It's the Most Wonderful Time...

Of the year! Yes, friends. family and fellow blog-followers!

Christmas!

Only 2 weeks away. Time to celebrate Jesus' birthday!

I just finished watching Michael Buble's Christmas special on NBC, and if that doesn't put you in the Christmas mood, then YOU"RE A GRINCH!

That's right...a GRINCH! LOL! j/k

While watching Mr. Buble's Christmas special, I decided to partake of some Promised Land egg nog. Let me tell you...it's HEAVENLY!

Speaking of heaven, I'm so glad Jesus chose to leave heaven to be born in a manger as a human and live the life we can't live (perfect) and give it up for us! Oh what great love He has for us! To restore our broken relationship with our Heavenly Father, His Father. YAY!

GO JESUS!

7in7 Journey

I just want to thank everyone who stopped by to listen to my songs. Yes, I know song 7 is still yet to be recorded. I just wanted to take the time to talk a little bit about my 7in7 journey.

It definitely was 7 days I was STRETCHED! I feel like I grew some as a songwriter. Yes, I am an amateur, but many of my friends and family commented on how great the songs were, which gave me confidence.

I feel like this is something God has given me the gift to do, at least writing. And for me, it is a great outlet to express myself. My husband has encouraged me to try and write one song a week. I told him I would definitely need a break after 7in7! My brain was literal mush after those 7 days (which is why I'm writing my post about it NOW, instead of then).

I'm not sure if I will participate in 7in7 next year, but I DO know I will continue to pursue songwriting.

7in7 Day 7

We are One

I wasn't even looking

when we met

I wasted too much time

with many regrets

But you made it so easy on me

Showed me who I really am

And I stopped believing the lies

chorus

Hand in hand

walk with me

on this narrow road

look ahead

Firm we stand

Ignore the undertow

We are one

you and I

We are one, you and I

bridge 2x

We've survived some tough times

And I'm sure there's more to come

If we keep our eyes on Him

we'll never waver

serving Him together

chorus

When life gets busy

We tend to forget

The One who put us together

The plans He has

To work side by side

And help His people get better

chorus

YAY! I made it through 7in7. Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to take a listen, and for the comments. I REALLY appreciate it. My head hurts now...I'm going to go hibrenate LOL! Just kidding. Audio will be posted for this song Thursday 11-17-11.

7in7 Day 6

My Heart

When I can't find the words

You know exactly what's on my heart

A heart so cluttered with moths and rust

Just come on in

Excuse the mess

Let's sit and have a chat

This place needs work

That's where You come in

And pick up this habitat

I need to be more selfless

Loving, caring, and sharing

I need to be more, more like You

Let's get rid of everything

That says me, me, me

And replace it

With You

Today was very hard. I had writer's block until about 7 pm. Then I just started writing about my writer's block, as the first two lines show...and WA-LA! God is awesome! I will persevere and finish strong!!! Will post audio Thursday 11-16-11.

My Heart by BethBurns

7in7 Day 5

Let me be a Light

1) Lord, let me be a light

Shining in the night

Bringing people to you (repeat)

(2x to 3)

(3x to 4)

2) You lit my candle

a long time ago

It almost burned out

that time I was low

But You fanned the flame

And I persevered

Those who have ears

Let them hear

The Good News

about Jesus Christ

He came to this earth and

lived a perfect life

Then died on a cross

and rose again

Now I get to call Him my friend (1)

3) I told my story

to some of my friends

About that day

I was born again

They asked, "Why?

Why would He do that?"
Because God loves us

And that's a fact!

He wanted to make things right

So that we might

Get to know Him better

And fix what was broken

A long time ago

in a garden

now we're pardoned

And so we say, Hey! (1)

4) So share your story

with your friends

about the day you were born again

when they ask "Why?
Why would He do that?"

it's because God loves us

And that's a fact!

Let me be a Light by BethBurns

Had SO much fun with this song! It came easily too, praise God. Hope you enjoyed the treat! Until tomorrow!!!

