"He is always and only good, no matter how strange and painful His ways with us.... But, as painful as His providence can be, we should trust that He is good, not get angry with Him. That would be like getting angry at the surgeon who cuts us. It might be right if the surgeon slips and makes a mistake. But God never slips." -John Piper
"Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments" -Revelation 16:7
August 09, 2011
August 08, 2011
The Gift of Singleness
The other morning I read the chapter in I Kissed Dating Goodbye about having patience while you are single. This is something I need to work on. Because my time is going to come, when the right guy is going to come into my life. "He wants us to learn the patience and trust necessary to wait for His perfect timing in all things. including our love lives." The part in Lord of the Rings comes to mind when Gandalf says "A wizard is never late, nor is he early, but he arrives precisely when he means to." Isn't that so true with God? He's never early, nor late, but He does things precisely when he means to. It's perfect!
Josh Harris says, "Just as spring's role is different from that of fall, so each of the seasons of our lives has a different emphasis, focus, and beauty. One is not better than another; each season yields its own unique treasures. We cannot skip ahead to experience the riches of another life season any more than a farmer can rush the spring. Each season builds on the one before. God has many wonderful experiences He wants to give to us, but He also assigns these experiences to particular seasons of our lives." As I look back on my life, I can see that He does. My life in the last 3 years has not been a pretty one, heck, it's been far from pretty. But He has used those seasons to bring me closer to Him. It wasn't easy, but I am so thankful for it!
How do we have patience? He says "Waiting for God's timing requires trusting in His goodness and wisdom. We develop patience as we trust that God denies us what we think is good only because He has something better for us--both now and in the future." Later he gives a quote from Elisabeth Elliot that I love; "We were being asked to leave the planning to God. God's ultimate plan was as far beyond our imaginings as the oak tree is from the acorn's imaginings. The acorn does what it was made to do, without pestering it's Maker with questions about when and how and why. We who have been given an intelligence and a will and a whole range of wants that can be set against the divine Pattern for Good are asked to believe Him. We are given the chance to trust Him when He says to us, '...if any man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self.'" I know for me, it's easier to trust on some days that He's got a plan than others, but I've found reading scripture helps. Reminding myself, He is in control. (Jeremiah 29:11) He even tells us not to fear, that He is our helper (Isaiah 41:13). (I bet you can tell what my favorite verses are? haha)
There is so much more from this chapter that I want to blog about but I don't want to bore you, or frighten you with a longer post than it already is. So I would encourage you to read this book, but if you don't have time, atleast read this chapter (#6), and let me know what you think. It's very helpful if you find yourself struggling with this as I do.
"God doesn't use our singleness to punish us. He has created this season as an unparalleled opportunity for undistracted devotion to God. And as a time for growth and service that we shouldn't take for granted or allow to slip by. One person rightly stated, "Don't do something about your singlehood--do something with it!".... Singleness is a gift. Let's rejoice in it and enjoy its opportunities today. Let's practice trusting God by pursuing His kingdom and His righteousness with all our hearts and by leaving the planning to Him."
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Josh Harris says, "Just as spring's role is different from that of fall, so each of the seasons of our lives has a different emphasis, focus, and beauty. One is not better than another; each season yields its own unique treasures. We cannot skip ahead to experience the riches of another life season any more than a farmer can rush the spring. Each season builds on the one before. God has many wonderful experiences He wants to give to us, but He also assigns these experiences to particular seasons of our lives." As I look back on my life, I can see that He does. My life in the last 3 years has not been a pretty one, heck, it's been far from pretty. But He has used those seasons to bring me closer to Him. It wasn't easy, but I am so thankful for it!
How do we have patience? He says "Waiting for God's timing requires trusting in His goodness and wisdom. We develop patience as we trust that God denies us what we think is good only because He has something better for us--both now and in the future." Later he gives a quote from Elisabeth Elliot that I love; "We were being asked to leave the planning to God. God's ultimate plan was as far beyond our imaginings as the oak tree is from the acorn's imaginings. The acorn does what it was made to do, without pestering it's Maker with questions about when and how and why. We who have been given an intelligence and a will and a whole range of wants that can be set against the divine Pattern for Good are asked to believe Him. We are given the chance to trust Him when He says to us, '...if any man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self.'" I know for me, it's easier to trust on some days that He's got a plan than others, but I've found reading scripture helps. Reminding myself, He is in control. (Jeremiah 29:11) He even tells us not to fear, that He is our helper (Isaiah 41:13). (I bet you can tell what my favorite verses are? haha)
There is so much more from this chapter that I want to blog about but I don't want to bore you, or frighten you with a longer post than it already is. So I would encourage you to read this book, but if you don't have time, atleast read this chapter (#6), and let me know what you think. It's very helpful if you find yourself struggling with this as I do.
