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  • It was junior high. My grandmother handed me an old black and white photo of a thin young lady and her fella. Classic. Both dressed in a relaxed white button up, sleeves cuffed just so and front tucked in to trousers with such ease. They were cool, or at least I thought so... Poised just so that I recognized this confidence and acceptance that marked my mind in that moment. Her name was Emma. Emma! Oh my word, it was beautiful and it was her mother’s name. It was perfect. Right then I knew I had to have an Emma. Well, of course what seemed a lifetime passed. Eventually prayers answered. I hadn’t even felt her move when I was ready to throw her monogram on everything. So southern. And as sure as I was of Emma, I was certain she would carry my momma as well. And so with Mae, my life continued to find its way woven into this little girl of mine that I had dreamed of for so long. But, this picture. This moment. This day. Captured. Upon her head a beautiful crown I had crafted from the blooms she had chosen. Perched on this rock on this glorious island. Full of deep wisdom and pure youth. As if this ritualistic rite of passage. Unplanned but purposed and beautifully played out. We will never forget. My Emma Mae. Today, she is thirteen. THIRTEEN. She is pure kind and raw beauty. She is deeply compassionate and strikingly confidant. She is intentionally named, yet this willing warrior of mine has chosen “Princess”. Her choice will bring her countless victories and battles. My prayer is that she faces each day, each moment, each opportunity poised with holy valor. She wins. Baby girl, did you hear? You win! If anything, remember this... walk out every day faithfully believing that you win. You win, because He has won your heart. ♡
  • PLANS || In the personality analysis realm I’m not much of a planner. More of a get out the map and find a room when we get there girl. Talks of Maui in December seemed crazy. Planning.... 🙄 But here we are! This trip was so much more than a bucket list check. For the first time I can really remember, I prayed a “vacation” would bring glory to my God. I’m so glad He never takes breaks from me. ♡ #mcleodstakemaui
  • LATELY || The things I have been thinking on as of late... • early mornings are really a gift • there is beauty in getting older and I want my girls to see me love it well • being a woman is wonderful and becoming one is a rite of passage • time and not missing a moment with my family • being present takes real effort • loving Andy in every day is an opportunity and a holy act I don’t want to miss What has your heart and mind swirling these days?
  • TOGETHER | From day one this has been our standard. Even during the really, really tough seasons, weirdly, this togetherness has never changed. Our faith, our traditions, our childhood, our parents, our struggles, our anchors, our disappointments, our celebrations, our desires... they all played a role and made this priority. Our together has come easy and it also hasn’t come without a fight. It’s been a while, but this is my #elrodssundaybest ♡
  • DISCIPLINE | We are reading Proverbs 23 today and I say each chapter has been the best, so today I won’t claim any different. Chapter 23 is SO good! I really hope you are reading along. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Being a mom of 3 kiddos ranging from 8-14, I feel well entrenched in the throes of motherhood at the moment. So, this instruction to wisdom and disciplines speaks loud and clear to my life. My parents weren’t afraid of using a switch or giving a spanking. Apparently I inherited the same mindset to instruction and obedience. I’ve raked my hand down the stem of many branches and used a wooden spoon more on the back side than in a pot. I don’t say that with a swelled chest but a fractured heart. I’m sure if this was part of your discipline, you’d agree it honestly hurt you more than it did them. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It seems everyday is a new set of challenges with my crew. Now more than ever these words of wisdom are needed to guide me as I guide them. ♡ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ beautiful photo by @aprilmaura #onetable #wordwarrior #raisingwarriors #refiningfire #proverbsforliving

My passion is to inspire and encourage women to know God and be transformed into WARRIORS for His Word.

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” Ecclesiastes 4:12.