Day 2 of my fast... I love getting to know you more, God!

Well, my computer crashed on me last night as I was trying to post and now my days are off! That's okay, I woke up extra early this morning to have a little extra time to post how yesterday went...

After day one was over we still ended up going to bed quite late and I don't really remember falling asleep. I slept like a baby lamb though, I can tell you that much!
So as usual I wake up and have a hankering for a cup of Joe. Luckily, and oddly enough, I had prepared the night before and set the automatic button on the coffee pot (I always forget!) So waking up was to the fresh aroma of delicously delightful morning brew... oh how I love that smell!




Dallas had already gone to work for the day so I took some time to sit and enjoy my coffee and worship the Lord with songs. I tend to always get one song stuck in my head that's with me for the remainder of the day- today was Hosanna. Such a beautiful song!

"Break my heart for what breaks yours. Everything I am for your Kindgom's cause..."




It was a good reminder all day for me as I continued to sing those lyrics in my head.
God and I had our morning chat and I have really been trying to listen to God speak. I asked questions, waited on answers, and gave Him time to talk back to me. I'm not sure how to interpret Him yet when it comes to this, but I know that He'll start to reveal Himself to me as I give time to try and learn Him.


I called Dallas after my first class and he had come home from work with terrible migraine and was ralphing all over the place. Poor baby. It's terrible when he gets migraines so I wanted to make sure he was getting enough nutrients and keeping some fluids down, so I came home and made him a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup and drugged him up.




I had to go into work for a few hours, but Dallas needed to rest anyways so it was okay that I wasn't home with him. I prayed over him for relief of pain and for a rejuvenated body before I left home...
You know- just randomly talking to God throughout the day is really comforting! I've always just said little prayers here and there, but really chatting with Him is different. He listens and He responds...

After work I came home to check on my darling and he was feeling much better! Thank you, Lord! We made a few more NY plans and decided to each cheap for dinner since we're pinching our pennies... what can we make out of the stuff in the fridge?
Nachos and cereal! Perfect! We enjoyed yet another night of laughing in the kitchen preparing dinner together and chatting over our delicious nachos at the dinner table and Frosted Flakes for dessert on the couch.




Reconnecting with Dallas has been amazing and I'm so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such an awesome husband... He sure knew what He was doing! :)

As the night grew to an end I just prayed to the Lord about all of the things that He was already changing in my life, about the steps we are taking together, and told Him about my desires to know Him more... We had a good talk together as usual and I'm eager to see what tomorrow brings.

Ps- Dallas took the job at FOX... I think I could have done a jig when I heard!!! Thank you, God, for opening doors!

A day without tv...ppfssshhh easy peasy!

Well, I decided to write about my first day of fasting from television today (which is technically day 2 now). I honestly went to bed on Sunday night feeling a little anxious about how much change omitting a simple TV would bring about in my day. Let's see here- I turn it on before I get out of bed and listen to the Today show as I get ready in the morning- I DVR shows throughout the day to watch with Dallas after work. I come home from school and turn the TV while I eat lunch and then keep it on for background noise while I study and do homework. Then I head to the gym where the TVs are on so that you can watch while you burn those calories and tighten those buns.

After that I return home where I turn on the upstairs and downstairs televisions so that I don't miss a thing while I'm doing housework and then I proceed to cooking dinner with the TV up just a little bit louder so it reaches the kitchen. You know- I've seen plenty of women in my day with small televisions in their kitchens. I suppose it just now has occurred to me how crazy this is... Do we need it that badly?? So, anyways- at this point Dallas and I sit down to enjoy our finely prepared dinner... in front of what? each other? no... the television. This thing is taking over my life and it's absurd!!! I've got to get away from this thing...




So- day one begins! I woke up and realized that today is day one of no television. It's my time for me and my God to connect and learn one another again- this made it pretty easy since I am PUMPED about building our relationship! I thought to myself, "what's a good way to worship the Lord this morning?" So, I opened my windows in my room and enjoyed the cool breeze blowing in and listened to the little birds chirping outside...



