Serving Him

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2011-02-02T18:53:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! Life has been full and rich - we are truly blessed. Time has quickly passed - and I am still on the fence as to how much time I can and should dedicate to writing or perhaps adjusting the purpose...I often have all these ramblings I wish to express in this strange head of mine but the time to sit and write comes...rarely.

Due time to at least update to 2011! We just went to Monster Jam this last weekend. This is J in front of Grave Digger. It was a great time watching big trucks jump and smash cars. lol

Jeanne Marie Playford

2009-06-09T02:03:00.002-04:00

I already miss you dear friend but find such peace knowing you are free from the pains of cancer and now are surely with the Almighty. See you in the Kingdom...

Thankful Thursday: Anything You Want Lord, I Got It

2009-01-28T21:34:00.004-05:00

This week, Laurel is hosting Thankful Thursday and her theme is security in the Almighty. I was taking some time to worship to a song I discovered about a year ago on http://gospelreggae.com/ by Isaac Blackman, called Surrender. The entire song is about surrendering to the Father - in everything and what perfect timing to meditate on security and trusting in God.

I used to be fearful of many many things and on occasion I have to battle that person inside still but I have learned the importance of what it really means to trust Him. I may be fearful to step out of my shyness to approach a stranger on the street and share the Gospel and that is alright as long as it does not own me and prevent me from still sharing the Gospel message despite how I am "feeling." In those tough times that surrender to Him shows amazing fruit. He always amazes me that way - my finite mind.

The last time I was able to participate in Thankful Thursday I had mentioned the excitement and opportunity to sing for Calvary's Christmas service. I am on the worship team so I do sing all the time and play in a band as well - but singing solos has always been tough for me (I am the harmony queen) but God has really been using ministry opportunities that continue to stretch me and excite me to continue to share in music in so many new and liberating ways.

Those insecurities of how I sound have been taking the back seat recently to the confidence building to honor Him no matter how I feel - my focus is on Him and bringing Him glory and to lead others to focus their hearts and minds on Him...well, the song was amazing and quite honestly life changing. I shared a song by Sam Cook and the Soul Stirrers called Christmas Means Love. The first time I heard the song, it really moved me. We modified the lyrics to be doctrinally sound - it was incredibly soul-full and took me to a place I had never been in front of others before (and perhaps even when I am singing alone when no one is around). My church family was shocked discovering that this other voice had been hiding all this time as was I but let me tell you the years of insecurities and worry just melted from me in that song and I honestly feel like I have become a new woman in some ways - to HIM be all glory.

He has saved me...now that is total and complete security!

Be blessed and stop by Laurel's place for more Thankful hearts!

Blah!

2009-01-20T18:42:00.006-05:00

I am thankful each new day given. I have been thinking through a lot in the midst of my very full life. I am at that point where I have so much I would like to write but just don't know where to begin. I did take some pictures (FINALLY) of our new little cozy cottage, a little bit more organized (emphasis on "bit"). So I will start with bites:

Before Images:
http://detroitpistonsfans.blogspot.com/2008/08/dog-house-before-better-late-than-never.html

Fitness Friday: The Add and Subtract Edition

2009-01-03T13:12:00.002-05:00

This week for Fitness Friday, Brenda posed the question: "What do you want to add to your life and what do you want to subtract?" My answer: Oh let me count the ways...

SUBTRACTING:
As a result of circumstance, I am thankful to say that I am finally booting my very unhealthy habit of drinking Diet Pepsi. Diet Pepsi was my coffee in the morning and I had to have it all of the time; pretty much all that I drank, seriously.

Starting New Year's Eve, I honestly have had I think two sips but my body literally is fighting against it now and although painful at the moment due to an infection, I am thankful that even the lack of caffeine has not been too bad for me so far and I praise God. I really want to rid myself of that addiction feeling. I have surprisingly developed a liking for Mineral water and even plain ol' water too.

I have been blessed with quite a bit of time off recently for the end of the month which has given me ample time to get myself organized and focused for a new year although I still have a few things I wanted to get done that are just not going to happen for the time-being but that is alright.

Subtracting many pounds...

ADDING:
Always want to increase my time in prayer with the Lord and continued in-depth Bible study which I have really been enjoying this last week with all of my extra time off.

Healthier and creative cooking and meal-planning. Our busy schedules require planning and without planning we resort to pizza too frequently and as much as I would like to ban it all together...planning will prevent us from such indulgences. We both know that when we eat healthier we feel so much better and are more productive over-all. I am hopeful and need to depend on the strength of the Almighty to see all of this through.

Exercise & Training: competitions are not too far off, starting in May, so I physically need to begin getting in shape and shedding many pounds to compete strong in the new season.

These are a few of the many goals I plan to achieve in 2009. Cheers!

And...still snowing!

2008-12-21T11:34:00.002-05:00

Thankful Thursday: Christmas In Our Hearts

2008-12-17T23:38:00.003-05:00

In ministry our desire is to keep Christmas in Our Hearts all year long and we try to continue to teach such truth through our various outreach endeavors. I find myself filled with nostalgia though and there is definitely a different spirit about the holiday seasons. I think that nostalgia is alright but I also like to be sure that the love, the joy and the excitement is from Him and to honor Him.

This year our Christmas theme is Christmas in Our Hearts - I love it. My pastor has been writing songs for the last year or so and this one he wrote for our special service this coming Sunday. I am really excited because we have kept it completely top secret. I will fill you in next week! May the Lord be honored through our ministry and service to Him.

I am thankful for my church family. I have such admiration for many and a trust that is unquestionable. I love each of them dearly.

I am thankful to be celebrating 9 years of wedded bliss with my beloved tomorrow, Thursday, December 18th. I posted a wedding picture earlier and we definitely see how young we were in the photo. I am thankful that God has continued to mature us and draw us even closer to Him.

I am thankful for Scripture. I remember a woman visiting from Russia shared her testimony at a service years ago and she still carried around the couple of pages from the book of Matthew that she had had from when they removed all the Bibles from her church. There was one Bible somehow left and each person took 1-2 pages so they had something with them from the Word of God. Talk about taking it for granted that we have such incredible freedom here in the States. Scripture is so full and rich - I pray that I always read it with new eyes and continue to seek truth; never reading into it nor proof-texting but really studying and understanding within context of what God is teaching and purposed for us.

I am thankful. Please stop over at Iris's place for other Thankful hearts.

December 18, 1999

2008-12-17T21:57:00.003-05:00

I am my beloved and he is mine.

Christmas Banquet 2008

2008-12-17T20:44:00.005-05:00

We had such a wonderful time over the weekend. We had our first Christmas Banquet - mind you, not just any banquet but we actually had a banquet DURING the church service and it was awesome. We broke bread together - beautiful. My pictures did not turn out too well but here are a few. We went caroling after at a local nursing home which is always such a blessing!

Fitness Friday: Love Your Body Edition

2008-12-05T18:49:00.005-05:00

Often I have thought that if I had kept my innocent mind a little longer (not grow up - can that happen?) I would have been able to handle things better. I am sure all of us have had a few people in our life that felt it was there responsibility to inform you of the "imperfections" about your body...I may not remember every moment but believe when I say that I remember most of them and they have haunted me - forever. I have been working through them a lot over the years but it is so hard to remove those scars. People say something about you and you begin to believe it - the eyes are opened whether or not it is true - that innocence is gone and now the concerns come abounding.

As I mentioned before, I was a bean-pole for years but was incredibly self-worried about so many things only after someone brought it to my attention. I wasn't interested in boys for a while either, just didn't care until it was brought to my attention that other girls my age did.

