Good, pleasant, & comely! || Mid-day meditation

“Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.“Ps 147:1

Praise to the Lord is good, pleasant, & comely/becoming! :)  I like how one commentary says, “it[praise to the LORD] is but their reasonable service, and a beautiful and lovely sight it is to see the chosen, redeemed, and called of the Lamb, harping with their harps, and singing the song of redeeming love.” And how beautiful is this?! The praise of our lips is considered a sacrifice to the Lord!! “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.“ [Heb 13:1]  Ps 86:12-13 has been the verse going through my mind continually this week. “I will praise THEE, O God, with ALL my heart…”! Why? Because “great is thy mercy toward me: And thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell”! I am reminded that, regardless of “feelings” or “emotion”, His praise should and can be continually on our lips[Ps 34:1]. Why? Because of the truth that His mercy is so great toward us[His chosen people!!] How often in the Psalms do you see the psalmist praising the Lord even in the midst of severely trying situations? I always remember Ps 77 as the first 9 verses are filled with a description of extreme discouragement and even a doubting of God’s mercy toward him when the psalmist asks himself, “Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?  Hath God forgotten to be gracious?”  That is pretty bleak, isn’t it?!  But as verse 10 enters the palmist quickly chose to recall the mercy and lovingkindness of God, setting his mind on Truth and praising God for His goodness instead of meditating on his feelings + present trials. Because of God’s great mercy [past/present/future] toward us… because of HIS redeeming love[Eph 2:4-10], we have reason to sing His praise every second of the day! Will you offer Him the sacrifice of praise which is due His holy name[Ps 29:2]? Praise to the Lord is good, pleasant, and becoming!  That is my random mid-day meditation. ♥ :)

 “I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify Thy name for evermore. For great is Thy mercy toward me: and Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.
Ps 86:12-13

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“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.  O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

Ps 34:1-3

Hello Week 2!! || 100MileMonday

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.” Psalms 115:1

Well, by the grace of God, we have made it to week 2 of the SPRING100!!?  Y’all are going to have to make it through all the Spring100 formalities to get to the 100MileMonday fun at the bottom of this post. ? It’s been a beautiful week here in South-central Texas and I have been so blessed & encouraged by everyone who has joined this challenge. Seeing you all dedicating yourselves to the Spring100 is exciting!! I have been and will praying for each of you during this Challenge. It’s my hope and prayer that this will not just be a fun physical activity[although it is!!] but also a spiritual encouragement for the glory of God as we set our eyes on Jesus Christ[Heb 12:1-3]! And today is the day you get to log your miles  from week 1! There is a super-easy form to fill out below. Please be sure to add up the miles walked/ran for WEEK 1 [last week, March 20-26th] and submit them here! For those who are currently traveling, sick, or recovering from baby ;) and are planning on starting the Spring100 when the Lord allows, just enter 0 until you actually begin the Spring100!

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WEEK 1 MILEAGE FORM

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Okay… did you log those miles? ?Good, we can move on!!?

1 Spring100 notice: ☞I was asked by several Spring100 participants how they should keep track of their daily miles and some have requested some type of chart! So, I have created the Spring100 calendar. ☺ It’s pretty self-explanatory! If you’re needing an easy way to keep track of the miles walked in a day/week in between submitting them here, print the below calendars and have fun! I have also chosen a verse each new week that has blessed me over the past week and I hope the verses chosen will encourage and bless you each week as you meditate on them during your walk/run. :) You could even set your mind and heart on memorizing the verses during your walk/run.  I have my Spring100 calendar printed and I’ve started filling it in!

Spring100 Printable Calendar Download
March || April || May || June

Note: I am very new at creating pdf files… so if you have any trouble at all printing, just leave a comment below and let me know!

I chose Is 40:31 for this week’s verse! “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I found myself downright physically exhausted last week and instantly Isaiah 40:31 came to mind! It made me think of the spiritual race we are running. This spiritual race can only be run with endurance when we find our strength in Christ [Ps 28:7]! “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength”. To wait means 1.) to remain in a state in which you expect [Ps 62:5]or hope[Jer 17:7] and 2.) to serve[Ps 100:2], to attend as a servant. So, as we run the race set before us, where is our hope and who are we serving? Ultimately, who are we running for? :) As we run for, Hope in, and serve the Lord, He will renew our strength! We will “run and not grow weary”. That is a promise! ?

