Some days….

“Though HE were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him”
Heb 5:8-9

Some days call for ironing and Emmi does just that in a pretty unique way! ;) The days have been full lately and a lot of change has happened in just a few short weeks. All good, thank the Lord! Blogging has been but on a “temporary hold” but, Lord willing, I will have many more posts to come. So, don’t stop coming by!! [Please :)]  I’ve been reflecting on Hebrews 5 lately! Specifically verses 8-9! How amazing is it that Christ, our perfect  Lord and great Savior, learned from suffering?! “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” [Phil 2:8] No words of explaining are necessary! :) How humbling and amazing and comforting and joyous all at once. →QUESTION! What scripture has blessed you this week? I’d be blessed to hear from YOU. Leave a comment below ↓↓and let me know!!

“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit”
1 Peter 3:18

Waddling over to say hello….

If curiosity killed the cat, ducks would be stewed meat. ;)  With webbed feet and as curious as can be, our small flock of ducks are waddling over to say hello and wish you all a very happy Friday!

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”
Proverbs 13:4

Weeellll now…. there is a birthday to celebrate!???

Weeellll now…. there is a birthday to be celebrated and I am pretty plum EXCITED!!?????   Y’ALL, Miss Rebekah is turning 9 years old today and she’s looking absolutely radiant. ?? ☺️ This beautiful birthday girl has been a BIG blessing and joy to our family and I just couldn’t imagine life without her!! Though many miles separate us on your special day, I’m putting on my party hat and celebrating here!?? So, to commemorate this gal, I’m sharing 6 questions + 6 random facts to help y’all know a little more about her!! ?

How do you take your coffee? With Sugar and milk [and caramel + whipped cream ;)]
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there? Australia to observe wildlife [take me with you please!!]
What’s your ultimate Dream job? Horse trainer
If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? Lifetime supply of food ,bathing suit ,and a horse
Favorite verse of the year: Jonah 2:8
Favorite Song/hymn: Thy Word

Random Facts

  1. ) Rebekah can crochet with her toes! ? It’s true. 
  2. )  She makes a pretty mean chocolate cake! Delicious!!
  3. ) She can turn 5 shade of red in under 15 seconds.
  4. ) Rebekah is super-duper thoughtful and patient! She’ll make your bed and never forgets to give her goodnight hugs. She will join you for your walk to keep you company and keep the conversation going!
  5. ) She is also our in-house pedicure-manicurist! Need your nails done? She’s the gal for the job!
  6. ) Today is her BIRTHDAY!!!

Happiest of Birthday’s to you Bekah!??  You’re a smiling ball of birthday girl goodness and I am so thankful to be your sister. ? Hope your special day is filled with fantastic pancakes and may 9 be filled to the brim with God’s goodness! Y’all, don’t leave without wishing this birthday girl a very happy birthday!! ??

“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 3:4-5

P.S. Birthday girl glamor shots will come in the days to come. ;)

“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

Pretty Cute but somethings missing….

Pretty Cute but something’s missing! It’s official, Little Miss Emmi has lost her first tooth… or “teeth” I should say. 2 teeth in 1  night! She’s all grins around here. ♥♥

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

23 candles….??

May I have everyone’s attention in the blog world PLEASE… Today we are celebrating a very special day… today is Grace’s BIRTHDAY!! ???*Cue happy dance[click here to see what that looks like ;)], whistles, cheers, and roaring applause*???. 23 honestly never looked better! ??? With her gorgeous smile, joyful spirit, and vivacious personality, Grace adds a sparkle to our lives that is beyond describing! and today… we get to celebrate her!! To commemorate this special day, I get to ask Grace 6 questions and then share 6 very random facts about her. ?? Without further ado, here is a chance for you to learn a little more about this birthday beauty!! ?

How do you take your coffee? With friends [? ?? y’all, her favorite drink at the moment is an iced cappuccino… no sugar! Or a macchiato if she’s at her favorite coffee shop.]
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there?  Port Aransas for some R+R at Coffee Waves
What’s your ultimate Dream job? To design and market my own Children’s Apparel line. ?? [Well now, looks like she’s living our her dream ??]
If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? Bible, 4 year supply of non-perishable granola bars, someone with the ability to get me back to civilization once my granola bars are gone.
Favorite verse of the year: Psalm 126:5-6
Favorite Song/hymn:  Praise to the Lord

Random facts

  1. ) Grace has owned and operated her own business since she was 11!
  2. ) She happens to be an expert in all fields! ?
  3. ) Grace has a diligent, faithful and prudent spirit that flows out in the work she daily puts her hands to!!  ?
  4. )  She can make a delicious chocolate bunt cake. Y’all, the BEST.BUNT.EVER!
  5. ) Unknown to most, Grace plays the violin.
  6. ) She used to be a contortionist. It’s true, she used to be able to do back bends that would leave most of you speechless! ?
  7. )  BONUS!! Today is her birthday!!! ????

