25 random things about me

1. I love lime green, pink, purple, blue and white. Together or separate.
2. I am staring at a huge pile of laundry on the love seat that I need to fold.
3. I had a one month old baby on our first anniversary. :)
4. I burp when I'm really hungry.
5. I love to make good food.
6. I'm married to the sweetest (and most forgiving) man on earth. No arguments. :)
7. When I was little my sister used to wipe her boogers on the wall and I got in trouble for it.
8. I am incredibly blessed beyond anything I could ever wish for - and could never hope to deserve - with the best family (immediate, extended, and in-laws) ever. Love you all!
9. I inherited a love for technology, porsches, and deep dish pizza from my dad.
10. I wear jeans and a t-shirt almost every day, with my hair in a ponytail.
11. I am the only one of my siblings who has not been bit by a seagull.
12. I grew up in Minnesota and I have never once ridden a snowmobile.
13. I have a Bachelors degree in music education and I love to play the piano and sing. Not at the same time tho.
14. A few weeks ago my three year old tried to wipe a booger on the wall as I carried her down the hall.
15. My natural hair color is pretty dark. (insert blond joke here)
16. I love to organize stuff.
17. I love being pregnant - I feel better and have so much more energy than normal (after the first couple months). Before you go being jealous, just think how much of your life you spend not pregnant compared to how many months you may be pregnant. Guys - just be glad you don't even know what I'm talking about.
18. I went barefoot most of my life growing up.
19. My junior year of college someone asked me if I was old enough to drive. When I was five months pregnant someone thought I was a high schooler. After my second kid was born I answered the door and someone asked if my parents were home. But in last year someone thought my 16yr old brother in law, who is bigger than my husband, was my kid.
20. I love coffee but I am not addicted. 21. I wear a size 6 shoe.
22. I dislike pineapple, olives and avocado.
23. I have shot, killed and eaten two deer.
24. On my bucket list: shoot a bear and have a rug made out of it.
25. Yesterday, I smacked a nasty black spider with a broom, sucked it up with a vacuum and then put the vacuum outside in case the spider crawled out. I screamed when I did it, and afterwards it took me 5 minutes to stop shaking. YUCK.

Yumminess!!

I just combined like 3 different recipes plus a little of my own imagination and I came up with a Lemon Blackberry Cake in a Cup! Creative name, I know. :) If you want to try it, here's what I did...
I yellow cake mix
I vanilla yogurt
2 eggs
Half a lemon juiced
Some oil - I used about 1/4 cup
I added all the ingredients and stirred
Then add water until about the consistency of a cake mix - mine was a little thicker I think.
Stir in frozen blackberries - I used about one small package and saved some for garnishing.
Put a couple large spoonfuls into a coffee cup - mine are 16oz cups and it wasn't even half full (insert pessimistic joke here).
Microwave 1 min and then at 10 second intervals until the top is cooked and doesn't look like batter.
Let cook slightly - the cup is super hot so watch out!
I topped it with cool whip but I bet a lemon glaze or a frosting would be yummy too. :) sorry the pics are blurry, didn't really think it would work, so I didn't take many.
Experiment with it and let me know what you think! I am saving the batter to make these tonight so I'll let you know how that works out. We're having company so I sure hope it works!! :) Now I'm off to clean my house, then to the store for supper supplies. Have a fabulous day!!

