Chew on this...

FAITH is our prayer word. From Beyond Opinion by Ravi Zacharias, “…God is not an idea. We can meet Him. We can talk to Him. The greatest gift that God has given to humankind is Himself. We can know Him because He has given Himself to us. We can have faith in Him, not just because of what He has done, which is very important, but because He is, and because He makes Himself known. This is the kind of faith that does not disappoint because it is not speculation about someone; it is faith in someone.” Do you personally know God? Christ? The Holy Spirit? Do you have faith in all three personally and believe in them, not an idea? “…it is important to realize that unless faith is in response to and results in trust in the person of Christ – and not just one’s ideas or hopes about the person of Christ – then there is no biblical faith. Again you cannot lose what you never had. So for the person who says that he has lost his faith, we must first properly ask about the nature of his faith in the first place. What was it? Reliance on an idea? Or a personal relationship with the risen Christ?” Pray for knowledge of who you have faith in and gain a stronger faith. ~ Frances

Searching Etsy...

While searching Etsy, I found these sweet items!

Two Ingredient Muffins, yep only two!

This has to be one of the easiest recipes ever!  For several years now, these muffins have become an annual fall favorite for our household. They are so easy to make, which I LOVE, and are very moist and yummy!

Ingredients needed, only two things, 1 can of pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) and 1 cake mix box of your choice.  Simple huh!

First, mix can of pumpkin and cake mix together till you can no longer see powder from cake mix.

Then add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts or raisins if you desire.

Place mix into cupcake liners and fill to the top. 

Lastly bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F.

I also made a batch with Devils Food cake mix and walnuts.  They are delish! 

If you don't feel like muffins right now, you could use same idea and make a cake!

Mix ingredients together like above, place in greased 9x13" cake pan, bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until done when tested.  Let it cool and top with cream cheese frosting!

Enjoy!

My September Birthday Babies!

September is a very busy month for us each year.  Hubby and I got married in September because it was originally an empty month, but has turned into one of our busiest months now.  We are always excited to see it come, but I am also very happy to see it go.  

Both our daughters birthday is in this month!  It works out really nice in someways but can be very exhausting in other ways.  It also tends to be a pricey month for us celebrating two birthdays and our anniversary.  We definitely have limits on each event so we don't go in debt. :)

The annual birthday daddy date night happened for each girl.  This is always so much fun for them and me.  We get to spend the afternoon primping, anticipating date night with daddy and having his undivided attention. 

Rachel's birthday celebration is first part of the month and Ashley's is the second part of the month.

I sort of figured Rachel had some natural curl to her hair since it is a lot like mine.  Also when she sweats, which is very often, she gets the cutest little ringlets around her face.  So she let me play and see if we could make her natural curl come out and boy did it!  It turned out super cute on her!  I also let both girls wear some dark lip gloss since it is a special night for them, but that's the limit!

Rachel picked Alpine Bakery, which is a local Italian restaurant with an AMAZING bakery!  Daddy and her shared a meal along with a treat before heading to the movies.

Rachel has been dying to see the Percy Jackson movie, but I thought it might be too much for the younger kids so this was her opportunity to check it out. She loved it!

 

I can hardly believe how old you are now Rachel.  You are growing into a beautiful young lady! Saddens my heart to think we only have 7 more years of living each day with you! Love you sweet girl!

Ashley on the other hand LOVES this part of the date night process! She picks out her hair style, clothes, and "makeup" with very little suggestions on my part.

Its crazy to think they both picked out the same color lip gloss, but Rachel just put some on lightly, while Ashley couldn't put enough on her lips. LOL!

 

Ashley has NO, absolutely none, curl in her hair so we used some heat on hers.  That worked good enough for her.  She also choose Alpine Bakery for her dinner date and then they went to miniature golf to top their evening off.  She tied with her daddy.  Watch out Tiger Woods. :)

You make me laugh so much Ashley.  Your personality is truly one of a kind, so kind hearted and loving, down right silly sometimes.  I can't believe you are at the half way mark of growing up. Love you my baby girl!

What a privilege God has allowed me to be your mother.  Love you both so much! 

Chew on this...

Pray the word “Testimony”. We all have one, but do we use it to Glorify God and bring others to know Christ? 2 Timothy 1:8 “So do not be ashamed to tell people about our Lord Jesus,” We shout for football teams and wear shirts in support of our favorite team. Why don’t we shout for Jesus? He is our all time winner!!! Shout out and share the testimony God has given each one of us; “God is good and He can change your life! He changed mine!” Pray for your changed life to shout out a living testimony to all! ~ Frances

Searching etsy...

While searching Etsy, I found these sweet items!

Fall is in the air!

I am so happy with the way this pumpkin turned out! It started out as a blank wood "canvas" for me.  

I began transforming this with blending acrylic paint to get the perfect orange and the shading I wanted. 

It seemed a little blah so I add a whimsical side to it with the polka dots.  Next I added our family name.  

 

It would cute with a fall saying also like "Happy Fall Y'all" or drop the y'all and just say "Happy Fall," maybe even "Give Thanks" or "Happy Thanksgiving."  Whatever floats your boat!

Lastly added the burlap ribbon for extra texture.  Looks great huh?!

 

I have ours handing inside on the ladder, but it looks good hanging from the front door as well!

I have another one all painted just waiting for a name or saying to be added.  If you are interested, just email me about it for price, coleen@coleenverner.com.