Verse of the Year

A few years ago, a dear friend of mine (and co-worker) encouraged me to choose a verse from scripture for the year. This was something she had always done, and I happened to like the idea. So, in 2007 I chose my verse for the year. This is not a verse that is chosen at random, but one that truly characterizes that particular year, and one that I end up clinging to throughout the year. Sometimes the verse does not come to me until a few months into the year, and often it comes from a certain passage of scripture or book of the Bible that I am studying at the time. As I look back over the years, it is really astonishing to see how the Lord weaves the verse into my life. I decided to share these verses with you, because they have become very dear to me. I hope that this will encourage you to begin choosing a verse for the year.

2007: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Micah 6:8

• In 2007, the woman who was discipling me shared this verse with me. The words of this verse appear to be a direct command, and I realized my walk with the Lord should resemble these requirements. I memorized this verse, and through the year I often reflected upon it as I made daily decisions.

2008: "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

• 2008 was a year where the Lord was impressing upon me the importance of being humble. It really began in 2007, but I finally started to get it in 2008. I definitely still struggle with this daily...especially putting others before myself...however, I am much more consciously aware than I was before.

2009: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-8

• 2009 was characterized with a definite trial, and one that continues today. At the time I chose this verse, I was studying 1 Peter with one of my disciples. This verse became very precious to me in the face of what I was enduring. It gave me much hope and encouraged me to persevere through the trial, knowing that the Lord was refining my faith in the process. Oh how sweet this verse still is to me today!

2010: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Isaiah 26:3-4

• I chose two verses for this year, honestly because I could not pick just one. Both of these verses were chosen while I was walking through the miscarriage. Isaiah 55: 8-9 is one that I have clung to over and over this year. There have been so many moments where I have not been able to understand what the Lord is doing in our lives, and this verse has brought me much peace. His ways are not my ways, and one day we will fully know and understand. As for now, I have to continue to trust that His way is the best way for me. Isaiah 26:3-4 was a verse that a friend texted to me during the miscarriage. I just love this verse, and I am so thankful she pointed me to it. It strongly encourages me to continue to trust in Him. He is my Rock, and no trial is going to shake that truth. I can always rely upon the Lord, for He is my everlasting rock!

It really is quite humbling to see how much scripture can change when you begin to get it into your life. When you choose a verse for the year, and memorize it, it will become engrained in to your mind and heart. I am so glad I took this suggestion from my friend. These are verses that will always have great significance in my life. When I think about these verses, my mind is flooded with thoughts of all the Lord did in and through me that year. What precious thoughts! I highly encourage you to begin this, and it is not too late for this year! Just pick a verse!

The Fun Never Ends

Last weekend was full of fun for me, and lots of memories were made! Thursday through Sunday, I was in Destin with 7 of my girl friends from high school. We had such a fun time reminiscing, and catching up on life! It was so relaxing, and I laughed so much! It was just fun for all of us to be together again. I love these girls to pieces, and it does not matter how much time passes, we can all pick up right where we left off. These are friendships that I definitely treasure! I hope that we can continue to get together for many years to come!

Meredith and I got to have lunch on

Wednesday. It was so fun to see her!

She is having a baby girl in

less than 2 weeks!

Abby, Natalie, Paige, Me,

Lee, and Becky

Natalie, Lee, Paige, and Jana

Me, Abby, Becky, and Allison

The Girls at Fire in Grayton Beach

The Girls at Graffiti in Baytowne Wharf

Allison, Abby, Me, Jana, Becky

Natalie, Lee, and Paige

Pasta, Pasta!

In an attempt to eat healthier, and lose a few lb's (doctor's order), I began searching for healthy dinners that were low in calories. I did happen to find a lot, and have enjoyed cooking up some of these fabulous dinners! Check out My Recipes if you would like to do some searching! Most of these recipes have the nutrition listed below. This recipe I happened to find on my sister's blog. Since we have many different readers, I decided to post it too! I had a feeling I would like this one, but I was quite surprised that Kyle liked it as well. It is a good pasta dish for the summer, because it is light and very fresh tasting. I do plan on using only half the can of chickpeas the next time. Buon Appetito!

