365 People Pictures: Days 27 and 28--In! and... OUT!

Most of my people pictures have been some sort of portraiture, but this time the moments captured include plenty of action.

In April, our family was blessed to travel to Santa Monica, California. That gave our kids, normally nestled amongst corn stalks in the upper-Midwest, the chance to experience wonder of the Pacific Ocean. Cassandra (18) and Mark's (17) first reaction to the chilly water was priceless. Thank You, Lord, for this precious chance to travel. Thank You for the wonder You provided two former orphans. You are a good, kind and generous God!

365 People Pictures: Day 26 ~ Red Poppy Legacy

I was blessed with the opportunity to visit my daughter, Anna, and her family this weekend. That gave me the chance to see our grandchild, Brielle, for the first time in 2-1/2 months. I thank God for the opportunity to pull out my camera to capture her at 11 months. What joy!

As Anna got her little one ready for church on Sunday, she picked out Brielle's dress quite intentionally with since I was visiting. She chose one that was given to Brielle by my mom ~ Brielle's great-grandmother. I admit I was delighted to see this little bit of my mom's touch gracing the first of this next generation. I know, however, that my mom's influence will reach far deeper into Brielle's life than pretty clothing. I was raised by a woman who loved her husband, delighted in her children and managed her home well. Truthfully, her shoes are still hard to fill! My mom's high standard has affected the wife, mother and homemaker that I am. Her ways have influenced how I've worked to prepare our daughters for the roles they will likely hold as women. And Anna tells me that she thinks of her Nana routinely now that she's a wife, mother and homemaker. Undoubtedly, as Brielle ~ and any future daughters ~ grow, Anna will be training them in ways that have passed through three generations already.

Brielle's little red-flowered dress speaks of quite a legacy.

365 People Pictures: Day 25--He's Got My Back

If I were to title this photo, I would use the popular phrase, "He's Got My Back." I love the wonderful look of security on my granddaughter's face as she stands leaning against her daddy. Doesn't her face say, "Watch out world...here I come!"? Brielle knows her daddy will protect her.

I find it wonderful that we can have this same sense of security if we respond to our Heavenly Father's invitation to come to Him and rest in His shadow. If we allow Him to provide the loving care that He promises over and over in His word, we're then enabled to experience safety, courage and even joy in the tough circumstances that are inevitable in this life. He's got our back!

"On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul." Psalm 138:3

365 People Pictures: Day 24--Baby in her Bling

Brielle ~ 8 months

I was feeling artsy today so I played around a bit in the photo-editing software with this picture of Brielle  I do so love her delicate features and coloring! I took the headband she's wearing to her mama, Anna, when I visited in mid-February. Our family found the inexpensive treasure when we ate at a Cracker Barrel restaurant when traveling in late January. What a find! Perfect for picture taking!

365 People Pictures: Day 23--Natasha

Natasha ~ Adopted from Russia in 2005 at age 5

We had a family-fun evening at a local pool last Friday, and I purposed to capture a photo of our rapidly changing 13-year-old, Natasha. I love how the blues and aqua's came together in this picture.

Pride: A Prickly Problem

As our oldest son, John, was working on his business degree, he had to do some research in professional journals. He came across this quote at the bottom of one of the articles. He was staggered by the writer's humility. John read the quote to me, and I quickly requested a copy.

"If any good has come from what has been done, all glory goes to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is to Him that I owe my life both temporal and eternal. Whatever talent, ability or accomplishment that I have enjoyed has been given from His hand. It is by His grace alone that 'I live and move and have my being.' (Acts 17:28)" ~Jeffrey K. Fawcett

I'm so prone to pride. Even blogging fuels this foul monster that lives inside me. However, my heart's desire is to make my way through life exhibiting humility, remembering at all times the True Source of my life and any accomplishments. I am simply His tool. Trying to keep that focus, I have a sticky card with this quote on it hanging in a strategic location in our bathroom so that I reread the words frequently. Perhaps, though, I need to memorize it. Hmmm... The fight goes on.

365 People Pictures: Day 22--A Dream Come True

February 2013 ~ Brielle 8 months

As my husband and I are raising our nine daughters, I have a dream for their lives. My deep-seated hope is that they will be as happy being moms as I have been. Our oldest daughter, Anna, is the first to make my dream a reality. Anna genuinely delights in her little one, Brielle. For me, this photo captures my daughter's joy in being a mommy. Ahhhh...it just donned on me ~ Anna's first Mother's Day is coming up next month; Brielle was born in early June last year. Thank you, Lord, for the unspeakably rich blessing of motherhood.

(Coincidentally, Anna just posted some of her impressions on being a mama: Brielle and An Announcement )