I absolutely LOVE this! #mylittleflower
Showing posts with label my little flower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my little flower. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Sacred Lily
My thoughtful friend Kimberly sent me this photo yesterday and wrote: "I saw this today at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and instantly thought of you and your sweet Lily. She is sacred indeed. 💗 🌱 "
I absolutely LOVE this! #mylittleflower
I absolutely LOVE this! #mylittleflower
Friday, March 10, 2017
Avery's Garden Coloring Page
Avery's mama Tara is creating a coloring book for bereaved parents in her little man's memory. It is scheduled to publish soon! This is the gorgeous page she created for Lily. I requested the roses, lilies, butterflies, and quote. 💕 🎨
Thursday, March 9, 2017
An Eternal Flower
This is one of my favorite things I've written about Lily. It's from her 4th birthday in 2014 (I updated it to match this year with her turning 7). 💕
Instead of newborn cries being heard at her birth, our room at the Rex Birthing Center in Raleigh, North Carolina was drowned in silence that pierced our hearts.
Lily was perfectly formed and perfectly lovely. All 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches of her. She had the most adorable button-nose and heart-shaped lips, tiny precious eyelashes and eyebrows. She was my mini-me. But she was still. She would never open her eyes to gaze back into mine. I would never hear her sweet cry or feel her tiny hand wrapped around my finger. She would never see her own mother whose voice was so familiar. My womb was the only home she ever knew on Earth.
Now she rests in the arms of Jesus in her forever home. Where she will remain "forever pure and innocent," just as her name means.
God gave me the most precious gift I've ever received in Lily Katherine's life (besides salvation). Just as people give flowers to those they care about as a symbol of love, God gave me a little flower named Lily to show His love for me. Yet another reason I believe why He chose for her name to be Lily.
Unlike flowers on Earth that wither away and die, my little flower Lily Katherine will never wither away. She may not be alive on Earth, but her legacy is vibrantly alive. As soon as it seems her legacy might be withering away, the Lord breaths His breath of Life upon it, causing it to bloom all over again. You see, my Lily isn't a regular flower - she is an eternal flower, given as an eternal gift from an eternal God. The gift of her life will keep on giving to anyone who is blessed enough to hear her story. Not only will her legacy bloom forever on Earth, but she is blooming with Life in Jesus... in Heaven forever and ever. Her body is in the ground, but the beauty and brilliance of this flower named Lily Katherine will never fade away.
March 16, 2010 was the day I gave birth to my first-born child. Though she is not here to celebrate with us, she is worth being celebrated each year on her special day. She is a real little girl who was really born. Each year, as March 16 rolls around yet again, I will wonder who Lily might have become. A part of me will see her as whatever age she'd be had she lived. I will wonder what she would have looked like, what she would enjoy, and all that her full life could have held. Yet another part of me will forever see her as my baby daughter.
Somehow in the midst of all my wonderings and imaginings of who she might have become, He whispers peace to my heart and gives the gentle assurance that she was never meant to be a little girl of this world. She was called to a higher purpose, a Heavenly one, and she is called to be my daughter of Heaven. I am called to mother her legacy from Earth. But, I am a mere human, a mother, who misses the precious baby... the little girl... the teenager... the grown woman with babies of her own. I cry because of how much I miss her, yet I smile even through the tears because I am thankful I was given the gift of carrying her and knowing her at all.
What can I possibly say that I have not already said or written? Some things are worth repeating a thousand times... like I love Lily more than words could ever describe and mothering her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But it has also been the most rewarding and beautiful honor of my life.
There will always be a missing piece of my heart this side of Heaven, a Lily-shaped piece that she took with her on the day God called her home. I trust completely that one day, that piece will finally be filled. Totally and completely. When I meet Jesus face-to-face. On that same glorious day, I get to meet Lily face-to-face too. Until then, I will go on honoring, loving, missing, remembering, celebrating, mothering...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seven years ago today, on March 16, 2010, a sweet little flower named Lily Katherine was born, though the day unfolded unlike any of us expected.Instead of newborn cries being heard at her birth, our room at the Rex Birthing Center in Raleigh, North Carolina was drowned in silence that pierced our hearts.
