Summer is quickly drawing to a close as I do my best to savor my last week of freedom. I have enjoyed my summer so much but it is time to return to work. While I finish up my last week off, Eric is working hard on his school work and attending another class. I'm so proud of Eric! I really wanted to make him a nice meal to enjoy tonight after a long day in class, and this time the results were much better than the "kitchen disaster". I made Eric Bruschetta 'n Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts served with vegies, followed by chocolate covered strawberries for dessert. This is a must-try recipe. Eric is a picky eater and he really liked it. All the credit goes to kraftfoods.com! Here's the link to the recipe and the video demonstration: http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/bruschetta-n-cheese-stuffed-
chicken-90708.aspx. Enjoy!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
An Outpouring of Power
Are you looking for a really inspiring story to read? I came across one today. This week I have been reading verses throughout Scripture with the word directed in them. One of the verses for today was Acts 10:22. That one verse led me to read Acts 10 and 11. I highly encourage you to read those two chapters. I've read over them before, but as God's Word always does it taught me something new and different today. Here's a summary of the story:
God spoke through a vision to a centurion named Cornelius who believed in God. This vision gave Cornelius direction about someone to help his people - Peter. Cornelius took heed to God's instruction and sent some men to go bring Peter back to Caesarea. While the men were journeying to see Peter, Peter had a vision about meat that was once unclean being made clean. Verse 10:28 reveals the meaning to this vision: Peter should not call any man unholy or unclean. This vision was part of God preparing Peter to speak to people the Jews said were unclean, the gentiles. When the time arrived for God to use Peter in Caesarea, God told him so and sent the messengers for Peter to lead him there. The messengers explained that Cornelius was directed by God to hear a message from Peter. Peter went to Caesarea. When Peter arrived at the place God had called him to, Peter was obedient and available to share the gospel and God gave Him the words to speak. Peter shared a simple gospel presentation with a crowd of gentiles and they received the Holy Spirit. This led to their baptisms, and people began to share Christ with other gentiles. They realized that Christ is for everyone, not just the Jews. Some people went to Antioch and established a church there. That is also when "Christians" was first used.
As a result of people being so obedient and available, people were saved, churches were established, and a barrier was broken. This is an amazing story of the Lord displaying His grace to the gentiles, providing divine direction to His people, bringing about opportunities through obedience, and showing His powerful hand in everything!
God spoke through a vision to a centurion named Cornelius who believed in God. This vision gave Cornelius direction about someone to help his people - Peter. Cornelius took heed to God's instruction and sent some men to go bring Peter back to Caesarea. While the men were journeying to see Peter, Peter had a vision about meat that was once unclean being made clean. Verse 10:28 reveals the meaning to this vision: Peter should not call any man unholy or unclean. This vision was part of God preparing Peter to speak to people the Jews said were unclean, the gentiles. When the time arrived for God to use Peter in Caesarea, God told him so and sent the messengers for Peter to lead him there. The messengers explained that Cornelius was directed by God to hear a message from Peter. Peter went to Caesarea. When Peter arrived at the place God had called him to, Peter was obedient and available to share the gospel and God gave Him the words to speak. Peter shared a simple gospel presentation with a crowd of gentiles and they received the Holy Spirit. This led to their baptisms, and people began to share Christ with other gentiles. They realized that Christ is for everyone, not just the Jews. Some people went to Antioch and established a church there. That is also when "Christians" was first used.
As a result of people being so obedient and available, people were saved, churches were established, and a barrier was broken. This is an amazing story of the Lord displaying His grace to the gentiles, providing divine direction to His people, bringing about opportunities through obedience, and showing His powerful hand in everything!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Beautiful Beach
This past weekend Eric and I were blessed by some special friends to spend several days at Oak Island. It was nice to get away, even though Eric got FRIED! The beach was absolutely beautiful. We had the opportunity to sit at the pier, enjoy the breeze, watch the waves, and admire in awe God's amazing creation.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
GOD has a Plan!!!!!
