Under Construction

As I sit here and type this blog I am listening to a theme song for many who desire to live like Christ.  The song is "Change in the Making" by Addison Road.  I have realized that I am a change in the making and that I need to take certain steps to achieve this change.  I'm growing each and every day and I want to grow even more.  I want to become NEW!

I challenge you to listen to the song and think about who you are and who Christ wants you to be. Are you willing to make the change?

Being Satisfied and Thankful

"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless."  

Ecclesiastes 5:10

Growing up we never lacked for the essentials.  My brother and I were taken care of and given an immense amount of love.  Of course being a kid we always wanted everything in the toy section at Walmart but didn't always get it. As I sit here and reminisce about these things I realize that my parents were teaching us a valuable lesson that I think the world distorts.  Just because you want it doesn't mean that you need it.  After studying and pondering the verse above it gets me thinking....People think that money and materialistic things will make them happy.  Well, it does for about a week and then they are looking for the next bigger and better item. Our world is full of want, full of looks and full of keeping up with everyone else.  Why does it matter what the person across the street has? It doesn't! Does it mean that the feeling of want will go away? No, probably not. 

I'm slowly learning that less is more and that we should be thankful for what we have and not for what we want.

Gratitude List of the day...

1) Smell of coffee brewing

2) Relaxing and Reading

3) My blooming flowers that I have managed not to kill (with help from my hubby)

4) A new candle

5) Curling up with a quilt from my Granny

6) Comfort of a Recliner

7) Chirping Birds

8) Garage Sale Deals

9) Much needed rain

10) Love

(Gratitude list idea from "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp)

Summer Time!

I always remember summer being the best season of the year because you got a break from school and could just hang out with your friends and have fun.  Even though I still enjoy summer, it isn't quite the same when you have grown up and gotten a real job and you don't really get summer vacation for three months.  You take each day off and cram as much as possible into it.

I am looking forward to this summer.  My hubby and I will be traveling to Missouri in June for my best friends wedding!  I am super excited for this especially since we have been friends since we were eight!!  It also saddens me because she is the last of our group to get married. Its bittersweet! I'm so glad that I will be able to join her for her special day!  After the wedding we will be heading up to Wisconsin to visit the hubby's mom!  I'm also pretty excited for this due to the fact that I have never been there and I get to see where he grew up and became who he is today.  I'm truly looking forward to this awesome road trip with my best friend and companion.

I think that road trips are probably my favorite thing. If I had the time I would love to drive all across the US and visit each and every state along the way.  One day I will do this...

If you could do anything for your summer vacation what would it be? No matter what you have planned I pray you enjoy your summer and the time spent with family and friends! Make this summer the time for change!

Your word is a lamp for my feet, 

   a light on my path.

Psalm 119:105

Zucchini Bread

One of my favorite recipes that my mama makes is zucchini bread! It is absolutely delicious and is best served warm with a little bit of butter.

Ingredients:

2 cups - all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon - baking powder

3/4 teaspoon - baking soda

3/4 teaspoon - salt

1/4 teaspoon - cinnamon

1 cup - Granulated Sugar

2/3 cup - vegetable oil

3 - eggs

1 1/3 cups - grated, unpeeled zucchini

2/3 cup - chopped pecans(optional)

2/3 cup - raisins (optional)

Instructions :

Preheat oven to 350° F. Generously grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and set aside. In another medium mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs and zucchini. Add zucchini mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just until moistened. Fold in the pecans and raisins. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack. Wrap in plastic wrap or foil. 

Makes 1 loaf.