Christ Has Risen!

Matthew 28:5-7
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Christ Has Risen

matt maher

Let no one caught in sin remain
Inside the lie of inward shame
But fix our eyes upon the cross
And run to Him who showed great love
And bled for us
Freely You've bled for us

Christ is risen from the dead
Trampling over death by death
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave
Christ is risen from the dead
We are one with Him again
Come awake, come awake
Come and rise up from the grave

Beneath the weight of all our sin
You bowed to none but heaven's will
No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown
No burden great can hold You down
In strength You reign
Forever let Your church proclaim

O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
The glory of God has defeated the night

O death, where is your sting?
O hell, where is your victory?
O church, come stand in the light
Our God is not dead
He's alive! He's alive!

Happy Easter!

I am Weak.

I am so weak. I struggle with even the daily things in life. Getting out of bed on time, completing my chores with a good attitude, respecting those in authority, and the list goes on. This past week I've been especially struggling. Yet,


He has proven to me over and over that when I am at my weakest, He is at His strongest.

Last summer while working at camp He showed Himself to me. It was towards the end of the summer and I was tired. It seemed like I could do nothing right. I struggled waking up for chores and was nearly late once because I didn't wake up to my alarm. I wasn't working fast enough cleaning stalls--"you're too much of a perfectionist! just get the big spots, everything else can wait until later when we have more time..." I wasn't able to get one of the kids in my lessons to understand anything I was trying to teach her. Then to top it off, a kid fell of the horse on a trail ride I assisted because I failed to double check the cinch. (he was not hurt other than a slight bruise where he fell on his hand) Oh I was feeling so discouraged. Why couldn't I do anything right? Yet, even then, when I was at my weakest, He used me to encourage others. He gave me a smile while I worked and His light shone through me. "I know you haven't had the easiest week, but your cheerful attitude to do whatever was asked of you encouraged me." Oh how that conversation encouraged me too! His grace is enough for me.

Last month He showed Himself to me. Last month before finals I was very stressed out. It was my own fault that I procrastinated so much. That knowledge didn't help anything. I had until Friday at 4pm to finish everything. That Friday was also the day that the youth group left for snow camp. My parents said that I was going.  I didn't want to go to snow camp. Staying up until 3am and getting up at 7am doesn't appeal to me. Negative five degree weather doesn't either. I also didn't want to go with the youth group. We had just switched churches and I didn't like the new youth group. They seem to me very shallow and worldly compared to my other circle of friends from the other church. I would rather have stayed home and prepped for the new semester with good sleep and a clean desk. I begged, I cried, but still I went. I had an awful attitude about it too. Yet even then, when I was so weak, God still worked through me to encourage others. I don't know what it was Actually, I do know. It was God working in me. I could not have encouraged others on my own at that time--I was so weak and full of self-pity, self-want...I was consumed by self. He had to step in. By His grace my weakness is made perfect in His strength. I wrote this post during that time--although I didn't type it up and hit publish until much later.

Right now He will show Himself faithful to me. I feel so weak. I can't overcome the bad habits of procrastination I slipped into last semester...I can't have a good attitude when I have a headache...I can't love my siblings as Christ loves them...I can't...
I can't wait for Him to show Himself faithful to me now. It is coming...His grace has made my weakness perfect in His strength...He has shown Himself faithful to me before...

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.


1 Corinthians 1:9
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.


Psalm 33:4
For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.


Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.

He's Always Been Faithful
Sara Groves

all is grace - a thankful thursday -

162: encouraging songs to assist in the morning attitude adjustment necessary to have a good day--full of love, joy, and laughter.

