I am loving....
-Saving money by eating through my pantry
-The fact that my fantastic sister-in-law is coming home tomorrow!!
-The website, www.pinterest.com; it's an online way to catalog the things you love (think of it as a online cork board/inspiration board). Beware it can be as addicting as looking through people's facebook profiles to look through other people's boards!
-The rain we have had the last couple of days means I don't have to water my plants outside!
-How fabulous I feel when I am not drinking Cokes!
What are you loving?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
What I am reading now...
I am going to start writing post about things I am enjoying or currently using in my life. This could be anything from books I am reading, cooking gadgets I am loving, make up I can't live without, or the contents of my purse (and everything in between).
I am going to start it off with the books I am currently reading....
Now I don't want you to think that I am holier than thou or seeking some kind of record when I show you what is in my reading pile. Sometimes there are magazines, other times it's mindless chic-lit, or even young adult fiction on occasion (Ok so maybe it's more frequently than on occasion suggests). This just so happens to be it:
I know, I know. It's a far number of books for any given time, but they are all very related to preparing for my mission trip to London at the end of May.
First and foremost you know that I am reading the Bible through in a year. I am up to date on my readings and have successfully completed 21 books of the Bible. This has not happened without much accountability, discipline, and help from the Lord. I am incredibly excited I have gotten this far.
One of the other books in the group is Anne Graham Lotz's, Pursuing More of Jesus. I have talked about this book before on here. This is the book that I am going through with my bible study. It is an intense look at the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he was crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Anne Graham Lotz is an incredible writer and the message of the book has been challenging and encouraging. I would recommend this to anyone.
The most out of the ordinary book you might have noticed in the pile is titled "How to Respond: Muslims" edited by Ernest Hahn. A good percentage of the students we will come in contact with on London's college campuses will have had contact with Islam or be practicing Muslims themselves. I realized that I needed to become more educated about the Islamic faith so that I could connect with these students where they were. This small book walks you through a history of the Islamic faith, the basic principles and foundations of Muslims, the different branches of Islam, how Islam compares to Christianity, and how you can be a more effective witness to Muslims.
The fourth book in the group was written by Josh and Sean Mcdowell (father and son duo) and it is called "More Than a Carpenter". Since I have grown up in the church, have a minister for a father, a mom who works at the church, and accepted Christ when I was 7 years old I realized that I might not be able to relate to someone who is agnostic,atheist, or just questioning Christianity. (Again this is not to toot my own horn by any means, it's just the circumstances of my life.) Josh McDowell tells his story of how he went from a skeptic with all the knowledge and prestige he thought he needed to accepting Christ as his savior. In this new additional of the book his son, Sean, updates the book for the current generation of seekers and skeptics. Each chapter walks through Josh's story and takes a look at a question that he had to deal with before accepting Christ. It is a very easy read and has been extremely informative.
Last, but certainly not least is "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Surprisingly enough I have actually not read much C.S. Lewis (including Chronicles of Narnia, I plan on changing this quite soon). I have a friend who absolutely loves C.S. Lewis and is always quoting and/or talking about how impacted she has been from his writing so I decided that now would be a great time to delve into one of the more widely read books. I have only read the prologue, introduction, and first 3 chapters, but I am hooked! It's incredible that his metaphors and examples still ring so true in today's culture. Lewis examines Christianity in such a clear and direct way throughout the book that it is evident as to why people go to this book to help them explain Christianity.
So there is my reading list....What are you reading currently? Any suggestions on what I should read next?
I am going to start it off with the books I am currently reading....
Now I don't want you to think that I am holier than thou or seeking some kind of record when I show you what is in my reading pile. Sometimes there are magazines, other times it's mindless chic-lit, or even young adult fiction on occasion (Ok so maybe it's more frequently than on occasion suggests). This just so happens to be it:
I know, I know. It's a far number of books for any given time, but they are all very related to preparing for my mission trip to London at the end of May.
First and foremost you know that I am reading the Bible through in a year. I am up to date on my readings and have successfully completed 21 books of the Bible. This has not happened without much accountability, discipline, and help from the Lord. I am incredibly excited I have gotten this far.
