Life is a series of thousands of tiny miracles

Life according

2012-02-06T17:56:00.001-08:00

My sweetheart <3

2012-01-24T10:46:00.001-08:00

Oh what joy I have found. Well folks, God has brought a treasure into my life and into my heart. He is a delight and a gift. A learner of my heart and a cherisher of my very soul. He is my companion and my best friend. I am over joyed!! I thank God from who all blessings flow. My gift from God is Rory.

My heart sings

Life according

2012-01-24T10:45:00.001-08:00

A Social Network Christmas

2011-12-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

Life lately

2011-12-12T13:24:00.001-08:00

Oh Oswold. You've done it again.

2011-12-02T10:33:00.001-08:00

Christian Perfection

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfect . . . —Philippians 3:12

It is a trap to presume that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do— God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself. The emphasis of holiness movements tends to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you accept this concept of personal holiness, your life’s determined purpose will not be for God, but for what you call the evidence of God in your life. How can we say, “It could never be God’s will for me to be sick”? If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son (Isaiah 53:10
), why shouldn’t He bruise you? What shines forth and reveals God in your life is not your relative consistency to an idea of what a saint should be, but your genuine, living relationship with Jesus Christ, and your unrestrained devotion to Him whether you are well or sick.
Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship with God that shows itself to be true even amid the seemingly unimportant aspects of human life. When you obey the call of Jesus Christ, the first thing that hits you is the pointlessness of the things you have to do. The next thought that strikes you is that other people seem to be living perfectly consistent lives. Such lives may leave you with the idea that God is unnecessary— that through your own human effort and devotion you can attain God’s standard for your life. In a fallen world this can never be done. I am called to live in such a perfect relationship with God that my life produces a yearning for God in the lives of others, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God’s purpose is not to perfect me to make me a trophy in His showcase; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He wants.

Can you imagine?!

2011-11-10T12:21:00.000-08:00

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Longing for adventure...

2011-11-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

Don't these photos just call out to something deep inside of you? They do me. I'm feeling an itch to jump in the Yota, put on Jon Foreman's Limbs and branches album, and head for my favorite place in my corner of the world, Yosemite!

Truth for today

2011-11-10T06:22:00.001-08:00

Fantastic

Just fantastic
My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Thoughts thus far.

2011-11-01T09:01:00.001-07:00

Why do I live here?
Don't get me wrong, I love my life. I really do. I love California, all the golden goodness it has to offer. Yosemite right in my back yard. My church family is something I could never replace.
My jobs are wondeful, I love Starbucks, my co-workers warm my heart. And the families I nanny for, priceless. I've made such fantastic.memories with the family I've been with for over two years, they're family. It will break my heart the day I say goodbye.
My loving situation, although isn't perfect, its fitting well at this current life stage.

Those are the reasons I live here. But I ache for more. I feel as if I'm aimlessly wondering this planet. Sprinkling Christ love about, wherever I go. But what more does this world offer? Lots. I just feel it in my bones. I'm called to something greater.

Journey with me in finding out what that is.

Birthday gift from my friend!

2011-10-31T13:49:00.001-07:00

I adore these bracelets that my dear friend Lindsay fashioned for me! She's very creative & I feel so special!

When you're close I fear you.

2011-10-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

Watch "Times - Tenth Avenue North" on YouTube

This song utters my hearts cry

Tea with Papa

2011-10-15T16:57:00.001-07:00

My Dad is here this weekend celebrating my birthday! Today we went to The Rose Tea House in downtown Clovis. And went Antiquing. It was pefect.

I don't have children yet.....

2011-10-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

Watch "In Tha Muthahood" on YouTube
But as a nanny, I can highly appreciate this. Enjoooyyyyyy

Happy burrffdae to me!!

2011-10-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

My new birthday dress!

I am loved!!

2011-10-11T13:19:00.001-07:00

I need to do this more often...

2011-10-09T23:01:00.000-07:00

Someone wants Attention :)

2011-10-01T22:59:00.001-07:00

Catching up on your fall shows?!
I'm so happy they're back! What are your favorites?

Happy National Coffee Day!

2011-09-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

Every kinda coffee Photos from my phone ! Enjoy. I live coffee. I love coffee....

mmmmm yes.

2011-09-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

nutting to it butt to do it!

2011-09-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

"Get it girl!" has been my motto these last few weeks...so lame, I know. Don't judge too harshly. I need something to get me going!

