I bought a house!!!!!
I'm super excited! I had no idea what all went into purchasing a home. It seems like all I do lately is write checks and sign papers! It will be SO worth it though, because this time in my life is something I've anticipated for a very long time.
I had been "looking" online for a house for a while. I knew I wanted to take full advantage of the tax credit that was available for first time homebuyers. I knew it ended this year, on April 30. I can only explain this entire process by saying it was all God. I found a townhouse that is in my price range, in a safe place, and one in which I can just see myself calling home. It has great potential. Every square inch will have to be painted, and I have to purchase all new appliances. But, I can't wait to make the vision I have of how I want it to look become a reality.
Pictures will be posted soon. I will definitely do a before and after montage. The current owners are still living there so I can't get in to take any at this time. Until then, I'm having a blast picking out paint colors, shopping for furniture, and just enjoying the process.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Meeting God...and Candace
This past Friday night, I had the privilege of going to Columbia, TN, to hear Candace Cameron Bure speak. I have to admit, I was simply thinking it would be a fun-yet quick- road trip and I would hopefully get to meet one of my favorite childhood actresses. I’m ashamed to say that I never really thought about what God had in store for me once I was there. I left in awe of how He, through Candace, challenged me.
She started by giving us all updates on her Full House co-stars. Kimmy Gibbler is married with children, Steve just had a new baby with his wife, The Olsen twins….well, we all know they’re billionaires, etc. She then moved into sharing her story.
She told us that as a teenager she was a “good girl.” She indulged in the typical teenage behaviors, she said, but over all did more good than bad. She felt as if as long as the scale tipped to the good side, she was okay. She began going to church at age 12 and was eventually baptized. She still believed that she was saved by God’s grace and by just being “good” she would earn her spot in heaven. She continued talking about how God nudged her toward a higher calling and a deeper relationship with Him. She said she realized that being good wasn’t good enough. Satan was hiding her sin and she couldn’t see how she had fallen and come short of God’s glory. She said that God is a just judge and even though we are saved by grace, Matthew 7:21 says “Not all who say to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Candace said she wasn’t producing fruit that she should be by being a child of God. She wasn’t sharing His word, she wasn’t loving, demonstrating self control, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, etc. She said she didn’t want to be Left Behind, and used a reference from that book. She said her brother Kirk mentioned a book called The Way of the Master that really changed the way she looked at her walk with God. It speaks of the ten commandments and how we as humans, as sinners, have broken every single one of them...in ways that we don't even realize. Candace, through this book and the Holy Spirit, recognized her sin and her complete need for God in her life. We all know where she is and what she does today.
She started by giving us all updates on her Full House co-stars. Kimmy Gibbler is married with children, Steve just had a new baby with his wife, The Olsen twins….well, we all know they’re billionaires, etc. She then moved into sharing her story.
She told us that as a teenager she was a “good girl.” She indulged in the typical teenage behaviors, she said, but over all did more good than bad. She felt as if as long as the scale tipped to the good side, she was okay. She began going to church at age 12 and was eventually baptized. She still believed that she was saved by God’s grace and by just being “good” she would earn her spot in heaven. She continued talking about how God nudged her toward a higher calling and a deeper relationship with Him. She said she realized that being good wasn’t good enough. Satan was hiding her sin and she couldn’t see how she had fallen and come short of God’s glory. She said that God is a just judge and even though we are saved by grace, Matthew 7:21 says “Not all who say to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.” Candace said she wasn’t producing fruit that she should be by being a child of God. She wasn’t sharing His word, she wasn’t loving, demonstrating self control, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, etc. She said she didn’t want to be Left Behind, and used a reference from that book. She said her brother Kirk mentioned a book called The Way of the Master that really changed the way she looked at her walk with God. It speaks of the ten commandments and how we as humans, as sinners, have broken every single one of them...in ways that we don't even realize. Candace, through this book and the Holy Spirit, recognized her sin and her complete need for God in her life. We all know where she is and what she does today.
Candace is to me, a spiritual mentor. She and her husband Val prayed about her decision to go back into acting after 10 years of being a stay at home mom. She is now starring on the series Make It or Break It on ABC Family. She said she won’t allow her 12 year old daughter to watch it because there are issues on her show she’s not ready for her daughter to see. She explained that many people ask why she agreed to play this role, as there are episodes on teenage sex, drinking, etc. Candance said that she felt like God opened this door for her to share Him with Hollywood. She told stories of how she’s already been able to share the story of Jesus with other actors, Tom Arnold being a big one. She actually plays a Christian on the show and is able to share scripture on public television. She has asked for scripts to have lines removed that take the Lord’s name in vain. She shares her beliefs with directors. She is shining her light in Hollywood and that to Candace, is much more important that anything else.
