To Love Is To Give

It's the early morning of the day before Christmas, or as my children call it, regardless of the time, Christmas Eve.  My granddaughter spent the night and around 6am she was ready for some attention.  Thankfully she fell back asleep after I gave her a bottle, but I've been up ever since...mainly thinking about Christmas.

There was a time in my marriage where my husband and I prayed about even celebrating Christmas.  Believe it or not there are many "Christians" who for various reasons do not observe this holiday.  And that's o.k. if you have those convictions.  But after praying about this I remember a thought I had, which I believe was from the Lord and it was....why do you celebrate this day?  My response was...we celebrate this day to celebrate YOU!!

 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its savior." John 3:16-17

For God  loved the world....[that's me and you]....that He gave His only Son....[that's Jesus]....so that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.

 When you break it all down....God loved/He Gave.

Christmas is about loving and giving.  Even those who do not celebrate Christ still give to those they love.  Loving and giving is a Biblical principle.  The beauty of a Biblical principle is that it does NOT matter if you follow Christ or not... it still applies...just like a universal law such as gravity....everyone is affected by it.

  One of the things I love about Christmas is the "loving spirit" that comes with it.  People are so generous this time of year...not only with those they love....but even for those in less fortunate situations. People dig deeper in their pockets this time of year.  People take a moment to look outside their own lives and invest something in someone elses life.  And it doesn't always mean giving them a monetary gift.  Maybe it's a smile or something as simple of telling someone to have a great day.  Maybe it's a service like holding the door open or helping a disabled stranger onto a bus or driving your child around to different stores so they can find the "perfect" gift.  Maybe it's baking goodies for neighbors that you barely talk to the rest of the year, or just doing a good deed because it's Christmas.

The way we act at Christmas is how we should act ALL the time.  Loving and giving!
" The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them".   There's that principle of loving and giving again.  Just imagine what this world would be like if we would practice this on a daily basis.

This is why I chose to celebrate Christmas....Christmas is a reminder that to love others means we have to give of ourselves.  And the greatest example is God loving us so much He gave His Son.....and His Son Jesus loving us and God that he gave His own life.

So even if people take Christ out of Christmas they will never truly take Him out as long as they continue to show love to one another.

Merry Christmas!!

Thankful for God's Truth

It's a good thing I am focusing on what I am thankful for this month as the happenings the last few weeks are not things I would naturally be thankful for.  You'd think it would be easy coming up with things to be thankful for and in one way it is...but in another it's been a challenge.

I realized tonight when talking with my husband how thankful I am for God's Word, the Bible.  Even in the midst of topsy turvy happenings in my life I have a peace that can only come from the Truth I have learned from The Word.

There is a situation I am going through right now that could make me bitter and has tried to make me bitter.  But God's Truth has helped me to keep my peace in the midst of the storm.  And I realize more and more why so many want to run the opposite direction when it comes to church....or anything pertaining to "Christianity". It's because not everyone who reads The Truth, actually practices The Truth.

Thankfully I have learned enough of The Word that my feet are firmly planted in the only substance that can keep me from falling.

Truth....God's Truth...is my Rock.  It's what keeps me during this time and I don't know if  I'll ever be able to explain how thankful I am for it...

Thankful for My "Twinkie"

 

It was the early 1990's when we purchased a personal computer.  I vaguely remember my husband talking about getting an email address.  Why in heaven's name would I need an email ...it's so impersonal.  I probably spent a lot of hot air telling my husband all the reasons why we shouldn't do email.  But that was almost 20 years ago...lots can change in that time.

Emails can be impersonal but it depends on who you are talking too.  I happen to have a "bosom buddy"...or as we call each other... "twinkie".  We are iron sharpening iron friends and we do the majority of our communication  through emails.

Sure we talk in person and on the phone but both of us are busy with children and home schooling and other things so if we waited to talk when we got together it would be too long.  And yes we do talk on the phone but because of our schedules, at least mine, this person is not someone I can talk to for only a few moments...it always turns into hours. [or close to it]

 I don't know when we started but I must say  I love the flexibility of time and the freedom.  I write to her when I can and she responds when able.  Back and forth we go.  Some days we will send two or three  emails back and forth and some days we won't send any.

I love that we can write about what's in our hearts.  We can vent.  We encourage.  We pray.  We rebuke.  We share truth.

My "twinkie" makes my days brighter.  It's a shame everyone doesn't have one.

Thanks Twinkie!!

Thankful for "Kidnappings"!

Tonight we "kidnapped" a friend who is going through a rough patch.  I'm not even sure when kidnappings started...I think we did it to celebrate our birthdays....but every so often we use it for other occasions.

A friend who is struggling is a great occasion to shower her with love.  When we "kidnap" we treat that person to dinner and some form of entertainment...laser tag....a movie....etc.  We pick up her tab...she is along for the ride.  She has NO idea...or should have NO idea...of what is to happen.  We make arrangements for childcare ahead of time if needed.  We try to "sneak" up on her and take her by surprise...although some of us HATE surprises so sometimes it may not be a total sneak up on.

While I am sorry my friend is struggling...I'm thankful we could "kidnap" her for a few hours and have good conversation....eat yummy food....and laugh through a funny movie. 

And most of all I hope for a few moments we made her day brighter and that she felt the love!!!

Thankful for Listening Ears

"Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19


Experience has taught me the wisdom in being slow to speak and slow to anger . 

However, there are certain times of the month where my "grace tank " is not full and I find myself getting annoyed/angered much easier than usual.  During this time it's better to not be around anyone.

