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.