KICKPICS LLC - Professional Martial Arts Photography - is expanding our work! We are now shooting "other" sports (soccer, volleyball & softball so far), High School Senior Pictures, Family Portraits and Headshots for business/modeling/acting. Check out our portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanchezphotos/collections/7215762170

This time of year, from May to July, I find myself getting into a funk.  With my Mom's three-year anniversary of her passing just yestreday, I still shake my head in disbelief.  I still can't believe that all of this has happened.  My Mom passes in May 2005.....my Dad in June 2006....and my Grandma (my 2nd Mom) in July 2006. 

Today I received an email from a fellow martial arts brother who read my Mom's tribute that I had on my page yesterday (May 21st).  He could relate because he lost his father two years ago to cancer and in his words, "I'll never be the same..."  Until you experience, you just won't understand how traumatic the loss is.  But know that when it does happen, you have someone here that will be there for you to talk to and just listen. 

After the worst fifteen months of  my life, I admit that I was struggling with my faith and trying to figure out my "purpose" in life.  Throughout my life, I have always tried to give as much as I can.  Not only does it make you feel good as a person, but I believe that if you give, God returns it to you ten fold.  I live by karma.  I live by "do unto to others as you'd want done to you." 

In my mailbox this week, I got this email (I subscribed to Joel Olsteen) that I felt was speaking to me.  I know that my purpose is to help people.  And I will continue doing that in every area of my life, including my new KICKPICS venture.  So when I encourage you guys to do something.....I'm not looking at just the dollar signs, folks.  I really do want you to grow as individuals and martial artists.  And if I can help you get there, great.   

Here's the email:

Today's Scripture

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…" (I Thessalonians 5:11).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

God designed us to live in relationship with others. He wants us to help each other grow. None of us will reach our highest potential by ourselves. We need people in our lives to encourage us, and we need to encourage the people in our lives and help them reach their potential. The word "encourage" means to "urge forward." Many times you can see things in other people that they don't see themselves. You can see their strengths and talents. You can see that God has a special plan for them even though they may be going through a difficult time. Don't assume that people see what you see in them. Take a moment and encourage them either with a kind word or a simple note. There might be a special gift you can give that will remind them of their goal or dream. In whatever way you can, urge the people in your life to keep moving forward. If you'll be a people builder and help others fulfill their dreams, God will help you fulfill your dreams also, and you'll live in blessing all the days of your life.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Help me build them up and find creative ways to urge them forward to Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God Bless....

stace

WOW....another year goes by. You youngin's.....believe me when I say this....as you get older, the years just FLY by!

As another year approaches, we have to take a second to look back at 2008. Since 2005 and with the tremendous loss of my 3 angels, I have been struggling to get my life back on track. And after all is said and done, 2008 was the first year that I can say that I finally felt happy. And I owe that to my family and to my very close circle of friends......and, yes, my MySpace and Facebook friends.
I took the giant leap of leaving my profession of 9.5 years and became a business owner by launching KICKPICS LLC. The business itself isn't making money yet.....but they say, "Do what you love and the money will follow." God am I praying for that to happen. If I had it my way, I would travel the world to meet each and every one of you.

I struggled for the longest trying to figure out my purpose. And as corny as it sounds, I really do think that KICKPICS plays a huge part in my purpose - helping others. So God willing.......I hope to be doing this for a very, very long time.

The first time I heard David Cook's "THIS IS THE TIME OF MY LIFE" I remember getting a huge knot in my throat.  Tonight I actually listened to the words to it.  And verse two really sums it all up for me and what I just shared with you:

"I've been waiting for my dreams to turn into something I could believe in....and looking for that magic rainbow on the horizon....I couldn't see it until I let go, gave into love and watched all the bitterness burn.....now I'm coming alive, body and soul, and feelin' my world start to turn!

And I'll taste every moment and live it out loud...I know this is the time,
this is the time to be more than a name or a face in the crowd....I know this is the time....this is the time of my life....time of my life

Holding onto things that vanished into the air, left me in pieces....but I'm now I'm rising from the ashes, finding my wings....and all that I needed was there all along......within my reach....as close as the beat of my heart "

It's amazing how some things just fit like a glove. 

Thanks again for stopping in and taking a minute to read this.  I wish each and every one of you an AWESOME 2009. I thank God for the friendships I have made and for all the blessing he has given me.....and all the blessings he has in store for ALL of us.

keep kickin'
stace

I know this time of year puts a lot of financial, and sometimes emotional, strain on people all over the world. 

Today after church, I went to have breakfast and in walked in a young man in his Marine uniform.  I know I'm thankful for all the blessings I've received.  But imagine how truly thankful this young man is just to be home with his family and friends.  I know to him, that means the world. 

On my Facebook KICKPICS group, a martial artist posted this video in my group and when I saw the Marine, I automatically thought about this video. 

The video link:  http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2JdPZo_sWIE

So as a small token of my appreciation, I asked my waitress to put his breakfast on my tab and to tell him that I said, "thank you for your service."  I would've said it myself but he was eating and enjoying his time with his family and I didn't want to intterupt.  But my waitress said, "he said 'thank you very much.'" 

So next time you see a troop.........say 'thank you" or something to them. 

God Bless Our Troops....
stace

I'm in one of those "sharing" moods today so I thought I'd share my mood today. 

