22 years ago today history was made….
Y’all, on August 11th history was made! On this day in 1866 the World’s 1st roller rink opened!!???? Okay, so there is something else that made this day historical…. You guessed it, today is Grace’s 22ND BIRTHDAY!!!!???????? I will admit, poetry has never been my thing and there is no way I am going to try to outdo Grace’s poetic eloquence[she’s quite gifted with words]! ;) BUT I can tell y’all quite a bit about the вιятн∂αу gιяℓ!!!! And it’s all 100% true.???? ????????Super gorgeous[pictures below to prove it????], gregarious, and good at just about EVERYTHING [with exception to changing a tire, being on time, milking a cow, & grocery shopping ;], Grace is well-known for her on-point style, determination, award-winning smile, supreme note-making skills ;), business sense, and occasional squeals[it only happens when she’s REALLY excited!] She also happens to be an expert in her field which would involve anything she’s doing at that moment. ;) She’s an incredible baker[her Caramel Cupcakes + Chocolate Bunt cake are out of this world and if you visit on Thanksgiving you might just get to sample her famous green bean casserole????????!!], super encourager [but also extremely honest], pep-er-up-er, EXTREMELY hard worker, and a down-right fantastic sister! Grace has been gifted with immense talents and it’s been such a blessing to see her use the talents God has given her for His glory. I am so thankful for Grace AND beyond excited that TODAY is HER BIRTHDAY!!! Happiest of birthdays, Grace. I’m looking forward to what 22 hold for you as you continue to trust in the Lord! ???? May your 22nd birthday be filled to the brim with goodness!!????????
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
Jeremiah 17:17
“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
»the power of CHRIST || morning meditation! :)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Phil 4:13
“And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
2 Cor 12:9-10
Never looked better! ||????HAPPY BIRTHDAY????
Yes, my Dad is another year older today and he’s never looked better[pictures below to prove it]! Just like… cheese, my dad seems to get better with age.???????? So we will say it’s “another year BETTER” instead of “another year older”!???? As you may have guessed(?!?),TODAY IS MY DAD’S BIRTHDAY!!!????CUE CONFETTI, SOUND THE BLOW HORNS, LIGHT THE CANDLES… it’s time to CELEBRATE!!!???? It’s really hard to describe a man who holds so many talents and has practically + patiently given his life for the good of other! Where do I start?! My dad is an avid exerciser, skilled garage saler[Bargain is his middle name ;], holiday fudge and stuffing maker[out-of-this-world delicious!], and grill master! He also happens to be a 2nd generation seamster, 10th generation gypsy????, LFCS Principle, Production Manager, and can fix any kinda problem[especially those big family problems ;] in the most unique ways! When he’s not busy working long and hard, you can usually find him maintaining stability in a house that holds 8 women[yes, that is a challenge, I will be the first to admit ;], scouting out good deals, or fixing a leaky faucet. My Dad’s favorite food would be a chicken wrap and any dessert my mom makes[her’s are the BEST EVER!] You may be wondering what my Dad’s future aspirations are? Glad you asked! :) Traveling the USA in a camper[if he plans on taking the family it may be an entire caravan of campers????????] and stopping at every garage sale or swap meet he may run across. ;) BUT today it is HIS BIRTHDAY and we are celebrating with lots of birthday wishes, REALLY good food, and fun time together!!???? ✨Happy Birthday Dad!!!✨???? May the years to come doubly exciting and blessed as those which have passed. So thankful to the Lord for you!????
“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
“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
A Rock that stands forever…
“For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.”
Psalm 18:31-33
A Rock That Stands Forever
A Rock that stands forever
Is Christ, my Righteousness!
In Him I stand un-fearing,
In everlasting bliss!
Christ is my boast and glory—
All wrath for me is o’er;
The judgment of the sinner
Affrighteth me no more.
There is no condemnation,
There is no hell for me!
The torment and the fire—
My eyes shall never see!
For me there is no sentence,
For me there is no sting,
For Christ, my Lord, who saved me,
Will shield me with His wing!
