Saturday, January 31, 2009
:: My "New" Blowdryer ::
Monday, January 26, 2009
:: One Year of Wedded Bliss ::
I thought that I’d take a “blog post idea” that I've seen and adapt it in honour of my anniversary. So here it is, my
TOP TEN FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT MY HUSBAND
1. His love for God – I’ve learned a lot about how Josh loves God in the past year. He’s quiet about it, reflective, and passionate. I love this about him... I know I can depend on him to pray, to listen and to lead in ways that are led by his Saviour.
2. His voice – Yup, I’m a sucker for a deep, sexy voice and that is what Josh has! I spoke with Josh on the phone before I ever met him, and I was already taken, hook, line and sinker... all because of that voice!
3. His patience – This one is funny because you ask some people and they say Josh is the most patient person they’ve ever met... you ask others and they say he has zero patience! But I’ve seen such an abundance of patience in this man, it never ceases to amaze me. I am so thankful for this quality, as I require a lot of patience sometimes! When love is described in 1 Corinthians 13 the first descriptor is “patience” and I know why!
4. His passion for music – This one may come as a surprise to some, coming from my lips. Josh is very passionate about music, he is a talented guitarist and drummer, and now he’s started to record as well. Although this subject is one Josh and I differ greatly on most of the time, I do admire him, his talent and how passionate he is about music.
5. His family – Josh has a wonderful family and I am blessed so much with fantastic in-laws. Actually, one of the reasons I was first interested in Josh was because of the way he spoke of his family – I could tell they were close and I loved how he knew so many details about them. Family is one of the top values for both Josh and I, and this helps us make decisions, gives us a strong foundation and will pave the path nicely when we start a family of our own.
6. His loyalty – Anyone who is a friend or family member to Josh knows that once you’re in his life, you are there for good. He has a remarkable sense of loyalty and acts this out on a regular basis. I know many are blessed by this trait and I am especially thankful for this as his wife! I know I am his #1 priority (after God) and he shows this to me constantly, through his actions and words.
7. Hard working – Josh has had a tough time finding a job/career that he loves and is happy with the company he’s employed for. For the past few months he’s been in a new job and is feeling very settled and content, it’s so awesome! But through the different jobs and learning experiences Josh has done what it takes and continues to do so. Whether it’s getting up crazy early, working really late, working on weekend, missing events... he stays committed and supports his family.
8. His words – Josh knows how to cheer me up, support me, challenge me when I need it, and love me in a way that leaves no doubt in my mind. The words he speaks go straight to my heart and mind, and I don’t know what I’d do without them! The power of words is something I’m learning more and more about, and Josh does this so well.
9. Servant-hearted – Josh is SUPER awesome with household chores! I am so thankful for this, as it’s an area I could use a little “development” with ;) He does his own laundry, takes out all the garbage and recycling, empties the dishwasher, vacuums, mops, cleans the bathroom... he’s the BEST! We both do most of the mentioned things above (I’m not totally useless!), but I’m so grateful that he does them at all, and I know I am blessed in this! The other day he was in the mood to organize and he sorted through our entire spare bedroom, a chore than has been on the backburner since well, we got married. I was so amazed by him!
10. Easy-Going! – Josh and I both like to attribute our being middle children to the fact that we get along so well and are very go-with-the-flow :) But I just LOVE this characteristic about my hubby, makes living together and doing life together so much fun... and most of the time, so easy.
So there ya go! Now you know a little more about my wonderful husband and just a few of the reasons I love him so much :)
Happy First Anniversary to Us!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
:: Mango Coconut Energy Bar ::
So I received this recipe yesterday in a newsletter I subscribe to (written by Lee, who comments below) and I can't wait to try it out! I need to go grocery shopping first, as I don't have some of the ingredients at home... but I'll let you know how they turn out! If you give them a try, let me know how they are!
"With a tropical flavor, high electrolyte content, and energy-producing coconut, these raw energy bars are ideal for long physically demanding days, or any day! I like to have one just before I head outdoors for my morning power walk; it gives me the energy I need for the walk without weighing me down. Then, when I come home, I enjoy a full breakfast. They’re also great for late morning or around 3:30 or 4:00 to “re-boot” your energy and vitality!" Lee
¾ cup fresh or soaked dried dates
½ cup chopped mango
½ cup ground flaxseed
½ cup soaked or cooked quinoa (a high protein nutritious grain)
¼ cup macadamia nuts
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp lemon zest
Sea salt to taste
¼ cup shredded coconut (or more to make bars desired texture)
In a food processor, process all the ingredients together except coconut. Remove the mixture from the food processor; work coconut into it by hand. Roll into balls or shape it into bars.
Makes 12 small balls.
From The Thrive Diet by Brendan Brazier. Brendan says “these bars will not freeze solid so you can eat them straight from the freezer”.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
:: Full Heart ::
There are times when my thoughts are clear, my praise easy and my requests communicated well. And then there are times when all I can do is whisper the name of Jesus.
One of the many things I love about my heavenly Father is that He desires for us to share exactly what’s on our hearts with Him. Nothing held back! How wonderful and freeing that is. I would encourage you to try it – whether you have a deep, personal relationship with God, or have never called on His name before. He is there, He is listening and He loves you more than you could ever imagine. And He wants to hear it all – your praise, thanksgiving, requests, hurt, anger, pain, desires, love, adoration – everything.
A well known scripture but one that never ceases to touch my heart...
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:4-7