Penne with Chickpeas, Feta, and Tomatoes

Salty feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and nutty chickpeas combine for a hearty Greek-inspired pasta dish. Use oregano instead of basil, if you prefer.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped shallots
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
• 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup small fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Stir in bell pepper and chickpeas; sauté 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in pasta and reserved cooking liquid; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Add feta and remaining ingredients; toss to combine.

Oh So Pretty!

Well hello blogging world! I just realized that I have been quite absent! I have been on two beach trips: one with all of my high school friends, and I am currently at the beach with Kyle's family. It has been so nice to be at the beach, and not at home as I am in my two week waiting period. I have many things to catch you up on! I am going to start with the fun stuff! Before I left Oxford, I snapped some quick photos of all the pretties blooming in my garden this year. I just smile when I look at them. As you may know, all of these plants came from my Grandmother's yard, and I know she would be so happy to see them in full bloom. I guess you could say I have a green thumb. If so, it was definitely inherited from my Grandmother, Granny, and Mom. However, I just think I have gotten lucky! It is amazing what a little sun and water will do! Hope these pretties put a smile on your face too!

Here We Go Again...

Many of you have asked recently "when do you get to try for a baby again?" Well, I can finally answer that question...Saturday morning!! Last Thursday I started shots, and yesterday I went to the doctor for blood work, and an ultrasound. This is what typically takes place at these appointments (for those of you who really want the details). They take my blood to check my levels, and then the nurse does an ultrasound to measure the size of my follicles. The average woman has only one follicle a month that releases an egg. Well given that I have PCOS, and I am on fertility drugs, I have tons of follicles. In fact, during the last round the nurse told me I had enough to share with ten women! The shots I am taking are suppose to make the follicles mature (grow in size). My doctor prefers for the follicles to measure at least 18mm. Then they give you one final shot that cause the follicles to rupture and release an egg. In my first round, after the first appointment, I was sent home to do four more days of shots because my follicles were not large enough yet. Yesterday morning was my first appointment of this round, and when she started measuring the follicles, I had plenty that were 18mm or greater. I proceeded to ask her, "so the IUI will probably be soon." She told me, "Yes, probably tomorrow morning." We were shocked because the process was not near this fast last time. At first we thought the IUI was going to be today, but they wanted to wait one day for my uterine lining to thicken more. We are very thankful for the quickness because each visit is $200, so this is saving us quite a bit of money. I am not sure exactly how many follicles I have that are most likely going to mature. I will definitely be asking that question in the morning. However, I do know that I am at a risk for multiples. As I have said before, I am completely fine with this being the outcome. It would be a double (or triple) blessing from the Lord.

Now that you know all details, I would ask that you please pray for us tomorrow morning, and for the next two weeks. This is a really tough place to be because you want to have hope, and trust the Lord for big things, but at the same time you have to guard your heart. It is really hard to find a balance between the two. As a friend recently told me, "my heart seems to change daily (sometimes hourly) in regards to that." I could not agree more! Please pray that we would continue to trust in Him moment by moment.

Below is a list of specific prayer requests for us:

1. Pray for REST. Rest in the Lord, and physical rest. I tend to be a go getter, so to take it easy for two weeks is kind of difficult for me. Pray that I would get the proper rest that my body needs.

2. Pray for TRUST. It is really easy to begin to doubt the things of the Lord that you have always known to be true when you are walking through painful trials. Pray that we would continue to trust in His sovereign will for our lives; that He is in control, and He is doing what is best for us.

3. Pray for PEACE. Waiting for an answer for two weeks can be difficult. Pray that this would be a time filled with peace, and free of anxiety.

