My husband is missing my blog posts, so for him, I will continue. Here ya go, Baby.
You absolutely rock! I thank God for you every day. You are my blessing, and the one who truly loves me "as Christ loves the church". You are my best friend, the one who makes me feel like an angel every day. You are a wonderful daddy, dog daddy, snake chaser, and provider for our family. You make me laugh! I don't know anyone who is more thoughtful or kind than you...seriously. You make me feel loved, cherished, valued, and blessed. I look back through my life and I can see clearly where God paved the way for you to come in.
You know all of this and more, but now whoever reads my blog will know that I am the happiest wife on earth and I'm not ashamed to shout it from the rooftops! You might be a bit embarassed now....oh well, we will read this one day and laugh together. Two happy old farts sitting in chairs with our dentures floating nearby.
You are my lobster. I love you!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Little Bit Of My "Irish" Comes Out Now and Then
I'm thinking of giving up this blog. Yup, you heard right. I'm not sure what the purpose of this blog is anymore. It certainly hasn't helped me to keep in touch with anyone. I'm not sure anyone is getting the message, as most of my friends don't even read it! They tell me, "oh, yeah...I forgot you had a blog." Now if that doesn't make me feel like Charlie Brown, I don't know what does. Some friends. (that's what Charlie would say) Maybe it's just me, but if I had the opportunity to get to know my long time friend a little deeper by reading their blog, I would jump on it. That's just me, I guess.
They also "forget" to email and call too! Yes, life gets busy, and family comes first, I know. But why is it the person I talk to most lives 3 hours away? That's just weird. And I am just getting started.
I try to keep in touch, I do return my calls. I e-mail more than anyone. Friends are important to me, and I'm not whining here, but I don't think I'm as important to some of them. It's just reality. I'm sure you've been there. Like the 32 times you've invited someone to do something other than a home direct sales party, and they balk. It's hard not to take it a little personally. Well, today, I'm getting personal. Deal with it. And no, I do not have extra money to go to all those direct sales parties we're all invited to. When's the last time they asked you for coffee and a chat? Oh, now I'm getting stinky! Those things are perfectly fine, they just make me feel like a checkbook. I just don't go. Sorry. I don't have them either. If you do, that's fine. Please don't send hate mail. If I invite you over, it will be to watch a movie, and I won't charge you for it. PeeeeUuuuu.
My dear friend and I talked about this the other day when she said I'm one of the few that keeps in touch with her. As she left Michigan 10 years ago, she called her friends, wrote them, and was always the one to initiate everything. She finally got tired of waiting for them to reciprocate. This is the part of friendship no one wants to talk about, but it is something people need to understand. It has nothing to do with hurt feelings or self pity. But for a relationship to work, it takes both people, not just one. A true give and take friendship really isn't that hard to manage. It is, however, very hard to find. So are diamonds in a hay stack. I have found a few of those, and they make me feel like I am their "find" too. It's not about me, I get that. It's not what I get from someone, but what I give. Yup. Got it. Friendship 101, put it on a poster. But when do you know when it's time to stop giving? Hopefully not 70 X 7 times. I'm getting too old for that.
If you want a friend, you need to be one. Yup. That's true, but sometimes you just have to be your own friend, or look for someone who truly needs and wants one! Then it will be a blessing for you both. Maybe stop trying to be friends with people who don't want a relationship with you. It doesn't need to hurt, you just need to let it go. Someone else will be along. Hopefully not the village Idiot, but then again, maybe that's me! That would explain a lot.
Well, those are my thoughts, like them or not. I happen to love Charlie Brown, so I guess if I met one, we'd be fast friends. That explains a lot too.
See ya whenever, friend.
They also "forget" to email and call too! Yes, life gets busy, and family comes first, I know. But why is it the person I talk to most lives 3 hours away? That's just weird. And I am just getting started.
I try to keep in touch, I do return my calls. I e-mail more than anyone. Friends are important to me, and I'm not whining here, but I don't think I'm as important to some of them. It's just reality. I'm sure you've been there. Like the 32 times you've invited someone to do something other than a home direct sales party, and they balk. It's hard not to take it a little personally. Well, today, I'm getting personal. Deal with it. And no, I do not have extra money to go to all those direct sales parties we're all invited to. When's the last time they asked you for coffee and a chat? Oh, now I'm getting stinky! Those things are perfectly fine, they just make me feel like a checkbook. I just don't go. Sorry. I don't have them either. If you do, that's fine. Please don't send hate mail. If I invite you over, it will be to watch a movie, and I won't charge you for it. PeeeeUuuuu.
