Outfit | Sunshine in My Soul

o u t f i t 

sundress // Old Navy {ThredUp}

shirt // thrifted

denim shoes // Crocs (long, long ago)

I took these last week.  It should have been freezing outside, this time of year, but it wasn't.  It was over 50* F!  So, I took advantage of the beautiful, sunny day and my camera tripod to get these photos.  It's a bit tricky, taking timer photos, but pretty fun!  Getting the focus right is really hard sometimes.

The beautiful warm days last week lifted my spirits and made my heart sing.  Not that I was seriously depressed or anything, but sunshine makes me so happy to be alive.  So thankful for my Father's gift of life.  Volunteering at Open Arms really brings that home every week, how precious life is.  I'm so thankful to be a small part of that.  I can't talk about my experiences there because of patient confidentiality, but I'm blessed each week by the women who come through the doors and by my fellow volunteers and the staff.  The Lord's peace and love fills that building and the hearts of those in it.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be there.  This hymn comes to mind - the words perfectly describe what I'm feeling.

Sunshine in My Soul

There is sunshine in my soul today,

More glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly sky,

For Jesus is my Light.

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,

When the peaceful, happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

There is music in my soul today,

A carol to my King,

And Jesus, listening, can hear

The songs I cannot sing.

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,

When the peaceful, happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

There is springtime in my soul today,

For, when the Lord is near,

The dove of peace sings in my heart,

The flowers of grace appear.

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,

When the peaceful, happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

There is gladness in my soul today,

And hope and praise and love,

For blessings which He gives me now,

For joys “laid up” above.

O there’s sunshine, blessèd sunshine,

When the peaceful, happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in the soul.

Anyway, I'd better go feed the sheep.  The girls should start lambing around the beginning to middle of March.  We're getting closer!  Can't wait to have little lambs running around!  Now that will infuse this place with new life! We could end up with about 20 lambs this year if all goes well.  Yikes!  

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

What are some hymns/songs that make your heart sing with gladness?  I want to know!

A Merry Little Christmas

I love Christmas Eve.  I love the feeling of barely suppressed excitement, of such joy.

In the midst of last minute plans and presents, I want my heart to focus on who and why we are celebrating.  We're celebrating the birth of a King.  The King of kings and Lord of lords, our Savior, Jesus Christ

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

I want to be like the shepherds who, when they heard the glad tidings and saw Jesus, told everyone about Him!  And not just this time of year, but all the year long.  Thank you Jesus for saving me and washing me whiter than the snow that is falling outside!

Update: Totally forgot about this picture!  Hank trimmed this wood circle off the bottom of our tree and I turned it into an ornament for our first Christmas together!

This first Christmas with Hank has been a joyful one.  His family parties hard this time of year, and I'm loving it!  Since Hank and I are spending Christmas day with my family, we celebrated with his family on the 21st.  We exchanged presents and watched Christmas in Connecticut.  Love that movie. *smile*  Last night we went with some of the sibs and saw the Hobbit movie.  And tonight we're getting together for their traditional Christmas Eve meal - lasagna!  We'll probably watch more movies and go to the candlelight service at their church.

Hank has a half day at work today, which I'm super excited about.  Which also means I have to run, because I need to finish sewing his Christmas present before he gets home! Yikes!

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone, filled with the joy that only Christ can bring.

I'll see you next year. *smile*

What are some of your family's Christmas traditions?

Are you going to have a white Christmas, or are you dreaming of having one?

I want to know!

Time...where are you?

My word...it's been a while since I've rattled the keys and given you all an update.

And I've missed it - I've missed you.  So much.

Time.  Where has it gone?  I used to have it.  Between planning a wedding, living my current life, and preparing for my future one, I seem to have misplaced all my free time, as well as my spare moments.  You wouldn't believe how much time and energy go into planning a wedding...unless, of course, you've planned one yourself.  In that case, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

But seriously.  This is insanity!  Which is exactly why the little bride-to-be ends up in tears or fits so often - everything else is crazy, so jump on in, the water is fine!  Actually, everything is going along so smoothly.  The venue is ready, the dress is (just about) finished, the dance floor is rented, the marriage license obtained, and everything has been planned out down to the smallest detail.  I praise the Lord for that and give Him all of the glory.

