connections

A good friend will see things in us that we can't see about ourselves - Bob Goff

We all need a friend like this. Someone to affirm us, when we can't see our true gifts and talents. To tell us that we CAN do it, when fear has overcome us. We need a friend to remind us gently of grace. Grace for ourselves. Grace for others. When it feels like we just aren't getting anything right.

We need people who are our true fans. Who cheer us on without any jealousy or envy. 
Likewise, we need someone to look us straight in the eye and tell us when we need correction. When we are losing our way. We need people that can be honest and tell it like it is.

We need someone to pray for us. To hear us without judgement. To love us without conditions. 
And we need to be this friend to others. In a world that is so "connected" through social media and technology, it is hard to find friends that are truly connected through the heart. But, the effort and time it takes to truly connect with people wins every single time.

Right here, right now.

Yesterday, I celebrated 41 years of life. We spent the afternoon at the Gulf, at one of my most favorite places. As we drove home last night, my eyes filled with tears. There was a sense of joy and peace I felt. I realize so often in life we are living in "waiting". Waiting for the next thing. Whatever that may be. All I could think about was how right now feels. How grateful I am to be here and to know love like I do. At 41, I wish for nothing more, but to be here, aware and present in all God has given me. To truly soak in each of these moments. I'm grateful for every year that has brought me to today. Grateful for lessons learned and abundant grace. Most of all, I'm grateful for the story Christ continues to write for me. Without Him and His love, nothing would be the same.

My birthday at the beach

Today, I got to spend my birthday at one of my most favorite places. So grateful for 41 years of life. Thankful for the lessons God has taught me each day. Thankful for the love He has given me. Thankful for his abundant and never ending grace. 

captain

The worries of life could be infinite; our health, our finances, our family, our relationships, our future. Through the years God has definitely shown me time and time again that He is in control, that I need to let go of worry and fear and trust solely in Him and His plan.

At 39 and pregnant with number four, there is a lot on my heart and mind. During our 3rd pregnancy I got really sick and our daughter was born almost 8 weeks premature. Those frightening hours have been making their way to the forefront of my mind; yet, I keep finding His peace amidst all the fears that want to take over. Life may not always go the way we envision. It will have its detours, but if we keep our eyes on Him, He will always point us to where we need to be.

I can’t stop thinking about the lyrics to the song called Captain by Hillsong United. Typically, I only share a portion of a song that is speaking to me, but today, there wasn’t a part I felt I could NOT share. I hope these words will speak to your heart as well. No matter what uncharted waters you are going through, always know, you are not alone.

Through waters uncharted my soul will embark
I'll follow Your voice straight into the dark
And if from the course You intend
I depart
Speak to the sails of my wandering heart
Like the wind
You'll guide
Clear the skies before me
And I'll glide this open sea
Like the stars
Your Word
Will align my voyage
And remind me where I've been
And where I am going
Lost in the shallows amidst fear and fog
Your truth is the compass that points me back north
Jesus
My Captain
My soul's trusted Lord
All my allegiance is rightfully Yours

Dinner and fireworks

We had a fun night of  dinner and fireworks on the beach with some very special friends last night. I love how God has used our friendship to encourage and inspire us. So grateful for this special family.

lead me

I will never forget when you wrote these words on the porch last year. They are from a portion of Hillsong United's song entitled Ocean.

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior

When I saw this picture, I immediately thought of those words. My prayer is for all of us to live these words.  I want to trust Jesus in all circumstances. To be bold, to listen to Him and follow.

saying goodbye

Today when we woke up I saw you sitting in bed with tears in your eyes.  You did not want to say goodbye to this special place. I can understand 100% how you feel. It is always hard to pack up and leave. The week we spend here each year is so special.

freedom

It was such a gift to see the freedom and excitement through your eyes this week as you all experienced the Gulf. You knew our time at the beach was only for one week, and you wanted to soak in every moment. I was reminded that I want to live my life daily with this same joy and anticipation.

These words from the back of Passion, a book by Louie Giglio are such a great reminder for all of us.

“We only get one brief shot at life, so we must make it count.”

boat ride

beach nights

a special place

A year ago I captured you in this same location. As I look at this picture, I keep thinking how so much is the same a year later; yet so much is different. So grateful to experience all of it. So blessed to know love like this. I am so blessed to be your mama.

full of love

You have such a sweet soul. You are so tenderhearted; so full of love and compassion. I pray that no one will ever crush your spirit.  I pray you will always love others with the same passion you do now.  I love you Bubby. No words could ever tell you how much.

first night in the gulf

The night we arrived at the beach. Your first swim in the Gulf. I want to remember this joy forever

heading on vacation

Our trip to Longboat Key each year is one that is treasured by all.  A week spent with your cousins and grandparents at the Gulf is something you all love so much.  I love this family tradition myself and am so grateful for it.  

mimi's birthday

Today our sweet Mimi turns 65. What a wonderful milestone and reason to celebrate the life of someone so special to all of us.  Mom, you have been such a rock for our family for so many years. You are always there for each of us and have showed us so much about love and servant hood. Thank you for giving so much of your life to your family.  We all love you so much.

your pink fishing rod

This afternoon Bubby and Sissy were fishing at the lake and you decided you really wanted to participate as well. Your pink rod has been in the shed a bit forgotten for many months.  The line was tangled and needed some work before you could use it. You waited patiently while daddy fixed your line and got your hook ready; and then you anxiously took your turn.  You were so excited to do it all by yourself. You really wanted to cast it without the help of any one, but you were not very successful. Daddy helped you and showed you how to reel it in. You had the best time and did this over and over.

a long weekend of fun

We all enjoyed having Daddy home for four straight days this weekend.  The weather was beautiful. We flew kites, went on the boat, played outside and just loved being together as a family.  It truly is a gift.

my world

I was walking down to the lake today as I noticed the four of you through the trees. There you each were.  My loves--my world. Our family and our days together are such blessings that I never take for granted.