Flashback Tuesday: Middle School Insecurities.

Middle School...That dreaded few years filled with so many insecurities I cringe remembering! This was me, playing basketball and wishing for the day my braces would come off! I also had a huge gap between my two front teeth for awhile because of all the shifting they were trying to do. HORRIFYING MEMORIES for a young girl! In the mean time, longing for high school, boyfriends, the little bit of freedom a car would bring. Mostly middle school though was filled with great memories of friendships, youth group, AAU basketball, and figuring out more about myself. 

What was MIDDLE SHCOOL like for you all?!!?!? Link Up some memories today. You can skip the middle school era if you want!

Ham, Cheese & Fried Egg Panini

For Sunday lunch James made us this tasty panini. 

The recipe came out of the new Williams Sonoma Magazine. 

Thanks Baby!

1 tsp. plus 1 Tbs vegetable oil

12 oz thinly sliced Black Forest Ham

4 baguette pieces, each 6"long, halved horizontally

8 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated

2 Tbs plus 2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbs olive oil

4 eggs

2 Tbs chopped fresh chives

Preheat electric panini press or heat up panini skillet. 

In large nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tsp vegetable oil. Working in batches, brown ham slices, turning once, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to plate. 

Lay baguette pieces, cut side up, on work surface. Sprinkle about 1 oz. cheese on each bottom half; arrange ham on top, dividing evenly. Spread 2 tsp dijon mustard on top half of each baguette; cover each sandwich with a top half. Place 2 sandwiches on preheated panini press; close lid. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is toasted, about 4 minutes. Transfer to plate. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. 

In large fry pan over medium-low heat, warm 1 Tbs vegetable oil. Crack eggs into pan; cook until white turn opaque, about 1 minute. Gently turn eggs over; cook 1 minute more. Open sandwiches; top each with 1 egg. Sprinkle with chives. Close sandwiches. Serve immediately. Serves 4.  

Saturday Scenes

 Brewing water for coffee.

 Card from my parents this week =)

 Gearing up for a presentation I'm giving on Leading with Credibility at our Department Head Retreat next month. 

 Believe.

 I need to windex (and other things for that matter).

 I love when new magazines arrive.

Chalk + Chalkboard 

Drawing us some art =) 

 New shirt arrival!

 Feeling a cold coming on and have no sick days yet- so it's medicine although I hate it.

 Duck Boots! On sale at Target for $14 =)

Our door handle is scrapping up our paint!

The Bible.

Lately I've been reading through the Book of Revelation. This book has always fascinated me! I looked more closely at the Letters to the Seven Churches this week and wrote down Jesus's instructions to each of them. Oh, how they apply to us today. It also intrigues me more because I'm reading the Left Behind Series as well. I'm finishing the rest of the books that I said I was going to read years ago and never did. They are so good. They have also got me studying my Bible maps a little more closely as I read through Revelation and continue studying the Bible. God is working and teaching and growing me. One thing I've learned and still find hard to apply due to my selfish ways- it's up to me to Seek Him out! Too often the Bible sits on my end table and is not getting read. Tragic the wisdom and love I'm not receiving when that happens. So, today I want to encourage you Christians walking in your faith and those of you who have never even heard the words of Jesus... find a Bible, open it up, and read the life giving words. In them is the power to save and bring you to life. There is no other way to be saved but through Jesus Christ- and this is THE story about HIM. 

Much love!

Sponsor(s) Spotlight!

In the blogging world you meet lots of cool people. If you blog, you understand other bloggers. It's a lifestyle for sure. I'm so happy to be teamed up with these lovely ladies currently! They are each unique and different and have their own stories to share. I'm happy to introduce my sponsors and I am really looking forward to getting to know them better. Go check them out!

Blog :: Twitter

Jesse and I barely survived a year of planning "our big fat farm wedding", and now find ourselves in the beginning days of (mostly) wedded bliss. We originally started this blog as a way to talk about all things wedding (the good, the bad, and the funny). It has now evolved into something else, but what that is, we're not entirely sure. Come join our journey on the crazy train as we regale tales of our Crazy Ever After. Check out one of Lauren's  favorite blog posts here. 

Blog :: Twitter

Hey Friends! We are all friends here right?? ;) My name is Jamie and I blog over at Spunky Sister :) I am just a 24 year old trying to navigate my way through this thing called life, and have fun while I am at it! I am very random and so is my blog, I basically give you a glimpse into my everyday life through my sarcastic humor. Hopefully you find me funny or at least somewhat entertaining ;) Check out one of Jamie's favorite blog posts here.

Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook

Little Tiny Pieces is the personal lifestyle blog of designer, Gemma Sands.  The focus is on design, creativity, photography and life in general! 

