Blessing or bemoaning? || a very random post ;)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits”
Psalm 103:2

Note:This post has been a long time in coming … Let’s see if it gets published! ;) 

As I think back on the  last few weeks, I am so thankful for the tasks the Lord has given me to put my hands to and especially for His mercies which are new EVERY single morning[Lam 3:22-23]! I am completely undeserving of the mercy of the Lord but in Ps 103 I am promised a mercy that is truly unfathomable, “For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him“.  I have been reminded of Psalm 103:2 tonight, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits“. To bless the Lord means “To praise; to glorify, for benefits received.” So, [the question I asked myself] are we quick to remember and meditate on the benefits of the Lord, giving Him praise above all else… or [like the Israelite] are we prone to forget His goodness and blessings toward us…“And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.“Ps 78:11? Do we find our souls blessing or bemoaning the Lord?  In just a few verses from Psalm 103 alone we find that our Lord is merciful and gracious[Ps 103:8],  He is forgiving[Ps 103:3],  He redeems[Ps 103:4], He satisfies the longing soul[Ps 145:16, Ps 107:9, Ps 103:5], He is righteous & just[Ps 103:6, Ps 145:17], He is slow to anger[Ps 103:8, Ex 34:6], He has removed our transgressions as far as the east is from the west[Ps 103:12], and His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting[Ps 103:17]!! What a wonderful Savior and how worthy He is of our praise and glory!???? Random yes, but I tend to be an overly random person. ;) Today, bless the Lord and forget not His benefits!! :)

Whew, this has been a busy busy BUSY month! Though a million photos have been snapped over the last month, last Saturday was the first time I picked up my camera for personal “fun” use. But here I am! :)  In the midst of work, fun kayak rides at the river, breakfasts out with sisters+mom+dad, ice skating, and Valentine’s day  has brought lots of random excitement and many sweet treats! For my family, Valentine’s Day is a “non-obligatory” gifting holiday. ;) If you find something small that will be perfect for someone or a treat that would make sweet valentine’s, you gift it. Otherwise, you just enjoy the love-filled day! This year it seems everyone found something sweet to gift. :) Flowers from Grace[absolutely gorgeous and such a surprise!] and candy from brothers [they know my love for all things chocolate ;)]. Micah made me the most beautiful magnets for my magnet board and our mom made delicious Twinkie heart desserts! :) Plus a fun parcel from a sweet friend found its way to me just at the perfect time! I had been praying for Valentine’s day blog post inspiration and a sweet gift arrived containing delicious Red Velvet cupcake mix… needless to say, Emmi and I had fun mixing up a batch and photographing our valentine’s day cupcakes!♥  I chose gummy bears to gift with the true message “life would be unbearable without you”. ;) God has blessed me with so many thoughtful people in my life. I am truly undeserving of their love! But the greatest gift and love of all? Jesus Christ laying down His life for us! “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” So, how was your Valentine’s Day? :)

Short break for an announcement here! Y’all remember that lovely watercolor Ruth created for me a few posts back? Well, this print is now available in greeting cards and wall art on my card site → SongBirdCardCo.com and the site has a completely new look. Hop over and take a look! :)

SBCC Cottage Roses 10

SP || VDAY TREAT-03

SP || VDAY TREAT-06

SP || VDAY TREAT-01

SP || VDAY TREATs-6

SP || VDAY TREATs-5

SP || VDAY TREAT-02

THANK YOU! :)

Too much fun!

SP || VDAY TREATS

SP || 2.14

Bekah 2 copy

“Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
Psalm 103:1

an EVERLASTING love ♡ || 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.”
Jeremiah 31:3

→”Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.“! :) You just can’t help but smile when you read this verse, can you?! What a Savior and what a love. ♡ It is everlasting, unchanging[Malachi 3:6], and never-failing love that truly cannot be fathomed! “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.“[Rom 5:7-9]  There is truly no greater love! :) May your hearts be filled to overflowing this love-filled day as you meditate on the marvelous L♡VE of our great Redeemer! Happy Valentine’s Day y’all!!

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.

Thanks to a surprise from a super sweet friend, I was able to have a fun Valentine’s Day photoshoot with a delightful batch of red velvet cupcakes!????????

SP || Valentine's Day

SP || Valentine's Day 1

“How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”
Psalm 36:7

Be still and know || A cup of Spring on a Winter Day ♡

 

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

SP || BE Still AND KNOW

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Psalm 18:1-2

Trying out a new Lens || Random Monday Madness

It is Monday!! Today held several hours of computer work for me but when there is christmas candy[ because chocolate is a must on Mondays ;] and earl gray tea involved, I don’t mind at all! ;) With all the madness that Monday tends to bring, this Monday brought a whole lot of God’s goodness, clean office[decided I’d share a peek into my work space with y’all while its clean!????], beautiful weather, and a borrowed lens!!???? I have wanted to try out a Lensbaby lens for years and today I finally got the chance. I’ve experimented with “freelensing” for the last year and love the effect it creates so I’m looking forward to experimenting with the lensbaby lens. But today duty/work called and I was only able to snap a few shot with the lens.  I will admit, it’s a bit tricky to get the hang of using. Lord willing, tomorrow the lens will be put to the test! ;)  So, I want to hear from you! Have you tried a lensbaby lens or freelensing  before ? If so, what do you think about it? How was your Monday? Happy Monday y’all! ♥

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Processed with VSCOcam with 4 preset

SP || Random 2.1.16.1

SP || Random 2.1.16“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.”

