Sunday Worship Song

     So, now that it is officially Christmastime, I have decided that the Sunday worship songs over the next month are going to be Christmas songs. I came across this song a couple of months ago and it is quickly becoming a favorite. I have always enjoyed Joy Williams' music and this is such a beautiful song. I am moved to tears every time I hear it. Like I have said before, the story of Christ's birth is truly amazing and I am completely fascinated by it.  I hope you enjoy this song as well. Hooray for the Christmas season!

Happy Thanksgiving

     Hey all! I just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I'll admit that I am slacking in the blog world and today was a total flop as I did not take one single picture at my aunt's house. I do have a good excuse for being so lazy and that is that I have strep throat and have not felt very good at all today. The morning started out good, but as the day went on my head started hurting again and my throat is swollen on both sides. Anyways, I promise to do better on Christmas day as we will be going to the same place. One of the traditions that I had as a child was watching a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. I love Charlie Brown specials and this one was one of the best. I hope you feel like a child again as you watch this. I also wanted to say, since it is Thanksgiving, that I am first and foremost thankful for my relationship with my sweet savior Jesus Christ. My gratitude goes so much deeper than my words could express and all I can say is, "Thank You." I am also so thankful for my sweet husband Jeff. He is above and beyond anything I could have ever imaged and my best friend in the whole world. I'm thankful for my loving family (aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) who are deeply rooted in Christ and have passed that on to me. I have the best mom, dad, brother, and soon to be sister-in-law that I could have ever asked for and I look forward to making many more memories with them. I'm thankful for all my friends near and far, (Love ya Ramber;) and for my closet friend Stacey. You all play such an important role in my life and things wouldn't be the same without you. Lastly, I am thankful for my home, food, clothes, and car. In America we are so blessed, and it is so easy to take these things for granted, but they are truly a privilege to have. I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving day. Much love to you all.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

     Hey Everyone! I made a homemade pumpkin pie tonight, which makes the fifth one that I've made in the last week. (No they were not all for Jeff and I:) Anyways, I have found that the homemade pies, beat the store bought ones hands down. This is not only my opinion, but Jeff's and some of his friends as well. So I wanted to share the recipe with you all. Here it is...

Ingredients:

1 15 oz. can of Pumpkin

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice

2 eggs

1 can (12 oz.) Evaporated Milk

1 unbaked 9'' Pie Crust

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, mix well, and pour into pie shell. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes. (For me, I do exactly 43 minutes) Let cool, top with whipped cream, and enjoy! 

Sunday Worship Song

     This is such a powerful song by David Crowder and a beautiful reminder of just how much He loves us. Listen to it and believe it with all of your heart, because the depth of His love for us has no end my friends. Have a great night.

Miscellany Monday

     Well, another Monday has come and gone. Oh, how the days fly by. Anyways, I really don't have a lot to share tonight, but, I wanted to share some pictures from Shine. (The disabilities prom at my church) I know it's been over a month since we attended, and I had planned on writing a special post for this. However, being the procrastinator that I am, I haven't gotten to it yet. 

This was the sweet girl that my brother and his fiance had the privilege of escorting.

Jeff and I in our "Under the Sea," attire:)

 

Aaron and Me. 

 

My Wonderful Parents. (Don't they look cute in their Hawaiian clothes?!)

Our dear friend Bruce. He is an incredibly Godly man who has a heart for serving and for mentoring other men. It is such a privilege to know him. (He was a little embarrassed by the wig, but I finally talked him into wearing it:)

 

 A family group picture with a few of the participants.

 

     It was such a fun night and I am already looking forward to serving again next year. Words cannot explain what an awesome feeling it is to make the participants smile. This is their night to "Shine" and our night to let His light Shine. I also cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be serving side by side with my family. I realize in the society we live in today, it is a rare thing to see a whole family in church and serving together. It is definitely something I don't take for granted. Had God not intervened in each of our lives, there's no telling where we would be right now. I love each and everyone of my family members and am so proud of them all.

 

Sunday Worship Song

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”-John 8:12

Baking Up Some Love

     So, Jeff and I have officially deemed Friday nights as, "lazy nights." A couple of our favorite shows come on, so we have been cuddling up on the couch for the last couple of weeks. Well, tonight we went to Wal-Mart to get a pizza and some snacks when we came across this....

 Chocolate Peppermint Cookies with Creamy Peppermint Icing!!!

What love!

     How my heart was leaping for joy:) I love anything that is chocolate and mint, so this was right up my alley.  They are in the oven now and I am anxious to get them out and icing them. Jeff and I did a little taste test of the icing and it was pure bliss! What's that sound I hear? Could it be the timer? My cookies are finished and we are going to thoroughly enjoy them . Hope you all have a great Friday night.

What I'm Loving Wednesday

    

     Hello Friends! Since I haven't done this segment in a few weeks, I thought I would share some of the things I've been loving lately.

1.) Thai Food. So, Jeff and I had not been out to eat Thai food for a long time. (I can honestly say that it was Sept. 30 because it was the night Courageous came out. For me, that's a long time to go without Thai food:) Anyways, after work I called Jeff and asked him if we get some takeout and he agreed that would fine. I got my favorite dish called Pad See Ew. It's a combination of rice noodles, chicken, broccoli, sweet black bean sauce, and lots and lots of spices. It was such a nice treat and tasted even better considering this chilly night we are having.

2.) I am loving this time of year. I am really excited that Thanksgiving is just right around the corner, and  love everything about Thanksgiving day. I wake up early to bake whatever I am taking to my Aunt's house (usually pumpkin crisp), watch the Macy's parade, and then we're off to my Aunt's house to spend the day with our family. The richness of the quality time we spend together is priceless. Not to mention the food. Oh the food is just simply splendid! I am convinced that my Aunt Rosie is the best turkey baker in the country, and the gravy she makes...don't even get me started. She has also started the tradition of making a huge pot of wassail each year, which besides coffee, is my favorite winter drink. 

3.) Today (along with everyday) I am loving my husband. He has been a little anxious about some things lately and I just wanted him to know that I love him, believe in him, and have full confidence in him. I am praying that God would give him the peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7), and that he would be still and know that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)

4.) Lastly, I am loving this song by Audrey Assad. It was sang at my church last year around Christmas and it is such a beautiful song. It is truly crazy to think that Jesus, God's Son, came to earth in such a humble way. Like the song says, He could have came in such a powerful way, but yet He chose to come as a helpless babe. I am still fascinated by the Nativity story. What a sweet Savior we serve.

Sunday Worship Song

     I just heard this beautiful song for the first time and it is definitely one of my new favorites. As Christians, we are called to let our lights shine bright so that others may see the light of Christ's love and turn to Him. As the Holiday's are upon us, what better time of the year to let His light shine. I would encourage you and your family to generously give to whatever organization you are passionate about. A few good ones that I can think of are World Vision, Operation Christmas Child, The Angel Tree, Salvation Army, etc. Let's show others locally and around the world just how much their Savior loves them. Much love to you all! Have a great Sunday evening.

And So It Begins....

     As you can see, I am really excited for Christmas! I woke up this morning and a Christmas movie was on TV, which only added to my anticipation to start decorating.  So, for most of the day that is what I'm going to be doing. And of course, you know I'm blasting my Christmas music as well. Right now I'm loving Matthew West's new CD. Have a great day everyone!!!