• welcome, ya’ll come on in

    my name is paige & i'm so glad you're here

    "simple thoughts" is my online, personal journal. within these pages i share, not only my business portfolio, but glimpses into the daily life of my family.
    i consider myself blessed beyond measure to share life with dan and our four girls, savannah, madison, emily & caroline.
    my life is not perfect, yet i humbly open the pages of my story & invite you to c'mon in and stay a while.

    i love caffeine free diet coke, monograms, anthropologie, running, golden retrievers and above all else, Jesus.

    photography is my passion. it's my attempt to capture the simple moments of life that can easily be passed over. after receiving requests and encouragement from friends and family, i launched my own business, paige knudsen photography, in the fall of 2011. i'm a natural light photographer serving the atlanta area.

    recently another passion found it's way into my heart. Noonday Collection . noonday offers accessories handmade by vulnerable groups of people around the world. our aim is to style you while creating a pathway out of poverty for artisans and their families through dignified sustainable income. having been widowed at the age of 30, i feel a kindred connection with many of these women. you can be a voice for the oppressed too!

stand by your man–the anniversary edition

4.3.13

fourteen years ago he vowed to be with me forever. to love only me.  he bent down on one knee and placed a pearl bracelet on each of my three girls. he gave his word that he would take care of them and love them as his own.

he’s kept his promise. he’s been loyal and kind. he’s selfless and romantic. he provides and encourages. he pays the bills and takes out the garbage. he cleans the kitchen after meals and saves money so we can enjoy seven holy days on the gulf coast each year. he’s shown me and the girls what unconditional, intentional, selfless love looks like.

the first time i married i was 25. at 25 i guess i was still in that bubble where i assumed “we’d” have forever. i spent the next 5 years having graduating from nursing school, having 3 babies, buying and selling a small business, buying a selling a home and burying my first true love. life’s biggies in 5 short years.

i realize if you’ve read my blog for the last few years you’ve probably heard all that before. & while i never wish to exploit “my sad story” ,  i do wish to share a tiny bit about what i learned. primarily about loving your man. and maybe bottling up what i guess i figured i already knew at 25 but clearly did not.

i look at the marriage i have with dan & am completely aware that the majority of our “success”, if you will, lies in the fact that he is an incredibly good man.  he makes it easy to love him & do all that i’m about to share with you. you can ask my three eldest daughters & they’ll back that up for sure! you’ve probably heard the commercial about being highschool skinny. & while  i’ve clearly not figured that out,  i may have figured out a few ways to be in love like that love you might have felt at 17. all dreamy. hands holding. blushing when he walks in the room. proud to be his girl. can hardly wait until he calls kinda love.

obviously at 47 i’m also aware that some days the laundry and the bills and the “if one more person touches me i’ll go bananas” can be more of a reality than if your man leaves you a love note….but nonetheless….here goes….

 

1. we try to climb in bed together almost every single night. laying down together and talking about our day or just falling asleep on his shoulder can help you feel more like lovers than roomies.  obviously with jobs, meetings, etc that can’t occur 100% of the time, it’s a great goal to strive for.

2.  since we’ve been married, i’ve always worked. either at the hospital or now for myself . so this takes a little creativity and intention. i try to be done with as many chores as possible once dinner is done. i try not to spend the evening in the laundry room while he’s hanging out. i try to turn off my iphone and my computer as early as possible. we usually spend the last hour before we turn in just hanging out together.

3. while i’m not in heels & pearls at 5pm every evening, i do try to freshen up a bit before he walks in. you’ve heard me preach all about the power of lipgloss! do what ya gotta do. being a tad compulsive about neatness this is probably for me as much as him, but i try to be aware of how our home appears before he & the girls blow in. i want our home to be a peaceful respite where they can unwind and relax after a busy day. so, i try to not have laundry all over the kitchen table, bathroooms tidied up, etc by late afternoon.

4.while we women need to feel loved, men need to feel respected. never make him the brunt of your jokes. find sweet ways to thank him for being a provider. i’ve told dan many times over the years he should run a little workshop on how to do what he does so well. the boy mails me letters. like in the mail. with stamps. how cute is that? he’s done that since we began dating. i’ve saved every single one. he doesn’t leave the toilet seat up and he asks me out on a date-weekly. i kid you not. see, i told you it’s all him!

5. on that note, i know it’s hard when the littles are truly little or when you’re breastfeeding, or when you’re so tired from PTA board meetings and tennis practice with the girls, but i strongly encourage you to carve out date nights with just him on a regular basis. for the entirety of your marriage. period. the end. weekend getaways, even better.

6. the best gift you can give those babies truly is giving them the assurance that mommy & daddy are a team. and love each other. and will be there for them.  you go nuts over them, so go nuts over  him. they’ll gag & tell you that is so gross, but they love that you’re in love. they do. email him, text him, hold his hand, write on the mirror, shave your legs, whatever it takes.

7. he needs to come first. if you need to have accountability through your bff, or a mentor mom, or your own mama, then do it. but please make him first. those baby birds will fly the nest before you can utter ” did you brush your teeth?” one more time. and the days of just you two will be here before you know it. believe me, you’ll want that commitment even stronger during those days.

 

having said all that, i am very tenderly aware that there is divorce, there is abandonment, there are men who do not keep promises, there’s men who don’t come home at night so how the heck are you supposed to climb in bed with them if they’re not there. there is being a single mom. there’s sickness, there’s addiction. i realize that you guys could write a book, eloquently no less, on many many more secrets to keeping love alive. there’s wisdom at 67 that i haven’t learned yet.  when gregg passed away, i was only 30 but my heart felt like it had already lived to 80. i did. my desire today was clearly not to be able to touch on every possible issue but simply to share what i’ve learned and how i’m trying to simply live it out . not a day goes by since that easter weekend in the garden, april 3 1999, where i fail to thank the lord for dan. he’s the gift i never dared to ask for….

dan i love you more today than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow!

Filed in: celebrations | family | marriage
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April 3, 2013 - 8:12 am

Lori H - Such great advice, Paige! We are about to become empty nesters in the fall, so I need to up my game a bit to make sure my honey knows how much I appreciate him!