Blog :: Etsy :: Twitter

Hi! My name is Mary and I'm the face behind Lily White. Words that describe me are: Christian, girlfriend, graduate student, aspiring photographer, overactive crafter, coffee addict, and nature lover. Words that describe my blog are: God centered, faith sharing, online photo album, story time rug, coffee shop conversation, life documentation and friend making. Check out one of Mary's favorite blog posts here.

Blog :: Twitter :: Etsy :: Pinterest

I moved to Washington, DC 6 months ago from Wisconsin, so I started my blog mainly to keep my friends and family back home up-to-date on my new life on the East coast. But, Because my boyfriend travels a lot for his job, I started traveling with him and my blog sort of turned into a travel blog for a while since I wasn't in DC much for the first couple of months I lived here.{I've posted about my trips to Anguilla, Puerto Rico, and Qatar so far.}I haven't travled in a few months though, so I started posting about other things that interest me, like pretty DIYs, photography, music, recipes, Friday Favorites, and my newest series, Etsy Interviews where I promote Etsy stores, interview the shop owners, and occasionally do a giveaway along with it. :)Check out one of Amanda's favorite blog posts here.

Blog

Hi! I'm Amira. Newlywed, librarian-in-training and Mom to our four-legged daughter Lucy. Becoming Mrs. Gray has been quite an adventure. What started as a travel blog, evolved into a wedding planning blog and is now a place to keep friends, family and fellow bloggers updated on the ins and outs of our lives. Check out one of Amira's favorite blog posts here.

Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook  

Sugar Mama Bakeshop is a blog about baking, crafting & parties! You'll find gluten free, organic & vegan recipes that I have either tried and reviewed or my own originals. I also feature fabulous party ideas and DIY or crafty inspiration. 

Blog :: Twitter :: Pinterest :: Tumblr

I'm Melissa and I'm the face behind Simply, Melissa Ashley, a little blog about everyday life, all kinds of love and everything in between. I love chit chatting about travel, photography, food, crafts and infinite daily inspiration. I aspire to inspire, so I hope when leaving this blog you leave with inspiration to do something. To do anything! Whether it's try a new recipe, grab your camera or inspire others. Stop by the blog, say a little hello! I would love to meet each and everyone of you, don't be a stranger!

 Twitter

hello, sweet friends of mary! my name is hannah at happy days.the adoption of our son, thoughts on my story and favorite finds are a few things i write about. i am passionate about the gospel, my family, adoption, cupcakes, coffee, paper goods and encouraging others. also blogging, of course! ;) please stop by and say hello!

Blog :: Facebook :: Bloglovin :: Pinterest

With seven siblings, a knack for writing, and an unhealthy obsession with all things bubbly, I’m quite the well-rounded gal you’ll learn. After spending the entire summer in the nation’s capital, the return to the quintessential college town of Oxford was quite the culture shock, I must say. As a finance major, constantly working with numbers, I don’t get the opportunity to express my creative side much, so this is my outlet to do just that! Join me in the trials and tribulations of this crazy little thing we call life, won’t you? Check out one of Shane's favorite blog posts here.

Twitter :: Facebook :: Bloglovin :: Pinterest :: Tumblr

Hi! I'm Bailey from my little blog, Lost&Found. I ramble about life, love, fashion, food, running, travel, and pretty much everything else that makes my life, my life.  I am engaged to my best friend and have two fur babies, Moose and Frankenstein. Head over and say Hi! I love meeting new friends! Check out one of Bailey's favorite blog posts here.

Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter

Aunie SAUCE is your daily dose of spicy awesomeness. It's filled with fashion-attempts(usual fails), poems, rants, and lots of raves. Stop by for all things saucy. Check out one of Aunie's favorite blog posts here.

Twitter :: Facebook :: Bloglovin :: Store Envy

For those of you who have not been reading my little blog, here's the rundown - I love hiking, camping, biking, reading, designing, sewing, traveling, rainy nights and sunny days. I'm a huge fan of the mountains and an even bigger fan of the beaches. I got married in the summer of '03 and have spent the last 8 years learning what it's like to grow and change alongside my polar opposite. We're night and day different, but find a pure and solid happiness in each other and ourselves while we sort out this complicated, messy process called marriage. We have 2 very energetic and entertaining little boys, the Super Awesome, Bruiser, and the King Of Mayhem, Monster. The goal now is to achieve balance in life: to be opinionated yet nice, to have pretty things and still save for a rainy day, to be a good mom, but still find the "ME" in Mommy. 

Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Bloglovin

My name is Laura Hernandez. I am a passionate lifestyle photographer based out of Monterey, California. I’m married to the most amazing man in the world and we have two beautiful daughters. In my mind, I am ALWAYS thinking about photography. It never ends. My brain takes snapshots everywhere I go. I am, regrettably, a bit addicted to social media. I have a constant connection Facebook and Twitter wherever I am. I love Starbucks, the colors pink and yellow, mountain biking, foot massages, listening to the piano and everything vintage. My new addition seems to be blogging. My photographic passion is people. Nothing brings me more joy than capturing those unforgettable moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. I thank God everyday for blessing me with this incredible life. Check out one of Laura's favorite blog posts here.

