Tree mendous

Center round about at Lakeside Village in Lakeland.

Table in the Wilderness

Our 6th year of helping those in need. They started lining up the night before at 7pm for 1 of 1000 turkeys and boxes of food.

i was flying through the intersection and god-knows-what-speed when i see a red altima in the next lane over slam on her brakes. instantly, i knew something was wrong and slammed on mine too. then i saw the sneaky little cop chillin and waiting for miss little speeder to come trolling through.

i thought i had the cat in the bag when the cop pulled out and put his lights on behind the altima. done and done. i switched lanes and decided i was going to chill out in front of the altima and thank the lord that he pulled over her and not me.

not.
so.
much.

i literally couldn’t get the phrase ‘thank you, jesus’ out of my mouth when i saw mr. copper switch lanes, go around the altima and start following me. you’ve got to be joking! ON A MONDAY???

so, i pull over and despite my previous experiences with lakeland pd, he was actually (semi) nice. in between me franctically looking for my insurance card, he asked how i was doing (what’s the point of asking?? you just pulled me over! how do you think i’m doing???). so, i gave him my stuff and he went back to his car. (cue the nervous glancing in my rearview mirror and jamming of worship music).

when i saw him start walking towards my car with his little clipboard, i knew it was on. darn it. he handed me an envelope and explained that all the information was in there and yes, mentioned (again) that i was going 53 in a 35. in my defense, the speed limit changed from 35 to 45 not even 1/8 of a mile ahead of me.

so, yep, he gave me the envelope and told me to be safe (classic).

after sitting in my car and holding the blasted envelope for a minute or two… i swept my uncontrollable tears away for a second so i could read the damage. i pulled the sheet out of the envelope and my emotions instantly went from i’m-so-upset-i-could-kill-all-cops to what-the-crap-where’s-the-ticket. i looked and looked and looked and although i will admit my thinking probably wasn’t straight, i couldn’t find where it said how fast i was going and how much i owed. it crossed my mind that they may have changed their policy and you now have to call or go online to see how much you owe. so, with the cop still behind me and aboud 5 minutes passed, i dried up my tears and got out of my car.

yes, i know it’s bizarre, but i felt like i was taking crazy pills! i had to ask him if that sheet in the envelope was my ticket! so, i get out of my car and walk (in the rain, mind you) back to his fancy little chevy. i tap on his window and he puts down his coffee to greet me. i explain that i don’t think he gave me my ticket. kid you not, he goes ‘oh, hmmm… let me look’ and gets out his stupid, little clipboard. well, sure enough, he pulls out my ticket.

in my mind, i’m like ‘yes! he’s totally not going to give me the ticket now’. yep, not so much. he hands it to me and says ’sorry bout that’. whhhaaaaaat? you must be kidding me!

also, if that’s not bad enough… emily & i went shopping at the florida mall on saturday and when we came out, my car wouldn’t start! awesome! i was supposed to be back for a bridal shoot and that was so not happening, so g had to fly solo! anywho, marcos came to the rescue. ha. good thing he had the suv!!

**please don’t hate… these pics were taken with my trusty iphone!

If this doesn’t make people wake up and see what Bill Johnson is really about, I wonder what it WILL take.

Together at IHOP (Mike Bickle) with John Arnott from the famed Toronto Blessing -

Remember Lakeland?? Think it’s over? Not a chance.

Neither event experienced a true move of God and certainly not the Holy Spirit!

Bill Johnson and John Arnott will join Wes Hall and Allen Hood for our awakening meetings next Monday to Wednesday (December 7–9).

In light of the spiritual awakening at IHOP–KC, we invited Bill and Beni Johnson and John and Carol Arnott to be with us. Because of their extensive experience in stewarding the move of the Spirit we have asked for their input, counsel, and wisdom. Bill and Beni Johnson are senior pastors of Bethel Church in Redding, California. John and Carol Arnott are the founding pastors of Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, which experienced a historic outpouring of the Holy Spirit that began in 1994, known as the Toronto Blessing.

They will join Wes Hall and Allen Hood in leading the nightly meetings which will began at 6:00pm. We will have additional meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00am.

