Living + Learning in 2010.

my family. christmas 2010.

Lessons Learned in 2010

I decided I would again keep a list of life lessons I learned throughout the year by personal experience or the observation of others. I had no idea I would learn so many things. :) Some are funny… some are serious. It ‘s always best to learn from others so that you don’t have to learn the hard way. This is worth reading… I hope you can grab a couple of them to take with you and apply to your life. I have by no means mastered them… still on the life-long journey.

1) Tell your family how much you love them every night before bed and every morning when they leave… live is fragile.

2) Don’t give up… your answer could come tomorrow.

3) Just okay is not enough.

4) There is continual conflict between our human tendency to remain small and God’s desire to make us great.

5) God is more than enough… we must stop filling our lives with so many cheap substitutes.

6) ‘Bored’ is not a word in my vocabulary. :)

7) January equals lots of quality family time at home.

8) “The plain things are the main things.”

9) “Find out who God has created you to be, and be that person.”

10) Remember where you have come from or you will eventually look in the mirror and not recognize the person you have become.

11) Grab the hands of a few people, and take them on the journey with you.

12) “God has created us all so differently… if we were all the same, we’d all lose.”

13) Doing a bunch of nothings with someone is better than doing a bunch of somethings with no one.

14) Parents can train and equip you to fly then push you out of the nest, but God is the wind beneath your wings that makes you soar.

15) It’s so like God to make something out of nothing.

16) You don’t have to try to make everything happen on your own… there are people standing by… willing and ready to help you.

17) Invest in a good mattress and pillows.

18) Sometimes you must do the things you don’t want to do in order to do he things you want to do.

19) When you have hundreds of conversations for five hours straight, you will get a sore throat. :)

20) People are watching you… live a life worth following.

21) When you help others fulfill their dreams, you may actually find yourself fulfilling yours.

22) Thinking about people changes nothing but praying for them could change their life.

23) What seems to be the perfect timing for you may not be the perfect timing for someone else.

24) You must accept the fact that God might have a different plan than yours.

25) If you just roll out of bed and go to the gym as you are, you will see people you know. :)

26) Don’t overlook or push past the seasons of learning or growing or you won’t be prepared for the next season of your life.

27) For those who are waiting… time cannot pass by soon enough… for those living… there’s not enough time.

28) If you don’t think your life is exciting… do something exciting… simple as that.

29) Distance makes the heart grow fonder.

30) Thank God daily for specific blessings in your life, or you may take them for granted and feel like you deserve more.

31) There are people counting on your prayers.

32) It’s even more difficult to be a leader of leaders.

33) Don’t check things off of your “to do” list until you actually do them. :)

34) If you don’t want to/need to spend money, don’t go shopping. :)

35) The older you get, the less concerned you become with others’ opinions of you.

36) When you are full of God, you will not feel empty inside.

37) Never get out of the practice of leading people to Jesus.

38) Sometimes you do things just because God tells you to, then the passion for it follows your obedience.

39) Always take a watch and flashlight to camp.

40) Starting your day by thanking God for specific blessings you are thankful for will change the attitude of your day.

41) When you walk/run in cool weather, always wear something to cover your ears. :)

42) When you are doing a photo shoot- take your camera with you… it helps. :)

43) As much as you wish for certain things to change in your life- the life you are living may just be the best thing that ever happened to you.

44) We usually don’t recognize the miracle while we are living it.

45) God is bigger than awkward conversations and miscommunications.

46) You are only one part of the equation.

47) Take control of our culture of technology before it takes control of you.

48) Being busy is overrated.

49) No talent is greater than the favor of God.

50) Under promise and over produce.

51) Don’t answer phone calls from unknown or withheld numbers. :)

52) Don’t let one moment of failure keep you from moving forward- let it propel you.

53) Some things you just have to do afraid.

54) We become spiritually fat unless we are living out our faith and bringing people to Jesus.

55) I’m convinced that if we redirected the energy that we use to worry and think about ourselves… we could discover cures, rescue people, bring the lost to Jesus, change the world… just maybe.

