Christian Photographers Community

My friend just called me yesterday.  She was at her OB/GYN for a baby follow-up visit.  The doctor asked if she had any pictures and she showed her the maternity photos I'd taken of her as well as the one of her son that I'd emailed her.  The doctor told her to tell me that if I have a flyer and business cards they will put them up in the office.  So, I am thinking this might be a good thing for me to do, but want to be sure my thinking is aligned with God's on this.  I would like to be contributing to the family finances and would love spending time with pregnant women and babies, but I don't know if this is the right direction for me or not. 

Sara

Then my prayers for you will be for you to be able to listen closely to Him during your own prayers on this matter.

I'm with Carl on this.

Well, it seems that I should be doing this.  Along with praying, I have been asking those closest to me.  One friend told me that she'd be really mad at me if I don't take this opportunity because I'd be perfect for it.  I don't know that I'll be perfect for it...far from it, she was just being sweet, but that was the general reaction I got from people.  So, I've figured out what my rates should probably be, now I need to work up a flyer and business cards and coupons (starting out with 50% off coupons to get a bit of word of mouth going as well as charge them less while I'm getting more comfortable with this without then having to up my rates when I'm more confident).  I don't expect to have much business to start out with, but I don't want much.  My oldest will be going to school full time this year (Kindergarten!) and my youngest will be starting (same school...in our church, a Montessori school) once he decides potty training isn't just for other people.    I won't know what to do with all that time on my hands.  I may also be able to take a job in the church if no one else wants it which would be incredibly helpful...but maybe God is putting the photography in my path specifically so that I won't have to worry about our finances if I don't get the job at the church...or maybe the reverse and it is His way of telling me not to do the photography but to do the job at the church...or maybe He wants me doing both!  At the moment though, it feels like I am supposed to try for both so that is what I will be doing...He'll let me know if I'm reading it wrong. 

Sara

I certainly don't have the answer on how to best hear God's word and separate His desires from our own worldly thoughts.  I was just listening to a pastor on the radio last night on my way home and he was discussing just this issue.  His answer:  Ignore those thoughts that center around you and Trust Him.  Continue your prayers and forget about your own "what if's".  If the Spirit moves you in that direction, then trust Him.  We don't always know why the Lord moves us in one direction or the other and sometimes we may not even like the decision/situation that he puts us in, but we just have to have faith.

And, btw...I don't think having time on your hands will be an issue.  We always seem to find something to fill a void.