I am finally finding an internet connection and before the night is over I MUST wish the world’s BEST Mom a very happy Mother’s Day!! ๐๐ป Words cannot express my gratitude for my mom and the daily sacrifice she has made for her family. Her labor of love has impacted me beyond words! My mom has been used to encourage and uplift me, teach and exhort me, and spur me in The Lord! What a tremendous blessing she is to me…๐ฅฐ HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Mom! So truly thankful to the Lord for you. May HE richly bless you for your faithfulness and care for your family and all those who come into your life. Your labor in the Lord is not in vain!! ๐
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Proverbs 31:24-28
“And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
ย “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:17-18
Winter is slowly coming to an end and Spring is just a few short days away!๐ฌ๐ What a winter this has been. As I scroll through my camera roll I am reminded of Ecclesiastes 3 as it says, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” This winter will be a season I will never forget! New adventures, unexpected injury (leading to much pain and many trips to the doctor + too many doctor bills๐ ), Friends, Family, adorable Farm Life, and yes… the testing + strengthening of my faith. To everything there is a season!โจ๐ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance… A time to get, and a time to lose. The beautiful promise we have? “He hath made everything beautiful in His time”! In every season, The Lord can be praised knowing He is working good out of it all(Roman 8:28). ๐๐ป The verse on my heart tonight is Psalm 28:7, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in HIM, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” So, winter is coming to an end. Spring is just around the corner! New life, budding trees, warmer days.โบ๏ธ I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for Spring and thanking Him for what winter has brought my way. I will leave this winter with a deeper understanding of my need for His daily mercy and grace! And that, my friends, is priceless.โฅ๏ธ I pray in every season you find your Strength in the Lord and trust Him no matter what may come your way! When we are weak, He is strong. And His grace is sufficient in every season and for every single day! So, how about a few photos from my winter days? It is said a picture is worth a thousand words so I will leave the photos to speak for themselves. ๐ Happy Friday to you all! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ
QUESTION! I’d love to hear from you!! What has been a highlight of your winter??
“But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, For I do not know their limits.” Psalm 71:14-15
“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and heightโto know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19
“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130
Hopping over to share something with you that has greatly encouraged me! This Psalms + Proverbs in 31 days reading plan was sent to me back at the end of October and since then I have now gone through it twice. I really cannot recommend it enough! Print off the Reading Plan HEREand let me know if you choose to start it. I will be praying you are blessed by it! ๐๐ผ Once you start… don’t quit. It is worth the effort!! ๐๐ป
“Thy words were found, and I ate them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart; for I am called by Thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16
๐ So much I could say about this lovely lady… where do I even begin?! ๐คฏ How about with the fact that today is HER BIRTHDAY! ๐ฅณ Lydia… this girl has been with me through thick and thin. She is loving, loyal, Kind, encouraging, caring, and always very real! ๐ Lydia is also athletic, energetic, and outrageously stylish. ๐ฅธHaving a hard day? She’ll be there to give you a major pep talk and help press you forward in the Lord! Need a coffee? โ๏ธWell, she just happens to make the most outrageously amazing Mochas(comment below if you have tried one!!) ๐๐ผโโ๏ธGoing grocery shopping for a super-sized family? Lydia will push 3 carts at once and single-handedly unload all the groceries in a torrential downpour!! ๐๐๐ Looking for a traveling buddy, her bags are packed and she’s always up for an adventure! ๐๐ป ๐ Needing someone to pull a 24-hour work shift with you. ๐ฎโ๐จ Lydia will be by your side, working hard and fast until the job is done! Ahem, she also happens to be a fabulous baker and can sing like an angel. ๐ Lydia is a faithful daughter, sister, and friend and I am so thankful to be able to celebrate her today.๐๐ป๐๐ Happy Birthday, Lydia! I am so truly grateful to the LORD for you! Every single day in so many ways. May this year be THE BEST YET as you continue to seek and serve the Lord. “The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” It is my prayer that The Lord would bless you abundantly as you have “watered” so many with your generous soul! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธY’all know the rules!!!!!!!!! DO NOT LEAVE until you have left the Birthday Lady a comment in the comment box below!!!! ๐๐ป๐โฅ๏ธ
“May He grant you according to your heartโs desire, And fulfill all yourpurpose.” Psalm 20:4
โBlessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. ย 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 17:7-8
Here we are! The Eve of 2024. A new year is upon us! I sit here overwhelmed by all has taken place in this past year. ๐๐ผ To be honest, 2023 held unspeakable joys, extreme happiness, and so many answered prayers BUT it also held intense heartache and challenge. I have sat in front of my computer for the past 3 hours typing out and erasing small fragments of this post over a dozen times. I find myself, for the first time in all my blogging history, without words to share what is on my mind and flowing through my heart. But one thing I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt and can boldly say is… through it all The Lord God is 185% faithful. In good times and in the hard times, by His grace and strength, His faithfulness will be the theme of my life and my blog. If there is one truth I can leave you all with as we end 2023 and enter 2024 it would be “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.”(Ps 18:30). The Lord God sits on His throne and is in control of all things. Even when things seem so confusing or wrong! As we commit our way to Him, He promises to direct our steps. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. It is my hope that you find your confidence in Christ, trust His perfect plan, and keep your eyes steadfastly fixed on Him in the year to come. “For the LORD shall be thy confidence“(Prov 3:26) I do not know what 2024 holds but The Lord knows and and He remains faithful. In this truth I rejoice and move forward in faith! โจ As I look back over the year, I see the Lord’s mercy and grace in so many ways. Memories were made that I will never forget and there is always so much to give thanks for! A year filled with dear family, sweet fellowship, new friends, tiny little life, good hard work, and His everlasting love. And I have a few dozen photos to prove it. โฅ๏ธ Happy New Year, my friends! May we seek the Lord and His face in 2024 and beyond. “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.” Psalm 27:8
“Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” Acts 15:18
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:21-26
“Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
To guide our feet into the way of peace…. Mmmm. This Christmas I am rejoicing in the truth that Jesus Christ is our Peace! He gives light to those who sit in darkness. He “give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins”! He is Immanuel… God with us. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! May we remember why we celebrate this Christmas season. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”(John 1:14) In Christ alone will we find peace!
