Scootonius turns 26 years old

Today is my husbands birthday! What a simply amazing and loving man! Give a shout out for Scott James Riley!! Yahooo! I love you Scott....always and forever!

December 15

"Trust also in him." Psalm 37:5

"The word trust is the heart word of faith. It is the Old Testament word, the word given to the early and infant stage of faith. The word faith expresses more the act of the will, the word belief the act of the mind or intellect, but trust is the language of the heart. The other has reference more to a truth believed or a thing expected."

"Trust implies more than this, it sees and feels, and leans upon a person, a great, true, living heart of love. So let us "trust also in him," through all the delays, in spite of all the difficulties, in the face of all the denials, notwithstanding all the seemings, even when we cannot understand the way, and know not the issue; still "trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass." The way will open, the right issue will come, the end will be peace, the cloud will be lifted, and the light of an eternal noonday shall shine at last."

"Trust and rest when all around thee
Puts thy faith to sorest test;
Let no fear or foe confound thee,
Wait for God and trust and rest.

"Trust and rest with heart abiding,
Like a birdling in its nest,
Underneath His feathers hiding,
Fold thy wings and trust and rest."

~Streams In The Desert~

I'm Sorry I Forgot

I was driving today and I was thinking about my nephew Jonathan Peter. I had written his birthday down in both of my calendars but I still forgot to call him or write a card. But though I forgot his birthday I could never forget him. If I were to describe my nephew words like caring, kind, loving, creative and joyful all come to mind. I was overjoyed to have him stay with us for my brother's wedding. And although Jonathan Peter is only 6 he was so helpful, never complaining, and always interested in what other people had to say. I was amazed by his zeal for life and the way he just loves to sing his heart out. At one point during our visit we were out side and as I sat indian style he bounced around me telling me the Bible verses and songs he was learning in Kindergarden. I remember soaking in those moments remembering how beautiful the day was as he skipped around me sharing his heart. I feel so blessed to know this child and to watch him as the Lord continues to mold and shape him into the man he will someday become. I know I may be over doing it a bit, but I'm allowed to since I'm his Aunt and I have bragging rights. Yes I may have forgotten for a little while his birthday but I could never forget him and how much I love him!

IT'S A ....

What a joy this is to share with you all! How can I want for anything this Christmas when I have been given the gift of life!

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name
In earth and sky and Sea
There is none beside Thee
God in three persons Blessed Trinity!

Give it up

Well...I've been having a hard time giving things up lately. I'm not talking about drinking or smoking or what ever physical vice plagues are society...but similar i guess. I have always had a hard time letting things go and surrendering my own thoughts and will to the Lord. Even at a young age (and my parents can attest to this) I would worry my head about silly issues that should not have even crossed my mind. Like...do we have enough gas in the car, are we going to get there on time, do we have enough money for the groceries, or is that man following us?! I know it sounds kind of dumb but hey that was me growing up. Now that I'm older you would think i would grow out of this malarky but oh no i have just shifted worries to bigger and better things.
In my birthday card my husband wrote to me that this time in my life is going to be a time of surrender and trusting the Lord completely for the workings in my life. He was right and not two hours after i read his card did i start to feel i was slipping out of control. Are we going to have enough money, is my baby healthy, am I going to be a bad mom, are we ever going to find a house to buy, will my husband have an injury at work, will i be able to be a blessing to everyone, and on and on it goes.... I guess most of my friends and family if they are honest with themselves would admit to having the same temptation as I do... to just try and hold tight to what we can't even control. Jesus says that if one holds on to his life he will lose it but if he would let it go then would it be gained. Also since I am pregnant I am finding through my readings that during labor if you relax and go along with the contractions you will have an easier time then if you fight them and tense up. Letting go is so hard though and it takes great concentration for me to really flesh this out in my life, but i know that once i am free to be still and loosen up that is when i will feel most alive and safe. If you are reading this i would ask for your prayers concerning this time in my life. And old lesson for me but always a needed one. Thank you and God bless.

