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GOD + FAMILY + COUNTRY + COFFEE
Retired USMC Veteran | Owner @grocoffee @the.swol
Follow for faith, family, trail life, and coffee
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She’s been part of GRO Coffee since day one.

As I was making Tori a cup of coffee on our new @flairespressomaker 49 Pro, I looked over and there was Catrianna in the background doing exactly what I was doing. She was pretending to make her own cup of coffee before taking a sip, and honestly, it made me smile because it felt so normal.

She has been immersed in every part of @grocoffee since the very beginning. She has helped grind coffee, pack orders, prepare shipping boxes, make deliveries with me, work events, and of course help make coffee. As she gets older, her confidence continues to grow, and so does her desire to take on more responsibility. I have no doubt she’ll be running things before long.

The funny part is she already thinks she works here, and if you ask her, she’ll probably tell you she deserves another raise. She also happens to be one of the funniest little negotiators I’ve ever met. Somehow she always manages to work out a better deal for herself, and honestly, she’s pretty good at it.

Watching our daughters grow up around this business has been one of the greatest blessings of building it together as a family. Long after the coffee is brewed, those are the memories that will matter most.

What is something your kids love pretending to do because they’ve watched you do it?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#grocoffee #familybusiness #coffeelover #fatherdaughter #smallbusiness taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
41
7 days ago
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What comes first in your life?

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” Matthew 6:33

Jesus never said, “Take care of everything else first, then follow Me.” He simply said, “Follow Me.”

I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to say God comes first while living as though everything else does. We are all given the same twenty-four hours each day, so the question is not whether we have time for God. The question is what we choose to put first.

Imagine your life as a glass jar. If you fill it with sand first, the large rocks will never fit. But if you place the rocks in first, then the pebbles, and finally the sand, everything settles into its proper place. Our lives are no different.

The largest rock is God. The next rocks are our families and the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Everything else is simply sand. None of those things are necessarily bad, but when the sand goes in first, there’s no room left for the rocks that matter most.

Technology has connected us to thousands of people, yet it has also made it easier than ever to become distracted from the One Person we need most.

Jesus didn’t tell us to seek Him when life slows down, after our schedules clear, or when everything on our list is finished. He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

So, I often stop and ask myself a difficult question: If someone were to examine my life, what would they say comes first? Would they see that I truly seek God first, followed by my family and the responsibilities He has entrusted to me? Or would they see that I’ve allowed the distractions of this world to quietly take His place?

What would your answer be?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#faith #matthew633 #seekfirst #christianliving #jesuschrist A glass jar filled almost entirely with sand sits on a quiet beach at Topsail North Carolina during sunset, surrounded by small rocks and one larger rock resting outside the jar. In the softly blurred background, a family walks together along the shoreline. The image symbolizes Matthew 6:33, reminding us that when life’s distractions fill our hearts first, there is no room left for what matters most. The large rock represents God, while the remaining rocks represent family and the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. taken in Topsail Beach, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
56
7 days ago
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Faith is believing that Jesus is who He says He is. Trust is stepping out of the boat when He says, “Come.”

“Jesus immediately reached out His hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” Matthew 14:31

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference between faith and trust.

We can believe Jesus is the Son of God. We can believe He died on the cross for our sins, rose again on the third day, and believe every word recorded in Scripture.

But do we trust Him enough to follow Him?

Peter believed Jesus could walk on water long before he ever stepped out of the boat. The difference came when Jesus gave him one simple command: “Come.” Faith believed Jesus could do the impossible. Trust stepped over the side of the boat in obedience.

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself. Do I trust Jesus enough to surrender my plans, my pride, my fears, and even the life I think I should have? Do I trust Him enough to let Him transform my heart instead of trying to stay in control?

Faith begins in the heart. Trust is where faith becomes visible.

When God asked Abraham to offer Isaac, it wasn’t because Abraham lacked faith. He already believed God’s promises. But trust required surrender. Abraham placed the son he loved most into God’s hands, believing God’s plan was greater than his own understanding. Peter stepping out of the boat and Abraham walking up Mount Moriah revealed the same truth: trust is faith lived out through obedience.

Then Jesus gave us the greatest example of trust. In the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the suffering that lay before Him, He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done.” He trusted the Father completely, even to the point of laying down His own life for us. If Jesus trusted the Father with everything, how can I not trust Him with my own life?

I think that’s what Jesus is asking of each of us today. Not simply to believe in Him, but to trust Him enough to follow wherever He leads.

