Love Mercy
Micah 6:8

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

I'm now ready for that wonderful time of year (i can never bring myself to talk about Christmas until after Thanksgiving). So to start of the celebration I thought I would share with you a family favorite and very easy recipe! Oh! And it's very very very very YUMMY!

Oreo Peppermint Ice Cream Dessert

Ingredients:
1 package of Double Stuffed Oreos
1 stick of butter
1/2 gallon of Peppermint Ice Cream, softened

Directions:
1. crush the whole bag of oreos (i should warn you....it takes a few times to figure out what the best way to do this with the utensils in your kitchen). set a small handful of crumbs aside to sprinkle on top.
2. melt the butter and mix it well with the crushed oreos. firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a glass 13x9. Let it set for a few minuets.
3. spread the ice cream on top. cover and freeze
4. EAT IT!

I pray that you all enjoy this wonderful time of year!

I myself am an NIV girl, however, I've had a peticular verse in my head today in the form (for lack of a better word) in the King James Version.

Be Ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deciving your own selves. James 1:22

just thought I'd share.....

a quick update...

I haven't had much to say lately, which is kinda weird considering everything that has been going on. But, honestly I just haven't had anything to say...
So....here's an update on the happenings of the past month or so:
~Bryan started school!!! He's remained very excited about school and the future, despite a few rough assignment. He loves the mental challenge and is so excited about his future there.
~I started a new job...
the drive to Petersburg was starting to get old so I took a job here in Richmond.
To tell you the truth...I'm still not sure this was a good thing. I'm the whole Occupational Therapy department...just me...my days are long. And 2weeks after I started my boss (the therapy manager) quit. I do have to admit that I love being back in a long term care setting, I love the residents and love that I have the opportunity to get to know them.
I do get some PRN help....but inconsistently...and at the end of every 9-10hr day there is still someone who wasn't seen that day. This week an ad was put in the paper for an OT or a COTA, but I have little hope for a newspaper ad. I know that lots of people are looking for jobs but that really hasn't been the case in the medical/therapy world. In fact it's quite the opposite situation.
I'm very thankful that Bryan has been so helpful this month! He's taken over the laundry and given me an extra few minuets of sleep in the morning by packing my lunch for me. He's also been most understanding regarding the frequent ordering out of pizza, the messy house and my overall exhaustion. Oh...and I found out the other day that he has been faithfully praying that the person who they hire will not only be a good co-worker, but also a good friend!
So...I march on
~Sadly, good friends of my family lost their 6month old daughter in October unexpectedly to a brain tumor.http://psdamaska.blogspot.com/ In memory of Annie they asked for donations to Compassion International. We were inspired through that to sponsor a child and have been blessed to be introduced to Johnson! Johnson is 5years old and lives in Kenya. He loves to play with cars (he and Bryan are a perfect match!) and play Hide-and-go-seek! We are so excited to have the privilege to watch him grow and pray for him!
~Speaking of Africa! Holy Adoption Baby Boom Blogging Friends!!!!! And congratulations to Amy and Lauren!!! I'm so happy for you both and for your EXPANDING families!!! I will do my best to scan and post so pictures of my time in Ethiopia for you soon! We're praying for you both!

That's the past month in a nutshell! I'm hoping that writing this post will inspire me to write more...we shall see!

Dear Blog Friends,
I'm writting to ask you all to keep a precious family in your prayers!
The Damaska's are my parents former Pastor (and family) and good friends. They found out earlier this week that their beautiful daughter Annie, who is 6months old, has a rather large brain tumor. After several days of prayer and talking to her Doctors they have decided that the best this for Annie is to make her comfortable and spend time together as a family. Please pray for this time together....that this time together as a family would fill their hearts with joy and bring them even closer to the Lord.
The following is a post from Peter's facebook:


"Terrible words for daddy to write...through prayer & scripture reading and in consulation with our incredible doctors & nurses we have chosen the path of comfort for Annie. She will not be undergoing any surgical procedures. Rather, we'...;ll be spending time together as a family and loving her until her final breath. Please continue praying for us; in particular our William and our Kate. We are at peace."
Sarah is a private person, but I wanted to share her blog with you as well....she writes wonderful stories of her children and their very active family. http://psdamaska.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your prayers

A few pictures from this summer...

Lynn and Jack came to visit....I love this picture

I believe in this picture Bryan and Jack are planning out how they would turn these 4 walls and a doorway into a house

Ross' Birthday Lunch
(Andy wasn't able to be with us, as he was attending his first day of classes at Asbury College! Ross leaves tomorrow for his semi-last year at VMI!)