I am now a bigger fan that I was before I met her. She inspired and challenged my walk with God and I wasn’t expecting that when I got there. Praise God for showing up where we least expect it!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Candace Cameron Bure
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Tonight was the big night...THE BACHELOR FINALE! Although I wasn't happy with the outcome, this is probably still my all-time favorite show. I seriously think I could watch it for eight hours straight. Is it cheesy? Absolutely. Is it stretching it to be categorized as reality? Of course. But am I embarrassed to say I L-O-V-E it? NO WAY!
I watched with friends tonight and we had SO much fun! We had some delicious Italian sandwiches (thanks Amy!), chips and dip, and I made Chocolate Turtle Tarlets. They're super easy and delicious! The recipe is below. We had tons of fun and definitely made the most of an opportunity to hang out and make fun of poor Vienna. I have embedded a slideshow for your viewing pleasure.
CHOCOLATE TURTLE TARTLET
1 pkg. Pillsbury pie crusts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons caramel topping
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Unroll 1 pie crust on work surface. Roll lightly with rolling pin. With 2 1/2 inch - 2 3/4 inch round cutter (I use a small condiment cup.), cut pie crust into rounds. Press rounds in bottom of mini muffin pan. Place five chocolate chips in the bottom of each pastry.
2. Bake 6 minutes. Leave crusts in pan. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees.
3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel topping, and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Spoon evenly over chocolate chips, about 1 1/2 teaspoons on each tartlet.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cheesecake is set. Cool in pan on cooling rack 10 minutes; remove from pan.
5. In small bowl, place remaining chocolate chips and oil in microwave. Drizzle over each tartlet and immediately top with pecans.
6. Refrigerate two hours before serving and enjoy!
I watched with friends tonight and we had SO much fun! We had some delicious Italian sandwiches (thanks Amy!), chips and dip, and I made Chocolate Turtle Tarlets. They're super easy and delicious! The recipe is below. We had tons of fun and definitely made the most of an opportunity to hang out and make fun of poor Vienna. I have embedded a slideshow for your viewing pleasure.
CHOCOLATE TURTLE TARTLET
1 pkg. Pillsbury pie crusts
1/2 cup chocolate chips
4 oz cream cheese
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons caramel topping
1 egg
1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Unroll 1 pie crust on work surface. Roll lightly with rolling pin. With 2 1/2 inch - 2 3/4 inch round cutter (I use a small condiment cup.), cut pie crust into rounds. Press rounds in bottom of mini muffin pan. Place five chocolate chips in the bottom of each pastry.
2. Bake 6 minutes. Leave crusts in pan. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees.
3. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel topping, and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Spoon evenly over chocolate chips, about 1 1/2 teaspoons on each tartlet.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until cheesecake is set. Cool in pan on cooling rack 10 minutes; remove from pan.
5. In small bowl, place remaining chocolate chips and oil in microwave. Drizzle over each tartlet and immediately top with pecans.
6. Refrigerate two hours before serving and enjoy!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sweet or Unsweet Dilema
For years, we've heard that too much sugar is bad for us. We've been advised to eat less desserts and carbs and not consume calories in what we drink. However, I feel now that the tide is turning.
I've recently been convicted toattempt completely get off of articial sweeteners. It's going to be incredibly difficult. I have finally gotten myself off of sweet tea and regular caffinated/carbonated beverages and switched to unsweet tea with Splenda and diet drinks. Of course, I try to drink water also, but I just am not a huge fan. But lately, all I'm hearing are the dangers of aspertame. I actually talked to a friend from church this weekend that is a nurse practitioner and she says we are just asking for it by continuously consuming these type sweeteners. She strongly feels it is much healthier for us to drink beverages that are sweetened with good ole' fashioned sugar than those that aren't.
Where does that leave me? I'm STUCK! The diet I am so fervently trying to be on doesn't allow me to eat or drink sugar. It's just simply against the rules and would negate everything I work to accomplish with what I eat throughout the day. But, I certainly don't want to increase my risk of cancer, stroke, etc. by drinking diet drinks or those sweetened with Splenda, Equal, and so forth.
What do I do? I've been introduced to Truvia, which is made from the all-natural Stevia plant. It's not artificial and at the time of this post, is healthy. However, there are no carbonated drinks that use Truvia. It seems like it's just six of one and half a dozen the other.
What are your thoughts? Do without sugar and go for Splenda, or go all out and be "sweet?" I'd love to hear!