Blog

Hiya there! I’m Abby and I blog over at Tainted Perfectionist.

What’s my blog about you ask? Anything that may pop into this crazy little head of mine. I post about food and music and my hubby and crafts and books and furniture transformations and any other adventure that may come passing through my life. Nothing I do is perfect {aka my photography and the crappy camera that I use to take those pictures} but I am constantly trying to better myself and learn new things. Take a gander now, won’tcha? Check out one of Abby's favorite blog posts here.

THANKS LADIES FOR BEING HERE ON THE BLOG!!!!
Love, 
Mary

iPhone photos: life as of lately

1. Pearl giant ring

2. 49ers =(

3. Much better than regular Cheez-Its

4. Shopping at Fresh Market

5. Naked Green Machine (lunch time)

6. Reading Revelation and LOVING IT

7. Spices Aisle at Fresh Market

8. Driving to Work

9. Bristol VA and TN State line

10. Tweed and Jeans

11. Home Workspace

12. Church - New Series on The Gospel of Mark

13. Breakfast: Eggs, spinach, coffee

14. In the car

15. Football time

16. I stay educated- it's my job

Flashback Tuesday: Little Pool Lady.

Me in a pool. That's the little me.

I have ear infections to this day from getting way way way too much water in my ears. I was a little mermaid often as well as the handstand queen!

Now it's your turn! Link up your "little me!" Show us what you got =)

My Papaw's Testimony.

So, my Grandfather, or Papaw, as I call him reads my blog. He is so sweet! Over the holidays he had mentioned reading the latest Freedom Story Series post. I told him I wanted to post his next... and he agreed! I feel so honored and loved to have my Grandfather on the blog tonight. See, I don't think you understand folks. My Grandfather is such a Man of God. When I think of people who in no way waver in their faith I always think of my Grandfather and late Grandmother. They have always been a rock for me and my faith. As you read my Grandfather's letter of his testimony it might seem like a simple story of a young man coming to know Jesus. When I read it, I not only read that, but I also read how God allowed the faith of one young man to carry a message to generation after generation. If my Grandfather had not committed to God "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"- maybe my Mother would not have known the Lord as she does- and maybe I would not have known the Lord as I do. I praise Jesus for this man, for the legacy he has left for our family and on my heart. Thank you for giving your life to God.  You can read his testimony below and be sure to leave him some love! I know he would like that!

When I was 15 years old, I was in junior high school. I had to help my dad with chores, such as milking, feeding the cows, etc.  I was active at Alpha Baptist Church but I had never been saved.  I was secretary for the Sunday School but I had sin in my life.  On Saturday, I would go to town with boys, shoot pool and gamble.  I always felt so guilty on Sunday morning.  I prayed much and asked the Lord to forgive me and deliver me from these temptations. During a revival at Alpha, I became very convicted.  I had heard that when a person was saved, he had a certain feeling. One night at the revival, I went forward and accepted the Lord. I was somewhat troubled because I didn’t feel any different.  The next morning when I went to milk, I prayed and said, “Lord, I’ve done all I know to do, show me if I’m saved”. Assurance was given to me then by the Holy Spirit and I have never doubted my salvation. I was baptized a week after I was saved. 

After I finished high school, I married your grandmother, Mary.  She was 16, and I was 19. Then we were both in church. We made a commitment “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”. We then began tithing and went into business with my father-in-law as an Electric contractor. God blessed us in our business and we were able to send our 3 girls to complete their college education. I’m so thankful all the girls became school teachers, serving the Lord faithfully. God blessed me with 3 Christian son-in-laws and all are deacons in the Baptist Church. I’m so glad they taught my grandchildren about God. Your grandmother passed away in 1997.  She was such a wonderful wife and mother to my three girls.

In 1998, God led me to marry a wonderful Christian lady, Pearl. God led us to go as missionaries to Romania for 2-1/2 years.  We will celebrate our 14^th anniversary this February 17^th. We pray for our children and grandchildren. We are so happy serving at Alpha Baptist Church.  I’ve been a member of Alpha Baptist Church for 71 years. ---- Papaw

Mary + Clothes + Photos

 Cat Eyes and Stripy Shirt

Purple Tee layered 

over sparkly tank

 Bangles always rock

Blazer and Jeans

 Goofy Face!

Just a little Sunday afternoon dress up =)

I prayed, He answered.

Today I simply asked God to show me how to be happy. My heart has felt a void for so long now. God answered with this.

Saturday Scenes