She Prospers

Judah Turns 1...

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:28:00 +0000

Today, I think I've experienced just about every emotion possible as Judah turns one. Happy, because he's such a blessing and brings so much joy to others. Sadness, because as hard as I've tried to soak every moment up, it's still passed by too quickly. Thankful, because it is an honor to have been given this precious little gift and excited about the ways that he's growing and changing.

Being a mom has taught me what true love looks like. Motherhood is the ultimate sacrifice as you give up your time, your body, your lifestyle and your freedom to nurture a new little life. But miraculously, it's worth all of it. Every morning snuggle session, a deep belly laugh or watching Judah discover something new is what makes my new role worth it. Still can't believe that he's ours for forever!

Here's a little something just for you my precious boy!

Judah,

From the moment that I first saw you, my heart grew a size bigger and was immediately filled with love for you. I've tried my best not to worry too much and to allow you room to grow and explore. My favorite time of day is when I pick you up from your crib and bring you into bed to nurse and snuggle with you. Becoming your mom has allowed me to learn so many new things about who I am and how to depend on Jesus more to. He is so good to us and my prayer is that you will experience the love that the Father has for you. I can't wait to watch you grow this next year!

I love you and Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Judah's 6 Month Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:07:00 +0000

The saying is most certainly true that "for the young the days go fast and the years go slow; for the old the days go slow and the years go fast". I cannot believe that Judah has been in our lives for nearly a year now. He is truly such a joy and it's difficult for me to imagine my life without him.

As much as I miss the squishy, cuddle-filled newborn days, it is so much fun watching him roll, laugh, babble and make messes during meals. I want to bottle up each new thing that he does so that I'll never forget his curiosity, his sweet sounds or simply his innocence.

On the hard days, it's truly amazing that after he takes a nap, my heart usually misses him and I can't wait to scoop him up again. Even after the hardest nights, all it takes is one little giggle in the morning (and let's be honest a cup of coffee or two) to melt my heart and I'm putty in his little hands.
I cannot believe how much I love Judah and to know that my heavenly Father loves me more and is intimately aware of my thoughts, my heartbeats and each breath I take is absolutely incredible. I'm so thankful that He has allowed me to see the parallels between motherhood and my relationship with Him. He is so gracious with us and I'm so grateful for the way He shows up in the most tender ways.

All too soon Judah will be crawling, walking and talking and I will yearn for these days I have with him now, so I'm trying my best to savor this time and not let the days blur together.

Judah David McClanahan

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 22:15:00 +0000

These past three and a half months have absolutely flown by! So much so that I haven't had a chance to write about motherhood (and how much I'm loving it) or post pictures of our precious Judah! I've actually picked photography back up have been posting pictures of other people's beautiful children ha! It's weird how that works, you would think as a photographer that I would have a million pictures of our little family but I've actually not taken that many (insert new goal here).

Judah David McClanahan was born on September 21st, 2015 and weighed in at a perfect 7lbs. 4oz. It was a long 37 hours of labor but thankfully a quick and smooth delivery. Drew and I hadn't decided on a name but as soon as Drew saw his dark hair and dark eyes, Judah just fit him beautifully. We wanted his name to have both biblical and sentimental roots. Judah means praised in Hebrew and we loved that Jesus' lineage can be traced back to the tribe of Judah. David means beloved in Hebrew and throughout the pregnancy we prayed that one day he would become a man after God's own heart. We also named him David in memory of Drew's best friend who passed away when Drew was in college.

Being a mother is wonderful, difficult at times but overall I'm just loving it. From the moment the doctor placed Judah in my arms, my heart has been so full. I've tried to soak up each little stage as much as humanly possible because I know that these cuddle filled days will soon be replaced by a little one who won't want to stay in one place. As much as I'm loving being at home, I know myself and knew that I needed to work from home in some way. The Lord has been faithful to provide photography jobs, a part time position at Refuge Coffee Company and I'm about to dip my toes into selling essential oils with DoTERRA. Sounds like a lot but it works out well, usually during Judah's naps and most of the time I have the ability to bring Judah along with me which I'm so thankful for.

