Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Hallelujah!!!

When we had had Halle home with us for only a short time...a month or so...our dear friend Carrie shared with me that she had been praying that day and God had laid Halle on her heart. So...she began to pray for her....and God gave her the word "Halle"lujah. How cool is that? Our heart rejoices and sings everyday over our dear, silly (I say that truthfully, ask anyone who spends extended amounts of time with her) beautiful daughter. We praised our Jesus with many "Halle"lujahs since she came to our house. About a month ago Aaron's dear Great Uncle Merle sent us and e-mail and he enclosed this: "We recognize that the word "halle" is what the Jews sang when they went up to ZION>>>the Holy City of Jerusalem! Praise the Lord.! Hallelujah!" How cool is that? When we picked the name Halle Grace it was one we both agreed on, thank goodness, Aaron had nixed about 6 others on my list. We never even thought about the significance....all I can say is HALLELUJAH!!!!

On my heart

Over the last few days I have been thinking about a few things....and these three ladies specifically have been on my heart: Kim, Megan & Kristin.  They all are three single and all three love the Lord Jesus.  I have committed to praying for them everyday.  You see....I was once there.  I was a single gal in my late twenties wanting nothing more then to find a man to spend the rest of my life with.  I had dated some guys in my early twenties and late teens...two specifically I thought I would marry...sorry Kyle & Luke...I don't think you'll ever read this, but...if you do...I still care about both of you and without the experiences I had because of you two I would not be the woman I am today.  You see I believe God had a hand in both of those relationships.  The circumstances evolving from them taught me to be the woman I am now.  Isn't that crazy?  Well, not really.  HE knew...knew what would happen.  I look back now and say WOW....God...you are AMAZING!!  Kyle ended up married to a sweet, sweet girl I went to high school with and I love her...she is PERFECT for him.  In fact, we go camping with their family every year.  Luke married Kim and had FIVE count them....FIVE girls....I do not know Kim or Luke's FIVE girls...they live in Texas.  But...I have heard from friends that Kim is perfect for him.  I think of me and my infertility....how would that have been???  Hmmmm......God knew, see???  Through both of those relationships I learned not to let a man, except Jesus, rule my life.  You see, my identity is not found in Aaron, it's found in my Jesus!!!  That is one of the sweetest things Aaron has ever said to me early on in our dating relationship.  I had worked so hard to let Jesus rule my life...and to give my relationships to HIM.  When Aaron and I married on December 5, 2003 we each married "God's Best".  That's right...we waited...but, oh my, was that hard.  We waited, sometimes, not patiently, for the ONE God had for us.  I'm praying that Kim, Megan & Kristin will find God's very best....SOON!!  Because, you'll find him when you least expect it...sometimes, like me...when you had given up.  Will you pick someone in your life to pray for everyday??  Join me......

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Fresh Fruit Trifle

This is what I made for Easter dinner at my Auntie Gail & Uncle Gary's. It's a favorite among the family....you can see why! So...I thought I'd share the recipe with you all!

2 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, very soft (light kind is fine, but not fat-free)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup sour cream (I use light)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 to 1 tsp almond extract (I use 1 tsp)
1/2 pint whipping cream, whipped with 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp almond extract and 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 angel food cake (make your own or just buy one from the grocery store) torn into pieces

Cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar until very smooth. Add sour cream and extracts, then fold in the whipped cream mixture. Fold gently until smooth, trying not to lose the volume. Next, fold in the angel food cake pieces, then layer in the clear glass trifle bowl with your choice of sweetened fruit. Be sure to drain the juices off the fruit quite well so the trifle does not become a puddle of juices.

ENJOY!!!!