Yet sometimes because of "issues" happening there is a need for me to speak.  It's during these times that I am so thankful for listening ears of those I trust.  Ears that allow me to share my thoughts, feelings, concerns, annoyances, etc...without judgment or even advice. 

One day when I am perfect I won't need  those listening ears but until then.....THANK YOU!!!!!

Thankful for Nancy

"No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever."
- Francois Mocuriac 

I received a message on my facebook the other day that a friend and her husband were in town and wanted to get together with us one day.  What a pleasant surprise!!


I met Nancy a while back and I call her my "freebird friend" because she is a throw back from the seventies.  In dress and in attitude.  Nancy is not one of my normal friends and I don't mean that in a negative way.  She's a very unique woman.  A woman that I have been very fortunate to make the acquaintance of.  She lives a life so different than my own and has differing views on many subjects yet something has drawn us together and I am a better person for knowing her.


Her life story is movie worthy.  She's survived some events in life that would have been the undoing of a less stronger person.  She's a survivor!  I am touched by her strength and ability to move forward in life. 

Nancy lives in Alaska now.  She is in the "Lower 48" for the winter.  She also recently married so we had the pleasure of meeting her new husband Mitch.  Doesn't he just look like an Alaskan man?  And don't let his facial hair scare you...he's a sweetie!!  I'm very happy for my friend.

I happened to have lived in Alaska as a child so tonight was fun hearing and sharing stories of Alaska.  It's like it's own world.  Nancy and Mitch live in a cabin without running water or electricity.  They have to protect their windows from moose because a moose will fight it's reflection.  They turn their outhouses into a bonfire every so often since the ground is permafrost.  Don't worry...they don't roast marshmallows over it.  :-)  The weather in winter can get very cold so they have to put a heater under their car so it will start.


Their cabin was made in such a way that they can lie in their bed and watch the Northern Lights from the framed window above their bed.  I remember seeing the Aurora Borealis when I lived in Fairbanks and let's just say even without electricity and running water I am a bit jealous.


Tonight we had homemade pizza, delicious cupcakes and lots of laughing.  If there is one thing I can guarantee with Nancy....is that we will laugh.

Thank you Nancy for your friendship!

Thankful for Read-Alouds

On facebook many of my friends are using the month of November to post things they are thankful for...I feel the need to blog about the things I am thankful for.

I've been homeschooling my children since 1993.  That's a LONG time...and unless I meet the Lord soon I plan on homeschooling until my youngest graduates, which is another seven years.  One of the perks is the books I get to read out loud to my children.  Books I never read nor had  heard of  until I embarked on this homeschooling journey. 

Anyways, when first starting to read chapter books aloud to my children I remember my throat getting sore and my voice going hoarse, but that went away after I built up those "muscles".  Also, not being used to reading aloud, let me just say it can be very intimidating at first and very monotone...in other words...BORING!! But after getting used to reading aloud I started gaining confidence to where I now will give "voices" to the characters. 

Reading chapter books aloud is one of my most favorite activities to do with my children. And something I probably would not have done if I didn't homeschool. [I'll leave that for another thankful post]

 

One book we are about to finish is "Amos Fortune Free Man" by Elizabeth Yates.  This is actually my second time to read it aloud.  My youngest two boys were too young to remember much about this story and I was thrilled to see this along with other great books scheduled into the My Father's World curriculum we are using.

So what am I thankful for????  I am thankful for read-alouds that introduce interesting,  godly men [and women] of character to my family. 

The gist of this story is.....

Amos was born in Africa in the early 1700's.  His father was a king and the day he, Amos, was to take that position his tribe was attacked and many were captured to be sold as slaves.  Amos had a moment he could have gotten his freedom while being taken down a river in a canoe....listen to what he says in his own words...

"Once, long years ago, I though I could set a canoe-load of my people free by breaking the bands at my wrists and killing the white man who held the weapon.  I had the strength in my hands to do such a deed and I had the fire within, but I didn't do it."


"What held you back?"


"My hand was restrained and I'm glad that it was, for the years between have shown me that it does a man no good to be free until he knows how to live, how to walk in step with God."

This man was brought to America and sold as a slave.  He finally received his manumission papers when he was 50 years old.  One of his "masters" had been a tanner and Amos learned the trade.  Amos became a very well know and respected tanner.  He also used his hard earned money to buy the freedom of others...mainly the women he married.  His first two wives died within a year of being married but his third wife and he were married for many years.

When Amos was in his 80's his wife asked him...

"You'd set all the world free if you could, wouldn't you, Amos?"

He shook his head.  "Just the part of it that I can touch.  That's all any man can do."

Such wisdom....such truth!

A Time for Everything

Ecc 3:2  "He sets the time for birth and the time for death..."

The other morning we received a phone call at 6a.m.  Calls that come at that time are usually not the calls you like to receive.

A friend's mother, Anna, had had a heart attack and was not expected to live.  And here it is it 4 days later and she is still alive.  Could it be because she is terrified to die?  That's what she said before they sedated her with morphine.  She comes out of a denomination that has instilled in her an unhealthy fear of God.  That God is waiting for her with a "big stick" to punish her.  

I don't know much about Anna's life but what I do know is sad.  Her children are a testimony of that.  Out of 9 children only a few even care.  Seriously!!  Some were offered a chance to talk to her over the phone and they declined because they held bitterness and unforgiveness toward her.


Bitterness and unforgiveness are serious matters and so ugly.  My heart goes out to this family because of the terrible relationship between the children and their mother.  And lest you think these are young children they are not.  My friend is in her 60's and her mother is almost 90.  The children are all adults with grown children and even grandchildren.  And it continues through the generations as many of these children have horrible relationships with their children.

