Black and White Series: Planting the Harvest

Planting the Harvest

" I am still confident of this: 

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"

The rain comes beating down with violent fervor, the winds howling and sky showing off in bright flashes.  A new storm has rolled in, spring showers are here.  The rain seems harsh, seems full of distraction and noise, but I know and I trust that in the morning, all will be well, and  better for what it has been through.  The flowers will begin to bloom because of the fresh rain fallen upon its roots.  The air will smell clean, refreshed, renewed.  The morning will feel brighter from the storm that came to pass.  

The Chaos of Family Life

Family life can feel many times like this to me.  It feels noisy and messy and much like destructive chaos.  One in the bathroom learning to potty train, but also getting tangled within her pants dangling at her feet, while the other is pulling over chairs in the kitchen and trying to climb the counter, reaching up towards my glass vase.  Destruction management.  The noises are loud with cries of attention, or learning to share.  However, I know that as I rest in this season, pushing through, the kids will learn to go on a big girl potty, Thomas will learn that some things are meant to be cherished.  They will learn to share and they will know how to be comforted and to comfort.  They will learn to love, give grace, be humble and kind.  They will learn that storms come, and life gets messy sometimes, that people mess up and need grace, but that we can always start over.  We may all be broken, but it is through the brokenness that we have the chance to say sorry, to turn around and begin again.  And what a hard but life changing practice this is.  Repent, and begin again.  The storm will pass, the bloom will come and all will be well. Are you planting for the harvest?

Warmly, 

    Laura 

*Would you like your own family story documented?

Reaching up for Grace

Reaching up for Grace

The leaves crunch under my feet, the cold yet refreshing air breezes against my face, the children are calming in the presence of nature, as am I.  There is something about being in nature, surrounded by the colors, smells and feel of being in God's creation that bring me back to peace, renewal and more grace.  Life with toddlers is hard, and this month has been full of crazy transitions; leaving the pacifier behind for Thomas, stepping into a "big girl" bed for Shiloh, approaching potty training with both the kids, sharing a room and overcoming illness and surviving travels.  I have had many moments simply reaching out for the Lord to fill me with more grace, more patience and more hope this month.  We are awaiting several things in our lives right now, hopeful that we will be able to share more in months to come, but for now, we wait and trust and lean in to the place God has for us right here.  And as I look through some of our personal photos of the month, I am once again reminded in the ever flowing beauty residing right in front of me each and every day.  Here is to being thankful for the every day, and hopeful for the days to come.  For I know the warmth is coming, as are many delightful promises of the Lord.  Be renewed today my friends and step out into the sun, and let the breeze sweep across your face, even if it is still freezing outside.  For spring is upon us, warmer days are coming and I have to believe that is true within so many facets of our lives.  As I peacefully grasp onto the hope in the Lord I am at rest.  

Warmly, 

     Laura 

*Would you like your own family story documented?

Beauty in the Sacrifice of Commitment: Zibell Wedding

Beauty in the Sacrifice of Commitment

The wedding day is truly a beautiful thing to me, because not only are you surrounded by a beautiful display of gorgeous things, flowers, dresses, intricate details, lace, all the beauty, but more than that you are there to witness the commitment of a man and woman to one another.  It is a beautiful thing to witness sacrifice in this way. A lot of times people say the day is all about the bride, I even say it sometimes. But truly it is all about the commitment being stepped into, the decision to lay down their lives for one another in sickness and in health, the decision to say that there is someone loved so deeply and cherished so much that they deserve to be sacrificed for.  This is the true act of selflessness, and within this space is the greatest form of love.  Christ sacrificed His whole self for us by giving of Himself on the cross so we might be free.  Maybe it is true then that as we completely give of ourselves and sacrifice of ourselves that we too are truly free. For I know that within a wedding joy is abounding because of the sacrifice of giving.

The snow trickled down turning to sleet as the frigid temperatures slowly rose, yet these two were an absolute delight to be around as they truly were overcome with the joy of the day. Tears errupting in bliss as Shelby's father first sees her, pure elation as Kurt turns to see his bride for the first time.  Laughter fills the dressing room, the groomsmen and bridesmaids overjoyed to be a part of their day. Downtown Holton, the cutest little town with the best old buildings.  March 11, 2017, a beautiful day. 

Congratulations Shelby and Kurt!!  I truly wish you guys all the best on your new adventure together!! 

~Laura 

Their incredible Vendors: 

Hair:

 Pam Cox of New York Hair Affair (https://www.facebook.com/thenewyorkhairaffair/)

Make-up: 

Kristi Roush: (https://www.facebook.com/kroush11)

& Samantha Correll: (https://www.facebook.com/samantha.g.eubanks) 

Flowers: 

Lee's Flowers (http://www.leesflowerandgifts.net)

Dj: 

Jay Diamond

Cake: 

Gloria Brammell

*Are you getting married or having an elopement?