"She works with her hands in delight" Proverbs 31:13

Proverbs 2

               

"...incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you,

To deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things,

From those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness;

Who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked,

Whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths;

To deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, who forgets the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of he God.

For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life-

So you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness.

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;

But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it."

Isn't this a great chapter? It is a wonderful reminder to me of how God promises to bless those who steadfastly fear Him and who commit their lives to revolve around His Truth and righteousness alone. It is very hard not to be sucked in to the filth and wickedness that surrounds us on a daily basis in such a world full of darkness and sin. To be pulled toward worldly ideals, immorality, carnal music, the filthiness of our society, etc. It is even harder to stand alone as a light for Christ in such a world...to have convictions and beliefs that are not necessarily "popular" in the worlds eyes. :)

I find this passage very encouraging because we are told that if we continue to seek God's wisdom...if we are faithful to wrap our lives around His Truth and look at life through His eyes instead of our own...He promises to be a "shield to those who walk uprightly". He promises to preserve our way, to guide us, to give us discretion against wickedness. He promises to keep us, to deliver us from the way of evil...from darkness...from those who are perverse and those who rejoice in doing evil. From immorality...from those who follow the crooked path of their own sin...and from our own destruction. If we seek Him, He will protect us! :)

So should we shrink away from standing against the tide of humanism, feminism, the world's ideals, satan's lies, etc just because we are afraid of what might happen to us? Should we avoid modesty because it is unpopular? Should we be boisterous, foolish, and "loose" women because that is what a majority of women are today? Should we be quiet when those around us are doing what we know is wrong? We should not be afraid to stand for godly principles. Look at our sinful world through God's eyes using Scripture and just see what a dry spiritual desert we're living in. As Christians, our world needs to revolve around Christ...we need to be as bold as lions in righteousness for His glory. We cannot be afraid to stand for Truth. Instead of fearing the world, our focus needs to be on fearing the Lord. Always do what is right...especially if it's unpopular. ;) If we seek God's wisdom and understanding, He will deliver us from the hand of evil and continue to guide us on our path of uprightness for His glory.

I just thought I'd share what was on my heart today! :)

The blackberries are in!

           

We enjoyed such a beautiful morning! The blackberries bushes that are scattered all around our yard were ripe for the picking, so with basket in hand, I decided to gather just enough for a blackberry cake. Eric grabbed his Indiana Jones hat and offered to help me with the task!  

           

Eric was kind enough to take a picture for y'all as living proof that I am indeed...still on earth. :) As you can see, you have to really look for the blackberry bushes because they're intertwined with all manner of weeds and other plants. The berries this year are a lot smaller than they were last year for some reason! They are still good though...not too bitter. :)

           

Here is Ind...I mean Eric coming out of the bushes. He had his big boots on so he could reach the good bushes way in there. It sure was a pretty morning. It was so cool and quiet...except for the birds chirping and an occasional Buddy bark. :)

           

I think my basket is too big, what do y'all think? I only needed about a cup of blackberries for the recipe, so I figured I had enough to bake with. To the kitchen! 

           

Finished and all cooked-out. :) I found a great recipe off of Allrecipes.com, and I'm not really sure which one I used. :) Did I say I was back down to earth? Haha! Anyway they had hundreds of blackberry cake recipes if y'all want to try it sometime. We also have tons of zucchini from the garden, so I grated some and made two loaves of zucchini bread. I found that recipe off of Allrecipes.com too....again...I'm not exactly sure which one! There were so many! So I got a little baking out of my system this morning. :) The whole house smelled like cinnamon and nutmeg...it reminded me of Fall (my favorite).

Well next on today's agenda is to package up some of those books that sold on eBay. I didn't get a whole lot from the auctions, but we received the books for free to start with, so it isn't a big deal. Now I get to ship them...yay! I also have an apron that I need to cut out, so I may try to do that today also. Oh, and my room is currently an explosion! I have taken everything out of my hope chest. :) It's fun to go back through it and see what all you've collected over time. I'm going to make a list of all of the things that I do have...and then I may start another list for things that I need to keep an eye out for...at sales, yard sales, and such. I may do a post about my hope chest if y'all would like in the very near future. Right now though...I need to clean. :) Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Finally, a post!

Wow! I am actually writing a blog post. :) I hope y'all are all doing well! Today I have decided that I am going to officially explode from too much happiness. :) First of all, and most importantly, I am marrying the most wonderful man on the face of this earth! That is my main reason for my wanting to explode today. :) Secondly, I was surprised this afternoon with such a wonderful blessing...I can't hardly believe it!

