Acts 4:12

"Nor is there salvation in any other name, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Some times people say that Christians are narrow minded, and to that I say, your right!!! Jesus is the only way to the Father. There are not many roads that lead to heaven, there is only one narrow road.

Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus is the Way: a travellers way, journey. Jesus is the Truth: this is truth in any matter under consideration. Jesus is the Life: the state of one who is possessed of vitality, the absolute fullness of life.

John 10:9 says, "I am the door, if any one enters by Me, they will be saved and will come in and out and find pasture." The Lord is the entrance to salvation and heaven. When we enter through that door we will be in the Lords pasture. Wow, that is where I want to be! Imagine what His pasture looks like, my needs will always be met no matter what they are.

In the bible we are compared to sheep. I can see myself in His pasture, happy, healthy and satisfied. But then I look over and see a patch of green grass off in the distance. It looks very inviting, deep down inside I hear voice telling me that I shouldn't leave the pasture. But something is drawing me, maybe there is something better over there that I am missing. So in all of my wisdom I decide that I'll just take a little jog over there, what could it hurt. As I start out, before I can leave the boundaries of the pasture, I feel a poke in my side. "OUCH" I yell. In my mind I am thinking who is poking me and why won't they stop!!! As I look up I am astounded to see my Shepherd, with His staff pointed right at me. "Why are You poking me," I ask. He tells me it's to protect me and keep me on the right path. In my mind I think, "how is jabbing my ribs going to help." The Shepherd answers my thoughts and says, "How else was I going to stop you from making the wrong decision and leaving the safety and protection of the pasture?" I say to Him, "well you could have just told me!" "Ah" He says, "but I did, in a still small voice." Oh how often I think that I know best. Why do I insist that my way is the best way and that there are greener pastures some where else? I am very thankful for the jab of the Lord keeping me in line and in His pasture of protection and safety.

Memorization

A couple of weeks ago I asked RJ to help me with scripture memorization. I am horrible at memorizing things so I thought it would be a good idea to ask for help. He can memorize quick, but sometimes has trouble remembering things. I can remember everything, but I have trouble memorizing. So we should be a good balance! :-)

So my first verse was Galatians 4:4, "But when the fullness of time was complete, God sent His Son, born of a woman, under the law." I love this verse because it points out that God sent His Son just at the right time. There were things that needed to be in place before He came to this earth to sacrifice His life for us. This encourages me to know that the Lord always has a plan, He is never late and never early. In my life certain things need to be in place before I can get married, I don't know what some of those things are but He knows. Then at that perfect time when everything falls into place, we will be able to move forward. Some times I'm tempted to ask why, but then I remember that the Lord has a plan!

My second verse was John 1:1-3, 14, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, like the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." Wow, this verse is full of great stuff. It wasn't as hard to memorize as I though, because I already knew the first part. God the Father sent Jesus (just at the right time) to this earth, to live among us, His creation. He, at that time was fully God and fully man. This verse says that He became flesh (that is man) and He had the Glory of the Father (that is God). Isn't that just amazing to think about, that Jesus Who created the world would come to His fallen earth to buy us back and sacrifice Himself for ME!!!! Wow, how could I not sacrifice my life on this earth for Him and live my life the way the He wants me to. My trials on this earth, though they might be difficult, are pale in comparison the Glory of the Lord. He has shown me so many new truths for my life and situations.

I'm glad that I am memorizing these verses because the Lord is teaching me so much through them. I can't wait for my next verse!!

It's about time!

Well I figured since it's been 3 months since my last blog maybe it's time to update. But there really isn't much to update, everything is pretty much the same! I had my 1 year check up from my surgery and everything is good! So I'm really happy about that!

I guess one thing I have been learning lately is that Gods ways are not our ways. DUH! His plans are always perfect, even though I don't understand it! I really look forward to the day that I will be able to look back on these trials, rather than be right in the middle of them. I know all of the reasons why we go through trials, the Lord has told us many reasons. But it doesn't really make going through trials any easier. Right now the Lord is my strength, He is the only One Who can really bring us through these tough times! I hope that when I am done with these trials He will say to me "well done my good and faithful servant." Although right now I just want out, I pray for strength to endure until the end!

So enough about trials, we just went to a friends mountain cabin for the weekend! It was so nice, we went on a really long bike ride (I almost died), watched movies and just hung out! I hope we can go back in the winter time when there is snow!

I am still making my felt flowers, I'm really excited for some of my new designs! I will have some pictures to post soon!

So I guess your all updated now. Please remember to keep my family in prayer, we could really use it!!

Eeeewwww

Well, we didn't even last 24 hours on our raw fruit and vegetable diet!

We felt nauseous, dizzy and sick all day!!! Finally at 7:00pm last night I said to RJ, "Can I please eat some real food now?" Ohhh, the first bite was glorious! I instantly felt better!

