Mr. & Mrs. Rutherford

Navy Blue - always Classic

Cutting the Cake

A Navy Blue Sandwich - Me, Rach, and Ashley

Mr. and Mrs. Rutherford

Miss Womack is now Mrs. Rutherford

Just a Celebrating

I really enjoy Celebrating Life with Friends. Life consists of many different facets - how enjoyable to be invited to a Couples Special Day to celebrate their New Life as One. I thought I would share a few pictures of those in attendance and most importantly the Bride and Groom.

Last Saturday December 11th, I had the honor of seeing two dear friends get married. Kelly Womack became Mrs. Rutherford and the Sanctification begins. I have such sweet memories of watching these two Date, watching Paul intentionally pursue Kelly, and watching them dig through scripture together. It really was an honor to be apart of Kelly's Community during this season in her life.

I have never laughed so much at a Wedding then I did at Kelly and Paul's. This couple is just so Funny, Fun to be around, and full of Joy - you just can't help to Laugh when you are around them. Paul shared his testimony and the Gospel which was beautiful and serious. There were lots of very personal moments for these two. And the ending was one of the best parts... the bride and groom, bridal party, and parents all left to the song "Magic"(which was hysterical and so them) -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq-NShfefks

Great Sermon

I listened to a great sermon yesterday by Tim Keller on God's Sovereignty and His Ultimate Control. Keller does an excellent job of really Expressing God's love for us via Romans 8:28-39 and Deuteronomy 7:7-9. He simply reminds us that God loves us Just Because He loves Us.

It is beautiful and I really encourage you to take the opportunity to listen to it. The link is: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-podcast/id352660924 - It is the First Sermon called "Does God Control Everything". And he quotes this article from the NY TIMES - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/science/02free.html

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,a whob have been called according to his purpose.  29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.  30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

 31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?  32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.  34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  36 As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”c

 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,d neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" - Romans 8:28-39

 "The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.  8 But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.  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" - Deuteronomy 7:7-9

Smitten by Lyrics

So I have been smitten for over a week now by the Lyrics of the song, "There is a Peace" by Sojourn Community Church. When I was in Louisville over Thanksgiving break, the Sojourn CD was on special - 4 CDs for $20 bucks - talk about a Steal. On my last day in Louisville I listened to them while I was in the Car, especially driving to the airport - this song got replayed.  Here are the lyrics below and the link to itunes - http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/before-the-throne/id268695583 Enjoy!

There is a Peace
Charlie Richardson 2006

Come, weary and tired, worn out from life
Step out of the shadows and walk into light
Come, sinner or saint, slave-man or free
Bring blessings and offerings, then you shall you see
Won’t you bring blessings and offerings, then you shall see

[Chorus]
There is a peace to settle your soul
There is a peace that is calling you home

You’ve been tempted and shaken, tested and failed
You’ve been so far from Jesus and too close to hell
Your vision’s been clouded by the world’s delight
But I tell you, you’re not of this world, so stand up and fight
He said you’re not of this world, so stand up and fight

There is a peace to settle your soul’
There is a peace that is calling you home
There is a peace, perfect and true
The Prince of Peace is calling for you

The Christmas Spirit

An Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your Kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus!!"

For many this time of year is consumed with Christmas shopping, hosting Christmas parties, Busy Busy Busy, and then finally focusing on the Birth and Death of our Savior Jesus Christ. I had a friend send me a great Advent Calendar to really focus my sights on Christ during this Season. I love the prayer above because it clearly demonstrates where are hearts are focused and where they need to be directed to.

The past few days I have been checking of my Christmas shopping list and helping out some of my family's with theirs. I really love the Christmas Spirit of Giving and could really care less about Giving. This year I have asked what people would want and have had people truthfully respond with specifics. I really love giving people something they need or want but wouldn't purchase for themselves. And I did a lot of online shopping this year. I can't wait for them to arrive... which as cheesy as it is.. really makes me think about all those who Awaited the Arrival of Christ to be Born. Just think about that kind of anticipation. So take time to ponder the anticipation.

the Famous Black Bean Spinach Lasagna

Black Bean Spinach Lasagna - Pure Lovely

Oh you maybe a Little scared by the combination if you haven't tasted this Creation. This Black Bean Lasagna Recipe is a Hit with both Women and Men - the flavor is Pure Lovely. I found this recipe in imagine this: Southern Living back in the Summer. My roommate Rachael is a vegetarian and I am always looking for household friendly recipes. Needless to say this Dish comes highly recommended and is asked for frequently at the Birchridge Drive Residence. Usually, when I host a dinner party I will cook this Lasagna as well as the Smith Family Recipe Lasagna (with Italian Sausage). The two dishes combined will serve 20 people easily.

