Year End Wrap Up and Resolutions for 2009.

Well... these were the resolutions:

1. To be more pleasant and less plump! - Definitely less plump. 47 lbs less so, in fact. More pleasant... well, dh says I'm happier so that must mean yes.

2. To spend time in the morning working out- Yes! Running is my friend.

3. To spend time with the Lord each morning. Need to work on this one. Maybe I need to move quiet time to evenings. That used to work really well.

4. To drink at least 8 glasses of water a day: *whistles*
5. To eat 6 small meals a day balanced with carbs and protein. Definitely better! Not perfect, but I've stuck to it mostly.

6. To motivate myself by encouraging others!! That's been good! At least I hope the others have felt encouraged. It does keep me plugging away too.

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Resolutions for 2009.

1. To continue the quest to be less plump...

2. To add in a consistent program of strength training to the running.

3. Making time to sit at His feet, whether morning, noon or night. The entire day goes better when I do. So, that is a focus.

4. Drink more water.

5. Keep a good protein/carb balance going.

6. Continue to encourage others... thereby motivating myself.

Have a Great end to this Year, and a wonderful start to the next!
Be Blessed!

Taking Stock...

On the 31st, I'll be posting a wrap up of the year. One of the great things about this blog is that I am able to keep track of what I'm doing, and how that measures up to my intentions. One of the painful things about this blog is that I am able to keep track of what I'm doing and how that measures up to my intentions.

I suspect that I'll be pleased, and disappointed. However, every change is a victory. And every set back is just that. A setback. It doesn't mean you'll never succeed. It means you've slipped up. That's all.

So... what are you taking stock of this year? Make some time to do that, and cut yourself some slack too!

Ah... Christmas is over...

and CHRISTmas will never end. All the joy and anticipation we have in remembering God's great gift on this one day for those of us who know, accept and rejoice in it... it shouldn't be over. It doesn't end with the unwrapping, and tossing away of garbage. It doesn't end with the redecorating.

We should continue to Keep CHRISTmas in our hearts, as Dickens exhorted us to do in A Christmas Carol. This is not the only time of year to give of ourselves, to give to charity, to help strangers with packages.

If you don't know this joy, if you are seeking truth, know that He is looking for you too. He is not willing that any should perish...

Remember... all you need to do is reach out and take His gift. Freely given, and completely unearned. Once you've done that... He'll do the rest!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Let the Stable Still Astonish!

Let the stable still astonish:
Straw-dirt floor, dull eyes,
Dusty flanks of donkeys, oxen;
Crumbling, crooked walls;
No bed to carry that pain,
And then, the child
Rag-wrapped laid to cry
In a trough.
Who would have chosen this?
Who would have said: "Yes,Let the God of Heaven and Earth
Be born in this place.
"Who but the same God
Who stands in the darker, fouler rooms of our hearts
And says "Yes, let the God of Heaven and Earth be born in THIS place!"

-Leslie Leyland Fields

Menu Monday!

Monday 12/8 - roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole

Tuesday 12/9 - pork stirfry (leftover pork roast, and stir fry veggies)

Wednesday 12/10 - beef stroganoff, green salad

Thursday 12/11 - chili, cornbread, green salad

Friday ??

Saturday - Shepherd's pie with leftover chicken potatoes etc.

Sunday-- sandwiches and soup.

Tough Days... and Thanksgiving!

Sometimes, in the midst of great joy and happiness-- there is a bit of sadness. As Joy Davidson Lewis said to her soon to be bereaved husband C.S. Lewis, "The happiness now is part of the sadness then. The sadness then is part of the happiness now." - Shadowlands.

I say that because in the middle of our Thanksgiving festivities we received a call letting us all know that my husband's grandmother, and my dear mother in love's mother had passed away. I grieve, not because I knew her so well, but because of the pain my hubby and mother in love are experiencing right now. I grieve also because, unlike his other grandmother, this one was not (to my knowledge) a believer.

I find this troubling on many different levels. At any rate... there is still much to be thankful for... and I hope you will understand if it is difficult for me to be online much in this next week.

Thank you!

Menu Planning Monday!

Monday 11/24/08- Lemon Pepper Flounder, Oven broiled zucchini with ww pasta in italian tomatoes.

Tuesday 11/25/08- Chicken adobo, rice, oriental veggies

Wednesday 11/26/08- Steak, baked sweet potatoes, oven roasted broccoli

Thursday 11/27/08- Eating at Mil's for lunch, movie popcorn later

Friday, Saturday-- celebrating dh's birthday!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful:

For nearly 16 years of wedded bliss with the man I adore, it'll be 16 tomorrow!

For my daughter, and her tender heart.

For my son, and his drive, ambition and conscientiousness

For the knowledge that "today is not that day". If you've read the blog... you know what I mean!

For the crisp cold air this a.m., for the warmth of the coffee as I wrap my hands around my mug.

For the work that I and dh have.

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Menu Planning Monday!

Well, last week's plan was a complete bust! Let's see if I can do better this week...

Monday: Chicken stir fry, ww noodles

Tuesday: Crockpot beef soup, green salad

Wednesday: Eggplant pasta, green salad

Thursday: Lasagna from freezer as dd has orchestra concert and green salad

Friday: ?? It's dh and I's anniversary... we might be going out, or staying in... It's up in the air!!

Saturday: french bread pizzas, green salad

Sunday: hot pastrami on rye.

Menu Plan Monday!

This week:

Monday: Pork chops, portobello mushroom pizzas, and baked potato/sweet potato.

Tuesday: Chicken adobo, rice, oriental veggies

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff, ww egg noodles, green beans

Thursday: Beef and barley soup, fresh cut veggies, hm bread

Friday: Eggplant pasta, italian sausage.

Saturday: ??

Sunday: ??

Election Day Ramblings!

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. The gospel will still be spread.
6. God will still be worshipped.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

And God approves this message

Finally 4k Finish Line Photos!!

Remember when I ran the 4k in June??? And I promised finish line photos and then got busy and didn't post them???

(Hangs head in shame)

This is my son and I, at the finish...
below is my dd and I. He is much more willing to be photographed after running than his sister.

She is not happy about having her picture taken in running wear. Her hair is a mess, and she is hot and sweaty... but because I insisted... she agreed.

I think she looks just fine, don't you???

Bravery!

Men are brave. Most of the time. Unless, of course, a 14 yr old girl takes the rudder of a boat on a large lake in northern Minnesota and announces, "I'm so ready for this."

Then, instead, there is a reaction that some might call fear. Personally, I think it's terror... but what do you think?

The Idiot Dog!

For everyone who's wondered... what exactly does an idiot dog look like? This is him!! Pure idiocy... and love, and kindness, and furry fun.

Working Out Wednesday!

It's been a good week. I weighed in this morning at 196.6 Yay!! Down a couple of pounds from where I was last week, and feeling great. I really have more energy than I did a few pounds ago.

Dh has noticed the changes, too, and in a very positive way. My workouts for the week are:

Monday: upperbody circuit, and walk.
Tuesday: 2 mile run
Wednesday: NYC Ballet workout 1, and lowerbody circuit.
Thursday: 2 mile run
Friday: upperbody circuit, and NYC Ballet workout 2, possibly a stroll with dh later
Saturday: active rest
Sunday: 2 mile run

Of course, the thing is, you can't outrun or outwork a bad diet. In otherwords, all this exercise does me no good if I'm not filling and fueling my system properly with good, healthy, natural foods. I've embraced spinach, and greens of all sorts, hummus and veggies. Lean proteins, and tossed away the processed foods. Giving my body the fuel it needs gives me the energy to workout, and the ability to keep the exercise going.

It occurs to me that in some ways, this fitness journey of mine is a metaphor for our lives in faith. I can't eat junk, exercise and lose weight. I can't fill my mind full of junk, go to church, and really have faith. I cannot, in otherwords, outchurch a bad spiritual diet any more than I can outrun a bad physical diet.

I need to feed myself on His word about situations. Not what the news says, or what a televangelist says, or what a talkshow host says... I need to get my mind full of Him, and what He says. Now, I'm not saying not to read what others have thought of His word, heavens, no!! But we need to be discerning when we do that. For some reason, even though it's harder to read, C.S. Lewis' "Reflections on the Psalms", strikes me as more nutrition for the journey than Victoria Osteen's upcoming book.

It's the difference between sitting down to a meal of spinach salad, chicken breast, and assorted veggies, or a chili-cheese dog with fries. At least that's how I see it. I know that the world is out there, and that the Prince of this World, makes the other food seem so much more tasty... but, if I'm going to be consistent... I have to care about what I'm feeding my mind at least as much as I do about what I put into my body.

Lord,

Give me your wisdom and discernment. Help me see what offerings give me proper food to strengthen my faith, and encourage me. Let me see false doctrine when it appears, and help me to be vigilant about the things I feed my mind as I am about what I feed my body.

Amen!

Be Blessed!!

Tough Topic Tuesday!

