It is finished....My year long journey through the Bible

A year ago I started a project. My goal was to read the entire Bible, every word, from cover to cover, in one year. Last week, I finished. It wasn't always easy. There were nights when I wouldn't get to bed until late and my eyes were so heavy, but I still read. When I went to the hospital to have the baby, I brought my Bible and the schedule I used along with me. When we went on vacation, I brought them with me. It takes commitment and dedication to do this in a year, but it is life changing and I would highly recommend it!

There are different ways you can read the Bible. I chose to read a little old testament and a little new testament everyday. The schedule that is pretty close to what I followed can be found here: www.ewordtoday.com/year/31/o.htm

I can not even begin to put into words all that I learned and all the positive changes that have occurred in my life since I began. Like most of us, I knew the most popular stories about Jesus, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Saul, John, etc. It was the ones that I had never heard of that surprised me the most. I have a brother named Jason. I did not know what an important role Jason played in the Bible. His home was a refuge for Paul.

Of course, I knew a little about Caleb, my son's namesake, but when reading the story of his strength and faith, I was amazed at how little I actually knew and felt that his name (meaning faithful) was the perfect fit.

I also learned more about Nicholas, Gabriel and Nathaniel. My children have these Biblical names, I wanted to make sure I understood about the people (or in Gabriel's case, angel) behind the names so that I could properly teach my children about their namesakes.

I thought I knew so much about religion, faith, God's laws and commands. I was surprised at how little I actually knew. Until you read all of God's word, how can you be sure you are living the life he has planned for you? How can you be sure you are doing the right thing? I learned that there were things that I was doing wrong, in ignorance. Even though I have been a Christian since I was a child and went to church every Sunday when growing up, there were many things I did not know. There is more to God's laws than just the 10 commandments and until you educate yourself, you are leaving yourself open to disobedience. Even if the disobedience is done in ignorance, you short yourself of all the blessings and happiness God has in store for you. The best thing you can do is educate yourself in God's word. Not only to make sure you are living your life right and are open to receiving all of His blessings, but also, so you can fully understand how much God loves you. I often felt so loved and peaceful when reading. It is amazing the grace, forgiveness, mercy and love God has for each of us. Reading the Bible really reiterates this.

Since beginning my journey a year ago, I have had many positive changes in my life. I feel less stressed, more love, more happiness and more peace. Out of all the books I have read in my life, none have been more life changing.

Try it, see what a difference a year makes!

Happy Anniversary!

I will start off my post with a reminder that my posts every Thursday are to give thanks to God. They are to glorify Him for all of the blessings He has given me and in hopes of inspiring someone else to do the same; give thanks, count your blessings, trust and glorify our Heavenly Father.


This Thursday I am thankful for my wonderful husband and our upcoming anniversary. It's not just an anniversary of when we were wed, but an anniversary of when we became a family and when I became one with my best friend, my soul mate, the man of my dreams. I thank God everyday for my husband. Particularly on 8/8 of every year I want to acknowledge just how God has blessed us and how happy I am to be Larry's wife.


Over the past year we have been through so much together. I can't imagine getting through the tough times without you. We have also had the most wonderful and blessed of times and I also can't imagine sharing them with anyone other than you. Together we have created a beautiful son, a perfect mixture of both you and I. Caleb completes our family, you are a wonderful father and Caleb lights up every time you walk in the room, he loves his Daddy! Nicholas is now a big brother and he ADORES and loves his little brother. He also loves you! I can't thank you enough for loving my son as you do.


Oh...and let us not forget Maximus. What were we thinking bringing home a puppy when we had a newborn? LOL!! Now, Maximus is a big part of our family, we love him and couldn't imagine life without him....especially Nicholas!


I am so glad that you also share a love of the Lord. To be able to share that with my spouse is so wonderful. It fills my heart when we pray together, especially as a family around the dinner table. You are a great example for the boys.


I am looking forward to going back to where we were wed this weekend and reminiscing about all this year has brought. Thank you for making me happier than I ever thought possible. I love you Papi, I always will.

You Couldn't Pay Me to be RICH!

That's right. I think money is the root of all evil. Before you go on the defensive, hear me out. Now, I'm not saying that people that have lots of money are evil. I just don't think they are really happy. UNLESS, they do something good with their money. If you have lots of money, yet refuse to help others, tithe or do something good with it, I just don't think you are truly fulfilled or know what true happiness is. I understand that there are a lot of people out there right now who are struggling and saying, "If only I had more money." Be careful what you wish for, God tells us:

"Whoever trusts in riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." (Proverbs 11:28)

"You can not serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

There are many places in the Bible where God warns us about greed and money. He knows what He is talking about.

