Weekly Surf: Photography Edition

I thought we'd take a tiny break from birth stories today

and enjoy some pretty pictures!

Gorgeous hospital birth photos that got me all teary eyed

SUCH a super cute way to document your pregnancy (I'd love one of these)

I am in love with these photos of this couple, in love

He is the most creative photographer Dad I've seen yet

Lovers on the beach

I could spend hours on this photogs website

I am in love with this image

Love the lighting in these shots

Such a beautiful lil' lady, photographed in her beautiful girlie-girl room

Can't wait to see Dustin hold his squishy baby

These adorable carnival maternity photos remind me of our fun day at the carnival as well

wow, these bright, whimsical new born photos make my heart skip a beat

Hoping to take some shots like these this summer on the beach

Beautiful-timeless engagement photos

Don't you just feel SO inspired

after seeing those beautiful images?

This photo above is one I shot during my mission trip to Thailand while peering through some trees

at a group of pre-schoolers during morning prayer at the Christian village we served at.

(I promise it wasn't as creepy as it sounds.)

Today at my woman's bible study the question was asked, "What makes you feel closest to God?" and I immediately thought, "When I run and when I photograph people." (Of course through spending time with Him in the word, I feel close to Him, but you can do lots of other things to feel close to God. I had a friend who would go and fly a kite by himself and spend time with God that way.) I have had moments while running when I knew that it was only by surrendering to Him and leaning on Him for strength that I was able to keep going. I've had moments where I've gotten shots that made my heart melt and explode, and I knew that it wasn't my "super awesome artistic ability," It was God. These two things totally changed my life. Having had such intimate moments with the Lord through these two loves that he's fashioned in me have been absolutely revolutionary to my understanding of who He is, and how I can worship Him through them.

*I've gotten several emails, texts & comments from woman who are enjoying the birth stories and I'm so so glad you are. Each story is unique from the next, which makes them fun to read. I'm learning a lot from each story, so thank you to the woman who have submitted their story. There are many more to read in the next few weeks! Feel free to comment and share your thoughts, questions, concerns, & fears.... finding the answers to your birth questions is unbelievably liberating. I'm sure the ladies would also love to hear from you also!