Saturday, June 7, 2008

Good Friends, Good Food, Good FUN

On the last post I talked about how much I love my Fridays off - well yesterday I actually had to work because I was sick on Monday. It ended up being a great day though - my awesome boss let me off early and I went home and started helping get dinner ready for our guests coming over. We had two couples from church over. I am not allowed to cook so I was put in charge of making the Watermelon drinks - thank goodness I had Rachel helping me!! A simple recipe ended up being quite an adventure! They ended up being very tasty though - even Amanda liked them who doesn't even like Watermelon!! After dinner we played LOSER - and I am happy to say that I was not the LOSER this time, Bill was! Haha =] Then the boys dragged the girls to see "You Don't Mess With The Zohan." We figured we always make them see tons of chick flicks so we should at least go see one of their movies. Well I am ashamed to admit this but I enjoyed it! It was hilarious!! I didn't get to bed until almost 1 and then had to be up at 6:15 this morning - it was well worth it though!!! I am so excited for these new friendships developing and growing!! =]

Tomorrow is Sunday! Wahoo!!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008


I thank God for such an amazing husband. He was a gift from God that I didn't even ask for. If it wasn't for him I don't even know where I would be today. He came into my life at a time where I was so beyond lost and he introduced me to Jesus. I am not the same person I was before and I have God and Chris to thank for that. Over the past year there have been deaths of people that I used to hang out with in settings that I used to be in all the time - it's really scary to think about. It just makes me so grateful. I never would have imagined that I would be married to someone who cares so deeply about me... that treats me the way Jesus would. Who even when I make stupid decisions - tries to understand the root of the problem rather than just getting mad at me. If the love Chris has for me it just a little taste of the love Christ has for me than all I can say is WOW. I just pray that I am as good a wife to him as he is a husband to me.


I love you Pooks!!!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Can I just say that I love Fridays and I am very sad when they over. See Fridays are now officially me and Chris' day. We both have off work so we get the whole day together to do whatever we please!!! Well yesterday was a pretty lazy one which was just what I wanted and needed. One thing I love about my days off is that I don't have to rush to the gym and back - I can take my time getting there and I can work out as long as I want! So I took advantage of that and did 25 minutes of weights and 60 minutes of cardio!! Go me!! After that I went tanning and then came home and made my new favorite breakfast - cottage cheese oatmeal pancakes (don't knock it 'til you try it!) I have been having a blast finding and making new healthy recipes!! So after that I just laid around and watched tv for a couple hours then I went to visit my mom for a little bit. Chris was very busy preparing for the message on Sunday - so I tried to give him a little time to himself. Then at 7 we went and hung out with an awesome couple from church - Amanda and Ben. We ate chicken and shrimp on the grill! Chris had to take over cooking because Ben had to run out for a bit and Chris was in heaven because he loves to cook - especially grilling!! After a very yummy dessert (Strawberry Shortcake) we went and saw What Happens In Vegas - which was hilarious!!

It was a good day! =]

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Im so slack

Yes yes I know I am not succeeding at being a regular blogger but I want to assure you that my form of blogging is usually done through Spark People.....

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage.asp?id=CHRISTIANGIRL13

Anyway, things are going really well right now. For awhile there I was going through a period of being discontent. Do you ever get to the point where you are like "there has got to be more than this"? You just don't feel like you are where you are supposed to be? Well that is exactly how I have been feeling...and that really is not a good feeling at all. Well after much prayer and talking to my best friends (my husband and my parents) I am starting to realize that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at least for right now. I have given the discontentment to God and asked Him to please make it clear where He wants me and what He wants me to do. And you know what? I trust Him to do just that! I know He has big plans for me and when I start doubting myself that means I am doubting Him... so no more of that!!!

So along with that I have been focusing a lot on taking care of my temple. I have started trying to "eat clean" and I have really stepped up the exercise! Through this I have learned that I am capable of doing so much more than I thought I was!! When I really put my mind to it I can accomplish A LOT! I ran for an hour this morning - 6miles!! I got sick of talking about doing things - now I am doing them!!!! You can't get anywhere without action, commitment, and determination!!

