Is it too late to wish y’all a Happy Valentine’s Day? NEVER! ?? Due to a busy week, my Valentine’s Day greetings were postponed but definitely not canceled. ??‍♀️ Some call it a Hallmark Holiday but I would say it may just be one of the sweetest days of the year[literally]! Cupcakes, donuts from a sister, chocolate, and surprise packages were such an unexpected treat this Valentine’s week. The Lord is so good to give us abundantly more than we deserve isn’t He?! Reminded more than ever of 1 John 3:1 this past week, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” Behold what manner of love…. Take a moment to soak that up and really think on it! The love of God is greater far Than tongue or pen can ever tell. ??? Happy Valentine’s Day y’all[a little late]!!??? Hope it was filled with lots of love and a little Chocolate! ?

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
1 John 3:16

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
1 JOHN 3:23

If you know me just a little, you know I have a deep love for good old fashion mail! ? Sending Cards across the miles to friends is such a treat. And when I am blessed with the surprise of receiving mail, well… that my friends is a blessing that I cannot express and always perfect timing in it’s delivery. Today a parcel arrived from a sweet friend [who I met right here on the blog] far out east!! She thought of me and poured her heart into a gorgeously knitted ear warmer and glove set in my favorite colors. I am so humbled by this beautiful labor of love! I do believe I wont take the headband off until Summer comes ?. Thank you! ♥ I am truly blessed by YOUR kindness + friendship.

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,  remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father”
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

??‍♀️ Have you thought about the providence of a piece of mail?! ?? I have. Very often!! It is really a miracle that a small envelope makes it’s way from a tiny post office to the mail truck, carried thousands of miles to be dumped with a million other small parcels on an overcrowded-under-secured conveyor belt in a main USPS hub to be sorted, scanned, and redirected via plain, train[okay, so they don’t send mail via railroad anymore ;], or automobile. THEN sorted by the local post office and stuffed in your mail box! So, the next time you want to give a friend a smile and encourage their heart, send a little letter, say a prayer, and see the Lord deliver. Postal surprises are one of God’s great blessings bound up in a small envelope with your address attached to the front! ?

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness”
Colossians 3:12-14

“his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. “
Psalm 1:2-3

Here we are in 2020 ?? and(yes, I know?) I am pretty late for a New Year post…. BUUUT better late than never is my motto!??‍♀️? Each year the Lord seems to give me a “word” that fits with the year and brings with it many encouraging Scripture verses[like hope or rejoice or rest]! Anyone else have this happen?? Sometimes it hits me half way through the new year or on the last day of the last month of that year but this year’s word hit me before the new year even began!??‍♀️? My 2020 word is THRIVE. Did you know there is a difference between THRIVING and just surviving? It’s true! I had a “lightbulb?” moment in November with the thought that there is a HUGE difference. A quick look in the dictionary proved my feelings were indeed reality! ?

To Survive: continue to live or exist

To THRIVE: grow or develop well or vigorously.?

“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

I had made it to a place in November after a hugely intense season of some completely unexpected events where life had gotten so fast and so furious(in the best sense of that word ) that I was merely surviving in the Word of God, taking in only what I needed to “exist” yet I felt spiritually malnourished [James 1:22-25<– SO GOOD, Must Read!]❤️ I believe there is a difference between just mindlessly reading the Word and seriously taking it in, absorbing it’s nutrient packed Truth, and living by what you have read. I remember at that moment the Lord bringing Jeremiah 17:7-8 to my mind:

“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jer 17:7-8

How I wanted and needed to be as that tree that is deeply rooted in God’s Word, trusting and hoping in Him! Never anxious in seasons of “drought”, nor effected by the heat that is to come, and NEVER ceasing from yielding good fruit. I knew I needed to get out of “survival mode” and thrive! So, as I welcome in 2020 with all it’s grandeur, I have no 2020 bucket lists [merely due to the fact I’m horrible at making them??] and my New Year’s Resolution is very simple yet sweet. My heart’s desire and Resolution for 2020 (and beyond) is to truly THRIVE in the Word of Lord! Not to merely survive or exist BUT to take in the LIVING WORD[Heb 4:12], absorb it, live it out and grow + develop well and vigorously through it! Yes, I have some practical applications for pursuing this resolution and I know + pray that in the strength of the Lord and power of His might, this will be a year that I THRIVE in His Word! May we seek The Lord God deeply and develop vigorously this next year. May His Word be our constant delight and mediation day and night[Psalm 1]! Happy 2020 y’all!?

