“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.”
Psalm 35:28
Y’all, I’m celebrating a Blog Birthday here at Shiloh Photography and I’m outrageously excited!!! ??? This week marks 9 years blogging, blog posts published, and nearly 6,000 photos uploaded. I’ve enjoyed every bit of it! And you know what has made it the best? Getting to know each of you through the blog!? Each comment received puts a huge smile on my face and blesses me immensely. ? Thank you! I’d say 9 years calls for something out-of-the-ordinarily special, wouldn’t you?!! ? I’m excited to announce a Blogiversary GIVEAWAY!!? I chose a few of my favorite things[picture below] » Golden Polka Dot “Hello” Mug ?, Set of 3 favorite note cards[artwork by my sister, Ruth], a gorgeous Scripture Verse Journal, and [of course] an assortment of ghirardelli + Lindor chocolate!?
??Okay…. I love super simple give-away rules and this is a great time for me to get to know you all a little better!! If you’ve never left a comment before, PLEASE don’t hesitate! I cannot wait to hear from you!! For those who are frequent commenters, welcome back. :) I love hearing from you all!!
»TO ENTER: Leave a Comment answering these 5 questions below! I have 2 rules! 1.) You MUST be honest and 2.) you DEFINITELY MUST have fun!!! It’s that simple!! ?
QUESTIONS:
1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there?
2. What’s your ultimate Dream job?
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be?
4. Favorite verse of the year:
5. Favorite Song/hymn:
6. BONUS:? Do you drink coffee and if so, how do you take it? ?
»RULES and REGULATIONS: International readers completely welcome to enter. I can ship around the world! And yes, guys can enter along with the girls. ??If a guy wins he can always give the prize to his favorite gal! Grab you mother and siblings to leave a comment to increase your chance of winning. ;) Comment section for this post will be open until ENTRY DEADLINE which is Wednesday January 17th at 8pm [cst]. Winner will be randomly drawn then contacted via email and announced right at the blog on Thursday, Jan 18th!! ? PLEASE don’t leave without leaving a comment and joining the fun. I love hearing from you!
How exciting!!!! Nine years for one of my favorite (and definitely most spiritually & aesthetically inspirational!) blogs!!!! Thank you, dear Rachel! You’ve done such a wonderful, beautiful job, and I so appreciate you!!!!!! ❤️
Now for the questions…
1. England! I have never been, but o have read so much history and so many books about it that there are many places in that island nation that I would love to experience for myself…
2. I’m actually living my ultimate dream job, by the grace of God: being the wife & helpmeet to a wonderful man (who happens to be a cowboy: bonus points! ?), and getting to be a mother… lots of work and oh so amazing!
3. My husband. A working GPS radio/communication device. A huge neat treehouse… ? aaaah! I ran out of options: but I’d hope there’d be food and water… ?
4. “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah
5. My all-time favorite hymn (this is a HARD question cause I love sooooo many!) is probably “The Sands of Time are Sinking “, both for it’s message and the story behind it…
6. I’m one of those who don’t drink coffee. ? BUT if I drink hot chocolate just before bed I take forever to fall asleep… so it’s probably better that I don’t try coffee. ??
Such a fun giveaway! I can’t wait to read how everyone else answers these questions! ❤️
Thanks again for this beautiful, wonderful blog, Rachel!!!
Aw, thank you so soooo much, Elisha! :) Your comment blessed me. God has been so faithful and I tremendously appreciate YOU! ❤️ I absolutely LOVE all your answers!! I smile because I figured if you commented you would put England down as dream destination. ?? Hot Chocolate before bed… why havnen’t I thought of that?!!?? Stay tuned and enjoy ready the fun comments that come in!! I can’t wait to see who wins. #SoExcited! ?
Hey thanks soo much for doing this!! :) I would love to be entered so let me try answering those questions for you…
1. Oh what a very hard question! Would everywhere work? :) No? Then it would probably be to Australia. One of my best friends live there and I want to go visit her badly.
2. Photography, which I’m doing now!
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? A best friend to party and have a sleepover with all the time, some food- make sure chocolate is with that- and my camera. (water can be drank from the ocean, maybe.)
4.”These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV)
5. Tell the Mountain. So beautiful!
6. Umm, yes, I drink coffee when I’m in the mood, and depending on the mood, I’ll drink it black. :) But if it’s ice coffee, bring. it. on. I totally adore that stuff.
Thank you so soooo much for entering!! ☺️ Your answers are so fun. Love your choice for favorite verse! Beautiful. And YESSSS, chocolate would have to be one of the food items on the deserted island! That is a must. ? Enjoy reading through the comments and make sure to check back to see if you win on THURSDAY!! ?