7in7 Day 4

Closed fists

Slow down, breathe in

Release the anger in your chest

Lock it away, look above

Closed fists will open up

Don't let your anger be the one

to bring you down

You look prettier with a smile

than with a frown

You better think before you speak

You better think before you do anything

or you might regret it

Unable to record song tonight, everyone's gone to bed and I don't want to wake them. Will post audio tomorrow (Hint: It's kind of a rocky song, I think of Plumb singing it).

Closed fists by BethBurns

Kind of feels incomplete...:/ but there it is.

7in7 Day 3

Do What it Says

You look in the mirror

so intently

Memorizing every blemish

You walk away and 

suddenly you forget

what you look like, what you look like

That's what you do

When you listen to God's Word

And do nothing with it, do nothing with it

(repeat)

Look into the perfect law

The law that sets you free

And do what it says 

And don't forget 

what you heard

then God will  bless you

Do what it says

Listen to God's Word

Do something with it, do something with it

(repeat)

Go change a life

Go make a difference

Just go

Whoever you go to

Go in My name

Just go, just go

Do what it says by BethBurns

James 1:22-25 was on my heart today. So, I decided it would be great to make a song out of it for my 7in7 challenge. I only know a little bit of piano, chords & notes, so sorry all my songs are just chords and me singing. Hopefully, you still get the idea. Time to rest for tomorrow!

7in7 Day 2

Cuddle bug

Cuddle bug

Sleeping on my chest

I'll never get tired of this feeling

So snugly

I'll take a rest myself

The chores can wait

Just let me embrace this moment

Right here, right now

For in time

You will be older

And you won't let me hold ya

No, no

So cuddle bug

I'll squeeze you tight

And kiss your forehead

Then you wake up

Smiling at me

It warms my heart, my heart

This morning started rough, couldn't think of any song ideas. Then, my sweet son took a nap in his favorite spot, my chest...and WA LA! Enjoy! (I was playing the keyboard quietly, so that's why you hear me pounding the keys)
Cuddlebug by BethBurns

7in7 Day 1

Save me from myself

When night falls

And all is quiet

Your whisper drifts

in the wind.

Finding the one 

who's crying out to You

and at their wits end

Chorus:

Please help me

Please save me from myself

I need You

to come through

And save me...from myself

The sunrise

Lights up her eyes

Your beauty is seen

all around.

As she runs

She says Your name

And this beautiful sound (chorus)

Bridge:

Touch their hand

Give them a chance

to let go

And touch their heart

that is the start

to letting it ALL go (chorus)

I was so excited because today's song came easy. Then I figured out the chords and stuff, but am having a hard time trying to record it. I could use the Sound Cloud App on my Iphone, but because the phone microphone is terrible for phone calls, I can only imagine what my song would sound like. I may go buy something to plug the piano into the computer, which will definitely help me. We'll see.  Time to rest! Night!

Here is the sound cloud recording I did 11-11-11 (WARNING: I'm not the best singer in the world, but hopefully you get the idea):
Save me from myself by BethBurns

The Haircut

I FINALLY was able to get a haircut yesterday. I called the salon I always go to, but the stylist who did my hair last time had left :(

So, I ended up scheduling with someone different at 6pm, since my husband wouldn't be home til 5pm, and I had to make time to get there with traffic and such.

The guy who did my hair was really nice and did a GREAT job! He gave me his business card, which is good, because if he leaves that place, I can still contact him and get my hair done.

Here are the Before and After pics:

BEFORE

AFTER

Of course it is styled in that pic, so I'm hoping it will still look good in its natural wavy state.

After the haircut, I ate dinner at Torchy's Tacos. I was really glad to find out they had a location closer to us! I told my husband our next date night, we will have to eat there.

On a different note, tomorrow begins my 7in7 journey. I'm REALLY excited/nervous. Again, I will be posting my songs on this blog, so stay tuned.

Have a great Wednesday!



German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Our church is having their fall festival tonight, and one of the things there is a cake walk. I decided to give it a go. A cake from scratch. Here is the recipe I decided to go with:

http://www.food.com/recipe/german-chocolate-cake-with-coconut-pecan-frosting-59346

I LOVE German Chocolate Cake! I'm hoping someone at the cake walk will too! Maybe I'll just pick my cake, LOL!

