No need to strive…happy Friday

I am reminded so often that the best there is on this earth is Jesus. 

In the age of social media and glamorous living and making a names for ourselves, where our gifts and talents can get us far….there is still nothing more joyful than a simple life of following Him. We may believe the lie that it is our talents that make us worthy, that our gifts alone are what take us towards our dreams.

But Jesus…he is the dream giver, and no amount of talent or lack of talent could thwart His plan. And what i'm learning, is that a life focused off of us and onto Him, one filled with purpose and mission, is more epic than we could ever conceive.

Let's cut back on striving to make ourselves worthy, and rest in the incredible peace that He makes us perfectly worthy and valuable, and He will fulfill dreams in His perfect timing:) No need to strive!

Happy Friday loves...

Artifact Uprising $50 Give-Away

I'm someone who loves real, tangible paper products. I refuse to use our kindle because I love books too much. I adore the feel of them, holding the worn cover in my hands and smelling the magical pages.

So it's no surprise that in the last year, Artifact Uprising has become my go-to printing company. In fact, the company's tagline is "Inspired by the disappearing beauty of the tangible". This company offer the most amazing creative ways to print your unique photographs! They offer photo books, calendars, postcard packs, prints, cards, and wall art!

But the difference is, Artifact Uprising uses the most incredible paper that makes a beautiful matte look. I recently printed a photo book of our Turkey and Greece trip, and then also ordered a postcard pack of my favorite pictures. The day I got them in the mail was like Christmas…I ripped the package open and ran my hands over the incredible products, savoring every last postcard and page in my book! 

I've started collecting books of our travels (you can see our SE Asia one here, and our Turkey/Greece one below!). I love that I can now take the book with me to show to friend and family, and we don't have to be in front of a computer! 

I'm so so excited to be giving away $50 to Artifact Uprising today! Here's what you need to do to enter:

1) First…leave a comment on this post to "enter"
2) Enter your email in the box below
3) For extra entries like Hope Engaged on FB, and like Artifact Uprising on FB.  (Below)

The Montage, Laguna Beach

Last year Kevin and I visited our dear friends Mica and Josh at their home in Seattle (see here). This year, they returned the favor and came to stay with us for Labor Day weekend. It's always a blast having visitors because it allows Kev and I to re-experience the beauty that is all around us, but that we don't always make a point to see on a weekly basis! 

The Montage in Laguna Beach is literally stunning. From the looks of it, you might think it's a sweet little beachy cove in  Italy, Greece, or another mediterranean country! Each time we visit it takes my breath away. Most days there's hardly a person on the beach, but as it was a holiday weekend, it was swarming. However, no charm was lost because of the masses. It was just as amazing! 

There was quite the drama at the beach this day, as the waves were HUGE and the life guards were making rescues left and right. It was actually pretty entertaining! I failed to capture any of the monstrous waves on my camera, but you can still soak in the gorgeous colors from the water and cliffs! 

There are few things as great as laying on the beach, sun on your face, sand on your toes, and friends at your left and right. Thanks Meeks and Josh for visiting! xoxo