Let’s see, this is gonna be fun…I always wanted to fill one of these out but I’m not the best at making decisions…. ;)
1.) Ireland!! To enjoy the beautiful views and I would love to explore one of those ancient castles!
2.) Mother? Babysitter? I love children!
3.) My Sister, an endless supply of food and water and a camera.
4.) 1 Corinthians 15:55
5.) Be Thou My Vision
6.) Yes! Iced with cream and sugar!
OOoooooh!! Loved you commenting, Julia!!??
I know!! Once I’m put on the spot, my mind usually draws a blank with these Q&A.? I am in COMPLETE agreement with answer #1. Great choice on favorite hymn! Looking forward to seeing who wins!?
Congratulations! It’s so exciting!!!
Ok, I’m going to answer the questions :)
1. Somewhere in the Middle East, I just feel attracted to that place and a special love for the people there.
2. Wife, mommy (do those count as jobs?), missionary, photographer, writter, teacher :)
3. Only three things?? Well, my Bible, a homing pigeon (would be romantic), and…. a pen.
4. During 2017 God encouraged me with Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
This year I’ve chosen Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
5. Jesus I am resting, resting.
6. I love black coffee, but I love latte too :)
That was fun, thank you :)
Thank you so much, Alma!! I so loved getting to know you better by these great answers. ☺️?
YES to #2, being a mom is definitely a HUUUUUGE job! Completely counts. :) ;) Good idea on the homing pigeon! ?? Love your verse choices and the hymn is one of my favorites too. So beautiful!
Soooo glad you had fun!! I so enjoyed receiving your entry/comment!!
1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there? Hawaii, cause of the amazing views and beaches
2. What’s your ultimate Dream job? Traveling photographer or/ and musician!
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? First off, my camera! Gotta capture those views! ? my sister, and my best friend
4. Favorite verse of the year: Psalms 34:4-10
5. Favorite Song/hymn: I have lots of favorites!
6. BONUS:? Do you drink coffee and if so, how do you take it? ? I don’t drink coffee, the flavor and smells is yuck?
Hello Kristina!! ?? Loved receiving your entry/comment.☺️ Hawaii sounds pretty fantastic right about now!!?? Psalms 34:4-10 happens to be a favorite portion of the Psalms for me too. I love verse 10 “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Hehe, your bonus question answer made me laugh! ?? Make sure to tune in Thursday and see if you win. Can’t wait!!?
(GASP) Wow, nine years! Certainly something to celebrate. And what a wonderful giveaway!
Thank you for your generosity, Rachel!! Your blog has been SUCH an encouragement over the years. It has been so wonderful getting to know you and your family through it. :)
1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there?
I really would like to go to Germany and visit my friend who lives there. But if only for the scenery probably Ireland!!
2. What’s your ultimate Dream job? I would love to be a wife and mother. I love creating, so the two jobs I work now are a dream come true. I get to bake granola for a friend’s business and make soap for my own business! Certainly blessed to be able to do this. Though if I ever get the chance I think it would be neat to work a job with plants and herbs.
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be?
If I was being super practical I would like a water filter, a helicopter and a helicopter pilot to fly me off the island. But would that defeat the purpose of being stuck? ;) If I had to be rescued by someone at a later time I would like to have food, water and a really smart friend to help me survive before being rescued. :D
4. Favorite verse of the year: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
5. Favorite Song/hymn: My current favorite is “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
6. BONUS:? Do you drink coffee and if so, how do you take it? ?
Yes! I usually drink it black, but I have discovered I enjoy it even more with a little stevia and on special occasions: cream. :)
Fun questions!! Happy Blogiversary!!!
I’ve so enjoyed having you follow along for many of these past 9 years!! Thank you Leah for being a continual encouragement!! :) It’s been a fun blessing getting to know you.
I love your answers!! Especially what you put for the deserted island question. ?? His Eye is on the Sparrow is one of my favorites! The words and tune are gorgeous?!
Thank you, Leah!! Check back to see who wins and enjoy reading the comments/entries as they come in!
I love the questions! Some of them are pretty difficult!! But so fun!! Thanks for doing a giveaway!!!
1. If I could go anywhere in the world I would probably go to Switzerland! I have always been enthralled by the Alps! Also my ancestors came from there so that makes it even better!!
2. Dreams jobs! I have to many!! So when I was little I wanted to be a missionary, or a missionary doctor, which still sounds fun but now I’m kinda leaning towards running a camp for broken / abused kids!!