Any who , for years I hid my smile because it was brought to my attention that I had bad teeth (some crowding). I kid you not, you will see very few pictures of me with an open mouth smile because of this and I am still very conscious about this but I still can't afford to get braces - I always thought one day I could but I suppose there is still some time. I even had a dentist tell me that I would lose all my teeth by my mid-thirties if I did not get braces. Needless to say that haunted me for years as well and made me extremely anal about keeping them clean and I am now 34 and still have all my teeth! Over the years though many have said that it was my smile, eyes and laughter that had drawn me to them - so I chose to believe those positive words over the harsh ones still hanging around in this head of mine. So you may see more pictures now with a real smile. ;o)

So I am choosing not to focus on all the things I know need to be fixed nor the many things I have been made aware of over the years. Mind you my husband has been the biggest supporter of ME - ALL of me. God has blessed me so much with an incredibly beautiful man. He just does not see through the same glasses that I do and how thankful I am for that. He has really made it a point to show me the importance of believing the positive enforcement given to me from him and others and also the importance of accepting it as my tendency is to laugh it off - which is wrong and can be offensive to someone.

Okay, what I like:

- I like my eyes - they smile. I actually LOVE my smile lines that grow with me!
- I like my hands - long slender piano hands
- I like my hair - naturally curly which is low maintenance - and I am all.over.that!
- I have nice ankles and calves too...
- I like my height. I have nice long legs, especially when I am thinned down -
- Oh and I do like my waistline. I have always had this small waist that does not match the rest of my body but really makes this nice hourglass shape now that I am "grown" up. I am self-conscious about it right now because I am not fit but it will be hot as I continue to shed the lbs.

It does feel good to focus on the good things...Blessings!

Wordless Wednesday: Wednesday Edition

2008-12-03T18:41:00.001-05:00

Christmas Time is Near

2008-11-22T21:37:00.004-05:00

My husband could not resist turning on some Christmas tunes on the way home from Date-Night this evening. I was resistant at first as I try to hold off until Thanksgiving is officially over - the day after. So Aaron Neville's Go Tell it on the Mountain has ushered in the season! I am not touching the decorations until after Thanksgiving though! (wink)

Fitness Friday: Excuses Edition

2008-11-22T09:59:00.004-05:00

This week we are challenged with all the brilliant excuses we use that have brought us to this point of needing to shed the extra baggage...and put them to rest officially: RIP

I kind of started a little earlier this week and posted about my schedule being one of my main excuses. After posting earlier this week and continuing to think through the excuses I use (which are plenty) I tried to exercise some new discipline by not eating after 8pm no matter what, which was forcing me to eat earlier and reminding myself that although my schedule is not going to change any time soon, I personally can change how I live it out. SO with the exception of date nights or going out with friends, I have to make it a point to eat dinner or enough healthy snacks before 8pm. I admit I was not successful every night but I did eat smaller portions if I had to eat after 8pm.

I have also started keeping apples at my desk at work and I cannot believe how much they curb my interest in other sweets and if I have a light meal and finish off with an apple, I am feeling really good. Apples are my new friends.

Okay, so excuses...
1. Got home so late, there was nothing else to eat
2. Too expensive to buy healthier options (which is becoming more and more true for me BUT I can still eat something like spaghetti and just eat LESS - wow, novel, right?)
3. I am just too hungry to think about anything else right now
4. Need to live a little
5. I only get to do this 1 or 2 times a year
6. Too comfortable being with family
7. Don't care
8. Waited to long to eat
9. No other options but pizza or fast food...
10.It's FREE
11.Giving in to people when I say no to food and they keep asking and persisting thinking my no answer is silly.
12. Social thing to do
13. Bored
14. My health issues just make is so difficult (wah wah wah)

I really hate excuses. They are empty words full of grave consequence.

The painful truth. I really have been thinking of excuses all week and working on some. One growth area was mentioned above, some other successes: I was leading some 30 minutes presentations back to back and had fruit/dessert trays for each. I only had grapes and ONE cookie from the last session. I was SO proud of myself.

Apples are becoming a necessity each day. Also very proud of that one.

I had an Asian dish from take out Thursday night and saved half of it for lunch Friday. Yeah!!

And I truly have been processing the changes I need to make by thinking about all of my empty excuses that have cost me so much over the years. This change in my life is completely up to me.me.me.

Blessing dear sisters! I will continue to pray for you as you make changes as well!

Thankful Thursday

2008-11-19T21:09:00.003-05:00

I thank my dear dear Lord for saving our vehicle. We were quite worried last week after our car seemed like it was on its last leg. My beloved decided to take it to another dealership and we discovered that all the expensive work done in September had been installed incorrectly - it was all backwards!! So, our vehicle seems to be doing well now. We do have some basic upkeep stuff still to do but we were so thankful to God; I cannot even begin to explain. God will take care of you...He does; He really does.

I am thankful that we are both working - we have good jobs; a cute apartment surrounded by new dogs all the time (we live at a kennel)...which we love.

I am thankful for the few snowflakes that fell yesterday. Only when I see snowflakes do I feel any relief from this brutally cold weather. I am fighting pulling out my winter coat but I think I really need it! lol

Blessings to each of you. Be thankful every new day! Have a wonderful Holiday!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-19T06:35:00.002-05:00

Excuses...

2008-11-18T22:06:00.004-05:00

This is how I am feeling. I was just reading about the theme for this Friday's "Fitness Friday." The theme is about all the excuses we use about not exercising, eating right, etc. etc. My busy schedule is a real culprit - one I believe will not change any time soon. I know, the big question, WHY!?

My husband and I both have a heart to serve in ministry full-time. Although he is not ordained yet and we are not officially on staff (church cannot afford it yet), our life still revolves around serving and ministering; being discipled and trained to lead on our own in what I hope to be the near future. We also both have to work full time jobs which requires commuting as well. So when I get off "work" my day is still just beginning. Just this week so far:

Sunday:
Church 9:30a - 5:00p
5:00 - 8:30p: went to see a movie with friends and grabbed dinner to go, which was a nice brain break
8:30-Midnight: work on presentation for work and vegged out a little

Monday:
Work/Commute: 6:00a-6:30p
Discipleship & Visiting a Church Member in the hospital: 7:00p-10:30p.
Shared a box of Mac-n-Cheese with my beloved - 10:30-11:00p
Finished up on some presentation notes for work - 11:00p-1:00a...zzz

Tuesday:
Work/Commute (ate Japanese at work): 6:00a - 9:45p
Taking a blogger break and warming my cold feet: 9:45-10:15p
Crashing: 10"20p...

Wednesday:
Work/Commute: 5:30a - 7:00p
Bible Study: 7:30-9:30p (eat dinner at diner where we meet)

Thursday:
Work/Commute: 5:30a - 7:00p
Evangelism Mtg: 7:00-9:00p (eat dinner at diner where we meet?)

Friday:
Work/Commute: 5:30a - 7:00p
Island Night (packing bins to send to church ministry in St. Thomas): 7:30-9:30p
Dinner Plan: TBD

Saturday:
ALL DAY WITH MY BELOVED - FINALLY

I would not trade my life for anything...I am happy. I know we are where God wants us to be without a doubt. My schedule is not going to change much but I can control my eating habits and make some better decisions - I am the only thing standing in my way. Last night during discipleship, my pastor stated this brilliantly: "Nothing Stands Between Me and Success" Making a decision to follow God, my life is His and it is through Him that I can do anything...I just need to step out of the way of myself. With Him all things are possible in His will. My new mantra:

"With God, nothing stands between me and success"

Wordless Wednesday: Tuesday Edition

2008-11-18T21:40:00.001-05:00

Fitness Friday: Where do you want to order from?

