Or at least I do! Don’t forget, “This is the day the Lord has made, We WILL REJOICE and BE GLAD in it.” Happy Wednesday y’all! ;)
Because somedays you just need a smile! ;)
New Year’s Resolution… who want’s to join me? :)
Well, 2016 is 4 short days away! I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for the days ahead. As I have been considering what I would like to pursue in 2016 and one of the top goals on my list is being more dedicated to scripture memorization! Read More
In Whom we have Redemption || christmas recap
As I sit here enjoying a jolly rancher candy cane ;] and going through photos from the past week, I am really just humbled by God’s goodness. As Christmas Eve morning came, I was completely overwhelmed as I was all the more reminded of how undeserving I am and how gracious our Savior is! ❤️ The goodness He shows through family and friends far and near is so humbling and the greatest gift of all? Emmanuel, God with us “In whom we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace”[Eph 1:7]! :) Yet, even if this season brought no warm wishes from friends and even if family was far rather than near, He is all-sufficient and His great gift of Salvation is enough to completely overwhelm me with His goodness for all eternity!!! As I bask in the goodness of our Lord and His great gift of Salvation I echo the words found in Gen 32:10 “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto thy servant…”!!!!!
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies”
Psalm 103:1-4
Christmas day is past and it was truly blessed! Gifts were thoughtfully exchanged on Christmas morning and the kids were all very excited to finally reveal who their “secret sibling” was! My favorite part of the christmas gifting is seeing others open their gifts and the expressions on their face when they see what has been chosen for them[picture below ;]. So much excitement and it’s such a joy to watch! :) It’s always exciting to see the homemade gifts that are created too. Lots of homemade deliciousness happened this year! Emmi + Grace made thumbprint cookies in custom-made gift bags. Emmi drew a picture on each bag of the person who would be receiving the cookies!♥ :) Micah did a lot of holiday baking this year too! ;) Her Snowmen donuts, Gingerbread cookies, and Orange muffins were delicious! And yes, we may need to go on a diet come the first of January…! ;) Joel did a lovely wood-work project for Micah. Nathanael completely blessed me with the sweetest gift that had the most fantastic wrapping job! Thank you, Nathanael. :) The thoughtfulness, generosity, and creativity of my brothers and sisters + parents + friends is such a blessing! I’m so tremendously humbled and thankful to the Lord. THANK YOU!! :) So, how about a few pictures? How was your Christmas?
P.S. LOVE finding new unique sellers to buy gifts from! This year:
〉〉Sprig & Twig! I gifted their mint lip balm to sisters and it has become their favorite! ♥
〉〉True Cotton! I purchased scripture prints for my sisters + mom + a friend. Just gorgeous!
Hover for descriptions and enjoy! ♥↓
So surprised by a cute box that came in the mail christmas eve! Thank you!
Crafted Hot Cocoa Mix for a friend!
Micah’s Gingerbread Cookies! :)
Nathanael’s wrapping job was FABULOUS!!
Priceless reactions! :D
Photo Book of our Colorado 2015 Vacation! <3
Cute!
Orange muffins by Micah!
“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will”
Ephesians 1:5-11
He is our PEACE ||❇ MERRY CHRISTMAS ❇
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
“For HE is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us”
Ephesians 2:14
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey, and upon a colt the foal of a donkey.”
Zechariah 9:9
Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas! Thanking the Lord for His goodness and great love, “who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” [Rom 4:25] What a Savior!! ♥
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
On the eve of Christmas Eve… ;)
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end….”
