butterfly ♥

- Where to start?

Gosh, it has been a while since I have blogged!

Life has been crazy, as I am sure everyone's has! God is good, though, and I know one thing, I am definitely blessed!

My photography has really taken off a great start! I absolutely LOVE taking pictures, and I really hope that I can open up my own studio one day. I have mainly been doing babies and children, but I had the opportunity to take part in two weddings recently, and I already have one booked for next May!! God is so good, and He always provides when the time is right! I am looking forward to seeing where He is going to take me in this business.

I applied to the LPN program, and unfortunately did not get in. I was a bit sad, but I know God has a plan, and it just wasn't His timing. I plan to retake the PSB exam and hopefully score higher, and I will apply again this January! I appreciate any prayers!!

I am also looking for a car. The old grandma mobile has about had it.. she is on her last leg! I really want something new, and sporty, but I am in no hurry, as I do not want a car payment. :)

My little brother is 14 this year, goodness how time flies. It has really hit me hard lately at how much he has grown up, and how there isn't much time left for me to enjoy him while he is young. I love him to death, and it just tears me up knowing he is in high school!!! I have really been trying to be patient and very loving with him. I want him to grow up knowing his big sister would do anything for him. I love him to pieces!!

I am still dealing with some spiritual issues in my life. I know God will open my eyes and lead me in the direction He has planned for me.

I am really going to try and get back into my blogging! It is such a great outlet!!

These are some of my recent butterfly pictures. I hope you enjoy them!

:)

I was the winner!

A few weeks ago, I entered a contest on Que Sera Sera . It was actually a show us your life that Kelly's Korner hosted, and I found Brittany's link on her blog! Brittany was so sweet, and she gathered all her favorite beauty products and told us all about them in a video! She is awesome, I must say! Thank you so much Brittany! I was super excited when I received my package in the mail. I couldn't wait to get into all the products! I personally love make up, and chap stick, so I was in heaven!
I love the Lip Vitamins! It is truly awesome!
The brushes are perfect!
The mascara is actually the same kind I already use, so that is even better! :)
The eyeshadow is beautiful! I have used it several times already!
The finger nail polish is so cute, I rarely ever paint my nails, but now I feel they must have that color on them!
The soap smells wonderful!!!
... and the perfume.. O MY GOODNESS! I am addicted to it!!! That by far is my favorite!! I love perfumes.. but now.. I have found a NEW all time favorite!!!

Thank you so much for these sweets gifts! When I get around to it, I will take a picture of all them all, and post another blog about them!

Brittany's beauty products video

Mackenzie

 

  

  

  

  

  

There is nothing more precious than a newborn baby!

Happy Valentines Day!

"For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only begotten Son

that whosoever would believe in Him

should not perish

but should have everlasting life"

John 3:16

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

It can be extremely hard to thank God when things are tough. We have to remember God is still in control, and no matter what is going on, He will lead us in the direction of His will.

I remember when my Grandmother was so sick with cancer. How could I thank Him for that? Through her suffering, she was able to let her love for Jesus shine through. I always knew my Grandmother was so in love with her heavenly Father, but I never knew how much she could love Him when she went through so much. I thank you Lord for what she went through. Even though it was hard, she was able to show me how to truly submit unto you, and how to truly love you, no matter what! It is hard to say those words, but I really do thank Him for the experience. He has been able to use what I went through, in more ways than I could have imagined.

I want to serve Him.

It's not about what we want in life, it's about what can we do to serve.

He is in control and always loves us. Even when things seem out of sorts, God is tell us what to do. Sometimes we just have to be specific, and as God to close the wrong doors, and open the right doors. He listens to everything we say! We should be committed no matter what the circumstance. If we are truly doing the Lord's will, we will be safe. He will protect us, and He will guide us.

The will of God is so much greater than us!

God doesn't have a personal plan, but He has a greater plan, and he wants us to join in His plan and make a difference.

He has things He needs us to do, we just need to join Him.

Be willing to devote our life to honor and glorify Him.

Strive to be more like Him everyday.

Pray to God, He will make everything  very clear!

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the spirit,

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5: 15-21

Lord, I pray that you will help us to listen to you voice. Keep our eyes, and ears open, listening for your soft voice. I pray that you will help us to keep our hearts and minds pure. Father, help each and every person that reads this blog, and all the people that you know are dear to my heart to always be committed to You, no matter what! Sweet Jesus, please help us to be spirit filled Christians that have given our All to You!

In Jesus precious name I pray, 

Amen

Mercy

Mercy

 

–noun, plural -cies for 4, 5.

1.	compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner.

2.	the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy.

3.	the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, esp. to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.

4.	an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.

5.	something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened.

And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy;
1 Kings 8:49-51


I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Psalm 116:1-3


Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.
Psalm 119:131-133


Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.
Psalm 123:2-4


He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:12-14

What Faith Can Do

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Lyrics to What Faith Can Do - Kutless

When life throws you a tough call, just remember to have Faith. God is always near, and when it seems He is the farthest away from us, He is right next to us. Always walking with us, and holding our hand. God is good, and I praise Him everyday for his blessings on my life!

 

 

<3

Faith Is Deliberate

confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time. 

-Oswald Chambers         

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

God is not a deceiver, that He should offer to support us, and then, when we lean upon Him, should slip away from us.

           -Augustine