I've been reading "For the Love" by Jen Hatmaker and am learning about giving myself grace while trying to balance life as a new momma and found this so encouraging: "To Mama at home with a bunch of littles, you can live a life worthy right now. Your calling is today. God makes you worthy as you desire goodness for your children, meeting needs and nurturing little souls. No future calling is any more important than your current situation. Every good, meaningful possibility is yours today. You can have access to the kingdom now: the love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. That is every Christian's calling, and the gospel is perfectly demonstrated through the daily labor of parenting...You don't need to wait another day to figure out your calling. You're living it dear one. Your gifts have a place right now, in the job you have, in your stage of life, with the people who surround you. Calling is virtually never big or famous work; that is rarely the way the kingdom comes. It shows up quietly, subversively, almost invisibly. Half the time, it is unplanned- just the stuff of life in which a precious human life steps in, the good news personified".

Here's to this new adventure of fully embracing this new stage of life with open doors and endless possibilities! And also for your viewing pleasure, precious newborn and three month pictures of Judah.

She Prospers Photography: Christine's Senior Pics

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 18:35:00 +0000

Hey Hey! Christine is about to graduate from college! Woo hoo! It seems like just a few months ago I was dropping the Turner sisters off from a night of goodness at the Warehouse Ministry. I can't believe that you are old enough to drive yourself, let alone be entering adulthood!

You have just blossomed into the most gorgeous woman and I'm so thankful to know you and your sweet family! Congrats!

She Prospers Photography: Amelia's 1 Year

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:32:00 +0000

Happy 1st Birthday to you little Amelia Ann! It was a joy to meet and photograph this precious family a few weekends ago. Amelia is just a doll and was so easy to photograph. Your family is just wonderful! For more info on booking your own session, check out my website: sheprospersphotography.zenfolio.com/

She Prospers Photography: The Kraft Family

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 13:22:00 +0000

It is an honor for my friends to allow me to photograph their families and this time was no exception. My precious college friend Emily and her two children Maddie and Mason are family to me and with their dad and Em's husband Jeff is away on a deployment, we thought it would be fun to snap some pictures of home to send his way.

Maddie and Mason are just bursting with energy but I had so much fun chasing them around the park while my little one snoozed away in his stroller. Also, a big Happy 1st Birthday to you little Mason! It was a gorgeous Fall day and it was a joy to capture memories of this little fam. Jeff, we love you and are so thankful for your service to our country!

Maternity Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 11:03:00 +0000

I'm currently sitting here staring at my handsome two week year old baby boy and I cannot believe that just a few days ago I was big and pregnant. It's already odd to think about how our lives looked without Judah being apart of it but looking at these pictures makes me want to be pregnant all over again. I didn't think it was possible to think that thought so soon after giving birth but there is nothing like knowing that little life inside you is dependent upon you even before you've ever met.

Pregnancy is truly a miraculous experience and I feel privileged and blessed to have walked through these last nine months and have now entered motherhood. Giving birth was the most difficult and yet most rewarding thing that I've ever done but it's worth every second of waiting once you lock eyes with your baby. My heart is truly overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for a healthy pregnancy and delivery and I cannot believe that I have the privilege of being Judah's mom. This morning we took our newborn pictures and I cannot wait to lay my eyes on them, until then I'm satisfied treasuring these sweet pregnant moments that our friend Liz captured (she's taken all of our photos since our engagement and we love her so! ). Happy a happy week friends! Photos by Elizabeth Claire Photography.

