The days are slow, but the impact is eternal; Wilson Family Session; Ft. Worth, Texas

Taking in the slow one bit at a time 

The minutes tick, the seconds slow,

the clock goes round, that which I know. 

The days are hard, 

My patience thin, 

I long to breathe a sigh of relief again. 

My eyes are weary, my heart is worn, 

To be a mother, always torn. 

Torn between seeking relaxation, rest and ease, 

And yet knowing there is a calling much higher than these. 

For little hands and little hearts seek constant attention, constant love, 

Tantrums and selfishness and lessons must begin. 

The days are long, the hours ticking by, 

I see you mama out there, I hear your cries.  

I know the road is lonely, the path is narrow, 

But know that you are worth it, 

Your impact is eternal.  

The hard work you choose, constantly pressing in, pushing past exhaustion, attending to emotional and physical needs, 

It's eternal, the weight important, the cost valuable, the memories irreplaceable. 

So forget not to fight with all you can, all you have within you, to press on dear mama. 

I know the days are long and the hours are ticking by, but you are seen sweet friend, 

Your work is not in vain.  

It is worth it.  Eternity is being invested in. 

Soaking in the Seasons

The Wilson family is one of those families that knows the joys of resting within the slow, soaking in these seasons of the younger years with children, and adjusting to all that is held there.  There is an overwhelming peace about them.  Have they known trials, of course!  But they have also known unspeakable joy.  Lauren is so great at bending of herself to address the needs of her children, and this quiet strength shines through her.  Living in the country themselves, this open space was like their safe haven, their comfort ground.  They were free and in each other's arms and all was well.  From the tender stroking of hair, to joyful dancing, rich love was experienced here, and I was just the joyful bystander.  To witness these moments unfolding before my camera, well it is truly the greatest gift!  May we each take some slower breaths this week, and remember that this gift of family is truly a gift.  Messy and hard, but worth it.  

I hope all of you mothers out there truly know the incredibly impact you are making within your children's lives.  You are rich treasures, far more valuable than you could ever know!! 

Letter to the Wilson Family

You guys, the truest form of love rests within you.  You seek to know and follow the Lord with your heart, and that shines through with your children as well.  A peace falls on you, and there is patience beyond words with your children.  Lauren and Taylor, you put each other first, and that flows over into security and safe affirmation for Emma and Ellie.  There is so much beauty resting within the gentle spaces of your family and it was just a delight to see it unfold before me. 

Lauren- my dear Lauren.  The years we have known together as friends, and your heart has only grown stronger, more compassionate and kind.  You are one of the gentlest, and yet driven women I know.  You seek the Lord with all your heart and leave nothing to waste.  You are head over heals in love with your sweet Taylor and the way you affirm and love him is so beautiful.  You are so patient with your girls, affirming them over and over again, intentional and wise in leading them up in the ways of the Lord.  Your heart grows beyond your years sweet one, and I just cannot believe that I get to call you friend.  Thank you for all these years, and what a joy it is to walk through motherhood together. 

Emma- Oh what a little caretaker you are!  Following in your mamas footsteps.  You love little Ellie so well and she is so lucky to have you as her sister.  You are confident in your own and with a tender heart, you will move mountains one day.  You will be a heart changer sweet one. 

Ellie- So full of adventure and on the move!! I love how little you are and yet it does not stop you one bit!!  Your little smile is so incredibly sweet.  You are so adored by your entire family. They are sure to love and lead you well! 

Taylor- I love how go with the flow you are.  You truly rest in each moment, allowing it to come to you as it may and responding within it.  You are a constant peace for your family to lean into and rely upon.  You love Lauren so so well and that radiates from your relationship.  Your girls are just smitten with you!  You are the best daddy to them!   Thank you so much for the way you serve your family and your community.  It truly does not go unnoticed. 

The days may be slow mamas, but your impact is eternal.  

Ephesians 5:16 "Making the most of every opportunity, for the says are evil."  

Satan is trying to steal your joy, numb your efforts, instill your exhaustion.  But may we endure the fight, pick up our armor and love well, invest well, fight well for these children of ours. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and don't give up dear one.  This journey isn't over yet, and your progress is coming.  Keep fighting dear sister.  

~Rooting for you, 

Laura 

Always Faithful, Always True; Moren Family; Dallas/Fort Worth Family Photography

Always Faithful Always True.

Today I woke and feeling of inadequacy was rising high within me. 

The feelings of fear of facing the day ahead. 

Would people accept me?  Would I be rejected once more?

My qualifications versus the world's high standards seemed no match. 

Defeated before I even began.  Sitting in apprehension. 

But as I opened the Word of truth before me, my mind quietly stilled. 

Peace settled within my heart as I read Psalm 35:6

"Your steadfast love, oh Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."

Yes, the Lord is faithful and true.  His love to the heavens, 

His faithfulness to the clouds. 

The Lord has not left me, He is here, and I am there.  

With Him I am enough, 

With Him I am my truest self, my freest self, my treasured, valued and enough self. 

In Christ, covered by the blood of the Lamb, my inadequacies are not more, my defeat no more. 

For the Lord is faithful.  The Lord conquers all.  The Lord is enough.  And He is in me, and I am in Him. 

And for today, that is enough.  

Always Faithful, Always True, Forevermore I rest in You. 

Inspiring Words to Live By 

I chose to write this poem with images from this gorgeous family, because well, the word Faithfulness describes them so perfectly.  I have known Lindsey from my middle school days.  And even through the time and distance, she remains an incredibly faithful friend.  Always there, always true, and always genuine in every way.  When I found out I was going to get to capture their sweet family within my time in Texas I was overjoyed!!  Because not only does Lindsey have a heart of gold, but her family is one for the books!  

