Missing Wedding Rings Found in Time for Golden Anniversary

Meet Rob Kalin, the Man Behind Etsy.com

We had a full day of clean up and decorating for Christmas on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who helped out.  A special SHOUT OUT / THANK YOU to Gwen Adams and her mom, Shirley Gottschalk for organizing the Christmas decorations! Great job ladies! 

You Rock!!

Here are some photos of the day!

It’s All Because of Jesus!

As home makers we play a vital role in the environment we create.  Our primary goal should be to glorify God; secondary to that is to please our husbands, children and friends.   So it is with this in mind that I embark on a new category: Home & Garden.  

In my effort to encourage other Christian women, I would like to begin this new category with the notion to share some of our favorite recipes, gardening tips and decorating ideas. 

My first task is a visit to the garden.  This is the first year I have had a successful garden largely due to the fact that my loving hubby put an electric fence around it to keep the critters out.  Now that it is fall, however, I am not using all the beds and am interested in how to prepare the unused beds for the winter.   I have mixed in a bit of manure to them, but…

             Should I plant a winter wheat or rye? 

                         Should I mulch?  If so, what kind?

                                Do I have to do anything at all?

Any suggestions, Friends?

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Has anyone ever said this to you, ” I know the Bible says that…. but that won’t work for me .” I’m amazed how many people believe the word is true ” but” for some reason it isn’t true for them personally. This ” but ” is the devils’ “but” and he sticks it right in your face to blind you to the blessing, the promises, the truth and victory in God’s word. He knows if you can see it, you can possess it and put him under your feet where he belongs! The worlds’ way of thinking says, “Seeing is believing”, but faith says, “Believing is seeing.” Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The Amplified Bible says, “Where there is no redemptive revelation of God, the people perish.” The enemy uses pressure in this world system to block your vision.” “I know the Bible says that ” but ” I don’t have a job”, ” I don’t have a car”, “I don’t have an education”, “I have a jail record.” “It’s too late for me to try faith, I’m too old.” Now these things may be actual facts, but there is only one TRUTH and the truth you know will make you free. You can’t change the truth “BUT” the Truth will change every fact in your life!! I’m not going to tell you to ” get your butt in there and read the Bible.” I’m saying to get in the Bible and find YOUR “BUT!” Matthew 14:15 tells of Jesus seeing a great multitude and being moved with compassion, He healed their sick. And when it was evening, his disciples came to him saying, ” This a desert place, and the time is past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food” :16- “BUT” Jesus said unto them, “They need not depart; you give them something to eat” :17- And they say unto him, ” We have here “BUT” five loaves and two fishes.” :18- “He said, ‘Bring them here to me’. Jesus blessed it and gave it to His disciples. Thousands were fed with much left over.” You see, whatever circumstances you may find yourself in, Jesus said “BUT” “there’s no need to depart from faith, from God’s word, from the the Kingdom to find the answer. If you have a seed you can meet your need, if you use your faith you will have the victory, if you stand on the word of God you won’t be defeated!! It may be like a “desert” to you now, dry and barren, it may seem like “the time is past”, it’s too late for you to start over, “BUT” Jesus said bring it to Him, “I’ll bless it and increase it.” “BUT” I only have a few fish and a little bread, “Thats OK, just give me something to work with, something as a seed of faith!” We don’t have to go elsewhere, to lie, to go deep into debt, to compromise our integrity and principles because we don’t see another way. Find “YOUR” “BUT” and stick it right in Satan’s face!!

Paul worked this revelation of faith in 1 Cor. 15:9,10. He said I am the least of all the Apostles, because I persecuted the church; “BUT” by the GRACE of God I am what I am, and His grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain; “BUT” I laboured more than they all; yet not I, “BUT” the grace of God which was with me!! He said, “Yes, I did mess up bad and yes, I was a lowlife “BUT” by the grace of God I am what I am now, BLESSED, WELL-BELOVED, CHOSEN, FORGIVEN!!! Rise up in faith and tell the devil Eph. 2:4 , “I may have a history of failure “BUT” God who is rich in mercy; for His great love, wherewith He loved ME, even when I was dead in sin, has quickened me together with Jesus, ( by grace am I saved); And has raised me up and made me to sit with Him in Heavenly places!!!!!

