In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ

to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession-to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:7-14

Do you ever feel like we are selfish?  With our dreams, our goals, our choices, our life...perhaps to feel more valuable in society...to leave a legacy?

We are slaves for Christ

Let me be honest, I have always known that I can travel many different paths in life but I must choose one at a time

I went to college

I got married(3 months today)

.........God, where am I going now?

Careers...photographer?  probation officer?  social worker?  counselor?  stay at home wife?  foster mother?  

Yes, I know God is taking care of my career path

The unknown has never been an area I trust

I am a wild flower, swaying wildly in the wind...and it brings me joy:)

Thankful for my husband

Upon arriving home after work, Dylan surprised me by turning my childhood bedroom into a small apartment-like setup to make it feel more like "our place"

A quiet night with my husband...I didn't realize just how much I would treasure these nights:)

The eyes of faith when fixed on Christ
Give hope for what’s ahead,
But focus on life’s obstacles
And faith gives way to dread. —D. De Haan

The things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel-

Philippians 1:12

Thankful for the blessing of some Gooooood Food!

Here's a recipe that I will attempt to create soon:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/spicy-pasta-salad-with-smoked-gouda-tomatoes-and-basil/

Recipe: Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 9 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 8

  12 ounces, weight Mostaccioli

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Whole Milk
• 4 Tablespoons White Vinegar
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Adobo Sauce From Chipotle Peppers (or One Minced Chipotle Pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• Ground Black Pepper To Taste
• 10 ounces, weight Grape Tomatoes, Halved Lengthwise
• 1/2 pound Smoked Gouda Cheese, Cut Into Small Cubes
• 24 whole Basil Leaves (chiffonade)

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta until done. Drain and rinse in cold water until no longer hot. Set aside.
Mix mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, salt, pepper, and adobo in a small bowl.
In a large bowl, stir together pasta, dressing, halved tomatoes, and cubed Gouda. Taste for seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed, and even an extra teaspoons or two of vinegar if necessary. Stir in basil at the end. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.

Divine.

My history of cooking is...interesting.  I'm always looking for easy recipes with the main ingredients being chocolate, pasta, cheese or more chocolate.  Let's hope this recipe is a winner!
Night All!

I have been loving some new, small daily devotions lately


This one has ran through my head many times yesterday at work

It's so easy to focus on your own needs


Lord, grant me a heart of compassion
So burdened for others’ needs
That I will show Your kindness
In attitudes, words, and deeds. —Fitzhugh

Joyful as a peach

Sure it doesn't have that fun ring to it, but this adequately describes my mood these past two days

The past few mornings have been filled with amazing devotions

Dylan and I have not checked anything off of our "not" list

I am very content where we are at in life

I had a major wake up call about a week ago

I wanted a job right away.  I wanted an apartment right away.  I wanted health insurance right away.  

But that's not what God wants in our life

And I'm okay with it

My hunger for the truth He satisfies;
Upon the Word, the Living Bread, I feed:
No parching thirst I know, because His grace,
A pool of endless depth, supplies my need. —Sanders

I think I can....

I think I can....

I think I can....

Trust God