As you know the past month has been a time of praying for God's will regarding a ministry position in TN. As of Friday, God has closed this opportunity for ministry. We know that God has a plan for us and we continue to seek His will for our lives.
Since this door has been shut, we have been praying and reflecting on the truths of God's Word. One passage has really been an encouragement and reminder to Erin and I during this time, Proverbs 3:5-6:
This is a reminder that God has a plan and we must trust in the Lord, even in difficult times. We know that we must continue to seek Him and He will guide us in His perfect timing. Thanks for all of your support and prayers.
Since this door has been shut, we have been praying and reflecting on the truths of God's Word. One passage has really been an encouragement and reminder to Erin and I during this time, Proverbs 3:5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your
ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
This is a reminder that God has a plan and we must trust in the Lord, even in difficult times. We know that we must continue to seek Him and He will guide us in His perfect timing. Thanks for all of your support and prayers.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Hidden Treasures
I started on a new treasure hunt this week! It has been an amazing adventure! I wrote earlier about the Beth Moore Bible study I was going through. On the 27th, the Lord impressed upon my heart another Bible study. As you know, Eric and I are going through a time of trying to discern God's will about a ministry position. During my time of waiting this week, I started thinking more about how God guides His people. Eric and I want to be 150% sure that when we take the step to move elsewhere to serve that that place is exactly where God has called us to be. How do we make sure this happens? Examining characters from the Bible who were guided by God illuminates the answer. The personal Bible study I began doing this week is called Guidance and Faith: A Study of Biblical Characters God Guided and the Faith They Had to Follow. It is not a study I bought from a store, it is just what God laid upon my heart to dig in to. As I started sifting through the topic on the 28th, I realized that this could take me over a year to study! Every little dot on the Bible passage map I put my finger on took me to another place on the map. 
I realized that before I really put my shovel in to see what treasure lies beneath the Bible character surface, I needed to lay a foundation on which to display my treasure when I find it. I have spent the past three days examining scripture passages with the words guidance and guide. I am already finding hidden treasure and my journey just began! I have enjoyed my time of reflection upon God's might with which He leads. He thinks of everything! God has guided people and all of creation since the beginning of time. He never changes. That means that if God was a counselor, a guide, and a leader to the Israelites a long time ago, then He is still the same to me now. One of the passages I read today was the song Moses and the sons of Israel sang to God after being delivered through the Red Sea and onto dry land. It was so amazing to read their praises to God - it felt like I was in a worship service! What I really thought was neat was reading about people thousands of years ago praising the same God I praise now. I think that is incredible! I call these hidden treasures because I set out looking for one thing and found so much more than I ever expected to. God's Word contains such amazing and priceless treasures! What I have really enjoyed about connecting the dots on my treasure map is that I have so much time to sit and soak in all the discoveries and to allow things I learned a long time ago to resurface - something that is difficult to do with my busy teaching schedule of meetings, lesson plans, grading, and everything else that comes with life. I am looking forward to the many other hidden treasures God will reveal to me in the future!
(Picture from http://www.treasurehuntsouthern.co.uk/images/pirate-treasure-map.jpg)
I realized that before I really put my shovel in to see what treasure lies beneath the Bible character surface, I needed to lay a foundation on which to display my treasure when I find it. I have spent the past three days examining scripture passages with the words guidance and guide. I am already finding hidden treasure and my journey just began! I have enjoyed my time of reflection upon God's might with which He leads. He thinks of everything! God has guided people and all of creation since the beginning of time. He never changes. That means that if God was a counselor, a guide, and a leader to the Israelites a long time ago, then He is still the same to me now. One of the passages I read today was the song Moses and the sons of Israel sang to God after being delivered through the Red Sea and onto dry land. It was so amazing to read their praises to God - it felt like I was in a worship service! What I really thought was neat was reading about people thousands of years ago praising the same God I praise now. I think that is incredible! I call these hidden treasures because I set out looking for one thing and found so much more than I ever expected to. God's Word contains such amazing and priceless treasures! What I have really enjoyed about connecting the dots on my treasure map is that I have so much time to sit and soak in all the discoveries and to allow things I learned a long time ago to resurface - something that is difficult to do with my busy teaching schedule of meetings, lesson plans, grading, and everything else that comes with life. I am looking forward to the many other hidden treasures God will reveal to me in the future!(Picture from http://www.treasurehuntsouthern.co.uk/images/pirate-treasure-map.jpg)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Erin's Kitchen Disaster!