Seventeen Weeks

So I'm seventeen weeks pregnant today. Some of you are probably wondering what I look like at this point. Well I just tried to take a picture of my belly but it turned out really really stupid and to be honest although I have gained some poundage in my abdomen area it just looks like I've drank one too many beers. So sorry to all of you who are curious you'll just have to wait a little longer. I did have my third visit to my mid wife which went very well. I could really hear the babies heart beat and she told me that everything seems to be perfect...my weight gain...and the babies heart rate. My ultrasound is scheduled for Dec 6th at 11:00 am so we will find out the sex of the baby very soon! And YES we are letting people know...although my dad thinks I should wait till Christmas to tell my mom which I think might drive her crazy. Ha! Some of you may also be wondering how I am feeling and all the little quirks that go along with me being pregnant. Well, I am still struggling with nausea but not nearly as bad as a few weeks ago. I don't have any really bad cravings for thing but I have been enjoying pasta a lot more especially sprinkled with cheese and some Nutritional Yeast which is wonderful for being pregnant (or so I've heard). I also love cinnamon gum which seems to settle my stomach down and I can't seem to handle salad like I use to which is a pity since I love green things. I am moody and weepy and at times I have really crazy vivid dreams but other than that I'm just as normal as can be. ( just kidding) Mostly I am just so thankful that this baby is healthy from what we can tell so far and that I am progressing nicely. The Lord has blessed us so abundantly and I am daily grateful for his blessings. This thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for even if what I am thinking of is still such a tiny little thing!

A Beautiful Day

It was clear and cool and one of the last days where the leaves lingered on the trees. Everyone gathered in the candle lit church to celebrate and witness the joining of two people in holy matrimony. As I stood in the front taking it all in I distinctly felt the Holy Spirits pull. As the little children rang bells to usher in the bride I couldn't hold back the tears and I was reminded of how we are to come before the Lord as little children willing and open. The music was amazingly peaceful and filled with such overwhelming joy. My brother looked smashingly handsome and his bride was dazzling. Having a lot of my family there was such a joy for me and my brother's children Jonathan and Kylie Joy were the highlight of the weekend for me. I love to reconnect with loved ones and we were able to do that the whole weekend long. The love and support I felt from everyone was such a gift. And now my brother and his new wife are off in the Virgin Islands having the time of their newly married lives and I wish them well and God's love on their marriage. Overall it was a beautiful day!

Make Me Stop and Stare

It has been a busy couple of weeks. Not insanely busy like some times I've had in my life but busy enough to make me take in some deep breaths and pray for help. Yet its a good time. The musical went well. I almost found myself crying a few times because the students really did a splendid job of taking it to the top. Now its over, the curtain has been closed for the last time, and I'm back home getting things ready for the next big event....my younger brother's wedding. Now that its almost here I'm finding it a bit strangely wonderful. I can remember him when he was so young. Squirmy with a high pitched voice, He was cute, a cute terror, but aren't all little brothers? We weren't close as children, only as we entered high school did we find a connection. I'm blessed because I have such a young man as my brother. I love him so much and I want the best for he and his future wife. Lord willing each year that passes will grow us closer and for that I am exceedingly hopeful and I'm thankful for having had the chance to stop and look back and thank God for the goodness and provision he has had in the life of my brother Jon. Yahweh has been gracious indeed and my prayer for my brother is that God will continue to be gracious to him and envelope him in his love and peace.

You Are The Sun

" You are the sun shining down on everyone*Light of the world giving light to everything I see*
Beauty so brilliant I can hardly take it in*And everywhere you are is warmth and light*
And I am the moon with no light of my own* Still you have made me to shine*And as I glow
in this cold dark night*I know I can't be a light unless I turn my face to you*

~Sara Groves and Matt Bronleewe

Thoroughly Modern Madness!!