She Prospers Photography: Baby Hudson

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 13:55:00 +0000

Hooray! Baby Hudson is here! This little cutie was just the perfect little newborn for me and couldn't be any sweeter! He arrived two weeks early and is just as healthy as can be! Congrats to Greg and Ashley and big brother Joel! Here's to hoping that Baby McClanahan is just as precious! Check out my website for more photos!: sheprospersphotography.zenfolio.com

She Prospers Photography: Baby Fincher

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 13:09:00 +0000

When you have Fall-like weather, get to spend time with beautiful friends and share in the joy of a healthy pregnancy, you can be sure that there are going to be pretty pictures. I was so honored to take maternity pictures of our dear friends Luke and Jessi. Their story is nothing short of a miracle and it has been incredible watching them walk through this pregnancy as they trust that the Lord will protect their little one.

I can't wait to watch our sons grow up together and I have thoroughly enjoyed having a pregnancy friend to share ups and downs with. We can't wait to meet you Baby Wylie! Check out my website for additional information on how you can book a shoot for your family: sheprospersphotography.zenfolio.com

She Prospers Photography: Juliet's 9 Month and 1 Year Pics

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 19:27:00 +0000

It's been so much fun being able to capture big moments for Tyler and Jordan's precious baby girl, Juliet. I love their little family so very much and wish Juliet a very happy 1st birthday! Can't wait to continue to watch you grow and also become a big sister this year! If you're in the Atlanta area, I would love to take pictures of you and your family! I'm planning on jumping right in after our little one arrives in just 5 weeks! Check out my website for more details: sheprospersphotography.zenfolio.com Have a happy Sunday!

And Baby Makes Three

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 14:05:00 +0000

It's true!! Drew and I are expecting our first baby this September! This has been the hardest secret for me to keep and it is a well known fact with my friends that I can't keep happy news secret for very long. We are so thankful and overjoyed with this life that the Lord has given to us and cannot wait to meet this little person growing inside me.

I'm 15 weeks and have thankfully been feeling well. I didn't experience morning sickness and am thanking the Lord daily for it. I've had a huge appetite and have had low energy but overall I just can't stop smiling from the sheer amount of happiness that I feel. I keep telling Drew that I'm ready for a little bump to appear so that I can show the world on the outside our little secret.

I cannot wait to see Drew become a father. My heart feels like bursting thinking about how well he is going to love this little peanut. I'm so blessed by the way he has shown me his support with late night ice cream runs, countless back rubs and the way that he can calm me in an instant when my twirly mind foolishly looks up symptoms on my pregnancy app. He's simply the best and I'm so thankful that I get to parent alongside him.

*My two personal favorites... telling him we're gonna be parents and our attempts at baby bumps (also I think he was going for Derrick Zoolander in the shot on the right ha ha!)

It's going to be an another adventure and I simply cannot wait for September to be here already! Are you a new mom or expecting your first baby? I'd love to hear how you're doing! Any other September mommas out there? Much love...

She Prospers Photography: Juliet's Six Month Session

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 13:13:00 +0000

One of the best parts about being a photographer is being able to capture little moments in time. Being close friends with your client makes the experience even sweeter and I adore watching Juliet grow and change each time I'm behind the camera.

She is a ball of energy with a dazzling personality to match (her parents are pretty great too). Not long after this shoot started crawling and I'm sure that our 9 month shoot will be oh so much fun as I chase her around. It was so hard to pick just a few shots from the day but here are some of my favorites. I love you little Juliet and think that you are simply beautiful little one!

*To see more shots from this session, click this link! Know of a friend or family member who would be interested in booking a similar session with their little one? Have them check out my website: sheprospersphotography.zenfolio.com and find my contact information!

Ohio Fun | Westside Market

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:45:00 +0000

I simply had the best time celebrating New Years in Cleveland, Ohio with my sister and her husband's family. One of the last days of our trip, we headed downtown and spent the afternoon at the Westside Market. Y'all, I adore food and fresh ingredients and if you are ever in the Cleveland area, put this on your sightseeing list.