56) Birthdays are very special and should be celebrated well.

57) Family is one of the most precious gifts that God gives us. Treat them as such.

58) No matter what problem you are facing, someone is facing a greater problem than you are.

59) Your hard drive will crash- it’s not a matter of if but when.

60) A sign of growth and maturity is when you respond better to the same challenge a year later.

61) We live in a culture that has never learned to wait.

62) In the moment when you feel like God has forgotten about you, He is really showing you how much He loves you by not answering your every prayer or desires with a yes.

63) Enjoy your beauty, because you will get old- woman said to me in the Barnes+Noble parking lot as she touched her wrinkles.

64) There are just some people in life that you connect with and feel like you have known your whole life.

65) I am a much more creative person because of my relationship with a creative God.

66) If you spend too much time on the urgent things, you won’t have time for the important things.

67) God is at work so far ahead of us, and when you get there, you realize what He has been setting you up for all along… and it gives you faith to keep walking into the unknown because you know that He is already there.

68) “If you’re going to risk and maybe fail, fail at something that matters. Fail gloriously so that even in failure lives change.”

69) We trust God to the extent that we know God.

70) It’s impossible to be a breath of fresh air to others when you are barely breathing.

71) God still speaks through dreams.

72) Sometimes leadership is the loneliest place.

73) God never forgets about what He has placed in your heart.

74) God’s heart is missions- from the hurting person right in front of you to the other side of the world.

75) Satan will do anything to make you doubt what God has told you, but God does not contradict His word.

76) Amazing opportunities come to those who are prepared.

77) Simplify. Simplify. Simplify.

78) God tells you what you need to know when you need to know.

79) Ignoring a problem doesn’t make it disappear but usually makes it grow.

80) God is sovereign in His timing.

81) “God does not reveal Himself as limitless to limit us.”

82) “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

83) When you slip and fall on black ice, it really, really hurts.

84) There is no separation between secular and sacred. When working for the Lord- the secular becomes sacred.

85) The way you spend your time is a reflection of what is important to you.

86) A whole lot of significant things can happen in the course of one year.

87) Don’t be intimidated by people, because you will soon realize that they are just as human as you.

88) You may have to literally bite your tongue because you love someone more than you love your opinions.

89) It’s possible to be full of joy in the worst of circumstances.

90) With age comes responsibility, and it’s just the beginning…

91) Stop and “smell the poinsettias” at Christmastime. :)

92) Celebrate even the smallest of victories rather than focusing on the defeats.

93) Most things can wait.

94) A routine life can be detrimental, because one becomes comfortable when they are and more unwilling to take risks for the Lord.

95) With God, there are no dead ends… there is always a mountain to climb or a bridge to be crossed.

96) Sleep heals and restores the body and is thus very necessary.

97) When we see the reality of all the obstacles, it makes God look even greater when He comes through.

98) Life requires initiative.

99) Fun is an attitude- not an activity.

100) God is not confined to our realm of possible.

You can click here to view the lessons I learned in 2009… I think they are all different.

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=227814161332

Hope 2011 is your most blessed year yet!

Happy New Year! :)

Heather

I went to the salvation army thrift store yesterday and overheard this guy's story... he was in his mid-20's and a volunteer was helping him pick out things he would need to start a life on his own... off the streets...dress clothes, shoes, coat, luggage...he couldn't believe he could pick out anything in the store that he needed... my heart was so happy for him... God reminded me that one person truly matters... this guy's life was changed... little things can make a huge difference. ♥ .

living and learning. lessons from 2009.

At the beginning of 2009, I decided I would keep a list of life lessons I learned throughout the year by personal experience or the observation of others. I had no idea I would learn so many things. J Some are funny… some are serious. It ‘s always best to learn from others so that you don’t have to learn the hard way. This is worth reading… I hope you can grab a couple of them to take with you and apply to your life. I have by no means mastered them… still on the life-long journey.

