A well needed update...

It's been so very crazy since the last time I posted, and I wish I had good news to update you all on. However, things recently have been very chaotic and devastating. 3 weeks ago, we learned that our Itty Bitty, had stopped developing at 5 weeks old. Two days before I had some spotting and I had a notion that something was not right. I visited my doctor, and she did an ultrasound and it looked like the baby was just fine. She couldn't see/hear a heartbeat just yet, because the baby hadn't hit 6 weeks yet. We were unsure of my due date since things were so very early on in pregnancy. 
The doctor called and told me two days later, that my hormone levels had dropped extremely low, and she was pretty sure that I was miscarrying. It was one of the hardest and roughest days of my life. I was scared, depressed, mad, confused, just to name a few. 
My body took care of everything on August 10th, but it was an experience that too many women and parents have gone through. I never knew how common miscarriages are. It was one of the most painful experiences, mentally and physically that I have ever been through.
A week after the miscarriage I had a visit with my doctor. She said everything looked great and that my body looked like I had never even been pregnant.
That day after my appointment, I went straight to St. Luke's Hospital in Houston to go visit my future father-in-law. He had been admitted for severe pneumonia. He looked grim, pale, and in pain. He was extremely emotional and scared. I had a feeling that our lives were about to change, drastically. 
On August 21, Brian and I had learned that his father has stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma, otherwise known as, kidney cancer. It had taken over the entire left kidney, spread to the left and right lungs, spread to his adrenal glands and lymph nodes. They were afraid that it had spread to his brain and bones, and they knew it was terminal. 
It was a day that hit us like a freight truck. We were pushed into reality that Brian's father may not survive much longer. As the days went on following the news, things started looking up. The cancer had not spread to the bones or brain, and the lung would be receptive to radiation to help his breathing to heal better.
Today, he is better. He has had 5 days of radiation to clear his left lung so that his immune system can get back to normal, so he can get over the pneumonia. They thought that taking out his kidney would be a good solution to get rid of the cancer. However, he is so weak, and surgery is so invasive, that it would be more harm to him to do so now. In the future, once his immune system builds back up, it will become an option.
Today is home and comfortable. He will continue radiation, and options will continue to come up throughout this entire process. Hopefully he will be around for years to come, and the doctors seem to be taking this one step at a time, and have assured us that no human has an expiration date.
Today things turned a little brighter. My brother was released from the treatment center he has been in for the past 7 months. It was a joyous day. It was such a blessing to be part of that experience with him. He was excited to get out and start a new chapter of his life, and to better his future.
I leave you tonight with a hopeful heart. I trust in God, and will 'be still' (Psalms 46:10). I know our Lord has great plans for us. I know that my child is now safe and out of harms way, and is loved. I know that Brian's father is being protected by someone who cares so deeply about him. I know that my brother has someone rooting for him on every step he takes.
God is good, ALWAYS.

  

 

Keep Calm & Trust God

  via Ambrosia Clark       

 

Hubbs-To-Be at Home with Me!

We went to Dr.'s Office this morning at the butt-crack of dawn, literally. Hubbs-to-be has an upper respiratory infection. It seems to be going around. He's on some antibiotics now that will hopefully kick this infection to the curb.

Hubbs-to-be has been home for 4 wonderful days. He will be home all day until Monday. He leaves to go work in West Virginia on Monday. I have the next 3 days with him as well. All in all, it will be a total of 7 days of him being home. Which is pretty darn amazing considering the fact that I haven't spent an entire week with him in entirety in over 2 years. He started this current job/career in December of 2008. Our relationship has gone through alot in these past 2 years, and we are so much stronger and our love has grown deeper and deeper.

Since he is home, I don't have much time to blog, which is bad for me and my readers, but great for me and my love...So I want you to know that I'm thinking about ya'll and actually discussing blogging with B alot. He's proud of my small successes, and I'm going to rack his brain later to get his opinion on post ideas. I love getting new ideas. I have a few that I plan on scheduling for this weekend so that I don't completely lose my readers. So bare with me these next few days, and understand that my personal life is so important when the love is home with me. {no, its really not that important when he's gone, lol}

He's actually begging me for attention right now. He's driving me nuts. He's bored, restless, and running a muck around my house. He has now claimed himself as dog warden. He has put each pup in prison {kennel} once today. So I hope ya'll have a wonderful evening, and tomorrow I will have a more interesting post...I think it will be a new recipe...you'll just have to wait and see!

