Friday, August 27, 2010

The Latest Good News (Warning! EX-TREME-ELY long post)

So the latest news is.....

Let's see. Since the day of our wedding; I'll start there.

A few days after our wedding A got a call from Campbell's Soup for an interview. This was a long and hard time coming. Last year A applied for a job there but didn't get on. Which made the thought "How are we going to survive another year?" go through our heads. When he did get the call....well....I looked like a crazy woman running around in circles, jumping up and down, screaming my head off....you get the picture. =)
Going back to last year for a second: God had promised A that he would get this job, so in turn we decided that we would give the first two paychecks to God.
When he got the call this year, I started praying about where we should give. I didn't want to give just to give, because we had committed it, I wanted it to be God directed. Pretty much right off, I felt like missions was the right direction. Around that time there was also a major push for missions at church; there was even a group that went on a missions trip with our Hope Core (the Apostolic Pentecostal version of Peace Core). So when he got the call, a little over a month ago, that he had gotten the job, I prayed that God would direct us to a specific missionary. Preferably one that we knew personally. I wanted to be able to hear and see first hand the experience of the missionary.
Two weeks ago yesterday, I got onto FB (facebook) and had a post on there that one of our friends (K) was going to have a car wash that Friday to support her missions trip to Beliz (south of Mexico).
The thought came to me that this might be the missionary that I've been praying about, but I wanted to be certain, so I kept praying. I decided to volunteer my time and when I got there K and another friend of ours, M, were talking about the financial issues of the trip. It struck me as weird, because I had just been praying about that in my morning devotions. "God, let your will be evident." Later on when K's Mom showed up and the subject was brought up again, K's Mom said "like you said honey, if it's God's will he will make a way" and she kinda looked at me as if to say "right?" I immediately knew that that was confirmation of what I had been praying about, right in front of me. I went and called A (my husband) and asked him how much we had left after Tithes. He told me the amount and I asked if he would be OK with us giving that amount to support K's mission trip. He agreed.
I went to K's Mom and explained to her that A and I would like to help support K. She told me that it was so sweet that we would volunteer and that she knew K was right about "if it's God's will he will make a way". When I got around to the amount she broke down and cried. She finally told me that the amount we were going to give was almost the exact amount of K's plane fare to Beliz.

(I'm gonna let that sink in for a second.)

I don't know about you, but the feeling I got when I heard that made me go weak.

Maybe it's because I was on the giving end of a miracle blessing...I don't know.

I have heard all of my life the miracles that people have experienced. Financial, spiritual, physical.

~Just enough money to pay the bills

~The Minister's family sitting down to an empty table and praying over a meal that wasn't there and the getting a knock on the door and the local grocer being there with his truck backed up to the door with a truck bed full of groceries

~Having a flat tire 150 miles from home, putting chewing gum in the hole, and making it home safely (and the moment the car comes to a stop in the driveway the gum stops working and the tire deflates)

Need I go on?

Besides the presence of Jesus, it is the most amazing feeling I have ever felt in my entire life. Whenever I relate this story to someone, I always get chills.

The next thing that happened:
A week ago today, the 2nd check came and on Friday afternoon, about 7 hours before A had to start work, I asked him where he had decided that we would be giving the check to. He told me "All Together Now" (our church building fund). The next morning, I get a text from him at 5:30 saying that he will be staying late at work. I thought nothing of it.
When he got home, he told me the reason why. He was pulled aside by M, the morning coordinator (morning supervisor). He was told that the night shift supervisor had put his name in to replace one of the transferring cooks. M told him that he would be training to be a cook.
So that might not seem all that interesting, until you read this:
A has only been working there for 3 weeks (at the time) AND the cook position (as a permanent employee, which he is not, yet) is the highest paid non-management position in the plant! I freaked when I heard this. God's promise was already coming true. The Lord had promised me last year that if A and I were faithful and obedient, that A would move through the ranks faster than anybody ever had at that company. It's already started.