One of the other books in the group is Anne Graham Lotz's, Pursuing More of Jesus. I have talked about this book before on here. This is the book that I am going through with my bible study. It is an intense look at the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples before he was crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Anne Graham Lotz is an incredible writer and the message of the book has been challenging and encouraging. I would recommend this to anyone.
The most out of the ordinary book you might have noticed in the pile is titled "How to Respond: Muslims" edited by Ernest Hahn. A good percentage of the students we will come in contact with on London's college campuses will have had contact with Islam or be practicing Muslims themselves. I realized that I needed to become more educated about the Islamic faith so that I could connect with these students where they were. This small book walks you through a history of the Islamic faith, the basic principles and foundations of Muslims, the different branches of Islam, how Islam compares to Christianity, and how you can be a more effective witness to Muslims.
The fourth book in the group was written by Josh and Sean Mcdowell (father and son duo) and it is called "More Than a Carpenter". Since I have grown up in the church, have a minister for a father, a mom who works at the church, and accepted Christ when I was 7 years old I realized that I might not be able to relate to someone who is agnostic,atheist, or just questioning Christianity. (Again this is not to toot my own horn by any means, it's just the circumstances of my life.) Josh McDowell tells his story of how he went from a skeptic with all the knowledge and prestige he thought he needed to accepting Christ as his savior. In this new additional of the book his son, Sean, updates the book for the current generation of seekers and skeptics. Each chapter walks through Josh's story and takes a look at a question that he had to deal with before accepting Christ. It is a very easy read and has been extremely informative.
Last, but certainly not least is "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis. Surprisingly enough I have actually not read much C.S. Lewis (including Chronicles of Narnia, I plan on changing this quite soon). I have a friend who absolutely loves C.S. Lewis and is always quoting and/or talking about how impacted she has been from his writing so I decided that now would be a great time to delve into one of the more widely read books. I have only read the prologue, introduction, and first 3 chapters, but I am hooked! It's incredible that his metaphors and examples still ring so true in today's culture. Lewis examines Christianity in such a clear and direct way throughout the book that it is evident as to why people go to this book to help them explain Christianity.
So there is my reading list....What are you reading currently? Any suggestions on what I should read next?
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Emptying the Pantry
A while back I can remember my brother and sister-in-law making a decision to not go to the grocery store until they had basically empited their pantry, fridge, and freezer. They realized that they were continuing to buy more food each week even though they had not eaten everything they bought the previous week and eventually these things piled up. I was impressed and sometimes shocked at the food combinations they came up with to empty their pantry, but it worked. This got them out of the habit of buying more than they needed or purchasing food on a whim.
Over the past couple of months I have had more than my share of expenses including car insurance (first time to pay it on my new car), neighborhood fees, Harbison fees, and not to mention my lovely payment for a new tire (no texting, messing with ipods, or distracted driving for me anymore). Needless to say, my checking account is feeling the pain.
As I look at my bank statement (weekly, monthly etc.) all my money seems to go to food and bills. This could be food eaten out or food purchased at the grocery store (I do benefit from eating on campus with Josh a good bit though).I figured one of the quickest ways to save money on food would be to take the challenge of emptying the pantry. So starting this week I will be eating my way through whatever is in my house (Don't worry bible study friends, I won't be bringing a crazy salad. I am taking care of that. Also Megan B. we are still on for Saturday.) Then perhaps my next step could be couponing...
Maybe ill be a guest on the new TLC show Extreme Couponing! Yes there is a reality tv show on TLC now about couponing. What is this world coming to?
Here's to eating through the pantry...
Over the past couple of months I have had more than my share of expenses including car insurance (first time to pay it on my new car), neighborhood fees, Harbison fees, and not to mention my lovely payment for a new tire (no texting, messing with ipods, or distracted driving for me anymore). Needless to say, my checking account is feeling the pain.
As I look at my bank statement (weekly, monthly etc.) all my money seems to go to food and bills. This could be food eaten out or food purchased at the grocery store (I do benefit from eating on campus with Josh a good bit though).I figured one of the quickest ways to save money on food would be to take the challenge of emptying the pantry. So starting this week I will be eating my way through whatever is in my house (Don't worry bible study friends, I won't be bringing a crazy salad. I am taking care of that. Also Megan B. we are still on for Saturday.) Then perhaps my next step could be couponing...
Maybe ill be a guest on the new TLC show Extreme Couponing! Yes there is a reality tv show on TLC now about couponing. What is this world coming to?
