Well, my friends! I decided to pause blogging for a brief moment but life has continued on. 🙌🏻😅 Thanksgiving was thoroughly enjoyed, the sparkly month of December was filled to the brim with festivities, and here we are… 2025! 🎊 We have rung in a new year and, with eager expectation, we are all wondering what the Lord God may have in store for the days ahead. 🙏🏼 As I opened my bible this morning on the second day of 2025, my eyes fell on Hebrews 6:18-20. The command to LAY HOLD of the hope set before us jumped off the page and penetrated my heart! It reads:

“That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, ²⁰ where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20

I will honestly say 2024 was the most challenging year of my life. But I can also say it was the richest and fullest! Through the deepest sorrows and most painful trials, I came to more fully understand the sustaining power of my merciful Savior. I stand here today echoing the Psalmist as he proclaimed, “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”(Ps 54:5).♥️ And, with a quiet confidence in our Lord(Proverbs 3:25-26), I can say I the trying of my faith in 2024 has proved(once again) the faithfulness of my God. He is my Helper! 🙏🏼 So here I am. I am looking into a new year with no idea what it may hold, but the words swirling through my mind are “This HOPE we have”! This hope we have is Jesus Christ our Lord. He is the ONE who “has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… And by His stripes we are healed.”(Isaiah 53). If we have this hope, we can have confidence that 2025 will be a year of goodness and mercy(Ps 23:6)! We can have confidence that we will be satisfied with good things(Ps 145:16, Ps 84:11). We can have confidence that The Lord God will accomplish His good purpose in us(Phil 2:13) in 2025 and beyond. I am reminded of Psalm 71, which says, “YOU are my hope, O Lord God”. This HOPE we have is both SURE and STEADFAST! It is a living Hope(1 Peter 1:3). It is the anchor for our soul even in the most tempestuous storms of life! Let’s eagerly lay hold of the HOPE set before us as we face the new year unafraid. Come what may, I pray that “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

“Look not mournfully into the past, it comes not back again. Wisely improve the present, it is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

QUESTION:
What is one of your top highlights/blessings from 2024?
What verse(s) would you say were your theme verses for 2024?

How about random photos from the past few months? Once again, I will let the photos speak for themselves. The past few months have been abundantly blessed by The Lord and I am thankful!

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:6-9

To each and every one of you, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! 🦃✨ I pray this time of celebration is filled to the brim and overflowing with goodness as you count your blessings, GIVE THANKS to the Lord, and enjoy your families.🧡 As we take the day to bake up a delicious assortment of pies and prepare the Thanksgiving Turkeys let’s recall the goodness of the Lord toward us and speak of His faithfulness to all we see! In every second of every day, He loads us with blessings and benefits that cannot be numbered. I am reminded of Psalm 31:19 as it says, “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” The Lord God is so very good and worthy of our praise. May we truly GIVE THANKS with grateful hearts!🙌🏻🍂

QUESTIONS:
1.) Share 3 Thanksgivings
2.) What is YOUR favorite Thanksgiving Dish?
3.) How will you be spending your Thanksgiving?

My Thanksgivings:
1.) My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the salvation that is only found through HIM! “He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Psalm 55:18

2.) My family! I cannot begin to express what a blessing they are to me. They show such mercy and grace each and every day! They point me to The Lord, calling me higher as they encourage me onward and upward. God has been so gracious to give them to me!! 🙌🏻🧡 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” Hebrews 10:24

3.) YOU! My blogging friends. Your faithful encouragement and friendship is a sweet gift and I thank the Lord for you! “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” Phil 1:3

 “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy”
Psalm 107:1-2

Y’all, he really is the best!! Today is Gideon’s Birthday and I so excited to be celebrating him. 🥳 Besides having such rugged good looks and a tall + strong stature, Gideon is faithful, consistent, extremely patient, and always kind! 😍 Gideon is a walking encyclopedia with a vast knowledge of history, guns, and just about anything else of importance. He is honestly so smart with so much useful information it is astounding! 🙈 One thing that really just blows me away is Gideon is always willing to give up his own time for the needs of others. Whether it is helping a friend with a house project, fixing a family member’s roof, traveling hundreds of miles to ensure a sister gets safely to a wedding(Picture proof), or taking time to sip a cup of coffee and listen to me talk… he eagerly volunteers and happily completes the task! 🙌🏻 He is constantly looking after the needs of others and I couldn’t be more blessed than I am to have him as my brother. ♥️ Happy Birthday, GIDEON!! It is my hope and pray that this next year is the BEST YET as you continue to seek and serve The Lord!! He is faithful. Okay y’all!! You know the rules. Don’t leave without leaving Gideon a Birthday comment in the comment box below!!👇🏼

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”
Psalm 37:23-24

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:  The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Numbers 4:24-26

