Back to What Matters: A Holiday Season Filled with Love, Not Stress

This year has felt… different. The economy is tough, prices are higher than ever, and so many families are feeling the pinch. SNAP and food stamp programs have ended for many, Medicare and Medicaid have shifted, and groceries and gas don’t stretch the way they used to. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed — to feel like the joy has been squeezed right out of the season.

But maybe this is the moment we all need to pause. Maybe this is our reminder that the holidays were never meant to be about stuff anyway. Let’s rewire our brains from the hustle, the spending, and the pressure to “keep up.” Let’s come back to what the holidays have always been about; spending time together, thankfulness, connection, love, laughter, and the simple joys.

Because even when money is tight, the moments that matter most are still completely free.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:19-20

Ways to Celebrate Without Spending a Lot

You don’t need fancy plans or pricey gifts to create holiday magic. Some of the best memories are made in the smallest, simplest moments.

1. Host a cozy night in: Grab your favorite blankets, make popcorn, and stream holiday movies. Bonus points if everyone wears matching pajamas.

2. Do a potluck dinner: Have everyone bring one dish to share. It’s less pressure and more fun.

3. Go see the lights: Take a drive through decorated neighborhoods, play Christmas music, and sip hot cocoa in the car.

4. Craft your own decorations: Paper snowflakes, salt dough ornaments, or garland made from popcorn and cranberries.

5. Start a new tradition: A gratitude jar, a game night, or reading the Christmas story together. Simple things that make the season feel special.

6. Volunteer together: Serve at a shelter, donate canned goods, or bring cookies to your local fire or police station. Giving your time is one of the greatest gifts of all.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

Ways to Give Without Spending Much

You don’t have to shop big to give big. The most meaningful gifts often come from the heart.

1. Bake something sweet: Cookies, banana bread, or fudge wrapped with a handwritten note.

2. Make something: A handmade ornament, a candle, a painted mug, or a playlist that reminds you of your friendship.

3. Write a letter: Tell someone how much they’ve meant to you this year. A few heartfelt words can mean more than anything money can buy.

4. Thrift it: Secondhand treasures have so much charm and story. Thoughtful, sustainable, and affordable.

5. Acts of kindness: Offer to babysit, run errands, or bring someone coffee. Love shows up in the smallest gestures.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25

Holiday Help Highlight: Aldi’s $40 Thanksgiving Meal

If you’re hosting this year, Aldi is offering a complete Thanksgiving meal for just $40. turkey, sides, and all the trimmings to cook at home. It’s proof that you don’t need a big budget to create a beautiful, love-filled holiday meal.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19

A Gentle Reminder

Maybe this is the year we slow down. The year we let go of the hustle and fall back in love with the heart of the season. Because when you strip away the chaos, what’s left is what matters most, connection, laughter, togetherness, and gratitude. The things you can’t wrap, buy, or put a price on.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” — Romans 12:10

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14

Let’s make this a season that feels full, not because of what’s under the tree, but because of who’s around it.

Seeing Through the Illusion: Becoming Who God Created You to Be

We live in a world full of illusions. Filters, highlight reels, quick fixes, and constant noise telling us who we should be. It’s easy to get caught up chasing things that sparkle on the outside but quietly starve the soul. But the truth? It’s not about doing more. It’s about becoming more of who God made you to be. Here’s how we can walk through this world with clear eyes, grounded hearts, and unshakable peace.

See the Illusion for What It Is

Illusions lose their power when you name them. The need to impress, to be “enough,” to keep up. All of it fades when you remember it’s not real.

Ask yourself:

Is this feeding my spirit, or just my ego? When we pause long enough to notice what’s pulling our attention, we start seeing the truth behind the glitter.

Reflection:

• What “illusions” have I been believing lately?

• What helps me come back to what’s real?

Anchor in Identity, Not Image

The world chases image. God builds identity. You don’t have to perform your worth. You already have it. Therapists call it values-based living; faith calls it walking in who you are in Christ.