Lily was perfectly formed and perfectly lovely. All 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches of her. She had the most adorable button-nose and heart-shaped lips, tiny precious eyelashes and eyebrows. She was my mini-me. But she was still. She would never open her eyes to gaze back into mine. I would never hear her sweet cry or feel her tiny hand wrapped around my finger. She would never see her own mother whose voice was so familiar. My womb was the only home she ever knew on Earth.
Now she rests in the arms of Jesus in her forever home. Where she will remain "forever pure and innocent," just as her name means.
God gave me the most precious gift I've ever received in Lily Katherine's life (besides salvation). Just as people give flowers to those they care about as a symbol of love, God gave me a little flower named Lily to show His love for me. Yet another reason I believe why He chose for her name to be Lily.
Unlike flowers on Earth that wither away and die, my little flower Lily Katherine will never wither away. She may not be alive on Earth, but her legacy is vibrantly alive. As soon as it seems her legacy might be withering away, the Lord breaths His breath of Life upon it, causing it to bloom all over again. You see, my Lily isn't a regular flower - she is an eternal flower, given as an eternal gift from an eternal God. The gift of her life will keep on giving to anyone who is blessed enough to hear her story. Not only will her legacy bloom forever on Earth, but she is blooming with Life in Jesus... in Heaven forever and ever. Her body is in the ground, but the beauty and brilliance of this flower named Lily Katherine will never fade away.
March 16, 2010 was the day I gave birth to my first-born child. Though she is not here to celebrate with us, she is worth being celebrated each year on her special day. She is a real little girl who was really born. Each year, as March 16 rolls around yet again, I will wonder who Lily might have become. A part of me will see her as whatever age she'd be had she lived. I will wonder what she would have looked like, what she would enjoy, and all that her full life could have held. Yet another part of me will forever see her as my baby daughter.
Somehow in the midst of all my wonderings and imaginings of who she might have become, He whispers peace to my heart and gives the gentle assurance that she was never meant to be a little girl of this world. She was called to a higher purpose, a Heavenly one, and she is called to be my daughter of Heaven. I am called to mother her legacy from Earth. But, I am a mere human, a mother, who misses the precious baby... the little girl... the teenager... the grown woman with babies of her own. I cry because of how much I miss her, yet I smile even through the tears because I am thankful I was given the gift of carrying her and knowing her at all.
What can I possibly say that I have not already said or written? Some things are worth repeating a thousand times... like I love Lily more than words could ever describe and mothering her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But it has also been the most rewarding and beautiful honor of my life.
There will always be a missing piece of my heart this side of Heaven, a Lily-shaped piece that she took with her on the day God called her home. I trust completely that one day, that piece will finally be filled. Totally and completely. When I meet Jesus face-to-face. On that same glorious day, I get to meet Lily face-to-face too. Until then, I will go on honoring, loving, missing, remembering, celebrating, mothering...
Thursday, February 23, 2017
A Lily and Lamb
My sweet friend Natalie sent me this photo a couple days ago and wrote: "I've been thinking of your little girl daily over here because Leo loves to read this Easter picture book. 
🌸
🌺
🌹""" I told her I loved the lily of course, but also the lamb since lambs symbolize purity and innocence like her name means, and that she has one on her stone. She didn't know and said it's perfect. A little wink from Heaven. And so special to know Lily is on people's minds.
🌸🌺🌹""" I told her I loved the lily of course, but also the lamb since lambs symbolize purity and innocence like her name means, and that she has one on her stone. She didn't know and said it's perfect. A little wink from Heaven. And so special to know Lily is on people's minds.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Calling Her by Name
Dad at Costco yesterday, calling out to his daughter (probably around 10-years-old) as he passes me on the coffee aisle: "Hey, Lily!"