Some friends and I were able to go to the hospital a few days ago. I am thankful to have had the chance to speak Truth to Anna.  To let her know she is loved by God.  That she has direct access to Jesus and doesn't have to go through a priest.  That He loves her and wants her as His very own.  That He will forgive her.  Even now!!!

We left the hospital with peace that we did what He wanted us to do.  We prayed over her....we sang to her...we loved on her...we spoke Truth to her.  And even though she was medicated I KNOW her spirit could hear.  And I pray she could connect with the Truth of God's Word.


It may be too late for Anna to mend her relationship with her children....but there is still a chance she can mend her relationship with Jesus.  He's standing at the door....waiting for us to open it....I hope Anna did.

Autumn

 Yesterday I went to the Arboretum.  Autumn is one of those seasons that can be very beautiful and  yet a bit depressing.  Beautiful because the leaves are changing colors and depressing because the leaves are falling and soon the trees will be bare.  Of course here in Texas you never know if the trees will turn a pretty color or not.  Right now they aren't doing much of anything.

God is so creative!  Even in a season when I think of things dying He created some things to live and flourish during this time.  Here are a few creations of His....

 

 

Getting pictures of plants is a lot easier than of my granddaughter.  I'm sure it didn't help that she was not feeling well and was tired. And no....I couldn't get that little bugger to look at the camera...But I sure enjoyed spending the day with her.

Tonight I went to the hospital to visit a woman in the Autumn of her life.  Such a different scenario than the Arboretum....and one I need to share about when I have the time.

What to do?? What to do??

Tomorrow is my middle son's birthday.  He will be 13!  With six children we don't do a lot of big birthdays, especially since four of those children's birthdays fall within a month of each other.  However we do like to do something "special" for the 13th.  The question is though....what will we do?

For child #1 we did a surprise party at our home which turned into a traumatic event when she and one of her friends crashed her go-kart and had to go to the hosptital.

For child #2 we went to the lake with his best friends family and got to go sailing on a friends sailboat.

For child #3 we had a special mom and me tea party with her friends.

For child #4 we traveled to Tulsa to see the last American Idol concert from season 7.  We are big fans of Jason Castro and there were some other friends who were driving up and that's what my daughter wanted to do so she and her sister drove up with me.  We stayed at a hotel overnight and our friends bought tickets for us to attend the concert

Now it's time for Child #5 and I've been trying to plan a surprise party.  The original plan was to have everyone come to our home and we'd have a campfire outside and watch an outdoor movie.  But the weather is calling for thunderstorms.  So, a friend of mine offered her home and we'd have some Wii competition and also have the movie for the ones who wanted to watch it. 

Now I don't know what we are doing.

Last night there were 5 sick people in this house.  Stomach virus...need I say more??. My grandbaby is in the hospital being treated for dehydration because of this virus. So it looks like his birthday will be postponed till a later date.  According to the dr. this virus lasts around a week. 

Poor guy....what a way to turn 13.

It's Been Awhile....

No more promises of new blogs.  Seems like the more I promise to get back to writing the less inclined I am to do so.  I think it's because I feel limited in what I can write about.  Not sure why but that feeling is there anyways.  I just need to move past that and write.

So much happens in our lives and it's nice to have a diary of sorts to reflect back upon.  I love reading others blogs and yet I slack on my own.  There really is a season to everything.  I'm not promising more writing but I am hoping to get past the insecurity of what to write and which picture to post and in the spirit of Nike...Just Do It!!

So with no further adieu....here is something that happened last night.  I can laugh about it all now but last night I must admit I got a little hot under the collar.

I was putting the boys to bed and it was time to put on the music.  They switch nights on it being a "radio" night or a "cd" night.  Last night was a cd night, however, I misunderstood and put on the radio.  It didn't take long before I was made aware of my mistake. But before I switched it off I heard part of a song and realized it was a voice I knew very well....BUT had NEVER heard on the radio before.  I got all excited and went running out into the living room to let my girls know that Jason was on the radio....squee!!!!!

We started watching American Idol in season 6.  Jason Castro made his appearance in season 7 and we've been fans of his ever since.  Definitely something I'll have to blog about later.

Anyways...my girls stepped across the doorway into my boys room to listen to the radio.  Could we enjoy the ending of the song??  NO!!!  Why???  Because my 11 year old son had to make a big deal that the girls have entered into the room without permission.  I say to him...."Be quiet!  We just want to listen to this song on the radio."  Does he quiet down?  NO!!!  He is like the energizer bunny....and keeps on going and going and going.

I had gotten so frustrated that he would not do as I asked after numerous times asking him.... that I told him it made me want to slap him.  Not one of my better mommy moments.  But.....  Does he quiet down??  NO!!!  He puts the pillow over his head and starts hollering about how I care more about the radio than him....[sigh]

All we wanted to do was catch the last 60 seconds of a song on the radio. What started out as something joyful quickly turned into something ugly....all because of disobedience.  However, it was a great teaching opportunity that I took advantage of this morning after we both had a night sleep and time to cool down.

Oh and in case you want to hear the song that was the "instigator" in this character training issue....listen to it here   You Are

Gotta Love Those New Seasons

I'm tired!!

This has been a long week.  Last Thursday I drove to Houston, Texas because I have a small "job" working for a company whose math curriculum I use and LOVE!!  A new season is upon me and it's an interesting one.

