More Beautiful You

As a photographer it is important to stay inspired and to always continue learning. To do so I am always reading fellow photographer's blogs, I am a member of professional forums and I look to magazines for ideas too. Most of the time doing these things keeps me inspired and seeking to improve. But every now and then the doubt seeps in via these sources.

The past couple of weeks I've really been struggling, finding myself comparing myself to others. The gorgeous images I see have not been sparks of insight. Instead they are photographic evidence of my imperfections. Perfect lighting, creative compositions and vibrant colors have my mind reeling with that horrible question: "Am I good enough?"

All of the questions and fears that create doubt have popped up. "Maybe I'm not cut out for this" has been on frequent repeat inside my head. But tonight, as always my Father spoke to me and helped calm the seas of skepticism. He spoke to me via my car radio and I am feeling uplifted.

A few necessary baking supplies led me to make a quick trip to the market. My radio was turned down low but I saw it was on K-LOVE so I prayed a quick "speak to me" before turning up the volume. The next words I heard brought instant tears to my eyes.

"There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you"

Today I wanted to share the song "More Beautiful You" by Jonny Diaz in case you were feeling a bit discouraged, or doubtful.  And if you have little girls in your life or a daughter of your own be sure to share these lyrics with her.  While writing this post I found they Jonny and his mom just released a book based on the song. Even more encouragement for all you beautiful ladies!

Never Forget

The numbers 9 and 11 will always hold a certain sadness for me. For the last nine years on this day, I've mourned the loss of so many innocent people by the hands of terrorists. But amid all of the sadness there is hope and love. There are miracles found in even the dark moments of this tragedy. The poem by Stacey Randall has always made me tear up and it reminds me to look for the beauty in all of the darkness. I thought I'd share it here in case you have not read it:

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news
On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I. 

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room 

with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' 

I held his fingers steady as he dialed. 

I gave him the peace to say, Honey, 

I am not going to make it, 

but it is OK...I am ready to go.

'I was with his wife when he called
as she fed breakfast to their children.
I held her up as she tried to understand his words
andas she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help.
'I have been knocking on the door
of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan.
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.
Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day.
You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were;
there in that explosive moment in time,
would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you.
But someday your journey will end.
And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I maybe found.
Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

~God~

 

I will never forget. We should never forget.

Faith: A Cold Glass of Water

Today I'm launching the series I spoke of a few weeks ago. I've been struggling with getting the first post online because of so many really silly reasons: lack a good title for the series, lack of a graphic, etc., etc. But God has been putting it on my heart to just post. So I am.

I began writing about my faith a couple of months ago more as a record for myself. I'd have these fleeting thoughts so I decided elaborating on them and chronicling them would be good for my own journey. I started a personal (private) blog where I'd jot down my thoughts. But a few weeks ago the idea to share them came into my heart + mind. I'm aware that posts on faith may lead some readers to close the window of my blog. I'm also aware that I'm not the best writer in the world or a great religious scholar. I am however a Christian who thinks it is important to share. If these posts touch even one person then sharing them (which is oh so scary) will be worth it.

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Some times I open the fridge only to find my beverage options to be a couple bottles of water. Maybe I wanted a Vitawater or a Dr. Pepper. Perhaps I was craving something fruity and flavorful and those most simple beverages seem so boring and bland.

Today I had just this experience. I'd fixed a chicken salad sandwich on white bread (felt kind of guilty about the white bread) and plain potato chips. When searching the fridge for something to drink I was not surprised to find only bottled water--I knew that was all that was there. Reluctantly I selected a bottle. Munching on my sandwich and chips was quite comforting as it was a great meal. After a few bites I twisted open my bottle of water and took a gulp. And then it hit me that although it wasn't what I'd hoped to drink with this meal it was just perfect. Icy cold and refreshing. Simple and pure.

This little happening made me think of how many times this same thing happens in life--in my life. I'm (we're) faced with an overwhelming amount of options each day. Choosing what to drink is just one of them. Many times bright packaging, tingling carbonation, and limitless flavors lead me to crave anything but a simple glass of water. Some times I'll go for the showy option. Other times I'll settle on a simple H₂O with the key word being settle. How many times though does the most simple beverage available not only quench my thirst but satisfy me beyond my expectations? Quite often.