Little did I know that the hardest part would be frosting the cake. I really thought the cakes were cool enough to frost, but the frosting kept running on the sides. I put the frosting in the freezer to see if that would help, and it didn't. Then, I watched this video:

http://www.ehow.com/video_2332586_frosting-german-chocolate-cake.html

 Then I decided to put the cake in the freezer for 5 minutes to see if that would help. I did this since my schedule is limited today, and my poor son needs my attention. Then I used the spatula to kind of hold the icing on the sides and that helped a bit. Here are the pictures of the cake I made:

Looks a little messy, but I was able to taste crumbs from the cake AND the icing; not sure how that happened ;) AND it tastes REALLY good!

I guess worse case scenario, I'll take the cake home : p

30 DBC: DAY 30 Hooray!

A Picture of Yourself + 3 good things that have happened to you in the past 30 days

Well, it's taken me more than 30 days to do this challenge, but it is now complete :D

1.) I got to see Chris Tomlin in concert LIVE (thanks to my mother-in-law who bought the tickets and to our cousin who watched J-man)

2.) We got to go to a fun Pumpkin Patch in Marble Falls

3.) I have been using my sister-in-law's really awesome camera while she is on her cruise and have taken some snazzy pics!

like this one ;)

HOORAY! I'm finished with this challenge. The next challenge I have coming up begins November 10th, 2011 (The 7in7). Hope you have enjoyed the 30 Day Blog Challenge!

30 DBC: Day 29

Something you could never get tired of doing

I could never get tired of holding my son as he sleeps. It is the sweetest thing in the world. Granted it's a bad habit too, because he likes it too, and then has a hard time sleeping in the crib.

30 DBC: Day 28

Your favorite movie (that you've seen this year)

Since I already did a post about my favorite movie, "Once", I decided to do my favorite movie I've seen this year, and that is...

"The Help"

I loved, loved, LOVED this movie! I hear they stay pretty true to the book too.

30 DBC: Day 27

A picture of you last year and now and how you have changed

last year

this year

My hair is longer (although I am desperate for a haircut SOON!)

The baby is bigger, more like a little boy

That's it really. I live an exciting life :D

30 DBC: Day 26

A photo of somewhere you've been to

Colorado Springs, CO

Summer 2009

Best part of the trip: white water rafting...WOO HOO! :D



30DBC: Day 25

What's in your purse?

Well, I mostly carry a backpack/diaper bag, but I do carry a purse when I have "me time".

So, here's what's inside:

receipts

silver hoop earrings

headphones

journal I wrote my testimony in

blue pen

car charger for the phone

0.60 cents in change

That's it! I live an exciting life...  ;)



30 DBC: Day 24

A photo of something that means alot to you

The relationship my husband has with our son (and future children) is VERY important to me. Yesterday, he took J-man to Sam's with him just so he could spend time with him. Isn't he sweet?



I'm doing this!

So, I just totally signed up to do this last night:

http://aaronivey.com/?p=12307

I'm REALLY excited/nervous! This could be really awesome...or a HUGE disaster. I will be posting my songs on this blog for all of my followers to read. I think it will stretch me in my songwriting, which excites me, but I'm nervous that:

1.) all the songs will sound the same

2.) writer's block

3.) all of the songs end up being children's songs (because they're easy to write, words and melody)

so, wish me luck on this endeavor. Stay tuned, and be sure to check out my blog from November 10th-16th.

30 DBC: Day 23

15 Facts About You

not so obvious stuff

1. I love to write songs and I also have a children's story written that I want to get published

2. I'm starting to get into the show Doctor Who (I started with the season where Matt Smith is the Doctor)

3. I LOVE to sing (I just wish I could sing awesome like Jamie Grace...check out her song "Hold Me")

4.  I love Chick-fil-a (I eat it almost once a week)

5.  I met my husband at a Starbucks with some of my friends

6. I LOVE the beach (Destin, FL) and the mountains (Colorado Springs, CO)

7. Chocolate is my weakness...especially Milky Way

8. 4,  8, 15, 16, 23, 42 = 108 :D I can be random sometimes

9. I like the trail mix with the M&M's in it...YUM! (I must be getting the munchies)

10. I have 4 older brothers and 11 nieces and nephews

11. I did some Shakespeare plays in the Summer while my middle brother was in high school and some while I was in high school (I was always just an extra)