Mom and I drove out this morning to help Mrs. Donahue, a dear friend from church, thoroughly clean the house that her family is moving out of. While cleaning (during which time I had Mom and Mrs. Donahue singing love songs...quite entertaining...I just casually kept vacuuming :), Mrs. Donahue asked me if I would be interested in taking a stainless-steel top kitchen cart that she didn't want and had tried to sell. Little did she know...I have always wanted one!!! I was thrilled to no end. :) It is absolutely beautiful, and I just still can't believe it! God has just overwhelmed me with blessings lately...I'm telling you...I'm going to explode! The two side flaps come out, and there are shelves in the right side of the cabinet, and a bottle rack in the other. I'm thinking about having Dad cut come wood shelves to lay on top of the bottle racks to make more shelves since we don't plan to use it for a wine rack. And it rolls! I cannot wait to start using it in our new home. :) Actually...I'm probably going to be using it up until then anyway! It is already set up in the kitchen. :) Thank you so much Mrs. Donahue! You don't know how much you have blessed me. :)

                

Speaking of blessings...a little while ago, we had our annual homeschool convention here in Richmond.  We were planning on going because we hadn't been in a couple of years, but unfortunately, we were unable to make it this year. Eli and Philip, however, did catch the tail-end of it on the last day. Let me tell you...the end of the convention is the time to go! The guys brought home tons of used books...that they had received for FREE! Since the convention was coming to a close, they were just giving them away! This week, I have been listing them on eBay just to see what I can get for them. I have put about half of them up for auction, a still have a few more to list. I think I may keep that Russian language course for myself though...that would be interesting!  Just kidding. :P

                    

In other news, I have made some potpourri for the first time! I took Peggyann's wonderful advice and laid my rose petals out on a plastic lid and set them in the hot car to dry. Thanks Peggyann! They dried up very quickly, and the color retained beautifully. I took my white roses, some petals from our red roses,  and my lavender and mixed them all together. The lavender is really potent! In the future, once the lavender smell fades, I think I'm going to purchase lavender oil and sprinkle some in the mixture. :) Now I just need to get some sachets...or make them somehow...to put the potpourri in. I wonder how you could make them? I'll have to do some research. :)

Well, this weekend I am going to look through my hope chest and get it organized. :) One thing I wish I could've done differently with my hope chest would be to have started collecting for it MUCH earlier than I did! Girls, start stocking up now...don't wait! :) I began to seriously collect for my hope chest like last year. :) I have quite a few things packed away, but I so wish I could've collected more for married life! So if any of y'all have a hope chest...I want to encourage you to fill it with keepsakes and other special things now. There is no time like the present. :) I'm keeping my eyes peeled now!! Hee hee. Maybe I'll do a hope chest post in the future...hmmm...

Well it's really dark and stormy now, so I had better get off of here! I just wanted to let y'all know that I am still alive...actually more alive now than ever! Haha! Do you see hearts and stars coming out of my head? Anwyway, you all have a blessed weekend, and continue to keep the Lord first in all that you do!

Lavender Picking

I would have to say that lavender is my favorite herb, and I have really enjoyed being able to grow it each year! This morning, Mom had found this great idea for lavender potpourri using dried lavender, white rose petals, and red rose petals. We have small red roses growing by our sidewalk in the front yard, plenty of lavender, and I will have some white rose petals when my flowers fade.  I thought I would go ahead and get my lavender drying and try this in the future!

I grabbed some scissors and a basket...and the camera (?) and cut down most of my lavender. I left some for the bumblebees since they were nice and didn't attack me while I stole their flowers. :)

 I have found another use for my ragamuffin garland. :) Hey, why not? I can't wait for the lavender to dry up. I actually  think lavender is prettier when it's dead because it turns a deep purple. :) My whole room smells like lavender now! That's one of my favorite smells...it's supposed to be very calming and relaxing. :)

 I was reading this morning about the meaning of flowers and discovered that lavender represents devotion. I have always wondered just who came up with all of the meanings for the different types of flowers. I think it's neat though. :)

Well, off to la-la-land! I'm going to be very calm and relaxed for the next week or so. :)

What is today?

         

Today my head is in the clouds, and I am absolutely worthless. :) Did I mention that I love beautiful flowers? Hee hee.  

          

I wanted to show y'all this because I thought it was so neat. :) Nan had found this picture frame for me and gave it to me yesterday. Notice what the bottom says! I thought that was so special since it is the title of our engagement post. :) Thank you Nan for the frame, and thanks Aunt for the books! Now...I must go make myself useful. ;) Eli is coming over tonight...I'll see if I can remember how to cook. :) "Earth to Alli...do you copy?" 