Robert Burns, one of my dh's favorite poets (because he's a Scot) once wrote in his poem, To a Louse, "Oh would some power gie us the giftie to see ourselves as others see us." In the poem, a girl is sitting in church with a new hat. She is positive that all the looks and pointing is because of how envious everyone is of her new finery. Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that there is a louse on her hat, and everyone can see it.

The girl is feeling pride and joy. Precisely because she is wrongly interpreting the actions of those around her. The disconnect between her perceptions and reality prompts the poet to write the piece. Perhaps, because he has been in the same position before, and he wishes that God would give us this great gift. How many of our embarassing moments could we be spared if we but had that ability?

It isn't ours though. We don't know how others see us. So often, we are convinced of our position... and we don't look at reality. I'm seeing a lot of that in the election campaigns today. Not in the candidates themselves so much, but in those who follow the candidates.

Anywhere you look online you can find evidence of pure hatred, and nasty meanspiritedness towards those who support a different candidate, and towards the candidates themselves. In many ways these well-meaning supporters are like the girl with the hat. They think they are getting attention that is favorable to their candidate. They have an honest belief that they are right and that all the finger pointing is because others agree with them-- on both sides.

Tragically, though, the attention is really that horrified fascination the other churchgoers had in watching the louse on the brim of the girl's hat. The reality is that the negativity and anger have an opposite effect. I don't signal out one campaign or the other-- the fact is that this disgusting behavior spans both parties and both groups of campaign supporters.

I really hope that at some point the Lord does give us the "giftie to see ourselves as others see us." That gift is more desperately needed now, than at any time before.

Menu Planning Monday!

This week's menu is :

Monday: Steak, garlic bread, and green beans.

Tuesday: Blackbean, polish sausage chili with cornbread.

Wednesday: Pesto Chicken Pizza -- recipe courtesy Gourmet Nutrition. I'll serve this with a healthy green salad.

Thursday: BBQ pork chops, greens, and mashed potatoes

Friday: Dh and I date night... dk's frozen burritos

Saturday: Spaghetti, zucchini, and italian sausage

Thankful Thursday and Recipe Review!

Today I am thankful:

1. That my hubby has a good job, and good benefits.

2. That my son and I had a good early a.m. run together talking over his LD debate case.

3. That Jesus loves me!

4. That I get to do all the things on my agenda-- because today is NOT that day! :)

5. For hot coffee...

Okay... last night, I tried a new recipe as challenged by Ann at Life on the Sound. The recipe was for Easy Moussaka, and it came from my More with Less cookbook.

Easy Moussaka:

1 large eggplant, unpared
1 lb ground lamb/beef/turkey
1 onion chopped
1 clove garlic minced (we like garlic so I used 2)
salt, pepper and a dash of nutmeg
2 c. tomato sauce
1/3 c. tomato paste
1/2 t. oregano
1 T chopped parsley
1/2 to 1 c. grated parmesan

Place slices of eggplant on a cookie sheet, brush with olive oil sprinkle with salt and pepper and broil 5 minutes or until golden. Turn slices brush with olive oil and season and brown second side. Set oven to 350 after browning.

Fry together the meat, garlic and onion and seasonings. When browned, add the tomato sauce, paste and remaining ingredients except the cheese.

Layer half the eggplant slices into a 9 x9 baking dish, then top with half the meat mixture, repeat. Sprinkle with grated cheese, bake 40 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

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Family verdict: All eggplants must die!! Seriously, no leftovers, none. Dh, dd, and ds all went back for seconds. What a great sneaky way to get more veggies into the family, and have them like it. This is a definite make again... very easy, quick and affordable. Not to mention delicious!

Now to decide what to make for next week's challenge!

Working Out Wednesday!

I ordered it today. The NYC Ballet Workout... I'm wanting something different than the exercise bike to add in for my non-running days. This comes highly recommended, and I'm told that it does look pretty but also kicks you in the booty. So... I can hardly wait...

Thus far... I'm doing great. 198.4 today on the old scale. Trending downward... a little more every day. :) It's a good week. I'm on track even though I went back to work this week... no missed workouts, no unscheduled food binges... so I'm feeling good.

Today's workout: 15 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) on my stationary bike. That is getting easier. I may move that to 20 minutes on a regular basis. It feels good... and 5 more minutes can only help.

Afterward... upperbody circuit style workout. I started with:

10 knee pushups
10 bent over rows (5 lb dumbbells)
10 shoulder presses (10 lb dumbbells)
10 bicep curls (5 lb)
10 tricep extensions (10 lb)
15 ab/knee raises
10 shoulder side lifts (5 lb)

Repeated the cycle 3x. and then napped for 10 minutes... I was just wiped out.

As important as it is for me to workout physically... remember we also need to be giving our faith a workout too. Faith is hard to workout. There is such a climate of fear right now about the economy, about the $ stockmarket, etc. In all honesty. the verse that slammed itself into my awareness this a.m. was...

Matthew 6:19-21 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

How sad. My treasure is in heaven, and I've let myself get distracted from that with the things going on on Wall Street.

Lord... forgive me my fear. Help me to remember, Father, that my treasure is not here on earth but with You in Heaven. Help me to make investments in the lives of others and to be more concerned with that than the fate of my 401k. Thank you.

Be blessed!

Tough Topic Tuesday!

A while back, if you'll remember... I ranted a wee bit about our current economic situation. It was a good rant. A justified rant. And, you know what, it still is!

So... painful as it may be for some out there to read... We are NOT in a recession. We aren't. The criteria still have not been met.

Remember... in order for a recession to exist we need NEGATIVE growth for two (2) quarters. We haven't even had one quarter of negative growth yet. Our economy is STILL growing... not receding... hence... NO RECESSION.

Now... are we experiencing a slowdown in growth? You bet your bippy we are... but slow growth is not a recession. Are people losing their jobs? Yes... we are having some higher unemployment recently than we have had in the past. Are there issues with the stock market... oooh... don't get me started!!

What does that mean? Well, it means that Sen. McCain is right. Our fundamentals economically are still strong. We still have the best workforce in the world. We still have a growing economy and once the issues with commercial paper are resolved, we'll see expansion continuing.

Obviously, it may be more fun to play Chicken Little and yell that the sky is falling... but even Chicken Little could point to an acorn that hit him on the head. The gloom and doomers here can't... we don't have one indicator for a recession yet. There is no justifiable way we can say that we are in a recession. None.

By definition we are not... and we won't be... unless, that is, we allow ourselves to be deceived and to listen to the pundits, and the comics, and the news folk... but that is our choice, isn't it?

Monday's Menu!

Since today was my first day back at my outside the home job... : ) I've made a menu for the week that is easy and relatively stress free.

Monday: Chili, crudites, and cornbread.

Tuesday: left over chili, sandwiches as I have a live chat to do in the evening.

Wednesday: I'm accepting a challenge from Ann over at the Life On the Sound. The challenge is to use new and interesting recipes for the month of October. Mine for the week is Moussaka. I'll post the recipe and the reviews (whether raves or rants) from my family on Thursday. I plan on serving it with some sliced zucchini.

Thursday: Beef in peanut sauce with oriental vegetables and whole wheat noodles

Friday: BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Saturday: Bratwurst, ww buns, and crudite after church!

Sunday: Fend for themselves-- I've got a week's worth of work to prepare for!! :)

Sunday's Score!

Well, actually... it isn't about a score that I made... although I did do very well on a recent thrift shopping excursion. :) Actually, I wanted to post about a disturbing trend that I find both irl and also among some folks I know on the interwebs. That trend is... keeping score.

Keeping score is a dangerous practice. It leads to discontent, and to developing the resentment flu. It is hard to avoid though. It is a part of our human nature, and it seems to have particular resonance for women.

When Martha chastised Mary for not helping... she was keeping score. She, in effect, said, "I've done more than you. I deserve a higher score." Jesus didn't think so, though. Why? Because He wasn't keeping score. If He did keep score, we'd all have lost the game a long time ago.

It can be easy especially in our intimate relationships to focus on what we do, and not on what is done for us. I know women upset (and I used to be one) because their husbands don't wash dishes, or put babies to bed, or what have you... but they (and I) forget... this is the same man who works 40+ hours a week, takes care of oil changes, mows the lawn etc. We don't give points for the hours in the work week.

Part of the issue is that men and women score things differently. For example, dh could wash the dishes and I'd count that a point. So would he. However, if he takes me out to dinner and a night of jazz... he figures that's a hundred points and he waits for me to catch up in my scoring. :) That's not how I score it though... I'm still only giving that 1 point. So, if we're going to keep score...we need to get on the same page with the values, or we aren't playing by the same rules and everyone gets hurt.

If we are to forgive a brother or sister 70 x7, don't we owe it to our spouses to stop keeping score? Or at least to let them know our ranking system? We are different, men and women, and thank God for that! It does mean that our scores will never be identical.

We need to move past this mindset of "I've done everything for you and you've done nothing for me" to quote Rick Springfield from back in the day. We need to stop adding up what we've done and start looking at what others have done for us. Or better yet... throw away the scorebook... give up tit for tat.