Ingredients:

• 2  large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1  (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1  (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
• 1/4  cup  chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2  teaspoon  salt
• 4  cups  (16 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese with peppers, divided
• 2  (16-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1  (2-pound, 13-ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground cumin
• 9  precooked lasagna noodles
• Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation:

Stir together first 5 ingredients and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; set aside.
Mash beans with a potato masher or fork in a large bowl; stir in pasta sauce and cumin. Spread one-third of bean mixture on bottom of a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Layer with 3 noodles, half of spinach mixture, and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese; repeat layers. Spread with one-third bean mixture; top with remaining 3 noodles and remaining bean mixture.
Bake, covered, at 350° for 1 hour; uncover and top with remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. Garnish, if desired.

Thanksgiving in Kentucky

The Engaged Couple

Sisters... Sisters

Thanksgiving is undeniably my favorite Holiday. In reality its about breaking bread with those you Love, opening up your home in hospitality, and sharing your gifts with one another.  I love reflecting on the many Blessings I have to be grateful/thankful for.  Ultimately it should direct our Hearts to Praise the Lord for the many gifts and provision he has given us. As the Psalmist speaks in Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name" and Psalm 95:2, "Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!".  I am so grateful for my Savior, my Family, my dear friends, my health, my job, my home, and everything that I have (for ever good and perfect gift is from God).

This Thanksgiving I had the honor of spending it with the Smith's in Bowling Green, Kentucky at my Mammy's house. Hmm you may wonder how many people were present, let me just give you a list: Mammy, Jeff & Sallye (Dad & Mom),  Alyssa & Derrick, Aunt Mona & Uncle Danny, Gabrielle, Danielle, Greggory, Aunt Jane & Uncle Charles, Charlotte, Seth, John, Aunt Julie & Uncle Dale, Matt, Steven, Joey & Jenny, and Josh & Me. The food is always delicious and the day is pretty chill. I always enjoy getting to spend time with my family. I also got time to spend quality time with my Mammy on Saturday morning,  Mammy spoke a lot and I listened; I enjoy taking the opportunity to gain wisdom from her.

 1 Chronicles 16:34 says,"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." I enjoyed every minute of the weekend in Bowling Green. Calm, Chill, Easy, and lots of Fun. I have come to realize that leaving Kentucky to come back to Dallas seemingly gets a little more challenging each time. 

(A special thanks to my Aunt Mona for the pictures)

The Casabella's

Oh those Casabella's

Sawyer Elizabeth Casabella

I am purely Smitten with three things today: The Casabella Family, Miss Sawyer, and lastly my Friend Lang's photography. Check out: http://langthomasphotography.com/ for more enjoyment of all the three things I listed above. I have been eagerly waiting with anticipation the pictures you see posted away.

My best friends Alex and Clint had there first little girl on October 5th and I couldn't be happier to watch my friends enter into a new stage of their lives as parents. I have had the pleasure of being able to see them twice this past month, which makes me so sad to not live in close proximity and to have the opportunity to be present with Alex during this stage. But I will rejoice in the times I do get. Like this past Sunday night, Josh and I stopped by for a visit. Sweet Sawyer just rested on my lap and it was a joy to watch her sweet facial expressions. Check out Alex's blog to see the results: http://thecasabellas.blogspot.com/2010/11/happy-days.html

Lunch with Friends

A Cafe Brazil Lunch with Lindsey and Johnna

Mmmm... Coffee

Johnna and Lindsey

Another goal of my blog is to share little blurps about the people in my Life that just make me Smile; here is a taste of that. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving -  I was blessed to have Lunch with Johnna Elliot and Lindsey Brown. A little background on these women and how we all connect. I met Johnna my first Summer in Dallas and always loved my Conversations with her. They were always so Focused on God and just plain enjoyable. Johnna is truly a women who walks by Faith and not by sight, she is dependent on the Lord for her provision and protection.

