Oh Me of Little Faith...

My family goes to a church in the Nashville area where the members are writing blog post each day. First read the following blog, then I'll explain why I titled mine "Oh Me of Little Faith."

Here's the blog from the Community Church...

I AM is with Us

Key Passage: Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I AM with you; do not be dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For the Community Art Show, I had an idea to look for the letters I AM in nature and photograph them. A friend suggested that I ask God himself to show me the letters. Why would God do that for me? Yet, the idea intrigued me. I wanted Him to reveal Himself to me. Just for me. So, I prayed and asked Him to show me the letters for I AM. I didn’t know what to look for or where to look. I kept my camera with me. One day, while driving, I saw a huge lower case “i,” clear as day in the clouds. I pulled over and snapped the photo. I was stunned. No way. In the sky? For me?

About a month later while driving, I saw a lower case “m” in the clouds! I was thrilled! So every day, I looked up at the sky. Where was my A? Nothing. Weeks passed and I began to doubt. Was it just a coincidence? One day something caught my eye; high in the sky, was my “A”! I had tears in my eyes because I knew God had done that for me! There was NO doubt. I had asked God for letters, but I think He knew what I was really asking was, “Are you there, God?” And he answered, “I AM!”

I pray that these photographs will remind you that the Great I AM is with you! He will strengthen you and help you and uphold you; all you have to do is look up!

Kelley Goodman
Kelley lives in Goodlettsville with her husband Ron and three children, enjoys being
an artist and is currently completing her Masters at Trevecca in Elementary Education.

Note from Casey: Because I know the person did not make up this story or edit the photos, I sat there thinking "Oh ME of little faith!" How much do I miss out on just because I don't BELIEVE that I'll see it? I mean seriously...have you ever seen an "m" in the sky? Have you ASKED to see an "m" or better yet...do you BELIEVE the God in heaven, who created the earth, who raises the dead, who says seek me and you will find me would be willing to put an "m" in the sky simply because you need proof the HE ALONE is the I AM.

How do you need God to show you He is the I AM? Are you willing to step out of faith and ask?

...this I love.

Today there was a memorial service for a man with Downs Syndrome who went to The Village Church. I had only met him once but I remembered him because of the pure joy that filled his heart as he worshiped in the row in front of me. The was the prayer he had written, "Through the years we may always be together...Jesus knows me, this I love." How simple. How powerful.

I'm thankful for his example and it reminded me of this scripture, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Let it snow

It's been beautiful here in Alabama with our record amount of snow. First it snowed ON Christmas Day, then a few weeks later the storehouses of snow opened again. This time it measured 8.9 inches at the airport. In the past several years, we've had a light dusting but never enough to make snowballs or really even build a snowman. This year it's a different story...

(playing in the snow)

As I watched the early morning snow falling I came across this scripture: "God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work, he stops all people from their labor." Job 37:5-7

Since this was such a wonderful sight, we took advantage of the time together as a family. We spent from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm just playing. Our day began with preparing for the epic snowball battle: complete with snow built barriers and a wheel barrel of snow balls. The competition was between us and our neighbors.

(preparing for battle)

(prepared!)

(epic showdown)

Then we created the biggest snowman ever! It measured 10'6" tall & was built IN our street! When we were done, other neighbors walked dogs down or drove thier family over just to take a picture in front of the snowman. Of course, the kids helped for about 15 minutes and the remaining three hours Owen, Brad (our neighbor), and myself finished what we had started. A few neighbors even came over to help: carving the waist or hoisting the massive head to the top. The funny thing is this is the first snowman I've ever built!

(Starting the Snowman)

(The finished product)

(His cute face)

(Our friends built a snow truck)

I think it was one of my most favorite days ever! I hope you enjoy the pictures.

~ Casey

PS: Morgan wasn't a huge fan of the snow day. She spent most of her time looking like this... I think she's more at home when on a beach. :)

(Morgan crying)

(oh look, here's another picture of Mo)

Fresh Manna | Daily Bread |

Luke 11:3 “Give us each day our daily bread.”

Thought for the Day: “More than a million people had been led straight into the desert. It was clearly a deliverance, but to what? There was no food. But God had a solution. He always does. Manna, a mysterious bread from heaven, would fall to them daily. They could gather only enough for one day, no more (except on the day before Sabbath). If they gathered more, it would rot. It could not be hoarded. They would just have to trust, at the end of each day, that the manna would come again on the next day. They would just have to believe God for tomorrow. “In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions, “God said (Exodus 16:4). Saving up was not an option. Saving up is not an option for us, either. Yes, we can buy a week’s worth of groceries at a time, but that’s not what Jesus is talking about.