We found out that this popular hot spot has been thriving since it's opening in 1912. Vendors and local restaurants sell their goods weekly and it was a packed house when we visited on a Saturday morning. As if the local produce and goods weren't enough, this market houses unique international items that are difficult to find elsewhere.

It was a rush weaving around the booths and nibbling on samples and picking up hodge-podge items that we used to create our lunch. The sights and smells are simply glorious! Some of my favorite vendors were: Pierogi Palace (They were closed when we visited but I always go for beef), Ohio City Pasta (need I say more?), Cake Royale (try their cannoli's!), Steve's Gyro's (They sold out when where were there so be sure to jump in line early), and Crepes de Luxe (the best crepes ever!).

I had never had a savory crepe because I can never resist crepes filled with chocolate and fruit but my Italian style crepe did not disappoint. Also, blood orange soda from Italy? Yes, please! I can't wait to return to Westside Market on my next visit to Ohio! Oh and Go Bucks! (way to roast those Ducks!).

It Is Well With My Soul

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 14:03:00 +0000

It is difficult for us to trust. To simply let go of our puny human strength and fully embrace something that we cannot physically see or touch. And yet every fiber of my being chooses to trust that God is sovereign, that He truly is who He says He is and that He is in complete control of it all.

My precious grandmother passed away last week and I know with all my heart that she is staring into the face of her Savior Jesus and worshiping at His feet. The pastor who spoke at her funeral this weekend sang one of her favorite songs to begin the service, It Is Well With My Soul. A few hours earlier, the song, It Is Well, played as I got ready to tell her goodbye. My grandmother was ready to meet Jesus face to face. She had filled her ninety years to the brim with life. It was well with her soul to see her beloved husband once again. It was well with her soul to be free of her earthly shell and live in perfect peace.

I realized this morning that as sad as it is to lose a loved one, that I am truly grateful that the Lord called her home when He did. As much as He is involved in the big events in our lives: marriages, births, deaths, I love that He's a part of the little details in our days too. The fact that He is so intimately acquainted with my thoughts, my desires and my heart is beautifully overwhelming. I don't want to spend my life filling it with things or activities that simply make me busy. I want to fill my life with actions and words and prayers that matter.

Thank you Betty Davis for living your life with purpose. Thank you for pouring truth into your children and your grandchildren. Thank you for passing down your love of gorgeous flowers, your thirst for adventure, your sassy attitude, your desire to dive into a good book and your traveling spirit to me. I love you dearly!

New Year Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 21:22:00 +0000

Growing up, our family never celebrated New Years in a big way; besides lighting a few sparklers, getting to stay up past our bed time and watching the giant peach drop on TV (yep, you read that correctly, Atlanta drops a peach). My sister Bekah and I are just two and a half years apart. She is the butter to my bread, the ketchup to my french fries, the icing on my cupcake and my very best friend. She's been married for a little over two years to an amazing man, Christian, and they moved to Ohio when she became his wife. We intentionally text, send photos, video chat and call each other on a regular basis but there is still a part of my heart that aches to see her on a daily basis. The first New Years after she got married, Drew and I traveled with my parents to go visit her. Now it's become a tradition and I've never looked forward to celebrating New Years more.

I just got back from a week long stay with her and my heart is so full from the time that we spent together.Bekah married into a family who celebrates New Years in a unique and amazing way and I love being able to be apart of it. Christian's maternal Grandmother is Italian and still has immediate family living in Rome, Italy (I know...I'm already trying to convince his grandmother to take me with her on their next family visit).

All dressed up for New Years

On New Year's Eve, Christian's grandparents treat all of the extended family to a big dinner at Maggianos. After we stuff ourselves, we head over to his uncle's house and play games until midnight. And when I say everyone plays, I'm talking about the entire family playing "Murder in the Dark"; aunts, uncles, little kids and big kids and Grandma, who are all hard core about winning. It's pretty much the best and if that wasn't fantastic enough, his Aunt Robyn, who is famous in Cleveland for her Buckeyes, lays out a spread of homemade desserts too.

