My Guy

Today was a day to celebrate! There were many reasons:

1.) It is now the weekend for me!

2.) I have a light week next week..

3.) Apparently we are getting SNOW tomorrow!!!!

But most importantly.....We got to celebrate the life of this special young man...

Today was Brett's 21st birthday. Although we didn't celebrate until tonight it was still a pretty good day. He had to coach tonight so I decided to surprise him by cooking dinner and having it at his house when he got done. This ended up being just what he needed because sadly, the lady bulldogs lost and ended their season. They really did have a great season and have so much to be proud of!!

So...I am going to give you a couple of recipes...you will be glad you have them! I was going to try to go all fancy and pull a Paula Dean but then I thought....Brett loves this dish....why not cook this? His eyes lit up when he saw what we were having! For dinner we had a simple recipe of jambalya. Attention!! If you are not so good in the kitchen or if you are great...this recipe is so good and so easy!!! It is almost impossible to mess up!

This is what you need:

2 cups of rice, a can of french onion soup, can of beef broth, 8 oz. can of tomato sauce, 1 lb of sausage, and a bunch of green onions

Also...you will need 2-3 lbs of chicken or shrimp (whatever you prefer) and you can throw in a bell pepper which I love but did not add tonight...

You simply put all of these ingredients into a 13x9 dish and cook for an hour and a half with the oven on 350 degrees. I am telling you....it is so good and so easy.

Dessert was so much fun for me to make..... Brett loves those chocolate molten cakes you can get at Chili's so I decided to attempt to make them. I have to say....I did a pretty good job. Brett claims that "it was better than Chili's!" These are slightly more time consuming but pretty easy as well...Here is what you need:

I used these trays for the individual cakes but you could use the giant-sized muffin pans as well. These were a little shallow but ended up working well. All you do is make the cakes as the box directs and bake them...

After they have cooled a bit take a serrated knife and cut a small hole in the top. Do not go all the way through to the bottom. Essentially, you are making a small crater in your cake. :) Take a spoon and slide the excess cake out creating a "crater"

Then take your fudge (already heated in the microwave for about 45 seconds) and fill the hole with the fudge! Stick your cakes in the freezer for at least 2 hours before serving.

Take it out...Pop it in the microwave for about 45 seconds...Stick a scoop of ice cream on there and top it off with the hard chocolate shell! It is delish!

The birthday boy also enjoyed reading his new Bible on his birthday.. haha. Okay just kidding...I mean, he really did get a new study Bible from my parents but he was really just reading Song of Solomon... Don't let him fool you! :)

Then...my gift. He wasn't quite sure what it was......

But I think he was pretty happy....

Hopefully I was able to make his 21st a memorable day! Oh, an in case all of you in Alabama haven't heard...we are apparently getting a little visit tomorrow. How I wish we could wake up to lots of white stuff. I fear it might only be a small amount. Oh well...it was enough to cancel school for my fourth graders tomorrow and they were simply thrilled about it! Everyone bundle up tomorrow!

Happy Birthday Sweet Sweet Boy! You are a blessing in my life!! :)

It Is Well With My Soul

Well, I have kept one New Year's resolution for one month so far.. :) I finished my book that I was reading as my January book. In case you have forgotten, my resolution was to read a book a month. Brett got me the book, The Jesus You Can't Ignore by John MacArthur.

I really loved this book. It was great because it went along perfectly with what I have been studying in my own personal time with the Lord. I have been going through the book of John and this book basically takes you through the gospels.

The overall theme is that Jesus has two very important sides and we tend to only see one side...or simply ignore the other. The book explains that Jesus was a loving, compassionate, gentle, and caring person. He is the one we see holding children and healing the blind and raising the dead. However, Jesus Christ was a bold man. He declared the truth without hesitation and confronted the religious leaders of his day with no apology. I love knowing that while Jesus walked this earth he was fully God, yet fully man. He experienced every single thing that I have ever experienced or ever will experience and still was without sin. That is amazing to me. Here are some quotes from the book that I loved:

"The effects of the wind may be observed, but its boundaries cannot be discerned by human senses, and the wind itself can neither be harnessed nor directed by human efforts or ingenuity. The Holy Spirit's ministry operates in a similar fashion. He is sovereign and moves where He wishes, not at the whim of any human agenda. his workings are not contained in-or automatically dispensed through-any religious rituals or ceremonial protocols. In fact, the Spirit isn't moved by what we do at all, but by His own sovereign will."

