didn't we just get rid of all the boxes?

Byron and I have been married a little over 2 months and it literally seems as though we just finished unpacking our last box.  All of our items have found ‘their place’ in the apartment, and then, as soon as everything is settled, what happens?  It’s time to pack them up again.

“Haven’t you only just moved in? Why are you moving out already?” you might ask.

Well, the story goes something like this:

Byron began working in Macon as soon as he graduated college in May 2011.  When Byron and I married, we knew Macon wasn’t the place we wanted to call home, but since his job was here, so we landed.  Last week I was offered a job teaching at the most marvelous school (more on that in another post), and Byron insisted I take the job…in Gwinnett.  Byron cannot transfer to the Atlanta area, so we have been praying like madmen for God to lead us to a job for Byron.  As of now, our plan is for me to move back to Gwinnett and live with my gracious parents while Byron continues to work in Macon.  Hopefully he won’t be here long. 

This is most definitely not the ideal situation, especially for a newlywed couple.  If you read my last post, you know it’s difficult for me to say this, but we’re trusting that God’s got something great in the works.  He’s in control and fighting for us to be in the same city.  We just need to trust His timing. 

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is 

the Lord’s purpose that prevails.  

Proverbs 19:21

This has been the theme of the summer for me.  Regardless of the plans I make for myself, the Lord’s plans prevail. Instead of planning and worrying so much, my energy should be spent seeking and growing closer to Him. Praising Him in all circumstances.  God’s plans are better than mine and He is faithful. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, 

so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:13

“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 a hope and a future.”  

Jeremiah 29:11

I'm memorizing these verses and praying that sooner or later I'm going to stop doubting so that I can really believe and trust in what they say.

God's plan for me & my faith in it.

a Pinterest find

Faith is a constant struggle for me.  I don’t fight with whether or not Jesus is who he says he is or if what’s written in the Bible is true.  That’s not what I’m talking about here. 

My struggle is having the faith to trust that God is in control, that He has a plan for me, and that He will make His plan prevail.  I grew up hearing these statements and memorizing the Bible verses that support them.  I know it in my heart, but do I believe it?  Truly believe it?  With my whole heart? 

Most of the time.

Other times, I do all that I can to avoid God because I’m upset that my plans aren’t following through the way I’d wanted.  My Bible basically calls my name [and if it had eyes they’d stare at me] as I walk past it and refuse to pick it up. 

Side note: I am a planner.  Byron jokes with me because I have to plan in advance to be spontaneous.  I like to know what’s going on and when it’s going to happen.  I just can’t imagine why letting God have control of my life is so hard for me…  {incase you didn’t pick up on it, that last line was sarcasm}

from one of the blogs I follow

Last week was one of those ‘other times.’  I was upset about everything.  Literally.  And when I’m upset I do a whole lot of nothing.  And you know what’s funny?  In the times I was trying my hardest to avoid talking to God [which is just silly because I should seek Him in these circumstances . . .], He was trying even harder to talk to me.  I kid you not.  With church signs, songs, Facebook, Pinterest, and the blogs I read, God revealed Himself to me through my friends, calmed my heart, and brought me back to Him.  

from another blog I read

Then, to put icing on the cake, His plans were revealed.  And yes, they are better than what I was anticipating, like always.  I imagine God saying to me, "One day, young grasshopper, you will learn. . ." Haha.  [but really.]  

Thankfully, my faith in His plan waivers less and less.  I do believe it’s growing me into a less controlling, more humble person, for which I am grateful, but it’s still a tough learning experience for me.  

and another Pinterest find

I guess God's using social media for His benefit.  Who woulda thought?

Guacamole Recipe

I have never been a fan of guacamole.  Ever.  Maybe there's something about the texture, I'm not sure, but I never got hankerings for it.  Then I decided to make it myself with lots of other ingredients, and Voila! I've found a guacamole dip I really enjoy.  This is one of my favorite summer dips.  It's fresh and light with lots of flavor.

