God's continual goodness!

What a quote?!!

“Reader, if God has given you His only begotten Son, beware of doubting His kindness and love, in any painful providence of your daily life! Never allow yourself to think hard thoughts of God. Never suppose that He can give you anything which is not really for your good. Remember the words of Paul: ‘He who spared not His own Son—but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things’ (Romans 8:32).

See in every sorrow and trouble of your earthly pilgrimage the hand of Him who gave Christ to die for your sins! That hand can never smite you except in love! He who gave His only begotten Son for you, will never withhold anything from you which is really for your good. Lean back on this thought and be content. Say to yourself in the darkest hour of trial, ‘This also is ordered by Him who gave Christ to die for my sins. It cannot be wrong. It is done in love. It must be well.’”

by J.C. Ryle

Quinoa!

In leui of posting a recipe for Recipe Thursdays (which I know has not happened in so long), I am going to tell you about one of my new favorite foods--Quinoa! I am not a freak about health foods but I do try to eat healthy for the sake of being more healthy and for the added benefits that come along with good health--having more energy, feeling better, etc. This new found friend of mine can be found at Trader Joes and is such a fun substitute to the traditional rice.

Some info on Quinoa (from the internet, of course!):

Organic Ancient Harvest Quinoa comes in Traditional and Inca Red varieties. You can use quinoa in both hot and cold dishes from breakfast to dessert. Replace quinoa for rice in your favorite rice dishes or add it to vegetables for a quick and easy pilaf.

Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to the potato, and followed in third place by maize. In contemporary times this crop has come to be highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete food. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.

Benefits of Quinoa: 4 reasons to enjoy the benefits of quinoa

1. It’s a VEGETARIAN solution, a balanced-amino-acid source of high quality protein.

2. It’s a SENIOR solution, a high-iron food that raises the hematocrit, delivers more oxygen to the brain, fights senility.

3. It’s a DIABETIC solution, a very low-glycemic-index cereal type food.

4. It’s a TASTE SOLUTION, quite delicious.

To make Quinoa:

It is so easy to make...and it actually tastes good and is filling! 1 cup of Quinoa for every 2 cups of water. You can make it in about 15 minutes.

Graduation...part deux!

Here are some pictures of the after-party festivities. It was such a fun time. I loved it! Thanks, Mom & Dad! I love you both so much!!

The Graduate!!

My college roommate, Audrey!! 6 years later...CRAZY!!

Jessica & Madison Zicker!! Love them!

Little Reesie!

Mom & Pops

The Zicker FAM (minus Jason & Matthew)

The Woodward FAM (minus Hudson-man!)

Dr. & Janie Street

Bob & Mary Somerville

RaeAnna--just LOVE her!

Graduation!

The day has come. Graduation is here! Above is a picture of my first set of roommates (from L to R: me, Bethany, Jenny and Mara) when I moved back to Southern California in January of 2005. We were paying tribute to the MABC program way back in the day! We look so young and TAN!!

I have not been more excited for any of my graduations (high school or college) like I am for this one. I am so excited because, with this one, I am convinced that this is the end of school for me! This girl ain't going back...that is unless, of course, the Lord has otherwise for me!!

Happy 1 Year, Alese!

Above are 2 pictures of Alese Coco.

The Coco family has been a friend of my mom's family for a long time now. I remember when Kathy Coco (mom) would cut our hair before School Picture Day. My sister and I would play with her daughters (Alese and Shallyn) when our hair was all cut. Alese and Shallyn were right around our ages. It is a sweet memory!

A year ago today, their oldest daughter, Alese, who would have been 24 on March 10, 2008, went to be with the Lord. My heart has been sad and heavy for her family today but I do rejoice in knowing that Alese is with our Heavenly Father, having quite the celebration! Alese battled Hodgkin's Disease multiple times in a span of 5 years. Today her family launched a site in her honor, to raise support and awareness for this disease and, Lord willing, to find a cure. If you want to check out the new website and pass it along to anyone you know who might be interested, the site address is http://www.fight2win.org/.

For more on Alese's story, you can check out her website at www.alesecoco.org.

cinco de mayo...

cinco de mayo is one of my favorite holidays, second only to Valentine's Day, of course (and the traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas)! I love any reason for a party and tonight was no exception. In honor of Mexican heritage and culture and my personal love for Mexican food, the Dennis' and I celebrated in style at my favorite restuarant in all of the Santa Clarita Valley--Dario's!!! I wish I would have gotten a picture. It would have been perfect to add to the blog. Next time!

I am off to finish the last two papers of my post-graduate career...and if I don't sign off now I'm sure to be rebuked shortly! I must remain faithful to the end--this has been so hard to do in the last couple of weeks! There has been so much to do but God's grace is sufficient and He has surrounded me with faithful friends that remind me of this often and encourage me to perservere! This season of the race is not quite over--soon, but not yet! I am so excited to be nearly done. 4 more days...

Also, one quick shout out to Kathy and Kyle Jenison. One year today!