Christian reality stars Chip and Joanna Gaines continue to model humility, generosity, and Christ-like love for their family and others despite the wild success of their HGTV show, "Fixer Upper."
The Waco, Texas couple first shot to fame in 2014 after the premiere of Fixer Upper, which shows the process by which they skillfully turn dilapidated houses into stunning showpieces. Chip manages the construction and realty side of Magnolia, while Joanna serves as the lead designer.
"For me, it's a dream come true because at the end of the day, what we're passionate about is creating homes for families," Joanna recently told E! News.
While Chip and Joanna have been remodeling and flipping homes for 13 years, only recently have they seen their empire expand to include a real estate company, construction company, design firm, nationally distributed furnishings line and boutique. Their home good store, Magnolia Market, draws 25,000 people a week.
"Fixer Upper," now in its third season, has garnered more than 8 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated shows of its kind.
But despite their incredible success, the dynamic duo, who live on a 40-acre farm with their four children (Drake, 10, Ella, 9, Duke, 7, and Emmie, 6), continue to use their platform to glorify God.
Joanna Gaines and her children
The Gaines told the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, "Our family has made a commitment to put Christ first, a lifestyle our parents modeled for us very well. They showed us how to keep our marriage and family centered around God.
As for 'Fixer Upper,' we have been surprised at the impact of our faith through the show. We haven't been overtly evangelical, but the rich feedback we have received on family and love all source from our faith. Jesus said the world would know His disciples by their love for one another, and we've glimpsed this in practice and strive for it every day."
Chip and Joanna met while students at Baylor University and married in 2003. The couple shares their personal love in their forthcoming book, The Magnolia Story.
In a recent interview, Chip revealed that he knew his wife was "the one" from the moment he saw her and said his love and dedication to Joanna grew when he chose to embrace her for who she is as a person.
"When I learned how to embrace Joanna for who she is and really support her all the way, I feel like that was a real light bulb moment for me in my relationship with her," Chip recalled.
"As I really enveloped this concept of I'm going to support her, and love her, and fight for her regardless, I feel like that opened [her] heart to be able to reciprocate."
Chip and Joanna Gaines married in 2003.
The couple isn't shy about sharing their love for one another; in fact, of the most heartwarming moments on "Fixer Upper" was when Chip decided to surprise Joanna with a beautiful brunch in celebration of their twelfth wedding anniversary.
"My husband, Chip, never gets away with pulling off surprising me. Ever," Joanna wrote on her blog. "He always puts in a valiant effort only for me to catch on and unintentionally squash his fun. For our twelfth anniversary, Chip wanted to change that once and for all, so he orchestrated this entire beautiful, thoughtful and well put-together surprise party. When asked if I was 'actually surprised' I simply point out my outfit (a t-shirt and jeans) to prove that I was most definitely surprised!
The setting was perfect - an unfinished barn on our farm, which happened to be right in the middle of being transformed into a garage and storage space. It was special because, though space was unfinished, it was a perfect representation of the two of us and the work we love doing together: construction and renovating homes."
Chip and Joanna Gaines
The Gaines are also passionate about putting family first and frequently include their children in "Fixer Upper" episodes. Recently, Joanna penned an open letter to mothers encouraging them to cherish the little moments with their children: "The details have always mattered to me, especially when it comes to my kids. Whether I'm making cereal for breakfast or a big, fancy dinner, I want them to know that celebrating them in small ways in everyday life is a big deal to me," she wrote.
The Gaines family
In a world consumed by greed and self-interest, the Gaines strive to model humility, generosity, and the blessings that come when God is the center of all areas of life.
"I can look back now on the pattern of my life and really believe God has a purpose for me, but He also has purpose for you," Joanna said last year.
"Whether you're staying home and raising beautiful babies or you're the CEO of a multi-million dollar company, let God speak into your life," she continued. "Let his father heart come and say, 'This is what I have for you.' I think that's the key - not believing the lies, fixing our eyes on Jesus, and walking in the truth.'"
The Gaines family