Yes, you read that right. It’s a special day!! Today is my Mother’s Birthday. 🥳💓 So grateful to the Lord for my Mom! And excited to be celebraing her all day long!! From housekeeping to homeschooling, landscaping, baking, sewing, knitting, organizing… Mom is so gifted in everything she puts her hands to and constantly blesses others with her gifts! 🙏🏼 Mom’s our in-home motivator + encourager and the BEST listener + advice giver. I am DAILY blessed by my mom’s selflessness, love, and support! Her example and encouragement always points me to the Lord and for that I am so truly thankful! Happy Birthday, Mom. Hope your day is filled to the brim and overflowing with goodness! 🙌🏻🎉 Praying this year is the BEST YET for you. 💝 Y’all, help us celebrate this beautiful lady by leaving a comment in the comment box below!!👇🏼

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”
Philippians 1:3-6

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

Ladies and gentlemen…. today I am beyond honored to be able to announce it is Ruth’s Birthday!! 🎉 This beauty… WOW.😍 I can’t even!! Ruth is such a tremendous blessing to our family and finding words to accurately describe her is almost impossible! 🤯♥️ I have been thinking about what to say all day and I an really just left speachless. Y’all, her beauty is not just skin deep! This lovely lady radiates Christ and His goodness. Ruth is an extremely gifted artist! If you have not yet seen her work, you can do so HERE. Her artwork blesses me every single day! She is our in-house Sourdough baker, Chicken raiser, piano player, and encourager. Ruth has been gifted by the Lord with immense discernment, discretion, and a diligent spirit. Her witty sense of humor will leave you laughing until you cry!! Ruth is a faithful daughter, sister, and freind… And I am so thankful we get to celebrat her all day long. 🥰 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Ruth!!🎈 I am praying this year is THE BEST YET so be ready!! May the Lord continue to richly bless you as you continue to seek and serve Him. He is ALWAYS faithful!! 💝🎉 Y’ALL… Don’t leave until you’ve left the Birthday lady a comment below.👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

“The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Psalm 121:8

“The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.”
Proverbs 19:23

Where does one even begin?! I am almost left speachless. 😍 Today we celebrate Emmaus’s 13th birthday and there is so much to say about this Birthday girl!!🎉🎈 Is it possible for someone 20+ years younger than you to be one of your greatest encouragers and have the wisdom of a 40 year-old? Cause I would have to say Emmi is and does!! 😅 This lovely lady is gifted by the Lord in so many ways and has been given a spirit of encouragement that blesses me and so many others daily! But don’t be fooled, she isn’t about fluff. She’ll tell you how it is and not beat around the bush! 😘 Emmi is talented cross stitcher, lettter writer, faithful friend, diligent animal keeper, and expert Goat milker!🐐🥛 She can milk 1 goat in 90 seconds flat… Approximately! I haven’t officially timed it but I am pretty sure it was 90 seconds. 😉💓😁 She is also a petiant teacher! She’s been teaching me to milk this past week and didn’t even loose her temper when the milk ended up all over her lap instead of in the bucket on my first and second try. 😆 Have a kink in your neck? She can also give a pretty great massage to work it out. 😉 One of the most beautiful things about Emmaus is that she pours herself into God’s Word and retains it like no other! It is encouraging to hear where she is at and what she is learning in her daily reading. She is seeking the Lord diligently and daily and striving to serve others! ♥️ She is beautiful inside and out. And TODAY IS HER BIRTHDAY!!! Happy Happy Happy Birthday, Emmi!🤗🥳 I an so very thankful to the Lord for YOU. Don’t know where I’d be without you!! Hope today is FABULOUS!!!🙌🏻 Y’all know the rules. 💁🏼‍♀️Don’t leave until you’ve left he Birthday Girl a COMMENT BELOW!!

“When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
Psalm 27:8

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

My friends… she really is the best!! And today she turns 16!!! 🎉 Rebekah… Where do I even begin?! This gal is my personal fashion advisor, life coach, and walking partner(those walks are my favorite part of the day🥰). 🙌🏻 She can whip up dinner for 13 without an ounce of stress and bakes the world’s BEST dessert in a split second when you ask her! She also happens to make a magnificent mocha?! 🤩 Rebekah is kind, caring, loyal, and always encouraging. She is a faithful friend, always offering a listening ear and ALWAYS pointing me back to the Lord and His Word! ♥️ She’s been my best buddy since the day she was born and I have been so blessed over the years to see her grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When I grow young I want to be just like her! 😉 Happy Birthday, Rebekah!!!!🥳 So very excited to see all the Lord has in store for you as you continue to seek and serve Him. HE is ALWAYS faithful!! 🙋🏼‍♀️🎉 Y’all know the rules. Don’t leave until you have left the birthday girl a birthday comment below!!👇🏼

