Created to be Creative

Life as I know it...

2011-09-22T14:14:00.000-06:00

Hi all,
Wow, it's been a while since I blogged. Sorry friends....life is crazy. I will keep this short but thought I would tell you what's been up.

1. I have been dating!! Woot woot! So needless to say, a lot of my free time has been taken up with either talking on the phone or spending time with the man! ;-)

2. I have recently moved. The last couple months have been crazy as I had been searching for a new place to live, and then moving, and now unpacking!!! Whew!!! Very exhausting.

3. Staying busy with work. Still doing great there. Very thankful for my job!

4. That's all folks!!! Ha ha.... of course that's not all!! Sheesh, life is full!!

5. God is still GREAT and I am very thankful for Him. He keeps my head above water when I feel I can't breathe. He holds me up when I feel I can't swim anymore. He gives me living water when I am thirsty. He gives me bread when I am famished.

6. I have been trying to get back into the Word. Mostly it's been me being encouraged through my relationship with Richard (as we share scripture together), and also I have joined a woman's bible study online where we are studying the book of 1 John.

There are many other things that I want to focus on but one thing at a time. I just want to take it easy, take a deep breath and relax!! =)

Give me Jesus

2011-08-08T09:31:00.002-06:00

Good Monday Morning Everyone!!!!!

Today is going to be a good day. Busy work day, lunch out with 3 of my best friends. Girl Time. Girl Chat. Loves Loves Loves!!! On top of all that excitement I get to meet another good friend for a picnic/chipotle dinner at the park and then following that I get to play my favorite sport....Volley Ball!!!! Woot!! ;-)

Ya'll remember Jeremy Camp don't you??? I stumbled across this song this morning and felt it was a good one for me today. Hope you enjoy it too and take it as a reminder that we cannot live without Jesus in this world because He really is the only one that can fill all the voids in our lives. I'm just sayin!!!! :-)

Long in waiting...

2011-08-05T10:00:00.003-06:00

I haven't posted much on my blog lately because life has just been crazy and honestly overwhelming. I want to dedicate this song to where I am today emotionally and spiritually. God is good...ever changing what is going on inside of me. It is truly time to breath in and let everything out.

All I can do is surrender!!!!

The glass....

2011-07-06T12:06:00.006-06:00

The glass is not half empty...It's full!!! I am thankful for today. Why? There is just so much to be thankful for. I love where I live. I have amazing friends and family. There is so much to look forward to!

Last night I played volleyball with some great people. Went to the park with my regular group of friends to play ball and turned out there was a huge group there from another church playing ball. Let me tell you they meant business! When we arrived they already had 2 net's set-up. Then my group set-up our net, then 2 more nets were constructed. We had 5 nets going at one time!!!! Amazing!

Also, I might be joining a sand volleyball league this year. Hopefully it works out and I will be in heaven! ;-) This could be a healthy addiction.

Anyway- life is good. It's hard at times and seems downright stinky at times.. but life is good. Make every moment count peeps. Look on the bright side and not the cloudy side and you will make it through.

Really bad pick-up line

2011-06-30T07:45:00.006-06:00

So, the last couple day's I have been sick with the flu. Not so fun. Needless to say I was not in a great mood to be dealing with much.

Anywho, I logged onto a dating website I am registered with and here is the blessed e-mail I received from an unknown, faceless person who apparently liked my profile.

"Yum. I want to take a bite of you."

FOR REAL?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

I think I need to go hurl one more time.........

Life is too short to settle...why not reach for the stars?

2011-06-27T09:02:00.004-06:00

When walking through life, there are some important factors to remember and remind myself consistently.

1. God is faithful. I want to be faithful back.
2. God didn't settle when he accepted me into His family, so why should I settle when looking for a man?
3. Life throws us curve balls. Its how we choose to deal with them is the key.
4. Be true to yourself and to others. That's the ticket on the train.
5. Allow yourself to love and be loved. That's the only way to live.
6. I am not a robot, I am a person.
7. My name is not "beautiful", "babe" or "sexy"...it's Annjeri. I am a person with feelings and I do have a personality. Whoda thunk?
8. Regardless of where I am at in life, life is full. Stepping out of the box and having open eyes is really important.
9. I have great family and friends. I believe some of the richest things in life come from those amazing people who bring a smile to my face.
10. I am a creative person therefore it will not do to live a life that is stifled. My creative juices have to flow.

Life is too short to settle...why not reach for the stars?

There is something to be said...

2011-06-24T07:19:00.005-06:00

You know, there is something to be said about doing your hair all nice and cute and wearing your favorite outfit...even if it really is only for work.

It makes you feel happy..

It makes you feel confident...

Makes you feel pretty...

Dang it, I am woman hear me roar!!! LOL!!!

Anyway, since it's Friday let's have a party!!!! Have a great weekend everyone.

God is good and top 5 list..

2011-06-22T06:51:00.012-06:00

Good Wednesday morning yall! Hope everyone had a good Tuesday. I am proclaiming that today is going to be a great day, full of blessings. Why? Because I am sick of the hum drums! LOL!

Anyway, I know God is good, well because He shows himself as being the best Father and friend ever! I fail him on a daily basis but He never fails us. So that is something to be thankful for. Amen!

OK, top 5 list of things I like about living in Colorado.
1.) Volley Ball in the park. Yup, we can actually go outside and play a sport and not keel over from heat stroke. I am sooooo glad that I don't live in AZ anymore. Sorry for all of you peeps that still do. I'm sure it's lovely....maybe.. =)

2.) Garden of the Gods. This is a beautiful park that is so close to where I live. People come here to hike, do casual walking or biking. Love it!

3.) Glen Eyrie Castle. I used to work here years ago. People go here for tea and there are places to hike around the castle. Love it!

4.) Watching movies outside. We have this place called "Shops at Briargate". It's a little outdoor shopping mall that provides family friendly movies outside during the summer.

5.) Pikes Peak. I get to see this view, with or without the snow..every day!

There is much, much more that I enjoy about living in Colorado but I will save the rest for later. Have a great day everyone.

Tuesday Manamana's

2011-06-21T07:21:00.002-06:00

Yawn......Is it really Tuesday? It seriously needs to be Saturday so I can sleep in. Unfortunately, this weekend I did not get much sleep so I am suffering from it.

Anyway, last night was Monday night volleyball. Woot! I look forward to it all week. The wind was blowing like crazy, and it had been raining during the day. Storm clouds hovered over us for most of the night. But we played. Oh yes. Bring on the BUMP..SET...Spike! Actually, that didn't happen all the time, we were just trying to get the stinkin ball over the net!!! LOL!

In honor of our foul ball, fly away hits, and field catchers last night, here is a tribute to the sport.

It's Monday....again...

2011-06-20T08:59:00.002-06:00

Hi ya’ll,
Hope everyone had a great weekend. I went to Gunnison Colorado this weekend with my good friend Monika. It was really fun. During the ride there (about 3.5 hrs) we talked and laughed. It was great just hanging out with her and shootin' the breeze.

On Saturday we went to the lake and swam, laid out, bobbed in the water. It was great until the wind picked up. Ugh! The water was cooooooooooold! Yes, we were crazy chicks taken a dip in what felt like freezer water. You know, when you stick your hand in a cooler full of ice? Yup, that was us. =)

Saturday evening we went to a reader’s drama that Monika's dad was in. It was great to see him in action even though it wasn't the type of play he typically is in. Then on Sunday we went on a picnic by a really large stream. It was so beautiful! I love living in Colorado!!!

So today is Monday again and it all starts over. I am hoping to do around 5-6 days of the shred this week and maybe get in some Pilates too. We are supposed to play volleyball tonight but who knows if that is going to happen being that it is only going to be in the 50's today and it's raining. Don't get me wrong, I love rain, but when I was looking forward to playing volleyball all week, it's a bummer. Oh well...

Hope everyone has a great week. Tootles for now.

Friday Randomness...

2011-06-17T07:54:00.006-06:00

Today is a great day. Why?? Because it's Friday and I am getting myself out of dodge!!! Yup, I am going to Gunnison with my friend and we are going to go swimming and watch a play her dad is in. Going to be good times I tell you! =)

So last night I decided to try level 2 in Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred. OMG!!! Wowzers!!!! I completed it but let me tell you it is not easy. It is certainly something to build up to but I am glad I tried it. So, next week my plan is to bounce back and forth between level 1 and level 2 and see how that goes.

I have been really trying hard at doing the full range of motion with my lunges and squats. Even just doing level 1 4-day's this week and my Gluteus Maximus muscle's, lower back and hip muscles are telling me that they are not too happy with me. You know what I say right back? WHATEVER!!! GET OVER IT!! DEAL WITH IT!! IN YOUR FACE!!! =) My pushups I feel are also improving and I am seeing muscle toning in my upper and lower body. Now I just need to focus more on abs. I complete all of the ab workouts in the video, but I have yet to feel the soreness that I get when I do crunches on the Pilates ball. hmmmm.... I think my abdominals’ just need a talking too.

I am no longer going to be the one to just sit on the couch and do nothing. No, I will put my body into submission and it will be healthy. AMEN!!! So, along with my workouts 4-6 times a week, playing volleyball on Monday nights and hopefully do some walking/hiking on the trails this summer, I should be good to go.

On another note, my creative juices have not been flowing much lately. I have cut down almost 95% on baking. I now only do it for special occasions which are OK. I don't need that in my house nor do I need to eat it. I am just making sweet things when I have to bring it to an event. As for my painting, I really really need to start a new canvas. I have been itching to do it for the last month or 2, so I need to get that going. I really like the big thick canvas look. I have one in my bedroom that has my Easter Lilly on it, and I want to paint more like that.

OK, so I have rambled on enough, here is one of my favorite songs..

Thursday randomness

2011-06-16T08:42:00.011-06:00

Happy Thursday everyone! It is one day away from Friday, and tomorrow I am heading to Gunnison Colorado for a little reprieve! As Medea would say "Hallelujer". =)

The plans are to go swimming at the lake on Saturday and go to my friends dad's play Saturday night. Woot! It's going to be a good time baby. Hooya!

Yesterday I took the day off and just relaxed. I caught up on a bunch of CSI shows. I know, priorities right? =) Went to the Chiropractor and got a massage. Went home and made dinner. (I am sure you wanted to read a play-by-play of everything I did yesterday.)

I also watched one of my favorite shows "So you think you can dance". Can I just say WOWZERS???? Last night's show was so dang good! I absolutely love dance. If I had the body for it I would be out there doing it myself. Instead, I have to live vicariously through others and I like to paint it. So there!

Some of the most amazing talent is on this show..

This one was interesting, but if you look at it at a creative viewpoint, it was good.

I don't like all of the contemporary dances that they do, but there were some really good ones last night.

Anyway, tonight is my last night until Sunday to do the Shred. I plan on doing it Sunday evening so I don't go too many day's without it. Gotta keep my body movin! =) Hope everyone has a great day.

Lunges.....

2011-06-13T17:38:00.005-06:00

I just want to send a message out to Jillian Michael's....
By the way, if I had your middle name, I would be using it quite often since that is what people do when they are exasperated with someone.....THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
1. I am loving the workouts you created

2. But I don't always like you...

3. Especially when you send this particular message out to the peeps who are screaming bloody murder.

Jillian: Common guys, just a few more
Me: Oh yes, we are ALMOST done!
Jillian: Now if you are screaming right now and your legs are burning this is now the time to push through
Me: I can't believe this. You said 3 MOOOOOORRRRREEEE!!!
Jillian: Common, you can do this, just a couple more!
Me: That was 13 lunges ago. ARE YOU CRAZY??????

4. I am noticing a change in my body, so thank you Jillian for your craziness because it is paying off!

5. I love you but I don't have to like you right now.

Oh yes, this will be me some day. Well, sorta...

The End....

Dancing

2011-06-12T10:09:00.004-06:00

So last night I went to Denver with a group of friends and we went country dancing at a place called The Stampede. If any of you live near Denver you should try it. Really is a fun place to go and does not feel like a meat market.

Anyway, we had a great time. A few guys came along (which is always nice) and they took turns and danced with all of us ladies. ;-) I love trying out new things. Doing spins and turns and trying out new steps. Makes me want to go more often and it's a great workout.

Yesterday morning I did Jillian Michael's shred, then going dancing last night I got 2 workout's in. Woot. Today I am planning on doing her Target Zone workout or go for a walk. We will see.

Well, have a great rest of the your weekend. Have fun!!

Life is full

2011-06-10T15:15:00.002-06:00

I know I may not always feel this way ALL the time, but today I have come face to face with this.

I am blessed.

Life really is full.

Life is a disappointment......

Yet also a blessing!

In my moment's of desperation, I hope to remember this......

Bringing all things to the throne of God

2011-06-09T07:04:00.003-06:00

Today is another day to bring all fears, worries, anxieties, insecurities and faults to the throne of God.

Life if full but feels empty

2011-06-08T11:54:00.003-06:00

Today I was reflecting on how full my life is. Great friends and family. Enough stuff going on to fill my time. Yet there are so many times where I feel empty and lonely and I have to wonder why?

I realized as I was pondering this that my personality is the type that just needs to know. I want to know what's coming next. I want to know all the details of what's happening or what's going to happen. I'm a planner. I can't plan if I don't know!!! So very frustrating. I get overly anxious when something is going on in my life that I have no control over.

I know everyone handle's life's stress differently. God has to constantly remind me to come back to Him. I have to get recharged...re-focused on what is truly important. God. He is the one that is important. Not anything on this earth is as important as He is. So why can't I remember this during times of angst? Ugh. This song came to my mind as I am writing this.
God I want to focus on you always—not be distracted by this world.

Wellspring of life

2011-06-06T11:00:00.003-06:00

I read an article today called “Beauty and the Beastly heart” from boundless.org, written by Kara Schwab. This particular segment of her article caught my attention.

"Our obsession with outer beauty reveals hearts hungering for God. Real, lasting beauty shines in us when we connect our (sometimes beastly) hearts to a living God who loves and forgives and heals. Fill your heart with His love and "guard [it], for it is the wellspring of life" (Proverbs 4:23) ... and perhaps, of beauty."

Amazing isn't it, how easy it is to fill our lives with things other than God because we feel like we need to be in control? We search for things to fill in the gap and in the moment become careless of our own hearts! We tend to give part of ourselves away to someone or something because we need a certain comfort.

How sad is this. I know for myself this has happened many times. I want for something and I go for it--yet in the meantime I haven't asked God what He wants for me. Is this the right path for me God? Do you want this for me? Will this glorify You? Is what I am doing honoring You?

Living life with God is a daily task. It doesn't come easily for any of us. There is certainly no shame in wanting to be beautiful or be put together on the outside. I do think it is honoring to God and to others when we put our best foot forward. But let's not forget who we are inside...where our true beauty lies. God only looks at us from the inside, not the outside. Handing those things to God and asking Him to take control before we mess it up ourselves.

Out of our love for God and others flow's the true wellspring of life. From that comes a beauty that will outshine anything we could have ever expected.

Happy Monday everyone

2011-06-06T07:26:00.003-06:00

Wow, it has been a crazy week! I know I haven't posted much here recently so I'm sorry about that. Needless to say work has been crazy and so has my personal life been.

I am so excited about summer. This month starts up Volleyball season with my friends in the park. It starts tonight so I am excited about that. Also, I get to go to Gunnison with my friend and we will get to swim and fish. Woot! ;-)

Also, I have started up the Jillian Michael's workouts again. I took a couple of weeks off because I threw my back out and it was pretty bad. Lots of muscle spasms to where I could hardly breathe when I tried to walk. But, with the help of my chiropractor and massage therapist I am a bit better. I was doing only the 30 day shred, but now I have also jumped into her Target Zone workout. It is really good and I am enjoying the circuit training. Besides that I started walking out on the Santa Fe Trail by my house. Good times.
Anyway, not much else to post. Have a great week everyone.

Shopping Shopping Shopping and a date

2011-05-25T19:55:00.001-06:00

So, I just got asked out on a date for this weekend. Woot!

Guess what I did?

I shopped....

At the mall...

Bought some cute clothes....

Jeans....

Cute shirts....

Now I am exhausted...

The end.......

Bring me back to the Holy Place

2011-05-24T14:50:00.003-06:00

For You are Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord God Almighty.

Just one look on Your face. Just one glance of Your eyes. My whole world has changed. Oh I seek only to see Your face. I don't want to go anywhere without you God, without your presence. Let me see your face, your holiness God.

Only one word comes to mind. Only one word to describe. HOLY! HOLY! Lord God Almighty!

Take us in to the Holy Place Lord! Be a flame upon our hearts God.

Take us in....

Holy Holy Holy

We are carriers of your presence God. Let us be a generation marked by your holiness and love God. Purified, set apart, holy unto you God.

I hope you dance

2011-05-24T14:26:00.002-06:00

I love this song. To me it speaks life-not letting life get you down when you feel it pulling. I want to make life a joy, not a chore. Someday's it feels more like a chore, so I want to change my focus. ;-)

Great quote

2011-05-23T13:29:00.001-06:00

Challenge! An essential part of your progress w/ building self-esteem & reclaiming health is about accepting yourself now, not 20lbs from now, when you have a better job etc. Avoid negative self deprecating remarks & instead celebrate the qualities you love about yourself.Make a list of them & post it everywhere.This isn't easy at first, but the more you practice this behavior the sooner you'll mentally buy into it.
By Jilliam Michaels

Morning coffee and reflection

2011-05-23T07:20:00.003-06:00

Good Monday morning everyone. This week is going to be yet another crazy week. Overtime every day, house sitting, driving, driving, and driving. Prayer night tonight, hopefully working out tomorrow night, bible study Wednesday AND Thursday- time with friends on Friday night and celebrating my mom’s birthday on the weekend.

Eeeeee gads!!!! I have to figure out when to fit in all of my workouts between then. My back is starting to get a little better although not great. My sciatica is causing problems so I still am icing periodically.