No hunger, Lord, nor thirsting,
No danger, fear, nor fight,
No foe, no tribulation,
No throne, nor pow’r, nor might,
No height, no depth, no creature
That has been or can be.
Can pluck me from Thy bosom—
Can sever me from Thee!
My heart in joy upleapeth—
Grief cannot linger there!
O Jesus, Lord in glory,
Thou art my sunshine fair!
The Source of all my singing
Is Jesus there above,
The Sun that shines upon me
Is Jesus and His Love!
-Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676
“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”
Psalm 18:46
Have you heard the news?!!
Have you heard the news? Yes, it’s true! Today is the day…. The day we have all been waiting for with great anticipation and excitement….???? TODAY IS JOEL’S BIRTHDAY!!! ???? ???? It’s sweet 17 for this handsome guy. ;) Dashing good looks, fantastic sense of humor paired with the perfect amount of sensitivity, patient + kindhearted, brains[y’all, he may have his blond moments but for the most part he one smart guy ;] + a whole lotta brawn…. Yes, he is the perfect man. Among many things, Joel is a HARD working, never stop moving, get your hands dirty type. If he’s not busy with his own work, you can find him looking for some way to help/serve others! For example, when I’m about to leave for the grocery store or my parents are going out for the night, Joel will make sure the vehicle of choice is squeaky clean and ready to drive! Or his younger brother wants to camp out but needs an older companion, [despite discomfort, bugs, and Texas heat] Joel’s ready and willing with sleeping bag in hand. When mom asks for a willing man to haul heavy loads, Joel is the first to offer up his services and readily takes on the job! Perhaps you have had a tough day? He will whip you up the most delicious Nutella Latte!! ???? On top of all that goodness, Joel has also in the past year started his own business and become quite savvy at his line of work… it’s been so encouraging to see. He is quite the guy! Yes ladies, Joel is single and [for the record] the way to his heart is a fresh baked cinnamon roll! ;] Favorite snack for Joel is chips and salsa, favorite singer would be Ernie Ford, favorite sister… ME of course[okay, one of his favorite sisters]!! ;) So thankful for you, Joel. Daily blessed by your kindness and friendship! May your birthday overflow with chips and salsa???? and may each year that follows be filled to the brim with God’s goodness as you continue to serve Him! ???? HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL ????
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Psalm 1:1-2
“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
my հεαʀτ is gℓα∂ ♡ || Birthday Blessings!
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my հεαʀτ is gℓα∂, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalms 16:8-11
“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness“[Ps 65:11]« Y’all, it is true! :) The Lord truly crowns every single year with HIS goodness!! 26 was filled to the brim with blessings and benefits that I can’t even begin to recount!! No, this doesn’t mean my 26 year was free of trails, common heartache, testing, temptation, failing, or falling short… because it wasn’t! :) With the blessings of this last year also came trials & testing. BUT these too are blessings as it is through the deepest trials and testing that He has more deeply revealed to me who HE is, how much I need Him EVERY SINGLE SECOND of the day, and how infinite His great love is for me [Jer 31:3]. When those storms blew in & heartache came my way, He proved to be that strong Anchor[Heb 6:19], the Rock in which I take refuge[Ps 18:2], and the One who binds up my wounds[Ps 34:18, Ps 147:3, Job 5:18]. In the times of temptation and testing, He showed me that by HIS faithfulness I could remain faithful and overcome[1 Thes 5, 1 Cor 10:13]! And when I failed and fell short[which I did!], in His great mercy and faithfulness, The Lord picked me back up and with His hand upheld me[Ps 37:24, Ps145:14].♡ Each day this past year has richly overflowed with GOD’S mercy, faithfulness, strength, sustaining power, and grace! He truly does crown the years with goodness. :) “The LORD is my Strength and Song, and is become my Salvation“[Ps 118:14]!!! As we set our mind and heart on our Savior, trusting His flawless Word, and resting in His sovereign will He will give us that perfect peace that is promised [Is 26:3]. We truly can trust Him fully for HE IS wholly true! 26 was a blessed year for me and I am praising the Lord for all He taught me through it. My հεαʀτ truly is gℓα∂! ♡ So, bring on 27 ;)…. I am looking forward to seeing what it holds as the LORD continues to lead me. He is FAITHFUL! Who wants to join me for the journey?! :)
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3
Stayed upon Christ Jesus,
Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.