Michelle Malkin : The War on Cops – Townhall.com.

so… i thought i would give you an update on my blessed little weightloss journey! i know that i said i would update, so i am going to try and keep up with it (even when it’s not going so well!).

for starters… i don’t know why i thought it would be a good idea to finally get this extra weight off right before the holidays. shoot me! gingerbread cookies, pumpkin bread, apple cider, peanut buster dessert, mashed potatoes galore, peppermint mocha frapp… oh, it’s just out of control!

i started on oct 25 and since then, i have lost 8ish lbs. it was a little more, but those darn desserts and appetizers! i sat down and figured out exactly how many calories i should be eating per day and have tried oh-so-hard to stick to that number. side note… if you have an iphone and are trying to lose weight, you should def check out the ‘lose it’ app. it’s awesome! you can keep track of how many cals you’re eating (which i don’t really do on there, but whatev), but the main thing is that you can plug in your weight, your goal weight and how quickly you want to lose it (2 lbs/wk is recommended). from there, it gives you your daily caloric intake and your ending date (mine is june 2010. barf). it seriously is really great!

also, besided watching my cals, i have taken up running. now, before you roll your eyes (like i know i always did when people told me that they ran), please know that i am not a runner and don’t really enjoy it (at this point!). however, i haven’t ran in a few days and, to be honest, i kinda miss it. weird, i know. i had to stop running because i got the most terrible shin splints i have ever experienced. after talking to my friend who is a runner (she just did a half marathon!), she said that i have to invest in running shoes. i guess if i think about the money i am saving by not having a gym membership, that might help with the huge expense. yeah… she suggested a couple different brands, but warned me that good running shoes will run about $100-150. yikes! i told grant that and he nearly fell out of his chair! either way… if i can handle running and do so to drop this weight, i fully plan on buying $150 tennis shoes (shhh, don’t tell grant!).

so… with that said, i am doing my best to get back on track after thanksgiving. also, i went and got my hair done the day before we left for minnesota. it came out pretty good, although this pic doesn’t quite do it justice! i think i finally found a new girl! her name is sarah and she works at hot hedz. i will say that i don’t really support the salon atmosphere (it’s very lakeland-ish), but she’s crazy fun and does a great job!

here’s a pic from my iphone on my way to work this morning. please ignore the horrible styling job… i was running late again (for the 5th time this week!).

PS-is anyone else who uses wordpress having issues? when i’m typing a post, it will keep scrolling back up to the top and then i have to scroll back down. DRIVE ME CRAZZZZZZZY.

today is hair cut & color tuesday!! ptl. if you’ve been following me and reading my blog as i talk complain about my never-ending hair drama, you’ll know that i’ve lived in florida for 5 years and have yet to get a good cut and color. and after living in lakeland for 3 1/2 years, you’d think i would have nailed a salon and found the best of the best. not so much.

i’ve literally tried every place i can think of and still end up being disappointed. you see… when i was in high school and for the first 2 years that i lived in florida, i would just get my hair done by my old youth pastors wife. i didn’t have to explain how i wanted my bangs swept and she understood that when i said ‘white blonde’, i meant ‘white blonde’. well, about 2ish years ago, i decided that it was time for me to put my big girl pants on and find a salon (preferably aveda!) here in lakeland. as of today, i have tried mirabella’s, salon salvatore, micheline’s, haircutter’s int’l, salon s.q., salon jack (tampa), orchid springs (winter haven) and level 2(tampa). it’s quite unfortunate.

so… with that said… today is hair cut & color tuesday! i’m hoping i have good luck tonight! i am going to see ’sexy sarah’ (as everyone calls her) at hot hedz. i’ll admit, i’m a little turned off just by the name of the salon, but i am choosing to look past that and see all that fab cuts & colors she has done for my friends!

onward!

ps– i’m hoping to get my nasty, dirty blonde hair back to this:

Following my videos on Give me the Truth Part 1 and Part 2 and my post on ‘Did God actually say that?‘ I realise that the things mentioned in these posts happen predominantly in charismatic circles where I came from. Now let me say from the very start that not everything in charismatic churches is bad as there is bad in every church and I would agree with John Macarthur when he says:

I’m very much aware of the fact that not everyone who is associated with the Charismatic movement is engaged in the kind of extreme error that we will be, from time to time, referring to.  There are people who are more moderate.  There are people within the Charismatic movement who, themselves, are very, very concerned about the heresies and the aberrations that exist within that movement

However, there are so many things in there which is error that we cannot ignore it.

Here are some classic examples

Now there may be somethings below that you may not agree with but on the whole, I think that John Macarthur hits it right on the head. You can listen to each sermon by clicking on the appropriate link or download it by right clicking on the link and saving the files. 

Does God Still Give Revelation?

Does God Still Give Prophecies?

Proper Biblical Interpretation

Does God Do Miracles Today?

The Third Wave

How Do Spiritual Gifts Operate?

What Was Happening in the Early Church?

Does God Still Heal?

Speaking in Tongues

What Is True Spirituality?

Does God Promise Health and Wealth? Part 1

Does God Promise Health and Wealth? Part 2

Does Experience Determine Truth?

November 19, 2009 – Great news for Lakeland, Florida contractors on Tuesday as the state and the city reached a deal for a land swap that will result in 111 acres being developed as Lakeland recreational facilities. The city will be building baseball fields, picnic areas, and a community center on the land. Lakeland contractors can expect the city to move forward with development early next year.

