Warning! Excess Mush Ahead!

My husband posted the sweetest thing on my facebook this morning and it made my morning very bright :) I have to share...

"I'm so amazed by you and all you do....and I got a pretty big crush on ya."

Awwww, right?

itn't he so cuuute? (I may or may not be thinking in my puppy dog voice here.)

But really, it meant so much because I've been really busy this week and haven't been able to see Wade very much (He's on his work week/night shift week). I mean, I have not cooked supper ONCE! That's not normal for me. 

But finally tonight I'm free to be at home and spend time with him before he goes to work. YAY!  In honor of this celebratory event, I'm making steak kabobs and attempting a homemade (healthy!) mexican macaroni and cheese.
I'll be sure to share the recipe if it turns out.

Check yes! for an awesome husband :)

"This ain't a song for the brokenhearted!"

At Lifepoint, we are known to make some pretty funny, sometimes crazy, videos. Just because. 

You may remember my post about our Annual LP Awards show for volunteer celebration.  I mentioned a video we had worked on, followed by a live dance/singing performance.

Well, here it is!

LP Awards Video 2011 from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

*Major props to Zach Gideon, videographer and photographer extrodonaire!

**I've already been told: 1) My constant smile makes me look un-cool, 2) I remind people of the Jesse from Saved by the Bell when they had a band, and 3) My shirt is weird.

***1. I tried to look cool, that's a good as it gets! 2. I'll take that as a compliment, 3. Yeah well, so is your face! Ok... not really. you have a nice face, I didn't mean it.

Enjoy! And Thank you Zach for all of the hard work you put in, making this dream a reality haha. The world will forever be better with this video in it.

Chocolate Love

Ingredients:

CAKE:

• 1 package plain yellow cake mix
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1 cup chocolate syrup - These are regular Hershey's squeezable chocolate, but if you can find the Special Edition Dark chocolate, they are devine!
• 1 package (3.9oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - again, if you can find dark chocolate, use it!
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature.

FROSTING:

• 1 stick (8 tbls) butter, softened.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
• 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
• 1 package (16oz, about 4 cups) confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/8 - 1/4 cup whole or 2% milk
•  1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• dash of salt

Instructions:

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place muffin/cupcake liners in 2 cupcake pans.
2. Plae the cake mix, water, chocolate syrup, pudding mix, cocoa powder, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend on low speed of an electric mixer for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the ingredients are incorporated, then stop the machine and scrape down the sides. Blend again on medium speed for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and thickened. Pour the batter into the prepared pans, a heaping tablespoon per cupcake liner. Place pans in the oven side by side.
3. Bake the cake until the center springs back when lightly pressed with your finger, 25 - 28 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the oven and place on wire rack for 15 minutes to cool.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting. Place the butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate syrup in a large mixing bowl. Blend  on low speed until just combined. Add the sifted sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, vanilla, and salt, and blend on low until the sugar is combined, then increase the mixer to medium - high speed and blend 1 minute longer. Add more milk - 2 tbls at a time until smooth and spreadable. Set the frosting aside.
5. Remove cupcakes and liners from muffin pan and place on the wire rack so they can cool completely.  Once cooled, generously frost the cupcakes.  Optional: I love non-perils on top! 

Can you see the love for this cupcake in my eyes?  Wow. That's serious.

Is it completely horrible that I'm posting a recipe on the most amazing Chocolate cupcakes ever in the same week I posted about my problem with gluttony?  Ughhhh....

"Spritual Gifts"

Ever heard of them?  Have you ever taken one of those tests or questionnaires that tell you what yours is? I remember when I took one in high school and scored a big fat ZERO on mercy (ouch) and was told that my spiritual gift is Faith. 

I don't know if the Holy Spirit would give us a written test to determine the gifts He has given us, whether they be one or many, but I definitely made it a point to improve in the area of mercy! 

The term "Spiritual gifts" may make them seem as little talents or specialties we have that are unique to us. But 1 Corinthians 12 gives a whole new meaning to the term...

"Each of us is given a manifestation of the Spirit in our lives for the purpose of the common good." (Forgotten God, by Francis Chan. Based on 1 Cor. 12:7)

Hmm.. a manifestation of the Spirit. I like the sound of that.  The gifts that the Holy Spirit gives each of us individually are pieces of who He is.  It is a manifestation of Him.

Suddenly, I find myself taking my "Spiritual gifts" or as I am calling them from now on, "gifts from the Holy Spirit" or "manifestations of the Spirit" a lot more seriously.

