BOO!

Happy Halloween!

My first real Halloween in 1988!

My friend Rachel did this one her blog today, so I stole the idea from her. She is great and so is her blog!

What were some of your favorite Halloween costumes when you were a child?

FALL

I have neglected my blog in a way that I don't know if it will forgive me. It even made me log in in twice just to make sure it was really me. The blog took a back seat to a little thing they call the real world, but I have missed it so I just had to take a little time to make things right again! The job is going really well. I am learning more and more and becoming more comfortable every day! I couldn't see myself doing anything else right now! I thank God every day for giving me this opportunity!

It is now officially FALL! Few things excite me more than this. I LOVE fall. I seriously LOVE fall. No really, I really really LOVE fall. There are so many things that make fall great: the weather, beautiful colors, football, the fair, birthdays, fall clothes - cardigans, scarves, boots boots and more boots - LOVE, and there is always something to do. I look forward to fall every year, especially October. It is always the best month and I think it would also make a pretty good month to make an entrance into the world. But, I'm not biased or anything. (October 7th - gifts welcome) Wait what? :) Just wanted to do a quick update to let the blogger know I am still alive! Here are some pictures of fall that I loved. Enjoy!

Ole Miss in the Fall - Its not all about winning games, right??

"For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." Deuteronomy 16:15

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
Romans 1:20

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Big news!

I know that I have been a terrible blogger lately. A lot has been going on and I have neglected it! BUT, I will get better and update more, but this news calls for a definite post. God has definitely been answering prayers lately, and I am so thankful. I AM OFFICIALLY EMPLOYED! YAY! It has been a long, frustrating summer, and I patiently waited for this to work out and it did. I will start my very first "big girl" job on Monday. I will be working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in the operating room! I am SO excited! I enjoyed surgery the one day we spent there in nursing school, loved doing my Synthesis hours there, and knew that was where I wanted to work. It has been interesting summer through the ups and downs and the not knowing if they were going to have a job for me, but I am so glad I waited. This is where I want to be and I'm glad I didn't have to settle for something I really didn't want to do. I thank God for having His hand on the situation and giving me patience, and the understanding of what it really means to fully rely on Him to provide. Also, my sister Kate got news that she got her first job too, which means we will both be off our parent's payroll - good news for them! She will begin working at Static Salon in Madison later this month. She is really excited and I am very proud of her for following her dream!


*Shameless plug* Her business is a business of building up her clientele, so go see her! She would love to have you! She starts August 16th.

On another note, the 2011 Mississippi election season kicks off tomorrow with the primary elections. PLEASE take some time tomorrow and exercise your right to vote. Voting is so important. Also, be smart and know your candidates and what they stand for before you vote! I was going to do a blog post highlighting all the candidates in the major races, but I never had any time to, maybe for the elections in November! Don't forget tomorrow! Vote vote vote!

Verse of the day: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26

Tunes for Thursday

I am loving this song from Chris Tomlin. It was from the Passion: Here for You CD! The whole CD is amazing, but I really like this song. It is SORT OF a re-done version of one of my favorite hymns I Need Thee Every Hour. It is stuck in my head on this pretty Thursday so I thought I would share it with you. No need to watch the video, its just the lyrics, you can just listen! :)

Happy Thursday!

AMERICA

I LOVE the 4th of July and this country! There's nothing better than a good patriotic song either. This is one of my favorites: It's America by Rodney Atkins. These are just a few of my favorite lines describing America and I think it's perfect for today.
It's a high school prom

It's a Springsteen song It's a ride in a Chevrolet It's a man on the moon
And fireflies in June
and kids sellin' lemonade... It's cities
and farms it's open armsOne nation under God Its America...

Now we might not always get it right,
But there's nowhere else I'd rather build my life

It's a flag blowin' in the summer wind
Over some fallen hero's grave.
It's America...."

Happy 235th Birthday, America!