I have learned that it is very important to incorporate raw food into our diets because they have a lot of nutrients that we can't get out of the cooked food that we eat! But all that raw, cold food was just not appetizing!

I am going to try and make some smaller changes in the way I eat to improve my health, less sugar, less starches (but I still loooove spaghetti!) and less soda.

So I guess it was a good effort, but poor execution!

Our Yosemite trip was awesome! We went on a big hike, lots of bike rides, floated down the river, had campfires, saw wildlife and got no sleep! hahaha! It really was a great trip and I can't wait to go back next year!

Look at my facebook to see some pix!

Up-dates

Well, I haven't written anything new in a while! So I figured it was about time to give an update.

Remember in my last post about the "detour" sign for the wedding. Well I finally know why that was there. RJ lost his job last month, so i guess the Lord was just preparing me for that! So for now things are on hold....which is ok I know that Lord will bring it together in His timing! We are still gathering ideas so that when the time is right we are ready to go!

I have started making custom felt flowers and cuff bracelets. So far I have fulfilled 4 orders! It's pretty cool, I love being creative! And it's really neat that people love my stuff! The Lord has definitely blessed me. I hope to be able to make a little business out of it!

Next week we are going to Yosemite, that will be awesome! I love going there, its so beautiful and a refreshing time! We weren't able to go there last year (but why live in the past). Thats about as close to camping as I like to get. Four brick walls and a patio with electricity. We ride our bikes every where and I'm gonna try to do a little hiking, even though I'm not that fond of it! But floating down the river is my favorite part! Hopefully the mosquito's will leave us alone. They like to eat me because I am so sweet! Heehee!

Then when we get back from Vacation, RJ and I will be going on an all raw vegetable and fruit diet for 14 days. Then after that we will add in meat again. It's a liver enhancing diet to strengthen our livers and detox our bodies. We went to a Christian Dr. last weekend and he is going to help us get our bodies healthy and into shape. Hopefully it will be a life long change for the better. We both have been under so much stress lately that it has taken it's tole on our bodies. But with the Lords help we will begin to distress! So I will give updates about how it's going. Just the thought of eating all raw veggies and fruits for 2 weeks does not sound appetizing, but I know the outcome will be well worth it! We will be trying some very interesting meals!

If you have some recepes that are yummy, let me know!!

Well that's the update so far!

The Wedding Bell Blues

The Lord knows what He's doing all of the time, but sometimes I wonder He ever says "oops, I forgot about you!" I know He doesn't ever say that really, but that's how I feel. When you first get engaged your so excited and every ones so happy for you. Then the next question they ask is "Sooo whens the big day?" Then reality sets in and you remember that you've got a wedding to plan! So you get a book to keep all of your ideas and paperwork in, people offer to help you in the planning process. There's 1000 details to go over and decisions to make. For most people this is a wonderful and fun time. But so far for me it's been nothing but one big trial! Every corner I come to has a huge road block in it! So far I have my photographer, dress and a lot of ideas. Right now on the road of my wedding planning there's a huge sign that says "Take detour, bridge is out!"

I think the Lord is trying to teach me to not make my own plans, but to trust in His plans and know that what He does is best! I just think that I put to much hope in being married and planning my wedding that the Lord has to take it from me for now, but to give it back to me later. I feel like I have the wedding bell blues, but the Lord will turn my mourning into dancing! Some day when this is all over I hope I can look back and see how much I have grown in the Lord and see how this time was beneficial to my spiritual growth!

My family could really use your prayers right now! We are going through some really big trials with our house and money situation. We just need the Lords peace and direction! Thank you!

Crafty

I love being crafty and creative! This Saturday I am having a tea at my house for the high school girls is my group and I know it's gonna be so much fun! And I made them some little surprises to take home!

I'm hoping this year to make some really cool things! I have a lot of ideas, but I'm just not sure how to make them become a reality. I want to go to the craft store so bad to get some things to start, but right now is just not a good time!

I just entered a contest to win a starter pack of felt flowers for a bouquet that you sew together yourself! It would be so cool to win, then I can get my creative juices flowing!

Well, hopefully soon I will be able to complete some sort of project!

RJ don't read, Hahaha!

This would be soooo cool to win, every little thing would be helpful when planning a wedding! Thanks Superior Wedding Rings!!

Superior Wedding Rings is an online company that offers a HUGE selection of wedding rings. Their rings come in everything from ceramic to palladium, and in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Superior Wedding Rings is going to giveaway your choice of ring from their site (up to $120 in value).

Adventures with Kale

So I love to cook! These days I haven't had much time to cook, but I'm always thinking about it! And because I'm getting married next year I'd better get use to cooking all the time!