Here's to eating through the pantry...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Discipline: Some Have it, Some Need to Work on it
Discipline has become a four letter word to me. I once thought that I was a disciplined person. I tended to use my good grades from high school and college as an example. I thought pretty highly of myself since I was able to maintain those grades and work a job throughout high school and college. Then I was introduced to Jenny, my wonderful sister-in-law.
Jenny is the definition of disciplined! This girl rocked high school, graduated early from college with honors, and is now killing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC. Not only that, she has done most of this while maintaining multiple jobs (sometimes up to four different jobs at a time)! Jenny is also able to maintain close relationships with her friends, an incredible workout schedule, and maintain a marriage and household. Jenny is definitely someone I look up to in the disciplined area (By the way she is going to kill me for writing about her today. She is extremely humble about these areas in her life as well. She really couldn't get much better.)
I am sure if I asked Jenny why she is so disciplined she would say because she had no other choice. Jenny has set high goals for herself and in order to reach those goals she has to be disciplined. Jenny learned early on that if she wanted to succeed and even exceed her expectations then she had to be willing to sacrifice.
Then we could talk about my parents and their discipline to workout. My dad has been an avid runner for a while now, clocking in almost a 100 miles in February. My mom decided in December of 2010 that working out was going to be one of her goals in 2011. My mom's goal was to head to the gym 3 times a week and within the first 3 months to run 2 miles in under 30 minutes. Let's just say she has been working out 5 times a week, met her running goal, and my parents even got in 5 days of working out on their cruise. This is discipline.
My parents are also examples to follow in regards to discipline in their walks with the Lord. Both of my parents have read the bible through the year and make spending time with the Lord daily a major part of their days.
I want discipline in my life in so many areas! But getting disciplined takes discipline! How in the world does one become disciplined when discipline is one of your struggles?
I have kept up with my bible reading in a year (with bumps along the way), but my memorization is lacking. How can I change this? I see the positive impact that reading the bible daily has had on my life and I am excited to see what is in store for the future and yet I still do not do what I know is necessary to make those changes.
I am dissatisfied with my current health and desire to make some changes in both my eating habits and work out routine (or lack their of). I had a slight meltdown this weekend about how I have gained weight and my clothes are not fitting like I would like them to. I know that many people would respond that positive body image is important and not to compare myself to others, but I also believe taking care of my body is something that I must be disciplined in. There is a balance between loving who you are and taking steps to have a positive impact on your body and health.
The Lord calls us to be disciplined in our lives. He has said that he will never leave us nor forsake us, so why am I so scared to be disciplined? Maybe I am not scared, but too weak to even try. I am a perfectionist by nature and my mindset has always been if I can't be perfect immediately then what is the point of trying. Yesterday our pastor, Dr. Lincoln spoke about how our aim should be the perfection of Christ and that we have to continue with "target practice" to get closer to that perfection. My Lord's desire for me is to desire perfection understanding that I will only achieve anything close with his help and I will never be complete until I am in heaven with him. I think that for too long I have decreased my expectations of myself to make them easier to meet. I have not pushed myself to achieve more than I was comfortably able to do. I desire this change in my life. I want to be ok with discipline and the hard work that it takes to grow in my life whether that be in my relationship with the Lord or with my health.
How have you grown in discipline in areas of your life?
Jenny is the definition of disciplined! This girl rocked high school, graduated early from college with honors, and is now killing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC. Not only that, she has done most of this while maintaining multiple jobs (sometimes up to four different jobs at a time)! Jenny is also able to maintain close relationships with her friends, an incredible workout schedule, and maintain a marriage and household. Jenny is definitely someone I look up to in the disciplined area (By the way she is going to kill me for writing about her today. She is extremely humble about these areas in her life as well. She really couldn't get much better.)
I am sure if I asked Jenny why she is so disciplined she would say because she had no other choice. Jenny has set high goals for herself and in order to reach those goals she has to be disciplined. Jenny learned early on that if she wanted to succeed and even exceed her expectations then she had to be willing to sacrifice.