Sources: (in order of pictures used) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Verse of the day: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD..." Psalm 33:12

Perfect Summer Potato Salad

Does anyone remember Red, Hot, And Blue? And how good their potato salad was? Unfortunately it has been closed now for a few years. If you never had it, you sure did miss out! Unless you are like my mother and just gagged at the thought of potato salad, and for that I apologize and you should probably not read the rest of my post. But if you do, get excited, because I finally found a recipe that is the "supposedly" the exact recipe. I tried it a few weeks ago and loved it. Since the 4th of July is tomorrow, I thought it would be a good time to share it if you need something to make to bring to a party! So here we go...

Here is what you need (forgot the picture, sorry!)
*4lbs (or more depending on how much you want to make) Red Bliss potatoes
*4 eggs
*1/2 cup finely chopped green onion tops
*1 1/4 cup of mayo
*1 3/4 celery seed - (You know, the stuff you keep your pantry stocked full of. HA! May have to make a special run the store for this!)
*1 1/4 teaspoons of salt
*1 1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
(says serves 12 - I'd say 10)

First of all, 1 and 3/4 teaspoon? 1 and 1/4 teaspoon? Really? Who comes up with this. Unless you are baking, it doesn't matter if its exact. Just season to taste!

Start with cutting up the Red Bliss potatoes. Using the Red Bliss potatoes does make a difference. They aren't the small red new potatoes, they are bigger. In the meantime, bring water to a boil. (enough water to cover the potatoes)

I cut mine into slices, slightly bigger than usual because if you cut too small they will turn to mush later. 4lbs is a lot of potatoes so using a regular size saucepan doesn't work. I had to use a really deep one. Bring the potatoes to a boil, and don't run off to far. You don't want to cook them to death because they will for sure be mush then. And there is nothing about mush in this recipe title now is it?

You can also boil your eggs with the potatoes or in a separate saucepan.
Only about 10-12 minutes, so be watching - as soon as you can stick a fork through one, take em out!
And let cool.
Next, chop up the green onions. Go ahead and cut off the white parts and go to town on the green part.
Then, its the eggs turn. Peel the shells and chop chop chop! As big or as small as you would like.
Now its mixing time! In a large bowl, first add the eggs
Next, green onions
Celery seeds - I know it's random, but don't try it without it. It really does make a difference!Mayo, salt and pepper to taste.
Mix GENTLY, but thoroughly!
And enjoy! Easy, huh? Serve room temperature for up to 2 hours, then refrigerate.

Recipe:
Perfect Potato Salad
Ingredients
4 lbs Red Bliss potatoes
4 eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion tops
1 1/4 cup of mayo
1 3/4 celery seed
1 1/4 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper

Directions:
Slice potatoes into small pieces. Boil the potatoes 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Boil 4 eggs until done. Let eggs and potatoes cool, then peel the eggs. Finely chop up green onions, and eggs. In a large bowl, gently mix eggs, onions, salt and pepper to taste, celery seed, and mayo with potatoes until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate.
Source

Verse of the day: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Pageant Time

It is finally that time of year....


Miss Mississippi pageant time! This is another reason why I like summer. Ever since I can remember I have absolutely loved it. The best thing that ever happened was when a couple of years ago they started live streaming the prelim nights on the Internet (you used to could only see the prelims if you were actually there). That's four nights of pageant in a row!! Woo! This also brings a whole new role in watching it now because I become a judge. Also, when my cousin introduced me to a little ole forum where people talk about this pageant year round, it just took it to a whole new level (but only when people are being nice, and not bashing people - thats not necessary). I love taking notes during the prelims, and then making predictions on who the top 10 is going to be. Last year I was just 2 off I also enjoying watching, and discussing this with my best friends Laurie and Brittany. It has become a tradition over the years. We have a great time with it. So if you care NOTHING about this pageant, pageants in general, or my weird interest with it, I apologize for wasting your time reading this. BUT, if you are like me and this is your thing, here is my top 10 predictions, and I would love to hear what you think. Since we don't get to see the interview portion with the judges, this is based off just what I see in the prelims. Now, I have been known to wrong before, so don't be holding it against me if your friend, favorite, or enemy is or is not on my list. Also, EVERY year there is ALWAYS a surprise someone who sneaks in the top 10 and I love it! But here is mine for now:

Top 10
Shelby Corn –Miss Central Mississippi
Jill Duckworth – Miss University of Southern Mississippi
Chassidy Sumler – Miss Dixie
Mary Maragret Roark – Miss North Central Mississippi
Marie Wicks – Miss Pine Belt/Gulf Coast (This / title is weird. Just pick one)
Kristen Benigno – Miss Hattiesburg
Fenly Akers – Miss Heartland
Chelsea Rick – Miss Metro Jackson
Vaughan Simmons – Miss Deep South
Stephanie Stanford -Miss Delta Blues

Bubbles for top 10
Elyssa Lassiter – Miss Vicksburg
Jessica Terrill – Miss Mississippi State University
Natalie Wood – Miss Southland
Kathrine Barkett – Miss Univeristy

Top 5
Fenly Akers
Chelsea Rick
Kristen Benigno
Shelby Corn
Mary Margaret Roark

Winner – Keeping that one to myself ! :)

Since most of you probably aren’t watching until tomorrow night, I would love to hear your opinions then! Happy Pageant Day!

Verse of the day: "Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and recieve a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11

RN

I haven't posted in weeks because I have been studying my head off for the NCLEX! I knew it would be a distraction so I decided not to blog any until I took the test, which I did last Friday. And, IT. IS. OFFICIAL. I am now a Registered Nurse. I found out Sunday that I had passed. Those two days of waiting were torture, but the excitement and relief when I found out made it worth it. Yup! Molly Morgan, RN. I just cant stop saying it! One of my best friends also recorded me signing my name for the first time with RN behind it. All through nursing school, each semester I would tell people what percentage of a nurse I was. So after first semester I was "1/4 a nurse", then after our first year it was I am "1/2 a nurse". And now it is just RN, and it is official. :) It was kind of a joke and thought was just for me but little did I know this video would end up on YouTube, but thanks Andrew for the keep sake!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtoTAokXQVk

LAME! I know. And I know this newness and excitement will probably wear off so I am enjoying it while it lasts. I cannot wait to find the perfect place for me, as far as a job, so I can start what I have wanted to do for so many years. I have wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. Except for those times when I thought I wanted to be a teacher, but nursing seemed like more of a challenge for me and something with limitless possibilities. The road to get here was not easy. But I never gave up on my dream. I knew it was what I wanted to do. I know now it is what my calling is, and I know the Lord was with me every single step of the way, because there is no way I could have done it alone. I definitely give Him all the credit that is more than deserved. It is also hard to believe that it is all over. No more late nights studying, no more taking years off my life due to stress, no more "what do I have to make to pass" moments, and no more TESTS! WHAT a relief! I am also so proud of all my classmates! They have been a constant support system, so encouraging, and some of the best people I know. So grateful for each and every one of them. We also were blessed with some really great teachers who really cared about us, wanted us to succeed, and have taught us so much to carry on with us as we start our careers. I think they have a sometimes under appreciated (by some) job, but without them we wouldn't be able to do what we do, so I am thankful for them!

I now look at this point of my life as the beginning of the next chapter of my life, and I am also SO excited for it all. I may not have the perfect boyfriend, currently be engaged, married, or living "the life" like I thought I would at this age. No wait. Like the southern culture thinks I should at this age, that's better. But I am passionately pursuing the cross, and I am following in God's direction for my life, what ever and where ever that may be. I know His plans are far higher than my own, and He has never not been faithful before. I can't wait to see what He has in store for me and I am ready to find out!

Coming soon: More recipes, guest writers, Miss Mississippi pageant week, and the 2012 election.

Verse of the day: "Whoever loves God is known by God." 1 Corinthians 8:3

Exodus, Excuses, and Evidence of a Promise

Lately I have been reading through the Old Testament. I really wanted to understand it more, and really take a deeper look into the old familiar stories heard many a summers growing up as a child at vacation bible school. Ahhh and who can forget those VBS songs. Pharaoh, Pharaoh Oh baby! Let my people go! HUH! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! And one of my personal favorites, God told Noah to build him an arky arky. God told Noah to build him an arky arky. Which reminds me of one of my favorite things I ever made at VBS when I was in elementary school, and I still have it today. Not sure why I loved it so much but I did and it was Noah’s ark with some animals. I was so proud of it!