3. Stuck on an island could be fun depending on the circumstances! 1. Would be a friend! 2. A horse! And 3. Food!! While they are not very practical for getting of an island we would have a grand time!!
4. Favorite verse of the year:
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
5. I pretty much love all the old hymms and worship songs so this is a hard one! But I’d have to say: It Is Well is one of my top picks!!
6. Yes to coffee! I don’t really like it black but I do like it with a little creamer, or and iced coffee!!
Karlee
So loved receiving your comment/entry Karlee!! ? Thank you so much!! Fantastic answers. All of them! Switzerland is a wonderful choice for dream destination. I can’t even imagine how wonderful of a trip that would be!! Ah, ABSOLUTELY enjoyed readying your dream job. It sounds like you have a huge heart to serve!! ?☺️ That is beautiful! I can’t wait to see if you win so definitely stay tuned!!
Congratulations, Rachel! That’s an impressive record. I love your sharing daily life and what the Lord is teaching you!
1. I would love to go to Switzerland. The mountains and scenery would just be gorgeous. I would want to stay in a cute little chalet or mountain town, especially in the winter or spring. Totally amazing.
2. Hmmm. My ultimate dream job would be a wife/mother! In the meantime, I do enjoy bookkeeping and writing books, but that’s only temporary.
3. Bible. Chocolate. my Phone :)
4. Picking a fave verse is hard. Psalm 84:11 has been great, but I can’t say it’s my favorite last year. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Also, faith verses such as Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
5. 10,000 Reasons
6. I drink mochas, so that’s cheating a bit I guess, but they’re amazing.
Thanks!
Thank you, Sarah! It’s beeeen such a HUGE blessing having you comment over the years.? Your comments always put a smile on my face! AND I’M SOO HAPPY you entered the giveaway!!? I hear they have some pretty fantastic chocolate over in Switzerland too! That would be an added plus. ??? Love your favorite verses! Hebrews 11:6 is one I have been thinking about A LOOOOT lately. What?! Mochas totally count. ? Thank you for commenting/entering! Can’t wait to draw the winner. ?
Congrats, Rachel for 9 years!!! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for several years… and
your encouraging posts are so sweet and uplifting! The love you have for the Lord is always inspiring and convicting… And the bubbly writing and beautiful photos are also enjoyable, too! Thank you for sharing with all of us!
For the quiz:
1. ISRAEL! Would love to see the actual land where Jesus walked and all the stories of the Bible in their geography; Mediterranean cuisine is delicious; it is pretty much the birthplace of human civilization; it would be really special to connect with the believers who live there; and Middle Eastern culture is fascinating to me!
But traveling most of the world sounds great too!
2. A job that’s impactful in helping people experience better lives would be awesome!
There’s too many things I’d love to do, from farming to the arts to being a chef to being a theologian to being an author, to just pick one! ;)
3. A) shelter
B) food and water (can they count as 1 thing, please?!!)
C) something to do!
4. A special verse for me for awhile has been Isaiah 42:3.
5. “The Sands of Time are Sinking” is a longtime fav! But there are many,
many other songs I love too!
6. (((( Sorry, this may be treason on your blog: I can’t bear drinking coffee!!!))))))
Coffee’s fragrance is delightful, but unique teas without cream or sugar are more my thing!
Thanks for this fun quiz!! It was harder than I expected, I must be kinda indecisive!!!
Many more happy years of blogging to you, Rachel!
Ah Laura, thank you so soooo much!! All glory and praise goes to the Lord! He has been truly faithful and I am so blessed by your kind word!! It’s a joy to have you following along. Lord willing, there will be many more years of blogging God’s goodness. ?☺️ Psalm 115:1
Loooooved all your answers!! I know, they can be harder to answer than they first seems, can’t they?!! I have the same problem! That’s why I gave y’all a few days to get your entries in.? I completely agree with 1.)!! Israel would be so incredibly humbling and amazing to visit. It would honestly be mind boggling!! Question 3.) answer C….laughing, YES!? Beautiful hymn choice!! Absolutely love the second verse, “There to an ocean fullness His mercy doth expand, And glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land.”?
? NO coffee?!!? ? No worries, we will refrain from throwing you overboard. I actually think I have quite a few blog readers who do not share my affinity for coffee so you are completely fine!!
Thank you soo much for commenting/entering Laure! I was so blessed to see yours come in!
Congrats on nine years! I love that you are serving the Lord and your blog is so incredibly aesthetic!
