When you see brave, say so.

Today is Day 4 in my 100 Days to Brave journey: “Look for Brave.”

The daily assignment says, “When you see brave, say so.”

So, I’m doing just that…

By sharing the entry into my devotional journal that I am completing as I read the book:

Day 4: 12/14/18

How kismet/ironic/perfect is today’s devo?

For Maci’s scrapbook page today we revisited our cookie party from 2014…the week that her world changed in a very big, very challenging way. As I created her pages, I kept thinking how brave she has been her past 4 years.

And then I opened 100 Days to Brave and todays reading is all about people around us who are doing brave things!
Without a doubt, Maci Maree is my example of brave EVERY SINGLE DAY!

If you’ve been with me on social media for a while, you might remember this from SonShine’s senior year of high school two years ago.  At breakfast each morning before school, I display a new scrapbook page from childhood.

I started this insane tradition to prove to my child these 3 things:

1. Although you look in the mirror and see a stressed, frazzled teenager, simply dog-paddling to keep your head above water through this senior year, here is a tiny reminder that today is just 1 day in a lifetime of days which will feel very much like a roller coaster ride that includes really high ups and rock-bottom downs, jarring twists and exhilarating twirls, as well as moments that stop your heart while simultaneously taking your breath away.  But today is just today, so don’t give it more worry nor concern than it warrants.
2. You are loved. You are a gift. You are treasured. Since before you even arrived, when we are together in a one room or under the same roof, or when you are off chasing your dreams and living your own adventure, YOU ARE UNCONDITIONALLY LOVED AND A PRECIOUS, BLESSED GIFT THAT IT IS TREASURED BEYOND MEASURE.  Look at these pages, remember these moments, and know that you are never alone, you are never without support, you are never too old to want a hug, you are never too strong to need a hand, and you are never too far away to come back home.
3. No one is perfect; you will struggle, you will fall behind, and you will fail. Just look at Mom…she is greatly flawed in many, many ways. On top of that, she is 18 years behind on your baby book, graduation album, and everything in between. But she will never quit, so neither should you!

Now it’s Angel Girl’s senior year, and it’s her turn to re-live her last 18 years one page, one day at a time.

As I mentioned above, today’s page takes us back to December 2014.

Talk about your roller coaster rides!!

(Click here for the play by play of that exciting, crazy time in our world.)

The detail that I didn’t write in my journal is that our family’s step forward came with great challenges for our Angel Girl. Challenges that have required – and still do require – big bravery and immense courage.  Some Many days of the past four years have been tough and rough; and yet, she just keeps going.

She has a huge servant’s heart, she is a kind and sweet soul, she’s a fantastic friend for all who give her a chance and include her in their world, she is phenomenal leader, and she has great passion for her endeavors.

She has a strong spirit, a healthy dose of spunk, and a smile to light up the world!

In her, I see brave, and I am saying so.

I love you, Angel Girl!!

Love and hugs,
Ashli