Reformation Celebration

This evening, we had our Reformation Celebration at the church.

I loved the insert found in our bulletin this morning in church that talked about "The Solas of the Reformation" and I wanted to share it with you. 

"In 16th century Europe, many in the Church believed salvation was a human endeavor.  On October 31, 1517, a young monk publicly protested the teaching of his day; his protest is considered the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.  By nailing a list of 95 statements (called "theses") on the door of the chapel at Wittenberg Castle, Martin Luther became the catalyst by which God moved the Church back to a biblical understanding of salvation.  

Mankind is prone to diminish God's role in salvation.  On Reformation Sunday, we remember the message of our spiritual forefathers summarized in the "five solar of the Reformation"

Sola Scriptura--"Scripture Alone"

God revealed everything about salvation in the Bible. Individual experience, human opinion, and the decrees of creeds and councils are subject to the authority of Scripture. Mankind is not free to develop a different path to know and enjoy God. The answer to the question, "How can I know God?" is found in Scripture alone. 

Solus Christus--"Christ Alone"

Jesus was clear: no one comes to God except through him (John 14:6). There is no other name given among men by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12).  Jesus is God's choice to pay the punishment for sin and offer the righteousness God requires.  That is why Jesus is called "the Christ". No other religious leader can make a way to God; it is Christ alone. 

Sola Gratia--"Grace Alone"

Human desire and effort will never establish or maintain a relationship with God. Nor can man free himself from evil inclinations through self-discipline or hard work.  Only God gives spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead.  He leads men to Christ and releases them from bondage to sin by His grace alone. 

Sola Fide--"Faith Alone" 

Man often believes God "grades on the curve". That if a person works hard and has good intentions, God will accept whatever that person offers.  The truth is God requires perfection, and he considers those who have faith in Christ to be perfect.  The imperfect believer trusts he is accepted because of the perfection of Christ.  God gives these benefits on the basis of faith alone. 

Soli Deo Gloria--"The Glory of God Alone"

All humans struggle with self centeredness.  We believe God exists to make life better for us and our loved ones and God grants salvation to make eternal life better.  It's all about us.  The Bible teaches that God has a higher ambition: His own glory.  Our salvation, as well as every aspect of daily life, has a purpose beyond self.  We are saved by grace through faith for the glory of God alone. 

On Reformation Day, we remember the unique role God plays in salvation: He does it all. 

By His work and grace, imperfect man enjoys a relationship with a perfect God.  Through reformers like Martin Luther, God kept His Church on the right path.  

Praise The Lord His faithfulness continues today."

Chewie & Darth at the Reformation Celebration 

3rd Annual BYOP

Another BYOP come and gone! Once again, it was a big success!

Bring Your Own Pumpkin, if you haven't been reading for a while, consists of everyone bringing their own pumpkin for carving along with a pumpkin flavored dish. 

We had pumpkin chili (recipe for the chili found here) along with a pumpkin pie dump cake this year. Both were delicious and perfect for the chilly evening we had! Jason also found Shock Top's Pumpkin Wheat Beer for us to try and it was the perfect drink for the evening!

After the busiest week of school that we've had yet, this is exactly what I needed!

This BYOP also included another first for Jason and I as a married couple--we were actually home for our first night or Trick-or-Treaters! We've always been gone on Halloween and our neighborhood decided to do Halloween last night due to the weather today and it was awesome! We had so much fun seeing all the sweet, fun costumes. We also happened to have a lot of student's from our schools stop by. I love it!

 So, funny/gross story about our pumpkins. Well, my pumpkin. 

I cut the lid off my big ole, jumbo pumpkin and when I looked down in there, I see mold. 

Gross, green mold on some of the seeds in there. 

I figured I'd scoop them out, and all would be well.

As I'm scooping on, what I can best describe as...steam(ish) stuff starts coming out of the top of the pumpkin--mold spores! Just gross, gross, grossness. Naturally, I dumped the pumpkin and Jason pulled through for Team Ellis and carved us an awesome pumpkin.