Before I leave you, here is something I designed today just to play around with. Enjoy! Just something inspirational, if you want to put it in use, go for it. If you sport it on your blog, make sure to either link it to my blog, or let your readers know that I designed it. Whichever way you sport it, just don't claim it as your own, please. Super simple, just like the design. Quiet, yet loud at the same time! Hubbs-to-be actually helped me design it too, so props to him.

   



Mini Spinach Dip Bowls {Recipe}...oh and some ranting

So, I had some awesome plans to make some yummy superbowl food. Plans changed, big time. Congrats to the Packers! I was rooting for them!

Hubbs-to-be was sent on a job Sunday morning at 5:30am. He thought he would be home in time to have our lil party, which ended up being a pity party instead. Needless to say neither one of us were in good moods, and things just got worse.

We originally planned, since the beginning of the week, to have friends/family over. I was amidst making oreo balls, when I got a text from them saying that they would rather go over to someone else's house than come to ours. R.U.D.E....

{ Not only was this just some other friend's house, but this friend of theirs, is selfish, conceited, and well I don't understand her. I have avoided this woman so many times because I become an evil person whenever her name is brought up or when I see her. {literally, a fire lights up inside of me whenever I hear her name} She lives a lifestyle that I don't agree with, and I'd rather not be around people like that. Being around those kind of people rubs off on others, and I'm not about to let myself become anyone like her. I pray about this almost daily because my family/friends act oblivious to her lifestyle, and gossip about her. I don't want to be one of those people, I want to keep walking with our Lord, and in His word. I hate that I am judgemental and have a hard time forgiving people, but I'm seriously working on it. }

My feelings were severely hurt by my friends/family. I prayed amidst my extreme anger, when I realized that I was being that evil person again. I finally listened to God. Forgiveness is in the making. The man upstairs controls it all, and somewhere in all of this, there is a life lesson. I'm taking the following scripture to heart this evening as I'm writing this:

19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

As I'm writing this, it is now 3:00am on Monday morning. Brian is still on the job, and not expected to come home for hours. I plan on staying up. {yes, I'm crazy like that} I need some major time with God. I plan on doing my GMG James Bible Study for the week ahead tonight while I'm waiting on him to come home.

I had my pity party, and made some food, and now that I've ranted {gosh, I feel so much better}, it's on to the recipes I wanted to share.

I made Mini Spinach Dip Bowls, Oreo Balls, Mint Oreo Balls, Mexican 3-layer dip, and Chili. {I'll share the oreo ball recipes this week}. I ate everything but the Chili. Of course I only had a few of each, lol...I have ALOT of leftovers for whenever it is that hubbs-to-be comes home. The chili will be frozen for hubbs-to-be so he has food when he goes on jobs.

Mini Spinach Dip Bowls

this recipe is the modified version of Picky-Palate's Baked Spinach Dip Mini Bread Bowls

my modifications are in red, and I took a few things completely out to make things a little simpler, go see PP's version too!

13.2 oz roll of refrigerated french bread loaf,

1, 10oz box of frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2-3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

3 oz softened cream cheese

1/2 Cup light sour cream

2 Tablespoons fresh shredded parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

salt & pepper

1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese-use 1/2 for sprinkling, and other 1/2 in the mixture

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 12 muffin cups with non stick cooking spray. Unroll package of french bread loaf and slice into 12 equal size slices, about 1 inch thick. Press each slice into about a 3 inch round, I did this by pressing in between my hands. Press into the bottom and up sides of the muffin cup. Set aside.

2. Place cream cheese, sour cream, cooked spinach and garlic, Parmesan Cheese, 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, Chili Powder, salt and pepper into a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. With a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dip into each of the centers of bread bowls. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 15-17 minutes until just turning brown on edges. Remove and let cool for 3-5 minutes before removing from pan.

Makes 12 mini spinach dip bread bowls.

fresh out of the oven

ooey gooey, cheesy, and blissful mini bread bowls

*sneak peek of a new recipe*

Stay tuned! Off to go wash my eye out now, I touched it after washing my hands 10 times because I chopped jalapenos for the Chili.   God Bless,   Link Parties I'm participating in:

I am proud to say...

That there are 2 new things I'm starting this year!

First of all, I started a facebook page for my GMG winter 2011 group. There are 11 of us total so far! If you are interested in a women's accountability group for quiet times with God, check out my post about joining...PLEASE Join Me...

Second, I have been thinking about new blog challenges and such. I found this wonderful challenge from a friend on facebook, she posted a link to the original host of the challenge, and is participating. I am joining in!