It was marvelous and I honestly enjoyed getting ready so much in the quiet. It was so peaceful and I actually felt like I wasn't consumed by anything. I enjoyed my coffee and listed to a little worship music and reflected on what these next 21 days would be to me... What a morning it was already turning into! By the way- Song of the day that I am currently in LOVE with- The Great I am... Check it out- it'll make your heart sing!

I then headed to school and had my usual morning chat with the Lord. Praying in my car is just something I've always done... I'm not sure if that's normal, but when have I ever claimed that title? So, I go to class- which is math- awesome... I manage to get through it and then I see the Meek blood bus sitting outside of my school. hmmmmm...I think I'll give blood today! I could save 3 lives on this day instead of trying to hurry home to catch my shows! YES!



Wow- that needle is huge. And now I have a bruise. Oh well, I was given the chance to help someone in need and that made it all worth it!

I was home by 12:00 and that's when it hit me... I'm about to be home with nothing to do for the next 7 hours. Quiet for 7 hours? What does that even feel like???
So, I had to do something- I took an hour out of my day hunting down a Sunday paper and I coupon clipped!




I clipped, I googled, I found deals, I learned gangster new ways to coupon- it was awesome! I'm set for my next trip to the store and I don't plan on handing them an arm and a leg this time!!

As for the rest of the evening, it was fantastic- Dallas came home and we really enjoyed the time that we got to spend together. We cooked a fabulous dinner together and enjoyed it at our rarely used dinner table and had wonderful conversation. We made plans for New York and we laughed and just hung out... Wow. It feels like dating again!!! :)
To top off a wonderful day, Dallas informed me that his old boss at FOX offered up a position for him. Can you believe it? We've been wanting for Dallas to be in a job where his hours are better, where he works for a good Christian man, where he feels happy and satisfied- and Voila! It's almost as if God said, "I'm glad you're wanting to know me more-here's you a little something in return..." Not that God owes us anything at all, but he is so giving and loving and cares what we're feeling. I'm confident He knew we'd be smiling from ear to ear. We did feel like we needed to pray on the topic before Dallas makes big decision like leaving his current job, so we prayed and listened and we're still waiting on a definite yes or no... Sometimes it feels like we're just kind of walking in the dark not knowing exactly where we'll end up, but I'm happy to do so knowing that God will always lead me in the right direction!

Drawing nearer to God...

So, I'm obviously terrible at keeping up with a Blog. But! BIG BUT- I am going to stay on top of it for at least the next 21 days... minus a few while we're in New York. We began a 21 day fast in our church to draw nearer to the Lord and for me, realize and be more aware of what the Holy Spirit is doing and working in me.
I have such a hard time praying and then listening. I'm not bragging, but I don't tend to view myself as one who asks a lot, but my prayers are more about thanks. I guess I'm just not to a point in my relationship with God where I feel like I can just "declare" things and rebuke things and question what He is doing. I feel weird when I ask God to do things- I mean, He's God, if He wants to do it- He will. right? No. He loves hearing my voice and asking things of Him! I just haven't got to the point of comfort with it yet... Another thing that I struggle with is that I've been told by others in our lifegroup that I don't realize the authority that I have in being His child. What authority? Do I want authority? Does that make me sound snooty to ask to realize my "authority"? Man, that's a big thing! But, He gives us that, I need to grow in Him and realize it and grab hold of the gift! And a big one for me is the problem with listening- I haven't sat down and expected an immediate response from God- EVER.


I think I just assume- Oh hey God, it's little ol' me, Britain. Um, Just wondering if you were thinking that this was the right timing or if this is the path I should take. Take your time getting back to me- it's just me- little ol' Britain.
And then I just kind of go about my day. I never wait. I'm not patient with Him. I don't sit and quietly wait for a response. God responds!!! He loves hearing me and He knows I'd love to hear Him- it is a desire of my heart to hear Him! But, I never give him the chance to speak...