2 QUESTIONS!! ? How did week 1 of the SPRING100 go for you?? Where was your favorite walking location for week 1?  I would love to have each of you answer 1 or both questions in the comment section ↓below↓!!

And now it’s time for the Week1 100MileMonday Photo Round-up!! To all who submitted photos, THANK YOU! There are still quite a few who haven’t submitted photos and joined in the fun. To those who haven’t submitted a fun walking/running photo, don’t forget to for next week’s 100MileMonday post. Simply email to: Spring100@shilohPhotography.com

Looking great on his very firsrt Spring100 Walk!

Joseph L.!

Joseph is one of our youngest Spring100 participants. Loved receiving his photos this week! ?

Faith L.!

:)

Faith L. joined in the Spring100 fun! Neighborhood walks with siblings are such fun. :) Way to go Faith!?

Nathanael!!

Nathanael!!

Love this creativity! Nathanael has challenged himself by carrying a weighted backpack for his daily walks/runs!!

Leah is looking lovely at week 1 of the Spring100!

Leah + Family during week 1 of Spring 100!

Leah blessed me by joining and sending in these fantastic photos. Love how Leah got her family to join her for a Spring100 walk!?

Lydia has been helping Bekah with her Spring100 goals!

Ruth + Abel + Emmi doing their 1.1 mile for the Spring100!

Since we have young girls in our family, we have been pairing up during our walks to ensure safety and goal accomplishment. Emmi & Bakah are doing a fantastic job!

Sarah B.

Hope L.

2 different states,  2 completely different walking views, 2 gorgeous smiles! Sarah B. sends a “Hello” from rural Kansas while Hope L. is enjoying her Spring100 walk through her neighborhood! Looking good ladies. ?

Melanie T.

Micah

Melanie T. is enjoyed a brisk Ohio walk for Spring 100 week 1 ❄️while Micah took in a little spring sun for her Spring100 down here in Texas! ☀️ Way to go ladies!!

Way to go Ruth!

Ruth’s been super dedicated and I am loving her energy! Joel + Nathanael decided to enjoy a walk to town for their Spring100. Keep up the fantastic work!!

Abel!!

Some days call for a walking break! ;) Enjoying a mile during my work break and Abel got his daily Spring100 walk during his morning recess! Keep up the wonderful work everyone!!

“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.”
Col 3:17

Let us not grow weary of doing good ♥

“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galations 6:8-9

Ready… set… GO! || 100MileMonday

Happy Spring and with the first day of Spring we also have the very first day of the Spring100! ????

The last 24 hours have brought NEW members to the Spring100. ???? Welcome[y’all know who you are ;]!! We are so glad to have you join in the fun! Today is the very first day of Spring100 and I really couldn’t be any more excited!! Our Goal: 100 miles by June 21st… let’s do it! For the first day of this challenge I want to encourage you all to really redeem your walking time by interweaving Scripture into the miles you walk this Spring. One of our fellow Spring100ers let me know this morning that she hoped to be using the walk to work on scripture she memorized last year and really, that is the best idea ever! ☺???? Another will be doing the Spring100 with a sibling and they plan on working on their verse recitation as they walk. ???? For me, my early morning walks are also my time to pray. Usually this walk is the quietest time of my day and using it to meditate on the Lord has been  such a blessing. If I decide to run[which doesn’t happen often. I am a running wimp????????], I will listen to Scripture or hymns! We are told that the Word of God is  a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto my path[Ps 119:105]. So, as we walk the Spring100 there is really nothing better to meditate on each step of the way! :) Happy First day of Spring & enjoy this challenge!

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Ps 119:133

Okay!! This is where y’all get involved! ???? For the first day of the Spring100, I would love for those of you who have joined to leave a an introduction comment below saying “hello”???? to the fellow Spring100 participants and letting us know whether you plan on walking or running or doing a walk/run combo for this challenge.

Just 2 quick Spring100 reminders!!