This past July/August, I reconnected with Johnna she was attending the Watermark Starter Group that I was leading with the goal to meet a group of women to Lead in Community. That's where Miss Mississippi, Lindsey Brown came into the picture. Lindsey was in that group as well and now is in Community with Johnna. Lindsey's journey to Dallas reminds me a lot of my own and its been beautiful to watch her get connected to Watermark and trust the Lord as she waited on a Job and continue to make decisions according to the Lord's Word. I am thankful for my relationship with these two Women.

A Blooming Rose Bush = Patience

 

You may wonder why I am highlighting a rose bush at the end of November, welp because it has  bloomed again. I walked out on my patio before Thanksgiving break and was pleased to see several red blooms. I bought this rose bush in the Summer of 2009 for $10 at Home Depot without a single bud on it (risky investment haha). I would say this rose bush continues to test my patience as it's a perceptual process of blooming, losing all its leaves because of lack of water, and then restoration to producing fruit (blooms). This rose bush reminds me of the Lord's patience with His Children. 2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance". Our Lord is patient with us, he pursues a relationship with us, and he offers us the best gift ever - Salvation which we don't deserve. It also reminds me that this Rose Bush can not produce Fruit apart from the Vine, and that Vine needs to be Watered, it needs the Sun, and it needs pruning. Just another test and reminder that as a Child and Servant of the Lord, I must stay connected to the Vine. Like in John 15:5 we are reminded, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing'. So are you in Bloom this Fall.

Kentucky Bound

It's official I am headed back to the Bluegrass state for Thanksgiving at Home. The past two years I was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Texas Smiths. I am still amazed that I have officially been in Dallas since September 2008 (time has surely flown by). Happy Travels friends and family.

A Southern Staple - Corn Casserole

A Southern Staple

Are you in need of a Side Dish to take to Thanksgiving? I have the perfect dish for you. This is a "Hit" among my friends and family and it's such an easy dish to fix. You will not go home with leftovers of this Casserole. I believe that I have made this recipe thus far for Family Dinner, Easter with the Williams/Raydo Family, and the 4th of July Weekend at the Shaddock's. I found this Paul Dean recipe last spring and have slightly altered it as I saw fit. I choose to put most of the Cheddar Cheese in the dish verses on top because it created a creamier consistency, and I also found you can substitute buttermilk for sour cream making for a lighter option. I hope this dish becomes a favorite in your Household.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
• 1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix (recommended: Jiffy)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, cheddar cheese (save a little for the top) and melted butter. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.

Doug & Alexis are Engaged

So happy for Doug & Alexis

Doug Lantz and Alexis Young got engaged Saturday November 20th and I am so Happy for my Friends. I have really enjoyed watching their Love for each other over this past year. These two met in High School and reconnected Late Summer of 2009. It has been so precious to watch both of them press into the Lord as they have sought Him with the direction of their relationship.  I will never forget the look on Doug's face this past summer when he wanted to tell everyone that "He Loved Miss Alexis". For Doug has found a good thing and has decided to make Alexis his Wife. "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD" Proverbs 18:22. I got to have Lunch with Alexis today and she shared the whole story with me.

Oh Fall = Yummy Pumpkin Bread (P~Loaf)

Oh Fall, how I love the smell of Autumn air, warm cider, and anything Pumpkin (especially Pumpkin Spice Lattes). Fall is characterized by many colors and fragrant aromas that fill our senses. Recently, I took a trip to Lynchburg, VA with JMB and was captivated by the colors of fall as we ventured through Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia. It made me really miss the changing trees and the seasons that I miss out on in Texas, however it provided inspiration at making some Pumpkin Bread or P-Loaf as some crazy friend of mine calls it. So I figured that I would provide you with my recipe that I obtained a few years ago from a cookbook of my Gran's. The title of the Cookbook is "The Good Housekeeping All-American Cookbook" circa 1985.

