Hi, y’all!
Okay, so…I’ve noticed that I haven’t been consistent on posting journal entries on this site (SUTS), but I have been posting short videos of encouragement on my Instagram and business Facebook pages. Once I post it to Instagram, it automatically links it to my FB. Many of you probably don’t even follow me on social media, but if you have an account for either one (or both), I’d like to encourage you to follow me so that you won’t miss a thing.
There’s been A LOT going on!
Mine and Tim’s youngest son (Cole) is getting married this May! They both graduate the beginning of May, married the end of May, then moving to North Carolina! What? I guess that gives me a new reason to travel. Prayers for those two cuties are appreciated.
Home – Florida Strawberry Festival (flstrawberryfestival.com) l took place February 29th through March 10th. We had a recording breaking year in attendance…634,779 folks passed through the gates, festival parking profits…$384,013.00, and our youth steer sale total…$1,436,107.21!!! The weather was beautiful, minus the rain on one day, and we broke multiple records. I’m partial to all things festival! Due to the fact that I raised, showed, and sold steers there as a youth, it excites to me see all the hard work that the kids put into their animals truly paying off. I’m chairman of the parking, so that really thrills me! Let’s get this straight…chairman of PARKING, not TRAFFIC. HAHA. If you tried to get to and from or even around the festival, you totally get it. Why does it thrill me? Because we have eleven churches/organizations who spend countless hours parking the visitors and greeting them to the festival. At the end of it all, we split the profits between the FSF and all eleven entities. Last year, we were able to distribute $168,000 to the groups. I can’t wait to share the wealth this year. They each put their earning to great use. To God be all the glory!
Finally, my children’s book, Lessons from the Beach: 8 Faith-building Stories for Kids, is SOON to be available for purchase! What started out as a simple one-story book about Cole’s seashells, turned into a whole devotional story book for kids and kids of all ages. I’ll never forget when I turned my first draft into the editor, back in October of 2023, she called to inform me, “You don’t have a book. You have three.” We chatted about the vision of what it could become and…now it’s almost time! Please follow SUTS on social media for continuous updates. Like I’ve said before, these stories are for any age at any stage. God speaks to us through everyday experiences in life. I’m quite sure you can relate to these stories. At the end of each story there is a prayer, a bible verse, a lesson learned, and an activity you can do to enhance the experience. So, as the intro reads:
Pack your bags and head to the beach. Enjoy traveling around the coasts of Florida with Cole and Holly, as they learn valuable lessons while experiencing life with their family. From building sandcastles in Saint Augustine to capturing lobster in the Keys, you will explore the beaches and learn fun facts about each location. Some of the lessons you will learn are taking care of our environment, discovering joy in watching God’s creation, and finding courage when times can be a bit scary. On each page keep your eyes open with anticipation as you search for a special crab. May this interactive book remind you to keep your eyes open to all the glorious surroundings God gives us each day.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
