Special Recipe

Fall break is here! It's a time to catch up on studies and spend time doing things that get crowded out during the semester. Although it is called a "break", really it is catch up time for all the work that has piled up and soon approaching its due date! I have determined, though, to have a little fun and let that be my motivation for working hard! One thing I love is cooking, especially for people I love in the ways that they enjoy! Becca and I have been talking about eating a southern meal ever since the beginning of the semester, but our schedules just haven't allowed it to happen. So, last night I promised her that I would make my grandmother's famous fried chicken recipe. Normally, I am not a fried-chicken kind of girl, but this is well worth all the health defeating properties!

This blog entry is dedicated to my grandmother, who I have called "Memaw" from my earliest days of speech. She is a very special lady, whom I look up to for her strength and devotion to the Lord. Her mantra to me is always, "Take one day at a time and trust in the Lord! (Proverbs 3:5-6)" Aside from her Christ-like character, she is an amazing cook! I have idolized her in this way since I was a small girl, standing by her side with the utmost curiosity. When I called her last night to let her know that I was making her special recipe, I could see her face light up through the phone! She is one of the primary reasons that I spend time writing these blog entries. Her joy is made full as she reads and re-reads the stories from my life. Only a grandmother's love! So, I dedicate this one in particular to her! Thanks Memaw for allowing me to learn from you! I hope it will impact generations to come!

I'm also thankful for my roommate Rebecca! God has given us a very special friendship and I find it a joy to love and serve her as she does me everyday! Our home is a refuge from the storms of life and work in the world around us. We find spontaneous laughter to be one of the greatest sources of refreshment to our weary souls! It helps remind us not to take ourselves SO seriously all the time!
Life is so crazy in our coming and going throughout the semester that we don't often get these unhindered moments together! So fun to have a kindred spirit around!

Joyous moment

While I was exercising at White Rock Lake Park this morning, I watched a guy catch a fish on his second cast! Joy exploded in me just watching him light up! What a fabulous way to begin the day! I couldn't help but shout in celebration over his success!
That, along with the beautiful sunrise over the water, was a gracious gift of God after a night of sleeplessness. So thankful for these reminders that He is ever aware of what our heart desires! It all points back to Him!

No Frills

I will simply submit the highlights this week for the sake of time. We are at that point in the semester when everything seems due at once. On top of that, my job situation is everything but dependable at the moment. In spite of the swirling chaos around me though, I feel an overwhelming peace that God is in control. There is always enough grace to sustain me in the present moment. My imagination is what gets me into trouble sometimes!

Anyways, here goes some highlights from my week:



Helmet fun with my two year old class at NW Bible Church! This little boy was insistent that I wear this helmet while we worked on crafts together! I couldn't resist! Looks like we are ready to ride! Vrrrm...Vrrrm!!!




This is where I camped out all weekend working on a research paper for one of my biblical counseling courses. It was grueling, but we made sure to take a few good study breaks! My roommate and I checked out so many library books, a classmate called and ask to borrow some. Apparently, we took most of the books on developmental theories!


Friday night we "breaked" for a pumpkin party with friends! The party was hosted by Laura and Katherine, two of the most hospitable gals I know! They planned for marsh mellow roasting and pumpkin carving too, but we were all too engrossed in conversation and making s'mores! The pumpkins came home un-carved.