??‍♀️ QUESTIONS!! Do you have a “2020 Word”? What are you looking forward to most[Lord willing] in the year 2020? What New Year Resolutions did you make?? You all know how much I LOVE hearing from YOU so don’t leave without answering one or all questions in the comment box below! ?? Your comments make my day. ?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat 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

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
Hebrews 6:18-20

Before the night ends, I wish you all a very merry Christmas!❤️✨ May your hearts be filled to the brim with wonder, gratitude, and joy as you ponder the greatest gift ever given “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 ✨ “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for HE shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

^” 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

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
1 John 5:20

This video is quite a few years old and the little guy it features isn’t so little anymore but I still love sharing it! ? A brief history lesson on the Candy Cane. ? 2 QUESTIONS to leave you all with!! I would love to see your answer below. 1.) What is your favorite Christmas Bible Verse & 2.) What’s your favorite Christmas Cookie? ✨❄️

“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for HIS goodness, and for HIS wonderful works to the children of men! For HE satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
Psalm 107:8-9

??‍♀️Randomosity. Noun. The state of being random. ? Life has been FULL, fast, and really rather fascinating in funny ways[?] lately which leads me to today’s title of “Randomosity”…. Because that is exactly what this post will be filled with! ? From Fall product photoshoots to filling our carts with thanksgiving goodies and all that was squeezed in between. ??‍♀️? My, how I have so tremendously missed blogging more often but how thankful I am to the Lord for the days full of good hard work that have kept me busy! ❤️ There is always a verse that the Lord gives me during the Thanksgiving Season and this year it was Psalm 92:1 where it says, “It is a GOOD THING to GIVE THANKS unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto THY name, O Most High”. Giving thanks to the Lord is a GOOD THING y’all! 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reveals that to give thanks in everything is to do the will of the Lord, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I wonder how much more joyful we would be if we truly gave thanks in EVERYTHING?? We often remember to praise the Lord for the happy times but when we find ourselves in trials or challenging circumstances we exchange our thanksgiving and praising for complaining. We are told in James 1 to count it ALL JOY when we face challenges + trials as they produce that good fruit of patience in us[Fruit of the Spirit]! I don’t know about you but I know I need more patience. ?? I’m reminded of Habakkuk 3:17-18 where it says, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: YET I WILL REJOICE in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk knew even in the trying times he could rejoice because he clung to the promises found in God’s Holy Word. He ends his choice to rejoice and give thanks in trials with the promise “The Lord God is my Strength, and HE will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and HE will make me to walk upon mine high places.”[Hab 3:19, PS 28:7, PS 27:1, PS 18:31-33]. As Habakkuk recalled the promises of God, he chose to walk by faith and not by sight[remember Habakkuk 2:4?! “the just shall live by his faith.”?] and was able to give thanks in all circumstances. You see, giving thanks and rejoicing is very often a choice and not a feeling. A choice to trust the Lord, take Him at His Word, and walk by faith and not sight[2 Cor 5:7]. Psalm 119:165 is a beautiful reminder that “Great PEACE have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” So, all that randomness being said?, open God’s Word and LOVE IT! Rejoice in His promises, delight in them, recite them, and cling to them with great hope during the easy and the challenging times! In EVERYTHING give thanks knowing this is the will of God. Trust the Lord who is faithful and rest in His ways/plans which are always perfect! ❤️ “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.” Psalm 1119:49! Soooo… how about a lot of random photos from the past few months?!??‍♀️ And if you took time to read aaalll the way through this longish post, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW saying “hello”!! You can tell me what verses are encouraging your heart or how your Thanksgiving was spent or what you have planned for the rest of December.? Your comments make my day! ??

“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and HE SAVETH them out of their distresses. He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
Psalm 107:19-20

Happy Mail from a sweet friend!! ? LOVE receiving and sending snail mail so this was a daymaker. ?