โBehold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,โ which is translated, โGod with us.โ Matthew 1:23
Ladies and gentlemen, there really couldn’t be a better day to celebrate this handsome guy because I am truly THANKFUL for him!! ๐ Yep, today’s Thanksgiving but it just also happens to be Gideon’s Birthday!! ๐๐ป๐ฅณ Gideon is well known for his rugged good looks, tall + strong stature, charming smile, great conversation skills, and knowledge in just about EVERYTHING. He is seriously a walking encyclopedia and always able to give me a deeper understanding of any topic I ask him aboutโฆ whether itโs history or geography or all the inbetween!๐คฏ๐ Gideon is consistent, sensitive, patient, kind, and truly genteel. He is constantly looking after the needs of others and I couldnโt be more blessed than I am to have him as my brother!! โฅ๏ธ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GIDEON! ๐ May this next year be the BEST YET with many more to follow as you seek and serve the Lord!! He is faithful and His Word is true. ๐๐ป๐ Yโall, would you take a minute to wish this fine fellow a fabulous birthday?? Don’t leave without dropping him a birthday comment below!! ๐๐ผ
“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.” Proverbs 30:5
“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
Well, here we are! The first week of November has arrived and I am welcoming it heartily. A month filled to the brim with brisk morning walks, thoughtful thanksgivings, delicious mugs of hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and gorgeous golden leaves. โจ๐ I don’t know about you but I’m so very excited for this month! ๐๐ป When one of my favorite blog readers(*waves to Emmi*๐) told me it was high time for a random autumn-themed inspiration post, I thought I’d quickly jump on and do just that. Plus, it gives me a good excuse to say “hello” and wish you all a very happy November.๐๐ So, this post is dedicated to Emmi and all those who love hints of randomness, bits of eye candy, and a little Autumn inspiration! Psst…. I’d love to hear from YOU! QUESTION: What are you most looking forward to this November? Also, as we enter the month of Thanksgiving, what are a few things YOU are thankful for this week? Make my day by leaving a comment below and letting me know! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ
“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.” Psalm 33:1
(Image/graphic source for this post: pinterest)
ย “Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee.” Psalm 33:20-22
Y’all, today we celebrate a very special day. Today is my Mother’s birthday!! ๐ Caring and compassionate, hard-working and humble, Mom daily & diligently seeks to pour her life out for others, serving and encouraging every step of the way.๐๐ป She’s the Best mother, best friend, best ear-warmer-knitter ๐งถ๐, and truly the best listener + advice giver. Whether she’s busy keeping up with the mountain of laundry, organizing the house and keeping it running smooth, homeschooling the kiddos, landscaping, gardening, etc…. she does it all well, seasoned with grace and loads of supernatural strength! I am so blessed by the example of my mother and over the moon excited to be celebrating her today.๐ฅณ๐ Happiest of Birthdays(to date) to my MOM! โฅ๏ธ I hope this year is the BEST YET and your days are filled with The Lord’s goodness as you continue to faithfully seek + serve Him. Psst… Would you help celebrate my mom on her birthday by leaving her a birthday blog comment below?? ๐๐ผ!!
