Not Today.

Not today.

Sister, friend, might I let you in on how God has been speaking to my heart today?

Envision this.
Satan, seated on his throne.
He prowls above like he has full authority, power, control.
Deceiving our minds, twisting our thoughts, our actions until doubt has consumed us to the depths of our souls.
Yet, Jesus is not afraid of our doubt.
He simply asked Thomas to come to Him in his questioning that Jesus might show Thomas that He truly was the Savior Thomas was having a hard time seeing.
There was no shame, in fact, I believe Jesus was quite happy with the courage of Thomas to be the one to ask what everyone else was questioning themselves.
When we come to Jesus, we find the victory, we find the faith.

So, as we envision satan on his throne, now expand to this.
Women.
Hundreds, thousands of women.
Arm in arm, hand in hand, linked together,
Rows upon rows of women.
Women who look to their right and to their left and declare that they will carry one another’s burdens.
For as two or more are gathered, Jesus is there, and when Jesus is there, victory is there.
We the women become overcomers.
So, there we are, masses of women FOR one another,
Staring Satan in the eyes, walking directly towards him, and proclaiming that victory is ours.
Depression no longer has hold,
Comparison has no grip,
Shame has released its chains,
Anxiety bowed down to presence,
No longer entangled by fear.
For together, we march towards Satan and declare,
“NOT TODAY.”
“NOT TODAY SATAN.”
Today we have victory.
Today we cling to hope.
Today we believe that God is who He says He is.
That He is faithful and true, the Author and Creator of all things.
The very giver of life and the sustainer of ALL I need.
A God who lives in abundance, not poverty,
A God who is for my good.
And when I am too weak to believe the truth for myself, my sister carries me back to the One who has the truth beyond measure.
Together we draw each other back to the wellspring of life.

So, march on dear sisters.
Do you feel weary or dry?
Are you struggling with depression,
Lack of purpose,
Loneliness,
Doubt,
Insecurity,
Victimhood,
Pride
Or gluttony?
Look to your right and to your left.
Let a sister in.
Get vulnerable.
Open your hands to grab that of the one beside you.
And together, you march on.
One foot in front of the other.
Encouraging your sister, and your sister encouraging you, in the truths that carry the faith,
That defeat the lies and cast the throne of satan into the fire of hell.
You have victory this day.
Not today satan,
There is no power for you here today.

Victory is written,
Love is written,
Joy is written,
Grace is written,
Peace is written here.
And hope abounds.
For we are overcomers.
We have victory today.

Etched; The Miranda Family; NW Indiana Lifestyle Photography

Etched

Etched into each other’s lives.  Etched for beauty, etched for love.  Etched for growth, companionship and purpose.  It is not each other that gives us our purpose, but rather allows for our purpose to shine.  Nicole has been a person etched into my life for an unmistakable purpose. She lives out her days faithfully serving little ones and graciously pouring her time, love and attention onto sweet friends.  She is loyal, and her kindness extends beyond the farthest ocean.  She will fight for you, and she holds truth on her tongue.  

Photographing their family, there was peace, joy, and overwhelming togetherness.  Walking through this season of life with tender new mercies each day and smiles to face the sun for the gift of new life resting within her.  And even now, as she cradles her youngest to her she is a warrior, crafted with care for the purpose she is upholding. 

And the way she and her husband Matt interact.  Sweet graces each day.  Their eyes sync in beautiful harmony, delight dancing over them.  There is rich reward in the struggle they have fought through to the space they now hold so dear.  Moments intertwined for strength and growth. 

That day together, spent walking through the gardens, leaves crunching underneath our feet, watching birds fly in the sky.  Listening to giggles as we danced the day away and breathing in deep, life giving air to our bones.  Cradling their unborn child within Nicole's beautiful body, and covering her in sweet grace.  Speaking words of affirmation and truth as we explored through the trees and found the light once more. Dancing, singing, laughter and breath to give the richest memories of an unforgettable evening together. 

Letter to the Mirandas:

To say that you are loving, kind and an extension of grace, like branches sprouting out from a tree is an understatement.  Your hearts know no borders, your love is strong, like a tree planting roots. There is depth to your family, an intangible bond, a reckoning force. Never lose your sense of wonder, hope and joy. It is something incredible for the world to witness! 

Matt- A servant if I have ever met one!  Not only have you served your family, but you have also been such an extension of grace to our own family as well.  You show up so well for your family. Nicole always speaks incredibly highly of you in the ways that you come alongside of her and walk hand in hand together.  And the way you love your children, making them feel important, valued and cared for is one special trait for them.  Never lose your sense of service and the patience you have along with it.  It is such a gift. 

Maddox- Oh your sweet wonder and charm.  You are a thinker and an observer.  You love to explore and dream.   You are going to grow into quite the little gentleman one day.  Maddox, you are so deeply loved.  Never lose that powerful wonder you have about you.  People long for the joy you find in this world! 

Morgan- strong and beautiful.  You are a fighter, a defender of justice.  You know what you want and you are determined until you get it.  You will be quite the leader one day pretty girl. Never lose that strength within you. Let it carry you forth to big dreams.  You will be a world changer some day! 

Nicole- Steady and Strong.  You too have a remarkable strength about you.  There is something about motherhood, especially in these days of such little ones that brings out something fierce and beautiful in a woman and I see that in you.  You are SO steady for your children, drawing them back to who they were made to be time and time again through love and compassion.  You love deeply and with extreme passion.  I love this about you!! I think it is what has drawn us so closely together as friends.  You take a stand for the things that matter to you.  You love beyond yourself and give more than anyone deserves.  You are a beacon of light on hard days and a shoulder to cry on.  You listen with compassion and answer in gentleness. You are an incredible friend, and I know a wonderful wife.  The way Matt looks at you, he knows he has won the world with you.  Keep fighting for those children, keep laying it all down each day for them, for they see you, they love you deeply and they treasure how well you love them, as do I.  You are a remarkable gift to this world my friend.  Never forget that.  Let your incredible light shine for the world to see! 

~With all the hugs and gratitude I can muster because this family has my entire heart, 

Laura