The last thing that happened was this: The day before A got the call for the Campbell's interview I got a letter in the mail stating that since my parent (a disabled veteran of the the US military) has received their 100% disability rating, I was approved for eligibility of educational funding. This entails: 8 years of full tuition paid to any school in CA and a monthly stipend (income). My choice of career, Psychiatry, will take me 10 years to get my Doctorate. God is an on time, providing God.

So to sum this all up in a timeline:

June 20th ~ A gets the interview call from Campbell's
July 19th ~ I recieve the VA letter
July 20th ~ A gets the call to start work that Thursday
August 21 ~ A gets a promotion & raise

In two months time, God has blessed over and above our wildest dreams. The saying "You can't outgive God" has been more than true in our lives, this is just the latest example.

Thank you for taking the time to read my VERY long post. I hope this gave you some encouragement, uplifted your spirit in some way, or maybe just warmed your heart a little. In any case, I just couldn't keep the wonderful things that Jesus has done in our lives to myself. It's too exciting.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

I'm Getting Married!

TODAY!!!!!!!! 8 Hours, 1 Minute and Counting!!!!!!!!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Bible Thoughts

SO I was reading in Exodus the other day and I came across something. The last verses of chapter 31 talk about how God called Moses up into Mount Sinai and how the cloud of the Glory of God was visible from the ground. The Very First Verse of chapter 32 talks about the children of Israel asking Aaron to build them an idol to worship because they didn't know if Moses was still alive or not.

My question is this:
How do we go from seeing the Glory of God right in front of us to worshipping other gods? (i.e. TV, Sports, Money, Material Things, etc.)

I asked this of a Pastor in my church the other day. His answer was (something to the effect of) that we get side tracked and impatient. 40 days and nights for the children of Israel (and Christians today) is a long time, therefore it's easy to look to another source for answers. Thank you Pastor S. for imparting your wisdom.

After our conversation, I thought about it. I DID THAT! I got impatient with God with things in my life and left walking with Him to find my own answers! I must have seemed dense when I asked that, but I'm glad I did; and had the chance to realize the lesson to be learned.

How many of you have walked away from God looking for your own answers because it seemed like He was taking to long? How many times?

There Is A Way! to stop the wandering.

Read Your Bible
Pray Every Day
And You'll
Grow, Grow, Grow




Monday, May 24, 2010

I forgot!

I forgot to post who won!

Stephanie! You are the lucky winner. lol Even though we have been corresponding through email. hahaha

Sorry Ya'll! I'm a "forgets-a-lot" lol

Thursday, May 20, 2010

31 Posts!!!

Wow! I feel so special! All of you who left a comment like my little bag. =) I kne it would be good for something. lol

Well, this is how I am gonna choose the winner.

1) Write each name on a piece of paper
2) Put all names in a bowl
3) Have my hunny pick a name (I have to include him!) hehe =)

I can't be fair otherwise. =) It has to be random or I will feel the guilt of the giveaway. =) lol

Thanx to all those who participated! The winner will be annouced tomorrow!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Signing Up For Class

First! I have a bunch of comments already for my giveaway! Yay! I feel so special. =) Thank you to all who left one.

So today is my day to sign up for classes at college....yes, I am going to be getting married in 39 days and I will be in the throws of classes at the time. Ok, so I'm only taking a math and yoga class for the summer, but hey, I still have to plan and whip up decor and such. (I haven't been to school since last year and before that I kept dropping my classes....I just didn't want to go. =)~ Yes, yes, I know I was being lazy.)