This is the picture we used for our invitations.

We are less than 2 weeks away from the wedding, people!  Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!  Last time I was on here, I believe we were still about 60 or so days out.  Yikes!  Time does fly.  These past few months have been both incredibly amazing and challenging.  But mostly amazing.  Hank and I have been going through premarital counseling with our pastor.  Which has been so, so good.  You know what my greatest discovery has been during this time?  Praying with Hank and for him.  Girls, there is nothing like it.  It draws you closer to the Lord while drawing the two of you closer together on a whole new level.  And it helps to keep the focus on God.  It is so, so easy to let that focus slip.  But how can you build a relationship when there is no foundation?  "Keep our eyes on You", has become our constant prayer.  I thank the Lord for everything that He has been teaching us during this season.

Goodness, that's all the time I can spare right now.  But here are some engagement pictures to keep you all busy until after the wedding! *grin*  So enjoy, and I'll see you all soon...ish.  Sometime towards the end of October, I'm thinking. *smile*

We used this one for the back of our invitation, with the details in the middle.  It turned out so lovely.

Photo credit goes to Kellie and Alex.  Thanks, you two! :)

I Shall Not Want // On the Farm

Sweet Pea, peeking around the tree, with various babies.
I'm assuming that two are her lambs, but they all look really similar this year. ;)

btw, I didn't boost the color or anything when I edited these photos - the grass is so green!

Maggie and her lamb Gilligan.

I believe this is Susan, one of Emma's lambs...but I could be wrong.  I know that's Katniss behind her.

Gilligan picked up this "nibbling on everything in sight" trick from his mommy Maggie, aka The Nibblin' Lamb. *wink*

Aww...Gilligan is so cute and growing so well.

Beautiful green grass, deep shade...there's nothing that brings me more peace than watching my sheep enjoy grazing in the orchard and knowing that they rely on me for their every need.  We're so often compared to sheep in the Bible.  Easily distracted by juicy grass in the next field, going the opposite direction of where we should go, not content with what we already have.  But when we trust our Shepherd completely, it's the most natural thing in the world to follow Him wherever He may lead, and to be content where He has placed us.   

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

Speechless...well, almost.

Well hello there, everyone!

In last week's Sunday Style post, I ended with this... "So much happened yesterday. Something I've been hoping and praying for happened, and I still can't quite believe it. I can't give any details at this time, but suffice to say that the Lord is so good to me!"

My dear blog readers and friends, it is my delight, privilege, and honor to introduce you to Hank...

As of April 1st, Hank and I are courting!  *confetti*

Actually, you've already met Hank on my blog.  Not only is he my special friend, he's my sheep shearer.  Which is very handy, indeed. *smile*

For about two years, I have been praying and seeking the Lord's will, hoping that someday this would happen.  There was a time when it seemed like it never would, but the Lord continued to give me hope.  And now that we are courting, I can't quite believe it.  How are you supposed to react when everything you want most is suddenly handed to you?  I am so blessed...and having a hard time finding the words to fully express what I want to say.  I didn't stop smiling, crying, laughing, and shaking all at the same time for several days.  And I will never stop praising my Heavenly Father for His love and faithfulness.  God is so good!

During these past several years, He has taught me so many things that I couldn't have learned any other way.  To let go of my own will and desires and put them in His hands.  He is the beginning and the end.  He knows me inside and out.  He's got this.  I learned that the only thing I cannot live without, is Jesus.  Also, water and food.  As much as I want something, the only thing I truly need is Him.  I learned to trust in Him, delight in Him, and commit my way to Him.  I am by no means done learning these lessons, but I thank Him for giving me the opportunity to grow through this.  I pray that I will continue to seek His face and will during this new season of my life.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:3-5

Happy Trails, y'all!