As I'm sure some of you saw, Groupon or Living Social, or valley daily deals.... had BCOR Fitness for just $30!!!! Usually 209 doll hairs!

I jumped on that like a fat kid jumps on birthday cake!

Ironic. Or not? My birthday is coming up here in a few weeks....

I am going to start up with BCOR soon, and as I do, I'm going to jump back on the Paleo band wagoner.

I started a modified version of Paleo in January of this year, and I lost close to 40 lbs. I've maintained most of that weight loss. Praise God. But I'm not nearly where I'd like to be. So I needed a kick back into my fitness routine. With three jobs, It's really tough to find the time. But we make time for things that are important to us, and my health has REALLY taken a back seat these last 6 months. Can't do that any longer. Life isn't long enough to wait till " next week, next month, or when this big thing in my life changes"

No more excuses.

I Thank God for bringing me back to this place. No other time in my life will I have this much freedom and time to focus inward and outward ;) on myself.

So here's to Paleo.

Here's to another 40 lbs!!!! I cannot wait to post more photos!!!

wow....

2011-09-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Is There Good in Temptation?

Text Size: Zoom In

Sep

2011

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man . . . —1 Corinthians 10:13

The word temptation has come to mean something bad to us today, but we tend to use the word in the wrong way. Temptation itself is not sin; it is something we are bound to face simply by virtue of being human. Not to be tempted would mean that we were already so shameful that we would be beneath contempt. Yet many of us suffer from temptations we should never have to suffer, simply because we have refused to allow God to lift us to a higher level where we would face temptations of another kind.

A person’s inner nature, what he possesses in the inner, spiritual part of his being, determines what he is tempted by on the outside. The temptation fits the true nature of the person being tempted and reveals the possibilities of his nature. Every person actually determines or sets the level of his own temptation, because temptation will come to him in accordance with the level of his controlling, inner nature.

Temptation comes to me, suggesting a possible shortcut to the realization of my highest goal— it does not direct me toward what I understand to be evil, but toward what I understand to be good. Temptation is something that confuses me for a while, and I don’t know whether something is right or wrong. When I yield to it, I have made lust a god, and the temptation itself becomes the proof that it was only my own fear that prevented me from falling into the sin earlier.

Temptation is not something we can escape; in fact, it is essential to the well-rounded life of a person. Beware of thinking that you are tempted as no one else–what you go through is the common inheritance of the human race, not something that no one has ever before endured. God does not save us from temptations–He sustains us in the midst of them (see Hebrews 2:18 and Hebrews 4:15-16).

Yuppppp tonight

2011-09-08T23:07:00.001-07:00

We went line dancing @ a country bar!

Can't imagine a better song to describe my life...

2011-09-06T15:43:00.001-07:00

Watch "Joshua Radin & Laura Jansen - You Got Growing Up to Do" on YouTube

Oh my soul

2011-09-06T15:11:00.001-07:00

Psalm 70:4-5

"Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation continually say,
“Let God be exalted!”
But I am poor and needy.
Come to me quickly, God.
You are my help and my deliverer.
Yahweh, don’t delay."

My soul cries out to God. He is the only one who can satisfy my deepest longings....

Such a sweet video

2011-09-04T15:08:00.001-07:00

Watch "Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up" on YouTube

this is one of the worst performances i've ever seen....

2011-09-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

like are you kidding me?!

How much more clear can it be?

2011-08-30T07:40:00.001-07:00

1 Timothy 2:1-6 NLT

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

How beautiful a Father in heaven we have!! "At just the right time..." He knows our needs....HE sees our hearts deepest longings. He hears the cries of our souls. What a great and glorious Savior! How undeserving I am, yet He chose me. Wow. What a good God we serve.

this moves me.

2011-08-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm such a wonderlust at heart. and this video reminds me of so many wonderful traveling experiences Ive had in my short life. Colorado, Montana, Mexico, Canada, Fiji, Hawaii, more Mexico :) I adore travel. It frees me.

Take a trip alone.

I dare you.

Zuchinni Banana Muffins

2011-08-28T19:26:00.001-07:00

I baked this afternoon. Like I used to days prior.