 Ian, deciding on his masterpiece this year 

 Melissa, working hard!

I love this tradition. 

Here's to many more years of BYOP!

What I'm Loving Right Now (7)

Goodness! It's been a while. 

This school year has been so incredibly busy. 

I have the hardest class that I've ever had--with extreme, varying abilities and needs. 

To be honest with you all,  I am just flat out exhausted every day when I get home and feeling a little like a zombie.  

I will tell you this though, the two sweet women that work with me in our classroom pull me through---every. single. day. We find things laugh about and constantly remind one another of our love for what we do and the children we teach. 

That's a post for a whole different day though!

I have so many things in my "drafts" right now and so much rolling around in my brain, and my heart that I want to share with you all. I promise that I will get around to it. But for now, you get a little photo dump along with some things that I'm loving right now. 

First and foremost, my handsome, sweet husband had a birthday last weekend! I LOVE BIRTHDAYS! Especially my husband's birthday! We had the best weekend--celebrated with his Mom on Friday evening. Then, had a wonderful, much needed lazy day on Saturday--with lots, and lots of cake. We finished off his birthday with his Griswold Family Dinner over at Mom and Dad's which included all of his favorite foods that Mom makes.

I am so thankful for another birthday for you Jason Ellis. My prayer is that 37 is the best year for you yet!

Puppy Sitting--We also had the pleasure recently of keeping our foster pup, Layla--the best pup ever.

Chelsea Boots--I am obsessed with these boots right now. I'm looking for the "perfect" pair. I do like these here--I can always count on H&M and their reasonable prices.

More Alike Than Different--(not sure if my video will work so click the link if not)--This video is amazing.  I love the truth that it speaks so loudly--not to mention how precious it is. I tell people all the time that although I teach Special Education, these children are JUST like "typical" children. They feel, want, do, say, the same things that "typical" children do--it may just be in a different way or at a different, later time in the their lives. Let's be sure to remind our children and ourselves that we are actually More Alike Than Different. 

Education Is Freedom--This shirt: I love it. All proceeds go to First Book.

The Harry Potter Illustrated Book--THIS was a DREAM COME TRUE to me. I was literally just beaming from ear to ear while looking through the whole book. I am itching for the rest of them to come out. 

 I could share with you every picture from the book--but instead I'm just going to let you buy it for yourself and you can thank me later! It's only $22 on Amazon whereas it's $40 in stores. 

Working on my cross stitch letters--so far, 2 orders down, 25 to go! I am so thankful that so many people are interested in these! My little fingers are going 90 to nothing and I am loving all the color combinations that people are choosing. I can't post the past 2 I've finished because they are going to be gifts for people but I will tell you this, I LOVE this golden shimmer thread that I found. 

These two sights during our date night--Do you see the rainbow? I couldn't take enough pictures--it was amazing!

 The Spicy Tuna Roll at Surin's of Thailand is TO DIE FOR. Literally, the best spicy tuna roll in all of Jackson. Not to mention, if you go between 4:30 and 7:00 it's 1/2 off. Yep, all that sushi right there was only $10--thank me later!

And since I began this post with a little bit of downside about work this year, I will end with one of the many upsides and part of what makes it all worth it!

This little happening in my classroom--(I posted this on my Facebook 2 weeks ago)--A tiny glimpse into our classroom---we do almost the same thing, every single day and pray that our students catch on. We pray that our repetition, consistency, encouragement and belief in them will stick and that "light bulb" will go off. Today, thanks to Ms. Erickson and her hard work and patience with a student at one of our reading centers, we had one of THOSE moments that remind us what our classroom is all about. We have a student that has autism and is, for the most part, non verbal--other than repeating what is asked of her but she never speaks on her own. But TODAY! Today, this student READ TO US! She read somewhere between 6-10 words, fully independently. Just by being asked "what word?" (When usually she would repeat back, "what word?") As we were all tearing up and cheering like crazy for her we all looked at each other and just knew, that no matter how trying this year has been, no matter how tired we are when the last student leaves, no matter how many times we repeat ourselves, no matter how many times we correct a behavior or actively ignore, no matter how many times we don't have lunch until WELL past our lunch time--THIS is what it's about. So, so thankful to work alongside two women who rejoice and cry when our students succeed. 