12. My husband is a superhero (once he saved my engagement ring from the sink)

13. I have a dog named Bella (yes, I did name her after Twilight)

14. Only 42 Days til I go see the NEW Twilight movie (woot woot)

15. I like taking pictures, just trying to play around more with the camera and try new things to learn the knack for it

30 DBC: Day 22

A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Dear Birds at the Zoo,

Y'all are CRAZY! I thought it would be cool for my 15-month old to see the birds really close...WRONG! Y'all were all flying around like CRAZY! Then you,

decided to land on my leg. Yes, MY leg! Then, it felt like you had scratched me! And I see this:

I thought I was bleeding. Then my son decided to reach for you, and you fussed at him and made him scared :(

HOW DARE YOU!

Then your little friend,

started pecking at my foot, and it HURT! So, I told my son, "Let's go!" I will know the  next time I visit your zoo, to avoid y'all!

Sincerely,

Jo's Momma

30 DBC: Day 21

A photo of something that makes you happy :)

I went to the zoo today with J-man, and they had my FAVORITE animal. A white tiger! And it was SOOOOOO sweet <3 It rubbed up against the cage so lovingly. I asked God if it could be my pet in heaven, and the tiger gave me this look above. I think it's a "yes" from God :D

30 DBC: Day 20

The meaning behind your blog name:

Wizzdom from a stay at home mom

Well, it's simple. My name is Liz. I'm a whiz (pretty smart). Although I spell whiz differently...oh well. And I'm a stay at home mom to our cute son J-man.



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30 DBC: Day 19

Another picture of yourself

LOVE this picture! This was taken when I went overseas on a mission trip 3 years ago. Baby sea turtle!

30 DBC: Day 18

Something you crave alot:

Cherry icee's & milky way YUM!


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30 DBC: Day 17

A photo of you and your family

December 2010

30 DBC: Day 16

Your Celebrity Crush

I want to make a statement: I love, love LOVE my husband (alot alot) ;)

With that said, here are my celebrity crushes right now:

Michael Buble

Nathan Fillion

30 DBC: Day 15

Something you don't leave the house without:

My iPhone. If I leave the house without it, I feel naked.

Recently, my iPhone 3GS started having a white screen, so I had to move my SIM card to my husband's old iPhone 3. Man is there a BIG difference. I'm hoping to take my 3GS to the Apple store and see if it's fixable/affordable. If not, I will probably just use my husband's until the 5 comes out, then hopefully the 4 will be cheaper :D

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30 DBC: Day 14

A TV show you are currently addicted to:

There's not a lot on TV right now. America's Got Talent is the only show I HAVE to watch now.

Shows I can't wait to return to TV: Parenthood, The Office, The Sing-Off, Castle, Harry's Law

Shows I want to check out this fall: Whitney, Up All Night, New Girl, X Factor

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30 DBC: Day 13

Your favorite musician and why?

My favorite musician is Job Foreman because he has a good voice and because his lyrics are straight from scripture, just reworded :)


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30 DBC: Day 12

A photo of the town you live in:

Austin, TX...the capital of Texas. I call it home :) You can see the capital right in the middle of this picture.

30 DBC: Day 11

What's in your makeup bag?

L'oreal Paris true match classic navy liquid
L'oreal Studio Secrets eyeshadow Summer Dusk
Maybelline Expertwear Eye Shadow Lavender Fields
Cover Girl Eye Enhancers white clover, baby doll pink, pink peonies, sweet sugarplum
Cover Girl cheekers bronzer
L'oreal Wear Infinite eye shadow duo #912
Great Lash mascara very black
Mary Kay Moonstone eye shadow
Mary Kay peach N cream eye shadow
Mary Kay sheer pink eye shadow
Mary Kay apricot breeze blush
Mary Kay dusty pink lip liner
Lasting finish kiss lipstick
Blush brushes

So, I don't wear makeup much, but I LOVE eyeshadow :)
All the Mary Kay items were given to me. There is no way I could afford that makeup.