Then we could talk about my parents and their discipline to workout. My dad has been an avid runner for a while now, clocking in almost a 100 miles in February. My mom decided in December of 2010 that working out was going to be one of her goals in 2011. My mom's goal was to head to the gym 3 times a week and within the first 3 months to run 2 miles in under 30 minutes. Let's just say she has been working out 5 times a week, met her running goal, and my parents even got in 5 days of working out on their cruise. This is discipline.
My parents are also examples to follow in regards to discipline in their walks with the Lord. Both of my parents have read the bible through the year and make spending time with the Lord daily a major part of their days.
I want discipline in my life in so many areas! But getting disciplined takes discipline! How in the world does one become disciplined when discipline is one of your struggles?
I have kept up with my bible reading in a year (with bumps along the way), but my memorization is lacking. How can I change this? I see the positive impact that reading the bible daily has had on my life and I am excited to see what is in store for the future and yet I still do not do what I know is necessary to make those changes.
I am dissatisfied with my current health and desire to make some changes in both my eating habits and work out routine (or lack their of). I had a slight meltdown this weekend about how I have gained weight and my clothes are not fitting like I would like them to. I know that many people would respond that positive body image is important and not to compare myself to others, but I also believe taking care of my body is something that I must be disciplined in. There is a balance between loving who you are and taking steps to have a positive impact on your body and health.
The Lord calls us to be disciplined in our lives. He has said that he will never leave us nor forsake us, so why am I so scared to be disciplined? Maybe I am not scared, but too weak to even try. I am a perfectionist by nature and my mindset has always been if I can't be perfect immediately then what is the point of trying. Yesterday our pastor, Dr. Lincoln spoke about how our aim should be the perfection of Christ and that we have to continue with "target practice" to get closer to that perfection. My Lord's desire for me is to desire perfection understanding that I will only achieve anything close with his help and I will never be complete until I am in heaven with him. I think that for too long I have decreased my expectations of myself to make them easier to meet. I have not pushed myself to achieve more than I was comfortably able to do. I desire this change in my life. I want to be ok with discipline and the hard work that it takes to grow in my life whether that be in my relationship with the Lord or with my health.
How have you grown in discipline in areas of your life?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
In Love...
I am absolutely head over heels in love with.....
No, this post isn't about Josh
Nor is it a post about Jesus (even though it probably should be, he is much more important)
I am in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips! Josh and I are on our way to Charlotte to do some shopping and I decided that I needed to do my nails. I had bought these nail strips a while back, but never used them. I was nervous that it was going to be difficult to do and look cheap. One of my mom's friends put my mind to ease when I saw how fantastic her nails looked!! So I hopped in the car today with my strips in hand ready to do my nails. The steps are easy to understand and even easier to do. It's seriously like stickers for your nails!!
Hopefully I'll remember to post a picture once I get home (I'm posting from my phone right now).
Seriously, go out and buy some today! I got mine at Walmart and I have seen them at target. I already have Josh's gorgeous sister Lauren super excited and headed to buy some as we speak!
No, this post isn't about Josh
Nor is it a post about Jesus (even though it probably should be, he is much more important)
I am in love with Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips! Josh and I are on our way to Charlotte to do some shopping and I decided that I needed to do my nails. I had bought these nail strips a while back, but never used them. I was nervous that it was going to be difficult to do and look cheap. One of my mom's friends put my mind to ease when I saw how fantastic her nails looked!! So I hopped in the car today with my strips in hand ready to do my nails. The steps are easy to understand and even easier to do. It's seriously like stickers for your nails!!
Hopefully I'll remember to post a picture once I get home (I'm posting from my phone right now).
Seriously, go out and buy some today! I got mine at Walmart and I have seen them at target. I already have Josh's gorgeous sister Lauren super excited and headed to buy some as we speak!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Pslam 7:17 Friday
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
-The Lord providing all my funds for London! I am incredibly blessed! Thanks again to all who contributed!
-Our mailbox is finally fixed at my townhouse! No more driving 20 minutes to a sketchy post office to pick up my mail!
-Fantastic friends who came out for my Premier Jewelry party last night with Sarah Jane! Sarah Jane did a great job and it was a fun time with girl friends!
-My Mother! I know that I talk about her alot, but she really is the best mom in the world! She is incredibly giving of her time and resources! She is always willing to drop everything to help me even in the silliest of situations. She spent time at my house redecorating, giving attention to my back patio, and helping me get ready for my party last night. She is fantastic!!
