It was the evening of June 22nd, after the exciting dress rehearsal festivities for Sarah and John’s wedding. Jerad and I were able to have some time together and catch up on the week's events as we drove to Juanita High School to pick up his car. Once we arrived in the parking lot, we admired what a clear, starry night it was with the bright moon shining through a few drifting clouds. Jerad suggested we head down to the football field for a little while. I loved the idea, and we grabbed a blanket and walked hand in hand down to the field that was all lit up by the moon. We sat there all snuggled up for a good half hour talking about us, how God had lead our hearts together, and the love we have for each other that was growing with each day. We have always had these conversations so I was not at all suspicious of anything at this point. After awhile Jerad paused and stood up and then asked me if I would stand up. At first I didn’t want to because I was all warm sitting in the blanket, but I got up knowing he was up to something but I had no clue what. As we were standing on the fifty yard line of the football field, we hugged and then Jerad took both my hands and began telling me how much he loved me and wanted to be with me forever. He then transitioned to getting down on one knee and pulled out a little silver container which held a beautiful pearl ring that he had made that week at his Dad's house. So precioius! With my hand over my mouth, and in absolute shock, Jerad then presented the ring to me and asked "Lisa, will you marry me?" I said "Yes! Yes! Yes!" With arms embraced and sweet kisses full of love, it was a perfect moment! We were so thrilled, and I was still in shock haha! I remember saying a few times, "Oh my goodness, we're engaged!!!"
I love that Jerad proposed on the football field at the very school where he and I met last fall. As we left the field, we walked up to the outside doors of the Wrestling room where we had met serving with Greater Gold Wrestling ministry. Jerad and I stopped and prayed to the Lord with thankful hearts for His faithfulness, blessings, and how He brought our lives and hearts together in such a beautiful way; a way that only He could have orchestrated! Praise the Lord!!
"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!" Psalm 126:3
I'm Engaged!!
Sunday, September 26, 2010Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 12, 2009This is a poem that the girl I nanny and myself wrote the other day - she is so smart!
THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Day comes once a year,
where friends and family will gather near.
With all the joys and comforts of home,
we come together and make our grateful hearts known.
We hug and catch up with each person we greet,
then come to the table to take our seat.
With bowed heads we say our Thanksgiving prayers,
and praise the Lord for all of his cares.
Psalm 145:7
"They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."
Footprints In The Sand
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
You walked with me, footprints in the sand
And helped me understand where I'm going
You walked with me when I was all alone
With so much unknown along the way
Then I heard you say
I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand
I see my life flash across the sky
So many times have I been so afraid
And just when I have thought I lost my way
You give me strength to carry on
That's when I heard you say
I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair
And I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand
When I'm weary, well, I know you'll be there
And I can feel you when you say
I promise you, I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sadness and despair
I'lll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand
(Footprints In The Sand, Songwriters: Cowell, Simon; Kreuger, David Bengt; Magnusson, Per Olof; Page, Richard;)
I love the comfort this songs bring when picturing Christ as the one walking in the sand beside me. Love it! Here is a short story below that speaks to this very thing...
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him
he looked back, at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My son, My precious child, I love you and I never would leave you,
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
Centerpieces
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
I love a great, simple centerpiece! You can use anything from the well known flowers in a vase to fruits and objects from around the home. Whatever your party's theme or home decor may be, may these ideas give you inspiration for your table top. Check out these beautiful ideas from Real Simple... I think I will be using the pumpkin idea very soon!
20 5-Minute Centerpieces for Every Occasion
Shared via AddThis
Vote for Randy Ransom
Saturday, October 10, 2009
It is Campaign time in the Ransom house and we are assembling signs as Election Day approaches! My Dad is running for Woodinville Fire Commissioner in the Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District. We appreciate your support!! :D
www.voteransom.com
"The Definition Of Me"
Friday, August 21, 2009So I recently have been listening to Mandisa's new CD, Freedom and there is a song that I love! Here are the words...
~ The Definition Of Me ~
Everybody's got an opinion
Of what they want me to be
Everybody's got a condition
That I may never meet
So tired of looking in the mirror
‘Cause it always says the same thing
I want to be about something different
Something more than the mirror can see
Like joy, peace
Alive in me
When it comes to my identity
I want the love
I want the light
I want the beauty
On the inside
I want the one that you can't see
To be the definition of me
More than the face
More than the girl
More than the voice
More than the world
I want the truth that I believe
To be the definition of me
Pretty is cool for a minute
But it will always fade away
Trends are hot for a second
But they'll be gone the very next day
So before you get lost in the moment
Let’s get one thing clear
Only love will last forever
That's the reason that we're here
It's up to you ‘cause everybody's looking
Who do you want them to see?