1. The Amazon basin. I really want to visit the rainforest-amazing eco-system surrounded by amazing culture.
2. I would love to run my own urban farm! Hopefully as a ministry.
3. On a deserted island I would take a Bible, a knife, and a water filter (I’m too practical ;)
4. Verse of the year (so far…) Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
5. I love ‘What a Beautiful Name,’ also learning ‘He is Exalted on piano’ (a good timeless tune).
6. Cafe au lait! (Or chai latte ;)
Thank you so much, Julia!! :) Your comment is super encouraging. ? Really enjoyed all your answers too!! Wow, the Amazon basin would be quite a trip!! I can’t even imagine how amazing that would be. If you ever end up running your own urban farm you should blog about it. I’d so enjoy that!! ☺️ Love your verse choice. One I think of often! And Chai Lattes are pretty delicious!! Be sure to stay tuned. I will be drawing the winner on Thursday!?
Can’t pass up a giveaway on one of my favorite blogs!
1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there?
Let’s say Alaska for the breathtaking and adventurous beauty.
2. What’s your ultimate Dream job?
The one I do now – Which is kinda hard to put into a one sentence job description. Pretty much anything that allows me to help those I love most, who do things that have an eternal meaning beyond what I am capable of doing on my own. Currently a follower of Christ, daughter, sister, aunt,accountant and bookeeper for our family business.
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be?
This has always been something I secretly wished would happen to me (and of course been able to survive). I would hope to have a good sturdy knife or machete, a clear plastic tarp and trusty bible.
4. Favorite verse of the year:
2 Cor. 5:1-2 and 4-5
5. Favorite Song/hymn:
A new favorite hymn is Follow On by Williams O Cushing and Robert Lowry.
6. BONUS:? Do you drink coffee and if so, how do you take it?
Kinda but not really since a coffee enthusiast is asking. If I have it, it’s with friends and plenty of cream and sugar – Which is more like milk with some coffee, so I’m not sure if it really counts. Preferably the concoction made by Grace for guests ;).
Thanks Rachel!
Aw, THANK YOU Kandace!!! I was soooo hoping to see you enter/comment. ? Figured you wouldn’t be able to resist if I added a little chocolate to the giveaway! ?? Looooooved all your answers but I think my absolute favorite was dream job/#2. Amen! So good. I have always secreted wished I would be stuck on an deserted Island too. Especially when it’s 18 degrees outside. BUUUT I figured I better get stuck on the deserted island with YOU if ever it happens. Seems like you may have some survival tricks up your sleeve! ?? Check back and see if you won. Can’t wait to see who wins!
This is soo awesome! I have never entered a giveaway, but this looks so fun! Thanks for doing this!
1. Definitely Ireland. I am irish, so I have a special place in my heart for the country, and also I would love to see some of those gorgeous views.
2. Being a mommy :)
3. An endless supply of food and water, my sister, and either a piano or some way to communicate…I guess I can’t have both. So probably a piano :)
4. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Cor. 5:21
5. Be Thou My Vision
6. Yes!! I don’t know what I’d do without coffee! I like it with cream and looooots of sugar. And having it iced only makes it better. :D
Yay Annie! So glad you joined the giveaway!! ?? Who knows… maybe you will win your first ever giveaway this week?!! Great answers. Beautiful favorite verse and hymn!! If you ever make it to Ireland, take me with you!! Please.??
1. I want to go on a Holy Land tour to see the places where things in the Bible took place.
2. Work with children on the mission field such as working at an orphanage or being a teacher.
3. My family, plenty of food, and lots of books and games. (That’s sort of four isn’t it? :)
4. My favorite chapter this last year was Psalm 103.
5. It’s hard to narrow it down, but one of my favorites would be When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.
6. I don’t drink coffee, but I do like some coffee flavored items! :)
Thank you Rachel for your encouraging blog and for using it to bless others and point them to Christ!
Thank you for always being an encouraging blog reader, Bethany! God truly uses you to bless me. ??
Trying to find a favorite answer you gave but they are all terrific!! Your favorite scripture happens to be one of my favorite psalms of all time. I love verse 4, “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies”. If you ever make it to the Holy Land you will have to share pictures with me! I have had so many tell me it’s an amazing experience! Thank you so much for commenting/entering!! ?
It’s taken some thinking for some of these questions.
1. This was a hard choice. I think I would say Antarctica to visit the penguins and for the adventure.
2. My dream job would be missionary.
3. If I were on a desert island, I would want my family, plenty of food and water, and a Bible.
4. My favorite verse for this year is 1 Chronicles 4:10
5. I’m not sure what my favorite hymn would be. There are so many good ones. Probably it would be The Love of God.
6. I don’t drink coffee very often, but when I do it is with sugar.
Thanks for doing this giveaway, Rachel. Congratulations on 9 years of blogging.