All is Grace
shaun groves

all is grace
all is grace and grace enough

184: Yahweh - I Am that I Am

185:: birthday wishes --joyous, loud & laughing

186: balloons reflecting the snowscape out the window and the sweet little sister who thought them up






187: siblings with servant hearts - a day without chores as a gift of love to me

188: family traditions bringing back many memories of old

190: Daddy who comes home cheerful and makes us all laugh

191: clean rooms just vacuumed

192: Adonai - my Great Lord

198: Titus phrases that make us all laugh loud "eliminate the house!"

the life I have been given - a thankful thursday -

168: dishwater to make hands warm
171: warm fires to chase away chill-bumps
172: encouraging song today: Sun & Moon by Phil Wickham

Sun & Moon
-phil wickham--

if You are the sun
then I wanna be the moon
I wanna reflect the light that shines from You

173: the life I have been given & another year to live--today is my birthday ;)
179: newly made beds to slip under heavy covers - a weight of warmth
180: Christmas lights warm and cheery =)




181: El Shaddai - Almighty God
182: fresh snow to make world newly beautiful

entering in iLove winter wonderland

Have a wonderful evening, friends!

Love in Christ,

the only thing - a thankful thursday -

86: sitting on the roof to catch the last of the sun's warm rays
before they dip behind the mountain dark

87: encouraging worship music that speaks to the heart
(the only thing by ronnie freeman)

92: vanilla caramel candles + tea + Christmas music + drawing

100: the joy and peace that comes with being in God's word
and obeying His will

105: tears washing down newness

112: hands open wide -- in praise




129: sleep - refreshing, restoring, & rejuvenating

141: glorious light to capture with my lens

157: a houseful of friends, laughter, and good food - hospitality

The Only Thing
--ronnie freeman--

I heard someone say
The other day
They'd seen in me
True love displayed
Blessed by something
I had done for them
No sooner
Did they speak those words
I found myself
Somehow disturbed
Uneasy as I took their compliment
Because I know
The heart inside this man
And I know the truth of who I am

The only thing that's good in me
I know me well enough to know
No matter what this life may show
The only thing that's good in me
Is Jesus
Jesus
It's You
It's You
It's You
Only You

In Christ,

ten-thousand reasons for my heart to find

A song that has been stuck in my head the past couple days. =)

10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
--matt redman--

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing Your praise unending
Ten thousand years and then forevermore

Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
Lord, I'll worship Your holy name

Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Jesus, I'll worship Your holy name
I'll worship Your holy name

In Christ,

My Constant despite the changes

Right now it feels like everything in my life is changing. Nothing is how it once was. 

My daddy has a new job. He has to commute 6-8 hours away one way. He is only home on weekends.

My family switched churches. Everything is so different. The people, the services, what I do, the whole atmosphere.

My dance studio closed. The flooding from Lee was so bad. The teachers still want to teach, but don't have a building. We will have to use another studio's rooms. Classes still haven't started. It is going to take twice as long to get there.

My life changed from camp to coming home. Camp is its own little world up there on the mountain top. Coming back home has been such a change. 

It seems like everything in my life has changed this past year--my life at home, at church, at dance, everywhere.

Yet I have a constant.
 

Your commands ... are my constant guide.

-Psalm 119:98

Right now it may feel like everything is changing and there is nothing to cling to. Wrong. I can cling to HIM.

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey His 

commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. 

-Deuteronomy 13:4

 He is always faithful and constant. 

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He 

is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand 

generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey His commands. 

-Deuteronomy 7:9

I will trust Him.

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

-Psalm 13:5

I think back to this guest post by Nana.

He's Always Been Faithful

Sara Groves

It is not about me--it is about Him. --something I learned at camp this summer.
He is using this time to grow me, it may not be comfortable(in fact it is not at all!), but He has my best in mind.



And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
-Romans 8:28

I will trust Him. 

In Christ's unfailing love,

A hallelujah...

I walked outside onto the deck as I slammed the screen door behind me. Sigh. What a very unproductive day. I had been such a grouch. I set my Bible, notebook, and pen down on the table, thud.
Just then, I happened to glance up at the sky...this is what I saw

A small snatch of the sunset. I wanted more. I wanted to see the whole picture.