Anybody that knows me well knows that I'm extremely passionate about acting. I've always been a little actress at least that's what my mom says to me. And if you ask my friend Charlotte she will tell you all the funny and crazy times we had acting for our high school productions. So when Scott and I moved to TN and I happened upon a drama teacher position available at the local Christian school I was excited. The ironic thing is when I finally decided to pursue the job my brother's at the time girlfriend had already gotten the position! Well this worked out much better than I could have dreamed because she needed some help and I was more than excited to help with anything. And so that's what I did. Now my brother's girlfriend/soon to be wife has been sweet enough to ask me back pregnant and all. SO here we are a week before the Thoroughly Modern Millie Production and its quite madness if you really want to know. But secretly this is my most favorite time...the pressure of time and place colliding into one big emotional ball. We still have so much more to go in one week but the beautiful thing is that these young adults are going to shine, through the power of our Lord and Savior and I'm so blessed to be able to witness this once again. Because I believe the Lord can redeem all things until himself the musical arts no exception... I lean on him fully for this time. There are a few things in this life that make me feel close to the spirit of the Lord....Children, beautiful worshipful music, the created order, and the fine arts. Drama stirs my soul it always has and I know it always will. So in closing I ask for your prayers as we move into this very hectic time. And if you have a passion for musicals and are in the area please come and see the show... Nov. 9-11. and if you want to find me I'll be back stage sitting on a stool munching on cracker and peanut butter opening and closing the curtain.

The Blaze

I think someone should change Halloween to Candy Consumption Day. I mean what are we celebrating here? Yeah kids get to dress up but if there was no candy would children of all ages still go out and romp around on a blustery fall evening? Personally I don't think so. Well except maybe the little ones. My nephew Juden seemed to really enjoy himself last night but I think he was a bit confused about why everyone was getting candy. He kept asking us all why candy? Why candy? I think he was also extremely intrigued by how many people were out and about. It was so precious to see all of the nieces and nephews running around having the time of their little lives. Well until maybe around 8 o' clock when the combination of over stimulation, sugar, and tiredness produced the most chaotic scene. Ahh! Halloween with little ones! But all in all it was a fun evening of visiting and sneaking some candy for myself.








Juden blowing on his sucker

Heart Beat

Today I went in for my second baby checkup. I am seeing a certified Nurse Midwife who was recommended to me by two of my sister-in-laws and I have been very pleased with her thus far. Although my visit was short today it was very special. Scott came along with me so that we could hear the heart beat of our baby. To be honest with you all I was a bit nervous wondering if there would only be a void of noise and I would wake up and not really be pregnant. I certainly don't look pregnant! Silly maybe but still a thought running through my brain. So when my midwife found a little heart beat stepping close in time with my own blood surge I was totally relieved. I'm telling you it put a spring in my step and thankfulness in my heart. My nausea is still lingering but for some reason it all seems worth it now knowing that there is someone beautiful inside of me growing and moving closer to my heart every day! God be praised!

Come Fall

Come fall and Scott and I are usually out looking for some adventures. On a blistery sunday afternoon we found ourselves up on a mt. near Dunlap TN at Wheelers Orchard. We had no idea what to expect but upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised. A small family owned orchard, friendly faces both human and canine, and the best apple cider I've tasted in a good long while. Growing up in NJ some folks may say that my husband and I missed out on apple picking season but oh! that couldn't be further from the truth. We both grew up with families who found some of the best places to pick your own apples, pet farm animals and blissfully consume all the apple cider donuts our little hands could grab. I still remember going to a farm like this with the barn all lit up hay bales everywhere and the most amazing pies, cookies, candies and apples you could ever imagine. It all looked so amazing. Although picking season was long over by the time we arrived at Wheelers orchard we were thrilled to get a few bags filled with some juicy treats and walk the grounds remembering past fall excursions.

