I wrote this post almost a year ago. When everything in our lives took a sharp left very unexpectedly. Though these words aren't new, the meaning behind them is still just as real. To all of my new friends here as well as old,  I hope this encourages you this morning and give you a fresh perspective...

I've wrestled with what I could write to add some value,

some meaning,

some joy

to this time of uncertainty and fear. 

It seems crazy that just a week ago we were all running around, unassuming and living our normal lives. For some of us that meant working our 9-5 and then coming home and running our 2nd shift parenting. 

For some of us that meant staying at home with little ones while enjoying our regular weekly shopping, play dates and household projects. 

Over in our neck of the woods it meant homeschooling, adjusting to a new State and a new house while trying to get my business up and running. 

Life was normal. Life was chaotic. Life was good. 

Fast forward a week and the world we live in has been turned upside down. There is a lot of uncertainty and fear as we try to grapple with the state of our world and the safety of our loved ones. Overnight we have had to make some major adjustments. Working from home and homeschooling has become a way of life for many that never expected it. Being separated from friends and loved ones has become a way of life for many that never expected it. Having a spouse on the front lines may have become a way of life for some who didn't expect it-me included. 

One snippet keeps whispering in the back of my head anytime I feel myself being anxious by all that is going on around me...

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10 calls us to be still. And really, that's all we can be right now. Still. 

And whether you read God's word or not, whatever your beliefs may be-there is comfort, peace and truth that we can all agree is a relief in times like these.

"God is our refuge and strength,

a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Therefore we will not be afraid,

though the Earth Trembles and the mountain topples into the seas,

and the mountains quake with its turmoil,

God is within her, she will not be toppled. 

Nations rage,

Kingdoms topple,

the earth melts when he lifts his voice...

Be still and know that I am God. 

So what's one way of being still that can bring a little sunshine to this dark cloud of sickness?

Pulling out that camera and documenting these days with our little ones.

You can have any kind of camera to do this so don't worry if you don't have anything fancy. Your phone will do just fine. 

But take time to notice the small, everyday moments with your kiddos while the world stands still. Them brushing their teeth, doing their schoolwork or just running around playing outside. 

Don't worry about getting them all looking and smiling at your camera. Follow them around and watch for the looks of curiosity, the giggles and the twirls that are sure to come. 

It won't be often, and maybe not ever again in our lifetime that we are forced to just be with those that we love. 

Here are some photos I took just before the chaos of moving and pandemic. Just let my kids run the beach and sat back and watched their interactions. My plan next week is to capture as many mundane moments as possible with my newfound time off. 

I'd love to see your pictures! Also, if you want any tips or tricks of taking great photos of your littles-please reach out! I'd love to help!!