Anything that the Holy Spirit has gifted me with is a picture of who He is.  Whoa.  I just hope that I don't distort His image with my fallibility. 

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."

1 Corinthians 12: 4-11

9/25/11 from LifePoint Church on Vimeo.

By the by, above is a sermon video to go along with yesterdays post, "Oh the Glutton in Me".  And hey, if you're interested, You can click on minute 9 and listen as I attempt to use one of the manifestations He graciously gifted me with for His glory with the song, "Lead me to the Cross" by Hillsong. 

Oh, the glutton in me

We are currently doing a sermon series at Lifepoint entitled "What Happens in Vegas."  We are focusing on what the world knows as the "7 deadly sins".  The whole point of the series is that our choices don't "stay in Vegas", they follow us through out our lives and deeply affect our relationship with God.

To hear last week's message on Lust, watch this video.  Its very raw, real, and puts us all in check.  I highly suggest it!

This week was on Gluttony. 
Matt, one of the pastors at LP, shared that, while gluttony is most often connected to food, it can be anything that we desire more than God.  An over-indulgence.

Can you think of anything you desire more than God?  Really think. What do you spend the majority of your day/week doing or thinking about?  Is it God? 

If it is, I'm so envious...I think we'll be learning about that in a few weeks, and I'll need to repent of my envy of you ;)

I want to think about God more than anything else in my life.  But so often I'll look back at my day or week and realize I've barely thought about Him at all, and definitely not more than anything else I've thought of. 

We were challenged to pin-point that thing in our lives that we desire/spend more time on/find more important than God.

And, taboo as it is, mine actually is food. 

I don't usually over-indulge in the actual eating of the food, but I over-indulge in my thoughts about food.

Bear with me here, while I explain -- and try not to think I'm a crazy person:

I wake up each morning, starving (or so I think).  Usually, the thoughts of my chai tea smoothie (that I drink every morning) drive me out of bed. 
What would it look like if my hunger for the Word drove me out of bed each morning?

Usually, by the end of breakfast, I've at least thought of, if not planned, what I'll make for lunch.
What would it look like if by the end of breakfast, I'd at least thought of, if not planned, what I'll be doing to glorify God with my life that day?

And dinner. Oh dinner. If I'm cooking, I'll spend 2 hours easily preparing a meal just because I enjoy it!
What would it look like if I spent 2 hours, easy, in God's presence any given evening because I enjoy it so much.

And if we are going out... be prepared, be warned! I will have already spent the day thinking of where we could go eat, chosen my meal at that restaurant, and let myself work up a good 'ol craving for it.  And if something comes up and it changes, or Wade wants to go somewhere else,  I'm a little bit a lot bit crushed and disappointed. Pitiful isn't it?  Ugh. This is so embarrassing.
What would it look like if I worked up that excitement in myself for the day God had laid out for me?

And often times, I like to have another snack after dinner (I eat early). 
What would it look like if I couldn't get enough Jesus and wanted just a little bit more before bed?

What's my solution?  Well, Matt suggested fasting.  The answer is to say, "yes" to God.  Indulge in God more.  If I spend that amount of time thinking about meals (or a hobby, or TV, or a sport -- whatever it may be for you), commit to God to take a day/week/the rest of your life maybe, and spend that amount of time or energy on Him instead.  Pray that our flesh will not rule our lives.  Pray that we will surrender our flesh to Him and that He will be our consuming desire. 

Oh God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast.  I will praise you with songs of joy. I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you though the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.

Psalm 63:1-8

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh the joys of those who take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8

{May we over-indulge in Him.}



Game Day Ceviche!

Nothing screams "Football" like Ceviche, am I right?

What? No?
You've never heard of this "ceviche" before? Well, lemme introduce you to a close and personal friend of mine.

Frontera Grill's Ceviche!

Rick Bayless at Frontera Grill is my best friend... or at least, he would be, if he knew me and I didn't already have a best friend in my husband and another in my awesome squirrel friend Megan. 

But yeah, we're close. On my part at least. 

For our first anniversary, Wade and I traveled to Chicago just to eat at his restaurant.  I'm not even kidding. We couldn't get a reservation because they were for 6 months out! So, we got there an hour before the restaurant opened and waited in line (Yes, there was already a line!) to be a Walk-In.  It was soooooo worth it. Best meal of my life.

You may remember my post on the Duck Tacos recipe that he created.
Yeah, he is a Mexican food genius!

