Hello friends!
And happy Thursday! I can’t believe we’re on the south side of yet another summer week!
So real quick before tonight’s post…we got a sneak peek at how our engagement photos turned out!
And here’s one of them!
Anna May Photography captured such special moments in such a beautiful and artistic way that only she can! We are huge fans of her work, and her personally! Definitely check out her website if you get a moment 🙂
So. Last night was something else, friends.
If you follow me on Instagram, (which I highly suggest, and appreciate), then you saw in my “story” — not only six more sneak peek engagement photos, but also what Steven and I were up to last night.
We were at a cocktail party last night, celebrating a one-point-one million dollar watch.
It’s called the Astronomia Bucherer BLUE, and it has gone into space, orbiting the earth 273 times. The astronaut who wore the watch was at this party, along with the CEOs of Bucherer and Jacob & Co., and the body guards accompanying the time piece.
It was fascinating to watch them handle it with the special gloves, and how they transferred it to the case, treating it with the utmost reverence.
And the people in the room were just as fascinating. I mean, there were some high rollers in that room. I don’t know how or why they let little ol’ me into the room, but it was so interesting to just watch the “who’s who” of NY’s deep pockets mill about in their element: white glove passed appetizers, flowing champagne. It was…something to behold, let’s just say that.
As Steven and I were walking to dinner afterwards…me, a bit more of a saunter, after a few free drinks, I just couldn’t believe someone would pay $1.1M for a watch. I mean, sure it’s got diamonds, and the craftsmanship is exquisite, the crystal could withstand the pressure of space, the whole story behind it being intergalactic… But the fact remains, it’s a watch.
And I guess, it’s because I don’t value a watch. Many people do, and if that’s their bag then more power to them!
But it made me ponder…what is it that I do value?
I mean, we can sit around and talk the talk about really “high brow things” that we’d like to say we value, but at the end of the day, how we spend our time, our money, and our efforts are the biggest indicators of what we really value.
And that’s what really convicted me.
Because frankly, the former and the latter don’t always align.
What I’d like to say I value, are God, my fiance, my family and friends, my recovery, my job, and my health.
And to be honest, I’d say that’s pretty well aligned with how I spend my “time, talent and treasure.”
But I can definitely allow trivial things like scrolling social media, or watching mindless Netflix take precedence over say, FaceTiming with my parents. Or how many times have I neglected my health to stay up into the wee hours of the morning to work, because anyone involved with work in social media knows, there’s always something more to do.
And further to that, how many times have I allowed stress to impact the other areas…making me preoccupied with thinking about work when I’m with my family or friends, or being somewhere physically when mentally I’m thinking about the to-do list that I need to tackle.
As I’m writing all of this, there’s a little voice in my head reminding me, that if I just surrender everything over to the Father, He will orchestrate it coming to fruition in the way it should.
And that if I truly put God first, and value my time and energy towards Him before all else, then everything else will fall into place.
I mean, I have seen that happen with my health. I surrendered literally everything to Him and put everything in His hands, and He cured me of, not only my Ulcerative Colitis through the foods I eat, but also has freed me from a crippling eating disorder I was enslaved to.
What do I value?
I value that.
I value God’s sovereignty over all, and trusting Him enough to surrender my life and everything else I value over to Him.
The next step is putting that into action, and having my choices reflect that.
What do you value?
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51 responses to “What Do You Value?”
Caralyn, I love that photo! You both look so very happy, that is beautiful! i must say that I value the same things you do, but the first thought that came to mind was God, and salvation. I enjoy following you on IG too! Be safe and well. ❤️
thank you so much John! We were over the moon with how the photos turned out! ah yes — salvation is another blessing that I take wayyy too much for granted!! aw, I’m so glad! a little different “flavor” on there — pun intended! it’s a great place to share recipes! Hugs and love xox
First, I want to say how happy I am for you two. I haven’t been very active in the blogosphere owing to certain life issues. But when I do get time to read, your is first on the list. As for your parting question, I agree God and His wisdom is tops on my list. He’s so far ahead of us, we just need to put our trust fully in him. As for the million dollar watch, it reminds me of the early days of space travel. NASA spent millions to create a ball point pen that would write in space. The Russians? They just used pencils.
aw, M – that is so kind, thank you so much. And gosh, I hope everything is okay — i will be praying for you! Amen to that – His wisdom tops the list indeed. Trust is a beautiful thing. hahah oh my gosh the pen vs. the pencils made me laugh! haha Hugs and love xox
Excellent pictures of the both of you. Wishing you smooth sailing as you plan for the wedding and the happiest of future time together 🙂
thank you so much Ian! we were so happy with how the photos came out! i can’t wait to share more 🙂 hehe Hugs and love xox
Absolutely beautiful photo! In answer to what do I value, I definitely value my peace of mind above all else. Of course, in order to have peace in my mind (and soul) my actions have to align with God’s word. (It is a beautiful watch). Thanks for the photos.
oh my gosh thank you so much Jenny Grace! ah yes – peace of mind is definitely a valuable, valuable thing!!! Hugs and love xox
I value memories far more than things. Some memories almost make me cry: Surprise London vacation when the girls were in high school, surprise French vacation I sprung on Julie when I booked her to go with me on a business trip there. And more. I have only a few things that I enjoy, mostly because they remind me of good times and accomplishments.
And memories don’t require dusting.
oh yes — memories are definitely worth their weight in gold. It really makes me miss living close to my family where creating those memories was something that I could do daily. And you’re right – some almost bring me to tears too. Oh my gosh, those memories sound so special! You’re a surprise vacation guy!!! oh my gosh that is too fun!!!! wow, what a surprise. memories that will last a life time 🙂 Hugs and love xox
[…] What Do You Value? […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Beautiful photo, captured your joy together. Praise God! Hugs! XO😃❤️
aw, thank you so much Tonya! Yes! the photographer was really talented at capturing the joy! we’re having trouble choosing just one for the Save the Date! hahah sending big hugs xox
I can understand. Maybe eanie meanie minie moe? Lol. So happy for you. Big hugs! XO😃❤️
hahha Eanie meanie hasn’t failed me yet!! hahahah 🙂 thanks again! have a beautiful night!