Happy HAPPY birthday, Grace!! I am so thankful for your patient service, friendship, and sisterhood. You are a daily blessing to us and we are tremendously grateful for you!☺️? Hope your birthday is the BEST YET and may this next year and all that follow overflow with God’s goodness as you continue to seek and serve Him! Y’all, DON’T LEAVE until you leave Grace with a little birthday cheer in the comment section!! ?

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

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Psalm 126:5-6

Oh-those-shirts! ??

Spring100 shirts were shipped and y’all received! Some of you even sent in photos which made my day!!! Thank you. ?? So, how about posting a few? ? Thank you all for sending the photos. It’s been so exciting to see the shirts in action!! Happy Monday everyone!

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Gal 6:9

He equips the called || a very random post!

 “For we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10

Have you thought about the fact that God has not called us to a place or position that He will not also provide the grace and strength needed to victoriously, joyfully live out for His glory[2 Cor 12:9]? That has been on my mind today! I recently heard someone say, “God doesn’t call the equipped…He equips the called”[Eph 2:10 » Phil 2:13]. ☺️ He will equip us and  give us the grace & strength needed for the place He has called us! Wherever the Lord has us today, in our weakness, God’s strength is going to be revealed and His grace is sufficient. That has me rather excited friends!! ? Some of you might be thinking, “But you don’t know what I am facing and have no idea what I am going through!!” True, I don’t know but GOD does. And in every situation, He will be our Victor [“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” -Ex 14:14]! In our own strength we cannot face the challenges we will find ourselves in throughout life but in God’s strength, we are more than conquers[Rom 8:31-39]! If you face a challenge today and are tempted to stress- take a deep breath and [with thanksgiving!!] pray for God’s strength to overcome the challenge you face and for His peace which surpasses all understanding[Phil 4:6-7]! Remember you have not found yourself here by mistake[Ps 32:8]! This is a custom designed challenge created just for you. NOW it is up to you to joyfully accept His perfect will, trusting Him to equip you and victoriously lead you through[Is 43:2-3]! So, as I sit here with a cup of coffee in hand allowing God’s truth to soak in to my heart, I’m counting my blessings! Each day is filled. Filled with God’s goodness, His grace, His strength and for that I am truly thankful! Days have held order packaging, farm fresh eggs, tent happiness, coffee dates with the best,  postal fun, wild grape harvesting, and macaroon making! It has been a beautiful summer!! Challenges have come and been overcome by God’s grace and I am confident that God will give the strength needed for what lies ahead. He is always faithful! ?QUESTION!! What has been a highlight of your summer? Make my day complete by leaving me a comment below letting me know! ↓↓ And have a beautiful Friday! ??

??Random fact for your Friday: believe it or not, mango peels are poisonous. ? Sadly one siblings has come down with  “mango itch” after indulging in a few mango peels! ? How’s that for crazy?!! ??

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21

Grape picking!!

Hammock time

Happy mail! ❤️

Coffee with the best!!

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Texas sunset and a Steller Tractor ;)

Sweet postal surprise!!!!!

“For nit is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his ogood pleasure.”

Philippians 2:13

A VERY SPECIAL DAY!! ??

Y’all! ??I am extremely excited to announce… today is a VERY SPECIAL DAY!! Today is my Dad’s Birthday ** Happy dance**!!  Today I am celebrating the life the Lord has given my dad and all the goodness that has been wrapped up in it. No survey or 6 random questions needed, just a simple [yet hearty!!] “thank you” to a man who has given so much for me and so many others.☺️? I am truly thankful for the years of life, leadership, wisdom, & vision the Lord has given my Dad and tremendously blessed by his daily sacrificial service to his family! And y’all, my dad seems to get more handsome with age. Just sayin’! ? Happiest of birthdays[to date!!] Dad!! May it be the best yet and may the days ahead be even sweeter than those which have passed. ** CUE BLOW HORN an InstaConfetti**?? …. Y’all DON’T LEAVE until you wish him a happy birthday in the comment section below. That’s an order!!! ???????

“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

“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.
 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.”
Psalm 128:1-4

 

To the best of the best!! ??