This is my 16th year educating my children at home.  One of the challenges of doing this is finding a curriculum that meets the needs of everyone involved.  With the older 4 children I have used a variety of math curriculum, trying to find that perfect fit.  About 6 years ago I came across a fairly new curriculum called Right Start Mathematics.  I really liked what I heard but to be honest was a bit hesitant about purchasing it because of the cost.  It's not one of the lesser expensive programs out there.  A year went by and while I was "drooling" over this curriculum I was trying out others that were not as costly.  But what I have come to realize is that while the price may not be expensive...it can still be costly.
Because if it's not helping us to learn and understand there is a greater cost than just the price.

Anywhoos... after sitting in a class at one of the local book fairs I was sold.  I plunged in....considered the cost....and made the purchase.  WOW!!!  Am I ever so thankful I did.  No more jumping around trying to find that perfect fit.  I transitioned the older 3 into it late in their schooling but where I am noticing the difference is in my two youngest who have ONLY used Right Start.  They are currently in the level I started the older ones in and this is where I see the fruit.  Their understanding of numbers and seeing patterns and thinking surpasses where the older ones were when starting this level.

Last year at the Plano book fair I was at the Right Start booth ordering something and the lady asked me if I would be interested in assisting in the booth sometime in the future.  I said sure and filled out my name and address.  Totally forgetting about it.

Jump forward to a little over a month ago when I was feeling overwhelmed about some things in regards to finances and went on a walk to just "cry out" to the Lord.  One of the things I "cried out" to Him about was needing new curriculum for next year.  About two weeks later I received a phone call asking if I would be an assistant in the Right Start booth in Arlington.  I didn't even have to think about it...I said yes.

While working in the booth that weekend I was asked if I would consider working at some other conventions within the state.  After talking it over with my hubby and the family we decided to give it a go.  The children are old enough that I feel comfortable leaving them until Chris gets home in the evening.  This would give me a chance to earn money for new curriculum AND I will get to encourage others who are educating their children at home.  Something I do anyways...but now I am getting paid.

Basically I am getting my feet wet this season and it's been interesting.

How Did I Lose This

My dad bought a 35mm camera when I was in high school.  I loved getting to take pictures with it.  Of course this was when we used film and the camera did not have an automatic setting...at least not that I can remember.  But I loved getting to take pictures...until the camera died.  Apparently sand got into the mechanics of the camera and it would cost as much a buying a new one.  My dad retired the camera because at that season in his life he couldn't afford to get it fixed or buy a new one.

Skip a few years....ok...many years and I am getting ready to turn 40.  At some point before this momentous event I stumbled upon what I call...  The Pioneer Lady.  She's actually known as The Pioneer Woman but for some reason my brain forgets.  Anyways when I first found her she was just getting started in the blog world and her photo's brought back my dream of photography.  I remember telling my husband that one of my dreams would be to get a camera like hers [35 mm digital] one day and pursue photography.

Well my hubby, being the wonderful and kind man that he is, bought me one for my birthday.  He gave it to me a week or two before the actual day because we were leaving to go on vacation and he thought I'd enjoy using it.  He thought right.

So here it is almost 5 years later.  I still have the same camera and until a few weeks ago I still used the same battery charger for the camera.  But mysteriously the battery charger has disappeared.  And it is mysterious because I keep my camera bag with all the camera trappings in the same spot.  I charge my battery in the same spot.  And yet the charger has become lost.  My hubby talked about buying a new one but I knew that if we just looked hard enough we'd find it.

Nope...we still haven't found it.

The other day a friend called me up because her niece just passed her GED and she wanted to get some "senior" type pictures to celebrate this wonderful achievement.  I had to tell her that my camera is dead until I could find my charger.  Well, this friend insisted on paying for a new charger because she really wanted me to take the pictures.  [awwww...how sweet]

So, Chris goes in search of a charger.  How hard can it be.  Apparently in the big metroplex of Dallas it can be a pain.  Best Buy had one but they wanted over $200 for it...What?????  Guess it charges two batteries super quick.  I don't need mine charged super quick, but I do need them charged.  Thankfully he was able to find on online that was just like the one I had.  And hopefully it will be coming tomorrow since he had them ship it two day.

Yea!!!  I'm excited to get my camera back.  Can't tell ya how many times I've thought about grabbing the camera to take a picture only to remember it's dead.

And I know that when I get the new charger...I just might find the old one.

Love

³⁷ Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 

Most of us read this and totally miss the love yourself part.  And yet it's a pretty vital part or key in our ability to love our neighbors.

And how many of us really love the Lord with ALL our heart and ALL our soul and ALL our mind?  Not many!

Because most of us were not raised with Godly love it's hard to receive and give that kind of love.  What is Godly love? 

The Bible says that God is LOVE!   God IS love!  So if God is love couldn't we reword the above to say....  You must love love with ALL your heart....

I am realizing how lacking I am in the love department.  Sure I love my husband and I love Jesus and I love my children and I love my friends....but what does that really mean?  What does that look like?  Where do I get my ideas of love?

Lately I have come to realize that I don't really love myself.  Not in the Godly way...but rather more like how most of us love ourselves...in the selfish way.

And if one does not read the Bible or believe in God, then how does one love?  Heck...most people don't even read the Bible much less practice what's in it.  So, if the majority of people don't read and practice what is in the Bible then how do we love and what do we determine that love is?

God is love!  God loves me!  So basic but do we really understand what it means?  I'm learning. 

 

That's the Book for Me!

Trying to write one's thoughts about revelation they receive is not always easy. Where do you start? I have so many thoughts fluttering around in my brain and heart but I decided before I go any further I need to explain something.

When I look back at my life I realize that religion has always been a part of it. When I was little I learned about Jesus and God and angels and the devil. There was this Children's Bible I remember thumbing through because I liked looking at the pictures, especially the picture of the flood. I was raised in the denomination of my parents and their parents and so on down the line.

