A Snapshot from Life

02/25/2011 - A night by the fire (at Nana and Papa's)

He Chose Me!

At the moment I am reading C.J. Mahaney's book Humility: True Greatness. I've been meaning to blog about it, but have not really had time lately, or just flat out forget to. But in chapter 8 Mahaney was talking about "Identifying Evidences of Grace", also known as evidences of God's grace, or what I like to call EGGs. In this part of the chapter, he was talking about God calling us to Himself, and gives this Charles Spurgeon quote which I loved!

"I believe in the doctrine of election, because I am quite certain that, if God had not chosen me, I should never have chosen Him; and I am sure He shose me before I was born, or else He never would have chosen me afterwards, and He must have elected me for reasons unknown to me, for I never could find any reason in myself why He should have looked upon me with special love."

Wow! How true is that?

Winter Jam 2011, Part 2

So to continue my story of our amazing night... where did I leave off?... Oh yes, the performances ending.

When we came out into the foyer, there were tons of people! And since there were not many people in the line for Red, we jumped in. It was so cool to meet them, and I got my cd over signed. I was also very happy for Josh to meet one of his favorite bands ever! I got him a poster for the guys to sign, and so he'll be able to remember this amazing memory! 

Next we were off to see KJ-52. It was really cool so see him out and about talking to fans and taking pictures, rather than sitting behind a table. Kel and I got pictures with him, and were pretty excited.

Kutless was just around the corner. Their newest cd (as of 2009) was $5, so of course, I bought one for them to sign. They have always been a favorite of mine, so that made it really special when I got to talk to the singer, Jon Micah Sumrall for a minute.

Since David Crowder Band was not signing that night, Newsboys were next. And like Kutless, their cd's was $5. Had to get it! Now at this point we were waiting in the loooooong line, and I really wanted to go back to KJ-52's table and get a cd. So my wonderful brother came with me. When we got there, the lady said it was $12, and what are the odds I only had $11. Went back bummed, but were still excited for the night. When we finally got to the table, and handing our cd covers, the australian drummer on the Newsboys, Duncan Phillips, grabbed my hand. He asked me my name, and I told him Brittany. And he said it in his wonderful aussie accent! Then he pointed to Stacy, while still holding my hand, and said "is this beautiful lady with you?" I told him yes this was my aunt Stacy. And he said Stacy in an aussie accent too (she was pretty thrilled). Then Kelsey (standing behind me) shoved her arm through and said "And I'm her sister, Kelsey". He let go of my hand with a laugh and shook hers. It was amazing! When we walked off, Stacy told me she thought she was about to see him propose to me.

As we were walking away, Stacy said she could give me the $1 I need for KJ-52's cd if we wanted to try again. So we did. And as we were talking up, we saw two guys packing up the stuff. Then we relized, it was KJ-52 himself! It was amazing! I asked him if it was to late to get the cd, and he said it wasn't, and he sold it to me himself!!!! AHHHH! And since there was no line of people, he was able to sign it to me, and did a silly face on the front. How cool! He also gave me his pack of 5 Gum. Just the four of us were able to hang out with him and talk to him for a few minutes. It was amazing! What a way to top off the night!!! Could not have ended better than hangin' with KJ! 

When we got back to the car, all of us could not stop saying "Oh my gosh! What a night!" God planned it out Himself, and truly blessed us!

A Snapshot From Life

02/22/2011 - I love storms!

Smoked Salmon Pizza

Last night I ventured to make Smoked Salmon Pizza from my NBC Sunday Night Football Cookbook. This is Sunday Night Football's commentator, Cris Collinsworth's recipe. I cannot stand Cris Collinsworth, but I thought I'd give his recipe a try.

You need;
- One 12-inch thin-crust Boboli pizza crust (but I went the cheap route, and went with Pilsbury's pizza crust)
- One 8oz package cream cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons bottled horseradish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons capers
- One 4oz package smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onions cut into rings
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

First, bake the crust as directed on package. (I did this, but I think next time, I'm going to do it a little less than the time directed, but I think it would be a little better with softer crust. But my mom said it was good crunchy. Either way is up to you.)
Next, in a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, horseradish, chopped onion, and caper. Mom said to leave out the caper (whatever that is), and the horseradish... well... I couldn't find it anywhere at Walmart, and since I was at Walmart, there was no one to be found to help me.
When the crust has finished baking, and cooled off, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Top it then with the salmon, and spinkle the dill.
I also made a plane cheese pizza for the kids and Josh to enjoy. And served it with a salad.
The pizza looked a mess, but boy did it taste good! Mom said it's a keeper. Very simular to lock and bagels (one of my favorites!). But this recipe would be even great as party food.