If we do toss the scorebook away and just do for others, including our spouses, because it springs out of our hearts filled with love... I can promise that we will see and reap the rewards. As individuals, we still may not win, but as a family... we're assured the gold medal.

Thankful Thursday!

Today... I am thankful...

1. There will come a day when I can't do what I do, but today is NOT that day. This thought empowers me on a daily basis. Don't feel like doing dishes or laundry... thank God, I can still do that for myself today. Didn't want to run this a.m., but guess what, today is not the day that I can't. So, thank you, Lord, that today is NOT that day!

2. Godly advice and counsel from true Titus 2 women who understand that teaching means building up. Criticism is never heard when offered from an unkind and uncaring perspective. We need constructive criticism in our lives... criticism that builds us up... as well as showing us where our weak points are. I am so glad to have that in my life from www.prairiehomemaker.com, and the blogs I frequent.

3. That my husband is happy in what he does. There was a time about 2 years ago when that wasn't the case. It was agony for him, and for us all. Thank you, Lord, for leading him to the position he has today, and for his happiness.

4. For hot cereal! It was cold out this morning and making a bowl of Red River cereal just hit the spot. Perfect!

5. For the time this morning running with ds. He thinks such deep thoughts, and only really shares them during this time. I truly treasure these moments with him.

and of course, I am forever grateful for the gift of salvation--freely given-- all we need to do is accept it.

Be Blessed!

Work Out Wednesday!

Alright-y then! So far this week, I've got two miles in on Tuesday. Monday, I did upperbody.

I did 3 sets of 10 reps bench press, tricep extensions, bent over rows, pushups, bicep curls, and 3 sets of 15 reps seated ab-kneeups. My abs STILL hurt. And I did 15 minutes on the exercise bike.

I'm going to go to Walmart and buy a fitness ball, a set of 8lb dumbells, and see if they have the NYC ballet workout video. I've heard good things about it from Caustic Musings and www.pinkdumbbells.com so... time to go check it out.

Today: lower-body. I'm planning 3 sets of 15 squats, plie squats, side leg lifts, calf raises, dead lifts. I'll also do 3 sets of 15 crunches and adductors.

Hope everyone has a great day! Be blessed!

If It's Monday... It Must Be Menu and Musings!

First, the exciting menu:

Monday: Porkchops, zucchini, mashed potatoes

Tuesday: Spaghetti, salad.

Wednesday: Chicken, green beans, garlic bread

Thursday: Steak, grilled green beans, and garlic bread

Friday: Pizza made with left over spaghetti sauce, and salad.

Saturday: Bratwurst

And there you have it... the meals for the week. Subject of course to change as needed due to circumstances or food cravings beyond my control. :)

Musings:

Dd spent most of the day at church yesterday for dance practice, and performances at the three services. She had a good time. The girls devotion was on Grace. Not like me... but like SolaGrace.

The focus was on how it is so freely given. The instructor told them about visiting MS when she was a young girl, and ordering breakfast. She was worried because the breakfast came with grits and she hadn't ordered them. Her family was poor and only had a certain amount allotted for meals on this vacation. The waitress looked at her, and said, "Why honey, you don't order grits, grits just come." She went on to liken this to grace. We can't order grace, it just comes.

Now... the story is lovely. And it is an illustration of how freely grace is given to us. It does, however, gloss over the necessity of accepting the free gift of grace. If she'd insisted, the grits would have gone back to the kitchen. If we insist... the free gift of grace can pass us by. We still have to choose to accept it.

We might think we don't need grits. We might think we don't need grace. We do, though. And thankfully, He continues to offer it more than once. Thanks Lord!

Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for:

Good friends who offer support advice, and encouragement when dealing with teens and life in general.

Prairie Homemaker ... change is challenging, but stagnation is death. We cannot, as C.S. Lewis says, go on indefinitely just being good eggs, we must hatch... and that means growth and change. Never easy... but always worth it.

My current favorite motivational quote says: There will come a day when I will wake up and I will not be able to do this, but TODAY is not that day. Thank God!! I can get up run, type, work, do the laundry, etc. Today is not that day.

My darling husband, who provides for our family, both in spiritual and physical ways.

My kiddos... challenging and growing in belief. Sure, it is hard to deal with at times, but... it means that they are working out their own salvation with fear and trembling.

Have a blessed day!

Wistful Wednesday!

Ah... today I am somewhat wistful. A bit nostalgic if you will for the good ole days when my children accepted what they were told and were satisfied. Those days are gone.

Today's bit of wistfulness stems from my ds, Alex's, age 15, struggles and attempts to reconcile the concept of the Trinity, a doctrine that our church holds dear, with what appears to him to be clear cut biblical instances of Jesus in subordination to the Father. He would argue that means that the 3 in 1 concept therefore does not work. And, at 15, "it's a mystery." no longer satisfies his questions.

It's not as though he questions the reality of his Savior, or that Jesus came to do the will of God. He just doesn't get this doctrine right now. And, frankly, I don't have any issues with that. However, confirmation is coming up... and he's not sure if he can be confirmed in a church that disagrees with his biblical understanding. I'm not, either, quite honestly...

and that my friends, poses issues with dh, and his parents, and all sorts of others. *sigh*

Lord... I need wisdom. Wisdom on addressing this with dh, wisdom to explain the trinity... and most of all discernment to see my son's heart in this. Any who'd like to come in agreement with me on this... I'd surely appreciate it.

Terrific Tuesday!!

Morning...

I am just in the best mood today. I've been down and out with a cold bug for the last week... and it really sapped my energy and left me exhausted. It was awful. I found it hard to breathe, and would get winded going up and down a flight of stairs!

So today... when I was able to get out and RUN... it felt glorious. It felt amazing, and it hurt-- a lot. I'm thrilled that I haven't lost any off my time for a 2 mile, and thrilled to run with dd. It's such a joy to do that in the early a.m. hours. George Sheehan said... the hardest thing to remember in the beginning is that the race isn't about beating the other runners. The race is about beating the little voice inside you that wants to quit. Wow!

Talk about a bit of inspiration. So... that got me thinking... Paul calls our Christian life a race. He says that he has run the race. I wonder how often we get caught up thinking and wondering about beating the others in our Christian race... and we forget the race is about beating the little voice inside us. It doesn't matter if a sister can run the race faster or is slower than us, wears a running skirt or shorts... the race is really only about one thing. Beating the voice inside us that wants us to quit.

Not running or religion related: This week's menu plan a day late... eh, it happens!

Monday- mexican coleslaw, black bean and burger burritos.

Tuesday- crockpot beef stew, and hm biscuits.

Wednesday- bratwurst, sauerkraut

Thursday- Steak, grilled mushrooms and zucchini, garlic toast

Friday- Porkchops, green beans, and garlic toast

Saturday- beef brisket, greens, and garlic toast

Why Not Wednesday!

So yesterday I looked at the way many of us, myself included, get in the habit of saying "No" to our dh's. That creates a problem... and saying yes, not just to sex, but to other things builds an environment where he feels respected and admired. How about with our kids?

Indeed, it is all too easy to say no. It's quick and fast, but also leaves them hitting their heads against a brick wall. Especially in the teenage years, NO seems like a dare, or a challenge for some of them to try to get around.

Picture this scenario: "Mom, can I go to the mall? " "NO. You haven't cleaned your room." Does this seem likely to encourage the teen to clean their room?

On the reverse: "Mom, can I go to the mall?" "Yes, as soon as your room is clean."

Which of the two seems more likely to engage the child on our side? So... I'm making an effort to find ways to say Yes, even to my kiddos. Yes is a much better word than No. I'm not saying there aren't times to say No, what I am saying is... Why not say Yes as much as possible. We don't want to provoke our kids to wrath and using Yes more often will help us with that.

Okay... that's today's ramble. Now I'm off to take dd to orchestra, and then to take ds to the dentist. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Tackling it Tuesday!

Today's Tackling it Topics... first my omnipresent to-do list, followed by the tough topic o' the day!

To do: Laundry, dishes, put up window treatments upstairs after washing them this weekend. Make my list for Christmas giving, and put together budget for the Holidays! :)

Tough topic o' the day: I read a great blog (thanks, Leah!) on the importance of not rebuffing but rather encouraging our husband's romantic advances. Essentially the author discusses the impact of a healthy sex life on marriage. She does this much better and with more dignity than I could ever hope to have... I'm including the link here: http://www.makinghome.blogspot.com/

It made me wonder though.... how many other times do we say "no" to our husbands when we could really say "yes"? Isn't an attitude of "Yes" something we should cultivate in all areas of our marriage? Say for example, you've been planning a weekend at home to work on the house, and garden, etc., and your husband comes home Friday night and announces he wants to go camping with the family for the weekend. Do you say yes? Or do you say no?

Saying yes means you trust him to make good decisions. Saying no indicates a lack of trust, and of fear about his leadership and decision making. Now, obviously, there are times to say no... when we have a good reason to due to a check in our spirits about something, or because we feel extremely strongly about it.