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”
Jude 1:24-25

Yep, it is true. Today is THE DAY! 🎈 The day we celebrate the birth of the one and only sheep keeper, book writer, truth speaker, business owner, and hyper-entrepreneur. 🙌🏻 You guessed it, today is Grace’s Birthday! 🥳 So how about a little more about the BIRTHDAY LADY? Besides her gorgeous looks, sparkling personality, and great fashion sense, Grace is known for her vast knowledge of all things business, her “tell it how it is” personality(she’s not afraid of stepping on toes y’all), and her beautifully large flock of Dorper sheep. 🐑😆 Grace is also a dynamo on camera(she should have been a news broadcaster. Just picture Tucker Carlson + Diane Sawyer with a distinctly Christian worldview 😅😜). Hey, if you are around her very long you may just get to hear her monologue!😉 Grace is a creative visionary! She’s a Get-it-done even-if-you-get-dirty personality. Whether it’s pulling lambs during their birth, butchering goats, building businesses, contending for the faith, or baking my favorite cream cheese raspberry bars(not a hint but kinda a hint that she needs to make them again soon😉) Grace does whatever the Lord calls her to thoroughly and efficiently and for that I am very thankful! So, without further ado… Happy Birthday, GRACE!!!!!!🎉 Always inspired and encouraged by you. ♥️ Hope this year is THE BEST YET as you continue to seek and serve The Lord!! Y’all, don’t leave without leaving Grace a Birthday note in the comment box below!!

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”
2 Peter 3:18

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26

Today I am so very thankful to be celebrating my Dad’s Birthday!! 🎈 This is a man who has blessed so many people in so many ways!! My dad is a wonderful encourager, leader, and patient listener always pointing us back to the Lord and His Word. His fabulous sense of humor, wisdom, and unmatched energy fill my days with so much encouragement and laughter. My Dad works tirelessly at any task the Lord brings his way with heightened enthusiasm and it is truly energizing to witness! I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to have him in my life. Happy Birthday, Dad!! 🧡 I am so thankful to the Lord for you!! I pray this next year is the BEST YET with many many more to come.🙌🏻 Psst… Please don’t leave without taking a moment to wish my Dad a very blessed and best birthday in the comment box below!!👇🏼

“The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Psalm 121:5-8

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy”
Philippians 1:3-4

Today I (Grace) have the honor of writing the Birthday post… because the birthday is RACHEL’S!

I feel like you guys could write this post as well, or better, than I. I know that Rachel has done something special to encourage each one of you reading this today.

• She sends cards through the mail by the hundreds.
• Texts of encouragement by the thousands.
• Spring 100 shirts by the 10’s of thousands.
• Emails.
• 1-1 encouragement.
• Food. (Friday night Pizza is a weekly tradition that no one every gets tired of!!)

Rachel has poured her life into those around her.

She serves, she gives, she cooks, she cleans. She is able to do the work of 10 women in one and it never ceases to amaze us all… and leaves us all wondering what we would do without her (seriously, please don’t make me think about it)!

You probably know Rachel because she has reached out to you, encouraged you, made you a handmade card, or sent you a box full of chocolate just when you needed it most.

As her sister I know that she has had her share of difficult days. God’s grace has enabled her to keep looking to Him for the strength to press toward the mark for that high calling in Christ Jesus. She is really holding the line for so many.

More pizza photos… and I am going to leave with a montage of some of her best food… guys: I can’t explain the happiness that her home-cooked meals bring!!! You’ll have to get over here and try some of it for yourself :D.

Great… now I’m hungry….

Happy Birthday, Rachel! We are grateful for you and all you do!

P.S. Do not leave without leaving a comment!!!  Wish Rachel a happy birthday!!

-Grace

“Strength and honour are her clothing; And she shall rejoice in time to come.” Proverbs 31:25

Hopping on here to wish my parents a very happy 41st Wedding Anniversary!! ♥️ God’s faithfulness has been so very abundant over the years in their marriage and it has been a such privilege to witness. I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 4:9 this evening as it says, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.” Truly, by the grace of God, my parent’s labor together in marriage has not been in vain(1 Cor 15:58). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Mom & Dad!! Praying the years to come be even sweeter than those that have passed. Truly thankful to the Lord for both of you!! Help me celebrate by leaving a little “CONGRATULATIONS” or “Happy Anniversary” in the comment box below!!

