Taking a moment to be still

In today's world, it's hard to just sit and be still.

    To not think about anything.

         To just sit and listen for the Lord, and to rest in His presence.

It seems like we are constantly being distracted and bombarded by something - phone calls, To Do Lists, emails, Facebook, media, work. We live in a fast pace world and things rarely slow down.

However, finding time to be still is something that I try to do every morning, before I do anything else. And it's become the most important time in my whole day, one that I thrive on. If I miss a morning with my time with the Lord, then I feel like I have missed something important.

This past month in Jesus Calling, "Jesus" has been speaking to my heart to really trust in Him, especially during the tough times. We all go through the ups and downs of life. We have mountains to overcome and valleys to rest in. During each of those times, we are called first and foremost thank the Lord for whatever situation we are in, and also to seek Him and trust in His Word, His love, and His divine plan.

Today's devotion was very reaffirming to me.

"You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way I designed just for you."

God is in control and that is so comforting to me. And all He is asking is for me to trust in Him, to follow Him, and to love Him.

Before Christmas I spent some time making memory verse flash cards. I had them all put together except for the ring that holds them together, however they were just sitting on my dresser. Today, I put them together, and started memorizing the first verse. I love being able to recall verses during the day when something happens - good or bad. It's like God is actually speaking to me, reminding me that He is near.

There are 52 cards, one for each week of the year - obviously, I have some catching up to do! My desire is to have these 52 verses written on my heart by the end of the year - reference included. And then next year, to start on 52 more. 

The first verse I chose for a reason:

"I have written your word on my heart that I might not sin against you" ~Psalm 119:105

God Bless

What's Cooking?

Tonight for dinner was fun! 

I found a picture on Pinterest for grilled avocado, bacon, and cheese a while ago, and decided to try it tonight. 

Anything with avocado sounds good to me! 

I got some fresh baked whole wheat bread from Whole Foods, provolone cheese, and bacon (for Paul), and grilled up some sandwiches.

For the soup, chicken broth, fresh tomatoes, onions, a little garlic, basil, and a touch of milk. Boiled them all together, simmered for a few minutes, then pureed about half of it in the blender, leaving half chunky.

Together, the combination was great! Nothing beats a rainy day than finishing it with grilled cheese and tomato soup!

God Bless

Happy Birthday Mom!

My grandmother, who my sisters and I call Mom, celebrated a big birthday in November. My family arranged for us to get together at her cabin in Dahlonega, Ga for a weekend to celebrate.

It was so wonderful to get away for the weekend with family to just sit back, relax, play some games, hike, walk, and catch up. We figured out that we hadn't all been at the cabin together as a family for over 10 years! It had been way too long, so it was great to be back all together.

I love this cabin. I have so many memories from growing up spent here. My grandparents built it in 1988-1989, so it's been around practically my whole life. My sisters and I used to spend a week at Christmas here  every year - and I can't begin to retell all the memories. This cabin will forever be held close to my heart. It is a house built with and filled with love.

When my sister and I were little we buried a time capsule that we were to open each time we were there together. However, we couldn't even remember when we opened it last so we were anxious to get out there and dig it out. The only problem was that we knew the general area in which it was buried, but not the exact location. We had to dig a few holes to find it!

My grandmother called it digging for buried treasure!

You can't see it too well, but there are about five holes in the ground from digging. This is Hanna wondering where our treasure is. 

Yah! We found it! 

I'm holding a plastic bag covered in Georgia red clay that holds an old plastic tub within which is our treasure!

That was a mighty big and deep hole for little girls to dig!

Our note inside. Evidently, we've buried this three times before! 1995, 1996, and 1999. 

The random contents - a speech, a hair rubber band, some money, a "perfect man" key chain, a magnifying glass, and a pack of gum. Hmm...not really sure what all of this meant when we put it in there, but it must have meant something to us at the time.

Of course we updated the paper record, and added new things to it. Then we reburied it. 

Saturday morning we went for a walk down the road. It was a pretty day and good for walking. 

LOVE this little guy!! These are the Carhartts Uncle Paul found for Henry. They were perfect for a weekend at the cabin. 

Saturday afternoon we hiked down the mountain to the river. Vance got to come and had a blast leaping down the mountain, over fallen trees, and of course into the river!

Meredith, my dad, and me. 

The weekend was wonderful. I honestly do not think there is anything better than quality family time. And now that my family lives in three different states, we value and hold on to the time that we can spend together. I am so blessed to have my family.

And it can only get better as it continues to grow.

Here's our group picture before we all parted ways.

Dad, Hanna, Mom, David, Meredith and Henry, Mom, Pop, Me, and Paul.

"As for me and my household, we will choose to serve the Lord"

God Bless

Check in

It's been awhile. Honestly, not much has been going on here in Birmingham...at least not blog worthy, I guess.

Paul is working hard at the hospital, staying really busy, learning new things, and helping many people. He's started the process of looking for a job in South Carolina, so any extra prayers would be welcomed.

I'm still working at the church on Mondays and Fridays and babysitting Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The kids that I babysit for have found a special place in my heart and I will be sad to leave them in June. It's been fun to watch them grow over the past 7 months. It makes me look forward even more to having our own kids some day.

Here are just some fun things...

1. Over Christmas my mom pulled out some of my grandmother's old jewelry. My grandmother Moll died in 1998 when I was in the 8th grade. She was a wonderful woman and lived a full life. My sisters and I were able to pick some of her jewelry pieces that we would like to have. I wear them with honor. This is a ring that I picked. It has opal stones in them, which is my birthstone, and I just love it.

2. Last weekend Paul and I went to Nashville on Saturday to see my family. It was a quick trip up and back on Saturday, but we had a great time seeing everyone and spending the day together. Henry turned 9 months old this past week, which is crazy to think about! He's getting so big and is such a sweet little boy.

3. I have discovered Plum Amazins! These are so good! I put them on my Greek Yogurt in the morning for breakfast instead of raisins, and it's pure goodness in a bowl! Compared to raisins and cranberries, they have 50% more fiber, 20% fewer calories, and 50% less sugar!

4. I'm running again. But this time, I'm tackling the hills behind and around my apartment. Not an easy task. Sometimes I just have to keep telling myself to keep moving. This mornings run was 4.83 miles, with an elevation change of almost 300 feet. It may not sound like a lot, but trust me, you can feel every step up! I may not be walking tomorrow.

5. I'm reading a lot. Big surprise there.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken

Matched and Crossed by Ally Condie

6. I am loving this amazing weather! We've had 60s and sunny for a while now, and even the trees are starting to bloom! It's beautiful! I know the groundhog saw his shadow, which usually means 6 more weeks of winter, but if it means 6 more weeks of this weather, I'm fine with that! 

7. Valentines Day came early! I'm speechless. Truly without words. Except for Thank You! I love you, Paul. 

I hope you are doing well. 

God Bless