First thing that crosses my mind is not sadness in wishing I was calling out the same thing to my own daughter (which of course I do), but rather what a wonderful gift it is to know one day I WILL get to say her name TO HER, not just refer to her by name to others. What anticipation and delight floods my soul.
#thankYouJesus #thehopeofHeaven #nomoretears #mylittleflower
First thing that crosses my mind is not sadness in wishing I was calling out the same thing to my own daughter (which of course I do), but rather what a wonderful gift it is to know one day I WILL get to say her name TO HER, not just refer to her by name to others. What anticipation and delight floods my soul.
#thankYouJesus #thehopeofHeaven #nomoretears #mylittleflower
Friday, February 10, 2017
Lily LuLaRoe Dress
If you haven't heard of LuLaRoe by now, you've likely been living under a rock. 😋
My sister-in-law Kala was at a LuLaRoe party a couple weeks ago and found the perfect dress for me, with lilies all over it. 😍 💕 #mylittleflower
My sister-in-law Kala was at a LuLaRoe party a couple weeks ago and found the perfect dress for me, with lilies all over it. 😍 💕 #mylittleflower
Friday, January 13, 2017
"Perfection, Light, and Life"
My friend Stacy sent me a sweet message. She shared how her husband's family has had a tradition since he was a child of ringing a bell when leaving the house and how she wanted to find one for their family to continue the tradition.
Here's what she said, "So I was looking on Amazon to see if I could maybe get him one for here that we could start doing with our kids and eventually our grandkids. It said some French sounding words in the description and I had no idea what it meant, so I looked it up - and had to send it to you - you probably already know about this, but I love it! It says... "The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life." .... "Perfection, light, and life! Yep! That's Lily!" ❤️ And!! Look at the picture behind the message I just sent you!"
Here's what she said, "So I was looking on Amazon to see if I could maybe get him one for here that we could start doing with our kids and eventually our grandkids. It said some French sounding words in the description and I had no idea what it meant, so I looked it up - and had to send it to you - you probably already know about this, but I love it! It says... "The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life." .... "Perfection, light, and life! Yep! That's Lily!" ❤️ And!! Look at the picture behind the message I just sent you!"
 |
| a lily in the background :) |
That certainly does describe my girl! And how dear for Stacy to think of her and to send this to me. :)
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Bloom in Heaven
Thank you to Carly Marie for these lovely new photos.
This is one of my favorite quotes because I call Lily "my little flower." Carly says this is the tiniest butterfly she's ever drawn. :)
.jpg)
This is one of my favorite quotes because I call Lily "my little flower." Carly says this is the tiniest butterfly she's ever drawn. :)
Monday, March 9, 2015
The Difference Between Roses and Lilies
I love that Lily and I both have flower names. It is almost as if she was named after me, just with a different flower. In honor of Lily, I would love to include flowers in the names of my future daughters.
Anyways, I have been thinking about the difference between roses and lilies and how perfect that Lily and I have the names we do.
You see, my name is Hannah Rose and roses are lovely flowers, yet they have prickly, ugly thorns. I certainly have a fair share of thorns. I am far from perfect.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." I choose to rejoice that in spite of my thorns, and even with my thorns, the Lord has turned my story into something beautiful... the rose. My life is a story of both thorns and roses.
On the other hand, lilies are gentle, delicate, beautiful flowers, just like my Lily. They are perfect, yet they fade so quickly. They have no thorns like the rose.
"We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon its face before its fragrance and bids the world goodnight to rest its beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost and no one who has touched a heart can really pass away because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they've been a part." -Ellen Brenneman
The Lord gives me fresh insights like this all the time. I am thankful that even though Lily is not here, God gives me beautiful glimpses of His purpose for her life and legacy.