Y’all, where does one start when she has just had the BEST birthday yet?!!! :) It seems each year is sweeter than the last and I’m always left completely amazed and SO humbled. God has immensely blessed me with the sweetest family and friends who go out of their way to bless and encourage me daily!!! And my birthday was definitely no exception! :) I’m honestly left speechless by the kindness shown to me! Kind words, birthday notes, and sweet “postal surprises” have left me tremendously humbled. The best way to put it is that my heart has swelled to the size of TEXAS with gratitude!!!! ☺️♥ I am so extremely undeserving of this kindness shown to me and SO THANKFUL to the Lord for you all! As always, my family went above and beyond to make the day super special! Birthday pictures taken by Joel were so fun[I was long past due for an updated “about me” photo ;], Grace showed herself… *ahem* quite poetic with her Birthday poem ;) which still has me laughing[I’ve yet to be proven dangerous with any knives y’all????????], the ladies in the family and my Dad joined me for a delicious birthday breakfast at a local cafe[yes, I ate cheesecake for breakfast… no judging allowed;]+ a little thrift store shopping, and the younger guys went on an afternoon river-walk with me + a Sonic run. Later on in the evening, we enjoyed a fabulous dinner prepared by my mom + the most delicious cupcakes made by Micah! Micah & Bekah even made fun little PARTY FAVORS[one is never too old for party favors!!] So CUTE! It was an outstanding party and a beautiful birthday!! :) God is SO GOOD and I am SOOOOO BEYOND BLESSED. THANK YOU!! ♥
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you”
Philippians 1:3
How about a few pictures?! :) :) Hover for description and enjoy! [:
“ѕσ тєα¢н υѕ тσ иυмвєя συя ∂αуѕ, тнαт ωє мαу αρρℓу συя нєαятѕ υитσ ωιѕ∂σм.”
ρѕαℓм 90:12
♡ ♡ ♡how fun is this?!
Still shocked by this gorgeous gift from my SUPER sweet Kansas friend ♡!!!!
Such a fun + unexpected surprise from Belgium!
♥ And a Washington candle that smells more beautiful than it looks! ♥
BDAY brkfst! :)
Afternoon cherry limeade ;)
She’s quite smitten with this cookbook! :)
♡ (: Party Sandels + Party Favors :) ♡
Such a fun Party Table! THANK YOU to my sisters! :)
Preparing a delicious dinner! :)
Cutest CUPCAKE toppers ever! :)
Yes… I am! ;)
Thank you!!
“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:7-14
-*’-*_-HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!-*’-*_-
(DISCLAIMER: this post has been authored by Grace. Rachel is in no ways responsible for any of its written content. :D)
Well, guys, it’s JULY 16th!!!!!!!!!! And in case you don’t know by now I (Grace) always take over Rachel’s blog on National Corn Fritters Day, and while I’m here I also like to mention a few things about the fact that it’s RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY too!!!!
{and the crowd goes WIIIIILLLLLD –insert applause, confetti, and anything else that denotes birthday celebration–}
Seriously, this is one of the best days of the year as we take the time to express our gratitude for Rachel, the way she serves all those around her, and the grace that God has shown her by bringing her another year closer to Himself.
So every year I like to do a little something special that will give you a closer look at this person of interest: random facts about Rachel, 26 non-selfies, and even pho tographic montages…
This year was to be no exception. As I was thinking up how to commemorate the day it hit me: why not a poetic tribute to Rachel? And so here it is, a special poem, for a special person, on this very special day (disclaimer: the first line of this poem is not original. I heard it somewhere and just had to incorporate it :D)! Enjoy and don’t click off this page without LEAVING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY COMMENT!!!!
