The Glimpse: August 2019

Favourite Moment

This was probably my favourite day… working from home in the morning, running business errands, working from a coffee shop in the afternoon, going on a walk, sitting on the porch with my neighbours, going on a Jeep ride to a restaurant and meeting up with a big group of people. I’m getting better at work/life balance (after six months of 60 hour weeks, it was about time!) and it’s been fun to stop work at 5 (like a normal human) and hang out! Life is sweet these days.

working from home

 

Favourite News

My girls are off to college!!! We had one last picnic before these three cuties go to Auburn, Mississippi State and UAB. I am so proud of the women they have become and am so grateful to have had a voice in their life for all these years. I miss you girls already!

discipleship group girls going off to college

 

Favourite Personal Picture

Gosh, I love these people and I’ll never tire of saying it! We took this picture after a discipleship group training at church and I’m just incredibly thankful to have learned to love God more because of this group.

small group discipleship training

 

Favourite Education

We made a movie!!! For the past year and a half, I’ve worked part time at Shades Mountain Baptist. It’s been such a joy to be on staff at my church home, but in September I’m stepping away to be full time with photography (see the announcement here!). This short film project was such a fun way to wrap up my time on staff and work with an insanely talented crew! I learned a lot about what goes into making a short film and it gives me a deeper appreciation for the craft.

short film production in birmingham short film production in birminghamshort film production in birminghamshort film production in birmingham

Favourite Photograph

Because who doesn’t love a picture of my nephew?! This was taken at the beach at the very beginning of August. If you didn’t see family vacation pictures, here they are!

portrait of nephew

Favourite Piece of Encouragement

The grass is always greener on the other side, right?
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Last week, I went on a walk with my neighbour. She had been awake at 5:45 a.m., getting kids ready and making them breakfast. All I did was wake up 30 minutes before we met to eat something and brush my teeth.
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As she and I chatted, I realized that the singleness I often grieve is such a gift. An hour extra of sleep! Time to pour myself into my job! Freedom to travel! Friends to serve! So many good things I take for granted and choose to wallow in pity over.

When the gifts we desire (marriage, job, freedom, kids, etc.) take more of our attention than Jesus, our hearts need a shift. Don’t get me wrong – the unmarried life isn’t a walk in the park – but I have no idea what it’s like to wake up to four kids clamouring for my attention in the wee hours of the morning. (#respect to all you mamas)
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So today, remember that whatever God gives is good (even if it’s not what you wanted and requires the lesson of dependence). He’s not the well-intentioned uncle known for bad gift-giving. He’s not sneakily waiting for you to be perfect before He gives good things. This life is not a game of Christian karma. But He’s the Good Father who always knows what’s best for His beloved child. Resting in that truth with you today, friend.

What I’ve Been Working On….

August was a slower month, and it was SO NEEDED! After a really busy spring and summer, August was great for resting a bit more, being home more intentionally, working on some administrative tasks and planning a trip to England – which you will for sure see in September’s version of The Glimpse! Cannot wait to share all the behind-the-scenes and final product of what I’ve been cooking up!