On New Year's Day, Grandma and Christian's mom make homemade pasta, ravioli with tomato sauce and meatballs that will make your mouth believe that you are in Italy. The rest of the day is usually filled with football watching and more game playing. I just love that they have blended their family's culture with American traditions as well. It's truly a beautiful thing to behold.

Downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio

New Year's was just fabulous and I'm so blessed to have such an amazing sister. I am counting down the days and saving up my pennies to hopefully be able to make another visit soon! More to come on the fantastic city of Cleveland soon. I'm curious to know what your New Year traditions are and I'd love to hear them!

"The Weary World Rejoices"

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 17:25:00 +0000

This Christmas I'm thankful for a place to call home with my husband. I'm thankful that this year has been full of twists and turns because I feel stronger than I did this time last Christmas. I'm thankful for the traditions that we have started and for times to gather with friends and family.

This year I've chosen to make room for Advent. To take the time to soak in the truth that Christmas means as God put on skin and came to rescue and redeem us. It feels different in the best possible way. Minimal rushing, less time writing and more time reading (books and not my Instagram feed), lots of quality time spent with my husband and our pups with lots of resting.

I've come to see that Chrismas is more exciting because I've spent more time waiting in anticipation, not only for a day of celebrating but in waiting to hear from the Lord. He came to save us and restore us. He came to free us from ourselves. He came to breathe life into our bones and grant us grace.

Merry Christmas friends and I hope that you have a very Happy New Year!

Memories are Worth Making

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 12:20:00 +0000

During this busy season of the year, full of special traditions, gift buying and my new sales position at the Refugee Sewing Society, I'm trying to let go of my own expectations and be content with the memories that I'm making instead. Here are a few things that I'm looking forward to enjoying

during this Advent season.

Spending time decorating our new home for Christmas.

I can't wait to hang up this precious free printable from the Jones Design Company

(Join her email list and get printables for free!)

Continuing to study the Advent Plan from She Reads Truth

Watching classic Christmas movies... I've always been a sucker for It's a Wonderful Life.

And of course spending time with with wonderful man.

Enjoy the one and only picture I snapped over Thanksgiving

P.S. How was your Thanksgiving?

She Prospers Photography: Juliet's Three Month Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:43:00 +0000

Sweet friends, a gorgeous setting and a calm baby creates pretty pictures. I have loved capturing moments for Tyler and Jordan and Juliet's three month pictures were no exception. This big blue eyed beauty is as easy going as they come and is a joy to spend time with. I can't wait to see her little personality continue to change in the months to come. Happy three months Juliet!

There is ALWAYS something to be Thankful for.

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:53:00 +0000

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Growing up my family always chose this holiday to travel and visit our extended family. When Drew and I got married, we decided to try our best to balance our time between family and establishing our own traditions. I love the traditions that we have embraced and look forward to making new ones in the years to come. This time last year we celebrated with people from all over the world with the best friendsgiving you ever did see.

I remember feeling so thankful to have people who loved me scattered around the house and the joy that they brought me. Being home this year there is a shift in the way I feel about this holiday. As excited as I am to celebrate with family, there's an awareness that has also come as we we have returned back to the States. Even if we didn't have an elaborate meal planned, It's so much more than the food and I think I've realized why I cherish this holiday above the rest. It's about the people. It's choosing to praise the Lord in plenty and in want. It's making an active choice to recognize His goodness and how he lavishes His love upon us even in our most undeserving moments.

