We had a great time in November celebrating Judah’s first birthday with family and friends. This little nephew of mine is the cutest and it was a blast to capture this squirmy little guy.
Blog
-
On Dreams & Finding Yourself
Today, I took the first step in fulfilling a dream that I’ve had for many, many years. For the last two days, I was able to work through the Lilias Trotter collection at Wheaton College. If you’ve been around me long, you know that this artist-turned-missionary captured my interest. So much so, I even have one of her sketches tattooed on my arm.
My pursuit of this dream was not for lack of encouragement. It was for lack of self-worth. Over the last couple of years, my whole life flipped upside down. Those changes were a mess of good and bad, heartbreak and healing, joy and sorrow.
By God’s grace, I married a man who, when I said I no longer felt like myself, did not only offer a word of encouragement, but was insistent that we sacrifice our time, money, and energy to send me on this trip.
I’ve always desired and dreamed to grow this interest, to learn as much and write as much as I can about Lilias. I believe that the way she saw the gospel in the simplicities of Creation and the tenacity with which she served as a missionary in Algeria have much to teach us today.
For two days, I held Lilias Trotter’s journals and paintings in my hands, studied and analyzed her words, and let my dreams have the fuel they are so desperate to receive.
I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I know I have an unwavering call to write about and study Lilias Trotter. As a mentor once told me, if you have a subject that won’t let go of you, that’s a good sign you should pick up and write.
These two days balanced invigoration and exhaustion, and by God’s grace this will only be the beginning. More and more as I seek to obey what the Lord has called me to do, I am confident I will feel more and more like myself. Because who are we but God’s children, molded and shaped by His perfect and guiding hand, created to create and loved to love?
All I know, for now, is how thankful I am for Randy and for the Lord’s kindness to provide this opportunity that I might know and love him more as I study the life of Isabella Lilias Trotter.
“For a portion of the Spirit
Hiding somewhere in my heart
I gave thanks to God, beseeching
That he never might depart
Be ye filled with the Spirit
Do I dream or do I wake
What I craved in smallest measure
Boulders I am charged to take”
– Lilias Trotter, 1893 journal, page 82
-
A Palm Sunday Poem
Even the weeds
are lovely
if you stop and
take a knee
Look close to see
Understand
Not a nuisance
Not a bore
But a semblance
Of before
A tiny courier
of spring
A song of accolades
They sing
A crown befitting of
The King
-
World Down Syndrome Day: A Day In The Life of Amanda
Every March 21, on World Down Syndrome Day, I look for ways to talk about my sister and the beautiful life she has. This year is special because I actually live with Amanda for a temporary season. I wanted to let Amanda be the one to show who she is and what her life looks like on a daily basis.
Journaling is one of Amanda’s favorite things to do. This corner, in what we lovingly call the “extra room,” is where Amanda writes stories, draws pictures, and exercises the Image of God in her creativity. Many of her journals revolve around dream vacations, celebrities, and activities she would want to do with her family. She starts every morning here and does her journaling throughout the day. If you’re lucky enough to receive something she wrote or drew for you, it was done with love and thoughtfulness I am sure.
In “her” chair, with her favorite shirt, and with her pup. This big and comfy chair is designated by Amanda as “hers” and she will watch a movie in the chair every night she can. The girl loves her movies. She has celebrity birthdays memorized, knows if they have kids or not, and can sing every word to every Cheetah girls and High School Musical song in existence. She loves a good t-shirt, especially if she can represent her favorite things. Amanda loves her Walter (and Tucker, and Nova, and Maya), but she loves all dogs so deeply. If you have a dog, you’ll be her friend. But your dog will be her best friend.
Our dancing queen. She has been part of a dance group for several years now, and she takes it very seriously. Every day, right after lunch, she plays her Cheetah girls songs and practices her solo dance. Amanda’s got the moves. In a crowd, she’s sometimes timid and unsure, but when her dancing starts, she’s more confident than ever.
Beauty. Her smile wrinkles, her happy grin, her perfect curls, her precious freckles, those hazel eyes. Beyond her sweet and lovely face, she radiates a beauty unlike any other. It is a beauty that comes from her Maker. God shaped and fashioned her exactly as he wished. Her love for others, sensitive spirit, and curiosity are evidence of God himself. She is fun, sweet, goofy, and sometimes stubborn (more a badge of honor for our family than anything else). We love Amanda, and anyone who knows her would say the same.
Today, I encourage all who would read this to cherish those with Down Syndrome with all the love and value every human life deserves. Amanda, and anyone else like her, is a treasure, not an inconvenience, a person of dignity, not of devaluing.
I give praise to God for the creativity and uniqueness he gives to every human, and today especially all the beauty and grace in the lives of those with Down Syndrome.
-
Judah’s Newborn Session
Best newborn session ever! Meeting my newest nephew was sweet enough, but getting to photograph him & his parents too? The best.
-
The Carrington Family
What a crew! We love the Carringtons so much. It was truly such a blessing to get to capture their family in Kansas City before they head to new endeavors across the country. They are a blessing!
-
Fall Mini Sessions 2022
These beautiful families brought me so much joy! They have the most precious children, lovely parents, and sincere love for one another. It was so fun to spend an afternoon at Loose Park with them. Thanks to the Boone, Milligan, and Jones families for joining me for fall minis this year!
-
Sunflowers Sessions 2022
These sessions are always such a unique and fun experience. The light and the beauty in this place is just magnificent. I’m grateful for Lindsey and the Hext family spending some time with me out in the happy sunflower field!
-
Daisy’s First Birthday
Last year, I got to capture Daisy’s newborn pictures, and this year her first birthday! She is such a happy girl with the brightest eyes you ever did see. Her parents are so sweet and wonderful as well – always a joy to be around. Happy Birthday to Daisy!
-
The Pulliam Family Home
My dear friends are moving from their home of the last 8 years to a new space in a nearby neighborhood. They wanted a special way to remember this place, so we spent a morning doing what they love most!
Sharing food at the table, wrestling, dancing, playing in the front yard, and lots and lots of laughter. This was such an honor to capture and I’m so grateful to know these people!
Allyson Howell 