April 3, 2013 - 8:27 am

simone - You inspire me in so many ways, truly….this was a beautifully written post Paige and I know I’m going to read & re-read it.

You and Dan are a wonderful couple, a great team and a fabulous example….I read your blog and see honesty, reality and happiness. All of which I know you work really hard for.

Happy Anniversary Paige XX

April 3, 2013 - 8:42 am

Ashley - Oh Paige! I just love you and your inspiring words. I’ve told you before how much your story just rocks my world. This post is such a beautiful telling of God’s redemption. I love that he turned ashes to beauty and WOW what a powerful way that he chose to do that. You truly have a gem in Dan and we all celebrate with you and for you. Thanks for continuing to share your heart with us!

April 3, 2013 - 8:53 am

Andrea - Happy, Happy Anniversary!!!! I know what you are talking about when you talk about the “glow” of young love. I just turned 53 and have been with my husband since we were 15 and 16. We will celebrate 33 yrs of marriage on May 2nd. Not all of them have been blissful. I agree with you about “freshening up before you greet your husband. I’ll never understand why someone (male or female) wouldn’t want to look attractive for their spouse. Have you ever posted a picture of you and your first love? I would love to see it. It would be nice to see you and the girls then and now :)

April 3, 2013 - 9:06 am

Krissy - Happy! Happy! Paige, you never fail to knock my socks off and say just what I need to hear! You are an inspiration to all! Hope today is romantic and wonderful!

April 3, 2013 - 9:35 am

keri - you have an amazing story and thank you for sharing it with us! God certainly blessed you with an incredible husband– but i know Dan got an amazing, loving, wise, sweet wife in you!! thanks for setting a great example to us. many of the things you listed i know we need to work at! always good to get encouragement for our marriages! its work, but worth fighting for! xoxo!

April 3, 2013 - 10:05 am

D'Nese - By far my most favorite love story– EVER! I’m getting married this April and I can only hope to share something just as wonderful and amazing in our marriage.
Happy Anniversary to you and sweet Dan!

April 3, 2013 - 10:13 am

Cheryl - This is so beautiful it hurts my heart. Enjoy your day Paige!!

April 3, 2013 - 10:17 am

Jennifer - Thank you for the beautiful reminder. My momma always told me early in my marriage when I was adjusting to being a wife and stepmom – that there are other woman out there that would snatch Thomas up in a heartbeat, to treat him right, respect him and love him.
Your words remind me so much of what I watched in my parents. I thought it was so silly that my mom always had dinner waiting for him when he walked in. That she was at the door waiting…now after almost 11 years I strive to be that way.
Prayers for many more blessed years!

April 3, 2013 - 10:17 am

Mimi - Happy Anniversary to you both!

April 3, 2013 - 10:28 am

Jen - oh Paige. I love this post. love.
jen

April 3, 2013 - 10:55 am

Susan - Oh sweet friend…I need the Kleenex now! This is beautiful, and so many women need to hear this. I am going to share on my FB if that’s ok with you. Wish I could give you a big hug! But hey! I can in a few weeks. Y’all have a wonderful day!
Love ya!

April 3, 2013 - 11:00 am

lisa - happy anniversary!! i just loved this entry – and that you are sharing that it is actual WORK ( yes, i said WORK) to be married. not always easy – but always worth it. i’ve always said i love “your dan” and that he’s a good one. i have a great dan too – and you and i are BOTH beyond lucky. i always say marriage is hard enough – even with a great guy ( i thank the lord for prayers unanwered – some of the jerks i dated early on that i THOUGHT i wanted to marry – i can promise you that i wouldn’t still be married if GOD had given me what i thought i wanted at 20!!!)
keep working on that marriage and i’ll see you in 20 more years…both of us still “putting on the lipgloss”!!

April 3, 2013 - 11:24 am

Alecia - Precious, precious, precious. Daring to ask for mine after reading about yours…it’s POSSIBLE!!!

April 3, 2013 - 11:33 am

Jill - Oh, I love the photo of him with the 4 girls! A little foreshadowing for me…. So sweet. :)

April 3, 2013 - 12:30 pm

chrissi - happy anniversary♥

April 3, 2013 - 12:56 pm

michele fry - Congratlations!!! Great advice…love that you are working it out every.single.day. It’s a choice!!!

April 3, 2013 - 1:37 pm

Diane - Oh my goodness, love every word you wrote. You and Dan are an inspiration to all of us. And, it proves there are great men in this world who love and care for others.
Happy Anniversary to you and Dan “The Man”!
Love you all,
xoxo

April 3, 2013 - 1:39 pm

Christy - wow! that was great Paige!! happy anniversary and many more :)

April 3, 2013 - 1:50 pm

Staci - Simply beautiful :) Happy Anniversary…may you be blessed to celebrate 50 more!!!!! (OR MORE!)

April 3, 2013 - 1:50 pm

Talia - Amen to every.single.word in this post. Beautiful and oh, so very true. All of it.

Happy Anniversary and may you and Dan have many more happy and healthy returns of the day.

April 3, 2013 - 1:54 pm

Ella - Happy Anniversary Paige (& Dan)
I love your story! The most amazing part is how you grew through your challenges and became a more intentional good wife. I hope to utilize your pointers in the future when I get married.

April 3, 2013 - 2:11 pm

Sue - Perfect words for me to hear today – great reminders on keeping our marriage on the “front burner”. Thanks – and Happy Anniversary!

April 3, 2013 - 2:28 pm

tiffini - loved reading a page from your story friend..
always encouraging to read “real stuff”…xo

April 3, 2013 - 2:51 pm

Jackie @ Roots & Wings - Great advice! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us.

April 3, 2013 - 2:55 pm

Sibi - Happy Anniversary to the two of you!

You all are an absolutely gorgeous couple and a Godly example of what a marriage can be. I love the way the two of you honor one another….beautiful!!!

Your love of being Dan’s wife shines through in every word you write Paige! That must make him feel so loved and honored!!

Love you and Dan!!!

xoxo
Sibi

April 3, 2013 - 3:14 pm

Tracey H. - Hope you have a wonderful anniversary!! So precious to read your story!!

