So, there's this guy...

Yep- I am in a relationship!!

His name is Gary Ryan Maass (I call him Gary Ryan) and he's quickly becoming my best friend.

He's kind and funny and thoughtful and intelligent and cute and silly and he loves Jesus! He also has a heart for missions in China (gasp!), could it get any better?! I think the world of him and I think he kinda likes me too. *wink, wink*

I know, I know, you're wondering what he looks like, right?! Well, when asked if I would ever date a white guy, I usually respond with, "Sure, but blue-eyed blondes aren't really my type..." Gary happens to have bright, blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair! Haha. God totally has a sense of humor! Anyway, I am quite the happy princess lately (insert photo of black woman blushing here) and excited to see what the future holds! Today is his birthday and I was a sweet girlfriend and baked him a yummy chocolate cake last night. It looked kinda wimpy and small in the end but he gracefully admired it and said it tasted GREAT! Yay! :)

*the two of us at the Oregon Coast a couple of weeks ago.

SO EXCITED!!!

Today is an absolutely crazy busy day at work but I need to take a minute to announce the exciting things going on right now:

* Today I begin CLASS!!! I am taking Language Disorders in Childhood, at Portland State University this term. I am working on going back to school for my masters' in Speech and Language Pathology or Physician's Assistant. I am leaning towards SLP. Yippee!! Please pray for me as I embark on this. I am so hopeful but there are also many details to figure out. I am sure the right doors will open and close. :)

* I have a meeting on Saturday with Andrea... we have been best buds since 7th grade, and we are contemplating running a half marathon this spring! Wooohooo! I have always wanted to run a full one, but I know my knees wouldn't hold up. We will go to the meeting this weekend and see what we think! She is an awesome running buddy and we have been really pushing each other in our work outs recently.

* Yes, China is still in the back of my head, but for now it stays in my dreams and prayers. I know it isn't going to work out any time soon, but I have much to keep me busy in the mean time.

* The holidays with the fam were awesome as usual. I am truly blessed.

Ok, time to wrap this up.... more details soon!!! :)

My Heroes.

We all know that my family is just so very dear to my heart. I have lots to say about this today. I don't even know where to start... I think before I talk about my weekend I will talk about my parents. They are AMAZING. There are some things we really don't come to full realization of until adulthood. I wish I could see this clearer as a child. My parents work so incredibly hard. I am PROUD of where I come from- they make me proud. My mom and dad each came from big families; 6 kids and 5 kids respectively. My parents are each 1 of 2 kids of those families who have come out of poverty drug and alcohol- free and without criminal background. Not only that, but they are successful and humble. I am not one of those "kids" who thinks I'm "cool" because my parents "have money." Growing up I was always annoyed by the kids I went to school with who thought they were more important than others just because their parents could afford high end clothes, cars and homes. Lucky for me, when I was growing up my parents didn't have much. As a young child, my needs were met with the necessities, and Chris and I had best friends in one another to keep us occupied. We lacked nothing. Now they have much more and drive nice cars, but I don't feel cool because of the material possessions. I feel proud and impressed because of where my parents came from and where they are now as direct results of their work ethic, responsibility, humility, and my mother's trust in the Lord. Unlike myself, as young adults my parents had no one to "bail them out" when they faced financial hardship or illness. Their parents couldn't put a deposit in their checking account when things got hard. No one bought their first car for them or paid for their college education. They were raised with love and strong ethical values. As some of their siblings chose drugs, alcohol and other not so wise choices and lifestyles, they chose much more difficult routes of education, athletics and WORK. They made lives for themselves against all odds. I cannot express enough how truly amazed I am at who my parents are. I have been pondering how I may learn to have the same tenacious heart and attitude towards life that they do. I am so grateful for my grandparents who had no money but were/are wealthy with wisdom and passed it to my mom and dad who put those words into true action and rose above the odds against them growing up as black people in Dayton, Ohio.

Mom and Dad, you are my heroes!!!

Good Eats!

Quick Recipe

Since I have been sharing this recipe with my co-workers and it seems to be enjoyed, I thought I would share it on my blog too!

Below is a favorite that is quick, easy and tastes great reheated as well.

Season lean ground turkey with Mexican seasoning and chili powder

Place on medium heat in a saucepan

Add organic canned black beans

Add organic frozen corn

When meat is almost done, add organic chunky, medium salsa

Heat and stir until all ingredients are mixed well and cooked thoroughly

*it can be varied by putting on top of brown rice, or my favorite- topping with chopped avocado!

YUM!!!

I don’t enjoy dairy products but cheddar cheese, and sour cream may also make tasty toppings.

Filling in the blanks...

Not much to say on this one… I have so many questions for God… Some "blanks" that need to be filled in...


Today I am pondering God’s Will in my life. I am wondering how I am sure I hear His voice sometimes. I am longing to be obedient and wise and wondering why sometimes things don’t turn out the way they seem they will. Days like these can be frustrating but I am feeling increasingly determined to use it as a season of learning and a time to get to know the heart of God more. I want my desires to be His desires…

Over the past few months I have seen His grace abound in my life as I heal, grow, learn and seek Him. I want to trust that this will continue as I seek to trust Him in a deeper way.

My favorite childhood verse... Matthew 7:7... I am continuing to ask.

On a lighter note, I must say that I am really enjoying these beautiful, sunny, brisk, wintery days. Oregon is a beautiful place when it is not raining. I am grateful. 