be brave

courage. valor. dauntless. what comes to mind when you hear these 3 words? do you see a soldier dressed in camouflage? or is it a man holding a sword and shield. maybe you see a woman standing tall conquering her fears with a nursing baby, a toddler and a husband in toe. these 3 words can be you. women who desire bravery. who yearn to be brave.

but I wonder if we use our bravery enough. I wonder, how much better would our lives be if we chose to be brave? over time we have chosen to whine. to complain. to cry and moan instead of standing tall. instead of choosing to be brave.

being brave is standing tall even when you don't want to. or when you don't have the strength to.

being brave is about looking your problems in the face with God by your side and conquering them head on. together. not turning back. not giving up.

being brave is saying "with God I CAN do it!"

being brave is having boldness like a lion. {Proverbs 28:1}

being brave is claiming victory over your life, so the enemy can't.

choose to be brave.

"...stand firm in the faith; be (wo)men of courage; be strong." {1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV}

choose to walk out your struggles. your questions. your calling. and your life with God.

it's time that we chose bravery.

"be strong and courageous. do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." {Joshua 1:9, NIV}

God wants you to run toward your calling. not from your calling. so run! BE BRAVE!

so when you're feeling scared or fearful of the calling that God has placed on your life, when it's hard to be brave --- cry out to Him. he will hear you. pray those bold. loud. audacious prayers. he's listening. pray out loud so the enemy will shudder.

when you don't think you can stand tall. when you don't know how to continue. lean on God. ask Him for courage. for valor. to be dauntless. you don't have to be fearful of what God is calling you to. because he is right there every step of the way. nudging you to be brave. 

month by month {Ava turned ONE}

the time has come & gone. Ava is a ONE year old now. tear. sad face. where did the time run off to? I remember at 9 months Bryan hugging Ava and saying, "we want you to stay this big forever...don't grow up."

but with each new month she grew. month by month she learned. she explored. new ideas. new concepts. with each new month it was bittersweet. I miss her being so small. so tiny. but with each new month means that I get to teach her. watch her perform new tasks. listen to her form new words. watch her dance to music. help her to grow into a beautiful girl. into a beautiful lady.

each night before bedtime we pray for and with Ava. our prayer is that she will remain healthy in her years. that she will grow in wisdom. that she will have joy. that she will be a light in this world. that she will find her one true love. that she will ultimately come to know Jesus as her Savior and friend. 

as we embark on this coming year with Ava we look forward to the new "first time" moments with her. we look forward to watching her radiant personality shine through to bring smiles to others. everyday she brings us smiles. though she doesn't fully understand now one day she will know how much we truly are blessed to be her parents. we are blessed beyond measure. 

mama & daddy love you baby girl.

<<<----- looking back at these pictures with tears in my eyes brings insurmountable joy. I can hardly remember her being so small. our 7lb 2oz bouncing bundle of joy  ----->>>

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<<< 6 months >>>
{half birthday}

<<< 7 months >>> 

<<< 8 months >>> 

<<< 9 months >>>
{capturing these pictures has gotten more difficult each month}  

<<< 10 months >>>

<< 11 months >>

<< 12 months >>
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!