This weekend I was introduced to a new ministry that supports Human Trafficking called Mission Passport. If you are interested in finding out what they are all about, you can go to www.missionpassport.com. They train ladies to make jewelry and hand bags from Thailand. Their goal is to work their way around the world and support women who need to find a new way to make money for their families rather than be in the slave labor business (of course there are many who need to be rescued first). Anyway, I believe you can order items online as well as have home parties. I am excited to get involved with this.

On that note, I am excited to see where God takes me on this journey in getting acquainted with different ministries in Colorado to support awareness of Human Trafficking. There are many many people here who are getting involved which I think is fabulous. We need more people around the world who are concerned about this and are willing to tell the people in their communities.

Well, off to work. Happy Monday.
Tootles

Happy Friday

2011-05-20T13:54:00.003-06:00

Hello Friday! Are you ready for the weekend?!?! ;-)

My life has been a bit crazy. I watched my 2 nephews a few day's earlier this week and threw my back out. Ugh! So, this week I have been trying to get over the inflammation in my back and have been to the chiropractor 3 times this week and missed 2 day's of work because of it. I don't handle that kind of pain very well so it also makes me nauseous. But, I feel like I am slowing making my way out of it. Once that happens I can do more intense workouts yet again.

Anyway, things have been heavy the past week so I thought this song was appropriate. I know we all need it especially when we are feeling depleted.

Have a great weekend everyone. God Bless.

The Awakening

2011-05-18T09:18:00.001-06:00

"The Awakening"

A time comes in your life when you finally get it. When, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out… ENOUGH! Enough fighting, crying, blaming, and struggling to hold on. Then, like a child quieting down after a tantrum, you blink back your tears, and begin to look at the world through new eyes.

This is your awakening.

You realize it’s time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change. Or, for happiness, safety, and security to appear over the next horizon as if by magic.

You realize that in the real world there aren’t always fairy tale endings, and that any guarantee of “happily ever after” must begin with you. And, in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect, and that not everyone will always love, appreciate, or approve of who or what you are, and that’s OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.

You learn the importance of loving and championing yourself, and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

Your stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you, or didn’t do for you. You learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don’t always say what they mean, or mean what they say. That not everyone will always be there for you, and everything isn’t always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own. You learn to take care of yourself, and in the process, a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers. You begin to accept people as they are. To overlook their shortcomings and human frailties, and in the process peace and contentment are born of forgiveness.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. You begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing. You begin to discard the doctrines and values you’ve outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with.

You learn that there is power and glory in creating and contributing. You stop maneuvering through life merely as a “consumer” looking for you next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don’t know everything. It’s not your job to save the world, and that you can’t teach a pig to sing. You learn the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. You learn to look at relationships as they really are, not as you would have them be. You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over, and ignoring your needs.

You learn that your body really is your temple. You begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drinking more water, and take more time to exercise.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty, so you take more time to rest. You learn that just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So, you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you deserve, and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for. That wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline, and perseverance. You learn that no one can do it all alone, and that it’s OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is fear itself. You learn to step right into, and through your fears because you know that whatever may happen, you can handle it. You learn that to give in to fear is to give away your right to live life on your own terms.

You learn to fight for your life. Not to squander it by living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn’t always fair. You don’t always get what you think you deserve. That sometimes, bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. You learn not to always take it personally.

You learn that nobody’s punishing you, and everything isn’t always somebody’s fault. It’s just life happening. You learn to admit when you are wrong, and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy, and resentment must be understood and redirected. If not, they will suffocate the life out of you. They will poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to be thankful, and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted. The things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Then, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself. You make yourself a promise to never betray yourself. To never ever settle for less than your heart’s desire.

You make it a point to keep smiling. To keep trusting. To stay open to every wonderful possibility.

You hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand. You take a deep breath. You begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can.

Written Gayle Williams.

Spirit vs Baggage

2011-05-12T08:32:00.000-06:00

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all".

Today while listening to the DailyAudioBible.com, we covered the following scriptures:1 Samuel 10:1-11:15,John 6:43-71, Psalm 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3.

The lesson that was taught after the reading really touched me, so I thought I would share.

“Saul is trying to sort thru the changes in his life once the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. A new heart was given to him the scriptures tell us. This relates to our own lives today. We all at one point or another, feel the calling of the Lord in our lives to rise up into something new, into who we were meant to be- it’s there all the time. It’s deeply planted into us and the assaults of life force us back and we have to contend for what we are going to become in Christ. So much of the time the wounds of life have us settling that we are “less” than what we had hoped or we are “less” than what we thought we should be. There is a dull ache within us-always there. We lay in bed at night and we think thoughts like this “There has got to be more than THIS!” That is because there IS more, but normally we don’t know how to approach the “more” that there IS. We fill it with all kinds of distractions, obsessions, addictions…we are looking for life that we are meant to live. We are created in the image of GOD. There is something deep within us that is screaming for THAT kind of life.

So Saul…he’s the one. Samuel has already prophesied over him. But to bring it all together and prove it true, Israel comes together and chooses by lot and it comes right down to Saul’s family and then comes right down to Saul, but Saul isn’t there- he isn’t present. So the people are asking, “is there somebody else?” the person who is chosen king, what is going on?…and the word of the Lord says that Saul is hiding in his “baggage”.

How often is that our story? We are invited to rise up and assume the life we are created to live. But we are hiding in the “baggage”.

I love this prayer that they prayed over everyone who was listening. This is my prayer for you and me.

Our Heavenly Father, we want to be done with the “baggage” because it is “baggage”-it is dead weight. What has gone before us is in our past. What is our story without you is done. The wounds of life, the terrible decisions that we have made, the terrible things that have been done to us, the things that have framed our lives but have also given us very narrow parameters to live in because that is the only place we feel safe. So we construct this personality, this character around where we feel safe. It is all informed by the bad things that have happened to us. This hasn’t been informed that we are created in Your image and that it is You who lives in us. It’s been formed by the assaults of life. That is something we need to repent of. We repent that we have allowed the injustice of the things done to us and the things we have done to dictate who we are meant to be. We repent because it is Your life that we seek. As believers we are to “die” to ourselves and be raised up in Christ. That means everything that we were is dead and buried and when we go into the baptismal river and go beneath the water and come back up, we have died to the old and become a new person in Christ. Old things have passed away and all is new. We embrace the life we were created to live-living with the life force of the Holy Spirit inside rather than us trying to arrange for a life in a way that will never work. Come Holy Spirit lead us into all truth. Lead us AWAY from the “baggage”. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Thoughts to chew on

2011-05-12T07:15:00.000-06:00

So, this month my bible study is doing a relationship series and they are having people come in to talk to us about their experiences and give us a "real" look at what it's like to be married.

Last night a couple of good friends of mine came and talked, and their story is one that is really really stretching. I believe it would be stretching for anyone in their situation. The guy had become a widower at a young age and then remarried yet to lose his second wife to divorce (because she cheated on him). The lady had never been married before but became an instant step mom to 4 kids. They are growing in their marriage but thing have been hard.

Now, since I have been doing the online dating thing, I am constantly matched up to guys who have been divorced with or without kids. I am open to this but it would not be my preference. However, I want to do whatever God is calling me to do and I know He will sustain me in that time if I were to ever be a part of a blended family.

So, for all of you readers out there, if you have experienced this or can give me any good advise on what to look for- any red flags that I would need to pay attention to, please tell me. I'm all ears. ;-)

Help me Jesus!!!!

2011-05-11T16:48:00.004-06:00

Day 3 of the shred. I made it through--almost! Today was harder than day 2.

For all of you prayer warriors out there, I need prayer! I'm telling ya, this ain't no piece of pie/piece of cake. As a matter of fact, I am burning off 32 years of piece of pie/piece of cake. Sheesh!!! I can barely write this post my hands are so weak from doing push-ups!

Any who, I am sure you will probably get tired of me talking about this all the time so I will try not to talk about it all the time. Just a little...probably a lot! ;-)

I honestly do not know how the peeps on Biggest Loser do it for hours straight. No wonder they puke! Ugh!!!

I am off to the store and bible study. Have a great night everyone.

Tootles

Happy Wednesday!

2011-05-11T07:22:00.007-06:00

It's cloudy and rainy with snow on the way! Gotta love May! ;-) (I'm a poet and didn't even know it) HA!

Yesterday was day 2 of the shred. YIKES! Going up and down the stairs kills. Sitting and standing kills. Moving my arms or coughing kills. LOL! Even through the torture I am loving it. It reminds me of the old days when I did sports. I cannot wait until my body is strong enough to actually go out and be "in" a sport. Bliss! ;-)

I am proud of myself though. I know that this doesn't seem like much, but I did almost all of the jumping jacks last night. With the exception of a few seconds rest, I did them. Since I have bad knee's and a bad back I normally avoid a lot of jumping exercises. BUT, I was able to do these. Tonight I am going to attempt to do kick back jumps.

Here's a little clip of some of the exercises from levels 1-3. I am only at level 1 right now so I haven't done full push-up movement.

30 Day Shred

2011-05-10T08:06:00.003-06:00

So, last night was my first night doing the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels. It kicked my butt--BIG TIME--and I was only on level 1! LOL!

I love how it is less than 30 minutes yet you feel like you did an hours’ worth of stuff. AWESOME!!! ;-) The only thing I am worried about is my knees. I broke my left knee back in 2003 in a car accident and injured both my knees because of sports in high school so I am not able to do full squats. I am currently dealing with a muscle chorded up in my left knee which I am trying to stretch/massage out. Yikes!

Anyway, I am pleasantly sore today and am sure it will get worse as I continue on this path. I feel great about doing this. Already I cannot wait to get in my second workout even though I know it will kick my butt--AGAIN!

By following this awesome workout you can achieve that awesome toned body that you want just in time for the summer bikini season. If you watch the biggest loser, then you know that Jillian teaches workouts using the principle of muscle confusion. This means you keep your muscles guessing and you do not reach a development plateau as you would with most workout programs where you do the same routine every time. This also leads to very fast results. The 30 Day Shred uses muscle confusion to slim and tone your body and you will see amazing results before you know it.
The workouts are moderately challenging and require light weights as well as a lot of your own self motivation and determination.

Blow mighty breath of God...

2011-05-09T14:15:00.004-06:00

Spirit of fire fan the flame.....I have a passion for your Holy name!

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I certainly did. ;-)
Some of my friends and I went to this Christian comedy improve called "Stick Horses in Pants" here in Colorado Springs. Funny name--Funny people! ;-) We laughed so hard it felt sooo good! I love crazy laughter. It is much needed in times of intensity. Then this Sunday I was able to spend some quality time with my beautiful Sis! We had a great time having lunch with my dad and stepmom and the kids. Then we went to the mall and shopped. I bought some bangles and necklaces. Too fun! ;-)

So today I am starting Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I’m excited. I’m scared. I hope I can do it. I know I can. I’m strong…..or so I think. LOL A few people that I know are doing it right now. I have heard it’s intense but I’m sure it works. I also bought a Pilates video so I am hoping to begin that again. I used to do it years ago and loved it.

Now, here comes the truth. I am worried about fitting in enough workouts during the week. I just need to figure out my schedule. My life is getting fuller and fuller by the moment and I look at my calendar and scratch my head wondering “What the heck, where did all my free time go?” ;-) I can do this. I WILL do this. For me.

Let me know how you are doing. Just because it’s my blog doesn’t mean you can’t share what’s going on in your life too. ;-) I’d like to know what’s up.

Here is the song of the day.

Happy Mothers day!!!

2011-05-08T09:14:00.003-06:00

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Who was and is and is to come!!! God I glorify You. You are an amazing God! With all I am and with all I have I will adore You!!!!

I am filled with awestruck wonder at the mention of Your name!!! You are the sweetest name I know God!!!!

Happy Mothers Day to all you Mom's out there. You are beautiful!!!!

A new change

2011-05-06T16:36:00.003-06:00

I don't really know how to start this post other than saying this:

I feel a change happening inside of me that I haven't felt in a really, really long time. I can really only give it credit to God and my willingness to submit. I know it's only been a week since I have "taken the plunge" as I like to call it.

A week ago this last Monday I was prayed over and received confirmation from the HS thru others just what God has been telling me. "Focus on Me Annjeri, pay attention to Me Annjeri and the things you are worried about and are anxious about will be put into alignment". It took me an entire week to see it. I was sad...HAD been sad to the core...feeling hopeless and despairing over where I am and where my future was going to take me.

I ended up getting contacted by a guy thru a website I am part of and we hit it off really well....it seemed! He was silly and really easy to talk to. Then I started noticing some things that were not right. In the end I told him, in a nice way, to get lost because he had become so extremely perverted I was shocked-and shaken to the core. I could not believe that yet ANOTHER guy was doing this to me. WHY is it that some people think it's OK to treat a woman like that? Well I tell you it is NOT OK!

That Sunday I cried out to God. I was seriously sick of everything going on with my life that I just couldn't take it any more. I could feel something shaking loose inside of me but there seemed to still be a lot of work before I could figure out what it was. On Monday of this week I was feeling this overwhelming pressure inside of me just ready to burst. It had something to do with the emotions from the prior week but then again it was God's presence ALL THE WAY!! I posted a few day's ago about this experience to what happened when I got home from work on Monday, at how the dam finally burst.

Well, now its Friday and I cannot seem to get enough of God. I have been listening to the Audio Bible online, dowsing myself in worship and journaling. I have felt a difference within me. I am more joyful- more filled with His presence than I have in a long time. I feel Him working inside of me, pruning me from the inside out.

I am not exactly where I want to be but I am happy to be on this journey. He is making me a better person. I can feel Him guiding me in every day decision's and I am so thankful for Him! ;-) I cannot imagine not being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is going to be an exciting yet ever changing adventure for me. I have no idea where He is going to take me. All I know is this.

I am nothing without God.

Happy Friday

2011-05-06T08:40:00.003-06:00

Hey Everyone,

Happy Friday. Today is a good day. ;-) I am looking forward to the weekend and hopefully will get to sleep in a little. Anyway, this post is a bit random since I have a lot on my mind lately.

Last night I hosted a Sak Saum party. If you read my last post it is an organization that supports the freedom for women who were sold into Sex Trafficking. Anyway, they learn how to sew and make the cutest things. I have become a purse fanatic and I love love love their stuff. ;-) Anyway, we had a great turn out and I am excited about what it is going to do for the Kingdom of God in these ladies lives.

Tonight I get to go spend time with some great friends and hopefully have some good girl time.

Recently in the last month or so I started listening to the Bible online. There is this great site from www.dailyaudiobible.com where you can listen to the full Bible in a year. You can also listen to a daily Proverb and be a part of a community all around the world focusing on prayer. This has meant so much to me because I tend to not read the word on a daily basis, but I can tune in while I am working or just relaxing and soak in the wisdom from God.

Also, this week I have begun a new change in my life. I have really felt that God has wanted me to have more focused on Him, which also means less T.V. ;-) Soooo, I have been focusing more on delving into scripture, listening to some great worship, and reading a couple of books that I feel will lead me into some new territory soon. I will talk about those at a later date.

This last Wednesday I started going back to bible study. It's a group that I was involved with last year (and remained friends with everyone) but have felt the need to re-enter into community. For me this is important. I am not sure for how long I will remain in that study until God moves me somewhere else, but it's a good start and there are a lot of great people there. Also, I finally decided on what church I am going to attend full time. Yipppeeee!!! ;-) It's called Springs Church and the pastor is Gary Wilkerson. Some of you might know him as the son of David Wilkerson who just recently passed away. He is a great pastor and I love the worship they have going there. This will be a great change for me as I have not felt that New Life Church was my church anymore.

One more piece of randomness... ;-) I am really wanting to start a painting again. I have had certain ideas floating in my head for some time and have felt the need to begin another one. I will let you know when I start it. It is a bit intimidating since it would involve a picture that I got either through prayer or worship. We shall see! ;-)

That's all for now. Have a great Friday.

Thursday Randomness

2011-05-05T07:56:00.007-06:00

1. My God is good! ;-)

2. I have great Friends and family.

3. Tonight I get to help out an organization called Sak Saum.

4. They sell purses.

5. Hand Bags.

6. Aprons.

7. Jewelery, baby booties, shawls......

8. Sak Saum means "For Freedom"

9. I want to be a missionary.

10. I love seeing people get set free

11. Have I mentioned I love Jesus?

12. I am thankful that God shows me my weaknesses and makes them into strengths.

13. I love painting my toes pink..OR purple like they are right now.

14. I love to laugh

15. I love to sing

16.

Relationships Article-Part 6 Interpersonal Red Flags

2011-05-04T14:54:00.005-06:00

Interpersonal Red Flags

Non-Affectionate
This is not the problem for most couples. Often there's a need to restrain the passions that run so strong at this point in a relationship. Setting the flames of romance aside for a moment, is your friend comfortable with giving and receiving affection? Does he/she show appropriate affection to friends, parents, siblings, etc? If two people are less inclined toward affection, maybe neither will miss it. But affection is a part of the way our Creator wired us. Will your friend be able to show affection to your children? Is it uncomfortable for your friend because affection was never received growing up? The affectionate-resistant person would be wise to explore the reasons that touch is so uncomfortable.

Avoids Conflict
Some people just don't want to deal with conflict of any size, shape, or variety. When tension is present, withdrawal or denial serve to gloss over the problem allowing it to be avoided for another day. Obviously, the problem gets bigger with every effort to sweep things under the rug. How does your friend deal with conflict? Does the problem get avoided or minimized?

Conflict is inevitable because we're human. Whether you realize it or not, there's conflict in your relationship even this side of marriage. You might ask your friend the question, "If I have a concern, how can I bring it up in a way that you'll be able to hear me?" Your friend might say, "I don't want to hear it." That should be a pretty obvious red flag for you. Right now your conflicts might be fairly small, but marriage will change that, there's more at stake. If you don't develop a healthy pattern now, it won't get any better in marriage.

Fears Commitment
We might presume that if the person we would like to commit to isn't quite as interested, it must be a fear of commitment. That's not always the case. Since marriage is such an important decision, getting to know a person well makes a lot of sense. And there's no substitute for time.

