In going through Rob's things I came across a prayer journal he kept for me during our days of long distance dating. The very first prayer her wrote out took my breath away. It was as if he was praying over me straight from heaven, at the feet of Jesus. I'm vulnerably sharing it here, because I can't contain how incredible God is in comforting me in the most profound ways.
For nearly a year we'd had a family reunion planned for the end of September in Canada. It was Rob's dad's 60th birthday and it was long overdue that the entire family was together. Rob hadn't seen his sister or niece in 5 years, so we were all looking forward to renting an AirBnB on Georgian Bay together.
Today I need to reflect on another story of a woman who has risen from hardship. And especially with the volatile environment filled with hatred, debate, racism, and a severe lack of compassion and understanding we are seeing right now, it's a good time to be reminded of hope.
Two days after Rob's accident I was walking home from dropping Josiah off at school. The words below flooded me and I wrote them down when I got home. I knew I had to speak at Rob's memorial service. I want to share this here, not only because several people who couldn't be at the service have asked about what I said, but also because I simply want to honor him and the man that he was to me. I want others to know the Hope I have, and where I place my trust.
On August 20th, 2017, at 5:37 pm, my world stood still.
Six days later I stood by my husband's casket as it was lowered into the ground.
Now a mom of 4, Katie hopes to be a voice of encouragement to her children, and to never deter them from following their heart and pursuing what brings them joy in life. She is helping shape for her children what success and strength look like.
Mari was mothering 3 small children, two were 6 and the other 7, when her husband passed away and she suddenly found herself a widow.
I'd like you to meet Ruth, who calls herself the Chemo Athlete. I met Ruth almost by accident when I joined a group swim practice she was a part of. I was actually at the wrong group and didn't realize it until halfway through the workout, but thus began some amazing relationships. Ruth's determination and refusal to give up inspired me to hear more of her story, and I'm so honored that she was willing to share it here.
Majestic Pines is hands down one of the most beautiful and peaceful outdoor wedding venues this city has to offer. The only tell-tell sign that we were still in Oklahoma was the oppressive heat. But they handled it like rockstars. After the first look we had to take several breaks to just breathe and relax because there was no wind and just stifling. But you'd never guess that just by looking at their photos.
Baby Wyatt was born back in May and I'm finally getting around to posting his lifestyle newborn photos. He was the sweetest, sleepiest little angel...but from what I heard he was putting on a show for me, as nights were not so angelic.
Jake and Korie got married on May 26th at Journey Church in Norman, Oklahoma. It was relaxed, full of laughter, and the kind of pure fun weddings were meant to be.
Baby Wyatt made quite a fast and furious entrance into the world on Sunday morning. And I had the privilege of documenting some of his first hours in the hospital with his parents and grandma's.
I have been wanting to do an engagement session in the Wichita Mountains for the longest time, and I knew that Melissa and Chase would be the perfect people to suggest it to.
Christina and Chase were married at the Old Town auditorium in Moore back in February.
Winter in Oklahoma can be an absolute gamble, but their day was filled with sunshine and only a slightly bitter cold (see fur blanket photos below!) I wanted to share their bride and groom photos and talk about the advantage of a first look, especially if you are planning a late fall or winter wedding.
A few weeks ago I drove out to Shawnee, Oklahoma for Abby & Christian's engagement session. They met while on the track team at Oklahoma Baptist University, so of course we had to incorporate some of that into their session (see very bottom of the post!)
I always try to tell the stories of people's lives I get to document, not just in pictures but in honoring them with my words as well. But when Corrie posted the most heartfelt words with one of the previews I sent her, I knew it needed to be repeated here.