April 3, 2013 - 7:34 pm

Jan Fusco - Oh Paige that was so sweet and so true! Great advice. My husband and I,(we have a very strong marriage of almost 19 years), are going through a divorce with our best friends. That is to say, they are separating and yet we feel it so strongly as they are good friends that we spend every weekend with and some weekdays. A lot of changes will happen. It is so hard as it came as such a surprise to the wife. I’m going to print your post out and keep it close to remind me of those words of wisdom you handed out. Love them. God bless you and Dan and happy anniversary to you both.

April 3, 2013 - 8:02 pm

Kerri - Happy Anniversary to you both! I am left speechless by your words! And for me to have nothing to say does not happen to often! XOXO

April 3, 2013 - 9:17 pm

Andrea - Happy Anniversary….and to many more. I love to hear your story…it’s one of love, hope and joy…..I hope you’ll keep sharing it!

April 3, 2013 - 9:47 pm

Amy Avery - Oh happy day to you and Dan! Your love for one another is truly an inspiration! All your beautiful words are so filled with love and truth as you so graciously share the secrets to having a healthy, loving, wonderful relationship. I wish you many more blessed and joyous years together!

April 3, 2013 - 10:06 pm

LLH Designs - I get all misty eyed every time you talk about your husband. I just love it when a woman honors her husband. Inspires me every time! And I love that last sweet thing you said about loving him more than yesterday but not as much as tomorrow. So awesome. Happy anniversary! xo!

April 4, 2013 - 2:05 am

Ibukun - This post got me teary-eyed. Happy birthday to your sweet man, Paige! Top of my list prayer this morning will be for you and your family. X

April 4, 2013 - 8:12 am

Brenda - I don’t comment too much and have been reading your blog for a while. This was a beautiful post. So true about making time for each other, and the importance of “thanking” one another.
You have a beautiful family :)

April 4, 2013 - 12:31 pm

erika - love your post! and let me tell you that you sure are a lucky women to have found some so special like your husband but at the same time it takes 2 to make it worked. You also need to give your self some credit for what you both have. happy aniversary to both of you.

April 4, 2013 - 2:29 pm

patty - that choked me up. it’s really in the small, every day things, isn’t it?

happy anniversary!

April 4, 2013 - 3:50 pm

Lemonade Makin' Mama - I so agree with these things. They make such big differences!! I love when you share about your story and the lessons you’ve learned. Considering you my “adopted” big sis, :) I always love the perspective you share. It never fails to bless my heart!

April 4, 2013 - 5:49 pm

Janet Lawson - Happy Anniversary..
Truly a post worth having everyone read what love is..
You are a lucky woman to of found love twice..
Your family is beautiful..

April 4, 2013 - 6:46 pm

kristin - Thank you for showing me and many that marriage can actually be an amazing blessing. Thank you Dan for loving my friend. Thank you Paige for trusting God always, no matter the storm you always have stood in grace and faith that God had you. I have learned so much from you in that area of life! Even if you didn’t pray for the gift of your-Dan, I still to this day remember praying the perfect God given prince for you and your girls. Funny, I remember when I met him after you two started dating, I remember so clearly thinking, “Thank you God! Now there you are my bff’s man, we all have been praying for you to arrive for Paige and her girls. ” And then, in God’s timing, the fairy-tale began. And you truly lived and are living happily ever after. I admire you two much. Then end.

Thank you for the two of you being a true testimony to the real thing, to real best friendship, to real love, to real commitment with God sitting right in the center.

xo

April 6, 2013 - 8:02 am

tara - never get tired of hearing bits of your love story.
you have such a clear perspective after losing someone five years into a young marriage.

soooo thankful for Dan….what a blessing and a true gift from the Lord for you and those girls.

After 17 years of marriage, I can attest that each of those pieces of advice you gave really, truly do matter.

I {heart} you & dan.

April 6, 2013 - 8:24 am

Liz - First of all, happy anniversary!
Second, I love, especially, your #4. I’ve been married 11 years, and my husband and I are wild for each other. At the core of it all, is just that: I respect him, make him feel like he hung the moon, treat him like a MAN. He, very much like your husband, is sweet and attentive, and still tries to court me all the time.
We are so lucky…yes, but we also work at it, everyday.
Congratulations!

April 7, 2013 - 6:58 pm

Mindy - Just discovered your blog and I loved reading your story. And the letters? In the mail? Oh how sweet! Happy anniversary.

April 8, 2013 - 9:53 pm

Jill - Oh, Paige, I always love reading your story! Thank you so much for being so faithful to share with all of us about what God has done in your life. If only I had read all of this before my husband left :( We both got caught up in putting life with a house full of kids before each other — not on purpose… We just let it slip through the cracks of a busy life with busy kids. Your advice is perfect. Your story is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. And happy happy anniversary to you and your Dan!

April 12, 2013 - 8:20 pm

Becky - Oh Paige, I agree and you said it beautifully as you always do.

a noonday giveaway!

4.1.13

happy first day of april! i hope each of you had a blessed easter sunday! hopefully it’s starting to feel like spring for you!

one of my precious friends is giving you the opportunity to win two gifts from Noonday Collection to celebrate the new spring season! a $50 giftcard and the opportunity to win one of our beautiful new pieces, the shalom necklace ( which has a fabulous story).

courtney is world changer & i have the utmost respect for her. she’s a hysterical young mama with a heart to encourage other moms. she’s creative and passionate about teaching God’s promises to our children. courtney is always an encourager and her heart to lift up others is a constant inspiration to me. you may have seen me share about the scripture cards she created.

so…head over to courtney’s, ( & honestly if you aren’t already connected, i highly encourage you to add her to your list. you’ll be glad you did) and see what she has to offer you! here’s her twitter & her facebook links for you too.

Filed in: fashion | giveaway | noonday
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April 1, 2013 - 12:58 pm

Phillips Phamily - Beautiful necklace!

April 1, 2013 - 1:32 pm

missy - love that bright pop of color.

April 1, 2013 - 1:44 pm

Marisol - I just found your site, while doing a little soul searching. Thank you for promoting words and creations of encouragement that are so relevant for so many audiences.

April 1, 2013 - 2:02 pm

Kerri S - While these pieces are amazing, its the story that I really love. So glad I found you through Lil Light o mine.

