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

And y’all thought I forgot! 😉 Never in a million years. Today is THE DAY!!!! 🎉 The day we’ve all been waiting for!🎈 Ladies and gentlemen… before the night ends I gotta wish a very special guy HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Yep, today Nathanael turns 20!! 🥳🙌🏻 With a Party Hat on I’m here to tell you a little more about this handsome fella. Nathanael has been gifted by the Lord in so many ways! He is adventurous, extremely athletic, and enthusiastic. His enthusiasm and energy are contagious and his persistent spirit and determination are second to none.🧡 Compassionate, caring, generous, and kind, Nathanael is always there when you need a listening ear, good solid advice, and encouragement! His days are filled FULL of good hard work(buying and selling vintage motorcycles), flying high✈️(y’all, he’s a pilot😱!), keeping physically fit, spending time with his family, and seeking to encourage his friends in the Lord. Nathanael is truly one of a kind! To my favorite 20 year old brother HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!🙌🏻🎉 SOOO very thankful to the Lord for you, Nathanael. I pray this year is the BEST YET and filled to the brim with new adventure as you continue to seek and serve the Lord!! 💁🏼‍♀️Would you help me wish Nathanael a “Happy Birthday”?? Leave a Birthday Comment bellow! 👇🏼

“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.”
Deuteronomy 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, it’s one of the best days of the year!! 🙌🏻 A day I get to set aside and dedicate to my Dad. 😍 Yep, you guessed it… TODAY IS Father’s Day!! It is really so very hard to sum up my dad in just a few words. His love for the Lord, zeal for The Word, unmatched energy, unconventional thinking, contagious enthusiasm, fabulous sense of humor, and dedication to his family are just a few of his qualities that instantly come to mind. Dad is patient, wise, and discerning constantly encouraging and pointing me and my siblings to The Lord. He faithfully reminds us to live a life well pleaseing to Him and to seek after holiness! This, my friends, is an undescribable gift that I do not take for granted. To the world’s BEST DAD… HAPPY 40th FATHER’S DAY!! 🥳 Your daily sacrifice and love for your family has not gone unnotied and I am so truly thankful to the Lord for you! ♥️

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13

Throwback to a long time ago! 😆

“The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.”
Proverbs 20:7

Ladies and gentlemen, today is the day… 🙌🏻 Today is the day Abel turns 18 years old! 🥳 Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am for this handsome guy.😁 Abel is the hardest-working, most driven, energetic man I know!! He constantly encourages me with his humorous, kind, caring, consistent personality and is always there to offer an encouraging word or enjoy a good deep evening conversation. Abel has a desire to honor the Lord, sharing His Truth and this is such an example to me! When not working hard at his Lawn Care/Contracting business, you can find Abel reaching out to friends with a good dose of wisdom and encouragement, getting an extremely intense exercise in, practicing his guitar, and spending time with his family.🙌🏻 I have shared this before but I will say it again…. One of the many things I love about Abel is he is constantly challenging himself to learn new things & accomplish BIG goals, pushing himself to do his best and give everything he does 189% of his energy and effort!🧡 Phew, I could go on but I must stop and just say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABEL!!!🎈 So very thankful to have you as my brother and look forward to all the Lord has in store as you continue to seek and serve Him. 💁🏼‍♀️Y’all know the rules, don’t leave until you’ve wished Abel a very Happy Birthday in the comment box below!!🎉

 “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.”
Ephesians 6:10-12

“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

“I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.”Psalm 34:4-5

Yes, it is so very true! Words cannot express my gratitude. 🙏🏼 My Mother’s tireless service and daily sacrifice have not gone unnoticed and I am so very thankful to the Lord for giving her to me and my family!! To my mother who is truly like no other, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!! ❤️ You are a beautiful example of Christ’s strength and enabling power. Thank you for always being there to bear my burdens and encourage me in the Lord. Thank you for always patiently listening, teaching, and caring for your children as you set a beautiful example of living out your calling as a wife and mother! Thank you for pouring your creativity and energy out into the family every single day. You are an inspiration to me and so many others!! KEEP UP THE FABULOUS WORK!! 🙌🏻 Hope your Mother’s Day is fabulous!! 😍

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:28-30

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 “Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”
Psalm 107:28-30

“The HOPE of the righteous shall be gladness…”
Proverbs 10:28

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? HOPE in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 43:5

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.”
Psalm 97:11

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word.” Psalm 119:114

“Let, I pray thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto thy servant. Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for Thy law is my delight.” Psalm 119:76-77

Sing, pray, and keep his ways unswerving,
offer your service faithfully,
and trust his word; though undeserving,
you’ll find his promise true to be.
God never will forsake in need
the soul that trusts in him indeed. 