-My sister-in-law comes home at the end of the month! She has been away for a practical in Asheville since January for PT school. I know my brother and our families will be excited she is back!
-The word of God! I have been having quite the eye opening experience reading through the bible in a year! The Lord is really challenging me in alot of areas! The biggest one is just how much of my life do I offer to him.
-Awesome friends who I can talk to about my struggles with the word and myself without judgement
-Cute blogs of my friend's children (or my friend's friend's children) that put a smile on my face whenever I need it! Please check this one out! It is one of my friend's friend's son, Owen, who is playing the drums. By the way he is 1 1/2! Listen to the questions his Dad is asking him and watch Owen respond!
My life is blessed!!
Psalm 7:17
Things I am thankful for this week:
-The Lord providing all my funds for London! I am incredibly blessed! Thanks again to all who contributed!
-Our mailbox is finally fixed at my townhouse! No more driving 20 minutes to a sketchy post office to pick up my mail!
-Fantastic friends who came out for my Premier Jewelry party last night with Sarah Jane! Sarah Jane did a great job and it was a fun time with girl friends!
-My Mother! I know that I talk about her alot, but she really is the best mom in the world! She is incredibly giving of her time and resources! She is always willing to drop everything to help me even in the silliest of situations. She spent time at my house redecorating, giving attention to my back patio, and helping me get ready for my party last night. She is fantastic!!
-My sister-in-law comes home at the end of the month! She has been away for a practical in Asheville since January for PT school. I know my brother and our families will be excited she is back!
-The word of God! I have been having quite the eye opening experience reading through the bible in a year! The Lord is really challenging me in alot of areas! The biggest one is just how much of my life do I offer to him.
-Awesome friends who I can talk to about my struggles with the word and myself without judgement
-Cute blogs of my friend's children (or my friend's friend's children) that put a smile on my face whenever I need it! Please check this one out! It is one of my friend's friend's son, Owen, who is playing the drums. By the way he is 1 1/2! Listen to the questions his Dad is asking him and watch Owen respond!
My life is blessed!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
London Funds and Anxiousness
ALL OF MY FUNDS FOR LONDON ARE IN!!
Our deadline for the money for London was yesterday and I was blessed to not have to be stressed about the day at all. Last week I was informed by Abby, our college minister's assistant, that all of my funds were in! I did a little dance in my car and could not stop thanking the Lord for all that he has blessed me with. I sang every happy song I could find on my ipod at the top of my lungs and smiled huge all the way home (I am sure I looked a sight to those around me). Thank you so much to those of you who contributed to my funds! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our trip in May. Pray that the Lord continues to bond us as a team, that we grow as individuals preparing to share our faith with others, and that all the details fall into place!
I am thrilled to be going, but as the time passes by I grow more anxious about wrapping up my school year. I want to end the year on a good note with my students and feel that everything is taken care of at school so that I can focus on what the Lord has in store for me and the people I come in contact with in London. We are switching rooms for next year and having the entire school painted over the summer. This means that I have to have my room packed up and labeled before I leave for London. So while I am packing and preparing for London I will also be packing and preparing for the end of a school year. Please pray that I manage my time well and get everything done I need to before I leave.
Thank you again for your support and prayers!
Our deadline for the money for London was yesterday and I was blessed to not have to be stressed about the day at all. Last week I was informed by Abby, our college minister's assistant, that all of my funds were in! I did a little dance in my car and could not stop thanking the Lord for all that he has blessed me with. I sang every happy song I could find on my ipod at the top of my lungs and smiled huge all the way home (I am sure I looked a sight to those around me). Thank you so much to those of you who contributed to my funds! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for our trip in May. Pray that the Lord continues to bond us as a team, that we grow as individuals preparing to share our faith with others, and that all the details fall into place!
I am thrilled to be going, but as the time passes by I grow more anxious about wrapping up my school year. I want to end the year on a good note with my students and feel that everything is taken care of at school so that I can focus on what the Lord has in store for me and the people I come in contact with in London. We are switching rooms for next year and having the entire school painted over the summer. This means that I have to have my room packed up and labeled before I leave for London. So while I am packing and preparing for London I will also be packing and preparing for the end of a school year. Please pray that I manage my time well and get everything done I need to before I leave.
Thank you again for your support and prayers!
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