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Amy Wenzel, an inspiration…

I just found out that one of my favorite photographers, Amy Wenzel, is giving away a seat to one of her amazing workshops.  The   problem is in order to win this seat the entrants are suppose to write how they inspire other people and that got me thinking.  Do I inspire people?  If I don’t then I am not living the life I believe I am meant to live.  So I am happy that Amy has sent out this challenge because for me it’s going to make me figure out ways to inspire people and to make better this world we live in.

I have always been an eternal optimist.  I believe everything that happens is meant to happen and we are exactly where we need to be in life.  How can I be so sure?  I think it’s my faith in God that makes me believe.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is leading me, calling me to do something, say something, BE SOMETHING, much bigger than maybe I am willing to admit right now.

This is a photography workshop and I know I haven’t even mentioned my photography career yet or my passion for it.  I love it and I so want to grow my talent and be better so I can do better for my family, friends, and clients.  But at the same time I want to become a better person, give more, be a better friend, a better daughter, a better mother, a better wife, an INSPIRATION to those I love.  I don’t know Amy Wenzel but I believe with all of my heart that she is this kind of person.

Last year she learned that her husband David, has brain cancer, and the journey that Amy and David have taken and are taking has been an inspiration to so many people around the world.  This is what I want to learn from Amy.  I absolutely want to learn her photography techniques and soak up her photoshop skills but most of all I want to learn from her heart.  If I could take what I learn from this amazing woman and inspire even 1 or 2 people the way she has inspired thousands I know I would be on the road that God has set out for me.  If I had to choose between being a photographer or being a positive inspirer, I would pick the latter.  Luckily, Amy is both, so I am hoping with God’s grace I can be too.

I know we are suppose to write an article about how we inspire others but I simply can’t sit here and write about myself in that way because in my mind I just haven’t done enough.  I haven’t given enough, I haven’t listened enough, I haven’t loved enough, and I haven’t inspired enough.  This life that our glorious God has given me is going to mean more, it’s going to be bigger, it’s going to be better than I ever dreamed possible because I have so much to offer and so much to give and the great news is, I have only just begun!

Do you want to be inspired?  I strongly urge you to read Amy’s husband David’s blog (click here) and start with his June 8, 2009 post. You will be better for reading his story. And you can read Amy’s journey too by (clicking here) and starting with her June 8, 2009 post. You will then see why I admire her so much and why learning photography lessons and life lessons from her would truly be a dream come true.

March 9, 2010 - 9:17 am katie - Laurie - I haven't met you in person, but through our time on the forum together I can tell what a sweet, huge heart you have. You are always willing to help others. YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WIN THIS SEAT. You deserve it!! Good luck!

March 9, 2010 - 9:35 am eleni - What you wrote is INSPIRING! And the photos on your blog header are INSPIRING and first class! I had to watch ALL the photos scroll by and only then could I go down to read your post.

March 9, 2010 - 10:08 am Julie - Well I certainly hope you win, but I loved reading what you wrote also! It really shows your personality because you are such a humble person. You do inspire people, you inspire me! Keep up the good work and let us know if you win!!

March 9, 2010 - 11:29 am Andrea - Good Luck Laurie! I wish you all the best. I bet you inspire people all the time and do not realize it. You have such a wonderful heart, Amy should choose you!

March 9, 2010 - 12:46 pm jacey cosner - Laurie, even though we have never met in person I can honestly say from my heart that your essence has inspired me! You are an uplifter and it comes through each time I read one of your posts. The only thing you have to DO to inspire is continue BEING WHO YOU TRULY ARE!!

March 9, 2010 - 3:52 pm aris wells - Laurie, like katie mentioned here, i haven't had the pleasure to meet you in person but i'm sure i wouldn't be wrong to tell all your readers what a wonderful woman you are, always willing to help others, always so modest and so passionate about your job and most importantly about your family. i hope with all my heart that you win this seat, but if you don't i hope you remember that you have done, given, loved and inspired more than you could ever imagine. love you my friend. good luck aris

March 9, 2010 - 5:57 pm Allyson - What a lovely post Laurie. I hope that you are able to go to this workshop, but even not -- God will be (and IS) using you and your talents to touch others for good!!

March 9, 2010 - 9:29 pm edda - Good Luck, Laurie! I hope you win the seat. What a great post.

March 9, 2010 - 9:35 pm Jennifer Chaney - I'm so proud of you, Laurie. I've known you for over a year now, and I have to say with out a doubt, you are an inspiration. You are always kind, open, and thoughtful. You are the most giving person, and I hope you continue to inspire the rest of us with your heart. I fully agree with the Aris - you are too humble. Your photography is beautiful and your love is radiant. Someday we'll meet up and I can soak in some of that beauty you posses. Much luck to you in this contest! xoxxo

March 9, 2010 - 11:11 pm misty jones - Laurie, you definitely deserve this! Fingers crossed for you!

March 10, 2010 - 12:23 pm christy - Oh, Laurie. I am so touched by this! You my dear are an inspiration, don't doubt yourself for a second. Your heart is so full of love and kindness, and I know that I am a better person just for knowing you. I pray you get this well deserved spot at Amy's workshop!

March 10, 2010 - 1:24 pm Kristi Larson - Laurie, you totally deserve this seat. You are an amazing person and photographer. You are always there when we need you.

March 10, 2010 - 7:01 pm Alison - You have touched so many people with your kindness...you are the inspiration!

March 10, 2010 - 9:09 pm tara k - oh laurie...such an amazing and heartfelt post. even though we haven't (yet) met in the real world, i know and respect you as an incredibly kind, generous, positive person who is filled with light and love. god bless you, my friend...amy and the other photogs there would be LUCKY to have you. :)

March 13, 2010 - 10:44 am Kristen Olson - Laurie, fingers crossed for you! You would be a perfect choice for this :)

March 14, 2010 - 2:51 pm Johanna - Laurie, Laurie, Laurie. I read this and want to jump through space and give you a gigantic hug. It is just like you to discount the positive impact you have had on so many, including myself. You are the first to offer kind words, to reach out with help, to give of yourself. To me, that defines inspirational. No doubt we can all learn from each other, but Laurie, you are one great woman that inspires many, and if you could only see yourself as others see you, you would know that. I hope you get that workshop seat. I can't think of another more deserving.

March 14, 2010 - 7:26 pm Michelle O - You ARE an amazing person! And I loved reading your inspiring post. Best of luck...it would be an amazing workshop to attend and I have no doubt you would inspire the other photogs you meet at the event!

March 23, 2010 - 2:16 pm Dana Fontaine - Lovely Laurie - You sell yourself short. You are incredibly supportive and have been from the moment I met you. In the almost two years since then, you have been an endless bounty of inspiration for me and so many others. You are incredibly giving and share all that you know about studio photography and lighting with anyone who asks. You are the first one to post on a forum and bravely say - "Hey, I am trying something new, can you tell me what you think?" and then you listen with wide open ears and receive everything you can and post back with what you have learned - and knock it out of the park while you are at it! You support your friends and your community nearby, through sessions and your love and kindness. You are devoted to your family and your faith. You give in so many ways that you are unaware of each and every day. So you ARE inspiring, you are generous and you are so deserving to win this spot. I will be praying that you do! xoxo d

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