However... I'm issuing a challenge... let's say yes more often. Saying yes is a beautiful way to express love, confidence and admiration for this wonderful man God has given us. I have been working on being a "yes, let's" girl for the last 12 years of my 16 years of marriage. I so wish I had been clued in sooner!!

So... when he asks... say, Yes!

Monday Menus and Musings!

Menus first:

Monday: beef stirfry, oriental veggies, and buckwheat soba noodles.

Tuesday: Blackbean, rice, and groundbeef burritos/enchiladas, salad.

Wednesday: Bratwursts, ww buns, and salad.

Thursday: Spaghetti, salad.

Friday: Porkchops, grilled squash, and ww bread

Saturday: Bbq chicken, grilled greenbeans, and ww bread.

Sunday: Leftover spaghetti sauce morphs into pizza!!

Musings:

Oh... how easy it is to be so certain of our "rightness" that we fail to see the pain we cause others. How hard it is to put ourselves in others shoes and walk without judging. Why do we always assume that there is more they "should" be doing in order to keep things the same? Why can't we accept change?

Lord, help me to be focused less on my "rights" and more on those of others. Help me seek, in the words of St. Francis of Assissi -- less to be understood and more to understand.

What's your Bag?

LOL...

Mine right now is a hand-beaded patterned bag that has some fringe. I love it... and it looks great for summer. I'm hunting down a new bag...

http://www.ourfamilyjournal.com/2008/08/welcome-to-uptown.html This in fact might well be the one I'm looking for... oh, and don't forget to enter the contest! This is beautiful craftmanship... and even if I don't win... I might still need one.

Or not...

Thankful Thursday!

I am so thankful... overwhelmingly thankful for what God has given me. This morning I started thinking about how Jesus said we need to become like children again in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. I know there are many things we need to train our children to do, many ways in which the heart of a child is foolish... but the fact is, that Jesus said that the kingdom of Heaven is made of such as these.

I remember when my ds and dd were younger. We wore out 2 copies of "Goodnight, Moon". I'd finish it and they'd cry, "Again"! We'd go to the park, they'd swing and cry, "Again"! Any activity or thing that they saw... was immediately, "Again". They couldn't get enough of it.

Perhaps part of that enthusiasm is what we're exhorted to recapture by Jesus. I can almost picture God causing the sun to rise and set... and thinking "Again". His mercies are new every morning... and we need to appreciate that. We should be waking up and thinking, "Again!"

So... today, I'm thankful because:

1. His mercies ARE new today... Again!
2. I have the best husband in the world... Again!
3. I can run! Again!
4. I saw the sunrise. Again!
5. My children are growing as they should... Again!

For all those blessings... Lord, give me the heart of a child to appreciate and remember them even as they are repeated time and again.

Be Blessed!

Menu Monday!

With the start of school last week, and dh's new job (Praise God!) now is the perfect time for me to get back in the habit of planning our weekly menus instead of flying by the seat of my pants at dinner time. The luxury of summer leisure is over... and organization must be restored. LOL!

So... the plan this week:

Monday: hand cut steaks, fresh asparagus, hm garlic parmesan bread
Tuesday: bratwurst, ww buns, sauerkraut
Wednesday: spaghetti
Thursday: pork chops, apple sauce, and grilled zucchini
Friday: beef brisket, greens, and ww bread
Saturday: brats again...
Sunday... sandwiches and fend for yourself!

What's cooking at your house?

Tragedy and Our Attempts to Keep it From Us!

Tragedy. The word strikes us. It is not comfortable to hear, or see or live through. We all want to keep it far from us. We want to be able to say, "Well, it's sad that family lost a child in a school shooting-- but that can't happen to us... we homeschool," or "How sad that the Unitarian Church was shot up... but that can't happen to us... we go to a real church," or "What a sad thing that this child has cancer...but that can't happen to us... we__________."

We want to be able it make it the fault of those who suffer. If we can make it their fault... then we think... it cannot happen to us. We can breathe a sigh of relief because we are safe. Are we though?

Have you read the Book of Job? Job was a good man. Job had God's favor. Job, in fact, did nothing wrong. Yet... can we read that book and not see tragedy? I can't. I'm struck by the pain that Job must have gone through-- his children, his home, his living-- gone.

What of Job's friends? What did they want to do-- what did they seek him out for? To offer help...? No. To offer a job? No. To offer a shoulder to cry on? Nope. They came to find out what Job had done wrong.

If they could learn that... they could prevent a similar disaster happening to themselves. They were not pleased that Job had no answer for them. In fact, they couldn't even accept it.

I understand the desire to find a way to make it the sufferer's fault because then we are safe ... but New Life Church in Colorado Springs was the scene of a shooting, an Amish school was the scene of a shooting. What had these done to deserve this? It wasn't a "godless" public school or church...

I guess I simply do not want to be Job's friend anymore. I am guilty of having been so in the past. I'm not sure why I feel so convinced of my error. I'm also not sure that anyone else will understand. What I do know though... is that... as always... my faith and trust must be in the Lord. I must not think that I am safe from tragedy, or that I can keep myself safe from tragedy.
That is in His capable hands.

Be Blessed!

Grace

Morning has Broken--

Wow... what a wonderful song that is!! I have it on my phone/MP3 player that I take with me on my runs in the morning. So after leaving the house in the pitch dark... just as the sun started to rise this a.m... it began to play.

What a joy that was! I really do treasure it. It reminded me of God's promise to us...that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5 The question, of course, is how long is a night?

A night, it seems to me, is not necessarily a literal night. It means that long dark slog for the soul. Something we all, I think, go through... at different times and for different reasons, and likely to create different results. What a promise that we cling to though-- that joy cometh in the morning!

I ran this a.m. with my dd and we had a good chat about school, lunch, the clothes her friends were wearing etc. We laughed, and huffed and puffed. And before the run was over... we were both rejoicing... because the sun was up, because we were alive and running.

Yes... getting up is not fun... but... joy does come in the morning.

Thank you, Lord!

Be Blessed!!

An Update (Of Sorts)

Lately there are two passages of scripture that I am being drawn to, again and again. The first is Paul's letter to the Colossians. I am slowly studying it very extensively. I'm also being drawn to Psalm 91.

Those of you who are aware and praying for my nephew Josiah, the latest news is this. The doctors in Omaha agree that the colon polyp condition he has right now is not cancer. However, he is bleeding so much from the colon that he is anemic, and this will become cancer if allowed to go untreated. He is on two iron pills a day and that is giving his body the ability to keep up with the blood loss. Praise God!!

There are additional tests to be run, however, those can't be run until September because the specialist is on vacation. Josiah's and his family's faith is strong. They will need to either remove each individual polyp, or go in and remove a part of his colon at this point. So...again, if you'd continue to pray for Josiah... that would be most kind.

In other news, my Mom has moved to a new facility... it is in the town she lived in for so many years so in a lot of ways I am confident that she is quite content and comfortable. She is, of course, not happy to not be back at her home... but she is not capable of being alone for 10-12 hours a day. This is the best solution.

We're working on getting her some things that we think she might enjoy, a t.v., a plug and play Ms. Pacman, low salt roasted cashews, diet Coke, and of course, my father's flag. My siblings are a bit difficult. Then again, they always have been. Prayers for wisdom etc., are definitely needed. Mom's not dead yet... now isn't the time to divide up the spoils. *sigh* In fairness, only two of my siblings are all about that!!

Otherwise... the kids head back to school today... and my life frees up!! So... look for me on chat!! I'll prolly be there later on this afternoon.

Grace

Running!

I am in love with this. I don't know why, or how, but it is a real joy to me. I feel both horrible and wonderful simultaneously. I am taking my body over, and making it mine.

I was able to run a full 5k on Friday. Can you believe it? Me, who couldn't even run a full city block in January... ran 3.24 miles on Friday. No breaks, no stopping for water, or to tie my shoe. Now, I'm not saying it was fast. I'm saying it was run. Took about an hour actually.

Game on people. Next year, I'm doing the Muddy Buddy somewhere... 7-8 miles of alternate biking/running and *ahem* slithering. Yep, an army crawl through the mud. LOL!! This is gonna be a blast. I'll have either Alex or Tasha as my partner.

Now we just have to decide where... personally, I'm for DisneyWorld!!

On another note... today is the day that Josiah (my nephew) will get his second opinion on the colon polyps, and possible actions to be taken. We'll be praying throughout the day that God blesses the doctors with wisdom and discernment, strengthens Tim and Sharon, his parents, and his sister Megan as well. If you feel moved to do so, please pray for Josiah as well.

Thanks and be blessed!

Rummage Sales Are...

a bargain hunter's delight... and when it's for a good cause, even more so! We went to the Tip Of the Tail rummage yesterday. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society, and go to the care and upkeep of sheltered pets there.

We got our idiot dog, Bandit, there 6 years ago. At the time, he was 6 mos. old, and had some jumping issues. The family who had had him couldn't keep him because he was jumping on their very young kids. Fortunately, our children were older.