“You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14

Write down who God says you are, chosen, loved, enough, redeemed and repeat it until it feels like home again. Find out the definition of your name. See what it means and walk out the nature of who you are.

Reflection:

• Whose voice am I listening to more? God’s or the world’s?

• What truth do I want to believe about who I am?

Make Space for Stillness

In a world that glorifies constant motion, stillness feels rebellious. But that’s where peace lives. That’s where we remember what truly matters. Stillness lets us breathe, listen, and let God remind us that we’re already on the right path. We just have to be still and know.

Reflection:

• How often do I give myself quiet space with God?

• What would it look like to protect that time more intentionally?

Discern the Fruit

Not everything that glitters is gold. Some things drain your joy while pretending to feed it. When you’re unsure if something is healthy for your soul, look at its fruit: Does it bring peace or pressure? Love or fear? Rest or striving? “You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:16

Reflection:

• What voices, habits, or routines bear good fruit in my life?

• Which ones secretly leave me feeling empty or anxious?

Surround Yourself with Light

We become what we’re around. Choose voices that speak life, friends that hold you accountable, and spaces that lift your spirit. Community is the soil where your roots grow strong.

Reflection:

• Who helps me become the best version of myself?

• What kind of environment helps me stay close to God?

Focus on Becoming, Not Proving

You were never meant to “arrive.” You were meant to become. Every season, even the hard ones, is shaping your character, softening your heart, and drawing you closer to Him. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s transformation.

Reflection:

• Where do I feel God inviting me to grow right now?

• How can I show myself grace in the process of becoming?

Final Thought

In a world obsessed with doing, may we be the ones devoted to becoming. Becoming more kind, more grounded, more faith-filled. More like the One who created us. Because that’s where the real beauty lives. Not in illusion, but in truth.

Resting at His Feet in a World That Runs

This one’s for the woman whose mind feels like it’s running a marathon with no finish line in sight. For the one who can’t quite quiet the noise inside. Even when everything on the outside looks fine.

Let me remind you: Faith is intentional.

And the thing about intentional faith is that it doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it’s not about what we do at all. It’s about who we’re becoming in the process.

For the Woman Who Feels Like She Has to Carry It All

You know who you are. The one who feels like the weight of the world always ends up on your shoulders. The one who thinks she has to figure it all out, fix it, and make it happen.

But what if you didn’t?

What if, instead of switching into “work mode,” you dropped it all. Every worry, every “I have to,” every “what if” and just placed it in God’s hands?

What if being intentional looked like sitting at His feet instead of striving? What if clarity came through stillness instead of stress?

What if REST real, soul-deep rest, was the most radical faith move you could make today?

Learning to Rest Again

For so many of us, rest feels foreign. Like we have to earn it. Schedule a massage, plan a vacation, or squeeze it in between errands.

But what if you just… stopped?

What if you took a day off, dropped the babies off at school, daycare, or grandma’s house, or waited until naptime and used that moment not to catch up on chores, but to simply sit with God?

To breathe.

To be still.

To trust that He’s got it handled.

The Lie of “More”

We live in a world that constantly tells us to do more, get more, buy more. Whether we realize it or not, many of us are running circles around an invisible bronze statue. Chasing things God already freely gives.

Don’t get me wrong, I love nice things too. But if your takeaway from following us is just stuff, then we’ve missed the mark. Because all that stuff? It can only give you a quick rush. It can’t give you peace. God can.

Go Higher

Let this be your gentle reminder: Go higher.

Let faith, not striving, be your default.

I’m a bona fide striver. I’ll admit it. But at my barest essence, I’m an abider. And like Jesus told Martha, “Your sister has chosen the better option.”

To sit at His feet.

To be still.

To know.

So today, let’s choose the better thing, not productivity, but peace.

The Meaning of Faith: Walking by What We Don’t See

Faith. It’s one of those words we hear our whole lives — yet the meaning becomes deeper every time we walk through a storm and choose to trust anyway. Faith is the quiet courage that holds steady when everything else feels uncertain. It’s the whisper that says, “Even now… God is still good.”

