Simply Sweet Spring Release || faithful GOD!

Well, times has flown since my last post. So so much done in the last few weeks… where does one start?! Non-stop moving seems to be the normal and we have all agreed this has been the busiest month of our lives. Just when energy seems to fail me or time seems to run out, God shows His faithfulness and strength in my weakness by giving a bit more energy or making the clock stop in order to get what needs to be done completed before a certain deadline! :) Things look to be slowing down a little and I am so looking forward to getting caught up with letter-writing & photo blogging. I have a random post coming soon[Lord willing] but for today I wanted to share a few pictures from Garlands of Grace Spring 2015 release I was blessed to photograph! Between previous work commitments and bad weather, I didn’t think we were going to make our promised release date but God was faithful to work all things together!! After 4 days of photographing about 10,000 photos,  a few retakes, and a cute vintage inspired outdoor session with the little ladies, we launched! So thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness. :)

“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.”

Lamentations 3:21-23

Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-2Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-1

 

Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-8 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-4 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-11 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-5 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-6 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-3 Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-9

Shiloh Photography || Sisters 3.4-12

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
Psalm 100:4-5

A whole lotta love ♡ || A post-Valentine’s Day Post :)

It seems each year there is a different verse that impresses me during the love-filled season and this year’s was Psalm 63:3, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” God’s lovingkindess truly is better than life. He set the perfect example for true love by laying down His life for the sins of the world…. He humbled himself coming to earth in the form of man[Phil 2:7], lived a sinless life[2 Cor 5:21], died a painful death[Is 53:5-10], and rose victorious over death and sin[1 Cor 15:57]! And through Christ Jesus we know what true love is. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” We serve an amazing Savior, don’t we?!  :)  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee! :)

“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

Well, this has been an intensely busy work week for us and we are literally moving from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep. I have found about 15.4 minutes to put this post together but I want to get my Valentine’s day photos blogged before it’s Christmas. ;)  Let’s see if it can’t be done! :) With so many younger siblings, Valentine’s Day at my house is filled full of fun and sweetness! We tend to get a bit festive on any holiday. :) Throughout the day I found the sweetest random treats from the younger siblings at various locations[for example on my computer desk I found  a twix bar and starburst and when I went to dust the dining room I found the cutest bundle on top of the cabinet with my name on it! ] Nathanael made all the ladies these fantastically festive heart pins and Ruth painted us all the sweetest love filled pictures. :) Micah made her delicious Valentine’s Day donuts for breakfast and my mom had a pizza party with the kids for dinner[even Grace & Lydia decided to join in the pizza party]. Obviously everyone was on a bit of a chocolate/sugar high by the end of the evening! ;) My hope is you have found that the Lord’s lovingkindness truly is better than life.  He is faithful! ♥ Now it is back to work for me. Have a FANTASTIC Tuesday! :)

 

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“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

Happy Valentine’s Day! ♡ || Thy lovingkindness is better than life…

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;

When years of time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

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

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

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

Happiest of Valentine’s Days to you all! :) I have a few photos to catch-up on but since my laptop just gave me this message “Your disk “Macintosh HD”, to which you are importing images, is low on space. Please remove files or empty the trash to make at least 250 MB available before proceeding.”  ;) I will just wish you all a very blessed and lovely Valentine’s day until I empty off my computer! The of God truly is The love of greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell. :) ♡

 

O love Shiloh Photography

 

“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

Life of a photographer|| Vote for Helen ;)

Life as  a photographer isn’t always as glamorous as it seems and at times your client is a little less than civil. ;) Between photographing cute baby products, lovely people, or cupcakes I can be found out back at the coop[which tends to be a bit smelly and downright dangerous with the roosters], chasing a chicken for a picture. Yep, that’s right, I am officially a chicken photographer! ;)  Ruth has entered her hen, Helen, into the McMurray Winter chicken photo contest and she let me take the picture. ;] So, if y’all have a free moment and you find yourself wanting to do a good deed for a gal who absolutely loves her chickens[that would be Ruth ;]  → GO VOTE FOR HELEN  ;b then have a fantastic Monday! :)

 

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:4-8

 

Dear Summer….

Please come soon! ;) After about 2 months with little sunshine here in Texas, I am looking forward to the warm summer sun! But until then, I will enjoy this picture taken during a summer evening walk! :) I am always reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 when I look at this photo.  As I look forward to Summer I am so thankful  I have something greater than seasons or warm summer evenings  to look forward to! What am I talking about? “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” & “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” [2 Peter 3:12] I am not sure about you, but those 2 verses give me so much joy.  Are you “hasting unto the coming of the day of God“? [Saved?] And that is my random thought for today as I reminisce of summers past. ;)  So, which season is your favorite? :)