April 1, 2013 - 2:09 pm

Jennifer Pighini - Love Courtney’s blog! We’ve been using her scripture cards all year to go along with Gianna’s preschool letter of the week. I am always so encouraged by Courtney and all of her wonderful ideas.

April 1, 2013 - 2:19 pm

Kelley - So thankful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to look at more of Noonday’s products. Thanks for sharing about the giveaway.

April 1, 2013 - 2:23 pm

Christine - Love the necklce! Love their stories even more! How inspiring!

April 1, 2013 - 2:24 pm

kristen - Noonday seriously gets me so excited! What a tremendous company!

April 1, 2013 - 2:26 pm

Sue - Did Courtney say it was your birthday?? Happy Birthday Paige! Love Noonday products and love the necklace. Thanks for introducing us to Courtney’s blog a while back – I’ve purchased her scripture cards and given them as gifts!
Enjoy your day!

April 1, 2013 - 3:00 pm

noelle - love noonday!

April 1, 2013 - 3:47 pm

Amy Avery - Well beautiful friend, let me first just say to you, Happy Birthday! I hope you have the best kind of birthday filled with blessings galore! My very dear stepmom’s birthday is today also so we’ll be celebrating here tonight when my parents arrive from VA. I will eat a piece of cake in your honor, calorie free! I’m so happy God blessed our world with the gift of both of you on this very day. You both are inspirational to me and others in different but very profound ways. Have a wonderful day dear friend. Now off to look at the new Noonday Collection:-)

April 1, 2013 - 3:53 pm

Jenni - Love noonday and love this necklace!!!

April 1, 2013 - 4:31 pm

Ginny - Love Noonday! So many beautiful items kind of like Lay’s instead of can’t eat just one…. Noonday can’t pick just one!!

April 1, 2013 - 5:07 pm

Lindsey - I love this story!

April 1, 2013 - 5:43 pm

Patricia - Beautiful necklace….beautiful story…beautiful way to start off spring. Even the weather today is saying thank you to our Creator!

April 1, 2013 - 5:52 pm

tara - can’t wait to head over and see what Courtney has posted about Noonday!

Happy Birthday, my friend. I hope it’s been extra special, like you. :)

April 1, 2013 - 7:30 pm

michele fry - Love Noonday and the beautiful story. Happy Birthday too :]

April 1, 2013 - 7:30 pm

Lindsey - This post brings a smile to my face. Two of my favorite people. :)

April 1, 2013 - 7:42 pm

Alison - Happy Birthday, Paige! May you receive all of the encouragement today that you regularly share with all of us here. I love the Noonday story and products, as evidenced by the fact that they’re becoming my “go-to” gifts for everyone! I’ve never bought anything for myself, though, so I would love have a gift card!

April 1, 2013 - 8:53 pm

Bobbi - Hi Paige, I am so happy to have recently discovered your blog. You and your family are such an inspiration! Noonday is a wonderful company. Thank you for introducing me to them. Happy Birthday! :)

April 1, 2013 - 9:47 pm

Terry pitzer - Happy Birthday, Paige! I love the Noonday bracelet I bought during your sample sale!!

April 1, 2013 - 10:39 pm

Christy - LOVE THIS NECKLACE!!!! Again, so sad I missed the party…maybe I can win it! Ha!

April 1, 2013 - 11:24 pm

Joy G - Happy Birthday, Paige! I hope you have had a lovely birthday!

April 2, 2013 - 12:18 am

Karen H. - Happy Birthday Paige! I love everything about the Noonday Collection. The jewelry and the stories behind the pieces are so beautiful!

April 2, 2013 - 12:29 am

Mimi - Happiest of Birthdays to you! I think you and Sibi look like sisters :)

April 2, 2013 - 2:42 am

Cathy B*****y - What a beautiful story behind each piece in this collection. Love products that keep on giving!
Cathy B*****y

April 2, 2013 - 7:22 am

Trisha - I love the necklace and I love the story behind it!

April 2, 2013 - 9:18 am

robinanne - What a cool blog she has. It’s amazing thru the crazy internet world we have how many people are out there loving God, loving kids, adopting special children and connecting. Thanks for introducing Courtney. God is truly amazing. Thanks!

April 2, 2013 - 9:21 am

Lindsay - Love this necklace and the story behind it!

April 2, 2013 - 9:24 am

D'ana H - Gorgeous necklace and what an inspiration!! Thanks for sharing!!

April 2, 2013 - 9:45 am

Lindsay - Happy Happy Birthday Paige!!! I love The necklace from Noonday and what it represents! You are such a inspiration to me and I’m grateful that you open your heart to us through your blog.

April 2, 2013 - 10:30 am

Emily - Thanks for sharing. I’ve had my eyes on this necklace from the first time I saw it. It’s also nice to know the inspiring story behind it!

April 2, 2013 - 11:10 am

ChristinaJ Burrell - Gorgeous necklaces, beautiful stories, amazing women!

April 2, 2013 - 11:31 am

Kristy - Happy Birthday! Beautiful necklace.

April 2, 2013 - 4:43 pm

Kandi - I love to read your Noonday posts and hear the stories…and look at the beautiful pictures! Happy birthday!

April 2, 2013 - 5:40 pm

libbie ballard - I am thankful for you and all you do for our God and King!
Love your blogs and Noonday jewelry!!
Libbie

April 3, 2013 - 1:50 pm

Chrissty - Loving the Shalom necklace!! Nice bright color

April 3, 2013 - 4:18 pm

Lindsay R - Adore, adore, adore Noonday & what it stands for!! This necklace is a beautiful reminder of how God moves and changes things for His good. Happy Birthday Paige!

April 4, 2013 - 7:28 am

Carpet Cleaners Melbourne - Such a stylish attire, you certainly made 1st of April a more beautiful day!