I want Your love to be
The very heart of me
Jesus, I want You to be
Living inside of me
Dessert Song
Sunday, July 19, 2009Today's sermon was a good one to hear... asking about how when you lose things, what is our response in those tough times. Pastor Jonathan referenced 1 Samuel 18-21 and talked about how David lost everything. His job, wife, mentor, friend, and his identity. Jonathan went on to share a video that i think is a good reminder for all Christians, and he prompted the question: "Do I long for the gifts more than the Giver?" The Gospel is hope and a promise for eternal life, but it does not mean there will never be trials or difficulty in life... God uses those for our good because he wants us to be depentant on him! check out this video! Wow, what a reminder of the hope we have in the Gospel becasue it is Christ and not the hope of "Pleasantville."
We ended the service with this song... what joy we can still have even when we go through the trials because our focus is on Christ. God allows these trials to take place, so that we may be dependant on him and he be glorified. Not many poeple grow when they are confortable. Know that God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! He is enough, be satified in him. Psalm 73:25-26
Dessert Song
This is my prayer in the desert
And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow
Hello Summer!
Saturday, July 18, 2009It's the middle of July and the sun is hot, the bbq is going, ice tea is brewing, sprinklers are on, and good times await! This is pretty much a summers day at the Ransom house and I love it!
The summer began with one of my best friend's wedding in California. It was a fabulous day and love was in the air! Haha no surprise there! The ceremony was amazing with hymns and worship songs followed by their beautiful vows. The reception had great food and lots of dancing under the twinkle lights that scaled over the courtyard. I'm so happy for Katie and Mikey and the life they have started together. They have hearts for the Lord and a desire to serve Him...I can't wait to see where God takes them :)
After the wedding I stayed with my family there in California which is always fun….pretty much my home away from home. The days were spent by the pool or at the beach with my cousins and there were plenty of In-N-Out Burger stops along the way! The unfortunate thing was that I sprained my ankle at the beach and had to be off of it for most of the remainder of the trip…4 days, but the good news is that it wasn’t broken!! It was defiantly a trip to remember :) It’s nice to be back home now in Washington since the summers here are so beautiful…
(Photo curtesy of http://www.redcofoods.com/images/iced-tea.jpg)
Mother's Day
Sunday, May 10, 2009"Blessed be all mothers
Who have come into our lives
Whose kindness, care and loving
Remain with us to guide.
Your inspiration in us
Made us strive in every way
Especially to remember
Helping others makes our day.
Mothers, this little tribute
Flows directly from my heart
You are so loved and cherished
Invaluable, one and all, you are."
Susan Kramer
Happy May Day
Friday, May 1, 2009
He is Risen!
Sunday, April 12, 2009Words and Music by Matt Redman
Forever Friends
Tuesday, March 31, 2009This last weekend was full of celebration and being with close friends! Katie and Mikey came up to Seattle to visit. The weekend was full of activities; Katie's beautiful bridal shower, McCormick and Schmick's happy hour, watching movies, Pike Place Market, home made soup, the dog park for Bauer, and just hanging out. Good times, great friends - what a blessing!
Roses
Thursday, March 26, 2009
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mommymakesroses.com%2Findex.html&h=60747e90141106370ef85713657f1c69
At The Cabin
Monday, March 23, 2009Last weekend my sister and I went up to our friend’s cabin. Our days were spent watching movies including the Bourne series (which I finally got to watch all together), hot coco, playing in the snow, milk shakes, going to our favorite hardware store, and of course more hot coco! Relaxing was all that was on the agenda! I will say that the snow was beautiful in the mountains, but it can be done falling for the season in the lowlands :)
Spring Fever!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
(Photo curtesy of http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc61/shellayy0077/spring.jpg)Ok, so it snowed yesterday and it's March! Currently it is 30 something degrees out...the sunshine was beautiful today, but I'm really craving some warmth! Let's just say I am ready for some springtime maybe even summer!! I'm glad it has been a pretty dry winter, besides the random snow events we have had, haha. In our front yard we have crocuses that have bloomed in their vibrant purple shades, and daffodils, tulips and cherry blossoms will soon be on there way!
Gifts & Talents
Wednesday, February 25, 20091 Peter 4:10
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."
