Thoughts on Psalm 23

Today my sister is hosting a Sunday Meditations blog hop, so be sure to go over there and get a blessing from what other bloggers share.

Awhile back I read Elizabeth George's book Powerful Promises for Every Woman, 12 life-changing truths from Psalm 23. I marked in my Bible some of the things she pointed out that were a blessing to me. I re-read my notes often because they are such a huge blessing to my heart and I want to share them with you.

One big thing to notice about this psalm is that it is written personally to us in the present tense, "me, my."

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd:: Jehovah-Rohi {God guides}

I shall not want:: Jehovah-Jireh {God provides}

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:: He makes us rest so we can feed upon Him. He refreshes us physically.

He leadeth me beside the still waters:: With Him as the leader of our lives, our hearts have peace and rest.

He restoreth my soul:: Jehovah-Rophe {The Lord heals} He refreshes us and restores us spiritually.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake:: Jehovah-Tsidkenu {The Lord our righteousness}

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me:: God provides comfort and companionship.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:: He gives protection from spiritual and physical enemies.

Thou anointest my head with oil:: Jehovah-Nissi {The Lord is my banner}

My cup runneth over:: He gives joy overflowing.

Surely goodness {God's goodness} and mercy {His lovingkindness} shall follow me {pursue me} all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever:: live in our eternal home, enjoying the eternal presence of God with us.

I hope this is a blessing to you as it has been to me. Have a wonderful Lord's Day!

Show Us Your Life - Best Vacation

Well, I wouldn't really call this the best vacation, but it's the only vacation Jacob and I have been on since our honeymoon and because I shared about that last week, I decided to share this little trip today.

In June we went to West Virginia for my best girlfriend's wedding. Jacob and I decided to go a couple days early and do some fun stuff to celebrate our 1 year anniversary.

Excited about our roadtrip!

We walked around downtown Franklin, TN. It's such a cute town. I wish we'd had more time to do more exploring.

Quaint little town

We saw lots of old churches

I loved the baskets of flowers hanging on every lamp post!

The next day we went to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati. It was really cool. It's very well done and has awesome exhibits. We definitely could have spent more time there!

Waiting for the IMaxx to start

We saw lots of dinosaurs!

Exhibit portraying the world-wide Flood of Noah's day

Part of the "Garden of Eden." It was really pretty, but it started raining right when we were headed out there.

Petting zoo where we got to feed bunches of cool animals!

It was a fun little trip. Very busy and rushed, but a really good time for us to celebrate our first anniversary!

Be sure to check out Kelly's Korner for more great vacation ideas!

A Few of My Favorite Things in God's Creation

Today I decided to join in with Amy at Filled With Praise to count my blessings (favorite things). My theme this week is God's Creation. I love being outside enjoying all the wonderful, beautiful things God has given us. Have you ever thought about what life would be like without colorful flowers or sunsets or animals or green grass? I think it would be pretty dull and dreary and depressing!

So let's praise Him today for His glorious creation!

I LOVE:

sunrises

sunsets

flowers, morning glories

orchids

tiger lilies

green grass

lakes and forests

hay fields and blue skies

wild animals

domestic animals

Psalm 19:1-6

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoicing as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Be sure to stop by Filled With Praise to see how other bloggers are praising God today!

Gluten-Free Brownies

My blogging friend SnoWhite posted this recipe on her blog awhile back. I finally got to make them this week! They are so yummy and no one would ever guess that they have no flour in them. There is one special ingredient...Jacob tried to guess, but couldn't get it right...

Black beans!!

I know it sounds weird, but don't write it off til you try them!

Gluten-Free Brownies

1 can (15.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 T olive oil (I used vegetable oil because I was out of olive oil)
1/4 C cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 C white sugar
1/2 C chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 8x8 or 7x11 pan (I used 7x11).
2. In your blender, combine the beans, eggs and oil. Then, puree the mixture. Scrape down the sides several times to make sure everything gets evenly pureed.
3. Add in the cocoa, sugar, baking powder, pinch of salt and vanilla and puree until smooth. Scrape down the sides again to get everything mixed in.
4. Pour the brownie mixture in the pan.
5. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top of the brownies.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Hope you enjoy! The brownies will be gooey and have a different (but good!) texture.

Blog Hop - Favorite Photos

My crazy insane husband having fun with a smoke bomb!

My bro (in the middle) with my two bros-in-law ready to play putt-putt

My darling nephew hiding a smile while he watches Aunt Kelly putt-putt. ha!

My amazing sister and me

Ridley shed his clothes trying to keep cool. He was ready to go home...what a great night!

Hope you have fun blog-hopping today!

Pregnancy Update: 19 weeks

This week I felt like I had a major growth spurt! I'd still been able to wear most of my non-maternity skirts, but this week, everything (it seems like) won't zip! I had a big clothes crisis yesterday (Sunday) as we got ready for church. Only 1 of my dressy skirts would fit comfortably! I think I'll just get a black skirt and wear it every Sunday with a different shirt. Surely no one would notice! ha.

I started feeling the baby move this week! It's so amazing. I love it! I read that the baby can hear our voices and other sounds out here now. It's so cool how God forms each part of the baby at a special time.

Baby is the size of a large mango

Yard Sale Finds

Yesterday while I was on my morning walk around the neighborhood, I went to a couple yard sales. I LOVE yard sales!!

Here are my great finds:

Rocking Horse, 5 packs of flash cards and 7 children's books

This all cost me $4!!!! Yay for great deals!

Check out Southern Hospitality to see bunches of other yard sale treasures!