One of the e-mail subscriptions I have comes from John Eldredge of Ransomed Heart Ministries. This was in my e-mail inbox this morning:

“When he left Rivendell, Frodo didn’t head out with a thousand Elves. He had eight companions. Jesus didn’t march around backed by legions of angels, either. He had twelve men – knuckleheads, every last one of them, but they were a band of brothers.

“This is the way of the kingdom of God. Though we are part of a great company, we are meant to live in little platoons. The little companies we form must be small enough for each of the members to know one another as friends and allies.

“Who will fight for your heart? How can we offer the stream of counseling to one another, unless we actually know one another, know each other’s stories?

“The reason counseling became a hired relationship between two people was largely because we couldn’t find it anywhere else; we haven’t formed the sort of small fellowships that would allow the stream to flow quite naturally. Is it possible to offer rich and penetrating words to someone you barely know, in the lobby of your church, as you dash to pick up the kids? Where will you find the Four Streams?

“The Four Streams are something we learn, and grow into, and offer one another, within a small fellowship. We hear each other’s stories. We discover each other’s glories. We learn to walk with God together. We pray for each other’s healing. We cover each other’s back. This small core fellowship is the essential ingredient for the Christian life.

“Jesus modeled it for us for a reason. Sure, he spoke to the masses. But he lived in a little platoon, a small fellowship of friends and allies. His followers took his example and lived this way, too. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (2:46). “Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house” (1 Cor 16:19). “Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house” (Col 4:15).”

Did you catch that? “The reason counseling became a hired relationship…” (Emphasis added!)

Please don’t misinterpret this as somehow bashing professional counseling, but how can any “hired relationship” replace a real one? While I agree that there is a purpose and a place for professional counseling, isn’t it sad that for many people that’s the only place to turn when all they need is someone to talk to?

And what does one do when the professional counselor advise the wrong course of action, when the counselor suggests to a woman that she divorce her husband simply because she says she’s “fallen out of love” with him? What sort of malpractice did the counselor just commit, and how will the ramifications of her advice negatively impact the children in this relationship?

How can a hired relationship possibly replace one built on love, trust, empathy and friendship?

I’d like to think that our human relationships are all counseling sessions of sorts. When a friend asks for our opinion on something or simply wants to vent aren’t we doing what Jesus called us to do by loving our neighbors as ourselves?

This week I’d encourage you to think of at least one good friend with whom you can confide, then thank God for that person. Think about what Eldredge writes and think of how you can be an encouragement to someone else. Maybe it’s not to your best friend; maybe it’s in the grocery store line, or in the lobby of the church… don’t be so quick to find your seat or hit the door on the way out. Encourage someone today.

