Well, I haven't been nearly as regular posting as I thought I would. Things get in the way. Like. life.

What has been happening in Stuart world?

Well, for one, Wizard of Oz. 'Twas a fun journey down the yellow brick road. Here's some photo documentation:

Tired, we got... but we kept smiling!

"Is my nose bleeding?"

Hardy-har, Scarecrow!

 

Our FAB production and business managers...

Fire!

Lollipop Guild

Lullaby League 

Oh my goodness, the costumes!

The color!

Look out - it's the enchanted ax!

 Oh seniors, we will miss you!!!

We had a grand time. I miss it - already can't wait for next year!

Who I am

You know, there are days when you have the highest aspirations. To accomplish something magnificent (like thank-you notes. or bread baking. or house hunting.). 


Then there are the days when all you want to do is put your throat on ice and receive a new set of sinuses.


Today was rather like the latter option. 


Today, I am trying choosing to focus on my worth simply as a child of God - not in the ability to run 10 miles backwards, make everyone in my life happy (or even walk across a sparkly clean kitchen floor). 


It is difficult sometimes - to not be caught up in our worth based on our ability to DO things. 


Today, however, I bring everything to the feet of the Master - poor as it seems - and listen to His voice. 


He reminds me of my inherent worth as His child. 


His beloved daughter. 


The apple of His eye. 


Just me, Elizabeth.


It is not always easy to hear His voice - even though I want it to be. However, I get caught up in my own desires. I like to be capable and in control, ready at 100% all the time (hack, cough, sniffle, repeat). However, it seems that ESPECIALLY when I am feeling less than _______, there is a deep-seated relief of being reminded I am not capable, in control and in charge. HE is - and He loves me so very deeply. 


Floors must be cleaned, bread must be consumed, and not everyone's always going to be pleased with me - life goes on. I hope, as MY life goes on, that I can keep learning to hear His wondrous voice above all others, for He is my Lord God and beloved Savior. 


When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, 
Upward I look, and see him there Who made an end of all my sin.

"I've got a story to share with you..."

So my aunt tells me. Exactly one year ago today, she sits across the table for me. Notably, I'm the only one with a plate in front of me. She was not relaxed in the slightest. I was fully prepared for some terrible news to come out at any moment. However, not wanting to seem nervous or concerned, I calmly took a bit of pizza.

She begins...

"There's this family I know...."

Family...??? I came all this way for her to tell me about a family??? Does she want to know about HPA? WHY did I drive all this way?!


"... and they have two sons..."

... so?....


"... one of them is married..."

.... WAIT A SECOND...


"... and one of them is not."

WHAT?! I came all this way to hear about a BOY?!?! 


I'm speechless. My aunt is anything but a matchmaker. She proceeds to tell me about Mr. Tom Stuart - a young farmer passionate about his faith and family. He was interested in meeting me - on the condition that I was free to say no. It seemed my comfort was his primary concern.

She also proceeds to tell me that she had been praying about this since the summer before, when she had met Tom. Their families had known one another for a few years, but ever since she had met Tom, she had been thinking about me praying about her thoughts. She had continued to feel compelled to pray about it and finally decided she needed to ask us about it... which, eventually, had brought her to my parents to ask if I was even in a relationship. :) As I said in my last post,  extremely single girl... her spiritual tone touched my heart, though. It definitely touched me to know how much she had prayed and pondered this before approaching me.

Anyways, I was rather speechless by the end of the whole thing. For some reason (which I couldn't explain at the time), I didn't feel like I could quite laugh the whole thing off. I told her I would think and pray about it, for sure... though part of me was already wondering what in the world was going to happen next. As I pulled out of her driveway, I called my mom. She laughingly answered the phone "Happy Valentine's Day". Thanks Mom. Apparently I am the last to know about this guy. I had to get to rehearsal, so off I went... but my thoughts were a bit distracted that night, I must confess.


One year ago, today. Who would have thought so much could happen in one. single. year.


I love you, sweetheart! Happy first valentine's day together!

Chronicling - or how this blog is getting a name

Amazing how a phone call can completely change your life. Trust me, I would know.

Valentine's Day, 2011. My co-worker and I (both single) made a few typical valentine's jokes while we drove the hour commute to and from location. Our students gave us chocolate, candy, etc. It had been a fun day for this extremely single girl. Not. Thinking. About. It. 

As we reach my drop-off location, I realize there is a voicemail on my phone. Almost not stopping to listen - after all, I have to fly to the next rehearsal on schedule and would like a few moments' peace for some tea or some other refreshing beverage. Almost not stopping, until I realize it's from an aunt whom I've not heard from in a long time. 

The voicemail sounds strange - aunt claiming she wants to "just chat for a few minutes" and could I come over - because she has eggs for us. 

Eggs? Really?

This lovely, wonderful, dear aunt of mine lives a good 45 minutes away from my drop-off location. Another good 45 minutes away from my next rehearsal's location. I can almost see the tea draining down the sink of lost treasures. At the same time, something in her voice concerns me. She had just seen my mother 3 days ago. I couldn't lay one finger on why she would want me to come all that way - for eggs. Thoughts of illness or family concerns harbored in the back of my mind. This would not do to wait - I must see her today.

45 minutes later I'm pulling in her driveway. She sets me down in front of a frozen, baked pizza and pronounces "I have a story to share with you". 

This story (which I  will reveal on the morrow) has changed the course of my life - forever.

I have been pondering how to "focus" this blog. At the same time, Tom and I have begun praying about how to move forward as a couple. Yes, we got married - and it's awesome. However, as we're settling into life together, we have a desire to remain intentional about why God has brought us to this place. Intentional about sharing our story. Intentional about sharing HIS story through our lives. 

Last night, before bed, the words "chronicle" and chronicling" kept floating through my mind. By morning, I realized this blog's focus. I'm still working on a name, but it will most likely include the word "chronicle" or "chronicling" (in fact, I'd love your opinion in this matter!). Some posts may be romantic (especially as I chronicle our pre-marital season), some may be sad, and hopefully some are just downright funny. My ultimate hope, however, is that you, dear reader, may be encouraged and enjoy walking alongside this chronicling of God's work through, in and around our lives. 

Further up, further in!

A little snack...

Hello, everyone!
While I am thinking about what to write/focus on in this blog, I thought I'd offer a new favorite recipe of mine (and Tom's). I'd like to figure out how to soak the oats, flax and nuts first - which would probably impact the bake time. 

This is great to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Thanks to Irene for the inspiration!


Homemade Granola 
3-4 cups oats (not the quick or instant variety)
1-2 cups nuts (sliced almonds work well)

1/4-1/2 cup flax seeds

2-4 T maple syrup (my hubby's syrup is the BEST!)

1/4-1/3 cup melted coconut oil

1/4 tsp salt (I forget this once in awhile, which doesn't seem to impact anything)

Bake at 250F for 45 minutes - mix/stir and bake for 45 more minutes.

Once cooled, add raisins, dried cranberries, chocolate or any other added preferences




Enjoy! Looking forward to posting more soon.


~Elizabeth