Leaving my books where they were on the table I raced up the mountain clutching the camera close. Hoping I wasn't too late to get a glimpse of the big picture. Breathless, I staggered to the top. Barely able to hold the camera still enough to take a photo, unblurred, in the fading light. 

The sky was on fire with God's glory. Radiating it to all who cared to stop and notice. To all who care to stop. and notice. and praise!
At camp it seemed so easy to do that. I was outside all day every day and I was able to notice and praise God for who He is. Yet, at home it is so much harder. I am stuck inside with school, chores, more school, and I don't take the time to appreciate God's glory. I have no excuse. I am called to praise Him. It doesn't matter that I have a history assignment due. That I am not caught up in German. I am called to praise
"God doesn't ask me to be perfect; He asks me to Praise." --Ann Voskamp
The sunset reminded me of this song:

What can I do?
by Paul Baloche

When I see the beauty of a sunset's glory,
Amazing artistry across the evening sky
When I feel the mystery of a distant galaxy
It awes and humbles me to be loved
By a God so high

What can I do but thank You,
What can I do but give my life to You
Hallelujah, hallelujah
What can I do but praise You,
Everyday make everything I do

A hallelujah, a hallelujah, hallelujah

When I hear the story of a God of mercy
Who shared humanity and suffered by our side
Of the cross they nailed You to, that could not hold You
Now You're making all things new by the power
Of Your risen life

fifteen: small glimpses of sunsets, magnificent. --Like the small snatches we are able to see of God's glory!

A song. A quote. A picture.

A song.

Show Me What it Means
by Meredith Andrews

So show me what it means
What it means
To take up my cross
And count it all as lost
All for the sake
Of knowing You
To love my enemies
And care for those in need
Show me what it means
To follow You

A quote.

"One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime." — Elizabeth Elliot

A picture.

What Christ has done...

"You can't live for God until you learn how to live because of God. And you can't go and make good choices for God until you understand the gospel that says the choices you make don't make you who are, what Christ has done for you makes you who you are." -Mike Donehey

You Are More
by Tenth Avenue North

You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

'Cause this is not about what you've done,
But what's been done for you.
This is not about where you've been,
But where your brokenness brings you to
This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

Perspective

Perspective [per-spek-tiv] -noun
1. a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance
2. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc.
3. the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship
4. a mental view or prospect

So often my perspective in life is small and only focused on what is right in front of me.




As a detail oriented person I often fail to look up and see the big picture. The big picture is so much more beautiful and meaningful.




Being a detailed person isn't all bad. It is all the small details that make up the big picture. But I need to learn to step back and look at the bigger picture outside of my own little world.

My Own Little World
by Matthew West

In my own little world it hardly ever rains
I've never gone hungry and always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket shoes on my feet
In my own little world
Population me

I try to stay awake through the Sunday morning church
I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give 'til it hurts
and I turn off the news when I don't like what I see
it's easy to do when it's
population me

What if there's a bigger picture
what if I'm missing out
What if there's a greater purpose
I could be living right now
outside my own little world

Stopped at the red light, looked out my window
Outside the car, saw a sign, said "Help this homeless widow"
Just above this sign was the face of a human
I thought to myself, "God, what have I been doing?"

So I rolled down my window and I looked her in the eye
Oh how many times have I just passed her by
I gave her some money then I drove on through
in my own little world there's
Population two

What if there's a bigger picture
what if I'm missing out
What if there's a greater purpose
I could be living right now
outside my own little world

Start breaking my heart for what breaks Yours
give me open hands and open doors
put Your light in my eyes and let me see
that my own little world is not about me

In Christ,

Before the Morning

Do you wonder why you have to,
feel the things that hurt you,
if there's a God who loves you,
where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you can't see
and all those things are happening
to bring a better ending
some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning

My friend, you know how this all ends
and you know where you're going,
you just don't know how you get there
so just say a prayer.
and hold on, cause there's good who love God,
life is not a snapshot, it might take a little time,
but you'll see the bigger picture

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

so hold on, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning
yeah, yeah,
before the morning,
yeah, yeah