Learning a lesson the hard way

Have you ever pointed a finger just to discover its pointing about 180* the wrong direction? Yeah, me too. Today, actually. And the worst part is I didn't realize it until it was too late. Way too late. Have you ever felt like you just want to crawl in a hole and stay there for a couple... Oh, weeks, months, or years? Yep, me too. Today, actually. About 1.2 seconds after said discovery.
God is showing me little by little that I am do not have a very teachable spirit. And today he kinda just smacked me upside the head with the awareness of how seriously I need to set aside my belief that my way is best whether it's something silly (like butt paste - don't ask) or something much deeper. I have not arrived, I have soooooo much to learn and I am not above learning from anyone. I don't really believe any of that when I stop to think about it, but I live that way when people offer suggestions or ask me if I want to listen to this amazing sermon they heard. I need to accept these offers as encouragement and so often I just think "what's wrong with me the way I am?" (or "what's wrong with the _________ I have?" - diaper cream, version of the Bible, fill in the blank.) That is my human nature, and I want to be a new creature - one that looks like Christ. How thankful I am that He didn't say "what's wrong with My form?" but instead was willing to humble himself, restrict himself to a body for the rest of eternity and come to earth to suffer and die for me. He didn't consider His way best but submitted to His Fathers will. If God can humble Himself, I most certainly can and should. Isn't that the goal - to know and be like Christ? If not, I'm reading my Bible wrong. :)

I am NOT trying to preach or point at any of you. Neither am I looking for sympathetic responses - "oh you're not prideful," or "don't be too hard on yourself" or any other kind of consolation. I know that I am complete in Him and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it (can't WAIT!) and I know learning to be more teachable is what He is asking of me right now. And I hope that when I share my heart that it doesn't come across that I'm judging you or looking for sympathy. I am simply sharing the joy of what God is teaching me and hoping that it will encourage you!

Happy 4 years!!

I love my man!! He took today off and we went up in the mountains yesterday and camped overnight. We drove up (and down and up again) and found the *only* place to camp that was open this early in the year and set up. I'm still not sure if it was private land or what, because everything in the national forest was gated off. Shhhh, don't tell!! :) I will admit, I was a little nervous for some reason about animals, maybe because we've always camped with a group before. But we didn't see a thing and we had a wonderful time talking all the way up (did I mention we went up the same road twice?). No animals, just fire and wind and hot dogs and beautiful views and snow and lots (and lots more) layers. I slept in two pairs of socks, shorts, jeans, tank top, long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, my hoodie, and Dave's hoodie over that. Plus a flannel blanket and sleeping bags that zip together so we can cuddle. (Best Christmas gift ever!) :) It must have worked - I didn't get cold at all! We only took basic stuff to eat - hot dogs and granola bars - because we wanted to spend time with each other and with God. We mostly sat around the fire and read our Bibles together, prayed and talked about what we were reading. Pretty awesome. We have an awesome God and we wanted to spend time getting to know Him and letting His goodness sink in. Best anniversary trip yet - out of three. :)
On a lighter note, there was this cool rock building with no roof and we made good use of it. :) My husband is brilliant - and sweet. No trees for me! Love you, Babe!

My choices = my issues

Ever have those days that you feel like a terrible mom? My kids have been fed and changed and thats about it. I got a slow start and even the slow part didn't kick in til 8:30 or so. Before that nothing was moving at all... Especially me. I'm unusually tired today and I'm not a morning person by nature - I didn't even get a shower til noon. Combined with not wearing my contacts cuz one is bugging me lately, messy house, a temper tantrum and a shortened nap (thanks to the tantrum), and an embarrassing amount of time wasted on my phone, I think I could win the "worst mom" award for the day. But this blog is about processing my feelings and dealing with them and hopefully it will help someone else out too - and of you've ever felt like I do right now, at least you know you're not alone.
I think the biggest thing that bothers me is the wasted time. I played angry birds, facebooked, and pinterested most of the day away. I hate looking back on wasted time. But somehow it's harder to see it happening until its too late.
Another thing I dislike is knowing that because I'm not spending quality time with my kids they have a stronger tendency to ignore and not value me in return - hence the tantrums. I know my child is responsible to obey but it is my responsibility to encourage and nurture that obedient heart. Ugh. Like I said, I'm processing my own issues - not pointing fingers except at myself.
On to issue number three - my kids will learn from my actions more than my words. Ouch. I'm basically giving myself a verbal spanking right now. I think its working tho. When I let a whole day go to waste, I can start fresh tomorrow and praise the Lord His mercies are new every morning, but my daughter is watching me mope around because of decisions I've made and she's learning. That scares me. I want her to learn character qualities like diligence, service for others, integrity, faithfulness and hospitality. Not laziness, self-centeredness, grumpiness, or indifference.