By the way...I am coming down off of Cloud 9 to respond to your lovely comments and e-mails very soon! Happy Friday!

A Day to Remember...

      

Saturday was truly a day that I will always remember. I look back and still can't believe that such a wonderful thing has happened to me. On this day, I was asked to join a special someone on an unexpected carriage ride through my favorite park in Richmond...

      

The ride through the park was lovely: the magnolia trees were blooming, tiny brooks were flowing steadily beside us, and a soft breeze gave much needed relief from the heat as we talked. I knew something was going to happen, but wasn't exactly sure when...

Our carriage ride came to a stop at the entrance of a beautiful Japanese garden. Eli and I spent quite a little while walking through the garden, talking about things to come and thinking about what has already been brought about. On a secluded path surrounded by bamboo and flowers, Eli beautifully asked me if I would be his wife...

          

On Saturday, June 14, 2008, The most beautiful ring was slipped onto my finger as I agreed to marry the man who has truly been the answer to all of my hopes and prayers. I knew that the Lord had my future husband already picked out for me...someone who I could come alongside and who could come alongside of me for His glory. I am overwhelmed still by God's goodness and still can't believe it has happened. :) I am so grateful that He has brought Eli and I together at last after knowing each other for more than ten years, and it has been such a blessing to be able to see His hand working faithfully throughout our lives. Eli, thank you for being everything that I had ever wanted or could ever want in a friend, a brother, and now as a future husband. I'm looking forward to what the Lord has willed for our future. :) And thank you for the ring...it's perfect... ;)

            

        

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

                    

To My Dad

You are a father

Who is loving and kind

And often you know

What I have on my mind :)

You are someone who listens,

Suggests, and defends.

You're there when I need you,

And I can count on you as my friend.

You are always supportive

In all that we do.

I am ever so grateful

To have a Dad like you.

Dad,  God has truly blessed my life in many ways, and one blessing that I treasure is having you as my Dad.  I love you ~Julie  ps- love the Elvis hair ;)

 

What have I done?

                       

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope y'all are eagerly anticipating the weekend as I am. ;) Today, Mom is feeling much better, and I am miraculously burn-free! :) 

We headed off to good ol' Wal*Mart for some grocery shopping this morning...always exciting! After getting home and unloading, I had to make tons of rice crispy treats for an Alert Cadet meeting we were holding tonight at our house (it's like Christian boyscouts in a way). I made six batches for Eric's friends and came to realize that melted marshmallows make you stick to practically everything. :) Well, we just received a phone call and found out that tonight's meeting was canceled because a lot of people couldn't make it! So we have to eat like 40 rice crispy treats before they go bad. :) Does anyone want some? Haha! I don't really care for them myself...probably because I made so many of them today. :) Oh well! Thankfully the boys like them!

                       

                      

Today I was also able to put the finishing touches on some skirts that I'm making for someone. I love the fabrics she chose for them! All I have left to do now is finish altering a colonial dress for a friend, and I have an Edwardian apron to make. I love sewing projects...but I don't like rice crispy treats. :) Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Fiddling Around...

Hi Everyone! I have a question...does anyone know how I can post a Playlist (music) on my sidebar? I tried to, but when I did my blog disappeared and scrunched up in my sidebar. :) For now, I have put my Playlist under "My Pages"  until I can figure it out. :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheel Cookies

           

A couple of days ago, I told Megan that I would make some Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheel cookies from her recipe blog, Country Girl Recipes, along with her and post about them when I made them. This morning I gave the recipe a try! I really enjoyed making them, and the recipe was very easy to follow with simple ingredients. Not to mention, they tast good. :) How can one go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter? I did have a hard time when it came to rolling the two layers together because my dough kept sticking to the counter. :) I just kind of scrunched it all together! It is a great recipe though! Oh, and I didn't have any brown sugar, so I cheated and used white sugar. :) That might be why my cookies turned out more flaky than smooth? This was such a great recipe, thanks so much Megan for sharing it! To see how Megan's cookies turned out, head on over to her recipe blog. You can find the actual recipe here.

Today I have become a nurse because Mom has caught some sort of stomach virus. She is currently bed-ridden. :( We're just resting here at home today while she's recovering. Poor Mom! I actually think I might need a nurse myself. :) While I was fixing Mom some hot tea just now, I seriously burned the fire out of my pinky and ring finger. Mainly my pinky. :) I'm so graceful in the kitchen! Owwww!!!! Have a wonderful Thursday Everyone...and go bake some cookies!

Ice! I need ice!!