We have been given the opportunity daily to praise Him for his grace and I want my life to have more thankfulness in it. Even when we face difficult circumstances, we have the hope of our salvation and the anchor of the gospel to cling to. This is where true joy springs from. This is the source of life-giving hope. Friends, there truly is always something to be thankful for and my prayer is that this continues to grow in the hearts of my family and friends. Thank you for taking the time to read my words and invest a moment of your day in this little blog. Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Do Less With More Focus

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:13:00 +0000

I recently ran across this great quote from the brilliant gals over at Small Fry. This past year of my life has been filled with more change than I have thought I would have the strength to muster but the Lord has been gracious to provide peace. When we moved back to Atlanta, I didn't know what specific direction He was leading me in but the one thing that I heard from Him clearly was this, "be patient and watch me work".

I'm a jump-in-with-both-feet kind of person and it's both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that I totally and completely commit to whatever it is that I am involved in. The curse is that there are so many great things to get involved in, that I often want to commit to multiple things at once. Trial and error has proved that this is an exhausting and unsuccessful cycle in my life.

Drew and I's time living overseas allowed us to see that the hustle and bustle of constantly living with a full plate for years at a time is not a life-giving way to live, it's a life-taking one. Choosing to put something on my calendar should not reflect a need to feel accepted. Instead it should be a purposeful choice to choose community and life giving structure to my life. I'm actively seeking to measure the amount of rest in our lives versus the busyness. So here I am, pursuing to live a life that is honoring to the Lord, use my gifts wisely, work in a way that is edifying and not over commit. I love the ministry that I have the privilege of working for and I truly want to give my energy and focus to them so that I will have more emotional, physical and spiritual energy to pour into my marriage, my relationships and my faith.

The Lord's word of warning to watch and wait to see Him network was the truth that I needed to hold onto when facing a mountain of unknowns. The beauty of not rushing to commit is that you are able to fully know that He brought the opportunity to you. It wasn't birthed out of striving or frustration, it is graciously given as a gift. I feel more peace about my decision to focus on fewer things in my life and know that I'm hearing the Lord more clearly without the other distractions. I know that the most difficult thing now will be to stay on this course for the long haul but I know deep down that it will be worth it.

Pumpkins, Apple Picking and Dahlonega Goodness

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:11:00 +0000

A few weekends ago, Drew and I drove up to Dahlonega to attend a wedding and decided to spend the morning and afternoon soaking up all things Fall. If you've never been to this quaint little mountain town, you are missing out. Envision the picturesque set of Gilmore Girls but with the North Georgia mountains as a back drop. Glory. Now I'm a bit partial because Dahlonega is also home to my alma mater, North Georgia College and State University (yes, I know that they've changed the name to University of North Georgia, but I can't help but hold onto the unusually long college name that I'm so fond of).

We started our adventure up in Elijay, home to the world's finest apple pies, and meandered our way through the many apple orchards that line Highway 52. We try and visit our two favorites whenever we are making a visit, Hillcrest Orchards and B.J. Reece Orchards. Both of these orchards offer the option to "Pick Your Own" apples and also sell freshly baked apple treats. Drew and I love the hand apple pies at B.J. Reece and the apple cider from Hillcrest.

Our next stop was Burt's Pumpkin Farm, where most of my pumpkin picking memories stem from. This family owned pumpkin farm offers hay rides through the pumpkin fields, has a precious country store filled with local produce and canned goods and makes the best pumpkin roll (this year they put a twist on their traditional roll by dunking it in funnel cake batter and deep frying it...craziness). We picked our pumpkins and headed down the mountain to grab a bite to eat.

One of my personal favorite things about going to college in a small town was the ability to walk to our town square to eat and shop. It's been three years since I've made a visit and a few restaurants have come and gone but thankfully The Picnic Cafe is still up and running. Fondly called the dessertery, this tiny cafe, bakes their own bread, creates delicious sweet treats and has the best tomato basil soup! It's the perfect place for a light bite and an afternoon cup of tea or coffee.

To top off our day, we strolled around North Georgia's campus that was ablaze with gorgeous hues of red and gold. The drill field and my old dorm (Get it Lewis Hall) are about the only things on campus that looked the same to me but all of the new buildings are beautiful too. College held so many precious memories for me and I'm so thankful for the core group of friendships that have remained long since graduation.