Lord, forgive me for the way I've wasted my time thus far today. It was wrong and i am ashamed. Help me to redeem the rest of today and use it to glorify You. Help me to overcome the small things that easily turn into excuses, and to take my responsibilities from You seriously. Help me to prioritize the things that matter to You. I know my children are a gift from you - help me to be a good steward of every gift. Thank you for fresh mercy every moment as soon as I ask for it. Give me wisdom to know your will and strength to do it. Amen.

Coasters!!

I have seen coasters everywhere and I got really excited cuz I have a tile-guru for a hubby. So I just asked him if he ever had any scraps if he would cut them down to 4x4s and bring them too me. I'm thinking I'll make a set for myself and if there's enough, maybe a set as a gift. This is what he came home with... See picture #1. That's after I've already made two sets. Live his over-achiever personality. He completes me... Or would compensate be a better word? Hmmm, just gonna let that one go. Anyway I went ahead and picked out my scrapbook paper and stickers and grabbed my homemade modge podge (Elmer's glue mixed with water til same consistency as modge podge) and got to work. I modge podged the top of the tile and put the cut pieces of scrapbook paper on it. I left a little overhang - once it dries you can trim the edges. When that dried I kept adding layers - over the next several days. Every time I went in the craft room I added another coat. My homemade modge podge is not glossy and I liked it fine, but you could use the glossy kind or find the recipe for it of you want it. Because my tile wasn't 4x4 to start with, the edges are kinda sharp from being cut down. So I coated the top and the sides every time. I got tired of peeling newspaper off the bottom where it would drop and stick so I figured out that if I put a rubber stamp or two underneath each tile it wouldn't stick. Yay! After a couple weeks and 374 coats of modge podge, I flipped them over and glued felt onto the bottom so they don't scratch furniture. (pic#3) Not that we have furniture that would care if it it scratched... And for that matter we hardly ever use coasters either but we have a really cute set!! And if you feel like making some... Bring your scrapbook paper to my house cuz I have lots of extra tile. :)

Recipe: Stellar teen night

Ingredients:
Fun people
Lots of movies to choose from
Pizza and pop
Bananagrams and apples to apples
Nachos grande
Projector and big white wall
Couches and bean bags
Puppy chow
Someone who quotes all the lines in the movie - while you're watching
Random Mario videos on YouTube
100 billion trips up and down the stairs
Cute little kids running around
Lots of laughter - only a few out of courtesy
A baby gate that no one can operate

Instructions:
Mix together at 70* for 5 hours. Send kids home. Put baby back to bed. Crash and leave cleanup for tomorrow morning. Try to convince yourself that being tired at 11 doesn't mean you're old.
I love our youth group. :)

Must read for moms and wives

A little while ago I decided I needed to start reading more and I finally acted on it. I borrowed a couple of books from a friend on the Proverbs 31 woman, and I chose this one because it seemed the least intimidating. It's called "My So-Called Life as a Proverbs 31 Wife" by Sara Horn. I picked it up to read a chapter before I went to bed and an hour later I was halfway thru it. I finished it tonight. It was so easy and funny - and real. I related to a lot of the things she talked about and felt a little better about my own struggles to live up to the standard set in Proverbs 31. Even so it was encouraging and deepened my desire to please God and live the way He wants me to. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Meaty manicotti recipe

