“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!

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
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!! 😍 Yep, today’s Thanksgiving but it just also happens to be Gideon’s Birthday!! 🙌🏻🥳 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 about… whether it’s history or geography or all the inbetween!🤯😋 Gideon is consistent, sensitive, patient, kind, and truly genteel. 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! 🎈 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. 🙌🏻🎉 Y’all, would you take a minute to wish this fine fellow a fabulous birthday?? Don’t leave without dropping him a birthday comment below!! 👇🏼

“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. ✨🍂 I don’t know about you but I’m so very excited for this month! 🙌🏻 When one of my favorite blog readers(*waves to Emmi*😁) 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.😉🍁 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! 🙋🏼‍♀️

“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.”
Psalm 33:1

(Image/graphic source for this post: pinterest)

 “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!! 💝 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.🙌🏻 She’s the Best mother, best friend, best ear-warmer-knitter 🧶😉, 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.🥳🎉 Happiest of Birthdays(to date) to my MOM! ♥️ 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?? 👇🏼!!

“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!🙌🏻♥️ 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.🥳 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.😂 When not working hard on her extensive chicken farm🐓🐣 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!!!🥳 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.🙏🏼♥️ Y’all know the rules… DON’T LEAVE until you’ve left the birthday Girl a comment below!!👇🏼🎈

“ 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!! 😍 A lady who is outrageously beautiful inside and out!! Mhm, you guessed right. Today is Emmaus’s 12th birthday!! 🙌🏻🥳 This birthday gal is the youngest of the siblings and daily adds so much sparkle to our lives.✨ 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! 🐶🐓🐈🐇 Y’all, she’s truly one of a kind and I am over-the-moon excited to be celebrating her today!!💕🤗 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!! ♥️ Y’all know the rules. 💁🏼‍♀️Don’t leave without wishing this birthday girl a very happy birthday!!🎈🎉

“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.💪🏼 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!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ 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. 🙏🏼 Blessed be the Lord!! 🧡 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.😄 What has been the highlight of your Summer?? What are you most looking forward to this Fall? 👇🏼 Let me know in the comment box below or just drop a note and say “Hello”. Your comments make my day! 😁🙌🏻

“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.🙌🏻🥳 Yes, it’s true… TODAY is Rebekah’s 15th Birthday!! 🎉*Cue Confetti*🎉 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.♥️ Rebekah is compassionate, kind, wise, and consistent! She’s a faithful friend, encourager(many of you have received her sweet letters in the mail💌), motivator, and an extra hard worker.💪🏼 Bekah is also is my “Life Coach”😉, 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 goods🧁🙈🤩!! I have been so blessed to witness Rebekah face challenges and obstacles yet overcome and conquer in the strength of the Lord! She’s a beautiful and godly example to me and I DAILY thank the Lord for her. 💕 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Rebekah!!🥳 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!! 💁🏼‍♀️Y’all know the rules!! Don’t leave without leaving a birthday comment for the birthday girl!!🎈

“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

“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

Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please… TODAY is a grand day!!! TODAY we celebrate Grace’s Birthday!! Lemme tell you a little more about this lovely lady. Three Ds that describe this birthday girl would be dedicated, determined, and diligent. 3 Bs to describe her would be beautiful, brilliant, and business-savvy! 😜 Grace is an uninhibited list-maker, goal-setter, and go-getter! 🙌🏻 She is known for her HYPER-Entrapernural, industrious spirit and ability to turn anything into a business. 💁🏼‍♀️ From sheep farming to leather working, book writing, marketing, and all the in-between, Grace dedicates her work to the Lord and works hard to meet goals in His strength. Ahem… in case y’all are wondering she is a great cook too!!! Her Glazed Cinnamon Breakfast Biscuits and homemade sausage gravy are one of my top favorites😍😍😍. Happy Birthday, Grace!!! So very thankful to the Lord for you and SUPER excited to see what this next year will bring. You are a true GEM!🤗 Enjoy your Birthday week!!! 🎈🧡 Psst… Will you join me in throwing the confetti and wishing this gorgeous girl a FABULOUS day?? Leave a birthday comment below!!👇🏼