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DBC: Day 10

A photo of your favorite place to eat:

The picture is not working. I love to eat at Carino's :)

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30 DBC: Day 9

A photo of the item you last purchased:




A backpack for my son to use instead of a big bulky diaper bag.
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30 DBC: Day 8

A song to match your mood:

David Crowder Band "Oh Happiness"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTcThVJhDuM&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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30 DBC: Day 7

Your dream wedding:

March 1st, 2009

Location:



Bride:



Groom, his mom and pastor:



The rings/flowers:



Hey Cupcake!


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30 DBC: Day 6

A photo of an animal you would love to keep as a pet:




Isn't he cute? My cousin took this picture when we went to the zoo in June.
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30 DBC: Day 5

A photo of yourself two years ago:





My husband and I at the Garden of the gods in Colorado. We took the youth group there for summer camp in 2008 & 2009. This pic is from July 2009.

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30 DBC: Day 4

Your favorite photograph of your best friend:

My husband is my best friend. I've kind of lost touch with some of my best friends.

I love this picture his sister took of him:




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30 DBC: Day 3

Your idea of the perfect first date:

Since I'm married, I will talk about my first date with my hubs.

There's two stories here:
-The first our REAL first date
-The second the one we claim as our first date

Our first REAL date, the place we ate at was TERRIBLE! We only ate there because he had a gift card. The food was like high school cafeteria food. We said we would never claim that as our first date.

The one we claim as our first date, we went to see Matt Wertz at Stubb's. It was awesome!!! Ate some Hut's Hamburgers downtown(delicious). Great first date! ;)

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30 DBC: Day 2

A picture of something you've eaten today:



Cosmic Brownies from Little Debbie...YUM!
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30 DBC: Day 1

A picture of yourself and a description of your day:





My day went well. I watched a 7-month old girl today til 3pm, and she is ready to start crawling, but hasn't quite figured it out. My hands will be REALLY full when she figures it out, especially since J-man is walking/running.
After her dad picked her up, J-man took a nap, and so did I. I think I'm caught up on sleep now from camp last week :p Then my hubs came home, got dinner at a burger joint and watched some "Falling Skies". It's a pretty intense show.
Any free time I had today I used on Pinterest(thanks to my sister-in-law who got me addicted). Now I'm winding down, may read Philippians 1, then go to bed.

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30 Day Blog Challenge

I am going to participate in a 30 Day Blog Challenge I stole from Haha. Wait. What?

Day 1: A photo of yourself and a description of how your day was.

Day 2: A photo of something you ate today.

Day 3: Your idea of the perfect first date.

Day 4: Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

Day 5: A photo of yourself two years ago.

Day 6: A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.

Day 7: Your dream wedding.

Day 8: A song to match your mood.

Day 9: A photo of the item you last purchased.

Day 10: A photo of your favorite place to eat.

Day 11: What's in your makeup bag.

Day 12: A photograph of the town you live in.

Day 13: Your favorite musician and why?

Day 14: A TV show you're currently addicted to.

Day 15: Something you don't leave the house without.

Day 16: Your celebrity crush.

Day 17: A photo of you and your family.

Day 18: Something you crave a lot.

Day 19: Another picture of yourself.

Day 20: The meaning behind your blog name.

Day 21: A photo of something that makes you happy.

Day 22: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

Day 23: 15 facts about you.

Day 24: A photo of something that means a lot to you.

Day 25: What's in your purse?

Day 26: A photo of somewhere you've been to.

Day 27: A picture of you last year and now and how you changed since then?

Day 28: Your favorite movie.

Day 29: Something you could never get tired of doing.

Day 30: A photograph of yourself + three good things that have happened in the past 30 days.

Taking a Break

Hello few followers I have. There will be no updates from me this week(7-18 to 7-22) as I will be at youth camp.

My husband is a youth pastor, and we're taking our kids to a camp called Switch. I'm really excited to go and bond with the girls. J-man will be along for the ride.

Please pray for the youth and the leaders this week. I can't wait to see what God has in store for us :D


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Rain on Our Parade

My family had a HUGE garage sale planned today. With Texas being on the edge of Stage 2 for drought, we never even considered rain would be an issue.