Isaiah 9:6-7
Here we are, on the eve of Christmas Eve [as I have been reminded by half a dozen overly eager gift-givers… and getters]! ;) Though I know thanksgiving was last month, there is truly so much to give thanks for during this season! One of my favorite portions of scripture this week is John 1:9-12, “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name”! Thankful for the greatest gift, the gift of Salvation! Our shopping is done, a few gifts have been crafted, Christmas cards have gone out[well, almost all… a few left to address ;], we literally have a duck to roast for Christmas dinner, baking has commenced, there are gifts to wrap, and pictures to post. :) I’ve been thinking a lot this past month about the everlasting joy that is ours through Christ Jesus[Eph 1:7]! In the hustle in bustle of a busy month, in the midst of loss, when brokenness is present, if heartache happens, or persecution seems to prevail we have everlasting joy and we can and should rejoice[1 Peter 1:7-8]!! Jesus Christ who is Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace[Is 9:6] took on flesh and came to earth. He lived and died for you and me that we may have eternal life and in HIM we have everlasting joy! For the redeemed of the LORD, we have been promised in Isaiah 51:11, “everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” The joy we have in Christ is not alterable, it does not fade with time or circumstance, or change with the seasons! It is everlasting. :) With the Eve of Christmas Eve upon us ;) , what has the Lord been teaching you through this seasons? AND what is your favorite christmas hymn? Would love to hear in the comment section below↓! [: A few random photos from the week + our Christmas card crafting fun! :)
“Brethren, come; from all that grieves you
You are freed; all you need I will surely give you.”
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23
nailing it to HIS cross || complete in Thee
“For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 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 2:9-15
Complete in Thee! No work of mine
May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;
Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.
Complete in Thee! No more shall sin,
Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;
Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,
And I shall stand complete in Thee.
Complete in Thee—each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;
Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.
Dear Savior, when before Thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,
Among Thy chosen will I be,
At Thy right hand, complete in Thee.
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Psalm 73:26
Everlasting joy shall be theirs || Morning Meditations
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, THAT HE MAY BE GLORIFIED”
Isaiah 61:1-3
“….Everlasting joy shall be theirs.”
Isaiah 61:7
“ I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
Isaiah 61:10
Christmas Cookie Creating + Delivering! || Be of good courage…
“O love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:23-24
Tis’ the season for Christmas Cookie Baking!! Today boxes were packed with sweet little treats and delivered to local friends to enjoy and eat. :) Edible mice are always a favorite and we even had a Rudolph-mouse created! ;) It was a fun time spent together and I was so blessed to be a part of it. Randomness in photos from our Christmas Cookie Bake! ♥
^^ Rudolph^^ ;)
“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!”
Psalm 31:19
New Friends ♥ !
When the nutcrackers make their annual entrance, they become quickly acquainted and best of friends with this little lady! ♥ I believe she has them all individually named and will unashamedly admit the smallest is her favorite. ;) Happy Sunday y’all!
“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”
Proverbs 18:24
Card crafting, cookie baking, and meekness :)…
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Matthew 5:5
Well, Thanksgiving Day has come and gone and we’re finishing off the last bit of pumpkin pie here! Tonight I’m unsuccessfully trying to clean off my laptop as it’s filled to the brim with photos and running slower than molasses on a cold Alaskan January day. ;) The last 2 weeks has been filled and the highlights for me have been card crafting + cookie box baking and [in the randomness that came these last few weeks] my thoughts have been drawn to MEEKNESS. ;) As I read through the fruit of the spirit, MEEKNESS jumped off the page!“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal 5:22-23! Meekness= humility; resignation[←surrender]; submission to the divine will, without murmuring or peevishness[peevish=easily irritated, especially by unimportant things]; OPPOSED to pride, arrogance and refractoriness[← refractoriness=stubbornness; not easily melted or worked!] Wow :-o, with the definition of meekness before me I can and will honestly say I need to be more meek! In Titus 3:2 we are called to show meekness to ALL men. Yes, that means not just those who give you good feelings or praise but even those who falsely accuse you or aggravate you to pieces ;)! My thoughts are drawn to 1 Peter 3 where we are called to put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of great price! “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a MEEK and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” So, what does a meek spirit look like? It’s a spirit that is clothed in humility[1 Peter 5:5], surrendered to the Savior[James 4:7], submissive to the will of God[Matt 6:10»Ps 143:10]. It’s a spirit that does not murmur or complain[Phil 2:14], is willing to yield[James 3:17], and is not easily provoked[1 Cor 13:5]. As I meditate on meekness, the picture is formed in my mind of a women who has adorned herself with meekness and it’s a beautiful sight! Not because of any external charm or beauty[Prov 31:30] but because the inward heart[1 Sam 16:7]! It’s the type of woman I want to be! Not for the glory of men but for the glory of God. This is an incorruptible beauty! I know I am far from perfect[about as far as spaghetti is from being a cupcake ;], I fall short and fail more often than not, but Praise the Lord I know I serve a perfect Savior who promises to complete this good work HE has begun in me[Phil 1:6]. He is the Savior whose mercies are new every morning[Lam 3:23] and who has removed my transgressions [as far as the east is from the west!!Ps 103:11-13] from me. I press toward the mark and pray He prunes me to produce more fruit of the Spirit [especially meekness!! :] in me[John 15:2]! Well, my random thoughts tend to be overly random ;) but this is what the Lord is teaching me and I pray that something I type will be used by the Lord to bless you today!! HAPPY WEDNESDAY! :)
“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 3:12-4
“The meek will He guide in judgment: and the Meek will he teach His way.”