4. Pray for PROTECTION. It is also easy for your mind to go a thousand different places when you are experiencing infertility. Pray that my mind would be protected, and as my friend said, that my mind would stay in the moment.

THANK YOU so much for joining with us in these prayers. Last night I was brought to tears by the many encouraging words I received after I sent out a text update. This journey has not been easy, but each of you have brought us much encouragement, and we feel deeply loved. Thank you for loving us and supporting us as we walk down this road.

A Sweet Encounter

I have yet to share my favorite story from Greek Summit which involves meeting one of my readers! When I started this blog, I was just hoping I would have a few followers, and I have been completely humbled by what the Lord has done through my blog. When I started writing it was just about daily life,: ministry, books I was reading, weekend activities, and recipes. While I love writing about these things and still do, I realized after several months that the Lord had a purpose for this blog. As I began to walk down the sometimes frightening path of fertility, I realized I needed to share what the Lord was teaching me. My prayer was that the Lord would use my story to encourage one other person. Wow, the Lord has done just that, and He allowed me to see it in what I like to call a sweet, sweet encounter. Kyle and I had dinner with the staff team at The Red Bar, and when we were leaving I stopped to take a picture with some of the girls. I noticed Kyle talking with a girl who was waiting on a table, and I did not know her. I introduced myself, and found out that she graduated from high school with Kyle. I made small talk with her about the trip she was on with her girlfriends, and then walked off. As I was about to leave, she stopped me, and said, "Amy, I want you to know that I have been praying for you." It took everything in me at that moment not to cry. The Lord had shown me His mercy. Here I am in Destin, Florida, and a girl walks up to me, and says I have been praying for you. It was like God was screaming at me, "I have not forgotten you!" Laurel and I talked for a moment, and I come to find out that she too is battling infertility. I gave her my e-mail address, and told her to write me sometime because I wanted to hear more of her story. A few days later I got an e-mail from her, and I cried and laughed as I read her story. It was funny because there were so many times where I felt like she was taking the words right out of my mouth. Sad though because she having to walk through a very difficult trial. What a gift Laurel has been to me though. Throughout this journey, there have been moments where I have begged the Lord to just send me one person who understands, and is walking through my same experience. I know many women with PCOS, but all have children now. Laurel is exactly what I have been asking of the Lord. She also has PCOS, has walked through losing a child, and is receiving treatment now. It is amazing the similarities in our stories. I pray that the Lord will use us to encourage one another as we wait patiently on Him to bless us with a child. What an incredible blessing from the Lord! Praise be to Him!

This is a quote from the letter that Laurel wrote me. I do not share this to boast in any way. I only share this to show you how awesome and powerful is the God that we serve! He can do amazing things! I am humbled.

"I am praying for you and I'm so glad I got to meet you and tell you that you and your blog are special to me. I told the other girls I was traveling with that I met one of my blog "stalkees" and she said "only you could pull that off". I can't decide if that is good or bad!! eeek. I promise I'm not wacko! Meg, who you met as well, and wants a baby so much as well, went home and found your blog sunday night, and she texted me saying you're amazing. I wrote her back with "God let us meet her". Also, I hope I have not overwhelmed you with this email. I know a few women from church who have PCOS and have several lovely children, but I do not know anyone who has PCOS and is still waiting on their lovely children, as you and I are, so I have been praying for you so often. Also, I know the loss of your baby is so great, and I am so sorry."

Benihana Birthday for Nay Nay

On Monday night we celebrated Whitney's 27th Birthday! She is better known as Nay Nay around the family, because that is what Kyle called her when he was little! Whitney is a huge fan of Benihana, and it has become her birthday tradition to have dinner there. I must say that I enjoy it too! Over the years, I have really come to treasure Whitney's friendship. She is a wonderful sister to Kyle, and a very loyal person. This past year she has been so sweet to encourage us and support us through the difficult times. I am so blessed to have her as my sister-in-love, and I know I can always count on her to give me a good laugh (and good fashion tips)! Love you Whitney, and Happy Birthday!