This part of the book was talking about Jesus and his interactions with Nicodemus:

"And Jesus cared more for the truth than He cared about how Nicodemus felt about it. Sometimes the truth isn't 'nice'--but it's always focused and unyielding."

"Obviously, both forgiveness and healing are impossible for any mere man to do. No mere man has the power either to heal at will or to absolve sin at will. Healing is actually a perfect metaphor for forgiveness in that regard. In fact, the two things are inseparable, because sickness is a result of the curse brought on creation by sin. Sickness is merely a symptom; sin is the ultimate cause."

"Jesus, of course, embodied all the attributes of God--kindness, long-suffering, and mercy on the one hand; wrath, righteousness, and judgment on the other. All those qualities are discernible in some measure in the way He dealt with the Pharisees over the course of His ministry. But because the gospel was at stake and His own lordship was constantly under attack from these men who were the most influential spiritual leaders in the nation, His tenderness never overshadowed His severity in any of His dealings with them."

Sorry they are such long quotes...I should've said here are some of my favorite sections from the book..Here is one more quote from the book that Charles Spurgeon said:

"He is a man--a thorough man throughout--a God-like man--gentle as a woman, but yet stern as a warrior in the midst of the day of battle. The character is balanced; as much of one virtue as of another. As in Deity every attribute is full orbed; justice never eclipses mercy, nor mercy justice, nor justice faithfulness; so in the character of Christ you have all the excellent things."

It really was an encouraging book and full of Scripture. Of course do we expect anything less from John MacArthur? Absolutely not. So I am on to the next book for February.. Hopefully I can stick with this resolution!

Now..I have to give a shout out to this special guy in the picture...Not that adorable Brazilian boy on the right...the other guy.

Since the semester started Brett and I have basically been crazy busy. Brett really doesn't get stressed much so I handle that part. It is an overwhelming time for us both. Brett is attempting to balance work, school, observation hours, etc. We pretty much see each other on the weekends because of our crazy schedules. Anyways, today was just one of those days when nothing seemed to go right for him. On the way home from dinner I was listening to the song "It is Well With My Soul." I was so encouraged by these words that I have heard forever...

"When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll.. Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control.. That Christ has regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul. It is well, it is well with my soul."

I am so thankful that He is in control.

On that note..I hope everyone has a great week!

So Much Joy

This past weekend was great. I was able to relax a bit and we had today off from school. Starting tomorrow....busy, busy, busy. Anyways, Friday was dads birthday so we celebrated that with family. I love my dad. He is truly the most amazing father. He is such an example to me. He just recently became the teaching leader for the evening men's BSF class. BSF is Bible Study Fellowship. This ministry began many years ago. It is a weekly Bible study that now involves men, women, and children all over the world. My mom began doing BSF about 12 years ago and it has truly transformed her heart and life which has been transforming our family as well. Now that my dad is beginning and evening mens class I can only imagine what this is going to do for the city of Mobile. My dad's obedience to the Lord and his walk is so encouraging to me. He is the most selfless and giving man I know and I am so thankful for him!

Saturday I spent the day doing homework with Brett. We also ran errands and attempted to give blood. Brett was successful...I, however, was unable to give blood. My poor little arms don't have many great veins. The nurse did not feel comfortable sticking me. Oh well. I will try again! :) Saturday night Brett and I went on a date.

I swear we don't take pictures every single time we go out...it had just been too long since we had taken a good one so I figured..why not! I just love him!

Tonight, just like every Monday night, I got to spend it with this precious little girl. Well, she would hate knowing I called her precious....we'll just call her cool! :)

I know...she is great! I love hanging out with this 6...almost 7 year old!

