9 years ago... I married my best friend!!!

Having Thanksgiving fall on the same day as our Anniversary is just perfect! I'm so very thankful for God's blessings in our lives. For the gift of our marriage and having a wonderful husband!

It certainly doesn't feel like 9 years. It seems like it wasn't too long ago we got married. We were soooo young back then. =) We've certainly grown as the years went by and our love has gotten stronger and more mature. I love being married to this man. He is kind, generous, loving, patient and full of laughter. He just loves to make me laugh. He is a man that searches after God and this I am so thankful for.

What a gift from God... to be able to journey through life with this amazing man! Thanking the Lord for so much this Thanksgiving!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, my dearest Love!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Apple Crisps (no sugar)

This recipe is from a friend, Joya, who has been such a blessing in my journey to better health. And just like Joya, I don't have specific measurements for the ingredients so you'll have to play around with it. =) For the apples, I used about 10 or so small apples.

Apple Crisps

Crust

Oatmeal, uncooked (quick oats are good)

Olive oil or soybean olive oil

100% Apple juice concentrate, thawed (the frozen juices) *you can also use any other flavors*

Coconut, unsweetened (optional)

Mixture of nuts, small pieces or to preferred size (sunflower seeds, pecan, walnuts, almonds, cashews)

Vanilla extract

Pre-heat oven at 350. In a bowl, mix thoroughly the above ingredients. *The concentrate juice only put about 1/3 cup unless you like it really sweet then put a little more* Then grease a baking pan. Place half of the oatmeal mixture into the pan. Press down with spoon to pack it into the pan. This will be your crust. Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes or until it's a little brown/golden.

Filling

Apples, peeled and sliced (if you have organic apples, you don't have to peel them if you prefer w/ skin)

100% Apple juice concentrate (use the rest of the can)

Cornstarch (for thickening)

Vanilla extract

In a sauce pan, pour apple juice concentrate (leaving some juice in the can to mix with the cornstarch), apples, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil. Stir constantly. You can add a little water if you like. Mix the cornstarch and the remaining juice in the can then add to the apples. The liquid will eventually thicken. Continue to cook until the apples are soft (not too soft that it breaks apart easily). Then set aside. You can add nuts in this mixture too.

Take the crust out of the oven. Scoop up all apples from the sauce pan and place on top of the crust. Then pour the sauce on top. (I didn't like too much sauce so I only poured a little more than half of the sauce) Then sprinkle evenly the rest of the oatmeal mixture on top. Then bake for 20 minutes or until golden. (I drizzled a bit of the sauce on top)

I really enjoyed this dessert. It's sweet and yummy. And it's healthy! =) Hope you like it.

my sunshine

11 years ago this fresh ray of sunshine came into my life! And it's never been the same since. He's a constant sunshine in our lives. A GREAT blessing he is!

What a joy to watch him grow. So gratifying to see Jesus' love in him!

I'm so proud of this kid. His strength, perseverance, positive attitude, compassion, and happy nature constantly amazes me! His ability to bounce right back when life hands him a blow is a gift only God can give.

This precious child is a constant reminder of God's mercy... of His great and undying love... and His blessings.

I pray that he continues to find strength and wisdom from God. That he finds his value and true identity in His Saviour. And that he be used greatly for His Maker and finds success in the eyes of God and not man!

It continues to be an incredible privilege to be this child's mother. To witness a miracle daily.

Praise God!

staying motivated

This week should be Week 3 of my C25K journey but the last time I tried Week 3, I was scared I was going to injure myself and I was in better shape back then. So I'm tweaking it a bit... lessing the running time and all that. So this week is Week 2 1/2. =)

My arthritis has been flaring up a lot lately but I'm praising God because in spite of this, I'm making strides. =) I just have to continue eating well and drinking lots of water to help with this.

Since making the decision to stay away from sugar, I'm staying committed. Praise God! My friend has given me an amazing recipe for Apple Crisp w/ no sugar and it's sooo sweet. Plus, I've got Carob covered peanuts with no milk or sugar and so if I'm absolutely wanting something sweet other than fruits... I've got alternatives.

I'm still around mid to low 150s. It seems that it's taking me forever to break through the 150 but I have to mentally remind myself daily if not hour by hour (some days) that it's not a race! lol. Old habits die hard! It's about staying consistent and temperate today!

Sabbath is a happy day!

God is so awesome! He knew we needed a day that we can come away from this world and think nothing of it. =)

I'm praise God for the Sabbath. =) I'm looking forward to seeing my brothers and sisters-in-Christ and to worship our Creator as a family. What a blessing to come together and share with each other God's many blessings of the past week.

