Storms

We are in the middle of storm (in more ways than one). We are in a spiritual storm, political battle, etc.. Right now there is a storm going on outside. It is a real rumble. Those of you who know how TX has storms, it is one of those. The kind where the house seems to shake from the thunder. It is really raining as well. Before that storm blew in, I went outside to check the mail, took Max out and I looked up, I saw a beautiful sight and had to run in and get my camera. This is what I found....

He reminded me of how much He loves us. It was so unique, God's light was shining through even though we were in the midst of a storm. It gave me such a loved feeling. God has a sense of humor. In the midst of a trial there is light. 

There is an awesome song that I am completely in love with and can't get enough of.. It is by our church, The Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, TX. Below are the lyrics. 

One thing I ask, this is what I seek

To gaze upon your beauty

When the day of trouble finds me, in the cleft of the almighty is where I’ll be

When my enemies surround me, you will keep me safe in your dwelling

Though a war break out against me (though a war break out against me)

I will hold like an anchor at sea, be strong in the battle with the enemy

Though a war break out against me (though a war break out against me)

I will hold like an anchor at sea, I will make war in the waiting

One thing I know, I am not alone

With every step God goes before me

When the day of trouble finds me, in the cleft of the almighty is where I’ll be

When my enemies surround me, you will keep me safe in your dwelling

They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength

They will rise up, they will mount up on wings like eagles

The song and whole album is available on Itunes. 

Until next time..

Meghan

Under Construction..

I played Softball for 14 years growing up through High School, Jeromy played every sport you can think of mainly baseball, basketball and football. We were active and healthy growing up. When I stopped playing I got in a rut and have been in a rut.. Jeromy and I have both gained 100+ lbs. since we started dating (since 2008) that is 20+ lbs a year. May not seem like a lot but in reality it is. We have been talking about getting healthy and active for months even years. We can eat great all day long but unless you are doing something to burn the calories you are putting in your body then its not going to help. We have been trying to start a family for, well since we have been married. We are trying to get healthy for God, our families now, our future kids and family and ourselves. That is our motivation. We REFUSE to let our weight be the reason we cannot have kids. So from this point on... Our bodies are UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

Welcome to our new journey. Feel free to comment and give advice. We would love to hear from you.

Junky Days

As I grow both spiritually and in age {I found my first gray hair a few months ago ... ahhh!}, I've been trying to discover the how-to to push through some of the downs of life.

One thing that often brings me low is a bad day. Flat tires, overdue bills, conflicts with friends...some days just feel like they're full of junk and flat-out stink.

Being a follower of Christ, I know Jesus is near — even on the junky days — and is always my source of joy {Galatians 5:22}. But sometimes, we just need some practical ways to push through days that stink.

So here are 5 tips to help lift our mood on junky days:

1. Good eats.
Studies show that eating certain foods can help improve our mood. Berries, melon, broccoli and nuts are filled with good vitamins that help our brains function better.

2. Laugh hard.
Laughter is one of the best natural mood enhancers. A simple laugh releases endorphins, which help lift our spirits. Thanks to technology, Youtube is a great source for instant laughter. 

3. Give.
Go through our closet and find some things to donate. We'll feel good about cleaning out and helping someone in need.

4. Sleep.
I hereby give you permission to take a nap. Sometimes our bodies are worn out. When we are tired, we're more likely to feel grumpy or down. So let's go ahead and take that 30-minute rejuvenating nap.

5. Stay inspired.
TV, Facebook, Twitter and blogs sometimes are nothing but negative thoughts. What we read affects us, so it's important to be aware of things we put into our minds. Stay filled up with positive things like Scripture, inspirational quotes, worship music and beautiful pics on Pinterest or Tumblr.

Thank goodness circumstances change and new days are always 24 hours away. Having a plan and a right perspective for days that stink will be so beneficial for us. 

What tips do you have to help get you out of a junky mood? 

Leave a comment today to encourage someone with your tips.

Weekend Wrap up a Day late : (

Friday Night :

Jeromy and I met my parents in Cedar Hill for dinner. Then the boys went home and my mom and I went Christmas shopping. I got everyone's shopping taking care of practically in one night... PTL (Praise The Lord). I usually like to go shopping but during Christmas I really dislike the massive crowds.

Saturday:

I started wrapping presents. Then my mom called, she invited me to the nail salon. Her firm Christmas party was that evening. She came home to find my dad still in bed sick. So, she told me to pack a bag with clothes and that I was going. I was like SCORE... Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to go to her firm Christmas party.. I practically grew up with the people at her firm. So off we went to the Omni Hotel in Dallas. : ) We arrived, valet parking, bellman helping us to our room, etc. We got ready and headed downstairs to the ballroom. The food was FANTASTIC, the views were amazing, and the band there rocked.. My mom got 3  door prize tickets to place in 3 door prizes of her choice. She asked for my help. So I did. 2 each went into $100 visa gift cards the other went into a Trip to San Francisco that the firm paid for. My mom didn't want to put it in there because she said that everyone always puts one in and that it wouldn't be likely for her to win. I told  her that it would awesome if she won. So she did. Before the drawings started I told her that whatever she won that she hard to share it with me.. COME TO FIND OUT. She won... But she won't share it with me : (  As Michelle Tanner on Full House says.. how ruuuuudddddeeee. We stayed the night and came home the next morning.

Sunday:

I finished wrapping Christmas presents and spent time with my husband : )

Monday:

My grandparents came into town for my grandpa's doctors appointment and pet scan. My grandma needed me to take her Toys R US. So after we ate dinner I took her there and she got what she needed for my cousins.