2008-11-15T22:09:00.005-05:00

This week's edition is about the discipline required for those many nights we choose to eat out - facing the many temptations of large portion sizes, fried foods and...and...and...sweets!
More frequently than I would like to admit, we often have this type of conversation where we deliberate over our eating options at 10-10:30p at night. That late at night we are quite limited already, pizza from Dominos (sigh) or a local diner (ack); I know, I know. Neither of those options offer much other than filling our growling bellies after long days. When I am able to cook far enough in advance, we save SO much money and while my meals may not be the healthiest either, they always feel so much better than eating too much pizza or a greezy (spelled the way I like to say it) burger. I know if these late night meals were completely nixed we would automatically lose some weight (and save a lot of money).
We do have 1-2 date nights that we do like to go out and will keep it simple but just go somewhere to be together. To keep things simple (and cheap) we choose a place like Chili's and decide in advance that we are not adding an appetizer to the meal, etc. We recently discovered a TGIF not too far from here that was not bad. They have this entire meal selection that are portion controlled. I admit that when I got my steak I was a little sad at the size but surprisingly it was actually nice and I felt good and not overstuffed afterwords. THe downside is that the one small side they provided with the small dish was high calorie but oh so good.
Okay, so that was more about admitting my many failures which now that we have to keep things cheaper it just always ends up being more on the calories side. I think I will start implementing the NO fries rule again...it's just that if they COME with the sandwich...it only makes sense to eat them too! (again, sigh).
Discipline necessary: if we order pizza as a last resort, we order just one medium to share rather than ordering the "deals" with more food. No fries. No fries. No fries.
Holiday cooking: I am definitely one of those folks that likes to cook a lot for the holidays and as a result of all the work, I rarely have any type of appetite. I cannot tell you why that happens but I am so thankful that I love cooking for the holidays because this seriously does help. IF I do end up going to a party though, I choose how I want to treat myself to calories. Meaning, I ask myself if the calories are worth it so that I only try those types of items I will never have any time soon. Most of the time if you stop to think and look some party foods, even desserts are just not worth it. Although when people do cook something special that is when it is hard because I love to sample when a person has invested in a dish - but I have to choose and remember - SMALL portions.
One additional thing I have been working on is backing off of Diet Pepsi. I drink it like it is coffee...I really hate that my body has become dependent on the caffeine.
And one last thing, dear FF Girlz, I am praying for you as you continue to grow and work through your own goals and discipline. Blessings!

Some Thoughts...

2008-11-13T20:36:00.004-05:00

from "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A Kempis
"......Always remember your end and do not forget that lost time never returns. Without care and diligence you will never acquire virtue. When you begin to grow lukewarm, you are falling into the beginning of evil; but if you give yourself to fervor, you will find peace and will experience less hardship because of God’s grace and the love of virtue.

A fervent and diligent man is ready for all things. It is greater work to resist vices and passions than to sweat in physical toil. He who does not overcome small faults, shall fall little by little into greater ones."

Thomas Kempis. (1996). The imitation of Christ. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems.

Thankful Thursday

2008-11-12T22:16:00.004-05:00

Some of you may know of our adventures returning from a trip in September. Our vehicle broke down and we were literally stranded in the middle of Pennsylvania into the wee hours of the night. All that to say that hours and much money later we finally made it home when our dear truck started acting up similarly to when it first broke down so many hours before. We have kept it going now with $36 worth of coolent every other day. A Christian brother of ours is a local mechanic and discovered that we are now in a position where it would just be better to get another car (not sure with what) or another engine (right). Needless to say we were quite concerned especially since my beloved's job requires a vehicle. We picked our truck up from the mechanic and as soon as the radio came on it was at the end of a great song by Keb Mo called "Hand it Over" - these are the very words that rang out as we sat there,

"Hand it Over...
Hand it Over...
Give it Up, Give it Over
Hand it Over
Get on Your Knees and Pray"

We both giggled a moment, smiled and the concerns rolled off our shoulders for a moment; a wonderful way to start the day.

It has been a tough week for various reasons - life is hitting hard this week but I was reminded as I was commuting home (one of those sudden moments He seems to whisper in your ear), that all this will pass. Life does not simply end; it is about how we choose to handle it. I want God to be glorified and so I look for that - His glory; His glory.

Blessings to you all!

Fitness Friday: The Shopping Edition

2008-11-07T16:06:00.001-05:00

This week's edition is our wish list of things we would like to some day be able to wear. I look forward to the day where my options increase as to where I can shop. Here are a few things I would like some day, in theory:

Low rise jeans seem to be the thing now which work with my shape but not always my mid-section! I would like for this to work some day; simple jeans.

..and a fitted t-shirt to boot. I am a curvy individual but with the current state of overflow, fitted anything does not look good so I hide under loose layers.

My shooting competitions in the summer call for "cowgirl" wear and I have to watch my layers so that my rigg fits over the body and layers I choose. This too would be so nice to be able to just wear anything AND be able to tuck my shirts in proudly.

The black dress that can be worn anywhere...this one is a little fancier but I really like it. I love the idea of being able to show my arms too - some day.

I really like belts and used to wear them growing up when it was SO cool in the 80's hanging on the hips. I love the wide belts that are in now and that accentuate that tailored look.

As a business professional I would like to increase my suit collection of which I have currently grown out of. I have not even worn a skirt in at least six years, let alone a dress.

And I would like the option to be trendy when I wanted to.

I did find some bathing suits that I really like, one piece and kind of retro and well-covered but just could not get a good picture. Of course I would wear some type of cover but I would just like the option!

To another week!

Victories this week: 2 miles in the walk-a-thon, Thursday I was given a cupcake from one of the best bakeries in the city and while I did accept it, I filled my plate with fruit and after eating all the fruit I "allowed" the cupcake to just sit there. It took me a long time to rationalize tossing food, but I did toss the cupcake later in the evening and - it.felt.good! I also went for a good walk on Thursday...but still did not make it to the gym. (grr)

2008-11-04T15:13:00.002-05:00

Walk-a-Thon: For My Fitness Friday Girls!

2008-11-01T17:50:00.000-04:00

I know it may not seem like much but I walked two miles today for my church fundraiser Walk-a-Thon. I worked through the burning and extreme pain from my tendinitis and plantar fasciitis - I really wanted to do more but two miles was the limit and I am currently paying the price but I am hopeful that getting this weight off is going to help those problem areas to disappear.
I am going to pack my gym bag this weekend to be ready for the week ahead. I am going to do this...and get to the gym. Here is a picture of me during one of my laps - my friends were eager to grab a shot as I am always the one behind the camera (which I prefer). Notice my choice for baggy oversized clothes do NOT help my cause...I am a work in progress. ;o)

Fitness Friday: Our Story Edition

2008-10-31T03:37:00.000-04:00

Brenda, from The Family Revised, hosts Fitness Friday and today's edition is "Our Story." Here I am writing at 3:40am - not feeling too hot but I do like writing at this time of day. Strangely my mind is much more clear...

This week was not a successful one for me. Physically felt lousy and got home late every night except last night - and I just crashed. Working out did not happen so I am resetting my focus for next week because I am getting to the gym. Tomorrow, Saturday, I am in a Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser and I have a few folks that challenged me by sponsoring me per lap rather than just one lump sum so I plan to push myself. I am definitely walking a mile (4 laps) but will try to walk at least 2-3 miles (8-12 laps).

My Story:

I was always a lanky child. Real long and gangly - yes, gangly was the word heard often (appears that may not even be a word...). I grew fast and was long. I recall a physician once saying that my arms were so long that at that particular age (early puberty) if he were to measure my arm to my leg, they would be nearly the same length - he was surprised and my mother was winsing hoping that I would not be scarred during those early years of changing. Thankfully at those early stages I was still not too concerned. Needless to say I had a great metabolism and as I got into highschool I remained thin but ate horribly. I would go on kicks where I would eat a snickers and Pepsi for lunch or a pizza pocket routinely - NOT good. I loved pizza, chips and sunflower seeds. My mom kept telling me that it would catch up to me one day and to be careful of which I did not heed...lessons learned.

College years I continued to exercise - aerobics, walking and weight lifting but Dominos Pizza and Taco Bell were our friends back then along with horrible cafeteria food. I knew I needed to watch it then too but I allowed stress to win and the need to stay awake late at night to keep me up...more pizza, lots of Doritos and Pepperidge Farm cookies...Ugh, my stomach hurts just remembering all of this. So, yes, the hips grew (widened) during these years and a lot of it was maturing too - I still looked good but definitely had gained weight which still did not bother me too much for some reason - I fluctuated a lot.