He wasn't fully potty trained when we got him, but now is... he also can sit, lay down, roll over, shake, play fetch, and will stop and sit at each street corner when we walk him. He's a member of the family, and we do spoil him a bit.

Anyway... here's the score... two oversize coffee mugs with saucers -- soon to become herb planters and thus a Christmas gift for my family. A book ds wanted, a beautiful linen embroidered piece of artwork framed, a cd, some antique Christmas ornaments (my weakness-- I collect them!) and homemade dog biscuits... all for only $20.00. Plus... it goes to a great cause!

So... that was yesterdays bargains...

How do you tell...

the person who raised you that they cannot live in the old homestead anymore?

It appears that my Mom continues to be confused post stroke, and is still seeing and hearing things that aren't there. This, coupled with impulse control issues, makes it a no brainer for an assisted living facility. Better still, all family members are in agreement. Praise God!

Unfortunately, the question is... who will bell the cat? Who tells Mom? She's working very hard in therapy with the understanding that she'll be home in two weeks. Honestly, are we lying to her by omission? I think so. I'm very afraid that she will be heartbroken to learn that isn't the case.

So... if you're inclined to pray... keep it going!

Be Blessed!

Thank God for Endorphins!

You know... those happy little hormone thingies you get after working out...? Well, I am coming to depend on them. Things with my Mom, and my family (not immediate, mind you) are becoming highly rocky.

I think that if I didn't have my running or exercise, I'd be very sad, and pretty dysfunctional right now. Fortunately, I do have that! And, again, Thank God for it! What a blessing that He created us in such a way that if we work out, and take care of ourselves we manufacture our own anti-depressants. Now, I'm not looking down on people who need modern medical help... just praising Him for His design of us in general.

Plans for today... celebrate the 4th. Call Mom at the rehabilitation center (she had a stroke, near as they can tell without doing an MRI which they can't because of the aneurism clips).

Be Blessed!

What's so special about June 28th???

Yep... that's it! 14 years ago this delightful, dancing daughter came into my life... well, okay, I'm about 6 hours off but still!

How do you describe a force of nature that at the same time is so gentle and loving? It really defies words. It's been amazing to see her grow from a little girl interested in Barbies, and baby dolls to a confident young woman. She has tremendous patience with her younger cousins, and already shows good judgment.

Happy Birthday, Tasha!

Did It!

And, hey, that means I have a PR I can do 4k in 42 minutes! So... I'm feeling pretty pleased.

Pics to follow, if and when I get time here to download and post... but, I'm not sure that will happen before we leave for Itasca!

Anyway... have a great day, and Be Blessed!

Nervous!

Tomorrow is it... the big day of the R-A-C-E. Maybe if I spell it, I won't freak out as much. Nah... I still will.

I anticipate it taking about 45 minutes to run the 4k. I'm just short of a full of two miles now, and adding in another .14... eh... that's what I'm looking at realistically I think. It's a fun run so no real finish line... just a park... and a bunch of people.

My plan, having read up on race strategies for noobs... is to start in the back of the pack. I know I'm slow... so there is no sense in starting up front with the experienced, and local elite runners. I'm going to try to take it slow.

I'll eat -- nothing before the race-- and probably re-fuel afterwards like usual... some eggs, spinach and tomato... I've got shades, got a visor, ready to sun screen up... and butterflies in the tummy.

Since we are heading north to Itasca shortly thereafter... posting a pic at the close of the run... might take a day or two... but... so be it...

Iffen you think about... say a prayer for me... and

Be Blessed!

Driver's Edge!

This is another huge rave. In driver's education our children learn how to drive to pass the test. This, however, does not teach them how to really drive.

This past weekend, my son, Alex was privileged to take advantage of a wonderful program put on as a charitable event. The instructors are professional drivers-- some from Nascar, and Indy, others who teach professional driving. Needless to say... they know their stuff.

Alex was taught how to steer through a skid, how to do a high speed lane change, how to use panic braking... etc.

If you have the opportunity... I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Yes, the men use some salty language... but the knowledge is unbeatable.

www.driversedge.org

Oh... and Alex won a trophy for most improved in steering through a skid! I am so proud of him... and as a Mom, pleased that he's learned how before the roads are icy and without winding up in the ditch.

Thanks to Driver's Edge, who puts the program on for FREE!!

Be Blessed!

Rave!

Just got my new sports bra... I have to tell you. What a difference! I'd bought the el cheapo stuffmart versions before. This has wicking fabric to keep the sweat away, and real honest to goodness motion control.

I'm ordering another one in black while they are at this price. It's amazing! I had a much more comfortable run this morning. These are normally 33.00 a piece at my local sports store, so... it's a score. They are however down to black and white in most sizes. Doesn't bother me any though.

I'm about function, not fashion and ummm would not be seen in public running with just a jogging bra for a top anyway. *shudders*

Be Blessed!

An Amazing Day!

This has been an amazing day! We had a company picnic of sorts... the company was Sanford Health. My FIL works for the company... and so we were all invited.

It was so much fun! There was a whole carnival with rides, free pop, free water, free food... and good food, as well as fair fare. Rides were free, everything was free.

And... there were 3 concerts... A.J. and Ally (I'm not familiar with them really, seem to be a sort of Hannah Montana-esque group) Sheryl Crow -- She brought her A game, and Rascal Flatts.
Again, all free! So, yes... we had a blast. Loved every minute.

They had a great show. My personal fave, Rascal Flatts.

Hope your day was good too.

Be Blessed!

The Company One Keeps...

Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to this topic. Earlier in the year, I was asked to step back from some of my associations so as to devote more time to family life, and less time to online issues. Online friendships are real, though, and when you stop being there... you miss a lot.

I again apologize to everyone who worried, and prayed for me during that time. I certainly should have had the good sense to just explain I needed a sabbatical, and why. I have received the okay to re-join the company, both from those who requested I step back, and from the company itself.

I am posting this because I know that there are those who have bad feelings toward the company, and who may want to change their association with me based on that knowledge. I'm going to be honest and upfront here with everyone.

I truly love the company. It is one that has blessed much of my life. I've learned tremendously from the women there. Is it perfect? No. It's on a fallen earth... but it is a company that I intend to keep.

Be Blessed!

Fitness Bargains!

One blog I love to read, is Caustic Musings . First, the nutritional recipes are incredible. But even better is the way she spotlights frugal fitness stuff!!

One Hanes Place currently has an awesome sports bra on sale for 9.99. If like me good motion control is a must, I highly recommend visiting their clearance section. Even better... shipping is only 3.00 for the day! That makes this is a complete bargain.

Just some thoughts there...

Grace

Hearing vs. Listening.

So often I read in the Bible, Jesus said, let him who has ears to hear, hear... Matthew 13:39 (Just an example!) What a simple phrase! Yet how much meaning it has. At least to me...

As a child sitting in church with my parents when the pastor would recite those words, I always thought, "Why would Jesus say that?" I mean, it was perfectly obvious to me that everyone has ears... Later on, I began to think that what that meant was that we are free to see what commands specifically apply to us and which ones do not. If you didn't have to ears to hear a particular thing... well, then, that particular thing did not apply to you.

Ah... again, I was wrong. I think that Jesus was telling us to listen. Really listen to His words, and those of His father. How many times I've gotten uptight with my son or daughter, because they "hear" me but don't "listen"!! Listening implies going beyond mere auditory reception.

Listening to me is hearing, yes, but hearing with understanding. Hearing with comprehension, if you will. I recently was given C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity on tape. I've read the book countless times... but hearing... no, listening to it was far different. It was so cool to listen to Lewis speak and his inflection in different places changed or deepened my comprehension.

How wonderful that we worship a God who speaks to us! Who asks us to listen... I think sometimes because we so readily have access to the Word in whatever form we choose we sometimes forget the power of the Word. This, I think is the real tragedy.

After all, Paul tells us in Romans 10:16-18 that... So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. But I say, Have they not heard? Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth and their words unto the end of the world. We have ears... we have heard. Let us endeavor to make sure that all have heard, too.

We may not be able to compel listening... but we can afford everyone a chance to hear the word. Whether they choose to listen or not... that is their choice.

Be Blessed!

Am I crazy enough?

I think I am.

http://www.sfhumanesociety.com/custEvents.asp?secId=&ParentId=&eventId=35&page=viewEvent

This race is coming up on the 21st of June. Right now doing a combination of walking and running I'm finishing 2 miles in about 40 minutes. Now, that's not going to win me the thing, mind you! But... it will let me finish 2.49 miles.

I think I am just crazy enough to enter. I don't have to worry about my time because I know I'll be slow. I fully expect to finish last. LOL. I don't have to do anything except have fun and get a run in.

So... what do you think? Am I crazy enough... and should I drag my kiddos with me??

Grace

A Peculiar People

Peculiarities. The very word conjures up images of eccentricities. In that sense, we are all peculiar. We all have our own quirks and preferences. I prefer Twining's Earl Grey Tea, Good Earth herb tea, and SleepyTime or just plain ol Lipton to the fancier teas out there. My dd likes iced coffee (the gateway drug, I call it) and I like mine hot!

