Hello Declan!!

Shauna and Patrick are past a bride and groom of mine. I photographed their spectacular wedding day (view it here) back in November of 2019 at Christ Our King and Savior Church in Greensboro, Georgia. And, now, here we are!! They welcomed their first baby boy, Declan Fox, on April 19, 2021. He weighed 9lbs and 6oz and was 21.5” long. Such a big boy! He spent some time in the NICU but, came home healthy and strong!

I’m so happy for you and Patrick! This morning, just before I began writing your blog post, I read my daily devotion in Jesus Calling Family Devotional. It read,
”I am the Risen One who shines upon you always. You worship a living Deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image. Your relationship with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging as I invade more and more areas of your life. Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon. When you cling to old ways and sameness, you resist My work within you. I want you to embrace all that I am doing in your life, finding your security in ME alone.
It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances. Don’t try to force-fit today into yesterday’s mold. Instead, ask Me to open your eyes so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of life”

This just made me think of what it was like for me when I became a momma to RyAnne, our first baby. Unfortunately, I resisted the change. Even though I knew it was coming when she got here, I had NO idea the challenge it would be, nor did I know how close it would bring me to my Father. That’s the silver lining! Everyday I had to let go of my old life and accept and love my new life as her mommy. I had to let go of the idea of a schedule and just ebb and flow with her. I found myself constantly giving my schedule over to God and allowing Him to use it for His glory. It wasn’t easy but, God was still shining on me and blessing me through the challenges. I had to give myself AND my husband, Trey, so much grace. And then, once we thought we had it all down pat, we had another baby and then another baby! HA! We found ourselves giving alllllll those struggles and worries to Jesus, over and over again and praising Him for His incredible blessings!