Spill: Your Relationship Ponderings

Boo! The rain washed away all our snow! EXCEPT of course for what is right outside our door. I nearly fell going to work this morning. Except I didn’t.

Took my breakfast to work, because time was of the essence.

And breakfast was portable! what what!

I LOVE rainy/snowy days at work, because no one works but a few of us little office people and it’s so relaxing. I caught up on SO MUCH.

Leftovers!!!

+ green beans and green coleslaw.

Made for a yum lunch.

I seriously have eaten like 247584 oranges in the past few weeks. I am searching for new snacks. If you hear of any applying send them my way.

Milady, tis teatime! Before CharlotteOne, I had 4 [four] crackers, each dolloped with peanut butter as you can see. On the side I had my cuppa tea. High tea, it was not. Of course, more snackies were had upon arriving home, but they went unpictured. 😦

CharlotteOne was so good tonight!!! I know I say that every week, but it’s true! Tonight was on love/sex/dating, which can be awkward, but Dave did a pretty good job with it.

You can’t be truly satisfied in a relationship until you are satisfied by God.

Some can argue that point, but being a Christian, I fully believe it. I believe that when your relationship with Christ is whole, then he will show you that special person, that does not fill a void or complete you, but rather makes you more of a person or adds to the person you already are.

Right now, I am happy being single, having fun and loving God. I do believe that when the right person comes along, God will show him to me, but that is not the focus of my life. It’s so important to be happy with yourself before you are happy with someone else.

Even in non-Christian relationships, I believe that is true. You really have to know and love yourself before you can love someone else.

Thoughts? Agree, disagree?

Spill.

Read Full Post »

Things of Note

Thing of note #1:

I woke up this morning. At a reasonable hour. And my hair was not hard to style. That should be noted. Also, I like it now. I am going to flip it out and show you guys the intended style though, so I don’t look like a total diva. Because I know it is cute now. Now being the operative word there.

Thing of note #2:

BREAKFAST was EPIC.

PANCAKES topped with STEWED BLUEBERRIES. I die. This was that good.

Thing of note #3:

Lunch was leftovers, but still good.

Side view:

Birds-eye view:

Birds must see through yellow tinted glasses.

Thing of note #4:

Both snacks today were fruit.

Orange.

Red.

Thing of note #5:

Dinner before CharlotteOne was my apple/pb sandwich with a twist.

Now with cinnamon + a funky hand view.

THANK YOU JESSE!! Cinnamon adds the most delicious twist.

Thing of note #6

CharlotteOne [or rather Jarrett Stevens] was right on spot with the message tonight. Almost like the soy latte I had pre-greeting. LOVE was the focus, and LOVE has been what I have been really focusing on with my faith; so it was just perfect for me tonight. Back to the basics…love is always the answer. I’ve been striving to love everyone equally, like God loves everyone.

It was also about greatness. Doing great things for God. With an emphasis on doing.

In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. – Mother Teresa.

To sum it up, do everything with greatness, because the smallest act done in love is bigger than the greatest thing done without love. God is the one that will do great things with us if we do the smallest things he trusts us with now in great love.

Thing of note #7:

Emily informed me that MICHAEL BUBLE is coming to CHARLOTTE July 10th, which just so happens to be the day BEFORE my birthday!!! Ahhhh I am soooo excited!!!

Thing of note #8:

I blew the vegan challenge out of the water on the way home when my sisters wanted to stop at Cookout for milkshakes. Snickers and Mint Chocolate. I sampled both…

Thing of note #9:

I keep meaning to mention this, but I have started responding to my comments in the comment section. It’s just easier, and it means that all the questions will get answered, plus I can have more of a discussion forum going there. So if you have asked me a question and you think I just haven’t answered, please…check the comments!!!!

Thing of note #10

Going to bed.

Read Full Post »

The Way of Love

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)

¹ If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. ²If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. ^3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. 
   Love never gives up. 
   Love cares more for others than for self. 
   Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. 
   Love doesn’t strut, 
   Doesn’t have a swelled head, 
   Doesn’t force itself on others, 
   Isn’t always "me first," 
   Doesn’t fly off the handle, 
   Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, 
   Doesn’t revel when others grovel, 
   Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, 
   Puts up with anything, 
   Trusts God always, 
   Always looks for the best, 
   Never looks back, 
   But keeps going to the end.

^8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

¹¹When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

¹²We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

¹³But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

 

Because sometimes we just need a reminder of why we are here.

Love somebody today.

Read Full Post »

Doors

Doors are funny things.

Sometimes they’re shut.

I’ve had a lot of those kind. Sometimes they slam right in your face, in fact. Knock you down with the ferocity of it.

But for every door that is slammed shut…

there’s one that will open.

Good things come of those open doors.

Maybe it’s just ants on a log bench.

Maybe it’s a mini recreation of bfast for a quick bed time snack.

Or maybe, just maybe, it’s something great.

I went through a spell where every door was slammed in my face. I was working at a job where, although I loved the people I worked with, I felt stuck. No doors were opening for me, even though I was banging on them. I was searching for a church home, bouncing from place to place every Sunday.

