Monday, December 17, 2012

My Exciting Announcement!

In my last post, I said that I would be sharing an exciting announcement with you in my next post. Well, here we are, and I must say that as I write this, I can’t help but smile!

Without further ado, I would like to announce…

My brother, Tyler, is engaged!

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Yes, I know… Surprise, right?!

Tyler and his beautiful bride-to-be, Mary Beth, have known each other for over three years now. They share so many similarities, and most importantly, they both love the Lord with all their hearts.

A few weeks after the proposal, I went outside with Tyler and Mary Beth for a spur-of-the-moment photo shoot. I will leave you with some of my favorite shots of the day!

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Congratulations, Tyler and Mary Beth! I wish you both great blessings from the Lord, and a marriage full of happiness, joy, and love!

Monday, December 3, 2012

I’m Back!!

Well, it’s official… I am the worst blogger ever! It’s been over 5 months since I last posted, and I would like to take a moment to apologize for my sudden disappearance. I don’t like using the excuse that I’ve been busy, but it’s true! School has been keeping me quite occupied (but very happy!), and when I am finished with my studies, I am either working at our family business or taking some time to relax with my family. I hope you will forgive me for my long absence!

The one thing this long period of time away from my blog has given me is inspiration. I have some ideas for posts in the near future, and definitely a very exciting announcement in my next post!

Before I get too giddy about my next post, I would like to share with you a paper I recently wrote for school. I pray that the words will encourage and bless you, and maybe even inspire you to do something great for God!

It was a beautiful, sunny day, and all was going well for her. She was a bright woman, but took for granted all the things she had been given in life. Her job took priority over everything else. The phone began to ring. She didn’t recognize the number, but answered anyway just to be sure it wasn’t someone calling from work. Unbeknownst to her, she was about to receive the shock of her life. It was her doctor, who had just seen her the day before for a normal, yearly appointment. His voice displayed more apprehension than usual, but she didn’t pay attention to that. Suddenly, her facial expression turned blank and cold. Her eyes swelled up, and she stood in complete bewilderment. The words continued to spiral in her head, over and over. “Your test results came back. I’m sorry... You’ve been diagnosed with a rare case of cancer, and only have 6 months to live.“ How was she supposed to except what he had just told her? She was used to making all the decisions in life, but this decision was not up to her... She had cancer, whether she liked it or not.

Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were diagnosed with a terminal disease? Your life would most likely change in a monumental way. Your mindset would change. Maybe you would start speaking sweeter words, appreciating everything you’ve been given, and completing countless acts of kindness. I know I would. Life would drastically change. I find it quite interesting that sometimes it takes this big of a wake-up call to realize our lives need to undergo an extensive transformation. Why should it take that long for us to be grateful for even the tiny blessings in life? Why should it take that long for us to forgive and move on from the past? Why should it take that long for us to do something amazing for others and God? We should have a heart full of gratefulness, compassion, love, forgiveness, and willingness to serve. It’s almost as if we don’t understand the value of life. We’re given only one chance to live here on earth, so why not make it an incredible one.

God has blessed you with a gift in some shape or form... Use it to further His Kingdom. Use it to guide others toward the same incredible life that you are living. Maybe your gift is in the home, teaching your family the importance of living a life for God. Maybe your gift is on the mission field in a foreign country, helping lost souls reach the love of Christ. Maybe your gift has not yet found you, and if this is the case, search for it, because it should be treasured. Whatever your gift may be, it certainly has a purpose.

Unlike the woman above, who has very limited time, you have the rest of your life. You still have time to transform and create a new you. You still have to time to change your ways, live a different life, and show God that, “Yes, I do understand the value of this life that you’ve blessed me with!“

So, I leave you with this final question.... What will you do with your life? Will you wait for your doctor to call and tell you that you have a mere 6 months to live? Or will you change now, and live a life for God that you will never regret?

Monday, July 2, 2012

Summertime

Summertime

Summertime…
Family, friends, laughter, sunshine, ice cold tea/lemonade/water, and so much more!
It doesn’t get much better than that!

What are you doing this summer?! :)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

In the Rearview Mirror

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Last Wednesday marked my final day of 10th grade. Excitement rushed into me, knowing that I had worked diligently to complete yet another year of school. I am sure that many of you can relate… Completing anything you put effort toward is very rewarding.

Six years ago, my mom and dad made one of the greatest decisions… Homeschooling. My brother and I were thrilled to say the least, and I knew that God had special plans. That one decision has changed our lives in an amazing way. We are closer as a family, and more importantly, closer to God.

With each passing year, I find myself more grateful to God for guiding my family and leading us down this path. All along, this was His plan, and I can’t imagine it any different.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
~Jeremiah 29:11~

I am also amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. Tyler is now graduated and progressing in his degree and I have only two years remaining in high school.