Some things that are normal in one place might be peculiar in another. I live out west. It is not uncommon to encounter chislic at a restaurant. I used to live up north where gravy was frequently served over french fries instead of ketchup.

In my daughter's generation, the use of ear gauges is acceptable. It is not to mine. Is that a pecularity to her time and place? Perhaps.

Sometimes I hear Christians talking about our call to be a peculiar people-- set apart from the world. And I whole-heartedly agree! The question it seems, is... in what way are we to be peculiar?

Consider the fact that we are to be marked as Christ's own people. That may well require us to dress and appear differently from many others. However, it is Christ's peculiarities that we are to adopt. What was peculiar about Christ? He was a man of his time who nonetheless spoke to the woman at the well, who forgave sin, and asked God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. He healed people, served them, and ultimately, gave all for us.

Even the word, "Christian", means "little Christ". Doesn't this mean that we need to adopt His peculiarities? How well do we mirror this? Are our lives bearing the fruit that sets us apart as His... regardless of appearances?

Be Blessed!

Weekend So Far!

We had a great time on Thursday! We went to the Guthrie Theatre and watched A Midsummer Night's Dream. It was amazing! The scene and the setting were fabulous. The fairies actually came in on dangling lines from above. Oberon, the fairy king, came in on a zipline like thingie... and of course, the acting was amazing.

I laughed so hard I cried. Dd laughed too, as did ds and dh. We stayed the night there, and in the morning wandered the skyways. We also went through the sculpture garden which was gorgeous. We did go through the Walker Art Center... but didn't really enjoy it. It was full of what my son calls anti-art. Videos of people walking around the perimeter of a square, and a guy poking a coyote with a stick?? Just not what I think of as art.

Today we celebrated my dear mother-in-love's birthday. I think she had fun. I had to leave early to do some lecturing online, but the kids made a great sign for her that read... what happens at Grandma's ... stays at Grandma's. They had pictures of brownies, cookies, and bingo because she always takes them to play.

We also got our run in... I'm up to about a mile and a half of running. Getting better all the time! It is a struggle some days. I can tell already that I'm going to need to run early while it is still cool. Both ds and dd were very hot during the run.

Tomorrow... Dh is going kayaking, dd and ds and I will go biking. But first, we're going to the Memorial Day services at the VA hospital here. Then, we've got gardening to do!! I need to get more mulch around my flowers, etc.

Be Blessed

Grocery Shopping Coup!

It was amazing! You know how somedays things are going all wrong... last Saturday dd and I were on a mission to buy a gift for a niece's birthday party on Sunday. We found Hannah Montana stuff (which she adores) and were also going to pick up something for dh to grill that night. The price at the store we were at was unbelievable!

So we went to our local grocery down the road aways... I love this store. It's my favorite, but usually price comparisons are unfavorable at this location. Whoo boy! Not that day though... not only did we score porkchops at $1.39 a lb. They had fully cooked, just heat on the grill, bratwurst for $1.59 a lb.

We LOVE bratwurst here. This is summer grilling at it's finest. Any idea how many 10lb boxes we picked up?? ALL OF THEM THAT WERE THERE!! Yep. My freezer is stuffed with 50lbs of luscious brats.

I wonder what we'll have for dinner??

Grace

Prince Caspian...

Yes, it was opening weekend... yes, I had to go. I loved it. My husband loved it, my teen son loved it, and so did dd, although, I must warn you there were scenes that brought tears to our eyes.

This is much different than the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The world of Narnia is different, but so are the children. They've changed a bit... and for those of us familiar with the whole series there is a bit of heartbreaking foreshadowing.

Sure, there are epic battles... but there are also epic battles being waged within the characters themselves. Do they follow their friends? Do they wait for Aslan or try to accomplish goals on their own power? There's even a bit of temptation faced by some of the characters...

This is powerfully evocative movie and if, you are okay with movies... I whole heartedly and unreservedly recommend this one! But... it is 2+ hours so go to the bathroom first, and don't order the large drink!!

Be Blessed!

Something Understood

Prayer the Churches banquet, Angels age,
Gods breath in man returning to his birth,
The soul in paraphrase, heart in pilgrimage,
The Christian plummet sounding heav’n and earth;
Engine against th’ Almightie, sinners towre,
Reversed thunder, Christ-side-piercing spear,
The six-daies world transposing in an houre,
A kinde of tune, which all things heare and fear;
Softnesse, and peace, and joy, and love, and blisse,
Exalted Manna, gladnesse of the best,
Heaven in ordinarie, man well drest,
The Milkie way, the bird of Paradise,
Church-bels beyond the starres heard, the souls bloud,
The land of spices; something understood.

As much as I love C.S. Lewis, and those of you who know me know I love his writings quite well... beyond Narnia... even into Perelandra, and Til We Have Faces, etc. This poem, however, by George Herbert (part of the Temple written in 1633) speaks to my heart so much. Herbert was a tremendous influence on T.S. Eliot and the theologian, Richard Hooker. Eliot calls the last two lines of this poem... magical

I know I've prayed and felt all these things during praying. After my Mom's aneurism and other details of that time... I prayed in that angry, raging way he describes as the "reversed thunder". The wonderful thing about this, is that whatever our prayer is... it is always understood.

Even when we cannot express ourselves... the Holy Spirit will intercede and interpret our "souls bloud" so that we are understood. (Romans 8:26-27) What a gift! We may not and likely will not understand everything... but... we are understood.

Be Blessed!

Here's the Plan...

Monday-- Dh spontaneously changed plans and we had cheeseburgers instead of the pasta bake I planned.

Tuesday-- Ahi Tuna, bed of greens, and rice.

Wednesday-- Grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, fresh green beans

Thursday-- pasta bake (rain forecast)

Friday-- Chicken pesto pizzas from Gourmet Nutrition

Saturday-- steaks, salad, mushrooms and garlic bread

Sunday... Niece's birthday -- some fun thing at sis in laws, and then sandwiches for at home.

Rest of the day... health insurance meeting at 10 a.m., online meeting at 4:30 p.m., and grading and prepping for classes tomorrow.

And of course, laundry etc. Blech-- we'll not speak of that.

Be Blessed!

Faith is...

Starting a garden in South Dakota on Mother's Day...

It was chilly and cold, but that's what my family does on Mother's Day...it's tradition! And, somehow most of the plants survive the experience. In a cold state... ie, right now we're looking at a high around 60+... planting before June is an act of faith.

It says... I believe. I believe that tarps, and buckets can enable tomatos and peppers to survive 34 degree temperatures. I believe that good intentions will outweigh bad weather.

Faith is also letting your teenager drive ... but signing them up for the Driver'sEdge course coming to Sioux Falls because why learn what a skid is like by landing in the ditch or snowbank?

Faith does require putting feet to your faith. Working for what you want and believe in. So, I'll keep covering my plants, signing teens up for driving classes... and having faith that all will be well.

Be Blessed!

1 Corinthians 13 A Mother's Day Version!

1 Corinthians 13, A Mother's Version

I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing"TenLittle Monkeys" until I want to call the doctor -- but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a ringing phone at dinner time.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and Kool-Aid in theneighborhood, and I can tell a sick child's temperature with one touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient while watching and praying by the front window when it's30 minutes past curfew.
Love is kind when my teen says, "I hate you!"

It does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand-new minivan, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.

Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments andinsecurities, and love rejoices when other families succeed.

It doesn't boast, even when I've multitasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.

Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "What have you donetoday?"

It does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in ourchildren, but encourages them to get training and make wise choices.

It is not easily angered, even when my 15-year-old acts like the worldrevolves around him.

It does not delight in evil (is not self-righteous) when I remind my17-year-old that he's going 83 in a 55-mph zone, but rejoices in thetruth.

Love does not give up hope.It always protects our children's self-esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline.

It always trusts God to protect our children when we cannot.

It always perseveres, through black nail polish, burps and other bodily functions, rolled eyes and crossed arms, messy rooms and sleep-overs.

Love never fails.

But where there are memories of thousands of diaper changes and painfullabor(s), they will fade away.

Where there is talking back, it will (eventually) cease. (Please, Lord?)

Where there is a teenager who thinks he knows everything, there will one day be an adult who knows you did your best.

For we know we fail our children, and we pray they don't end up in therapy, but when we get to heaven, our imperfect parenting will disappear.(Thank you, God!)

When we were children, we needed a parent to love and protect us. Now that we're parents ourselves, we have a heavenly Father who adores,shelters us and holds us when we need to cry.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

----------------------------------------

Wish I could take credit... but I received this in an email... LOL-- Happy Mother's Day to all of us who have mothers, are mothers or stepmothers, or provide nurturing to children not your own...

Be Blessed!

A Miraculously Wonderful Day!

15 years ago, almost exactly to the moment (give or take 15 minutes!) that I started writing this post, an amazing fantastic astounding and profoundly life altering event happened. It actually began quite some time beforehand, but like most worthwhile things, it took some time for the final product to be complete. It's alright though... because when things this good take place, well, you don't mind waiting too much.