1. If you don’t manage your time, your time will manage you.

2. Going to bed at 10pm makes life better. J

3. Fake nails are the remedy for nail-biting. J

4. Investing in one person IS significant- they could be the one to change the world.

5. Always keep learning and reading.

6. Treasure family.

7. It’s good to make a plan, but don’t get ahead of God.

8. Ice storms just might be God’s way of saying, “stop, rest, think, dream.” J

9. You don’t want to find out what you missed by simply not asking God. So ask.

10. People may actually remember what you said a year ago. Good or bad.

11. It’s worth it to go out to eat with friends after church… even if you can’t get out of bed the next day. J

12. Do something you are afraid to do every day.

13. Look for the people who are serving when no one else is watching… they are the real leaders.

14. Be the friend that’s present in both the tragedy and the mundane.

15. It’s worth it to spend money on fresh flowers… even better, grow your own.

16. Invest time, money, energy into the next generation… change history.

17. Read different translations of the Bible every once in a while… you will fall in love with reading it all over again.

18. Journal and take photos… live your life and document it.

19. When you say that you will pray for someone, write it down and actually pray.

20. Bless someone every day… loneliness results from thinking too much about ourselves.

21. Time at the altar seeking God and soul-searching is never wasted.

22. When it’s freezing cold outside, wear the warmest coat you have… cute or not. J

23. Hang on to the birthday cards with the long letter of wisdom from grandpa… you may need it.

24. Do two things you don’t want to do every day.

25. “Success comes to those who are working too hard to look for it.”

26. Hang on to the friends who tell you the truth you don’t want to hear.

27. People will make decisions based on your outlook on life.

28. It’s a good thing to live at home with your parents when you can. J

29. When family comes to visit, cancel everything to spend time with them.

30. We may not know ourselves as well as we think.

31. Sitting outside and watching the stars at night can put life back into perspective.

32. It’s okay for Mom and Dad to have Facebooks… they need friends too. J

33. Don’t spend lots of money on clothing/accessories… you WILL want to get rid of them someday.

34. Everyone has a background/story that affects their outlook on life. Don’t judge.

35. Time reveals a person’s true character.

36. Don’t make determinations/decisions about life when you are tired or at night.

37. Make family your priority… they will still be there when everyone else fails you.

38. Invite people to church… they’re waiting for you to ask.

39. Invest your self, time, energy, and resources rather than simply spending them.

40. You don’t have to understand it all in order to take the next step forward.

41. Stay close to Jesus… and He will take you where you never thought you could or would go.

42. When it seems like God is holding out on you, He is actually protecting you and setting you up for something great.

43. Don’t settle for cheap substitutes or to walk the easy road… they don’t last.

44. God HAS to be the first place you run to share your joys, sorrows, fears, and doubts.

45. Don’t hold on to your life tightly… live with your hands open… freely giving and receiving as God sees fit.

46. When life is hard, don’t turn up the noise and speed up the pace… it’s good to think and process with God.

47. Love and cherish the people in your life… because they may leave before you realize that you need to.

48. See people with their potential- not as they are now… or you may miss out on having them in your life.

49. When you invest your finances in things that are God’s priorities, He will provide and meet your every need.

50. Life is not going to slow down, so stop waiting for it to… jump on board and start living.

51. Don’t allow your mind to think too far ahead or you will miss the moment in which you are living.

52. When a car is parked in the garage, don’t park behind them- they may forget you are there and back into your vehicle. J

53. Don’t marry the flirt… some things just don’t change. [observation.]

54. When you have people in your life depending on you and looking up to you, it causes you to live to a higher standard and be more thoughtful making decisions.

55. Welcome people into your family who have no family… that’s the heart of Jesus.

56. When you are having a bad day, look at yourself in the mirror and force yourself to smile and smile and smile… bet you can’t stop. J

57. Have multiple backups of your computer data… trust me. J

58. Learn from the mistakes of others so that you don’t have to make them yourself.

59. If vehicles aren’t needing repairs, they need maintenance… save accordingly.

60. You will begin to talk like and act like the people you spend the most time with… choose wisely.

61. Don’t be in relationships with people who tell you what you want to hear but rather those who throw you overboard into greatness.