I moved to the Bronx immediately graduating from college, lived alone for a year of which staples were trying all the foods around me when I could afford it in NYC or living off what little money I had which ended up being Macaroni and Cheese, Grilled Cheese, some salads...pizza of course and a new staple after moving to the Bronx, Beans and Rice from Mi Sueno (a wonderful Dominican haunt)...the pounds added and I was a little concerned but not too much because my beloved proposed and we had about a 3 1/2 month engagement and while I felt I needed to exercise and watch my waist, I did watch what I was eating but I still was not motivated to starve myself - I was content and still not worrying too much as my weight fluctuated a lot so I knew it would be tame when necessary.

Once I got married, I started cooking more but pizza was still a frequent "save" for late and tired nights. Then I was diagnosed with Thyroid disease and my body just stopped working properly. It took about five years to get stabilized mentally and physically...of which I gained SO much weight and have struggled every since. My metabolism does not work the same - it really just fizzled out. I have to work really hard to get my body moving again but I know it can be done - it just requires a lot more from me. I have tried Weight Watchers which has helped - having accountability does make a difference but the most I have ever felt really "well" was leaning more towards South Beach style of eating - which is cutting out the white foods like white flour, white rice. Focusing on healthy fiber, healthy carbs, lean protein and veggies and turning away from processed foods as much as possible and sugars. We lost weight at a healthy pace and felt wonderful physically. We were amazed that we felt more energy and our pipes felt good, if that makes sense - we just physically felt good which mentally made us feel so much better as well.

Both of us need to make some serious changes though. We have reached that age where if we don't do something now, it will continue to be more difficult and if and where not already a problem, we are only opening ourselves up for some serious health issues. My husband is 6'6" so he is kind already at high risk for heart disease and right now our diet is not helping him at all...I really have to get my bum-bum in gear...I am making this part of my discipleship -

Goal - get these words into ACTION and stop just writing...this means nothing if I am not going to live it out. - Blessings

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-30T18:58:00.001-04:00

Iris, from Grace Alone, hosts Thankful Thursday, one of my favorite days! I love that Iris points out the blessing of enjoying our five senses. I too thank the Lord as I really do enjoy his creation in so many ways. The Fall season is one of my favorites. I love the colors, the smells, the change of the air...just lovely. I never want to take His creation; His many blessings for granted.

I am thankful for my husband. Some things happened this week that reminded me of how blessed I am to have such an amazing man in my life. He does not take his responsibility as the spiritual authority in our home lightly. His priorities always revolve around serving; around ministering. He always has my best interest in mind when making decisions or when helping me make some of my own. He is never "I" but we. I just cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am that we are WE. To Him be all glory - Blessings.

Fitness Friday: Exercise

2008-10-25T10:55:00.000-04:00

The question this week is what type of exercise would I do if I did not have so many other things going on in my life (EXCUSES). I definitely would be dancing! I grew up dancing all.the.time. Even my friends, guys and girls, would dance. I don't know if it is from growing up in a small town or what but we just loved dancing; including aerobic dancing - getting your heart racing kind of dancing. I miss it terribly and ache afterwords, now-a-days (lol). I do have some DVDs that I can work out to but the time I usually have to do these types of workouts means late night stomping and my neighbor would not like that at all (excuse number 1).

I also used to weight lift which I really need to get back into as well. This week I must start getting to the gym during my day at work. I have to get back on the bike...I just have to. This last week I was living in a hotel room all week and unfortunately they always have so many mirrors (which I generally don't in my own home) but it gave me a very painful reminder of the changes I absolutely must make. I did a lot of reading too, reading recipes and health tips. Anyone ever hear of the Blood Diet? Not jumping into that boat, just interested in reading about it to see how valid it is. The body and human chemistry always intrigues me.

Being forced to look at myself this week did bring up some interesting reminders. I tend to just stay away from mirrors, except in the bathroom where I only see my face. When I pass by windows with reflections I get that sinking feeling whenever I catch a glimpse so anymore I am in the habit of not entertaining such things. Seeing where I have come though makes me sad. I was always thin growing up and after moving out on my own and not eating healthy being single did not help plus living in a new city with so many delicacies to try...THEN, I was diagnosed with Thyroid disease and had to have that radiated out and my body (metabolism), skin, hair have never been the same. It all really made me realize that I have to value myself in a greater way. It is not about the external although I need to be responsible and take care of this body if I want to serve as long as I can to further the Kingdom. My husband has always been so incredibly supportive and loves me 100% - he thinks I am the most beautiful person and I always snicker which upsets him because I need to believe him when he encourages me and supports me so beautifully...Anywho - as always much to think about and even more so to change and take action.

Action this week: update my Bally's membership and get back on the bike. I will commit to two days but I do want to get in three days or more. Two I have to do though.

Blessings!

Thankful Thursday

2008-10-23T15:04:00.000-04:00

Thankful Thursday

I have been privileged with traveling to Orlando this week for a business conference. I am thankful for many things:

1. Travel safety

2. Opportunity to learn for free

3. Exotic plumage - I absolutely love enjoying creation from around the world. I count it a treat

I had desired to work on some personal things this week and although the schedule here did not allow for me to work out everything that I needed or wanted, I believe God opened my eyes to a big one during the first session which happened to be the biggest motivator for me so far. He continued to challenge us in many ways, from a business perspective. Out of the blue, the light went on for me about an area that I allow to stifle me...I like structure, order, routine...When I have this, I suppose I find some security; safety. My job is so far from routine as one can imagine which has left me feeling dry and dull for some time which is very unlike me. I realize and am remembered that my job is not going to change necessarily BUT I can. This is an opportunity for me to step outside of my comfort zone and push myself to be proactive and to push myself even when there is no one else walking alongside me. I have to do this myself. I know that I can be really good and I have to just DO IT. There is so much more here but although in a nut shell this has been a big lesson and perhaps just stepping into a new scenario was enough to remind me to get myself in gear. I am excited. God has given me the abilities to do much and I need to use it. To Him be glorified and honored in all that I do.

Blessings!

Fitness Friday: The Snack Edition

2008-10-18T20:06:00.001-04:00

Well, I have had a tough week. Most evenings we got home so late that we ended up ordering in too much. This is the part of my life I really struggle with. Right now we both work full-time jobs and are also fully involved in ministry - yes, a very busy life - but we are blessed. I just have such difficulty in having healthy options when I am so tired or getting in so late. I actually had moments this week that while I was hungry at times, I was beginning to tire of food...Ugh. Next week I am traveling for business and hope that the warmer climate will inspire me even more so to get some walking exercise in - that is my goal.

Living on the road is challenging but I really do want to make smart choices so I have been thinking ahead...

So, here is to another week - I choose success this time.

This week is on snacks...oh boy! We both love snackin' which has become a downfall for us. When we lay off the processed foods, unhealthy carbs and sugar -we actually don't even crave snacks. This is where we want to land again. We were on the 100 calorie snack kick for a while - believe me, we found some good ones BUT I have it in my head to get away from this type of processed food as well which is SO hard. I KNOW how good I felt when I sat it all aside...I just hit two weeks from having an impacted wisdom tooth removed so my food options have solely been soft carbs and starches which is another reason for a bad week.

Healthy snack options: finding nuts that we enjoy; my hubby likes to add raisins or craisins to "spice" it up a bit. Veggies, some fruit...no real creativity yet. Oh, cheese - that works too. Healthy choices like light string cheese...Laughing Cow...those are life savers! ;o)

Well, this hasn't necessarily been inspiring I am sure but I just had to get this out for accountability and therapeutic purposes. I have to do better next week and have the challenge of facing being on the road - so praying that I make good choices!

Blessings -

Beautiful Day Today...I love the Fall

2008-10-11T22:07:00.000-04:00

The view from my desk (remember, we live at a kennel):
If you look closely, you can see where my bike is, collecting dust since I cannot ride around here anywhere...How good are your eyes?!

