Southern Grace

Since it is Valentine's Day and my handsome hubby and I are delaying our celebration to this weekend, I decided to celebrate someone else who is very special to me today. 

And that is my lovely sister-in-law, Michelle. 

Let me tell you a little about her...

From the first time I met her, I didn't like her. Not really! Hehe!

But you know what I mean, she is "that girl" that everyone hates to love because they are not only extremely cute, they are also extremely sweet...which is extremely irritating! :) 

My brother was raising his baby girl, Chloe, as a single father when Michelle walked into their life and brightened up everything. She didn't have to but she took Chloe in and raised her as her own. Even still through the tough teenage years! : ) 

I believe her most valuable attribute is that she is a believer in Christ and strives to use the gifts He has given her to help bless & provide for their family. 

And He has definitely gifted this girl. My goodness, anything she touches turns to cuteness. 

She has done the most adorable birthday parties for Chloe and their newest addition, Cadence. 

She makes the most incredible cakes! 

She is also a very talented photographer and can shoot anything from Weddings to Pregnancies to Newborns. :) 

And now she is conquering the world of home decorating 

with her beautiful wreaths.

I'm telling you, you cannot find this kind of wreath at 

Hobby Lobby or Michael's. 

Hers just have that extra touch that makes 

each one unique and special. 

See, I told you you wouldn't like her. ; )

 I am just so very proud to call her my sister and thankful to share a love of the Lord (and crafting) with her!

Visit her Etsy shop, Southern Grace of Texas, to see her lovely collection! 

And follow her photography page on Facebook!

Remember...Open Hands

"When a woman has a kingdom heart, she has an active understanding of what matters most to the heart of God. She lives in the balance of passion and contentment. She learns to love well, give without regard to self, and forgive without hesitation. The woman with a kingdom heart may have a duffel bag full of possessions or enough treasures to fill a mansion, but she has learned to hold them with an open hand. Hold everything with open hands. I don't think we are ever allowed to grab hold of anything or anyone as though they matter more than the kingdom of heaven. When you hold relationships with open hands, then people come in and out of your life as gifts of grace to be cherished and enjoyed, not objects to be owned and manipulated. And then when you hold your dreams with open hands, you get to watch God resurrect what seemed dead and multiply what seemed small."

I read this passage from the book A Beautiful Offering a little while back and it touched me so much. Every line of it is perfect. I desperately want to be this woman and find myself struggling daily to set my mind on God's kingdom and not my own.