I like to think that my delicate Lily helped make this prickly, thorny rose a little more beautiful. :-)
Anyways, I have been thinking about the difference between roses and lilies and how perfect that Lily and I have the names we do.
 |
| rose and lily from Lily's memorial/burial service with the LIFE bracelet she was buried with |
You see, my name is Hannah Rose and roses are lovely flowers, yet they have prickly, ugly thorns. I certainly have a fair share of thorns. I am far from perfect.
As Abraham Lincoln said, "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can rejoice because thorn bushes have roses." I choose to rejoice that in spite of my thorns, and even with my thorns, the Lord has turned my story into something beautiful... the rose. My life is a story of both thorns and roses.
On the other hand, lilies are gentle, delicate, beautiful flowers, just like my Lily. They are perfect, yet they fade so quickly. They have no thorns like the rose.
"We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon its face before its fragrance and bids the world goodnight to rest its beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost and no one who has touched a heart can really pass away because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they've been a part." -Ellen Brenneman
The Lord gives me fresh insights like this all the time. I am thankful that even though Lily is not here, God gives me beautiful glimpses of His purpose for her life and legacy.
I like to think that my delicate Lily helped make this prickly, thorny rose a little more beautiful. :-)
Sunday, March 16, 2014
An Eternal Flower
Four years ago today, on March 16, 2010, a sweet little flower named Lily Katherine was born, though the day unfolded unlike any of us expected.
Instead of newborn cries being heard at her birth, our room at the Rex Birthing Center in Raleigh, North Carolina was drowned in silence that pierced our hearts.
Lily was perfectly formed and perfectly lovely. All 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches of her. She had the most adorable button-nose and heart-shaped lips, tiny precious eyelashes and eyebrows. She was my mini-me. But she was still. She would never open her eyes to gaze back into mine. I would never hear her sweet cry or feel her tiny hand wrapped around my finger. She would never see her own mother whose voice was so familiar. My womb was the only home she ever knew on Earth.
Now she rests in the arms of Jesus in her forever home. Where she will remain "forever pure and innocent," just as her name means.
God gave me the most precious gift I've ever received in Lily Katherine's life (besides salvation). Just as people give flowers to those they care about as a symbol of love, God gave me a little flower named Lily to show His love for me. Yet another reason I believe why He chose for her name to be Lily.
Unlike flowers on Earth that wither away and die, my little flower Lily Katherine will never wither away. She may not be alive on Earth, but her legacy is vibrantly alive. As soon as it seems her legacy might be withering away, the Lord breaths His breath of Life upon it, causing it to bloom all over again. You see, my Lily isn't a regular flower - she is an eternal flower, given as an eternal gift from an eternal God. The gift of her life will keep on giving to anyone who is blessed enough to hear her story. Not only will her legacy bloom forever on Earth, but she is blooming with Life in Jesus... in Heaven forever and ever. Her body is in the ground, but the beauty and brilliance of this flower named Lily Katherine will never fade away.
March 16, 2010 was the day I gave birth to my first-born child. Though she is not here to celebrate with us, she is worth being celebrated each year on her special day. She is a real little girl who was really born. Each year, as March 16 rolls around yet again, I will wonder who Lily might have become. A part of me will see her as whatever age she'd be had she lived. I will wonder what she would have looked like, what she would enjoy, and all that her full life could have held. Yet another part of me will forever see her as my baby daughter.
Somehow in the midst of all my wonderings and imaginings of who she might have become, He whispers peace to my heart and gives the gentle assurance that she was never meant to be a little girl of this world. She was called to a higher purpose, a Heavenly one, and she is called to be my daughter of Heaven. I am called to mother her legacy from Earth. But, I am a mere human, a mother, who misses the precious baby... the little girl... the teenager... the grown woman with babies of her own. I cry because of how much I miss her, yet I smile even through the tears because I am thankful I was given the gift of carrying her and knowing her at all.
What can I possibly say that I have not already said or written? Some things are worth repeating a thousand times... like I love Lily more than words could ever describe and mothering her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But it has also been the most rewarding and beautiful honor of my life.