I recently discovered steam bags and have been using them often, especially since we do not have a dishwasher. I have used them to cook chicken and vegetables, but with a little variety of flavor. I have fish in the freezer, but Eric and I have had so much tilapia that we needed a break from it. We have also grown tired of eating chicken, chicken, and chicken, especially since Eric works with chicken! I set aside sleeping-in-time yesterday morning to beat the crowd to the grocery store. I found some great deals on meat, including a roast for four dollars! It was beautiful! I also picked up some cut-up steak and some vegetables that you will learn about soon. I went home, put away the groceries, and put the roast in the crock pot with some carrots and potatoes. Yum! I just knew we were going to have a delicious and different dinner than the usual chicken. A few hours passed by and the thought came to me: "That's odd. I don't smell the roast yet." Since we live in a one bedroom apartment, it usually doesn't take long for any type of odor to permeate the entire living space. I went into the kitchen and realized my fear was reality . . . I forgot to plug in the crock pot!!! I was so mad at myself because I tried so hard to cook something different and I had most likely messed it up! I went ahead and cooked the roast. While it was cooking, I called the meat guy at the grocery store and he told me to cook it longer than usual and taste it when it is done. "If it has a sweet or sour taste to it, don't eat it." I took his advice. The top of the meat smelled and tasted fine. The sides of the meat smelled and tasted sour. I sure was disappointed! Eric asked me if we should order a pizza. I said, "No. I have a plan B that will be ready before Domino's can deliver a pizza." I quickly cooked up the cut-up steak and mixed it with one of those pictsweet vegie/pasta/garlic steamable bags. Not only did it make the house stink, it tasted horrible and left a terrible taste in our mouths! Yes, we ended up ordering Domino's pizza for dinner. Now I'm left with a smelly trashcan, a sink full of dirty dishes, and two more nasty meals to laugh about. Eric was very supportive and understanding through the whole ordeal. We both laughed about it last night. I told my Mom the story this afternoon on the phone and we both laughed so hard about it we were crying. I will not give up on trying something different, but hopefully next time it won't end in a kitchen disaster!
Perfect Peace
During my recent time with the Lord, I have been going through one of Beth Moore's Bible studies entitled Living Free: Learning to Pray God's Word. Throughout the study, Beth examines several benefits to knowing God. The focus this week is about "experiencing God's peace". As does scripture, Beth explains that God's peace is like a river: "Peace like a river flows from a continuous connection with the upland Source, Jesus Christ, and is a timely reminder that this life will ultimately spill out into a glorious eternal life." How does one experience this active peace as if surrounded by raging white water rapids? By abiding in Christ. John 15:4 says, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me." One essential way to abide in Christ is by immersing ourselves in God's Word. Beth comments that "God inspired His Word with great care and immaculate precision." What a great reminder of the power of God's Word. I am so thankful that everything God has done, is doing, and will do is all done with TLC! So again, what is required to experience God's peace? As Beth states it, "Attention to God's commands by obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. Obedience to God's authority brings not only peace like a river but also righteousness like the waves of the sea. Not righteous perfection. Righteous consistency." Beth does not go in depth in this study as she does in her others, but like the title states, she places her focus on teaching readers how to pray God's Word. I have enjoyed reading passages of scripture and writing a prayer to God from them - another way to abide in Christ and experience His perfect peace!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A Busy Week!