• Post-post Thanksgiving breakfast?  Bacon, cranberry sauce, and homemade yeast rolls.  Mmmm.
• My mom said my wild rice stuffing was the best wild rice stuffing she had ever had.  I glowed.
• Fiala’s face is chewed up with bad eczema sores still, since the outing my husband and I had for our anniversary.  I explained her medical plight way-too-many times to concerned extended family (and family friends) who inquired about her face.
• HOWEVER, in the most encouraging news in almost three months of The Total Elimination Diet “Adventure,” I had decided in advance that Fiala and I would eat a normal Thanksgiving dinner and just suffer the consequences, rather than bringing garbanzo flour and lamb meat to my in-laws.    In what might be TMI, she has since had 100% totally healthy poop.  Previously, any time I veered even a tiny bit from the TED “safe” foods, she would get green, mucous-filled poop immediately.  Now, obviously, she is still having major skin issues, so I am not yet ready to abandon the TED, but her having normal poop after eating a normal (gluten-free) meal leaves me HIGHLY encouraged.
• We did not go to our appointment with the pediatric g.i. doc on Friday the 20th.  This is a point of disagreement between my husband and I.  I would have liked to keep it.  However, I totally understand his point:  We spent near $1000 on near-countless visits to the pediatric allergist, what with $50 co-pays, medication, and childcare for those doctor visits.  Fiala was subjected to a variety of uncomfortable tests.  For that $1000 and our sweet baby’s discomfort, we were given very little useful information from a doctor who eventually dropped us, saying he couldn’t be of any more help.  The MOST effective thing, so far, has been the TED which, other than the cost of food, is free.  My husband’s stance is, “Why subject her to countless tests and spend a bunch of money to get iffy results?”  MY contention is that perhaps through some tests, we could get a better handle on how to proceed, instead of just guessing.  Obviously, this issue is not yet resolved.  I’m holding off on pushing one way or another, though, until at least after Christmas.
• On Wednesday, we got a notice of “no show” from the ped g.i.  This was after I TWICE canceled the appointment with more than enough advance notice.  Grr.  I’ll have to take it up with them on Monday.

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 

Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work.  Today I began reflecting on how much passion, enthusiasm and energy I had when I first began my Christian race in 1986.  It took me some time to realize that God has a unique plan and purpose for all our lives.  And that each of us must step up to life with purpose, and vision to fulfill these God given tasks.

Our purpose and life is directly linked to our relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You cannot and will not find your purpose outside of a life committed to Christ.  When we make a commitment we become single minded in our focus to that commitment.  Whether it’s in marriage, our families, employment or a quest for a healthier lifestyle, we have a single focus. 

The Apostle Paul was a man totally devoted to Christ through all situations, seasons, and circumstances.  His life reveals his commitment to serving the Lord.  He served with humility, with tears and with many trials.  I can identify with the apostle Paul; there have been times, when I have had to serve in humility.  I wanted to say some things that may have been considered unkind or not “Christian”, but I held my peace.  There were other times when I served with tears and great opposition.

Early in my walk with Christ, I went through a period where people tried to make me doubt my identity.  I was told many reasons why women could not and should not be a pastor.  Being a babe in Christ, I took those issues to the Lord in prayer.  And one day the Holy Spirit revealed a passage of scripture to me Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”  That forever settled in my heart any concerns I may have had. 

Life has not been easy and will at times throw you a curve, storms will come and strong winds may blow, but each of us must decide how we will finish our course.  We can live a life full of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and regret or we can finish our course with Joy.  Real joy comes when we are not so consumed with ourselves, but when we can make a difference in the lives of others. 

Paul did not count his life dear unto himself.  His life was not for him to use and do as he pleased, not for earthly comfort or pleasure.  His life was for Christ.  His life was a precious and valuable possession of the Lord.  Ps 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” Each of us is as the apple of God’s eye and like Paul we have to make the decision to consecrate and dedicate our lives back to the One who gave us life in the first place.    

Paul finished his course and ministry not because he had to, but because he chose to. And he did so with joy.  Ralph Sockman says “Love is the outreach of self towards completion”.  Finish your course with joy.  God Loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Single-mindedness is a quality needed by anyone who wishes to do God’s work.  Today I began reflecting on how much passion, enthusiasm and energy I had when I first began my Christian race in 1986.  It took me some time to realize that God has a unique plan and purpose for all our lives.  And that each of us must step up to life with purpose, and vision to fulfill these God given tasks.

Our purpose and life is directly linked to our relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  You cannot and will not find your purpose outside of a life committed to Christ.  When we make a commitment we become single minded in our focus to that commitment.  Whether it’s in marriage, our families, employment or a quest for a healthier lifestyle, we have a single focus. 

