Do you ever wonder what kind of tools it takes to navigate relationships that just bend you the wrong way? . Yeah, we don’t use iron forged objects, but words that cut deep can feel like something sharp just shaved some tender places into an ordeal never intended. . This is where I get on the anvil of grace. . Yielded, surrendered. Ain’t gonna try to use human wisdom, success jargon, quick fixes, plastic platitudes that look pretty and glossy on the outside. . Nope. Not going there. . I open the Word. The Living, breathing Word. Here it comes. I create the fruit of the lips it says in Isaiah. . Isaiah 57:18-19 I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; #breaktime I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal him. . A clear Word, silencing every protest. . Today I stop and thank God that He creates the fruit of our lips. He heals. He comforts. . Straight up. . . #hushingmynoise #listening #quietthechaos #shutup #godisable #breathedeep #itsgoingtobeokay #peace #bastrop #bastroptx #57pearls #loosenup (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqM1ctcOYhJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Our beautiful Bluebonnet roadside displays are early this year and beaming with extravagant blankets of the Texas state flower. . Betcha didn’t know that it’s NOT illegal to pick them?!! . They not only look pretty but smell wonderful. . This is the best time to come to central Texas in my humble opinion. The weather is oh so nice, and so many pockets of these beauties add just the right amount of sweetness to your day! . . #texasbluebonnets #bastroptx #landthatilove #bluebonnets #roadsideglory #sundaydrive #57pearls #annualday #bestplacetogo (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp1dyJPDEGl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Can I just soak in the living greens? . At 82 she sits, she soaks and listens. Her fingers knobby from arthritis, can’t easily hold a pen anymore to write or create the once frequent handmade cards so many received for a decade times two. . She smiles and always says thank you. . Recovery comes slow since she broke her ankle and now needs watchful eyes and strong arms, an assurance that aging frailty needs daily. . My mom, once mobile and active is now choosing to give thanks for the scenery she can enjoy and soak in. . Today we give thanks, because the Lord is our Shepherd and leads us beside still waters…He restores our souls… Psalms 23 . . . #restoresmysoul #peaceful #thelordismyshepherd #age #agesandstages #serenity #godisfaithful #57pearls #bastroptx #homesweethome #newdaynewstart (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cppqqymua9-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

“Grandpa!” William yells loud and strong. “Let’s do this together, I love working with you, and besides you make it fun!” William is now almost 11 years old. The heart connection and joy from doing projects together or just puttering on the property is a special bond that grows over time. . We prize these years and hope to impart a genuine love for the dignity that comes from stewardship as an expression of our gratitude to God for all that He has entrusted to us. Working the land will grow a boy into a man with a humble heart ♥️ . Caring for the land is a gift, so Ron shares that with William when they work. Sometimes they whistle songs, sometimes it’s funny jokes, but it’s always just about being together. That’s the real prize. That’s true wealth. . The brush and broken branches were removed from the hill. Clearing property is a job for the resilient soul. . The cool breeze whispering spring time weather is around the corner. . Both William and grandpa look at each other, winding down the job. For eight hours this young man worked. Not once did he complain or opt out. . Grandpa, stops and looks William in the eyes and tells him, “you’ve got stamina, you’re character and perseverance is so amazing! Thank you, William for a job well done! Nona and I are so proud of you ” . . . #landclearing #land #landscape_lover #workisgreat #grandpalove #grandson💙 #workisfun #57pearls #bastroptx #funtimes #rewarding #rewardtime (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpMaBT2OLeK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The cottage is finished. The hammers have stopped, the drills put away, windows streak-free, a clear view of pines and Youpon trees galore. Peaceful views swallowing a hungry heart with God’s incredible goodness. . My mom, known by her grandkids as “Abuelita” will spend her senior year's here. We marvel at the joy she feels knowing that she will be able to take it all in everyday. . Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. . . . #godsgoodness #peace #peacewithinhome #life #lifestlechange #abuelita #bastroptx #57pearls #graceupongrace #land (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpGJXeUuicq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We grow brave when hearts get mingled in celebrating each other. Love is that tangible expression in words and deeds. I marvel how dropping some red food coloring into a pancake batter bowl can make kids wide-eyed with glee! Or how a simple piece of water color paper with a few hearts dabbled on a page with the words written multiplied grace and peace be yours can settle in so deep. . It doesn’t take money, it is simply a willingness to express yourself to someone you know needs to hear those words. . Today we are wishing you all multiplied grace and peace over your heart ❤️ regardless of what you are facing. Happy Valentines 💘 Day. . . #happy Valentine’s Day #hearts #growingingrace #lovemanefesting #sweetheart #friendsforlife❤️ #57pearls #bastroptx #servewithlove (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Coq6N7kOgny/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Blending the generations with laughter and meaningful moments together is a gift on so many levels. Titus is 3 months old and Abuelita 82. Both received such joy just enjoying the innocent smiles and loving affection. This is so healthy for the soul of the child and the elderly. . . #abuelita #babyboy #joyful #familybondingtime #laughter #laughteristhebestmedicine #lovegrowshere #familytime #57pearls #bastroptx (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnisffVOa5n/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Glad tiding’s, times of gathering around the table, hearing each other’s heart and preparing for entry into another year. Family. Food.Freedom . Happy times turn into bonding memories. . #memories #familytime #besttimes #57pearls #christmastime #familyfirst #hopeblossoms #loveyourself #holidaysathome #bastroptx (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm0n3I1uJNj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Glad tiding’s, times of gathering around the table, hearing each other’s heart and preparing for entry into another year. Family. Food.Freedom . Happy times turn into bonding memories. . #memories #familytime #besttimes #57pearls #christmastime #familyfirst #hopeblossoms #loveyourself #holidaysathome #bastroptx (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm0mOZXOD5c/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The holidays with the family is the best! . . . #merrychristmas🎄 #happyholidays #cheers #lovefamily ##babylove❤️ #57pearls #bastroptx #myfamily (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmpWVKuv7zn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Advent is a special way to add depth and breadth to this holiday season. Christ is central to the celebration. Everything is building to a broader understanding of the significance of His birth and what coming in human form to earth really represents. . Isaiah 9:2 Those who walked in darkness have seen a radiant light shining upon them. They once lived in th#light e shadows of death, but now a glorious light has dawned! . . . #advent #christmas #light #chistmasiscoming #hope #oholynight #sacredmoments #pauseandreflect #57pearls #bastroptx #lightacandle (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmA4Dspjv51/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Advent is a special way to add depth and breadth to this holiday season. Christ is central to the celebration. Everything is building to a broader understanding of the significance of His birth and what coming in human form to earth really represents. . Isaiah 9:2 Those who walked in darkness have seen a radiant light shining upon them. They once lived in th#light e shadows of death, but now a glorious light has dawned! . . . #advent #christmas #light #chistmasiscoming #hope #oholynight #sacredmoments #pauseandreflect #57pearls #bastroptx #lightacandle (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmA3mXSDRlb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We are still basking in the vivid reds, yellows and orange tones of fall all around here in Central Texas. . It’s just gorgeous to see nature so aflame with language that compels reflection and even arrests frenzied practices that want to lure us into ignoring the statements right before us. The leaves are about to drop yielding to winter’s cold. But somehow the vivid colors make us stop in our tracks and acknowledge the transition. . I don’t know about you, this display is a crescendo and reaches in my soul for the things that are concluding all around. . Psalms 104:24 O Lord, how many and varied are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your riches and Your creatures. . . . Psalms 104:24 O Lord, how many and varied are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your riches and Your creatures. . . #seasonschange #fall #fallcolors🍁🍂 #newawareness #crispair #changeiscoming #grateful #bastroptx #bloomingrock #rejoice #57pearls. (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl2nNjuOXoV/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Wide eyed wonder, and curious hearts climb the adventure on any given visit to Nona and Grandpa’s house. . Our grands love watching the progress of Abuelita’s cottage and had a blast on the scaffolding. . #construction #newcottage #abueltascasita #bastroptx #57pearls #boyshavingfun #playtime #funatnonashouse #boyswillbeboys💙 (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clv9RiMu8Jm/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

We thrive in an active, intentional life. Living by design and purpose is full of the breath of God. . #neverstopexploring #notlazy #livingonpurpose #hope #godisgood #lifewithpurpose #bastroptx #57pearls (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clv7_1QOb8C/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Wide eyed wonder, and curious hearts climb the adventure on any given visit to Nona and Grandpa’s house. . Our grands love watching the progress of Abuelita’s cottage and had a blast on the scaffolding. . #construction #newcottage #abueltascasita #bastroptx #57pearls #boyshavingfun #playtime #funatnonashouse #boyswillbeboys (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clv6jobutHk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Building a family culture gets punctuated during peak gatherings such as Thanksgiving. Yes, the table gets set, schedules get radically shifted making room for what’s truly important: us. . The “we” factor is suddenly brought together and we relish taste, laughter, stories of grateful supply and our hearts bond full and satisfied. . I’m reflecting a week later and realized that I had been so swept up in the race to the finish line following our thanksgiving celebration that this post took a back seat until today. . But I wanted you to know how grateful I am for you and those who share in the daily abundance of life. There’s really a prize for the heart that reaches for the small, simple expressions of hope and life amidst the tyranny of the urgent. . Maybe you are like me and require yourself to stop, breathe in and look around. . We surrender. We cling. We cleave to what is wholesome and true… it’s in the Lord’s hands. All good things come from him. . Yes Thanksgiving is a week past but the scent of gratitude lingers on. . . #holdfast #thanksgiving #memoriesforlife #hope #gratitude #familytime #remember #fullhearts #bastroptx #57pearls #joysparking (at Bastrop, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CltosUYuikQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=