Yet there are times when a person sends mixed messages, or struggles to commit due to a fear of intimacy. "When you find out who I really am, will you still accept me?" It seems like she's interested, then it doesn't. He appears to want to move forward in the relationship, but then he pulls back. This hot and cold pattern can go on for years. And even if one makes it to the altar, if the issue isn't resolved, it can still cause chaos and insecurity in a marriage. Do you see a pattern of consistency in your friend's commitments in general? Without the ability to commit, marriage is like the sands of an hourglass just waiting to run out.

Isolated from Family and Friends
Does your friend interact with family and friends? How healthy are those relationships? Though we have no control over our family members, family interactions tell us a lot about a person. That doesn't mean our friend will always end up like Mom or Dad, but it doesn't mean one will necessarily end up differently either. If we don't have the ability to pick our family, we do when it comes to our friendships.

Has your friend kept you away from her family? Does he avoid introducing you to his friends? If so, what's the reason? Are there some issues that are being kept from you? Sometimes those boundaries may be necessary, but interacting with a partner's family and friends will provide valuable information for your decisions about the relationship.

Emotionally Stuck at Home
Has your friend been able to leave home emotionally? I'm not saying she shouldn't love her parents, or that he shouldn't respect his folks. Honoring one's parents is a lifetime responsibility. But honoring them is not about obeying them now that you are an adult.

Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." When a man or woman doesn't leave home emotionally, heartache invariably results. I've talked with countless couples who've experienced this betrayal from a spouse. People may still be seeking parental approval that they didn't receive as a child. A man may still be controlled by his mother, but anything that even hints of control by his wife will be viewed as such. Can your friend set boundaries and say "no" to his parents when needed? Can your friend tell her parents when she disagrees with them?

Distrusting
No matter what someone does, including yourself, does your friend always second-guess the motivation? If you give your friend a gift, does the question reverberate, "What does he/she want?" Granted, our motivations aren't as pure as the driven snow, but with time one's constant questioning will drive a wedge into any relationship.

Distrust often develops as a self protective measure when people were not trustworthy in one's life. "I can be fooled once, but I won't be fooled anymore," may be the mindset. Again, hurt and pain likely exist behind the wall; and without help, the distrust will likely creep into every crevasse of the relationship. Can people be too trusting? Yes, absolutely, and that's a problem of a different kind. But without trust, marriage becomes a daily witness stand. Over time, the distrust will likely increase.

Dependent
It may be hard to imagine, but some people get married so that they can have someone else tell them what to do. They may fear making mistakes, lack self confidence, or want a "parent" to direct or blame their lives upon. It can look a lot like submission, but it's not.

You may see it in the amount of time a friend wants to spend with you. Who could argue against a couple sharing quality time? Every counselor knows the importance of that! But when your friend wants to spend every waking moment together, you'll likely feel suffocated before very long. It can feel flattering at first, but be careful of anything that tends to get out of balance!

© 2011 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

You can find these articles for yourself also at:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship.aspx

Relationships Article-Part 4 Character Red Flags

2011-05-04T14:49:00.004-06:00

Character Red Flags

Controlling
Your friend can manipulate in many ways: guilt-inducement, threats of abandoning you, threats of self-harm, yelling, physical aggression, isolating you, pouting, interrogating you, etc. It may be obvious; it may be much more subtle. You might be told that it's really love, but deep down you know that's not the truth. If you see glimpses of controlling actions now, it's fair to say they will likely increase after marriage.

Christian men can hide their control behind headship. Yes, the Bible does speak to the place of headship in a husband (Eph. 5:23), but it's not about domination or manipulation. Jesus is given as the model for headship, the one who came not to be served, but to give his life for you and me. Headship has more to do with servanthood than with being "in charge." It's more about his responsibility before God to encourage the relationship positively than about him demanding his own way. The mutual submission that is stated in Ephesians 5:21 provide a safeguard against marital headship from being used as a club.

Is she able to submit to a husband, or does life simply need to go her way? When a woman has experienced over-control, abuse, or harshness in her years growing up, submission may not come easily. Even when headship is carried out in a loving balanced fashion, she may fear that it will turn into domination. There may still be some wounds that need to be addressed.

Dishonest
"I'm sure she was just stretching the facts a little bit." "He lied to me so that I wouldn't be hurt." It's easy to minimize or overlook instances of dishonesty in a relationship. But lying is often a pattern that pulls the rug out from under a marriage. If you can't trust a person's words, what can you trust about them? Lies that we're aware of are often the tip of the iceberg. We want to trust our friend. But when we find an instance of dishonesty, it causes us to wonder what else has been stretched or distorted

"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." Proverbs 12:19. What greater picture of the outcome of honesty can we find? Like most sin, lying has momentary purpose, but it leads to destruction. Does your friend have a reputation that his/her words can be trusted? Is truth compromised for gain, impact, or convenience?

Addiction Issues
"She doesn't drink like that too often." "Oh, he told me he's not going to look at pornography anymore." When we want a relationship to work, it's easy for us to rationalize away the red flags. Chemical dependency, sexual addictions, food addictions, etc. will gnaw at the very fabric of a marriage. If you're seeing the problem now, don't simply accept good intentions; the addiction will likely intensify. Your friend likely needs help physically, emotionally, and spiritually to experience sobriety in whatever arena of struggle. People can often "white knuckle" an addiction for a period of time, but when stress, frustration, hurts, and fatigue set in, it's easy to return to old patterns. In most instances, the addiction is not primarily about the "substance," whatever that may be, but about the pain underneath that needs to be addressed.

There's no guarantee that a person will not return to a former addiction, but if there is at least a year of consistent sobriety, chances diminish significantly. Again, the difficult question remains; if I were not saying that something needs to be done about this addiction, would my friend be pursuing help?

Inability to Apologize
We all mess up, no one is exempt. How does your friend admit when wrong? Or should I ask, does your friend acknowledge his/her mistakes? We don't want to be wrong, but dealing with it when we are goes a long way towards establishing a healthy marriage.

People may tend to struggle more with admitting mistakes when they've grown up around critical people. For some, Paul's words in II Corinthians 12: 10, "For when I am weak then I am strong," is experienced as, "For when I am weak then I am worthless."

Writing out an apology may be easier than saying it. Practicing with a small matter may make it easier when the offense has a greater emotional impact. But saying "I'm sorry" needs to happen for a relationship to thrive.

Unwilling to Get Help
If your friend is not willing to go to counseling if you marry and can't resolve an issue together, don't marry him/her. I know it may sound self serving since I'm a marriage and family therapist, but it's true. It's not merely about one's willingness to meet with a counselor or pastor; it's about one's willingness to grow, to be open, and to learn. A person might agree to it now, but conveniently has a change of mind after the "I do's."

There are often two reasons why people will avoid counseling. One, they know at a deeper level that the way they are approaching life and the relationship is not healthy. If it stays an issue just between the couple, one may succeed at convincing the other that there really are no problems, or if there is, the problem is the partner's. On the other hand, if they meet with an objective counselor, it's going to be a lot tougher to keep an unhealthy perspective alive. Secondly, a person may know that there's pain that needs to be faced, but it may scare the person half to death to do so. "If I meet with a counselor, I'll probably have to face some pains I've successfully avoided until now." Of course the price of not facing the pain is a lot more costly than facing it.

What current evidence would lead you to believe that your friend would be willing to get help when married? Is he open to learn from others, or does he know it all? Does she have a humble attitude, or is there arrogance in her tone and words?

© 2011 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

You can find these articles for yourself also at:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship.aspx

Relationships Article-Part 3 Emotional Red Flags

2011-05-04T13:38:00.004-06:00

Emotional Red Flags

Angry
I'm not talking about one's ability to experience the feeling of anger; all of us should be able to identify that God-given emotion in our lives. I'm talking primarily about frozen anger- resentment. When we hold on to anger and don't address it, bad things often happen. There may be issues about unforgiveness in the person's life. Often, underlying anger is fear, hurt, or both. Metaphorically, the clenched fist feels a whole lot safer than the more vulnerable open palm.

It can also relate to the frequency and intensity of how anger is expressed. Proverbs 22:24 says, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered." Is it really stretching this verse to say, don't marry a hot-tempered person? I don't think so. "But he's got a good reason to be angry!" "You don't know what she's been through!" There are a lot of legitimate reasons people may struggle with anger, but marrying into it is like walking into a hornet's nest.

Men tend to have a tougher challenge facing their anger. They may either ignore it, denying its there, or they may explode. Ladies, seeing how he resolves his anger will be the difference between a red flag and a green light in your relationship.

There is no place for physical control or violence in a relationship! It is a major red flag that needs swift action like ending the relationship! Could someone get help for their violent ways? Yes, but you would need strong evidence that it has been thoroughly dealt with spiritually, emotionally, and with a significant time of violence-free living. Your friend getting help while remaining in the relationship runs the risk of pseudo recovery.

Lack of Self Control
If a person is merely the pursuer of one's latest desire or emotional experience, life will be interesting, to say the least. Does your friend follow through on commitments and plans? Does he lack the initiative to find and hold a job? Has she gotten into debt because of impulse spending? Have you looked at each other's credit histories? Does he lack control of his passions?

When a person's emotional state rides like a rollercoaster, there may be bio-chemical issues involved which may need to be evaluated by a doctor or psychiatrist. If that's the case, what changes will proper medication produce? How likely is the person to stay on the medication over time? There may be a legitimate explanation for one's actions, but those actions still need to be lived with if two marry. And if the behavior persists you have to decide if you can deal with that for a lifetime.

Self-Absorbed
How much of your friend's life revolves around himself? Does she have a very narrow flexibility quotient- is there only a thin range of your behaviors that are acceptable in her thinking? Does she need to get what she wants even when it inconveniences others? When the pursuit of a relationship is in full gear, it's easy to think we could live blissfully seeking our friend's interests into the sunset. If that doesn't wear off before marriage, you can count on it doing so after the vows have been exchanged.

You might think that you are acting selfishly when you want your friend to meet your needs. Look for balance. Philippians 2:4 says, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others." It's a good thing to want your friend to show interest in your needs as well as those of others. We often get an accurate sense of a person's ability to sacrifice not by their response to a romantic relationship, but by one's reaction to others in need. Are you willing to be the tag along to your friend's self indulgence? I hope not.

What amount of energy does your friend give to appearance? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with working out or dying your hair. Some need to give more attention to their appearance. But is it in balance? Does it keep a person from serving others? Does it communicate a narcissistic tendency? Sometimes it's difficult to see because we're attracted to the results. Yet over time, the downside of self absorption will become more negatively evident and destructive to the relationship. Does your friend have a humble heart?

Victim Perspective
When a person struggles with distrust, one is only a step away from playing the role of the victim. We can call it by different names- hyper-sensitivity, self pity, critical, or martyrdom. The thread that connects these is a person's difficulty resolving pain and moving forward. Life is a series of whirlwinds that just don't seem to end. Other people or circumstances are perceived as the cause of undesirable events, and one is likely to blame just about every problem on just about everyone else. A person will take little responsibility for life's struggles. When married, it becomes very easy for a spouse to be blamed for one's lack of contentment.

Is there any truth to the person's perspective? Yes, probably a little. But when someone may not want to get past the pain, there's a good chance that they won't. And who ends up with the bull's eye on their chest? You do. In extreme cases, there may be a personality disorder that is involved that is pretty resistant to change. Does your friend own his shortcomings? Does she have a narrow band of acceptable behaviors for you? You may be able to put up with that for a while when the romantic feelings are sky high, but what happens when they're not?

It's easy to think that we can rescue the victim. That if we're able to express true love, godly love, that things will change. It's tempting, but it's a trap.

© 2011 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

You can find these articles for yourself also at:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship.aspx

Article on Relationships-Part 2 How Content are you?

2011-05-04T13:32:00.006-06:00

How Content Are You As a Single?

An important dynamic in any relationship is one's general level of contentment in life.

As a single, you are somewhere on the range of contentment. You might be extremely content or very discontented, or anywhere in between.

When people marry, their range of contentment can shift in either direction, or it can stay relatively the same as it was when both parties were single.1 If it's higher post-marriage, then you've found the goldmine. If it's lower, you've unfortunately found the landmine! Before marriage, most anticipate that exchanging rings will lead to the goldmine.

Many factors play into which mine you are likely to strike after marriage. If you experienced a low level of contentment as a single, expecting marriage to propel you to marital bliss probably won't happen. On the other hand, if you are already highly content as a single, you very well may find marriage to be the goldmine. Wherever you're at right now, if you're not content, don't count on marriage to make everything better!

Often there are spiritual and emotional issues that we need to address. If you've encountered pain in your life that hasn't been faced, please take the time to work through it now before marriage. I'm not saying a person who's struggled in life can't be a good spouse, but it often takes more work to get there. Wishing away the hurt isn't going to resolve it. God can help you face the circumstances that were not the way you would have written life's script. God's power, your openness, and often the support of a counselor and community, are key in your move toward wholeness. Jesus said in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Burying our pain only delays the inevitable.

It's OK to expect your friend to deal with his/her pain before getting married! Imagine two construction workers standing next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. How silly would it be for one to say to the other, "So when do we start the addition?" The structure needs to be shored up before you can add to it and expect it to survive and thrive over time. Wounds in life happen, often without our vote, but each one of us has a choice about what we do with those pains. If you or your friend needs to work through past pains, do it now before moving forward in your relationship. Needs that either of you have now may look very different after you've addressed those emotional wounds.

© 2011 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

You can find these articles for yourself also at:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship.aspx

Relationship Article-Part 1 Spiritual Red Flags

2011-05-04T13:25:00.009-06:00

So, my friend sent me this article from Focus on the Family that I really like. It's something that I feel God has been speaking to me of late, since I am in that stage of life--ready to date. I thought I would share it. I like to post things like this on my blog occasionally not just for the purpose of giving out the information (although I am sure it helps other in the process), but to help me as I look back and can read it again any time I want. ;-)

There are a series of part belonging to the topic of Relationships that I will post here. Here is Part 1-Spiritual Red Flags for those of us in the dating world.

Ineligible to Remarry
If your friend was married before, is there freedom to remarry? Society views remarriage as a given, but the Bible speaks to this important issue. Focus on the Family believes there are three situations after a divorce in which a person does have freedom to remarry. 1- The previous marriage ended as the result of sexual unfaithfulness by the person's spouse. (Matthew 19:9). 2- The person was divorced by an unbelieving spouse who was not willing to stay married (I Corinthians 7:15, 16). 3- The divorce took place prior to a person coming to faith in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).

One word of caution- Typically, a person will learn the details of a previous marriage from the person of interest. The details of the previous relationship and its demise might be accurately portrayed, or they might be one-sided, presented in a more favorable light toward your friend (Proverbs 18:17). If you spoke with family or friends of your partner, would you understand a fuller, more objective picture of the former relationship?

Spiritually Distant
For the person who has come to faith in Jesus Christ, finding a mate who shares a similar commitment and spiritual walk is vitally important! Since II Corinthians 6:14 says, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers," some have concluded that if a person is a Christian, he/she should only marry another Christian. It does mean that, but I think it runs deeper. If Paul simply wanted to convey that two people were heaven bound, he could have used a different word-picture. He could have used a corral or field of oxen- creatures in proximity with each other. Instead, he uses an agricultural picture of a yoke, one that would have been placed upon the necks of two oxen as they pulled a plow or agricultural tool. The yoke would require two things of the oxen. 1- That they walk in the same direction. 2- That they walk at a similar pace. What happens when two yoked oxen walk at different speeds? It's not pretty!

"He believes in a higher power." "Oh, she'll come to faith after we marry." "He says he'll come to church with me." Those things may happen, but they are not guaranteed. Marrying someone who doesn't share your faith in Christ is saying, "God, I think I can handle this one on my own, thanks." But even if your friend knows Christ, is there a hunger to grow spiritually?

You first need to understand your own spiritual walk to see if being yoked together is going to work. Is God my delight? Am I growing in my understanding of His infinite love for me? Have I committed to follow Him daily? Do I believe and trust in His Word? Notice, I didn't ask if you are perfect, all of us fall short. But yearning for a deeper walk with God will enhance a marriage, not hinder it.

Has your friend received God's free gift of forgiveness through faith in Christ? If so, what impact does it have upon his/her daily life? Does he believe what the Bible says, or is there a more culturally correct worldview that's held? Does she have a tendency to compromise when it's convenient? Is he like the seed that fell among the rocks in Matthew 13: 20, 21- quick growth, but no deep root system?

Time and again, I've spoken with people, who thought they were marrying a Christian, but once wedding rings were exchanged, spiritual interests fell like a rock. That's why it's so difficult to start a relationship with someone who subsequently receives Christ. You don't know if the interest expressed thereafter is really about the Lord, or about one's interest in you. You may need to see what your friend's relationship with God would look like if you were not in the picture. Would the person attend church without your presence or prompting? Would the person walk with the Lord, or walk from the Lord if you were no longer involved?

© 2011 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved.

You can find these articles for yourself also at:
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/preparing_for_marriage/red-flags-in-a-relationship.aspx

2011-05-03T06:30:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was a very interesting day. After a weekend full of emotional let downs, I was struggling with intense emotions all day Sunday, and it carried over to Monday. In the mix of everything I was dealing with, the presence of God was so thick within me it was all I could do to not weep all day long. LOL!!! The name of Jesus would make me want to weep. The words "He is jealous for you" would make me want to weep. But, I was at work and I really had to focus. I would tell God "I don't want to lose this intimacy with you but I can't just start weeping here at work." So, the emotions settled until I got in my car on the drive home.

Then it hit. The dam was beginning to break, but it wasn't until I went up to my room and put on Kim Walkers "You are jealous for me" that I felt the dam burst open. I literally could feel my body falling forward (thankful that my bed was right there) and I began to weep and weep and weep. In the presence of God I wept and cried out to him. After a long time I began to laugh and the joy of the Lord filled me. AMAZING!!!!