How cute!
Anyways, As I’ve been going through the Old Testament, I just decided to start from the beginning and read it straight through. Right now I am on Exodus. I forgot how exciting the story of Moses is. But it sure wasn’t without trials and frustrations, but also, to me, a clear definition of FAITH. The part that stuck out to me the most started at chapter 3 with Moses at the burning bush. God has appeared to Moses and has told Moses He is sending him to Pharaoh to bring His people out of Egypt.

Starting at verse 11: “But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt you will worship God on this mountain.”
God even then proceeds to, how I imagine it, have a 10 minute conversation explaining EXACTLY how this is going to go down, how He will be with Moses, what is going to happen, and what to do. He even gives Moses miraculous signs that he will use so that the Israelites will believe Moses that the Lord had actually appeared to him.

Moses AGAIN tries to come up with another excuse, saying he is “slow of speech and tongue.” Which means Moses may have had a stutter, or maybe a lisp, but some sort of speech problem. Either way, Moses was FREAKING OUT and looking for a way out. A. Because God just appeared to him in a burning bush, proclaiming he is “The God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God is Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Who will ever believe him? And B. Because God has now chosen him to lead His people out of Egypt. SCARY! He was having major doubts about his ability to lead.

(Verse 11)Then the Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, I will help you speak and teach you what to say.”

Now here comes the best part (verse 13). By best I mean worst:

“But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.”

My first thought was WAIT WHAT? Moses? Are you serious? This is THE big man, God Almighty, you are talking to. He picked you out to lead his people out of Egypt and you just said send someone else to do it? YOU, old man, have LOST YOUR MIND. Then I was forced (as so often this little thing called conviction likes to do) to realize how many times I have done the same thing. How many times I have made excuses not the do what the Lord has called me to do. Nah, just pick someone else to do that. I’m too scared. I can’t do THAT. What a tragedy. How much have I missed out on by making excuses, self-doubting, and being scared? Complete lack of faith that God will be with me in whatever I do, especially with His work. He has promised us over and over again that He will be with us and never leave us. And JUST like He did with Moses, the Lord will be with us always, guiding and directing every step of the way. He gave Moses a way, He gave Moses the words to say, He gave Moses a helper in his brother Aaron, and He told Moses what to do. And He can do the same for us today. All we have to do is trust that and have complete faith in Him, even when times get hard and we start to question, Why? and Are you sure God?
I am reminded of this these verses:

“…As I was with Moses, so I will be with you all the days of your life.” Joshua 1:5

“…Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

“..Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So I say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

So let the Lord fight for you today. All you have to do is be still. Trust in Him and His promises that He will be with you always, and know that He is in complete control. Go confidently in whatever direction He has called you. Don't put it off, or ask God to let someone else do it when He has called you to do it! Don't be afraid to take a chance, follow God's plan, because he will bless you greatly for it.

Cake Take Two - Say that 10 times!

Here's the cake that I was supposed to have made yesterday but dropped on the floor. What a disaster. Don't worry, the cake is in a good place now. We have febreeze scented garbage can bags so I'd like to think that's a good final resting place for a cake. Also, I found a new free photo editing site that I really like. Its called FotoFlexer. Check it out if you are into that sort of thing. And the pictures for my recipes are edited with a "Retro" effect that I am liking. I found this recipe in the Country Special edition of People Magazine.
So here we go!
Here is what you need:

Devil's food cake, eggs, cocoa powder, vegetable oil, powdered sugar, whipped cream (if you want to substitute instead of all the whipping cream), heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and a Hershey's bar with almonds.

Start with the devil's food cake mix

Add the eggs...

And the water.

Then the vegetable oil. I hope those eggs can swim.

Cocoa powder and vanilla extract and mix all together for 2 minutes.
Flour and grease to 9' baking pans. Or make it easier for yourself and use some non-stick spray.