Today I was at the hospital, having a full day of testing. As I took my lunch break for 30 minuets I was able to find the deli downstairs. I got my lunch and looked around for a place to eat. I saw that all the cafe' tables were full since it was the lunch hour, so I decided to go elsewhere and look. I ended up in the main foyer where there was lots of seating and a piano. What was cool, was a man in a wheelchair playing the piano! I sat there eating and just listened to his melodies and songs he played. I have heard of this man who comes and plays, and was so blessed to spend my lunch listening to his music. I was thinking of how it was such a wonderful thing for him to use his gift of music to bless the people at the hospital. I was curious if I would hear him play a hymn since this is what others have said he plays. After I finished up I went up to him and thanked him for playing such beautiful music and how blessed I was by it. I asked him how long he had played and he mentioned three years of lessons and then independently for about twenty-some years after he got married. He said as long as he practices and plays all the songs he knows each day, he will not forget them, since his MS gives him the challenge of forgetting things. I was so encouraged to see that even with his disability he was able to faithfully keep the ability to play the piano even if it took some extra work. I asked him how often he plays at the hospital, and he said four days a week. What an awesome way to use the talent God has given him! As he was packing up, I noticed he had the book "Blue Like Jazz" and I asked him if he was enjoying the book. He said the first few pages he likes and plans on continuing to read. We said a few more words and ended our conversation, both saying “God bless you” and went our separate ways. How awesome it is to see and meet brothers and sisters in the Lord and be able to bless one another with encouragement. Even though today was difficult and challenging for me in my testing, God knew exactly what I needed and He orchestrated the events of that lunch break and in turn He was glorified! Such a blessing to know that God is into the details of our life!
Attitude
Sunday, February 22, 2009I recently come across this quote and was encouraged. :)
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gift, or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.” - Charles Swindoll
We all go through things that shape our lives if we let them, but I believe that the true shaping of Godly character is in how we react to challenging circumstances. None of us are perfect, but it all honesty like this quote states, our right attitude is what can get us through any circumstance. So what should that attitude be? Well, as a Christian, the Bible says it should be that of Christ Jesus. Christ was humble and obedient to his Father. The Bible Exposition Commentary sums up humility as accepting and being your best self for God’s glory and nothing else. When blessings come, we are to be humble and grateful, giving it all back to the Lord and praising Him with a thankful heart for all that He has done. Accepting a difficult circumstance can be hard, and choosing joy can be a challenge, but we must choose joy for it is His strength that carries us through! (Nehemiah 8:10). With God’s grace and love, we can persevere through it and it will perfect our faith (James 1:2-4). If we choose to put our dependence on Him knowing that He is faithful to help us and carry us through, (Isaiah 41:10), it will keep our attitude in check. We may not know why we go through certain things, but if our attitude is as a humble servant for the Lord, being thankful in ALL things and giving Him praise, He is going to use us, grow us, and teach us through any circumstance – what a joy that is!!
Philippians 2:5-11
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
Romans 5:2-4
"Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Hebrews 12:2
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Happy Valentines Day!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
This year we put together a special project for the teacher. We got the idea from the Family Fun magazine. It's a jar decorated with heart stickers and fun ribbons. Inside the jar is the special part though. Each child and parent gets a few paper hearts to take home and they write an encouraging message to the teacher and show their appreciation for all the work they do each day. On the jar there is a tag the reads..."This jar of joy was made especially for you! The families in your class want to give you a little love and happiness each day for the rest of the year. Pick one heart a day and the message should put a little joy in your heart! Thanks for all that you do ~Happy Valentine's Day!" I love this!!! It's always fun and exciting to create opportunities to encourage people and show appreciation. :)
One of the resources I love getting ideas from is Familyfun.com. They are always coming up with new crafts and activities that the kids enjoy! http://familyfun.go.com/valentines/
Have a wonderful Valentines Day celebrating the love shared each and every day!
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
LOVE
Tuesday, February 10, 2009Since February is a month where we celebrate love, here are some quotes and verses that I've reflected on...
Jeremiah 29:13-14
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD..."
Ephesians 3:17-19
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Romans 8:38-39
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude;
It is not self-seeking, nor easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongdoing.
It does not delight in evil,
But rejoices in the truth.
It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves.
There is nothing love cannot face;
There is no limit to its faith, hope, and endurance.
In a word, there are three things that last forever:
Faith, hope, and love;
But the greatest of them all is love.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same." ~ Anonymous
Kids Love Quotes: Theses are so adorable and funny! Here is what they've come up with...
When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth.
Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.
Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.
Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.
Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
It's 2009, can you believe it?! My friends and I celebrated and brought in the new year together :)
Already this year has started out with exciting things :) An answer to prayer - I was able to get on great insurance for medical coverage this year! Praise the Lord, such a blessing! This past week I was able to meet Kerry & Katelyn's new puppy, meet Allie & Garrett's new baby girl, and receive the call that my friend Katie is getting married to Mikey this summer! I love how every year we can look back and see how we have grown, and look ahead with faith at what is yet to come as God leads and guides.
I was on Whidbey Island for a day this last week. I had three awesome dogs by my side that day; Winston, Rocky, and Chance. While I house sat I spent my time looking out at the water, reading, setting up for the party later on that afternoon, and then I decided to sit and play the piano. After I finished playing I looked through the many books and sheet music that were beside the piano. I picked out a hymnal book, and found that there were prayers included, so I took some time and read some. It was a Lutheran Book of Worship, and it had specific prayers for different events. The one for "New Years" is great! It reads...
"Eternal Father, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in this new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event which gives us joy forever - the coming of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
May God bless you this year as you seek and serve Him!