Lastly, I am really trying to invest time in the relationships in my life. It's vital to find who is important to you and then really nurture those relationships. It's especially hard when you are super busy with work but it also really helps you find who your real friends are - the ones who still stick around even when you cant see them as much as you would like! Sadly, theres not too many relationships worth nurturing right now but the ones that are there are amazing! Of course my husband and family! And then there is my best friend Erin who has been by my side through thick and thin for almost 8 years now... you know its a real friend when you can still maintain a friendship living in 2 different states! And then there are a few new friendships that I am super excited about!

I can't help but feel like big things are about to start happening!!! =]



Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Ed Young came to Barefoot and....



...brought it to a Whole Notha Level!!!

Friday, April 18, 2008

Its been awhile!!

Well as usual I have been super busy! I did however get a chance to go to Chicago last week for the Shift conference at Willow Creek! It was awesome! It was just what I needed! I learned so much and it just really rejuvenated me. The best thing I got from it was that I have started writing again. It is something that I have been passionate about since I was little but I have kind of put it on the back burner for a long time. I had the privilege of meeting Shauna Niequist the author of one of my favorite books called Cold Tangerines. She is the one who inspired me to start writing again and she gave me a bunch of recommendations on books to read to help become a better writer. I am very excited! Who knows I might write that book I always said I would!!


Monday, March 24, 2008

The Key to Life!

Deuteronomy 30:19-20a

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life.


Friday, March 21, 2008

Good Friday

Today I am filled with thoughts of everything Jesus went through for me. I can't even fathom the excruciating pain and torture He willingly went through. It makes me feel so grateful but it also makes me feel overwhelmingly sad. It was so horrible!! I don't even like to imagine Jesus being treated like that, it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I don't even feel worthy of having someone do that for me. His love for us amazes me because when it comes down to it that is the only reason He went through what He did because He loves us and wants us to spend eternity in Heaven instead of Hell. All I can say is WOW that is true love.


Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Almost Easter!!

I am getting very excited for Easter! It's funny because this will only be my second Easter that I celebrate with a real understanding of what the day signifies. I went 20 years of my life thinking all Easter was about was candy and eggs!!! I am just thankful that it wasn't longer! I am forever grateful that my amazing husband came into my life and introduced me to my Savior. My life has never been the same. Clay always says you may be the only Jesus they ever see and for me at that time in my life Chris was the only Jesus I saw. I can't even imagine where I would be today if it weren't for him. I truly am blessed to have a husband who seeks God first in everything he does. When I mess up and do something stupid Chris chooses to see me the way God sees me and I can't tell you what a difference that makes in our marriage.

Anyway, what I am looking forward to most this Easter is spending the day with both my families! Chris' parents are coming down and cooking at our place and my family is coming over. Just thinking about it makes me all happy inside! Both our families together celebrating Jesus! I love the fact that our families get along so well! I only wish his parents lived closer so we could get together all the time! Maybe one day... =]

I will have all the people I care about most in the world at my home on Sunday, I don't think I could ask for anything better!!!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Luke 2:19

This was my verse for the day in my devotional and I really loved it because I could totally relate to Mary.

"
They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."

When my world seems crazy and out of control I just reflect on all the good things that my God has done. Just like Mary I keep everything I have learned in my heart so that He is always with me and as long as He is with me everything is good - even if it doesn't feel like it at the time!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Anyway

At work they play country music all day and I have heard this song several times but today I really heard the lyrics for the first time and they really ministered to me. It's funny how you can hear something over and over but you don't really hear it until you need it, you can't tell me that's not God!! Well, I hope they have the same effect on at least one more person!!!

You can spend your whole life building
Something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You can chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yea I do it anyway

This world's gone crazy
It's hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all your heart
For all the right reasons
In a moment they can choose to walk away
Love them anyway

God is great
But sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yea I do it anyway

You can pour your soul out singing
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yea, sing it anyway

I sing
I dream
I love anyway.

Friday, March 7, 2008



I recently started Beth Moore's 90 day devotional - Jesus. I am really enjoying it so far. I haven't done a devotional in awhile and I was really hungry for something good. And what could be better than a devotional focused purely on Jesus' life. Anyway, I am only on the fourth day and it's been talking about Mary receiving the news that she would be giving birth to Jesus. I read this today and it has just really stuck with me.

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is holy,
and he has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from generation to generation
to all who fear him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
He has scattered the proud and haughty ones.
He has brought down princes from their thrones
and exalted the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away with empty hands.
He has helped his servant Israel
and remembered to be merciful.
For he made this promise to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his children forever.”