Now, by NO means am I rich. I have a nice home, my vehicles are paid for, I have food and clothing. More importantly, I have love, family and faith. When I was younger, I was in a much better financial situation. I never had to think about a budget, if I wanted something, I just bought it, if I wanted to travel, I went. Money was not an issue. I worked very hard, but I played very hard too. Sound nice? WRONG!! I wasn't truly happy. I had everything I wanted, but felt like something was missing. I also did not tithe like I should. God tells us that holding back tithes and offerings is stealing from Him. After all, everything belongs to Him to begin with. NO WONDER I wasn't totally fulfilled!

Now things are MUCH tighter. I have a budget, I struggle at times to make sure bills are paid. But, even though I don't have as much money, I make sure to tithe and give money to those in need. You know what? Even though my checkbook is empty...my heart is FULL. I have never, EVER in my life been as happy as I am now. The less and less I find in my checkbook, the happier and happier I become. Do you know why? Because I TRUST that God will take care of us. I know that everything is in His very capable hands and that He will not leave us. Everything that I need to be happy will be provided. I tithe, like He tells us to do. He doesn't say, "Only give when you have money." It takes true trust to tithe and give back when times are hard, but God will take care of you. He promises to if you only follow His perfect directions. It's also important that you don't give only so you can receive. You have to WANT to tithe and help others. It needs to be in your heart so that you are a cheerful giver.

Just look at all of the rich and famous celebrities you see on TV today. Everyday is a new scandal. Drugs, alcohol, adultery, lust, greed, dozens of sins in their everyday lives. They don't look too happy to me. You could not pay me to trade places with them! You couldn't pay me to be rich!

When money is tight, giving isn't easy. Do it anyway and watch how God takes care of you. It doesn't happen overnight, but keep at it. Keep giving with a happy and trusting heart and watch what you receive!

And so, my friends, my poor financial situation is exactly what I am thankful for on this Thursday. I have never been happier.

My Green Thumb

I LOVE summer! I'm a beach bum, I love hot weather and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to garden. Planting these tiny little baby plants in the spring, feeding them, watering them, weeding and taking care of them can be time consuming, but it's so worth it. By the time summer rolls around, I have all kinds of beautiful flowers (Lilly's are my favorite) and this year, I have a wonderful fruit and veggie garden! I love going out of our back door at dinner time and picking part of our dinner right out of the back yard. It's so rewarding and tastes so much better than what you get at the store, not to mention the money and environment you save! We have zucchini, squash, broccoli, about 4 varieties of tomato, and several varieties of peppers. Oh, and don't forget our strawberry, blueberries and blackberries!

But, you know what my favorite part of gardening is? Sharing it with my son. My 5 year old is a carbon copy of his Mom! He loves the summer, the beach and the gardening. Every single morning he reminds me that we have to go check on the garden. He has helped plant, pull weeds, water and of course pick our yummy veggies. When we go out to the garden in the morning and see a new vegetable that is ready to pick, he literally screams with excitement, "Mommy, it's ready, it's ready!" It doesn't stop there, he goes out to "check" on our garden several times a day, everyday. He wants to make sure no "critters" are eating our food! I love teaching him and sharing this love with him, it makes everything taste so much sweeter.

If you'd like to see our hard work, click here: Garden Pictures

The Ocean - My Thankful Thursday Post

God really knew what he was doing when he created the ocean. Of course, God always knows what he's doing and always does everything perfectly. For me, the beach is one of my favorite creations. Mountains are spectacular and I love living where there are mountains a plenty, but peace always comes when I'm by the sea. I marvel at it. It's vast, it's powerful, it contains so much life. Oh, and bonus, you weigh less when you are in the water!

I can not wait to return to the sea next week. This year, I will have both sons to enjoy it with, along with my hubby and Mom. I already know that Nic has taken after Mama and is a beach bum, time will tell if Caleb is as well. I have a feeling though, he's going to love it as much as we do. I pray both of my boys marvel at and appreciate this beautiful creation of God's. I hope that they find peace and relaxation by the sea, that they have wonderful childhood memories there and continue our tradition with their own families.

A couple of my favorite quotes about the sea:

For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
It's always our self we find in the sea
- E.E. Cummings

The sea has no king, but God alone
- Dante Gabriel Rossetti

Of course, I would be remiss if I wrote a blog about the ocean and didn't mention the oil spill in the gulf. I can hardly watch the news without tearing up because it breaks my heart to see what a disaster this is. I will continue to pray and ask that you do the same. Although it has already gone on far too long and much damage has been done, pray that a resolution is quickly reached and that clean up can be expeditious with as little harm as possible to the environment, people, animals and sea creatures. Maybe we should get together a mission trip to help with clean up? It's something to think about, research and try to make happen.