Um, so I'm gonna just pretend I didn't ignore my blog for the last month and go on like normal... :)
I've made this recipe twice now and I LOVE it!! Mmmmmm!! I can't take credit - its from a Taste of Home book with a few of my personal improvisations. :) i cant make anything exactly like the recipe says. Hope you like it too!!
14 uncooked manicotti shells
1 roll Jimmy Dean sausage - original
1 lb ground turkey or beef
Salt
Minced garlic - a couple tsp of the kind in a jar or 2 cloves
2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
4oz cream cheese
4 c spaghetti sauce
Parmesan cheese
- cool manicotti according to directions on box; drain and rinse with cold water
- meanwhile cook meats, garlic and salt (to taste); drain and let cool
- stir together meat, mozz cheese and cream cheese
- spread half the spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9x13 pan
- stuff each shell with meat mixture, arrange in pan
- pour remaining sauce over shells; sprinkle Parmesan on top
- bake, covered, at 350* for 40 min; uncover and bake 5-10 minutes longer until bubble and heated thru

Tips:
I used lasagna shells once and cut them in half and rolled the meat up in it - way easier than stuffing and trying not to rip the manicotti
I added oregano to the meat cuz Dave likes it :)
I had leftover meat, and I didn't really measure the sauce, I just had a huge jar from Sams, so I had that leftover too - you can cut down the recipe or make extra shells if you want; I'm gonna put it all together and eat it on noodles for supper tonight
I made it once with just ground elk meat - it was a lot spicier but it was really good
Ignore that the plate in the pic isn't mine. No, I would never take a picture of the picture in my recipe book just because I forgot to take one when I made it... *fingers crossed behind my back*!!
Maybe tomorrow I'll post the cheesy onion breadsticks I made to go with this. :)

Mmmmmmmm - enjoy!!!

Painting rocks

Today was beautiful outside and do I decided we were going to do something outdoors. I also had the itch to paint and Sunshine had been asking to paint today. I knew just what I wanted to do... My friend has these rocks that are painted with the fruit of the spirit - Love, joy, peace... etc. She said she bought them but I knew I could copy them so miss Sunshine and I went to the driveway and picked out some rocks. I washed them and then she picked out the colors and we each painted one rock that color. Then I painted my words in white and when that was dry I wrote in each white letter with a fine point sharpie in a different color. I used Philippians 4:8 on mine - what we should be thinking on. I'm going to put them in my house, probably just scattered around as reminders. I painted one letter on each of Sunshine's rocks and spelled out her name. I love how they look and we had a great time being outside and painting together - win/win/win!!!
P.S. sorry about the poor photos. One is with flash and one without but neither is great.

Meet my family - Part 2

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Sunshine!! She is three today. What a wonderful amazing three years it's been. Watching her grow up has been one of the most amazing parts of my life. New tricks, new words, new concepts, new mischief - all of it is just so cool to see develop. She is my drama queen, and my social butterfly. She loves to be around people and to make them laugh. So many funny stories I could never list them all. Love my little Curly Top so much. Here are some of my favorite pics of her.

Pedicure friendly socks

I totally hate freezing my feet off because I have wet toenails and can't put my socks on. Our basement isn't finished and thats where we do our pedis at my house. Brrrrrrr!!! But I don't have to freeze anymore because I just made these socks for myself out of a pair of clearance knee highs I got at Target for $1.75!! I'll show you how hard this was to do - NoT!! I think the actual process took less than 10 minutes. Add in my newbie struggles and it changed the number slightly but I still did it in one sitting... each, lol!
Pic #1 - I put the sock on and used a permanent marker to draw a line across where my toes meet my foot. Then I drew lines down in between my toes. I took the sock back off and laid it flat making sure the lines were on top.
Pic #2 - I sewed back and forth a few times where I had marked the lines between my toes - but on the opposite side of the horizontal line. I started on the line and went toward the heel - I hope that makes sense. If you sew on top of the toe lines you'll just cut them off in the next step.
Pic #3 - cut off the socks where you drew the line between your toes and your feet.
Pic #4 - pretty toes, happy feet!!

Yes, Dave made fun of these but my toes do not like being in socks but my feet get cold so he can laugh all he wants - it doesn't hurt to wear socks anymore!!!

One of those days... But not over yet!!