As I drove out to pick her up I was driving way out. Not exactly the country but kinda...it was beautiful out there and I couldn't resist taking a quick picture. Sorry for the not so great quality...

Seeing this is just a reminder of how great our God is! I have been learning so much lately. First of all, I am constantly reminded that I am a huge sinner and Christ is a huge Savior. When I was studying in John yesterday I came across something I had never really noticed or thought about before. John 11:9 says,

"Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light."

This verse spoke to me. "Day" is referring to the knowledge of Gods will and reliance on His guidance. "Night" is talking about our own self-reliance. If I am walking with complete reliance on Him and His Word, I am not going to stumble. I really needed to hear that. So often I think I rely on myself and I know I shouldn't. He is a definitely a much firmer foundation to stand on. I pray that I constantly remember that truth!

Well, back to my fourth graders tomorrow. I am definitely excited even though it is going to be an early morning! :) Until later....Goodnight!

Great Memories and New Beginnings

So, I have to say that 2009 was pretty much great! I have definitely had my ups and downs but overall it was fabulous. I had the privilege of spending three amazing months in Belo Horizonte, Brazil with a great team!

I also met some pretty amazing people while I was there... :)

No...seriously...they were great! I miss them dearly!

I also celebrated a year of being with this amazing guy! He has definitely been one of the greatest blessings that God has given me!

I also celebrated two special days with two of my very best friends! Katherine and Blake got married in August and Colleen and Jason just got married in December. I had the privilege of being part of their special days. Each wedding was different but both girls looked unbelievable and had perfect weddings! Colleen's wedding also gave me the opportunity to travel to Canada which was so much fun! Wish I could share pictures but I still do not have the software on my computer to add my pictures!

Of course, my family and I welcomed the newest member of the Blackman family into this world and have celebrated many of Virginia Louise's "firsts" with her!

Including...her first Christmas! :) She is precious!

There were way more things that happened this year but these were some of the major events!

This past year God taught me so much. I have to say, I definitely learned that God is so faithful even when we are unfaithful. He has blessed us with so much. It makes me think of the verse in James:

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

-James 1:17

How great it is to know that He does not change.

Now that I am thinking about the next year there are many things that I would love to change. Call them New Year's resolutions....I guess. I've never been one for them but as I think about the last year there are things that I have seen in my life that could be improved and changed.

*I want to be more faithful with my prayer life. I want to be consistent in praying for my family and friends and ask them specific ways that I can pray!

*I want to be more consistent with my time in the Word and with memorizing Scripture!

"I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You."-Psalm 119:11

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." -Matthew 24:35

*I want to read one book a month...I saw this on someone else's resolutions and I think that this is such a great idea and although school is overwhelming and crazy...I believe that this is completely reasonable and beneficial.

*I want to take better care of my body as far as what I put into it with the things that I watch, listen to, read, and eat!

*I will write letters or an encouraging note to someone once every couple of months....not emails or facebook messages. Snail mail!

*I want to remember that my role towards Brett is first and most importantly, his sister in Christ.

*I want to cook more and learn more about it from the best, mom!

*Save money. Give it to those who are in need.

*Blog more consistently...haha. Lets not be too specific. :)

*Be intentional with all that I do and not waste time.

((These are just a few. There are plenty of things that I can be improving on over this next year. Most importantly, I pray that the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. I know that this world is full of so much darkness. I pray that I will not be sucked in, but instead will be a light. Thank You Lord for a new year!))

A Break from the Madness

Even though my life has been incredibly crazy lately I had an amazingly relaxing weekend before finals and more madness starts this week. On Friday night I was blessed to celebrate one year of dating with this amazing guy. The past year has been amazing and I am so thankful for him. What a blessing he has been to my life so far. Thanks Brett!

So after dinner with this one we went swing dancing with some pretty amazing people! It was such a fun way to end the semester. Here are just a couple of pictures from the evening...

mmm...love these two girls

So...needless to say...the start of my weekend was amazing. Then, Saturday, Sarah, Julie and I had our traditional trip to Fairhope! Sad to say this was the final time this tradition will happen but it was so much fun! I love my original roomies and I couldn't ask for better friends! They are the best!