Thousands of product photos taken over the past few months! New season bring new products. Micah and I enjoyed many hours with the camera, scouting locations, snapping photos, and sipping lots of coffee! ?

Birthdays have been celebrated and firs frosts enjoyed!

Sweet friends have been visited with great conversation over good coffee!☕️?

Annual L. Ladies thanksgiving Grocery Run! With the aid of a very helpful father. ❤️?? Don’t be alarmed, we eat a lot on Thanksgiving but not this much! This wasn’t just Thanksgving shopping. I do monthly grocery runs where I will stock up on pantry and freezer items! So we did both the same day.?

Post Thanksgiving Shopping Breakfast! ??‍♀️?

And then there was Thanksgiving! ?

3rd Annual Thanksgiving Day Family Turkey Trot! SO MUCH FUN!!!! This year it was more of a “mud run” with how wet it was. ? Nathanael took first place… again! ;)

The guys even get in the kitchen on Thanksgiving! Abel makes a fabulous apple pie. ?? Lots of fun family time and fabulous food. We truly have so much to be thankful for!

And finally, the last piece of pie cranberry raisin was enjoyed with a very grateful heart! ?❤️??

Until next time y’all! Which, Lord willing, will be sooner than later! ? ??‍♀️

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107:21

Ladies and Gentlemen… today we celebrate a special occasion…. a monumental event…. a FABULOUS DAY!!!!!!!! ❤️ Today is my lovely sister Micah’s Birthday!!!!!!!????? Beyond beautiful[inside and out], patient, longsuffering[proof- she’s lived with me longer than I can remember?], and extremely hard working, this birthday lady is worth celebrating. ? Micah can baked up a delicious storm and is well known for her homemade donuts, peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, and outrageously good muffins! She’s athletic, industrious, integrous, diligent in all her work and delights in the path the Lord has laid out for her. I am truly blessed to have her as my sister and friend!! ANNNNND I get to celebrate HER BIRTHDAY TODAY! ??Happy Birthday Micah! Hope and pray this next year is the BEST and MOST BLESSED YET as you continue to seek and serve the Lord.? He is faithful!!??‍♀️ Y’all know the rules, DON’T LEAVE until you’ve left a Birthday note to the birthday lady below!!??

“May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, And fulfill all your purpose.”
Psalm 20:4

“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

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To shew forth THY lovingkindness in the morning, and THY faithfulness every night”
Psalm 92:1-2

Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with gladness and rejoicing as you recall the goodness of our Lord and Savior. It truly is a GOOD THING to give thank unto the Lord! ✨❤️?

THANKSGIVING DAY QUESTION!!! What’s your favorite pie???? After you’ve enjoyed a slice or two(or if you are like me, 3 or 4 ;)), take a moment and let me know in the comment section below!! ?

“By HIM therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to HIS name.” Hebrews 13:15

Y’all, there’s a birthday in the house and I am puuuuurty excited to mention it!! ?? Today GIDEON TURNS 22 years old and we’re celebrating!!! ? Where has time gone??? His rugged good looks, charming smile, great conversational skills, knowledge in just about EVERYTHING[seriously y’all… name a topic and he will give you a detailed rundown on it], and rather tall stature make him unforgettable and very much enjoyed by all! Gideon is firm and steady but don’t let it fool you…. he is extremely sensitive and doubly sweet.? When not working hard long hours, Gideon can be found chopping fire wood, building a pretty spectacular fire, tending his garden, or wrangling sheep! ❤️ All that to say Gideon is one terrifically swell guy. ???? Happy Birthday GIDEON!! So thankful to the Lord for you. Hope 22 is the BEST YET as you continue to seek and serve the Lord wherever He calls you! ?Y’all know the rules, don’t leave without dropping the Birthday guy a fabulous comment below!

“Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.”
Psalm 128:1-2

“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

“Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which
He hath made crooked?”
Ecclesiastes 7:13

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.“
Romans 11:33-36

Today’s the day!!! The day we get to celebrate one of the specialist ladies in the ENTIRE world…. ?? That’s right, TODAY IS MY MOM’S BIRTHDAY!! ??? Wow, how does one begin?! Mom is a veteran Homeschool teacher, house keeper, laundry doer, master crafter, cake decorator, landscaper, pie baker, and all-things-organizer! Her days are filled with service to others and she’s motivated and meticulous in all that she lays her hands to! She strives to serve her family in a Colosians 3:17 fashion, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”, living sacrificially for the best of those around her. ??‍♀️ And the exciting part? ? Today we get to celebrate the years of life the Lord has gifted to her!?? Happy Birthday Mom!! Super blessed+Thankful to be your daughter. May your day be filled with rest and refreshment and my the years ahead overflow with abundance as you continue to steadfastly seek + serve the Lord! ??‍♀️?