Poor Eric was left at home for another week while Erin was away visiting friends and family. Take a look at the slide shows below to see a little snapshot of Erin's time away. While left in Wake Forest, Eric worked on school work, went to class, and ate at Moe's enough times to earn a free Moe's t-shirt! The completion of class this week marks the completion of Eric's first year in the EdD program! I am so proud of him! We heard from Ooltewah this week, but due to committee scheduling conflicts they will not be able to let us know of their decision to move forward with us or not until next Friday. We continue to pray for God's leading and direction.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ooltewah Update
http://www.ooltewahbaptistchurch.orgTuesday, July 15, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Off and Away!
It's here! It's here! Today's the day! We're off to the great place of Ooltewah! We're off and away!
Eric and I have a devotional book that we read together before we go to bed. The title of the devotion for last night was "A Prayer for Discernment". How cool is that! God's perfect timing once again! That devotional was last copyrighted in 2006, but the devotion for July 11 was about what Eric and I needed for 2008! Discernment is exactly what Eric and I need right now in our lives.
One of the passages mentioned in the devotion last night was from James 1, so I read that chapter this morning for my personal time with God. Although I read the whole chapter, I reflected the most on verses 5-11:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of god, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
Our prayer is for God to give us and the search committee wisdom and discernment. I am so thankful that the Lord gives wisdom generously. Our prayer is also that we will not be after our own pursuits this weekend but instead the pursuits of God. We do not want anything that happens this weekend to be of our own doing but instead completely God's hand at work.
Thank you for your prayers as we visit Ooltewah Baptist Church this weekend!
Eric and I have a devotional book that we read together before we go to bed. The title of the devotion for last night was "A Prayer for Discernment". How cool is that! God's perfect timing once again! That devotional was last copyrighted in 2006, but the devotion for July 11 was about what Eric and I needed for 2008! Discernment is exactly what Eric and I need right now in our lives.
One of the passages mentioned in the devotion last night was from James 1, so I read that chapter this morning for my personal time with God. Although I read the whole chapter, I reflected the most on verses 5-11:
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of god, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
Our prayer is for God to give us and the search committee wisdom and discernment. I am so thankful that the Lord gives wisdom generously. Our prayer is also that we will not be after our own pursuits this weekend but instead the pursuits of God. We do not want anything that happens this weekend to be of our own doing but instead completely God's hand at work.
Thank you for your prayers as we visit Ooltewah Baptist Church this weekend!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It's Quickly Approaching!
We have the itinerary for our Ooltewah visit this weekend! AHHH! I am so nervous yet very excited all at the same time! Please pray that the Holy Spirit will be present and evident in all that goes on this weekend. Also pray that the Lord will guide all conversations that take place. Continue to pray that God will give the search committee and us wisdom and discernment about His man for the Ooltewah Baptist Church youth group. Thanks in advance for your prayers!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
God Has A Sense Of Humor!
VBS was awesome! We had 20 youth come, and the Lord taught them, as well as the leaders, so much. The students learned about being crucified of self and living completely for God. They learned what it looks like to live for Christ by studying the Fruit of the Spirit. God really confirmed that this was what the students needed to hear because the Sunday school lesson the following Sunday was about the Fruit of the Spirit, and our pastor even preached on the same passage of scripture in the Sunday morning message! Students came up to us and said, "I think God's trying to tell me something." This was not the first time that the Sunday school lesson and the sermon matched up. Eric and I just look at each other and smile when this happens because that is only something God can orchestrate. The same idea of Fruit of the Spirit was also mentioned occasionally at youth camp.