 
SHILOH PHOTOGRAPHY 5.14

“ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
1Corinthians 15:51-55

Bakeries, Birthdays, and Belgium! :) || a random post for y’all

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20

Do y’all have those random thoughts that continually go through your mind? I do all the time! :) This week’s thought? I have been reminded all the more lately how each second of the day we depend 100% on God’s mercy. “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” PS 54:4. He sustains us, gives us breath to breathe[Is 42:5], causes our heart to continue to beat, He graciously provides us with food to eat[Ps 37:25], and >>above all<< He has given Himself as a ransom for our sins[Rom 4:25]! What a great salvation! I ran across Ps 16:2, “O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee“. ←Truth! Praise God for that. :)  Each day is such a tremendous gift from the Lord so let’s live it for His glory[Eph 1:11-12]!!
Oh my! It’s time to get caught up on posting my random photos!! :) Can’t tell y’all how many times I have sat down to write this random blog post in the last 3 weeks. Each time I sit down and start a post I find I lack inspiration or I am called away to do something[usually it’s sleep! ;] or my computer decides to move at a snail’s pace[it’s time to clean off my laptop]. But here I am!!!!! And SO thankful for a bit of time to say “hello” to y’all. Lord willing, I will officially hit “publish” on this post! :) The last few weeks have been busy & very routine but so blessed as we keep up with work, tax prep, and house work! In between the routine there has been family trips to bakeries, :] baking with sisters, Birthday celebrations, Saturday walks with the little people, and for the little girls sewing & a Tea party with mom[and yes, barbies were invited! ;] Plus, I was blessed by a surprise parcel from Belgium. Completely made our day! And a sweet letter from a friend was so appreciated. What  treats! Thank you. :)  Days, though they have  their far share of little trials and struggles,  have been filled to overflowing with God’s goodness. Truly, He is good and even those disappointments and struggles that find their way into our days have joy when we remember ALL THINGS work together for the good[Rom 8:28]! Until next time, keep warm… spring is coming. ;) May you all bask in the goodness of our God! He truly is faithful!

“For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.”
Is 50:7

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Mom and Bekah sewing Doll clothes!

Tea party!

 

Tea Party guests. ;)

My roommate! :)

Emmi makes her own bed now! :D

Lydia’s Birthday Cupcakes! ♡

 

 

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Sunday afternoon sister picture! :)

Ruthie reading her KBR magazine. :)

Saturday walk with my favorite crew! :)

Sweet Letter and cute card! :)

Airmail from Belgium! :)

 

 

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After church drive! :)

Bakery stop!

Work! :)

Morning meditations

Packaging beautiful pieces!

The guys made dinner for me! :) THank you!

Baking with sisters!

:)

 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”
Colossians 3:23

 

¸¸.•*¨*•CUE confetti and streamers•*¨*•.¸¸

♥♥[̲̅̅H̲̅][̲̅̅A̲̅][̲̅̅P̲̅][̲̅̅P̲̅][̲̅̅Y̲̅] [̲̅̅B̲̅][̲̅̅I̲̅][̲̅̅R̲̅][̲̅̅T̲̅][̲̅̅H̲̅][̲̅̅D̲̅][̲̅̅A̲̅][̲̅̅Y̲̅]♥♥

*•CUE confetti•* Time to pull out the party hats and celebrate because today my fantabulously lovely sister, LYDIA, turns 19! Still remember the day she was born like it was yesterday. ;) This gal is a lover of all things purple, latte connoisseur, creator of super cuteness, avid shopper, [Ahem… dare I say]a HUGE fan of Roy Rogers [that will explain the below song];), and always to planner of any party[including her own ;)]! There isn’t a holiday that goes by without Lydia ensuring we all feel 175% festive!  Lydia’s external loveliness and stunning smile are only  minor reflections of the inner beauty she holds and I am beyond blessed to call her my sister. ♥ For the days ahead my the Lord bless you as you diligently seek & serve HIM!  Y’all, give Lydia a little birthday happiness via a comment below ↓!

“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

Betsy by Roy Rogers on Grooveshark

Can’t tell you how much fun I had taking her birthday pictures! :D

Lydia || Shiloh Photography

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 7

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 8

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 3

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 5

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 1

Lydia || Shiloh Photography 2

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

6 years and counting!! :)

Completely random fact of the day……. I just now noticed I hit 6 years of blogging!! :-0 Wow, I feel as if I should bake the blog a birthday cake but I might just be looking for an excuse to eat more cake. ;) I started my blog on a completely out-of-the-blue whim in January 2009 and if you would have asked me then, I never would have guessed I would still be blogging 6 years later! 6 years, 822 posts, 1 blog-name change, a few dozen different blog designs[and yes I am still looking for the perfect design ;], lots of randomness,  thousands of pictures, and too many memories to count!  I am tremendously thankful for all the encouragement y’all have sent my way and the friendships made via blogging over the years!  Many things have changed over the last 6 years but one thing has remained the same, GOD is FAITHFUL!! :) My desire and hope that all that I post would declare God’s goodness & faithfulness to all who may stop by! So what do you say, should I try for another 6 years? ;) Okay, back to work for me!  Happy Thursday y’all! :)

“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…”
Psalm 107:1-2

 

“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

 

 

Cupcakes & Cuties! ♥

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

My parents were out for the day and these crazy cuties were all mine. ;) So what better way to spend the day than baking Vanilla Cupcakes with a sweet Cream Cheese Buttercream frosting! Just add sprinkles for extra fun. ♥ Emmi successfully cracked 3 eggs without adding shells to the batter and, yes, they completely lost interest before the cupcakes where ready to be frosted. But it was a fun way to spend the day!