P.S. Happy B-Day :)

April 4, 2013 - 11:32 am

Erin D. - i love that shalom necklace — love the story even more. thanks for the giveaway! fingers crossed!

a love like this the world has never known

3.29.13

i’m not a weaver of words nor am i a gifted scholar, so please forgive the simplicity of my thoughts in today’s post. even if i could use lofty intellectual words & phrases those would possibly take the focus off my thoughts, which is jesus.

our church was showing The Passion of the Christ this morning. dan & i took the little two, none of us having seen it before. after watching The Bible on the history channel the last few weeks, i knew this movie was going to leave us speechless. and spent. and in utter awe of a glimpse, just a glimpse of the suffering He bore for us. for each of us.

there were several times when i just sat there and hung my head, unable to continue watching. watching as the roman soldiers whipped and beat him. ripped the flesh from his back. over and over and over again. they crammed the “crown” of thorns down his already beat and bloody brow. how he didn’t die of shock or blood loss during the scourging is shocking in itself.

then there is the crucifixion. a deliberately slow and painful execution where the condemned is tied and actually nailed onto a large beam of wood. death is not imminent and the condemned may take hours or even days to die.

the suffering he took on to bear our sins is something i dare say any of us can even wrap our minds around. no matter how hard we try.

i think we can easily breeze over the horror of the cross. while we may believe and understand that he died for us…well i’ll speak for myself, it’s easy for me to overlook the six hours that friday where he hung on the cross. where the weight of all the sin of the past and all the sin of the future was placed on him. when the sky went dark in midday & the earth quaked and the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. it’s easy for me to hear that and know that yet to try to understand that he was crucified. for me. for you. and what that crucifixion must have been like for jesus, well that overwhelms me.

years ago when i was in nursing school, my mom actually shared with me a physicians view of the crucifixion. if you have a few minutes this weekend, you may wish to read this. 

“As He pushes Himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He places His full weight on the nail through His feet. Again there is the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of the feet.  At this point, as the arms fatigue, great waves of cramps sweep over the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push Himself upward. Hanging by his arms, the pectoral muscles are paralyzed and the intercostal muscles are unable to act. Air can be drawn into the lungs, but cannot be exhaled. Jesus fights to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath. Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream and the cramps partially subside. Spasmodically, he is able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in the life-giving oxygen.”

 today is good friday. and yes sunday is coming. but today i encourage you to stop & contemplate the cross.

~~~

“You took our sin

You bore our shame

You rose to life

You defeated the grave

Love like this the world has never known

On the altar of our praise let there be no higher name

Jesus son of God

You laid down your perfect life

You are the sacrifice

You are Jesus Son of God”

~~~

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 corinthians 5.21

 

Filed in: easter | gospel | jesus
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March 29, 2013 - 6:17 pm

Tina - Your post reminded me of that great song ‘ how deep the fathers love for us’.
It was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished!
I will not boast in anything. No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ! His death, and resurrection!
Why should I gain from his reward? I can not give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom!
Love this song so much! Thanks for the great post Paige!

March 29, 2013 - 8:01 pm

Amy Avery - This is so beautifully expressed, Paige. Thank you for sharing your “simple thoughts” although more profound than simple. The last verse you shared from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This brings me to my knees and I think, how can we (and I am pointing the finger at myself) deny God to live in and through us to bring his kingdom about here on earth just because we feel we are unworthy? He sacrificed his only SON for us so that we may have everlasting life with him. How selfish we are to deny his love through feelings of unworthiness which may cause us to turn from him instead of embracing our imperfections and allowing him to use them to his glory. That is why he sacrificed his Son so that he could live through each one of us. We are made worthy because of HIM. How this brings me to tears. Oh friend, thank you for sharing. You are a wondrous vessel of his love and grace. I wish you much peace as you contemplate the cross and much joy as you celebrate HIS resurrection on Easter.

March 29, 2013 - 11:25 pm

Renee Ford - It’s been a long fun day with family and friends. Thank you for your words. I needed this reminder. Needed to center my heart. Sunday IS coming; but, today is Friday. And it’s good to remember Friday.

Happy Easter.

March 30, 2013 - 10:40 am

Jodi - This was a beautiful post Paige….THANK YOU for it!

March 30, 2013 - 5:04 pm

Janet Lawson - Beautiful post..
We should all remember the suffering he went through for us..
We are watching the Bible too..
Excellently done series..

March 30, 2013 - 9:44 pm

Jan Fusco - Thank you for that post. Last year my husband and I and another couple decided to watch that movie again the weekend before Easter. I was so reminded of his torture and pain. How could I have possibly let it slip my mind? Probably because I get too caught up in my own selfish little world that I fade away from it when really it should stay a vision in my mind and heart to remind me of his suffering for our sins so that we may have eternal life. I love that last scene when the tomb is empty and the bright light shines for HE HAS RISEN!
I hope you and your family and friends have a blessed Easter.

March 30, 2013 - 11:59 pm

Mimi - Simplicity is exactly what is needed :) Jesus is the Main thing.
Happy Easter to you and your family!

March 31, 2013 - 10:37 am

Carol S. - He is Risen! Happy Easter to you and your family Paige. Enjoy your blog and don’t comment enough. I like your ups and downs and faith and beautiful pictures.

April 1, 2013 - 10:11 am

Jennifer - My pastor read a “medical” description of what HIS body went through during that cruxifiction yesterday. We always read about how bad he was beat but I never stopped to think of all the internal pain that HE was suffering for me.
I wish and pray that I could keep this in the forefront of my mind everyday like I do around this time of the year.
So glad you shared for the world wide web to read and maybe it touch someone that needs to know Jesus did this for them!

April 1, 2013 - 5:53 pm

tara - it’s so much for us to contemplate, but we have to. it’s necessary and honestly, it’s an honor to contemplate what he bore on our behalf.

madison’s morning with camille deann

3.27.13

saturday was such a fun day for madison ( & for me too!). madison was chosen as one of the models to work with camille deann for an upcoming project.

about a year and a half ago i stumbled upon a few images of camille’s packaging on pinterest and was just smitten with her style. turns out she lives here in atlanta. so lucky me! i reached out to camille and asked if she ever did workshops (thankfully my stalkeresque questions didn’t scare her off!)  &  she actually hired me as a second shooter for a wedding last spring!  one of these days i’m actually going to share the images with ya’ll!! it was incredible! i’ve worked with her a few times since & just love her style and her infinite knowledge of photography.

so anyway. back to madi’s morning…

one of the types of photography sessions camille specializes in is a beaute session. an hour in hair and make up and then gorgeous, styled, model type portraits. i’m sure i’m not describing them accurately but basically, you’re pampered for an hour. you look fabulous and then camille with all her amazing skills, in her amazing studio will capture stunning images of you. she was working on images for her portfolio ( maybe?) and madison was one of the girls camille photographed.  i’ll link to the final product images when camille completes them…for now, she gave me permission to share some of my behind the scenes shots. ( the final image is from camille’s instagram, you can follow her here)

Filed in: beauty | madison | photography
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March 27, 2013 - 9:16 pm

sandy jacobson - This is the one with those incredible eyes . . . just gorgeous :O) Blessings, Sandy

March 27, 2013 - 9:56 pm

Sara - How fun-for both of you!

