a walk to remember

I ran a mile today and while that would normally be an accomplishment for me what happened after my run was much more rewarding.

As I was nearing the end of my mile, I thought to myself how I would like to venture outside of my tiny neighborhood and onto the county roads. I thought wouldn't it be nice to have someone to run with but, oh well I don't, so I'll just finish up my work out. A cool down walk of what I had just ran.

So I turned my music down,it didn't need to be so loud now. I wasn't breathing louder than a freight train anymore my heart rate had slowed down quite a lot. So I walked past the first two houses in my neighborhood and as I did two four legged friends greeted me first a rambunctious,blonde,and scruffy mutt and shortly after an old chocolate lab waddled up, for a pet. I petted both of them and then started down the road again. They followed. Aww, I thought to myself its that company I wanted. As all three of us rounded the corner two more furry friends joined the group a blonde terrier and a tri-color mutt of some sort. Now our count was up to five and we were headed to the small creek in front of us. I slowed as they dashed into the creek to cool off. The littlest of the dogs submerging itself into the creek first. It was the cutest thing to see. My heart was filled with joy all these cute pups were following me and sticking right by my side. All the way through the neighborhood we walked a little disorganized but nonetheless. As a group we were rarely if ever all walking at the same pace and sometimes one or the other would have some catching up to do. Some were more constant and others got distracted but we all got a good walk in. How often do you find four dogs that all get along and will walk with you. It was pretty comical and a great time. As I saw my house in the distance I couldn't bare to abandon them without giving them all a good pet. I went to my backyard and of course they followed. I sat down on my back porch and made sure they all got a good scratch.

I'm so thankful for the simple things in life, its amazing the happiness these four dogs gave me with their presence and how enjoyable they made my walk.

Have a blessed day and remember to look for God's hand in every part of your life. He blesses us so often without our even realizing.

I know LOVE now

God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.

Learning to depend on him, regardless of the situation.
Not allowing fear to make my decisions for me.
Spending time in intimate prayer with him.
Understanding his love for me regardless of those mistakes I make each and every day.
Embracing our relationship knowing his grace is not dependent on my worthiness but in that I am His.
Learning to put Him first, others second and myself last.
Seeking peace and knowing that I as seek him, understanding will come.
Realizing his unconditional unfathomable love for me forever.
Seeing He only wants the best for me.
Realizing that the things I do at times hurt Him and that I also at times bring Him great joy.
Knowing he calls me be name.
He knows me individually and appreciates me.
Desiring that others would know this GREATEST LOVE OF ALL.
Pursuing him even when the world is begging me to deny his presence.
Not all the sin in world can change the fact that my identity is in Jesus I am a child of the one true King.
He came and died for me so that I might live.

I know love now.

Elvis Cake

Peanutbutter. Maple Syrup. Bacon. Bananas.

If you enjoy these foods separately let me recommend them together, oh how they so beautifully compliment each other. Its the perfect combo of sweet and salty. The best way I know how to describe it is when I'm eating my breakfast and accidently on purpose get my maple syrup on my bacon. Its wonderful.

I used the recipe from confessions of a cookbook queen titled "Elvis Cupcake" Her cupcakes turned out beautiful and she also added a marshmellow topping which I decided to leave out to save money and mess clean up time.

Mine version pictured below is a first attempt and you know how that goes.... the taste was perfect but the look needs some work and next time I'll do a couple things different. I'll have different liners and probably arranged the bacon differently and also make the icing a little smoother.



Making them with my cousin Rachel was a blast, let me know if you like this recipe too :)

Gabrielle Reece "Submissive"

“To truly be feminine means being soft, receptive, and — look out, here it comes — submissive.” -Gabrielle Reece

Its music to my ears to hear such a strong and well known gold medalist, mother and WIFE utter these words.

After all, this is what the bible demonstrates as a faithful wife.

1 Peter 3:1-6 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

Although she made no mention of Christ, I found it inspiring that the tools she had learned to make her marriage work were exactly what the Bible directs wives too, SERVICE, SUBMISSION, & GENTLENESS.

I'd say that is some pretty substantial evidence of the Bibles solidity and God's desiring the best for his sons and daughters.

Memories with Gran

Most people know "go to God when your struggling" its a no brainer but, often we forget the joy he places in our hearts when we go to him in thanksgiving aware of how greatly we are blessed. Not only did he give up his life for us, sinners who denied him, but he chooses to bless us without our doing anything.

What!?!

How does a human heart even begin to comprehend that??

That is one thing that awed me this week. I don't ever want to forget that special feeling of love he placed in my heart this Friday afternoon.

When people say its the simple things it really is true.

I finished up my test and and looked at the clock almost 1 p.m. hmm, I Thought to myself, Gran is probably finishing up her hair appointment right this minute. Ever since I was a tiny little girl she has taken me to the beauty shop with her, I still go with her now sometimes at the age of twenty. So I called her on her cell-phone and she answered knowing she was still in town I asked her if she wanted to grab lunch.

Of course she responded "Yes" and so we went to Panda Express one of my favorites. Got our food sat down and talked a little bit. It wasn't necessarily her words though that made me feel so loved it was her presence, her always being there for me always wanting to spend time with me. She is the sweetest lady I know and one of the toughest too, she has been through a lot in her life but she hasn't let her heart harden she cares for those in her life very deeply and I admire that. I admire her Christ-like example of love.