I've recently been convicted to
Where does that leave me? I'm STUCK! The diet I am so fervently trying to be on doesn't allow me to eat or drink sugar. It's just simply against the rules and would negate everything I work to accomplish with what I eat throughout the day. But, I certainly don't want to increase my risk of cancer, stroke, etc. by drinking diet drinks or those sweetened with Splenda, Equal, and so forth.
What do I do? I've been introduced to Truvia, which is made from the all-natural Stevia plant. It's not artificial and at the time of this post, is healthy. However, there are no carbonated drinks that use Truvia. It seems like it's just six of one and half a dozen the other.
What are your thoughts? Do without sugar and go for Splenda, or go all out and be "sweet?" I'd love to hear!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Not for the Weak at Heart
WARNING: Nothing about this post is postive, nor happy, nor will it make you smile. I am in a mood and not one that I can let go without getting a few things out. If you aren't interested, don't read....with all due respect of course.
Before I begin- To those of you who are still reading and happen to have found your one true companion and are madly in love, I'm genuinely happy for you. I hope you enjoy an entire day on Sunday of relishing the gift God has given you and enjoy being loved. But as for me, I'm so over Valentine's Day. It is by far my least favorite day of the year. Whoever invented it wasn't thinking how miserable it makes those of us feel that are without someone special. Pardon my french, but what the crap am I supposed to do that day?
I am a 33 year old single woman who has officially given up hope of ever meeting a decent man. All the male species has ever done for me is disappoint me, frustrate me, and outright hurt my heart. I go from one "situation" to the next and for some reason, find hope that this time it will be different. WRONG. I'm done. I'm done wishing. I'm done hoping. I'm done working hard to heal my heart only to have it wounded again. I'm done...period. I don't want to look at another guy. I don't want anyone to mention their sister's best friend's cousin's brother to me. I don't want to hear of the like. I've tried it and it stunk. All of those experiences have served to make me question and doubt myself because in the end, if obviously didn't work out. I've been fighting what God's plan for me may be-singleness.
I tear up just typing that word. I pray that isn't God's plan because all I've ever wanted is to have my own family. But, I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of being sad. I'm tired of being let down. I'm tired of putting hope in stinky men. I'm tired of feeling like a huge part of my life is missing. I am going to have to fill myself with God, because I know that no man will ever complete me the way His love will.
Why, you ask, do I feel the need to type all of this for public display? For one, because this is my blog and I can write what I want. Two, because I feel this strongly about it right now. Three, I feel like if I don't get these feelings off my chest via this blog, a journal (which I don't have) or some other avenue, I'm going to explode. And in some weird way, maybe I can wake some of you up that are living what I only dream of and don't realize every single day how thankful you should be.
I hope you all (and I'm serious, really) have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your husbands. I really do pray that you don't take a day of your marriage and family for granted. I hope that you thank God for that incredible blessing, because some of us are still waiting.
Before I begin- To those of you who are still reading and happen to have found your one true companion and are madly in love, I'm genuinely happy for you. I hope you enjoy an entire day on Sunday of relishing the gift God has given you and enjoy being loved. But as for me, I'm so over Valentine's Day. It is by far my least favorite day of the year. Whoever invented it wasn't thinking how miserable it makes those of us feel that are without someone special. Pardon my french, but what the crap am I supposed to do that day?
I am a 33 year old single woman who has officially given up hope of ever meeting a decent man. All the male species has ever done for me is disappoint me, frustrate me, and outright hurt my heart. I go from one "situation" to the next and for some reason, find hope that this time it will be different. WRONG. I'm done. I'm done wishing. I'm done hoping. I'm done working hard to heal my heart only to have it wounded again. I'm done...period. I don't want to look at another guy. I don't want anyone to mention their sister's best friend's cousin's brother to me. I don't want to hear of the like. I've tried it and it stunk. All of those experiences have served to make me question and doubt myself because in the end, if obviously didn't work out. I've been fighting what God's plan for me may be-singleness.
I tear up just typing that word. I pray that isn't God's plan because all I've ever wanted is to have my own family. But, I'm tired of waiting. I'm tired of being sad. I'm tired of being let down. I'm tired of putting hope in stinky men. I'm tired of feeling like a huge part of my life is missing. I am going to have to fill myself with God, because I know that no man will ever complete me the way His love will.
Why, you ask, do I feel the need to type all of this for public display? For one, because this is my blog and I can write what I want. Two, because I feel this strongly about it right now. Three, I feel like if I don't get these feelings off my chest via this blog, a journal (which I don't have) or some other avenue, I'm going to explode. And in some weird way, maybe I can wake some of you up that are living what I only dream of and don't realize every single day how thankful you should be.
I hope you all (and I'm serious, really) have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your husbands. I really do pray that you don't take a day of your marriage and family for granted. I hope that you thank God for that incredible blessing, because some of us are still waiting.
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