Aquire The Fire

     Once again we had a busy weekend-- it was awesome!  We went with the Youth Group, from our church, to Acquire the Fire in Richmond, VA.  It was incredible.  Crosslink (the name of our youth group) took an amazing group that was filled, filled and filled some more with Godly-goodness =)  It was great for leaders as well.  The main theme was Normal is Not Enough encouraging us to live a life to glorify Christ, not the world.  I am so thankful Chris and I had the opportunity to go to Acquire the Fire.

The School of Worship

They were incredible!

      It was such a blessing to watch the teens and realize we've been there.  I loved the time we got to spend with the youth....they are so AWESOME!!  It brought back so many memories watching them get pumped up for Jesus.  I feel so blessed to be able to hang out with them.

Thousand Foot Crutch was LOUD!!  I could feel it in my heart =)

"Following cool will end up killing your freedom"

"Whoever determines your actions is your Lord"

"What you focus on is where you go"

Colossians 3:2 "Set you minds on things above"

Romans 12:21  "Do not be overcome by evil but, overcome evil with good"

DO SOMETHING!

"Normal Christian" is like saying you want to be a "dark light"

Steady My Heart

I purchased Kari Jobe's new CD on itunes this morning:  Where I Find You.  I can't wait to listen to her new CD today on our way to Aquire the Fire in Richmond, VA with our church Youth Group.  Looking forward to a fun weekend =)

Check out one of my new favorites, Steady My Heart.  I LOVE the lyrics.  Sometimes they help me put my crazy-girl emotions into words =) 

Steady My Heart by Kari Jobe

Wish it could be easy
Why is life so messy
Why is pain a part of us
There are days I feel like
Nothing ever goes right
Sometimes it just hurts so much

But You're here
You're realI know I can trust You

Even when it hurts
Even when it's hard
Even when it all just falls apart
I will run to You
Cause I know that You are
Lover of my soul
Healer of my scarsYou steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry
I know that You got me
Right inside the palm of your handEach and every moment
What's good and what gets broken
Happens just the way that YOU plan

And I will run to You
You're my refuge in Your arms
And I will sing to You
Cause of everything You are

You steady my heart.

"You are the cream filling to my Oreo"

     Today when I got home from work I was greeted by beautiful flowers, a card and organic dark chocolate reese cups!

Calla-Lilly

"Sexy-Wife Flowers" Chris's occasion for the flowers! BahAA

    
      My husband sure knows how to put an instant GIANT smile on my face =)  I love him so much.  I am so thankful for him.  The coolest part was I left a card for him when I left this morning and he found it when he came home this afternoon with the flowers and stuff for me-- I love that we are exactly what each other needs.  I love being married.  I love the card he got me...the title of this post was part of it.  I love when my husband writes me cards reminding of how much he loves and adores me as his wife...it's crazy!  And he got me one of my favorites-- Reese cups!  Even better they were DARK chocolate and ORGANIC!!! YummMMMY they were =) 

     Tonight I pray--  Thank you Jesus for the most amazing husband.  Thank you for our marriage.  Thank you for another day together.  Please continue to guide and teach us your ways as we live to glorify you.

     Here's a song I heard tonight that sums up pretty mush how I'm feeling tonight...enjoy!

Umstead State Park

     Last weekend Chris & I met up with Brittney and Andrew to go hiking at Umstead State Park.  It is a great park to hike through with lots of trails that were very well marked.  We were surprised when we got there how busy the park was with many bikers and runners braving the cold!

Ladies!

And gentlemen! Check out Warden's sweet pack =)

Cute family, just need to Photoshop Mason!

The only thing we needed was some SNOW FLURRIES!!!  =)

Yea for self-timer!

     We were happy Brittney and Andrew asked us to go hiking with them.  Warden kept us entertained by only eating one fluffy dog, almost chased a rabbit and acting like he wanted to EAT every dog that walked by!   I was sore for like 3 days after...although I can't wait to go again!!  Till next time...

Looking up

     After MANY days of rest I am feeling better and so thankful =)  Thankful for the days of rest, down time, a loving husband and generous friends.  My husband is my biggest fan and I am incredibly thankful for EVERYTHING he does for me including listening to me complain, waiting on me with yummy food, tucking me in and ensuring me that things will get done even if I don't do them right now.  Thank you Christopher for helping me to see the bigger picture. 
     I don't usually like taking medicine but the best thing I've had through this cold is my mother-in-law's homemade cough syrup-- it is the bomb!!  It tastes really bad but it works.  Our bathroom counter was over-crowded with many meds to kick the cold but the best lies in the front!  I never thought we'd use as much as she gave us...   