“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
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Psalm 23:6
With great joy and enthusiastic excitement I hop on the blog!! TODAY is the day I have been so looking forward to for sooooo very long…. Today we celebrate Ruth’s 22nd birthday!๐๐ปโฅ๏ธ My friends, she is a woman worth celebrating and I am pleased as punch to be able to share all about her on the blog today.๐ฅณ Wowowowow, where do I even begin?!! This beautiful birthday lady is such a blessing from the Lord!! Ruth is kind(to the core), patient(and beyond), passionate(about what matters), and consistent(constantly). She is a faithful daughter, sister, and friend! Ruth’s sweet gentle and quiet spirit is a joy to be around, her love for the Lord is inspiring, and her witty sense of humor will keep you laughing until you cry.๐ When not working hard on her extensive chicken farm๐๐ฃ or helping out with my Dad’s business, Ruth spends her days creating gorgeous artwork takes my breath away. Her skills continue to grow more and more impressive as the days go on!! She’s a gifted woman and I am so very thankful to the Lord for her sisterhood, friendship, and encouragement. Happy Birthday, Ruth!!!๐ฅณ I truly hope this year is filled to the brim and overflowing with the richest of blessings as you continue to seek & serve our Lord and Savior! He is ALWAYS faithful.๐๐ผโฅ๏ธ Yโall know the rulesโฆ DONโT LEAVE until youโve left the birthday Girl a comment below!!๐๐ผ๐
“ย I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12
My friends… we have someone pretty special on the blog today!! ๐ A lady who is outrageously beautiful inside and out!! Mhm, you guessed right. Today is Emmaus’s 12th birthday!! ๐๐ป๐ฅณ This birthday gal is the youngest of the siblings and daily adds so much sparkle to our lives.โจ Emmi has been gifted by the Lord with an encouraging consistently joyful personality that blesses me and everyone else every single day in so many ways!! She’s optimistic and enthusiastic about life, always seeking to uplift those around her, and always around to give you a gorgeous smile + ask a thoughtful deep question. When not busy with school or chores, Emmi spends her days diligently studying God’s Word, sending letters to friends, and outdoors with her tiny collection of farm animals and newly acquired dog, Pinto Bean! ๐ถ๐๐๐ Y’all, she’s truly one of a kind and I am over-the-moon excited to be celebrating her today!!๐๐ค Happy Birthday, Emmi. I thank the Lord every single day for you! Hope this birthday is THE BEST yet and looking forward to seeing the Lord direct your steps as you continue committing your way to Him. He is faithful!! โฅ๏ธ Yโall know the rules. ๐๐ผโโ๏ธDonโt leave without wishing this birthday girl a very happy birthday!!๐๐
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” Isaiah 26:3-4
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
“He changeth the times and the seasons…” Daniel 2:21
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:1,11
Well, it has been just too long since I last checked in with you all! Days have been FILLED to the BRIM with unexpected events, new mercies, good fellowship, and lots of work.๐ช๐ผ And this week I’m finally finding a moment to slow down, soak in all that has taken place this past month, and say “HELLO” to you!! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธ How have you been, my friends? As I think over this summer and honestly my entire life, the verse that always comes to mind is Psalm 69:19. It says, “Blessed be the Lord, Who DAILY loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!” He daily loads us with benefits and so many we often overlook or take for granted. “With all spiritual blessings, with an abundance of grace, as well as with temporal mercies”(J.Gill)! I don’t know about you but I am so thankful for the abundance of grace and mercies that fill my day. ๐๐ผ Blessed be the Lord!! ๐งก So, how about just a little randomness via iPhone photos? It has been said a picture is worth a thousand words so I will leave the pictures to tell the story! But I would love to hear from YOU! Pretty Please.๐ What has been the highlight of your Summer?? What are you most looking forward to this Fall? ๐๐ผ Let me know in the comment box below or just drop a note and say “Hello”. Your comments make my day! ๐๐๐ป
“You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.” Psalm 18:35
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6
Where do I even begin?! Phew… what a SPECTACULAR day it is!! Today we celebrate a very special lady’s birthday.๐๐ป๐ฅณ Yes, it’s true… TODAY is Rebekah’s 15th Birthday!! ๐*Cue Confetti*๐ I can’t even begin to describe this beautiful birthday gal to you. Bekah has been used by the Lord over and again to encourage and bless me EVER SINGLE DAY in so many ways!!! In times of joy and times of sorrow, she’s been by my side.โฅ๏ธ Rebekah is compassionate, kind, wise, and consistent! She’s a faithful friend, encourager(many of you have received her sweet letters in the mail๐), motivator, and an extra hard worker.๐ช๐ผ Bekah is also is my “Life Coach”๐, fashion advisor, and evening walking partner. One of my favorite parts of the day is our evening 2-mile walk + talk! Aaaand she’s a wiz in the kitchen too!! Bekah can also whip up dinner for 13 people in under 1 hour and it is OUT OF THIS WORLD delicious…. Don’t get me started on her baked goods๐ง๐๐คฉ!! I have been so blessed to witness Rebekah face challenges and obstacles yet overcome and conquer in the strength of the Lord! Sheโs a beautiful and godly example to me and I DAILY thank the Lord for her. ๐ HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Rebekah!!๐ฅณ Hope your birthday(week) is truly spectacular and the days to come are filled to the brim and overflowing with God’s goodness as you continue to seek and serve Him. He is faithful!! ๐๐ผโโ๏ธYโall know the rules!! Donโt leave without leaving a birthday comment for the birthday girl!!๐
“Now 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.” Romans 15:13
โTrust 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.โ Proverbs 3:5-6