☞ All Spring100 updates will be posted here on the blog, Shiloh Photography! Each Monday I will be sharing  100MileMonday roundup posts and you can be included!!! Simply submit fun photos of you on your Spring100 walk/run. You can do so daily, every few days, or weekly[depending on whenever you have them or have time to share] and you can even send over short videos of your walks saying “hello” or giving a Spring100 status update. :) Send to: Spring100@ShilohPhotography.com.

☞Don’t forget, today is the LAST DAY to join the Spring100. So, if you haven’t joined yet or know friends who would like to enter, there is still about 11 hours to enter. ;) I will include the sign-up form below!

We are in full Spring100  swing here at my house! Lydia + Emmi + Bekah made a fantastic walking team! :)

Spring100 Sign-up form

Spring100 registration CLOSED

“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Psalm 16:8

SPRING100 || Q&A

“…let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-3

Y’all! The SPRING100 starts tomorrow!! I am so excited and completely blown away by the number of entries received. So many more than I expected!! Guys & gals from across the globe- from Ohio to France to Mexican and back again! :) Old and young alike, ages 8-60some! From the younger crowds to new moms, older brothers, and  grandmothers. And yes, I even a dog attempt to enter! ;) There is still time to enter and I will post the sign-up form below. :) I have received a lot of questions and, with the help of Grace, I am hoping to answer as many as possible on this post! Lets get started….

QUESTION: When is the deadline to sign up?
Answer: Tomorrow night, March 20th at 11:59(cst), will be the SPRING100 sign-up deadline! So, DON’T WAIT to sign up and share with friends and family!! Post the Original post[found here] to Facebook or blog about it so your friends can join you before it’s too late. :)  I will include the form at the bottom of this post!

QUESTION: How do I make sure I get a Spring100 shirt?
ANSWER: To qualify for a Spring100 shirt we are going to need you to check in weekly and log your miles! Each Monday[100mileMonday posts!] there will be a simple log to fill in the number of miles walked that week. If you miss a week, not a problem! Just make up for the missed miles in the weeks to come!  I will tally up each participant’s mileage at the very end of Spring100 and if your end goal of 100 miles has been met, you’ll get your shirt!

QUESTION:  When will I get my shirts ?
Answer: Shirts will be sent out at the completion of the Spring100 challenge(June 20TH). So, if you complete the Spring100, I will send you an email requesting your shipping address and you should have your shirts the first week of July!

QUESTION: Do I have to walk 1.1 miles ever day or can I walk 2.5 miles 3 times a week or run a few miles twice a week?
ANSWER: You can pace yourself however you want. We are just looking for that end goal of 100 miles by June 21st. So for instance, my sister Grace doesn’t have the time to walk every day but she will walk 3.5 miles a few times a week! Others I know are training for a marathon and will be doing a 10 mile run once a week and count that as their Spring100 mileage. For some, due to new babies or spring vacations, you will be on a week and off a week here and there. So, take the walk at your own pace just as long as you make your miles total a 100  by the end of Spring100!

QUESTION: Where does the walk take place? Do we meet somewhere?
ANSWER: The walk takes place wherever you make it. :) Since we have entries from across the world, this is not a group walk where we meet at a specific location. For me, I will be walking my long drive-way or down the a local park. For other of you who have joined, you are using your treadmill, the local track, at a park, or around town. Some very blessed participants will be walking the beach! :D The Spring100 challenge is wherever you make it! :)

QUESTION: How will you know we have completed the 100 miles and aren’t just lying about the miles we walk?
ANSWER: This has been big question for some of you. My answer is simple! I am going to take you at your word! I am going to trust you all are convicted to only log the miles you have done and will be honest with me. So, your honesty is between you and the Lord! Remember, “A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.” Prov 11:1

QUESTION: Any tips for tracking miles?
ANSWER: If you have a smartphone, I like a free app called RunKeeper! There are several apps available for mile-tracking. If you don’t have an app or phone, we have used several fun ways to track the distance we have walked before. Using the mile gauge on your car is one way. Also, google maps will tell you the distance. And you can always do it the good old-fashioned way, 5280 feet=1 mile. ;) Get creative if you don’t have a smart phone or  digital tracking device and let us know how you do it!