It's called Project 365. You take at least one picture EVERY DAY of the year! So I started on January 4, and will end next January 4th. Honestly, if I get in a routine of this, I might just take a picture every day for the rest of my life if I stick to it...lol

They have tons of suggestions, and since I have an iPhone with a great camera on it, it's simple and convenient for me to take a picture daily. I'm posting the pics to a private facebook album by date for myself to look at. I may eventually make it public. You don't have to look at my fb album though, because I will be posting my pics on a weekly basis here on my blog!

How awesome will it be in 1 year, to see what my life was like today! I will be a wife to wonderfully amazing man in a year from now, and there are so many things to look forward to. I am so excited about this challenge!

I encourage you to join me in this fun filled journey over the next year! If I get enough followers commenting on this post, *hint hint* then I will add a linkup eventually so people can join me, and we can all see each other's lives through pictures!

I will post every MONDAY, the pictures from the previous week in chronological order. Be looking for a post on this coming Monday for the pics!

As I leave for the night, focus your prayers on the victims and their families of the Arizona shooting. Our world has been flipped upside down in this past week with shootings in schools, malls and now in front of grocery stores.  Pray and be grateful for what you have today, because tomorrow it could be taken away from you in a split second!

***Project 365 is in no way my creation. The original creator is linked above. ***

God Bless,
 

A Trying New Year Ahead

What a crazy new year it has been, already...

The beginning has been a bit trying, to say the least.

One of the main reasons I haven't blogged is because I have been preparing for a long year ahead, without my brother. If you don't personally know me, then you probably don't know the story about my brother. I'll try to make this as quick as possible, and not bore you.

{this is my brother and I in 2009 before things got really ugly}

My brother is an alcoholic and drug addict. He is 21 years old, I am 23. He is an amazing person when he is sober, and living his life through our Lord. However, when he is high/drunk, he is the worst person I personally know. My brother has been an addict/alcoholic since he was 14, yes 14. He would sneak things into our home, hide them, and use...over and over again. His high school years were mostly a blur because he was high. He didn't graduate high school because he was high. He has been arrested 3 times in the past 2 years because he was high. He has totaled 2 vehicles between June 2008 and June 2009. He is in trouble, and he needs help.

The Story:

In October of 2009, he was arrested and put in jail, and immediately was bailed out by my parents. He then begged us to help admit himself into a rehab center. He went for 45 days. We learned so much about this incredibly baffling disease, and were educated beyond all belief even though it was extremely overwhelming. From that day forward, the lives of our family would never be the same.

He was at his first rehab for 45 days, relapsed (in our house with both my parents and myself in the house, and we had no idea, while he was there for 2 days) when he got out, and went into a more strict rehab center for 4 months. He then moved into a sober house, and then another one, then his own apartment, and then he was arrested for a DWI in October of 2010  in downtown Austin. He broke his curfew, he drank, he did drugs, and he tried to drive, at 4 o'clock in the morning.

He served his time in jail for 14 days, yes 14 days for a DWI, insane that its that short, trust me its not enough. He now has a DWI on his record, and it will never come off. However, the other charges that were dropped, just days before his DWI, came back on his record, and his probation was revoked, and he had to go in front of a judge to decide his future.

The judge sentenced him to 8 months in a state treatment center near Austin. As well as adding 3 months to that sentence of being in a state sober house in Austin. 11 months of recovery. He must admit himself into the county jail, and then he will stay there until a bed opens up in the treatment center. He could be in the jail for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. The 8 months doesn't start until he enters the treatment center.

Recently things with John were wonderful, we know longer let him put guilt trips on us, he was a much happier person to be around. Even though he is one of the most selfish people I know, it was awesome to be with my little brother for Christmas, since we hadn't spent the holidays together in 2 years.

On Tuesday, our family drove the 3 hours to the county jail where his sentence was supposed to be filled. However, his probation officer wasn't there, and the jail had no record that he was supposed to be going in. It was infuriating, stressfull, and emotionally draining. So we drove the 3 hours back to our house for the night, and my mom, my brother and I watched some home movies of when he was 1. Home movies from 20 years ago.

The only thing that he managed to say during the movies was how our lives were revolved around me, yes me. He said I was spoiled and wanted all the attention, and took all the attention away from him, even on his birthday. It angered both my mother and I, and we stopped the movies in disappointment that this disease was taking him from us.

Wednesday his probation officer called with a horrible attitude, mad at the world that John wasn't in jail that morning when he called from vacation. He told us that John needed to be there now, and that he was in violation of his court order. My father was infuriated and told us that we would be dropping John off again and going through the 6+hours we drove the day before all over agian. It was just as stressfull as the day before, but we managed to drop him off for good. He is still in a holding cell in the county jail as I'm writing this. Again the sentence doesn't start until he arrives at the treatment center.