Mom's Homemade Cough Syrup recipe found here:  http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1932,139160-236200,00.html

Christopher made a great breakfast, quiche!  YES, it was as yummy as it looks =)

Quiche:  Eggs, cheddar cheese, tomato, spinach, mushroom and onion!

I am blessed beyond what I could ever imagine.

     Chris and I have been so blessed and excited to get to know Laura and Stephan.  They have no idea what a blessing they are to us.  I thought the last thing I would want was someone at our house Saturday night but they showed up and made us potato soup!  It was really tasty and a great time with friends.  God knew I needed a good laugh.  We ended up watching a hilarious show called Ridiculousness...it was ridiculous!  and made me laugh so good =)  Thank you Laura and Stephan for being so thoughtful.

Rocking it out in the kitchen!

     Chris woke up early Sunday morning and was going hiking with his sister and brother-in-law in Raleigh.  I didn't plan to go because I wanted to make sure I am feeling a good as I can for this week.  I woke up when Chris did and couldn't hardly stand the thought of missing out...so I got out of bed and went too =)  Stay tuned for our next post about our hiking trip to the William B. Umstead State Park...

Newly re designed work website!! And im on it !!!

It is official i am on the Refresh-ology website now. Its kinda cool to be considered apart of the business and the team. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refresh-ology.com%2F&h=xAQH5X51JAQGXR4cxc41JDhlfuZ4zX6rvunBIH-cNCgdLCw here is the link to the page check it out!!!

Slow Down.

     Being sick is no fun.  The only good thing I can find from being sick is that it makes me slow down.  This is the second time this winter season I've been sick.  The last few days I've given in and done nothing but sit around, catch up on reading and sleep.  I haven't been out of the house for 2 entire days.  It's not my fvorite thing to do but it's been so good for me.  I've listened to music, watched the Food Network and not chatted on the phone.  I'm actually beginning to like this =).  I think there is a lot to be said for slowing down-- much more than I ever give credit.  I probably get sick because my body is screaming for me to slow down and chill out.  It can only take so much running around, stressing out, over-committing and worrying about everyone and everything besides myself.  I thank God for the last few days I've been able to work from home and mostly relax and hopefully recover sooner than later! 
     Today when I was relaxing I heard this beautiful song by Shane & Shane called Yearn.  I haven't heard this song in years...it is AWESOME!!  Listen if you have time...

We Are

     We heard a beautiful song Sunday morning at Discovery Church by Kari Jobe called We Are.  I couldn't help but hum along, even when I didn't know the words.  The song was a great summary of what Randy preached about this morning.  He talked about getting into the game and getting off the bench.
      Randy asked us to think about what stirs our hearts, what makes us want to DO something?  Where do we want to make a difference for God's kingdom?  Chris and I believe there will be changes in our life within the next few months or years.  Something radically different.  Something out of our comfort zone.  Something that stirs our hearts and makes a difference.  We are scared but believe we are more than ready.  We can't wait to see what God has in store for us.  Until then, we will pray for contentment and patience.  Contentment at our jobs, where we live and the life we're blessed with now.  Patience to listen for God's voice and make changes because God sets something on our hearts.  I love this song, it reminds me of who we are and what we are here for.  Take a moment and listen...

We Are by Kari Jobe

Every secret, every shame 
Every fear, every pain
Live inside the dark
But that's not who we are
We are children of the day

So wake up sleeper, lift your head
We were meant for more than this
Fight the shadows conquer death
Make the most of the time we have left

Chorus:
We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine
We are the light of the world
We are the city on a hill
We are the light of the world
We gotta, we gotta, we gotta let the light shine
Let the light shine, let the light shine

We are called to the spread the news
Tell the world the simple truth
Jesus came to save, there's freedom in His Name
So let His love break through

Chorus

Bridge:
We are the light, We are the light, We are the light
So let your light shine brighter
We are the light, We are the light, We are the light
Jesus
You are the light, You are the light, You are the light
We will lift You higher
Shine, Shine, Shine

The End of our Bread Buying Days!

     After hours of looking at Ashtanga yoga stuff online Chris randomly was inspired to make bread this afternoon!  He searched through our MANY recipe books and found a good base recipe to start with-- Molasses Oat Bread.  One loaf was made into cinnamon raisin and the other was just a regular loaf.