My dear friend and I talked about this the other day when she said I'm one of the few that keeps in touch with her. As she left Michigan 10 years ago, she called her friends, wrote them, and was always the one to initiate everything. She finally got tired of waiting for them to reciprocate. This is the part of friendship no one wants to talk about, but it is something people need to understand. It has nothing to do with hurt feelings or self pity. But for a relationship to work, it takes both people, not just one. A true give and take friendship really isn't that hard to manage. It is, however, very hard to find. So are diamonds in a hay stack. I have found a few of those, and they make me feel like I am their "find" too. It's not about me, I get that. It's not what I get from someone, but what I give. Yup. Got it. Friendship 101, put it on a poster. But when do you know when it's time to stop giving? Hopefully not 70 X 7 times. I'm getting too old for that.
If you want a friend, you need to be one. Yup. That's true, but sometimes you just have to be your own friend, or look for someone who truly needs and wants one! Then it will be a blessing for you both. Maybe stop trying to be friends with people who don't want a relationship with you. It doesn't need to hurt, you just need to let it go. Someone else will be along. Hopefully not the village Idiot, but then again, maybe that's me! That would explain a lot.
Well, those are my thoughts, like them or not. I happen to love Charlie Brown, so I guess if I met one, we'd be fast friends. That explains a lot too.
See ya whenever, friend.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Spring-A-Ding-Ding
Yup, I said it. Spring. It is coming! Ever since Natalie could understand the seasons, she always asked the same question: "Mommy, when is spring really here?" She just didn't get the whole Michigan thing. Like, yes, March 20th is the "first day of spring", but that doesn't mean we break out the flip flops. It could still snow after that. In fact, many first days of spring were met with snowfall! As soon as it would get just a little warmer...."mommy, is it spring yet?" I'd say, "well, almost." She would get so frustrated with me because I could never tell her the EXACT day of spring!
She's still at it with the question, even at age 12. She has asked me at least three times since the weather started improving. "Mom, is it spring yet?" Ugh!!
Well, whether it's spring or not, I've seen signs of it. The robins are back and the sewers in town smell awful! The buds are out on the trees, my tulips, hyacinths, and other greeney things are coming up. The snow is completely gone from our yard too! We've enjoyed one batch of our maple syrup and have collected almost enough for another batch. Pancakes again this weekend! Happy Spring.
We all enjoyed the nicer weather by practicing volleyball and basketball skills. The girls are really doing well! Of course things got a little crazy as we wound down a bit. Natalie pulled her running pants way up past her belly button and ran around. She also showed me her "faster than a cat reflex" game, which cracked me up entirely. She had me throw the ball at her, and then she would wait until after it hit her and then pretend to try to catch it. While we were playing volleyball over the clothesline, she would get hit with the ball and just collapse, twisting her arms and legs everywhere. Then she'd put her leg behind her head and say "looky I can do, mom!" I tell you, the kid is a hoot and a half!
Serena is just learning volleyball and basketball and if she keeps on going, she'll be a force to be reckoned with! She's fast, strong, and a bit ruthless! :) I have so much fun goofing around with my girls. Steve got in on the action too, using his giant rake to bat the ball around, and shooting baskets with Serena.
Spring is good, but Life? It's great!
She's still at it with the question, even at age 12. She has asked me at least three times since the weather started improving. "Mom, is it spring yet?" Ugh!!
Well, whether it's spring or not, I've seen signs of it. The robins are back and the sewers in town smell awful! The buds are out on the trees, my tulips, hyacinths, and other greeney things are coming up. The snow is completely gone from our yard too! We've enjoyed one batch of our maple syrup and have collected almost enough for another batch. Pancakes again this weekend! Happy Spring.
We all enjoyed the nicer weather by practicing volleyball and basketball skills. The girls are really doing well! Of course things got a little crazy as we wound down a bit. Natalie pulled her running pants way up past her belly button and ran around. She also showed me her "faster than a cat reflex" game, which cracked me up entirely. She had me throw the ball at her, and then she would wait until after it hit her and then pretend to try to catch it. While we were playing volleyball over the clothesline, she would get hit with the ball and just collapse, twisting her arms and legs everywhere. Then she'd put her leg behind her head and say "looky I can do, mom!" I tell you, the kid is a hoot and a half!
Serena is just learning volleyball and basketball and if she keeps on going, she'll be a force to be reckoned with! She's fast, strong, and a bit ruthless! :) I have so much fun goofing around with my girls. Steve got in on the action too, using his giant rake to bat the ball around, and shooting baskets with Serena.
