.listen.

Periodically, I feel the Lord leading me to spend a week quiet in His presence.

Truly quiet. No wrestling with decisions. No distracted praying.  

Just... listening. 

Listening for His voice in my soul.

"Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious; I turned not backward."
Isaiah 51:4-5

Do we really know how to listen? Remorsefully, I think about how often I fill the time with me and God with words...so many words. Not all bad ones. But do I stop enough to listen to Him? Do I pause long enough to hear His voice?

"Know this, my beloved brothers; let every person be quick to hear..." 

James 1:19

In any relationship, there is talking and listening; giving and taking. Why should communicating with God be any different? We've been in those conversations that are really monologues. You can't get a word in to save your life, and if you happen to eke out a few thoughts, it's obvious the other person is just waiting for your mouth to stop moving so they can pick up where they left off.

Are we carrying on a monologue with God?

Our society puts much emphasis on words. Fill the void with words. They don't even have to be helpful or true it seems like...just produce words. We can't let that mentality bleed into our relationship with Jesus. If you find yourself (like me) lacking on listening, don't hesitate to relax in God's presence, close your eyes, and just listen. Whether He has something to say to you or simply wants to bless you with His nearness, let Him have the floor.

God has so refreshed me this week. I have felt His arms wrap around my soul.

He is eager to do the same for you.

The Sweet Aroma of Simplicity

I never was the girl who was constantly "whipping something up in the kitchen."

I just wasn't. I showed my creativity through dance, mainly. But I could definitely follow a recipe and get good results. I could plan a meal, purchase the ingredients and make it happen. I also knew that if boys were involved, they needed at least 2 servings allotted to them.

So upon entering marriage, I wasn't starting from square one...exactly.

Things I've Learned:
1. If there is meat somewhere in the meal, my man is happy. Simple enough but...

2. I don't usually know what cut of meat I actually need. (Remember, I would be happy eating chicken every day). I'm getting better though...

3. If I don't go to the store, food doesn't magically appear in the fridge and pantry. There's no thinking "Oh, I'll just wait until..." Nope. Be a big girl and get to the store....

4. Keep things simple.This is true in food prep and cooking, and life in general!

From Pinterest

I'd thought I'd post some recipes that I have had great success with (and are Kurtis approved!)

And they all have the sweet aroma of simplicity.

NOT DESSERTS

The Best BBQ Beef: Click here

Delicious Italian Beef

My mom gave me this seasoning packet and I loved the results! She said she got it at Crest in MWC- I have yet to pick some more up, but here is what the packet looked like:

From louieseasoning.com

Hawaiian Meatballs: Click here

Note: I omitted the green peppers. I also served this up with Jasmine rice and it was super yummy! 

DESSERTS

Yummy Yummy Chocolate Chip Cookies: Click here

Snickerdoodle Bread: Click here

Peanut Butter Cookies: Click here

Happy Cooking! 

A Noteworthy Year: Twenty Twelve

A blinking cursor.

A big white square. That's what's facing me right now as I grasp for words to outline the past 12 months.

But blankness is certainly not what lies behind:

Lunch at Vast

Among many other things...
College graduation.
Best friend's engagement.
My engagement.
Best friend's wedding.
First devotions published
My wedding.
Also throw in a honeymoon, church change, new house, and new part-time job at TriCorps.

Fullness. Newness. Growth. Dreams reaching maturity and blossoming in my hands.

Numerous words have already been spoken on each of these amazing milestones; I am only left with a humble and grateful heart.

I am married to the most incredible man (for his end of the year blog post, click here) and blessed beyond belief to be his wife. My jobs right now are awesome, fulfilling and challenging- and very different from each other!

I have a beautiful home I get to decorate and fix up with my husband.

We both have excellent families that we get to live life with. I could go on...

Tear off that calendar page

What now? What is God speaking to me to focus on for 2013?

The words that keeps resonating in my spirit are: hungry, learn, grow.

Hungry for more of God.
Thirsty to learn.
Eager to grow.

I've been filled to the brim and even overflowing this year, but in an odd way, that makes me realize I do need God more and more every day so I can constantly learn, I can constantly grow, and I constantly bless and influence those around me. That gives me an appetite for God he promises to satisfy. (Matt. 5:6)

What words are echoing in your soul as you close your eyes on 2012 and open them to 2013?

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." Psalm 107:9

Happy New Year!