March 28, 2013 - 6:15 am

heather - she’s amazing. i never realized how much M looked like Caroline until the last picture!
gorgeous.

March 28, 2013 - 7:38 am

Renee - Beautiful….
And
Fun!!!!!

March 28, 2013 - 8:26 am

Traci - what a great experience for both of you. awesome!!

March 28, 2013 - 9:25 am

Katelyn - Absolutely gorgeous!

March 28, 2013 - 1:17 pm

chrissi - simply stunning♥

March 28, 2013 - 2:33 pm

tiffany dya - oh, didn’t i tell you a once or twice, that she could be a model! She is so beautiful! What a fun experience for her and you too!!

Totally off topic; if you are so inclined, pop over to my blog and enter my give away – would love to have you enter :)

xoTiffany

March 28, 2013 - 2:40 pm

Nicole W. - Wow – GORGEOUS!

March 28, 2013 - 5:06 pm

candace - Beautiful!

March 28, 2013 - 5:49 pm

Lemonade Makin' Mama - Girl!! This is stunning! What gorgeous women live in that house!! All of them. :)

March 28, 2013 - 8:52 pm

Teresa Sheeley - So beautiful to watch an artist at work! It must have been so inspiring for you as a photographer. I hope you came away with a whole bunch of ideas. :) Your daughter has the most beautiful eyes.

March 29, 2013 - 12:41 am

Mimi - Gorgeous shots! Gorgeous girl! You probably couldn’t help but smile the whole day!!

April 1, 2013 - 5:55 pm

tara - Stunning.
beautiful girl..hope she knows how beautiful God made her.

April 3, 2013 - 12:57 pm

Alecia - WOW!!! I can’t wait to see the finished product…I’m amazed at her ability to shoot with so much light…I have sooo much to learn!

all out of whack

3.26.13

this has to be the weirdest week. we’re days away from easter and there were snow flurries on my window this morning. snow flurries? this is georgia. we don’t do snow flurries much less mere days from easter. last week i sat outside on my backporch in my running shorts & a tshirt catching a little glow since it was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky…and i was hot. that’s what we do days from easter down in the south.

you know it’s weird weather all over the place when it’s frigid in atlanta and yet my friend outside of seattle is posting pictures from her warm day in the garden. we’ll all be crying uncle come late april when we’re already having to turn on the air conditioner because there’s so much pollen outside we dare not crack open a window.

i’m guessing it’s not just the weather that has me in sorta a funk today. it’s blustery and dark outside and i have 749 things on my mind. i have a growing list of friends that are just in a tender place that i’m praying for. i cancelled a super cool photography opportunity because gas costs an arm and a leg and i just don’t have a spare arm and leg right now to make the 10 hour round trip.

you may have seen me post on instagram last week that there are some great things going on over here for several of the girls –and there are–but please don’t ever be fooled into thinking my life is perfect. (and never be fooled into thinking i have the parenting gig down. what a laugh that is.)  while i may be celebrating an achievement for one, i’m working through heartache and a disappointment with another. while everyone might be smiling in a photo sure doesn’t mean that all is hunky dorey. we have several tough things going on right now. none of which are things i can share about  today but suffice to say, they’re there.

besides the weather being weird, my schedule is sorta weird. since leaving my nursing job to pursue photography & noonday, i find that my most productive work hours are in the morning right after the girls go school. well. i needed to make some changes in my diet and workout regimen. so i’ve been trying to make better choices , especially for breakfast and lunch. i’m still trying to acquire a love for juicing. but smoothies are different ballgame. several mornings a week i’ll make some sort of protein smoothie before i head out to the gym to take a cardio class. ( those vary between kickboxing, piloxing, spin & yoga) which means two things, i’m losing a little bit of weight ( finally) but i’m also losing my productive work/blogging/journaling time. it’s all about balance and working from home is always all about balance. i’ve always been athletic and running truly is my passion. however i guess my body plateaud with the exact same form of exercise day after day so i’m mixing it up. all that to say a. please share any fabulous smoothie recipe and b. i’m well aware that my blogging regularity and flown right out the window.

this is my friend jill.  she sent me the super cute t’shirts below. i love slapping a monogram on anything and will wear these with everything from running shorts to a little cotton skirt & some converse.

i haven’t shared any books i’ve been reading lately….but i’m currently reading through the old testament. ( and loving watching The Bible on the history channel)

read the mark of the lion trilogy ( well. minus book three. i’ll get to that one later) and loved it. loved it!

looking forward to emily freeman’s soon to be released book! 

speaking of reading. check out this note dan brought home from work. dan’s an assistant principal at very large highschool. i can’t share how he spends most of his days at school for reasons of confidentiality. but i can tell  you that many days i know he comes home feeling stressed and honestly pretty wore out.  but he’s making a difference in the lives of the kids with whom he connects …..

just some random shots since i’ve been all over the board today!

i promise my next post, which is no longer written during the quiet calm hours in the morning, will not be as out of whack as this one may seem! ha!