Today is our three year wedding anniversary and I'm so thankful for the incredible man who stands by my side and loves me with his whole heart. Drew, you are the love of my life, my biggest fan, my quiet, strong leader and my very best friend. I'm so very glad that you asked me to walk through life beside you! Love You Same!

Moving Glory

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:17:00 +0000

It's official. Drew and I moved into our first home on Monday! I want to scream it from the rooftops! We are renting a beautiful little home right outside of Atlanta and are so thankful that the Lord led us to this place. There is plenty of space for the two of us and a huge backyard for the pups. I don't think that I've ever been this excited about packing and unpacking boxes in my life. It's going to be like the best Christmas morning there ever was as we unwrap our boxes that have been awaiting us in storage. This is the first time in a year and a half that we will have a space of our own and grateful doesn't begin to describe the provision that the Lord has made for us.

Home has always been a place I treasure, a place of comfort and refuge, a place to build community and also to rest. Home has been where my husband is, whether it is in a one bedroom apartment in the suburbs, a rural village in a foreign country or right outside a bustling city. But we have never lived where we've had our house completely to ourselves until now.

My idea of what home means has changed drastically from when Drew and I were first married. Nearly three years ago (we can still say we are newlyweds right?), I wanted everything to be perfect in our home. As much as I desired for our home to radiate the things I've listed above, I also wanted it to be pretty (let's be honest, who doesn't?). But there were also times when I realized that I was allowing my identity to be wrapped up in my home and how others perceived it. Living in China, I still fought these urges to keep a clean, cute home and didn't decorate as we were living on support, but felt the urge to "nest" more than ever.

I don't think that we are called to live this way. Just a quick glance at the story of Mary and Martha is enough to convince me that my purpose is not to become a slave to my house. I don't think that my house will look like the cover in a magazine or as perfect as a photo from one of my Pinterest boards because I want my husband, my pups and my future children to live life in our home. I'm not saying that I'm not going to decorate the heck out of it and enjoy the process immensely but I am saying that I don't want to fall victim to the lie that my home has to look picture perfect all of the time. As much as I will enjoy making our house a home, I don't want to lose the perspective that I have gained. I think that Myquillyn, over at The Nester, has incredible insight and truly sums my feelings perfectly:

I cannot wait breathe life into this home. I cannot wait to host dinners with friends, spend lazy Saturday mornings making breakfast and lounging around with Drew, curl up and read on the couch and enjoy having my pups at my heels. I'm so excited to be eight minutes away from our church, and just a few minutes further away to my office. I desire so many things for this house and I'm so thankful to be in this place and soak up this moment. Any of you feel the same? Any renters have advice to share?

Favorite Places to Shop Handmade

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 17:35:00 +0000

Last week I shared the Top Ten Reasons to Shop Handmade for Christmas. This week I've rounded up a few of my favorite shops to share with you all. I have such a big heart for small business owners and when I invest in something for our home or for a gift I want the item to have meaning as well. I'm slightly partial to these shops because I know the women behind the scenes and today I wanted to feature them and let you see the goodies that they create for yourself.

East West Design Co | I have the incredible privilege of knowing one of the lovely ladies who runs this fabulous shop. Lindsey and I are sorority sisters (Hint: Red, Buff & Green), bible study buddies, lovers of The Office show and we could probably both eat our weight in sweet potato biscuits. She and her soon to be sister in law have been up and running for a few months and I've been so impressed by what they have created. I've already raved about the logo design and "Always Kiss Me Goodnight" print that they made me and I've got my eyes set on several things to order for Christmas gifts. They also offer custom work that is affordable and breathtaking.