Sunday Style // Butterflies

o u t f i t
jean jacket / pink tee / brown flats // thrifted {Goodwill}
butterfly belt // thrifted {Hospice}
floral broomstick skirt // Cabela's {shortened by me}
necklace // permanently borrowed from my mom, you might say. *wink*

Yes, the jean jacket is back again.  I told you I wear it a lot during the spring! *grin*  I really, really love the way the butterfly belt goes with this skirt, and the necklace compliments it so nicely.  And I'm so glad I shortened this skirt!  It's very full and at full length it was definitely overkill...not to mention hard to walk in.  Now, it's perfect.  Especially for twirling. *smile*

Yesterday, Pastor shared the story of Nicodemus (which would make an awesome name for one of my lambs, btw;).  Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night with some questions and becomes confused when Jesus tells him he needs to be "born again".  

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  John 3:3

It was a really good message!  The main point I came away with was something that Pastor said...

"Eternal life starts now."

As soon as we accept Jesus as our Savior and are born again, our eternal life is secured.  That is a comforting and reassuring thought!  No matter what happens to our body in this life, we have hope of life eternal with the Lord.

So much happened yesterday.  Something I've been hoping and praying for happened, and I still can't quite believe it.  I can't give any details at this time, but suffice to say that the Lord is so good to me!

What was your sermon about?  I want to know!

Linking up to...

Sunday Style // How Deep the Father's Love for Us

Listen while you look...

This beautiful hymn has been uplifting me this week and I hope you are blessed by it, too.

o u t f i t

purple bow slouch hat // Wool & Whatnot

purple flower brooch // gifted

jean jacket // thrifted {Goodwill}

lace blouse // thrifted {Goodwill}

tank top // thrifted {Dazzle}

belt // thrifted {Hospice}

blue gingham skirt // made by me

brown flats // thrifted {Goodwill}

I built today's outfit around the perfectly lovely purple flower brooch that dear Winnie sent me for my birthday.  Thank you so much, Winnie!  I can't wait to share the rest of your wonderful birthday package with my readers. *smile*  I knew I had to wear the brooch to church, but what to wear with it?  I rummaged through my closet, did some mixing and matching, and came up with my new favorite outfit.  It's perfect for the weather we've been having here lately - wet and rainy, but about 55*F during the day - plus I get to wear my purple bow hat with goes perfectly with the brooch! 

Today at church we began chapter 2 of the book of John.  It's the account of Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.  We'll actually be spending two Sunday's on this topic.  Pastor shared about the history of wine in the Bible.  Because we have a huge diversity of opinion on this topic at our church, he broke us down into three groups.

1. Those who drink wine/alcoholic beverages and don't mind if others do.

2. Those who don't drink any kind of alcoholic beverages, but don't mind if others do.

3. And those who don't drink and don't think anyone else should either.

I fall into the second category.  I've never had alcohol and I don't intend to try it, but as far as my understanding of God's Word goes I don't believe it's a sin to drink, so long as you don't become drunk.  If you wish to drink that's your decision, and I certainly won't judge you for it.

Pastor then shared what his research had turned up on the different kinds of wine mentioned in the Bible, some fermented and some not.  It was interesting to hear a bit about the different methods they used in ancient times for preserving grape juice and keeping it from fermenting.  Very interesting, indeed.

As far as Jesus' miracle goes, I really can't say whether the water he turned into wine was or was not fermented.  I've always been more inclined to think it was, since that seems like a much more powerful miracle, turning water into something that would normally take time to ferment.  However, Pastor questioned the fact that Jesus would choose to make something that could potentially cause people to become drunk as His first miracle.  Which is a very good point, which I have been mulling over in my head.  I guess turning water into juice is pretty miraculous all on it's own, too.  I am still undecided on this though, and honestly, it's not a very important question to me.  Whether it was fermented or not, Jesus still performed a miracle, and I still don't have a problem with other people drinking wine.  So there's my thoughts on the subject.

: :

 Daylight savings.  I kind of hate it...although I don't hate having extra daylight in the evening, I'll admit that!

You can check out my bro's latest Monaco Files vlog and hear Jack's opinion on Daylight Savings!
And now, I'm heading out to feed the animals.  A little over a week and there should be little lambs running around!

What are your thoughts on Daylight Savings?
What song or Bible passage has been blessing you lately?
I want to know!

Linking up to...