Happy Sabbath!

Holy... Holy...

This is one of my favourite songs! This past Sabbath we worshiped at PMC (Pioneer Memorial Church) at Andrews University campus. I was immensely blessed by the worship. We were really praise the Lord and what an amazing experience... just lifting up our praises to God!

Alleluia

Alleluia

For the Lord God Almighty reigns

Alleluia

Alleluia

For the Lord God Almighty reigns

Alleluia

Holy

Holy are You Lord God Almighty

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

You are holy

Holy are you Lord God Almighty

Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the Lamb

Amen

Grand Canyon Dec 2008

I was looking at my pictures and found several videos of our lonnngggg drive to California. This was our first stop after driving for a day and a half straight. My husband, Allen, was taking this video and the voice you hear in the background is our son, Allen jr. He was bouncing off "the walls" and what kid wouldn't after being in a car for that long! LOL.

tiny little black book...

I carry this tiny little notebook in the pocket of my Bible bag. I jot notes in it from sermons or things that affected me during devotions, seminars, and even conversations. Today, I decided to look through it coz it's been a while since I've read through my notes. And one of the highlighted part caught my attention and it said, "People should not be drawn to God because of our "services" but that they should be drawn to God because of our lives." And I thought whoever said that was exactly right! It's the way we live that will bring glory to Him... it is what will ultimately witness to others and bring evidence to His goodness, mercy and love!

This past Sunday, at Bible study, we spoke about how recognizing our weaknesses and surrendering our daily desires and control of our lives to Him is the only way that He can truly truly help us. Often times, I think I'm doing something to help God along with the "fixing" of myself. Somehow I must've thought that I could "help" God change my sinful heart and worldly mind. When the truth really is I'm often times, if not always, hindering Him.

I've been on this journey of "trying" to change my lifestyle. I was very concerned that if I cannot be victorious in living the instructions of the Father then I would've failed in what I know God's purpose was for me... for us, which is to share His gospel by the lives we live. How can I possibly share and to testify about God and His health message when I'm almost 30 lbs. over weight! Yes, there is always that "vain" part of the deal. I can try to deny that but, really, who am I fooling?! But there is in me an urgency and a much greater importance than just weight but health. To be healthy by God's terms and not the world's. That I may glorify Him and be a witness inside out.

But you see, I've been doing it wrong lately. I realize that my "I" complex is becoming prominent again. There's been too many "I"s lately. I've been relying so much on my strength to resist temptation. I've been relying on the one person that can and will guarantee my failure and that is me! Instead of surrendering completely I merely give God temporary reign to my whole being until I feel more in control. When I don't feel completely helpless anymore, I often rudely grab the reigns back from God and say, "thanks, Lord! See you later!" I do this over and over and over again and every single time I can just picture the Lord calling out to me to just hold on and be patient and to let Him help me. But no, you see, I'm so arrogant and so superior that I know what's best... well no not completely... God told me but really I only half listened to what I wanted it to be and didn't even let God finish telling me what to do because I think that I already know what He's going to say! What a stupid and foolish girl I am!!! Not very smart, huh?! And it's so shameful that it isn't even me who cleans up after myself and pulls me back together but it's Him... it's Him who picks me up after I've fallen too deep and helpless.

I know that I need to be living and practicing what I believe and that this is important but right now... I really need to take a step back and re-prioritize. I need to focus on continuing (not "trying" because that word seem to sound like there is a doubt or an eventuality of failing) to practice and be more intentional about submitting myself to God. I don't think I've been really doing that. I need to not finish God's sentences for Him and let Him tell me, guide me and show me, one baby step at a time, how to truly submit to His will, His thoughts, His desires, His strength, His discipline, His path, and esp. His time. And somehow, I believe that as I practice this daily, He will put in me the kind of change and genuine passion for His people that I so greatly desire. Then I wouldn't need to "work" for the evidence that will manifest itself in me... in my life. And that evidence will draw people to God because they will only see what He has done in my life.

Back to G for Godly Trust.

Lord, my desire is to daily trust in You and to learn to completely surrender myself to You moment by moment of each day. And when I fall, Father, I will hold on to You and your promise that "... (You) who began a good work in (me) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6

On the horizon...

I have truly enjoyed my 2 years and 5 months "break" living here in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The beauty of Berrien Springs quite astounds me. Not just because it's quiet. Not just because there are so much trees, hiking trails, beaches, and not even just the solitude of the place. But rather everything that it represents for me... the whole package.