Happy Birthday to the very best Mother's Day gift I ever received!

My son continues to amaze me. His first steps were awe inspiring, but more so the care and concern he shows for his fellow people on the planet. His passionate devotion to causes, and loyalty to friends, and people he believes in are amazing.

He is intelligent, articulate, and athletic. If I had asked God specifically for all the character traits I wanted in a son... He couldn't have picked better.

Alex, I love you... and I'm so proud of you-- for all your accomplishments, but also for the times when you learn from mistakes, take coaching and go back to accomplish even more.

Happy 15th!

Be blessed!

Donuts are yummy...

and I love Jesus!

Ah... to have the faith of a child! My darling daughter was helping out with the last day of Wednesday school yesterday. The little ones she works with are 3 and 4. They had donuts and were to come up with a saying about donuts that brought God into things.

The teacher suggested... "Sprinkle some God into your life", and dd suggested "Jesus is better than cream filling". But little Ella, age 3, won the votes of the class with her saying... "Donuts are yummy and I love Jesus!"

LOL... and yet... how clearly the little ones hear His voice. He tells us... in John 10: 2-4 that His sheep will hear His voice and follow because they know His voice. I got to thinking after Ella's statement... do I really make enough time to hear Him so that I recognize His voice??

After all, in today's world... there are a lot of competing voices. There's the media! There's the false teachers! There's the demands of life!

Lord... give me ears to hear and to know you... give me faith like Ella.

Be Blessed!

Media Influences

Last night while watching my local news they did a segment on saving money. Now, I understand that with gas prices rising, food prices rising due to higher gas prices, and no one's wages rising... we're all feeling a bit of a squeeze. That is undeniable.

However, we cannot say that this is a recession. The economy GREW last quarter... slow growth, small growth... but still growth. A recession is defined as two quarters of stagnant or shrinking growth. Read any economics textbook you like... that friends, is the definition.

Personally... the fact that there was any growth makes me feel optimistic about the economy. I think we're likely to turn this thing on it's heels. But... that's not the point of this post...

The point is that in that special on saving money... they discussed clipping coupons, going to the store with a list, trying store brand items, looking at eating out less. And I thought... does that mean that most people are not already doing these things? I mean, most of the people that I know already do this.

Or... how about instead of buying $350.00 shoes for a boost you buy a $25.00 designer lipstick? Good advice for some, but if, like me, you buy Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer--umm, that's not a savings. It's an additional expense.

So... how out of touch am I? And, I know, chances are good if you read this... you're just as out of touch as I am...

Be Blessed!

Grace

He Moves in Mysterious Ways...

Well, as it turns out, no MRI for Mom. My brothers who were there tell me that as they were going through the preparation for it, the nurse at the desk got a phone call and turned as white as a sheet.

As it turns out in 1983 when they did Mom's aneurism surgery, they used metal brain clips to close the bleeding off. This means that in an MRI tube, those could have loosened. It would have meant Mom not being with us any longer. Thank God, her doctor reviewed the information in time!

This means that the lesion hasn't been verified yet... but they'll look into that some more on Monday. What a blessing that the MRI was scheduled late enough that her doctor had time to review the information! What a blessing that the timing was right on the phone call!

Miracles happen, folks! The word coincidence is not in His vocabulary... and this was a miracle!

Be Blessed!

My Mom...

If you know me well, you know that my Mom and I are not close. We live a great distance apart, and it is hard to schedule visits. Add in that Mom had an aneurism when I was 16 and is brain damaged... not able to fully care for herself, or to carry on a conversation without fading into the past... well, it makes for a unique relationship.

I am also struggling right now because Mom is ill. She has a UTI and a lesion they discovered during her head CT scan. Given her history with aneurisms-- this makes us all nervous. My father passed away when I was 28 and my dd had just turned 2. After this... all that is left is my siblings.

Mom was born in NY. She was the daughter of a father who left her and an alcoholic mother. To say the least, her childhood memories are the stuff of tell all books. However, Mom's never been one to dwell on that. The stories I remember her telling are the ones about her Grandfather Peter James McNally-- he worked as a stage director in NY theatre and met all the greats of that day.

I love her... and I'll be both relieved and grieved when she passes on. Relieved because I think sometimes she knows she is not able to be all she once was... and I think it hurts her at those times to be so dependent. Grieved because the hope of a miraculous recovery and a true mother daughter relationship will be over.

See... my Mom doesn't remember my birthday, or other events... and she doesn't send cards or gifts. She doesn't remember the kids on their days either. Now, I say this not because I blame her or her caregivers... I say it because this is the hope that passes on when she goes. The hope of a "normal" relationship will be gone.

On the other hand... that hope is only gone here... who knows but what when we meet in heaven, the relationship may be all I wanted for and more. Yes, I am certain Mom will go to heaven. She is now as a child... and Jesus told us that is what we must become to enter the kingdom. So I have no worries there.

Sorry for the down post...

Be Blessed... and if you can... give your Mom (or the most Momlike person you know) a call!

Grace

Happy Ascension Day!

I know... it doesn't have all the panache of Easter, or the hoop-la of Christmas or even the thrill that comes with Pentecost when we get our promised advocate. Yet, I think, Ascension day is worth remembering.

Oh, we talk about it in our Apostles' Creed... He was buried and descended into hell, on the third day He arose, He ascended into heaven... and we give it no more thought than that. The Bible speaks about it. Sometimes, I think we assume that this event isn't as important to us as the others.

I'm not so sure. He had been talking and eating with His disciples after His resurrection. He was still human at that point. They knew HIM. He wasn't a ghost, or a metaphysical presence. He was in the flesh.

After He ascended into heaven, the apostles were met by two men Acts 1: 9-11 and were told that He would return the way He had left. Jesus ascended into heaven as only He could... both human and divine, and entirely glorified. It extends His victory over death. It gives us hope that we are not orphans, that He will bring us to Himself... in a way that the resurrection doesn't. He has gone on before us to prepare a place.

Christ has died. Christ is Risen. Christ will come again!

Be blessed.

Interesting thought-- How should we pray for those who don't love the Lord?

A good friend of mine posted an interesting thought on this the other day, and I've been pondering it ever since. It is NOT, I'll warn you a very comfortable thought-- but it is one that I think we might all need to face if, that is, we hunger for more revival than can be found by sending a donation to the ministry of your choice now.

She pointed out that Paul gives us some insight... 1 Corinthians 16-24.

21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

in the KJV it is phrased as Anathema Marantha. Wow. In other words, that person should be cursed because the Lord is coming. Other translations have it that Paul prayed a curse on those that don't love Jesus. That isn't comfortable, is it? In all my time, I don't think I have once prayed for a curse on those that don't love Him. Have you?

Be Blessed!


Grace

Menu Plan for the Week and My Musings!

Monday: Beef Burgoyne
Tuesday: whole wheat penne, leftover spaghetti sauce, spinach, cottage cheese, mozzarella, served with chicken breast.
Wednesday: pork chops, baked potatoes, roasted greenbeans
Thursday: Mexican inspired pork roast with jalapenos, refried beans whole grain tortillas usual taco fixings and veggies
Friday: New recipe day-- trying a pizzza recipe from Gourmet Nutrition-- Texas style pizza on tortillas, will serve with green salad
Saturday: Crockpot pork roast, mashed potatoes, green salad
Sunday: Cereal and sandwiches... (just make it as easy as possible)

Yay... it's morning! I am so tired today. I think the fact that it is still so cold here is hard to take in the a.m. I don't mind getting up, but I am having a hard time getting out of my warm bed. We haven't and (won't) turn the furnace on again til sometime in November... and it's currently 32f outside... inside, about 55. Which is where the furnace would be set anyway... but still!!

So, I'm sitting on my coach completely wrapped in a blanket... huddling up to my laptop for warmth. I'll go running in a bit this a.m. after the kids are out the door, I'll get my mile in for today.

Be Blessed!

Grace

Mystical Monday

Well... it's Monday...

Yesterday, I got up with ds and we got a two mile run in... well we ran a mile, walked a half, and ran a half, but it was two miles. It felt really good. We went out at about 7:30 a.m.

Today's Parade of Adventures:

Laundry-- it's inevitable!
Dishes-- likewise
Menu plan for the week-
Stationary bike 25 minutes HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Abs workout

Need to grade assignments for another class.

My fun weekly challenge-- drink at least 4 liters of water a day this week. I've got two 2.2 liter water bottles and I'll just keep one in the fridge and one out. Should help!!

I'm so pleased by the way... guess what?? I'm now down to 212 from a starting weight of 232. That's 20 lbs gone!! YAY!

I'm not losing as fast as the folks on the Biggest Loser, but let's face it... I also don't have six hours every day to workout!! LOL... I'm just thanking the Lord here that these pounds are leaving. I know it is increasing my health and my lifespan, and legacy that I leave for my kids. They will see me as healthy... and hopefully,will adopt healthy habits themselves.

Be Blessed!