And since then, that student has continued reading and has even read short, 3-5 page books the have 2-5 words on each page! It just keeps getting better and better!

Life is busy right now, but it sure is good. 

What I'm Loving Right Now (6)

Let's start with this quote

A New School Year--I am beginning my 4th year of teaching this year and I am being tested. Let me just say! This year, I have 9 students. The most I've had before now is 7. So, needless to say, we stay quite busy. Nonetheless, I am so excited for 9 little personalities that I get to know, teach, and love. It's going to be a great year!

Cross Stitching--I am REALLY enjoying this new hobby! I'm on my 3rd project now. It's definitely time consuming, but I love it!

 
Project #3, in the works...

Pretty Little Liars--I am so hooked on this show right now. I'm almost caught up! 3 episodes to go. I just want to know who "A" is! What should I watch next?

The 3 new LaCroix flavors--Yes, I am still obsessing over these drinks. Finally, my Dad saved the day and found the new flavors at our Target and they were SO SO GOOD! My goodness. It's a tie between Kiwi-Watermelon and Blackberry-Cucumber being the best. Mmmmmhmmmm

My new candle--my sweet Mom got me the best smelling candle, ever. Harvest Pumpkin Ale. If you know me at all, then you know I'm a fan of anything pumpkin scented or flavored. Thankfully, my favorite season is quickly approaching and with it, comes all things pumpkin. 

This delicious Sweet Potato Fritatta--This is my favorite breakfast right now. It is so yummy! While we're doing the Whole30, we like to try fun, new recipes so we don't get bored and this particular one reminded me of Chicken Pot Pie! It's super yummy. I'll eventually get around to posting the recipe!

Earl Gray Tea--Also, while doing Whole30, I've transitioned over to drinking hot tea in the morning and I have fallen in love with Earl Gray.

The Walk to End Alzheimer's--This year, a friend of mine asked me to participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's and I couldn't be more excited. My Dad's mom, Innie, had Alzheimer's so I am walking in her memory and for those who are currently struggling with this terrible, terrible disease. If you or anyone you know are interested in joining our team and walking with us (It's on September 19th at 9am), we would be MORE than happy to have you! Visit my page (here) and join our team! If you can't walk and want to give a donation--that would be amazing, you can do that through my site as well! I set a personal goal of raising $250 and after the two donations I mailed in today--I will be $56 shy of my goal! 17 days to go and I know we can make it happen! If you walk with our team, you can get this cool shirt for a discounted price and if you can't walk with our team, you can get this shirt for $10 and help support our team! And by the way, my team is #5 for fundraising thus far! We are doing great things here and I am excited!

All of the sunrises I've been BLOWN away by here lately--one of the best perks of waking up at 5 am is that you're guaranteed to catch the sunrise. Look at these beautiful pictures. Only one of them was enhanced, the other two--all natural beauties! 

Can y'all believe that it's September?
Time is flying!
In just 22 short days my handsome husband and I had our first date at Papitos! Like I said, time flies!
Enjoy your Labor day--here's to a long weekend!

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Carnitas with Pineapple Guacamole

We are trucking along on our Whole30 and while searching for recipes we found this DELICIOUS recipe (originally from here).

I am always looking for slow-cooker recipes. I feel like they are lifesavers but I haven't found many that were appealing to me or were compliant with paleo/primal and now Whole30. 

But lo and behold, these bad boys. 

Slow-Cooker Chipotle Pork Carnitas with Pineapple  Guacamole

What you need: 

Carnitas:

2 lbs, bone in pork chops (ours didn't have bones, we read this AFTER we bough the chops from the market)

1 cup chicken stock (sugar free) (we used beef, bone broth that Jason had previously made)

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp chili powder

2 tbsp fresh thyme

8 cloves garlic

1 dried chipotle pepper (we didn't use this, this time. We couldn't find it! I'm sure Whole Foods or Fresh Market would have it. But, it taste delicious even without it)

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper, to taste

Pineapple Guacamole:

3 ripe avocados

1 lime, juiced

3 tbsp minced red or green onions (we like red)

3/4 cup fresh, pineapple that's diced

1/2 jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced

salt and pepper to taste

Rutabaga Fries:

1 large (or 2 small) rutabagas

salt

pepper

garlic powder

cayenne pepper

olive oil 

What you do: 

Carnitas:

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker. 