So last week I was at church and our Pastor preached about getting into the Spirit of God. I had been feeling down lately because everytime I went to go pray in the morning it was a FIGHT to keep focused. That was frustrating. Anyways, so at the end of the service Pastor told a story about a preacher, based in our church, who was driving and praying one night. He stopped and parked on the Duke University campus. He looked up to see a Chinese man sitting on a bench reading, what looked like, a Bible. When the preacher got out of the car, he went and talked to the man. The man told him that he was almost too late, he was leaving for home in the morning. This man had been in the US for 5 years. When he had left his home, his grandmother had told him that he would meet someone who would explain the Bible to him. At the end of the story our Pastor told us that God would bring revival through college campuses across the nation. He then asked everyone to start praying, when I did, IMMEDIATELY I felt like I was in the vein of the Spirit. I started praying about the things and people in my life that are important to me. Then a thought came to my mind about college. (We have a ministry geared toward people of college age) I felt drawn to start praying about the college ministry. Then I felt deeply impressed that this time around, my college experience would be different. (Since coming back to church in March, even though I was raised in church, there has been a growth in my spiritual walk like I have never had.) I am so excited to start classes in 3 weeks. I can't wait to see what God has in store for me. Who will He put in my path? What will He teach me? Who will I be an example to? It's so exciting to think that I may be an integral part in the revival that God has in store.

Although, it was a bit of a hassle to sign up for classes. All of them were closed or wait listed. =(
I do know that wherever I end up I will be where God wants me to be.

Thank you to all those who have posted comments on my blog for the giveaway. I hope that my blog is interesting. =)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Give Away Day!

So, May 17th is give away day for Sew Mama Sew blog.

I am offically giving away my 2nd completed project. I am so excited to share my "work" with someone.

It is perfect to carry a child's toys on a trip.

I made this while thinking about my little niece and nephew. I think it is so cute. I re-purposed two pillow cases, which I am excited about. It was my second project and both times I re-purposed different things.

Leave me a comment about things you have re-purposed or DIYed (Decor/Do It Yourself). I am eager to learn about other things people have done. If you have a blog, please let me know, I love to discover new blogs and sites.

I will only be shipping in the US, sorry to those who are international.
The Give Away will comments will not be considered after May 20th.

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Real "Hobo Sack"

Ok, so this is the Real "hobo sack". =)

The last time I didn't read the directions correctly and I rushed the process. Too excited to see the finished product. =) I think it was also the fabric.

I was so proud of myself for figuring out how to do a zig zag stitch just from a tutorial, that I just Had to take a picture of my first succesful attempt. lol
I made the bag out of these two pillow cases....why pillow cases you ask? Well.....it was 8:00 at night when I decided I wanted to make this. I didn't have anything else.

I could figure out how to incorporate the deer....I may still add it if the person who wins the "Giveaway Day" contest from Sew Mama Sew. I really like this site, it has some great tutorials and it sells fabric!! I haven't bought any yet, but soon....
This giveaway will be on May 16th, a week from Sunday (Mother's Day ~ Don't forget!).
I am excited! I can't wait to share my project with someone. I hope I get to give it to a mother with a toddler that can put his toys in it. =)
Mish, I'm gonna make one for Cy and one for Roma when you get here. You just gotta pick out the fabric for them, k?

So......for all of those who read my blog and wanna join in on the contest by giving away something you made or leaving a comment to win the giveaway prize on my blog or one of the other many many many blogs that will be doing this. Go to the Sew Mam Sew site on May 16th to get linked to all the blogs doing this or to sign up as a participant.

Such a cute lil baggie =)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Thoughts....

I have been thinking a lot lately about the future. What type of wife will I become? What kind of mother will I be? Will I learn to sew my own wardrobe and those of my future family's? What about knitting? ...... I know I want to be successful at all these things, but the uncertainty of it all is somewhat daunting.

Reading a blog today, I realized that all this uncertainty that I am feeling is nothing compared to what some have felt. What if I am in this woman's shoes and I loose and child? Or Twins? How this woman has shown the strength that she has, and leaned on God through it all shows me that my uncertainty can be calmed in my faith. Just walking with God will give me the strength and wisdom to reach for each new day with furvor and grace.

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Thinking about wedding stuff.....

How am I gonna get this all done?!? It seems like everything is in limbo. The cake, the decorations, the dress, the ceremony....I know I have everything lined up, but I just want the day to get here.

I can't wait to be married. Start my married life. It feels like I have been waiting an eternity. It is so wonderful to know that I get to be with him for the rest of my life.

