Being Jane

Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” 

Being named Jane has a lot to live up to. There are so many famous Janes. Just take a minute to google it. Of course there is Jane Austen, Jane Seymour, Jane Fonda...... so many amazing people named Jane. For one, my Grandmother, Jane Ewald, was one of the sweetest, creative, joyful people I knew. I have such fond memories of her and her legacy has lived on because some of her grandchildren were blessed to be named after her. One of those beautiful people is my niece Jane Powell.

Now one thing that many people named Jane have in common is that they are strong women. This is also a common trait with my niece Jane. She recently had to endure thyroid surgery and having her thyroid removed. For a teenager, that's a pretty big deal, and unfortunately she lives daily with the difficulty of side effect from that surgery. But let me tell you that Jane lives up to her name! She is courageous and strong. She gets up sometimes not feeling well, but faces life head on with a smile and courage. I am so proud to know such a beautiful and brave person!

This week Grace and I had the opportunity to spend time with Jane and take her pictures. How fun to celebrate Jane and to make memories that will last a lifetime. We had quite the adventure from pictures in my backyard, into Columbus for a favorite phone booth picture, stopped to enjoy an interesting tree, and then out to a beautiful field for some sunset pictures. We even had time to take a break and Jane treated us to ice cream! How fun!

Now for those of you who know Jane, you know that she loves to read! To be honest, now that I think about it, it's the one picture we are missing from this portfolio because if you know Jane, you know she always has a book in her hand. So I will leave you with this quote from a very fitting person. Thank you Jane for giving Grace and I the opportunity to take your picture this week.

“I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book! -- When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.” 

― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

" I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 2:12-13