When the Bible says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1), it’s not talking about blind optimism. It’s about learning to see beyond what’s visible — to trust that even in silence or struggle, God is still writing beauty into your story.

What Faith Really Means

Faith isn’t the absence of fear. It’s not pretending everything’s perfect.

Faith is what keeps you standing in spite of the fear — knowing that the same God who spoke the stars into place is the same one holding your future. It’s the stillness before the miracle.

The moment you say, “I don’t know what comes next, but I know Who does.”

Faith is how we bridge the gap between what we feel and what we know. It’s our heart choosing truth when our eyes can’t see it yet.

A Blessing for the Faithful Heart

For the one walking through unknowns — May your steps be light even when the path is hidden. May your heart find peace in the pauses and hope in the in-betweens. You don’t need to see the whole picture to know the Painter. You don’t need to understand the why to trust the Who. Faith is your anchor — your promise that even here, God is with you.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Reflection

Faith is not a feeling we find — it’s a decision we make. Every act of trust becomes worship. Every surrender becomes strength. So if you’re standing in a season of uncertainty, remember: Faith doesn’t erase the unknown; it invites God into it. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is simply keep believing.

Summer 2025 recap: Memories, Lessons, and God’s Faithfulness

As the sun sets on Summer 2025, I find myself looking back with gratitude at the moments that filled these months with joy, growth, and a few surprises along the way. Summers always have a way of reminding us that life is a beautiful blend of sunshine and storms, laughter and lessons, endings and new beginnings.

This summer was no exception. From road trips and beach days to quiet evenings soaking in the warmth of community, every moment carried its own special story. Some days felt picture-perfect, while others stretched me in ways I didn't expect.

But through it all, God's fingerprints were everywhere - weaving His plan into the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Lessons from the Season

Summer has a way of teaching us things if we slow down enough to notice. I learned the importance of rest, the joy of saying "yes" to spontaneous fun, and the peace that comes when you trust God with what you cannot control.

I was reminded that He is present not only in the mountaintop moments but also in the valleys — and that sometimes the most meaningful memories are born from challenges we didn't see coming.

Looking Ahead with Hope

As we turn the page from summer into a new season, I carry these lessons with me. God has been faithful through every detail of this summer, and I know He will continue to lead in the months ahead.

And maybe that's the beauty of reflecting on a season: not just remembering what happened, but seeing how far you've come and how God has never left your side.

As you look back on your own summer, where can you see God's hand at work — and how might He be preparing you for the season ahead?

Bella and Mommy

Bella and I love matching! It was such a pleasure to shoot with Sarah Marchwiany Photography in Greensboro, NC. Below are some of my favorite shots!

Photographer: https://www.sarahmarchwianyphotography.com/

Matching Outfits:
https://liketk.it/48hDR

2022 PLAYOFF BOUND

TALK ABOUT CRAZY FAITH!

Buckle up, because the 3 team is in the 2022 NASCAR PLAYOFFS! There are 28 races in the regular season which means each team has 28 chances to get into the playoffs either by winning a race or by points. Daytona was the last race to make it into the playoffs where the top 16 compete for a championship. We were 22nd in points so we were in a must-win situation.

A little over two months ago, I listened to a sermon by TD Jakes called ‘It’s a Faith thing,’ and every little thing in that sermon spoke to me. I knew that getting into the playoffs would be ‘a Faith thing.’ I wrote in my calendar ‘It’s a Faith thing’ on every Sunday for the rest of the regular season up until Daytona. The Bible scripture in Austins car was Romans 8:28. I didn’t realize that Daytona was a Saturday night race until it was rained out and pushed to Sunday. After we left the racetrack, a notification popped up and said ‘it’s a Faith thing’ for Sunday, August 28. My heart sank because 8/28 is so special to us. Romans 8:28 is our anchor verse. When life gets crazy, we anchor ourselves with that scripture. ‘And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.’ All of us were so excited and just knew that God was up to something special.