Lakeland and the state reached an additional agreement that involves the city leasing 25 acres from the state for creation of fishing piers and hiking trails. This public works spending is welcome news to struggling Lakeland general contractors.

jobtrio.com Staff
Construction Industry Newswire

© Christian Research Service 2009

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EXCERPT

When Lee Grady (Apostle in the New Apostolic Reformation and editor for Charisma Magazine (with founder being Stephen Strang) not once during the duration of the Todd Bentley Lakeland Outpouring Revival say in any of his articles anywhere;   

‘No, people, No.  This is not God.  Stop, don’t go, you are being conned out of your money, you are being lied too, there is a fake spirit coming over you”  

Never did Lee Grady say this or anything remotely similar, there was NO warning what-so-ever.  In fact Lee Grady endorsed it and helped spread the fire (that fake holy) spirit.   So coming out now with an article like this is just laughable, telling people to calm down, as the ‘play play’ games are now over.   None of this should have ever happened in the first place if you and your apostle and prophets friends read the Word of God and had an ounce of discernment.

 

READ HERE:

http://www.discerningtheworld.com/2009/11/13/we-do-not-play-sloshed-in-the-spirit-anymore/#more-6825

The Lake District’s glorious landscape is wonderful to experience at any time of year but surely a fine late autumn day sees it at its settled best. With luck, deepest blue skies and low sunshine will set the last golden leaf colour ablaze and the fellside bracken aglow in richest russet shades.

It is a time to appreciate the sublime beauty of the managed landscape and those who help create, cherish and safeguard it for the future. Lakeland’s largest landowner is the National Trust and a fine example of their stewardship is at High Close, Langdale.

Once a Victorian gentleman’s residence, with ten gardeners, incuding a full time path sweeper, covering as many acres. The house is now a wonderful, welcoming youth hostel and its dramatic hillside garden has reverted in part to wild woodland.

It is a real joy to explore though, as winding pathways and terraces cut their way down the steep slopes, giving views out across to Loughrigg and down the valley to distant glimpses of Windermere.

There are some magnificent old trees to be seen here, but what is important is the garden’s natural and seamless integration out into the wider landscape, and its easy and comfortable position within it.

A staff of ten may be only a distant dream to Pete Tasker, the Trust’s sole part time gardener here, but all that is done is done with such sensitivity and respect that this most charming of Lakeland idylls is set to survive and prosper for the enjoyment of many generations to come….

A classic view of Martindale in the English Lake District, a beautiful, unspoilt valley at the east side of Lake Ullswater which has little traffic access. The are is beautiful not only in its views but also in it’s varied wildlife which you may be rewarded in viewing especially early morning or evening.

www.davidlewins.co.uk

As has been stated previously in this space, the time to buy in Florida is now. Prices are lower than they have been in years.  Take advantage of these opportunities — they won’t last forever. As reported by the National Association of Realtors®, the Pending Home Sales Index posted its 8th consecutive monthly gain in September.  It’s the longest winning streak in the history of the index and Pending Home Sales are now at their highest levels since December 2006.  When the Pending Home Sales Index rises, it tells us that market activity has picked up.  September data confirms what we’ve been noticing since February — the buyers’ market appears to be ending.

That the time to buy is now is especially true for retirees and others looking for a relaxed lifestyle in a warm climate.  I know about cold winters.  I was raised in the Detroit area and have close family there, so I feel your cold-weather pain.

Have you visited web sites like greatplacestoretire.com and city-data.com ?   On those sites, Lakeland and Winter Haven are recognized as great places to retire.  I completely agree.

Most retirees I know enjoy smaller homes and don’t enjoy mowing the grass — although many do enjoy the benefits of  year-round gardening.  If that fits you, then a condo or a 55+ community may be for you.   I’m going to divide this into two postings in order to talk about both concepts.  First, condominiums.

I live in a condo in Lakeland.  Many of my neighbors are over 55, but it is not a 55+ community.  Previously, I have lived in 2 other condominium complexes, also in Lakeland, so I can tell you from experience that condo living has much to recommend it.  For example, the condominium maintains the exterior of each home.  Last week, two men came to clean out the gutters.  They told me first why they were at my house so that I wouldn’t be surprised to find two men on my roof.   I like the fact that this household chore was taken care of by the association, and I like it that the men told me why they were there.  Amenities at my complex (Stonewater) include a very nice pool with hot tub, tennis court, clubhouse, and electronic gate.

I have my condo on the market for sale because it is too big for me since my daughter is away at college and my husband passed away.  However, I enjoy living in this community, which is convenient to everything I need, and I would gladly trade down to a smaller unit in the same complex.