However, when I reached my early 20's there was one event that stopped me in my tracks and totally changed my life. I became pregnant. I wasn't married. It was the darkest time in my life because of all the guilt and shame I felt. Especially since I had been such a "good girl" till then. Of course I know now I wasn't really all that good then but because my sin's were not noticeable I appeared the "good girl". Now that I was pregnant EVERYONE would know my sin. It was a dark...dark...dark time for me. I even contemplated abortion and suicide because I was so ashamed.

Once I determined I would continue with the pregnancy I then had to break it to my parents. Talk about hard. I was their only daughter. The apple of my father's eye [as my mother likes to call me] I was a good Catholic girl....well at least outwardly. I finally got the courage to call my parents and painfully shared with them my news. Their reaction was NOT what I expected. My mother was excited. And my father....I could tell he was disappointed but he told me that if Jesus could forgive him then he, my father, could do no less towards me. [Talk about humbling]

Because of this event I started going back to church. Seeking for something....at the time I didn't know what it was. My parents had left the Catholic church and were attending a non denominational church and my mother recommended a church for me to visit in the Dallas area. I was a bit hesitant but I was seeing changes in my parents, good changes, that I was willing to go and visit.

It was at this church that I came to realize what it was I was searching for....Jesus. I had the head knowledge of Jesus but was lacking the heart knowledge or maybe a better way of saying it is a relationship with Jesus. I went forward during one of the services with tears streaming down my face. I didn't care who saw or what they thought. All I knew is that I needed to get to that altar to receive Jesus.

This happened 24 years ago and it has been the BEST decision I've ever made. My life has never been the same and God literally came in a took a bad situation and turned it around for good. After giving birth to my daughter I moved to Little Rock to live with my parents at their request. When Jordana, my daughter, was 5 weeks old I went on a canoe trip with my brother...he was trying to get me out and about. On this canoe trip I saw this guy who happened to be with the church group [I had never met him] and I knew...knew...knew...that I was going to marry him. I bid my time and a couple years later we were married. Celebrated 20 years this year.

Yes, this is a bit long winded but I needed to explain somethings before I started sharing my thoughts because it's important for anyone reading this to know that my life has been forever changed because of Jesus...the relationship with Him....understanding Him...and seeing myself and others through Him. I've learned and am learning about Him through reading His Word...the Bible. So as I share my ponderings know they come as a result of the things I am understanding in God's Word...and applying to life.

There is a song I taught my children and am currently teaching the preschool children at church and it goes like this...

The B-I-B-L-E
Yes that's the Book for me
I stand alone
on the Word of God
The B-I-B-L-E.....BIBLE!!!!


Such a profound truth said very simply!

Walk Out Your Transformation

Tonight I started a conference call Bible study called "Walk Out Your Transformation". Only problem is that I was in transit and I could only listen in to the first 30 minutes. But the nice thing is that she records the calls and then I can go to the website and listen to them at my convenience. I'm not sure how I'll like the calling in part but it's good to try new things and with how spread out everyone is, it is convenient and saves on gas.

Here is a link if you'd like to check it out yourself http://www.bridgetodominion.org/

This is being hosted by an "old friend" and by old I don't mean age but rather the length of time we've known each other. Her name is Vickie and we met at least 12 years ago at the church we were attending. I actually attended her first class 6 years ago. And it's been about two years since we've last talked, but Vickie is the kind of friend where we just pick up where we left off. Sometimes life gets busy and seasons change but it's always good when God brings us back together again. And it's even more interesting to find that once again we are going through similar trials and God is purifying us with His fire. I recently had Vickie come and talk at my current church and it's exciting to see others gain the understandings that I too am gaining. I look forward to seeing what God does through this class.

My new"life" Scripture is...Joh 8:31-32 So Jesus said to those who believed in him, "If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

I've never realized the freedom I have in His Truth until recently. There is something beautiful and empowering in understanding the freedom we have in Christ...the truth I am understanding is freeing me up to truly love others...to have grace and mercy...to see past the outward and minister to the inward. Sure, I was able to do some of that before but it always seemed like there was something holding me back from being able to do it with my whole heart. I've been learning what that "something" is and what I need to do to break through it. It's quite simple, yet I've never really understood it till recently. Yeah, I'd get bits and pieces of understanding but lately it's like a flood gate has opened and all the dots are getting connected.

It's these understandings I hope to blog about because there is something powerful in being able to communicate the things we learn. Plus it helps to solidify it in us too. Being able to tell others is one of the best ways to "test" what we know.

Slowly but Surely

God is doing some major heart changing in my life right now and I need to reflect that in this blog. Of course it would help if I actually would write but that is coming. For most of this last year the focus of this blog was my journey to losing weight.

Well, I am still on that journey. However, I want this blog to reflect more than that now. The season was wonderful where I finally focused on the weight issue I had but life is more than what we weigh and honestly blogging about just that aspect of my life was losing it's "thrill". Not because I am not still losing weight, I am...but I don't want that to be the only focus of this blog.

My life is being transformed! Literally! And I want to start sharing that journey...the total transformation being made in my life above and beyond the weight loss.

I am officially freeing myself from only blogging on one aspect of my life. I am now journeying into the realm of being able to blog about ALL aspects of my life.

Now if I can just figure out which layout I like. Don't be surprised to see different ones in the next week as I am still trying out some new looks.

A New Season

I have officially entered into a new season in regards to my quest to lose weight.