Fitness Friday

2008-10-10T18:06:00.001-04:00

This could not have come at a better time. My beloved and I have been discussing an attack plan to rid the weight for good. We had done really well about two years ago and unfortunately I just really dropped the discipline. I have plenty of excuses but who really needs to hear the list?!

I have already worked on some goals for this coming week and have decided that I will work alongside of others aiming similarly at Fitness Friday.

Today's question: What are you doing different at mealtimes?

Since this is new for me, I will share my plans starting this weekend:

We find that we lose the necessary weight and overall FEEL better when we back off everything "white." Basically, I will being trimming down carb options to primarily be fiber-filled options. Processed sugars are out as much as possible and replaced with natural sugars such as fruit and veggies.

Each day will have a meal-plan posted in the kitchen for Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch and Dinner. We have to be this disciplined, especially in the beginning - this we know works in our home!

I will begin working on the elliptical at the gym to prepare myself for weights again and more aggressive cardio. Due to my leg injuries, I do have to take this easy but slowly going into it is better than not! My beloved is already ahead of me in that.

So this weekend is all about meal planning and getting some groceries (finally).

I hope to add more next week but this is going to get us started! Great accountability!

"10 Tips for Frugal Living"

2008-10-06T20:50:00.000-04:00

Want this button?
What a great topic - perfect timing after having not joined Marriage Monday for a while. Although not exhaustive here are some ideas of things we have implemented, or where noted I have "wanted" to implement:

1. Tithing: No matter what is going on in our life, tithing is always first and foremost. No ifs ands or buts.

2. Communication: My husband currently handles the finances but we make it a point to talk to one another about most all purchases so that we are always on the same page. We work to succeed at this as a team!

3. Asking the Tough Questions: So often our wants are masked into needs but our communication about our finances makes us confront this reality and saves us from getting into trouble. After visiting another country and witnessing successful simplicity, I returned with an additional question to ask myself, "Do I REALLY need it?" I asked my beloved to ask me this anytime because I knew I would answer honestly and it really helps...if you are honest.

4. Meal Plans: Although our crazy busy lives make this one difficult at times, when we are able to do it it makes such a significant difference. We save a lot of money because I planned it out not leaving room for lazy nights of ordering out or frequent trips to the grocery store.

5. Bulk Meals: When I do cook, I also try to cook a meal that will provide leftovers for the next day and if I am lucky the day after that for both of us. Not only is this financially efficient but also time efficient for busy schedules!

6. Discount Items: I really enjoy finding a good deal so I like to know what is on sale and where. Sometimes I find it is worth the gas to travel a distance to a Super Walmart for the better prices. Over the years I have also found which store brand items are acceptable and which ones we just cannot handle taste-wise - what a price chopper when it is a great item though!

7. Bike: Believe me, if there was a safe way to travel to the train and around town from where I live I would definitely bike everywhere. Not only to save money, but what a great workout and it is excellent for the environment too. I have the bike but no where to ride...

8. Recycle: During these tough times I have been better at collecting and recycling our bottles and cans. Although it may seem minor when the money returns, it feels good and hey, every bit counts!

9. Coupons: I am the worst person when it comes to coupons - I wish I was better but find that most coupons are just not useful to me or when I find that good one I am guaranteed to forget. I know that this would be such a great tool for me though if I could figure out how to use it in my favor!

10. Taking Inventory: If you have memberships to things that you do not use, ask yourself the tough questions and just let it go. If you are not using it - lose it.

Well, that is just a simple shot. No doubt there are plenty of other things we could all be doing but this is a start. Blessings!

California Dreamin'

2008-09-30T23:06:00.000-04:00

Joe has been to California a couple of times so he has shared in some of my "favorites" before but since he was out there he was able to experience some new things and of course indulged in some of the good stuff!

Here is a little of his travels thus far...

Taking public transportation from San Jose to San Francisco - the BART

Fisherman's Wharf
Sporting a new Kangol from the WharfNeed I say more? Can't visit the wharf without eating this delight...

And he finally found one of my all time favorites growing up...you can only get them out West. He really enjoyed it and suggested I look into if we can order them online! ha ha

New York State Championships!

2008-09-30T22:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, so as "usual" I have been pretty busy. Two weeks ago was the New York State Cowboy Action Championship - so lots of preparations there...and pretty cool results! My good friend Cindy won the overall Female top shooter!! Such an incredible accomplishment - so proud of her. Although her cowboy name is "Southpaw Slingin' Sally." Next to her is the top male shooter Cartwheel and he actually won as overall top shooter too!I (Betty Jane Buckshot) placed second in my category - so close to snatching first but it is mine next year! My pastor, The Gospel Gunslinger, placed third in his category which is incredible as well - he is in a category with a lot more people in it.

So this is a little of where I have been. I came home to an empty apartment as my husband, the new Apple Genius, jetted off to my home state - California for two weeks of training in the bay area! So proud of him but boy is it strange to be alone! I have worked hard at keeping myself busy accomplishing all sorts of projects around the apartment to keep my mind off it. This has been successful for the most part and I am pretty close to be fully unpacked for the first time in any apartment we have lived in since our almost nine years of marriage!! Just a couple more boxes to go! lol

Thankful Thursday: It's Been A While

2008-09-18T23:02:00.000-04:00

I am Thankful!

I have had so much fun connecting with so many friends - old and new - through Facebook. I have to admit that I was rather reluctant with the social networking stuff but have really had a blast finding so many beautiful people from over the years of my life...

Life has been incredibly crazy busy (as usual) lately so I have not had much time to update. I could stay online for an unhealthy amount of hours sometimes so before I connect to my Blog, Facebook and such, I have to ask myself if I really have the time...so often, I just don't to my disappointment of course. (wink wink) My friend Becky reminded me to get on tonight! lol

So our little get-a-way was nice but too short. Unfortunately, the trip ended with us being stranded in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania. I honestly never thought that could be possible on I80 but we happened to be on the stretch of I80 with no mile markers. AAA was a serious disappointment to deal with. Eventually, after having the Sheriff find us by tracking my pastor's cell phone (the only phone working of course), then two tow-truck drivers that had given up on finding us, the third one arrived after five hours and was one of the coolest guys. We could not fit into his cab but he did not want to leave us stranded so my beloved and I rode in our truck that was locked into the flatbed. I was SO scared. God was working that night, as strange as it all seemed to us, but even the GPS took the driver in the deep country where we all were getting a little worried - total darkness but the stars were amazing. Anywho - we finally made it to the dealership (friends and family were making phone calls, my pastor's wife drove to the dealership from NY to meet us, SIL found us a motel and dealership...). My pastor was blessed with the privilege of leading the driver to the Lord. AS my pastor said, we had an appointment that day. It took breaking our Envoy in many ways, but we made that appointment.

We dropped the vehicle off, got to the motel by 3:00am. This all had started around 4pm the day before...Thankfully the dealership called first thing in the morning and assured us they would do everything to get us home. We were about 250 miles from home. We did make it back home, totally broke (man was that expensive) - we had just enough and that took most everything we had left and for the month...God always takes care of us though in so many different ways. Joe missed a day on his new job and thankfully they were understanding for the most part. He is still working - so we are thankful.

I am thankful - just thankful. I will end with some of the words from one of my favorite worship songs: "He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all...I cannot tell it all...I cannot tell it all. He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all. Iiiiii...caaaaannoooot telllll it alllll..."

Here are some pictures from our little mini-vacation. Blessings!

A Break in Sight

2008-08-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

We will be on the road soon to one of my favorite spots to rest and be refreshed.
I am excited. I have much to do still to prepare but the excitement of going has me at ease. I know I will get everything done that is necessary. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to work on some writing. It seems like this is the only time I ever get to just sit and write, which I love to do.

So this week, I was blessed to discover the Bald Eagles that have taken up residency here in the area. I had heard they were here but had yet to see them. By chance I happened to be in my usual position by the train doors waiting to see my Swans when I saw some movement high in a tree and thought they were vultures until I saw the distinct coloring of a Bald Eagle. I wish there was a way to get a picture but there is no way to get in to that area, I think. This summer season has been so rich seeing amazing creatures of God's amazing creation. If you keep your eyes open, no doubt you too will be amazed.

