March Books

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The Flame Alphabet by Ben Marcus (Words [particularly of kids] begin slowly killing people. Not as good as I was expecting - more on survival than anything)
9 Critical Mistakes Most Couples Make by Dr. David Hawkins
Entwined by Heather Dixon (based on the Twelve Princesses story, thrilling and warm fuzzies)
Love Life for Every Married Couple by Ed Wheat M.D. and Gloria Okes Perkins (good, but very focused on what to do when things go wrong [want to be separated or adultery])
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (sequel to Delirium, both fun, kinda like Hunger Games, but with more love story, and well, no battles, but a similar feel to me)
Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James (I love P&P too much to fully enjoy this one)
A Wife After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George (There were 12 points, and I feel like this one worked on focusing your priorities - it was one I could re-read every few years)
The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey (a fun twist on Jane Eyre :) I recommend)

8 books :)

(Year total: 29)

Friday!

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Last night I was convicted. I spent a good portion of the day not overly caring about work, frustrated with girlie-time of the month, planning out a pampered night to make myself feel better - all the while being aware that I was feeling sassy/grumpy. Even on the way home, I sought out gratifying songs that suited my mood. It wasn't until I got home and read the devotional (strategically placed in the bathroom), that I realized how selfish my mood was. I was reminded that I was here to glorify God, to help my husband, to be responsible, all the while still thankful and joyful. I regained a focus, and we had a great evening and I still got opportunities to unwind. But, I feel much more aware today of what I'm doing today. 

It's Friday! Hubby is going to VA to play Ultimate, and so I have my list of projects, and friend to distract :), and our pups to play with. I think it'll go fast but be nice! I'm thankful for 195 days of marriage :)

His

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Rejoice! 
In a book I just finished, there was a neat little acronym.

C-hrist, God in flesh, gave His life (Philippians 2:8) as a
R-ansom, a payment, for our sins (Matthew 20:28),
O-ffering up His life as a sinless sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14),
S-uffering unto death (Hebrews 12:2) to secure our
S-alvation from sin and death (Colossians 2:13-14).

Mid-week

 

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Happy mid-week! Last night we got Dash cut (he looks so cute and I love being able to see his brown/green eyes). Apparently both our boys are well-tempered when they're getting groomed. I'm very happy to hear that! We cooked walnut-encrusted chicken (my first attempt at breading something) and roasted broccoli. I got to use a cast-iron roasting dish that was a wedding gift for the first time :) We also made bread and went for a run. All round a good evening! Tonight we have Bible Study dinner, and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone (and figuring out what our next study should be - any suggestions?)!

Quite Wonderful

 

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One of my recent missions was to go through all of my cds. I have several that I hardly ever listen to, ones that were too scratched to play, or some that I only really liked one song on. I have only a few left, and I feel accomplished to have another little corner more organized. It's the little things :)

 

March Monday :)

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Happy Monday! Great weekend :) Fun meeting people, NC State almost won, we had Mickey waffles, shopping, and burritos watching Hunger Games, sermon on Gentleness, cooked halibut baked in a bag with quinoa, and had a date night to Sweet Frog (frozen yogurt). Great weekend! J has a very weird work week, but I look forward to working through it and getting to see him when I can (even if he's sleeping).

Weee (kend)

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This weekend should be a good one :) We have a bonfire/cookout thing tonight with new friends, we are having our first house guest :), and there will be shopping, Hunger Games (hopefully), and fun! 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. —Colossians 3:15 

Welcome Spring

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Looking forward to family dinner tonight! The weather change is nice, even if it does come with pollen :)
It can be hard to forgive and trust, or admit you're wrong. I still feel very aware for Sunday sermon, on how we fill the gap between our expectations and our experiences. I find that I get frustrated, feel cheated or hurt, but I fully want to work on giving grace and benefit of the doubt. I know people don't mean to not answer the phone or not follow through on a project I'm responsible for. I'm still working on my reactions :)

be true

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Last night was great, getting to visit and cook/eat "drunk" sausage and bean stew with sweet potato fries. (After a break, in which we get to enjoy what others' prepare, we'll resume our cooking Saturday or Sunday). Although, through my catching up and with reflection, I've decided to try to take a "complaining purge" again. When you're tired or stressed and talk about what makes you tired or stress, well, it doesn't get any better. But if you focus on the light, you become filled with it. Feel free to keep me accountable in a loving way :)  