So, I thought, since I'm making ceviche for a football party today, I'd share my version of the recipe with you! (sorry I don't have a photo of my own, but it's still in the "cooking" process.)

Ingredients:

• a 40-60 medium count pack of frozen, uncooked shrimp*. Tails off, deveined.
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups lime juice (I'm lazy and buy the little squeezable lime thingys... ya know what I'm talkin about?)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, stems cut off, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, chopped (seeds included if you like it hot!)
• 1 tomato, cored and seeded. Then chopped (basically just the outter shell)
• 1 or 2 avacado, diced.
• 1/8 salt

Directions:

1. Thaw shrimp* under running water and drain. I tear my shrimp in half to make it go farther.
2. Combine 1 1/2 cups lime, shrimp, and onion into a large glass or stainless bowl.
3. Refrigerate for 3 hours until the lime "cooks" the shrimp and it turns pink.
4. Tip off the juice.
5. Add cilantro, tomato, jalapeno and salt.
6. Refrigerate an hour longer.
7. Add avacado at the end so it doesn't brown.
8. Serve with chips or on top of a tostada and eat it all up! 

Serves: 8 as a snack, but me and my hubs tear it up as a meal.
Takes about 4 hours.

*You can also use any white fish, scallops, or all three! The lime will cook it through.

Let me know how you guys like it!
Oh. and Wade says, "Roll Tide"... blah blah blah.

GO GATORS!

Does absence make the heart grow fonder?

I sure hope so, cause WOW. I have been "blog-non-existant" lately!

As many of you know, Wade (my super hot hottie hot of a hubby) works 7 days on, 7 days off. These are the lovely 7 days off and I have been fully enjoying our 24 hours a day together!  I just wanted to check in. I don't want you guys to abandon me!  I promise, next week I'll be back. And maybe I'll even have something interested to say... or a few recipes I've tried out this week, like the most amazing chocolate cupcakes you will ever have... or a healthy and TASTY grown-up mac-n-cheese!
Yes. I think I'll share those.

Jesus Cristo te ama!

winning!

ok, while that phrase is completely overdone (and comes from kindof a weirdo), I still secretely love it. 

And I TOTALLY AM!

Last night, while on my date with Wade, I entered a Twitter giveaway for a Kelly Moore camera bag and I WON! 

I never win anything! I could't believe it.  (neither could the strangers, I'm sure, sitting next to me in the movie theatre when I learned I won and started freaking out!)

Now I just have to decide which bag to get.  I'm thinking the Mimi for sure, but I must decide on color. I'd like something I can wear with a dress (because I already have a camera bag that's great for Mission trips, but something tells me a backpack/sling doesn't quite go with a date night attire).

What do you think?

Black...

Or Grey?

By the by, I know these things aren't cheap, but they are excellent quality!  Plus, if you follow Kelly Moore on Facebook or Twitter, she's always having telling about a giveaway you can enter!

*I'm in no way popular or cool enough in the blog-o-sphere to be sponsored for a blog post.  I just wanted to share my exciting news and give this awesome bag designer/photog a shoutout for being so generous!

Feliz dia de la independencia!

In honor of Mexican Independence Day, I thought I'd share some photos from my very first trip there, back in 2006.

Going to Mexico that December changed my life forever.  It was where I met my husband. It was also where God introduced me to people that Wade and I will love forever and our home away from home.

Embarrassingly, I once told God, "I'm not learning Spanish. You aren't sending me to Mexico."  Now I look back and PRAISE JESUS he knew better than I did.  I feel so foolish when I think back on that statement. 

Mexico is a place that I cherish so much. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think about the people I've grown to know and love over the last 4 1/2 years. 

As you look through these photos, you will see glimpses of the moments that God used to bring me where I am now.

The Canal.  Streets that I consider my own...   

 Julyssa, Katia, and Rey. The first kids I met on the canal. Now teenagers...

Cynthia.  Whose parents broke my heart when they asked me to take her home with me so she could have a better life. Who moved away shortly thereafter. Who returned after several years and still considered me her friend.  That's a relationship constructed by God...  

Merlan. Broken and bruised as a baby - beaten by her father.  Now, the daughter of a man who now knows Jesus and a girl who loves to dress like a princess...  

Kids that don't care if you can't speak the same language. All they need is a hug and a smile...  

My life. Forever altered...

Fast friends. Long-lasting relationships...

 Meeting my Wade. Working together to build a home...