Then, one Sunday my dad took me to a wonderful church. When I walked in, I knew I belonged there. When the friendly church family greeted us with smiles and hugs, I knew. I felt God there. And I felt loved.

Three weeks after that first Sunday at my new church home, a door opened. One of the church members had a job offer for me, that was a perfect fit. It was a promotion from where I was, even!

I thanked God and took the job.

Doors continued to open, and God continued to bless me. I made new friends, and kept the old. Every time I turned around a new experience was waiting to be had, a new door swinging open.

I was reading my bible and praying. Thanking God.

Lately though, the doors haven’t been opening quite as readily. And I haven’t been reading my bible and searching for God like I was.

I’ve felt stumped about things. Fearful. Doors have been shut. And I’ve looked in the wrong places for answers.

At myself.

Not to God.

Tonight at worship, Dave had us take a moment of silence, and just connect with God. Just be in the moment. Trust Him and thank Him.

I realized just how long it had been since I had done that. Just connected with God. Lived in the moment.

Not wondering what was around the next corner. What was in the future. What new door was waiting to be opened in my life.

In all my wondering and waiting, I had forgotten to look for the doors God wanted to open in me.

Luke 11:9 (The Message)

Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open.

I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me.

And the only way I’m going to find out is by trusting Him. Seeking Him. Reading His words. And walking through those doors when he opens them. Because for every door that is shut, He opens another.

Read Full Post »

good appetite

I had a good appetite for Starbucks this morning.

Grande non fat latte w/ 2 pumps pumpkin spice.

And a good appetite for learning. 

The seminar I attended was in my favorite part of town, Ballantyne.

It was rainy and grey up in these parts.

But Ballantyne has gorgeous tree-lined streets. Also, please note my inspection sticker peeling off the windshield.

I used to work over on this side of town, and while I love my job I have now, I miss working in this area. It’s so nice.

BUT, my sisters still work over here, so I got to have my packed lunchie with those gorgeous things. Made my day. Also I found some ketchup for my carrots. That made my day as well.

As the afternoon progressed, my appetite for learning gave way to actual hunger.

This was my first time trying one of this flavor, and I must say I am not really a fan. It was too sweet, me thinks.

After the seminar wrapped up around 4, the skies cleared up as well! YES! I managed to get 7 miles in this evening, as well as a shower. Believe me, it was warranted.

Dinner was also warranted, as running 7 miles worked up a huge appetite.

More grapes!

I love crispy, crunchy grapes!

And crispy, crunchy slaw.

As well as creamy, soft pasta.

nom, nom, nom.

Now, I am off to do some homework for my class tomorrow, but I leave you with this thought:

Matthew 5:6 (The Message)

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

Read Full Post »

from drab to fab

I know what you are thinking.

WHAT IS THAT?

Just a dried pineapple ring in a bowl of vanilla Oikos and Kashi Honey Sunshine.

It was pretty good, but nothing spectacular. I doubt I will eat this combination again, but it worked for a morning when I was short on time and nothing satisfied me.

Now to lunch.

I must say, as I was sitting at my desk pondering my lunch options the salad in a bag I brought was not appealing to my tastebuds.

In my lunch bag were:

• an apple
• a carrot
• a few apricots
• baby romaine lettuce
• hummus

Honestly by lunch that combo was sounding YUCKO! to me.

 

Being resourceful, like I am, I managed to scrounge some other ingredients together and turn my salad from drab to FAB!

I added:

• walnuts
• drizzled honey

I deleted:

• hummus

That’s it!

I must say, it was quite the successful makeover. My tastebuds thoroughly enjoyed it. Honey makes a wonderful dressing. Try it some time.

For an after lunch dessert I had a tiny cookie that my coworker brought in.

It was tiny. Just ask anyone who knows me in person. I have midget hands.

Speaking of knowing people in person, I have been toying with the idea of an NC blogger meet up. If you are from NC and would be interested; leave a comment below, or drop me an e-mail at w_huntley@hotmail.com.

****

For those of you that wanted to hear it, the message from last night’s service can be found here and here. It’s called ‘Really Knowing God, Part 1’ by Todd Phillips. I’m listening to it again right now. Love it.

Read Full Post »

CharlotteOne

I haven’t forgotten what a great snack yogurt is.

• vanilla greek yogurt
• Kashi Go Lean
• dark chocolate chips

Far from it. I have only expounded upon it’s wonderfulness as a snack.

This was perfect for today, because I had my new Tuesday worship with my small group from church at 7, so I needed something that would last until I got home around 9:30.

I loved my new worship! God is really blessing me with a great job, a great church and wonderful friends. I ran into a few people at service that I had not seen in awhile, so that was really nice.

The speaker, Todd Phillips, was amazing and gave a wonderful sermon on getting through the storms of life. I believe the live stream will be posted soon; I will link to it when it is. I would love for you guys to hear it as well, because it was so powerful. I found myself just nodding in agreement the whole time. Don’t you love that?

If you have a second, check out the movement that is going on at CharlotteOne online here. This group of people is amazing, with a great love of Christ. It’s so beautiful.