1st Day of Spring

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Happy first day of Spring! We found out yesterday that Dash is definitely afraid of thunder, which is understandable, especially with his fear of rolling trashcans. Last night was night one of seven recipes that J and I shopped for on Sunday night. It was Cheesy Shrimp with Roasted Tomato Quinoa. It turned out good! and took about 45 minutes to make. Tonight, we have my maid of honor joining us. I'm so excited to see her! She's moved about 2 hours away and I'm looking forward to a visit. Happy Spring! I hope the weather moves to more lamb, less lion (March comes in like a lion, out like lamb). 

2nd Blogiversary

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My blog was 2 years old on yesterday. I credit my then boyfriend and now husband in inspiring me to go for something I wanted to do, to express, to share, to touch, to stretch, and to love. It's not what I expected it would be, but what really ever is? :)

Supposed to be

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I miss the weekend already! We had great couple time, we played a really fun board game, A Ticket to Ride, at Brian and Debbie's, and got gardening (a blueberry bush!) and grocery store shopping done on Sunday. Our sermon was on Faithfulness, and how important it is that we fill the gap between our expectations and what we actually experience (in regards to others) with love and generous explanations. It's not always easy.  I'm hoping my hubby is enjoying hanging out with his friend today, and I'm looking forward to getting home, cooking, and a relaxing evening. :)

St. Patrick's weekend

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Here's to a charming weekend! It's so fun having an Irish last night on St. Patricks day :) We'll be going green this weekend, celebrating with a family night tomorrow, celebrating our half year tomorrow :), and Happy Birthday to my sister-in-love today :)

6

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It's been so fun to be involved in a Bible Study, and to be learning about how to have the marriage God wants for us. I've been able to read some marriage books, and learn more that way. The best way to learn, apparently, is through experience :) I'm so thankful to be married to a gentle, patient, caring, dignified man. It'll be six months on Saturday :) 

Whimsy Wednesday

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Dash seems to be recovering well, and we had a pleasant evening :) I've recently developed a new habit without really meaning to. When I start getting bored or bitter or something like that at work, I start day dreaming - I might still be doing something work related, but it distracts me enough to help keep me happy. I'm thankful for one of the verses on my wall:

whatever is true, 

whatever is honorable, 

whatever is just, 

whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, 

whatever is commendable, 

if there is any excellence, 

if there is anything worthy of praise, 

think about these things. 

-Phil. 4:18  

Enjoy life

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Last night I tried making my first cream sauce to go with pasta. I added bacon, spinach and corn, lots of pepper and Parmesan and it was.. okay. I think angel hair wasn't the best choice, but it was all we had :) It was still fun to try! Today Dash went in for his big day - getting fixed. I felt so bad from him when we had to separate him and Sully during for meal time this morning and late last night. I'm praying he won't be too confused or in pain, and that he likes J and me afterwards :) 

We had a sermon on Sunday about goodness. It's more than what's right or wrong (that's morality). It's more than following rules. It's caring for the people near and around you (1 John 4:19-20). After hearing that and watching the KONY video the other day as well, I've been trying think about how I treat and show acts of love to my husband, friends, family, coworkers, and others I come in contact with. There is a lot I want to work on, including initiating time with girlfriends (and sisters) [so not good at this - more the type that is nearly always willing, but doesn't ask], keeping close to God (through focus, time, and continuing to learn verses), and follow that small voice to be in situations He can use. I know life, jobs, etc. aren't always easy, and they aren't necessarily meant to be, but I do want to be in a place of growth. Okay, end ramble :)