Eye protection

(I'm not sure why this picture is sideways...nor can I fix it)

The required hand picture (I'll save you the counting...He's 22)

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

A very random list this week:
~Weekends
~Walks
~Walks on the weekend (I had too)
~PJ's
~Anything Chocolate and Peanut butter
~Peppers
~Thunderstorms
~Productive days
~Cooking

I told you it was random!

So I have a feeling that this post is going to be alittle long...and possibly it may turn a few circles...but..
I have to thank Lauren (I don't know how to do the whole linking to another blog thing) for her post a while back on gossip. It truly got my heart thinking and has led me on a small journey of sorts. Let me explain:
My life is full of alot of "new" right now. New marriage, new home, new job, new schedule...
Well, a few Weeks ago I was discussing my new job with a new co-worker, Only I wasn't just discussing my new job...I was discussing a dissatisfaction with my new job and the fact that I felt mislead about somethings. It was wrong of me. While it wasn't gossip, it wasn't right. I don't know her, I'm pretty sure she is not a believer, and did I mention it was just wrong of me. I didn't even realize I had done it until I read Lauren's post.
So why? Why did I do it?
Relationship...I felt like I needed comraderly...and there was someone willing to give it to me. I could have talked to God about it, my husband, could have called a close friend or my parents. But I felt like needed that kindred spirit feeling with someone else.
Bryan and I have also kinda had the same thing happen as we've been looking for a new church. We walked into one a few weeks ago and right away just felt like we could belong there! We loved the sermon, we were so attracted to the warm personalities that greeted us there. However, when we started doing research about what the church believes, we found that we didn't agree with it. However, we ALMOST reasoned ourselves into thinking that since we didn't feel that anything was morally wrong it would be ok to go there. Thankfully, after some discussions and prayer we realized that going there would be supporting things that we did not believe demonstrated the love and power of God. But again...that allure of relationship was so strong!
(this is were this post is going to take a turn...stick with me)
This week I have been meditating over 1Peter. It is full of examples and instruction on...well... being an example. Examples for slaves and masters, husbands and wives, citizens, members of the body of Christ. It even reiterates how Christ was an example for us. Bryan read the Book as well and pointed out that Peter reiterates that we should do these things not to be rewarded, but because they are of God and they are what He has commanded us to do. Our goal should NEVER be Heaven, it should be God. And when our goal is God, he is attentive to our needs.

Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:10-12

My point is...it wasn't just wrong of me to complain and express my discontent to my new co-work. It was a horrible example of the life that I am called to live and it hindered my relationship with God...and wasn't my whole point "relationship" in the first place?

Thank you Amy (@ http://filledwithpraise.blogspot.com/), for hosting "A few of my favorite things"
I think it is time I join you in Praise!

Today, I am thankful for my husband as we celebrate 2 months of marriage!
I am thankful for:
His heart~Deuteronomy 30:6
His love~1 Corinthians 13:4-7
His affection~Song of Soloman 2:6
His dedication~Philippians 2:4
His dreams~Psalm 90:17

P.S.~ the 7th song on the playlist at the bottom of this blog was the recessional song at our wedding! :p

Ok, so I SHOULD be cleaning (Bryan's mom and brother and coming to visit tomorrow), but I HAD to share this!! I have been covered by God in PEACE today and I can't think of anything better! Here's the story:
For those of you that don't know, Bryan and I are working on getting out of debt. This involves a lot of budgeting and a debt snowball (if you don't know what a debt snowball is visit http://www.fpu.com/ ) and unfortunately provides many opportunities for Satan to attack. Well, earlier this week we dropped a check in the mail to PAYOFF(!!!) my student loans. It was a bit scary to let go of that money and we could think of several "just in cases" and "what if"s. But knowing what our budget looked like and that we really could pay that debt off (and that it was what God wanted) we decided to do it. Last night...we reviewed July's budget and set up August's.

Well, like I said, this whole process must seem like a gold mine of attacks to Satan because this morning I walked out to go to the grocery store and wouldn't you know, I had a flat tire! Did I mention that we did not budget anything this month for car repairers? We didn't!