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I love having a computer. It makes things so much easier.
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I like spaghetti, just not made with turkey, I like red meat! lol
I am a Car-Ni-VOR! Yumm-diddly
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Men Never CLEAN!!! How did I go from someone who hides in their mountain of clothes under their bunkbead when in trouble to someone who can't stand it when the house is dirty? I think I'm becoming a house wife already. hahaha
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Thank you Sister Priscilla Magruder for being the example that you have been. I love you. I will miss your preaching at Ladies Retreat. I will rejoice with you on the other side. (She passed about 3:30p.m.)

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Hobo Sack

I did it! I started AND completed my first sewing project! It's called a hobo sack. If you have ver seen the pictures of a hobo walking down the railroad tracks with a sack tied to a stick over there shoulder, that is what this is. Well.....sorta. =) It was my first successful attempt, so it's not Exactly the same.

I made mine out of a really cute skirt that I never wore. It's supposed to be a one hour project....I started it last night. =) I made a big blunder and had to start over. not to mention the fact that taking th skirt apart took 2 hours. Stitch by Stitch by ever livin stitch. Neeedless to say, I think I will jsut go get some material next time.

This is the skirt it was made out of:

And this is what it looks like:

This is what it's supposed to look like:

As you can see, mine is VERY different. =)


That's ok, I like it. =)

Here is the web link if you would like to make one:
http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-hobo-sack.html

Enjoy!!

Mish, I just saw the tutorial on the shirt you made for Cy on the same website. Great minds think alike, huh? lol

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Coolest Website Ever!



I saw this totally awesome thing to do for school. I have always loved notebooks, but I could never find one that I liked or if I did it was EX-PEN-SIVE.

Check this out.

http://www.sewmamasew.com/store/media/blog/SMSNotebooks.pdf

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Sewing & Crafting

I was on PW Tasty Kitchen this morning looking for new quick and easy recipes. =) My favorite.
I found a blog post about this young woman from Minnesota, when I went to her website I found links to sewing, crafting, knitting and much more. I just had to share.

http://www.ericalea.com/

Please let me know all the cool things that you derive from this young woman's links. I think they are totally awesome and I can't wait to start trying them out!

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Another thing

If you read my blog, and you like it, Please, leave a comment or "follow" me. I love knowing who is reading me =) I have one faithful follower so far. Thank You Margie. Lots o' Love

Banana Cream Pie

I did it! I made Banana Cream Pie!

Ok, so I cheated and used the Jello pudding mix, but I made my own crust. =) Does that absolve me from the "real cooks" scorn out there?

It is Andrew's favorite desert and he liked it. I do have to admit, I tried to make it the real way and failed miserably. The bottom of his oven is still not clean from the spillage of my botched attempt.

It was pretty good for a 1st successful attempt at it, even if I did cheat, everyone's gotta start somewhere right? And I did it big, I didn't skimp on the amount. I made it in a 9x11 casserole dish =) I made two boxes of the Jello mix, 2 make-your-own pie crust packages, and about 3 bananas and almost a whole can of whip cream (the hold-the-can-upside down-squirt-it-in-your-mouth kind) Yes, I took the easy way out. I already told you I am the Queen of Easy Cooking, not because I am a great cook and know how to make short cuts.....I'm just to hungry to wait for the hours of prep and cook time to be over before I can eat. =)~

We already ate a 1/5 of it so it's not all pretty anymore for picture time. So sorry, no pictures today. =)

Well, that's all folks. Have a funny day and stay blessed.