There will always be a missing piece of my heart this side of Heaven, a Lily-shaped piece that she took with her on the day God called her home. I trust completely that one day, that piece will finally be filled. Totally and completely. When I meet Jesus face-to-face. On that same glorious day, I get to meet Lily face-to-face too. Until then, I will go on honoring, loving, missing, remembering, celebrating, mothering...
In honor of Lily's 4th birthday in Heaven, here are some of my favorite photos from March 16, 2010...
Instead of newborn cries being heard at her birth, our room at the Rex Birthing Center in Raleigh, North Carolina was drowned in silence that pierced our hearts.
Lily was perfectly formed and perfectly lovely. All 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21 inches of her. She had the most adorable button-nose and heart-shaped lips, tiny precious eyelashes and eyebrows. She was my mini-me. But she was still. She would never open her eyes to gaze back into mine. I would never hear her sweet cry or feel her tiny hand wrapped around my finger. She would never see her own mother whose voice was so familiar. My womb was the only home she ever knew on Earth.
Now she rests in the arms of Jesus in her forever home. Where she will remain "forever pure and innocent," just as her name means.
God gave me the most precious gift I've ever received in Lily Katherine's life (besides salvation). Just as people give flowers to those they care about as a symbol of love, God gave me a little flower named Lily to show His love for me. Yet another reason I believe why He chose for her name to be Lily.
Unlike flowers on Earth that wither away and die, my little flower Lily Katherine will never wither away. She may not be alive on Earth, but her legacy is vibrantly alive. As soon as it seems her legacy might be withering away, the Lord breaths His breath of Life upon it, causing it to bloom all over again. You see, my Lily isn't a regular flower - she is an eternal flower, given as an eternal gift from an eternal God. The gift of her life will keep on giving to anyone who is blessed enough to hear her story. Not only will her legacy bloom forever on Earth, but she is blooming with Life in Jesus... in Heaven forever and ever. Her body is in the ground, but the beauty and brilliance of this flower named Lily Katherine will never fade away.
March 16, 2010 was the day I gave birth to my first-born child. Though she is not here to celebrate with us, she is worth being celebrated each year on her special day. She is a real little girl who was really born. Each year, as March 16 rolls around yet again, I will wonder who Lily might have become. A part of me will see her as whatever age she'd be had she lived. I will wonder what she would have looked like, what she would enjoy, and all that her full life could have held. Yet another part of me will forever see her as my baby daughter.
Somehow in the midst of all my wonderings and imaginings of who she might have become, He whispers peace to my heart and gives the gentle assurance that she was never meant to be a little girl of this world. She was called to a higher purpose, a Heavenly one, and she is called to be my daughter of Heaven. I am called to mother her legacy from Earth. But, I am a mere human, a mother, who misses the precious baby... the little girl... the teenager... the grown woman with babies of her own. I cry because of how much I miss her, yet I smile even through the tears because I am thankful I was given the gift of carrying her and knowing her at all.
What can I possibly say that I have not already said or written? Some things are worth repeating a thousand times... like I love Lily more than words could ever describe and mothering her has been the hardest thing I've ever done. But it has also been the most rewarding and beautiful honor of my life.
There will always be a missing piece of my heart this side of Heaven, a Lily-shaped piece that she took with her on the day God called her home. I trust completely that one day, that piece will finally be filled. Totally and completely. When I meet Jesus face-to-face. On that same glorious day, I get to meet Lily face-to-face too. Until then, I will go on honoring, loving, missing, remembering, celebrating, mothering...