Kyle, The Birthday Girl, and Me

Bull, Whitney, and Peggie

Kyle, Mrs. Cyndi, and Whitney

Will, Bull, and Kyle

Breck, Will, Bull, and Kyle

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

Upon many requests, I am posting this recipe. What enticed me to make this divine dessert was its beautiful picture in Taste of the South. Who doesn't love a dessert that looks good and taste good?!? I served the trifle for a senior dinner, and it was a big hit! It satisfies the sweet tooth, yet still has a light side to it. I think it will be a perfect dessert for the summer! Might as well give this one a try!

Blueberry Lemon Trifle

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups sugar, divided

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

8 eggs yolks, beaten

1 cup water

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup butter

3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided

4 cups heavy whipping cream

12 blueberry muffins, torn into bite-size pieces

(approximately 12 cups)

6 cups fresh blueberries

Garnish: additional fresh blueberries and lemon-peel curl

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, cornstarch, and salt, mixing well. Add egg yolks and water to sugar mixture, whisking well to combine. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until mixture thickens, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Add lemon juice, butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream and remaining 1/2 cup sugar at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

4. In the bottom of a trifle bowl, layer half of blueberry muffins. Top muffins with 3 cups blueberries. Top blueberries with half of whipped cream with two-thirds of lemon mixture. Top with remaining 3 cups blueberries and remaining blueberry muffins.

5. In a large bowl, combine remaining lemon mixture and whipped cream, folding gently to combine. Spread over muffin layer.

6. Garnish with additional blueberries and lemon-peel curl, if desired.

2 Rebels I Adore!

That would be Ole Miss Rebels! Ole Miss played Auburn in baseball this weekend, and Friday was Senior Day. The score definitely did not turn out as we had hoped, and it was a very bittersweet weekend for some of the players because it was their last series played at Swayze Field. Two of those guys are Rory McKean and Zach Miller. Kyle met both of these guys shortly after we were married, and I quickly adopted them as my sons! I do truly adore them! I could go on and on about their wonderful characteristics, but they are just good southern boys, and they would do anything for us! If the Lord chooses to bless us with boys, I definitely hope they turn out like these two! Let's just say, I definitely stood by like a proud mama this weekend as I watched them play their final games. Oh how sad I will be for these boys to leave town, but it has been a joy to watch them at Swayze Field!

Rory and Coach Bianco

The McKeans

Zach and Coach Bianco

The Millers

The Millers and The McKeans

Rory's interview after pitching

Kyle, Rory, and Me

Kyle, Zach, and Me

Back to the Beach...

After a fun-filled evening with Chicago, Kyle and I headed to Destin to help out with Greek Summit for a week. Last summer we staffed this three week Crusade summer project. Due to our family situation, and all the doctors visits, we were not able to participate in a summer project this summer. We were definitely sad about this because we love doing ministry with college students, but it has given us an opportunity to lead a summer bible study in Oxford. Also, it just happen to work out that we had a week open before the doctors visits begin, so we headed on down to Greek Summit. Ole Miss sent 12 students on the project, and we truly enjoyed spending time with each of them. The Lord has already done a mighty work in their lives, and it was so fun to see their excitement about sharing the gospel with their fraternity brothers and sorority sisters. They each have so many ideas for next semester, and I am looking forward to watching the Lord use them in their Greek houses. Overall, it was a fantastic week filled with lots of good food, good conversation, and good times!

Kyle and Me at The Red Bar

Carmen Rae, Me, and Kitty

at The Red Bar

The Staff Guys

Kyle and David

Morgan and Me

My Roomies for the week:

Jeff, Kyle, Me, Bill, and Whit

Yep, my boss definitely

wrote this book!

Hug with Carmen Rae :)

Kyle, Me, Kitty, and Joel

at Dewey Destin's