Also during this period of fasting I want to become more aware of the spiritual warfare going on around me all the time. I want to feel God's presence and power and be secure in times of fear or in times where what's going on isn't "right". When I know Satan and his demons are battling against me so hard and trying to steal my life away... trying to kill me! I want to be aware of the fact that the war was already won, but there are still battles and God and the angels are fighting so hard against the enemy for me! For Britain Paulk in Abilene, Texas. For me- the insignificant speck in the universe! Isn't that bizarre to think about? I want to realize His goodness and the Victory all the time! I want to be so near to Him that it's radiating through me and I can just feel His presence and the feeling be so real that it's overwhelming. I want to be an obedient child of God and I want to be reminded of where He brought me from. I want to realize the great rescue and for Him to know that I haven't forgotten... And this is a small way of me showing Him that.

That is what this fast means to me. This means getting to know my God, my Father, my Redeemer, my Savior- my ALL, on a deeper more passionate level. It means telling and showing Him- you are worth more to me than anything in the world. I will give up a blessing, a luxury, that consumes so much of me so that I can be nearer to you! I will fill my time with your Word and with prayer. I will talk to you and I will listen! I will enjoy the beauty of the day with the time that I spent wasting before. I will spend precious time with my husband that you have so graciously blessed me with. I will take notice of the things that I was blind from before. I will fill my hours with goodness and not the poison of the world that are all over the television. I will worship you more fully in all of these things and more. I want to know you God. And I'd like to introduce myself to you in a new way. I know you know me better than I know myself, but this is how I suppose we start our new relationship. :)
Television may be a small step, but it's where I begin.




So- day 1. I shall write about you fully later...

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken... No ones complaining about cheesy chicken!

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken

So, I found this new recipe the other day and we LOVED it! If I didn't think it was weird and unheathly to drink the olive oil pesto juice out of the bottom of the pan, I would have. I made homemade mashed potatoes and broccoli with it... DELICIOUS! Dallas even took it with him the next day to work and said it was even better the second day. He loves left overs...I love fresh food.

Men are strange like that...

 

So, to make this bad mamma jamma you need a good pesto recipe. Don't you worry, I've got ya covered.

Basil-Walnut Pesto

• 3 cups fresh basil leaves


• 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts


• 4 cloves garlic, peeled


• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


• 1 cup olive oil


• salt and pepper to taste . 

In a food processor, blend together basil leaves, nuts, garlic, and cheese. Pour in oil slowly while still mixing. Stir in salt and pepper.

Alright, now that you've got that part covered. We're onto the chicken...

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/4 inch thickness


• 1 cup prepared basil pesto


• 4 thick slices mozzarella cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F


2. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pesto sauce onto each flattened chicken breast. Place one slice of cheese over the pesto. Roll up tightly, and secure with toothpicks. Place in a lightly greased baking dish.


3. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until chicken is nicely browned and juices run clear. 

I take it out of the over every 15 minutes or so and drizzle some juice on top to keep the chicken moist. The first time I drizzle a little melted butter over the top of the chicken, and then the next 3 times I just spoon the olive oil in the bottom of the pan. 


Hope you love it!

I'll repost this to my blog in week and put up a new recipe!!!

Wow... It's been too long.

I haven't blogged in so long! Life hasn't been crazy, I haven't birthed a random child that's now taking up my time, I haven't been out of the country vacationing...

I've simply been lazy.

Life has been good lately! The last time I posted anything I was talking about Halloween and trying to get Husband dressed up for the Lifegroup halloween party we were going to... well, we ended up not getting to do the Bambi and Hunter...

This is what he decided to dress up as...





Ahhhh yes. My cheap, creative, hilarious husband! LOL. I loved it. It was very much the perfect costume for him.

We also began puppy school for Doc! He loves it and is in L-O-V-E with a girl puppy in his class named Abby. She's a lab, feisty, and loves to play... He can't wait to get into the building to see her! It's pretty cute...

This is Doc's first day of school- (yes, I bought him a school outfit!)