I took some pictures of the property. I will eventually make it to our apartment doors so you can see some "after" shots - proof that the blue and purple walls have been covered! lol
Oh, and please keep us in prayer as we have recently had to make some changes. Joe had to start working full-time again - which means full-time as in a paying job. The last year and a half we have truly been blessed with my beloved not having to work a "regular" job but dedicate all his time to his discipleship/training and serving in ministry. For a short time, he needs to work so this has been kind of bitter-sweet; I say that because we would rather he be able to dedicate all his energy to ministry (super duper ideal would be both of us!!) but he truly has been blessed with an awesome job as an Apple Genius. I think I am going to start calling him the Apple Doctor! lol He and one other guy were chosen out of 50 candidates. He will be sent out to the Apple Campus in Cali for two weeks (YES I AM SOOOOOOO JEALOUS!!!). So his schedule will change often and we pray that it does not conflict too frequently with our needs here - specific to ministry. One of the big issues already is going to be our situation with having only one car. We no longer live in a location where I can just hoof it. This weekend has already proved to be a challenge with me being stuck at home all weekend. Thankfully folks have been kind enough to provide rides but I don't like having to bug people like that (too often - ha ha). No doubt there will be some challenges ahead...but we are blessed.

I suppose I should get back to work now. Looking forward to more writing in the very near future! Blessings -

Thankful Thursday: Fawns and Cygnets

2008-08-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love the Spring because I know that in due time, June to be exact, I am blessed with the many joys nature provides such as arriving babies!! My daily commute takes me on a decent train that runs right along the Hudson River and though I would never swim in the Hudson, I do enjoy how the rest of nature is sustained by it in this area...of which I get to witness. Each morning I know the areas to watch where the flock of geese like to hang out or the areas I am sure deer will appear.

This morning was especially nice as recently the flock of swans have left the area. Perhaps their food supply changed but there has been one swan that resides on the opposite side of the tracks where the Hudson rests in an inlet and turns into a waterway across the county. Today, she was proudly showing her three cygnets, a first for me. They were so beautiful and seemed so proud. The beautiful mother with the three puffy gray cygnets - adorable and beautiful. Within in seconds, a doe and her two fawns were walking along the front of the tall reeds, right into the water...great start to my morning and I thank my Lord for the many blessings in His awesome-awesome creation.

On my way home, I was able to bring my beloved back down to the inlet so he could see the babes and he was equally awed...so cool.

Be blessed! Take time each day to thank our Almighty!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T22:14:00.000-04:00

The Dog House: BEFORE (better late than never...)

2008-08-08T16:09:00.001-04:00

Okay, so we have been here for a little over three months now - here are some of the fun "before" pictures of the brilliant colors we had to cover before moving in which required quite a bit of Primer. When I can get a bit more organized you can see the "After"...need to do some cleaning first though!

Walk in Closet (still too short for my Beloved)BLUE living space (my desk looks out these windows)

BLUE entry and bedroom entrance

BRILLIANT Lavender Bathroom

Thankful Thursday: The Dog House

2008-04-16T22:21:00.001-04:00

Sunday night, my dear friend Joy and I tackled the incredible task of priming the walls at the new place. Unfortunately, what I thought would be a simple task, more than doubled in size. I thought we only had to paint a couple of brightly colored walls but instead we had to hit every inch to cover the electric blue in the living room/office AND bedroom, plus the florescent lavender (no joke) bathroom. It took over four hours...this Saturday a friend of mine will help with the painting...All this to say that though we are behind schedule, things are getting done and I am thankful. My beloved is out of commission so much of this move has been on my shoulders - taking care of everything and I am not in the best of shape either. Most in our church family are unable to help as well which has left me a little stressed - I just feel so utterly helpless and know that this is always an area where I need reminders, where it comes to TRUST. I am thankful that I have not gone crazy. The old me would have totally been freaked out by now and possibly wracked my body to the point of my back going out - to Him be the glory...I know it will get done even if I honestly do not see the how. Be blessed.

In the Dog House...literally, no seriously!

2008-04-10T22:17:00.000-04:00

I am thankful - God has provided solid direction - yet again! We knew that with our situation, days were nearing the need to move on from our current apartment and move onward. Amazingly, we found a place with a cute, fairly new apartment, saving about 60% in rent. The catch? - we are going to be the evening caretakers at a well known dog kennel here out in the woods. The property is actually quite lovely. We will get to save some money for Phase II (hopefully building an apartment to live on the church grounds) and will finally get to have some pets!! Woohoo!!

Well, I must get back to work. I am doing some typing for My Love - he has been working hard on sermons and teaching material.

Blessings to all my friends! - I know it has been a while...

Thankful Thursday

2008-03-05T23:36:00.001-05:00

The days and the weeks seem to move too too fast...I just need 2-3 more days in the week. My life is beautiful - I certainly can't complain; just kind of tired. God blesses us so much and I thank Him; I praise Him.

Due to our situation and I suppose to some degree, the changing economy, we have to move. We knew that God would provide as our hearts moved to peace knowing that this is what needed to be done as we prayed. One day I randomly decided to check our local epaper and saw Apartment/Caretaker available for a local kennel out in the woods. I thought, why not, perhaps the apartment would be cheap. I sent in our inquiry and resumes and they called us quickly. We checked it out last week and while we will not be able to take everything with us, it is actually pretty cute (smaller) but cute, pretty new and the caretaker responsibilities mean they like to have people on the property at all times in-case of fire (easy enough). We will be saving around $700.00/mo. and as I am sure you can imagine - yes, that is huge! To top it off, the first six months, our utilities are free until they get the lines separated. So perfect. We had said that if it was the right place for us, we would be willing to sacrifice so our hearts were already prepared. We were in such awe...Our next prayer request is help to move. My husband's back has been out for well over two years now (we just can't find anyone to heal him) so this is naturally a concern because we cannot afford to hire a moving company. Like the apartment though, we trust that the Almighty will handle that too when the time comes! He amazes me daily...Praise be to the Almighty.

I also thank Him for healing my legs. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciatis and achilles tendonitis in BOTH legs/feet...yes, much pain for way too long. I tried a few doctors before finally finding one and PT that worked and really tried to figure out how to fix me. I now can walk without pain and will officially be released tomorrow after my last session...I AM SO EXCITED!!! What a life change...So much to be thankful for!

Fun Monday: My Life - My Movie

2008-03-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

FUUUUUUN MONDAY!!

Today's theme is to create a movie trailer for our life story. So - who would you choose to be in your film about your life...here is a stab at mine! Check out the host this week, along with many other participants from Planet of Janet .

My life story will be told through a poetic/narrative rhyme by Common. In the background will be an upright bass, snare slap and a rim shot with a tenor filling around the rhyme.

Leading Lady: Lucille Ball

contemporary played by Charlize Theron

Man's Best Friend
On Location
And forever ends with my beloved

Fun Monday

2008-02-25T18:06:00.000-05:00

How fun - I get to join in for my second round of FUN MONDAY! This week's questions:

1. What's in a name (meaning my blog name): well my webpage speaks for itself being that we love the Detroit Pistons. Serving Him represents how we live our life - everything we do is to honor God.

2. What's on my plate? Sadly, I have to confess that I had to have Mac and Cheese FROM A BOX for dinner tonight. Last night was much more exciting - bean and cheese enchiladas (yummmm).

Snow Day! Wooooooohoooooooo

2008-02-22T10:04:00.000-05:00

And it's still coming down...what a nice surprise to wake up to!

Thankful Thursday

2008-02-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

It's not every week that I have the privilege of posting for Iris's Thankful Thursday. Each time I do though, I am blessed as I reflect on the days of my life - so many things that I could list each time; each day really.

Today I am thankful that I am feeling a little better. My beloved and I caught a stomach virus going around and have been in bad shape for most of the week. I am thankful that it was not worse though and that there indeed is always an end to these things...sometimes it feels like it is taking too long but indeed it will end.