Waking up at 5:40 am is a pretty normal routine for me, so we made sure everything was set up and ready to sell.

Then the sky lit up...lightning and drops began to fall.

My sister ran to check the radar, and sure enough, there was a storm heading our way. We quickly made the decision to postpone the garage sale.

Of all days for Texas to receive rain, it decided today was a good day! Not complaining one bit, just funny :)

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Day 30 Song Challenge

A song you liked this time last year:

I listened to alot of pandora radio after my little guy was born, especially the lullaby station. Here's a song I LOVED! I still want to buy the CD.
Renee & Jeremy "it's a big world"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rujPiKrafts&feature=youtube_gdata_player





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Day 29 Song Challenge

A song from your childhood:

Little mermaid "Kiss the Girl"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXmLRHnoSAs&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 28 Song Challenge

A song that makes you feel guilty:

Mercy Me "Nails in Your Hands"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zLltTovG-Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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1st Birthday

My son just turned one on Monday, so I thought I would share this song I wrote for him:

Vs1
Little you
With piercing blue eyes
Sweet dimples on your cheek
And a nose like mine
Little you
Your cuddles oh so sweet
Blowing kisses when we leave
Little you

Chorus
You make me smile
Every little thing you do
Makes me smile
One glance at you
That's all I do
And I smile

Vs2
Little you
Your giggles fill the room
Your dancing makes me move
And warms my heart
Little you
Smiles so contagious
Makes clouds go away
Little you

Chorus, then Bridge
Bridge
You you you you you
Are a blessing
From above and
You you you you you
Are helping me
To understand our Father's love

Chorus

Happy Birthday Jman!



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Day 27 Song Challenge

A song you wish you could play:

On piccolo "Stars and Stripes Forever". The piccolo part is awesome in this song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9ePaETGQZ0&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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Day 26 Song Challenge

A song you can play on an instrument:

On the piano Bach's "Minuet in G"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on1DDSLdDOo&feature=youtube_gdata_player




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Day 25 Song Challenge

A song that makes you laugh:

This song used to make me laugh. Now it just gets stuck in my head. Your welcome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbPDKHXWlLQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 24 Song Challenge

A song you want played at your funeral:

Hillsong United "You Hold me Now"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX12vnPX60s&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 23 Song Challenge

A song you want played at your wedding:

My wedding was on March 1st, 2009. This was the song that we danced to:

Monk & Neagle "Stars Would Fall (Crazy)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jnOXTx20FQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 22 Song Challenge

A song you listen to when you're sad:

Aaron Ivey "It is Well with my Soul"

Love the story behind this song, and anytime I'm sad, I love to hear it and be reminded that God is in control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-b9Kk2t8yc&feature=youtube_gdata_player





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Day 21 Song Challenge

A song you listen to when you're happy:

JJ Heller "When I'm with you"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QylzF-nGwpM&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 20 Song Challenge

A song I listen to when I'm angry:

I used to listen to this song when I was angry:
"Gone" by Toby Mac

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e55Q7zrzrZk&feature=youtube_gdata_player





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Day 19 Song Challenge

A song from my favorite album:

Jon Foreman Limbs and Branches "Learning How to Die"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUoTe3vI57g&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Day 18 Song Challenge

A song you wish you heard on radio:

Future of Forestry "Slow your Breath Down"

I think this song was on "One Tree Hill" recently. LOVE this band!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgLZZViOV2A&feature=youtube_gdata_player





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Day 17 Song Challenge

When I listen to the radio, I usually listen to the Christian station. I will usually hear this song at least once.

Casting Crowns "Until the Whole World Hears"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICxIWulmsDo&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 16 Song Challenge

A song I used to like but now hate:

"Drama Queen" Family Force 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCfOjYaaSQ0&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 15 Song Challenge

A song that describes you:

My husband used this song at our wedding as I walked down the aisle:
"Angel" by Jack Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr-Ff8us0Hg&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 14 Song Challenge

A song no one expects you to like:

Taylor Swift "Haunted"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sdt3OhX3q0&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 13 Song Challenge

A song that is a guilty pleasure:

"Take a Bow" by Glee Cast

Has to be the Glee version. I <3 it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIraPwBC7K4&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Day 12 Song Challenge

A song from a band I hate:

The Offspring "Pretty Fly"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZQ3FiKf09M&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 11 Song Challenge

A song from my favorite band:

Seabird "This Road"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqJGl490Hyw&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 10 Song Challenge

A song that makes you fall asleep:

In a relaxing way, not boring.
Jon Foreman "Over the River"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xokSQrxMUc4&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 9 Song Challenge

A song you can dance to:

Really, you can dance to almost any song. But, this song I love to dance with J-man.