Although aqua satisfies my libation longing more often than not, it still never manages to make "my favorite beverages" list. And even though experiences like the one I had to today happen fairly often, I am still surprised each time they occur. It's as if my brain doesn't want to believe that this simple substance can bring so much pleasure. My human mind has grown accustomed to man's struggle for happiness. "It just can't be this easy," is implanted in my mind. But it really is some times.

How often do I search and search for something to fill the voids in my life? Avoiding all the easy options that may as well slap me in the face, I seek something showy and grandiose because surely that is better than the easy, simple solutions. There has to be some benefit to pursuing the glittering prize. But like settling on water when hoping for a Coke, most times a simple pure choice can be most satisfying.

This little revelation made me think of the state of the world today. So many of us are looking for that sparkling trophy that will make us feel complete. Voids are filled with the biggest house on the block, the priciest car, the latest gadget or the handsomest husband. All of these things aren't easy to obtain. They cost money we may not have, demand financing that will consume us, or require energy that is best spent elsewhere. These lofty ambitions seem like the best option for making us happy when actually a simple, pure and easily obtainable source is the only true way. Jesus.

There is nothing more pure than our Heavenly Father. And he is easily obtainable and it is simple to find him. A simple prayer and belief itself can bring more happiness than any inanimate object. He can quench a thirst better than anything money can buy. Many people settle on The Father after searching through stores and bars for happiness, only after chasing sparkling objects. But like an icy cold bottle of water in the back corner of the fridge Jesus is always waiting. He knows that once led to this perfect glass of satisfaction nothing will ever quench your thirst quite the same ever again.

Even after sampling fizzy colas, fruity juices and sparkling sodas I know that when I am dehydrated and need to feel refreshed the only place to turn is clear, clean water. When I am down and discouraged to content my soul I must to go back to what is simple and solid: My Lord.

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On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37-38

GreatFull Friday

Despite the rainy days we've had here in southern Louisiana I have been pretty cheery! My darling husband celebrated another year and despite feeling otherwise I have accomplished some things this week. I'm very excited to have a long weekend.

And I'm very excited to share some things with you too:
First be SURE to drop by The Bright Side Project this weekend (and next week too). Have I mentioned this before? You are going to want to be there!
Also, I am going to launch a new "series" on my blog next week. It is something that I've had "in the works" for a while and my heart is saying "just do it!"

So much to be grateful for this week (and every week!).
Below are a few things I'm grateful for:


--The promise our Creator has given that made a death in the family a little easier to bear. Although my cousin will be dearly missed I know that he is truly living now.
--My husband being granted another great year. We much cherish each day
--The fact that (for the first time in a long time) when school let out this week I didn't wish I was a teacher...just to have a few months off. I am finally at a point where I am beginning to feel at "home" and in the right place for me.
--A close knit family. There is absolutely nothing in the world that is more important to me.

I hope that you all have a great extended weekend. I'd also like to express my gratitude for the men and women who serve our country. Those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. The families who are deprived so we can be free. And those who have the courage to stand up for what is true and just.

Happy weekend!
See you back here soon...

Strength

I love this Bible verse so naturally I think this print is pretty awesome too. I need to dwell on this phrase more...

How He Loves Us

This song really speaks to my heart and I can't think of a more perfect song to share with you today as we celebrate the joy of our Lord's resurrection. It is truly a day for celebration because He really loves us, love us so. Listen to the song...it is worth it! I've included the lyrics below...they are amazing!

Happy Easter!

K-LOVE - David Crowder "How He Loves" LIVE from K-LOVE Radio on Vimeo.

How He Loves Us Lyrics

He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

Yeah, He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves us,
Oh! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

Day 10: J

If you read my (very much a work in progress) "about me" page you know that I am a Christian. So for every gratitude list I ever make, Jesus will always be my first pick for "J." Every day and each grace is a gift from Him. My blog and the inspiration behind it comes from my goal to live my life for Him.

All You Need Is Love

Keep Calm posters have caught my eye since they started resurfacing a couple years ago. The idea appealed to me as a daily reminder to stress less, which is easy to do in this day and age. As variations of the theme started sprouting up I found many that I loved as much as the original. However I think that I've finally found the most perfect reminder. The artist herself says it best that "sometimes carrying on just ain't enough & what we need is to have FAITH!"



Of course after finding this masterpiece I had to peruse the rest of her shop which I found equally exciting + inspiring. What would you expect from "The Love Shop?"