QUESTION: How are the shirt sizes running?
ANSWER: From what I can tell, right on! I usually wear a small but am up-sizing to a Medium for these shirts just because I like a looser fitting exercise shirt and the shirts are 100% cotton meaning they may shrink. But they seem to be very accurately sized!

QUESTION:Can I count everyday activities as a part of my mileage. Like making dinner or walking to the bathroom? ;)
ANSWER: No, this challenge is for an addition and intentional walk apart from daily activities like bathroom breaks or walking to grab another dish of icecream! ;)

QUESTION:Can my dog enter?
ANSWER: Sure thing but they will not receive a Spring100 shirt, collar, or leash. ;)

QUESTION: Can I get a free pair of Spring100 swimming trunks or maybe a muscle shirt instead?
ANSWER: yes, this was a serious question that I have received with a serious answer. NO! ;) The shirt style you see on the first post is what you get!

QUESTION: How many pictures can I send in a week? Or do I have to send in photos?
ANSWER: Submitting photos is not necessary to enter the Spring100 but so fun and will be a great way for all Spring100 participants to meet and interact each week! Send as many photos as you get and want to share!! I want them all. Each Monday I will be doing a 100mileMonday roundup and use the photos you share the blog! Any type of photos work whether you’re using an iPhone to snap it or a regular camera. :) I will also be including videos in the near future so if you get any fun videos of your walks saying “hello” or giving a Spring100 status update, send them my way!

Last but definitely not least

QUESTION: Why in the world are you doing this challenge and offering free shirts?
ANSWER: This will be an exciting challenge that will keep us physically active and allow a fun walking/running  “community” here on my blog for Spring 2017 but my ultimate goal is to encourage each one of you to set your eyes on Jesus as you are daily running a spiritual race[Heb 12:1-3]. This life is a race that we are called to run with endurance and we are told to run to win[1 Cor 9:24]. This is only possible if we have steadfastly set our eyes on our Savior and find our strength in Him! So, the next few months it will be my goal to encourage you all in Christ and you all can encourage each other by commenting on and participating in the 100MileMonday posts!

Spring100 Sign-up form

Spring100 registration CLOSED

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope…

“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

How about a challenge? :) || 100mileMonday

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2

What: Spring100 [details below]
When: STARTS March 20th- FINAL DAY June 19TH
Why: for the glory of God and a good time of online fellowship with other Spring100 walkers/runners ????

Who is ready for a challenge?! ☺️ The FIRST EVER  Spring100 starts in just 1 week. ????The Spring 100 is made up of a big but simple goal: to walk[or run!!] 100 miles from March 20th through June 21st[SPRING!]. Y’all, I am pretty excited about this challenge [walking is my favorite!!] and I hope you will join those of us who have already committed to the Spring100! This 100 mile goal breaks down to a simple 1.1 miles a day!! ????????Pretty doable, don’t you think?

The Spring100 is a challenge that I hope will remind you that we are participants in a spiritual race. And the beautiful news?! This is a race in which we are never forsaken and do not run alone. The ultimate race with a triumphant forerunner, Jesus Christ our Lord. This life is a race to be run with endurance and can be as we set our eyes on HIM! Hebrews 12:1-3

 I would love to have YOU JOIN us!!! I know what many of you are thinking, “but I already walk several miles a week?!!!” We still want you to join the fun, encourage those participating, and get a fantastic prize! To sign up simply put your name in using the application below. ↓↓ Every Monday [100mileMonday] I’ll be posting a weekly recap with photos of those participating (YOU) walking across the country. Wherever you walk that week: your driveway, on a treadmill, through the park, on an old country road, or  the beach [we can dream, can’t we!? ;)] With a sibling, friend, grandmother or by yourself… Snap a photo and email it to Spring100@ShilohPhotography.com. Each Monday I will be posting Spring100 recaps and providing a form for you to log your mile from the previous week!

HERE IS THE FUN PART: Each participant that completes the Spring 100 challenge WINS a custom-designed Shiloh Spring100 T-shirt! Male, female, and junior version of this shirt are available so encourage your entire family and all your friends to join! To finish to completion and win a shirt you must submit check-ins and mile logging every Monday from March 21sth-June 21st. I can’t wait to walk 100 miles with you all this spring!