 

     And yes....they taste as good as they look!  He made everything by hand, we don't have a bread maker but might find one at Goodwill one day =).  We look forward to trying out many more bread recipes!!!  Anyone have any good recipes or suggestions for our next bread?

Powerful.

I miss Home.

     One of my most favorite times of the year-- in December Chris & I headed up to New Jersey.  I can't seem to explain the excitement I get as soon as we see the "Welcome to New Jersey" sign.  I am a Jersey girl at heart!

     Our trip was filled with sleeping in, reading by the fireplace, eating lots of yummy food, shopping, watching the Big Bang Theory marathon and spending time with my family and friends.  Every time we go back to New Jersey I realize how much I miss my family and friends up there.  This trip was different than others, it seemed less like a race and more like spending time with those that mean the most to us.  We saw so many people and did so much in the time we were there but I wasn't exhausted when we got back home!
    We headed up Christmas Eve and were at my parent's house by early afternoon.  We enjoyed my Mom's meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn that night MMMmMMMmmm!  Never thought I'd actually request Mom's meatloa, it was SO good.  When I was younger I would never want to eat my Mom's meatloaf, I told her it was gross and yes I requested it.  Wow have times changed.

    My Mom took the week off from work and my RETIRED Dad worked a lot.  I am happy my Dad has found a new interest in car auctions.  It was so nice to spend the time we had with Mom & Dad.  

      Christmas Day our family met at my Nana's house.  It was SO good to have everyone together.  I loved it.  My Nana HATES pictures of herself but I am so glad we "took way too many" as she complained =)  She is absolutely beautiful and full of wisdom.  I love this picture of us.  Happy 89th Birthday Nana!!  So thankful we were able to visit my Nana a few times when we were up.
 

  
     Chris & I always tell my Mom about the yummy things we make together so while we were home Chris made us a homemade apple pie, it was delicious!!!!  I think Mom was impressed after the "oh-crap" cookies Chris made my Mom last year =)  lol

     Now that my Mom & Dad live closer to my Grandma we got see her many times too, it was so nice!  Love her so much.  I was SO surprised when my Grandma came over with a bag for me and Chris.  It was my Great-Grandma Fricke's ceramic Christmas tree.  I always wanted a tree just like hers, I think it is so neat looking!!!!  I told Chris that tree will be up year-round in our house =)  I will post a picture once we take down our real tree and replace it with the ceramic tree.

     We got to see many of my Mom's side of the family at my Grandma's house a few days after Christmas.  It was so nice to see everyone.  We hadn't seen them since our wedding!  Lots of yummy food again =)

     We got to see Susan and Jason a bunch of times while in New Jersey, it was so nice!  They took us to out to dinner on the bay when we came to visit their new place and we went on a chilly beach walk.  If Chris & I had the money and could find jobs at the Jersey shore we would LOVE to buy a place with Sue & Jason =)  We love you guys and miss you...lets go camping together when it gets warmer out!!

     One of our most favorite parts of New Jersey is Long Beach Island.  We got to visit with Nicole and her family, Momma Cerillo FILLED us with food =)  Maybe next year we will make it to their Christmas Eve dinner.  It was so refreshing to chat with Nicole over a lovely cup of coffee at their beautiful home.  I miss Nicole SO much and wish we lived closer.  Till then we will continue our weekly "coffee dates" =)

     We also made a trip up to visit with KATIE!  She was home from Singapore and it was the first time Chris got to meet "Katie from Singapore" =)  We met at Clinton Station Diner and ate way too much food lol.  It was so great to see Katie and her new DIAMOND!! YahooOOoO we can't wait for your wedding.

      That afternoon we visited with Caroline, Peter and Ellen.  Every time I see Ellen she has grown taller and is now much taller than me =)  She has grown into such a beautiful lady.  It was really nice to hang around their warm wood-burning stove and catch up.

      As we were leaving the Shelly's Chris was amazed at all the deer on Doe Run =)  ...yes that is New Jersey with all those trees and deer...

      We are so thankful we were able to take some time off to visit New Jersey!  I can't wait to get back.

Thai Yoga Massage!

