This week, I celebrated birthday #39, and it was also my 3 year anniversary of starting this blog. I feel like I’ve been celebrating for a few weeks now, because my hubby surprised me with my birthday gift a bit early. We took a trip to the beach a few weeks ago, and the day we arrived, he gave me a big box. Seeing how excited he was to give it to me made me even more giddy to see what it was! 
He bought me a nifty new camera- all decked out with different lenses and filters and a tripod… more stuff than I know what to do with! And I love that he gave it to me when he knew I’d have the time to learn how to use it. 
One day while we were at the beach, we visited the Elizabethan Gardens. The weather was gorgeous- just slightly breezy and warm. With my swanky new camera dangling from my neck, we strolled through the gardens, taking in all the scenery. 
It was definitely a day to remember! Just the two of us, leisurely strolling along without a care in the world- except to enjoy the beauty around us. 
Here he is, trying to sneak away from the camera… holding my camera bag and map in hand…
I was so thankful for all the the Lord has blessed me with, and for the wonderful husband He has given me to share my life with- someone I still look forward to going on dates with. Someone who makes me see things from a different perspective. Someone who knows me better than I know myself at times, and who always sees the best in me. 
I’m gonna to make it a priority as I begin the countdown to birthday # 40 to
stop and smell the roses–
to appreciate His creation
to spend more time with my family and friends
and to seek JOY!
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. Psalm 28:7
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit- Romans 15:17
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
great pics
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Thank you ☺️ And thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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welcome
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AH! Happy birthday, Julie! And happy photo-ing!
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Thank you, Dawn! The camera was the gift that keeps on giving… will give me lots of enjoyment for years to come!! I hope you are enjoying the weekend 🙂
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Beautifully done Julie!
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Thanks, Don! I hope you are doing well!!
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Happy Birthday Julie and nice blog too
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Thank you Suyog! And thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment 🙂
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Welcome julie
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Happy birthday to you and may God continue to bless your life.
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Thanks so much, Kathy! I hope you are enjoying the weekend!!
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Happy belated birthday, Julie. Great pics, but where were the roses?:-)
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Thank you! And lol…there weren’t too many roses blooming- but I did get a pic of a red one 🙂 Blessings to you!
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Happy birthday, Julie! What an awesome gift, and what better way to spend the year approaching a big-0 birthday. I’m ahead of you a bit, just past a big-0, and loved seeing your lovely pics. May God bless you with many more!
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Thank you so much! Spending quality time with loved ones…taking in the beautiful scenery-this is a perfect way to spend any birthday! Blessings to you 🙂
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Beautiful
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Thank you, Melissa! I hope you are doing well 🙂
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Yes doing well Julie!
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I love this energy you are in, Julie!! Lots of love and Birthday Blessings to you 🙂
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Just listened to you singing In Christ Alone .. lovely!
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