Coming here in 2007, I knew it was going to be soooo incredibly different from my usually hectic life. Working at a law firm doesn't exactly give you much break and time to just "sit and relax". Even during lunch time or social events at work or even at home, I'm constantly mentally ticking off my "to do list". The last firm I was with wasn't so bad. I wasn't staying until 9 p.m. or later and never had to come in on Sundays. So it was good but still very very hectic. Honestly, I don't even think in the 7 years of me working as a Legal Assistant/Clerk that I had very much family quality time. What a sad thing to realize. Imagine what I missed all those years with my dear husband and son!

Our first few months here were great and frustrating! I felt like someone shook my life and put it upside down... my world was spinning around me and I didn't know which direction to go. For the first time in my life, I didn't HAVE to do something. I didn't have to make sure I stayed on top of things and had a good job. Actually, I didn't have to have a job. That was tough... it was like I was going crazy coz I wasn't stressed! Yeah... I know! Nuts!!! My life here was so foreign I didn't know what to make out of it. I rebelled against "relaxing" for months. I tried looking for jobs... babysitting or volunteering but God closed every single one of those doors! And oh boy... was I frustrated! But He NEEDED me to learn to slllllooooowwww down. To learn to take one step at a time knowing that this was crucial for me to practice for this is what He plans to do... for me to take one step at a time with Him in whatever comes my way.

So I learned to slow down. I learned to cook well. (Praise God!) I learned to NOT stress out (still relearning this once and a while). I learned that time was a friend not an enemy. lol. I learned how much God is so much bigger and majestic than what I thought He was. I learned to submit to Him even when I really didn't want to and I unlearned to be stress. Oh man... this place is where I learned about life and it's purpose. It's where I got to experience growth and changes that only God can bring. I have a long way to go but oh my Jesus knows how far I've come! I believe these are the main reasons I love this place so much. It's a place of healing from within. It's my "therapy"!

And wow, this "therapy" is almost over! 7 more short months to go and our "break" will be over. It will be a test of our faith, our patience, and our character. I do hope that what God has done here... will carry us through what is to come. No... I don't hope... I believe it will carry us through! =) I will surely surely miss this place and the people that became my family. A part of me with always long for this "home"... always!

But I believe... it's about that time to move on. To see what God's bidding is for us and the changes that are ahead, not just in our surroundings but within ourselves and our relationship with Him. I am anxious to see family more often. To witness and participate in the lives of my nephews, brothers, sisters, and friends. I am anxious to see God's wonderful hands at work in the people He loves. To see the look of wonder and excite in someone's face who just realized and found the joy of knowing the Father or the look of hope and complete joy on someone's face who's been reunited with their Saviour!

I look forward to this new start, new beginning... it will be a starting over. We are returning "home" but it will not be like it used to. It's going to be different... better because we are returning different people with different sets of eyes that sees differently... that sees better!

I see hope, joy, love, faith, and miracles on the horizon.

turning away.... not today

I've been neglecting my one-to-one time with God lately. I would wake up and put of my time with God because I had so much stuff to do and didn't have enough time at that moment to spend with Him. I would say I'll do it after I get the family up and off for school but then something always came up that once again it will have to wait until later. However, "later" never happens!

Truthfully, it's no wonder that lately I've been overly worried and my heart's overly burdened. It's because nothing could console it... nothing can lift my spirit... I was not giving it the healing balm that is Jesus to my heart!

So this morning, I found myself again "busy" to get my son off to school and with the things I have to do today that I started off my day without what I really NEEDED which was my time with God. So I stopped whatever chores I was doing and went to Him... so shameful that I could only offer Him an overly burdened and heavy heart. Oh but what a merciful Father He is! His Words were like a fresh breeze on a hot and humid day, like cool water to the thirsty... it was a hug from a loving Father. I'm so glad I spent time with Him today!

I was reading Hebrews 3 & 4 this morning. It spoke about Israel's rebellion and what God had to do because of that rebellion. What struck me was the words "Today when you hear His voice, don't harden your hearts..." I wonder how many times have I hardened my heart to the calling of His Spirit. How many times have I said, "Not now Lord, I'm too busy!" Has this "hardening" or turning of my heart away from the Lord become a habit? Do I do this without even consciously choosing to turn away from Him because it's become a reaction? Mercy! What a scary thought!!!

Today, I made a conscious choice... a promise that I will not harden my heart to the calling of the Lord. Furthermore, I will intentionally listen to His voice today!

Hebrews 3:12 and 13 says, "Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God."