An Ode to Rachel
Roses are red, windex is blue,
Rachel’s the sweetest girl one ever knew.
Her hair is as lovely as wheat in the sun,
And twists up all pretty, like a fresh cin’mon bun.
Her kindness is constant towards all in her life,
Just don’t contradict when she’s holding a knife. (Disclaimer: Rachel has never exhibited threatening behavior while holding a knife. I don’t even think she’s held anything more than a steak knife in her entire life, I just couldn’t think of anything else that rhymed with life + fit the context.)
When folks ask her siblings, “what is Rachel like?”,
Responding they say, “I will tell you friend-Mike:
She cooks and she cleans, all without much complaint,
She carries big loads that might make others faint.
She doesn’t dance much, ‘cept when wielding a mop,
She does that with rhythm, a hip, and a hop.
Her meats are quite savory, her pastries delightful,
But don’t eat too many, they’ll make your waist frightful.
When it comes to the camera, her skills are a win
She avoids ugly shots of your friend’s double chin. (Another disclaimer: every one has a double chin at one angle or another. This does not mean your friend is fat, it just means that Rachel is aware of this universal phenomenon and is able to avoid those angles.)
Today is her birthday, she’ll be up at dawn,
And party till even’ when the last cupcake’s gone.
I hope the day’s nice, I hope she enjoys it,
I hope she is happy and no one annoys it.
Annoy her we might, but that will be forgot,
When the song “happy birthday” rings from the whole lot.
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:23-24
Wordless Weekend Randomness from the Iphone!
With my camera thousands of miles away, I have been left with only an iPhone to capture the moments from this past week! So today I figured I’d do a little wordless randomness from the iPhone! Okay, almost wordless. ;) Y’all, to post a post without mentioning God’s daily mercy and great faithfulness is impossible. :) “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“[Lam 3]!!♥ TRULY, “all I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!!!” :) :) We serve a truly faithful God whose mercies are abundantly present!Hover for descriptions and have a very happy Sunday!!
Oh, the height and depth of mercy!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption,
Pledge of endless life above!
” I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 89:1
Sunny Summer days! :)
Another beautiful SUNSET!
Lots of candles <3 :)
Birthday Fun!
Tea Time with these lovely ladies! :)
Coffee date with Ruth!
Too much fun! <3 :)
Ruth + Nathanael
Picking grapes!
Psalm 118!
Fun Work!
Delicious cupcakes by Micah!!! :) :)
“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3
HAPPY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! ♥
Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom!!! ♥ Thankful for 33 years of God’s faithfulness in my parents marriage. May the next 33 years be as blessed and full as the last! :)
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ”
Colossians 3:14
Photo Credits || Joel
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9
13 TODAY!!!! || ???? It’s Party Time ????
Y’all today is the THE DAY!!! *EXCITED+SHOCKED* ???? The day this super handsome guy FINALLY turns 13!!???? It’s party time!!???? Today is Nathanael’s Birthday and I am beyond excited!! Besides having the world’s best smile, dashing good looks, and happiest disposition, Nathanael [who is also known as Colorado Pete because of his great love for the Colorado Mountains] is a “do anything” kinda guy! Have a grandfather clock that needs fixing? Or how about a tree that needs to be turned into fire wood? Perhaps you just gashed your leg open? No worries, He is the guy for the job! First aid kit in hand, axe on the hip, and the mind of a brain-surgeon, Nathanael will have the job done in a jiffy! This guys is also inspirational to me. As he raked the yard with vigor he told me his motto, “a job with doing is a job worth doing well!!!”…. I’ve decided, when I grow up, I want to be just like Nathanael! ;) As of late a few of Nathanael’s hobbies have included foraging[he successfully homemade yucca soap and didn’t go bald after using it???? ;)], playing the harmonica, volleyball[he is a master at serving], rope climbing[ he can climb up a 50 foot rope only using his bare hands], campfire cooking with cast iron[y’all, stop by for some of his vittles, they are DELICIOUS], and he can make a pretty mean white chocolate mocha! ;) :D He claims to look like Van Johnson but I have to disagree…. His look-alike is actually Ben-Hur [CLICK HERE to see striking resemblance]. ;) Happiest of birthdays to YOU, Nathanael!! I’m so blessed by you and look forward to what the Lord has in store for you as you continue to serve HIM! May this be the best birthday yet!???? ????