With that in mind, I have been thinking about how important it is for me to grasp this moment right now, and remember the blessings I have been given in homeschooling. Even through the challenges, I have found God to be right by my side.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:19~

Although 10th grade has come to an end and is in my rearview mirror, I will always remember the blessings that God provided.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

This Mother’s Day…

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On this Mother’s Day, I sit here and type with even more thankfulness than last year. Each year, month, week, day, and second I have with my mom is a pure blessing, and I am incredibly grateful to God for the extraordinary mother He has given me.

Dear Mom,
I just love how everywhere we go, people say we look like twins. I only hope that my actions and words are similar too. Your love and kindness are overflowing, and when I think of my greatest role model here on earth, you are at the top of the list!
I thank you for the godly example you have set for me, for the wisdom that you have shared, and for the love that you always provide.
You are an amazing woman… One who I am proud to call my teacher, my friend, and my MOTHER.

I love you! ♥

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Anna {Class of 2012}

My sweet friend, Anna, is graduating from high school in May, and blessed me with the opportunity to take her senior pictures.

Anna’s beautiful horse, Moe, joined us on the beach, which made the photo-shoot all the more special… and memorable!

Enjoy!

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Did you notice Moe’s tongue?! :)

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Congratulations on your graduation, Anna! :)

Monday, April 30, 2012

Popping In Again!

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I was astonished today when I read on my dashboard…

Last published on Feb 29, 2012

I thought to myself, “Oh my! Did I misread that?”
I still cannot believe that it’s been two whole months, and would like to apologize for my sudden absence. I will be finishing school in three weeks, and am hoping that that will allow for more time here on my blog.

I have a special post coming soon laden with photographs from a photo-shoot I did with a friend who is graduating this year… I am very excited to share those with all of you!

I pray that you and your family have a week full of God’s wonderful blessings! :)

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Chocolatey Goodness!

As promised, here is my post on the Molten Chocolate Cake I made this week! It was very simple to make, and I hope that your family enjoys it as much as mine did!

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~Molten Chocolate Cake~
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup chocolate chips {you can give or take on this one, depending on how rich you want your cake to be}
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 whole egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons flour
{I used whole-wheat, and it worked very well}
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Preparation Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Grease four custard cups/ramekins and place onto cookie sheet.
Microwave chocolate chips and butter in large bowl on high for about 1 minute, until butter is melted. Whisk until chocolate is also melted.
Stir in powdered sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide between cups.
Bake 13-14 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand 1 minute.
Invert cakes on dishes and top with whipped cream/ice cream.

Bon Appétit!

(To see the original recipe, click here.)


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*yum*

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Let me know how your Molten Chocolate Cake turns out! :)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

A Delicious Dessert!

I don’t know about you, but I love a tasty treat… Anytime of the day!

About a week ago, Tyler and I decided that we needed a tasty treat to satisfy our sweet tooth. May I introduce to you our Friday night snack…DSC_0360

We had such a great time together… Stirring, laughing, and taste-testing {because that is very necessary!}

After spending an hour over the stove, trying out different methods of melting our chocolate, it finally reached the perfect consistency and we started dipping our strawberries. {I also dipped some bananas and pretzels, which turned out quite delicious as well!}

It’s amazing what chocolate chips, a little bit of butter, and strawberries can create! :)

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What is your favorite chocolate dessert?


I am also planning on making a Molten Chocolate Cake sometime this week, so keep your eyes open for a post on that!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

A Sweet Surprise!

I have the most wonderful big brother…

Truly…

He is kind, compassionate, loving, and someone who I can share just about anything with…

Yesterday, being Valentine’s Day, he decided to do something very special for me and my mom. We came home to find two beautiful bouquets of roses. {I told you he was wonderful!}

One had a note that said, “To my amazing Mother!”

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and the other said, “To my wonderful sister!”

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Both our hearts melted, to say the least! We immediately picked up the phone {my brother was out of the house at the time}, and called him with huge smiles on our faces.

All I could think of was… “Wow, I am so blessed!”

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I’m sure every one of you have experienced a moment like that…

A moment where you feel sooo thankful to God for His goodness and love…

A moment of true gratitude to the One who gave you life’s most sweetest and precious gifts!

Isn’t it wonderful just to ponder on the memories of life and the joy that God brings to us. Even the tiny things are sometimes the best… Like my brother blessing me with a bouquet of roses this Valentine’s Day.

Though it was a simple gesture of love, it meant the world to me.

Thank you, Tyler… ♥

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

This Valentine’s Day…

Today, many people will celebrate Valentine’s Day… Giving cards and candy, and thinking of those they love most. But what about God? Where does He come into play? After all, God is love!

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
{1 John 4:8}

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”
{1 John 4:16}

Though receiving cards, eating delicious food, and spending time with our loved ones is wonderful in many ways, we must not forget to glorify God and praise Him for the love He has given us.

May we all remember, today and always, that God IS love!

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