Last week I left Eric as a bachelor for a week while I went with our youth group to Snowbird. Snowbird is an outdoor youth camp in Andrews, NC. Google Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters to find out all the details and other opportunities the camp offers. While at Snowbird, the students and leaders were able to participate in some amazing recreation activities such as whitewater rafting, caving, puddle jumping, zip-line riding, etc. Aside from the fun activities and beautiful mountain view, the Lord worked in amazing ways in the lives of the youth. I was able to speak one-on-one with many of the students about what the Lord was teaching them, and I was so excited about what I heard. Camps like Snowbird are great because they get people away from everyday life, offer times of teaching, provide share times, and make counselors available to each group to work with the students. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend a week with amazing youth, watch the Lord work, and be refreshed in my own walk with Christ.
While I was living up camp life, Eric was at home or at work. He stayed busy while I was away. I know he missed me because he had 14 beautiful peach roses on the coffee table for me when I walked in the house. He is such a sweetheart! I'm so thankful that the Lord blessed me with Eric!
So why the posting title "God Has A Sense of Humor"? Well, several months ago we were contacted by Ooltewah Baptist Church in Ooltewah, TN. We had a phone interview with them and several weeks later we found out that they were pursuing another candidate before Eric. When Eric and I found out the news, we thought "Well, I guess it's still not God's timing for us to go through the Ooltewah door." So we spent the following weeks really becoming content with where God has us now. The Lord taught us so much in our time of contentment and waiting. While I was away at camp, Eric received a call from the Ooltewah search committee telling him that the other guy wasn't God's pick for their church and they want to pursue Eric. A phone interview was set up for this past Sunday. At the end of the phone interview, a visit was scheduled for this upcoming week! Talk about fast, but that is how the Lord has always worked with us. He brings us to a place of contentment and moves fast! This opportunity is mentioned to you so you can pray for us and Ooltewah Baptist Church. Please pray that God will give all of us wisdom and discernment to know His divine direction. We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us. One of the many things I love about God is that He is still active in His creation and has a perfect plan! I'm so thankful that He is in control!
Last week I left Eric as a bachelor for a week while I went with our youth group to Snowbird. Snowbird is an outdoor youth camp in Andrews, NC. Google Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters to find out all the details and other opportunities the camp offers. While at Snowbird, the students and leaders were able to participate in some amazing recreation activities such as whitewater rafting, caving, puddle jumping, zip-line riding, etc. Aside from the fun activities and beautiful mountain view, the Lord worked in amazing ways in the lives of the youth. I was able to speak one-on-one with many of the students about what the Lord was teaching them, and I was so excited about what I heard. Camps like Snowbird are great because they get people away from everyday life, offer times of teaching, provide share times, and make counselors available to each group to work with the students. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to spend a week with amazing youth, watch the Lord work, and be refreshed in my own walk with Christ.
While I was living up camp life, Eric was at home or at work. He stayed busy while I was away. I know he missed me because he had 14 beautiful peach roses on the coffee table for me when I walked in the house. He is such a sweetheart! I'm so thankful that the Lord blessed me with Eric!
So why the posting title "God Has A Sense of Humor"? Well, several months ago we were contacted by Ooltewah Baptist Church in Ooltewah, TN. We had a phone interview with them and several weeks later we found out that they were pursuing another candidate before Eric. When Eric and I found out the news, we thought "Well, I guess it's still not God's timing for us to go through the Ooltewah door." So we spent the following weeks really becoming content with where God has us now. The Lord taught us so much in our time of contentment and waiting. While I was away at camp, Eric received a call from the Ooltewah search committee telling him that the other guy wasn't God's pick for their church and they want to pursue Eric. A phone interview was set up for this past Sunday. At the end of the phone interview, a visit was scheduled for this upcoming week! Talk about fast, but that is how the Lord has always worked with us. He brings us to a place of contentment and moves fast! This opportunity is mentioned to you so you can pray for us and Ooltewah Baptist Church. Please pray that God will give all of us wisdom and discernment to know His divine direction. We are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us. One of the many things I love about God is that He is still active in His creation and has a perfect plan! I'm so thankful that He is in control!
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