Tuesday:

Not much happened today. I am awaiting for a letter so that I can take it to Navarro, so I can enroll in classes for the Spring. Please pray that it comes and that I will be able to enroll in time and rent my books online. We really can't afford to buy both of our books. We rent Jeromy's anyways. But we still can't afford to buy one set of books. Praying for good things to come our way.

Please also pray for the town of Newton, CT. This tragedy will forever be in my heart and I can't imagine what those parents are going through as well as the town of Newtown. Praying fervently.

Recipe Friday: Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 cup Diced Onion
• 1/4 cup Diced Green Bell Pepper
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 3 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 4 cups Hot Water
• 2 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, Drained
• 5 whole Corn Tortillas, Cut Into Uniform Strips Around 2 To 3 Inches
• _____
• FOR THE GARNISHES:
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro
• Or whatever you prefer

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix. 

Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, green pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and begin cooking, then add the rest of the spice mix. Stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.

Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes, uncovered.

Check seasonings, adding more if needed---add more chili powder if it needs more spice, and be sure not to undersalt. Turn off heat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Five minutes before serving, gently stir in tortilla strips.

Ladle into bowls, then top with sour cream, diced avocado, and grated cheese, if you have it! (The garnishes really make the soup delicious.)

My 2 cents: I made extra chicken breast and cut it up for salads and for the hubs to take whole for lunch. If you think you added enough, add a little more. Could also add corn to this. 

I liked running around with the boys in the alley than playing inside with girls.

I think it's because I was raised with older brothers that I learned at a very early age that playing with girls is hard work. I was seven, and my friend and I were having a tea party [because that's what little girls do]. She poured the imaginary tea, and I set out our pretend chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. We were giggling and laughing until out of nowhere, she got mad at me. My little girl mind immediately wondered why.

Her reason was obvious, even to me: I didn't want to be the "mom," I wanted to be the "dog." She didn't approve. According to my friend, dogs couldn't attend tea parties.

After learning the news from my friend, I slammed my teacup down and said, "This is stupid! I'm going to run in the alley with the boys." Mad, I marched my way through the dirt all the way to the fence gate that led to the alley. I could hear my brother and his friends laughing, running and cheering. The alley was fun. The tea party was drama.

The truth is, even as a grown woman I tend to want to run in the alley rather than play tea party with the girls. I'm anything but a tomboy, but I admit that I get bored with the drama that women bring to each other.

But though my instinctive nature is to run from bossy tea party attendees, I have realized over the years that I do need women as friends. I'm happy to say that because I have opened up my heart to them, I have experienced beautiful friendships that have taught me some valuable lessons on staying sane through friendships with women. Here are a few nuggets those friendships have brought...

Room to breathe is a gift. While I love my friends, I'm not a person that needs to talk to my friends everyday. Some people are, and I get that. But we all have to make room for each other's personalities and needs. A friend who doesn't take distance personal is priceless.

Trust is a must. Let's just say it -- there's nothing worse than a person who has a big mouth. Being able to trust your friend as well as them being able to trust you is the most valuable aspect of relationships. Value your friendship and the trust you've worked hard to build and remember that when you are tempted to share something that is private.

Seasons come and seasons go. While this has been the hardest lesson I've learned in friendships, I've come to accept [rather than mourn] that there will be seasons of life when I will be closer with some friends and not so close with others. While we struggle through different aspects of life the fact is, sometimes we will grow apart.

Friendship is truly a gift from God. But we can't ever expect a friend to fill a void in our life that only God can. We also have to know that perfection is only attainable for God -- friends will let us down and we will let them down.

The old saying is true; to have a friend...you must be a friend. And while sometimes friendship may feel like a risk, it's one well-worth taking. You'll never regret the memories, heartfelt moments and making a difference in someone's life. Find that friend you need, and never let those bad friendship experiences ruin your tea party.

Defining yourself.

"Define yourself through the hands and eyes of a true artist."

As I closed the stall door in a public restroom, that slogan caught my eyes. It was from an advertisement for a plastic surgeon. Reading those words, I knew this doctor was tapping into longings every woman has: to be beautiful, loved and accepted by others.

But for most women, this is not reality. We don't see our beauty or worth. We look in the mirror and only see faults. We allow others to define us.

Sometimes it is our culture. But oftentimes it is the very people we love...our parents, a friend, or spouse. Their words deceive us into thinking we are unworthy...a failure as a woman and even as a child of God.

Yet God created us to be women of strength and beauty, each with a divine purpose planned by Him before we were born. God alone has the right to define us. No one else.

There is only One true artist and His name is God.

God is the Creator.

After reading that advertising slogan, I felt a burning desire to know a woman's true identity. The Truth I found in His Word was powerful and life changing. Rather than posting these truths on the back of a bathroom door, I wanted to share them with you.

You are:

• Created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
• Fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
• Precious and honored in His sight. (Isaiah 43:4)
• Redeemed and forgiven. (Ephesians 1:7)
• A new creature in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• Holy and blameless before God. (Ephesians 1:4, 1 Corinthians 1:30)
• Chosen by God. (1 Peter 2:9)
• God's masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)
• Created with purpose to do great works for God's Kingdom. (Ephesians 2:10)

You are God's creation - beautiful, strong and created with a unique plan and purpose.

I don't want you to rest your head on a pillow tonight without knowing and believing who you are in Christ.

I have prayed that God would reveal to you who you really are - not who you are in the world's eyes, but that you would know who you are in YOUR FATHER'S EYES!