The Rogue

We just bought our first car! We've been married for over two and a half years and we've been driving the one I had in college and one that Adam was given courtesy of a couple we knew at our last church (which was such a huge blessing)! However, Adam's car is close to twenty years old with 240,000+ miles on it and several items need to be replaced. With the baby growing in my belly, we decided that the best thing to do was to start looking for a reliable family car. When I got to thinking of all my friends who've recently had babies in the past two to three years, all of them have an SUV. We agreed that that's what we wanted to look into buying since SUVs offer more space.

Needless to say this whole process was crazy and hectic and downright scary, but we  prayed over this asking God to simply help us find the best car for our family and praise His name, we found this little sucker, the Nissan Rogue! It was absolutely the best deal for us. It was reasonably priced (we got a great deal on it--$2,000 cheaper than any where else within a 90 mile radius), it had low mileage (only 36,000), is a newer model (a 2009 edition), and best of all, according to U.S. News report, it received a 10.0 in safety! We drove out to visit Adam's family right after we got it and it did great! We are so thankful that God provided for us with just what we needed at just the right time!

Tell me about.....your brother-in-loves!

Yes, you read that correctly. I wrote typed brother-in-loves, not laws! Those guys are wonderful and I am so lucky to call them my brothers! If it weren't for Luke, I would have never met my prince charming! Let's go back a couple of years...

From left to right: Joel, my hubby (Adam), and Luke!

Here's the story: Luke and I went to college together. Neither one of us remember meeting the other, what an impression we made, right?! But not too long after he started his freshman year at Bluefield, we became friends and started hanging out. By the next school year we were working together on SUB and were having a blast! I met Luke's family that Fall, in September of 2007 when they came up to visit him for his birthday. That was the first time I met Adam, but said to say there wasn't any of that "love at first sight" cliches. The next time I saw Adam was the spring of 2008 when Luke needed help moving out of the dorm. Prior to the summer of 2008, Luke had invited several of us to come to Mobjack for a visit, but I never had the chance, until that summer, when we both went to help at YEC in Richmond. After YEC, Luke invited myself and two other guys to come hang out for the weekend at his parent's house. I went, and wham bam just like that Adam and I hit it off and the rest is history! Therefore, without Luke, I would have never met my wonderful hubby.

Anywho, enough about me and Adam, isn't this post about Luke & Joel?! Right! Luke is an amazing brother-in-love! Everyone who meets him, likes him! YES, this is true! He is a very amiable, smart, laid-back, handsome, and adventuresome kind of guy! He keeps his priorities in check and makes the best decisions that he feels God wants him to make. His faith is his foundation! He's supportive and kind and can irritate me, just like my little brother does, and he's got a wonderful girlfriend, whom he loves dearly, whom I hope to call my sister-in-love one day!

Adam and I with Hazel, Luke, and Joel!

Joel on the other hand, wow! This kid has grown up fast! He's become such an adventuresome, strong willed, pursuant individual. Before college, you could usually find him reading a Ted Dekker book, piddling with some melodies on the piano, and swimming in the creek. Now, he's always venturing to new places, making his mark on the world! I am impressed that Joel came "out of his shell" and has taken life by the horns--he really knows how to carpe diem!  I am proud of who he is, and I'm excited to see where the Lord is leading him! I'm so very thankful to call these wonderful men, my brother-in-loves! Thank you Lord for giving me such a wonderful family!

Mothers & Fathers

We are "family."
Chappelears & Davises.

So this may be a little late, but mothers and fathers can be appreciated all year, not just on a particular day, right? Right! If it weren't for the people  featured in the picture to the right, my parents (Mike & Berta) are on the left, while Adam's parents (Marty & Al) are on the right. Without our folks, neither of us would be here, and that would be very sad indeed. Our parents have also directed and guided us to the Lord. They each have set examples of what it means to follow Christ and have marriages that honor the Lord. Adam and I are very thankful that both our parents are still together; each couple has actually been married for 25+ years, an amount Adam I hope to reach one day as well!

Mike, Marie, and Berta.

I am so thankful for my parents and in-laws! They are some amazing adults! My parents are my best friends. There's not a thing I could not tell them, if you don't believe me just ask! My parents have always been there to support me and love me no matter what crazy ideas or dumb mistakes I made. I am thankful that have pushed me to always do my best and never, ever give up! Hard work always pays off, and the Lord never leads you astray. Thank you mom and dad for being there for me! You mean the world to me!