Psalm 143:8

Are you a doer? || 2016 SMR

Yes, I have a random post coming soon ;) but y’all, we are entering the 2nd month of our 2016 Scripture Memorization Resolution[also known as 2016 SMR ;]! I’m pretty excited!! In the last month 220+ verses have been memorized by those who have joined me for this 2016 resolution. And it’s not too late for you to join! Sign up and jump right in. →This week I want to focus not only on memorizing the Word in my head but also taking the Words I memorize to heart! It is easy to be a reader of the Word but, as we are told in James 1:22, we are to be doers of the Word and warned that if we are only hearers of the Word and not doers that we are deceiving ourselves! And the Lord tells us that we are blessed when we not only hear the Word but also keep it → “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”(Luke 11:28)! So, today, I want to encourage y’all [whether you have joined the challenge or not!] to focus on being doers of the Word!

» Happy Friday «

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”
Matthew 7:24

2016 SMR | week 5

♡ Happy Happy Happy ♡

???? Let the celebrations begin!!!!???? →Today is LYDIA’S 20th birthday!!! One of the BEST days of the YEAR! :) As if beauty wasn’t enough, Lydia is one talented lady. Family party planner[she makes every holiday festively fun!], fashionista[it’s true!], stuffed chocolate cookie baker[DELICIOUS], extreme shopper[she can push 2 carts with 1 hand! ;)], SUPER hard worker, jewelry crafter, and latte connoisseur are just a few titles Lydia holds! On top of all that talent, Lydia is also known for her somewhat spunky & always joyful spirit, diligence, gorgeous smile, and constant kindness.  She’s a gem of a friend + sister! ♥ She’s also pretty crazy about Coconut oil + the beach + Roy Rogers and may or may not have a voice to match Dale Evans! ;) With all this said, we know one day prince charming will come and sweep this little lady off her feet [now accepting future Lydia’s Mr. Right applications here. $25 application fee, all sales are final, inquire within.????] but until then I am super thankful to have her with us and that TODAY is her BIRTHDAY! Happiest of Birthdays Lydia.♥ I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for you this next year as you trust Him!  May this new year be extremely blessed and always caffeinated! ;)

Happy Birthday Polka –The Sons of the Pioneers

“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

SP || Lydia 4

SP || Lydia

SP || Lydia 6

SP || Lydia 2SP || Lydia 9

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Proverbs 31:30

Unite my heart to fear Thy name…

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. 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.”
Psalm 86:11-13

There must be an heart given to man to fear the Lord; for the fear of the Lord is not naturally in their hearts, or before their eyes; and they should have, not a divided and distracted heart, an heart divided between God and the world, between the fear of God and the fear of man; but a heart united to the Lord, that cleaves to him, and him only; a single and a sincere heart; a heart that has a single view to his glory, and a sincere affection for him; and such a heart the Lord has promised to give to his people, in order to fear him[Jer 32:39]- John Gill

A big “THANK YOU” to Ruth for the Loveliest Watercolor Rose painting! It is hanging on my magnet board and I thank the Lord for the talent He has given her when I see it.  :) ♡→”Unite my heart to fear His name“!! May we find ourselves continually captivated and in awe as we meditate on the majesty of our God! “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable“[Ps 145:3] >>”Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number“[Job 5:9]>> “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!“[Rom 11:33] Happy Friday y’all!

“Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.”
1 Chronicles 29:11
SP || THY WORD 1.21-41

SP || THY WORD 1.21-3

SP || THY WORD 1.21-1

“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”
Psalm 25:14

When in Texas…

When in Texas do as the Texans! ;) 2 cuties in their pretty pink Cowgirl Boots. ♥

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
Proverbs 16:3

SP || 1.17.8

SP || 1.17.3

SP || 1.17

SP || 1.17.4

SP || 1.17.7

SP || 1.17.6

SP || 1.17.5

SP || 1.17.9

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.”
Proverbs4:26

The Author of eternal salvation…

“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”

Hebrews 5:8-9

SP || 1.14 copy

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:5-8

Y’all it’s been 7 years! || Happy Blog Birthday????????