What boat is Jesus asking you to step out of today?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#faith #trustgod #matthew A young boy stands atop a large boulder in Mt. Baker National Forest, Washington, looking toward towering mountains hidden beneath low clouds. The landscape symbolizes the difference between faith and trust, illustrating that faith believes God’s promises, while trust steps forward in obedience, surrendering our lives to Christ just as Abraham trusted God and Jesus trusted the Father. taken in Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest by @theredbrutus
74
14 days ago
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Much needed family time.

After being away for a week in Washington and Oregon for Overland Expo PNW, it was time to reconnect with my family. This had been the longest we had all been apart since Tori’s last deployment in the Marine Corps. Looking back, it reminded me once again that no matter how incredible the places are that I get to visit, home will always be my favorite destination.

Needless to say, everyone missed each other, and there was no better way to reconnect than heading to one of our favorite places here on Topsail Beach, disconnected from the world around us.

Even though I was only gone for a short time, so much had changed, especially with Annalise. She was taking a few steps before I left, and by the time I came home she was walking everywhere. It’s amazing how much can change in just one week when your children are little, and it’s a reminder that every moment with them is worth protecting because those moments never come back.

We spent the day practicing swimming with the girls, playing in the sand, watching Annalise discover the beach a little more, and simply enjoying being together again. She even managed to sneak in a nap on my chest, and honestly I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the day.

Days like this remind me that work will always be there, responsibilities will always be waiting, but my girls will only be this little once. Those are the moments I never want to miss, and I’m thankful God continually reminds me where my greatest blessings have always been.

What are some of your favorite ways to reconnect with your family after time apart?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#familyadventures #topsailbeach #northcarolina #fatherhood #faithandfamily Sean, Tori, Catrianna, and Annalise enjoying a family day together on Topsail Beach, North Carolina. Sean takes a selfie while the girls play in a shallow tidal pool along the sandy shoreline with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. A candid family moment highlighting Christian family values, fatherhood, motherhood, raising daughters, coastal North Carolina adventures, beach memories, and spending intentional time together outdoors. taken in Topsail Beach, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
79
19 days ago
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Are you awake?

While I was in Washington, hiking to the ice caves, I came across this rock formation at the end of the trail which immediately reminded me of the cross and caused me to pause.

“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come… And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Mark 13:35–37

Jesus also said, “…you know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:2–3

How many reminders of Christ do we walk past each day simply because we aren’t paying attention?

When I noticed this formation, I found myself thanking Jesus for the sacrifice He made for my life. I asked Him to forgive my sins and was reminded that God’s creation constantly points us back to Him if we’re willing to stop and truly see it.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly tells us to stay awake, remain watchful, and live ready for His return. He even tells us there will come a day when two people will be together, yet one will be taken and the other left behind. None of us knows when that day will come.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be found faithfully watching when Christ returns. Every day, God places reminders of His goodness, His mercy, and His presence all around us. The question isn’t whether He is still at work. The question is whether we’re paying attention.

What reminders has God placed in your life that have drawn you closer to Him?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#faith #mark13 #matthew16 #christianliving #jesuschrist Rock formation along the Ice Caves Trail in Washington that naturally resembles the shape of a cross. Surrounded by rugged gray stone, moss, and small green plants growing from the cracks, the formation serves as a personal reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and a reflection on remaining spiritually awake. The image accompanies Mark 13 and Matthew 16, encouraging believers to stay watchful, recognize God’s presence, and live prepared for Christ’s return. taken in Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest by @theredbrutus
72
21 days ago
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🇺🇸 Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with GRO Coffee.

On July 4th only, enjoy 25% OFF your entire order using code 25 at checkout.

As a special thank you, every order placed on July 4th will also be automatically entered to win a FREE 6-month GRO Coffee subscription.

This Independence Day, we’re celebrating the freedoms we cherish, the adventures that bring us together, and the opportunity to share freshly roasted coffee with families across the country.

Whether you’re gathered around a campfire, spending the day at the lake, exploring a trail, or celebrating with family in the backyard, we hope GRO Coffee is part of your tradition.

Every Adventure Starts With GRO Coffee.

Order online at grocoffee.us and take us with you.

#independenceday #freshroastedcoffee #adventurecoffee #campcoffee #america250 taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
37
23 days ago
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Some mountains aren’t meant to remind us how small our faith is. They’re meant to remind us how great our God is.

Jesus said, “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Standing before this mountain, I couldn’t help but think about those words. No one looks at a mountain like this and believes they have the strength to move it. That was exactly Jesus’ point.

He never asked us to have mountain-sized faith. He asked us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. The power was never found in the size of our faith. It has always been found in the greatness of our God.