Starting something that's never gonna stop...

Priceless.

Dear Mexico,

"... we have no stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins."

-- Colossians 1:9-14

The Marriage Challenge

I've been thinking about the subject of this post all week and planned to share it with you today. It could best be described as a challenge.

This is a challenge that may sound easy, but will take more effort than you might realize! I think, however, that the more you apply this challenge to your life, the more it will become a part of who you are.

  The Challenge is this:

To "out-serve" your spouse.

We were challenged with this idea at church on Sunday.  Imagine what it would be like if your goal is to serve your husband (or husbands to serve your wife) more than they serve you, and you are both taking the challenge! 

Nothing makes me feel more loved than when Wade serves me in some way, especially if I don' t ask for it!  The fact that he is looking for ways to serve me shows me his love in a way that so closely represents Christ's love for us -- and isn't that what our love should represent?

"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."  -- Ephesians 5:1-2

*photos by Authentic Photography

"Forgotten God"

I've just started a study on a book called Forgotten God by Francis Chan with my community group. (My community group is a group of friends who meet together weekly to talk about God, study His Word, grow, and keep eachother accountable).

Now, I'm not the type to base my belief system on any book other than the Bible. In fact, I usually get bored reading books on "how-to" anything!

 

I'm intrigued by this book for two reasons:

1. The subject matter - The Holy Spirit
2. The humility of the author

The Holy Spirit is someone who I've always known to be a part of my life, but if I'm honest I haven't been quite so active in involving Him intentionally.  I would say if you were to measure our relationship on a scale, His side would far outweigh my own efforts.

 
I find myself, ashamedly, wondering why in the world it's like this.  And I know the answer clear as day. I'm lazy (undisciplined). And scared.

I'm lazy because inviting the Holy Spirit into my life (every moment every day) takes effort.  I can't just say, "Hey. Holy Spirit be in my life in everyway" and then go on and keep doing things without consulting Him.  Ignoring Him. That's a lie. It takes intent to be disciplined enough to make consulting the Holy Spirit a priority in my life. 

I'm scared because I fear where the Holy Spirit will take me if I do truely invite Him to guide every aspect of my life. 

I've spoken with so many friends who fear where the Holy Spirit will take them as well.  Some fear that God will call them to Africa or to a dangerous people group.  They fear they will have to leave their homes or families to be obedient to God.

The only difference is I would LOVE to go to a foreign country and be a full time missionary.  You know why?  Because that's comfortable for me.

What's uncomfortable is being here -- Ministering in America.  If I'm being honest, it is much easier for me to share my faith with people who don't speak my language.  The fact that I'm American makes them want to listen to me!

Here, in the states, I have an overwhelming fear that no one cares about my faith. I worry that I'll be "bothering" them. I feel convinced that no one wants to hear from me at all! 

So, my fear of the Holy Spirit's guidance is that he will call me here. Right here. Where I already am.  It's scary for me because it is more of a challenge for me.  In fact, I feel tense right now just writing this! 

A few years ago, my husband attended "Man Camp" with our church. He came back challenged with something that continually comes to my mind:  He was challenged to dicipline himself enough to feed himself Spiritually before he feeds himself Physically each day. 
To spend time in God's presence, in His word, and in prayer before he meets the physical needs of his body. 

If you've ever lived with me, or even gone on vacation with me, you may know that food is SUPER important to me.  It's usually what draws me out of bed in the morning (I wake up starving!)

What if I woke up with that same desire or need for the Holy Spirit's work and presence in my life?

My prayer is for that to be the case for me. My prayer is that I won't read about the Holy Spirit and not apply him to my life. My prayer is that I will not allow fear or lack of self-discipline to enslave me anymore. My prayer is for the Holy Spirit to live and move through me.

"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." -- Acts 4:13

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere -- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." -- Acts 1:8

Free Business Cards!

So I was blog creepin' a few weeks ago and saw this awesome deal that I took full advantage of and now I want to share it with you!

Free Business Cards!

But they aren't just regular ol' boring cards. They are fun SUPER cute cards by Minted!

Here are ones I picked...

There are TONS of styles to choose from and they are all custom made with your information!

They are actually advertized as "Mommy Cards".  I'd never heard of these, but aparently you put your info on them (maybe add a photo of your child) and trade them with other parents for play dates.  Well, I don't have any little ones yet, but I do have a part time job and on a rare occassion I'm asked if I have a card. 