Evenly divide the batter between the baking pans. And cook in the oven for 25 minutes.

Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then take them out and let them cool completely on wire racks. While you are waiting for them to cool you can start on the icing!

Start with your heavy whipping cream. (You can use some "whipped topping" here instead of the heavy whipping cream). If you like to be lame and skinny. I was sort of lame because I used half heavy whipping cream, and half "whipped topping." It would have turned out better had I used all of the heavy whipping cream. Go figure.

And then add the powdered sugar. EXPLOSION WARNING. Powdered sugar loves to shoot off a 4th of July fireworks display in your face. Maybe not as bad with one of those fancy mixers, but I do not have one of those so it really likes to go everywhere when mixing.

Add in the vanilla extract. Mmm...
Mix all together until it forms soft peaks. Which is this:


Next, chop up the chocolate bar. Fold into the icing. And when the cake has chilled in the refrigerator for one hour, go ahead and ice that bad boy.

And enjoy! Also enjoy a nice long run afterwards because this thing is not cheap on the calories!

Recipe: Chocolate Celebration Cake
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 oz.) package devil's food cake mix
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa
2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided
3 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup powedered sugar
4 (1.45 oz.) milk chocolate bars with almonds, chopped and divided
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two (9-in.) cake pans. Combine first 5 ingredients and 1 tsp. of vanilla in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer at low speed until ingredients are moistened. Scrape down sides of the bowl. Beat mixture at medium speed 2 minutes. Pour batter into prepared pans.
2. Bake 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire rakcs. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
3. Beat whipping cream, powedered sugar and remaining vanilla at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fold chopped chocolate bars into frosting. Spread mixture between layers and on top and sides of cake. Store in refrigerator.

Verse of the day: "For the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His name!" Luke 1:49

Heaven is For Real, But My Cake Is Not.

I enjoyed a quick little beach trip over the weekend and it was much needed. A little escape from NCLEX worries and the dreaded job search. When I'm at the beach, I like to try and read a book. This time I read this little jewel:

Heaven is for real. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. I don't want to give away the good parts but it is about a little boy who was near death and while on the operating table, spent some time in heaven. Yeah, yeah I know what you are thinking. Yeah right, That's not possible, and there's NO way I believe it, but you HAVE to read it. This little boy describes things that are backed with scripture that no ordinary 4 year old boy would just know. I have no doubt about this little boy's experience and what all he says gives me chills just thinking about it. It also got me seriously thinking about Heaven and eternity. This book gives me so much reassurance that I can fearlessly face death one day, knowing what is in store. Heaven is a place of perfect happiness and eternal communion with God that we as Christians who know Jesus as our personal Savior are promised. Here are some quotes about the book:

"You will be moved by the honest, simple, childlike accounts of a little boy who has been to heaven. It's compelling and convincing. Its a book you should read. If you're ready to go to heaven, this book will inspire you. If you're not ready for heaven, allow a child to lead you. Like Colton says, "Heaven Is For Real." -Don Piper (Speaker and Author, 90 Minutes in Heaven)

"A beautifully written glimpse into heaven that will encourage those who doubt and thrill those who believe." -Ron Hall (Coauthor, Same Kind of Different As Me)

"Colton's story could have been in the New Testament - but God has chosen to speak to us in this twenty-first century through the unblemished eyes of a child, revealing some of the mysteries of heaven. The writing is compelling and the truth astonishing, creating a hunger for more." -Jo Anne Lyon (General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church)

PLEASE read it! Its worth it. And when you do, you will understand this picture, and it will mean as much to you as it does me.

Prince of Peace by Akiane Kramarik

Also, as far as "Tasty Tuesday" goes.... I had the best looking cake I was making. Made it through the recipe and on the way to the refrigerator to let them chill I dropped them both on the ground and ruined them. Soooo, that recipe will have to wait until tomorrow, or whenever I get around to re-making them. They looked so good too. So I think its a better idea to do away with "Tasty Tuesday" and just leave it at "Whenever I have time and don't drop things Day" :)

Verse of the day: (WHAT timing!)"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39