What’s even more incredible is that Jesus used the mustard seed again to teach another lesson. Although it begins as one of the smallest seeds, it grows into a strong tree where birds find shelter in its branches. Faith begins small, but when it is rooted in Christ, God grows it into something stronger than we could ever imagine.

Our faith isn’t meant to stay where it started. Through trusting God, walking in obedience, and relying on Him day after day, He strengthens us. Over time, that faith becomes a testimony that encourages others, stands firm when everything around us seems uncertain, and points people back to Him.

Maybe the mountain Jesus wants to move isn’t standing in front of you. Maybe it’s the fear, doubt, pride, or uncertainty that has taken root within you. Those are mountains only God can move.

What mountain are you trusting God with today?

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#faith #mustardseed #matthew1720 #trustgod #christianliving Snow covered Mount Hood rises above a dense evergreen forest in Oregon beneath a soft overcast sky. The rugged volcanic peak dominates the landscape, highlighting the beauty, scale, and power of God’s creation. Layers of pine trees frame the mountain, creating a peaceful wilderness scene that reflects on faith, trusting God through life’s challenges, and the biblical teaching of the mustard seed in Matthew 17:20. The image symbolizes God’s greatness, unwavering strength, and the reminder that true faith is found not in our own power, but in trusting the Creator who stands above every mountain. taken in Mount Hood, Oregon by @theredbrutus
56
a month ago
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One day, my daughters won’t remember every word I said. But I pray they remember the way I lived my faith.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Fatherhood has taught me that the greatest legacy I can leave my daughters isn’t found in what I build for them, but in the faith they see me live every day. Before becoming a father, I thought legacy was measured by what I could provide, accomplish, or leave behind. But God has shown me that the greatest inheritance I can ever give my children is a life that faithfully follows Him.

As Tori and I studied Genesis this week, we were reminded of Noah’s faith-filled obedience. His legacy wasn’t built on the ark itself. It was built on his willingness to trust and obey God, leaving behind a testimony that would influence generations after him.

It challenged me to ask a simple question. When my daughters look back on my life years from now, what will they remember most? I hope they’ll remember the adventures we shared, the places we explored, and the time we spent together. But more than anything, I pray they remember a father who loved Jesus, trusted God’s plan even when he didn’t understand it, and tried to live each day in a way that reflected Christ’s love, patience, compassion, forgiveness, and grace.

One day the adventures will end, the possessions will fade, and even the memories will become fewer. But a legacy of faith can continue long after we’re gone, influencing generations we may never meet.

When your family looks back on your life, what kind of faith will they remember?

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures striving to lead their families in faith. May God continue to guide you as you build a legacy that points others to Him.

Follow @theredbrutus and @grocoffee for more faith reflections, family moments, and the journey God continues to lead our family on.

#faith #fathersday #deuteronomy6 #christianparenting legacy Color photo of Sean sitting with his daughters, Catrianna and Annalise, on a rustic red bench, smiling together during a quiet family moment. Sean holds Annalise on his lap while Catrianna sits closely beside him, reflecting the love, protection, and bond between a father and his children. The rustic wooden wall and brick backdrop create a timeless setting that complements a Father’s Day reflection on faith, family, and leaving a legacy rooted in Christ. The image represents Christian fatherhood, intentional parenting, raising children in faith, and the lasting influence of living out God’s love, patience, compassion, and grace before the next generation, inspired by Deuteronomy 6:6–7. taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
91
a month ago
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Light it up.

Every build tells a story, and every modification says something about how you use your vehicle. Some people build for the rocks, some for the mud, others for the shows. I built The Red Brutus to travel, to explore, and to help keep my family safe with lighting and visibility I can trust wherever the road takes us. Every modification has a purpose, and every piece has earned its place through thousands of miles on the road, countless trails, camping trips with my family, and adventures that continue to take us somewhere new.

The lighting is no different. Sure, it looks amazing, but that has never been the reason I run it. I want equipment that performs every single time I turn the key, whether we’re leaving before sunrise, pulling into camp after dark, or spending another day exploring somewhere we’ve never been before. Confidence in your equipment isn’t built overnight. It comes from putting it to work, trusting it mile after mile, and watching it perform when it matters most.

That is exactly what I’ve found with @shorelineoffroad . Their products have earned a permanent place on The Red Brutus, not because of the name on the box, but because they have consistently done exactly what I ask them to do every time we head out on another adventure. Just as importantly, every interaction I’ve had with their team has reminded me why I use them in the first place. They treat me like family, and that means just as much as the products they build.

What modification on your vehicle has earned its place and become something you wouldn’t want to travel without?

