Look What We're Making Today...

what in the world?!

Whenever we're in the basement (our youth room) I sit in the back and run the screen for D. He was fixing to get started when one of our older youth came and sat down beside me. We talked about different things then he stopped mid sentence and said, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Katy Perry?"

what.in.the.world.

I was offended at first because when I think of Katy Perry....though she has some catchy songs... I in no way want to portray her "free" image. He could tell I was taken back by his comment. Then he proceeded to tell me it was a good thing and why. The conversation then just got weirder so I finally said, "Corey stop talking."

Although, this is a pleasant picture of her... I just don't see it.

Fiery Trials

Beth Moore continues to amaze me. When I read scripture normally I grasp most of it, but somehow she reads scripture and can pull a million different lessons from one verse. Thankfully she chooses to write bible studies so I too can learn those lessons.

Last night's video was on our Fiery Trials. She called this one "a renewed jolt of truth." Its a concept that we all know, but it's a great reminder of the Lord's faithfulness and His purpose for allowing trials to come into our lives.

*God never allows or appoints a fire unless He can bring beauty from the ashes.*

1 Peter 1:6-9
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1. We cannot avoid fiery trials.
a. God is much more interested in our calling than our comfort.
b. Even faithful people have difficulties.

2. The purpose of the refinement is always to make us:
a. objects of beauty (God burns away what is fake and brings out what is true.)
b. recipients of rewards

3. One primary purpose of a fiery trial is to surface the dross.
(The longer we're in the fire-the more purified we become.)

4. We cannot often refuse the fire, but we can refuse to be refined.

5. Sometimes our fiery trials are absolutely necessary to fulfill our callings.


Beth really challenged us last night that most of of us confuse our irritations with tribulations. A broken nail, traffic, a difficult child....though these things drive us crazy they are by no means tribulations. Most of us don't even know what tribulation is!

However, many people have experienced tribulation(s). God doesn't allow these things to happen just because he wants to punish us. (though there are always consequences for sin) God allows trials and tribulations to refine us for His purpose.

oh thats what you meant

From time to time when taking pictures, my mom or sister would say, "Re-do... you made your crazy eyes again." I know I have big eyes, but what in the world was I really doing to make them look crazy? I was looking through pictures and I came across this one....

Ok Mom and sister, I see what you mean by my crazy eyes.... it looks like I'm staring and trying to painfully hold them open. Note to self...no more crazy eyes.

shopping weekend

This weekend was our annual Jerkins' women shopping trip. There are more people that go that are not Jerkins', but its all family from D's side. We have been doing this for years. I started going back when D and I were just dating and I'm pretty sure they had been doing it long before me. It's always a fun weekend to shop and fellowship with this group of ladies. We never see enough of each other so its a great opportunity to catch up!

We normally go to Opry Mills in Nashville, but because of all the flood damage and it not being re-opened yet, we settled for Prime Outlets in Lebanon, TN.

Though it didn't compare to Opry Mills, we still found lots of very cute things. I will be honest and say I have been against skinny jeans since they came out....especially on guys, but that's another blog in itself! I knew my figure could never allow skinny jeans....unless I found the right boots to put with them. This weekend I found both!
Skinny jeans from Rue 21 that cost a mere $19.99. And boots from Bass that were....quite a bit more.

I would say our trip was very successful! I found a lot of great running clothes at Nike and Reebok... but those got put back for Christmas presents. Poop. I hate waiting for gifts! I also found a pair of jeans from Gap that I got for $2.49. I couldn't believe it. I love a great deal!

And I even managed to bring one of these bad boys back to D... since I spent all of his money!

Thankfully he shared this apple pie caramel apple goodness!

Tom's Farm

Last Thursday we went on a fun, fall field trip to Tom's Farm. There's nothing glamorous about this place, but give us the right temperatures, 41 excited 4 year olds, and you can't beat it.

From our campus, it's a good 30 minute drive to this adventure in Fayette County. You seriously wonder if you're lost because you end up driving where there is nothing around but fields. Once you see these fields you know you're almost there.

