i'm back

I haven't had the time to blog in what seems like forever! Things have been busy in my life....work, home, etc. Let me just fill you in on what I've been doing for the past two weeks....

Work....has been crazy....everyone is sick! Plus, I haven't been feeling great (sinus/allergy problems). Usually, I blog in the mornings because I try to not get on the computer in the afternoons (so I can spend time with that sweet husband of mine!), but the mornings have been so rushed that I haven't had time to get my thoughts together!

This past Sunday, Andrew was called to bring the word to our entire congregation...can you imagine?!?! I am not one for public speaking, but Andrew does not mind at all! Not to brag, but I thought he did an amazing job! {an unbiased opinion, of course!} I think he was a little nervous the night before and morning of, but once he got up there, he was cool, calm, and collected. He talked about the fruits of the spirit (found in Galatians 5, starting verse 16) and about Jesus being the true vine and God the gardener (found in John 15). He also referenced 1 Corinthians, chapter 13, about Love (we all know this passage right?) and how this kind of love is only possible through God (how true!). He gave three principles to live by....get back to the basics (prayer, getting in the word, etc), surrendering yourself (completely, each and every day!), and going to war (because, let's be honest, it's a battle out there!) {as a side note, I like to think of putting on the armor of God, found in Ephesians 6:10-20}. I am so proud of Andrew for listening when God called! How lucky I am to have an awesome man of God as my husband!

We also went to a Bobcats game (and had box seats!) with some amazing friends {I'll blog about that later!}. And tonight, we are going to dinner for my brother-in-laws birthday {pictures and a blog to come!}. Hopefully this week will bring more blogging!

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it. Jeremiah 29:13, The Message

Psalms 145:17-19

Everything God does is right; the trademarks on all His work is love. God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. He does what's best for those who fear Him; hears them call out, and saves them. Psalms 145: 17-19

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV


Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

Proverbs 3:5-12, The Message

MagHound

Do you love magazines but dislike paying too much for them at stores?? My brother-in-law told me about this website (www.maghound.com). You can get 3 magazines for $4.95 a month, 5 magazines for $7.95 a month, or 7 magazines for $9.95 a month. You can't beat that!! PLUS the first month is free! I was so excited when he told me about it, I got online immediately and ordered 5 magazines.

1 Corinthians 13

1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13

No Words

I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand & the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep & there are no words for that.

No Words by Brian Andreas

I love Brian Andreas' work! Have you seen it? Check it out here and let me know what you think!

i love a good Hallmark movie

What an amazing movie! Andrew and I were sitting at home Saturday night, flipping through the channels, when we found this movie. It is a very inspiring story and gives a new outlook on children and adults with disablities.

Commercial Break

This year, the Super Bowl commercials were a little disappointing....I am not really into a bunch of men in underwear running around or GoDaddy.com (whatever that is!)...but here are my favorites! What were your favorites?!?





I love all the E Trade commercials...these babies are so cute!!

John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

Jeremiah 26:14

As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right. Jeremiah 26:14

a few good reads

Playing the Blame Game

First Year Off

Understand and Accepting your Mate's Differences

"why is this happening to me???"

Ewww....

Gross but funny!! Strip Tease Gone Bad (very bad!)

always on the go

Let's face it...most of us are always on the go! Here is a helpful article to help you make healthier choices, even at a fast food joint!

A little math for you

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a ratio of height to weight that indicates if your weight puts your health at risk. To find your BMI, use this formula: Your weight (in pounds), divided by your height in inches squared, multiplied by 703......or.....just click here and the website will do it for you!

Summer Fever

Will it ever be warm again?!? This weather is making me long for summer! To feel the ocean breeze on my face, hear the waves crashing down, feel the sand beneath my toes and the warmth of a summer sun....