You too😃❤️
A great reminder. 🙌 Congratulations!
thank you so much KA! I appreciate that! glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
I was wondering where this would go. I mean, the reverence they showed this thing…I’m not religious anymore, but even I was saying “False Idols? Anyone?!?”
But I appreciate your balance here between your values and the more secular values of a $1.1M watch.
That’s interesting. And something I can appreciate. I think of you can let people break the First Commandment so breezily, you should be able to get on board with not removing another woman’s right to choose based on your values.
I know why you resist that oversimplification, but this isn’t my hood for you…it’s my hope for people of faith in America: live your values – hopefully in a consistent way – and don’t force other to.
Simple-er, forgive the saying-pimple!
And FWIW, I’ve always given *you* credit for your recovery. Regardless of the resources that you leaned on to succeed…*you* succeeded! 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽
thank you Galby 🙂
I value the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life.
“The Holy Spirit doesn’t simply illuminate the mind to see the truth of Jesus’ words and the meaning of his deeds; the Spirit opens the very being of the believer to experience God in a genuine encounter of love. The revelation of God happens within: It is an all-encompassing recognition that one now participates in the same loving communion as that of God’s Son. While this may be terrifying to consider, it is nonetheless the truth to which Jesus came to testify. The Father longs to speak and relate to us as one friend speaks and relates to another.”
Oh Eric, that is such a beautiful thing to value. thank you for sharing that. The Holy Spirit is such a powerful gift that was given to us, God’s children. Hugs and love xox
Fabulous photos of a fabulous couple! I confess that I don’t covet that watch, or indeed anything remotely like it, but glad you enjoyed the party.
Thank you so much Sheree!! that is too sweet 🙂 hehe Yes, same here, but it was sure fun to drink great champagne and people watch! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
People watching is the best. Hugs and love back
Waking up in the morning is a gift. If you have been to the edge of death quite a few times, not knowing if there’s even going to be a next heartbeat, then you know how precious the gift of life is. Everything else pales in comparison.
oh my gosh you’re right about tha t- every single day is a gift! praise God for that! Hugs and love xox
[…] What Do You Value? […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
Dear Caralyn!
First your photo looks just fabulous.
Thank you so much for this post. Though it is a beautiful watch I’d never pay more than a million for it even if I had it.What question comes up what would I do if I had a million? To be honest I guess I would spend some of it to travel and to get to know new cultures. But then, thinking about it I realise I’m actually quite happy with my life. Sure there are some things I would change, minor things but all in all I think beside all the complaining I consider myself BEING HAPPY. What I value is my health, my friends, people I can share my life with and having a job which gives meaning to my life.
Caralan, I wanna thank you for this post because it is your post which made me think about my life and realise all the above. THANK YOU!!!
Aw, thank you Andy! that means a lot! oh that is so good!! and you’re right – when we take inventory of all the blessings we have, it really puts things into perspective! Hugs and love xox
I value God as well, along with my wife, daughters, son-in-law, four grandchildren, and another due in Sept. Also our church friends, neighbors, and in my holiest, most Jesus-like moments every individual with whom I interact in a day. There is much to be valued indeed!
P.S. Singing and playing guitar. And writing! Ha! Thanks for the post!
ament!! i love that list! and you’re right – when you list it all out, it really is a great exercise in everything we have to be grateful for! Hugs and love xox
Wouldn’t go around wearing that watch @ that price😂
hahah me either Kenneth! not without a fulltime body guard! hahah Hugs and love xox
Haha I’d forgot about that watch 😂
“How we spend our time, our money, and our efforts are the biggest indicators of what we really value.” Truer words could not be penned (or typed 😉).
PTL, I was able to actually speak with my son and hear his voice for the first time in about six years! Brief, but it left me in tears as I am hoping this is the break in the dam the devil placed between us several years ago.
thank you CA – oh my gosh that is so awesome about your son! brings tears to my eyes. i will be praying for continued open communication 🙂 Hugs and love xox
The love of Christ and belonging to Him is worth more than a million of those watches.
amen to that, Rollie. Amen to that! Hugs and love xox
I still think a Lord of the Rings theme for your wedding would be cool 🙂
ooooh that would definitely be cool — i would have to watch the movie before then though! hahahhaahah Hugs and love xox
At the end of your post it reminded me of John 15 on abiding in Him. Without this abiding we are not fruitful. It’s refreshing to see how transparent you are in your faith. May He bless you. Congrats too on your engagement!!!
ah yes — abiding in Him! That’s the best way to live! thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful thoughts Caralyn. I have been meditating on and studying selected Psalms this summer. It’s had such a tremendous impact on my outlook for the day if I begin my day reflecting on the goodness of God. Congratulations on your engagement!
I personally struggle with earthly things. I worry about money and things I want like a house. I often feel sad when I see my peers having babies or getting a house or even having a job. I’ve been looking for work for years. I often feel sad that I don’t have one. My husband reminds me that I have to follow the path that God wants me to. It may include not having a job. I have to remember that God is good all the time.
The picture is beautiful 🥰
Congratulations 🎉
thank you so much Damola. Hugs and love xox
[…] Photo adapted from the $1,100,000 Astronomia Bucherer Blue Watch shown in New York recently and Hubble photos of the cosmos. https://beautybeyondbones.com/2022/07/14/what-do-you-value/ […]
thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox