The Really Good News...

So I have been reading through the Old Testament for a very long time-don’t ask how long, just trust me…a very long time. I just finished the Old Testament, even making it through Zechariah (need to re-read that with help) and I am really excited to start my journey through the New Testament.

While I have been reading through the OT, I’ve been reminded of who my God was. I say was b/c when we sing songs today about who he Was, Is, and Is to come it takes my thoughts to the God of OT, NT (and now) and of Who Is To Come…Anyway, so the God of the OT could be kind of mean right. Faithful- but mean at times. He was powerful, all knowing, and cared deeply for his children. But the deal is, His children had to sacrifice A LOT of things in order to gain favor, they couldn’t talk directly to Him and the Son of God had not yet come. I love the stories of the OT, but today, I couldn’t wait to start the NT. I think b/c I know what is to come.

At church on Sunday we had an awesome service. It was titled “Jesus: Who Do You Say He is and Why It Matters.” The whole service was song and scripture proclaiming the name of Jesus and the power behind His name. We also prayed for unbelievers that we know at the end and it made me so sad to think of those I know who do not know Christ-what a different world this would be for them. I also thought why the heck I don't talk to them about Christ at family gatherings or pray for my friends/family more often.

So today I started Matthew. Here is the one and only sentence that mattered today: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, b/c he will save his people from their sins.” That's it folks. That is what matters, that is the GOOD News!

Thank you Lord for sending your Son so that today I can talk to you directly, today I am saved by Grace not by works (Eph.2:8-9) b/c your Son died on a cross for me, today I am free in Christ, and today I can proclaim the power behind Jesus’ name. This is one of my new favorite songs, thankfully we've been singing it at WM too!

Revelation Song: (video might be cheasy but listen to it)
Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

(Chorus)

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore YOU…

Come lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

Good Good News...

Well I have really great news. Kind of fantastic news…..7 weeks ago we took another pregnancy test. To my surprise, shock and unbelief (I was 100% sure I was NOT pregnant)…. it was positive. This time the test meant nothing. Blake and I both knew we had to make it through a lot of blood tests and make it past the date when we lost the baby last time. Let me tell you, I was fearful! My closest friends would tell you I’ve been in denial for some time now. My walls immediately went up and instead of jumping for joy-I held on for dear life.

We are now a little over 11 weeks pregnant (the baby is the size of a lime) and I think I’m beginning to believe it might just be true. We might actually meet this little one in May. Please continue to pray with us for this little one. Now, my desire when announcing this is for people (myself included) to not forget what the Lord has also done over the last 2 years. YES-I am so very THANKFUL at this moment for the little life he is fearfully and wonderfully creating. I am also thankful for his faithfulness while I walked through what I believed to be a valley.

Below is a Psalm the Lord gave me a few weeks back. I think it perfectly sums up the last two years. Thank you Lord for the gift you have given us and thank you Lord for all the many gifts along the way. *Thank you friends/family for hanging in with us, praying continually and supporting us, I love you.*

Psalm 103: 1-5

Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

*Please do NOT post this on facebook. Also, to anyone who may be on staff with me reading this….I will tell this coming week, if not- kick me :)

Shoes...

You may or may not want to go get these shoes at Target... Happy Birthday to Me.

Jesus Bring the Rain...

I know I haven't posted in a while. I was driving in my car yesterday on the way to Whataburger (I really love cheeseburgers) and this song came on. I was so thankful and listened to every word of it. The part of this song that always strikes me is "Can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in You."....At first, and in my darkest times I wanted my answer to be no. I wanted to be able to say No Lord, circumstances of this world can not possibly change who I am in you. But yesterday...I thought about saying Yes. Yes simply b/c circumstances of this world- that are from the Lord are changing who I forever am in Him and I am so incredibly thankful. You've got to read all of these lyrics and if you want, download the song. It's by Mercy Me. And again- I also think of the strength to sing these words. I'm not sure any of us want to ask for "rain" but it is what we are called to do if it brings Him Glory. Turn it up...sing it loud, it's a good one.

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray

Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty

Julie and Julia...I am NOT

First let me say, the movie Julie and Julia is absolutely fabulous! It's been so long since I've seen a movie in the theater that I truly enjoyed but this one did it. I think I would like to make the chocolate cake with almonds surrounding it from the film-it looked so wonderful!

This brings me to dinner this evening at the Shipley household. I came home from work and didn't want the same chicken with the same salad....I quickly looked at my pork recipes and pulled out one titled "Pulled Pork". I read over the instructions and realized it called for 4-5 hours in the crockpot but I only had 1.5 at the most! The pork was frozen but it was better than chicken-SO I THOUGHT....

I quickly dethawed the pork, like you are NOT supposed to do. Looked at all the ingredients and quickly started pouring into the crockpot. This recipe called for unsweetened coco, which I had so I added it in. To my surprise I dumped ALOT more coco in then the recipe called for. I quickly scooped most of it out and went on my way. I also thought it would be genius to cut the pork in little pieces so it would cook faster therefore allowing my 1.5 hours to be totally sufficient. I set the timer and enjoyed my book for about an hour.

I then realized I needed a side dish. Since salad wasn't on the menu I thought I would just make spinach. A dash of salt and real butter (I forgot I do not savor the taste of butter). Another disaster indeed.

The timer dinged and dinner was ready. I served our plates and we sat down at the dinner table, prayed and dug in. One look at Blake's face and this was a meal that would go on his "worst dishes you've ever made list". He said " I don't mean this offensively, but when you looked at the ingredients did you think this would be good?"..."it tastes like stuff I drank during pledging."-no offense taken my dear.

At this point I too put down my fork. I could not eat another bite of pork or spinach. What is the cheapest thing for dinner when you are on a budget....BUENO!

Bean burrito's to the rescue. Needless to say I threw this recipe away after I threw the pork and spinach out as well. Moral of the story-eat more Bueno :)