Once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
once you feel the way of glory,
all your pain will fade to memory
memory, memory, yeah

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

Would dare you, would you dare, to believe,
that you still have a reason to sing,
'cause the pain you've been feeling,
can't compare to the joy that's coming

com'n, you got to wait for the light
press on, just fight the good fight
because the pain you've been feeling,
it's just the hurt before the healing
the pain you've been feeling,
just the dark before the morning
before the morning, yeah, yeah
before the morning

Before the Morningby Josh Wilson


This song played on the radio and it caught my attention--during the night it seems like the light of morning will never come but it always does.

P.S. Head over to Abby's giveaway where you could win a new blog design from me!

In Christ,

The Hope of Easter

Yes, it is Veggie Tales. =) It has such truth though.

There's a story that started on Christmas
When a baby was born in the night
And those who came far, who followed the star
Were seeing a heavenly sight ...
a heavenly sight.

Well the years hurried by, and the boy, now a man
Could make the blind see with a touch of his hand
He was born to be King -- he was Rabbi and Priest
But the best that he had, he gave to the least ...
He gave to the least.

He was born and he died, almost 2,000 years ago
He laughed and he cried, he felt all the fears we know
But what does it matter? A story so strange ...
Even if it is true, what does it change?
What does it change?

Well he spoke like a prophet -- like no one they'd heard
This simple young carpenter -- crowds hung on every word
He hated injustice -- He taught what is right
He said “I'm the way, and the truth, and the light.”

His friends soon believed that truly he was the one.
The Savior, Messiah, God's one and only son.
But others, they doubted, they did not agree
So they took him, they tried him,
He died on a tree ...
He died on a tree.

God has made a way
for all who mourn and grieve
Death will never be the end
if you just believe.

There is nothing left to fear
nothing Heaven knows
For he died for us to give us life
and to give us hope He rose
He died for us to give us life
And to give us hope He rose.

The hope of Easter is that:

Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter!
In Christ,

Convicting is...

Convict \kən-ˈvikt\
-verb
1: to find or prove to be guilty
2: to convince of error or sinfulness

This article by Leslie Ludy. Go [here] and then skip to page 8 and read. Now. 

Then come back and tell me if it was convicting to you too. I'm serious, go read that before you read any more here.

I'm so terribly guilty. Especially because I know in my head that I need to change yet when it comes to my life, nothing is changing. *sigh*

If you found that convicting, maybe you'll also find these encouraging like I did.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

There is a way out. I can overcome this temptation. I won't be tempted beyond what I can stand up under. God is faithful!

Only Yours
by Meredith Andrews

Undivided, strip everything else away,
Burn the idols, the things in my life that have replaced You,
I lay my life down here on Your alter,
Empty my hands of all I've been holding back

Take everything I have, only to be Yours, Lord, Yours Lord, take it from my hands until I'm holding on to only You.

Captivated, You've stolen my heart away,
I've been liberated, the chains of this world forever broken, You laid Your life down,
Now I surrender, lifting my hands,
I'm holding nothing back

So take everything I have, only to be Yours, Lord, Yours Lord, take it from my hands until I'm holding on to only You.

For every need I want is found in You,
every breath in me a gift from You,
I have nothing here apart from You,
I am Yours Lord, only Yours

Take everything I have, only to be Yours, Lord, Yours Lord, take it from my hands until I'm holding on to only You.

Take everything I have, only to be Yours, Lord, Yours Lord, take it from my hands until I'm holding on to only You.

What is convicting to you? You don't have to share, just think about it and then don't neglect to act on it.

In Christ,

Saturday err Sunday's Scrawls - 4 -

1. I was awarded! Twice.

Eve over at Preparing for Battle: The thoughts and ramblings of one of His swordmaidens. tagged me with the Stylish Blogger award.  Rebecca over at Living for Christ: In all I do I'll honor Him tagged me with the Versatile Blogger award. Thanks so much girls!
Here are seven random somethings about myself...