"I Saw the Light" David Crowder Band

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL3Dp0CBJwE&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Song Challenge Day 8

"Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson

We used to sing this to Jo when he was a newborn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_BoZ_Qdyl0&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 7 Song Challenge

A song that reminds you of a certain event:

Matt Wertz "I will not take my love away"

This song reminds me of our wedding because we played it while we washed our feet.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=splKJFvik1M&feature=youtube_gdata_player
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Day 5 song challenge

A song that reminds you of someone:

Every time I hear this song I think of my sister-in-law Amy. She LOVES Muse:

"Starlight" by Muse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P3SHXQEpRU&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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Day 6 song challenge

A song that reminds you of somewhere:

This song reminds me of my time in the Middle East. They played this song every day where we stayed:

"you raise me up" by Josh groban

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_l_A6-7td0&feature=youtube_gdata_player



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Day 4 Song Challenge

A song that makes you sad

NeedToBreathe "Stones Under Rushing Water"

Such a sad song, but probably true for alot of marriages (not mine).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fxvxn7wwrA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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Song challenge day 3

A song that makes you happy:

"Hey Mama" by Mat Kearney

Such a great upbeat song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3EXuWcb4YA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Song challenge day 2

Least favorite song:

Ke$ha "tik tok"

I don't like ANY of her songs. They are terrible! And her voice is awful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djgjWMoBnf8&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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30 Day Song Challenge

My brother is doing this on Facebook, so I stole it from him :)

Day 1: your favorite song
This changes frequently. So, here's what it is now:
"In My Arms" by Jon Foreman
Probably because my husband currently works 3 jobs. I miss him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Yexok3UI8&feature=youtube_gdata_player






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Our thoughts

I've just been thinking alot about our thoughts. So, I found a few verses about the matter:

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8

Our thoughts can be so poisonous to us, and then we wallow in self-pity instead of thinking the TRUTH about how "fearfully and wonderfully" we are made(Psalm 139:14) and created in HIS image(Genesis 1:27) not our own.

To "repent" means to change our way of thinking. So, when we become a Christian and ask Jesus to live inside our heart, we also ask Him to forgive our sins and we "repent". As it says in Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

So, examine your thoughts today. Are they the TRUTH(the "truth" is God's Word) or are you being poisoned by your own thoughts(lies from the enemy)?

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! Psalm 139:23

Fell off the "blog" wagon

Hello blog world! I have SUPER slacked on writing my blog. Our lovely laptop is on it's last leg, giving us the "blue screen of death" when we turn it on. To add to it, our power cord to it broke :(

So, I am trying this new app out because I LOVE blogging and I miss it. I thought it may be too much to write a blog using my IPhone, but I may adapt pretty quickly.

Until later...

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Attempted Walk with the Dogs

This morning turned out to be a cloudy, cool morning. So, I thought I would take J-man for a walk. I also thought I should let the dogs come with us. One is an 8-year old German Shepard/Golden Retriever mix. The other is a 2-year old Border Collie Mix. Usually, I wait until Brian is home so he can walk the dogs while I push the stroller. But, I thought they needed a  walk and I could probably handle it if I attach one leash to the other.

I was wrong...

We didn't even make it down the first street before I had to turn around and take the dogs home.

Here is what happened: The dogs LOVE to go on walks! They get a little hyper when we take them on one. Well, we were passing one of our neighbor's house, and you could hear their dogs barking. Well, the German Shepard kept wanting to go over there, even though you could not see them. I kept telling him, "NO!", but as usual...he NEVER listens to me. Plus he weighs probably 75 pounds. So, I'm trying to hold the leash and the stroller, and he keeps pulling us towards the barking dogs. I should have thought to let go of the stroller. I didn't. So, the stroller ended upside down and I was MAD! J-man was buckled in (YAY 5-point harness!) and he wasn't even crying. I was more freaked out then he was. So, then we turned around and took the dogs home. After they were back home and unleashed, J-man and I went back out for our walk. It was a little drizzly so we didn't make it to the park.

