Autumn Beaty

Autumn

And just like that, Fall has arrived. 

Checking In

It has been a long time since I have intentionally sat down to write. I most definitely miss it. I hope to write more often, so please check back. 

Life has changed a lot since I last posted. My pup is now almost two. She is a non-ending ball of energy.  But, we love her and try to keep up with her. 

A few updates: 

I switched jobs a couple months ago. 

My hubby is back in school, and working full time.

I still love photography, just don't get as much time to get out and take photos.  When I do get out with my camera, I seem to make up for lost time!! 

Life is busy. But, we try to take time to intentionally slow down and enjoy. Today, we hiked and enjoyed a beautiful waterfall, wildflowers, each other, and creation for two hours. It was a much needed hike next to the roaring water to help us unwind, breathe, disconnect, and remember that God is in control in this crazy world we live in.  Our bodies and souls need time to breathe, to relax, to be present, to enjoy the outdoors, to intentionally connect face to face with those in our lives, to get some exercise, and to laugh. 

Sunsets

I was recently designing some backgrounds to use in multimedia presentations.  A friend of ours was close by and watching. He said "Once you have seen one or two sunsets, you have seen them all. There isn't any point in capturing a photo of a sunset more than twice."  I looked at him, eyebrows raised, and said "You obviously don't watch sunsets! Each sunset is different, a new Masterpiece from our Creator." He laughed and said he obviously didn't look at the world like I did. I joked back and said obviously not, maybe you should begin! We laughed over it, but there is a  lot of truth in examining how we see the world. 

A few weeks ago, I was so busy, I didn't stop to see the cloud formations, the birds, the sunsets, or anything but work. I was grumpy. I realized I needed to grab my camera and go capture some creation. I took an hour. That hour deeply refreshed my soul. I slowed down, took in the beauty of a lake, the mountains, geese, old barns, and I took time to breathe. I needed that time. 

Back to my sunset discussion. Each sunset is unique. Beautiful. Breathtaking. 

Do you stop long enough to notice? Do you put down your phone long enough to see it?  

Take time to see the beauty. Take time to breathe it  in. Each moment of beauty, each sunset, is a gift. 

Live Life With A Purpose

Do you see the gifts around you? Do you experience life or are you just coasting by, with your eyes always on your phone/tablet/electronics?  Life is precious and filled with beauty.  When is the last time you experienced life, really experience it? 

When is the last time you enjoyed a sunset?  I mean really took it in, and truly saw, experienced, enjoyed, sat in awe of the colors?  

Have you taken time to see the small details in a flower, that is here today and gone tomorrow, but the amazing details and colors that God put in those flowers for us to enjoy is incredible.  

Put the phone down and look at the beauty around you!  

Enjoy.

   Experience.

       Live life to the fullest.  

           Be thankful.
          

Life is short.  Don't waste it.  Don't let your legacy be that you spent a lot of time texting, staring at an electronic.  Let your legacy be that life was precious to you, and you enjoyed it, you took it in, you loved others, and you talked to them, face to face.  Let people remember that you lived out your life, that you saw the beauty and you appreciated it.  Let your legacy be one of a life well lived, on purpose, with a purpose.  

Be available.  Others need you.  But to be available,  you need to put the electronics down and have face to face relationships.  

See The Beauty

Leave the phone in the car or at home, and just enjoy the beauty and silence that is all around us. 

 

The Signature of the Creator

Do you see His signature all around you?  He shares a sunset, a flower, a beautiful lake, majestic mountains, a peaceful prairie, a singing bird, a butterfly, so you know He is there, everywhere.  He cares for you.  He loves you.  He is there for you.  

30 days of Thanks

Today I am thankful for God's fingerprint, available everywhere I look.  I am especially blessed because I live in a beautiful area filled with the artist's touch at every glance.  I am surrounded by mountains and trees, many lakes, and quite a bit of wildlife.  God is an amazing creator and artist, look around and enjoy His masterpiece!