2. Something I find hysterical.

Peanutopolis \pE-nut-ä-pu-lis\ (noun). A state of mind making you feel very strong and powerful, almost mayor-like.

hahaha!!! That's what my snickers wrapper just said... haha! =P just a bit hysterical!!

3. Something I just realized recently.

I can sing the Sixteen going on Seventeen song from The Sound of Music. How is that even possible?! Leisl seems so much older than I am for some reason...or else I just don't feel quite that old. =P

4. Something I just listened to.

Healer
by Kari Jobe

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You

5. Something I love to drink.

Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade. Best. ever. --that you can make at home that is. Chick-fil-a lemonade beats everything, but they aren't around where I live. tear. =,(

6. Something I long for.

Days like [this]

when I could go barefoot without having my toes turn purple.

Days of painted toenails, warm sunshine & laughter, soft breezes, sweet smoothies, cheerful flowers, ...I'm digressing...
Although, after snow flurries all this past week, I'm so very grateful for a sunny day in the 50's. =D

7. Something that made my week.

Getting a belated birthday present from a wonderful friend. Four months belated. That's AWESOME.

8. Something I've accomplished.

This is my 51st post on this blog. Yup. I've posted 50 posts! =P

9. Something I require.

Anyone who also longs for sumer days may take the Versatile Blogger Award and do the tag.
Anyone who found the Peanutopolis definition absolutely hysterical  may take the Stylish Blogger Award and do the tag.
 (If you do either or both tag(s), let me know by commenting! I'd love to read your answers.)

The supposed rules:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award.
2. Write seven things about yourself.
3. Pass on to seven other bloggers.
4. Tell the seven awardees of their award!
5. Be creative and have fun. (yes, I added this one. =P)

Have a wonderful weekend!

In Christ,

Little Things

I love this song.

Little Things
by JJ Heller


There are not enough minutes in the day
I am crippled by the thought of wasting time
I don’t have enough money to heal the poor
So I don’t want to try

But it’s the little things that make a difference
It’s the little things that show love
It’s the little things

A simple cup of water that can change the world
That can save our sons and daughters

I’ll be praying for the widow all alone
Sewing clothes for a loaf of bread
It is not my fault that she is hungry
It’s my joy to make sure she’s fed

We are all related, children of the King
We may not have much, but what we have we bring

What's one of your favorite songs that is so true?

Have a marvelous day evening.

In Christ,

Beautiful is...

Beautiful \ˈbyü-ti-fəl\ 
–adjective
1. having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind
2. excellent of its kind
3. wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying.

- a smile that brightens a rainy day

- this song
 

- a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4) 

-God's creation

SOOC

- forgiveness

- love like this:

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." --Romans 5:8

- laughter


What is beautiful to you?

Love in Christ,

Joy

Joy.  Something we all want/desire/long for in our lives. What is joy, anyways?
This is Merriam-Webster's definition:

Joy noun \ˈjȯi\
1: a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight
    b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3: a source or cause of delight

Well, okay. That's a fairly good definition.
However, I like to think of joy as this:

Joy: the sacrifice of praise

Why ever would you define joy as that, you ask? Well, let me explain...but bear with me as I go back to the beginning...

So a couple of weeks ago the toaster oven quit working.  Well, that is to say that the 'toast' button quit working.  It still works if you use the oven settings.
The ice maker in the freezer quit working also.  The freezer still works, it just doesn't make ice cubes anymore.
Then two nights ago the microwave broke.  As in it doesn't run the microwave part.  The light still works, the buttons all work, and the fan works.  (just let me tell you that the past couple meals have been very interesting, preparation wise, without the microwave =P)

not my image

Now some of my family members reacted to this by focusing on all the negative aspects. "The toaster oven's 'toast' button doesn't work, the freezer won't make ice, the microwave doesn't heat up food!"