Seems like just about everything has gone wrong so far today. Didn't sleep well, disappointed hopes, toddler tantrums in the parking lot, little irritating things (yogurt cup leaking in the grocery bag, wore sandals only to discover giant snowflakes as we left the first store, carseat getting stuck while I'm trying to get it out, didn't find what i was looking for at the store, bought citronella instead if citrus scent, new recipe major fail, one kid goes to sleep, the other wakes up 2 min later, etc.) all day. I'm not complaining, just stating facts on how it's gone so far. The cool thing is, a friend is coming over today and she's one of those great friends that will take you however you come. Messy house, failed supper recipe, grumpy kids and all. It's so hard for me not to freak out and feel like I need to have everything (appear) perfect. I like my house clean, my kids cheery and my food... edible if not delicious. But it doesn't always happen and I used to cancel when I couldn't make it work that way. Sandy is my friend and she is ok with the real deal, pretty or not, and I am so glad she is coming because she is so fun that I know we'll have a great time despite the laundry baskets full of clean laundry sitting in the middle of the floor and the dishes that didn't fit in the dishwasher before I ran it. PTL for true friends!! ;) Now I'm off to scrounge up something edible for dinner tonight!! :)

Purple chalkboard

I saw on pinterest that you can make your own chalkboard paint with latex or acrylic paint and non-sanded grout. I pinned it for someday and when someone gave me an old whiteboard that wouldn't erase, I decided to try it. Check out this ugly thing - the green is where Sunshine and I wrote before we realized it wouldn't come off. I mixed 1 cup paint with 1 tbsp grout, which is very cheap. Good thing too cuz i wouldn't have bought a 5lb box just to use one tbsp if it had cost more. If anyone wants to do this project I have an extra 4.98 lbs and I will give you a couple scoops of it, lol! Anyway, I picked what color I wanted and mixed the grout into the paint. I'm not sure why but the grout is clumpy and I didn't stir well I guess cuz there were some chunks in the paint. And I used a brush because the roller I had was no good, but the brush left little lines. I'm ok with it but it might be better to get a nice roller in a small size for a smoother surface. I painted the frame too and voila!! My own chalkboard !! I'm excited to let Sunshine play with this and maybe use it for school someday too!! Here's the before, during an after pictures.

My new hobby

So the blanket I made for Sugar was the first sewing project I've done in a super long time, and the only one I've ever threaded the machine and bobbin, cut and pinned the material and sewed on my own. My mother in law helped with one seam (the visible one because I am still working on straight lines, lol) but I did the rest. So since I am super excited about learning she gave me her spare sewing machine!!! Check out this baby!! I'm so excited I can't stand it! It looks so cool! It's a gorgeous color and has so much character! The only problem is I have no material. No thread. No seam ripper. Zilch. So I went thru my closet and found a couple shirts I never wear and cut them up and used the thread that was on the machine when I got it (two different colors, btw) and made the one thing I could - fabric flowers. They're easy and I had everything I needed, and then when I went to my in laws house today I raided her material and made pink ones to go with the blue I had. LOVE them and I can't wait to put them on something. Not sure what yet... They're a little big for headbands for my girls, so maybe a pin for my coat or something! And I think i might try making ruffles for a lampshade someday if I can come up with some fabric I like. Happy sewing!!