When I bit into a warm soft little buttered bundle of muffin, tears almost came. Sounds silly, but a home made muffin means home, it reminds me of my sister, reminds me of my home making days.... :(

I hope, by God's grace, and in His perfect timing, i'll someday have a husband to bake for

prep:

cook:

30 min cupcake

50 min loaf

total:

45ish

3 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1 cup grated zucchini*
2 bananas, mashed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour desired pan ( cupcake/loaf)
In a large bowl, beat eggs until light yellow and frothy. Add oil, brown sugar, white sugar, grated zucchini, bananas, and vanilla; blend together until well combined. Stir in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the cranberries and nuts. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Allow to cool in the loaf pans on a wire rack before removing and serving.

* I added 2 c. zuchinni :D

Thaswasup

2011-08-27T13:04:00.001-07:00

Happy Saturday Littles!

Toaster oven tortilla pizza!

Why I kicked FB to zee curb

2011-08-26T20:17:00.001-07:00

I got rid of my Facebook Thursday night. 
God really broke me @ my young adults bible study. He made it very clear to me, that I am taking by force, through fb, that which he wants to give me, by His loving grace, in His perfect timing. 
 
It really, for me, in my Christian walk, comes down to trust. 
Through fb I sought comfort from others, adoration, approval, love, a sense of control...the list goes on.
So did I trust God enough to let go of that, and say, "You supply my hearts deepest needs. You only can satisfy my longings. I can no longer look for that in Facebook. I trust you."
I do. I know my Lord. He is a good good God. He is faithful when I am not. He that is in me is greater than I ever hope to be. He is my great provider. My healer, my help in times of need. My beauty. My love.

I will trust only in you Lord Jesus.

For your ultimate glory.

litterally....dancing the night away.

2011-08-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

The evidence

Pictured: Nic, Kendall (front) Christian ( back), me, Gaston, my girl, Jackie, and our boss and friend, Casey.

I love these folks....

Gaston and Nic.

Two of my favorite people to work with are moving away to college.

It's with sadness that I bid them farewell.

We had a blast doing it though :)

We met for sushi and dancing at a local fantastic lil shack called Roe.

Amazing Sushi. Fantastic friends, not just co workers, speeches, high heels, giddy childish goofy fun.

I love my life.

my friends and I danced till 1230am.

dancing frees me.

brings me back to earth.

As made famous by todays letters

2011-08-26T15:30:00.001-07:00

Check this out lil homies....

Yuppp

2011-08-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

Im gonna see this man tonight

Summer treasures!

2011-08-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

Bruchetta!!

Here are some photos of a simple tomato, basil, garlic and olive oil mix. Perfect summer combo.

Step one: Cut slit @ top of fresh washed, small tomatoes, & empty insides. Discard. Cut off stem

Step two: chop washed, fresh basil, and garlic.

Step three: combine all, throw in a bit of salt and evoo. Smash & mix a bit. lightly toast your favorite bread, top & enjoy!

Me and the woobie cave.

2011-08-01T14:35:00.001-07:00

I am not tradtionally an "introvert." Whatever that really means...i have always needed time to myself to process & regroup, but I adore being with people & having adventrues. But lately, I've been VEEEERY to "myself" & sunday, after church I hit a very emotional, draining, scary wall of hoplessness, dreary sadness.

My divorve is final. The papers came in the mail Friday. I knew what it was before I opened it and I. felt. nothing.
It scared me how little I felt. I really thought, before I got the papers, that I'd feel something when I finally got them. But nothing came. no feeling of finality, no feelings of freedom, no saddness. But I have been feeling feelingless....about this issue. Is that a feeling? No apathy. I care, I wish I felt more.

So Sunday I built a woobie cave. A fort of sorts. I tied together two, soft, lightweight, airy, stripped blankets from Mexico hung them above my roomates lovesak™. I hid it in. I need a fort, a teepee of dreams, a place I can regroup and relearn who I am. I hung jewles and gold rick rack from the top, so I can have something pretty to stare up @.I just needed somewhere to hide, somewhere to process. I feel, so much better.

I have friends

2011-07-30T19:44:00.001-07:00

I have new friends. They also happen to be my co workers, which is honey for my heart. But we have insane amounts of fun. I.love them.

Oh my soul

2011-07-25T14:17:00.001-07:00

What Wondrous Love Is This by Hymns & Meditations on Grooveshark for Android: http://grooveshark.com/s/What+Wondrous+Love+Is+This/3IdPXe?src=5

I LOVE sayulita Mexico!

2011-06-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

I leave tonight for Mexico!