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March 26, 2013 - 6:04 pm

lisa - so- this is my GO -TO smoothie…and everyone loves it, so i don’t have to make 50 different kinds!! i use iso pure protein powder ( which is a WHEY protein, not soy – i have thyroid issues).

fill up a large tervis tumbler with ice cubes….dump into blender
one scoop chocolate protein powder – about 25g protein
one heaping tablespoon natural nut butter – peanut or almond are my favs..(don’t be afraid of this – you NEED the fat for satiety)
SILK dark chocolate almond milk ( about a cup), or if i’m trying to be super strict about sugar, i use half unsweetned hemp milk/half chocolate almond milk.

dump all in blender – blend until the consistency of a milkshake! will make about one tervis tumbler ( is that a unit of measurement?) such a wonderful treat.tastes like a reese’s peanut butter treat! …great – now i want one…

March 26, 2013 - 6:07 pm

lisa - hey – just thought of something!!! :-)
there is a FB page that is FAN-freakin’ -TASTIC for nutrition and fitness…called “one fit widow”…. :-)
it’s a woman who was widowed with two BABIES ….and she has transformed her corporate life and herself…she now is a personal trainer. you would LOVE her – she’s awesome and so is her FB page!! check her out!!!!

March 26, 2013 - 6:50 pm

Lori H - Paige, I am with you on having friends in need of prayer all of a sudden. I am on a roller coaster of positive feelings and “stuck in a rut” feelings. I think you are wise to prioritize your exercise…nobody is happy if mama isn’t happy! (or something like that). Love your photos as usual, and admiring your art that you have placed around in the photos.

March 26, 2013 - 7:16 pm

Julie Schaal - The out of whack post makes me feel better. I totally get it! Also, that note from the student made MY day. Awesome! Blessings!

March 26, 2013 - 8:00 pm

Deborah - Love these kinds of posts. Random, out of whack and like my life. Ha. By the way, I have the same Janet Hill print that my husband surprised me with for Valentines Day. One of my favorites. Enjoy your cool days while they last. Our southern summer is coming soon.

March 26, 2013 - 9:37 pm

Jill - I’m a porker right now (hello raisin bran and popcorn for dinner) but I do know how to eat to lose weight/fat. The fruit smoothie thing going around social meida has me in a tizzy. The piece of the puzzle the majority of people miss about eating to lose weight is food combining. The order and combo in which you eat food is just as important as what you eat. Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach (i.e. first thing in the morning and then never again during the day) and it should be eaten alone…not combined with protein. It’s because fruit has its own unique blend of sugar (fructose) that is utilized and digested best by itself. If you eat it with a protein it has an adverse effect on insulin, which ultimately causes you to store fat instead of burn it. Just eat fresh fruit. Or have a protein shake. But don’t combine them. Likewise, eat either a protein/veggie meal or a veggie/grain meal but not protein/grain. In other words, have a veggie sandwich with whole grain bread or deli turkey rolled up in lettuce leaves, but don’t have deli turkey on whole grain bread. Eating the right food in the right combination is just like putting the right fuel in a car. Our bodies can actually work FOR us if we feed it correctly. (Raisin bran and popcorn aside. Oh and also champagne. Oink) And also? The note to Dan….. priceless! Hugs! Now…eat an apple for breakfast!

March 26, 2013 - 10:38 pm

Kitti Murray - Paige! Love this… I think if we don’t share our out of whack moments, we don’t give a true picture of our lives, because it’s just so normal to be out of whack! I almost burned the house down today (and almost killed my mother) because I forgot to open the flue before lighting the wood fire in our fireplace!

March 27, 2013 - 1:43 am

Ashley - Paaaahhhhlllease share Jill’s info for those cute shirts!

March 27, 2013 - 5:18 am

Jen@thecottagenest - Oh Paige! So much going on. We’ve all been there in our own way. I personally appreciate when people share the struggles and not just the joys. It makes me feel more normal! You know my favorite pictures that you shared had a yellow squeaky ball in them, right? I’m seriously going to do a bit more research about the whole juicing thing. The benefits seem amazing but I’m not sure it’s for me. I’m a multigrain high fiber english muffin/turkey sausage patty, egg for breakfast almost every day of my life girl! I love that the student wrote Dan a letter. I always encourage my girls to do that with teachers that have meant something to them. I feel like it encourages them to know what a difference they’ve made in someone’s life. Being a fan of good grammar, I’m a little horrified that a high school student wrote that though! I’m pretty sure that texting/facebook/twitter isn’t helping the next generation’s communication skills much! I hope your friends in need of prayer find some peace. I was feeling that way with several friends this time last year and I know how you hurt for those you love. I didn’t intend to write a novel here, but there you have it.

March 27, 2013 - 7:30 am

sheri - awesome post once again. I’m right there with you! My very closest cousin had a battle with breast cancer last year and it’s back – 4 tumors on her brain. She was planning a trip to Florida early May to celebrate both of our big “50″ birthday’s. Please say a prayer that happens for her. I have fallen off the exercise and healthy eating but trying to get back. We have a lot of highs here as well as lows – glad we are all in this together. Blessings on your day and thanks for sharing with us all. Love you sweet friend.

March 27, 2013 - 9:15 am

Sue H. - I agree with you on feeling out of whack with this crazy weather – we have hot/cold temps here in TX too. As far as working out – I hit my early 40′s and I too, needed to change up my workouts – walking, light aerobic activity wasn’t cutting it for me. My diet need a switch up too – I now eat either a protein smoothie for breakfast or a oatmeal with fruit and egg whites. Eating a large, protein filled breakfast before working out has made a big difference. As another commenter posted – I love the One Fit Widow FB page -she has great ideas. Have a great day!!

March 27, 2013 - 9:25 am

Cindy Smith - I love the shakes that Advocare sells. I am a distributor for them now but not because I am trying to sell their products but I wanted the discount because I saw true results. Their shake is a protein shake that you mix with water and maybe a banana or strawberries or fruit of choice and mix it up in the blender. I stick mine in the freezer for a few minutes because I like it ice cold. It’s so easy and keeps me full until my mid morning snack. Also their vitamin supplements are incredible. I have been taking them for 10 years and lost 30 pounds and I am never ever sick! Amazes! Email me if you are interested..not trying to push anything on you but it really is great stuff!
Btw…I love your blog so much!! I have two girls – almost 14 and 11 so everything you say strikes a cord with me. Plus, I grew up in Marietta but now live in Birmingham…so I feel a piece of home in much that you say….

thank you for sharing your life with us. You give me great encouragement as I seek to raise these girls to be lovers of our King – most importantly but also classy & Southern too!