Yes, it’s true!¡!¡ ???? Today marks 7 years of blessed [and somewhat random] blogging bliss! ;)  To celebrate I baked y’all  cupcakes with party hats [because you can’t have a blog birthday without a cupcake] then ate them for you too! ♥ ;) Perhaps I may have just wanted an excuse to bake cupcakes?! 7 years, 909 blog post, 4,047 photos uploaded, many  “blog friends” made, and memories shared! :) And yes, my most used blog tag has been “randomness”. ;) So much fun! Many things have changed over the last 6 years but one thing has and will remain the same, GOD is FAITHFUL!! ALWAYS!  :) My desire and hope that all that I post would declare God’s goodness & faithfulness and each picture would “Sing forth the honour of His name”.  So, who thinks I should try for another 7 years?? ;)  〉〉 Grab yourself a cupcake and have a very Happy Wednesday!????

“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


SP || BLOG BDAY

SP || BLOG BDAY 1

“O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”
Psalm 51:15

My [FUTURE] home ♡

I’ve never been one who dreams about what my [future] home would look like but I think I have found my [future] home! ;) Small, colorful, and just about perfect. Someday maybe?! :] And, of course, a yellow door is a must. ;) So, what do you think? Could you live in a space this small? I better hop back to work… → Happy Monday y’all!

images via pinterest.

” Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
Proverbs 24:3-4

My Delight || Welcoming week 2 〉〉

We are entering week 2 for the 2016 Scripture Memorization Resolution! I am really blessed by every one of you who have joined me in the pursuit of hiding God’s Word in our hearts this next year through scripture memorization. THANK YOU! :] Week 1 was such a delight, challenge, and encouragement so I am really looking forward to week 2! If y’all haven’t joined yet, you’re not too late!!! We would love to have you join us. :) (: Sign up  HERE and jump right in. :) You choose the number of verses you would like to memorize each week, whether it be 1 or 21 ;), and then resolve yourself. I have Week  2 SMR email almost ready to send and I’d love to add you to the list!

〉〉 SIGN UP!

“Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.”
Psalm 119:24

SP || SMR16 copy

SP || SMR16 1

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
Ephesians 6:17

2 hot rice bags… || Thursday Randomness 

It all started yesterday afternoon! My jaw was giving me grief andI was searching the house frantically for a rice bag to heat and apply to the left side of my aching face. After an unsuccessful search, I gave up destined to live with the discomfort and pain! Or so I though. :) Had I been more observant i would have seen a dashing young man swiftly swipe the bag of cooking rice from the cabinet and quietly search the shop for stretch knit scraps . As I sat in a fog, holding the side of my face, attempting to answer emails but not so successfully accomplishing it, in came Nathanael[who was enduring his own horrible head cold] with 2 black rice bags… preheated! Yes, he heard my need and came to the rescue by Hand making and even warming the rice bags for me. Thank YOU! Just what my aching face needed and brought instant relief! What a guy and what an undeserved blessing! ☺️ Through his thoughtful act of kindness and service [even when he was sick himself!!] I was reminded of Matthew 20:27-28, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Thankful for this random act of kindness. Completely made my day week YEAR!!!

“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭27-28‬

This post is dedicated to my dashing brother Nathanael with lots of love! ????????❤️

SP || 1.6

↓Nathanael during our New Year’s Eve Costume Competition. His costume was one of my favorites!! :) ↓

SP || NEW YEAR“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10

That I may know Him→

“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”

Philippians 3:9-10

SP || PHIL 3-10.1

“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 3:12-14

Ringing in the NEW YEAR! ????|| Hello 2016 ☞

Here we are at the beginning of a fresh NEW YEAR!???? Looking back on 2015, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons the Lord so patiently taught me & pruning He has done in me[Jn 15:2]and now I look forward to what He will teach me all the days He gives me in 2016.[ super thankful for the family I’ve been blessed to spend 2015 with too. ;) ]My “verse of the year” has been Genesis 15:1, ☞“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great Reward.” HE is our exceedingly great Reward! This is a blessed truth that becomes more real each day He gives me here on earth and a truth that I will be able to proclaim throughout all eternity! :) Because He is my Exceedingly Great Reward, the Strength of my heart, and my Portion forever I have hope for 2016 and all eternity!! “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Ps 73:26! Set you hearts on seeking[Jer 29:13], serving[Ps 100:2], fully surrendering [James 4:7] to Him for HE is your exceedingly Great Reward and will not disappoint! :)  May this next year be filled to overflowing with the goodness of our Lord & Savior.❤️

????Happy New Year!????

“ 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

P.S. If y’all have procrastinated and not signed up for the 2016 Scripture Memorization Resolution, it’s not too late! :) I don’t have a “sign-up deadline”! ;) 〉〉Sign up now!〈〈

 

Happy 2016! from Shiloh Photography on Vimeo.

12 Highlights via pictures from 2015!

hover for descriptions! ♥

Jan-Nov ;)|| Celebrating lots of delicious birthdays! :)

June || Shiloh Photography becomes Officially oficial! ;)

May || Port A. with family <3

May || Port A. with family <3

May || Visiting the Ocean!

July || Pickle making with a few of my favorite people!

September || Traveling to Colorado with my family!

September || Traveling to Colorado with my family!

November || Flying!

November || Traveling to IA with my besties! ;)

December || Christmas Cookie baking with these lovely ladies! <3

“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.”
Psalm 65:11