62. Take as many trips/vacations with your family as you can- the memories will last a lifetime.

63. Let God be the one to fight for you- He responds when you live like you need Him.

64. “The biggest moments in our lives are so small compared to what God wants to do.” –hona

65. Eating healthy and exercising is good stewardship of the life and body God has given you… preventing sickness and disease… be wise.

66. There is always something to be happy about… it’s a matter of finding or noticing it.

67. Owning your own business has its advantages and disadvantages… ask me before you do it. J

68. “Go as far as you can see, and when you get there you will see farther.” – hona

69. Some things are not worth crying over… but some things are.

70. Keep your spouse first… then the kids… so, when the kids are gone, you will still have your best friend. [observation.]

71. It’s okay to be open and vulnerable with your life… your stories may be someone’s answers or source of inspiration.

72. Sometimes all you can do is believe.

73. Every birthday is worth celebrating… you are alive! J

74. Growing old is a way of thinking… embrace change and stay forever young.

75. If you find yourself doubting the nearness of God, spend time in nature, and you will see Him everywhere.

76. God is the ultimate creativity… He has some good ideas for you… ask Him.

77. Sometimes you have to be away from the ones you love, but it doesn’t mean you love them any less… usually makes you love them more.

78. Don’t be afraid to open your home to orphans… after all, God adopted us as His own and changed the course of our lives.

79. When you talk to people, ask yourself, ‘What is their present need and how can I help meet the need?’

80. The more you give your life away… the more you will want to keep giving.

81. We have no reason to complain about inconveniences… we live such comfortable lives.

82. Sometimes the things God requires of us don’t make us happy at the moment, but God is working behind the scenes to set us up for greatness.

83. Don’t carry your camera on your shoulder… risky business. J

84. When we encourage people, it is important to point them back to God’s Word and their need for Him- our words don’t change hearts and lives.

85. Faith can cause silent prayers to be answered… He knows the desire and needs that we have never put to words.

86. If you don’t take risks and step out in faith, you may never know what God can do… and what it is to really be alive.

87. Beautiful looks different to everyone.

88. “Unless God is with me, I don’t want to go.”

89. “God uses nobodies to do His work.”

90. You must pull yourself together one the inside- the rest of the world is losing it and falling apart.

91. We all dream of going and changing the world… rarely the communities in which we already live. [guilty of this.]

92. No one likes to do the “dirty work”- be the one to pick up trash, work behind the scenes, and have the tough conversations.

93. Create margin in your life- it allows you to relax and be available for people and God.

94. “When you are close to Him, you can hear a whisper.”

95. “God is outside of time and knows how to put everything in order.”

96. When it seems like God is not answering our prayers, He is taking us on a journey that is changing our lives.

97. There are some worthwhile things in life that simply deserve our commitment.

98. It is worth it to clean your room for 20 minutes a day so that you don’t have to spend a week doing it. J

99. Not every Christian loves Jesus as much as I do.

100. God gives us time so that everything doesn’t happen at once… He knows what we can handle.

Here is to a Happy New Year. 2010 will hold many incredible opportunities, challenges, joys, and sorrows. The future is bright. God is with us and for us. Stay close to Him.

Heather

new year. new blog. new camera. new inspiration.

It's a new year.  Fresh start.  Fresh blog.

I have been using a different blog for my photo blog.

www.heathercherie.wordpress.com

I may or may not try to import some of those posts.

I also have a website where you can view my photos.

www.heathercheriephotography.com  

Last week, I got a Canon 5D and new lens that I am super excited about.

I feel like I am falling in love with photography all over again.

Not to mention... falling in love with living all over again.

I am excited for the year.  I see some challenges just in the horizon, but I know those will be opportunities to overcome and believe in the greatness of God.

I feel like I am learning so much and gaining fresh inspiration every day.

Now, it's time to live it out.

Here are some photos taken with my new camera.  Just a very small glimpse of more beautiful photos to come.  I hope you enjoy them.  I also hope you will have me capture your moments this year.  Photos are timeless.  People, young and old, continue to change.