Storytelling Through Photos {3}: "Bonfire Night"

                                                                                   Source: dailydoseofstuf.tumblr.com via Nela on Pinterest

The night was beautiful. There was laughter, good food, and wonderful friendships being made all around. It was a night to be remembered. A dream come true. A night of new beginnings and new stories. And love being told and showed all-around.

To the Father be the glory forever and ever, AMEN.

~Bright Lights Leadership Conference~

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
~ 1 Corinthians 10:31 

~Storytelling Through Photos~ {3}: "Safe & Sound"

The morning light filtered through the window shades, making the room dimly lit. Esther awoke groggily from her sleep and entered the world of reality. It took her but a few moments to remember what had happened the day before. Smiling faintly, Esther turned her head to the side and saw her newborn daughter sleeping in the hospital cradle.

Just then the nurse appeared at the doorway. "Good morning!" the nurse said softly, but brightly. "Could I get you anything?"

"Yes, could you please get my daughter for me?

The nurse gave her a knowing look and shrugged her shoulders, "Sure. No problem!"

The nurse gently picked up the sleeping newborn and handed her over to Esther. The child gurgled in her sleep, and the nurse smiled even more. "She's a beauty isn't she? Not so much a peep from her."

"Oh she'll come around. They always do." Esther said, with a wink in her eye.
Still smiling, the nurse left the room to leave the mother and child some time alone.

Hugging the child close to her, Esther began to imagine what this child's life would be like.

"My little Gabriella. As the days go by, you'll grow and become the woman God wants you to be. You'll face challenges and hardships in your life but yet there will be times of happiness as well.
Remember child, life is short so live for His glory, until He calls you home to His eternal glory."

 The child slept on as the new day began.

                                                                              Source: mollyflanagan.com via Nela on Pinterest

                                                                       listen | read | smile

~Baby Decker~

On the morning of Feb. 26th 2013, my cousin Hayley gave birth to her second son, Decker Tate. The little guy had his eyes closed when we got there, so we couldn't see what color his eyes were (they turned out to be brown) but when feeling his skin (being so soft and fresh from his mother's womb) it reminded me how amazing a newborn life can be. 

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.  Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,But shall speak with their enemies in the gate."~ Psalm 127:3-5

Congratulations Olson family!

Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him in life. ;)

P.S. For all the ladies out there, the clothing company eShakti has offered a coupon code for the readers of Beloved Star. This coupon code can be used on any of their items - you can even customize! Use the coupon code NHJYFETHER to get 20% off your order from 2/26-3/20. Thank-you and enjoy!