Collaborations #2 - Whimsy

Yesterday was Easter...Resurrection Day. Really, one of the best days of my life, all in all. There was such a feeling of change & renewal in the air. I felt Love swirling through the atmosphere on the breath of the wind. Jesus lives. Somehow, yesterday it all seemed to be now--a new sacrifice, redemption, and miracle. The truth is though...God knows no boundaries within time. He has lasted longer than time. Truly, lasting is an inappropriate word, because He doesn't last. He just is; and then, forever. Unfathomably brilliant is the light of His legacy and unending life. Yet, it is the only thing I can feel it in my heart to trust completely and wholly.

This story is true.

---

Today, the word for Collaborations is...
whimsy





top: Abigail Grace
bottom: Hannah Nicole

At the end of the day yesterday, we did a Resurrection Egg Hunt with the kiddos, and as I saw the chickens squawking, and shuffling around the yard...well, you can see. Not normally what I might have chosen to represent whimsy, but it is rather humorous. And, I suppose, whimsy is defined by the unusual and frivolous humor of unexpected things, don't you agree? I love the free spirit of Hannah's. Such a beautiful reflection of the natural whimsy of a child. Some days, I feel like I could go back, and feel right at home in my childhood. Those days were magical. Fantastic. Yet, I don't believe I should like to revert back to my youth. If I had it within my grasp once again, perhaps I would cease to see the priceless nature of it.

Make sure to stop by Hannah's blog and sing a little song like, "Hello. I love your picture. Let's be friends." :)

Collaborations #1 - Light {plus, some BIG news!!}

Big news first! (Sorry...I've never been good at containing myself)

Many of you probably already know this...but just in case you don't,
MY MOMMA'S PREGNANT!

I am thrilled beyond words. To read more, check out my momma's post here.

Now...
Once upon a time (some weeks ago), in a land far far away (Minnesota), my beloved friend Hannah started a photo challenge with her momma, Rachel. "Collaborations" caught my attention immediately--what a cool idea to get the same photo concepts from two different sets of eyes, right? Well, Hannah and her momma had a conversation...and I have had the brilliant opportunity to take over Rachel's side of the challenge. Now, it's two perspectives from half way across the country. I'm so excited to be able to be a part of this! (A huge thank you to Hannah & Rachel for thinking of me. You guys are wonderful!)

This week's challenge?

light




top: Abigail Grace
bottom: Hannah Nicole


It thrills me to see the similarities and differences of two perspectives! Make sure to visit Hannah's blog, so you can tell her how much you adore her photo. :)

Let's Share a Hand of Comfort

Compassion.
It's active. It's sacrificial. It's love.

It's essential for us to really take a look at the world. Not just our world, but the world where every type of tragedy or beauty can be searched out every single day.


The need for comfort is great. The need for sincere, working, compassion.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4

Christ allows us all to suffer in some way. We live in a world full of hurting people...and we can share with them the hope that only Jesus Christ can give.

Three years after my family lost my sister, Anna, I poured my heart into a drawing, which I labeled "Hand of Comfort". Inspired by God's faithful hand in writing my family's story. He gave us Anna...and He took her away. But, throughout the entirety of her life and death, His constant hand of comfort remained.


I've been given the opportunity to offer a print of "Hand of Comfort" up for auction, with all proceeds going to Sufficient Grace Ministries--an amazing ministry that focuses on encouraging women and families who are hurting. For more information on this auction, which includes over 140 beautiful items (taking place at the Caring for Carleigh FB page--you'll need to "like" the page before you'll be able to bid), please click here.

The auction is currently running, and will end on April 8 at 11:30pm EST

Make sure to hop over, and show your support for Sufficient Grace Ministries. Thank you, Loves!

Heartwarmed

These past weeks have been teasing, testing, and taunting…it’s warm, it’s cold. It’s calm, it’s windy. I get to the point sometimes where my mood depends highly on the weather; if it’s agitated with roaring gusts of wind & hot sunbeams, then I’m agitated. If it’s cold and dreary…well, I get cold and dreary.

This morning, I awoke to a grey sky…insulated by grey clouds, and accentuated by the barren trees in its shelter. It looked like winter.

How I wish I could escape this vapid joy in monotony, and ride the adventure, like a tide.

“Lord, empty me of myself, fill me up with You…and let’s walk through this day together.”

That’s what I prayed this morning.


Yesterday, my daddy shared an inspiring message at church…and those were the words he ended it with. What a challenge. Inlayed in these simple words is the secret to vigor.

As if on cue, the sky was no longer grey, but my favorite grey. The trees were no longer barren, but rather waiting to be clothed. Warmth…beauty…lies within our hearts.


Now, after a brisk walk in the biting north wind (enjoying every minute), I’m drinking in warmth—warmth that’s been there all along. Warmth in love, memories, new experiences, adventure…Life.


I’m heartwarmed.