After our 30 minute bus ride, which some kids claim is the best part, we look to our left and there on the hill was Tom's Farm.

They have a fun playground, corn box...which is a sand box but with corn, tire swings, corn mazes, bonfire pits, and hayrides that take you to the pumpkin patch.

Our kids loved it! The weather was fabulous! We explored and played in the dirt all morning.

Here is one of my sweeties, Camryn, showing you how much fun we had.

If you're looking for something fun and fallish to do I highly recommend Tom's Farm. It's only $6 for the hayride which takes you to the pumpkin patch. Your kids can spend forever exploring the land as well. Pack a picnic lunch and you have a fun fall outing!

Thanks Lecrae

Ok... so if you can't tell....D and I are huge Lecrae fans. Even though there have been several posts about him and his music I promise there's no need to check me into the psych ward. On his new cd there is a song called, "I love you girl." Clearly a song he wrote for his wife. My favorite part of the song is "Thank God my rib's the best part of me." Since hearing this song, I've teased D about his good rib too.

I was sitting at my desk during nap time and received this text:

"....I love you girl. Thank God my rib's the best part of me."

Want to go on a date tonight?

He said he was listening to the song so he decided to quote it to me. Glad it inspired him. Thanks Lecrae!

Here's the actual song in case you're interested.






Hook:
Girl I love ya cross my heart and hope to live to make you smile,
Cause I don't deserve for all the times you held me down,
Listen to me now. I love you girl.

Ya know I had to do a love song
To let the whole world know bout my love jones ,
Love sticks is what I told the docter,
We could be more like Sho Baraka,
But we all moors and we been that
And when I said I do, I meant that
Its trip that, you let me lead you
Cause I'm a mess and sometimes I need you
And I need you, to understand
That I'm dying everything tryin to be a better man,

I put that on my momma,
I love the way you play your part through my drama
Long nights, long flights ,trips outta town
Ya keep my head up when it was hanging down
Down like four flats on a lack
I let you down and you still keep coming back

Hook:
Girl I love ya cross my heart and hope to live to make you smile,
Cause I don't deserve for all the times you held me down,
Listen to me now. I love you girl.

Out here trying to save the world,
Cant forget about my baby girl
And baby girl, you so tight its true to me sometimes I wonder why you fool with me
Cause foolishly I'm prone to hurt you,
Call you grace cause I don't deserve you
I recall cold nights, no lights, low dough nights
You ain't fussin you was there the whole night sayin its alright,

So faithful, Far as beef yeah we done had a plateful
But we ate it up and we made it up
Cause our view of the Lord wasn't great enough
No divorce cause what God brought together,
We will never tear apart, gonna fight and never let up.
And when I get up I'm back down on my knees,
Thank God my rib's the best part of me.

Hook:
Girl I love ya cross my heart and hope to live to make you smile,
Cause I don't deserve for all the times you held me down,
Listen to me now. I love you girl.

All the fellas out there in the world
If your lady love God and you gotta good girl
Stay wit her, pray wit her, take her on a date
Tell her you appreciate....

How she love me, how she cares
And how shes every woman every where,
And baby I'm sorry for all the days I let you down
But I got something to say, I love you girl

Go Hard or Go Home

If only we'd lived by this....

Go Hard or Go Home [x2]
Lord Use Me Up [x2]

[Verse 1: Lecrae]
Lord kill me If I don't preach the gospel
I'm still in my 20's- but I'll die if I got to
Already dead- so forget my flesh
I done been crossed over see the full court press
I'm a full court mess if the Lord don't use me

Running from my trials thinkin everythangs groovy
If the Cross don't move me then I don't wanna breath no mo

If I ain't seeing Christ potna I don't wanna see no mo
Rep every day withouth worrying about bruising
I been to china mayne I seen some real persecution
If U didn't know em would ya life look the same
Can they tell you value Jesus by the way you rep his name?
Man what's the point of living if I'm living for myself
Lord empty out my life before I put you on the shelf So for God I got Hard I don't' wanna die tonight
It's too many people living who ain't heard about my Christ
Go Hard or Go Home [x2]
Lord Use Me Up [x2]