It’s that time of year again! The time we get to celebrate the BEST of the best…. You guessed it. Today is Joel’s birthday!! ?? 18 years old and he’s really never been better. Sweeter than honey, stronger than steel, softer than butter… and today He’s quite the big deal. ? Joel is the perfect combination of  patient, funny, and faithful. He will keep you laughing, patiently ride out your moments of slight irritability[not saying I have them just sayin’ he is pretty great when they happen??] and faithfully seeks to serve whenever possible! I really couldn’t be any more blessed than to be his sister. ☺️? I know what y’all are wondering, just who is this “Mr perfect”. Well, you’re in for a treat! I’ve included 6 questions and 7 very random facts about the birthday guy! Drum roll pleeeaaaassse….

Questions!!

How do you take your coffee? Frappuccino (He is quite the connoisseur!)
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there? Scotland to visit the scenery and architecture. [take me!!! Please. :D]
What’s your ultimate Dream job? Present job [y’all, he’s pretty gifted at it!]
If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? Espresso machine, Frappuccino material, bible
Favorite verse of the year: Psalm 121
Favorite Song/hymn: I’ll fly away

Random Facts:

1.)  This guy has run his own business for the past 2 years! It’s unknown to most but true.
2.) Joel is a hard & extremely diligent worker! Always faithful to finish whatever the task is to its fullest.
3.) He’s a runner! Come rain or shine or sizzling summer heat, you can usually find Joel out for a long distance jog in the evening.
4.)  His favorite food is chips and salsa! Give him a bag of On the Border Chips and a jar of extra spicy Mark’s Good Stuff Salsa and he could rule the world! ;)
5.) He may be 100% man but Joel can also make stellar cafe mochas! And I mean STELLAR!! ??
6.) Joel once took 1st place at a rodeo! Y’all didn’t know that did you?  Shocking but true!?
7.) When Joel was younger he used to use his weekly pay to buy all us gals chocolate. He still faithfully buys us chocolate but thankfully doesn’t spend his entire salary on it. ?Sweetest ever!
8.) BONUS!!! ??Today’s HIS BIRTHDAY!!?? Help me celebrate by leaving a little birthday happiness in the comment section below??!!

So thankful for YOU, Joel! Your kindness and patience continually bless and encourage me. I’m looking forward to seeing what the 18 holds as you continue to faithfully serve and trust the Lord. To the best of the best, Happy Birthday JOEL! ?????

“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

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers”
Ephesians 1:16

His marvellous kindness || Birthday Blessings

“Blessed be the Lord: for He hath shewed me His marvellous kindness in a strong city.”
Ps 31:21

I sit here thoroughly enjoying the remains of a rather delicious birthday dessert and find myself pretty well humbled by God’s goodness!!☺️ How undeserving I am yet how loving He is. I can wholeheartedly say “He hath shewed me His marvellous kindness”[Psalm 31:21].  He daily loads me with blessings + benefits that cannot be numbered and has used  the  kindness of sweet people- my family and friends…  YOU in my life to be minsters of His grace. Thank you!? Your birthday wishes that sailed across the miles made my birthday joy-filled + extremely special, putting a huge smile on my face!  :)   And today, here I am. 28 years old/young! For me, 28 is uncharted territory BUT for God my 28th has been well planned out and very skillfully plotted! He knows the path that I take and whatever it may hold, come joy or sorrow, He promises pure gold at the end[Job 23:10]. Whether I make it 2 weeks into 28 or another 28 years, I can rest assured that “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me” [Ps 138:8]! I trust that as the Lord God is my Savior, the days ahead will be filled with grace & glory[Ps 84:11], fullness of  joy[John 15:11»Ps 16:11], mercy[Is 54:10], peace[Jn 14:27], and I shall not want any good thing[Ps 23:2 » Ps 34:9-10 ]. The sufficiency of Christ has satisfied my longing soul! He truly is faithful and I am extremely excited to see what the days ahead hold!! My goals and aspirations for 28?  To draw near + trust! “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works“ [Ps 73:28] ??So, who wants to join me for the golden adventures that 28 holds? ? Come what may, I will be blogging life along the way[Lord willing]! ?

“…my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.”
Jer 31:14

My birthday was spectacular and relaxing and delicious all at once! My family really went out of their way to make it a blessed and restful day. ☺️? After our Sunday worship, we headed to my FAVORITE coffee shop and then treated the kiddos to Krispy Kremes[because who can resist the “hot now” sign?!] The rest of the afternoon was enjoyed at home in the sunshine! Pretty wrapping paper left me dazzled, Dinner was delectable, and dessert did me in. ?Grace completely surprised me with a few family games that got us all laughing so hard! ?? BEST EVER.  I couldn’t have chosen a better way to spend my 28th birthday and I’m so very thankful to the Lord! Now I have a few pictures to prove it happened! :) Enjoy the photos and have a wonderfully blessed + beautiful day!