Hope you enjoy it just as much as we did!

A Snapshot From Life

02/20/2011 - Happy 4th birthday, Lili!

Number 100!

In the many years I have been apart of the blogging world, (3 blogs of my own, and many I have done with others) I have never reached 100 posts! The things I have blogged about is a very wide rang. From my sports, to life on the farm, to what God has been teaching me. I'm very thankful that God allows me to use something, such as a blog, to share His amazing grace and the work He is always doing in my life!
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has read and commented on my blog. I love reading what you have to say about my blog. Means the world to me when you comment! Thanks!
So...... this is my...
One hundredth post!!!

Winter Jam 2011, Part 1

For the last few weeks my aunt Stacy has been talking to the 3 of us about going to Winter Jam 2011 in Mobile. Well, yesterday afternoon, we decided to go... very last minute! I wanted to go, but I was not dying to go like Kel and Josh.

The drive over was so much fun. Having that time with our wonderful auntie was a blast! Went to Starbucks, ate at Panera Bread, acted crazy, and had lost of time to chit chat.

Following the directions from the web, we could not find the place where it was being held. Even Kel's iPhone didn't give us good directions. When we asked a police officer on the campus of University of South Alabama, he told us where Winter Jam was, and that last year they had to turn back 2,500 people, and there was more people turning up this year than the last. At this point it was already 5 minutes since they opened the doors, and we had not yet had the car parked.

Once we parked, and got to the line, it was already 15 minutes since they opened the doors. As we stood in line, we started making plans that if we didn't get in (which we were expecting not to) we would go see a movie. The line moved pretty fast, and we made it in! Just $10 each at the door! Crazy!

Just 20 minutes after the doors opened, it was packed! We finally found some seats, but they were kinda behind the stage. But we were really close to the performers.

First up was one of the bands we were really looking forward to, and one of Josh's favorites, Red. It was awesome seeing them live. And what was also really cool was behind the drums, they had a fire machine (or what ever they are called). So during the really have parts, the fire would blow in several directions. I was very happy Josh got to see his second favorite band!

Next up was Newsong. Didn't really care to see them, and all I have to say is, it was very interesting. They were a lot older than I expected them to be, but that wasn't what I thought was interesting. They were in skinny jeans! And that's not all. Keep in mind we had just seen Red, and they had a fire machine... Newsong started blowing glitter and confetti! I just started laughing, and leaned over to Stacy to tell her what I thought was funny. And just when she replied with, "I know, it's very intersting" they started playing the old song Shout. That made us laugh even harder! Now they did play Sweet Home Alabama (since we were in Mobile) and that was fun.

Francesca Battistelli was next, at this point Josh and I went out to go check out the Red booth, and I bought their cd, Until We Have Faces, that came out a week and a half ago for $10. I was pretty excited!

When we got back to our seats, David Crowder Band was coming out. That was cool seeing them, because most of the songs they played I know. And since they are from Texas, at the end they did a hoedown. One guy even played a  banjo. It was fun!







When David Crowder Band was done, it was time for an intermission. Kel and Stacy went looking around, but Josh and I stayed with our seats. We enjoyed watching the setup guys up together the Kutless' stuff. And then KJ-52 came out, and was goofing off. 

Stacy and Kel made it back just in time for the next performer. KJ-52 did a song and it was awesome! He also had us doing some dance moves, which Stacy and I did!

Kutless then opened up with their version of It Is Well. I loved it! Next song was one of my favorites of theirs, Strong Tower. The rest of their performance was amazing. Jon Micah Sumrall (the singer) did a few songs on the grand piano they had on stage. It was great!