2011-06-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

the sunny shores of Sayulita Mexico I will experience tomorrow! Happy Father's day to my dear dapper Fella of a Father. I adore you...

a photo of my Pop and I in Mexico 2004ish, we traversed the shores/ boarders of Mexico together a good 8 or 9 times together withing the span of 3 years and I look back with SUCH fondness for those times. My father is a cherishable soul with the heart of a child who has given me gifts upon gifts of characture quality like NONE other. I am so fond of Him.
Lou and I getting packed!
I think I'm set as far as sun hats goes... a lady needs a new hat for each outfit!

I live an ABUNDANT life

2011-06-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am so happy in my life currently.

I have abundance. My life is clearly, and this is NO credit to me or my "doing of any sort", BLESSED in every, and I MEAN it, EVERY area. God is good....when I type that I feel as if I'm doing Him a MAJOR injustice. I mean COME ON! This is GOD we're speaking of. This is the GOD who CHOSE ME to be HIS! This is the Father who prepared my heart for this time of my life, my divorce. This is the savior who added my name in the Lambs book of life, so that I can spend eternity with HIM in a place more lovely and gorgeous and peaceful than ANYONE, any human can comprehend. Wow.

It's a habit...

2011-04-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

Well not really. It's only my second time. But they have great cheap burgers! Under three bucks! Ya hoo!

We're watching the wedding!

2011-04-29T00:03:00.001-07:00

Eeeekkkk I'm so excited to see her dress!

Rockin out to this gem!

2011-04-26T14:41:00.001-07:00

Watch "Jennifer Lopez - On The Floor ft. Pitbull" on YouTube

I can die happy.

2011-04-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

Target sells Magnums.

He is risen!

2011-04-24T05:49:00.001-07:00

I'm working this morning...only till 9am, but its dead right now...so I'm making my dear sweet room mate a wedding invite to the royal wedding! She is insane & wants to wake up @ 3am Friday morning to watch the wedding live & eat pancakes.

On my lunch..

2011-04-20T18:58:00.001-07:00

I love our Creator! How magical & beautiful are His ways.

Yup! Bangs!

2011-04-13T20:11:00.001-07:00

I got em....I love them!

What a wonderful morning!

2011-04-08T10:56:00.001-07:00

I slept in till ten TEN this morning! Oh what joy! And I just finished my book, " Deep in the heart of trouble" by Diane Gist. Wonderful! Ugh. I love to read. Hot coffee, sitting on the patio, warm sun...I can die happy.

tasty bits

2011-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Go out and buy you soma this great stuff ASAP. I haven't used an ounce of this for a salad and the entire bottle is gone.... No I don't drink it. I sautee Chicken in it! The sugar carmalizes and becomes this dark brown goodness all over the chicken. If I close my eyes while I eat it, I imagine being at Elephant Bar... don't ask why. I couldn't even tell you. :)

sneak peak of a tutorial full of Rosettes :D

2011-03-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Weekend With Sissers

2011-03-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

My older, not oldest, Sister Karie came down for a girls weekend in Feb. Can I just tell you how much I needed Sister time?! We ate lots of great food... went to a perfectly charming tea house here in Clovis for High Tea, antique shopping, pizza and crappy Tv night, crafted Valentines day cards here, for FREE I must add. They have a GREAT event they put on often, where you can come and craft for a few dollars. Twee provides all the supplies, you provide the fun. Well for V-day, they paired up with the local homeless shelter, and made it known that if you brought in a new or used blanket, they'd waive the fee! So... my amazing house mate, Katie, had blankets she no longer needed. So my sister Karie and my sister in law Casey and I crafted and made ADORABLE cards for FREEEEESIE! :D Let me just tell you, it took me like 2 hours to make this one card... I just sit and enjoy looking at all the lovely papers, stickers, fabrics, ribbons, listen to people chat, snack, drink... and take LONG hours deciding how I want mine to look and adding tiny details. Nough said, I am absolutly THRILLED with how it turned out and I took supplies home to make more :D

While my sister was here we had a change to take some photos, we both have this lovely camera & any chance we have to use it, and model... of course, we snatch up! So included in this post are photos of our Orchard shots after high tea, and some photos of the weekend... Enjoy! And go drink some

It's offical!

