Capturing Summer: Don’t Miss Out on Your Life

Where has the time gone is what I feel myself saying these days. Chile, I am becoming like my parents. But it’s the truth. Life is moving with no plans of stopping. I have been thinking about how I want to spend my summer – being present more and less social media. Remember when scrolling use to consist of being at someone’s house and looking through their photo albums. I had a conversation like that with my mom and it made me crave those days.

“Unplugging is hard work. It’s constant work within a culture that convinces we need our devices for every waking hour.” -Hannah Brencher

How I plan on showing up this summer is capturing my world and all my plans through a Polaroid, and film camera. By God’s grace I will have a summer full of memories/photos to add to a scrapbook/photo album. There is something special about photo journaling that allows you to pause and reflect. Stillness and rest has been the hardest lesson for me to learn, but the Pandemic changed me. And I look forward to and crave those quiet moments.

More of this please?

How will you capture your summer? This isn’t a do what I do. DO YOU BOO. But if it inspires you in any way, that makes my heart smile.

So let’s get into it!

Tips on Capturing your Summer:

Make a list – What are things you want to do? Trips you want to take? Go ahead and make that summer bucket list 🙂
When the clock strikes Fall 2022, how do you want to feel? What would make you proud?
What is something new you have been wanting to do? For example, I want to do a indie book tour and find local bookstores in Dallas and when I travel.
Who do you want to be surrounded by? Make impromptu visits to those you love. Or call up a friend and plan a spontaneous trip.
Give back – Sometimes we can make serving about the aesthetics and who sees us doing it. It’s not about that. What or who can you pour into this summer? Find a need and meet the need.
Don’t postpone joy – Find beauty in the everyday

Things to get:

Get a summer journal or scrapbook – some of my favorites are from Fringe and Erin Condren
Purchase a 35mm camera (disposable works too) and a Polaroid
Set a date – this can be a weekly check-in to make sure you are being present
Get a devotional – I keep thinking about am I keeping Jesus at the center as a lifestyle? If you are like me and have been struggling with time with Him, get a devotional. I also recommend reading a Proverbs a day! Check this out – Daily Wisdom from Proverbs | ESV.org

With so much going on in our world this is my prayer for us:

The Priestly Blessing

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 “‘“The Lord bless you
    and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
    and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
    and give you peace.”’

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Let the games begin!

-Love, Des