Yabba-Dabba-DOOO

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Easy Peezy Chicken Breezy AND Mancakes

Ok, So there is probably not a recipe called that =) but this is my cheater chicken salad. My mom loved it, so it has to be good. lol

You start with as much chicken as you want, and if you don't have a salad shooter like me and you don't want to hand chop all the chicken and celery, you can us this: 
I call it my little chop chop. It's actually called a food chopper or something, but, Hey, I like to name my stuff =) Sue me lol
This is what it does:
Before
After

It chops really good! I love it. Take a piece of chicken or a couple pieces of celery and this is what happens:
                                                   Before                                                  
After

SO, back to recipe.
Easy Chicken Salad
2 pieces of boneless/skinless chicken breast (chopped finely)
2-4 pieces of celery (about 3-4 inches long) Chopped finely
Mayonnaise to taste (Enough to make mixture creamy)
Mustard (optional) to taste

NOW for the spread...Use any kind of bread you want. I just made this on Saturday and LOVED it. The Pesto Mayo that I used for the Chicken Sandwiches in my last post I used on these sandwiches. I have to say....I was bomb diggity! =)~

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MANCAKES


You are probably wondering what that is. Well, Andrew and I were watching a documentary series of this guy going around the country and finding the best "pig out joints" across the nation. In one place he found Mancakes (A pancake on steroids)

I made this for Andrew the other morning:


You can laugh now. =) They filled the entire bottom of the pan and a pain in the ba-honkus to flip over.
I just had to share. I was so proud of myself for making them. There is two there, but the one on bottom is hidding. =)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Anticipation

WOW, changing your life around definitely makes a difference! in everything!

I am back on track and it's SO refeshing! Yesterday morning I had a great prayer meeting and this morning I had my Bible with me and I read Psalm 119....yes I know how long it is. =) It was rejuvinating. I really like Psalm 121. It is SO True! He is Most Definitely my help and keeper and he preserves my going out and comin in. I think this might become one of my favorite passages. =) Oh I can't wait until Sunday!
To be back in God's presence and worshipping with all those whom I love and who love and have been praying for me....Oh how awesome, loving, gracious, forgiving and so much more, God truly is!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Chicken Sandwiches W/ Pesto Mayo

So I made this yumm-diddly-umtious dish yesterday for dinner. It was so good!

The recipe called for roasted red peppers and provolone cheese, but I cheated and used fire roasted tomatoes and muenster cheese. =)~

I also used a shallow glass pie dish to cook the chicken. Here are some pictures:
Start with the bread of you choice. I chose Dutch Crunch Roll


Add the thinly sliced chicken

Add the tomatoes
or red peppers,
which ever you chose.

Put the cheese on top
& put in the oven to
melt the cheese & toast the bread

Take out of the oven put the pesto mayo on the top part of the bun....this is the type of pesto I used:
("Knorr"s)

AND EAT!!!! Yummy!

It was very scrumptious and very easy to make. Prep was a snap and I was doing stuff on the computer and other things while this was cooking. It goes great with a salad. I did a simple bag salad from Safeway with Ranch Dressing. (Oh and the "granulated garlic" is just garlic powder)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I'm Engaged!

So, this morning Andrew called my Dad and my Mom this afternoon.
When I got back from the store with stuff for dinner, he was standing with a bouquet of roses.
I went to go hug him, but he didn't let me....(you will know why in a minute)
He started by telling me something that he has told me before:
He's been frustrated for the past eight years watching his friends find their significant others and get married, often questioning God when it would be his turn. God would always tell him to just be patient. Then he (re)met me and fell in love, and he came to realize that I was the missing rose in the bouquet of his life. He then pulled the missing rose from the bouquet that he gave me and said "You are the missing rose in the bouquet of my life, you are my rose forever and ever. Will you marry me" (This is where him not letting me hug him comes in....the rose was in his back)
I was crying this entire time, as you can probably gather. =)
So now starts a journey of a life time. HAHA For those of you who know Andrew or his family, you will understand that. Andrew is one of the craziest people I know. He is SO goofy, never serious.....ok VERY rarely, and he is the most fun out of anyone I have ever known. Yet, he is kind and EXTREMELY patient with me, even though I drive him nuts sometimes (his words not mine), and most importantly is sensitive to God.
OH, I almost forgot the most important part! The picture of the roses! How could I forget? AND he brought me my favorite candy Hershey's Chocolate W/ Almonds (the King size x2)

The rose in the middle is the one he gave to me at the end =)