Cook on low for 8 hours. 

Before serving, remove bay leaves, bones, and any excess fat. 

Shred pork with two forks. 

**Original recipe calls for this to happen next: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, brown pork until crispy** (We didn't do this)

Instead, we did this:

Strained the liquid from the crock pot into a pot.

Add the shredded meat to the pot and let it cook in the juice on medium heat for about 10 minutes. 

Pineapple Guacamole:

Mash avocados in a bowl.

Work in all the remaining ingredients. 

Salt and Pepper to taste. 

Rutabaga Fries:

Cut the rutabaga into "fry-like" spears.

Put them in a zip lock bag and drizzle with olive oil.

While in the bag, dust with spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper)--coat well. 

Put the fries on a baking sheet with parchment paper on it. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes depending on the thickness of the fries. 

This was so full of flavor and really different with the pineapple guacamole. 

We loved it. 

Moon River Music Festival--Round 2

My birthday gift this year was tickets to the Moon River Music Festival in Memphis that's put on by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. 

We went last year and it was so much fun! This year was even better--more well known bands, more vendors, and a lot more people! It was a PACKED HOUSE compared to last year--they sold out the day of the festival. The Levitt Shell is such a cool venue, especially at night. Fun fact that we learned: The Levitt Shell is recognized as the site of Elvis Presley’s first professional rock-n-roll show--how cool is that? 

The line up was incredible:

Drew & Ellie kicked it off

Myla Smith

Cereus Bright (one of my new favorites)

Stephen Kellogg

Colony House

Judah & The Lion

Switchfoot

Needtobreathe

Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

It was hot, hot, hot but I was loving it. 

I was so impressed with Switchfoot and Needtobreathe--both bands that I've heard multiple times (through radio or live) but there was something about last night--they were both on fire.  

They both blew. me. away. 

There was this amazing moment that gives me chills even now when Needtobreathe was performing their song "Multiplied" & ALL these people, gathered in this sold out, packed out, outdoor venue were singing at the top of their lungs and/or hearing these words:

"Your love is like radiant diamonds

Bursting inside us we cannot contain

Your love will surely come find us

Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these Halleluiahs be multiplied"

The whole song is those lines repeated over and over. 

Imagine that.

Chills, I know. 

God is so mighty and I am so thankful that He uses peoples talents to glorify Him. 

It was a great weekend. 

Here's to hoping that next year's Moon River Festival is just as amazing. 

"When We Love The Least Of These"

As I begin my 4th year of teaching, I wanted to share this song with you all. 

It's such a sweet reminder as we begin this school year--it has always made me think of my school and all the students there. 

I've talked to a lot of children who live with all kinds of various family dynamics. 

I've seen the aftermath and heard about a lot of sad situations that happen to these 2nd and 3rd graders when they go home--it breaks my heart. Yet, there's a part of me that is thankful that they get to be in the loving hands of their teachers, that care about them, and protect them, for 8 hours of the day. For 8 hours, we know they are safe, taken care of, fed, loved on, being told they matter, being told how important they are, and how far they can go in life--they are being led to take small steps in the right direction. 

This song has always struck a chord with me. I think of not only all the babies at our school, in all schools, but especially the sweet faces of the children I teach in my classroom on a daily basis. If not us (me), then who will be like Jesus to some of precious souls? This is my favorite line: "Boys become kings, girls will be queens, wrapped in Your majesty"---May I never forget that these little boys and girls are wrapped in His majesty. What an honor we have to love, teach, and influence them. May we never grow tired of reminding them through our actions that they are Kings and Queens.