I love this picture. I feel it represents God's beauty as well as His covering over us. He washes us clean. ;-)

This morning I still feel it. I want to weep and laugh. My legs are week. I could probably spend all day in His presence. Sigh..... but work is calling my name. Must focus, must must focus!! ;-)

Here is a song that I have heard in church as well as on the radio this morning. I really touched my soul. Hope you like it. ;-)

Worthy is your name Jesus!

My soul cries out

2011-05-02T11:12:00.010-06:00

The Son of God is the stairway between Heaven and earth. Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my plea. Don’t turn away from my distress. My heart is sick, withered like grass. I have lost my appetite. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. But you oh Lord will sit on your throne forever.

Oh, how my soul cries out for you my God, maker of Heaven and Earth! For you are my shield and my comfort. You are the light that I stand on. Your presence fills me to the core and I cry out to you!

When our lives are centered on Jesus we can see more clearly than if we weren’t fully focused on Him. Come Holy Spirit speak to us with all clarity and truth. Send your Holy Spirit to us so we may live the life we were created for. God, I offer up my future to you. This month, the month of May--spring will bring things that turn to life. I will offer up my future to you. All that I am, Praise the Lord. He forgives all my sin’s and heals all my diseases.

My passion is for the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth. For the Lord will come before me. The people not yet born will praise the Lord. My heart cries out for the Lord—He lives forever!!

Looking back and then looking forward

2011-04-29T08:04:00.011-06:00

This last Monday we had a prayer and worship night. We have what we call "the hot seat" where anyone who wants personal prayer for specific things, or even just wants to hear from the Lord will sit in the middle and everyone gathers around them. I had to get to bed early that night due to some early scheduling at work the next morning so they prayed over me first.

I bowed my head and just waited in expectation to hear what the Holly Spirit had for me. When I looked up everyone was looking at me waiting for me to tell them what to pray for. ;-) I just stated that I want to be more focused on my time of worship/prayer/meditation on the Lord because I have felt for a while now that God was telling me, "Annjeri, if you would just focus on me, spend time with me, then all of the things you are worried about and feeling anxious about will come into alignment with ME."

So, we started praying and a friend of mine received this word picture from the Lord which I find interesting because I actually blogged about this very same thing which you can find at the bottom of this post.

Anyway, the word was about how God places blinders on horses to keep them focused on their goal. Not looking from side to side and comparing myself to others, but focus on what He has for me at this moment. I SOOOOOO needed this reminder. ;-)

For me, I feel like the Lord is saying to not worry about tomorrow but focus on this moment with Him. Stop being anxious on whether or not something is going to happen, but just seek His face and find out what He wants; find out what is important to Him. Getting my focus back on the right track is of the utmost importance. Nothing else stands the chance when it comes to Him.

I find myself desperately wanting things like marriage/true love/becoming a parent/being thin/getting out of debt....... You name it. I know we all struggle with things in life and I know they may be the same or different but it's still hard to just wait. I feel that the only thing that truly works is God. HE WORKS. He is the All Knowing, All Powerful, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Great Warrior, The Good Shepherd... I could go on and on and on.

The flesh can be so week but God IS so Great. He surpasses everything that we need here on earth. Coming to terms with that is sometimes hard. We want something we feel we need to go and get/do it ourselves. Trust is a major issue here. Can we trust God to do what He promised? Can we actually lean on Him and know that we will not fall? Can we dive into His depths and not drown? Trust, Trust, Trust, Trust.

Glory Glory Glory Glory Glory Glory Glory!!!!!!!

Father God, I not only pray for myself, but others who will read this post and are struggling with life. I pray that you will stir up the pot enough for us to realize the chaos and seek Your face instead. You are the Master Communicator here. You speak to us and bring fulfillment to our lives. You bring healing to our hearts. God, your word said that if we seek You we will find You. Even in the darkest places we will find You. Wrap us tight Father and show us the right direction. Amen.

Here is the blog post I was telling you about. I posted it on January 14, 2011. My friend who gave me this word picture actually missed that post so she was unaware how much this word meant to me.

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of horse blinders were for? Well, I have to admit I looked up the official reason why we use them. You’re welcome. ;-)

Blinders, also known as blinkers or winkers, are a piece of horse tack that restricts the horse's vision to the rear and, in some cases, to the side. Many racehorse trainers believe these keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions.

It's interesting how we walk through life with certain blinders on. In many cases, someone might have a blinder to keep them focused on a specific goal, and others might have them on because they just haven't dealt with some issue in life and can't seem to see "outside the box" if you will.

God showed me this analogy of how humans tend to deal with things. We walk through life with a certain "winker" on that makes us not see the whole picture, and then there comes a moment in time where God pulls it off and all of the sudden we see the real world. You know what I am talking about? Reality hits us. WOW!--and we think, "Was I really acting like that?" or "Why did I think that way all this time?".

There should be an even balance on how focused we are on certain things in our lives. To put a "blinker" on should mean complete focus on something that we need to correct, or maybe it's just something we want to accomplish. When they put these things on horses it was for a single purpose--to not get distracted and to finish the race. If we decide to guard our eyes and minds from reality, and that is solely the purpose of putting on a "blinder" then we are not only doing ourselves an injustice, but God and others around us. God wants us to be free to receive his healing and possibly move onto a different, healthier path. If we had our eyes blocked from Him (and just focused on our internal torments) then we would never see any other possibility he would have for us.

I know for myself I tend to do this as well. I focus way too much sometimes on the negative things in life and have a difficult time seeing the good things happening in my life. I certainly don't want to walk around like that. I want to see everything that God has for me--it might be things I had to learn from the past (looking backwards), or seeing the good things around me (looking side to side), or just staying focused on the goals that He has for me (looking forward).

So, what Blinders, Blinkers or Winkers are you wearing today? Are they there for self-protection, or are they there to focus on a goal? How has God been speaking to YOU lately?

Jeremiah 29:10-14
This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Update and encouraging song

2011-04-28T14:59:00.011-06:00

Happy Thursday folks! ;-) So much has been happening as of late, I haven't had time to really post anything. First of all, work has been busy with overtime. Secondly, we had easter and the preparationg before that. I had a great time with family.

Third, I want to give a shout out to my good friends April and Kyle on their wee little man named Dawson.

He was born this last Saturday. Most handsome little guy! Myself, along with my other good friends waited in the hospital for many hours for this little guys to show his cute face. It was a precious moment and last night I got to see him again. I love seeing friends have babies. Especially this couple because their marriage is so precious it gives me a glimpse of what true love is. ;-) God is good.

And lastly, here is a new song that I found of by Kim Walker. I know I post a lot of her songs but the presence of God is so rich in the songs she sings. Plus I like her voice. ;-)

I will post more later. Hope you all have a great evening.
Tootles. ;-)

He is jealous for you!!!

2011-04-19T12:49:00.002-06:00

You know, I absolutely love love love this song. God loves YOU!!!! God loves ME!!!!

OH, How He loves us so!!!!!!!

Happy Tuesday-Cardio

2011-04-19T07:32:00.005-06:00

Well, happy Tuesday everyone. Not much too really report today.

Have been doing pretty well with my workouts. Last night I tried to do my Jillian Michaels 40 minute target zone workout. Ya, only made it to less than 10 minutes. ;-) My knees are bad from having so many injuries in my young life, so doing squats do not always sit well with me. (Pardon the pun! HA!)

Anyway, I popped in my walk off the pounds video and did the 2 mile walk. I am going to be sore at some point here. The amount of knee lifts that they have you do in those videos is a killer. Whew!

Today, I am planning on doing 45 to 55 minutes of cardio. I want to try the rowing machine first. My personal trainer told me that it is a great way to warm up. The only thing is, the machines are right in front of the weight lifting area and pretty much everyone can see you. Ugh! I hate that. I like to be incognito at the gym if you know what I mean. The thing that I like about this gym (Gold's) is that they have a "Cardio Cinema" where you go into a dimly lit room and work out in front of a big movie screen. There usually isn't a huge amount of people in there, but when it is full people are so engrossed in the movie they could care less about what anyone else is doing. Like it. Love it!! ;-)

So, today is going to be one of my really busy days. Right after work I have a dental cleaning-then workout- then shower and straighten hair-then meet up with a friend. Somewhere in the mix I need to cook food for dinner and lunch tomorrow.

Here's to seeing how I actually do. ;-)

It's Friday!

2011-04-15T08:37:00.014-06:00

Good Friday to you all! Well, actually good Friday is just around the corner but hey, this can be a good Friday too! ;-)

Last night after work I went to the gym for the first time in a little over a month. I know. Embarrassing! Life happens and unfortunately something gets kicked under the rug because of it--that just so happened to be my workout routine! Ugh! I hate being overweight. I know I have said that before. I don't like it when people look at you and you have to wonder what they are thinking. That seriously encourages me to get a move on and shape up! ;-)

Anyway, so I went to the gym and did 35 minutes on the elliptical and then when I went home I kicked butt with an arm and leg routine to boot! ;-)

I figured out a way to get a quick upper and lower body routine done within 10-15 minutes. Believe me, when you are out of shape like me, that is all the time you can handle! ;-)

Here are just some of the ways I tortured myself last night and no, since I couldn't take pictures of myself, these are NOT me. Hard to believe I know! ;-)
I probably did close to 200 reps altogether. I wanted to make sure that each arm and leg got 50 reps out of each excersize I did. A little excessive I am sure, but that's just who I am.

So anyway, I know some of it worked because I am beginning to feel the abuse today. ;-) But, if this is the type of abuse I have to endure, then I can take it. I am off to more of it today after work. Maybe an extended cardio time as well. I think I might work the stair master for a while and hope I don't fall off.
Have a great weekend everyone.

New Life

2011-04-14T08:47:00.011-06:00

So many of my friends are having babies right now. It really is amazing when you think about the intricacies of a new baby. How God has his hand in every part of it. From the time the cell is formed to the time the baby is born there are so many minute details involved.

Matthew 10:30-31 "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Have you ever sat back and wondered how a person is created? I mean, we know how a cell is formed and how the sperm meets the egg and so on. But I mean there are so many intricate details involved in "building" little people. They all have different personalities, facial features, facial expressions...body language.

I have 2 nieces and 3 nephews. They are all extremely precious and yet all so very different. Some of them have facial similarities but not one of them are alike. Interesting isn't it? They all came from the same womb but they turned out to be so very different.

Psalms 139:13-17
13 "For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
How vast is the sum of them!

Another element in God's view of the unborn is the identification of children as a blessing. In Psalm 127: 3-4
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.

This is my prayer for all of the children out there about to be born and to my friends and family now pregnant.
Psalms 71:5-8
5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD,
my confidence since my youth.
6 From birth I have relied on you;
you brought me forth from my mother’s womb.
I will ever praise you.
7 I have become a sign to many;
you are my strong refuge.
8 My mouth is filled with your praise,
declaring your splendor all day long.

Apparently, God knows each of us in the womb and sees our future course as if it were present. Those whose hearts will turn to Him, he nurtures from conception; those who will become His enemies, He nevertheless leaves free to walk their path of choice. God's sees our children as His precious Creation.

So I dedicate this blog to you, Mama, and I pray blessings over you as you journey through the beautiful art of pregnancy, and then on to motherhood. Hugs.

Things that make you go hmmmm..volume 2

2011-04-12T07:34:00.007-06:00

Top 5 things that make you go hmmm.......

#1. Your first trip to Costco is like any other important experience in your life: not easily forgotten. Awed by the endless aisles of various packaged foods and commodities, the bewilderment of walking through America's largest membership warehouse club surfaces somewhere between the crab cakes and the caskets. None more so than recently, however, because Costco has announced they will now be selling a diamond wedding ring for the steep price of $1 million.

Their last, larger diamond was sold back in 2005. Appraised at $264,765 and sold for $180,000, the yellow diamond ring didn't come close to touching the price of this new rock that has been valued at $1,601,875.

Sure, it's one hell of a bargain. But one can only imagine the reaction a proposer might get after asking their beloved to marry them:

"Honey, this is such a lovely ring! Where did you ever find such a thing?"

"Costco!"

Good thing the nice people at Costco are willing to let you return it, free of charge, as long as it hasn't been tampered with.

6.77 carrot diamond

#2.

#3.

#4.

And the Grand Finale
#5.

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Ponderings....

2011-04-09T16:32:00.006-06:00

It's finally Saturday! Woot! ;-) I am sure almost everyone loves it when Friday night comes around and Saturday you get to sleep in. Unfortunately for me I didn't sleep in. I had too much to get done because I was finishing up a house sitting job and needed to be out of the house this morning.
___________________________________________________
I have been contemplating this verse that I posted in my last post titled "Image".

Psalms 52:8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

A commentary quote from biblecommenter.com said:
But I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God - I shall be in the house of God, full of spiritual vigor, bringing forth evergreen leaves and annual fruit, as the olive does when planted in a proper soil and good situation. It does not mean that there were olive-trees planted in God's house; but he was in God's house, as the olive was in its proper place and soil.

I trust in the mercy of God - The wicked man trusts in his riches: I trust in my God. He, like a bad tree, bringing forth poisonous fruit, shall be cursed, and pulled up from the roots; I, like a healthy olive in a good soil, shall, under the influence of God's mercy, bring forth fruit to his glory. As the olive is ever green, so shall I flourish in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

I like this very much because as long as I am under God's umbrella, I am safe and secure. It doesn't mean that hard times or sadness won't come upon me--no, it means that He will rescue me and comfort me, that when I fall I won't crumble. It means I have safety in him like no other. I draw strength in his love.

A couple of day's ago-while I was house sitting in Monument(forest area), we had a great wind storm over most of Colorado. Some places got up to 70 to 80 mile winds and it was crazy. I personally thought that the house was going to blow apart it was so strong. This reminded me of a healthy tree, one where the roots run deep and wide with a trunk as thick as 4 big trees put together. THAT tree would not break in the wind. Oh, some branches might break or crack and leaves would certainly be blown away, but it would still be standing.

That's how I see us who are thriving in Christ. We hold strong thru Him; because of Him. He is our nourisher and provider. When we allow Him to, he gives us good soil and fresh rain so that we can grow stronger and stronger--reaching out our branches to draw closer to Him.

Image

2011-04-08T07:47:00.006-06:00

I had a wonderful conversation with a friend from work about body image, how we truly see ourselves and what God thinks of us.

It's amazing how easily it is for us as women to believe the lies that if we are not perfect in our personalities or physical appearance, we are not worthy of love and respect. Amazingly enough, most of us have had someone say something to us that hurt to the core. Stuff like "You won't find love until you lose that weight", or "Your ugly because your fat". I could go on and on.

When I was a small child, I remember sitting at the dining room table with my family. My Great Aunt, and Nanna were visiting from out of town. I don't remember what all was said, but I do remember my aunt looking directly at me and saying something like, "If you don't get your weight off you won't find a man". I remember that day so clearly because that is when I took that lie and put it as a truth for myself. It hit me to the core. It scared me so deeply that for my entire life I have believed I am not good enough, not pretty enough to be worth it. The vow I told myself through the years was "I was not going to let a man get too close to me until I was skinny".

Recently I took a class on "Co-Dependency" which has taught me quite a bit about myself and others around me on how we act. What I mean is there are so many of us that have wounds that go so deep, that we cannot function as the people God created us to be. Either we put on weight and use that as a "keep people arm’s length" distance, or we are using something else to hide who we truly are.

Here is what I have come to realize--and I have been thinking this thru for quite some time. We-all of us--yes YOU--are BEAUTIFUL! We were made in the likeness of God! How much more do we need to strive for?

Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Psalm 52:8
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

My sisters--fellow perseverer’s--Beautiful Women! I want you to know that you are loved, and YOU are created TO love! ;-) I know that it was NEVER God's plan for all of this hurt to come upon us. He never intended for painful words or actions to hurt us to the core--Yet He hurt’s with us. I know He does because at times of intercession I have felt His pain.

One of the dangers of going through periods of distress, hurt, and heartache is that we’ll begin to doubt God’s goodness, and to think that He doesn’t care. Nothing could be further from the truth. And this is one of the reasons why it’s essential for us to spend regular time in God’s Word. Scripture says: “In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy, He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” (Isaiah 63:9) God hurts when we hurt. Remember Jesus weeping when He saw Lazarus’ family grieving? (John 11:35) The Bible clearly states that the Lord sympathizes with our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15) But He doesn’t stop there. As Isaiah says, He personally rescues us, lifts us up, and even carries us in times of hardship and pain.

Just as God allows pain to enter our lives, He sends healing and restoration. Is there anything you and I can do to help this process along? Yes, there is. We can cooperate with God by earnestly seeking Him in prayer, praise, and the study of His Word. And we can ask Him to speak to our hearts, and to help us learn whatever lessons He has for us in our struggles. As we faithfully follow His lead, we will minimize the intensity and duration of our trials.

For myself, I am tired of all of the hype that's out there that you must be a certain weight or look a certain way to be accepted. You have to act a certain way for people to like you. We are who we are because Christ created us to be different. Each of us has different personalities. We each look different and have different body types. Our bodies all are created differently.

This of course is not discounting the disappointment that we feel when someone chooses another person prettier than us, or that we are not as likeable as the next person beside us. I get it. I feel it. I have suffered from the pain of rejection. Those feelings are very real and VERY prominent in our society today.

There is nothing wrong with working on our outward beauty in itself. We are children of the King so why not look the part? We should always do our best and look our best but many times we forget about the inside and the way we project ourselves. What I am saying is, let yourself come out of the shell of hurt and let people see who you really are. Let us love on each other and be real with each other. There is going to be pain and there is going to be joy regardless of how big or small we are.

Proverbs 11:16 tells us that a gracious woman retains honor, so a beautiful women demands to be respected. We cannot allow others to take advantage of our beautiful and disrespect us with rude remarks.

I found this poem that truly hit home called "Who Am I?"

Who am I?
My first answer would probably be my name.
But, my name does not describe who I am on the inside.
I could then give the title of my profession.
But that is what I do.
I could then tell you I am a wife, a sister, and a daughter.
But those are my relationships.