[Verse 2: Lecrae]
Went to Asia had to duck and hide-for Sharin my faith
They tell me water it downwhen I get back to states
They say tone the music down you might sell a lot a records
But it's people out here dying and none of em heard the message
Took my wifey on mission trip - central america
Shared her testimony 40 people stood and stared at her
When she said Jesus shoulda seen it was insane cause 40 out of 40 never heard of Jesus name
Aw mayne we ain't focused on the war we just kickin it
Worried bout our image and our space up on the internet

Take me out the game coach
I don't wanna play no mo
If can't give it all I got and leave it out there on the court
Thank you for the Grace for the will and the desire
Got me
Living for your glory stead of living to retire
But I pray I'll never tire of Going hard for Messiah
I don't need no motivation You the reason I'm inspired.

[Verse 3: Tedashii]
Go Hard
Go Home, Go Hard
Go Home

That's what that is baby
That what that mean
That what that mean

That what That is baby
That what that mean
That what that mean

Wha-What that mean?

That mean that we, should be out up in ok streets

Not just in houses with our bible's summrizing what we read

Man this ain't deep (man this ain't deep)
Why we ain't doing what we read

It's like we sleep (it's like we sleep)

But sinners sleepwalk when they sleep

So why can't we (so why can't we)
The redeemed of the LORD

Act out, what He said
And make a scene for the LORD

Action-cut, say what, like we was the director

But you better get a Grip like movie sets, and get to stepping
(Martin)
I know you done it
Da-done it, da-done-and heard it all
You was going hard for the Lord before you heard this song

But don't play yourself to save ya self
And walk in fear

Scripture's like a mirror
The truth is closer than it appears


This has become one of my favorite songs to run to. I recently got one of these bad boys...


... and all I have on it is Lecrae. I only use it for running anyway. Its hard not to run with passion and purpose when rockin' out to songs like this.

Grief

Grief comes to us all at some point in our life . One thing that I am learning through this Breaking Free study is that grief is something that the enemy turns into defeat. To keep believing lies such as I'll never get through this...keeps us from the abundant life that we have in Christ.

Beth's points in the chapter Binding up the Brokenhearted:

1. Christ never allows the hearts of His own to be shattered without excellent reasons and eternal purposes.

Lazarus was a our example. God purposely allowed his friends and family to suffer loss so when he raised Lazarus there was no denying His power. The glory was His alone.



2. Christ never allows any illness to end in death for a Christian.

Death seems so final, but for Christians death is not the end.



3.Any kind of "death" is an invitation to resurrection life to the believer.

Joy and effectiveness may cease for a while, but those that allow Christ to heal their hurts will experience joy and effectiveness again. Thankfully these losses in our life are a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness. Though the loss is heartbreaking we have the opportunity to allow a supernatural power to take over. Our losses bring Him great glory because we realize that it is by His strength alone that we endure. He is the only explanation.

"Perhaps the most profound miracle of all is living through something we thought would kill us. And not just living, but living abundantly and effectively- raised from living death to new life."

I'm not a huge fan of change. Maybe a little change like new couch pillows but not a lot like moving. This study is showing me that the life of a Christian is not about staying the same. It's about changing. Change is good. Change is what strengthens us. Thats why we must learn to survive and once again thrive when change involves heartbreaking loss. This loss is what is helping conform us into the image of Christ.

Weekend Wrap-Up

I had maybe one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. It was so restful and relaxing...those kind come few and far between.

My weekend started off with me deciding I didn't want to go with D to the crazy forum for Memphis Madness. Instead, I let him go hang out with his buddy, Pete, and I went and hung out with the one and only sister. I picked us up some Chinese food, rented a red box movie, and to her her apartment I went.