“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.”
Isaiah 25:1

“But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Mark 10:6-9

When you think “Things are gonna slow down a bit this month” you find the Lord has other plans!😉 June started out as the month I thought I’d take it easy with no big plans and it ended the month that The Lord, once again, showed His grace is sufficient and strength is made perfect in weakness. I am so thankful The Lord God knows exactly what we need when we need it! From finishing out the largest Spring100 to date to hopping on a plane to visit some of my favorite people in Virginia, learning how to milk cows🐄😅, hiking the Shenandoah Valley😍, celebrating Father’s Day + a Birthday, Kayaking in Oklahoma with friends(and getting burnt to a crisp🦞), keeping up with work, spending time with family, and grabbing a few minutes of sleep in between…😉 this has been an unexpectedly jam-packed month filled to the brim and overlowing with the Lord’s mercy and goodness! He has truly blessed it and provided the energy for every moment of every day. 🙏🏼 A verse that has been on my heart this month and one I would officially dub my “theme verse” for 2024 is “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.” Psalm 54:4! I am so thankful that He is my Help and the One who sustains me. He directs our steps and promises to guide us continually(Isaiah 58:11). When we find ourselves overwhelmed and unsure as to what the days ahead hold, He knows the path we take! “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path…” (Ps 142:3). So, here I am! Jumping into July, excited to see what it may have in store as the Lord continues to help + sustain me! The wonderful news? We can fully trust the Lord will be our guide every step of the way because He promises He will(Ps 32:8) and “all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Cor 1:20)! So, how about a few(dozen) photos to prove June happened?! 😍😁 Lydia and I were so blessed by the sweet hospitality of the F. family and thoroughly enjoyed exploring Staunton + Lexington Virginia for the first time. 🧡 A HUGE thank you for having us(you know who you are😉)!!

QUESTION!! I’d love to hear from YOU. What was the highlight of your June? And what verse(s) has encouraged you lately? Make my day by leaving a comment!!

“And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”
Isaiah 58:10

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:8-9

Today is one of my favorite days! A day dedicated to my Dad. I don’t even know where to begin! Words cannot express how truly grateful to the Lord I am for my father. His daily sacrifice for his family and stalwartness have been inspiring and blessed me over and again. My Dad is a faithful leader, supporter, protector, encourager, and counselor! He is constantly pointing me and my siblings to the Lord, exalting God’s Word as the ultimate unfailing truth, and reminding his children and others to live a life well pleasing to The Lord. The years have not been easy but my Dad has been determined to follow the Lord wherever He may lead! This, my friends, is humbling and motivating to witness.🙏🏼 Happy Father’s Day Dad! I am so very thankful for you!!!🙌🏻♥️

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”
Proverbs 1:8-9

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”
Proverbs 20:7

Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to announce today is one of the BEST DAYS ever…🥳 Today is Abel’s 19th birthday! 🎈 For those of you who have yet to meet Abel, you don’t know what you’re missing… and today is the day I get to share a little bit about him with YOU!🥰 Abel has been blessed with a dynamic personality, wisdom beyond his years, and a sense of humor that will keep you laughing until you cry. Kind, compassionate, reliable, and consistent, he is always looking out for the needs of those around him and patiently offers a listening ear. Abel is the type of guy you want by your side when the going gets tough!! 💪🏼 When not working hard long hours cutting down tall trees, clearing land, or running a massive manlift for his business, Abel can be found keeping physically fit, enjoying good conversations with family, playing the guitar, and reaching out to friends offering solid encouragement and advice. He also ran his first Marathon this year!! IMPRESSIVE! 🏃🏻‍♂️🙌🏻 Most importantly, Abel is a man who is seeking and serving the Lord and encouraging others to do the same. For this, I am truly grateful!🙏🏼 Abel has been one of my most faithful encouragers and friends and I am so very thank the Lord for him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Abel!!! I hope this year is the BEST YET as you continue to seek and serve the Lord. Thank you for having my back! 😉🧡 Y’ALL know the rules! Don’t leave until you’ve left Abel a Birthday comment in the comment section below! 👇🏼

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
And fulfill all your purpose.
We will rejoice in your salvation,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.”
Psalm 20:4-5

 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:10-13

Spring has sprung and is quickly flying by! Texas weather has been quite the rollercoaster. The Solar Eclipse, Mild and cool days to scorching hot heat, and golf ball-sized hail…! It reminds me of Psalm 97:6 as it says, “The heavens declare HIS righteousness, and all the people see HIS glory.” The Lord has filled my Spring days to the brim and overflowing! The Flowers are in full bloom and East Texas grass is a gloriously green. 💐 Family time and evening walks during sunset have been a favorite for me this Spring! A Mother’s Day Beach Trip, time spent with my adorable niece, and travels with siblings will be memories that last forever! To add to the sweetness, gracious hospitality from friends, a great times of fellowship with believers in North Carolina, and good food fill my camera roll.😉☕️ So, here I am to share it all with you! 🙌🏻✨ Happy Spring to you all! 🙋🏼‍♀️

QUESTION!! How has your Spring been?? Did you get to witness the Solar Eclipse?

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”
Psalm 68:19

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Psalm 32:8