After I left the church, I did some crackberry checking, like any good crack addict does. I was so glad to see an e-mail from everyone’s favorite homegirl saying she got her college care package! I have renewed faith in our Postal Service. I just sent that package Friday, and it made it to Vermont by Tuesday. Ally, be on the lookout for your cupcakes. The way my post office runs, they might be there tomorrow!

When I got home around 9:30, I made a very snacky snack plate for dinner.

Almond butter and hummus dippers.

Kiwi, dates and Kashi cracks.

Blue corn chips.

Do me a favor. Dip these in almond butter. You won’t be sorry. You’ll probably thank me.

Orange tinted apples.

These apples weren’t really orange, but for some reason my camera kept insisting they were. Whatev, I’ll roll with it.

Pretty, pretty snack plate.

After consuming all that was delicious in my life, I proceeded to moan and groan until all those chips settled in my tum.

Then I swore sweated through Level 2 of the shred. 

Now I must get to bed, for morning comes early.

Read Full Post »

10 on 10

I did a wonderful 10 mile run after work today. Seriously, this may have been the best 10 miler of my entire running career. The weather was perfect, my pace was perfect, everything was just great. I am so glad that I have my long run behind me for the week, because Saturday is looking busy, busy, busy.

This afternoon I had a snack of yogurt+granola.

I forgot what a great snack yogurt makes. I will have to do this more often.

On my run I also had some apricots at the 7 mile mark. I discovered that in lieu of gummy bears, dried fruit will do as a pick me up. Fueling during long runs is really key to a good run I think. I just started, and really my runs have been better and better.

After my run I made a quick meal of toast topped with pb+honey,

and a bowl of strawberries and coconut on the side.

The strawberries and coconut worked really well together for the perfect fruit salad.

Does this photo look blurry to you? It’s like the toast is hiding. Oh toast, come out and show yourself.

Don’t be so shy.

As well as doing 10 miles on the 10th, I did Level 1 of the shred on the 10th. I am glad it is the last day of Level one. All those push ups are getting tiring. I am excited for Level two tomorrow. I think Level three is my favorite, but Level two will do for a change.

Romans 12:21 (MSG)

Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

I read this verse today when I was feeling a little controversial. It really helped me see that the devil was trying to get me down. I just repeated, ‘don’t let evil get the best of you’ in my head so that I could get my focus back. Sometimes no matter how hard we try, the devil will sneak in and trick us into arguments, disagreements and controversy. Don’t let him get the best of you. Kick that old bully to the curb. Remember, God is love, and love is the answer to ALL things.

Have a lovely evening my friends!

Read Full Post »

I will rejoice

and be glad…

For the simple things in life.

Snacks.

Freshly washed Pink Lady.

Good Friends.

 

The big 3-0! Woot Woot!

Good Food.

Acting a fool.

  

Head and shoulders,

fingers,

 

toes.

 

Oatmeal.

Banana oatmeal w/ Mixmygranola topping.

Good messages.

2 Peter 1:3-7 – Add / Supplement / Build these traits into your life of faith: He has given us everything we need for living a Godly life!

Godliness is God-likeness – Godliness is this: the quality of life, that when people are around you, they think of God (Vernon Grounds). Becoming Godly is like a bride getting ready for her wedding day.

1. Thirst – Psalm 42:1-2 / Psalm 27:4 – Spend daily time with God… Acts 13:22 will result!
2. Focus – Romans 8:5-8 Msg / Matthew 6:6 Msg / Romans 3:31 Msg
3. Worship – Matthew 6:24-26 Msg. What or whom we worship determines our behavior. Godly behavior results from God-worship!
4. Serve – 1 Peter 4:10 / Galatians 5:13 – Godly people serve other people. They don’t whine and complain about what ‘s happening to them. Instead, they find joy in service.

There is a fountain full of grace and it flows from Emmanuel’s veins,
It came and it healed me,
It came and refreshed me,
It came and washed my sins away!

So I will rejoice,
I will rejoice,
and be glad.

Read Full Post »

give it back

I made today Cookie Friday on Monday.

Well, maybe not an actual cookie, but it tasted just like the real thing.

I deserved it for the many reports I prepared, as well as the many reports I have to prepare tomorrow. Bleh.

Spaghetti was a cookin’ when I walked in the door.

Mama D. even made it veggie + whole wheat for me. I think I’ll keep that lady around.

I piled on the melons AGAIN.

Juicy melons, how I love thee.

A wondrous dinner only deserves a more wondrous dessert.

Banana softserve, peanut butter filled pretzels, coconut and SPRINKLES!

There may or may not have been more peanut butter filled pretzels devoured straight from the bag.

Klassy.

Philippians 4:17 (The Message)

…Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.

My church is doing a ‘What if Everyone’ program next month where we have a volunteer day, and we also fill up a grocery bag with items for the needy. I am so excited, because I LOVE volunteering. I have volunteered with the MS Society multiple times, as well as the American Cancer Society. It makes me feel so good to know that I am making a difference.

What do you do to make a difference in your community?

Read Full Post »