Last week our dear pastor had kidney failure and was in the hospital for the entire week. He had to have surgery immediately to remove a plethora of stones from his kidneys and urinary tract. I am thankful that he is still with us and in great spirits - new goals to get healthy. Several doctors were amazed that he was alive - he was literally hours from leaving us...I am thankful for him as God has used him in so many ways to grow both my husband and I. He is an incredible teacher and shepherd and friend.

I have a funny story as well. I usually do not write so much but being sick in bed still, after being under lock down all week...this feels good. So on our way to visit family in Michigan I was reading a book that I had repeatedly heard was a good read, "Who Moved My Cheese" I had made a purchase online through Amazon for a used book, love the lower prices! The vendor had stated that it was like new and great for a Christmas present so I thought, wow, it must be in great condition which made me like the deal even more....Anywho - I opened it finding writing and highlights all through it, corners folded and tape on pages with written messages from the last reader. Needless to say even though it was for me, it kind of annoyed me. Who would give a book like that for Christmas?! Eventually I started to read and was quickly disappointed as I felt the style of writing was juvenile...not what I had anticipated. The book is about change which is always a good topic to be versed in and to add to one's tool belt of life. I just could not read much of it though and sadly stuffed it into the seat pocket of the car. A few weeks ago we sat waiting for our pastor and with nothing to read I thought I had to finish the book since I bought it - and low and behold the very things I was dealing with spiritually was the remaining focus of the book. I would not have been ready for it before the trip when I first started the book - this was certainly the work of the Almighty. My trip to Michigan and weeks after were (have been) some serious life changes and life healing that the amazing timing confirmed some areas of my life; encouraged me to press forward. I am thankful.

I know, long story - probably too long for a post but I am thankful because I seriously laughed out loud while reading these messages that seemed so directly applicable to me. My husband looked at me with raised eye brows wondering what was so funny - yes, I really did laugh out loud. God makes me laugh - using my personality and humor to teach me. "He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all...I cannot tell it all...I cannot tell it all. He's done so much for me, I cannot tell it all - I caaaannott teellll it all." (that's me singing a worship song from church)

Some quotes from what I was reminded:

“What you are afraid of is never as bad as what you imagine. The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists” (p.63).

“…when you change what you believe, you change what you do” (p.65).

“…the fastest way to change is to laugh at your own folly – then you can let go and quickly move on” (p.70).

“…the biggest inhibitor to change lies within yourself…nothing gets better until YOU change” (p.71).

Be blessed my dear friends in the Lord. I pray that we are all open to His spirit moving in our life, waiting for every opportunity to grow and see the lessons He may have sitting in front of us.

Wordless Wednesday: Head Rush

2008-02-06T07:32:00.000-05:00

In the hands of babes...

Fun Monday

2008-02-04T08:46:00.001-05:00

This is my first Fun Monday - how could I resist a FUN Monday?! Today bloggers were asked to create a To-Do list of crazy things you would like to do before passing on from this life here on earth; likened to the movie "The Bucket List" with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Here is a shot, not sure how crazy it will be but here it goes...

1. Play the piano

2. Whale Watch (and or study)

3. Swim with Dolphins (and or study)

4. Participate in an archaeological excavation and/or marine excavation

5. Would love to sit on the floor at a Pistons game (means to have a floor seat - like behind the bench, etc.)

6. Travel the world (I still need to see the Grand Canyon too)

7. Become a fearless evangelist

8. Have a family some day, Lord willing.

9. Learn how to surf before my body will begin to protest (lol-way too close)

10. Camp in the Redwood forest again (childhood tradition with my family)

11. Witness a living Giant Squid
12. Become fluent in Spanish and learn Portuguese
13. Teach
14. Write a book or two
15. Be on TV or be in a movie
16. Dance in a video (real dancing - not this booty dancing stuff out today)

PhotoHunt: Narrow

2008-02-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

The beautiful narrow streets and homes in the Netherlands

PhotoHunt: Old Fashioned

2008-01-26T11:39:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately you get my flash too but this is a great great from my husband's side of the family. His grandmother has this up at her house - it is a full portrait and frame - quite beautiful capture of history!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THESE TWO FAMILIES

2008-01-24T00:13:00.000-05:00

The Ross and Kingsbury Family

Thankful Thursday

2008-01-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

I realize this may seem so incredibly "simple" but believe me when I say I am SO thankful for:

1. My huge winter jacket
2. My earmuffs
3. My gloves
4. Thermals
5. My two scarves
6. My sun-glasses
7. Thick socks
8. Warm shoes
.....I am guessing you might just know the feeling if you are near the Northeast. Blessings!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-01-22T20:03:00.000-05:00

That's My King - Dr. Rev. Lockridge

2008-01-21T18:08:00.001-05:00

Thankful on Sunday...

2008-01-20T23:59:00.000-05:00

We visited a beautiful couple today that for various reasons have not made it to church for a while. I sat with the couple along with my man, J. I looked at him as he so gently counseled, listened and shared truth with the couple. I sat there looking at him thinking he is such a blessing in my life. I sat there praying and thanking God for the opportunity to minister together; to bring each of us so far in this life; knowing full well that we are SO unworthy and undeserving of His grace...yet He still loves me...loves us...loves you.

I serve a Mighty Mighty God. He has given me a God-fearing man...perfect for me. We fit.

Praying that today and the next, you continue to be renewed, refreshed and focused on the will of God...Blessings!

Martin Luther King, Jr. - (1929-1968)

2008-01-19T22:20:00.000-05:00

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!
Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!
But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Wordless Wednesday

2008-01-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

Celebrating His Entire Life...all year long!

2007-12-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Simeon meets Jesus

Thankful Thursday

2007-12-20T19:53:00.001-05:00

On my heart....

"Your love is extravagant
Spread wide in the arms of Christ there's a love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known;"
- maria burleson, Your Love is Extravagent

Wordless Wednesday: 8 Years Today

2007-12-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

Sunday Smiles

2007-12-17T00:23:00.000-05:00

So today I have my own personal story to share...we had our Christmas Spectacular this evening. Arriving two hours early we were getting lights and sound pulled together. A dear sister church loaned us their headsets so for the first time I wore one of those skin-toned mics that hook on your ear (how cool did I feel?!). Since my beloved was running the board he has us off and on throughout the sound check. Well, one of the singers was downstairs in the kitchen as she also had coordinated our dinner...not realizing she was still "on" she began her directives and story telling over the system. Heads were shaking and laughter was heard throughout as we finally turned her off....Then there was me...thinking it was safe I decided to go to the bathroom. I know, what was I thinking and I remembered as soon as the base fell out of my pocket (yikes!). As I am flushing I am also praying, "Dear Lord please please please have this mic off." Thankfully it was but I did have to laugh at myself because of the "what if" scenario playing in my head. I am thinking will they laugh as I enter the room or pretend nothing just happened. Anywho - there was a lesson from this as well. I really hate being in situations where talking is going on that borders that gossip line - my general principal is that if it is in question, it should not be said. So I thought, what a great lesson...how different would my words be or the content from my lips be if I was wearing a mic at all times? I mean, God does hear us all the time but this picture was one of those Ah-Ha moments or reminders I should say. Blessings to you - Celebrate His Life!

Christmas Spectacular 2007

2007-12-17T00:12:00.000-05:00

These are some incredible individuals that I am so blessed to have in my life; we serve the Almighty together. Tonight we put all of our hard work and time spent into our first ever "production" with an original drama, original songs/raps/poems...Our first, "Christmas Spectacular." It was pretty amazing. After the presentation we had dinner - those that know us, know we DO food - I mean, we really DO food...and it was sooooo good!!

And this is my new joy...I played for the first time and it felt good. I grew up playing the clarinet which I played this morning for our Dixieland Service but I am really feelin' the Alto. Ain't it purty!

PhotoHunt: Small

2007-12-14T21:06:00.001-05:00

These "small" cars were all over in Amsterdam...I loved it. I felt like an Amazon woman though!