It was so nice to be in comfy clothes and lay on the couch and laugh at a funny movie. I rented:

It was a great movie and I would give it an A+, but they chose to add a completely unnecessary, terrible word at the end.

After the movie, mom and dad joined the party and brought sister something delicious from Sheridan's and a pumpkin spice latte for me.

They're the best. After a night of laughs and treats, it was time to go meet back up with my boy.


Saturday morning at 7:45 my eyes opened...what in the world?! My day to sleep late and I'm awake at 7:45. I made myself lay there until 8 and then I decided getting out of bed was better than wasting away the day. I laced up my 'conies and had an 8:15 date with Jillian. I showered, folded laundry, and helped D. His latest project...replacing the padding at the bottom of our doors. Yes, I know OCD. To do this, the door must come off the hinge which he needed my assistance for. That concluded all my productivity for the day. :)

Soon it was time to head over to my in-laws for Saturday football watching. The boys played wiffle ball in the back yard for a little bit and I sat in a comfy chair on the back porch with my book....and get this....a blanket. It was cool in the shade! It was so nice.

A little while later, us girls (Momma D, Jules, B, and even Mags) decided to go see a movie. We love Karen Kingsbury's books and there is currently a movie out that was made from her book, Like Dandelion Dust. It was a tear jerker. B and Momma D were teary eyed, I cried at the end, and poor Jules cried throughout the whole movie. It's a movie that tells about an adoption story. Clearly a tear-jerker. Maggie informed us as we were walking out that she did not want to ever go to a big girl movie again...it was too boring.

We loaded up and went and had pizza with our football watchers. Then before I knew it, my bed was calling my name.

Sunday 6:50a.m. Grabbed my 'conies and my water and had an early workout before church. We heard a challenging message from D about worship and how it shouldn't be something we just do at church, but how it should be a lifestyle.

12:15p.m. We all crammed in the Jerkins' suburban and headed to Mississippi to grandmomma's for lunch. Roast, potatoes, carrots, peas, green beans, cornbread, salad....yep I was miserably full. It was worth it though.

4:45p.m. Back to church to learn about Buddhism or Booty-ism... must see the dance to appreciate this.

6:00p.m. Church

7:15p.m. Sonic with our youth

9:00p.m. Chex Mix in the oven. Amazing Race on our TV...thank you DVR.

10:30p.m. In my bed, wondering where in the world my weekend went.

I always feel like I blink and my weekend is gone? Is it just me? Is it because I work full time? I sometimes think if I was a stay at home home that my weekends would feel longer. Is that a misconception? Probably.

The McRib

My friend, Heather, aka fellow McRib lover, sent me this link today: McRib Locator

I love the McRib. I realize its not really rib-like. I don't really care. I don't even care if you judge me for my love for it. It is delicious nonetheless. I mean we all still eat hot dogs even though we know what they're made out of....and this is so much better than a hot dog!

The bad part about all of this is the McRib is not around often. So when it is around I definitely take advantage of it. Too bad D is not really even a fan of McDonalds...I know, I know....he's not really American. My family is though! So at least a couple of times during the McRib season I can convince the parentals and sister to go there with me. Thank you Burbees for loving and supporting my love for the McRib.

I realize that I might sound like someone who needs to be checked into a psych ward. I assure you it is not an unhealthy obsession just a normal one... that is seasonal.... well the eating of it is seasonal.... I guess the love for it is year round.

Anyway...........I'm interested to hear your thoughts. Do you love it? Hate it? Want to throw up now after reading this? :)

October 14, 2005

October 14, 2005 changed my life.

Me, Julie and some others had been at the Jerkins' setting up for a baby shower most of the afternoon. I remember Julie and Momma D getting frequent phone calls, but thought nothing of it. Then around4 Julie and I ran to the store to get some last minute things. A ploy. When we got back to the house, Julie dropped me off. Weird, I thought. I walked around to the back door and as I opened the door I wondered where everyone else was. By this time it was after 5 so I knew that people should have been home from work and getting ready to go to our usual Friday night family dinner.

