To say I'm a little frustrated is completely true! I've lost 14 pounds since starting my new healthy eating lifestyle. (I hate calling it a diet.) That's 2 pounds less than my goal for the month. I suppose that's not exactly bad since January was a stellar month, but of course I'm dwelling on the 2 pounds instead of the 14. Figures. My clothes are definitely much looser and I am now wearing size 8 jeans. YEAH!!! I've got a ways to go yet and I am committed. I heard a great tip the other day (from the actress Valerie Bertinelli) add weights when walking. She had this neat vest that you could add weights to. Apparently it tricks the body into thinking you are heavier and it burns more calories. So, since I'm at one of those plateaus I'm going to add some weights and see what happens. Another tip I heard -- change your eating times. If you eat your heaviest meal in the evening, change it up. I'm willing to try it and see.
Lord, thank you for my victories. Continue to encourage me in my weaknesses.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A-Hah Moments
God has a way of speaking to us at the most unpredictable times. When that happens don't you just feel special? Sometimes, we forget that God is right there sitting next to us by the computer, watching TV, eating supper, driving down the road. We forget that we can just talk up a storm and he listens to every word. He knows every thought, every choice long before we make it. He also knows our hearts the good and the bad. He knows when we hurt and put on a brave face, he knows when we are exhausted and have nothing else to give. I imagine sometimes during this difficult time with my son, that when I've buried my face in my pillow sobbing that he's lying next to me with his arms of love wrapped tightly around me and whispering softly in my ear, "all will be well my child, trust me."
Our a-hah moment came Saturday night watching a movie. Jacob had asked for some time to rent Evan Almighty. We had watched Bruce Almighty and while it has a feel good story and plot some of the scenes were just a little tasteless, so I was leary of the sequel. But, my parents had went to spend Saturday night with my sister and hubby suggested we go to the video store and we came home with the movie. First of all, it's a really good movie and the story is fabulous. When Evan is finally talking with God he asks the question we all ask -- why me? In that reply came this precious jewel -- "when people pray for patience, I don't just make them patient, I give them opportunities to be patient, and when families pray for love, I don't just make them suddenly lovey-dovey, (here it is . . . ) I give them opportunites to love each other." I can't begin to tell you how that line affected the three of us. All three of us (hubby, me and youngest son) got it at the same time and the tears began to flow. Alot of things became clear to each of us. We each realized that during this time we've not been faultless, we've made mistakes and mishandled things as well.
I can't say that everything is hunky dorie with Zachary and Candace right now, but I can say that on this end and in this home things and feelings have changed. Instead of praying God fix them, we are now praying God fix us and give us opportunities to love. That doesn't mean you give them everything they ask for, it means you love them like they've never been loved before. You love them like Jesus loves us -- wholly, completely and passionately. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus, and pass the popcorn!
Our a-hah moment came Saturday night watching a movie. Jacob had asked for some time to rent Evan Almighty. We had watched Bruce Almighty and while it has a feel good story and plot some of the scenes were just a little tasteless, so I was leary of the sequel. But, my parents had went to spend Saturday night with my sister and hubby suggested we go to the video store and we came home with the movie. First of all, it's a really good movie and the story is fabulous. When Evan is finally talking with God he asks the question we all ask -- why me? In that reply came this precious jewel -- "when people pray for patience, I don't just make them patient, I give them opportunities to be patient, and when families pray for love, I don't just make them suddenly lovey-dovey, (here it is . . . ) I give them opportunites to love each other." I can't begin to tell you how that line affected the three of us. All three of us (hubby, me and youngest son) got it at the same time and the tears began to flow. Alot of things became clear to each of us. We each realized that during this time we've not been faultless, we've made mistakes and mishandled things as well.