The week of the race, NASCAR was replaying Austin’s Daytona 500 win which was so special to our squad because it was the first race that Paul was on Austin’s pit crew. Paul filmed pieces of the win and tagged us on social media. He said, “From the moment I turned on the TV and saw our Daytona 500 win recap, I knew we were going to win that race. The goosebumps I felt in that moment was unreal. It was nothing but God showing me that sign.”

Days before the race, I had a FaceTime call with a former NASCAR journalist and dear friend of mine, Mrs. Ronda Rich, and I had told her that I knew we were going to win! She wrote this Faith statement on her Facebook page and I wanted to share it here.

Before the race, I think we prayed three or four different times. We put Holy oil on his race suit and a Bible scripture to protect his car. Sunday at 10:00 AM, the race cars took the green flag for the final race of the regular season. During the race, things weren’t going our way but we kept saying ‘it’s already done,’ and an incredible calmness would come over Mariel and I. With about 25 laps to go, we were one lap down but a caution came out so that put us back on the lead lap. The very next lap, the cars up front started wrecking and it was chaos. It involved every car in front of Austin. Austin went from 21st to 1st in 5 seconds and we were screaming like CRAZY. Then, all of a sudden a major storm came over the racetrack with rain and lightning. We jumped on the golf cart and raced to pit road because we thought they were going to call the race due to weather. We had so much joy because we watched God take Austin from 21st to 1st in 5 seconds and I have never seen a race car do that before. It was like God had His hand on Austins car guiding him to the front. We ran out to pit road and we were so overwhelmed with God’s goodness! I started doing a victory dance and singing crazy Faith. It was the precious hand of God and I know it was because of everyone’s Faith!

Austin, Paul, Mariel and myself have a ‘squad’ text so before the race our chat was going off. Paul was saying, “I know we’re going to win.” Mariel would say, “It is already done.” I would say, “CRAZY FAITH.” This community that God has blessed us with is truly so special. When one person lacks something, the other one steps up and vice versa. We have witnessed Jesus in amazing ways and watched Him do incredible things in our lives. To God be the Glory!

During the rain delay, Austin hung out at the bus. He didn’t like me dancing and celebrating because it wasn’t over but I kept saying, “IT’S A FAITH THING! I GOT CRAZY FAITH!” Before he went out, he asked for prayer one more time so we prayed together and I just looked at him and said, “God said go finish it.”

There were only 21 laps to go and after a 3 hour rain delay, we started back racing. Austin got passed by the 2 car and when the time was perfect he took the lead. With 6 laps to go, we all ran out to pit road and watched the 3 car cross the finish line. It was the perfect scenario! God is just good like that. When His hand is in it, it is perfect! It had been 73 races and almost two years since the 3 car was in Victory Lane. Thank you Jesus!!! If you’re in professional sports, you know how hard it is to win. Especially in NASCAR, because everything has to come together perfectly. The driver cant make mistakes, the crew chief has to make the right calls, the engineers and road crew have to make sure the car is fast, the spotter has to tell the driver the right calls, and you need Jesus to dodge the wrecks.

WHAT A FINISH! WHAT A WIN! It was Bella’s first race and the first time Ace and Bella got to experience Victory Lane. Better yet, we were all together! WHAT A DAY! To God be the Glory!!

Now that were home, God led me to this scripture and I wanted to share it with you all. Acts 20:24, “My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

To God be the Glory! Share this with someone who needs a good ‘crazy Faith’ story! Our God is so good and He makes a way where there ain’t no way! I heard a preacher once say that when you see God do a miracle for someone else that means he’s in your neighborhood and get ready because what he can do for one, he can do for another. We’re all God’s children and He wants to bless us beyond our wildest dreams. The real question is — is your heart open to Him?