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
How about half a dozen photos of this handsome Colorado cowboy?! :)
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.But 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 1:1-3
It’s time for a little bit of randomness!! ;)
“All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”
Proverbs 15:15
↑↑ Favorite verse of the week! ☺️ Y’all, it’s true! A merry heart has a continual feast. ❤️ I’m long past-due for a random post and tomorrow begins an intense photoshoot for Grace, Micah , and me. So, today is the day to get this randomness published!!! :) Time has flown for my family. We’ve said goodbye to Spring with all its goodness and Summer has definitely settled in to stay for a while! Work has kept our hands busy which is a blessing in itself but in between the work hours, God has been filling my life with random blessings that have been such tremendously gifts and so undeserved! Evening walks are a favorite and Texas fire sticks have made their appearance… if you take a walk at sunset, you will see at least a dozen hummingbirds enjoying their nectar. God’s creation truly does sing His praise! This past week I finally found time for Napkin making[purchased the fabric nearly 8 years ago :-|] + English muffin baking and a sweet[←literally ;] package and postcard found their way to my mailbox which completely blessed me????!! Baking + babyKiddoSitting + before-bed book reading[Horton Hatches an Egg with 2 of my favorite people;] + coffee drinking have added fun touches to the summer days. Joel created the most delicious nutella Iced Latte for me which was very much appreciated!! THANK YOU, JOEL! ???? Our local Lavender Festival was enjoyed by everyone here, little ladies have been finding fun under makeshift tents with furry kitties by their side, birthday card crafting and gift wrapping is in full swing as we enter what is officially classified “birthday season”[I LOVE birthdays????????????], and volleyball is the after dinner game of choice for my family. Micah baked the MOST DELICIOUS batch of Cherry Crumb Bars and there are now 3 NEW recipes on my cooking blog [click HERE to check them out]… Y’all, it’s summer! :) The days, as random as they may seem, have been beautifully orchestrated and blessed by the Lord. I’m Super thankful for the daily blessings He so graciously gives me!! :] What has been filling your summer days? Leave a comment and let me know. :) Happy Summer to you!
“My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips”
Psalm 63:5
Surely Goodness and Mercy The Swanee River Boys
DELICIOUS MICAH!!!!!!! <3
Abel’s all smiles with this Birthday gift!
Local Lavender Festival
Donuts are a must! ;)
Long past-due project
Napkins finally done!
Tomato Pie!
:)
Lemonade, a sumer must! ;)
♡♡ Thank you!! :)
Sunset! <3
Picking the green bean harvets!
Isaiah 54:10!!
Grace-Donut Worry, Be Happy! ;)
Our in-house donut maker! ;)
Lots of kitten happiness
Book reading with these crazy gals!
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
Sunset! The heavens declare the glory of the Lord!!
<3 :) :) :)
Summers call for Shaved ice! :)
Rain = Happy Ducks! ;)
She’s a light packer ;)
“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.”