Refugee Sewing Society | In case you missed my introduction to these ladies a few weeks ago, check out how I got connected with these women here. The Refugee Sewing Society is a safe haven where refugee women from all over the world meet weekly in Clarkston, Georgia to create lovingly handmade items. I have the amazing ability to witness the love that is poured out on these women by staff and volunteers because I'm now working with them myself. We are currently working on new product designs that I cannot wait to share, but one of my favorite items is this Bhutanese Wedding Necklace that is pictured above. Traditionally Bhutanese women receive a necklace during their wedding ceremony instead of exchanging rings. If you desire to live intentionally to impact the nations daily, this is one amazing organization to show your support.

When It Rains Paper Co | Katherine is also a fellow sorority sister (Hint: we have a thing for squirrels), has impeccable taste, an infectious laugh and is an amazing teacher. She and her sister design gorgeous stationary, cards, party supply items and monogrammed goodies. They also blog with a few of their talented friends at You Can Sit With Us, a lifestyle blog following four friends in the Atlanta area.

How about you? Where are some of your favorite places to shop handmade? I'd love to hear a few of your favorites!

Book Review | Tacolicious

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 12:08:00 +0000

Cookbooks are the perfect combination of goodness: excellent photography, pages filled with new tasty ideas to cook and of course reading the stories of the talented chefs. I enjoy cooking and find that when I take the time to prepare a meal, I'm able to relax and allow my mind to focus on chopping and stirring instead of my busy schedule.

As far as I know, I don't have Hispanic blood running through my veins, but fixing Mexican and Spanish cuisine is my food love language. Mexico was the first country that I traveled to and it's fiery personality has truly won me over. I was so excited to discover this fantastic cookbook, Tacolicious. In the first section of the book, the chefs and restaurant owners share their hearts behind their food, their adventurous journeys that led them to find unique dishes in Mexico and a peek inside their kitchens.

One of my favorite aspects of the way that the cookbook was written is it's ability to describe the reason behind the cooking methods. I love knowing that if you follow their detailed instructions, you should be able to recreate authentic Mexican dishes for your friends and family. And just so you know, there is so much more than tacos packed into the pages of this cookbook.

The cookbook also includes snacks, appetizers and delicious drinks. Reading it just makes me want to run to the nearest market, purchase some avocados and gorge myself on creamy guacamole. I cannot wait to throw a fiesta of my own!!

*I received this book through my Blogging for Books membership but all opinions expressed are my own.

You may enjoy these posts:

Nothing is Wasted
10 Reasons to Shop Homemade for Christmas
For Your Reading Pleasure

Nothing is Wasted

noreply@blogger.com (She Prospers ) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 13:25:00 +0000

I love how God designed the Bible to meet us right where we are. His words are active, alive and appropriate for any time period. I'm a bit behind in the 1st and 2nd Peter study but I don't mind because sometimes I need time to sit with what the Lord is showing me before I just jump into the next study.

I refer to Drew and I's time living in China frequently but I know that I'm still processing what we learned there. I think that I will be gleaning what the Lord did in our hearts for years to come. When we were debating whether or not to move back to America, we shared our torn hearts with our directors. I will never forget sitting in their car, about to head into the office, tears streaming down my face and the director's wife sharing this truth with me. She simply said, "Nothing is wasted with the Lord". Tears continued to flow as I realized the truth behind what she was saying to me. Even when your life feels like it's in a tailspin, the Lord will use it. Even when you don't feel His presence, the Lord will use it. Even when your joy has been taken from you, the Lord will use it. Because the Lord is gracious and compassionate, he desires to draw us into himself, even when we try to push him away.

I love that the Lord desires to use our weaknesses and shapes them into strengths. He makes the impossible seem possible because Jesus lived that way himself. Fully God and fully man. When I have felt the most confused, frustrated and lost, that is when I have encountered the Lord's provision, peace and purpose for my life. He longs to meet us in those places and use them to show us that he was there all along and He is in control. I had to choose to let him in though and now I am able to look and see that it's so true: Nothing is wasted in God's economy.

*Looking for challenging and encouraging plans to study the Bible? Check out shereadstruth.com