Pray with me:

Father, thank you for the breathe in my lungs and for waking me up this morning. Each day is a gift from you and we thank you for it. Father, remove the blinders from our eyes so we can see you and hear you. We know that you are a miracle worker, a way-maker, a life changer, and only you can do the impossible. We ask you to please come into our situations where we think there is no hope and restore our Faith. We thank you, praise you, celebrate you right now for what you’re going to do. In Jesus Christ name we pray, amen!

hospital birth bag by baby Boldly

A hospital birth bag that packs itself

Instagram @bAbyboldly

As a first time mom, I didn’t know what all I really needed for my hospital bag. There are TONS of blogs and “checklist” but it can still be overwhelming. As I was researching I came across the coolest company and had to share with you guys! Babyboldly.com has hospital bags for expecting mamas with EVERYTHING you need! And when I say everything, I mean they went above and beyond.

They offer three types of bags for different budgets and two different colors. The minimalist bag for $120. The happy medium for $170. The fully prepared bag for $225! I snagged the fully prepared bag and it blew me away.

One of my favorite things is the actual bag. It was made for organization and I’m going to use this for a lot of things. It can transition with you into motherhood to a diaper bag, pumping bag, work bag, over night bag, gym bag, beach bag, or weekend bag. It has pockets along the inside on both sides of the bag and I love the way it opens up. The entire bag opens so you can see everything inside. Absolutely no digging for anything.

This would be the best baby shower gift for expecting mamas! It takes one less thing off your ‘to-do’ list.

Here’s a list of everything inside the bag!

Instagram @babyboldly

What you get:

Overnight bag (two color options)

Shower Flip flops

Bath towel

Robe

Lip balm 

Changing pad

Toiletry bag with shampoo, conditioner, body wash

Plastic Envelope (for all your hospital papers)

Vanity kit - cotton balls/swabs, nail file

Face wipes by Burt’s Bees

Natural deodorant 

Natural toothpaste + tooth brush

Hair ties

Folding hair brush + mirror 

Maxi pads

Pure honey sticks

Massage ball - I LOVE this! 

Thank you cards + pen (Coolest thing ever)

Nursing pads 

Organic nipple balm 

Phone charger 

Water bottle 

A Book to read - "This is Ridiculous, This is Amazing" Parenthood in 40 Lists by comedian Jason Good

I found this bomb company through google search and after I received my bag… I was so impressed! All the products are top notch. I highly recommend this amazing company. Click here to shop!

Happy shopping expecting mamas!

XO

Whit

PREGNANCY 101

Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but it can be scary in the beginning. You start gaining weight, your clothes don’t fit like they used to, your bras hurt, jeans are too tight and you realize this is about to be the most selfless thing you’ve ever done.

A real life human is taking over your body. It’s telling you what to do and when to do it. You just have to tell yourself that every pregnant woman feels this. You’re not crazy… you’re just human. For us, once we found out the sex of our baby, that’s when everything became so so exciting! It made the experience more personal. I started talking to him and Ace was kicking for the first time. Not to mention, it’s time for shopping, planning and decorating.

I made a list of things you should do right when you find out your pregnant!

1. Buy bigger bras

2. Get a pregnancy pillow

3. Stretch mark oil 

4. Stretchy pants (if it’s winter)

5. Flowy/stretchy dresses (if it’s summer)

6. Prenatal vitamin with iron

Making sure you have bigger clothes BEFORE you need them will make your life so much easier. A lot of my friends (and me included) had a mini panic attack when we couldn’t fit into our clothes anymore. This will save you from unnecessary added stress. Size up one size in the beginning and one more towards the end.

Start thinking about your meals. Your doctor should give you a list of what to eat and what not to eat. All of a sudden you start eating more but your body needs real/healthy Whole Foods more than ever. Try to stay away from snacks because anything packaged will have high sugar/carbs and it’s not what your baby needs. You will always have your days where you can’t help but to eat bad. However, if you have a game plan with your eating it will save you from a lot of issues down the road.

Good foods/snacks/what to order:

1.Fruit - pineapples, bananas, apples, grapes are all great snacks

2. Nuts

3. Meat and veggies - this holds me over and makes my baby happy! Chipotle bowl with chicken and steak. Black beans, veggies, corn, sour cream, salsa, and guac! I live for this meal and eat it almost everyday.