Pumpkin Bread: Ingredients
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour         - 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 Cups sugar                     - 3 Brown Eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon  - 1 16 ounce can pumpkin
- 1 tsp. baking soda                   - 1 Cup canola oil
- 1 tsp. salt                                 - 1 Cup raisins or  chocolate chips
- 1 tsp. Ground Nutmeg             - 1/2 Cup walnuts, chopped
- 3/4 tsp. Ground Cloves
                          
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8 1/2" by 4 1/2" loaf pans. In large bowl, mix first 8 ingredients together.
2. In medium bowl with fork, beat eggs, pumpkin, and oil until blended; stir into flour mixture just until flour is moistened. Stir in rasisins or chocolate chips and walnuts. Spoon evenly into loaf pans.
3. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes clean. Cool in pans on rack 10 minutes; remove from pans; cool on rack.

Friday Evening with Maggie

Friday I was blessed to spend an Evening with Miss Maggie Trussell. I have had the honor of seeing her approximately once a Month since she was Born. It is amazing to watch her transition and grow; she is now 3 1/2 months old - full of laughter and smiles. The moments I am able to spend with her remind me even more of God's Sovereign Will and how He knit her together in her Mother's Womb. " I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know them full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, you eyes saw my unformed body. All the day ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be" Psalm 139:14-16

Miss Maggie - Photographed by her talented Mother

And I was even more delighted to host her parents, Hannah and Troy in my Home on Friday. I have such sweet memories of Hannah and our first months in Dallas together in the Fall of 2008. She really was the sweet answer to my prayers and just a glimpse of God's provision on my journey in Dallas. And it's been really enjoyable to walk besides Hannah as she went from footloose HP, 40 First Dates & the day Troy arrived to Mrs. Trussell and now into her new Role as Maggie's mother. Even though we live 3 hours apart, it's a Joy to be apart of her Life and Sustain our Friendship despite the distance. God is Good! I love you Trussell's so Much.

Hannah & Troy - October 24, 2009
 

$30 Tory Burch's

$30 Tory Burch Reva Flats 

Every other Wednesday,  I have the privilege of spending quality time with the coolest Junior in High School. Her name is Naomi and she loves Fashion, Design, and Art. The funny thing is I was adamant about getting paired with a Mentee who shared a similar passion with me. The girl who loves basketball just wasn't going to be the Best Match; God knew that Naomi and I would be the perfect Mentor/Mentee because of our shared passion. With that said, We usually venture down to the Bishops Arts District and talk about Life. This time I was captivated by a Vintage Shop. As we meandered through the store, I found a pair of gently used Silver Tory Burch Reva Flats for $30, which traditionally retailed for $220. And folks I was Smitten by the Little Find.

Definition of Smitten

Isn't the Word Smitten so much Fun. I am really enjoying the whole thought and really enamored by all the things I will start sharing that I am Smitten by. Let me the ponder the concept. I have a feeling that I will be Smitten by Fall Leaves, Smitten by Best Friends Babies, Smitten with a Loving Embrace, and totally Smitten by how God reveals His Beauty to me by His Creation. Until then Enjoy the many Definitions of Smitten..

Adj. 1. smitten - (used in combination) affected by something overwhelming; "conscience-smitten"; "awe-struck" struck, stricken combining form - a bound form used only in compounds; "`hemato-' is a combining form in words like `hematology'" affected - acted upon; influenced 2. smitten - marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness; "gaga over the rock group's new album"; "he was infatuated with her" enamored, in love, infatuated, potty, soft on, taken with loving - feeling or showing love and affection; "loving parents"; "loving glances"   Urban Dictionaries Definition of  Smitten:

1. smitten To be really taken or pleased by someone or something. 2. smitten the feeling of total happiness around someone you are falling in love with or, someone you are already in love with. 3. smitten adjective: describes the feeling one receives whenever they think about or are with someone who makes them ridiculously happy. The experience of satisfaction with someone you're falling in love with.

To Be Smitten

It's official ~ My goal is to Follow through with a Blog; to document Life as it happens and to have a creative outlet to share. The title came easy because I take great Joy in being Smitten, in being Captivated, enthralled by the Beauty of Life, and most importantly being Blessed by all those things combined. May this be an avenue to share how I am PURELY SMITTEN.

What does it mean to be SMITTEN? That will come in a Later Post, but for now reflect on what causes you to be Smitten.