Isaiah 54:10
A sound heart vs. Envy ||random midnight musing :)
“A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
Proverbs 14:30
I do have a random post coming! Pictures are slowly making their way out of my editor and into my “MUST BLOG” file. ;) But I’m meditating on a sound heart tonight! ♥ As I began to go through the book of Proverbs a couple weeks ago, I prayed for fresh perspective and that the Lord would open my eyes to new lessons! It’s easy to go through the motions of daily bible reading and then end the book without remembering what you’ve read[anyone else have this problem?;], so I’ve set myself to daily praying that the Lord would open my eyes to His word and for fresh lessons before I begin my reading! God truly is faithful to answer these prayers. :) As always, the contrast between Wisdom & foolishness always convicts me. And as I came to pride vs. humility I was instantly challenging! The need to evaluate my life and my heart was made clear, looking for pride and then seeking to humble myself before God and others[whether it be seeking forgiveness for offenses/hurt/wrongs -even if they are accidental in nature- or being willing to yield to others, etc.] …. I am convinced this will be a life long challenge ;). With pride is sadly promised contention/strife[Prov 13:11], dishonor[Prov 11:2], and destruction[Prov 16:8]. In James 4:6 we are told, “God resisteth the proud”. But with humility is promised wisdom[Prov 22:4], life, & grace[James 4:6]! A sweet friend gave me »this bookmark«. I’ve kept it tucked in my bible and It’s been a daily blessing used to evaluate my heart! But besides wisdom vs. foolishness & pride vs. humility, something that struck me for the first time ever was the extreme contrast between a sound heart vs. envy!! I had honestly never compared/contrasted the 2 before but when I read Proverbs 14:30 I had one of those lightbulb “YESSS!” moments :)! Prov 14:30 says, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” As I read the word “envy” I instantly thought about this verses in James 3, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Envy = “a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.” I am reminded that because of the envy in their hearts, Cain slew Abel and Saul vehemently pursued David. As I contemplated what a sound heart looked like I was reminded of one of my favorite Psalms of late, Psalm 131 and verse 2, “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” This is a picture of perfect contentment in the will of our Savior and what He has given us! A sound heart is a heart of contentment and a heart that is at peace with what the Lord has supplied…. It is the life to the flesh! Envy is discontentment, desiring what others have, and will bring confusion, evil works[James 3:16], destruction, and rottenness to the bones[Prov 14:30]! Where there is envy there is no soundness of heart! When you allow yourself to envy, you open your heart to rottenness. So ladies, today I want to encourage you to search your heart! Pray for a sound heart, given to perfect contentment with what our Sovereign Lord has supplied for you and do not give any room for envy. My random midnight musing[most likely not posted until mid-morning ;]! Have a fantastic weekend!
“But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:14-17
Have you taken a moment? || the God that doest wonders
“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.”
Psalm 77:11-14
Have you taken a moment? To count your blessings and benefits? To praise the Lord for His great goodness and faithfulness? Are you meditating on His mercies and magnificence? Or are your moments consumed with fretting and fear? Are your days downcast with discontentment? Is you joy robbed by bitterness and envy? God’s daily blessings are abundantly poured upon us! We serve THE faithful God! His mercies are NEW every morning! He daily loads us with benefits! Every beat of the heart is a gift from our great Savior! His daily grace is a blessing we often overlook and His mercies which are new every single morning should have our hearts perpetually singing His praise!! Perhaps you’ve found yourself in a rut? Overlooking the daily blessings and benefits of our Savior? Today I want to encourage you to stop and count your blessings then don’t stop! ;) Name them, one by one. Yes, it truly will surprise you what the Lord has done!!!! :)
» HAPPY TUESDAY (:
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”
Psalm 69:19
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”
Psalm 103:2
396 + 7 + 7 + ∞ = DAD ;) ♥
It’s true!! 396 + 7 + 7 + ∞ = my DAD!! ;) It just so happens today is one of the best days of the entire year…. Today is FATHER’S DAY!???????? And when you have the World’s best dad, Father’s day just happens to be a fabulous day! :) 396 months[plus some] of fathering… or we could just say 33 years of sacrificial love. ;) 7 boys & 7 girls born meaning countless diaper changes, midnight walks with sleepless crying babies, long hours of hard work to provide, bike riding lessons, loose teeth that need to be pulled, and wise counsel given! ∞[or infinity ;] = the love we have for our Dad!!! ????❤️ A GIANT →THANK YOU to my Dad!! We can’t express our gratitude enough for the daily sacrifice you have made for your family!! Thankful to the Lord for you. :) HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! ????
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13