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Deut 31:6

“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

Y’all, no beating around the bush with this post… Today I am so very thankful to be celebrating my Dad’s Birthday!! 🧡🙌🏻 And I would say today is VERY worth celebrating!! 🥳 My Dad has blessed me and so many others in soooooooo many ways!! He is a wonderful encourager, leader, and patient listener always pointing us back to the Lord and His Word. His wonderful sense of humor, wisdom, and unmatched energy have filled my days with so much guidance, encouragement, and laughter. My Dad works tirelessly and diligently at any task the Lord brings his way with heightened enthusiasm and it is truly inspirational to see! Words cannot even begin to express how thankful I am to have him as my Dad! 💛 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

Monumental: adjective 1. great in importance, extent, or size. Yep… I’d say today is exceptionally monumental!! Y’all… Today is JOEL’S 24th Birthday!! 🙌🏻🎉 Joel is greatly known for his fabulous sense of humor(he can make even the toughest of critics laugh), enthusiasm for life, faithful friendship, and compassion for others. He will willingly give up whatever he is doing in a blink to help family and friends in need. He will even give you the shirt off his back if you need it! 😅 Whether it’s cleaning up debris after a bad storm, putting a roof on a friend’s house, waking up at 5 am to load and haul hay for a sibling, or driving little sisters to the swimming pool he will drop everything and volunteer in a blink! Joel is a hard-working business owner, creative entrepreneur, and skilled photographer(weddings, portraits, etc. he does it all). When not working hard he fills his time keeping fit, encouraging friends, traveling, spending time with family, and taking care of his Golden Doodle😜. Joel is truly ONE OF A KIND!!!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday to you, JOEL!! Truly thankful for you. ☺️ I hope and pray this next year is truly THE BEST YET!!🎈 I am so very excited to see what 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’ve left Joel a HAPPY BIRTHDAY comment in the comment box below!! 🎉🙌🏻

“And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

“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

Alright, guys, today is HUGE: HUGE because of the impact the person we are celebrating has made.

🎉🎉IT IS RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!🎉🎉

Today is the one day that I (Grace) have permission to hack Rachel’s blog and let you guys know why we are celebrating so big.

Rachel pours her life into those around her.

She serves, she gives, she cooks, she cleans (just today she cleaned the whole house in the time it took me to eat one piece of chocolate pie).

Rachel blows our minds with all she is able to juggle and accomplish in a day. It 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.

Rachel is an incredible example of redeeming the time. Anyone who knows her can testify that barely a moment of hers is wasted.

As I talk a lot about Rachel, I acknowledge that the Lord is the only reason someone is able to live like she does. Rachel is a testimony of Christ’s ability to redeem and empower a life that would otherwise be lost!

THANK YOU, RACHEL and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! We are so grateful for you!

And all the dessert you make…

and your pizza too.

Luv, Grace (for all the rest)!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” Ephesians 3:20-21

When a Texan makes it to North Carolina, she’s bound to have a wonderful time!!😍🙌🏻 What a blessing… Spending priceless time with my best older sister + her husband, visiting sweet friends (and making new ones!!), exploring new coffee shops, enjoying sandy beaches, and climbing gorgeous mountains. 😍 Does it get much better than that?? I highly doubt it! 😅 The Lord blessed Lydia and me with an unforgettable and undeserved trip filled with adventure, good fellowship, fabulous food, and tons of fun! It was such a refreshing and encouraging time and I have a few dozen photos to prove it. 🧡 So, who wants a peek into my North Carolina adventure? Sharing some of my favorite photos below! QUESTION!! While you’re here I would love to hear which state is your favorite to visit. 👇🏼Leave your answer in the comment box below and let me know!!!

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Psalm 139:7-9

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.  I will praise You forever, Because You have done it; And in the presence of Your saints I will wait on Your name, for it is good.”
Psalm 52:8-9

Today is a GOOD DAY! 🙌🏻 Y’all, I am so excited to wish my parents a very happy 40th anniversary! ♥️ God’s faithfulness has been so very abundant every single day over the years in their marriage and it has been a 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!! May the years to come be even sweeter than those which have passed. I am so thankful to the Lord for both of you!! ✨ Psst… 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