seeing beauty

"I want to see beauty in the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep." ~ Ann Voskamp

Project 52 Week 4 {Imperfection}

I'm pretty sure the image doesn't need any explanation. As a type A personality, this sort of thing makes my skin crawl. But it is what it is....I just close the door and walk away. If I picked it up and made the bed, I'm fairly certain it would return to this state in less than 15 minutes. Ignore the mess? Problem solved. :)

i am what i am

I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be. I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am. - John Newton

Project 52 Week 3 {Inspiration}

I am still overflowing with emotion and pride from all that took place over the past few days. It's difficult to put into words. More photos to come.

Linked 52: Breakfast

The theme this week was "Breakfast." I'm not much of a breakfast girl. Or an early morning girl. But I am a coffee girl. Funny thing is that, 6 out of 7 days a week, I get up early and make my kids and hearty hot breakfast. Eggs, bacon, toast, bagels, pancakes, oatmeal. But I just never eat it. I love breakfast food any other time of the day...except at breakfast. How many times have I said breakfast so far? Too many.

I'm linking up again this week with some fabulous ladies. Check out what "breakfast" looks like through their eyes.

Jenn
Michelle
Heather
Tracey
Stacey
Andrea
Jessica
Kristin
Amanda
Sara
Janet

Photographing this little face never, ever gets old. And the fact that he has peanut butter & jelly all over his sweet face makes it even better.

Linked 52: Cold

A group of insanely talented photographers (read: way more talented than I) are linking up this year to do a Project 52 of their own: Linked 52. They invited me to participate. I'm not sure how often I'll link up but I was able to run out this morning and snap something to go along with the theme this week. And, sadly, we have finally hit cold here. It's been really warm and beautiful here for January and we really don't have any snow. But this morning? It. is. COLD.

Have a peek at what my friends are doing too.

Jenn
Michelle
Heather
Tracey
Stacey
Andrea
Jessica
Kristin
Amanda
Sara
Janet

"Life"

Week two of my Project 52. I'm still on the bandwagon! This week's theme was "Life." So broad and so open to interpretation. I don't normally do well in this atmosphere - that of the wide open, unknown, vast. I'm a details person and very Type A so its difficult for me to run with such a broad theme. I suppose it's just another way I'm learning to push and stretch myself in this new year.

I had an idea in my head for this week and the photo that I'm using is nothing like my original idea. I'm not even sure exactly how this reflection turned out this way. But I like it. It's far from technically perfect and the composition that I ended up with is a little...interesting. All that being said, I like it. Reminds me of life - we have ideas and hopes and dreams for ourselves and often the life we are given is nothing like we've imagined. And that's okay. And it can still be beautiful and unique.

Marine Corps Prayer

"Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.

Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Amen."

Steady my faith this week, Lord. When I am tempted to doubt and fear, make me strong to resist. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

winter berries

Christmas break is over.

Caroline's back to school today. I miss her already.

Isabel has the nasty stomach bug that's going around. So that's fun.

Jack isn't eating anything except frozen waffles. So that's weird. And frustrating.

It's Tuesday but it feels like Sunday. Or Thursday. I'm confused.

***

"Your journey has molded you for greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be.
Don't think that you have lost time.
It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now.
And now is right on time."
-Unknown

This speaks so clearly to the journey of someone I love very dearly. His time is right now. My prayer is that he will continue to walk into the fullness of all that God has for him.