I can't say that everything is hunky dorie with Zachary and Candace right now, but I can say that on this end and in this home things and feelings have changed. Instead of praying God fix them, we are now praying God fix us and give us opportunities to love. That doesn't mean you give them everything they ask for, it means you love them like they've never been loved before. You love them like Jesus loves us -- wholly, completely and passionately. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus, and pass the popcorn!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Parents and Grandparents
The parents are coming to visit. Jacob is always excited to see his "Mommaw and Poppaw." Of course like any grandchild he knows that once they are on the premises he gets away with murder. Grandparents amaze me. As parents everything was a no, do your homework, go clean your room and you (missy) are grounded, but as grandparents everything is yes, he can do it later, he's just a kid and don't be so uptight (missy). I suppose that's why grandparents are so much fun.
I was always crazy about my maternal grandparents. My grandmother actually had a beer joint/dance hall/boarding house and during the day it was so much fun to explore. At night all of us grandkids were sent to the living quarters and not allowed downstairs, but we always found a way to spy on the adults. Eventually my grandmother gave up the business and my mother cared for her during her later years. She died on my 32nd birthday. Her name was Daisy. My grandfather was a coal miner and a pretty strict man with everyone except me. I'll bet all of his grandchildren would say the same thing about him. He died when I was 10 and I remember my mother was heartbroken. I remember my father picking my mother up and carrying her to their room. I remember standing in the doorway and watching my father hold my mother as she sobbed and whispering softly in her ear words that were only for her. What love. I never knew my paternal grandparents. My paternal grandfather, Jecco, came from Bulgaria to the US in 1914 and won my grandmother, who was a Cherokee Indian, in a poker game. Jecco spoke nine languages, but English was not one of them. My father says this is where my gypsy spirit comes from. My need to explore and travel and my ability to pick up and move on a dime. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet them both. What characters they must've been.
I am so thankful that my children have had the oppotunities to know their grandparents. I am especially thankful that my own parents are still with me and that they are godly parents. Every time I hear my father pray, even if it's only the blessing before a meal, I realize I am blessed.
So, I'm looking forward to a good weekend filled with family fun, lots of laughter and a generous helping of love and of course, the usual family drama!
I was always crazy about my maternal grandparents. My grandmother actually had a beer joint/dance hall/boarding house and during the day it was so much fun to explore. At night all of us grandkids were sent to the living quarters and not allowed downstairs, but we always found a way to spy on the adults. Eventually my grandmother gave up the business and my mother cared for her during her later years. She died on my 32nd birthday. Her name was Daisy. My grandfather was a coal miner and a pretty strict man with everyone except me. I'll bet all of his grandchildren would say the same thing about him. He died when I was 10 and I remember my mother was heartbroken. I remember my father picking my mother up and carrying her to their room. I remember standing in the doorway and watching my father hold my mother as she sobbed and whispering softly in her ear words that were only for her. What love. I never knew my paternal grandparents. My paternal grandfather, Jecco, came from Bulgaria to the US in 1914 and won my grandmother, who was a Cherokee Indian, in a poker game. Jecco spoke nine languages, but English was not one of them. My father says this is where my gypsy spirit comes from. My need to explore and travel and my ability to pick up and move on a dime. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet them both. What characters they must've been.
I am so thankful that my children have had the oppotunities to know their grandparents. I am especially thankful that my own parents are still with me and that they are godly parents. Every time I hear my father pray, even if it's only the blessing before a meal, I realize I am blessed.
So, I'm looking forward to a good weekend filled with family fun, lots of laughter and a generous helping of love and of course, the usual family drama!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Much About Nothing
I've lost 13 pounds so far and for the past week have been pretty much holding steady. I guess I've got my work cut out for me this week -- meaning I'm going to have to up the exercise routine. I'm so darn lucky!
We spent the weekend working around the house (cutting back plants and cleaning). We did manage to go look for a new sofa sectional and finally found one we could both agree on. We love our old sectional. It's in our family room and we love nothing better than piling up on it and watching a good movie. Our youngest son is in the youth group at church and teens love to pile up on it too. So, I hope our new sectional brings us as much joy as the old one has.