Grace

Super Sunday!

Normally, we go to church on Saturdays but today dd was performing with the younger girls from their GRACE liturgical dance group camp that the girls held over the last three months. It was fun to watch the little ones!!

The service today was quite good. Have you seen the "Last Lecture" on Youtube? It is really quite heart-breaking. If you haven't, I suggest that you might want to... but make sure you have tissues as this is this man's last lecture... he is dying of pancreatic cancer.

We were focused on Jesus' last lecture on this 6th Sunday in Easter. His parting words for us... are so full of reassurance. He will not leave us orphaned He promises. He will be back and the Advocate will be with us as well til then.

The paralells are fascinating... this professor is concerned with the legacy he leaves his children and that is why he gives the lecture-- not for his students, not for the 6,000,000 who have seen the Youtube videos, no... for his children. Sometimes I think we forget... that Jesus last words there are meant not only for his disciples, but for US who are His children.

He saw us in our times of brokenness, when the people we love pass out of this world, when our hearts are aching with pain, when we despair because of sin... He saw us and reaches out to us reminding...

For lo' I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Be Blessed!

Re-reading C.S. Lewis

I just read a good devotion from Ravi Zacharias ministries... it is written by Jill Carratini, and I thought it was excellent. It really made me stop and think...

In it she discusses a visit to a church where there was so much negativity. The emphasis was all on the should not's and shall not's... body piercing, tattoos, homosexuality, etc. The pastor at one point received Amen's from the congregation when he said that these people would not enter the kingdom of Heaven. She mentions how her heart fell at that word because Amen means - let it be.

I was stricken by that. How can we as Christians who profess love for one another, and should have love within us for all... think that it is okay to say Amen to even one person being left outside God's grace?? What has happened?

Ms. Carattini then traces this trend all the way back to C.S. Lewis's sermon on "The Weight of Glory", Lewis began warning us about a dangerous trend occurring in Christianity. He referred to it as negativity. One example he gives is how many Christians today would say that the greatest virtue is unselfishness... instead of love.

Lewis points out that love is positive. Love reaches out to others. Unselfishness, however, is negative, and is still oddly focused on our own selves...

Words mean things. Amen means something...

Lord,

Please help me to discern what I should Amen, and what I should not. Give me ears to hear what is really being said, and to stand for your Love... no matter the cost.

Amen!

Be Blessed...

Thursday!!

My legs are better. Just in time to go running on Friday... and the really horrible part of this is the forecast is for S-N-O-W. Honest! I am SO sick of running in the snow. Blech! I was looking forward to my first rain run.. and now, snow... again.

And we're supposed to be worrying about global warming?!?!

Today... taught at 8:30 a.m., I really wish I could get a discussion going. It takes some time though. I'm not sure why it is so difficult to get conversation moving... but it is. Made lasagna for supper... ff cottage cheese, lots of spinach, ww noodles. Yummy!

Tomorrow... I'm trying the portobella pizzas from Gourmet Nutrition, and pairing them with some roasted zucchini, and some chicken breasts. It just sounds good, and I have leftover sauce to use up.

So disappointed in the weather... so so disappointed... *sigh*

The perpetual laundry machine cranks ever onward...

Be blessed!

Grace

Monday, Monday!!

Woo boy! I am so glad that the Lord in His wisdom only put one Monday in a week. Not so much for me... my day is good, but poor dd!! I was dropping her off at school and her binder fell out of her messenger bag... paper everywhere!! I turned on the hazards and helped her scoop everything up, but I still think some papers escaped us. Hope she doesn't need 'em!!

Today's Parade of Adventures:

1. Laundry- In progress (it's always in progress--I have the perpetual laundry machine, if anyone's interested!)
2. Work out- Done! I did my 25 minutes of HIIT cardio on the e-bike. I hate the thing, the part that sits on the seat keeps falling asleep! Still... it does need to be done. Then I killed my lowerbody with squats, plie squats, leg lifts, deadlifts, hamstring curls, and finally, calf raises...
3. Dishes, sweep... general household maintenance
4. Prepare for class
5. Pick up kids
6. Make supper- Spaghetti Squash spaghetti for me, the rest of the family gets the noodles but the sauce is from Gourmet Nutrition, with turkey italian sausage because now I'm improvising...

Be afraid people!!

and Be Blessed!

Grace

Fridays Parade of Daily Adventures

Ah... the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee... to quote Robert Burns, and if you remember what a fanatical Scot my hubby is... well, then you understand that quoting Robert Burns is a necessity.

My poor son is home sick. Sore throat, headache, stuffy nose etc., and so is dd. I have my babies home with me for the first time since, well, since summer almost... and because they are sick they are acting like babies. *Sigh*...

I had a good run this morning. I'm finding that getting out there and having the time by myself and with God is actually a form of prayer. I'm feeling more centered and relaxed. Although, I did miss my running buddy. Alex usually runs with me, but just was in no condition today. Poor kidd.

So... today's plans:

Laundry
Kitchen clean
Grade student assignments for:
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Issues in Criminology
and Evidence

Supper: beef stirfry. Easy!

Thanks for the comments. I really love and miss all of you. But, when dh asks me to do something, I do it. I hope you understand, and that we can still chat on yahoo...

Journey to Wellness!

I am here to rave about a fabulous new cookbook! This thing is amazing. Gourmet Nutrition-- it's filled with good healthy recipes. So far every recipe I've tried from it rocks! I'm happy with them, the teenagers like them, and so does dh! I've made the stuffed zucchini, and the garlic spicy shrimp.

I have lost about 18lbs since the start of the year. I'm able to run a mile without stopping. A whole mile! And, I'm actively doing some weight training with dumbbells.

My next goals... by 7/4/08 I will be running 2 miles without stopping!! And, I hope to lose another 18 lbs between then and now... but we'll see what happens. I'm also continuing my work on eating right...

I feel very blessed! And I am... I'm already in better shape at 40 than I was at 39. Progress! I'm also doing a great bible study... Calm My Anxious Heart... lots of fun... and good information.

Be blessed!

Letting Go and Letting God.

It's easy sometimes for me to dwell on past hurts. To focus on what someone may have said, and hold that in my heart... it is a daily, hourly sometimes battle for me to let go of a perceived injury. When someone implies that because I don't see a particular (disputable to me - commandment to them) passage in the same way they do that my marriage needs work, or I am sinning... well, it hurts. A lot.

I know part of the reason for that... at least for me... this person doesn't know me, doesn't know my marriage. And yet it hurts. But I forgive when an apology is made although they negate it by saying that they meant what they said... my struggle is in forgetting.

So... I will act as if... if I forgave and forgot... how would I behave? And while I do that, I'll keep praying for restoration of this relationship. I really value this friendship. And while I don't know that they'll ever get it... ultimately... it's up to Him. And, it'll be fun meeting in person when we get to Heaven.

Grace

Let it Be!

I am such a fan of the Beatles... speaking words of wisdom... Let it Be, Let it Be... there will be an answer... Let it Be, Let it Be. For various reasons, that song is running through my head today. What a blessing... God is singing to me.

It's been a good week on the whole! I've inadvertantly hurt someone and while I apologized, I think they haven't forgiven me yet. I'm not sure that they will. However, all I can do is what I can do. They can choose to accept and forgive or not. It's up to them, really. I hope they do. I do value their friendship. But... ultimately... it is their choice. If they happen to read this, I meant what I said, any offense was not intended. I am so sorry I hurt you.

I have tomorrow off, and will enjoy my time with my kids who also have the day off. I think we'll have a roast sticky chicken and some mashed potatoes, and a nice salad of baby greens. I need to run tomorrow and do legs for weight training. Other than that... I'm relaxing!!

May the Lord be with you!

Random thoughts...

It's been a good week! I really feel awesome about what I've accomplished so far...

1. I got a workout in Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday! Yay me!!

2. My eating has stayed clean... good lean protein, good veggies, unprocessed carbs.

3. Water consumption has been right on target! Lots of water and the cool thing is, the more of it I drink the more I want it.

Work is all well in hand! The Lord has been showing me a lot lately in my time in the mornings. I'm pondering it all, and taking it in. After I finish my studies, I'll share them with you all.

Grace

Baby Steps!

Getting the goals accomplished takes what I like to call baby steps...

For example... drinking the water means making sure I have cold, tasty water in my fridge. That's the necessary baby step to that goal

Exercising every day means getting up at 5:00 a.m. which in turn means heading to bed at a decent hour... those are necessary and required baby steps. And it also helps because I can use those first early minutes to spend time with Him which is another critical goal.

In so many ways we are all still babies... learning, and growing increasining in knowledge... I hipe that I succeed in keeping the babysteps up. I will, with God's help.

Grace

New Year's Resolutions!

1. To be more pleasant and less plump!

2. To spend time in the morning working out

3. To spend time with the Lord each morning.

4. To drink at least 8 glasses of water a day

5. To eat 6 small meals a day balanced with carbs and protein.

To motivate myself by encouraging others!! That's it. I can do it... with God's help!