In honor of Lily's 4th birthday in Heaven, here are some of my favorite photos from March 16, 2010...
 |
| my mini-me... the first time I held her |
 |
| I have never shared this before, but this is Lily with her father |
|
| hugs and kisses to last a lifetime |
 |
| my favorite picture of my beautiful girl |
.jpg) |
| so very feminine, delicate, and sweet |
Lily's video tribute
Monday, June 10, 2013
My Little Flower Bringing Forth Fruit
I keep every card given to me on Lily's birthdays, Mother's Day, etc... Yesterday, I was going through some of Lily's things and came across a card that my best friend, Kala, gave me this year on Lily's 3rd Heavenly Birthday.
Kala will be marrying my brother, Joseph, this October, so she will truly be Lily's auntie... that brings a huge smile to my heart. :) She was one of the only people there on the day Lily was born.
Anyways, the truth and beauty in her card is so profound and elegant that I just have to share it:
I am amazed yet again at how the Lord specifically chose the name Lily for my daughter - she's "my little flower," as I call her... the depth and meaning behind her name is still being revealed.
Kala will be marrying my brother, Joseph, this October, so she will truly be Lily's auntie... that brings a huge smile to my heart. :) She was one of the only people there on the day Lily was born.
Anyways, the truth and beauty in her card is so profound and elegant that I just have to share it:
"It is hard to believe these years have gone by so quickly. The more time that passes, the more fruit comes forth from the tiny flower that grew in your womb.
My heart and spirit are and will be forever grateful for your obedience and for the life Lily was given.
Lily helped me to see the beauty of life, helped me to understand that we are all but flowers quickly fading here on earth - made for the good pleasure of the King and created to sew Truth into this earth - and life. Life. Was there ever a word so beautiful, apart from the Name above all names, King of kings and Lord of lords - King Jesus!
I love you, Hannah Rose and Lily."
I am amazed yet again at how the Lord specifically chose the name Lily for my daughter - she's "my little flower," as I call her... the depth and meaning behind her name is still being revealed.
 |
| A gift from Marcia |
Flowers were created to produce fruit... "A tiny flower" named Lily was created by God to produce good fruit... both in my heart and life and in the hearts and lives of others. She was made to sew Truth, beauty, and LIFE into this earth. Her legacy will far outlive the number of days her physical body was alive on earth. It is true that the more time passes, the more fruit God is bringing forth from her life!
As is very-often found in English translations, a single general word, in this case "flower," is used to translate a number of different Hebrew words that all mean "flower," but with some more specific or detailed meaning.
The Hebrew word pronounced peh-rawkh, means a bud of a flower (a partially-opened flower). Lily was only partially-opened on earth. She never spoke a single word... never even took a breath. And just as we wait and anticipate when a beautiful flower is about to burst forth in full bloom, knowing the beauty that is to come, so it is with Lily's life... I am waiting for the beauty of this little flower's legacy to burst forth in full bloom!
"A tiny flower, lent not given, to bud on earth and bloom in Heaven..."
The Hebrew word pronounced tseets, means a brightly-colored flower. Lily brought so much color to my world and the world!
The Hebrew word pronounced nits-tsawh, means a blossom, a flower in full bloom. Lily may not be blooming on earth anymore, but she will bloom with vibrant LIFE in Jesus forever!
Isn't this amazing?!
Like Lily, I pray that we allow God to bring forth all the beauty in our short lives that He desires to... may we be fully willing, fully surrendered to His plans and purposes. All the temporal matters in this life don't have significance in light of Eternity. May we live with Eternity always on our hearts and minds!
As little flower Lily's life is teaching us, we are all flowers quickly fading... here today and gone tomorrow. Created to glorify the Lord with our lives.
"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. The wind blows, and we are gone - as though we had never been here. But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and His righteousness to children's children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments." ~Psalm 103:15-18
All flesh is grass, fading away.
Only You last, only You remain.
All flesh is grass, fading away.
Only You last, Only You remain...
the same, You never change.
Surely man is like the flower of the field,
And life is but a vapor, at best it's but a vapor.
Surely man is like a flower of the field,
And the fragrance but a vapor, at best it's but a vapor.
But, You O God,
are better than a thousand blooms.
~Misty Edwards
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