Let's see, what else is new?
I started selling Scentsy! I'm going back to school next semester so I'm trying to find an easier way to make money that won't take up so much of my time. It's been going okay- I just started so we'll see how it all works out in the future. It's fun, it smells good- pretty nice job I'd say!




Also, we just celebrated Thanksgiving with my Mom, Stepdad and oldest sister, Jill. It was a fun weekend full of jokes, laughing and cooking cooking cooking!! We had such a good time together and ate so much good food!!! It was the first Thanksgiving at the Paulk house here in Abilene, so it was exciting for me. :)
Too bad I forget to take pictures or else I would have posted one of the golden brown, juicy turkey we made. DELICIOUS! My mama cooks a mean turkey!

So all-in-all it's been a pretty good start to November! Now I'm just waiting on Dallas to give me the thumbs up on lighting a fire in our fireplace... Please get here soon cold weather!

Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful life. You are so good to me.

Bambi and the Hunter...

Well, I'm off today to do a couple of VERY important things.
A. Purchase a new winter coat. :) Can't be freezing my cute little buns off.
B. Hair color shopping with Swiney. Gotta be looking fabulous...
C. Purchasing the ingredients for my Bambi costume.

The issue is- I need little antlers. I don't know where you buy little antlers, nor do I know how to make little antlers. This may be interesting...
Also, I'm trying to convince my wonderful husband to participate and dress up with me.
I thought-hmmm... I just need him to be a hunter- not a lot different from his usual attire, so no biggy.
Dallas HATES dressing up for halloween. Luckily, he's the greatest, so he agreed to do it. But I want him to enjoy it!!!!
Guess that won't happen, but I'll sure love it!

I've also decided that tonight we're going to have a pumpkin carving contest.
He doesn't know this- but surely he'll enjoy that!!!! Who doesn't love carving pumpkins?

So, girl time this afternoon, work for a few hours tonight, and then a pumpkin carving contest with my love... good day, I'd say!

Wish me luck with the antlers! I'll have to tap into my creative side...

Home Remedy- curing the blues with a big bowl of Banana Pudding!

This is for you Steph!

I know I just posted, but I wanted to share a great home remedy that I've learned.

Eating banana pudding out of the container with an oversized spoon is sure to cure any case of the blues!

What blues you might ask? Oh, the Texas Rangers losing game 1 of the World Series because they decided not to show up to the game...
I mean, technically they showed up, but I think a little leaguer could have caught more balls than Vladimir Guerrero did tonight!
So, what do you do when you're pouting and you're husband is napping so you have no one to complain to? You eat... You eat sweets... You eats Lots and Lots of sweets.
In this instance- Banana pudding. Extra Nilla Wafers, less banana.

I have a magical recipe that an old cowboy gave to me and it's the best darn banana pudding this side of the Rio Grande!
When I make this stuff my refrigerator glistens, a chorus sings, and rays of light burst out of the doors as they open. It's beautiful.

So, because of my overflowing kindness, I've decided to share the recipe. Don't tell Roy, the cowboy.

Best Darn Banana Pudding this side of the Rio Grande

• Big box of Jell-o instant Vanilla pudding
• 2 1/2 cups of milk
• 1 block of softened cream cheese
• 1 can of eagle brand milk
• bananas
• nilla wafers
• big tub of Cool Whip
  

So, easy as pie- or pudding... get out two big bowls.
Blend together the cream cheese and eagle brand milk until smooth.
Add the milk, blend it into the mix.
Add the instant vanilla pudding- mix well.
Divide between the two bowls and let it sit 5 minutes.
Now mix the two batches back into one big batch and let it sit another 5 minutes.

Is it pudding texture? Great!

Layer nilla wafers, sliced bananas, pudding, nilla wafers, sliced bananas, pudding...continue until you're out of pudding.
Top with as much cool whip as your little heart desires and sprinkle the top of that with crushed Nilla Wafers. It just looks pretty. Slice some banana at an angle, get a nilla wafer and make a pretty little flower on top.
So pretty!

Now get a spoon and dig in!

Save some for game 2... just in case you need it!