I drove to the gas station and filled up the tire, did alittle bit of driving around and then on to the store and back home. So far the tire looks great! and even if I walk outside after writing this and it's flat again...I can get it fixed. While yes, it will take away from extra money to lay down on debt, the money is there.
I FEEL UNSHAKEN!!!
My husband and I are following what we feel God has spoken concerning our finances and our worries are met with His assurance!
I once heard a woman who I respect very much say that we can have concerns, but once we hand over our peace to worrying Satan has our minds. We can show care and concern for others or situations, but we must not allow them to take our peace.

You will keep in perfect PEACE him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
~ Isaiah 26:3

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
~2 Thessalonians 3:16

p.s~ we did learn a lesson about budgetting car repaires "just in cases"!

Hoping for a little help...please...

I'm doing a small self study on what it means to be a Proverbs 31 Wife/Woman and I was hoping that a few lovely blogging friends would give me their take. What are the Characteristics of a Proverbs wife and what verse inspired this characteristic?

10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I heard a very interesting explanation last week of what a crisis is. In this definition a crisis was explained to simply be a time of an emotional or circumstantial change in one's life. I know that in our society we view a crisis as being "bad", but I love that this definition leaves it open for good! For example:
Someone being rushed to the ER after a car accident is in crisis but, so is a woman checking into a hospital to give birth. She is most definitely there for a circumstantial change and a emotional change.The wonderful thing is that good or bad crisis we have a wonderful promise!
"I the Lord do not change. So you, O decendants of Jacob, are not destroyed." Malachi 3:6

I have to admit that I have alot of trouble remembering this. The resolving of any crisis, good or bad, is not because of anything I've done to resolve it, but because God's love for me was so great that he sacrificed his son and he hasn't changed his mind since that day.

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQPsTdDprWE

Turkey Taco meatloaf...

So I was trying to think of something fun to share with you and after racking my brain i decided it would be fun to share a recipe! I love to cook (hate doing dishes) and I would love to share some of my favorite recipes with you every once in a while. So without further Ado...

If you've never explored the world of "Hungry Girl" I recomened that you head over to their website (google "Hungry Girl") or pick up one of their cook books. They have some fun recipes that are healthy and very easy to make. Their recipes are espically great if you are only cooking for 1 or 2, but they are also easy to double. I do have to warn you that they are big fans of some weird ingredients...but there really are some fun recipes...this ones a favorite!

Turkey Taco Meatloaf (HG calls it crazy-good turkey taco meatloaf)
Ingredients:
1lb raw extra-lean ground turkey
2 slices fat-free cheddar cheese (i just guess and use more of the shredded)
1/2 cup shredded fat-free cheedar cheese
1/2 cup canned sweet corn
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 a packet of dry taco seasoning mix

1. Preheat oven to 357*
2. cook peppers and onion for 3mins over medium heat in a pan sprayed with nonstick spray
3. in a large bowl combine onions, pepper, turkey, corn, and seasoning mix.
4. spread half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9"x5" loaf pan sprayed with nonstick spray
5. layer the 2 slices of cheese on top of the mixture and then top with the remaining mixture.
6. pour salsa on top and cook for 30mins.
7. Top loaf with shredded cheese and cook for another 15mins.


This is packed with good flavor and...i know it's suppose to be healthy...but...I recommend serving it with a heaping helping of mashed potatos!
Enjoy!

A moral dilemma of cantaloupe proportions

OK... so it's not THAT big of a deal...but still...
Last night Bryan cut up a very yummy cantaloupe for us to eat...the rine is in the trash can...and it smells...bad. The problem is that the trash isn't even halfway full, so i feel guilty throwing it out. I've even restorted to walking around the house (with the air freshener) and looking for other things to throw away in hopes of making it a full (or atleast fuller) bag.
I know that wasting one garbage bag won't break the bank or anything like that, but I've gotten a bit better at not wasting things lately...and now I feel bad wasting...
In other news...
Bryan and I celebrated 1 month of marriage! We kinda celebrated over a 3 day period; saturday we spent the day at Maymount (oh...and the DMV) and then went out to dinner. Sunday we grilled some very good steaks and monday (the actual 1month mark) we...didn't do much of anything as we were both tired from busy mondays...but we enjoyed spending the evening together and got a good walk in before it got too dark.
Monday was my first day of work at the hospital (I have orientation throughout this week). I am very excited about this job because I commited to myself that I would try a new setting...and the hospital is definatly a new setting after almost 3 years at a nursing home! But I am still praying over this job. (I'm a bit scared! and I miss LeaAnn! )
Anyways...I must go make a decision about the cantoloupe...