If you are wondering why I'm emphasizing this, my wedding is in 9 months and 16 days. He is to spend 8 months in the treatment center. If he doesn't get in to the treatment center before February 15, he won't be able to be a groomsman in Brian and I's wedding. I actually took him to Men's Wearhouse last week and got his measurements because we knew he couldn't get measured in June/July like we intend the rest of the groomsmen to get fitted.

Now you're asking, how could you do so much for him and love such an evil person? My answer is, he is my brother, he always is, he always is be. It's not my brother doing these evil, sinful things, it's the diseases. He has two diseases, alcoholism and addiction. Most people don't believe this to be true. They think it has something to do with maturity, and becoming an adult. But his diseases prevent him from maturing and becoming an adult. His brain is missing a crucial deciding ability. The addict/alcoholic is spontaneous and doesn't think about the consequences of their actions until its too late. I just thank the good Lord that he isn't dead, or hasn't killed anyone. God has watched over him all these years and has made sure that this hasn't happened yet. My brother has only hurt our family and more importantly himself, and God.

My parents and I have been educated enough about these diseases to let it all go. We've understood everything we could about what we're going through. We have thrown our hands to God in confusion and conflicting emotions. We so badly want to rescue him, but we so badly want to be angry with him, and the truth is, neither one will suffice enough, as much as we'd like to think.

Summary of this story {which I'm sure you're wondering what it is}: I won't be seeing my brother for at least a few months, and maybe even the full 8 months that he is in the treatment center. I love my brother, probably more than he would like me to, and more than he loves me. I no longer have much emotion when it comes to talking, or thinking about him. I simply pray for him, and our family as this journey goes on, and I leave it all to God for the future. I've come to terms that he probably won't be a part of the biggest day of my life. But I still have an inch of hope in a million foot journey that we're going through.

There is a lot more that I could have covered, but I'm pretty sure this is the jist of this subject. I know many of you may have questions, so give me a chance to answer them by commenting below. I have no problem with being completely honest about this situation.

Please pray for our family, and for my brother. I don't want sympathy, I want prayers. Prayers that help heal my brother, prayers that help heal our family.

my brother John, my fiance' Brian, my dad, me and my mom at a Port Aransas family vacation in September 2009

my brother, me, my mom, and my dad at Baffin Bay October 2010

Here are a few verses to leave you with that tugged on my heart strings during the past few days, that seemed to relate to how I was feeling.

***My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. *James 1:19-21*

***And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. *1 Peter 5:10*

***Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. *Proverbs 16:3*

***Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. *James 1:2-4*

God Bless,
 

Please JOIN ME!

Hey all! I am putting together a group over at Good Morning Girls for the Winter GMG Session that kicks off on January 15th. If you haven't heard of this before, read here for more information.

I would love for anyone to join me in a group I have started. So far there are 5 of us who have joined and we would love to have more members!

This group is basically a group of women who want to grow spiritually with each other. They contact each other every week day via facebook/twitter, email, text, phone call, etc. Each member of the group holds the others accountable for the strengthening of their own spiritual growth with our Lord.

I'm new at this GMG session deal, however, I am so excited to have some accountability for furthering my spiritual growth with Christ. If you would like to join, email me, facebook/twitter me. {aboyd.txdanscr(at)yahoo(dot)com}.  I will need your info like your Name, City & State, Facebook/twitter info, email, blog/website address.

Hope to hear from you all soon...and p.s. new blogs are coming up...I have a whole list of ideas/posts that will coming up in the near future! Hope everyone has had a blessed Christmas and New Year holiday season.

God Bless,

Challenge Review Time!

{taken at Pedernales Electric Coop in Johnson City, Tx}

Hey all! I think I've come to realize that Tuesdays are my blogging days. Lately I've been posting on Tuesdays because of the challenges going on in the blogosphere! Forgive me for not posting as often as I was before. Christmas is such a busy time of year, and its no different for me! Here are my entries for the challenges!

Courtney @ Women Living Well, who is hosting the Peace on Earth Challenge, says:

Here's this week's challenge: Christmas is just 4 days away and so much of our time is often spent helping the children to remember the "Reason for the Season". Now it's our turn. Once the kids are in bed get yourself a HOT drink (again we are warming the body as we warm the soul.) Get ALONE and turn out the lights by your Christmas tree, a lit fire, or a candle and just be alone with God. Pray, talk to him, I encourage you to sing Christmas carols or songs praising him, and just rest with Jesus.