Al, Adam, and Marty.

Many people talk about how wonderful married life is, but don't mention too many of the extra things that come along, such as in-laws. I am very blessed to have such a close relationship with my in-laws, I enjoy the honesty and openness that we have with one another. Here's a tidbit for those who don't know the reason we're so close is because when I graduated from college I was looking for experience substitute teaching, and I figured I'd go back home and live with my parents, thus keeping mine and Adam's relationship long distance. Well Marty called my mother and the two of them got to talking and before I knew it, after I had visited before Christmas, I was asked to come move in with them to a) get that experience to help open a door somewhere and b) to be closer to my sweetheart and develop our relationship a bit further. I'm pretty sure we all know that (b) was the reason I went. Despite the case that those were some odd circumstances, I am so thankful for that experience. Marty & Al welcomed me into their house as if I were one of their own, and through that experience I learned a lot about the Davis family that I doubt I would have learned otherwise and vice versa! (Poor Marty & Al didn't know what to do with a loud overly excited girl in the house since they had only boys)! However, with that being said, I highly doubt Adam and I would have been engaged so soon or married had it not been for that experience.

Both of our parents have been extremely supportive of our relationship and each of us feel that the other's parents have done nothing but treat the other as they would their own son/daughter. We are so very blessed to have them in our lives and we hope to one day become the kind of parents they have been to us. It is our prayer that the Lord would bless them doubly even though we owe them more than money or words could ever express. So thank you mom and dad! We love you both! (And yes we hope to bring some grandchildren into this world before too long)!

Tell me about......your CHURCH

Lately I've been posting about school, mainly to have an outlet where I can filter my thoughts on the matter and blow off some steam. Other than possibly one or two more posts and I'll be done! Therefore, I've decided to start a few series on "Tell me about...." where I'll post about personal subjects and of course anything you have questions on. I've seen something similar to this on other blogs and figured it'd be good to blog about something new. So feel free to email me or leave a comment. So here goes.: "Tell me about...your Church."

Adam and I attend Redeeming Grace Baptist Church in Mathews, VA. I absolutely adore our church. Ever since I first visited it with Adam, way back in 2008 when we first started dating, I have enjoyed the fellowship with the people there. Their hearts are genuine and their faith is real. It is very much a solid church. Growing up, the denomination my parents raised me in lacked expository preaching and the sermons lasted all of 20 minutes. So needless to say, I became stagnant.  It was until I visited a church in college (very similar to the one we attend now) that I first heard expository preaching. It has captured my heart and left me in awe. I feel that I understand God so much better with this style of preaching and it's helped me greatly in my devotional time as well. I have gotten to know God so much better (that's not to say I'm where I should be in my walk (that's something I strive for daily)) but it is a style of preaching that has opened my heart and I highly recommend it to anyone.

Our church meets on Sunday mornings and evenings and Wednesday evenings for Bible study. The second thing that drew me to our church is the fact that it's very simple. We don't meet in a huge church with stained glass windows, we meet in a rented space that has the bare necessities. The room we meet in is very simple and the focus is simply on worshiping the Lord and delving into His word. I love it! Please feel free to check out our church here and while you're there check out some of the podcasts on some of the series our preacher has been going through (Sunday mornings: Mark, Sunday evenings: Apostle's Creed, Wednesday evening: Matthew).

Happy Momma's Day :-D

Mom at Roanoke Airport
12/30/10

Today I want the world to know how grateful and thankful I am for this woman ---->

Growing up she was the type of mother who gave up everything of herself to be there for her family. In recent years, I have noticed that there seems to be this notion among Christians that it is "unholy" or "ungodly" or even anti-Biblical that a woman who works outside the home is committing some kind of sin and not keeping her priorities in order (as it appears that she is putting work first over family). iMy mother was in fact a woman that did not stay home, she couldn't afford to, and for that I am thankful.Though she may have worked outside the home, she never compromised her responsibility and priority of putting her family first while at the same time maintaining a career, to help provide for her family.

Proverbs 31is often quoted on this day, and with good reason. In that passage the woman is using the time of day and her resources to provide for her family. Grant it the life of that woman was well over 2,000 years ago, and technology, medicine, and the like have changed, however it clearly resonates that a woman should provided for her family, which is EXACTLY what my mother has done. Adam and I have discussed the idea of me being a stay at home wife once we do choose to start a family, however, I do not think that I am anyless of a woman and I should not be any less praised on Mother's Day if I choose to work outside the home.