And. as I have watched Lindsey and Grant grow within parenting it has been the most beautiful thing!! Growing in patience and love, adoration and joy.  Of course days are hard and long, but the peace and joy that about are that much sweeter.  The faithfulness they display with their children is unmatched.  Showing up in the best ways to be the best they can, in all the ways they can.  No parents are perfect to be sure, but Lindsey and Grant are incredibly intentional of the time they do have with their girls, and it is encouraging!!  Faithful and true.  Words they too are inspiring so many to live by. .

Letter to the Moren Family

You guys, words cannot even express my gratitude to you all.  You have been our rock, an amazing support system to us throughout the years.  We can go 6 months without chatting and catch up on the phone for an hour and a half, like we hadn't chatted since yesterday.  We truly admire you and feel incredibly blessed to have kept in good relation with you guys.  And parenting, I know it can be crazy hard, but my goodness are you doing a great job!  Your girls are the sweetest things alive and they breathe you both in contagiously.  We love you guys!! 

Lindsey- My dear Lindsey, oh the words I could write.  I have seen you grow into the most beautiful mama.  It has relaxed you in so many ways, as you soak in the treasures and gifts before you.  You take them in for all that they are and you affirm and uplift them.  Both those girls adore you to pieces!  And how Grant STILL lights up when you look at him.  Oh the love between you two!  You are such a treasure Linds!  Always a constant listening ear to come to, a sounding board for encouragement.  Words cannot even express my gratitude to you, or how blessed I am by our friendship. 

Hannah- Full of beauty and light.  You lead well dear girl, taking your sisters hand gently and guiding the way.  You are tender and kind, bringing out the best in others.  You will love and lead well sweet girl.  Continue beating to your own beautiful drum. 

Abigail- What a burst of energy and joy!  You keep your family on their toes for sure, but they wouldn't have it any other way!  Full of excitement and exploration.  You will take on the world and never look back!  Your stoic looks, the way you melt into your daddy's arms, the way you smile at mom, you are something special little one.  Never forget that! 

Grant- Tender and Kind.  Hannah gets a lot of her personality from you.  You are doing such a great job of tenderly loving all your girls.  The way you wrap them in your arms, comforted and held.  You are the safe place for your family to rest, constant and dependable.  You are such a light for Lindsey and a faithful source of love for your family.  Tender and Kind. 

Thank you Thank you Dear Friends!! 

And let's remember our truest form of Faithful and True this weekend. 

~Laura 

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Beauty Rising

Beauty Rising 

As the sun shines through the trees, beauty is rising, 

As the warmth of a person beside you sets in, beauty is rising, 

As your heart recovers from hardship through kind words and affirmations, beauty is rising, 

As your mind rests in the quite of the night, beauty is rising, 

As joy abounds through laughter and good community, beauty is rising, 

As the wind sweeps across your face, renewing and strengthening you once more, beauty is rising, 

As the sounds of gentle waters flowing beside you relax and restore, beauty is rising, 

As we let go of expectations, demands and conformities, beauty is rising, 

As we run from fear towards grace, beauty is rising, 

As we step into the full nature of who we are created to be, beauty is rising, 

Beauty is rising here. 

Finding beauty in Home 

A few weeks ago I got to travel to see family, and while I was there I got to photograph my beautiful sister and her family.  And as we hiked through the woods, climbed trees and logs, and chatted about life, I kept being brought in my mind to the beauty of home.  And home for me is not a specific location, but rather being with those who are important to you, your family, your home.  It is always the most beautiful thing getting to catch up with my sweet sister.  And now, as we grow older and wiser in life, and jobs and parenthood it is so good to simply have a person to relate it all in.  The joy of relationships with people we love, in places of beauty.  A treasure worth more than I could pay. 

Abiding in our spaces 

So, may we abide where we are at, being fully present, fully aware, fully atune to our surroundings and the seasons where we are planted.  May we be seasoned with grace, and ready to take on what is set before us.  May we remain focused at our task at hand, and remember all the beauty that resides there, exactly where we are planted.  

Letter to Bekah and Family 

You guys, the best word I have to describe you is loyal.  All three of you are so quick to meet the needs of others at any cost.  You take care of your own and take delight in each other.  You love others well and have fun in the process.  You are always there, consistent and true. 

Bekah- What a joy to watch you grow into the woman you are today.  Leaving behind scars and wounds, but stepping into a season of confidence and joy, soaking in all that is before you.  You are so so so loyal to your tribe, and I so love you for it.  You take amazing care of Autumn and show up to meet the needs of your family.  You always remember people.  You remember birthdays and events and are the best at coordinating things.  You are not afraid to go after what you want, and I so respect you for this, and hope I have learned just a touch of this from you.  I love you so much and am so grateful to have you as my sister! Autumn and Cole adore you to no end and know why they do.  You are simply the best.  

Autumn- Sweet sweet autumn.  You are a little mama if I have ever seen one.  Caretaking to the largest degree and making sure those around you have everything that they need.  I love your adventure spirit and you ability to charge full force after things in front of you, just like your mama.  You are going to be a go-getter in life for sure!  I have no doubt about it! We just love you to pieces little one! 

Cole- Loyal and kind, always seeing what ways to serve and step in to help.  You are truly a gift to our family and we are so glad Bekah found you, or vice versa. ;) You truly are the biggest giver, with such a hard work ethic.  You love and encourage Bekah so well and have been a breathe of fresh air for us all.  You have come alongside Autumn lovingly and full of fun and joy, everything that she needs.  She adores you, and looks up to you in so many ways.  Colie, we are just so glad you are around.  We love you! 

~Warmly, 

Laura 

*All proceeds from my November sessions will be going directly towards our adoption fund!  And, I would love to do some in-home sessions as well this winter season if anyone would be interested!