their friendship, and I have had some toxic ones that I am happy we are no longer friends. Some I needed to forgive in order to move on, others it was important that I forget them.

Friendship is a two-way street like any other relationship, if you’re so called friend is taking more than they are giving, does not have your best interest in mind, or is sucking your peace its time to move on.

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