This last month there has been a shift of focus in my life. I reconnected with a friend and she informed me of some classes that are available on Saturday mornings from 10:30 - 12:30. These classes are for understanding how the spiritual aspects of our life affect the physical things in our bodies. The classes have been informative and freeing!!! Many times we don't recognize the lies we've come into agreement with but once we do...whoo-hoo...the truth will set you free.

Anyways, between this class and one of my daughters getting braces I've been praying about continuing with WW. The drive and the cost were taken into consideration...and prayed about. I didn't want to make a decision based on fear. Fear that I couldn't afford the class...or fear that if I quit attending I'd gain it all back.

Last Wed. I took my ipod and went out for a walk. Specifically to seek the Lord and pray. I felt total peace over the decision to cancel my membership. Which in a way is surprising because I thought I'd stay with WW until eternity. But if there is one thing I am learning as I seek to follow the Lord...the seasons change and the only thing that is a for sure thing is Him.

I am excited for this next season in my life. I will continue to blog and share but I hope to share about this weight loss endeavor from more of a biblical perspective. It's time.

Mooyah

I know...shockeroo!!! It's been a while since I last posted. I have lots of intentions but then I get busy and forget...or I don't have the time...or I can't think of something to write. Whatever!!! Excuse, excuses, excuses. I really do enjoy blogging so I need to make it more of a priority.

Anywhoos...I went out tonight with some of my "dining diva" friends. These are ladies who try to get together at least once a month to go try out a new restaurant and have conversation. It's been a while since we've gotten together...almost as long since I've last written a blog.

But tonight a few of us met at a restaurant called Mooyah Burger & Fries. And that is basically all they serve...hamburgers and fries....oh yeah, and shakes. And while I was in the mood for a burger and fries, I was also concerned about the points. Let me just say that Mooyah has a great burger for those of us wanting a good taste but low points.

I ordered a turkey burger and chose the option to make in an Iceberger. What's an Iceberger you say? Well it's a hamburger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. The lettuce is thick and actually looks like a shell surrounding the burger. It was neat because you still ate it like a hamburger on a bun. And let me just say....it was delicious!!!! Only 4 points!

A good friend blessed me by buying my dinner and we split a large order of fries between three of us. They serve their fries in an oversize paper lunch bag. The fries are fresh cut in-house daily and cooked in trans fat free oil and very yummy. Not getting the bun allowed me to splurge a little on the fries, which when split between the three of us ended up being a little over 5 points. Not bad, especially when you see how many we got.

I'm excited to find a place where I can get my "burger fix" and not have to use up any extra points. If you have a craving for a good burger...check out Mooyah's and give their Iceberger Turkey Burger a try. It's finger licking delicious!!!

Bringing the Fun

For Valentine's Day my sweet hubby bought me an ipod. This is the first ipod I've ever had. My children have ipods but we've not really had the "extra" for me to have one. Seems like there is always something taking precedence.

Very rarely do we get to give each other a "big" present so this was a huge surprise. And I LOVE IT!! Especially when walking on the tread mill....what a difference. Walking or jogging to music sure makes it more fun. The one I have can pick up radio stations and I really like to exercise to the "oldies" cause the beat is usually fast paced and makes me want to move.

Now if I can just remember not to sing out loud when using it....

Measuring Activity is an Eye Opener

So last week I bought a pedometer. Weight Watchers encourages us to have a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day. [the above picture is not their most current pedometer, it's the only one I could find to post.]

Oh my! I am woefully lacking. After wearing the pedometer for close to a week I have found that I barely get 5,000 steps in a day just in my normal daily routine.

We went out shopping for most of the day on Tuesday and even with all the walking around the stores I still came up short on the 10,000 mark.

It's interesting how we think we, um...I mean, how I think I am getting in a lot of activity until I have something that measures that activity. What a shockeroo!!!!

There have been maybe 3 days where I made it to at least 8,000 steps...and I felt like all I did was walk...lol!!!

My hubby showed me a website about walking 10,000 steps a day and I was encouraged to see that they tell you to work up in increments. thewalkingsite.com/10000steps

"A reasonable goal for most people is to increase average daily steps each week by 500 per day until you can easily average 10,000 per day."

I'm glad to read this because after seeing how few steps I actually get I don't feel so overwhelmed trying to get in 10,000. I'll just do my best at getting as many steps a day as I can and keep increasing them each week until I reach the goal of at least 10,000 steps a day. It may take a while but that's ok because I believe increasing them in small increments will help me to make this into a lifestyle.

And making it into a lifestyle is doable and worth the time and effort, especially doing it a little at a time. I figure it's like wanting to run a marathon. If you aren't a runner you can't expect to enter a marathon and be able to run it without training and building up your endurance. This is no different.

It may seem silly to some that I am in essence training myself to walk 10,000 steps but I know that in the big picture of my life and my health it will be well worth it. And hopefully my example will also challenge my family to do the same.

Activity Points in the Snow

Time sure does pass by quickly sometimes....like this last week.

Just to catch up...I lost -1.6 pounds the week before this last one and then this last week I ended up gaining +.8 of a pound. Not sure what happened as I've stayed within my points and even got in some good exercising since we had an incredible snowfall and I couldn't resist taking my kiddo's out sledding, two days in a row.

Let's just say that sledding down a hill is lots of fun...but walking back up, now that can be challenging. Especially when one is wearing old shoes with very little tread....I had to wedge my feet in sideways so I wouldn't slip and fall. Actually, I did slip and fall a few times but thankfully I didn't hurt anything or anybody...lol!!


Here is an idea of the size of the hill we sled on the second day. We parked in the hospital parking lot and walked across the highway [over a bridge] to sled down the steepest hill we could find. Where I live in Texas there are not a lot of steep hills. It was fun and lots of semi's would honk their horns at us.