Hey everyone its Chris,

Im a newbee at the blogging stuff so here is my first post (=. My most recent adventure has been learning Thai Yoga Massage. It has been one of the most beneficial and most exciting things I have learned throughtout my career so far!! Last year my friends at Porters Neck Yoga & Spa in Wilmington, NC ( If your ever in Wilmington look them up! Kas and Monique are the nicest people ever!) sent me an invite to take the levels 1&2 Thai Yoga Massage w/ Gabriel Azoulay. Little did I know what to expect on this new adventure in my life. I arived and was greeted by the smileing and always happy faces of Kas and Monique and the learning began. Learning about the history of thai massage, "Nuat boran" is the Thai name for a type of body work native to Thailand (nuat = pressure, boran = ancient). They call it massage, we call it Thai Massage because it is from Thai land. It was created by Dr Shivago Komarpaj some 2500 years ago. My teacher Gabriel travels to Thailand and studies with Pichet Boonthume a Thai master. We learned so much and there is still tons more to learn! I just found out that Gabriel will be moving to wilmington to open a studio this year so I cant wait to learn more. Here is the link to watch the Thai movie that I put together to show people an example of what thai massage is.

Give Me Faith

I was watching the Code Orange Revival at Elevation Church tonight and they played the most appropriate song I needed to hear...

Give Me Faith 

I need you to soften my heart

To break me apart

I need you to open my eyes

To see that you're shaping my life

All I am

I surrender

 

Give me faith to trust what you say

That you're good and your love is great

I'm broken inside I give you my life

I need you to soften my heart

To break me apart

I need you pierce through the dark

And cleanse every part of me

I may be weak

Your spirit strong in me

My flesh may fail

My god you never will 

 

I thank you God for speaking to me through this song tonight and reminding me just how Mighty and Awesome You are.

A glance into our weekend

     Lets rewind a little before the weekend, this week was the first week back to work after a very LONG and RELAXING break (blogs to come!).  UGH.  Yes, it was hard to get back into the grind.  Chris and I have taken it easy this week, easing back into the routine.  We went to bed early (before 10PM) almost EVERY night this past week.  I know my body requires way more sleep than it gets...and when it finally gets 8 hours or more sleep I feel SO MUCH better.  Rested, refreshed and ready.  I really like the sound of being rested, refreshed and ready.  Here's to 2012!

     I was always overwhelmed at the thought of doing "Secret Sisters" at Discovery Church when I was a student.  This year, however, I can come up with NO excuses!  For those of you who don't know what Secret Sisters is allow me to explain.  Each year, the ladies of our church that are interested pick someone and that is your "Secret Sister" for the year.  For that year you have the pleasure of praying for and blessing that lady however you want.  I am SO excited.  I absolutely LOVE gift giving and blessing others.  I feel so lucky to be able to pray for and be an encouragement to this lady.  I can't wait to get to know her and bless her in small ways.  So that was my Friday night spent at the Coffee Shack with the Discovery Ladies for our Annual Ladies Night Out Planning and Secret Sister Reveal and Pick.

     Today is Saturday and Chris and I slept in and had an amazing RELAXING day.  Side note:  It was AMAZZZZING to sleep in because I haven't been able to sleep well the last few nights because our neighbors have the LOUDEST, SCREAMING baby on the planet...and it screams all night and morning.  I couldn't imagine-- that does not make me want a child anytime soon.  On a more positive note:  My sweet husband sent me for a massage today with Caroline...it was AMAZING!  Chris works for Caroline at ReFreshology.  We are so thankful for the awesome opportunity Chris has to work with such great ladies.  That was such a refreshing start to the day!  Thanks again Caroline :o)  Check out their website http://refresh-ology.com/

      Check out our $19.99 Goodwill purchase...

A Bike rack for the car!!!

This afternoon we went riding on the Greenway trail, it was beautiful.  It felt like a spring day, sunny and 70 degrees-- in January.  I could get use to this weather but, it will probably be back to 20 degrees soon.  I just can't figure out the weather here!  Eastern North Carolina is so strange.

Finally have my mountain bike in NC...now to find some mountains!!

My sexy cyclist :o)  ...his road bike is Sweet!!

      And what better way to end our Saturday than spending time with one of our most favorite families.  We are so lucky and blessed to be friends with Laci and Randy and their sweet kiddos.  They have no idea how thankful we are for them!  We had a blast jumping on the trampoline, hanging around the fire and enjoying a game of Scrabble.

Love you guys!

and your kiddos too!

MMMmmMm! 

"Happy Face" :o)

     That was our weekend so far, not sure what tomorrow will bring besides some AMAZING worship at Discovery Church...off to bed way later than I thought!!  WOW!!!  Oh well, it's been fun to get back on here and share our happenings.  I look forward to sharing about our trip to NJ and all the special people we got to see and hang out with.  Thanks for keep up with us :o)