"Kings and Queens" 

Audio Adrenaline 

Little hands, shoeless feet, lonely eyes looking back at me

Will we leave behind the innocent to grieve?

On the road, on the run when their lives have only begun

These could be our daughters and our sons

And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating

I know my God won't let them be defeated

Every child has a dream to belong and be loved

Boys become kings, girls will be queens

Wrapped in Your majesty

When we love, when we love the least of these

Then they will be brave and free

Shout Your name in victory

When we love, when we love the least of these

When we love the least of these

Break our hearts once again

Help us to remember when

We were only children hoping for a friend

Won't you look around

These are the lives that the world has forgotten

Waiting for doors of our hearts and our homes to open

Boys become kings, girls will be queens

Wrapped in Your majesty

When we love, when we love the least of these

Then they will be brave and free

Shout Your name in victory

When we love, when we love the least of these

When we love the least of these

If not us, who will be like Jesus

To the least of these

If not us tell me who will be like Jesus

Like Jesus

To the least of these

Boys become kings, girls will be queens

Wrapped in Your majesty

When we love, when we love the least of these

Then they will be brave and free, 

shout Your name in victory

When we love, when we love the least of these

We will love the least of these

Buffalo Ranch Stuffed Peppers with Guacamole

I've always wanted to find a stuffed pepper recipe that I like. Jason and I have tried 2 or 3 and they were, okay, but these bad boys hit it out of the park! 

The original recipe comes from here. 

Buffalo Ranch Stuffed Peppers with Guacamole 

What you need: 

4 chicken breasts 

1 medium onion, sliced

1/2 teaspoon of each: dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder

sea salt and pepper to taste

extra butter (or ghee--or other fat of choice for greasing)

4 peppers, with the tops cut off and seeds cleaned out

1/2 cup hot sauce 

1/4 cup butter or ghee

If you really like it spicy, add more hot sauce and use less butter--if you want it more mild, use less hot sauce and more butter. 

Jason also added a bit more dried dill to ours to give it more of the ranch taste that I love so much!

Guacamole:

2 avocados

1/2-1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

1/4 of a medium red onion, finely chopped

2-3 tablespoons of cilantro, finely chopped

1/2 lime, juiced

sea salt, to taste 

What you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix your dried spices together. 

Place the chicken breast and sliced onions together in a single layer on a greased or parchment paper lined baking pan. 

Sprinkle the entire pan with the dried spice mixture & salt and pepper to taste. 

Place a small pat of butter (or other fat choice) over each chicken breast. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. 

While chicken is cooking, melt 1/4 cup butter in a pot over medium-low heat. 

Once melted, add in hot sauce and stir. 

Set aside. 

If you are making the guacamole, make it now--mash all guacamole ingredients together until desired consistency. 

Once chicken is cooked, run a knife through the chicken and onions until chicken is in small, bite size pieces.  

Combine chicken with the hot sauce mixture. 

Spoon chicken mixture evenly into all 4 peppers. 

Place stuffed peppers in a baking pan. 

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until peppers are softened to your liking. 

Serve with the guacamole. 

Cilantro Garlic Lime Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Jason and I really liked this dish. It was not only delicious but tasted really fresh. 

The recipe originally comes from here. We've started doing the Whole30 so we've been trying all new kinds of recipes around here and this one topped the charts tonight. 

Cilantro Garlic Lime Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

What you need:

1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into 1 inch pieces

4 large zucchini made into noodles (I use this AMAZING zoodle--it's my new favorite kitchen tool--I promise it will be the best $13 you've ever spent) some use a potato slicer, too. 

1-2 jalapeños deseeded and diced

1 & 1/2 limes, juiced

1 cup, chopped, fresh cilantro

1 heaping tablespoon of taco seasoning (or 1/2 tablespoon of both cumin & chili powder)--I did the cumin and chili powder

1 teaspoon garlic salt (which I didn't have so I did 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 

Non-stick cooking spray (avocado spray)--I didn't have so we used coconut oil

salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray (or coconut oil). 

