In The Stars: 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

summer memories.

Close your eyes. Summer wasn't that that long ago, but already the warm air and the cricket song nights seem distant in our minds. Summer is my favorite season. But this summer was really rough for me. Maybe someday I will be able to fully and bravely tell the story of all that my soul has carried. But for now I will just say that this is the summer where I learned how to really cry, really pray, and really long for heaven. It was just one of those seasons in life. A lot of my usual summer places are now haunted in my memory by the pain that I felt there and the weight of what I was wrestling through. That's why I think it's important to share these pictures because I need to see the beauty of my life, remember that God makes himself apparent anywhere there is hurting. These might just look like nice pictures of summer, but I remember the way I felt during this season of my life, as I took each one. I need to share them, to set a little bit more of my soul free. I'm trusting God to "un-cripple" me from my fear.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

41/52

Cara made a friend. Fall days are well spent on porches, with dried up leaves scattered around, playing with enthusiastic dogs.

40/52

These boys. They've won my heart, both of them. And the best kind of brother is the one that puts his hands up to catch you if you're climbing a tree.

39/52

Sometimes... you just need to burn something. Symbolism of how far you are separating it from you. A reminder that God casts all our sins into the depths of the sea, he separates them from himself as far as the east is from the west. His blood already paid for them, why would we continue to hold burdens of guilt? Sometimes we need to learn to let go. Watch the terrible things go up in flames and dance a little dance of joy, learning what it is to be redeemed, knowing more fully what it is to be a child of God.

38/52

Annie got to pick apples for her birthday, since it's in fall. This girl loves anything purple and sparkly. Maybe she's so girly to make up for all the boys in her house (four brothers, bless her soul). She has a fierce personality that can go from joy and laughter to grumpiness or anger in a minute, but that's just part of what gives her spirit. She is also sensitive and loves to draw pictures for people, pray for people, and she loves to help if I'm baking something or making any kind of food. She loves to jump on the trampoline. She is partners in crime with her younger brother, and they are almost never apart from each other. I think they have a close and unique bond. And she has bright blue eyes that shine out of her face and draw people in.

37/52

My heart is always spreading more and more with love for this boy as he grows up. Jasper has a contagious laugh that fills the house. When he smiles really big, he gets dimples on his cheeks. He is a little explorer, always getting into things that he shouldn't be. He loves his food, especially making messes with it. And he has a bright, gentle spirit that just shines out of him.