I haven't had the chance to do this weeks challenge just yet. I have planned some time with Brian tonight. But its in question because of the possibility of him going out on another job for the next few days. If he does go out, he'll be back Thursday afternoon. I can't wait to turn the lights out and just gaze at the Christmas Tree, and pray. I'll probably flip my iPhone over to some Christmas tunes too! It's a PLAN!

Brittany @ The High-Heeled Housewife, is hosting My Favorite Things Challenge.

December 20: My favorite encouragement from the Bible

I have to admit...I have several favorite encouragements from the Bible. God's word is so effective on me, and I take everything he says to me to heart. However, I do have 2 verses that I try to live my life by, as well as a verse that I try to fulfill even though I am not married yet.

Phillipians 4:13~I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This verse speaks to me, because when I often feel discouraged, I pray to God to show me motivation and strength. This is usually what pops in my head after I've talked to God. It comes to me as "With God, all things are possible." I am so blessed! Jesus sacrificed himself so that I could have a wonder-FULL life! Every moment I get, I praise him, thank him, and ask "What can I do for you, Lord?!"

Joshua 1:9~This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
This verse applies as well to my life. God wants me to be strong and courageous. He doesn't want me to ever be afraid or discouraged. He is with me no matter where I am, or what I am doing. He wants the best for me, and wants me to be at my best at all times, so that Satan can never reap the benefits of my discouragement, weakness, and cowardness.
Proverbs 31:10-31
This is a long one, but it speaks for itself. I got this off of another blogger who got this from an unknown source online. This is a study of the verses of  A Wife of Noble Character-Proverbs 31 Woman. It explains each verse for us wives {to be in my case} to live by! What an amazing woman she is...I strive to be this woman, every day.

vs. 10 - "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies."
She is “priceless!” She is a woman after God's own heart.

vs. 11 - "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value."
A virtuous woman inspires absolute confidence in her husband. He can “safely trust in her” (KJV). She is not impetuous, scatterbrained, or unpredictable. Rather, she can be trusted. Her husband can be confident in her. She will never deliberately let him down.
vs. 12 - "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."
The Proverbs 31 woman “brings him good” — that is, her husband. She is not a “liberated” woman as defined by modern feminists. She is God-fearing (vs. 31), a woman of God, and also very much husband- and family-oriented. And these are seen throughout this chapter as positive traits. She brings him good. There does seem to be biblical wisdom in the modern-day axiom that “behind every good man stands a good woman”. She is an asset to her husband. She will never intentionally bring harm his way.

vs. 13 - "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."
She is skilled and capable in working with fabric. The modern counterpart would be skill in things like quilting and sewing. And notice that “she works”. There is no hint of laziness in this woman who is praised by God. And she “worketh willingly with her hands” (KJV). She is “willing to get her hands dirty”, as the old saying goes. She is no prima donna! A woman of God is not “above” manual work.

vs. 14 -"She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar."
She understands that the duties of a wife and mother include ensuring that her family is well fed. A virtuous, biblical woman, may I suggest, will excel in this area. She will not only go about to learn the necessary cooking skills, but she will study sound nutrition and will ensure that her family is fed nutritiously, not with a high proportion of out-of-the-box junk food.

vs. 15 - "She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions to her woman servants."
This virtuous woman, this praiseworthy woman of God, is not given to “sleeping in” in the mornings. No! Rather, she is up before dawn to make sure that her household is well fed.

vs. 16 - "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard."
Amazing! The Proverbs 31 woman is no wimp! She has the intelligence and business sense to evaluate a piece of property and to buy it. She has her own “earnings”, with which she buys the field and plants a vineyard.
vs. 17 - "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."
The virtuous woman is not afraid of physical work.

vs. 18 - "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."
Like the bible’s virtuous woman, many modern women have their own home-based businesses. The woman in Proverbs 31 seems to have been a seamstress who sold garments and sashes. She apparently did her business well, working well into the evening, because “her trading [was] profitable”.
vs. 19 - "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."
The virtuous woman learns domestic skills. My beloved maternal grandmother was an excellent seamstress. Her husband had died and left her a widow with seven children at home. Her skills at making clothing were essential to keeping her children well clothed.

vs. 20 - "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."
Her home-based skills have earned her a profitable income. She is ever willing to share this blessing with the poor and needy.
vs. 21 - "When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."
The godly woman is fully aware of the priority of her family in her life over other things that might sidetrack her from her domestic responsibilities. She is an excellent illustration of the charge to younger women in Titus 2 (verse 5) to be “busy at home”.