The Apostle Paul was a man totally devoted to Christ through all situations, seasons, and circumstances.  His life reveals his commitment to serving the Lord.  He served with humility, with tears and with many trials.  I can identify with the apostle Paul; there have been times, when I have had to serve in humility.  I wanted to say some things that may have been considered unkind or not “Christian”, but I held my peace.  There were other times when I served with tears and great opposition. 

Early in my walk with Christ, I went through a period where people tried to make me doubt my identity.  I was told many reasons why women could not and should not be a pastor.  Being a babe in Christ, I took those issues to the Lord in prayer.  And one day the Holy Spirit revealed a passage of scripture to me Gal 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”  That forever settled in my heart any concerns I may have had. 

Life has not been easy and will at times throw you a curve, storms will come and strong winds may blow, but each of us must decide how we will finish our course.  We can live a life full of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and regret or we can finish our course with Joy.  Real joy comes when we are not so consumed with ourselves, but when we can make a difference in the lives of others. 

Paul did not count his life dear unto himself.  His life was not for him to use and do as he pleased, not for earthly comfort or pleasure.  His life was for Christ.  His life was a precious and valuable possession of the Lord.  Ps 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings” Each of us is as the apple of God’s eye and like Paul we have to make the decision to consecrate and dedicate our lives back to the One who gave us life in the first place.   

Paul finished his course and ministry not because he had to, but because he chose to. And he did so with joy.  Ralph Sockman says “Love is the outreach of self towards completion”.  Finish your course with joy.  God Loves you and so do I….Pastor Tammy

“Do not love the world or anything in the world…. This world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” — I John 2:15a and 17

The book of Titus, like I Timothy, gives guidance on the characteristics to look for when appointing church leaders. Titus was instructed by Paul to finish the work of selecting elders of the church in Crete. Paul advises:

“An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless — not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” Titus 1:6-9

The theme of Chapter 2 is this:

Anyone who carries the name of Christian should conduct himself or herself in a godly manner, always. When I say I am a Christian, I am instantly judged by the world. Not for who I am, but for who others before me have been. I am typecast even before I am known personally and by what standards I live, because others in the past have set the bar — sadly, sometimes very low.

Chapter 2 counsels that older men should live “worthy of respect and self-controlled”, the older women should train the younger to be “self-controlled and pure, kind and subject to their husbands… so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Titus is commanded to:

“…encourage the young men to be self-controlled… set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing to say about us.”

Christian slaves are told to “show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God, our Savior, attractive.”

Therefore, I must be above reproach. Not perfect, for I am still in this sinful skin until Christ returns, but I should live my life in a way that those outside the fold will see and crave because they recognize the work Jesus is doing in me. But, should they not crave it, at the very least they will have no ammunition against the body of Christ because of my behavior.

I have seen much opposition to Christ and his work of redemption this week. Not directed toward me necessarily, but in things people have posted publicly on social network sites, and stuff in the news. This is a dark time where many are seeking something “other” because it is easier or trendy. To put it plainly, people don’t want to be redeemed. They are happy in their sin, and can’t wait to go deeper in. Be in prayer for these. Do not be afraid to speak to them. One word could turn someone around. One word could change their lives forever. I don’t mean to sound so dramatic, but we (as a corporate people) are no longer standing on the foundations on which this country was built, we are jack-hammering them instead, and for this I grieve.

These are the very reasons God judged Israel and the neighboring nations, like Egypt in Ezekiel 31-32, for their pride, arrogance, idolatry, wickedness. Does any of this sound familiar?

The invitation to repentance for Israel and Judah in the O.T. was declined again and again, and the blessings of the Lord had to be removed to bring them around. They were put into exile, humbled, kind of like a major time out to think about all God had done for them and where they took a wrong turn. But, he promised it would only be for a time, and when they were redeemed from Babylon 70 years later, they faithfully turned back to God.

Our nation has been truly blessed over its short history, but those blessings have since been taken for granted, credited completely to man, or simply forgotten.