Micah 7:7-8

But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation.
My God will hear me.
Do not rejoice over me, my enemy
Though I fall I will rise;
Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me
Micah 7:7-8

Proverbs 31:10

A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman-who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. Proverbs 31:10, AMP

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4, NIV

Yummy Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas

I love looking for new and easy recipes. I found this one and thought I would share....

1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Rotel
1 can black beans
1 can corn
1 packet taco seasoning

Place frozen chicken breasts in crock pot (yes, you can really put them in there frozen). Add all the other ingredients. Cook on low 7-8 hours. When chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it. Put in tortilla with sour cream and cheese or use as topping for taco salad (that's what we did and it was so good!).

My mom is going to make this for a Super Bowl party Sunday and serve it with chips! Doesn't that sound yummy?

I'm Hooked

Our TV is always on, but I rarely watch it....if that makes any sense at all! Let me explain. In the morning, I get up and watch the Today show for about 15-20 minutes (I see the weather and a few other stories, but that is pretty much all). Then, when I get home in the afternoon, I watch The Food Network (Cooking for Real, Barefoot Contessa, Everyday Italian, and Down Home with the Neelys)....well, I should say my TV is on this station although usually I am doing laundry, cleaning the house, or cooking dinner...so, I am not really sitting down and giving it my full attention. Then Andrew gets home, we have dinner and usually have somewhere we have to go (basketball game/football game/softball game, church, dinner with family/friends, Bible study, etc). When we get home, the TV goes on ESPN and does not get changed (for fear of losing my hand). So, hopefully that makes more sense....the TV is always on, but rarely watched! Even when I have time to actually sit down and watch TV, I prefer to read. There is something about a good book that entices me to curl up (with my snuggie) and get lost in the story. However, last night, I got hooked. I don't even know how it happened! Andrew came home last night and told me that I should stay home instead of going to his basketball game because his game was late and they were probably going to win. So, here I am, sitting at home, alone, on a Monday night. So, I took a nice long bubble bath and picked out a new book to read (I just finished The Help...an amazing book!). So, I picked out a book that I have already read (although it has been so long that I forgot what it was about!) by Dorothea Benton Frank...one of my favorite authors! I curled up on the couch, book and snuggie in hand, and turned on the TV (not to watch, just to have some "noise"). The Bachelor was on....and on a date with Tenley. That was it...I was hooked! I put the book down and gave Jake my full attention. What have I done?? Now, I cannot wait until next week to see which girl he choses!! Of course I formed opinions of these strangers almost immediately (isn't that terrible?). Here's what I am thinking...

Corrie-I know she was sent home last night, but I still wanted to give my opinion! How terrible did it look for Jake to give her the boot right after she told him she was a virgin?!?! I think Jake is thinking with something different than the brain in his head! How many 23 year old virgins do you meet these days?? Not many, I am sure! Corrie showed class last night by upholding for morals. Jake, not so much...

Vienna-I only have one nice thing to say about her...the girl knows what she wants. Word on the street is that her and Jake have great chemistry, but I didn't see it last night. I thought she should have gone home at the rose ceremony.

Gia-What a cute girl! First of all, I liked her immediately because she is brunette (ha!). Jake really seems to dig blondes (considering all the other ladies are blondes)...so, I loved that she was different than the rest! But I am not completely sure Gia knows what a catch she is. Hopefully Jake figures it out...

Ali-Ali and Jake seem to be the most natural "couple" of them all! Maybe it was because she was showing him around her town last night, but they seemed so comfortable together. I am not exactly sure about all the drama that has gone on, but Ali seems to be a part of it. Who knows...

Tenley-I didn't really get form an opinion on her because I only saw the end of their date, but she is a cute girl and seems to really be into Jake. I guess when you have been married before, you know what you are looking for....

So, there you have it....I am hooked on The Bachelor...after only one episode! And I am already looking forward to next week and weighing in on which girl is "the one"!!

Cardboard Testimonies

Oh, how He loves us...

Click here to view Carboard Testimonies

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12