 

Join the fun & don’t forget to Share the challenge with friends and family!

Leave a comment below with any questions. I will answer as soon as possible! :)
Kudos to Grace for helping me get this project rolling!! ;)

Spring100 Sign-up form

Spring100 registration CLOSED
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✨ the PEACE of GOD || Thursday Meditation…

Be anxious for nothing; but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. » And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus….

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Phil ‭4:6-9

Chilly afternoon + Warm Chocolate Chai :)

It’s a beautifully sunny and slightly chilly day here in the heart of Texas. Perfect day for a Chocolate Chai! Recipe on my cooking BLOG! QUESTION!! What’s your favorite cold weather drink? Green Tea? Hot Apple Cider? Cappuccino? Hot Cocoa? Let me know in the comment section below ↓↓! :)  Happy Saturday! ♥

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
 O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
Psalm 34:8-10

2 months in under 20 minutes ;) || Random post!

“For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is trustworthy. ”
Psalm 33:4

Well, good evening y’all [or by the time you see this, it’ll be morning for most of you!] Phew! I have unsuccessfully attempted to post on my blog for quite some time. My energy levels have been extremely  low lately and I have found myself [more than once] closing my laptop before I have even typed a word! BUT TONIGHT I BLOG. :) So, I am giving myself 20 minutes to sum up the last 2 months and post pictures to prove I am still alive. ;) 20 minutes because I need to get to sleep and also I left my laptop charger out in the shop and my battery is running off it’s last bit of juice!:D The last 2 months have been truly intense. Tax preparation, product photo shoots and videos to construct, emails to answer, websites to maintenance, and sleep to grab when possible. ;)  But in the intensity of the days, I have found my rest in Christ!  God has continued to prove Himself faithful and show His abundant mercy day by day! I often fail but He remains faithful[2 Tim 2:13 » Ps 100:5]. I am weak yet He is strong[2 Cor 12:10]!  “Rest in the Lord“[Ps 37:7] has been the constant theme/verse running through my head because “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.“[Is 40:29]. Y’all, apart from Christ, I will find no haven of rest. But in Christ I have found my complete rest[READ Ps 91!!]! I’ve been thinking a lot about how we so often refuse the rest offered us. We would prefer wandering in the barren fields of worrying, fear, and anxiety than resting satisfied in  the green pastures our good Shepherd has prepared for us[ps 23:2]! Fret NOT thyself[Ps 37:1], be anxious for nothing[Phil 4:6], and do not worry [Matthew 6:25-34]are all commands.  We are called to rest in the Lord! Random yes and I highly doubt it makes much sense to any other human but myself! ;) But today friends, find your rest in The Lord! Trust His promises found in His Word. Throw off the weight and sin of anxiety, fear, and stress. Set your eyes on Jesus who is the AUTHOR and Finisher of our faith[Heb 12:1-3!!!], and He will give you rest[Matt 11:28]. That is my very random midnight musing! ;)

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29

January & February for my family= work, school, ice skating with my favorite people, Emmi has officially mastered Bike riding, Texas sized grubs[y’all, it’s true… everything is bigger in Texas!! :-| ],adorable little chicks, card crafting, cookie baking, and  fun[DELICIOUS] Valentine’s Treats from siblings and mom made my Valentine’s day super sweet! God is good and I truly am blessed! ???????? QUESTION!! What has been a highlights from the month of January or February for you? Make my day by letting me know in the comment section below ↓↓!

HOVER FOR DESCRIPTIONS and have a beautiful day!

Beautiful VDAY painting from RUTH!!!! <3

SO FUN!! Love these magnets for my magnet board from my mom!! <3

My Valentine’s day treats

From… a very sensative brother ;)

From Nathanael + Joel!! :D <3

 

Chocolate Strawberry Roses made by Bekah!

Picture coloring with Micah!

the finished product!

Iceskating

Joel came along to help with the kiddos! <3

Icecream eating

Bike rideing

Texas sized grub :-o

Fun photoshoots!