I ask again, who am I?

I could describe myself as an extrovert and outgoing.
That is my personality.
I am organized in planning events.
But that is a gift God has given me.
I could describe my appearance, but that is not who I am either.

So many times I have believed what others say I am.
If I receive affirmation, then I feel worthwhile.
However, when I receive criticism, then I feel like a failure.
I have chosen to ride the roller coaster of emotions,
Instead of believing the truth of what God says about me.
I have tried to work harder to prove that I am worthwhile.
Yet every time I mess up or fail, I am reminded that I will never measure up.

I will never be pretty enough or talented enough.
I will never be skinny enough or do enough good things of the church.
I will never be a good enough wife or sister or daughter.
But, I keep trying harder and harder.
I believe the lie that if I continue to try harder, I will finally be "good" enough.

One day, God gently said to me,
"Stop trying so hard to prove yourself to others.
Get your worth from me. I've already given it to you.
Remember my grace.
It's a free gift and nothing you can achieve by trying harder.

Rest in my grace.

You are working so hard to have a certain position in the eyes of others,
To be well-liked and to have popularity.
You want to be appreciated for what you do.

But I want you to know that you already have an elevated position.

Because you have a relationship with my son, Jesus Christ,
You are a part of my kingdom as my daughter, and co-heirs with Christ.
Because you are the daughter of a King,
You are given the position of being a princess.

You are my princess, a royal princess.

Remember that an earthly princess is not special because of who she is or what she does.
She has status and position because of who her dad is, a king.
She has royalty in her blood.

You have royalty in your blood as well.
You are the daughter of a King.
And no matter what you do, your status will never change.

I have chosen you and I have a plan for your life.
I will not forget you and will be with you always.
I have engraved you in the palm of my hands.

Rest in the knowledge of who you are in me.
Nothing else will ever be enough.
You are my daughter and I love you!"
by Shelley Hitz

The Hum Drums

2011-04-01T14:22:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday everyone. I cannot tell you how nice it is to have the weekend FINALLY be here.

This week has been brutal. I haven't slept the greatest--I keep having intense dreams that most of the time I don't even remember and those that I do are so disturbing! Ugh! Work has been busy and I am gearing up for a baby shower for my friend April.

The preparations that I am doing are fun but let me tell you I am EXHAUSTED! I think my body is trying to tell me it's fighting something so today I didn't make it to work. I feel bad about it too because it's month end (here's to hoping my back-up person actually does there job!), but I tell ya, I could not get my brain nor my body to move! My eyes have been puffy all day and I just haven't been able to shake the fog I am in.

Anyway, I know this will pass. I cannot wait to get back into a normal eating and workout routine. I have finally gotten to the point where I am absolutely sick of not feeling well. It's not a "feeling yucky from a cold" but a "feeling yucky from food intolerance". So, here is to more salads and lots of other yummy veggies for me. Oh, and hummus....I LOVE hummus. ;-)

Anyway, after the shower I will post all of the fun stuff I have been doing for this baby shower. My creative juices have been a flowen'. ;-)

Things that make you go hmmmmm...

2011-03-28T08:15:00.009-06:00

Top 5 things that make you go hmmmm...

#1. $1000.00 dollar bathing suite. You say WHAT!?!?!?

Herve Leger’s taking the body conscious trend to a whole new level-–self conscious!

While Spanx swimwear sucks in your gut, this $1,005 Hervé Léger “sunsuit” shows it off–and the kicker is that it can’t get wet, proving to be the most high maintenance swimsuit ever. With an out-of-reach zipper in back, you’ll never be able to get yourself in (or out) alone and the “non-adjustable” halter is even less accommodating.

Feeling claustrophobic yet? We haven’t even mentioned the cut out-design it’s sure to breed some funky Teletubbie tan lines. At this point, we suggest you cut your losses, grab a cheap Old Navy bikini, and save that thousand dollars for a vacation instead.

And we thought hoof boots were bad.

#2. Hoof Boots.

#3. "Twisted" Furniture
This twisted design really adds a lively and playful element to essential furnishings. Talk about taking a turn for the the better—or bolder!

#4. EyeEnvy.
Press-on animal print eyeshadows: are these a daring disaster or edgy-cool?

#5. Alas, one lone plug looking for its socket counterpart. Jewelry creator Casey Perez crafted a thought-provoking pair of rings to symbolize interconnected relationships. Would these make an awesome (albeit dangerous) Valentine's Day gift or what?

Weekend fun and first times

2011-03-27T09:56:00.014-06:00

This weekend so far has been amazing. Yesterday (Saturday) we went to a re-wedding in Buena Vista Colorado at one of the Young Life camps. I call it a re-wedding because our friends, Brian and Maria were married in December in California. There were many of us that were not able to attend, so they planned a "Re-Stating of the Vows" for us. Maria was able to walk down the isle in her beautiful dress for the second time--AND she is having another celebration later in Oklahoma with her husbands side of the family. Cool eh? I love it!

It took 2 hours to drive there.

We hung around and chatted with a bunch of people.

We sat and watched the ceremony.

Then we had lunch and hung around some more.

Then my friend Clint and I went for a lovely walk in the forest.

We walked over a bed of dear poo.

It was gross.

The trees were lovely.

It was invigorating! ;-)

Then we went to dinner at this restaurant where you only had 2 choices of food. Steak or Prim Rib. I chose the leaner of the 2 and it was delish!

Then we set sail and started the 2 hour drive home.

There were 3 cars in our caravan.

We stopped 3 times to use the potty and to dance.

Ya, you heard me.......WE DANCED! ;-) LOL

We got out of the cars, blared the music and danced many a jig.

We had great fun

So much laughter

And were exhausted.

The End.
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Oh wait, don't leave yet, I have one more thing to tell you about. ;-)

I tried a new thing this morning.

Gluten Free Pancakes with fresh Strawberries and Blueberries.

They were delicious!

If you are someone trying to stay away from Gluten and Wheat, you have got to try these. They are super simple.

Here's the mix that I used.

Then add 1 egg

Then add 1/4 cup Almond Milk

Then add 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil ( I am sure you could substitute it with a healthier oil if you have any.)

It doesn't call for this but I added some protein powder to the mix.

And they came out like this.

They were so worth it. Nice and fluffy and the texture was great. It actually seemed like I was eating bread which was very satisfying. I do want to try and make my own in the future though. That will cut down on the sodium. I noticed that they put way more salt in these pre-packaged items than is necessary. But, if you are not worried about sodium, you have got to try it at least once.

Bon Appetite

Threading/Waxing?....Randomness

2011-03-25T13:31:00.002-06:00

Friday Randomeness.

OK, so I am not a person who normally plucks my eyebrows or gets facial hair removed by waxing, but there is a technique out there called Threading and here is a video about it. I have heard that it is great and works wonders. ;-)

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I think this word is very strange--Pontificating. Pontifi---WHAT!?! Sounds like a bad word.

Oh, excuse me I am Pontificating here!!!!

Defenition- to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner: Did he pontificate about the responsibilities of a good citizen?

or better yet..

The word pontificate is also commonly used to describe a supercilious or patronizing expression of speech. Other terms that effectively describe one who tends to pontificate are pompous, haughty, ostentatious, and condescending. This approach to speech making or lecturing is often meant to demean those that have a different opinion, or in essence is used to make them feel inferior for not agreeing with the “enlightened” perspective of the person speaking.
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Tonight I am going to a Chili Cook-Off with some fabulous friends.

You know where there beans there is magical fruit....

Oh, you know what I mean...

Or do you?

I'm sure I don't have to spell it out for you. ;-)
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Cruciferous vegetables and Super Foods

2011-03-24T09:37:00.007-06:00

Well, happy Thursday everyone.

Yesterday, I made a couple of eating mistakes. I ate chocolate--2X! You might think--Why is that bad?? Well, for me I need to stay away from sugar and carbs. Well, it was both sugar and carb-full!!

So, what to do today? Start over of course! ;-) I know I can't beat myself up over it. If I fall, I just need to get back up and start again. Isn't that the way life is?

We fall

We get back up

We fall

We get back up

Gotta get some mental and emotional exercise! Oh, and need to get the physical stuff too. ;-) Haven't been to the gym in a long time and have only been out walking a couple of times in the past 2 weeks. Ugh! Routine is needed in my life. Eating right has been my main focus as of late, so now I just need to have double vision instead of tunnel vision which includes eating right and exercise. Sigh... Life...

Any way, a friend sent me this article that I felt was intriguing.

A unique way that a few specific vegetables can actually stimulate the burning of abdominal fat...(Article by Mike Geary, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Specialist)

I bet you didn't know that there is a specific class of vegetables that contain very specific phytonutrients that actually help to fight against stubborn belly fat.

Let me explain what these unique vegetables are and why they help to burn stomach fat...

Chemicals that force your body to hold onto belly fat. Something you may have never heard about is that certain chemicals in our food supply and our environment, such as pesticides, herbicides, and certain petrochemicals from air and water pollution, household cleaners, cosmetics, etc can react with your body and make your body store excess abdominal fat.

These chemicals are known as xenoestrogens.

Xenoestrogens are chemicals that you are exposed to (and are hard to avoid in the modern world) that have an estrogenic effect in your body. Excess exposure to these can cause hormone balance disruptions for both men and women. So these can wreak havoc in the body for both guys and gals.

These estrogenic chemicals that we are exposed to on a daily basis can stimulate your body to store belly fat, along with many other problems (including cancer risks in the long term).

So here's where this specific class of vegetables comes in handy...

One of those cool tricks that I teach my clients that hire me for nutritional counseling is the use of cruciferous vegetables to help fight against stomach fat.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc. contain very specific and unique phytonutrients such as indole-3-carbinol (I3C) that help to fight against these estrogenic compounds...
And by fighting against these belly fat stimulating estrogenic chemicals, this is just 1 more step in helping you to win the battle against abdominal fat!

So there you go... just another excuse to do what mom always told you and eat more broccoli!
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Because I like to know what I am consuming and how it is helpful to me, I have researched the Green Food that I am adding to my smoothies lately. This stuff is really great and I would HIGHLY recommend it to those of you who are wanting more nutrients in your daily diet. I can't even taste it in my smoothies when I add fruit and a little yogurt. I haven't tried it by itself though. I know people do it so at some point I am going to try it.

Anyway, the above article has had me thinking about what all is in my Super Food mix. The brand that I use is called "Garden of Life". It utilizes only certified organic and chemical free whole food concentrates, and is the only product of its kind that provides the nutritional equivalent of 5-10 servings of fresh vegetables a day without the use of synthetic or isolated vitamins and minerals.

It is high in nutrition and low in calories, providing you with a whole food source of enzymes, antioxidants, beta carotenes, omega 3,6 & 9 essential fatty acids, and over 100 vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Amazingly, here is what is packed into 1 scoop of this smelly but nitricious stuff.

Green Super Foods:
Kamut Grass*, Wheat Grass*, Barley Grass*, Oat Grass*, Alfalfa Grass*, Spirulina, Chlorella, Dunaliella, Kelp and Dulse. Green Super Foods are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, chlorophyll and antioxidants. (Gluten and Phytate free)

Vegetables:
Carrot Juice*, Beet Juice*, Tomato Juice*, Sweet Potato*, Brocolli*, Kale*, Cabbage*, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Parsley*, Spinach*, Asparagus*, Celery*, Cucumber, Green Pepper*, Garlic, Ginger* and Onion. Vegetables are nature's richest sources of phytochemicals including lycopene, sulforophane, allicin and bioflavonoids.

Grains and Seeds:
Flax Seeds*, Sesame Seeds*, Sunflower Seeds*, Pumpkin Seeds*, Chia Seeds* Garbanzo Beans*, Red Lentils*, Soy Beans*, Kidney Beans*, Azuki Beans*, Oats*, Barley*, Rye*, Millet*, Brown Rice*, Maize* and Buckwheat* (Gluten and Phytate Free). Easily digestible grains, seeds and legumes provide vitamins such as B complex and vitamin E, Isoflavones, Fiber and essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and 6.

Acerola Cherry:
Nature's richest source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial as a premier antioxidant and is important for the health of the immune system.
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So, there you have it folks. Mind boggling nutrition. ;-)

On another note, I have been feeling very creative as of late. I have several Baby Showers coming up and 1 Wedding coming up. 2 of these events are occurring this week and next and I have been thinking about what I am going to do for card.

I decided to make my own and have been having fun doing it. I will try and post pictures of them after I gave them to their recipients.

Well, that's all for now. Hope everyone has a great day.

Tootles! ;-)

Wednesday De-Lights.

2011-03-23T13:07:00.004-06:00

Your probably wondering why I labeled this post the "Wednesday De-Lights"? Well, here's why.

I have prayed that God would change my attitude or do a "re-work" in my heart

I believe he's doing it. ;-)

I feel happy for no reason

It's sunny outside

I get to go grocery shopping tonight

I love to shop

I am getting a massage today

Nough said....... ;-)

2011-03-21T08:08:00.022-06:00

This weekend I finally decided to transition into the Gluten Free life style. I am not 100% there, but it is my hope to fully transition at least 90% of the time. The other 10% I will allow some freedom, especially if I am at someones house where they are serving something with gluten or I am on vacation and I am having a hard time finding Gluten Free menu items. I am not one of those people who are laid out in bed when I eat something glutenous, but it sure does affect me in a not so pleasant way, so I think these new changes will be good for me.

Also, I have decided to go some what dairy free. I am still eating cheese (minimally) and some yogurt in my smoothies or for a snack. For milk I am moving away from dairy and going the Almond route. ;-) Soy is not good for me because of my thyroid issues, so it's Almond milk for me.

Almond milk is loaded with unsaturated fat, which means almond milk is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart diseases. Moreover, almond milk does not contain cholesterol and saturated fats. The protein content in almond milk helps the growth and repair functions of the body. Besides proteins, almond milk also contains omega fatty acids.

Almond milk also furnishes the body with high levels of manganese, selenium and vitamin E. Manganese plays an important role in activating enzymes in the body. Manganese along with phosphorous also plays a role in keeping bones and teeth healthy. Vitamin E, an antioxidant protects the cell membranes by destroying the free radicals that cause damage to them. Selenium on the other hand is good for the functioning of the immune system, for reproduction and for metabolism of the thyroid gland.

The magnesium obtained from almond helps break down the food consumed into energy. It also assists the functioning of the parathyroid glands, which are responsible for production of hormones known for good bone health. The potassium present helps maintain normal blood pressure. Almond milk is also a good source of flavanoids. This is because, almond milk is prepared by crushing the almonds with the skin. The skin is rich in flavanoids, which is good for cardiovascular health, thereby providing protection against various heart disease.

Coconut Sugar-Which is really Coconut crystals

They look like this. I think it actually tastes similar to sucanat sugar.

•Coconut Sugar is rated as a GI 35. By comparison, most commercial Honeys are GI 55 and Cane Sugars are GI 68.
•Coconut Sugar has a nutritional content far richer than all other commercially available sweeteners.
•Coconut Sugar is especially high in Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron and is a natural source of the vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.
•Coconut Sugar is a 100% Organic, unprocessed, unfiltered, and unbleached natural sweetener. And contains no preservatives.

Instead of regular flour, I will not be using Coconut flour. I will possibly mix it with some of the other Gluten Free flours when making bread.

Coconut flour is unlike any other consisting of 14% coconut oil and 58% dietary fiber! The remaining 28% consists of water, protein, and carbohydrate. If you haven't tried coconut flour yet, here are some more excellent reasons to start:

Coconut Flour is ideal for baking. It has fewer digestible (net) carbs than other flours, and it even has fewer digestible carbs than some vegetables!

Coconut Flour is gluten-free and hypoallergenic. With as much protein as wheat flour, coconut flour has none of the specific protein in wheat called "gluten". This is an advantage for a growing percentage of the population who have allergies to gluten or a wheat sensitivity.

Coconut Flour consists of the highest percentage of dietary fiber( 58%) found in any flour. Wheat bran has only 27% fiber.

Coconut Flour can help you reach a healthy weight. Ideal for those who follow a low-carb eating plan, coconut flour works well as part of a weight loss program because it has high fiber, and foods with high fiber can help promote a feeling of fullness.

Whoever said "you can't have your cake and eat it too" was definitely in the dark about the benefits of coconut flour!

Daughters--Hello Courage! Part 2

2011-03-19T15:25:00.018-06:00

If you have not read Part 1 of Daughters--Hello Courage! You can click here to read before moving on to Part 2.
Created to be Creative: Daughters--HELLO COURAGE! Part 1:

In Part one of this 2 part series, we talked about what Courage is and the process that brought us to who we are today. We talked about some of the wounds in our lives that have broken us down to bring Fear into our lives and causes us to not be courageous.

I want you to know that God has been sent to heal, restore and to release something--that something is YOU, and he will wrap our hearts in a garment of praise. He has assured us that we will never be abandoned. He will come to us with a face of Jesus which is Love. ;-)

Have you ever seen the painting where Jesus is knocking on a door? I have always loved this painting.

Jesus asks our permission for healing. He gave us the key to our hearts to lock the door from the inside. It is our job to give him permission to let him in because He has chosen to give us that choice. His Spirit is gentle and he knocks, asking us to let Him in so he can shine his light on our fear and heal us. He wants us to offer all of our brokenness to Him.

He promised us that joy will come. We need to BELIEVE that what He said is true--JOY WILL COME!

Remember, there is nothing that makes God tremble. There is nothing within our hearts that he has not seen or healed in someone else. He is not shocked to find out what we are going through. He has heard our fears before and He knew that we would be going through trials and tribulations so that is why God had his Son die on the cross for us. We not only get the benefits of Christ's death, but we get the benefits of His life. Christ is YOUR life and breath. We are the branch and He is the vine. Apart from Christ we can do nothing.