This next picture shows my daughter and one of her friends sliding down on a real sled. Since it doesn't snow much here no one really has sleds but since our friends have gone to Colorado in the winter they just happened to have some awesome sleds that they shared with us. On the above picture if you notice....we used some laminated wall maps as our sleds....yep...laminated wall maps...lol!!!
And when you couldn't control the sled...this is usually what happened. I too had a few spills like this one but thankfully no one was taking any pictures of me.




Let's just say that we were very wet and cold when we finished our sledding. But it was totally worth it. Lots of good memories made this day. And a super fun way to earn activity points.

Say What!!

So tonight my 18 year old son informs me that I was the topic of conversation when he was getting his teeth done, Or rather my weight loss was. Of course I am looking at him like he is crazy cause I haven't been to his orthodontist in over a year and wondering how they would know about my weight loss.

He then reminds me it was when he went to the dentist the other day. I smiled and told him that we were talking about it when I was at the dentist a few weeks ago getting my teeth cleaned. Now that I've lost close to 60 pounds I guess it's becoming more noticeable to others.

He replies...."I just can't look at you...I can [only] tell when I see some old pictures." Say What!!!

Talking to him later he was trying to explain how he doesn't notice "subtle" changes.... I think the boy needs to stop while he's not that far in the hole. :-)

Actually I totally understand what he is saying but I just had to give him a hard time. I have a grand baby living with us; she has been since she was first born. Looking at her now, I know she is bigger than when I first saw her...but how much bigger isn't apparent until I look at her in a new born picture.

But as for losing weight and being noticed....it's nice that people are finally starting to notice. And even if my son can't tell how much I've lost...he can at least tell that I've lost.

It's a Journey NOT a Race

We've all heard the saying..."never go shopping when you are hungry", and yet how many of us actually follow that advice? Apparently not me!

Yesterday I ran some errands with the hubby. On our way home we needed to stop at the store to pick up a few items for dinner. As we were entering the store I mentioned how hungry I was and that this probably wasn't a good time to be shopping. But I resolved that I would not give in to my hunger.

Of course we get to one end of the store and I realize we need something from the other end, of which we had just been. So, crossing the front of the store I mention to my hubby that I will have to buy a bag of pretzels to snack on since I was so hungry I was starting to have some low blood sugar symptoms.

His response was, in my own words since I can't remember the exact way he said it was..."it would have been a Cadbury [candy] but now it's pretzels."

Yep, in the past I would have bought a candy bar to appease my hunger. And honestly, I can't remember the last time I've bought a candy bar for myself.

This is the difference between a race and a journey. I am not in a race to lose the weight, however, I am on a journey to change. I believe that even when I get the weight off, I will still not be buying myself a candy bar for a snack. Now, this doesn't mean I will never by a candy bar but rather it won't be the first thing I think of when needing a bit of food in my body.

It's these kinds of changes....the ones that aren't that obvious to me...but yet something that even my husband notices...that stop me in my tracks and make me realize...I am not the same kind of eater I was...and it gives me hope....that I'll not be that kind of eater again.

A New Low

Today was weigh-in day. I worked very hard since I returned from my "Anniversary Get-away" and it paid off.

I lost -1.2 pds. This is more momentous than you'd think because this weight loss has taken me to a new low [in a good way] I have entered another "decade" so to speak. Not really sure what to call it when you go from the 50's to the 40's in weight so unless someone can offer me another word I'll most likely stick with decade.

I entered the 240's today. I haven't seen this weight in at least 13 years, since I was pregnant with my 5th child. I have only 8 more pounds to lose to meet the short term goal I've set for myself. When I reach 241 I will have lost 20% of my body weight.

So, not to sound arrogant....Yay me!!!!

What a Change!

I just got back from a two night, three day get-away with my hubby. We like to do that each year to celebrate our anniversary. This year we are celebrating 20 years!

Even though I had limited computer access I still tracked my food using WW's tracking notebook. Then I came home today and entered it onto the computer. It isn't pretty. I am currently -24 points for the week. And while I should feel bad...I don't.

I actually am pleased with my choices. Especially in comparison to what I would have chosen just a year ago. In thinking about this I decided to share what I ate compared to what I would have ate last year.

Sunday...we ate at a hamburger joint called Maple & Motor, which apparently has the best hamburgers in Dallas.


So, of course I try the hamburger.

I ordered mine without cheese. [would have ordered with cheese and mayo last year] It comes with mustard.


I split an order of french fries with my hubby [Last year I would have eaten my own order of either French Fries, possibly with cheese, or Onion Rings]


I drank a diet Dr. Pepper [ would have drank a regular coke last year]

So... I saved approx. 15 points with those choices.


Monday we parked the car and walked all over down town Dallas. I can't believe I've lived here over 20 years and this is the first time to do this. For lunch we decided to eat Mexican. My hubby, Chris, loves Mexican and he is always so kind to eat where I want so I wanted to do unto him likewise. We stopped to eat at Sol Irlande's Mexican Grill in the heart of downtown Dallas.


I started off ordering the chicken taco salad with the cheese on the side. And I mixed about 1 Tbs. of sour cream into the salsa to make a "lite" dressing. But the salad tasted awful so after two bites I had them take it away and replace it with a bowl of Tortilla Soup, which tasted much better. I also ate a serving of tortilla chips with salsa and drank water.

Last year I would have ordered a bowl of queso to eat with the chips and we would have gone through at least two baskets of chips. Most likely I would have ordered a chicken enchilada with sour cream sauce, or chicken quesadilla's. I also would have drank regular coke.