A few weeks ago, I lost a good friend of mine that passed away suddenly.  I have a picture of her and I hanging on my refrigerator so I think I about her often.  Last night, I had a dream about her.  The dream was so incredibly vivid.  As I was saying my morning prayers this morning, I got to her name as I asked the Lord to bless her and hold her close in his arms.  It was when I said that, that I remembered my dream. 

The dream was so vivid.  I remember I was walking somewhere (not sure really where) but then I saw her.  She said, "STACE!!!" at threw out that big ole' smile and laugh that we're all missing.  I hugged her so tightly and I started crying.  She said, "what's wrong, sweetie?"  I told her that we all thought that she died and she couldn't believe it.  She assured me that she is not dead.  How powerful is that?  She assured me that she is not dead. 

One of my all-time favorite songs is "How Great Thou Art"  This morning, I opened up my hyminal and started singing it.  The last verse is so beautiful that it chokes me up when I sing it.  Although I am not suicidal by no means, I can't wait till the Lord calls me home.  You all know that I miss my Mom, Granny, and Dad........so when that happens.....it's going to be a beautiful, beautiful day for me. 

The verse says: "When Christ shall come.....with shout of acclamation.....and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!  Then I shall bow...in humble adoration.....and there proclaim....my God, how great thou art!" 

I know my friend came in my dream for a reason........and it just totally made my Sunday. 

Amen and God Bless.....enjoy your Sunday!

stace

On my way back home from Rhode Island, I heard David Cook's song "This is the time of my life" and I really listened to the words of the song......and the song just seems to fit my life right now. 

A couple of weeks ago, I sent this email to everyone.  Today I updated my profile song to D.Cook's song so I thought I'd re-post the email that I sent. 

Remember:  If you think you can't, you won't.  If you think you can, YOU WILL. 

.....you only get one chance at life......go for your dreams!

---------------------------------

Hello Everyone.....

Have you ever stopped and wondered, "My life is too good to be true."? Well, I am experiencing this feeling today.

Earlier this week, I was notified by Action Martial Arts Magazine that I have received my 3rd Martial Arts Hall of Fame Induction from them. The award is "Continuance of Excellence as a Goodwill Ambassador to the Martial Arts 2009" So I have been walking on clouds this past week.

What is so awesome is that when I was in Church today, I thanked God for all of my blessings....and for all of the blessings he has in store for me. I get home from church and this email is in my INBOX:

----------------

Hey Buddy....how are you? I wanted to update you and congratulate you. On October 11th I and the IBMA masters are gong to present you with Outstanding Contributions to the Arts Award. Congrats, the event just got better. JG

Shihan John Geyston, Chief Master Instructor
John Geyston's Premier Martial Arts
3251 West Iles - Springfield Illinois 62711
217-546-6PMA (6762)
www. JGPMA. com
United Professionals 2007 School of the Year

--------------

So yes.....this is the time of MY life.

God Bless....stace

KICKPICS is happy to announce "KICKING For a Cause" - supporting a fellow martial artist who is taking his quest to educate the world on AIDS to the big screen.

The story of Sayed Najem is truly fascinating. I had the pleasure of meeting Sayed in New York last week and not only is this man an incredible martial artist, but he is a Christian man with a heart of gold. He would give you his last dollar if you really needed it.

Sayed's story truly is amazing. Like many of us, it has its share of peaks and valleys. As the youngest of five brothers, Sayed's life quickly took the wrong path. He was in a gang and got into many fights as a young adult. But TaeKwonDo changed his life.

Sayed transferred the anger and frustrations into his training and became both an Olympic and World Champion. He is now focusing his energy on his dream......to become an actor.

Instead of trying to be the next VanDamme, Sayed is bring his talents to the big screen to help educate the world on HIV and AIDS - the epidemic that is still ravaging the world. So even though this man has the skills and talents as a martial artist to be the next big martial arts superstar, he is "giving back" to the world what is really important - LIFE.

Sayed's movie premiere of VICTIM - THE MOVIE is October 2, 2008 in Rhode Island. I would love for all of my martial arts brothers and sisters to show their support on Sayed's big night. You can purchase General Admission tickets to the movie for $49 (updated 9/2) or you can upgrade to $100 for the Red Carpet Premiere and Party. If you cannot attend the event, you can still show your support by purchasing a ticket OR by simply making a donation on KICKPICS.net. Your support is truly, TRULY appreciated.

One of my all-time favorite speakers is Joel Olsteen and I find myself referring back to this scripture:

"God designed us to live in relationship with others. He wants us to help each other grow. None of us will reach our highest potential by ourselves. We need people in our lives to encourage us, and we need to encourage the people in our lives and help them reach their potential. The word "encourage" means to "urge forward." Many times you can see things in other people that they don't see themselves. You can see their strengths and talents. You can see that God has a special plan for them even though they may be going through a difficult time. Don't assume that people see what you see in them. Take a moment and encourage them either with a kind word or a simple note. There might be a special gift you can give that will remind them of their goal or dream. In whatever way you can, urge the people in your life to keep moving forward. If you'll be a people builder and help others fulfill their dreams, God will help you fulfill your dreams also, and you'll live in blessing all the days of your life."

VICTIM - THE MOVIE.....a story of two sharing one love, one life.
And one mistake. One is all it takes.