vs. 22 - "She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple."
Not only do the skills of this woman of God earn her an income from the merchants, she also makes sure that her own home’s needs are well cared for. The Proverbs 31 woman does not neglect her own appearance. She uses her skills to provide attractive clothing for herself.

vs. 23 - "Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."
Notice the God-approved division of responsibilities. She was at home, caring for her home and family. He was in a place of respect at the city gates among the elders of the land. The city gates are where much ancient commerce was conducted. So it is not unreasonable to surmise that the husband was conducting his business affairs there.
vs. 24 - "She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."
Already mentioned earlier, she seems to have had a home-based business. The surrounding verses make it clear, though, that she did not do this at the expense of the well-being of her household.

vs. 25 - "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."
The virtuous woman has a sense of dignity. She is not frivolous or embarrassing in her conduct. She looks to the future and makes sure that her household is well supplied, so that she can “laugh at the days to come”.
vs. 26 - "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
This godly woman speaks with wisdom. The virtuous woman will offer faithful instruction. The context of the surrounding verses places the location of this instruction in her home. She made the home a place of both love and learning.
vs. 27 - "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
The bible defines the husband as the head of the home (1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Corinthians 11:3). However, his daytime responsibilities are outside the home, at “the city gates” (vs. 23). The wife-and-mother is at home, as this chapter clearly indicates. So it is her daily responsibility (not his) to “watch over the affairs of her household” (vs. 27). This is consistent with the apostle Paul’s counsel to the younger widows to “marry, to have children, to manage their homes...” (1 Timothy 5:14).The virtuous woman “does not eat the bread of idleness”. To this day I marvel at my wife’s energy and drive to maintain a nice, orderly home. “Idleness” is a word that is alien to her!

vs. 28 - "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:"
Children raised by an involved, dedicated, loving, at-home mom rarely grow up feeling estranged from her. Rather, they bless her! Likewise, the husband of such a virtuous woman will overflow with praise for her from his heart
vs. 29 - "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
That is the sentiment that a biblical, virtuous woman as described in this chapter will evoke in her husband’s heart — “You are the best!”

vs. 30 - "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be raised."
God is reminding us that beauty and charm are fleeting, temporal things. But that which earns genuine praise for a woman is that she is a God-fearing woman.

vs. 31 - "Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
A virtuous woman has a great reward coming from the Lord in eternity, along with the great fulfillment she will experience in this life for a “job well done”. And her virtues will not only be known and blessed by her husband and children (vs. 28), but also her reputation will precede her to the “city gates”. The godly woman, whose life is patterned after Proverbs 31:10-31, will be well known and highly respected in her community.


If you've managed to read this entire post, THANK YOU! I know its long, and ranty, but thank you for following and reading my every words!

God Bless,
 

Challenges Monday

It's time to do my challenges for this week! I look forward to Mondays so that I can focus on these challenges! If you haven't joined these blogs yet, don't worry, catch up on your own time and follow the next challenges! You won't regret it.

Courtney @ Women Living Well is hosting the Peace on Earth Challenge.

Here's this week's challenge: Take out your calendar and SCHEDULE a night where you will take a warm refreshing bubble bath. Bring your Bible. Read the story of the birth of Jesus in Matthew 1, 2 and Luke 1,2.

Last night I read this before going to bed. I was actually thinking strongly about taking a bath before she posted...but this just put the cherry on the top for me.

So I took a bubble bath...it was AWESOME! I'm still at my parents house, and they have an awesomely huge bathtub in my bathroom. I'll go take a picture of it!

*sigh*

I read the story of the birth of Jesus while taking my bath. Everytime I read the story, I get something new out of it. This time, I read it, to understand it more. It was so relaxing to give my time to God, and read the bible.

Thanks Courtney for a great challenge that I LOVED!

Brittany @ The High Heeled Housewife is hosting the My Favorite Things Challenge

This week, enjoy your favorite part of the holiday season! Plan for your family to join you in celebrating this wonderful part of the season.

My favorite part of Christmas and New Years is the spirit that everyone has on a day to day basis. (Besides the ba-humbugs out there). I love that people wear a different smile during the season of giving, and it makes me a happier person as well. All of my family is in such high spirits and I get to really enjoy the reason for the season. Brian and I were discussing our decoration theme for the front of our house. We plan on decorating this afternoon, and Brian simply asked for one thing in particular. He asked, well more like demanded, that one of our Christmas cut-outs says Merry Christmas on it.