Jacob and his brother are still not talking, but I have had a couple of conversations with Zachary. God is working and I'm doing my best to wait upon the Lord.
I've been battling a migraine for several days now and I think it is about to win. The dog is challenging my patience and I have no ideas for supper tonight. I can definitely tell it's Monday.
Lord Jesus, give me the patience to wait upon you and your timing, give me patience with my family and even the silly dog. Thank you for lifting me up when I'm down.
We spent the weekend working around the house (cutting back plants and cleaning). We did manage to go look for a new sofa sectional and finally found one we could both agree on. We love our old sectional. It's in our family room and we love nothing better than piling up on it and watching a good movie. Our youngest son is in the youth group at church and teens love to pile up on it too. So, I hope our new sectional brings us as much joy as the old one has.
Jacob and his brother are still not talking, but I have had a couple of conversations with Zachary. God is working and I'm doing my best to wait upon the Lord.
I've been battling a migraine for several days now and I think it is about to win. The dog is challenging my patience and I have no ideas for supper tonight. I can definitely tell it's Monday.
Lord Jesus, give me the patience to wait upon you and your timing, give me patience with my family and even the silly dog. Thank you for lifting me up when I'm down.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Love Is In the Air . . .
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day -- one of my most favorite holidays. I remember being in grade school and getting those sweet, little valentines. What a wonderful feeling! Okay, okay I am a hopeless romantic. It's a good thing I married one.
Tomorrow will be our 16th wedding anniversary. We got married in a little chapel (I was working for a church at the time.) with all our close friends and family. My then six-year-old son, Zachary, walked me down the aisle and stood beside us while we took our vows. After we said our vows, my sweet husband turned to Zachary and pledged his love to him, told him he could never replace his father, but he would always take care of him and would always treat him as his own. What woman doesn't go weak in the knees watching her man with her child? He has always held true to that pledge too. Even after Jacob was born he's never showed a difference in them. Even now, with things as strained as they are, he continues to support both of them. What a lucky woman I am.
Oh, Lord Jesus thank you for my blessings. Thank you for placing the most loving man in my life. Thank you for the difficulties we've faced both in the past and even now, because they have made us more dependent on you. Most importantly, thank you Jesus for being my ultimate valentine.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Friends . . . One of God's Greatest Blessings
I'm so blessed to have such wonderful Christian friends. God has placed such dear, sweet friends in our path and knowing they are our prayer warriors during this difficult time with Zachary is such a comfort.
If you have the opportunity to be a friend -- be it. You never know when an encouraging word will boost someone's spirits. Most of the time people just need to know that someone else has been where they are, that someone else understands and will take the time to pray on their behalf. What a wonderful gift. It doesn't cost you a dime -- just a moment of your time.
Thank you Jesus for the sweet friendships in my life. Help me to recognize when others are in need and show me opportunities when I can be the friend.
The Lord has certainly been at work in our business life as well. My husband owns a construction company and with the economy strained work has been slow. He's been working on a commerical bid and Friday we got the news that we landed the contract. It's a large job and will keep our crews busy for the next couple of months or maybe more. (They've actually added some work to the original bid!) What an awesome God we serve. In the past 10 years that we've been in business he has always supplied our need.
Lord, I just praise you for knowing exactly what we need and when we need it. I praise you for the joy and hope in our lives through the good and the bad.
If you have the opportunity to be a friend -- be it. You never know when an encouraging word will boost someone's spirits. Most of the time people just need to know that someone else has been where they are, that someone else understands and will take the time to pray on their behalf. What a wonderful gift. It doesn't cost you a dime -- just a moment of your time.
Thank you Jesus for the sweet friendships in my life. Help me to recognize when others are in need and show me opportunities when I can be the friend.
The Lord has certainly been at work in our business life as well. My husband owns a construction company and with the economy strained work has been slow. He's been working on a commerical bid and Friday we got the news that we landed the contract. It's a large job and will keep our crews busy for the next couple of months or maybe more. (They've actually added some work to the original bid!) What an awesome God we serve. In the past 10 years that we've been in business he has always supplied our need.