Up next was Newsboys, and boy was that awesome! They came out singing one of my favorite songs, Dynamite by Tail Cruz. Singer Michael Tate and drumer Duncan Phillips (who in fact is Ausie!) can running down the lite runway. But the keyboard and guitar player came in on platforms that moved through the air. (See picture.) Watching Michael Tate dance, reminded me sooooo much of Michael Jackson. He even did some of MJ's moves.

Through out the show, they would lift these things up off the stage and hover over the crowd. It was awesome! At one point, they started playing one of Kel's favorite song, Play That Funky Music. She had a great big smile on her face! 

During one of the last songs, the platforms rose above the crowd just like before, then Michael Tate went to the end of the runway and rose into the air. (see picture.) And just when you thought that was all, the drummer was raised, turned sideways, and started spinning. It was crazy! Their whole show was very well done and professional. Even more so than when we went and saw TobyMac a few years ago. And just when you thought they were going to end, they started playing the tune of Jesus Freak (which I was really hoping they would since Michael Tate us to be on dc Talk). But then, when you thought "this can't get any better!" KJ-52 came out and did TobyMac's part of the song! Can you say "ama-za-zing"?! I of course was screaming and singing along! What an amazing concert it was!

(Since this post is a little longer than I wanted it to be, I'll be posting Winter Jam 2011, Part 2 soon.)

A Snapshot from Life

02/13/2011 - Winter Jam 2011, Mobile, Alabama. KJ-52!

A Snapshot from Life

02/12/2011 - You read right, 4:27 AM. I have not been up that late since... well, I can't remember when.

A Snapshot from Life

02/05/2011 - Completed my Psych collection... for now.

I'm Proud To Be A Colt!

Here is a random fact; Super Bowl 46 (which is next year) will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium. Which if you didn't know, is the Colts Stadium, since 2008. I am a big Colts fan, and I've been doing some reading on ESPN and other sport websites, that say because of the Colts hard season last year, Peyton Manning and the team will be back on top in the 2011 season. Something you can always count on with Manning, he'll have an off year, but will be back the next year to finish big.
Just look at season 2005, they finished with a great year of 14-2, they had a bye Wild Card week, but lost to the Steelers in the Divisional Playoff game. Then in 2006 (the year I became a fan), with a 12-4 record, they played the Bears in the Super Bowl and won!
And again in season 2008. they finished with a great regular season, 12-4, but lost to the Chargers the Wild Card week of the Playoffs. But in 2009, came back strong and finished the season with a record of 14-2, and went to play the Saints in the Super Bowl.
Last season they finshed with 10-6... and knowing Manning, they'll be the team this year!
Well to get to the point... if they do make it all the way this season coming up, my Colts will be the first to play in the Super Bow at their home Stadium! What a first to have! I'm hoping, praying, keeping my fingers crossed, and counting on my team!
GO COLTS!

Humility (Chapters 1 & 2)

This past Sunday, I bought Humility: True Grateness by C.J. Mahaney and Pierced by the Word by John Piper. I was pretty excited about getting them. Monday, I started reading Humility, and today I read the 3rd chapter and it's been very humbling.  C.J. Mahaney is my favorite auther, I love the way he writes.

I struggle with pride more than anything else. A few weeks ago I posted a post called "Identified in Christ", talking about how I find joy in being known as something other than being found in Christ. In chapter 2 he say "The real issue here is not if pride exists in your heart; it's where pride exists and how pride is being expressed in your life. Scripture shows us that pride is strongly and dangerously rooted in all our lives, far more than most of us care to admit or even thing about." Pride is in us all, John Stott says "Pride... it is itself the essence of all sin". That is something to think about, and very true. Think about it, if you lie, pride is the root of it because you don't want who ever you are lying to to know what every you know.

He also gave another quote from John Stott. "At every stage of our Christian development and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, pride is the greatest enemy and humility our greatest friend." At every stage. Some are more mature in this area than others, but humility is something that you are always maturing in. Mahaney gives the definition of humility, "Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness." Later he goes on to say, " But though He's aware of everything, He's also searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. God is decisively drawn to humility. The person who is humble is the one who draws God's attention, and in this sence, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace-- His unmerited kindness. Think about that: There's something you can do to attract more of God's gracious, undeserved, supernatural strength and assistance!" Wow! What a thought! In chaper 1 he says "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God". Scripture even says it, like James 4:6 "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." His grace is an amazing thing!

