Beauty In Christ - The Book

Photo shoots.  I hesitate to post photos of myself sometimes, but I figure that it’s not posting a photo of yourself that’s wrong; it’s the motivation behind it.  

I want to encourage people who read, who have Instagram accounts, who don’t like having their photo taken, who think that they don’t look good in photos, who have listened to the lies in your head that you’re not as ‘good looking’ as one friend; let people take a photo of you. 

Memories are so much more precious than whether or not you or I look a certain way.  

Each person has the beauty of being designed in God’s image, for God’s glory.  And that’s whether you are tall or short, big or small, white or black or yellow or (fill in the blank).  

God made you, and it’s ok to let others take pictures of you.  

So let’s get into the ‘Week in Review’ with Meg; I am not consistent on these, but God is doing some things in my life lately, and I want to share them in hopes of encouraging you.  

I wanted to share what I’ve been up to lately, and then I want to hear what’s been filling your cup also.   

#1) I’ve been marathon training, but I’m still trying to learn the balance of not running too much. – Compared to all training plans out there my running amounts to not very much, but it’s all because I’m really trying to learn what my body can handle.  For the first 3 months of training, I had my period really regularly, but this past month has been a struggle. I think that’s been because of some emotional stressors (not just working out), but I’m still trying to find that sweet spot. 

Don’t compare your workouts to mine; I’m just sharing where I’m at at this moment.  

#2) I’ve been trying to get more photos for my Instagram account to make it more professional and visually appealing. – I know there’s a fine line here between not being fakey or obsessed with followers and likes, but yet I’ve realized I’m the kind of person who needs to be encouraged that it’s ok to take extra work to put some nice looking photos on your Instagram to encourage others.  

So my sister and I went out and did a fun little photo shoot.  A photo shoot is not always something that I’m good at knowing how to do, but I love being inspired by other Instagrammers to share photos with captions that encourage/get people to think/share the mission behind my blog and Instagram.   

I’ll start with the cutest photo of my dog and me.  He really doesn’t like being hugged most of the time, so I kind of bear hugged him for this picture.  

My brother (who designed this shirt) is totally my inspiration for all things fitness and also for getting me away from being overly obsessed with running.  I do genuinely love to run, but in the past year he’s been challenging me to not depend on cardio so much (and I know it’s cardio, when I do too much of it, that really stresses my body out and throws my body back into hypothalamic amenorrhea.  

#3) Life has been full of puppies. – Both of my sisters have two litters of puppies that are almost ready to go to their new homes.  It’s been so fun watching the puppies explore and learn, and every day it leaves me just marveling at the goodness and the marvelousness of God in His creation.  He’s so tender He creates tiny puppies.  He’s so mighty He also knows how to create huge mountains, floods, and giant rainstorms.  

Psalm 104:1-5 describes Him so well, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.  Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:  Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:  Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.’   

#4) Guys. Gals I can not tell you how many Cheez-its and icecream I’ve eaten this summer, but it’s all worth it.  – I’ve gone to Coldstone multiple times, enjoyed a local icecream to Colorado, and also found the best soft serve ever at Sonic. 

#5) Hmmm…. I’m not sure what I should make the last thing, but I wanted to share one thing that has been on my heart.   

This week I’ve realized again just how many people are hurting around me and how often I’m not compassionate about their hurt and too focused on my own.   I realized how much I want God to change me and give me more tenderness towards others.   So I guess this is my reminder to myself and to you that a: 

Smile
Hug
Prayer for others in the name of Jesus
Card
Flowers
Gift
Chocolate
Ice Cream

are all some of the ways to remind those people who you meet that are hurting that they are loved and that they aren’t forgotten and that they are a precious gift.   

Do you do photo shoots with friends or family?  

Would you rather be the photographer, the editor, or the person in the photos?  (What’s easiest for you?  

 

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