Category: Creativity

We chose two names 3 years ago for our children and were very excited at the possibilities.

Maximus- The greatest
Andries- Brave, Man, Warrior
Viviers- Alive

Andries is the family name from my husband Charl’s grandfather.

Just before Max was born this scripture became my promise… From 1 Sam 1:

26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.”

Liberty- Freedom
Elizabeth- God’s promise
Viviers- Alive

Elizabeth is the family name of my Grandmother, her great grandmother who turned 90 this last year.

And a scripture I found as my promise for Libby as she was born was this…

Is 61:1

‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;’

I am sure our name choices are not to taste for some, but for me and my house ‘Strength, Loyalty and God’ are so important to our values as a family.

I believe the way we name the next generation, whether in nicknames or family names or dedicated ones, has immense power in shaping their sense of self for the future.

Every nurse who asked our story, because medically when they read my notes it has a twist yesterday, they were all so surprised that we fell pregnant each time without assistance and so quickly.

Little did they know the years of agony.

The 16 year old kneeling in her shower begging God for a miracle.

The 21 year old so shy that no man would ever want to marry her barren.

The 30 something who said I do, with no promise of a family to share with her new beau.

God is faithful.

Miss Libby is truly God’s promise alive to me.

Miracles.

Speak soon

Xxoo

Amanda

We have had a super quiet but super exhausting week.

We had a false start on Saturday night, where miss v, nearly came to town but then it seems she got stage fright.

That has left me in a funny place the last few days.

Enjoying the moments, really excited about the new adventure beginning but also super frustrated as we got so close and then sent home again from the hospital.

Our little town has had a crazy amount of rain this week which has held me a little captive as well.

Today I read this quote and it made me smile.

No rain
No flowers

It’s funny I have a friend I email sometimes and she is much older than me and lives on a farm.

Whenever the rains come to the farm, they are overwhelmed with gratefulness.

She always talks about the rains in her email.

When the rains come, they know that the crops are okay for another year.

Do you feel grey with the winter rains?

Just like me in these last days of waiting, I feel a little grey and have had enough.

Without the rain

There can be no flowers.

Simple.

Profound.

Speak soon.

Maybe when I’m a mother of two.

Smile

Amanda

Our pursuit of perfection completely disables our ability to innovate.

Innovation is not just for the creative professional it is for every one of us.

If we don’t continue to change, to grow, to morph, to mature…

We stay facing the past and stay stuck in a moment that will never be again.

Our world moves so fast now and if you are unable to innovate, you will be unable to keep up with the opportunities availing themselves to us.

But.

Then.

Comes.

Our.

Need.

For.

Perfection.

Are you stuck in a moment because you are expecting perfection?

Are you unable to move past something that keeps you contained because it didn’t end perfectly?

Imperfection makes the world go round.

This is because we are imperfect.

Forgive.

Move on.

Lighten up.

Let go.

Recreate.

Bring your best and let that be enough.

Perfection is overrated.

Speak soon