“They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.” Psalm 119:74

Today is the day we have all been waiting for…😍 Yep, you guessed it. TODAY we celebrate Lydia’s Birthday!! 🙌🏻♥️🥳 Y’all, she is so worth celebrating!! Lydia is a lover of good coffee shops, vigorous exercise, random adventures, and hard work! Genuine, Honest, Optimistic yet super Realistic, Encouraging, and kind, this beautiful lady is truly one of a kind.🙌🏻 Lydia sings like an angel and her baking skills are beyond describing!! Her beautiful smile lights up the room and her ministering spirit blesses all she comes in contact with. The Lord has used Lydia over and again in my life to continually uplift and point me back to Him and for that, I am so very humbled and grateful! Happiest of Birthdays to date, Lydia!🎈 I am so thankful to the Lord for your sisterhood and faithful friendship! ♥️ I pray this next year is truly the best yet as you continue to seek and serve our Lord and Savior. He is always faithful!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ Y’all know the rules, don’t leave without wishing Lydia a very Happy Birthday in the comment box below!! 👇🏼

 “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

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

“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

Just a week ago today Joel and I had the great privilege of photographing the wedding of two dear friends, Joshua and Lynnsey! Their story is one that reveals the Lord’s sovereignty and grace in such an amazing and unique way. After so much prayer and preparation, Joshua & Lynnsey’s wedding day finally arrived. It was a day filled with great anticipation, sweet fellowship, and much rejoicing! Words cannot express how blessed I was to be able to witness the marriage and capture their special day. Congratulations Joshua and Lynnsey! May the Lord richly bless your life together. ♥️ Enjoy a little peek into their special day!

“I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”
Psalm 139:17-18

2022… what a year it has been! In all honesty, this has been the fullest, most blessed, and best year of my life… to date. 😉🙌🏻 Dear new friends have been made, vast amounts of family time enjoyed, lessons learned, adventures taken, and so much change has occurred this past year! 🧡 And as I end out this year I am reminded that the greatest adventure that can ever be had is obedience to God’s Holy Word! Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the WHOLE DUTY of man.” 2022 was a GOOD year of spiritual growth for me. A year I learned to more fully trust The Lord and rest in His goodness… even in the midst of unknowns and unexpected change! As I sit here just a few hours away from the New Year I marvel at the goodness of my God and rejoice! His faithfulness, His mercy, and His grace have been vast and abundant, wrapped up in every single moment of every single day. His patience with me has been constant and so humbling. His love has been unfathomable and steadfast!! He has been my Good Shepherd and faithful Guide! I love the promise we find in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” As I look ahead to 2023 I am beyond excited to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior and see His marvelous works performed every single day in mighty ways! So, my friends, are you ready to for a new year? 😃 Will you join me in declaring His goodness and singing His praise in 2023? Goodbye, 2022!! 🙋🏼‍♀️ You held so many wonderful memories and so many rich blessings from the Lord!! Welcome, 2023!!🥳 I can’t tell you how excited I am to see what you may hold. To each and every one of you, may this New Year be the BEST YET as you seek and serve the One True God, our Lord and Savior, and take every step forward in confident faith knowing HE is faithful(1 Thes 5:24). HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!😍🙌🏻

QUESTION! I would love to hear 1 or 2 highlights from your 2022! Leave your answer in the comment box below!!🙋🏼‍♀️

“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

Wishing you a very very Merry Christmas! ✨❄️ May you be filled with JOY as you remember the greatest gift ever given. “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke 2!! ♥️

“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