We talked about how last year, I had planned on making a cross cut out to put in our front yard, but alot of people, like my aunt and grandmother, told me that it wouldn't be appropriate, so I then changed my mind to a cut out of the nativity scene. They didn't agree with that either. Their argument was that only Church's have a nativity scene (which is not true), and that people would judge my front yard, and Brian and I, as people who don't embrace other beliefs.

I was honestly taken aback by their opinions, and I never got the chance to do my cut outs due to Brian leaving for West Virginia last December, and I went and stayed with my parents like usual.

This year will be different. This week I plan on making appropriate cut outs with the CHRISTmas spirit! People judge no matter what I will have out in my front yard. I want to decorate my front yard to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the reason for this season. I'm not afraid to show my faith in Christ, so this afternoon we will decorate for Christ, and our faith.

God Bless,

 

Homeade CHILI and a rough day

Sunday I made an awesome pot of CHILI!!! It's my mom's homeade chili recipe. I thought I would share it because it is sooooo good.
Mom’s Chili Recipe
Ingredients:

2lbs of ground beef
1 whole onion, minced
3 cloves of garlic
5 tbsp chili powder
5 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp oregano
1 large can of tomato sauce
3 ½ cups water
1 can of black or pinto beans (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a pot cook onion and beef until meat is brown and onions are tender.
Add garlic.
Add dry spices, cooking for 5 minutes.
Add tomato sauce and water
Cook for 2-3 hours on a low simmer
Add beans 15 minutes before serving
DO NOT COVER or chili will be like soup
Top with shredded cheese and raw minced onions, serve with Saltine or Oyster crackers!
Even though this chili would be better with *chili* weather, it's still the best chili I've ever had. Really.

(don't you just love this cute lil post divider from Shabby Blogs!!!)

Today started off very rough. I'm sick with a cold/allergies. I woke up to Brian kissing my forehead *sigh*, and then almost coughed in his face :( He told me that it was time for him to go to work, and I was shocked. He said he woke up early and made sure his alarm didn't go off because he knew I hadn't been getting much sleep and he realized that I was dead asleep. So he didn't wake me up! He is so sweet! I told him I wanted to go back to sleep when he left and that I wanted to take some medicine to make sure I actually got sleep. My mom told me to take a shot of whiskey when I was restless and couldn't sleep. So proceeded to take my half of a shot of room temperature Crown Royal. I've taken plenty of shots before ;) not for sickness, either. That was THE worst shot I have ever taken in my life. I will never be taking a shot of whiskey again unless I feel like I did this morning. I walked my sweet fiance' to the door (a routine I haven't been used to in a month or so because he was gone), and kissed him for a good day. He left, I went and layed back in bed intending to go to sleep, and then I see "Brian Lee" on my phone, and his ringtone starts playing. He tells me that he is on his way back to our house to pack to head to West Texas, Pecos, to be exact.

So I immediately broke into tears, had 2 minutes to get myself together, and walked to the front door. He packed, and I decided then that I would be packing too. My parents thought that they would come to our house in EC for Thanksgiving, but there was a possibility that Brian would be out of town for the Holiday, so they weren't sure. Needless to say, I made the decision to travel to Johnson City this morning, because I did not want to be home alone, sick, for Thanksgiving. He helped me pack up our puppies, Peaches and Citori, and then was on his way. We gave each other a few kisses, and then I hugged him tightly. When he had to pull me away, I noticed I had soaked a wet spot on his uniform coveralls, and he chuckled and told me that everything would be fine, and that he would see me in a few days. I told him that I was extremely proud of him, and he responded "I'm so very proud of you too." ♥ My heart melted, I began to tear up, and I told him to get going, or I would really start to break down! He left again for the second time this morning, and I sucked up my tears (and snot) and started packing!

So here I am in JC, drinking some Earl Grey Tea with honey and lemon, watching Glenn Beck. I miss Brian very very much, especially because I am sick and just want to snuggle with him. I am so so so proud of him for leaving to take care of our life, when I myself couldn't be strong.  I thank God every chance I get, because I have such an amazing life. Even though things didn't go my way, I managed to let it go. Our King has a plan for me and my future husband, and this is part of it. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?!?!? So I leave you with this...what an amazing man I get to marry...Thank You, Lord.


For Now & God Bless, *Amber*

Less than a year!

OUR wedding will be in 359 days. Even though it seems like forever from now, it's actually coming up really fast. In less than a year, Brian and I will say our vows in front of our family and friends, and most importantly God. I am so blessed to have Brian as my soul mate, best friend, and partner for life. He is my support, my rock, my everything. When he comes home from work, whether it's been a long trip, or just a day at the EC shop, I get butterflies everytime I see him. He is amazing. He is so strong, mentally and physically. He is so sensitive to me, and is an incredible man. He is everything I have ever imagined in my prince charming. I sometimes wonder how it is that God blessed me with such a man that most women only dream of.