Xtreme Youth Alliance Minitries

WOW! Bryan and I just had a wake up call from God!
Tithing has been a ...not quite "hot"...let's say "warm" topic for us for awhile. As we've sorted out our budget and prayed over it God has worked out a few of the kinks, however, we have never felt God's direction as far as where to tithe to(to catch you up if you don't know: newly weds in a new city, we haven't found a church yet). Anyways, tithing was on my mind this morning...mostly reminding myself that we needed to talk about it again. This afternoon I jumped in the car to run to WalMart. I turned on the radio and the christian radio station that I listen to was holding a share-a-thon for the Student Hope Line.
For those of you that don't know about the Student Hope Line it is provided to students/teens to talk to a mature Christian adult and provides several resources through Bible studies, mentoring, and providing students/teens information to find Christian counselors in their area who will usually work with them for free. They also have a weekly national radio show that teens can call into. If you've ever listened to it you know that some of these kid's stories are heart breaking!
Anyways... I fumbled through my purse looking for my phone to call Bryan...and only found it (yes, I need to clean out my purse) when it rang because Bryan was calling me. We both said "Guess what!" I told Bryan about the share-a-thon, tithing, and remembering that last week he said he really wanted to give some of his time/tithing to a local youth group when we find a church! He was so excited!!! While neither of us have that dynamic teen attracting personality (does that make sense?), we both remember what it was like to be a teenager and what valuable resources we had and we are so excited to be able to support that same opportunity for teens today!
(oh! and the kicker! Bryan's good news was that he had just won a drawing through work for a grocery gift card! How wonderful is our God!?!)
Anyways...the point of this post isn't really to talk about our tithing, but to let you know about Student Hope Line and Xtreme Youth Alliance! We encourage you to check out their web site whether or not you are in a position to give. They have resources for parents and youth pastor as well as Bible studies.
Check them out: http://xtrlive.com/ and if nothing else, please cover their ministry in prayer.
Oh! P.s.~ Thank yoo for the blog award yesterday Lauren!

more pictures...and a bit of venting...

I'm suppose to be unpacking the spare bedroom...but...I think I can take a picture break! The order is a little off so I will try to label them.

My new in-laws

Bryan's new in-laws

JUST MARRIED!!!

What my wedding looked like before the rain

So...I hate unpacking...really. I know that it needs to be done and I know I'll feel better once it's done...but grrrr.
In other news, We had a wonderful 4th of July! I will try to get pictures up soon. We went to my parent's house and spent Saturday kayaking and sailing. That night we sat out on the dock and watched the fireworks. Bryan, at one point counted 17 different displays that we could see! Most were pretty far away but 3 or 4 of them were fairly close. It was very fun to see all of the celebrating!

More pictures from the wedding

This is probably the most common picture I've seen from the wedding...and beautiful double rainbow, right as the service ended!

My mom and I getting ready

My new sister(!!!!)

Amy, Wella, and Megan

The car...of course it got rained on right away

It's a random sampling...all stolden from Megan (there are no picutres on my camera...I think I was preoccupied :p)!

Free Personal signatures - cool!

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His banner over me is Love

I have had a song stuck in my head for the past few days from my childhood:

The Lord is mine and I am His

His banner over me is love
The Lord is mine and I am His

His banner over me is Love

His banner over me is Love

I realized that I have felt so much love from God over the past few weeks expressed to me through other people. Marrying Bryan would of course be at he top of the list. And I don't even know what to say about that except from that it is an amazing feeling! Bryan has shown me in many ways everyday that I am loved and appreciated. We now know (thanks too a book that was recommended to us by the wonderful Pastor who married us) that quality time means a lot to both of us and we have enjoyed making that a regular part of our day.
I also feel lots of love from both of our parents who have been helpful and supportive in each of their own ways. I don't know if they know how much that means, but, love abounds between the four of them.

And of course who could forget all of the wonderful friends and family who were at the wedding and helped to move it indoors so quickly! And friends that were at the reception in MI! It's nice to feel so much support from people that have helped you and watched you grow up, Friends that have been with you through so many milestones!
God has also provided for us in other personal ways over the past week as we have begun to get our household in order and at the same time, he has given us invitation to grow closer to him in love and in trust. My prayer is that we continue to accept his banner of Love as our own banner.

Shokoe Bottom, the Canal walk and Belle Isle

I loved the colors on this treeThe State Capitol Building from the canal


Hollywood Falls

I know it sounds silly, but I love this picture...the piles underneath of the bridge are from a bridge that the confederates burned when the union invaded Richmond.