4. Greek Yogurt with a little honey and granola

5. Costco - organic super foods smoothie has kale and fruit. This has helped with my “sweets” craving

6. Halo Top - if you need something sweet, eat this protein packed ice cream

7. Salads! On the go? Chick Fil A - Cobb salad with honey mustard dressing hits the spot everytime 

8. Lots and lots of water

9. Atkins Protein Bars - I worked out my entire pregnancy and continued to eat these 3 days a week

10. EGGS! Ace might come out looking like an egg because I ate so many. They fill me up and there’s so many ways to eat them

My Favorite stores:

I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes since it’s such a short time of your life. I ended up buying all my clothes from the list below. I stuck to stretchy dresses and purchased them in every color I could find. I would also buy stretchy midi skirts that hit below my knee and switched out the tops. Pregnancy fashion is really simple. Buy clothes that lay on your skin. Nothing too tight.

1. Fashion Nova

2. Nordstrom

3. Forever 21

4. Target

5. H&M

6. ASOS

7. Nasty Gal

Happy Pregnancy to all the mamas out there! Don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor, family or friends for questions!

XO

Whitney Dillon

Gender Reveal: Baby Dillon

ITS A BOY…..

Photography: Jodie Brim Photography / Instagram: @JodieBrimPhotography

We decided to wait until the 18-20 week mark to find out the gender of our baby and I’m so glad we waited. The gender reveal had SO MUCH suspense and excitement and I think its because we broke it all up. We didn’t announce until 3 months and did the reveal at 5 months. Next on the list is the baby shower and then it’ll be baby time. I feel like a lot of people rush everything and then you have a long waiting period rather than breaking up the excitement so the process doesn’t feel as long. I can’t believe I’m already HALF WAY and I do feel like the rest is going to fly by. 

So as you all know, WE’RE HAVING A BABY BOY!! I have dreamed of being a boy mom for as long as I can remember and I’ve NEVER seen Austin so happy in my life. The first night I met Austin (July 11, 2015), he talked about having a family one day. I knew from the get-go having a family was his biggest dream and I can’t believe we’re here! I remember when we got married, we started praying hard for all of this. Even throughout everything, we’ve continued to pray and pray and pray. There are so many risks involved in a pregnancy, all you can do is lean on God.

We’ve been looking forward to throwing a gender reveal party ever since they became popular. This adrenaline rush was the equivalent to winning a NASCAR race. We all felt like we were in victory lane celebrating a MASSIVE win.

We shot off the biggest cannons I could find. We choose the cannons that were FULL of smoke and confetti. We also had our friend fly over us and drop more smoke. I ordered 10 cannons that were 32 inches. We had 10 guys set them off because they were pretty powerful. We did a short countdown…. 3-2-1… and we also went “live” on instagram so everyone could see.

Also, thank you to my family and friends who drove all the way from Tennessee to be with us. I can’t thank you enough for making this day so special!

Needless to say. BEST. DAY. EVER!

I wanted to share some of the companies I used for the reveal. If you’re in the Charlotte area, I highly recommend any of these awesome people.

I also have to give a BIG thank you to my mother-in-law Tina. She did the entire set up. I don’t have my family here to help and she always comes in clutch. Thank you Tina! I love you!!

Cannons: PoofThereItIs.com 

Candy Bar: All candy was from PartyCity.com and Amazon.com

Balloon Backdrop: Confetti Castle - Instagram @ConfettiCastle

Baby Dillon Cake Topper: ETSY.com/AtomicKraftwork

Cakes: Deweys Bakery

Cupcakes: Deweys Bakery

Flowers: Homegoods and Reggie’s Flower Shop

Food: Served Fruit and finger foods

Beverages: Pink and Blue punch made by Childress Vineyards

Photography/Videography: Jodie Brim Photography

NASCAR Productions also filmed the event. It will air during the week of the Daytona 500

BABY BOY….. you are so loved already! We can't wait to hold you, meet you, and tell you all about the last 10 months. We are patiently waiting on your arrival!

All our love,

Dad and Mom