Contentment

I'm reading a book that a friend recommended, Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.  So far so good.  It's all about learning to be content.  No matter what your circumstances.  
Here are a few quotes I've come across that I want to share with you...


"I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of; for to have been thought about, born in God's thought, and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, and most precious thing in all thinking." by George MacDonald (who C.S. Lewis called his mentor)


"They took away that should have been my eyes,
(But I remembered Milton's Paradise)
They took away what should have been my ears,
(Beethoven came and wiped away my tears)
They took away what should have been my tongue,
(But I had talked with God when I was young)
He would not let them take away my soul,
Possessing that, I still possess the whole" by Helen Keller


"Two women looked through prison bars
One saw mud, the other stars" - Unknown


Practice:
Choose to give your anxieties to God
Choose to pray specifically
Choose to be thankful
Choose to dwell on the positive.

First born

This is Carley and her first baby, Holland.  I had the opportunity to take their pictures this week.  
This picture makes me think back to when my first baby was born.   I held him like 23 hours out of the day.  He would sleep on my chest.  I just couldn't believe how something so perfect and beautiful could come out of me.  I had such high expectations for him.  And for me.  I wanted to be the perfect mother.  At the young age of 22, being a mother was quite overwhelming.  The responsibility of a real, living, breathing human was VERY overwhelming.  The love I had for him was crazy.  
Yet, as he grew - I had to learn that part of loving a child is teaching them to stand on their own.  Literally and figuratively.  I always wanted to protect him from being hurt, but sometimes you need to let them hurt a little to learn that they have the strength and the power to choose the path out of harm's way.  What hurts even more is watching your child choose to stay on the path of harm's way. If any of you have a rebellious teenager, you know what I'm saying.  Parenting is so beautiful and SO scarey.  You just want that damn manual telling you how to do it!  I know the correct christian-ese thing to say is that the Bible is our manual. True, but aren't you thankful for other parents who have "been there" that can share their trials.  We aren't alone in our trials.  In parenting.  There aren't any perfect children out there.  Please don't try and make yours.  The more I share about my struggles with parenting, the more I find I am not alone.  Thankfully God has placed some wonderful moms in my life to laugh and cry with.  The more transparent you become, the more normal you will feel.  Just remember, you are not alone.  Reach out, because chances are - there's another mom out there that needs you just like you need her.  

Taryn Senior Sneak Peek

Morgan Senior Sneak Peek

Fournier Family

Cailtin

Baby Clothes Drive

I'm collecting baby girl clothes for the Gross family.  Rachel and I grew up together here in Austin. A year ago they gave away everything and moved to Ethiopia to love on orphans.  Now they're opening up an orphanage.  amazing.  Well, not only are they doing that - but now they are adopting a baby girl and they need clothes.  Check out their journey - here.  Please support them, with prayer more than anything, but if you are able to offer financial support it would be so appreciated!
If you have any girl clothes starting at newborn please let me know.  Whatever the Gross' don't use I will be donating to the Austin Children's Shelter for the teen moms.
Thanks!!!
Oh, and as for weather if you are wondering about seasons - Ethiopia is mid 70's year round, cooler in the evening. nice!