So now we are here today, with a decision to make. Christ is calling to YOU and to ME, his people. Will we stand up proudly and answer him? I have.

The reading for November 28 is Ezekiel 33-34 and the book of Philemon. Pray, read, listen, and grow.

Numbers are back down again…thank God…not low, just much better  (in the low 100’s)…so we’re happy.  Still no insulin.  Trying to extend this honeymoon period as long as possible. 

We just had a coconut protien shake for breakfast with a little turkey bacon.  Still checking BG Levels about 7 times a day just to see what’s happening.  So far so good.  Probably off to go shopping now.

Me:)

~Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

~Psalm 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

~Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

No matter how low we get – no matter how discouraged we feel – the child of God has been promised that God will never leave us or forsake us! In the midst of the most turbulent storms of life, we can feel His presence.

As you sit on the bench in today’s picture and behold His beauty in the colors of Fall, allow Him to minister to your aching heart and heavy spirit. When we learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord, we can rise above any circumstance and look up!

Recently God has allowed me to see Him restoring the years the locus ate in my life and as I have looked I have seen an amazing thing.

I have always grieved the loss of my first friend I ever had, in kindergarten, named Karen. That friendship was short lived because she lived on the other side of the viaduct and her mom wouldn’t allow me to play at her house after school nor she at mine, so the friendship ended.

In middle school I got the courage to make another good friend named Sue. She and grew apart as she moved away and we went to different high schools. We still keep in touch at holidays on and off, but I have always grieved the loss of these two close friendships.

Then sitting with me in a prayer meeting, were two good friends named Karen! I sat in awe of how God was restoring the years the locus ate 100 fold in a very real and physical sense, for now I have two good friends named Karen. They both share my passions for God, people and for prayer.

These days, I also have a really good friend named Sue, she is my best bud right now, and we live really close to each other, going to the same church.  We also encourage each other by going to the local fitness center together several times a week.  

Coming to know these women and part of their purpose in my life, I am in awe of my God who loves me so much and is willing to give me literally a mountain top experience, as one of my friend’s named Karen and I got to know each other on the top of Mount Sinai in 1998.  

I may never know what happen to my first childhood friend named Karen, but I pray for her often these days and wish her all the best.

I am praying for you as I finish this blog, that God himself would restore 100 fold the years the locus have eaten; in your life, in your church, and for those who are married, in your marriage.

Blessings and Complete Joy,

Mildred          

Intercessors Heart; find helpful prayer tips and current prayer opportunities and post your prayer requests to be shared with my intercession team.

This blog is part of the ministry of Complete Joy and is published each Tuesday and Saturday, usually by noon Pacific Time.

I know I have said it hundreds of times, but I AM A LUCKY MAN. When I think of it, maybe luck doesn’t have anything to do with it. Our Heavenly Father has surrounded me with both Heavenly Angels and Earth Angels.

A couple a days ago I wrote of having an appointment at the heart failure clinic. During the appointment the doctor advised he would like to have a special test done on my heart but cautioned the waiting list for this test was months long. OK, I will just wait to be notified of when it is. It turns out where they do this ultra sound is just down the hall from the clinic. It turns out doctor Tam decided to walk down the hall to check to see when such an appointment would be available. Turns out they had a last minute cancellation and could do it right then.

The doctor was able to see there is an issue with one of the valves in my heart and a further test is required. I discuss this all by phone with Kelly, one of the gifted nurses at the clinic. Again I am told the waiting list can be months long. Again, my Angels step in. literally, I have just hung up the phone after talking with Kelly and it rings again. It is the department of the hospital where this additional test is to be done. I have an appointment on Dec. 7th.. To get an appointment that quickly means your are pretty high on the priority list, health wise that is.

this may sound backwards to some, but I am praying they do find something wrong. It is then that they can treat or fix it My breathing in particular is becoming more of an issue. An issue can only really be dealt with if and when you get to the root cause.