Much love – Cindy

March 27, 2013 - 9:34 am

Susan - Paige, I just love when you share randomness….I totally relate, my friend! The letter that Dan received just melted my heart. He makes such a difference. I know what “fun” jobs assis. principals have. The roles that educators have is many, and how precious is it that the young man who wrote the letter looks up to him and wants to make him proud. What a blessing.

Headed for a “cold” run…this weather in SC is the same as with y’all! I am about done with my cold weather running tights! Ready for the humidity….did I actually say that? Mercy!

xoxo

March 27, 2013 - 11:10 am

candace - Paige, i may or may not have comment before. but i read your blog on a regular basis. have for somewhile. its a strange how as women we need to connect with other mothers to see how things are going elsewhere. to see if we are on the same or etc. i am a wife, a mother to 2 teenagers (19 son and 17 daughter). amazing. i live in houston and have the opportunity to attend an awesome church. i thank you for blog for a way to meet up w/a virtual friend and have a cup of coffee with. your beautiful family are in my prayers.

Many Blessings,
Candace Flores-Rodrigue

March 27, 2013 - 11:18 am

kim i - So glad to know others are out of whack too!! Seems to be how I roll any more… sadly!!

Could you share the information for the monogrammed tees??? I may be a Colorado girl, but I have the heart of a southern girl and would love to get my hands on a couple of those!!

March 27, 2013 - 11:54 am

gloria - I’ll admit your post was random. (I had to re-read some paragraphs.) But I loved it. Books, work, kids, candles, smoothies. Sometimes that’s just the way life is. Keep up the smoothies and fun cardio. You look great! Hope your daughters are all well. Your family is strong and loving.

March 27, 2013 - 1:25 pm

Susan W - Paige-
Thanks for letting us know again you are a real person with real issues, whether it be family, work , health, life, or all of the above and more! Its nice to know you don’t have to always have good days and you don’t always have bad days.
You keep it real and you are appreciated for telling us that!
Nice letter for your husband-knows his efforts mean something and it only has to start with one to get the ball rolling!
Stay warm- its kinda chilly in Fl too but no flurries! Keep Brinkley warm!

March 27, 2013 - 1:44 pm

Louise - Well, it is odd to think of you feeling a little out of sorts becasue I sometimes feel jealous of you. I was trying to come up with a nicer word for it, does envious sound any better? Or a nicer spin on it, like I sometimes look at your lovely stuff and much more importantly all the love in your life, and feel my own lacks more fiercely . .but nope, JEALOUS is the correct word I am afraid. I actually check your blog a little less of late becasue of it. But I ALWAYS come back again.

I say it is odd to think of you feeling out of sorts BUT at the same time I KNOW everything isn’t or can’t be absolute perfection for you all the time. You share that it isn’t. And well, you are human, it can’t be . .but still, it looks awfully good and you are definitely deeply loved.

Reading about Tamar was something I needed to know, and I will remember that. I AM lovable and worthy. Of course, I have been told before by “christian types” :) but it is hard to really believe it sometimes.

That’s another thing about your blog that keeps me coming back. You do share love.

March 27, 2013 - 4:50 pm

Cindy Wigton - Hi Paige! For the past couple of years, Williams Sonoma has featured a juicing guy by the name of Joe Cross. You could search him via their website for lots of great information and recipes as well as going directly to his website: Joe Cross of Reboot Your Life. Hope this helps!

March 27, 2013 - 5:50 pm

Jamie - I met you at the Pear Event in Nashville last year. Loved you and your precious girls. Google Kim Snyder green smoothie drink she has been on Dr. Oz and it is delish…hope you enjoy. Love all your pictures. Blessings

March 28, 2013 - 7:39 am

Sue - Paige,

Thought you might be interested in PB2. I buy it off amazon. It is wonderful in smoothies, and low calorie. I found this product years ago, and it has been a staple. Enjoy fellow green smoothie lover! :)

http://www.amazon.com/PB2-Powdered-Peanut-Butter-6-5/dp/B002GJ9JWS

March 28, 2013 - 9:41 am

Tammie - Paige, As always I can not wait to read your post, love the title. That is they way I feel most days. HAHA!!! I really did enjoy it though because I think you are so real and really show us all sides of you and your life. I think by doing so it makes those that believe that there life is (mostly) perfect (as we all know there is NO perfect life) by reading a persons blog that posts mostly enjoyable stuff on it that we all have days and sometimes weeks where life is just well “ALL OUT OF WHACK.” I love a person who is so real and true and when the write somethings they know there will always be someone or maybe even a few who will have a negative comment but will still be true and say what the feel like. As always I love your photo’s and really enjoyed the dog pictures. Thanks again for allowing me to read your blog and enjoy being a blogger friend.

March 28, 2013 - 3:02 pm

Nicole W. - I found your blog recently via a Pinterest link to your beautifully decorated home. Thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities and struggles with your readers. I sometimes suffer from the disease of “compare and despair,” and your honest post reminds me that no one’s life is not picture perfect.

March 28, 2013 - 8:55 pm

Teresa Sheeley - You look great!! I have tried getting into juicing; not successful at all… I’ve been enthralled with watching The Bible and actually started reading The Story!

March 29, 2013 - 11:57 am

Shelly - Paige–WHERE did you get that adorable dress you are wearing in that photo of you??? LOVE that outfit!

March 30, 2013 - 10:47 am

jodi - great post! love to hear and see what is going on in the knudsen household; your such a dear!

i get a kick out of the pics of brinkley at your feet. that is the way bailey is when i am in the kitchen.

take care….HAPPY EASTER, dear friend.

jodi

April 1, 2013 - 6:02 pm

tara - i’m a little out of whack with you.
after all those weeks of health issues, i just can’t bring myself to blog consistently.
haven’t i said that a million times before? wonder if I’ll ever get into a routine? gah.

always love the shots of one of your girls hugging on another one…I think it’s smk above loving on caroline. :) precious.

have I told you how honored i am that smk wants to spend ANY amount of time with me? HONORED.

praying for you as you battle with some friends in their heaviness and burdens. you were so supportive to me in my issues last month…all of your texts & emails were so appreciated!!! You’re a wonderful support to so many…a gift from the Lord.