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work”
2 Corinthians 9:8

“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

WOW! Where has time gone??? 18 candles doesn’t even seem possible….. BUT IT’S TRUE! Y’all, today we get to celebrate a very monumental day… today is Ruth’s 18th birthday!!!!! ?? This Birthday Beauty never ceases to amaze me and today I get to share just a little bit about her.??? Ruth is radiant, artistic[y’all, she can watercolor like non-other], athletic, and reliable! She’s what I call a “will-do can-do anything” kinda gal! ???? Ruth’s patient, kind, compassionate, and industrious! She’s the kinda lady who isn’t afraid to put in a hard day’s work. Whether it’s waking up at the crack of dawn to take care of the animals and get a head start on her studies or her diligent help with family businesses or her skillful Kombucha making or reading my mind ? and whipping me up a stellar batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies, Ruth studiously jumps into whatever project is before her! This lady daily blesses soooo many AAAANNNNDD today she turns 18!!!!??? Happiest of Birthday’s Ruth!! SO BEYOND thankful to have you as my sister! May this be the BEST BIRTHDAY YET, may your cake be sweet as can be, and the years to come be filled to the brim & overflowing with rich blessings + great joy as you continue to seek and serve the Lord!! ? He is faithful. ??‍♀️Y’all!! Don’t leave until you have helped make the Birthday Gal’s day extra special with a comment below!????

“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose HOPE is in the Lord his God”
Psalm 146:5

“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 121:7-8

It’s the day that has been waited for with much anticipation!? Countdowns have occurred, birthday wish-lists have been made, and the day HAS FINALLY COME!!!? You guessed it, today is Emmi’s 8th Birthday!??? Throw the confetti and put on the birthday hats!! ?? Y’all… it’s time to celebrate! This lovely little lady is a beam of sunhine, excellent encourager, giver of adorably cute drawings, cutest ball of energy, creative crafter, cat-lover, admirer of any and all things horse culture, and she just so happens to have sweet tooth the size of Texas! ? Emmi is the best youngest sister a girl could ever ask for AAAAANNNND today we get to celebrate HER! Happy Birthday Emmi. ????? Super-beyond-words thankful to have you as my little sister and hope this birthday is THE BEST YET !?? May 8 be filled with excellent memories and the merriest of times as you seek and serve the Lord!! He is faithful.? ??‍♀️Y’all know the Birthday Blog Post rules.???? Leave a “happy birthday” comment to the Birthday Girl below!???? She reads each comment and will love hearing from YOU! ???

“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

“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

Just like that, in a blink, 29 days have passed without a word typed on the blog.? Where has time gone? ? And just like that, the season has changed! We’ve welcomed AUTUMN with all it’s golden goodness and with great anticipation I look forward to all this season holds. ??? I figured I better pop on here to say “Hello” and let y’all know I am alive! ? It has been quite a month here. Filled full! Full of expected. Filled even fuller of unexpected! Full of good hard work…. And filled to the fullest with God’s grace which is sufficient for all the day holds! The verse that has been going round my brain these past few weeks is from Romans 5 that speaks of the grace by which we stand. It says “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into THIS GRACE wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” ❤️ So, “Hello Autumn! So happy to see you here”. “Hello!!!” to all[if any?] of you who are still so kindly following this blog even with the absence of posts[I truly appreciate you faithfulness in my lack thereof.] I hope and pray your Autumn season is full of God’s goodness and His grace which is always sufficient for the day!??? Would you take a moment and leave a comment? I would be so blessed to hear from YOU[yes, you!] Let me know what verse from God’s Word has encouraged your heart or what you are looking forward to most this Autumn season… or both!! ?❤️

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and REJOICE IN HOPE of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:1-5

“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