Ingredients:
4  avacados, pitted and cut into 1/2 inch chunks.
1/4   onion, diced
3  cloves of garlic, finely minced
1  jalepeno, finely chopped
1  large tomato, diced
1  cup of grilled sweet corn kernels
1/4  tsp (or more!) ground cumin
juice of 1 lime
cilantro (to taste)
salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.  Gently stir to combine, making sure everything is mixed well.  Cover and place in the fridge until ready to eat.  Serve with tortilla chips!

Homemade Salsa . . . Mmmm!

I absolutely love spicy food, especially Mexican.  One of my favorite things about going out to eat Mexican [besides the margaritas] is the chips and salsa.  But let's be honest, sometimes you just want some tasty salsa without having to go to a restaurant.  You could run to Publix and purchase some from the 'Ethnic Foods' aisle [which have a nice vinegary flavor because it's used as a preservative].  Or you could make your own.

Warning: Becoming addicted is a serious possibility.  It's that good.

I'm picky about my salsa, so store-bought just won't suffice, ergo

my homemade salsa recipe:

1 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes with 1/2 of juice
1 10-ounce can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chillies [original]
1 10-ounce can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chillies [mild]
2/3 onion, chopped
1 jalepeño
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
cilantro to taste
Juice of half a lime

Add all of the ingredients to a blender [I used a Magic Bullet] and pulse until you've reached your desired consistency!  Store in the fridge while you make your margarita and serve with chips.  Mmmm!

This recipe makes about 1 quart of salsa.  It's great for a party or to pack in small containers for lunch or picnics.

Variation: Change up the rotel and amount of jalepeño to suite your taste buds.

July 4th & Winston-Salem

Bridget was not interested in the family photo.

Independence Day was very low key [sigh] this year.  I love this holiday – what’s not to love about a day to celebrate ‘Merica?!  We live in a great country.  A day at the river with the pups then a relaxing evening. . . it was awesome.

Nothing says 'Happy Independence Day' like
Peach Daiquiris, Budweiser, and Captain America!

And we had red, white, and blue cupcakes because, let's face it: a holiday ain't a holiday without cupcakes!  Mmmmm!

Homemade Red Velvet -- Byron's Favorite

The weekend brought another trip to North Carolina.  My sweet parents invited me along for the trip [while Byron had a guys weekend].  I loved spending time with them and Stephen.  Montana felt like it was on the other side of the world – I know we all feel very blessed to have Stephen so much closer to home this summer.

I love watching Stephen pitch.

Sometimes I get all wrapped-up in what’s going on at the moment and I seem to forget how much I’ve been blessed.  The Lord’s given me such a wonderful husband and family in a country where we have the freedom to [play baseball, marry who/when we want, worship God] do what we want.  I’d say I’m definitely livin’ the good life.   

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; 

his greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 145:3

Road Trippin' to North Carolina

This past weekend Byron and I traveled up to Winston-Salem to visit my brother.  Our road trip was our first as a married couple, and we absolutely loved it and can't wait to take another.  We were able to spend time with Byron's awesome parents while they cooked us dinner as the first and last meals of our trek.  

On the way into Winston-Salem, we stopped at Raffaldini Vineyards for a tour and wine tasting.  Despite the 100 degree weather, it was incredible!  The wines were great and the vineyard is gorgeous. We wished it hadn't been so unbearably hot, because we would've enjoyed staying there longer.

@ Raffaldini -- so gorgeous.

Stephen plays for the Dash, so he can't come home often, and man, was it good to see him!  God blessed me with such incredible brothers and I miss them immensely when I don't see them often.  Even though he didn't pitch while we were there, I was so happy to spend the evenings at the ballpark with Byron [in the sweltering heat].

@ BB&T Ballpark

Saturday was a day of beer.  Stephen, Byron, and I started the day at West Bend Wineyard and Brew House for wine AND beer tastings! Then, after the game we headed to Foothills Brewing Company.  We did a beer tasting while munching on fried pickles {mmm!}.  I thought the beers were great [but what do I know about that?].

@ West Bend

We were too early to see the grapes turn to red.

It's fun doing tastings with Byron:
I like the beers he hates, and he loves the wines I despise.

We had a very successful first trip as a married couple.  I loved traveling with Byron and spending time with our wonderful family.  I couldn't ask for a better husband, brothers, parents, and in-laws -- God must really love me!