So fun to see your entry, Hannah!! ? Brrr…. You are a brave lady! Antarctica would be sooooo cold.? Love your dream job! Great choices on what you would bring on the deserted island! ???? You sound set to enjoy the sunshine and sand. ;) Thank you so much for making my day with your answers, Hannah!! Be sure to check back on Thursday and see if you win!! ?
1. Vermont to see the fall colors.
2. The one I have:being a wife and mother.
3. Family, Food and Insulin, a Bible.
4. Mark 12:29-31
5. Be Still, My Soul
6. Absolutely not! I’m a teaholic:)
Thank you, Rachel, for doing this giveaway!
Thank YOU for entering! I so enjoyed seeing your comment/entry. :) Your trip to Vermont sounds perfect. ? I’ve ALWAYS wanted to travel the east coast during fall! I hear the colors are absolutely breathtaking! Be Still My Soul is a favorite for me too. *Laughing* “teaholic”.? Love that! Thank you for adding to the fun and joy of this giveaway with your comment! ?
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity, Rachel! I’m so excited!
1. If I could go anywhere in the world, I would love to travel to Mexico! I went there last year for the first time & got to meet my grandma & I’m itching to go back!
2. Ultimate dream job would be as a photographer & I’m getting a start on that dream this year!
3. My Bible, Chick-Fil-A, & does my whole family count as one thing??? ;) Hahaha!
4. Psalm 18:28 – You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
5. Crazy Faith by John Waller!
Bonus: Yup! I drink cream with my coffee! :D But I have tea more often with a little honey!
So fun! Thank you so much, Rachel!!!!
Thank you for entering, Rosi! ?☺️ Ah, your dream trip sounds so beautiful. I am so glad you had that opportunity last year! What a tremendous blessing!! Way to go on the photography. Hope the Lord blesses it as you seek to honor and glorify Him through it!? I’m pretty sure your family can count as one “thing”?…. if not, I don’t want to be deserted. ? Check back tomorrow, Rosi! Winner will be announced then!
1. If I could go anywhere in the world, it’d be a toss up between Alaska or England (I’m not counting Texas here ??). I would love to soak up the Alaskan outdoors with the Lord and my camera. And England would be a historically fascinating trip!
2. Dream job: Fulltime young women’s ministry, which I’m so blessed to be doing now, or wife to a godly man and mommy to precious kiddos, with extra ministry on ‘the side’.
3. Bible, lifetime supply of physical sustenance, and my family (thanks, Rosi, for the idea!!! :)
4. That’s too hard!! ? Psalm 148:13 is my verse of the year so let’s put that one at the top of this year’s favorites list! ?
5. Blessed Assurance ?
Bonus: Not a coffee drinker, but do love my morning smoothie and fresh veggie juice!! ?
Yay!! Was wondering/hoping you would enter. ?? If you go to alaska you will have to put me on a live photo stream!! Or better yet… take me with you!!??? Love your dream jobs and the fact its already 50% reality right now! God is so gracious. Beautiful hymn choice! I love verse 3:
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love
Okay, can’t wait to see the winner!! Check in tomorrow morning!! ?☺️
1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there?
Adeline: Israel because there are some who are poor and some who are not and the poor need help.
2. What’s your ultimate Dream job?
Adeline: Singing! (she enjoys making up her own songs to the LORD and has ministered to her Momma and Daddy numerous times!)
3. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be?
Adeline: Pie, Cake, and Pumpkin Bread (can you tell she has a sweet tooth?)
4. Favorite verse of the year:
Adeline: “Even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil for thou art with me.”
5. Favorite Song/hymn:
Adeline: Jesus loves me and Amazing Grace.
6. BONUS:? Do you drink coffee and if so, how do you take it? ?
Adeline: I have had coffee a couple times. I like it with sugar and a little bit of cream.
Adeline!! I was soooo happy to see you entering the giveaway.? Your answers put the largest smile on my face!! I wish I could hear you sing. It sounds like you have been blessed with a gift from the Lord! And guess what? We both share the same type of sweet tooth. I love pie and cake… and pumpkin bread!! I think I would want to be stuck on an island with you!?? Aw, your favorite verse is one of mine too. Isn’t it amazing that the Lord God is always with us? I am thankful that He is such a kind and faithful Shepherd. Okay, make sure you all tune in tomorrow!! I will be drawing the winner and can’t wait to see if you won! ?☺️ [Thank you Rebekah! This was such a HUGE HUGE delight.?]