The Photo Hopeful - Jake Fox

Hello Jake,

I have joined the Atlanta Group, and even commented. Every time, though, I have to rejoin the group in order to access it or comment in it (yes, I am logged in). My picture is in the group of pictures - it is difficult for me to comment or blog or post if I am not recognized by the group. I want to meet up with you all if possible but I am not able to communicate that information to the group. Can you please help?

Hi Jake, I'm a fellow photographer here on the net. I'm excited about us encouraging each other. Check out Artist's Arise here on 48days.net.

My photo site is www.debydearman.com

Awesome, I just noticed this group. Looking forward to participating.

Thanks for the invite to your group!

That's a great idea! I will join you and let others know! Thanks for the invite.

December 16, 2008

TO: ALL MY FAMILY & FRIENDS

Instead of a Christmas letter letting all of you know the boring, detailed ins and outs, ups and downs, backs & forths and so ons & so ons…I decided to forward a poem I received, by e-mail, from my daughter Heather. There is no author listed at the end – apparently whoever wrote it prefers to remain anonymous – as great authors often do. It touched my heart so profoundly, that I wanted to share it with all of you that have touched my life and helped me through 2008. I am becoming the person I want to be…because of wonderful people like you:

I BELIEVE

I Believe…
A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!

Have a seat…Relax…And read this slowly.

I Believe…
That just because two people argue,
It doesn’t mean they don’t love each other.
And just because they don’t argue,
It doesn’t mean they love each other.
I Believe…
That we don’t have to change friends if
We understand that friends change.
I Believe…
That no matter how good a friend is,
They’re going to hurt you every once in a while
And you must forgive them for that.
I Believe…
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I Believe…
That you can do something in an instant
That will give you heartache for life.
I Believe…
That it’s taking me a long time
To become the person I want to be.
I Believe…
That you should always leave loved ones with
Loving words. It may be the last time you see them
I Believe…
That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I Believe…
That we are responsible for what
We do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe…
That either you control your attitude
Or it controls you.
I Believe…
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done
When it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe…
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe…
That my best friend and I, can do anything,
Or nothing and still have the best time.
I Believe…
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you
When you’re down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe…
That sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry,
But, that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe…
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had
And what you’ve learned from them and less to do
With how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I Believe…
That it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe…
That no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I Believe…
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
But, we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe…
That you shouldn’t be so eager to find
Out a secret. It could change your live Forever.
I Believe…
Two people can look at the exact same
Thing and see something totally different.
I Believe…
That your life can be changed in a matter of
Hours by people who don’t even know you.
I Believe…
That even when you think you have no more to give, when
A friend cries out to you – you will find the strength to help.
I Believe…
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe…
That the people you care about the most in life are taken from you too soon.
I Believe…
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in,
I JUST DID!
The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
They just make the most of everything.

Thank you God for all the wonderful people who help us
throughout the journey of life…
May Angels guard you and guide you.



Author Unknown


MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
Jake, I Believe that you came into my life for a reason. I too, have dealt with alcoholism and drugs several times in my life. I lost a marriage because of both and almost lost a daughter from drugs. I spent 20 years in Al-Anon and counseling to try to straighten out the mess. But, you know what??? God will always take the things in our lives, EVEN THE BAD THINGS, and will make those things work together for GOOD, if we continue to love Him. The things you have been through, will be something you can share that have given you a unique viewpoint & experience which will help others who may be facing the same demons. God Bless You!! You are a survivor who has carried your Cross for Jesus. Don't ever stop...your reward will be great in Heaven. It's not where you came from...it's what you are making of yourself and who you will become..that matters. Don't tell God how big your Storm is...tell the Storm how big your God is!!! Happy Holidays. Love, Susie D.

Love to hear your testimony on how God changed your life.

Thanks Jake. Look forward to connecting with those in the Atlanta area.

Thanks for the welcome. I go to church at The Atlanta Revival Center. DO you know any one who goes there? Maybe we can get together sometime and chat. I am looking for someone to gang out with that has some of the same goal and ideas about being successful.