I've been hearing alot about the benefits of eating Kale. It has a lot of vitamins and it also helps fight off cancer! I found this on a website:

"Kale absolutely rich and abundant in calcium, lutein, iron, and Vitamins A, C, and K. Kale has seven times the beta-carotene of broccoli and ten times more lutein. Kale is rich in Vitamin C not to mention the much needed fiber so lacking in the daily diet of processed food eating Americans. The "Icing on the Kale" are the natural occurring all important phytochemicals sulforaphane and indoles which research suggests may protect against cancer. Let's not forget the all important antioxidant Vitamin E. Rest assured kale spares nothing in providing one with much needed nutrients and associated health benefits."






So needless to say I am going to start adding Kale to my diet. Last night I tried a new recipe and mmmmmm it was so good!



Zuppa Toscana

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package smoked sausage
2 potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
3/4 cup chopped onion
6 slices bacon
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups kale - washed, dried, and shredded
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 quart water
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream



Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Place sausage links onto a sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until done. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into 1/2-inch slices.
Place onions and bacon slices in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until onions are almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside.
Add garlic to the onions and cook an additional 1 minute. Add chicken soup base, water, and potatoes, simmer 15 minutes.
Add crumbled bacon, sausage, kale, and cream. Simmer 4 minutes and serve.









I can't have milk, so I just substituted the cream for plain soy milk (next time I will probably use soy cream) and I added a little extra water and Chicken soup base to make the broth go a little bit further! I also used spicy sausage for a little kick!



It came out really good! And because I added the Kale in the last couple of minutes it didn't cook out all of the nutrients! I would definitely suggest trying this!



The next thing I'm going to try is a Kale and Banana smoothie. It sounds a little scary, but it's worth a try! I will let you know how it turns out!

A La Cuisine!

We love watching the Food Network. But we especially love watching Iron Chef America. If you have never seen it, it's a really fun show. Each show has a secret ingredient that must be in every dish. The challenger picks one Iron Chef to compete against and then they battle it out in kitchen stadium.

This is from their website, "Based upon the Japanese cult sensation, Iron Chef America carries on the legend of Kitchen Stadium and the famed "secret ingredient." Each week, world-class chefs battle the legendary Iron Chefs of America: Bobby Flay, Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto, Cat Cora Michael Symon. Alton Brown serves as Commentator and Mark Dacascos is Chairman."

They must make a 5 course meal and the Judges choose "who's cuisine reigns supreme." The Chairman is a martial arts expert, he's always doing back flips and make cheesy facial expressions.

Our favorite part of the show is the introduction of the secret ingredient.

The start of the battle is typically announced by the Chairman in the following manner:
So now America, with an open heart and an empty stomach, I say unto you in the words of my uncle: Allez cuisine!

Wedding time!!

I am very excited to begin planning my wedding and I am determined not to get stressed out about it!! I want to be able to look back in years to come and only remember that I was cool under pressure. Of course I know that at certain times some details will be more stress filled than others, but nothing is worth losing my cool over!!

Although I'm sure theres a little bridezilla in all of us,

But I just hope that side doesn't come out in me!

Since I have more than a year to plan I should be able to keep everything organized and well planned out. But I will be on the look out for a curve ball, just in case!!

In order to keep my cool I am just going to expect a couple of things in advance:

1. Expect money to be an issue.

2. Expect not to be able to make everybody happy.

3. Expect something to go wrong.

4. Expect some people to RSVP the day before.

5. Expect to live happily every after with the one I love!!! :-)

So during this time if you see me starting to get stressed out or if you see a Bridezilla starting to emerge, please remind me that I am not the one in charge, the Lord is. He will work everything out for His glory and that is the reason for all that I do!!

Ideas

There are so many cool ideas out there for everything Wedding!! I love just researching and looking up weddings. I know what colors I want. Here is an example:

I love the Blue and the Green together. I also want little bursts of Pink, Orange and Yellow. RJ and I both love the tropical beach theme, with shells and sand.

This is cool too:

I want my cake just a little more girly, not so cut and dry, but this is a good start!!

And I love this because it's very clean and simple, yet colorful:

This is a really neat way to bring in the beach aspect in table seating cards:

Well, I think I'm off to a good start. Now I just have to pull everything together! We are trying to cut costs as much as possible and do alot of things ourselves. If you have any good ideas or cool websites to look at please let me know!!

Engagement

Wow, I think I'm still in shock!! It's taken me a week to process everything and to gather my thoughts!

My first thought was "OH MY GOSH, ARE YOU SERIOUS?" and then it was "IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?" Then when I realized that "yes this is happening" I was instantly so excited and shocked. He really pulled one over on me!! All my life I thought for sure I would be able to figure it out!! But I guess I was wrong.