Heat the skillet to medium-high heat; then add the diced chicken breast & chopped jalapeño. 

Season with taco seasoning (or mixture of cumin & chili powder) along with the garlic salt.  

Cook until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. 

Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a separate dish; set aside. I put it in a mixing bowl and placed a plate on top of it (like a lid) to keep it warm. 

In the original recipe, she suggests to wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and then use it again--I didn't wipe it clean, I just kept going. 

Spray with cooking spray (or add more coconut oil) and turn the heat back to medium-high. 

Add the zucchini noodles, dust them with salt, and cook for 1-2 minutes--stirring continually. 

Add the chicken back to the skillet. 

Sprinkle in the chopped cilantro and add in the lime juice. 

Remove from the heat and toss to combine thoroughly (I couldn't toss, because there was a good bit of liquid in my pan--which was fine and actually added a good bit of flavor!) I just stirred and stirred. 

Season with salt and pepper.

Go and make your tummy happy!

26 on the 26th

I celebrated my "golden birthday" yesterday (aka, turning 26 on the 26th). 

It was such a fun day--well, really week/weekend! It's always fun to have a birthday week ;) 

We were at the beach with my parents all of last week and we celebrated some there with my annual crab legs from Blalocks--which were to die for, as usual. It was a week full of relaxation, good fun, great sun, and the best company. 

 Our new, fun, Sunski sunglasses. These bad boys are SO LIGHT and SO amazing. 

When we got home from the beach we had a wedding to attend and then went to Babalu's with Melissa & Ian to celebrate my birthday.

Look at this beautiful bride! Such a sweet wedding with one of the happiest brides I've ever seen!

Now, I want to give credit where credit's due and I THINK I first saw this sweet birthday tradition from my Cousin, Carrie. She said that her Mom always sent her the Psalm passage that corresponded with her age on her birthday. I absolutely loved that idea and have adopted it for our family. 

Psalm 26

I Will Bless the Lord

 Vindicate me, O Lord,

    for I have walked in my integrity,

    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;

    test my heart and my mind.

 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,

    and I walk in your faithfulness.

 I do not sit with men of falsehood,

    nor do I consort with hypocrites.

 I hate the assembly of evildoers,

    and I will not sit with the wicked.

 I wash my hands in innocence

    and go around your altar, O Lord,

 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,

    and telling all your wondrous deeds.

 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house

    and the place where your glory dwells.

 Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,

    nor my life with bloodthirsty men,

 in whose hands are evil devices,

    and whose right hands are full of bribes.

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;

    redeem me, and be gracious to me.

 My foot stands on level ground;

    in the great assembly I will bless the Lord.

I love what the footnote of my "Gospel Transformation Bible" (this Bible is a gem that everyone needs--it takes passages and has notes at the bottom, for every part, that "show how the message of the Bible culminates in Christ, and how the grace of God applies to our everyday lives in a heart-transforming way." I have really enjoyed mine) says about this passage: 

"To be in God's presence as a worshipper is to see the glory of His love, and to see His love is to be motivated to faithfulness.  Motivation is one thing, however, but ability is another.  So David pleads to be vindicated or distinguished from "hypocrites" and "evildoers".  Far from boasting, David's pronouncements are implicit prayers for help in his pursuit of holiness.  Recognition of God's threat of judgement against the unholy should be enough to keep anyone from boasting. With The Lord's steadfast love before his eyes of faith, David sees God to be a gracious redeemer, which emboldens him to ask for vindication.  With God's grace as his focal point, he has pursued a publicly worshipful life of gratitude.  The result has been "integrity" in his dealings, moral separation in his social life, and humble passion in worship.  Yet this determination to walk uprightly is not a moralistic, self-generated effort; David knows he needs redemption and grace.  Because of this grace, whatever happens, David stands on level ground.  The ultimate way in which God secured this redemption and grace was in the sending of his own Son, to whom God was not gracious, so that grace could be extended to sinners such as David--and us."

My prayer as I embark on this next year of life is that I will see the glory of His love to and for me and that His love will motivate me to faithfulness (and thankfulness) to Him in all things.