To some, the image of a pale body glimmering on a dark night whispers of defeat. What good is a God who does not control his Son's suffering? But another sound can be heard: the shout of a God crying out to human beings, "I LOVE YOU." Love was compressed for all history in that lonely figure on the cross, who said that he could call down angels at any moment on a rescue mission, but chose not to - because of us. At Calvary, God accepted his own unbreakable terms of justice." ~Phillip Yancey

We are in the palm of His hand--there is nothing and there is no one that can take us out of it. Be strong and courageous. There is no room that you walk in that God has not preceded you. We are becoming courageous women because we are growing and knowing in Him.

Psalms 18:19 said, "He rescued me because he delighted in me". He is always saying "Come Closer". You affect His heart and you can change His mind. That is how much he Loves us. Amazing right? ;-)

Oswald Chambers said "The only person that can satisfy the aching abyss of the human heart is Jesus Christ". God's love is deep, wide, long and high. God wants something in response from us. He yearns for us to love Him back and life can get in the way of His love for us because we get distracted--that is why He is jealous for us. Our love for Him is the one thing that we possess that God cannot claim without us offering it to Him. He doesn't force us to love him, but He created us to commune with Him in an intimate way. God wants us to choose to love Him freely, even when that choice involves pain, because we are committed to him, not to our own good feelings and rewards. He wants us to cleave to Him, as Job did, even when we have every reason to deny Him hotly.

Phillip Yancey stated, "I have learned that faith means trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse."

We ladies, yes, you and I--We take God's breath away!! Oh how glorious is that? Oh, and guess what? WE AFFECT HIS HEART!!! Can you only imagine?? WE AFFECT GOD'S HEART and yes, you heard it right, we have the ability to TAKE HIS BREATH AWAY!! Ha ha! I love it. He loves us so much that we have the ability to affect Him in this way? As they say in the Princess Bride, "INCONCEIVABLE"!!

Really, truly it is amazing. He loves us so much that:

1. He died on the cross so we may live
2. He has forgiven us of our sins when we ask
3. He yearns for us to love Him back like He loves us
4. He wants to heal us from our fears and hurts of the past and present
5. He gives us life through His love and healing breath
6. He never takes His life off of you
7. He is SMITTEN by you! ;-)
8. He is generous and extravagant
9. He gives us the courage to press into Him
10.He gives us the courage to get back up
11.He gives us the courage to be loved.

His love is like a kiss and an earthquake!

It's Saturday!

2011-03-19T13:23:00.012-06:00

I am so glad that it's Saturday.

I really, really needed at least one full day where I didn't have any obligations to go anywhere today.

I did Laundry

Dusted the downstairs

Watered the plants

Wiped down the tile by the fire place

Did more laundry

Cooked up some turkey sausage and Eggs, cheese and sausage for lunch

I made coffee

Cleaned the bathroom

I am sure you really wanted to know about my chore list right?

Goind to vaccuum the downstairs soon

Am on my 2nd cup of and might have a 3rd

Watched "Where the Wild Things Are"

Weird Move...

OK, more coffee and then off to do more laundry

Did I mention that I've been watching a lot of Seinfeld?

Yup

Don't have much of a life

Except for doing laundry

And watching Seinfeld....

I made my own hummus

2011-03-17T13:29:00.022-06:00

Last night I finally made my own hummus. I am tired of buying hummus at the store when I have no control over the stuff they put in it, and the amount of salt that they add. Besides, it's good to be all natural and do it myself. ;-)

I ended up mashing the chickpeas before blending hoping that it would create a smoother consistency. I also split the batch up into 2 portions so I would not overwork the blender. By adding your liquid first and then the chickpeas helps the blender work the mixture to a smooth consistency. (I blended on the "Liquefy" setting)

So I started with this

The recipe called for 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. I juiced 2 lemons which was a little more than 1/4Th.

I mashed up 3 cans of chickpeas. The recipe called for 2 cans but I ended up adding more liquid than I liked, so make sure you have some extra on hand in case you want to make it thicker.

Reserve at least 1 can of juice after draining the peas. The juice will be used during the process of blending to keep the mixture moist and moving. It also adds great flavor to your hummus.

Add about 2-3 tablespoons of EVOO. I honestly didn't measure I just drizzled some in there every once in a while.

By adding Sasami Tahini paste to your hummus, it is what binds it all together and gives it great flavor. Recipe called for 1/4 cup which I ended up using a bit extra since I added a 3rd can of the peas.

Garlic. The "Element of life" ;-) The recipe called for 2-3 cloves but I ehemmm....used 5 cloves. Let's just say my hummus was extra "spicy" from the garlic. I won't be using that much next time. LOL. Anyway, before I started the second phase of blending, I added the whole cloves to the liquid in the blender and liquefied it. Then added the chickpeas.

I put everything in a bowl and stirred it all together. Then I added Paprika

And dried Parsley

It came out super smooth and tasted Divine. I didn't even have to add any salt which I was happy about. Next time, I will measure everything exactly so that I can do a better job at calorie counting. I want to be able to measure out exactly what I need each day and know how many calories I am consuming.
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On another note, I had blood work done for my lipids and thyroid. My thyroid is now at a "normal" stage with me taking medicine every morning. Yipppeee!

My lipids however where not too great. My good Cholesterol (HDL) was great. My bad Cholesterol (LDL) was way above normal so guess what I get to do? Lay low on Carbs and Sugars. I am actually already doing this because I am allergic to Wheat and possibly Gluten. As of yesterday I went off Wheat entirely and am working my way out of eating Sugar.

So, along with adding Green Food to my smoothies every morning and cutting out Wheat/glutenous products and sugar, I am on the road to recovery.

Here's to a new me. ;-)

Daughters--HELLO COURAGE! Part 1

2011-03-15T14:55:00.015-06:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a woman’s conference at New Life Church called "Daughters--Hello Courage". Staci Eldredge was the speaker and she was quite fabulous. ;-) If you have never heard of her, she is the co-author of "Captivating" (a Christian book for women) and she co-authors books with her husband John Eldredge as well.

This will be a 2 Part post since there is a lot of ground to cover.

The topic was on "Courage". Staci talked about all of the elements that can give or take away courage from us as women. It was amazing to me how in depth this particular topic was and how much it stirred things up inside of me. I know I was not the only one moved by this because many of us were utilizing the tissue box quite often. ;-)

What is the meaning of courage?
Wikipedia states that Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. "Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while "moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Dictionary.com states that Courage is: 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. To have the courage of one's convictions, to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary states that Courage is a mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Interesting isn't it? There are so many facets of courage. Most of the time I just think I either have it or I don't. I do not venture into the realm of why do I not have courage or how is it that I gained it?

For those of us who are women,it goes back to our identities in Christ. There are deeper issues that are going on here. Bare with me for a bit as I try and process all that I learned this weekend.

Staci talked about the heart of God and where we stand with Him. The core desire of a woman is to be romanced. The desire of romance is buried in the heart of God. God designed this yearning to be romanced so that we could be closer to him. We also need to be needed, essential, irreplaceable.

There is something fierce in the heart of a woman! Your Faith and Courage will shine out and that is what people will see. I know for sure that I want a beauty that draws people to the heart of God. Living with Courage means living with Faith.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

What would it be like to live with Courage like Esther? It's not about doing but being.
G.K. Chesterton quoted, “Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” Esther had great Courage. She had this inner strength inside of her that helped her to lean on God knowing that when she stood up for her people, she may parish in the midst of it--yet she stood up for what she believed in. It's an awakened heart with confidence. ;-)

Yet, the Lord never said that once we became His children, we would live without pain and suffering. Actually, the Bible guarantee's there will be suffering. There are different types of suffering. There is suffering that comes from our own foolishness in which if we learn from it, it can make us wise. There is the suffering that comes from a fallen world and also suffering that comes from other peoples foolish behaviors. There is suffering from God that is put onto us for our own good, and then there is suffering that comes from being His children.

...and yet, the Lord comforts us. We may not always see His healing physically, but always we will see the healing of our hearts. When we face suffering throughout our lives, it is hard to trust in God for our comfort, healing and safety.

Something deep inside each one of us prevents us from living courageous--FEAR! When we fear, we hide. 1 Peter 3 talks about not giving way to fear. When we allow fear to creep in, especially when we are not looking up for Christ's help, then we hide from ourselves and from other people. We, placing ourselves in this hunkered down position, are not allowing healing into our lives by facing what is in front of us.

Sometimes fear and uncertainty creep in even as far back as our early childhood. Specifically for us girls our hearts yearn to be filled with love and affection. The questions,"Do you delight in me?, "Am I captivating?","Do you love me?" are the biggest things that formed us into who we are today. If they were not answered in a healthy way, then our confidence in ourselves may have faltered. We desire to be loved, to be beautiful. God created us to have confidence. God designed the Father/Daughter relationship to be one of the deepest relationships out there. If our earthly fathers failed at giving us what God intended then it may have created some very deep wounds within us.

These wounds, they come with messages. They come with such pain that we tend to believe them to be true. For instance, the father wounds may say "I don't love you, you are not worth it to me". The message that may have come with that is the belief that you are not worthy to be loved, to be cared for. That you were rejected and are unlovable.

So, what did we do with these wounds that crippled us? Well, we made vows to ourselves. One thing we may have told ourselves is "I will never allow anyone near me" or "I will never be loveable", or "I will never be liked". These type of vows carry us through our lives and hinder us from the healing God wants so badly for us. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear. It compels us to face what is hard and push through.

In the movie "The Princess Diaries", Mia made this quote about Courage. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. From now on you'll be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be. The key is to allow yourself to make the journey."

I don't know about you but I want all of the healing available to me through Christ Jesus.

Part 2 of “Daughters—Hello Courage! Is coming soon so stay tuned...

I have joined the land of the Green Drinkers..

2011-03-15T12:52:00.005-06:00

I made a decision...

I've wanted to do this for a long time...

Been contemplating how I am going to do it...

And then I decided...

I am going to be a Green Drinker! ;-) Yes, that's right folks, I have entered the land of the Green Slurpies...

I bought this stuff

Which comes out in a powder that looks like this

Which has all of this goodness and more inside it

I mix all kinds of fruit with it to try and hide the taste of all of this Yummy-Good For My Body--Not so tasty substance.

You might think I'm crazy

But gosh darnet

I don't care because..

I am walkin' down the healthy road.

See ya.

A love letter.

2011-03-09T15:06:00.003-07:00

My Precious Daughter (A love letter from God to His Daughters)

My precious daughter,
I will never leave you,
I will never forsake you,
I will be faithful until the end,
You are more than just "my daughter"
You are my princess,
My beloved, my delight,
I rejoice in you,
You are beautiful,
You shine with light,
You have dove's eyes,
I rejoice in you with singing,
I will quiet you with my love,
Hold you in my arms,
Never let you go,
For you are never alone,
You never have been alone,
I've been with you all along,
Your whole life,

I understand your pain,
My sacrifice wasn't for nothing,
Let me tell you I understand your confusion,
I understand your anger and frustration,
I understand your tears,
And I care,
Very much,
For you,
Everything that is important to you,
Is important to me too,
My love for you will never end,
I will not leave you for another,
I will not abandon you ever,
No matter how far you go,
My love will never end.

I have examined you heart,
I know everything about you,
When you sit down or stand up,
I know your thoughts,
Even when you are far away,
I see you when you travel,
Or when you rest at home,
I see the tears that fall from your eyes,
I see the heartache in your home,
Believe me I know the lies,
I know the temptations,
But I am here,
I know what you are going to say,
Even before you say it.
I go before you and follow,
I place my hand of blessing on your head,
Such knowledge is beyond comprehension,
It is too wonderful for you to understand,
You can never escape from my Spirit,
You can never get away from my presence!
If you go up to heaven, I am there;
If you go down to the grave, I am there.
If you ride the wings of the morning,
If you dwell by the farthest oceans,
Even there my hand will guide you,
And my strength will support you.

You could ask the darkness to hide you,
And the light around you to become night,
But even in darkness you cannot hide from me,
To me night shine as day,
Darkness and light are the same to me,
I made all the delicate, inner parts of your body,
I made your heart,
I know what makes you hurt,
I know what makes you cry,
I know what makes you tick,
I know what breaks your heart the most,
And I know how to comfort you,
I know how to make you smile,
I know how to love you,
I know how to be a daddy who loves,
Such a beautiful daughter like you,
You long for acceptance,
When you were already accepted into my family,
You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
I love you more than you know,
I will fill your heart with the love and peace you long for,
I saw you before you were born,
I knit you together in your mother's womb,
Even then I loved you,
And I was proud of you,
And I thought of you as my beautiful daughter, my princess,
Everyday of your life is recorded in my book,
Every moment was laid out,
Every moment that would bring you joy,
Every moment that would bring you pain.

My thoughts about you are precious,
They cannot be numbered,
They outnumber the grains of sand,
And when you wake up in the morning,
I am still with you,
I love you more than you know,
You are beautiful to me,
Even though you feel something is always wrong,
Just look into my eyes,
See how I see you,
A beautiful princess,
With beautiful eyes that shine with my love and my light,
I love you,
And I will say it again,
I love you,
My princess, my beloved,
My precious daughter,

I love you,
I love you,
I love you.

Don't give up,
For I see the brokenness in your families,
In your friendships,
I see the pain in your eyes,
Your beautiful heart,
That used to be so filled with joy,
Is now crushed beneath your burdens,
But you're still beautiful to me,
So beautiful to me,
I will heal you and restore you once again,

My precious daughter,
I will never leave you,
I will never forsake you,
I will be faithful until the end,

Faithful until the end...

Your loving Father and Daddy, Prince of Peace, King of Glory,

-Jesus.

A little about me..

2011-03-08T08:00:00.002-07:00

A. Age: 32
B. Bed size: Full
C. Chore you dislike: Bathroom cleaning
D. Dogs: No animals for me but I do have a Beta Fish named Marccelo
E. Essential start to your day: Earl Grey or English Breakfas Tea. Coffee on weekends
F. Favorite color: Brown/Aqua Blue
G. Gold or silver: Silver
H. Height: 5' 7" :)
I. Instruments you play(ed): Clarinet/ Djembe
J. Job title: Income Processor/ Painter
K. Kids: None
L. Live: Colorado Springs, CO
M. Mom’s name: Debbie
N. Nicknames: ReeAnn Dawn :)
O. Overnight hospital stays: 1983 (Adnoids removed) 2003 (Car Accident-Multiple broken bones)
P. Pet peeves: Smacking while chewing ANYTHING and/or talking over people.
Q. Quote from a movie: "These Mashed Potatoes are sooooooo creamy..."
R. Righty or lefty: Righty.
S. Siblings: one sister Rebekah Elizabeth
T. Time you wake up: At the butt crack of dawn
U. Underwear: Yup :)
V. Vegetables you don’t like: Brussel sprouts unless they are cooked with lots of butter
W.What makes you run late: In the mornings if I'm super tired
X. X-rays you’ve had: A lot especially at the dentist!
Y. Yummy food you make: Thai food. My ultimate fave!
Z. Zoo animal favorites: Tigers! ;-)

I love me some ballet...

2011-03-07T09:17:00.041-07:00

This Sunday we went to Denver to go see Romeo and Juliet. This ballet was absolutely fabulous and I am in awe of the talent that these people have as they dance out these stories. Sorry if the pictures are hard to see since none of us remembered our camera's, these are all from our phones.

My Mom (Debbie) and I waiting for the ballet to start

My Mom and our friend Rita posing by the Ballet statue. This statue was really cool--it was so life like. You could even see veins in their arms--that is how much detail was put into it.

My roommate Gennae went with us.

Gennae, Me and Rita

This is a weird fixture that was in the theatre. We have one like it, only bigger in our Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs. It reminds me of Medusa. Yuck!

Gennae, Mom and Rita sitting in the theatre before ballet starts

The story of Romeo and Juliet is one of pain and beauty.

They had true love but because of their families, it was not to be

They met in secret because they could not stand to be apart

They were married in secret before Romeo felt he needed to escape.

And then the Fiar gave Juliet fake poison to make it look like she was dead. She planned to escape to be with her one true love. But Romeo found her before she could wake up and thought she was dead.

So he said his final good buy to Juliet and drank the real poinson.

..And killed himself out of deep anguish.

Juliet woke too late to find her one true love dead.

And at the end of the story, sadly, Juliet kills herself. The END...

After the ballet, we went and had dinner at a restaurant called Pappadeaux.

We all ordered from this side of the Menu. I had the Shrimp Creole, Gennae had the Shrimp Etouffee and my Mom and Rita split the Mixed Seafood Grill. It was absolutely delicious!

We had the opportunity to try Frog Legs for the first time. They were actually pretty good. Here I am with my first leg. HA HA!

My mom with her first ever Frog Leg. ;-)

Gennae with hers. She's had frog before but never like this.

And a picture of my mom AFTER she has eaten her frog legs. LOL! She wanted proof that she ate it all. ;-)

Here is a solute to one of THE MOST beautiful performing arts. ;-)

To be or not to be....

2011-03-03T08:00:00.004-07:00

“Never let 'em see you when you're breaking
Never let 'em see you when you fall
That's how we live and that's how we try
Tell the world you've got it all together
Never let them see what's underneath
Cover it up with a crooked smile
But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scared
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted
When you hear the words that you are loved
He knows where you are and where you've been
And you never have to go there again.”

Natalie Grant © 2009

Perfectionism can be really hard to face day-in and day-out. It creates trauma within oneself where there lies lack of satisfaction unless whatever is being accomplished isn't just---perfect.

Isn't that the case though? If it's not perfect then I guess I am not perfect. If it's not perfect then I guess I am not in control. If it's not perfect then I guess people will be disappointed in me. If it's not perfect then I guess I will be disappointed in myself. If I don’t act or speak perfectly then people won’t like me. The list goes on and on and on…..

If we take perfectionism as far as the paragraph above, then we are only destroying ourselves. No one is perfect. Only God is, and when we take it upon ourselves to try and be perfect then we are trying to replace God in those aspects of our lives.

