" Love never fails."

If only you knew...

We took the long way home Sunday afternoon, and found this while driving by. If only we could find the stories behind these old burned out homes...

A Walk Through History

Josh, my fiance, found information on Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock and we decided to venture out. A host of haunted stories, and abundant wealth of history, provided a peeked curiosity and perfect photography essay.

At least 6 U.S. Senators are buried there as well as 10 former governors. A confederate spy that was executed in Arkansas, was laid to rest there. As well as the former Pulitzer Prize winner, John Gould Fletcher.

Located amongst the bustle of downtown little rock, it is located just a short distance from the Governor's Mansion, and next to the Philander Smith College.

Downtown Hot Springs...

Some architectural photography...

Spring is here.

We took off for the Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, AR. The tulips were breathtaking, and by far the most "beautiful" aspect of the park.

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.” --Bern Williams

The Stakes Have Been Set.

Perhaps the mind wonders of it's own accord over the events of time. Lately, I have watched, been victim, and sat heartbroken as a wounded soldier, too many times to count. But recently as I watched "drama" unfold around those I love, my heart was saddened.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ caught in the crossfire of gossip, malicious slandering, backstabbing; trials and tribulations. Rather than watching the church come behind to support them in brotherly love, prayer, grace & forgiveness, quite the opposite has happened.

It has left me feeling cold, helpless, and bone weary.

I spent one night just venting to my fiance. I felt anger, fear, bitterness...on and on the list could go. But even as I spat the words out, I was reminded of the verse in Galations 6:9

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

In the quiet hours of my morning drive to work, I pondered and pondered the verse. Feeling the gentle prompting of His love... I've been commanded not to be "weary of doing good".

When I see my brothers and my sisters hurting...my response should love, forgiveness....and grace.

If I see that my brother is offended, I should seek to amend... as we are told in 1 Corinthians 8:13

"Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall."

My carnal flesh reaction to seemingly chaotic events around me? Has been less than pleasant. I am no better than the rest.

But my heart knows...I must live my life according to the stakes that were set long ago....on the cross where grace, forgiveness and ultimate gift of love was given to me.

To the cross I run
Holding high my chains undone
Now I am finally free
Free to be what I've become
Undone
-Mercy Me

Last night, Josh and I spent time in the Bible. Reading scriptures, and asking ourselves tough questions. I'm continually amazed at the grace of God. No matter how far you run, or the mistakes you've made, He is always there waiting. Waiting to listen, to embrace you in His everlasting love. It's only because of His grace that I am here today. Only His grace that has given me an amazing man to marry...a man who often points me back to the path of forgiveness and grace.

For Good.

One year ago, I was hopeful.
Nine months ago, I cried.
And now? I laugh. There is joy unspeakable...

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28

Bride

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Copyright Heather Connell.

Faces from Guatemala

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