PhotoHunt:Red

2007-12-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

I woke up realizing I had cheated on PhotoHunt...I was looking through all of my pictures realizing that I had red all over the place and got overly excited realizing I could highlight my boys...but clipart just does not make the cut. Sorry.

Here is a real picture - from Amsterdam actually. Coke was the main product while in Europe - no Diet Pepsi for me just Coke "light" which is the same as Diet Coke.

PhotoHunt: Red

2007-11-30T19:42:00.000-05:00

Thankful Thursday

2007-11-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

I always enjoy this time of year. I absolutely love the fall weather and the magnificent colors here on the Hudson. Growing up my mother always enjoyed making our home cozy with the colors and smells of Fall and then into the Christmas season the same...I miss that and try to do the same by switching over the scents in our home and decorating what little room we have in our apartment to flow with the holiday and changing seasons. I love how the smell of our house can create our own little comfortable nook of rest. With my crazy schedule I currently have bits and pieces of that transition of Thanksgiving to Christmas...it is kind of funny actually. My snowmen are surround by a big stuffed turkey a dear friend of mine gave me that gobbles when you squeeze one of the feathers. We squeeze it every time we walk pass by. lol

All that to say I am thankful for the simple things - the color of changing leaves, the smell of rain, the smell of cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peels simmering on the stove...and of course lots of left overs from a heartwarming Thanksgiving meal with close friends.

I am thankful for my husband. We have had some intense conversations recently. He loves me so much - it often blows me away...I just do not get it. Yet at the same time, in these moments are when I clearly see the depth of love and the fear of the Lord he has in His life. He is an example of someone who truly shares the love and the light of God - and I am privileged to be married to him. What a blessing!

Blessings to each of you - be thankful!

Sunday Smiles

2007-11-25T22:08:00.000-05:00

Lynn, over at Spiritually Unequal Marriage posts Sunday Smiles with the intent of sharing joy and laughter! Here's my stab at it for the day!

True story: a friend of mine from work is a real nice guy, approachable in any situation and makes friends quickly. While at an after-work function with our key client and a supporting vendor some people approached him, introduced themselves. One of the individuals said, "Hi, my name is Jane and I am a Fundamentalist." Although at a work function he immediately found himself confused wondering why she had just shared her religious persuasion so he thought the best thing to do next would be to share, "Hi, my name is John....I'm a Presbyterian?" She then too gave him the quizzical look...Later he discovered that she was actually referring to a business philosophy...we laughed good. ;o)

PhotoHunt: Hot

2007-11-23T19:19:00.000-05:00

My Hottie on a Hot beach in Florida.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

2007-11-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

I know, it is a little early but this seemed like fun! Check out what Christmas Ornament You are! lol

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on
your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Amsterdam: A Few of My Favorite Things

2007-11-17T14:24:00.000-05:00

The company we hired took us on a canal ride - it was nice and relaxing. Beautiful to see all the night lights too! Unfortunately those pics did not turn out so well!One of the nights they took us out to a Gourmet type of restaurant where we learned to cook our own specialty foods and then we served what we made to everyone.

This is a neat picture of the place where did the cookin'

This is the view from the office where we conducted the training.

I wish I had the menu for this Tapas Restaurant. I made the mistake of reading it before I ate but I was good and ate everything that came to the table and most of it was raw! I was so proud of myself and totally hungry afterwards because this was what the whole experience was like.
I enjoyed it though.

This was few of what came to the table that was not raw - this was the freshest
Italian meat I have ever had - it was SO good.

Before the Tapas Restaurant they took us to a wine tasting bar which was really cool even though I am not all that experienced with wine. The appetizer here is Shrimp Croquettes similar to a Dutch tradition we immediately loved called Bitterballen. Wish we had them here.

One of the many beautiful canals that makes up Amsterdam.

And another...

This was the center of the city and had a Times Square feel to it although so very different at the same time.

Cool looking church building.

The main mode of traffic...we really had to watch out for one another.

I just like the curve of this street and the street lamp.

This was amazing. Surprisingly when you walk in, the smell is not so good but the taste of the cheeses were incredible.

PhotoHunt: Flexible

2007-11-09T18:11:00.000-05:00

Friday's Feast

2007-11-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies?

Buttery Popcorn and Reece's Pieces to follow

Soup
What year did you start using the internet?

1999 - a new world

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? (Here’s how to speak it if you don’t already know!)

Iffanytay

Main Course
Name something you are picky about.

Double dipping. Family is okay but when you are out with co-workers, people you do not know...and they start double dipping with the food or using their fingers (licking too)...not good.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I ____ ____ yesterday and I ____ ____ today.

I was thankful yesterday and I am thankful today.

Thankful Thursday

2007-11-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a while since I last had the opportunity to participate in Thankful Thursday. I recently returned from my first international trip. I am thankful for two easy and painless flights to and from. I am thankful that I serve a Living God; one that hears my prayers because in all honesty there were many prayers as I sat in the airplane for 7-8 hours...hitting turbulence.

I am thankful for a loving and supportive husband. This was the longest amount of time we had been apart and while we did not like being apart, he supported this professional opportunity for me which made such a world of difference - he wanted me to succeed. I am thankful for Skype and the portable cameras which allowed us to see and speak with one another each night - I am so thankful for technology.

I am thankful for the opportunity and time spent in Amsterdam. Professionally, it went well but I also thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many people from around Europe and learning more about the Dutch culture (and many surrounding that mixed in over the years). I fell in love with traveling.

I am thankful for friends and for family - despite such difficult times; painful ones - these are the times we draw nearer to support and hold one another.

I am thankful that He truly does sustain us. If you truly know Him personally, your life is no longer one that is empty but full.

Blessings!

Yes - I Said It...Better than Starbucks!

2007-11-07T08:50:00.001-05:00

This was one of our favorite spots once we discovered the quality of the coffee in Amsterdam. We figured this was the equivalent to Starbucks but we found ourselves liking it more! Good stuff. With the hour difference our bodies needed coffee/espresso frequently for the first couple of days.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-11-07T08:23:00.000-05:00

It really does speak a thousand words....

Home Sweet Home

2007-11-03T07:29:00.000-04:00

I made it home with no problems and as my body adjusts to the time zone I woke up at 5:30am this morning - ugh! So I am grocery shopping online and cleaning...organizing - all that "fun" stuff.

I have a TON of pictures and funny stories to share. It was such an incredible experience to travel to the Nederlands - such a beautiful place. I had no idea how much I would love traveling and experiencing another country. I have always wanted to of course, just never had the chance but this was just such a great experience. Life is so different - good and bad but I even saw myself wanting to minister now in another country. The burden and love for the people was unexpected and made me appreciate the experience all the more; it was so rich.

I discovered that my husband's family name is Dutch and a quite famous one. I kept getting stopped by people at the office and even at security in the airport! Pretty funny. Being in Amsterdam I could easily see that the family even looks Dutch. I thought it was pretty cool; here is why: Marc Lammers

Hopefully I will get a chance to post some photos this weekend!

Cheers!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-23T23:56:00.000-04:00

Cross-Walk Youth Ministries: Bowling Day!

2007-10-14T23:54:00.000-04:00

We Had So Much Fun! Next Saturday We Are Carving Pumpkins!!

Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-09T21:28:00.000-04:00

Faithful People: Clean-Up Day

2007-10-07T19:36:00.001-04:00

Thankful Thursday

2007-10-03T22:24:00.000-04:00

I am thankful to be able to post again - it seems like forever. I often feel like my words are so few compared to how thankful I truly am. This Sunday we were singing several songs during our service and then during practice after service...which really hit me.

"By the blood I am whiter than snow,
I am made whiter than snow.
By thy blood I am whiter than snow,
I am made whiter than snow"

How beautiful is this line and even more so reflectively repeating it. By His blood we are made whiter than snow...His blood. Praise His magnificent name.

I pray that each day you are reminded of His work in our life yesterday, today and the work He continues tomorrow. Be blessed.