Lord, I just praise you for knowing exactly what we need and when we need it. I praise you for the joy and hope in our lives through the good and the bad.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Lighter and Lighter
I'm 13 pounds lighter today. I have a confession though -- I absolutely hate that spinning cycle. You burn calories faster than the treadmill, but it hurts my tush and wears me out. I'm committed to using it, but I don't have to like it!
Thank you Jesus for the weight loss (slow moving as it is) and for the stamina to keep at it.
Jacob is finally eating a little better. I'm very proud of him so far he's taking very good care of his braces and brushing after meals. Yesterday he said, "I have to get in line after lunch at school for the bathroom sink. There are five of us cleaning braces!" At least they are actually cleaning them!
Unfortunately, Jacob and his brother are still on the outs. I have spoken to Zachary and I truly believe that he has lost his mind or at least the rational part of it. Someone came to me yesterday and told me that if he doesn't stop calling Candace at work they are going to fire her. This would be the second job she's lost because of phone issues.
Lord, I plead with you to intervene in this relationship. I pray for your protection to surround my son. I pray for mercy on his behalf.
Thank you Jesus for the weight loss (slow moving as it is) and for the stamina to keep at it.
Jacob is finally eating a little better. I'm very proud of him so far he's taking very good care of his braces and brushing after meals. Yesterday he said, "I have to get in line after lunch at school for the bathroom sink. There are five of us cleaning braces!" At least they are actually cleaning them!
Unfortunately, Jacob and his brother are still on the outs. I have spoken to Zachary and I truly believe that he has lost his mind or at least the rational part of it. Someone came to me yesterday and told me that if he doesn't stop calling Candace at work they are going to fire her. This would be the second job she's lost because of phone issues.
Lord, I plead with you to intervene in this relationship. I pray for your protection to surround my son. I pray for mercy on his behalf.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Braces, Cows and Weight Loss
Another weigh in day. Another pound down. I hate the slow moving scale, but at least it is moving. YEAH!!!
Poor little Jacob got his braces yesterday and is miserable. I remember how sore my mouth was years ago and I feel for him. Nowadays they put colored bands in their mouth (if they want) so he chose carolina blue and white. One of his best friends since elementary school was in the chair next to him and got his braces on as well. That was kinda neat and made the experience a little less anxious for both of them. I loaded him up on Motrin this morning so hopefully it will last through the day.
Saturday we got a new calf to replace ole Red. He's a black angus and just as cute as can be. Since Jacob was getting his braces on this week, Hubby grilled some steaks Sunday and they were soooo tender and delicious. Yes, it was Red! I only had a small piece since I'm watching what I eat, but it was good. Yes, I know this was the same cow I was crying over a few weeks ago, but this is the reason we have them. I just have to stay away from the calf.
I'm off today to get my nails done and a little bit of pampering. We all need that every once in a while.
Lord help me to be joyful and thankful for all that I have.
Poor little Jacob got his braces yesterday and is miserable. I remember how sore my mouth was years ago and I feel for him. Nowadays they put colored bands in their mouth (if they want) so he chose carolina blue and white. One of his best friends since elementary school was in the chair next to him and got his braces on as well. That was kinda neat and made the experience a little less anxious for both of them. I loaded him up on Motrin this morning so hopefully it will last through the day.
Saturday we got a new calf to replace ole Red. He's a black angus and just as cute as can be. Since Jacob was getting his braces on this week, Hubby grilled some steaks Sunday and they were soooo tender and delicious. Yes, it was Red! I only had a small piece since I'm watching what I eat, but it was good. Yes, I know this was the same cow I was crying over a few weeks ago, but this is the reason we have them. I just have to stay away from the calf.
I'm off today to get my nails done and a little bit of pampering. We all need that every once in a while.
Lord help me to be joyful and thankful for all that I have.
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