Others responded by focusing on the positive. "We can still make toast by just using the oven settings.  Who needs ice in winter anyhow? Just go grab an icicle outside...or use the ice cube trays. We can still use the stove top. What did people do before microwaves were invented anyhow? Hey look! The fridge, dishwasher, oven, stove top, and freezer all work!" 




You see, some of us were looking at the situation as a half-empty glass of water. While the rest were looking at the same situation but saw that the glass was half-full.

Joy--true joy--is when we stop. and praise God no matter what is going on in our lives.

In Philippians 4:4, Paul commands that we "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again -- rejoice!"
Yet how often do I slip into complaining instead of being grateful and rejoicing in what I have been given.  I know that I can't rejoice in every situation, I need God's help.  But oh, He is faithful and will help me in any and every situation I come across in life if I ask Him.

That is something I've really been challenged with lately and I thought I'd share. (and not just with the kitchen appliances either =P that was just the first illustration that came to mind)

I've found that going through my writing in and reading back through my 'blessings journal' (basically a journal where I write down all the things I'm thankful for--I got the idea from [here]) really helps me keep the mindset that my glass of life is half-full. =)

Another thing that encourages me is reading The Choice by Max Lucado.  You can read my post on it [here] to read it. =)

This song by Chris Tomlin is one that comes immediately to my mind when I think of joy:

Joy, unspeakable joy
An overflowing well,
no tongue can tell
Joy, unspeakable joy
Rises in my soul,
never lets me go


you can skip to 1:42 or 2:52 for this section

This definition was so much on my mind that I even made a Polyvore set to go with it. =P hehe!

Joy by ~EmilyGrace 

Those are my thoughts on joy. What are your thoughts, dear friends? I'd love to know!


Love in Christ,

Saturday's Scrawls 2

1.) I came across this quote and love it:

""Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it." --C.S. Lewis

Pretty profound, huh? (he just told the truth! =P)

2.) My photo made it in the top five for Allie's Happy Monday photography challenge! =D

(you can go [here] to see the other finalists and vote for your favorite)

3.) Polyvore is just way too much fun =D


4.) A favorite verse of mine this week:

5.) I've got a fun new spring design for my photography blog in store--but not for this blog. =( So we'll just have to deal with the winter theme for a while more. (after all it is still snowing outside anyhow...)

sneak peak at the spring-y colors!

6.) I'd better get back to finishing up school--I'm rather behind this week....yuck.

7.) Oh and a special welcome to all the newest followers! =D

Love in Christ,

A Recipe - Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c. butter

1 c. creamy peanut butter

1 c. sugar

1 c. packed b. sugar

3 eggs

1 t. vanilla extract

3 c. flour

2 t. b. soda

1/4 t. salt

Filling:

1/2 c. creamy peanut butter

3 c. powdered sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

5-6 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1.)  In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, peanut butter, and sugars.  Add eggs. one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Add vanilla.  Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well.  

2.)  Shape into 1-in. balls and place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.  Flatten to 3/8-in. thickness with fork.  Bake at 375 for 7-8min or until golden.  Remove to wire racks to cool. 

3.)  For filling, in  a large bowl beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency.(I ended up using more milk than it suggested)  Spread on half of the cookies and top each with another cookie. 

This is a unique twist on a traditional peanut butter cookie.  The filling keeps the cookies nice and moist if you have soft cookies. It also adds a bit of soft texture if your cookies are more on the crunchy side(if you well-bake your cookies =P ).

I would suggest spreading the frosting more on the thin side--otherwise it makes the sandwich overpoweringly sweet(my opinion).

I'm entering the recipe in this contest.  Head on over to see other recipes and enter your own!

While you're baking, go ahead and listen to this powerful song by Chris Tomlin.

Our God
Water You turned into wine
Opened the eyes of the blind
There's no one like You
None like You

Into the darkness, You shine
Out of the ashes, we rise
There's no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God, You are higher than any other
Our God is healer, awesome in power
Our God, our God

And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
And if our God is for us then who could ever stop us,
And if our God is with us then what could stand against?
Then what could stand against?

Love in Christ,