This morning’s glory is too good not to share!
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When I took the girls to school this morning, I sensed God inviting me to bring my camera. To go on a beauty hunt in the early morning light. And not just for beauty’s sake, but to listen to what He had to say to my heart. Did you know that creation pours forth speech?
I know not everyone gets to drive down a scenic country road, but I believe God has something for you right where you are. I lived in the heart of Houston, Texas, my whole life {not highly rated for its natural beauty}, yet that was the very place where God taught me how to hunt for beauty. Right there in the most unexpected place, surrounded by power lines, billboards, freeways and skyscrapers, God taught me to see.
And do you know what happens when you really learn to see? When you really want to see? Oh, dear ones. It changes you. Beauty rescues a heart in the deepest places. There is no place too dark or desolate for the alluring, tender love of God. {Back to the Hosea verse.}
This beauty hunting? It’s not about the perfect camera, the perfect light or access to the perfect country road. It’s all about letting your heart be rescued and romanced. {Yes, romanced!} It’s about looking up, looking out, looking everywhere and anywhere with a longing, even an expectation, to see.
And yes, beauty is easier to see in some places than others {like fall in Franklin…hello!}, but with practice, you begin to see beauty in the not so obvious places…in brokenness and heartbreak. When I go beauty hunting these days, I literally feel as if I’m wielding the camera like a weapon and fighting for LIFE…chasing beauty to revive my heart.
And when I share the beauty here, it’s as if I’m helping to fight for your heart, too! It’s as if I’m inviting you to see with me…to let your heart come alive with mine, even in the midst of heartache and struggle. And honestly? That invitation doesn’t come from me. It comes from God Himself. This is His ultimate invitation: come alive with me. And He not only extends the invitation; He makes a way for you to get there! {I have come that you might have life and have it to the FULL! John 10:10}
Friends, it’s a fight to really see…to really live. It’s not for the faint of heart. But I know it’s worth the fight. It’s worth all the times you have to muster up the strength, courage and will to hunt for beauty in the brokenness.
A close friend recently told me that the most beautiful parts of my story are the broken parts. And as much as I didn’t want that to be true, I’m finally embracing it. The broken places have the potential to become the most beautiful ones of all. It’s there that glory stories unfold! {Like the daffodil that bursts forth out of a barren winter ground.}
So what do you say, Bravehearted Beauties? Shall we go on a beauty hunt today? In creation, in our stories, in our hearts? I say YES! Let’s fight for life and beauty! I’d love to know what you find.
Traci - Oh, how I have missed pictures of my buddy, Buddy! These mornings have been glorious- so glad you caught one digitally.
Bravehearted Beauty - Buddy is ridiculously handsome in my eyes. Glad you enjoy him, too!
Julie - Breathtaking photos! What beautiful country you live in! Beautiful reflections…
jessica - GORGEOUS!!! i miss TEN:10!
Bravehearted Beauty - Come visit, cousin! It’s almost fire burning season!
Tricia - I’m sitting here with my mouth wide open in awe of your photos. WOW lady- gorgeous surroundings and a beautiful gift you have.
Missing you! Happy Halloween.
xoxoxoxo~
Tricia
gail - Wow! Wow! and Wow! Spectacular photos and words to encourage the soul! Thanks Lindsey!
Sadie - Linsey! Again, you have captured my heart both with your words and with the beauty you have lavishly shared here. Thank you for daring us to go on this journey toward healing with you. Thank you for a safe place to come and feel hope and no judgment for the dark days we sometimes find ourselves in. Bless you!
Bravehearted Beauty - Lavish is one of my favorite words! I feel like God is so lavish with His beauty…and His love. I’m honored that this would feel like a safe place for you. On the internet of all places! Only God. Bless you, dear one!
Sherry - Beautiful photos and words! Thank you for sharing! Now I need to get busy pinning! Heehee
Laura J. - Beautiful photographs! I, too, am a native Houstonian. When you reduce our green and vibrant city to power lines, billboards and skyscrapers, it disappoints me…maybe you never spent a day at Bayou Bend, or Riezi…or experienced the vibrant cultural things that Houston offers? Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. Thank you for sharing these beautiful moments at the farm..serene and peaceful.
Bravehearted Beauty - Hi Laura. I agree wholeheartedly that there is beauty in Houston. It’s where God taught me to see. I learned to see past the obstacles and enjoy the glory…like the colors of a sunset despite the power lines crossing the sky. I think I’m a more determined beauty hunter because of my life in Houston. And that feels like a gift! My hope was to let people know you don’t have to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth to see or find beauty. If we want to see beauty, we will find it. Hope that point wasn’t lost!
Gracia @ Gracious Offering - Linsey, I just saw this post…such beautiful pictures…in photographs and words. As someone who has to fight for joy sometimes, I so appreciate your heart. May God bless your brokeness and vulnerability…Beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning.(Isa 61:3).
Bravehearted Beauty - Thank you, Gracia. It is a fight sometimes…even a fight to hunt for beauty when you don’t feel like it. But one thing I know for sure: beauty rescues my heart every time! Amen to beauty for ashes!
Jennifer - Thank you for the pictures. They are beautiful. I live in a city surrounded by cities and I often find it difficult to see God’s creation as I drive the crowded freeways. I look forward to your posts and your words always speak to my heart. I should and will try to look for beauty amongst the chaos.
Bravehearted Beauty - Yes, Jennifer! Practice looking for beauty amidst the chaos. It’s there! I used to bask in the glory of a sunset, despite all the power lines crossing the sky. And if you look for beauty in the details, like a rain drop on a leaf, or a bird on a wire, all those little details will add up to a LOT of beauty! Bless you as you hunt for it!