2011-03-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Check out the sharpie marks... :D I bet you guessed it. I work for starbucks again. I have a feeling this relationship with the beloved co. will be a life long affair, being that this is my 4th store in a span of 8 years... they love me so much they've hired/rehired me 3 times...Thanks Howie! :D

mmmm free coffee.

new music rocks my world!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

oh and I just bought this on amazon. amazing. listen. love. buy. dance.

love list: spring edition (yosemite photos from this past weekend)

2011-03-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way!" - Dr. Seuss

Sometimes there's absolutely nothing better, then writing, to get the things swirling about in your head, out.

bullet point time! :D

Tonight: ... is the first Tuesday night I've had off in over 2.5 months. heaven. my laptop, this album playing, and embroidery!
Spring: ...gives me such fantastic joy in the core of my being. There's not much better then blooms in almost every knack of the world I live in, and warm sunshine casting it's warmth on my arms and legs, shorts and tanks, chalk on the side walk, later sunsets, campfires, & hiking. ( photos of Yosemite with my Mom from this past weekend included)
Life: ...I'm in love with where my life is right now... some of you may think, "?! Rachel, you're going through divorce, your heart is broken, pain comes so naturally these days, your entire life was thrown for a loop dee loop...." I hear you... I do :D but I am a VERY positive person, and I tend to not just see my cup full, but overflowing. I find joy in such very small things in life. and I just really like my life right now. Not I love it. I lovebeing comforted by our gracious heavenly Father, I love having a "2nd chance" to do things right next time, I love that soon, ( June 19th) my life will open up in a way it never has before, and I'll get to make choices and start down a new path. I will get to do life over.
Peace: ...my heart, as happy as it is, hurts and longs for reconciliation, comfort, hugs, to be cherished, little ones running about and lots of other things. But I have complete peace about these things. I know the Lord will bless my choices, my obedience and my love for Him, in my future.

God is so faithful.

2011-03-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Update on my heart:

I trust in the Lord. No. Matter. What. comes my way, and these last 4 months have been a complete test of that. I trust Christ has my very best interest at His core.

-Rachel

:(

2011-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

tea and divorce papers. please pray.

I want to live a simple life

2011-01-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Harmonizing with mom and sis. Epic fail.

2011-01-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

letting go is the hardest part...

2011-01-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

these guys are amazing.

2011-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

Martinez And Guthrie - "Where From Here"

don't watch them... just listen.

truth for today

2010-12-31T09:30:00.001-08:00

"Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him."

Hope for the new year, from Oswald Chambers

Hello Newness.

2010-12-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hello soon to be new year,

I know you will be full of adventure, newness, saying goodbye, and hello. Moving on, holding on, forgiveness, laughter, tears, bravery, humility, breaking down, building up, joy, pain, passion, anger, journey to new places, fear of God, fear of man, grace and mercy. But most of all, new year I will look you in the face with strength, and I will conquer you, I will take the BEST of you, and use it as bricks in a building of Glorification to my God. I will not back down, I will not be quiet, I will not let my light be dimmed by your plans for destruction. Oh year of new years, be warned.

I am coming.

I'm ready for you.

The Christmas Story- brillant.

2010-12-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

it's over.

2010-12-21T23:01:00.000-08:00

rejoice!!!!!!

2010-12-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

{whatislove?}

2010-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 corinthians 13:4-7

You are more

2010-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

this video is too adorable... i cannot tell you how much I love the way she dresses!!!

2010-12-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

ps: i'm thinking of getting bangs... yet again. like the girl in the video and like this girls:

2010-12-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

:(

2010-12-02T17:49:00.001-08:00

I have so much to be thankful for...

2010-11-25T10:42:00.000-08:00

Things are not "good" or "easy" in my life right now, but I know my loving Heavenly Father & His unmerited grace! And for that I am beyond thankful. His Grace and Mercy are enough. He is my strength, my song, my portion, my joy and breath. For these things, I am eternally grateful.

Here are a few more things I am thankful for:

my cuddly babies

Wonderful loving goofy Dad
Best sister friend Karie
Best friend and sweet Mom

My oh so handsome husband in who's arms I am at peace.

how can a game be this addicting?!

2010-11-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Sweet Amy

2010-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

I know I've told you about my sweet Kindred Spirit Amy W. but let me say more.. I love this lady dearly, she's such an inspiration, listening ear, a kind word, a FANTASTIC laugh, a warm hug, a comforter, and a dear friend. She made me these two precious things for my birthday, made them with her own two hands and one big heart... when I opened the package, I held the Yellow hat up to my face and smelled it in, and wept in it... It means so much to me... So here are a few photos of the two of us and the lovelies she made me!! thank you Amy. I love you.