"Why does God hate pride so passionately?" C.J. asks, "Here's why: Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him. Charles Bridges once noted how pride lifts up one's heart against God and "contends for supremacy" with Him. That's a keenly insightful and biblical definition of pride's essence: contending for supremacy with God, and lifting up our hearts against Him." The next page he goes on to say "Pride takes innumerable forms but has only one end: self-glorification. That's the motive and ultimate purpose of pride -- to rob God of legitimate glory and to pursue self-glorification, contending for supremacy with Him. The proud person seeks to glorify himself and not God, thereby attempting in affect to deprive God of something only He is worthy to receive. No wonder God opposes pride. No wonder He hates pride. Let that truth sink into your thinking."

I can totally relate. I played basketball for 5 years. My junior and last year playing was my best year. I was starting point guard, voted team captain, and very prideful. I loved to tell people what I did, just to get their response and most of the time they asked questions about how good I was, and I loved to share. And there is nothing wrong with me telling people I played basketball, because that was what I was into and did, but it was the matter of the heart for me. I looooooved being known as "the basketball girl". But I was robbing God of glory. I really wish I would have read this book back then.

C.J. gives the scripture Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Then he continues with, "The warnings from Scripture about pride could not be more serious and sobering. And they're an expresion of God's mercy, intended for our good." Issues came up, and I was not able to play my senior year, which was always something I dreamed of. Pride comes before the fall. You always here that saying, and pay no attention to it (atleast I did). But I experienced it. This was an "expresion of God's mercy", I see that now. And how thankful I am for it looking back.

Auburn vs. Florida! WAR EAGLE!

This afternoon as I was checking my Twitter, I saw that on the SEC blog, last night Auburn announced it's 2011 schedule. As I was reading, I saw that on October 15th (aka my birthday) Auburn is playing the Florida Gators. This made my day!!! As most of you know I use to be a Gator, but became an Auburn Tiger last April. Florida is now my 2nd favorite team, and my brother and sister are still loyal to the Gator Nation, so Josh said we would love to go to that game. Looks like we have my birthday plans!
Here is the post on the SEC blog.
War Eagle!

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

My cooking adventures will now be on Tuesdays. Mom and I talked about it, and since I'm off on Tuesdays and she works, it just makes since that we move it to Tuesday.
So last night was my first Tuesday cooking adventure. From my "Sunday Night Football Cookbook" I made the Dallas Cowboys' linebacker, Demarcus Ware's recipe Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole.
You need;
- One 6oz Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- One 16oz bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
- One 10 3/4oz can cream of chicken soup
- 8oz processed American cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

Preheat the oven to 400.
First you cook the stuffing as directed on box, then set it aside. Then in a 9x13 dish, mix in chicken, broccoli, 1/2 a cup of water, and the cheese. When this is done, spread stuffing across the top. Back for 30 minutes, until chicken is cook through and stuffing is lightly brown. Then it's ready to be served.
I (of course) made rice and fresh french bread to go with it. But you can make what ever sides you please. All 7 of us loved it very much, kids even cleaned their plates.
Hope you enjoy!

♫Beautiful You♫

I don't perfer the band Reilly, even though I've seen them live. But I love this song... a lot at the moment. Wonderful lyrics! The course goes "But there's a different plan for me, something better that I cannot see. And it can only be beautiful wherever you are. It's a wonderful world I see when you're in my eyes. I always lose sight of me when you're in my eyes. I never want to move I never want to find, that I've wasted all my time away from the beautiful you."
He truely is beautiful! And it is a wonderful world when He is in my eyes!

A Snapshot from Life

02/02/2011 - my best friend of the week

 

Easiest Meal You Can Ever Make

This past week I was sick, and was not able to cook. So I ordered pizza. Easiest meal you can ever make... cuz in the end, you didn't really make it!
All you need is:
- 1 laptop/PC or a phone
- internet (if you have a laptop or PC)
-or a phone number (if you are using a phone)
Costum your pizza, then press "Place Order". It's pretty easy. I perfer to use Dominos... but you can use what ever one you choose. Enjoy!