Follow @theredbrutus for more family adventures, faith reflections, and the roads we discover along the way.

✅ @shorelineoffroad Ambassador
✅ Use Code: REDBRUTUS10

#shorelineoffroad #offroadlighting #adventuretravel #overlanding #vehiclebuild taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
92
a month ago
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West Coast, we’re headed your way.

Next week I’ll be flying out to Washington to meet up with Dale from @f4.adventures before we make our way to Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, Oregon.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, and spending the weekend with an incredible overlanding community.

While I won’t have a booth at the Expo, you’ll find Dale’s Bronco on display. If you happen to see me walking around or stop by the Bronco to say hello, I’ll have freshly roasted GRO Coffee available to share. I’d love the opportunity to meet you, hear your story, and talk all things coffee, overlanding, and adventure.

Safe travels to everyone making the trip, and we’ll see you in Oregon.

Every Adventure Starts With GRO Coffee.

Order online at grocoffee.us and take us with you.

@theredbrutus 

#overlandexpopnw #overlanding #adventurecoffee #campcoffee #pnw taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
46
a month ago
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The hardest step of faith is usually the first one.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Imagine standing where Joshua stood. Moses was gone, the responsibility of leading an entire nation now rested on his shoulders, and the Promised Land lay ahead with battles, uncertainty, and obstacles he had never faced before.

God didn’t promise Joshua an easy road, nor did He promise there would be no hardships or moments of doubt. Instead, He reminded Joshua of something far greater: His presence. That same promise still speaks to us today.

We all face moments in life that test our faith. A difficult diagnosis, financial uncertainty, raising a family, changing careers, losing someone we love, or simply stepping into the unknown can leave us wondering if we’re strong enough for what’s ahead. The truth is, on our own, we probably aren’t. But our confidence has never been meant to rest in ourselves. It rests in the One who walks beside us.

God doesn’t ask us to have all the answers before moving forward. He asks us to trust Him enough to take the next faithful step, knowing He has already gone before us. If God has called you to something, don’t let fear convince you to stay where it’s comfortable. Move forward in faith, not because you know exactly what tomorrow holds, but because you know who holds tomorrow.

If you’re standing at the edge of something uncertain today, don’t face it alone. Leave a prayer request in the comments or encourage someone else who may need this reminder. We’d be honored to pray with you.

Follow @theredbrutus for more faith reflections, family moments, and the roads God continues to lead us down.

#faith #bibleverse #christianliving #trustgod #joshua19 Sunlight breaks through a peaceful stand of tall pine trees in Eastern North Carolina, casting long golden rays across native grasses and the quiet forest floor. The warm morning light shining through the woods reflects the message of Joshua 1:9, reminding us to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with us wherever we go. This serene woodland landscape captures God’s creation, Christian faith, biblical encouragement, hope, courage, trusting God through uncertainty, quiet moments in nature, outdoor exploration, and the beauty found along North Carolina’s forests and backroads. taken in Beulaville, North Carolina by @theredbrutus
77
a month ago
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Some of my favorite places were never part of the plan.

I have always loved to travel. Even as a kid, I wanted to see what was over the next hill, around the next bend, or waiting in a place I had never been before. One of the things I loved most about the military was the opportunity to see parts of the world I never would have experienced otherwise.

I have not been on a plane in eight years. The last time was when Tori was away and our Great Dane and I made a cross-country trip to visit my mom. Somewhere along that drive, it reminded me why I enjoy the road so much.

Flying is fast and convenient, but there is so much of this country that most people never get to experience because they are passing over it at 30,000 feet. Small towns, back roads, mountain overlooks, coastal marshes, roadside diners, and places you never knew existed until you happened to drive through them.

Looking back, very few of my favorite memories came from simply arriving somewhere. Most of them came from the unexpected moments along the way, the detours, the conversations, the places I never planned to stop but am glad I did.

Those moments are a big reason why I still choose the road whenever I can.

Do you prefer flying or driving when you travel, and what is one place along the way that ended up being just as memorable as the destination?

Follow @theredbrutus for more family adventures, faith reflections, and the roads we discover along the way.

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#roadtrip #familyadventures #travelmore #exploremore #adventuretravel Wide view of the tidal waterways and salt marshes of Chincoteague, Virginia, beneath a dramatic coastal sky. Layers of storm clouds stretch across the horizon as sunlight filters through the weather system, creating reflections across the calm water. The scene captures the beauty of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, scenic road trips, outdoor exploration, coastal landscapes, and the unforgettable moments found while traveling the backroads of America taken in Chincoteague, Virginia by @theredbrutus
64
a month ago
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