It amazes me that right after finding out that she was going to be giving birth to our Savior she was able to praise God like that. I know I would would need at least a couple weeks to get over the initial shock and let alone all the questions. The biggest one being why me?? I just would not feel worthy and I know I would have some serious doubts. I am sure I would want more proof! I would be so stressed out and anxious that I wouldn't even be able to focus on the excitement of the news!! But not Mary, her faith is much bigger than that and she is just excited to be chosen! I wish I could react to every situation in life like Mary reacted to that....

I want a faith like Mary!!


Friday, February 29, 2008

I am still alive

So I just wanted to let all my bloggy friends know that I am still alive I just have been sooo busy with my new job that I have not had time to post. Hopefully my Hubbie and I will be getting a laptop soon so you will be able to hear more from me :)

But yeah work is great, I love it. It's long hours but I enjoy the atmosphere and the people. Between the long hours I have been reading a lot, I am currently reading John Maxwell's "Thinking for a Change." It talks about the importance of positive thinking and how different your life can be if you just change your thinking. I am only on the first chapter but so far so good. I will talk more on it when I get a little further into it. I have also been keeping up with the reading through the Bible in a year. Yay!

Soooo being so busy has really taught me that I have to use my time wisely. I have to be selfish with what little free time I do have. I of course have to have my time with God but I also need to decide which people to use that precious time with. I hope that doesn't sound mean but I feel like it is important to be smart with your time. So I make sure that I get plenty of time with Chris, my family and those friends in my life that I really want to continue growing relationships with. And thats when it gets tough, you have to figure out who really deserves that time, who is putting in that same effort? It's hard but I am learning as I go. I really feel like I am growing and figuring who really cares about me the same way I care about them. Does that make sense??

Friday, February 1, 2008

I have the best husband in the world. Period.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

The Gold Calf

Exodus 32 talks about when Moses was taking a long time on the mountain the people started freaking out and asked Aaron to make them some Gods to lead them. Moses wasn't even gone that long and they were already in desperate need of some kind of direction so they just gave in to the false idols. I can not help but think of the teenagers when I read this. When we take them to camp or any kind of Christian event they get all fired up for God and they are ready to change their lives. But as soon as they get back to school where they don't feel God like they did at the event they give in to the Gold Calf. They go back to following the ways of the world because that is what is right in from of them. It's easy to focus on God when you are at a God-centered event, it's not so easy otherwise. Everyone (including adults too) wants to be directed by something and if it's not God it's going to be something else. That is why it is so important for us to get the kids so fired up for God that they can carry that over into their everyday lives. And I just have to mention that I think our Youth Pastor is doing a great job with that ;0) But the first step is for us as adults to stay fired up for God so that we carry it into our everyday lives and display it for the younger generation.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Excited for the future

I was getting to a point in my life where I was content but not completely fulfilled. I think it had a lot to do with my job which I love but it just doesn't keep me very busy. Well it's funny how God works because as soon as I started feeling this way a new job opportunity fell in my lap. It was something I wasn't looking for at all, I was just asked if I might be interested. So I applied and I got it. I will start in two weeks and I am very excited! I think it will be a job that will challenge me and all I can say is bring it on! I can't wait to see what the future holds! :)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Genesis 29:16

"Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!”

As I was reading the Bible this verse just really popped out to me because it is just such a huge reminder that God is always with us. It's something that I know but I don't really stop and think about enough. No matter what we are going through in life, the smallest things to the biggest things God is right there with us and he is not going anywhere. The reality of that blows my mind! So cool! =]

Friday, January 4, 2008

2008 Already!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone! I can't believe I have been married for almost a year now =] It really has been amazing! I have the greatest husband in the world, I adore him. I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me this year and I can't wait to see what He has in store for this upcoming year.

My main New Years Resolution is to read the entire Bible this year. I'm following the list the church gave us. I am doing it along with a student in youth. After we read our chapters for the day we email each other and give a summary of what we read and what stood out to us. I think this is an awesome way to keep each other accountable and a good way for us to understand what we read. I am so excited about it!! I think it is also going to make me and the student closer than we already are. And of course it will help me grow even closer to God!

Some of my other resolutions are to keep maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being the best wife I can be, and just really growing the relationships that I have.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!