Not sure of the points saved but I know it's quite a few.

For dinner we went and ate at a steak restaurant that came highly recommended by the manager of the hotel where we stayed. It is called Dunston's and it has to be one of THE BEST steak restaurants I've EVER been to. Between the atmosphere, prices, taste and serving staff it is one place that we will be going back to...it is well worth the drive.

http://www.dunstonssteakhouse.com/harryhines/index.htm

I ordered the 7 ounce Fillet Mignon. It came with salad and bread. I chose a baked potato as my side.

Last year I would have ordered the larger, 10 oz. mignon. I also would have loaded up my baked potato. This year I only put on approx. 1 Tbls. of sour cream and 2 Tbls. of shredded cheese. Again I ordered water.

This year I did order a bread pudding for dessert. Had it not been for our anniversary I would not have ordered a dessert but this was a special occasion and I wanted to splurge and enjoy. The pudding is home made and was it yummy.

Then today, Tuesday, for lunch we ate Chinese which is one of my favorite types of food to eat. But instead of getting our own, we just ordered one dish and shared it. Last year we would have ordered separately and I would have ate the whole thing.

So, even though I went over in points I am still proud of myself in that I made wiser choices and was much more conscious of what I was eating. Plus I tracked every morsel that passed my lips which is so easy not to do after a few days like mine...:-)

This weight loss journey is about sooooo much more than points. It's about change! It's about making wiser choices! It's about doing something different!

So while I may have bombed in the point category....I'm ok because I soared in the other categories.

I am changing and it feels good!!!

Knowledge is Power

I have got to be better informed sooner.

Last night I attended a youth game night with my kids. They had a blast playing various games and I enjoyed chatting with some of the other parents.

Everyone was to bring a snack. We brought peanut butter cookies. There also were bowls of skittles, twizzlers, hershey kisses, and bags of chips. My weakness however was the bowl of dark chocolate peanut M&M's. [we won't talk about the Cheeto's...shhhhh]

Anywhooo, I'd take a few M&M's and eat them. Walk around, come back and take a few more. Go chat with others and swipe a few as I walked by the counter. I knew better, however since my weigh in was today I guess I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. It's not like I am going to gain a bunch of weight over night.

I wasn't even going to track what I ate at the game night because it was the last night before weigh in and honestly I didn't care.

Then I thought....that's not a good attitude and it's not one that will keep me on a track of being successful. So, reluctantly I went ahead and tracked what I ate.

Another eye opener for me....and it will be a while before you see me indulging randomly in a bowl of peanut M&M's. Guess that saying..."knowledge is power"...applies in this situation too.

I guesstimated that I ate a total of about 1 cup of M&M's...or pretty close. Does anyone have ANY idea how many points are in 1 cup??? ......................20!!!


This is the first week since I started WW in July that I ended the week with negative points.

The good news is that I did lose -2 pds. this week. Not sure how that happened as this was not one of my better weeks but hey....I'll take it.

Now if I can survive this coming week. I leave tomorrow for two nights and three days away with my hubby. We are celebrating our 20th Anniversary. Not sure how I'll do point wise but I will try to be as informed as possible BEFORE I eat something.

The Potential to Sabotage

Today I had a dentist appointment to fill some cavities, and four of my children were scheduled for teeth cleaning. The first appointment was at 12:30.

What was I thinking???? Right at lunch time. It wouldn't be so bad if we lived closer but it's about a 40 minute drive sooooo we did NOT eat lunch before we went. Just a snack. And usually I like to take the children out for a treat after getting our teeth cleaned, so I took them to lunch.

We went to Arby's

But I am SHOCKED...and ANNOYED!!!!

I ordered the Jr. RoastBeef Sandwich....which is a bun about 3 inches in diameter and you couldn't see the meat till you took off the bun. The meat, what little there was, was all nestled snug in the middle of the bun.

Guess how many points?......................... 6

This is a sandwich I could have eaten in about three bites.

Of course I got the small fries to go along with the sandwich because it was 2:30 by now and I was very hungry.

Guess how many points in the small fries?....................... 9

I used 15 points on barely anything. Actually I wasted 15 points on hardly anything.

In the future I really need to plan my dentist visits for way before lunch or right after lunch. This not planning ahead and being more informed is what has the potential to sabotage my journey. Thankfully I still had some weekly points.

I'm Still Here...

This picture is of 4 generations: my mother, me, my oldest daughter, and her baby. It's the first picture in a very long time that I can look at and not feel fat.

I guess when I took a holiday break it extended even to this blog. Not that I had any intentions of doing that, it just kind of happened.

Christmas was wonderful and I did pretty good. I counted points and got in as much exercise as I could [mainly walking] however, I totally and unabashedly enjoyed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. I made some food I only make once a year and I enjoyed eating it.

Compared to Christmas's past this one was much more modest food wise. I didn't eat a lot of the goodies we were given but I did indulge in the monkey bread I make only on Christmas morning and some special cookies I only make during the holiday.

There is a part of me that wanted to go through the holidays very strictly but I just couldn't do it. It would have stolen some of the joy of the season. I didn't go "hog wild" but I did allow myself Christmas Day and New Year's Day to indulge. Of course I did pay with a small weight gain but I have the rest of my life to keep journeying towards my goal. I enjoy these little detours. And while it may make the trip a bit longer it also keeps it from getting monotonous.

And for those who care here are my stats for the weeks I missed blogging:
12-19-09 ~ -3.4 [250.4]
12-26-o0 ~ +3.6 [254]
1-2-10 ~ + 1.2 [255.2]
1-9-10 ~ -3.2 [252]
1-16-10~ 0 [252]