Philippians 3:10-12 says:

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

This is great because it means that the only true thing that we should try to obtain on this earth is what God has called us to in His word. God is a God of grace and love. That's hard to chew on isn't it? Grace you ask? Well, I can't give myself grace because it has to be just right. I can't give myself grace because then people will be disappointed in me. I can't give myself grace because I will be disappointed in myself.

For people who have been hurt, they might even think "If I cannot give grace to myself, why should I give grace to others?" And then there is the issue of grace being abused so often that it is hard to even believe it anymore--therefore the mindset of "it's not going to be perfect unless I do it myself".

Hebrews 4:15-16 says “15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

If we can give grace to ourselves as God gives us grace, then we can let that flow through us to others. This, I believe, can be a position to stand on when we feel the need to be perfect, or otherwise put pressure on others to be perfect. We all make mistakes but we all have the ability to stand back up and try again. At the end of the day, if we tried our best and it’s still not perfect, that’s where grace fits into the picture.

“To be perfect or not to be?” is the question of the day. God’s grace means that we are accepted already, just as we are, imperfections and all, because of the cross.
I think striving for the better you is always the best thing but nothing can be accomplished without the love and grace flowing to you from God. If you are prone to perfection like I am, I encourage you to step back and ask God which direction you should go. Because nothing is perfect, only God is.

“No one is perfect; that’s why pencils have erasers.” ~Author unknown.

Praying for Israel

2011-03-02T18:21:00.003-07:00

Hi all, new prayer post over here in the prayer room.

http://annjeri-prayerforthenations.blogspot.com/2011/03/pray-for-israel.html

The things I cannot live without.....

2011-03-02T13:49:00.011-07:00

And not necessarily in this order....

On the other hand this might be the most important so I will leave it at the top of the list. Notice that there are multiples of them? Yup, gotta have one in every place.

If you have curly hair, you will understand the attachments. ;-)

This is practically my best friend.

This should be a staple

It's a must have...

I think there is a theme going on here..

Umm, Uh hummm....Sorry, it's a necessity!!! Plus toilet seat covers are a bonus!

You say WHAT?!?!

Your welcome! ;-)

Pioneer Woman and the Tattered Cover

2011-02-28T15:12:00.021-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to Denver with my great friends Matthew and Mellisa. I wish you all could meet them because they are super cool. ;-) Anyway, Mellisa and I follow this blog from the Pioneer Woman. Other wise known as Ree Drummond or "P-Dub" as she so lovingly calls herself. She's just like you and I really.

She's a mom....

She home schools her kids...

She's funny...

She's Down-to-Earth....

She's a great cook--thus the cookbook.....

She's shy...

She's a city girl-but lives on a farm...

Her family raises cattle....

And walks in mud...

And walks in manure....

And blogs...

She's great, you should go check her out here...
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

Anyway, back to my story. Sorry for the tangent. ;-)

So, we went to the Tattered Cover in Denver. It's this cute bookstore on a corner street near 16th Street Mall. We got there around 1:30pm and were finally done around 6pm-ish.

Here is my Pioneer Woman Cookbook

Melissa, Matt and I were numbers 324, 325 and 326. Let the waiting begin.

Here is Melissa and I waiting for our turn and posing with our books ready to be signed.

And waiting some more....on the floor. Can you see my pink socks? They are Betty Boop heart socks in honor of Valentines Day. I know, I'm a dork. ;-)

I think my bum was going to sleep....

Matt and Melissa being goofy.

And I finally got to meet her. She is so sweet. Did you notice how beautiful her hair was after 5 or more hours of handshakes and questioning? Amazing!

Awestruck. Cannot believe we have our books signed. We are just giddy with excitement. I was so nervous my hands were sweating. You know what I said to her? All I could think of to say was "Are you tired yet?" Ugh! I wanted to say so much more but couldn't get it out. LOL!

And here is the signed book. I will have you know that that book is not on a bookshelf, not in a cupboard but grandly displayed in our dining room where all can see it. I was not about to hide that thing away after such a great experience to get it.

New Painting-Lilly's

2011-02-27T11:37:00.006-07:00

Good Sunday Morning! I am excited to announce that I have finished a new painting.

I am not sure what to really call it, so I titles it "Lilly's" because well, you know, their Lilly's. ;-)

Here's a close up.

And a bit farther back.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. Can't wait to watch the Oscar's tonight. Kinda bummed that there isn't a party going on to enjoy it with other people, but it will be fun none-the-less. ;-)

Food for thought.

2011-02-25T11:26:00.003-07:00

~Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.

~Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.

~If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.

~Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.

~Our strength grows out of our weaknesses.

~Storms make trees take deeper roots.

Happy Presidents Day

2011-02-21T11:44:00.004-07:00

Today, I am very thankful to have the day off. Life has been full and unfortunately not a whole lot of time to catch up on the things I have been wanting/needing to do.

So, what is one the agenda? Cooking, painting, watching movies...oh and laundry. ;-)

To ensure that I am eating a well rounded/healthy meal every day this week, I am making the following:

1: Spaghetti squash- I cut the squash in half then scraped out all of the seeds. Then I rubbed EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and sprinkled dried Thyme and Rosemary. The house smells fantastic right now! I cook it at 400 degrees until it is fork tender and the fibers can be easily pulled through.
2. Roasted Asparagus- Snap the veggie into pieces and roast with some EVOO for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees until just tender.

Later, I will cook some chicken and then combine the veggies with chicken and it will be a tasty meal.

This morning I also made some lean Turkey sausage for a protein snack or with eggs in the mornings.

This afternoon I am going to try my hand at making Humus. I have never done this myself before so I really hope I can make it creamy like the stores do.

Anyway, I am having a great day. I watched some T.V shows this morning and am now making coffee. Awwwweee....Bliss. ;-)

In other news I am still working on my new canvas painting. I am loving the results so far and cannot wait to hang it in my bedroom. It has been a dream of mine for a long time to be able to create my own artwork for my house. Even though sometimes it can be more expensive (Acrylics and stretch boards do not always come cheap) it is still so satisfying when I am done.

So, happy President's Day everyone. If you are off or working, I hope you have a great day.

A new blog has been created.

2011-02-18T14:41:00.007-07:00

Hey there,
Come over to view my new "Prayer Room".

http://annjeri-prayerforthenations.blogspot.com

For a while now I have felt lead to create a place online that is all about Praying for the Nations". Here we will be able to seek out the heart of God and be a community of prayer warriors.

Eventually, I will be opening a prayer site here in Colorado Springs for people to come and join in worship and prayer. It will be awesome! ;-)

Have a blessed day and a great weekend

Steering the way.

2011-02-17T07:55:00.006-07:00

I love this song because it portrays how we are on a daily basis without fully relying on God. So many times I find myself trying to take the wheel and drive wherever "I" want to go. Interesting eh? With God steering we go to places where we could never have imagined. He is the one who should truly direct our paths.

And this song I just love. I see it as a love story between me and God. I listened to this song over and over while I was in YWAM. I was hurting and needed comfort and this song gave me a picture of how God loves us.

The things that bring joy to my life...

2011-02-15T13:50:00.018-07:00

Need I say more?

Chilaxing!

Sweet Potatoes

The Biggest Loser

Reading

Painting

House--Hugh has a gorgeous smile! ;-) Oh wait you can't see it.

And Bones. I think they should get married.

80's Music and Parties

Ballet

Banana's

Going to the beach

Playing on my Djembe

Oh wait, the Pièce de résistance
Cheese Cake!

Sometimes you just gotta laugh...Your welcome ;-)

2011-02-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

This add was absolutely disturbing yet surprisingly halarious!

Bon Appetite Part 4- Valentines Chocolate Covered Cherries

2011-02-11T20:40:00.029-07:00

This year for Valentines day, my roommate Monika and I decided to make some candy. Valentines Chocolate Covered Cherries. Yummm....

First you drain your marishino cherries and lay them out on paper towels to dry

Then you have your roommate pose with the dipping chocolate.

Then take your ingredients (3tbsp margarine, 3tbsps Corn Syrup and 2.5 cups powdered sugar)

Cover each cherry with the fondant

Which should look like this

You ladies are doing such a fine job. SPEED IT UP!!!

And then like this....

And then you dip the candy like this..

Or like this...

Until they all look like this

Then you have your roommate beat the white chocolate like a mad woman

Sprinkle the white chocolate over the top of the cherries

Have fun with it and get messy!

The finished product.

Bon Appetite!

Set yourself free.

2011-02-11T14:05:00.003-07:00

There is no outside force holding you back. You are holding you back and you are blaming it on someone or something else. The way you are able to continue holding yourself back is by maintaining the illusion that you’re a victim. Once you realize that illusion, you will naturally and easily move forward. In fact, it is easier to fulfill your best possibilities than it is to avoid them. So let go of the blame and watch the limitations drop away. Certainly there will always be challenges that hold you back. For each challenge provides you with a pathway through which you can move toward fulfillment. It is your very nature to accomplish. Lovingly accept your destiny, and allow that accomplishment to be manifest through you. Set yourself free to follow your purpose. Set yourself free to truly live.

Quoted by Ralph Marston at greatday.com

Maker of Heaven, you are my life....

2011-02-10T17:00:00.004-07:00

There are many days where I wrestle with hopelessness. Sometimes it's because of not being married and having kids, sometimes it's my job..etc.

Today is a hard one for me. I have to wonder "What do you have for me Lord?" "What kind of future is in store for me?" "Am I ever going to go anywhere or do anything important?"

I know that my hope comes from the Lord. He is my maker. This song said it all.

Bon Appetite Part 3--Chocolate Covered Strawberries

2011-02-08T19:19:00.013-07:00

So, for the Superbowl Party this year I decided to make Chocolate Covered Strawberries and they were a BIG hit! This was really fun and super easy.

You start out by heating up water under a double boiler. Once the water is hot then add your chocolate dipping chips.

Then you let them melt and continue to stir them until the chocolate is shiny and smooth.

Then you dip the strawberries in the chocolate, but not quite to the top of the stem.

They should be smooth like this.

Once you have dipped all your berries, you can add a pretty and delicious touch by melting some white morsals to put on top of the chocolate. I added butter and milk to the chips in order to make them creamy and smooth.

Your white chocolate should end up streaming off of your wisk like this.

Take your wisk and draw it over the berries.

The finished product.

And the final presentation. Bon Appetite!

Bon Appetite Part 2- Thai soup

2011-02-07T19:41:00.016-07:00

Can you say Tom Kha Gai three times fast? I sure can't but it's fun to try! ;-)

Anyway, I have these fabulous friends whose names are Matt and Melissa. Oh, and they have this fabulous little guy named Caleb. Once you see their pics, you will think them to be super fab as well. ;-)

The other night we had a soup called Tom Kha Gai. It was absolutely delicious! It consisted of bite sized chicken cooked in a mixture of chicken broth, coconut milk, spices and lemon grass. They also added sliced carrots and onions. This soup is to die for people. You really need to try it if you like Asian food. Oh, and did I mention the tiny little jalapeño peppers that pack a huge wallop of heat in them? Yup,they were thrown in there too.

Here is the recipe for those who would like to take a cooking adventure.
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken broth
8 large slices peeled fresh galangal or 4
slices peeled fresh ginger
1 large lemongrass stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces,
crushed
16 fresh kaffir lime leaves, torn in half, or grated zest of 1 large lime
2 cans (each 14 oz.) coconut milk
1/4 cup lime or lemon juice
2 to 3 Tbs. Thai fish sauce
2 Tbs. light brown sugar
1 Tbs. red chili paste
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into
bite-size pieces
1/2 lb. fresh white mushrooms, brushed clean and
thinly sliced
5 small fresh red or green chilies, sliced
crosswise paper-thin
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the broth, galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves. Place over medium heat and slowly bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.

Reduce the heat to low, add the coconut milk, stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add the lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar and chili paste; mix well and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and simmer until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and simmer until tender, about 1 minute more.

To serve, ladle into warmed bowls. Float the chili slices and cilantro leaves on top.
Serves 4 to 6.

Here is a picture of Matt pounding the life out of the Lemon Grass. LOL!

Little Caleb wondering what the heck is daddy doing and, by the way, where is MY food?

Matt did a great job cutting up that chicken.

Melissa did a great job cutting up the onions and carrots. They both make a great team.

Melissa ecstatic about eating her soup. Teee heee! ;-)

Awe, Caleb finally got his dinner. Num Num...

The finished product. Bon Appetite!

Bon Appetite-Part 1--Iron Chef

2011-02-07T09:18:00.017-07:00

So, there are 3 events that I am covering today, but I will do them in installments.

Event #1: Girls Pampered Chef night.
Here is how we do it. Everyone agrees on a main ingredient, and then brings all of their items to make the dish at one location. No one knows what the other person is going to make, so it's a great surprise when we all start cooking together. This last one was a couple weekends ago and the main ingredient was peanuts.

Here is the chicken I made for my Orange-Honeyed Peanut Chicken dish over rice

Here is me using my brand new zester. I am zesting the orange for my sauce.

Here is me scooping out the Jasmine Rice for my dish.

I added Honey, Orange Juice Concentrate, and Green Onions to my sauce. When all was said and done, I added orange slices on top of the chicken and placed it over a bed of jasmine rice.

My friend Patty cooking up her scallops. Yup, you would never believe how delicious scallops can be with peanuts. YUM!

The finished scallops made with a cherry-orange juice reduction. Peanuts were laid on top.

My roommate Monika cooking up her stir-fried green beans with a Thai peanut sauce. YUM!

The finished stir fried green beans. They were divine!

My friend Michele cooking up her Pioneer Women's chicken wraps with chopped peanut's on top. They were absolutely delicious.

The meat for the wraps cooking.

My roommate Gennae whipping up our desert. Peanut Butter and Banana milk shakes with Vanilla icecream and chunks of dark chocolate. DELISH!

Serving them up.

So there you go. This was our Iron Chef second edition. We plan on doing more of these in the future and they are absolutely fun. You should try it sometime. It is a great way to get to know people and it brings on creativity and laughter.

Bon Appetite! ;-)

You won't relent - Jesus Culture

2011-02-06T11:59:00.003-07:00

You know, worship is a great way to get into the presence of the Lord. I do not do it often enough but am wanting to make it a habit to do so. For me, when I fall short of spending quality time with God, things do not always run as smoothly as I would like. I am sure that it is the same for many people out there too. These 2 songs I heard this morning really touched me and gave me strength today. Enjoy.

I am so excited, and I just can't hide it...

2011-02-05T08:33:00.009-07:00

Drum roll please................... This is my very first blog post on my brand spankin new lap top. I am so excited, and I think I like it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it. Ya ya ya ya! ;-)

For so many years I have wanted--or should I say "drooled" over having a laptop. I almost even foamed at the mouth. ;-)

I remember back when I was in YWAM in 2006. I hated not having access to my own computer. We had to go to the library and wait for your turn to get on the net. Frustrating. But now, I can travel around and enjoy life's every day joys--technology.

I am also excited about going to coffee shops and different places and be able log on to the net, blog and journal. Saweet! ;-)

OK,so here is the nerd side of me coming out. My laptop has a 10 key pad. I think I was most excited about that than anything else--maybe.

Here are some pictures.
Sorry for the glare on this one.

And then the Piece De Resistance (sp?)
The 10 key pad. I am such a geek! LOL

So, happy 10 keying- I mean typing everyone. ;-)

Freaked out!

2011-01-31T06:34:00.003-07:00

OK, so today being Monday as well as Month end close for me at work, I was supposed to set my alarm to 5 am so I could get to the office by 6am. Well, long story short I made it, but in the nick of time.

The rest of this blog is not for the faint of heart. Just a warning.

You are probably wondering why I am even writing about this? Well, I'll tell ya....

Here's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

A little before 5am this morning I woke up from a nightmare. I was breathing hard and was sweaty! Gross! The nightmare was about me driving at night in a neighborhood located in the woods. I could not find my way--I kept getting turned around. Finally, I stopped at someone’s house and asked for help. I got out of my car to talk to this lady and my hair got caught on a tree branch and I felt it tug my "bouffant" out of place. ;-) As I was talking to the lady who was helping me, I felt a weird movement at the base of my neck, inside my hair--I knew it was a bug. A big, gigantor bug. Moving and squirming around----IN MY HAIR!!!

The lady who was helping me was trying to give me directions while internally I am freaking out over hear. I asked her to help me get the massive creature out of my hair which she in turn had to cut in half to get it out. GROSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! I turned around and looked at it and it looked part mammal/part insect. OK, CREAPY!

And then I woke up.

I can still picture what the bug looked like and how it felt.

I am totally grossed out.

And disturbed.

Thanks for reading this.

Sorry if I grossed you out too.

Have a fabulous Monday.

Charging on...

2011-01-27T08:07:00.003-07:00

Well, I made it to Thursday everyone. I am sore as all get out and there is still more torture--I mean exercise to come. ;-)

Tuesday I met with my personal trainer for the second time, but it was our first time to actually work out. On my first session with her, we talked about me and how I am doing with my cardio workouts. Then we talked about what she is planning on having me do. So it was just a get-to-know-you session.

Anyway, on Tuesday we did a full 45 to 50 minute full body circuit in the weight area. I am re-training my body on how to maintain balance and working muscles I haven't worked in a LOOOOONG time. ;-) In my future sessions with her, I can only do half our segments so hopefully I can still learn a lot from her during that time.

Today I made a really yummy and extremely low calorie breakfast. I had some steel cut oats.

mixed in 2 semi-heaping tablespoons of ground flax seed.

And threw in some frozen blue berries. I also added 1 package of sweet-n-low.

Whala!!! Yummers!! Very tasty.

On another note-sorry this post is so random- I am finally entering into the laptop world. I have wanted my own laptop for years and have been researching them for quite some time. I have to admit, I am overwhelmed by all the possibilities out there. Sheesh! But I think I know what I want. So, pictures-hopefully-to come on that once I get my gift to me. ;-)

Anyway, have a fabulous day everyone. Tootles! ;-)

It's what I want to know...Volume 1

2011-01-25T14:36:00.005-07:00

I don't know about you, but I certainly like to know what I am eating and why I am eating it. So, periodically I do some research on the health benefits of some of the items that tend to be main staples in my fridge. The real reason why I am blogging about this stuff is so that I can go back to this info from time to time and remember what kind of foods I need to continue eating--and hopefully help other with getting healthy as well.