Love is patient and kind... At the same time

Do you know one certain person that just annoys the fire out of you? I think everyone does. I do. And no, it's not you, I promise. :) What is it that makes it so difficult for me to respond with kindness? It annoys the fire out of me even more that I can't handle it like an adult when I'm around them. I'm learning why, tho. The truth is... *gulp* I have such a hard time being gracious with certain people because what bugs me the most about them are the things I struggle with. Bossy, inconsiderate, know-it-all... Those are tendencies of mine that I can't handle in other people. (Don't bother arguing. This is the truth whether you agree or not. Just ask my sister.) I think the Lord puts these people in my life for two reasons - to show me what it's like to be around me so that I can work on those areas, and more importantly, to remind me of the grace He gives minute by minute and expects me to turn around and pass on to other children of His. I'm not one inkling of a jot better or more deserving than anyone else and He wants me to know that. Not just with my head but to feel it in my core and prove with my attitude and response. I do not deserve grace, but He gives it anyway. Therefore I should not hesitate to be gracious around those my flesh deems undeserving. It's a hard lesson to learn and even harder to execute consistently but I'm learning. Maybe I will look up some verses on God's grace and memorize them. It will take my whole life I'm sure and I won't be perfect but I desire to reflect the love of God instead of sending my own message of what needs to change in others lives. "they will know us by our love..." Strive with me to love more today.

Organizing!!

I love to organize. You might not know it by looking at my house, but I joke that I love it so much that I don't ever want to finish. The truth is I don't ever have to worry about running out of things to organize cuz once I get a few projects done I can start over on the same ones. But here are a couple things I've done that work well for us.
I use hanging storage in my kids closets instead of dressers. In our previous house the bedrooms were teeny, so I got a couple of these and since their clothes are pretty small it holds everything. (Sunshine just finished watching a movie and came looking for me. I'm planning to take a pic of her closet so I'm standing in her room typing on my iPhone. She just walked in and said "Mom, what are you doing in my room?" ok, so it's way funnier when you hear her say it. I laughed.) Anyway, here is the picture. I know it doesn't look incredibly neat, but it works and saves room. Here is Sugar's closet. She grows out of clothes every few months so I keep the tub that holds her size in the closet and when she outgrows stuff, I throw it back in. When there isn't much for her to wear I know it's time to bring up the next size tub (or do laundry.)
I will probably have to get them dressers someday when they are bigger but for now this works great! Now I just need to figure out my own closet!!

Meet my family - Part 1

So as you know from my first post, I am married, but I may have failed to mention that I am married to the most amazing man ever. End of story. He loves me and takes such good care of me. He works super hard to provide for us and he can do any kind of remodel there is. Tile, wood floors, drywall, paint, roofing, windows, etc. I don't even know what all he does, but I know it looks awesome when he gets done! And he loves kids, especially our kids. Just tonight we were in the nursery at church and I changed a baby's diaper and when I finished I looked up and he and all the kids were sitting on the floor in the corner behind the rocking chair. They were hiding from somebody I guess. He loves them and they love him. Not only is he hardworking and kid loving, he is super duper thoughtful. He decided he wanted to do a better job of being a husband and he went one day and bought a white board. He hung it behind the door to the garage and every day before he leaves for work he writes me a note. Good notes. Sappy. Romantic. Silly. Lovey-dovey, make me blush notes. Depends on the day, usually a mixture. But I love it. The first thing I do every morning after I get out of bed is go read my note. I can't say enough good things about my man. Just believe me when I say he is the best of the best. Remember my first post about meeting him? I was an idiot and I quickly figured it out and I am so thankful that God gave me the desire to love this man. He is the best thing that has ever happened to mr, second only to knowing Jesus. Here is a picture of the jewelry box he built for me when we were engaged. I absolutely LOVE it, and he made it match our bedroom set! I will spend my whole life thanking God for him, and trying to show him how much I love him. :)