After closing the back door, D walks into the kitchen where I was standing, takes my hand, and says, "I need to show you something." I knew he had a big, goofy grin on his face, but that happens when anything exciting happens....he gets a new xbox game, a new gadget of sorts, etc. I just assumed he was going to show me something dumb on the computer. He led me to the front of the house. I looked to my right and there in the den/foyer area is a beautifully decorated table. On the table were 5 dozen roses representing the 5 years that we had been together. At the front of the table was a ring box. This was it. I had waited for so long and it was finally happening! How did I not know it was coming? Where was everyone? Is this a joke? This can't be real. All of these thoughts are coursing through my mind 90 miles a second. He pulls me into the room and says a bunch of sweet stuff that I can't remember and then he got down on one knee. I kept saying to him, "Is this for real?!" "Is this a joke?!" Finally, he looked at me and said, "Does it look like I'm joking?!" Somewhere in all of that craziness I said, Yes. He prayed for us and then he said I have another surprise. He led me through the house to a back bedroom. He opened the door and there was all of our family.

After lots of tears, hugs, explanations, phone calls, a celebratory mexican dinner.... I realized.... It was for real. I was really engaged. Finally engaged. I think I floated all night unable to comprehend exactly what had just taken place.

October 14 you will always be a sweet reminder of God's faithfulness. Our "dating" life had ended.... a new kind of life had just begun. And boy has it been sweet.

Why Jesus?

Starting last Wednesday night, we began an awesome series with our youth called "Why Jesus?" It is a video series that takes us to the Holy Land and helps explain literally Why Jesus? Why choose Him? David Nasser and Mac Powell narrate this series. They clearly explain why Jesus is the obvious choice and how you have to have more faith to believe that He isn't God than to believe He is. I have learned so much and we've only seen one weeks worth! Needless to say I'm looking forward to tonight!

Lock-In...or really Lock-Out

We met at the church at 9:00p.m. We hung out, ate pizza, and D gave a short devo.

Our leaders were all about some caffeine.




We had free energy drinks. Are we crazy? Maybe.




We had a great turn out.




Then we went bowling from 10:30-12:30.








Our boys got creative.




After our Starbuck's run.




Then we went to Putt-Putt. We had it rented out from 1:00-5:00.




Our leaders really enjoyed lazertron.




Well....maybe we had more fun than we'd dare admit.

















Then about 4:00....it hit us.






Susan's solution to sleepiness...pixie stix.



After we left Putt-Putt, we headed back to the church where our delicious breakfast was being set up. Almost bed time.



Though I'm not a huge fan of lock-ins as I have stated before....we had a blast. Though we stayed up all night hanging out with teenagers who were full of energy drinks....it was worth it.

Because of this....



Sitting in a loud, crazy bowling alley, we had one of our girls recommit her life to Christ.

And that is why we do what we do!

PRAY

I don't know these people from Adam, but I ran across this blog....what a sad story...you have to go back a few posts to get the whole story, but it's worth reading. Please keep them in your prayers.They will definitely need it!

http://lesliejoyevans.blogspot.com/

Dinner last night... success

Puffed Pancake Brunch Casserole

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Total Time: 1:05

Makes 10 servings

1/2	cup butter
2	cups Original Bisquick® mix
2	cups milk
8	eggs
1	cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
1	lb sausage
1	package (2.1 oz) precooked bacon, chopped
2	cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1/4	teaspoon salt
1/4	teaspoon ground mustard
	Dash ground nutmeg

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1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Place butter in dish; place in oven until melted, about 10 minutes. Brown sausage.
2. In medium bowl, mix Bisquick mix, 1 cup of the milk and 2 of the eggs with whisk until tiny lumps remain. Pour over butter in baking dish. Layer with Swiss cheese, sausage, bacon and Cheddar cheese. In large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup milk, remaining 6 eggs, the salt, mustard and nutmeg. Pour over casserole.
3. Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

*I drizzled syrup over it and that was the perfect addition!*