Cucumbers. ;-) Exciting right? LOL.

Health benefits of Cucumber
-Very low in calories; provides just 15 calories per 100 g. Contains no saturated fats or cholesterol. Cucumber peel is a good source of dietary fiber that helps reduce constipation and offers some protection against colon cancers.

-It is a very good source of potassium, an important intra-cellular electrolyte. Potassium is a heart friendly electrolyte; helps reduce blood pressure and heart rates by countering effects of sodium.

-It contains unique anti-oxidants in good ratios such as beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease process.

-Cucumbers have mild diuretic property probably due to their high water content which is helpful in checking weight loss and high blood pressure.

-Cucumbers surprisingly have relatively high amount of vitamin K, provides about 17 mcg of this vitamin per 100 g. Vitamin K has potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has established role in Alzheimer's disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
This information was found on this website "http://health.learninginfo.org/nutrition-facts/cucumber.htm".

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Sweet Potatoes

-Being rich in dietary fiber, sweet potato lowers the risk of constipation, diverticulosis and colon and rectal cancer.
-Sweet potatoes have been found to helpful in minimizing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
-Sweet potato is a good snack for those trying to lose weight. It induces a feeling of fullness soon and thus, helps control food intake.
-Consumption of sweet potatoes has been known to help avoid stroke, by bringing down the harmful effects of low-density cholesterol & preventing blood clots.
-The presence of beta-carotene in sweet potato helps the body fight against free radicals and thus, prevents cancer.
-Since sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, they can be consumed by those suffering from diabetes, without any apprehensions.
-The high amount of potassium in sweet potato helps the body in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance as well as cell integrity.
-Sweet potatoes have been found to be beneficial for blood purification as well as lowering of blood pressure.
-Owing to the presence of iron and calcium, sweet potatoes ensure proper blood flow and also improve bone density.
-Regular consumption of sweet potato is good for stomach ulcers and inflamed conditions of the colon.
-Being rich in vitamins and minerals, sweet potato is good for people involved in heavy muscular work
This information was found on this website "http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-sweet-potato-2119.html"

Smoothies....Yummm...

2011-01-21T07:43:00.005-07:00

Most of my day's at work consist of the same ritual. I get to work, fill up my water filter canaster, then start working on my breakfast smoothie. I love it so much that I thought I would share the very simple but very delicious recipe with you.

About 1/4 cup of green juice. You can find this at most stores. I always look for the one that has Spirulina in it. See below for more details about that.

One very small banana

And a small handfull of both frozen blueberries and raspberries.

I did buy some frozen cherries to put in my smoothies this weekend. I am so bad about eating my fruit each day, so I figured if I put it in my smoothies that should do the trick and they are always very tasty.

Spirulina- promotes health in many ways. It powerfully protects from oxidant stress and strongly supports the immune system and a healthy inflammatory response. Scientific studies suggest it may be especially good for the brain, heart, immune system and more; so you can meet life“s challenges..

Enjoy!

Hmmm....

2011-01-19T08:18:00.003-07:00

So, last night I started my class on Co-Dependency which is going to be really good. I know a lot of this stuff from reading some books, but I know I am going to learn a whole lot more in the coming weeks.

Anyway, the instructor gave us this really good analogy of what is a Passive-Aggressive personality.

Picture this....Have you ever seen the movie Marley and Me? Remember Marley, the lab?

OK, so picture Marley jumping up on you with his paws on your shoulders showing you the love. He just wants to kiss you and give you all of his affection............while peeing on you at the same time.

Gross I know, but it is so true. When we do not deal with our feelings right off the bat, we are not only hurting ourselves but it affects others as well--thus the peeing.

Your welcome ;-)

Power Metabolism Boosters and more....

2011-01-18T13:53:00.007-07:00

On the day to day process of learning how to eat and also learning how to shed those extra pounds, here are some pointers I think are helpful...

1. Gum- Chew a couple of sugar-free sticks of gum a day can raise your metabolism.
2. Coffee- 1 or 2 cups of coffee can speed up your heartrate almost like a mini workout.
3. Dark Leafy Greens- Kale, Spinach and Swiss Chard boost metabolism by keeping insulin levels steady.
4. Green Tea- By drinking 4-5 cups a day can help you burn up to 100 extra calories.
5. Cinnamon- 1 to 2tbps a day can help you burn gluclose up to 20 times faster.
6. Spicy foods- Eating peppers, hot sauces and salsas can decrease the concentration of fat in your liver.

Water- Why is it important?According to mayoclinic.com, "Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues."

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

How much water do you need?"Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water."
Dietary recommendations--"The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day."

Excersize and other stuff..

2011-01-18T08:42:00.004-07:00

Last week was an intense week for me exercise wise. I think I mentioned in my other blog post that I began doing 1 hour cardio workouts as of last Thursday. I took Sunday off and boy did my body need it. I was so exhausted I didn't feel like I could keep my eyes open. Then, we had Monday off for Martin Luther day and I killed myself again with an even more intense 1 hour work out. My personal trainer advised me to do more workouts with 1 minute low and 1 minute high intensity intervals the whole time. I actually did the elliptical yesterday with 2 min low and 2 minute high. I just didn't want to constantly be adjusting the machine every minute, so I set it for intervals. I am able to get more miles out of my work out this way than the way I was doing it before. I have no idea how the Biggest Loser Contestants do it. I certainly am not trying to compete with them on the multiple hours of intensity that they do, but I am trying to put myself in the place where I want to be. Even if I don't win this 12 week contest, I want to have lost a bit of weight because of it.

Anyway, in other news I am going to be going to a class on Tuesday evenings at a local church that I live right next to. It's a co-dependency class so I am looking forward to what they have to offer in their seminars. I know that being someone who grew up co-dependent, like most other co-dependents, I am addicted to food. It's amazing what people don't know about this issue so I will do a blog about it another time.

Also, I really want to do some creative cooking. I can't eat most of what I want to make but I think it would be fun to just bake for people. So stay tuned for more blog posts about that.

I am getting ready to do another painting. I liked the flower painting that I did a while back so I want to do another one. I also have some other prophetic paintings that I want to do as well. Just writing about it makes me excited. ;-)

I think once my body gets used to all of the intense work outs then I will for sure have energy to do all of the other stuff I want to do. Here's to a great start for January.

Happy eating and good choices.

The Challenge starts now...

2011-01-15T10:54:00.003-07:00

So, today I went and weighed in for my 12 week challenge at my local gym (Golds). This is going to be an amazing journey and here is how it goes...

They weighed me, which I will NOT disclose in public my weight until I have lost most of it. (insert smile here). It is an atrocious weight but I can get it off. They also measured me and took front and back pictures. Exciting! (can you hear the sarcasm?) ;-)

Anyway, it is exciting but intimidating and scary all at the same time. I am afraid of failing myself, but I know I have the potential to get it done. I am hiring a personal trainer who has experience in sports injuries as well as she may be able to work with my chiropractic office on how best to handle things. I will meet with her 1x per week for 1/2 hour unless I can find a buddy who would be willing to share an hour together for a cheaper price. I really hope I can find one, but until then I am thankful for what I can get.

Anyway, I have stepped up my game this week in the cardio-vascular arena. Starting last Sunday I was working out for 35 minutes and then just leaving the gym after a short and very quick stretching session. As of this Thursday, I stepped it up a notch and began doing an hour of cardio with a longer stretching session at the end. This Friday I will meet with the trainer and we will discuss the optimal way of losing inches by adding strength training. I think I will be living at the gym for a while. What do you think? I think I will since my sessions will most likely be around 1.5 to 2 hours each time I get to the gym.

Maybe I will look like this some day. Well, maybe a LITTLE different, but similar.;-)

Blinders, blinkers or winkers........

2011-01-14T08:34:00.007-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of horse blinders were for? Well, I have to admit I looked up the official reason why we use them. You’re welcome. ;-)

Blinders, also known as blinkers or winkers, are a piece of horse tack that restricts the horse's vision to the rear and, in some cases, to the side. Many racehorse trainers believe these keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions.

It's interesting how we walk through life with certain blinders on. In many cases, someone might have a blinder to keep them focused on a specific goal, and others might have them on because they just haven't dealt with some issue in life and can't seem to see "outside the box" if you will.

God showed me this analogy of how humans tend to deal with things. We walk through life with a certain "winker" on that makes us not see the whole picture, and then there comes a moment in time where God pulls it off and all of the sudden we see the real world. You know what I am talking about? Reality hits us. WOW!--and we think, "Was I really acting like that?" or "Why did I think that way all this time?".

There should be an even balance on how focused we are on certain things in our lives. To put a "blinker" on should mean complete focus on something that we need to correct, or maybe it's just something we want to accomplish. When they put these things on horses it was for a single purpose--to not get distracted and to finish the race. If we decide to guard our eyes and minds from reality, and that is solely the purpose of putting on a "blinder" then we are not only doing ourselves an injustice, but God and others around us. God wants us to be free to receive his healing and possibly move onto a different, healthier path. If we had our eyes blocked from Him (and just focused on our internal torments) then we would never see any other possibility he would have for us.

I know for myself I tend to do this as well. I focus way too much sometimes on the negative things in life and have a difficult time seeing the good things happening in my life. I certainly don't want to walk around like that. I want to see everything that God has for me--it might be things I had to learn from the past (looking backwards), or seeing the good things around me (looking side to side), or just staying focused on the goals that He has for me (looking forward).

So, what Blinders, Blinkers or Winkers are you wearing today? Are they there for self-protection, or are they there to focus on a goal? How has God been speaking to YOU lately?

Jeremiah 29:10-14
This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T09:09:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! Can you believe that it is already the 3rd of Jan? CRAZY!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Year’s. I certainly did. It was full of friends and family and I had a great time with everyone.

To some degree I am glad it is over. Funny thing is, I look forward to Christmas every year, and then it exhausts me and I am ready to be done--sometimes even before Christmas hits. Sad. ;-(

Anyway, this year has a lot of promises attached. I don't know what all to expect, but for sure there are some good things to look forward to. I am making changes and moving forward.

The gym that I am a part of (Gold's) always has these weight loss challenges going on every 12 weeks or so. There are prizes involved and other great incentives. So, to start my year off right, I think I may join. I will post more about it later as I learn more and start it. For this challenge, you are accountable in a group setting. If you don't lose weight, it can affect the whole team. Tonight I am going to an informational meeting to get all of the details. I am nervous yet excited. I need this. I need the push it will give me to get going. I am certainly sick of being heavy--I just want to feel normal ya know?

I know that there are many more things to look forward to this year. One of my resolutions is to spend more time in prayer and worship. I also want to learn how to play my djembe and worship more with that as well.

Soooo...one thing at a time--moving forward is always good. Today I am focusing on not eating dessert type foods and trying to avoid bread. YIKES! Already I went into the kitchen here at work and there were delicious looking lemon bars on the counter. I just wanted to reach out and grab one. I for sure know that I am addicted to sugar. Every time I eat lunch or dinner I want something sweet to follow it. I am also always wanting to munch on carbs so I am working on substituting it with fruit and eventually with veggies as well (I need to go shopping).

So here is to making good choises! HELP ME JESUS! ;-)

Believe

2010-12-14T08:30:00.003-07:00

It is times like these, yes even during the holidays that oppression sets in. It is not of the Lord, and certainly Christ would never want us to live under such a heavy cloud. God gave me a vision yesterday, and I think this not only applies to me, but to those of you who are experiencing harsh times.
Here is the vision:

I saw a person who had fallen into a lake of mud. It was really more like quick sand but looked muddy. Weird I know. Anyway, that person was struggling to make their way to the top of the mud to catch a breath and see sunlight. Their movements were slow but the person was very desperate to get to the top. Anxiety flowed through them as they kept thinking "I can't breathe, this is too hard". The pressure from the mud all around them seemed unbearable, as if it was squeezing around them.
Eventually I saw this person rise to the surface, just enough to allow their mouth and nose to breath in fresh air and to see the light.

I have been pondering this vision for a while. I had to wonder why God did not just reach down and pull this hurting soul out of the miry muck. It's like this verse in Psalm 43:2 "You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?". This person was doing the best they could just to breath and not fall deeper and deeper under oppression.

I still do not know the full answer to this, but this is what I do know. God calls us to seek Him--to move towards him, even when we feel like we cannot move. Every muscle and fiber of our being is His. He can snap his fingers and any illness or burden can be lifted in an instant--he has done this before. But most of the time I believe he has called us to a higher level--a level that requires a little bit of sweat and endurance on our part. It would be easier if he just rescued us and we didn't have to do a thing, but we would never have learned anything. How did we get into that mud hole/quick-sand in the first place? What was it that drew us to it? It certainly didn't smell good or look appealing. There was work involved to get there, so there is work involved to get out of it.

What draw's us to get out of it? It's the hope and love of God--the promise of tomorrow and the healing of today.

Matthew 11:28-29
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

1 Samuel 10:18
...“This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I brought Israel up out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you.’

Psalm 9:9
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 103:6
The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

Psalm 146:7
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,

Music is such a great resource to sooth the soul. We all have things going on in our lives that it is really hard to communicate. I believe music does it so well for us.

Children sleeping, snow is softly falling
Dreams are calling like bells in the distance
We were dreamers not so long ago
But one by one we all had to grow up
When it seems the magic's slipped away
We find it all again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe

Trains move quickly to their journey's end
Destinations are where we begin again
Ships go sailing far across the sea
Trusting starlight to get where they need to be
When it seems that we have lost our way
We find ourselves again on Christmas day

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe [x4]

Just believe

Did you know?-Butternut Squash

2010-12-13T12:07:00.006-07:00

So, I guess this could end up being a multi-post day. ;-)

On my lunch break I was reading this holiday magazine "for Women First" and I came across this recipe for Butternut Squash. It's simple, supposed to be super tasty and created by the "Pioneer Woman". This magazine was published last December but I am sure you can find this recipe and many more on her website ThePioneerWoman.com.

Butternut Squash Puree
1 Butternut Squash
2 Tbs Butter
4 Tbs Real Maple Syrup
Dash of Salt.

1. Slice squash in half lengthwise. Scrape out seeds and membranes. Place both halves face down on rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 min. or until squash is fork tender from the oven.
2. Place butter in a mixing bowl. With a spoon, scrape out flesh of squash; add to bowl with butter. Let sit 1 min. or until butter melts
3. Add maple syrup and salt, then mash mixture together until large chunks are broken up. Serve mixture as is, or place in a food processor and puree until smooth and pourable.

4 Reasons to love Butternut Squash
1. Optimal Immunity
Enjoying just 1/3 cup of this golden vegetable daily bolsters the body's defense against winter colds and the flu. It is packed with beta-carotene (a phytonutrient that neutralizes immunity-sabotaging free radicals and stimulates up to a 33 percent increase in blood levels of infections-fighting T cells)
2. A Happier Mood
The tryptophan in this sweet squash can boost feelings of happiness by as much as 20 percent.
3. A Healthy Heart
Contains significant stores of folate and fiber.
4. All-day Energy
Is packed with omega-3 fatty acids to boost the body's ability to convert stored fat into energy.

Wow, sounds like a great way to stay healthy and lose weight. I am all for this and should buy some today. ;-)

Different-A Tribute to the "special people"

2010-12-13T11:04:00.002-07:00

OK, you might be wondering what in the heck does the title of my post mean. LOL! Well, I'll tell ya.

I believe God has made us all different. In fact, even for twins there are always things about them that are different from the other.

Really, what I am referring to are the differences in personalities that separate some of us from the pack. Have you ever felt different, or have you ever felt like you didn't quite belong? Are you in a place where you wish you could be friends with more people or possibly be understood by others?

Well, you have come to the right blog my friend because I am in that same club. I find myself wondering why I cannot connect with certain people, or why is it that my personality does not fit most scenarios. I am a creative person to the core. I love to sing, paint and cook. My thoughts most of the time revolve around one of those things. My sense of humor is different too--I find that not many people truly understand me, but then every once in a while I find that unique sole that just "gets me". Can you hear the Hallelujah Chorus? ;-)

Being different can also be how we process things--how we deal with life’s issues. Are you a sensitive person or do you just let things slide off your shoulder? Do you show your feelings on your shoulders or do you hide them under the surface? How about your relationship with Christ? Do you want to go deeper with him and seek out his voice for understanding?

Many of these things factor in how we live our lives and how we interact with others. God has shown me that He made us all different in a way that we are unique. We are all "quality" people when we allow him to do a good work in our lives. It's OK to be different--to be set apart. It's not easy. It's not always fun. Sometimes it’s lonely. Sometimes it’s confusing and upsetting but if we look at it through God's lenses, it makes a little more sense. ;-)

I would like to dedicate this song to all of my "groupies" who are different. Love you!!!

Trying out new recipes

2010-12-13T08:10:00.004-07:00

Hello all. Not much to write about today, so this post might be random.

I went to see the new Narnia movie this weekend. It was pretty good. I really enjoyed watching it 3D. I do have to say that the 1st and 2nd movies are still my favorite, but they did a pretty good job with this one.

Also, I tried out a new recipe. It was good, but different. I didn't add bacon to it, so I think next time I will. I think it would add a lot of flavor.

Corn and potatoe chowder. I couldn't find a good recipe to use, so I just winged it.

I used about 8 red potatoes peeled (Cut to small bite size pieces)
1 bag frozen super sweet white corn
4 green unions (cut up small)
2 large garlic cloves (minced)
2 boxes of low sodium chicken stock
I let all of this cook for a while then I added...
Table Cream
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (add as much as you want. I think I did just less than 2 cups)

Let all of this cook until the potatoes are cooked through. You can serve with a small dollop of sour cream if you want.
Yummmmm.......

Well, this week is going to be pretty full. Working 45 to 50 hours and then fun times to be had with friends.

Have a great week everyone.