Chicken Enchilada Soup

>> Monday, December 14, 2009

I just stole a Chili's recipe online and I am gonna try it out for dinner. We had a progressive dinner last night with our church and I loved the soup portion of the night. I would have been happy to just have soup and dessert. We will see how it goes.

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Pray for Rain

>> Wednesday, December 2, 2009


Today I am sitting in my office listening to the wind blow and anxiously awaiting a storm that is going to hit sometime tonight. I love storms. I am a little bummed out because it looks like we are going to miss the majority of the rain and thunderstorms and I was hoping to fall asleep tonight to the loud sounds and rumbles that a good storm brings. I am sitting here thinking about the storms and trials James talks about in the New Testament. He tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I can sit here and say I can't wait for this storm to hit because I love going through a good thunderstorm. I have been telling my co-workers all day that I am excited about this storm. How awesome would it be if I were as excited to encounter storms of life in this same way? I try to avoid them at all costs because they are scary and they make me uncomfortable. I look at things differently when I am going through a storms in life. The unknown, the intense pressure, the high winds that blow me around, the rain that pelts me and gets my shoes all wet, the lightning that jolts me, the thunder that reminds me this storm is bigger than I am. All these things in life send me for cover and I fins myself praying for the storm to pass with as minimal damage as possible. James tells us that these trials and these storms are building something in me that can only come about because I persevere through the storm. I think about what God has for me later down the road and I dwell on the dreams in my heart that He has put there and I wonder how in the world can He use me or accomplish those things through me. Then I remember this verse and realize that I will be mature and complete and not lack anything when I persevere through a storm. If I never went through it, my roots wouldn't have a chance to sink down deep. I need the storms and trials of life. I am thinking about going to cheer camp this summer so that the next time I face a storm or trial in life I can do a few flips and cheers so I can welcome it with pure joy.

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What it's All About

>> Monday, November 9, 2009






Last night was an amazing night for me and for our church. We went to North Reddington Shores Beach and baptized 29 kids, youth and adults that wanted to make a public profession of their faith. I had excitement building all day as I was thinking about going and being a part of decisions they made. We hear a lot of negative talk about this generation and where our world is headed and it gets frustrating and depressing when that is all you hear. Let me challenge you with something - Get involved in a child, a teenager, or an adult's life and be a part of what this life is really all about! It's about God and how He makes a difference in our lives. How He has something different for us than this world offers us. How He can change our hearts and our lives and give us meaning and hope. How He wants to use us to love people and make a marked difference in their lives. When you get discouraged with the economy, politics, and what is or isn't happening that you want to, go love people with God's love and see how that makes a difference. All of a sudden you will find your life having meaning and making a difference. You will see lives being changed. You will see hope for this generation and hope for our future. I'm done sitting on the sidelines and complaining, let's go make a difference in this world. Anybody with me?

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Seasons

>> Thursday, November 5, 2009


I went to a park today for lunch and noticed some trees that were pretty barren. All there was were mostly empty branches with a few brown leaves on them. Here in Florida, Fall doesn't grace us with the beautiful and vibrant colors it shows off to our friends in northern states. I recently went up to Michigan and was able to see the start of fall there. I absolutely love fall. I love the chill in the air and I love the red, yellow, and orange leaves that follow Fall wherever it chooses to go. But I admit there is something depressing that follows Fall and that is winter. The empty trees, dreary skies, and bitter cold air make my mood take a nose dive. I sat at lunch and was thinking about my life and the seasons I go through. Sometimes I complain about the dry, hot seasons because I am weary and longing for God's Presence to be real to me much like I would long for refreshing water in the dead of summer when you can't find relief from the heat. Other times I complain about the darkness when I am discouraged or just walking through a dark time of life. My heart is sad and there is an oppressive blanket covering me just like the gray clouds cover the sun and block the light and warmth from beating down on me. I find myself anxiously waiting for spring to come because I want the newness it brings. I want the new growth, I want the warmer air, I want the flowers and trees to be alive again. And in my heart I want to feel alive. A big difference between the seasons our planet goes through and the season my heart goes through is that I can look on my calendar and know when summer ends and fall begins. I can look at the weather report and plan how to dress. In my life, I can't do this. I can't plug my zipcode in and get a report of what the next ten days are going to be like. What I can do is trust my God and trust that He knows. He knows my life and He knows what is in my next day and what is around the corner. My seasons don't run parallel to winter, spring, summer, and fall. They come and go. Sometimes abruptly without warning. Sometimes they last way too long and sometimes they don't last long enough. Sometimes I feel like I am out in the heat longer than I want to be and the next thing I know I am right in the middle of one of the most refreshing times I have ever experienced. Like my heart gets to go on vacation. I wake up in the morning with 94 degree heat, jump on a plane and land where is it 45 degrees cooler. Instant joy. Instant relief. Instant pleasure. I don't have to wait for weeks and months. But in those seasons where the heat and humidity drain me, I have to remember those refreshing times will come. When I look at the empty trees I have to remind myself that they will be alive with green leaves again. When I feel like I can't take another day of this heat, or another day of this darkness, or another day of the cold, I need to hide away with God. He will be what I need. He will bring relief. It is all in His timing. There is a season for everything under Heaven.


Isaiah 30:15 -- Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.