Next time I go for a walk with J-man, I may take the Border Collie mix with us because she is lighter (around 40 pounds) and listens to me better. But, I know the German Shepard would be really depressed if he was left behind...so I don't know. Or I could just wait until Brian gets home from work and we all go together! :)

Website: White Walls

I LOVE looking at this website from time to time.

http://www.mywhitewalls.com/

I have found several paintings I absolutely LOVE. Like this one:

and this one:

and this one:

and my ABSOLUTE favorite (for our future living room):



Theology Thursday: Total Church

Our Community Group that my husband and I are a part of is currently reading the book "Total Church" by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. I have only read half of it so far, but it is really good. I'm not good at summarizing books, but here is how Amazon.com describes it:

Two pastors outline and apply a pair of overarching biblical principles that call the current body of Christ to a deep restructuring of its life and mission.

"Church is not a meeting you attend or a place you enter," write pastors Tim Chester and Steve Timmis. "It's an identity that is ours in Christ. An identity that shapes the whole of life so that life and mission become 'total church.'" With that as their premise, they emphasize two overarching principles to govern the practice of church and mission: being gospel-centered and being community-centered. When these principles take precedence, say the authors, the truth of the Word is upheld, the mission of the gospel is carried out, and the priority of relationships is practiced in radical ways. The church becomes not just another commitment to juggle but a 24/7 lifestyle where programs, big events, and teaching from one person take a backseat to sharing lives, reaching out, and learning about God together.

In Total Church, Chester and Timmis first outline the biblical case for making gospel and community central and then apply this dual focus to evangelism, social involvement, church planting, world missions, discipleship, pastoral care, spirituality, theology, apologetics, youth and children's work. As this insightful book calls the body of Christ to rethink its perspective and practice of church, it charts a middle path between the emerging church movement and conservative evangelicalism that all believers will find helpful.

I really like how they remind us to be both gospel-centered and community-centered. Most of us tend to lean to one side of the spectrum. It also has reminded me that I am on mission 24/7, not just when our Community Group goes and does an outreach, but at home, at the grocery store, etc. I will finish the book by next Wednesday, but so far, very insightful.

Tunes Tuesday: Future of Forestry

Another band I love, love, LOVE is Future of Forestry! All of their music is AWESOME! See for yourself:


It was really sad that they did their Christmas tour and came to Dallas, and we didn't get to go :(
Our little man was having stranger anxiety issues :(
Hopefully they will come back to Texas soon, because I hear they are better live! :)
(fingers crossed)

Fun Friday: Snow Day!!!

It snowed today!!! Here is a collage of J-man in his first snow! Thanks Christina for taking the pictures!

Oh, and J-man is 7 months today!



Theology Thursday: Genesis 28:15

The method I currently use to help me explore God's Word is called REAP. I learned this method from the Austin Stone Community church http://www.austinstone.org/ REAP is an acronym for Read Examine Apply Prayer. So, here is my REAP of Genesis 28:15, so you can get an idea of how it works:

R "What's more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you." NLT

E God is talking to Jacob in a dream, assuring Jacob that He will be with him wherever he goes, and protect him, and will not leave him until He gives him everything He promised Jacob.

A God is with me wherever I go and will protect me. I can also know that He will not leave me until He is finished giving me everything He has promised me. This is my hope.

P God, Thank You for Your Word. Thank You, Lord, for being with me in this season. Thank You that You will not leave me until You have finished giving me all your promises. I pray that when You call us away from Round Rock, that we will trust Your Word. That You will protect us wherever we go. God, we want to know Your will for our lives. Help us through this season.

The Austin Stone also has a Bible reading plan on their website if you are interested. It's the one I currently use.I will write down all the verses that stick out to me, and then I choose one to REAP. Here is the link: http://www.austinstone.org/resources/bible_reading_plan/