I am getting excited, Aunt Isabel arrives today. It is going to be a great weekend. Plus, there will be the “Champion of the World Title” placed on the line as we play crib. Being a “world” championship I am surprised all the major TV networks aren’t lining up to televise the games. lol.

This afternoon, I will be putting up a very special and personal prayer request. At that time I will explain why it is not going up now.

Thanksgiving is a time where family get together, eat, laugh and show love.  We start preparing days before in spending money for food, decorations and must have accessories and don’t forget the cleaning the house from top to bottom.  We get up early and start cooking in which makes us look exhausted by the time company arrives.  There is always the battle of who is coming and who is not or why is some of the family so dysfunctional.  Thanksgiving is a time to put aside quarrels or differences and instead a time to enjoy the thanksgiving of life itself.  Society however has made it far from being thankful or enjoying life.  Not only does our culture turn Thanksgiving into an exhausting day but also the day after becomes one too.  Black Friday as some call it is a day to fight, argue and push people out of the way to get those supposedly good buys.  I even saw on the news where the stores are no longer opening at 4 a.m. but now opening at midnight for all those early shoppers.  I don’t know how good of a deal it is to sleep right outside the store in a sleeping bag just to be the first person in the store because I have never shopped the day after Thanksgiving.  Maybe I am missing out of the so called fun or saving money.

Let us also reflect the banquet of Thanksgiving.  Whose idea was it to have every kind of vegetable on the table?  Whose idea was it to have not only turkey but also ham and chicken added to the table?  Why do we have to have a relish tray or appetizers before hand, or ten different desserts?  Why can’t families just get together and eat a simple meal, save time and save money, enjoy life and be thankful?

Now let us not forget the overindulgence everyone consumes.  We all know that we are going to stuff ourselves until we cannot eat another bite then we feel guilty about doing it.  Even when we know we are going to anyway.  Then there is tons of leftovers in which we must also stuff the fridge and still eat it again the next few days.  I sit here satisfied yet feel sad also.  I think of all the children I fed in India and how they just get rice.  I feel guilty knowing I have more than enough in my fridge to feed a village.

As I reflect today on Thanksgiving and the goodness of God, let us not forget those who have little or nothing at all.  Let us extend a hand to those who are hungry, sick and without family.  As you take a bite of the leftovers, don’t feel overstuffed and guilty but thankful that God has chosen to bless you just to bless others.

Prayer:  Lord help me to have your heart, the heart of giving and showing love.  I am  most thankful for all that you have done in my life.  I know you have prepared me to give to others.

I John 4:19
We love because he first loved us.   New International Version (©1984)

MANILA, Philippines – President Arroyo directed yesterday presidential adviser on education Mona Valisno to replicate the kariton classroom system in areas not reached by the Department of Education.

Following the worldwide recognition that CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida’s kariton (pushcart) classroom has generated, the government is now adopting the strategy to reach out to school children, especially in remote areas in the country.

Yesterday, Peñaflorida was conferred the prestigious Order of Lakandula with the rank of komandante at Malacañang for the honor he and his Dynamic Teen Co. (DTC) brought to the country on a worldwide stage. His parents, Lucila and Efren Sr., accompanied him to Malacañang.

The President told Valisno to work with non-government organizations such as the DTC and support them in education programs for children.

She said the focus should be on children from poor families who most likely would have lesser access to education.

“If Kenya was able to have success replicating the program, then there should be no reason for the Philippines not to do this too,” she said.   – Marvin Sy

(The Philippine Star) Updated November 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Friends, please take a moment to watch this short video clip about ” Succeed with a positive attitude”. Dios mabalos!

Sept 3 2009, Thursday

While Paul was traveling as a prisoner, bound for trial before Caesar, he wrote: “I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear” – Phil. 1:12-14

Even when our journey through this life is marked by confinement and limitations, we can find comfort that the Lord will encourage others through us as we speak His Word and trust in Him.