Spring is good, but Life? It's great!
Monday, March 15, 2010
A Few Revelations from J-Ro
What is my favorite chore? Keeping the cookie jar filled with yummy homemade cookies. Believe it or not, I enjoy doing laundry too. It smells great and I love the clothesline in the summer.
What is my guilty pleasure? Eating candy in bed! I really love candy, but it feels so wrong to eat it in bed.
What drives me crazy? The buzzer on my dryer. It's so loud and obnoxious.
What do I wish I had? a direct line to God, for one. And clothes.
What could I really use? High speed internet and a shorter commute to school
What would be in my fridge if I lived alone? Hmm...probably mold. No, definitely pickles (sorry, Mary), Coke (though I've stopped drinking it), french vanilla yogurt, diet dr. pepper, cucumbers, boiled eggs, grilled chicken, and ruby red grapefruit juice.
What is my dream vacation? Anywhere that I can feel warm.
What was I like as a child? Funny! Creative, fast, busy, quiet, shy, mischievous, imaginative, stubborn, often lonely.
What is my favorite thing to do? Besides hanging out with my family, I like to go for long walks in the woods and just enjoy being peaceful. On the other side of that, I like to play rough and tumble sports outside, like extreme tennis, crazy soccer, outrageous basketball, and wild ball. We all have a little wild hair here and there.
What is my best feature? Wherever I am not wrinkled so far.
What is my worst feature? My irish skin and all the sun damage that followed....
What is an ideal day? Sleep in a bit, enjoy some coffee on the deck, listening to the birds waking up. It's about 70 and a light breeze is blowing. It's sunny! Steve takes me out for breakfast and then we go for a bike ride on the rail trail.
What is my least favorite chore? Cleaning bathrooms and floors, cleaning the fridge and putting laundry away.
Who do I talk to on the phone the most? Probably my hubby, but Patty is a close second. We talk about twice a week. On the phone! No email. NO facebook. Just talking. I love it.
What is my pet peeve? Well, being negative. I guess that's enough said.
What is my favorite color? I like all colors except for chartreuse. Not a fan. Sorry, PD.
So what about you?
What is my guilty pleasure? Eating candy in bed! I really love candy, but it feels so wrong to eat it in bed.
What drives me crazy? The buzzer on my dryer. It's so loud and obnoxious.
What do I wish I had? a direct line to God, for one. And clothes.
What could I really use? High speed internet and a shorter commute to school
What would be in my fridge if I lived alone? Hmm...probably mold. No, definitely pickles (sorry, Mary), Coke (though I've stopped drinking it), french vanilla yogurt, diet dr. pepper, cucumbers, boiled eggs, grilled chicken, and ruby red grapefruit juice.
What is my dream vacation? Anywhere that I can feel warm.
What was I like as a child? Funny! Creative, fast, busy, quiet, shy, mischievous, imaginative, stubborn, often lonely.
What is my favorite thing to do? Besides hanging out with my family, I like to go for long walks in the woods and just enjoy being peaceful. On the other side of that, I like to play rough and tumble sports outside, like extreme tennis, crazy soccer, outrageous basketball, and wild ball. We all have a little wild hair here and there.
What is my best feature? Wherever I am not wrinkled so far.
What is my worst feature? My irish skin and all the sun damage that followed....
What is an ideal day? Sleep in a bit, enjoy some coffee on the deck, listening to the birds waking up. It's about 70 and a light breeze is blowing. It's sunny! Steve takes me out for breakfast and then we go for a bike ride on the rail trail.
What is my least favorite chore? Cleaning bathrooms and floors, cleaning the fridge and putting laundry away.
Who do I talk to on the phone the most? Probably my hubby, but Patty is a close second. We talk about twice a week. On the phone! No email. NO facebook. Just talking. I love it.
What is my pet peeve? Well, being negative. I guess that's enough said.
What is my favorite color? I like all colors except for chartreuse. Not a fan. Sorry, PD.
So what about you?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What's Going On
As I sit here with my diet dr. pepper, 4 ribeye steaks are thawing in the kitchen, the girls have run out to check the sap buckets, and Steve is on his way home from a trip to Livonia. Life is good. My eyes have been swollen for 2 days now, but at least I could see today. I'm not sure what that's all about, but it's been an interesting look for me. Wow.
