Annie Hawks is not a name you probably recognize. She’s not a great political figure, or famous literary genius, or artist. She was a housewife. She writes, “One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks during a bright June morning [in 1872]. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me — ‘I Need Thee Every Hour. . . .’” She wrote one of the most well-known songs in our hymnal, as a housewife, meditating on the Lord while doing her daily tasks.

Trying to put five incredible days into 45 seconds is tough. 😅 This trip was an all-expense paid vacation, and I didn’t have to sell a thing to earn it. I just referred people to shop the same place I shop for almost everything on my laundry shelf, in my cleaning cabinet, bathrooms, snack and vitamin cabinets and more. Everyone is already buying that stuff somewhere, so I figure why not shop a place that sends you on a fun trip for telling other people about it? 🎉 Made in America, no toxic chemicals, affordable… these are a few of my favorite things about it. No change in our budget, but a big change in our life! 🥳

Finally learned to snorkel. 😅🤿 We did a snorkeling and sailing excursion on Thursday, and… I did terrible. Haha! I forgot my flippers on the boat, and I didn’t know how to stay horizontal in the water. We were dropped off in the middle of the ocean, and had to swim quite far to the coral reef. The group was pretty big, and I got too far away from them when I had to swim back for the flippers. So embarrassing. I sat there on the steps, trying to figure out what to do. So, I swallowed my pride and asked the boat captain for help! (Snorkeling is not intuitive. 🙈) He gave me a quick lesson, told me how to move with the gear on, I practiced closer to the boat, and figured it out. It was awesome. So today, we drove to town, bought some gear, and took a little sailboat out again to the corral reef! Best idea EVER! It’s like a different world under there! So beautiful!! Whew…. Life lesson— just becomes it’s tough doesn’t mean it’s not possible. You can learn if you try. If you give up, you’ll miss amazing beauty and opportunities. 💙⛵️

We use several different alphabet Scripture card sets in our Bible memory time with the kids. Their little minds are like sponges, so this is a great time to be teaching them to hide God’s Word in their hearts. Comment BIBLE and I’ll send you the link to one of our favorite sets from @chadanderinco

💙 if you’re in a season of overwhelm, here is some encouragement.

The words from Maltie Babcock’s beautiful hymn have been on my heart the last few days. As we approach a presidential election, it’s easy to let our minds fill with fear of the future. But ultimately, God is in control and on the Throne, no matter who is in the White House. Do your part, and get out there and vote and stand for righteousness. Then, live boldly and confidently for Jesus Christ no matter what! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙 (my dress is from the fabulous @darlingtonisle)

Did I just put random videos together so I could share this audio? Yes I did. ☺️ Raylen wanted to sing “You Are My Sunshine” yesterday while we were driving down the road, and I’m so glad I captured this. She has the sweetest little singing voice ever. I may be biased, but it’s pretty precious! 😇 Asher likes to chime in too, but we sang him to sleep during this drive!

I came for the lotion to try to help Asher’s eczema. I was skeptical, to say the least.

I stay for that lotion, PLUS the laundry detergent (which helped clear his skin completely), the toothpaste, coffee, deodorant, bathroom cleaners, hairspray, shampoo, kids’ vitamins and probiotics, our supplements/vitamins, essential oils, my makeup, hand soap, bar soap, dish soap... and more! haha. It just made sense to switch stores, when I realized I could save money, get better products, shop simpler and more conveniently (blazing fast shipping!), and help other people get healthier too.

I’m calling it my “Best Decision of 2023.” 😀

I’ve been singing this to the Lord today. Yesterday, I told Him, “Father, it just all feels so heavy right now.” I heard His still small voice say, “Then, I’ll carry it. You just rest in me.”

Honestly, it feels like more is upside down than is right side up in our world, and in my parents’ world. Some things, we’ve shared publicly, and thousands are praying. Others are private burdens, those “unspoken requests.” But the same God is Lord over all. If we truly believe He is good all the time, then we can trust His goodness will not fail, even when the circumstances are not what we would choose. He can be trusted!