Pretty packages! <3

Fun shipping!

Tea, Chocolate, and good reading! <3

School Days :)

 

“I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”
Ps 13:6

An everlasting L♥VE || Happy Valentine’s Day!

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
Jer 31:3

Happy Valentine’s Day y’all! :) May your day overflow with sweetness[and perhaps a bit of chocolate too ;] as you consider the everlasting, never-failing love of our Lord and Savior! ????????????

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.


“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.”
Psalm 63:3

One very happy Hen! :)

It’s true! We have one very happy hen in the house. :) Any guesses as to why? ;) ♥

“Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.”
Nehemiah 9:6

Take time to consider the birds! ♥

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

Beautiful artwork below by Ruth! ♥ :) Gifted to me at the most perfect of times [thank you!!] as I have been noting the stunning cardinals and gorgeous titmice birds during my morning walks. As they care-freely chirp their joy-filled songs, they have been reminding me of our heavenly Father’s tender care!! The same ONE who diligently provides for the birds of the air and clothes the grass with such splendor, cares far more for us and knows and provides for our greatest needs. But how often can we identify or be classified with those spoken of in the verse that follows where it says, “O ye of little faith“? This reminds me of Hebrews 11 as it says “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [vs 6] I read somewhere that faith is not merely a decision to believe — it’s also an expectation of great joy and satisfaction found in Christ. As I have been reading through Mark, I made it to chapter 9 where it says “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.“[vs 24] So, as I notice those happy little birds during my morning walks, my prayer this past week has been, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Take time to consider the birds today! ♥ They neither sow nor reap, there is no worry in their chirp ;) yet God provides their every need and He promises to do  infinitely more us!  “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”[Phil 4:19] He can be trusted and truly is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. :)  That is my random midnight musing. Happy Tuesday y’all!!

“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:  And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:26-33

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21 CANDLES + 5 random facts!! || Happy happy birthday!

Can’t believe it!???? Y’all, we  have a birthday girl in the house. Lydia turns 21 TODAY!!!???? Gorgeous both inside and out, Lydia’s one of a kind. So many beautiful qualities and I figured there was a LOT y’all didn’t know about the Bday girl. Soooo… I decided to change things up a bit this year. 5 random questions and 5 random facts about the LYDIA that will help you get to know this sweet little lady a little-LOT better! ???? So, here we go:

Questions:

Favorite dessert:  Hot chocolate with maple cookies. [Hehe, sounds harmless! ????]
How do you take your coffee: BLACK [y’all, don’t be fooled. She’ll take a Mocha or Cappuccino with 15 extra shots of espresso any day!????]
One place you would love to travel: Switzerland/ the Swiss alps. [yes, she plans on wearing traditional Swiss clothing and yodeling on the top of a Swiss mountain!????????]
Best memory from your 20th: The Holiday season with the family.
Favorite verse of the year: Colossians 2:13-15
Favorite Song/hymn: His eye is on the sparrow

Random Facts:

1.) She’s our “grandma-figure” in the house. Even to her older sister when need be!
2.) She holds the world record for worlds tiniest origami swan. It was literally Pea sized… from wing to wing!
3.) Sugar makes her do a happy dance! ;) Y’all she just downed 2 dozen donuts in 1 sitting today. ????????????
4.) She can sing like Deanna Durbin! And kinda looks like her too! ????
5.) She’s the expert party planner/coordinator and always making sure we keep family traditions!
6.) ¡!¡BONUS!¡! It’s her BIRTHDAY!!???? ???? ???? ????
[many thanks to sisters who helped me compile the above 5 random facts]

Happiest of birthdays to you[to date ;], Lydia! So thankful for you. Your kind spirit, listening ear[even when I don’t make an bit of sense????????], firm stand, and sisterhood/friendship daily bless me so much! I hope it’s the best birthday yet and may this new year be filled to overflowing with goodness as you seek and serve the Lord!????✨

“May HE grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your purpose”
Psalm 20:4

↓↓Help us celebrate Lydia bu leaving a little birthday cheer in the comment section below!↓↓

His Eye Is On the Sparrow

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Colossians 2:13-15


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Think on these things….

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9