Be Thou My Vision - Lyrics - Selah

2010-11-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

So appropriate for right now.

2010-11-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle-shield, sword for my fight,
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight.
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower.
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'ns Son!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

"101 Things I wish I knew When I Got Married:"

2010-11-14T17:08:00.000-08:00

This is the current book I'm diving into with both feet! I'm not holding anything back! I'm soaking, taking notes, examining... putting a looking glass into the corners of my spirit and heart, and questioning everything.

I highly encourage you to look into this book, and I'm also going to keep up by posting some of my favorite quotes and tidbits from this great book.

side note:
* This is not a " Christian Book" which makes me very Leary to delve in so quickly, but I looked over it before beginning and I feel like a lot of the concepts we went over with our Pastor before we were married, and I know we've been told a lot of these concepts by our Associate Pastor and His wife, when in Post marital counseling. So as a Christian I'm going to read everything in this book, with a biblical filter, and keeping Christ at the forefront of my mind.

Here are a few tidbits!

Things i'm learing from the book, " 101 Things I wish I knew when I got married: simple lessons to make love last"

By Charlie and Linda Bloom

"We are so much more than our emotions."

" Our qualifications are not hanging in the framed certificates on our walls, but rather are the scars and wounds that we have experienced, endured, and subsequently learned and recovered from."

" So it seems to be with marriage: we either learn to grow through the inevitable challenges of a committed partnership, or we risk being broken by them."
-Charlie

"It wasn't the differences the kept getting us in trouble, but our reactions to them."

" Attempting to dissolve our differences hadn't worked, so we began trying instead to meet them with acceptance, gratitude, and appreciation and to see if we could find the hidden gifts in them. We knew at least intellectually, that it was these differences that had drawn us and made us attractive to each other. At the same time, they were the primary source of what triggered out reactive patterns. Thus we discovered that what drove us crazy about each other and what we were crazy about in each other were one and the same thing. The challenge was neither to to try to change the other nor be willing to change for them, but rather to honor our own uniqueness while strengthening the bonds of loving respect between us."
-Linda

more tidbits to come!

2010-11-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

A scary hike....

2010-11-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

My dad came down this weekend! It was really lovely timing. My heart is going through a lot right now, and I needed a Dad weekend. A Dad hug, and some Daddy attention. All of which I got :) Thank you Lord! The main reason He visited for the weekend was because He comes down every year for our church's annal Harvest Festival! So Saturday before the Festival ( next post) I wanted to take my dad hiking in one of my favorite spots.
We go hiking here OFTEN and it's VERY close to town! Thankfully. If you live in Fresno I'd be happy to tell you where. And as we were driving into the hiking spot, we saw a BOB CAT run across the ROAD! :D SUCH a beautiful creature and an ABSOLUTE treat! I also almost ran over a tarantula... SICK right?! How often do you see one of those?! Not often...

so please follow along with these lovely photos to see what wonderful treats we've found on the trail! :D

Where I dream and breathe...

2010-11-03T15:38:00.000-07:00

Fixation Friday!

2010-10-29T14:12:00.001-07:00

go down two posts... can't get that video out of my heart. I'm fixated.

Does the person create the journey, or does the journey create the person?

2010-10-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

I'm such a dreamer, a song or a video will cast me off into this unknown world of rivers and light cast through soft cloth, children laughing, and long cool meadows of grass, hanging lanterns, kites of many colors, soft guitar music streaming through the air, hands held out open and high, thoughtful slumber and deep day dreaming, let me paint a picture for you. sunsets breeze, strong mountains, the feeling of being completly alone... and embracing it in all... of it's glory.eyes wide open in wonder. steam rising from cold waters. feeling the earth in my bare hands, the cool of the ground on my bare feet...

Louis Vuitton Core Values [where will life take you?]

2010-10-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

I just love this commercial... the music, the light, the faces and feet, the beauty of freedom, the glory of God in our world... ok i'll take one ticket roundtrip, around the world!

Gungor "God is not a white Man"

2010-10-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Anna's Bridal Shower!

