Life

Waiting, A Time of Learning

aPear Photography-Hannah Personal, Words/Updates/info Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
I shared a post on Instagram the other day about waiting. I’m gonna share it below to help put the rest of what I’m about to write into context.
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I feel like this (the verse in the image above) is the anthem of my life, and let me confess to you…I’m not very good at being patient 😕 I am practicing and improving as the years go on though, so that’s something! 😁

I find myself continually in a place where I am practicing contentment and trying to be patient as I wait for the next thing in life my heart is desiring. A few years ago this waiting was in regards to being married. I longed to be a wife and enjoy the companionship of my handsome hubby. I even got to the point in waiting where I told the Lord, “If this isn’t the person you have for me let this relationship dissolve and plant a new desire in my heart”. As you know I am now happily married to that same wonderful man and wouldn’t change a thing. I learned a lot about myself in the waiting and it allowed me to prepare for the sacrifices that love and marriage would and has required of me.

Today that desire waiting to be fulfilled is motherhood. I have actually had “baby fever” for several years but recently that desire has been aching at my heart. I love kids, they are seriously the best humans in the world! They are smart, funny, so genuine, and love in such an unconditional way. It’s amazing to me. I feel like I’ve always been a mom at heart even from a young age, as I would care for and teach my baby dolls as if they were real babies 🙈

I am learning in this time of waiting (we aren’t quite ready for babies just yet as a couple and that’s ok, cause when we are ready it’s gonna be amazing) that I should be enjoying all the freedoms that life without kids offers. I usually stay occupied by taking great care of my hubby and our dog! However since it’s been just me and the dog, I miss taking care of another human. I know I am just missing my hubby and that is totally understandable! Plus I have several friends that will be having adorable babies soon, and I have so many friends who allow me to pour into and love on their kiddos!! I have truly been blessed in the season of waiting with some amazing women and kiddos to share life with while my hubby is away!! Thank you all for your love and support and indulging my baby fever!! #waiting #pactience #confession”

I know this may seem like a totally new topic, but trust me there is a connection.

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There’s nothing good about goodbye…

aPear Photography-Hannah Personal, Words/Updates/info Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments
Personally I think it’s a terrible name…cause good is definitely not how you feel when you say bye. I prefer “see you soon”.
You are probably wondering…. “what brought that on?” Well, I have just embarked on the longest see you soon I’ve had to do since my hubby and I got married in 2015. It’s his turn to go out and protect our country and I am beyond proud of him for his passion and commitment to his job!
I know this time apart will pass quickly, because I have such a wonderful family and great support system/family/friends here in Jacksonville. The Lord knew just where I needed to be during this time and even though when we moved here I wasn’t thrilled, I am so very thankful now. I have been blessed with an amazing church and church family to serve with here. I have awesome friends who are so encouraging and supportive; who are already opening up their arms to spend time with me and keep me occupied while the hubby is away. Not gonna lie, I’m kind of excited for some of the new activities I’ll hopefully get to do, like babysit some really awesome and cute kiddos.
I have also been immensely blessed with my photography business here and my It Works business ( I realize I haven’t actually shared that with you guys here yet. I’ll post an update soon) as well!
I am looking forward to my mother’s day minis coming up in may, and I recently had an opportunity open to me for doing some real estate photography as well!
I have been clinging to this verse for a while now, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT)
This year, while having it’s challenges, will be so amazing. I know it might seem a little crazy, but this is my year to thrive. I can just feel it! The Lord has been so faithful and opened so many doors for me here, and I want to honor Him by doing my very best!
Something I remind myself of daily is this, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT)
This promise is true, because I have been at peace about this long “see you soon” for a while now. Not that I won’t be missing my hubby, cause of course I will. I know some days will be hard and I will cry, other days will be easy….and I will be counting down the days till I get to see him again!
I would appreciate any prayers and encouragement you’d like to send my way this year!
Thank you for sharing in my journey! If you are interested in receiving my blog posts in your inbox (I don’t post a lot, mostly just when I have sessions and if inspiration or life compels me), scroll down and click the follow button.
~Hannah

Here are some of my favorite memories we’ve shared during our 2 years of marriage so far, and can’t wait to make so many more memories when you return!