Traveling back to her house in separate cars, I was overwhelmed, brought to tears, and began thanking God for her life and praying that she truly knew how appreciated she was. God is so good and I'll keep saying this, he never ceases in abundantly blessing us even when we don't deserve it.

Psalm 21:6 For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever; You make him exceedingly glad with the joy of Your presence.

friday five: cupcake favorites

Ask about anyone that knows me and you'll probably learn pretty quickly, I have a slight obsession with cupcakes. Eating them. Decorating them. All things cupcakes over here.

It all started when I made them for my young adult fellowship group,(( Engage)). They went over pretty well, as everyone loves a good sweet treat every-DAY! So I continued to make them stepping up the fancy all the way, eventually getting them to look pretty cute at times.

1. (Favorite creation)created this for a friend's 22 surprise birthday party.



A very time consuming project but it was neat seeing it come together. It consisted of red cupcake liners, vanilla waffers, chocolate doughnuts, yellow nerds or sprinkles, graham crackers and white chocolate circles.

2. (Favorite Cake Recipe)Pineapple Cream Cupcakes By: Your Cup of Cake These were super yummy and popular with the taste buds! This is a picture of my version!



3. (Favorite Icing) It would definitely have to be the Almond Joy Icing also by Your Cup of Cake a coconut butter cream dipped in milk chocolate and sprinkled with almond slivers. Her is my recreation:



4. (Favorite Baking Cups) Le Petite Gateau! I especially love this particular style! So vintage and floral and cute!



5. Last but not least my (Favorite Cupcake Inspiration for the Week)It comes from Confessions of a Cook Book Queen The Elvis inspired recipe looks divine and I can't wait to try it out!!


Peanut butter maple icing with vanilla bean marshmallow topping all on a banana cupcake and topped with bacon; lets just say my mouth is watering as I'm typing this!

To be or not to be that is the ?

Feeling unsatisfied with my major, Business. I voiced my thoughts to a dear friend, family, and Zac. I prayed and I waited. Then I had someone tell me to consider teaching as a major. I abruptly put that off in mind. It wouldn't be an option, my dad would shoot it down right away, I thought. Then as the days went on I considered it more and more and it seemed to be just in-line with what I thought God would desire for me.

Such a big decision though.

Later in the week I met with my mentor and explained all this to her. She told me she too, had been praying about whether or not she should mention this career path to me. Excitement began to grow in my heart as I felt like my prayers were being answered but at the same time....I felt overwhelmed at the thought of changing my major AGAIN, as it would require more classes and more work.

Can I really do this? Do I really have what it takes to be an elementary school teacher? Is this really HIS plan for my life or is it me getting in the way? What if I fail?

The thoughts loomed in my head. The financial cost tormented me and I was paralyzed, making a decision seemed nearly impossible.So I kept praying and made an appointment with an education adviser hoping this would bring clarity. I prayed God's hand would be all over the situation and he would make HIS will known.

Well a bright ray of sunshine did a appear, a glimmer of hope. My dad was surprisingly supportive after I explained to him my disdain for business and a call for something else. He even came to the advising and financial aid appointments with me.

After the appointments though, I still sit here typing this, feeling uneasy. I am not sure if this is what he wants me to do with my life or not but, I will keep praying and focusing on what he wants for me each day.

His direction is clearly telling me Business isn't the right line of work for me (at this time in my life) and as to whether or not the education field is, we will see. All I know is I have to focus on what I know for sure.

A wise woman told me,"Don't put too much pressure on yourself about those types of decisions. As those probably aren't the "biggies" for God. He can use us where ever we go and whatever we do". That's exactly true!

I think God is trying to make it perfectly clear to me that its not my actions that will save me but, that I am already saved. I know he doesn't want me to rest in my abilities or my good deeds but to rest in HIM because through HIM I will be carried and guided and good deeds will abundantly flow. He loves me unconditionally and appreciates me regardless of my career or education level, with that my heart will rest as I begin this new journey.

2 Corinthians 5:6-7 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.

FEARLESS

(FEARLESS) It's that book by Max Lucado that you should read over and over again. Why? because it offers the WORD in the midst of real life storms.

"Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Matthew 14:27

The Lord is near. Philipians 4:5

I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

Nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

Tonight, I am choosing to rest my soul in these verses because I know that I can't continue to feed my fears and starve my faith. I Have to feed my faith and in turn starve my fears. Its the direct path to where the Lord wants my heart.

Storms are raging all around us. And its our ability to keep the focus on God and not the storm itself that saves us. It is a simple adjustment of our eyes from one place to another. Look away and then bring your eyes back to the screen and you've just done it you've adjusted your vision from one place to another. Now focus your vision on God just as you focused your eyes on the surroundings of whatever room you were in. This is all he asks us to do, to realize He is with us at every moment to look for Him and rest in His divine plan for our lives. Regardless of whether it meets our cookie cutter wishes, He is always better than anything this life can offer.

And we find that out as quickly as we look away from Him. Just as Peter did when he took his eyes off God in the Sea of Galilee and began to sink. But we also see that as quickly as Peter put the focus back on Him,crying out,"Lord, save me," he brings us out of our despair and rushes in to save us, sometimes entirely from our troubles and other times to encourage us through them. Either way he is always there holding out his hand to help.

But maybe, just maybe this storm your in, this storm I am in, has a purpose. A lesson to be learned after all its in the storms we really focus on Him.

We have to remember this is not his first storm nor his last and the storms of life aren't an option as to whether we want to take them on or not but, our response to those storms is filled with options. We can choose fear, yes, but we can choose Him even better even more.