I hope that I am everything that he has ever wanted in a wife. I know I struggle at being a homemaker sometimes, and I know that I have disappointed him on numerous occasions. I absolutlely hate to clean, especially the dishes. I've quit school, I'm lazy, I have a plethera of flaws, more than I'd like to admit. The crazy thing is, Brian accepts them, and continues to encourage me to change for the better, not for him, not for any other person besides myself. I am one to not have much self confidence. I often put myself down, laugh at my embarrassing moments, and overthink everything I do. Brian perks me up, makes me feel like I have a purpose, and encourages me to do the best I can. He is definetely the man for me, no questions about it. He's my better half.

Even though we've dedicated our lives to each other already, we will be legally married and will be planning a family by that time. Brian would like to wait around 3 years after we're married to start a family. He thinks giving us that time to adjust to the married life would help us in starting a family. Personally, I think he is CRAZY!!! I will be 24 when we get married, Brian will be 25. We've been together for almost 7 years. We are practically married! We live together, we've gone through emotional and physical struggles together that most couples NEVER have to experience. So 3 years after we get married I will be 27, and he will be 28. That's a little too late to start having kids. I want to be at least 26 by the time we have our first child, and I'd idealy like to have each child 2 years apart. Which would make me 30 by the time we have our last child, if we have 3. As long as I have kids before 35, I will be happy. I want 4 kids, and he wants 2. Somewhere we will compromise, hopefully at 3!!  Even though it sounds like I want alot of control in these issues, I believe that whatever our king has planned for us in the future, will be just fine with me. I will blessed, no matter what happens.

I figured that I'd post something new, something that's been on my mind, and not a detailed list of the happenings in my life!

I hope everyone had a blessed day, and that this Halloween weekend is very SPOOKY :) ok, really though, I hope its fun with all of the festivities, or for my best friend, Lesley, the opening of duck season. ♥

For Now & God Bless, *Amber*

One Way to Lose Weight

Should have never written about stress in the previous post...our house temperature inside is 84 degrees. It's 78 degrees OUTSIDE!!! It's warmer in my house than it is outside! I cannot SLEEP in an 84 degree house. I'm giving up, God, please help me. I surrender!

Wishing I was here RIGHT NOW!


For Now & God Bless, *Amber*

GOD is AMAZING

I meant to post this Monday night...

I am so blessed. God has done nothing but give me every opportunity to succeed in life. He is constantly testing me. Every second of evry day.

Today he challenged me, without a doubt!

I was hired on as a sales associate at Cato here in town. I've worked the position before. It was a year ago, but at a different store. I didn't really think that I would work for them again.

Luckily I got the job. I can't decide if I'm excited or scared, though. I've been through this position before. I liked it before, but I hated the fact that it took my time away from Brian. I couldn't be at his beck and call. I couldn't stay home and cook all day.

I have those same fears. However, I need a job, badly. I want to support myself so I can have the luxuries, at my wedding, that I wish for. The money is probably THE biggest reason I took the job. It was kind of weird though. I thought I was going in for an interview earlier this afternoon. It turned out to be a 4 hour interview and training session. It was a gruling process. It was mostly spent on my manager training another new girl. It was a bit frustrating. But I left happy, knowing that I have a job and that maybe I can save a good chunk of my earnings for the wedding.

Overall it's a good thing. While I was sitting...waiting really...I was ready to run out and say forget it! I was bored and I just wanted to work, not sit for 3 hours doing paperwork in an extremely unorganized backroom/desk. Nonetheless, my manager threw a FIT when I told her I needed this wknd off for travel to Austin for my birthday. Then I proceeded to tell her I needed every other weekend off. She BLEW UP! I was ready to RUN!!! Crazy lady was lucky I stayed for 4 hours. She was very inconsiderate about my time and didn't even thank me for coming in on short notice. I came in an hour after she called for me to meet with her!

I'm going to cry, and be in pain from being on my feet all day. It's going to be a challenging job. Not the actual work, but the fact that I have to work with this insane woman is what's challenging.

Let's just say, I hope it lasts longer than the first time I worked at Cato (which was less than 2 months).


Well it's now midnight. I am working tomorrow from 11-5...
6 hours! It's crazy how I just jumped right in!

Anyways, Good night!



For Now & God Bless

*@*


-- Post From My iPhone