True bread, heavenly bread, is given on a day-by-day basis. We cannot pray or worship enough for the whole week on Sunday. The directions we got yesterday won’t apply today. We cannot tithe the first portion of our paychecks and think that our sacrifice is done for the month. The daily bread principle is unalterable. You can’t store up the things you need from God. You have to keep coming back for them, keep trusting Him for them, day after day after day. Why is this so? Because God insists – absolutely insists – that we have a relationship with Him. Relationships must be maintained. He knows well that if He gives us our supplies for a week or a month we will only seek Him once a week or once a month. The temptation is great to gather in all that we can today – physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. But the daily bread principle is always at work, in all areas. There is not loving trust when there’s a full storeroom. Just as our loved ones are not content with one “I love you” for the year, God is not content with a periodic appearance before Him. Manna doesn’t work that way, and neither do relationships. Ask for daily bread in every area of life. And come back again tomorrow. (Chris Tiegreen)

Illustrators of the 1728 Figures de la Bible, Gerard Hoet (1648–1733) and others, published by P. de Hondt in The Hague in 1728

All Growns Up

| the first "phone" call|

Today it happened....my soon to be, pre-teen (aka 9 yr old) has spent the entire night chatting on the phone with her girlfriend. I was not ready for this. :|

I thought I had more time...I didn't think this started until somewhere more like 14!!! (Wait, I had my first boyfriend by then...oh no...this is not good.) Is it that every parent has a dawning moment that their kid is actually growing up way to quickly?!?!?!?

Even in wrestling tonight, she pulled a few good moves on me. I know I'll still have a few more years just with my intimidating look alone. This look will back any girl down in a wrestling match but seriously...smooth moves and talking to friends all in one night. I just don't think I can take it!

I will have to say that since the entire conversation was on speaker phone (she hasn't figured out that everyone hears what's going on that way), the girl seems very sweet. She even wanted to say hello to Morgan. I'm proud that Maddie knows how to pick good people to be friends with...maybe we're doing OK after all. (Still...no dating until at least 18 and I'm not backing down from that one.)

Gallery Art

| Image from Pure Style Home |

I loved this gallery foyer created by Lauren Liess from Pure Style Home. She is one of the few blogs that I follow. Since seeing this I've wondered what art I would want to frame for a wall gallery in my own home. Then I ran across art by Gustave Dore...

| Image by Inkpainter |

You can find his artwork by purchase individual prints on Etsy, coming across vintage illustrated bibles on Ebay or Etsy, or buying reproduction art books from Amazon.

People who are artistic seem to be very picky about what they hang in their house but I've been captured by the beauty and detail in each of his works....I think I'm in love!

Roasted Pacific Cod With Olives and Lemon | Real Simple Recipes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Pacific cod or some other white fish fillets (such as halibut)
• 3/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 cup mixed olives
• zest from 1 lemon, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• kosher salt and pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Place the fish in a small roasting pan. Add enough wine (about 3/4 cup) to reach halfway up the sides of the fish. Scatter the olives and lemon zest around the fish. Drizzle with the oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the red pepper.
3. Roast until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with the parsley. Divide the fish among individual plates and spoon the olives and wine sauce over the top.

By Sara Quessenberry, October 2007

Roasted Pacific Cod With Olives and Lemon | Real Simple Recipes

Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas | Real Simple Recipes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 15m

Ingredients

• 1 15.5-ounce can black beans, drained
• 1 11-ounce can corn kernels, drained
• 3/4 cup salsa, drained
• 1 8-count package large flour tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• juice of 1 to 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 head romaine lettuce, sliced 1 inch thick

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F. In a medium bowl, combine the beans, corn, and salsa. Place 4 tortillas on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle the tortillas with half the cheese. Using a slotted spoon, top with the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese; top with the remaining tortillas.
3. Bake the quesadillas until the cheese has melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.
4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, lime juice, and oil. Add the lettuce and toss.
5. Cut each quesadilla into 6 wedges. Serve with the salad.

By Kate Merker, January 2007

Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas | Real Simple Recipes

Bible Verse Linen Pillow (16x16)

Find It on Etsy
Company: Decology
Price: $32.00

Beef Skewers With Blue Cheese Sauce Recipe | Real Simple Recipes

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 25m

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound flank steak
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 cup blue cheese dressing
• 2 scallions, sliced

Directions

1. Freeze the flank steak and soak 16 wooden skewers for 10 minutes each.
2. Slice the meat very thinly against the grain and thread onto skewers.
3. Heat grill to medium-high. Brush the steak with the vinegar and season with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
4. Grill until cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Serve with the blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with the scallions.

By Kate Merker and Sara Quessenberry, July 2010

Beef Skewers With Blue Cheese Sauce Recipe | Real Simple Recipes