When I think back to that moment I can't even remember what I said, I must have said yes cuz there is an amazing ring on my finger (haha). What I can remember is him getting down on his knee and saying will you marry me, then, putting the ring on my finger. I can remember my eyes welling up with tears and hugging him. He had to ask me a couple of times because I guess he couldn't hear me say yes!! But I was so surprised by the whole thing I couldn't get the words out!

After that we went to dinner (I couldn't eat) and called every one!! I am so blessed how genuinely excited every one is. We went through a lot last year and to tell you the truth I was a little worried about how this year was going to go. But in thinking about Jer 29:11 I am reminded that no matter what happens, good or bad, that the Lord has a wonderful plan for my life!! I can see that now.

We are praying about the perfect date for our wedding to take place. Possibly Spring of 2010. Thank you all for sharing in our joy and our sadness these last couple of months!!

Two Years!

Well tomorrow is mine and RJ's 2 year anniversary. It was a Monday, the day after RJ got back from a missions trip to New Orleans. He was gone for 10 days and I missed him soooo much. But I couldn't really tell him because I didn't even know if he liked me or not. (deep down I kinda knew he did though).

He took me out to lunch and said "the Lord has been talking to me about you."(YAY) Then after that he said a lot of other nice things that I don't remember and then he asked me to be his girlfriend. Obviously I said yes! Our first year was awesome, just getting to know each other more and becoming closer! We had a lot of fun going to the beach, to Yosemite with my family and just hanging out together! Our second year was a little more difficult, only because I had a lot going on with my family and also having surgery wasn't easy! But looking back it was good for us because we were able to be there to encourage one another. When he was down, I would lift him up and when I was down, he would lift me up! He has also been a great encouragement to my family during our hard times! But now as we enter our third year my prayer is that the Lord will provide for us and continue to bring us closer together and to Himself!!

But tomorrow we are going out to the Griffith Observatory and also to Grauman's Chinese Theatre! It should be lots of fun!!!

Fun Day!

We had such a good time at Disneyland! Mary and I were talking this morning about how much we love being there. We could just sit on Main St all day and just look at all the sights!!

Since it was a Thursday it was pretty empty. The longest line was for Nemo. The park closed at 8pm, but RJ and I stayed on Main St in the shops until about 9:30. It was so fun. Also because it was my birthday I got a pass to go to California Adventure next time! We have to use it within a month so I hope we can go there soon!

Then on Sunday we went to lunch with all my family, we had 30 people at the restaurant! It's such a blessing to have family close by, I feel very loved!! RJ blessed me so much this month(well all the time). I could never say thank you enough! But that makes me love him even more (if thats possible!)!!

Now the next big event is Mine and RJ's 2 year anniversary on the 29th!!! Wow I can't believe that we have been together for 2 years (I keep saying 1 by accident)!! I can't wait to give him his gift, but I can't say what it is cuz he'll probably read this!! hahaha!!

Birthday!!

Well tomorrow is my birthday. Now that I'm getting older time is going by much, much faster. I can't believe that I'm already 26! I can still remember my 16th birthday like it was yesterday. My mom and I went shopping at Wet Seal (that was my favorite store!), she bought me a really cool strobe/disco light for my room! I still have it somewhere! Then I had a luau party with all my friends and family! Wow that was 10 years ago!

I can also remember other parties that I've had, one was a hippie party, another was a roller skating party at my house and I think I was 7 when we went to castle park. But my all time favorite so far was my 10th birthday! I was taking gymnastics lessons at the time so I had a party there. We got to do all sorts of cool stuff like jumping on the trampoline, jumping into the foam pit and alot of other cool stuff!

So tomorrow we are going to Disneyland!!! I know that we'll have lots of fun, I get in free for my birthday! I hope it's not to crowded with other birthdays, but I don't think it will be to bad.

I know my 25th year was challenging, but also a blessing! I wonder what my 26th year holds for me? I already know part of it might be difficult, but the Lord is in control so whatever He has in store for me is good!!

Hard Times

Some times it seems like this trial we are in will never end. I was so blessed by the message on Wednesday night. I really learned alot and the Lord really spoke to me. As we go on in this new year it seems like things are getting worse and worse for us, not better. The Lord is absolutely in control, I just wish I knew what His plan will be for us. This is a time when the Lord wants us to just trust in Him and cling to Him not knowing what tomorrow will bring. It's really hard to be joyful in this trial right now, but I know that the Lord calls us to have joy. It's not a joy for the trial, but joy in what the trial will bring to our lives.

I really can't wait for the end of this, to see how the Lord is going to work. I hope that I can bring Him glory during this time and not be a burden to Him.

I just wish He would tell us what to do, should we start packing our stuff, do we need to start looking for a new place to live. I already know that for now we need to just rest in Him, He will tell us what to do.

Please pray for us, that the Lord will guide us and show us what to do and also bring us His peace. And also that the people who are suppose to be "helping us" will have soft hearts and compassion towards us! To God be the glory!