If you would like, you can see my home and community from the air.  Go to Google maps; put Stonewater Dr, Lakeland, FL in the search box.  Click the “satellite” button, then under the “more” button check the “real estate” box.  Mine is the first house on the list (A), 3105 Stonewater Drive, and you can click on it for a description and for photos.   As you’ll see, it boasts water views and a large fairly new shopping village is just a short distance away (Lakeside Village).  It’s also within walking distance of such staples as Target and Publix and offers good access to Polk Parkway.  A top-rated “links” style golf course is situated right across the street.   Great medical facilities and employment centers are also convenient.  Maybe you or someone you know would like to talk further with me about this house.  If so, please just contact me.  The golf course, by the way, is Grasslands Golf & Country Club at Oakbridge.

One more thing about condominiums that I want to be sure to mention.  In Lakeland, most condominium complexes are townhouse style, rather than apartment building style. As a Realtor, when I speak to folks about condominiums, often their first response is based on the belief that a condo is an apartment in a building.  That is not the case here in Lakeland.  “Condominium” refers to a type of ownership, rather than a style of construction, but that’s for another conversation.

As I type this on November 7, 2009, the day is fabulous.  The temperature is in the low 80’s, it’s breezy, and clouds are scudding across a gorgeous azure sky.  Welcome to the beginning of the very best time of year to be in Florida!

This is a view of Martindale taken from Hallin Fell and looking slightly South East. To the right of the image is Sleet Fell leading to Place Fell. To the centre of the image is Martindale Common with Steel Knotts to the left. In the distance, with cloud just beginning to enshroud it, is High Street.

This lovely valley lies on the east side of Ullswater, the second largest and perhaps most beautiful of the English lakes. It is a completely unspoilt place, reached by a mountain pass that ascends from Howtown, and preserved from through traffic, since there is no road on to Patterdale. Martindale wildlife includes red squirrels, badgers, hares, woodpeckers, herons, owls, falcons, and many kinds of smaller bird. One of the finest local walks, along the High Street ridge, may reward you with a sighting of red deer or even a golden eagle. The local herdwick sheep, a rare farm breed, are to be seen everywhere in the fields or on the open fell.

www.davidlewins.co.uk

1. Atheists help the homeless - On Sunday, atheists in the Austin, TX area are  giving away free toiletries to homeless people. You can donate the items or money to the cause by going to their homepage. Or if you’re in the area and would like to help, they’ll be under I-35 at 7^th Street in Austin at 8:00 a.m.

2. My favorite atheist atheist billboard is going up in Lakeland, Florida – Atheists of Florida is responsible and they’ve gotten some news coverage too.

3. Like with California’s Prop 8, we lost Maine’s Prop 1 – Once again, the Religious Right has stolen the civil rights of gays to marry. Fortunately, as Greta Christina explains, there is reason to stay optimistic.

“Remember, remember

The fifth of November

The gunpowder treason and plot.

I know of no reason

Why the gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot”.

They’re just plastic boxes. To put food in, generally speaking. Pre-mumhood I used to have a couple of large-ish ones, for leftovers in the fridge or for taking a pre-cooked lunch into work with me. Useful. But insignificant.

And now? We have hundreds of the blighters. They fall out of the cupboard willy-nilly and annoy me with their various sized lids (why can I never find the one that fits?). We have posh ones from Lakeland and cheapo ones from IKEA (there’s absolutely no difference btw). We have square ones, round ones, ex-icecream box ones (really good actually) and large ex-soup containers. We have ones that say they stack (they don’t) and ones that don’t say they stack (and don’t). We have inherited ones (people come to stay with baby, leave plastic paraphernalia behind) and takeaway ones (neat sized, but don’t dishwash so good).

But live without them? Never. Since having a baby they’ve become an absolutely indispensible part of parent life. The smaller the better. At first you can store (and carry with you) baby-sized portions of mushy food. Later they’re used for leftover baked beans and sweetcorn. You can freeze tiny blobs of gravy (just enough for a toddler sized portion of sausage and mash) and individual cheese sauce helpings to be added to macaroni for a quick pasta meal. Everywhere you look in our fridge-freezer a small plastic container is lurking, filled here with a morsel of fish, there with a splodge of mince.

Not only do they make handy carriers for snack-sized portions of raisins, cheerios and grapes, they double up as toys (especially for older babies, who love to stack and put stuff into things) and, as they get older, containers for beads, buttons, crayons, hair bobbles and, (most recently) pumpkin seeds carefully collected and cleaned by toddler daughter for a mysterious but incredibly important princess necklace project.

Now I understand the care with which my mother bestowed on what seemed, to my more carefree self, a couple of old cracked oblong food containers long overdue for the bin. It’s certain their size, lid-fit and shape hit the jackpot for her needs. My own quest for the perfect plastic container is still ongoing. One that actually stacks, that stores neatly and doesn’t stain red after being filled with tomato sauce. That closes with a neat snap and opens without a struggle. And it dawns that this mummy’s clubbing haze days truly over. Tupperware parties here we come.