Right now until the end of September, Minted is giving away 25 free business (or Mommy) cards of  your choice!  I mean, why not, right?

My sentiments exactly.

Just go to http://www.minted.com/ and click on the promo for 25 free Mommy cards! Design your card and do the "I got free stuff" dance! 

Don't have one of those? You can borrow mine.

I like the Cabbage Patch.

Please see below for a detailed dance description.

Until next time,

Pottery Barn Knock-Off Mirror

I love Potterybarn. L.O.V.E.

But I do not love their prices.  yuck.

Almost a year ago I found a blog that held those same sentiments.  The funny and super-talented-with-a-skill-saw gal from Tidbits with the Tremeyans (one of my favorite blogs to read) did this project and it's been on my to-do list ever since!

This mirror from Pottery Barn was the inspiration.

Wanna know the price? 

Oh, just a measly $699.00

I'm not even kidding.

But hey, can't fork out the $699.00?  That's ok! They have this scaled down version for only $249.00!

  Break out the checkbooks people!

Or.......

You can do what I did and copy Mandi at Tidbits and Do It Yourself!

Mine:

Cost: under $20.

Big difference huh?

I think I'll save the $679 and do it myself!

Besides the amazing savings, making something youself is soooo much more satisfying isn't it?

Here is what you need to make one yourself:

• Small mirrors from the Dollar Store (check yes for cheap!!) I used 9 square mirrors about 5 inches around, but I'd like to do this project again with more mirrors and make a REALLY BIG ONE!
• 1/4 inch trim. I found this at Hobby Lobby
• Strong glue
• Plywood

First measure your mirrors CAREFULLY! I had to re-cut too many times.

For this mirror:

1. cut 6, 1/4" trim pieces to the EXACT length of each mirror piece to run vertically between the mirrors 
2. cut 4 pieces of 1/4" trim the length of 3 mirrors plus 1/2 inch (to compensate for the two 1/4 pieces on the end) to run horizontally between and above and below the mirrors.
3. cut 2 pieces of 1/4" trim to run the length of three mirrors, plus 1 inch to frame the outside of the mirror on the left and right (vertically).
4. go to Lowes to get a piece of plywood (thin) cut the length of 3 mirrors +1" x 3 mirrors +1" (Square) find the small pre-cut pieces and have them cut it more for you, this will save  money over buying a large piece to be cut. Plus if you keep the scraps you have great signage pieces left over!
5. Paint all of the trim and plywood before you put the mirror together! I used dark brown craft paint.
6. Put the mirror together before glueing in case you need to trim any pieces down! (trust me!)

One the measurements work to fit the mirrors tightly between the trim pieces, glue that sucker down!

(If this sounds difficult, it's only because I explain things horribly! It's really easy and you'll figure it out as you go along!)

Feel free to use these photos as a reference for which size pieces go where.

I've got to give mad props to the hubby for helping me out with this one. If it weren't for him. I'd still be trying to figure out how to cut the wood! (we used a jig-saw)  And I'm not "allowed" to buy more project pieces until I've knocked out a few I already have going ;)  So I'm glad this one is finally finished!

playing with textures

Listen. I'm no photographer. But i LOVE pictures!  I got a pretty great camera about two years ago - not to start a photography business (I ain't got them skillz) - but because I am a visual person and I wanted to capture moments in our lives in high quality!  I'm still learning to use my camera without using Auto, and have been having a lot of fun with Photoshop. 

I entered a giveaway last week (and didn't win! boo.) for Jessica Drossin Textures.  I started looking around her website and facebook page at her product and fell in love!  And what's really great is that she has two free textures on her website and one free texture if you "friend" her on Facebook!  I downloaded all three and played around with the Facebook texture called "Autumn". 

Here's what it can do!

(The following photos are shown first as raw images straight from my camera and the second are after I've applied the "Autumn" texture and made a few slight adjustments.)

While you may not want to add texture to every image, it's certainly fun to play around with on a certain special photo -- and textured photos look GREAT when enlarged on canvas! 

For a really helpful video tutorial on how to add texture or bokeh to an image on Photoshop, click here!

Jessica Drossin didn't ask me to post this, in fact, she doesn't even know who I am! But I loved the free textures so much I thought I'd share the links so you can try them out for yourself! I've since purchaced her Illumination Textures   which are great because they seem to add light to the photo. They almost remind me of a piece of Thomas Kinkade artwork in the way light is somehow placed inside the picture. 

Have fun and take pictures!