Until next time...

Easy, Yummy 2 Ingredient Chicken Recipe

I made an accidental discovery last night. I discovered a way to make baked barbecue chicken with a crispy crust using only two ingredients and in only 20-25 minutes. I am NOT kidding (beat that Racheal Ray.....ok...don't take that wrong, I LOVE her) !

So, every time I bake chicken, hubby always sits down with a bottle of barbecue sauce to dip his chicken in, so I thought I'd beat him to the punch by baking the chicken in the barbecue sauce. He gets his barbecue and we still eat the healthier baked chicken.

All you have to do is dip or brush a boneless chicken breast into some barbecue sauce (I used Jack Daniels Honey Smokehouse Barbecue Sauce). After it's good and coated with the yummy barbecue sauce, dip the chicken breast into some Shake N' Bake (don't use the bag and don't ask how I know......use a bowl or something) to coat it with the crust. Bake it at 350 for 20-25 minutes and YUMMY!! Hubby LOVED it! I have to admit, I did too! Fast, easy, yummy.

Enjoy!!

A letter to my Son - 2010

My Dearest Nicholas,

Every year, I write you a letter on your birthday. This year is no exception. This year is very special because this year, you turn 5. I can't believe it. It's the last year you will be able to show how old you are using only one hand! This year, you turn 5 on Mother's Day; you were born the day after Mother's Day in 2005. I remember that day like it was yesterday and can't believe it has been 5 whole years! You will always be the best Mother's Day gift I have ever received.

In the past, I have read your letters to you. This year, you can read your letter yourself. I am so proud. What a great year it has been. My sweet boy, you became a big brother! I knew you would be an extraordinary big brother, but even I couldn't have known how extraordinary. Some people tried to warn me that you would be jealous or act out once the "newness" of the baby wore off. Mama knew better. I know your heart and how special it is. You have never, not once, shown an ounce of jealousy towards your brother. You have always been so sweet and caring and protective of him. You help take care of him, you love him and you make him laugh. I can not believe what a special bond the two of you already share. My beloved son, you fill my heart with so much happiness, especially when I see how precious and loving your heart is.

This year, you sang your first solo at church and I cried. I had to explain to you that they were happy tears; I was so moved by how you stood up in that spotlight at our church and sang to the Lord. Everyone who had the good fortune of being there was moved. To you, it was no big deal, it was just something in your heart that you wanted to do, you wanted to sing for Jesus. I remember Rev. Kilgore asked if I wanted to go up on the stage with you, but you didn't need me, so I stayed back. You were such a big boy and had no fear. What I was most proud of, is how you knew the reason you were singing the song and when you sang it, you really sang it for Jesus.

This is your last year of preschool. It's so wonderful to see how much you love school and how easily you make friends. You are truly a social butterfly who has never met a stranger. You will talk to anyone at anytime. I can't believe you start Kindergarten next year. For the first time in your life, you will be away from me for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. That will take some adjustment for me, but I know you will do just fine! You are so looking forward to kindergarten and I know you will absolutely love it! I wish I could keep you here with me always, safe in our home but, being a parent you learn to do what's best for your child, not what is best for you. You also learn that when you do what is best for your child, it turns out to be what is best for you also, because as long as your child is happy, you are happy. I would sacrifice anything to make sure you are always full of joy and healthy. As long as you and your brother are happy, Mama is happy too! One day, you will be a father and you will completely understand how that works!

Our bedtime routine changed a little this year too. From the time you were still in my tummy, I started reading to you. Now, instead of just me reading to you, you like to read to me. I hope your love of learning and reading continues throughout your life. Mommy LOVES to read, I hope you continue with that love as well.


Oh my, and how can I forget Maximus? Your first puppy. Yes, this has been an eventful year. You do a great job at helping with Maximus, you water him and take him out to go potty and you play with him until the poor puppy can no longer run! Of course, there are times when you just like to see how far you can go with him, like the time you decided he would like to be pushed down the slide, even though it was obvious the poor puppy was terrified! He loves you though, and you love him. It is so sweet to witness.

You still say you want to be an astronaut when you grow up. You can name the planets, constellations and are a whiz with numbers. My brilliant son, with your brains, outgoing nature and with your determination, I have no doubt you can do it. Let's just hope NASA is still around!

My darling, the older you get, the more and more I love you. Everyday, when I think it's just not possible; I wake up and realize that I love you even more than the previous day. You have been a true blessing in my life, a wonderful gift from God. I could never thank Him enough for picking me, out of all the Mommies in the world, to be yours.

And, in case you want to read your letter from last year, here it is sweetheart: A Letter to My Son - 2009


Love always,
Mama