2010-10-20T14:49:00.001-07:00

I co-hosted a bridal shower this past Sunday for a dear friend, Anna. Her wedding is November 20th, and I'm happy to say I'm one of her bridesmaids! :)
She's been a true dear friend to me in the last few years and the good Lord has truly given me a companion in her. She met the love of her life Jeremy about a year and a half ago, and God has truly blessed them!! I was honored to shower her with blessings this past Sunday! Here's to you soon to be Garrison Two!

can I PLEASE

2010-09-27T20:48:00.001-07:00

have a small blonde baby with attitude in a pink dress?! PLEASE!

my birthday is in two weeks!!!

2010-09-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

I want!!!!!!!!!
I don't know if I've admitted this on my blog, but I have a calender obsession, and looking in people's windows when we drive by... but we don't go into that. I LOVE CALENDARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot express it enough. I love looking at peoples calender events at their homes, and I LOVE looking at the pottery barn calender at their LARGE wall calenders and seeing what the fake home pottery barn people have planned for their week/month. so if you'd like to bless me for my birthday, you've got two weeks to order this giant etsy week calender :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57246930/chalk-board-set-organization-daily-week

Craig Morgan - That's What I Love About Sunday

2010-09-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn to you

2010-09-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Here's to hot coffee and cider, warm socks, down comforters, candles, fresh baked pumpkin bread, gourds and tiny pumpkins, corn candy, the harvest season, cool breezes, books in nooks, leaves in many colors, first fire, sweaters and coats, walks in the evening, my birthday and our 4 year anniversary, my favorite time of the year... I could go on :D

Phoenix - 1901 (US Version)

2010-09-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

I sewed cute!

2010-09-18T14:39:00.000-07:00

Cindy Parsons

2010-09-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

Currently....

2010-08-20T12:55:00.001-07:00

Half Dome in 22 Days!

2010-08-12T10:58:00.001-07:00

Trip with Scott and Amy!

This photo was taken when we brought our friends Scott and Amy up with us, we all had every intention of hiking to the top, Scott and Amy made it, but Michael and I, didn't. We made it to the top of Nevada, but not any farther. We learned a lot from this trip, what to pack and what NOT to pack. We need to bring more water next time, workout a LOT more before hand next time.... the list goes on :D needless to say, we're giving her another go around in 22 days!

our annual valentines day trip to Yosemite Valley, half dome behind me. My hubbie Michael proposed to me in YV, and my grandparents met there, my great great grandpa was the stage coach leader for the valley way back in the day... so my love affair with this place in my blood. We go there about every 3 months... :D

The dome at sunset

Taking our friend Lindsay there for her first time!!
<3>

Half dome in all it's glory!

View from the top

Michael, our friends Jeremy and Anna, and my little sister in law Jessica, and myself, will be hiking HALF DOME, in Yosemite Nat'l park in 22 days!!!! I hiked this in the Summer of 04 with my Dad. The trip I took that summer would be my Dad's last hike up the Dome, He has hiked half dome about 20 times... and my first hike. It was very meaningful and I look forward to talking with him about our trip this year! He'll be very proud :D My love affair with this valley goes beyond saying. I cannot put into words what this place means to me. If we ever move away from CA, this will be what I miss most, after the people of course :D

I look forward to posting photos and stories about my soon to be second time up half dome! I've been working my BUTT off in the gym, stair master, hill tread mill, leg weights, counting calories, all for this trip. I've had numerous dreams about it, and i stay up late thinking about it... I'm obsessed :D Hey, it's a healthy obsession right?

Zumba!!!

2010-08-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-myAVlxWBGs

My dear friend Rachel and I went to a Zumba class tonight at a local dance studio! They let us try the class for free and I LOVED it!! I plan on attending Tue nights at 7pm. If anyone in Fresno wants to join us!

Great workout, I was super tired afterwards and will feel it tomorrow! But I LOVED it! So many great fun songs, lots of new dance moves, and I really got that " I need to dance" feeling out! Lots of hip shaking, and foot tapping fun!! :D

Loving Amanda Seyfried

2010-07-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

I'm LOVING Amanda Seyfried right now!!! She's precious. I just saw Letters to Juliet in the three dollar theater and loved it!!!! Her outfits in the movie were AMAZING!!! Loved them ALL!

Big Baldy 2010!

2010-07-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Picture from our hike today! 4.5 miles up to Big Baldy here in Kings Canyon Nat'l Forest! About an hour from Fresno. We did it in about 2.5 hrs! It was lovely! Enjoy!

Trip 2010!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

Aaaahhhhmazing view!
Someone drew in the skateboard
We're standing 300 feet above this view
Water fall