Garlands of Grace Cupcakes 3

Garlands of Grace Cupcakes 5

Garlands of Grace Cupcakes 6

Garlands of Grace Cupcakes 7

Garlands of Grace Cupcakes 9

Garlands of Grace Cupcake-2

Garlands of Grace Cupcake-3

Garlands of Grace Cupcake-4“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
Psalm 34:18-19

Found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless || 1 less nugget of wisdom ;)

Well, the blog post I had hoped to post today had to be postponed after a spur-of-the-moment completely unexpected call from my dentist which left me without 1 of my 2 wisdom teeth. Yes, I had my wisdom tooth pulled today! :-|  And being me [I tend to make everything a bit harder than it needs to be for the people around me ;]  my dentist proclaimed, “that was a tough one!” But thankfully my Dad came along to hold my hand when necessary[I don’t do well with pain;], my dentist did a fantastic job, and[thank the LORD] the tooth is successfully out. Lord willing, I will recover and post the aforementioned blog-post but until the throbbing pain subsides[hopefully in the next 24 hours as I do have work to do], you will find me under half a dozen blankets, in my fuzzy socks, and an over-sized sweater being tended to by a dozen extremely sensitive siblings and 2 parents[thank you :]!   For now I want to share what the Lord blessed me with today 2 PETER 3:

3Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

May the Lord richly bless you through His Word today! He promises it will not return void. :]

SP 1.9.14[Saved?]

The new year is upon us!! || Happy 2015

He restoreth my soul when I’m weary,
He giveth me strength day by day;
He leads me beside the still waters,
He guards me each step of the way.

When I walk through the dark lonesome valley,
My savior will walk with me there;
And safely His great hand will lead me
To the mansions He’s gone to prepare.

This month of December has come and gone and here we are looking at a NEW YEAR! 2014 was a blessed year filled full of lessons learned, trails, temptations, celebration, and much joy. Each moment of every day has been filled to overflowing with God’s mercies! He has been our source of hope[Ps 62:5], our Strength[Ps 28:7], our Rock[Ps 18:2], and our Salvation[Is 12:2]. He has provided for our every need and renewed our strength!  I am so tremendously thankful for all the Lord has done in 2014 and I am looking forward to what He has in store for 2015!

May this next year be filled to overflowing with blessings for you!!♥ Happy New Year y’all! :)

 

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.”
Lamentation 3:21-23

New Year SP 2014Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: For the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
Is 12:2-3

The greatest gift || Christmas Recap

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

I was reminded tonight of John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” What a tremendous gift Salvation is and what love was demonstrated when the Good Shepherd gave His life for His sheep! “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Truly there is no greater gift than the gift of Salvation!”But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.”[Heb 2:9]

“For thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.”
Ezekiel 34:11

 

My family has agreed this has been the fullest Christmas yet! God truly has blessed us. Christmas Eve we did our traditional “girl’s breakfast” at a local cafe and we all attempted to dress as festive as possible! :) Ruth won the “cutest outfit” award. :) Then I helped Bekah do a special project for her “secret sibling” and finished my wrapping.  My family does the traditional Christmas “gift-giving” but with a twist! Since there is quite a crowd here instead of buying something for everyone, we each draw a name out of a hat on Thanksgiving and the name we draw we buy a special gift for that person! They are dubbed our “secret siblings” as we try our hardest not to let them know we have them. It is lots of fun!  I enjoy seeing the reactions from the little people as they open their gifts on Christmas morning.  Joy, surprise, and shock mingled with sleepiness makes for the funniest faces! My sisters made the cutest most delicious home-made presents! :) After our gift exchange and a late breakfast, our neighbors called and asked us to go caroling with them. It was a first for us as we had never been caroling before but it was so much fun!  Sooooo, randomness from our day in perhaps too many pictures?! :) How was your Christmas?

 

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Camo Christmas wrapping!! :D

My Festive Christmas Eve headband of choice. ;)

 

Emmi studding oranges with cloves :)

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Cookie Boxes!

:)

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Needless to say, Nathanael was gifted with quite a bit of camo. ;)

Delicious home-made gifts!

Orange Muffins from Micah!

Home-made feet and hand warmers by Ruth!

 

My Christmas Crafting Project!

A sketch pad/bible poutch Finished!

Home-made card set!

 “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 2:30-32

 

Behold the LAMB of GOD || Merry Christmas

“…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
John 1:29

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas! :) Praising the Lord for His goodness and great love, “who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” [Rom 4:25] We truly have so much to celebrate!!

Artwork credits go to Ruth. :)

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SP Christmas 14.2

 “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