Psalm 25:9
The day beauty hits the blog || Happy BIRTHDAY!♥♡♥
´*•.¸Cue virtual confetti¸.•*´ Today outrageous beauty hits the blog…. ♥♡♥ Today is MICAH’S BIRTHDAY!!! (: Y’all, I have to be honest… Micah is my favorite older sister! ;) Master baker[she makes a cappuccino muffin that’s out of this world!], designer of all things cuteness, coffee connoisseur, and model[LOVE taking her pictures] ;) she’s one extremely talented lady! She can up-cycle anything into something worth having, tends to be a perfectionist ;), plays the piano perfectly, fries a pretty delectable egg :D, and is a genius when it comes to hair-styling[she has quite the reputation for her hair at our local choir]. ;) Happiest of birthdays to my gorgeous sister, Micah!! :) I am SO blessed to have you as my sister and I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for you in the days to come! May this year and all that follow be filled to overflowing with goodness as you serve the Him!! :)
“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
↓P.S. Kudos to Bekah on the fabulous polka-dotted hair clip she made for Micah! :) ↓
“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.”
Psalm 65:11
A very happy Thanksgiving from….
The natives… and a pilgrim! ;)
Y’all, it happens to be my favorite holiday! Turkeys are roasting and pies have been baked! So much to be thankful for ever single second of the day and I’m filled with gratitude! I’m always reminded of Psalm 107:8-9, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” So thankful for God’s goodness toward me! GIVING THANKS TODAY. :) Wishing y’all a very Happy Thanksgiving!! ♥
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.”
Psalm 107:15-16
May your stuffing be tasty, may your turkey be plump,
May your potatoes & gravy have nary a lump,
May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize,
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
Note: I always enjoy seeing how the kiddos decide to dress when it comes time for the Thanksgiving “native” photos[somehow this has become a traditional thanksgiving photoshoot!] ;) I leave their outfit choices completely up them and am always pleasantly shocked by their creativity!!! All outfits were designed and crafted by the wearers with a little help from a willing seamstress! ;) Emmi’s outfit credits go to Ruth! So, which is your favorite?? ↓↓Let us know in the comment section below↓↓
“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”
Psalm 9:1-2
Because it’s HIS birthday….!!!!!!