Scott running after his sister in an apple orchard

God gave us you

On Wednesday I will be three months into my pregnancy. It's hard to believe such an amazing thing is happening inside of my body. I would post a picture of my progression but really... I look pretty much the same.. no cute baby belly at least not yet so I will spare you the normal pose. Some of you may be wondering just how Scott and I feel about this new time in our lives and if this baby was planned. Even before I was married to Scott I remember thinking that really God is in control of opening and closing my womb. I think about how many times this is found in the Bible. Even today I was reading about Elizabeth and the miraculous birth of John and well we all know who came next.... So surely if God did this sort of thing in times past he could do it for me when I was in that position. And so Scott and I both felt a peace in our hearts that when the time was right the Lord would choose to bless us, and so it is with the conception of our wee babe. So no we weren't really planning this but we were totally open to the workings of our Father and we are humbly blessed.

My mother-in-law has come to stay with us for a week or so and upon her arrival she gave us a book called God gave us you. I read through it with a few tears in my eyes as I tried to imagine reading it to our little child telling them what a blessing they are and how God did give them to us. I can't think of a more comforting thought to be loved by both mother and father and our heavenly Father. I know that through the experience of bearing a child I will be closer to my Lord. For he was the one who truly gave up all. sacrificed everything for his children. Now that I am faced with the realization of sacrificing for my child I know I will need to cling even closer to the King of sacrifice. Yet I want to keep in mind the joy that is so evident during this time. Scott has been very upbeat even dancing some crazy jigs in the kitchen. shocker I know! He will be a wonderful father and friend to our children and I can't wait to see him shine in this role. Hopefully soon he'll share his thoughts on the matter. But for now you'll have to hear from me! Peace

Milos is for lovers

There was so much to see while we were in Greece it's hard to put it all down. Yet one place seemed to stir me the most...Milos.
This was a new adventure for both Scott and I and it was well worth the plane, bus, metro, highspeed ferry, and taxi drive to get there. The atmosphere of the people in Milos seemed so laid back and friendly. We stayed in the upper village of Triovassalos at a bed and breakfast that was run by a very wonderful couple. The husband Rod was our kayaking instructor for two days of blissful travel and his wife Petrinela cared for all of our other needs. Due to morning sickness the first day was spend driving around the island exploring some famous sights like Sarakinkiko, a pristine beach with the whitest rock I've ever seen, the spot where the Venus de Milos was located, and Christian catacombs. When we finally were able to get out and kayak we saw some of the most massive rock formations I've ever seen, hot springs, and deep caves we explored. The water was so clear and blue and the wind was refreshing and freeing. At night we would go up to Plaka or another local town and dine on typical Greek taverna fair and relax as we watched the sun sinking low. As I reflect on that beautiful island I am reminded of the what Psalms says..."The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge." We were truly blessed to be able to experience some of the most beautiful places in Greece and we were doubly blessed to have smooth travels and safety during the whole duration of our trip. Prayers that our family and friends lifted up for us were definitely heard and answered. I hope that Scott and I will be able to share more pictures and stories with everyone as we are able to meet up with them.

Home again home again....

Going back to Greece was like going home for me in so many ways. I was able to be reunited with my aunts, uncle, cousins and 2nd cousins who all seemed so happy to have me back and to welcome my husband. I was also able be reunited with the beauty and mystery that is Greece. Although a few things had changed since last I went most everything seemed familiar and inviting. (except maybe the public bathrooms!)
The one thing that stood out in my mind as we visited with family was how much we laughed together. My Aunt Irene told some strange but funny stories that had us all crying. My cousin Maria's two children Andreas 9 and Irene 7 were always a source of laughter and fun. At one point while we were hanging out at my cousin Sophia's house (which use to be my Yaya's) Andreas who reminds me of my Uncle Steve broke out in his best Greek dance moves ever! Serious he waved his arms around and slapped the floor, periodically whirling around when most appropriate.
I was also encouraged by how my family seemed to be progressing. Sophia is working on her house, painting and fixing things up, Maria has a beautiful little place she is working on and is doing a wonderful job, and they are running a clothing store which seems to be frequented by many of the locals. I am excited to see how things continue to go for them all.