So as it is Mother's Day, I'd like to give a few accolades to my mother who has been a constant best friend of mine for the past decade. Mom, I'm sorry I didn't truly appreciate our friendship until I was about halfway into my teenager years. Once I did take advantage of that friendship I realized what a truly remarkable person you are. You're always there when I need to talk, you listen with open ears and an open heart, your humility is admirable, and you always put others first before yourself. You have a sweet, tender, compassionate, and humble spirit that pours out a love for Christ. Thank you for being a shining example of what it means to be a person who knows how to put others first. I love you more and more everyday and I have some big shoes to fill when it comes time for me to be a mother, too! Happy Mother's Day you deserve everything this day!

Mom's Lasagna

I am home today after feeling and being sick all week! At first I just thought I had a sinus infection, however, I decided that if I wasn't better by last night then I'd call in sick today and go to the doctor, which is exactly what I did. It turns out that NO we are not pregnant, NO I do not have strep and YES I have a GI (gastrointestinal infection), so yay, go me! My doctor was gracious enough to write a note for me today, and said if I needed to take tomorrow as well, then to do it. With SOLs right around the corner I need to be at school as much as possible, so I'm trying to make the most of my day at home, by propping my feet up and resting.

I am planning on taking a nap, but decided that before I do, I should update the blog. I am a much better blogger than I previously was, however, I still lack the dedication like some of the more avid bloggers I follow. I think that with summer fast approaching I'll do better! Anywho, one of my favorite recipes to fix for my  husband is my mom's lasagna--she received this recipe from a church cookbook when we lived in Broadway, VA and has altered it throughout the years, and believe me, it's the best around (even beats out some of those real Italian restaurants)!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1/2lb ground beef (Adam and I have switched to ground turkey -- you can use up to 1 lb. if you prefer more meat) 
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 can tomato sauce (12oz or 14oz if you prefer for sauce)
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 1/2 box lasagna noodles 
• 1 large container of cottage cheese (Adam and I actually add about 1 1/2 large containers -- we LOVE cheese!)
• 3 packs of mozzarella cheese slices
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a frying pan, brown ground beef/turkey and drain.
2. In saucepan, add brown ground beef/turkey, tomato soup, 1/2 can water, tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano--simmer on low heat for 30 minutes (be sure to stir every now and again) 
3. While your sauce is simmering, in a large pot, bring about 8-9 cups of water to a boil, add 9 lasagna strips (you can add more if you prefer) and sprinkle around about a teaspoon of salt. Be sure to pre-heat your oven during this time to 350 degrees Fahrenheit 
4. In a 13 x 9 pan, lightly grease bottom with oil or crisco to prevent sticking (I accidentally forgot to do this once and it turned out fine!) and add a layer of noodles (should be about 3), on top of that add a layer of cottage cheese, a layer of the meat sauce, and then mozzarella cheese slices--continue two more times!
5. Bake lasagna for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, when finished, let it stand and cool for at least 15-20 minutes. 
6. Enjoy with a salad and garlic bread!

My Favorite Men

I absolutely adore the men in my family! Every morning my husband calls to encourage me and keep me focused on the Lord as I'm on my way to work. Every evening as I leave school, I call my father to see how his day has gone as well as dump my complaints on him, for which he never loses heart, faith, or patience with me and is ever mindful that to tell better days are yet to come! And every now and again, if I'm lucky, I get to have a long much awaited conversation with my brother, Nathan.


The reason I'm blogging about these men is because each one of them walks with God, and their walks have encouraged me. Their faith is real and rough. My husband is a constant reminder of how good God is to us. My father is an encourager that anything is possible and keeps reminding me that God has plan; he was the man that turned my heart to God and was there when I asked Him to be my Savior. My brother, whose own walk with the Lord started about a year and a half ago, has the glow of a young head-over-heels in love Christian attitude about him--he reminds me what I was like when I first gave my life to God. Each of these men are absolutely wonderful and I am blessed beyond all measure to know them.

Mr. Opportunity, Welcome Back!

 Remember when I blogged about Mr. Opportunity here and here? Well if you remember, Adam and I have been praying for God to show His will to us. We know that change is in the air, we both feel it's coming and are trusting God. We have also shared these opportunities and bits of information with others, especially our parents, siblings, and close friends who have all said that they are praying for us as well! Well I now have an update.

