This is just a quick one for fun. I took these maybe two-three weeks ago when Ryan & I were scouting locations. We had not had dinner yet (we've started this thing where we don't eat until 8 or so...it's bad) so we grabbed some groceries from the store. Fresh strawberries, a container of cut pineapple, two vitamin waters, and Rip candies (soooo good!).
After we devoured out little snack I whipped out the camera and took some 'fun' pictures, capturing the sun that highlighted the overgrown weeds transforming even the ugliest of plants into something miraculous and pretty. As I think about it now I see such a parallel between that moment and me, all of us really.
Sure we all have our days where we're on the top of the world. We nailed it at work, impressed some friends with our jokes, our hair finally looked like a magazine cover, and we got notice and recognition for something wonderful we'd done. And then there's the day where you really blew it. For whatever reason, all the ugly comes out. You see yourself for all your faults, shortcomings, and the things you do repeatedly that you want to change so bad. It's in these moments of helplessness we search for a way out, something to make right all the crap we see inside ourself.
I realize that I am not perfect, in fact, there's way more yuck in me than I care to acknowledge. And yet, there's a God who loves and cherishes me, a lowly weed, in spite of my yuck, enough to shine his light on me that I might bring him glory. Just when I feel helpless, bound by my own weaknesses, He brings strength, victory, and beauty. Through Him I am transformed, a new creation.
"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer: he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
~Psalms 18:28-36
After we devoured out little snack I whipped out the camera and took some 'fun' pictures, capturing the sun that highlighted the overgrown weeds transforming even the ugliest of plants into something miraculous and pretty. As I think about it now I see such a parallel between that moment and me, all of us really.
Sure we all have our days where we're on the top of the world. We nailed it at work, impressed some friends with our jokes, our hair finally looked like a magazine cover, and we got notice and recognition for something wonderful we'd done. And then there's the day where you really blew it. For whatever reason, all the ugly comes out. You see yourself for all your faults, shortcomings, and the things you do repeatedly that you want to change so bad. It's in these moments of helplessness we search for a way out, something to make right all the crap we see inside ourself.
I realize that I am not perfect, in fact, there's way more yuck in me than I care to acknowledge. And yet, there's a God who loves and cherishes me, a lowly weed, in spite of my yuck, enough to shine his light on me that I might bring him glory. Just when I feel helpless, bound by my own weaknesses, He brings strength, victory, and beauty. Through Him I am transformed, a new creation.
"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer: he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
~Psalms 18:28-36
www.ashleysturmphotography.com
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