The journeys that we take in life
Though unexpected they may be
If we commit to follow Christ
His work through us the world will see. -Sper

For the Christian, what looks like a detour may actually be a new road to blessing.

Poor HH.  He tries.  He really does. 

Thanksgiving is a Very Challenging Day for someone trying to lose weight.  And for me, it was my third day on Weight Watchers.  It was also a day I elected to go on a 10-mile run in the morning.  My master plan was to earn enough Activity Points to enjoy my feast guilt free.  Which indeed, I did.

So the Morning After the Thanksgiving Feast is always met with at worst, trepidation, and at best, curiosity.  At least by me.  And Friday morning is my weigh in day, so there wa no avoiding the trip to Scale City.

I got on the scale and…to my total delight, I’d LOST WEIGHT!  3.6 pounds.  Yippie!  In fact, I even lost weight over Thanksgiving Day, and I assure you, I ate plenty. 

Image Credit

Yes, I know that the first week or so of a new diet causes you to lose “water weight” and it’s not the same as losing actual blubber.  But remember, my master plan is to have less literal weight to carry around with me during my marathon in February.  It matters little whether I’m carrying 3.6 pounds of water or 3.6 pounds of fat or 3.6 pounds of pixie dust.  It takes more effort to carry 3.6 pounds of anything than it does to travel without it. 

So, delighted, I walk back into the bedroom and make my announcement to Happy Family.  Princess and Ninja were delighted, though they had the good sense to refrain from suggesting that we go out for Dairy Queen to celebrate. 

Helpful Husband was very happy for me.  In fact, HH was so happy that he had just a little short-circuit in the compliment-and-encouragement section of his brain.  Yes, he complimented me all right.  And you can be the judge as to whether it was better or worse than the last time.

Here’s how it went down:

HH:  Wow, honey.  That’s really great!  (This would have been a fine place for him to stop encouraging.)

Me:  Thanks!  I’m SO excited about it!

HH:  And you did all that in just three days.

Me:  Yes!

HH:  You know, you’ve lost more weight in the last three days than you did in over six months and almost 500 miles of running.

[Long pause as HH and I both ponder his last statement.  And his fate.]

Me:  Did you really just say that?

HH:  I was trying to compliment you.

Me:  Is that what that was?

HH:  I really am happy for you.

Me:  [sighing]  I know.  Thanks.

Epilogue:  In appreciation for this compliment, I spent the remainder of the day being Helpful Wife and announcing the point value of everything that HH was putting in his mouth.  It was the least I could do. 

tonight my mom told me i’m looking “slim and trim” :D

I’ve been visting a church in milton,fl.called Hickory Hammock Baptist.I’m so excited to be  joining this fellowship soon. I’m so excited about the love for Jesus and the many ministries they do for the Lord Jesus.My Father attended there before he went to be with the Lord.I was so touched to see Pastor Carl Gallups and Pastor Greg Robards as well as Bro Tony Liorns as they came by to see my Dad and how the Love of the Lord used these men to make a difference in Dad’s Life as well as my wonderful step mother that God gave to Dad.My Father’s faith was so strong during his battle with cancer,He used to come by my job and say Son i love you and i’ll miss you but i want to go home to Jesus.Some may say my dad lost his battle with cancer.No way!! He has a new body and is in Heaven with JESUS.The Love of Jesus is what outshined the sadness.My Life was turned around when i saw Bro Carl,Bro Greg,and Bro Tony how they let the Lord work in their lives so other could see Jesus.This is what i needed as well.I didn’t need a finger in my face i needed to be loved.The Unconditional Love of Jesus is the best and most powerful way to reach the lost and hurting.The World’s I love you if’s is conditional and is cold.To Think that Jesus knew us before we ever came to be and yet loved us so much He died for us.He paid our debts in full.In all our ugliness,He loved us.He took all of our shame,Yet He loved us still.That Unconditional Love is AWESOME.JESUS truly SAVES