The position for the upcoming history teacher at Mathews High School (Adam's hometown) was not approved in the budget and this evening I received an email from my old high school history teacher basically stating that another Bassett High School (from my hometown) alum has a master's degree in administration and will more than likely be offered a contract. As far as I know this is only contingent upon the remainder of this school year, not the next, but you know how these things usually turn out...I'm still hopeful that perhaps this is not the case and that it's only for the time being because goodness knows I would love to be near my family again!

And even though we'd both like the chance to be near my family, we're still interested in the possibility of the Air Force, we've simply hit some bumps in trying to get in touch with the Air Force recruiters. I'm not taking that as a sign we're not to talk to them, but to remain persistent and persevere. Please note however, that for someone who enjoys having a "plan" this is driving me nuts, I would love nothing more than to know where we're headed but as a friend of mine recently said, "Where's the fun in that?! "Somehow I feel that the subliminal message God is trying to send my way is to be patient. Oh if that were easier done than said! Anywho, as always please continue to pray for us and God's will as we know that above all else He is #1 and is to be glorified always!

Let's go back to Thanksgiving!

Appetizers

It felt crisp outside today, a little cooler than usual. It reminded me of the feeling of fall and how much I missed it! Because I am such an awesome horrible blogger, and didn't blog much up until this point, I never shared the photos I took during the holidays. Ergo I am correcting my ways! Oh and by the way, sometime in the next few days I'll share with you the uhhhhmazing homemade apple pie I made, but for tonight I'll simply recap my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! Now don't get me wrong, I love Love LOVE Christmas, but there's just something in the simplicity in the gathering of families and food together whilst remembering what we're thankful for that is special to me.

Mom & Adam making Chex Mix

In my family, we always sleep in then start the day with turning on the tube and listening to as well as watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Next, dad will usually get the appetizers ready and we munch on those all day long. Mom and Adam have come to love making their own version of the beloved Chex Mix. Then throughout the day, Mom and I will prepare and make all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings with the addition of a new recipe or two.

Anywho, all of this is to say how wonderful it is to remember what we're thankful for throughout the year, not just at Thanksgiving. Normally these "I'm thankful for" lists go on and on and there's only three things that I wanted to mention today:  (1) how great it is to know the I Am (it is extraordinary to serve the God in whose image we are made of, and in who's power we were created. There is no better realization that without Him my life would be meaningless). (2) I also want to thank my brother for standing up and not looking back after taking the plunge of faith. You're an inspiration to me and I'm proud of you. I am thankful for all the memories we share growing up, even the times we fought and couldn't stand to be around one another. We may be miles apart but you're no more than a thought (or phone call) away! And lastly (3) I'm thankful the Lord has placed me where he has at Charles City. I seem to have forgotten the opportunity I have to share who the Lord is and to be a positive light to my students. So I'm thankful for being pushed out of my comfort zone and strengthening me through the experiences I have had there! I'm not quite where I should be, but I'm much farther and better off than where I once was!

So in return what are you thankful for? What have you forgotten to remember and praise the Lord about since Thanksgiving? (Please feel free to share!)

Love: Family

I apologize that this is a day late, and that tomorrow's post will be two day's late. It seems that Sunday got away from me, what with the Lord saying to rest on the seventh day and all. This week has been fairly busy as well, what with yesterday being Valentine's Day and today involving the end of a professional development class, a vet appointment, and running errands with Adam this evening.

However, despite my busyness, today, or rather this evening, I'd like to reflect on the blessing and love of a family. I cannot say that all have been blessed to have the amazing families that Adam and I have, but I can say that God has a purpose for each. For whatever reason, He allowed us to share the closest connection possible with these people that according to Webster's dictionary are (a) a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head and/or (b) a group of persons of common ancestry. I feel my own definition would read family--a group of people whose lives have been so woven as to share love, heartache, pain, joy, and fellowship. Yeah, that sounds about right.

None know us better than our families do. Families seem to make or break us. After all, they know the good and the bad. Families work through the good and bad. They remember to pick one another up and dust the dirt off our feet and clothes. Our families are usually the only group of people lucky enough to stand back and say yes, I'll walk through this life with you and am willing to share in the memories we'll make along the way. What better time than Valentine's Day (or the day after) to tell your loved ones what they mean to you?! So to my immediate, extended, and church family, I love you all dearly and I am grateful that God has orchestrated my life that I am blessed to know each of you.