Faith like...me?

I have been struggling this summer with some very personal struggles. Most include some people in my life I'm having to deal with. It's a tough and messy situation that has gone from bad to worse very quickly. I have been struggling with how to handle it in a christian manner but also not being a "doormat for the devil". I have tried the whole keep my distance and keep my mouth shut, but for some strange reason that fueled the fire even harder.

A good friend of mine told me I was thinking about the situation too much & letting it get the best of me. I realized that I was spending every moment of my day thinking and worrying about this. (And yes, I realize writing this is making me think of it). I realized I was letting this situation come between me and my husband, me and my whole life....but most importantly me & GOD. I have given him my problems and I refuse to think another thought about it.


So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 5

ABC..easy as 1,2,3

Today was Carson's first day of Kindergarten & Bryson's first day of First Grade. Here is a picture of my two BIG boys! I cant believe they have grown up so quickly. Dont blink mommas, your babies will be grown in NO time!!



**Yes, Carson makes cheesy silly faces in every picture!!**

Happy Birthday to my Sweet 5 year old!!

It seems like just yesterday you were born. You are the "baby" and always will be. We love you so much Carson & you have brought more joy than we could ever imagine to our family.


HAPPY 5th Birthday!

Forget the Diet..Baked Potato Casserole

Yummy!!! This can be made ahead, so its a favorite for working people! (My family omits the green onion!)

•5 pounds Red Potatoes, Cut Into 1 Inch Pieces
•1 pound Bacon, Cooked & Crumbled
•4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
•1 cup Green Onions, Sliced
•1 cup Mayonnaise
•1 cup Sour Cream
•1 teaspoon Salt
•½ teaspoons Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions
Peel, cube and cook potatoes until just tender. Drain and place in a large bowl to cool slightly if making the casserole right away. If you are going to make this to reheat later, let the potaotes cool thoroughly. Combine the remaining ingredients and mix into the potatoes. Transfer to a 4-1/2 quart baking dish. Bake, uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes at 325°F or until browned and heated through. Add 15 minutes to the cooking time if the casserole has been refrigerated.

Isnt it amazing??

Isnt it amazing to think back to a year ago. Where were you? What were you doing? Were you happy? Sad? Ready to give up? Who were your friends?

I sat in bed, unable to sleep last night..thinking of these things.

I am truly blessed. I thought of all the changes that have taken place in me in the last year.

**I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, now I have 3 semesters of school behind me! And on the track to be a teacher.

** This time last summer I was lonely, I have very few friends I could call *friends*. Now I have met so many true friends. They are all such blessings to me and I am thankful for each of them.

**We found a great little house that we love. We were in a terrible rental situation and now we have somewhere that feels like home.

**We were without a church home. We found a wonderful match for us and love the people that go there, the music, the messages..all of it! It has inspired me to really grow in my Christian walk.

I am thankful for a wonderful loving husband, two awesome little boys who are quickly growing to be young men and for an amazing God who is more than I could ever deserve.

Women..Mothers and Wives..

"For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh." Genesis 2:24


My husband is the baby of two sons in a family. I am the woman who "took" him away from his mother. It has been a rough transition.I believe this is one the hardest transitions in life. It is so important to realize that God has ordained that this transition take place, as the verse above states. It is one of the pillars that makes a house a home and a family secure, but it is difficult.

Women have such a power of influence. It is a strength that God has given us and we can use it for good or for evil. When there is a mother and a wife in a man's life, the wife is to be the dominant influence. As a wife, I know this has been important to my marriage. But as a mother, I cringe at the thought of letting go of my sons one day. Thank goodness, at the ages of 6 and almost5 I still have a while!

I hope that when my children are ready to leave the nest and find the woman they will spend the rest of my life with, that I will look for the good in them and be an encouragement to them. I relize that when a man leaves his parents that he and his wife are now one and they will have a family. And that will be his top priority, after God. It doesnt matter if they come to every family dinner, every family function, or even call me every day..he is with his family. I hope that I cant put my needy-ness to have control over his life aside..and realize he has done a good job. He has a wife who loves him dearly, he is raising a beautiful family and provides for them wonderfully. But most importantly I will know that we serve the same God and he is the best father, provider and friend we could ever have.

And that I know will give me the peace I need..to let go.

Coconut-Lime Bars

•1 cup Butter
•1-¾ cup Flour
•⅔ cups Powdered Sugar
•¼ cups Shredded Coconut
•¼ cups Chopped Pecans
•1-½ cup Sugar
•¼ cups Flour
•1 teaspoon Baking Powder
•4 whole Eggs, Slightly Beaten
•½ cups Lime Juice
•2 tablespoons Extra Coconut For Garnish On Top
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and flour a 9 X 13 pan

To make crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioner’s sugar. Cut in butter until combined and crumbly. Add in pecans and coconut. Press mixture into bottom of pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

To make topping:
While crust is baking, prepare topping.. In a larger bowl, add sugar, flour, and baking powder. Then add slightly beaten eggs and lime juice. Mix well and pour on top of warm baked crust. Bake for 20-25 minutes. When cool, dust with confectioner’s sugar and refrigerate.

Optional: Put 2 Tablespoons coconut on baking sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle over top.

Cut into bars and chill! Best served cold!