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January

>> Tuesday, January 27, 2009

This is the third time I have tried to post this blog. I was trying to say hello and goodbye to January in one single blog, but I think January is not happy with this attempt. I lose everything each time I try, so this one is not as near descriptive or witty as the previous 2 attempts.

This month has been a blast from the start. It has been filled with my brother-in-law Mike coming home for a week before he heads out to Iraq, my friend Karen coming for a visit from Idaho, a trip to Disney World, hanging out with family, my birthday and several celebrations, trips to the beach, going to cool restaurants, a visit to YBOR City, and a ton more. Starting the year this way gives me hope that the rest of the year will be as good.








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Bucs Game

>> Sunday, December 28, 2008





My friends Lisa and Nick gave me two tickets to the Bucs game today. I invited my older brother and we were treated to a parking pass and 2 great club seats. It was amazing being able to go to a Bucs game and have such an awesome view. I feel spoiled!

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ICE exhibit in Orlando

>> Monday, December 22, 2008




Saturday Sara and I drove over to Orlando to go to the ICE exhibit. It was beautiful and so much fun! We waited in a long line and listened to a cheesey guy play his guitar and sing Christmas songs, but it was well worth it! They give you big blue parkas to wear because the temperature is only 9 degrees inside. I got to go down an ice slide and act like a little kid in the candy house. I loved every minute of it!

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Happy Birthday Sara!!

>> Friday, December 19, 2008





I just wanted to take a minute to wish my little sister a happy birthday. She is 27 today!!! I love you nay nay.

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A new Tree Topper

>> Monday, December 15, 2008


Well, we had an angel on top of the tree but My sister and I decided we needed something with a little more Christmas cheer. Who offers more joy and cheer then a Santa Mr. Potato Head? We only wish he were a little bigger.

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Santa Claus is Coming to Town

>> Saturday, December 13, 2008


Christmas Survey-Finish these sentences...


1. Christmas is...the most magical time of the year

2. Christmas trees...make me smile

3. Christmas cheer...is spread by singing loud for all to hear

4. Christmas gifts...shouldn't be such a big deal

5. Christmas dinner...is best when it involves mashed potatoes and gravy

6. Christmas traditions...are meant to be shared with people you love

7. Christmas music...starts too early

8. Christmas sweets...put me in a sugar coma

9. Christmas lights...put me in a good mood

10. Christmas parties...stress me out

11. Christmas travel...is gonna bring Mike, my brother in-law, home!!!!!

12. Christmas cards...should be home made and always involve glitter

13. Christmas weather...in Florida makes me sad

14. Christmas movies...crack me up

15. Christmas clean-up...stinks

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Christmas Survey

>> Thursday, December 11, 2008


1. Fresh Tree/Fake Tree? Fake, I have never had a real tree


2. Favorite Ornament? One I made as a kid, it is a ceramic oval shaped ornament with a leaf imprint on it. It doesn't even look Christmasy


3. Favorite Christmas Song? O Come Emmanuel or Feliz Navidad, so I can dance

4. Favorite Tradition? Probably watching Christmas movies with my family


5. Favorite Gift Ever Received? A bike when I was in middle school

6. Favorite Christmas Meal? Turkey or Ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh bread, pie

7. Favorite Christmas Cookie? Sugar cookies with icing or hot out of the oven chocolate chip cookies


8. Favorite Place to be? I am always in Florida for Christmas


9. Favorite Memory? Going over to Grandma's and Grandpa's as a kid and running down to the basement to see what was under the tree... my favorite was the Big Wheel each of us got


10. Favorite Christmas Movie? Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

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I wait...

>> Wednesday, December 10, 2008




Psalm 140:5-8


I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel.

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>> Monday, November 17, 2008


I joined a gang along with my sister. Don't mess with us.

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Please Pray

>> Thursday, November 6, 2008


My sister, Sara, is coming back to Florida on Saturday to live with us because my brother-in-law, Mike, is going over to Iraq to serve our country. He could be gone up to 14 months and I know this is going to be very hard on both of them. Please pray for Mike's safety and also pray that God would be with both of them as they are apart from each other. I am excited to be near my sister again, I just hate that it is because Mike will be out of the country for so long. Sara and I are gong to be sharing a room again. This will be fun! I love you Sara and Mike and I am very proud of both of you!

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Last night

>> Monday, November 3, 2008


I went with a group from my church to a place down in St. Pete to serve dinner to a group of 200 homeless people. It was a very sobering night. I will be the first to admit that I have become calloused and indifferent from seeing people on the streets holding up signs for money or food. I casually pass them by without giving them much thought most of the time. Last night I talked with a guy named Ray for a little while and was convicted by the Holy Spirit that my heart is hard. This guy had a hungry stomach, no where to sleep that night, and only had on shorts and a t-shirt. His face was so hopeless and his heart was sad. I could tell this just by looking at him. He sat alone and kept to himself but was friendly enough to talk to me for a few minutes. I served him his meal and gave him information on where he could sleep for the next 21 days. He went to the back of the room and got some clothes that would keep him warmer than what he had on. I am pretty sure Jesus was serious when He told the disciples to clothe, feed and look after those in need. I am also pretty sure He wants us to do the same thing. A lot of us want social justice and we want to make this world a better place, we don't have to look very far to see a place where we can make that difference.

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