Finding Grace In the Moment

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Shouts of Joy!

December 4, 2011 is a day my family will never forget. These past few weeks have been full of anticipation for my family. Never would I have thought 7 months ago I would be taking pictures of my sister Maegan, 21 weeks pregnant with her third child. If you know her incredible story, seven months ago she was told during her 20 week ultrasound with her second baby girl, Ellanie, had the rarest and severest form of spina bifida called Anencephaly. A fatal neural tube defect. Watching my sister during these past few months focusing her eyes on the cross in the good and bad days is a beautiful testimony of faith. Her presence is a constant reminder of God's grace and has shown me, no matter what the Lord's plans are for your life, His glory is in everything.

This day was a joyous day! We celebrated lots of big and new changes to come. Most of you know my family is full of girls. The girls rule the household! Well, that all changed when we found out last week Maegan is having a BOY! We are so excited for the blessing of Harrison Phillip Roper! Emmalyn is already showing off her big sister role! I am so happy for Maegan, Jeremy, and Emme. The amazing thing is while I was in tears, clinging to the cross, not fully understanding why my sister was going through a loss no mother should ever experience, God knew we would be here July 3, 2012 celebrating the life of Harrison growing inside Maegan. What a powerful God we serve! I love you Mae and I'm so proud of the woman in Christ you continue to show me and others around you. You are the mother and wife I strive to become.

A verse from Psalms Maegan posted on her blog titled "Sowing In Tears...Waiting For Shouts Of Joy" on November 29, 2011. "I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Ps. 27:13-14.

Friday, June 29, 2012

New York New York!

Traveling is one of our favorite things to do together! I don't think anyone would disagree! Visiting New York City has always been on my bucket list and when we found out one of my dear friends Courtney was moving there I knew we had to go. Jared's best friend Louis who plays for the Kansas City Royals was also going to be in New York this year pitching against the Yankee's, so we made our decision and booked our flight! We were so excited to have my sister and brother in law join us! I really don't think (I know!) the trip would not have been as much fun without them! We made special memories we'll remember forever such as touring the amazing city, Broadway, seeing long time friends, staying up till 3am and drinking LOTS of much needed coffee! Here are a few photos from our trip!