Hurting

Tonight my heart is heavy. I just read of a missionary couple who lost their three year old daughter in a car accident this morning. I have a friend who is dying of brain cancer. She and her husband are some of the godliest people I knew in college and are an incredible testimony for the Lord. They have two young boys that are close to my daughters in age. Sometimes it's hard to handle all the hurt and sorrow and these are not even directly related to me. Yesterday our assistant pastor preached on Ps 73 and so much of the chapter ties in with Ps 34. Both talk about struggling to understand what seems backwards - the wicked seem to prosper and have no trouble or difficulty. Sometimes it appears that way to us. Chapter 73 verse 16 says "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end." When we go to God with our sorrows, He helps us to see from his perspective. It doesn't take away the hurt but it does give purpose to the things that seem to not make sense. The wicked do have consequences, they are just delayed, and when tragic things happen to people who love God, it is not punishment or something God just couldn't handle. He knows what is best and we must cling to that. Here are some amazing verses that we can hold on to when we feel like we can't handle the burdens. Ps 73
v23 "Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand."
v24 "You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."
v25 "Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you."
v26 "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
v27 "For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you."
v28 "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
God, comfort those who have lost loved ones and those who are counting precious minutes. Help us to remember that You are a just God and that we can trust You when things seem unfair. Help us to run to You first, when we don't understand, when we hurt, when we need comfort and counsel. Help us to choose to be near You and make You our refuge and tell of Your works. Thank You for being loving and trustworthy; thank You for being sovereign and just. Amen.

My first sewing project

I get soooooo tired of my little Sugar kicking her blanket off when she's in the carseat and it's freezing outside. So when I saw this in pinterest I loved the idea! I finally got material and then a couple weeks went by before I had a chance to sit down with my mother-in-law and learn how to sew. It is definitely a beginner piece but I'm so excited that I did it all myself! And the material is so stinking cute that hopefully no one will notice my leaning stage stitches. :) now we just need a couple more weeks of coooold weather so I can put it to use before she grows out of it!!

Psalm 37:4

My favorite verse EVER! "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
This verse has so many facets and I am sure its deeper than I will ever understand but here are a few of the things I've learned from it.
1. God delights in us, and He wants us to delight in Him. I delight in loving, watching, nurturing and helping my two girls. Nothing makes me happier than when they delight in me - obeying, loving, spending time with me and sharing their hearts. That's exactly what God wants from us - He delights in providing and nurturing and He wants us to delight in obeying, loving and depending on Him.
2. When we delight in Him, He gives us HIS desires. He gives us a desire for the things that please Him and that He knows will fulfill us. They go hand in hand. Because He created us, He knows what will make us happy and because He loves us He wants only the best for us.
3. Once we have desires that please Him, He gives us what we desire. He wants us to be fulfilled and satisfied - but that only comes from Him. I am learning to look to HIM to satisfy me to the deepest part of my heart. No other person or thing can do that and yet so often I go to my husband and expect him to make me happy, or I go buy something new and cling to it like it will fix my heart. But that is unfair to my husband and usually makes things worse. And the "stuff" I buy is only a bandaid to cover up the real issue - and in a few days the bandaid falls off and I have to go find a new bandaid. Why not go to the One who can heal and restore and wash away the hurt for good? Good question. I'm learning!
4. Just like I enjoy my children obeying and loving, I also enjoy giving them things they enjoy. God is the same way. Sometimes we have desires that are just things we love. I love lots of things but the best example of this is mountains. I grew up in the midwest, but I visited Colorado and Montana and Washington state growing up. I developed a love for the mountains and hoped one day to live there. When I went to college (in the midwest) I met a nice guy who started showing interest in me. For some reason I did not share the interest. He was a great guy, very fun to be around and very kind. But my heart was not interested in more than friendship. I made that clear to him, and we stayed friends. But I prayed about it and said "God, if for some reason you want this to go somewhere, you are going to have to give me that desire. I am willing but it is not in my heart right now, so please put it there if this is what you want for me." Every day I prayed that, and over the course of a month (he is a VERY patient man) God changed my heart. As I went from guarding against any depth to opening up a little I asked him questions and paid more attention to his answers. I asked him (not joking) for the 4th time where he was from and when he told me suddenly I realized that it was out west - and there were mountains!! As I delighted in God, and let him change my desire toward Dave, he fulfilled every desire I had ever wanted in a husband and then some, and also gave me the opportunity to live an hours drive from the mountains - with gorgeous views and a short drive to beautiful picnic areas.
With all my heart, I believe this verse. I know there is more depth that I don't grasp yet, but God has proven it to me so many times and I know He loves me!!