"God doesn't use our singleness to punish us. He has created this season as an unparalleled opportunity for undistracted devotion to God. And as a time for growth and service that we shouldn't take for granted or allow to slip by. One person rightly stated, "Don't do something about your singlehood--do something with it!".... Singleness is a gift. Let's rejoice in it and enjoy its opportunities today. Let's practice trusting God by pursuing His kingdom and His righteousness with all our hearts and by leaving the planning to Him."
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1
John 15:4-5
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Isn't that so true? We can do nothing apart from him! He allows us to breathe, He allows us to swallow, He allows us to walk and sit and stand. The little things we don't think about during out daily lives, He allows to happen. Isn't He amazing?
Isn't that so true? We can do nothing apart from him! He allows us to breathe, He allows us to swallow, He allows us to walk and sit and stand. The little things we don't think about during out daily lives, He allows to happen. Isn't He amazing?
A Snapshot from Life
08/06/2011 - Claire Bear, Reese Pieces, Pieces, Rees, Reesa... whatever I call her, I love my Claire Reese!
August 06, 2011
Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti
Last night, rushing before community group, I made Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti from my Real Simple cookbook. It was amazing! I like lasagna, but I hate the ricotta cheese you put in it. It's just nasty. One of the very few foods I HATE. But I liked this cuz it was made with ricotta cheese, but it's all mixed in, and not a layer by itself.
- 12oz Ziti (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1 26oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 bunch of spinach, thick stems removed
- 1/2 cup ricitta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2oz)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (4oz)
Heat over to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to box. When done, return it back to pot.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook till sofen, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the beef, 3/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 pepper. Breaking up with a spoon, cook till no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
Once cooked all the way, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Transfer to a 9x13 pan, and sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and bake till cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.
*I'm not to big on spinach in my lasagna, so I didn't put as much as they call for, but either way is up to you.
Everyone said this is a keeper! And gave it 5 stars. And it's a very easy meal! Which is a plus.
- 12oz Ziti (about 4 cups)
- 1 Tbs olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- Kosher salt and pepper
- 1 26oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 bunch of spinach, thick stems removed
- 1/2 cup ricitta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2oz)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella (4oz)
Heat over to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to box. When done, return it back to pot.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook till sofen, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then add the beef, 3/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 pepper. Breaking up with a spoon, cook till no longer pink, 5 to 6 minutes.
Once cooked all the way, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. Transfer to a 9x13 pan, and sprinkle with the mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and bake till cheese melts, 12 to 15 minutes.
*I'm not to big on spinach in my lasagna, so I didn't put as much as they call for, but either way is up to you.
Everyone said this is a keeper! And gave it 5 stars. And it's a very easy meal! Which is a plus.
Bon appetit!
August 03, 2011
A Snapshot from Life
08/01/2011 - I got my acceptance letter to Liberty!!! (Yes, I blocked my address. haha)
"We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We Recount your wondrous deeds." -Psalms 75:1
Everything, He Holds In His Hands
Once again, God has been showing me He is in control and has a plan. Last week I started my job working at KingsWay as the KingsKids administrator. This was an answer to prayer! I am so excited to have this opportunity to serve my church.
Then, last month, I applied for Liberty University Online program. And on the 28th I found out I was accepted! I'm not sure what to expect with this, but I am so excited! He has given me a clear plath to take... for now. It could change at any moment, but I'll be doing Liberty Online to get an associates degree in Elementary Education. Then, if it's the Lord's will, I'll continue my education with Auburn Online. Like I said, this is the path I am taking, but it could change if it's what God wants.
Since we have moved down here, I've been discouraged (as I blogged about before), and God is just showing me that He has a plan... that His timing is perfect!
As Chris Tomlin would say in his song Unfailing Love, "And everything, You hold in Your hand. Still You make time for me. I can't understand." If God cars for the sparrows, why would He not care for me? (Luke 12:6-7)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" -Jeremiah 29:11
Then, last month, I applied for Liberty University Online program. And on the 28th I found out I was accepted! I'm not sure what to expect with this, but I am so excited! He has given me a clear plath to take... for now. It could change at any moment, but I'll be doing Liberty Online to get an associates degree in Elementary Education. Then, if it's the Lord's will, I'll continue my education with Auburn Online. Like I said, this is the path I am taking, but it could change if it's what God wants.
Since we have moved down here, I've been discouraged (as I blogged about before), and God is just showing me that He has a plan... that His timing is perfect!
As Chris Tomlin would say in his song Unfailing Love, "And everything, You hold in Your hand. Still You make time for me. I can't understand." If God cars for the sparrows, why would He not care for me? (Luke 12:6-7)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" -Jeremiah 29:11
A Snapshot from Life
07/31/2011 -Bought my second orchid. They remind me of my Granddaddy! Who I miss so much!
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