Yes! Finally and truly I get to dedicate an ENTIRE blogpost to my favorite 18 year-old brother!! Gideon’s known for his tall brawny stature[I have officially sent in an application for him to be the next Brawny Man model! ;)] , bronze muscle, and charming good looks but don’t let his stealth exterior fool you…. he has a buttery-soft heart! ;) Can I pause for a really quick story here?! Well, seeing this is my blog, I think I can! :D A few days back when I was out in the shop working, Gideon came in and told me he needed me inside…. I thought “oh boy, the internet must be out AGAIN!! :-|”[that tends to be my problem to fix a few times a day ;] BUT to my utter surprise there was a box on the table. Gideon then went on to say he had purchased a “just-because” gift for Micah and me!! WHAT?!? Upon opening it we found the MOST ADORABLE pumpkin shaped ramekins for baking[CLICK HERE TO SEE]! And he bought them just because he’s just that sweet!! ;)[sorry Gideon, I just couldn’t help myself! :):) ]. And I could also tell y’all how when we had to pull a night shift last week, Gideon baked us a chocolate cake[from SCRATCH!!!] and then cleaned the kitchen!! Besides daily blessing us with a fresh pot of coffee or chocolate cakes or chicken-tending or random historical facts that I would have never know if it weren’t for him, Gideon is also a master gardener, duck & chicken farmer, hyper-studier, and walking encyclopedia! :) AND TODAY IS GIDEON’S BIRTHDAY y’all!! So thankful to the Lord for Gideon and the 18 years of life given to him. Looking forward to seeing what The Lord has in store for his future! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIDEON! I hope this day is filled with spectacular blessings! :)
“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
P.S. the only way I could get Gideon to let me take his birthday pictures is by threatening to post some of those “special” pictures I like to keep in my archive for black-mail…. ;)) I have to say, the camera loves him! :)
“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Ephesians 6:13
Offer the sacrifice of praise || Fall Finally :)
Fall is in full bloom in my part of the world… finally! ;) Leaves crunch underfoot, windy days call for sweaters, and we even had our official first frost. Thanking the Lord today for His great gifts that are daily poured out on me!!! Y’all, it’s only 5 days until Thanksgiving! ;) What are you thankful for today?
“Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 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.”
Hebrews 13:13-15
“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”
Psalm 107:22
Never alone & never forsaken! || where Randomness and Ramblings meet! ;)
“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
Never alone… NEVER forsaken! :) That’s a truth I’m praising the Lord for today!! I’ve been so blessed by Psalm 73 lately and when I was reading it a few weeks back vs 23 stuck out, “Nevertheless I am continually with THEE: THOU hast holden me by my right hand.” Wow! My thoughts instantly went to Hebrews 13 vs 5 where it says “…be content with such things as ye have: for HE hath said, I will NEVER leave thee, nor forsake thee.” I can’t tell y’all how much I needed that reminder on that very day that I am never alone and truly never forsaken! At times we can feel lonely or even forsaken by friends or family but we must remember that the Lord God is ALWAYS with us and ALL we need we will find in Christ Jesus! He is our constant Companion and Guide! He is the Good Shepherd who leads His people by the right hand!!! Then I was reminded that “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin”-Heb 4:15 Wow!! He himself was despised and rejected of men[Is53:3-5]. He was forsaken by His disciples[Matt 26:26], his own people did not receive Him![John 1:11] The ONE who is constantly with us and holding us by the right hand knows the feeling of physical rejection and loneliness at a level we will never experience and He has compassion on us[Ps 103:13]! If you read a few verses past 73:23 you will run into this beautiful truth, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Though our heart and flesh may fail us, God is the strength of our heart and our portion here on earth and for all eternity! We will never be spiritually forsaken or alone. We have been promised that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us…. He will be our guide even unto death[Ps 48:14]! ♥→”… lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen“Matt 28:20!!
Here is where the randomness meets the ramblings! ;) With all the above said, life has been so packed full of blessings. The daily benefits loaded upon me are humbling! Photoshoots, family, travel, and long work days have filled the month of October and November and here we are 1 week away from THANKSGIVING! I’m so excited!! :) I was blessed to be able to travel BY AIRPLANE to Des Moines for the Freedom 2015 conference with 5 of my favorite people[of which I failed at taking any decent camera photos to post]. Flying was a fun experience and we were so blessed to be able to meet up with old friends and make new friends! Besides travel, the daily randomness has filled my iphone camera roll and my memory cards. So, how about a few random photos from the past few weeks? :) What have y’all been up to these days! Would love to hear in the comments section below↓!
“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107:8
I officially have my first recipe box! Looking forward to filling it! ;) <3
:) :)
Had fun taking a few product photos in downtown Des Moines!
So much fun visiting with Sarah!! :)
November || Traveling to IA with my besties! ;)
November || Flying!
Lots of coffee consumed by these lovely ladies! :)
Visiting the Capitol!
Fun to finally meet Amanda! :) :
Surprised by this in the mail today !!! Thank you!! :)