Mom, Grace, Lydia, & Ruth made a DELICIOUS DINNER!!!!

With a couple extra helping hands, Micah made outrageously sweet Cappuccino Cupcakes!!

Grace couldn’t have been a better Game Hostess! Made my evening!!

 

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!!!!!

(Hi Everyone!  Grace here, taking over the blog for Rachel’s Birthday!)

Hey-hey-hey, today is RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!! ???????????????????????????????????????????

Wowza… What  a day to celebrate!  Truly, Rachel’s Birthday is one of THE best days of the year.  It’s an opportunity to not only CELEBRATE Rachel’s life, but also to remember (in a special way) all the things she does for us on a daily basis!!!  Things like making dinner, packaging orders for the family biz, mopping floors, answering countless customer service emails, cleaning off our beds so we can crawl right into them after a long days work, making cupcakes, filing our taxes, keeping us out of you-know-where by filing said taxes on time, and so on.  These are things that Rachel does everyday with a constancy that puts Christ’s enabling power on display.

SO every year Rachel takes a leap of faith and turns her blog over to me (Grace).  I like to use this opportunity to spice things up with random facts about Rachel, photo monologues, and even a bit of poetry at times.  BUT this year I’m turning the tables on YOU.  That’s right, I have created a quiz for you…… yes you!!  Rachel has been blogging for several years now, so I thought I’d put together a little quiz to test how much you’ve learned about her along the way.  So take the quiz, or don’t take take the quiz… but either way, comment below with a HAPPY BIRTHDAY for RACHEL (and if you do take it, include your score in your comment ;))!!!

(Make sure to press the “Submit My Answers” button at the very end or you won’t receive your score.  Also, at the very end, look for random facts below each answer ;))

And to finish off this post I’m also including Rachel’s answers to the 2017 Birthday questionnaire!

  1. How do you take your coffee? Black as a December night and as strong as steel. ?
  2. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why would you go there? I’d love to go to Ireland to hike across and photograph the ireland farmland!! ?
  3. What’s your ultimate Dream job? Hmmmm? I’m pretty thankful for the job I have now!?!!!
  4. If you were stuck on a deserted island with only 3 things, what would those 3 things be? My Bible, lifetime supply of food(including coffee beans), and a coffee maker! ?
  5. Favorite verse of the year:“The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” Psalms 147:11
  6. Favorite Song/hymn: How Firm a Foundation or THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD ? Can’t decide!!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.  He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.”  Psalm 68:19-20

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Peonies Please! Or would you rather Ranunculus? ;)

Peonies & Ranunculus! My 2 favorite flowers. They are what I have dubbed “happy flowers”. ? So, today it’s time for a little flower fun with some favorite flower randomness! ;) QUESTION of the day…. What is your favorite flower?? I’d love to hear!! Leave me a comment below and have a beautiful Tuesday! ?

All Photos via pinterest 

https://instagram.com/p/2U44hwrSL4/

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9

Picked up & packaged! || SPRING100 UPDATE

Eeek! SPRING100 shirts in fun shades of Pink, Green, and Gray have been picked up from the printer, packaged, and shipped…. I couldn’t be any more excited!?? So, to all who completed the 2017 Spring100 challenge, keep your eyes on your mail box. Your shirt is on it’s way! Once you receive it, snap a pic and send it in!! We’d love to see you in your Spring100 shirt. ? Kuddos to Grace who helped locate and work with the local screen printer and a big thanks to Abel + Lydia for helping me package all the shirts. They made the job go by fast!! ☺️

Picking up the shirts with Lydia!

And yes, coffee was a must! ;)

Abel generously offered his time to help package!!

“And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?  And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31

Mom+Dad=♥ ;) || HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

With a look of excited anticipation and a sparkle in their eye, my parents dashed out the door early this morning to celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary(looking more youthful and vibrant than ever!) ♥ Their send-off consisted of a few bubbles and nearly a dozen delighted [and somewhat sleepy]faces who are all a little more than overwhelmed with gratitude for the life God has given them together.  We are all celebrating  today and so thankful for the 34 years marriage God has given my parents!! His faithfulness has been very evident in their life together and we couldn’t be any more blessed. Happy anniversary Mom & Dad!! May the years to come be even more full and blessed than those which have passed! :)

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ”
Colossians 3:14

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9