This week was busy, with a trip to a second orthodontist for Serena, Miss Overbite. I say that with love. The child was told from the time she was 2 that she'd be paying for her orthodontia one day. She'd just look at me and smile with her big blue eyes that said, "I have no idea what that is." Then she'd pop her thumb right back in her mouth. Well, our first orthodontist obviously was trying to finance a beach house on us. We got quoted about 10 grand. Yes, that is $10,000. Hello. We could adopt a child with that. Probably one with very straight teeth too. So, we went to another orthodontist who was able to quote us just over half of that with a wonderful option. Because of the dentist we use and a cool insurance program we will end up paying about $1000 total. Then we get a discount because I got my braces there years ago. So, not a bad trip after all. She's not quite ready for the braces yet, so don't call her "tin grin" just yet.
Serena also got her first pair of contacts! Kids are getting them younger these days. Glasses are expensive and getting broken all the time around here. Now if we can just get Natalie over her fear of touching her eyeball, we will be all set. It's a photographer's dream to not have to deal with reflective glasses in every picture! That and I love to see their pretty eyes. Serena is doing just great with her contacts. She cannot wait to pick out a cool pair of sunglasses this summer! Fashion is such a motivator for girls!
With Natalie's basketball pictures and some cool sporty notions sent to me by Patty, I was able to do a scrapbook layout today. It turned out pretty well. I am hoping to get back into it. I'm so far behind, and I can always find 100 other things I should be doing instead of enjoying myself. I know that sounds weird. I hope I get over it soon. Life sure is short.
I enjoyed some quiet time on my deck today, sitting in the sun, finishing Genesis. No, not the old Phil Collins band, but the book of Genesis in the Bible. Although I do like Phil Collins.... speaking of music....
I've been a bit bored with American Idol this year. I don't know what it is. It's just lackluster, I guess. Or maybe I'm moving on. Who knows.
So, that's about it for this chick. Just a shout out to my former bloggers/now facebookers, I miss you, and NO, I will not be joining facebook any time soon. Sorry! Maybe one day I'll talk about why!
This week was busy, with a trip to a second orthodontist for Serena, Miss Overbite. I say that with love. The child was told from the time she was 2 that she'd be paying for her orthodontia one day. She'd just look at me and smile with her big blue eyes that said, "I have no idea what that is." Then she'd pop her thumb right back in her mouth. Well, our first orthodontist obviously was trying to finance a beach house on us. We got quoted about 10 grand. Yes, that is $10,000. Hello. We could adopt a child with that. Probably one with very straight teeth too. So, we went to another orthodontist who was able to quote us just over half of that with a wonderful option. Because of the dentist we use and a cool insurance program we will end up paying about $1000 total. Then we get a discount because I got my braces there years ago. So, not a bad trip after all. She's not quite ready for the braces yet, so don't call her "tin grin" just yet.
Serena also got her first pair of contacts! Kids are getting them younger these days. Glasses are expensive and getting broken all the time around here. Now if we can just get Natalie over her fear of touching her eyeball, we will be all set. It's a photographer's dream to not have to deal with reflective glasses in every picture! That and I love to see their pretty eyes. Serena is doing just great with her contacts. She cannot wait to pick out a cool pair of sunglasses this summer! Fashion is such a motivator for girls!
With Natalie's basketball pictures and some cool sporty notions sent to me by Patty, I was able to do a scrapbook layout today. It turned out pretty well. I am hoping to get back into it. I'm so far behind, and I can always find 100 other things I should be doing instead of enjoying myself. I know that sounds weird. I hope I get over it soon. Life sure is short.
I enjoyed some quiet time on my deck today, sitting in the sun, finishing Genesis. No, not the old Phil Collins band, but the book of Genesis in the Bible. Although I do like Phil Collins.... speaking of music....
I've been a bit bored with American Idol this year. I don't know what it is. It's just lackluster, I guess. Or maybe I'm moving on. Who knows.
So, that's about it for this chick. Just a shout out to my former bloggers/now facebookers, I miss you, and NO, I will not be joining facebook any time soon. Sorry! Maybe one day I'll talk about why!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Group Scoop
My study girls and I have had some great classes these past couple weeks. It just tells me more and more how God divinely chose this group and this topic (Fear). One thing I gained from this group is that it really is the best setting for me. I love that there are only a few of us. I've been able to open up and share with them the way I am not able to do in a large group. While I can't speak for the others, I can guess they would agree with that for themselves too.
In a small group, there are not "groups" within the group. We're all one group! It does make a difference on whether a person will open up or not. It makes a difference on whether relationships will continue after the class is done. It helps to establish that "confession" time that all Christians need in order to learn and grow. It has helped me immensely to learn to trust others in a new way. I know I can be myself, and guess what? They still like me! I've had a chance to connect with them all in a personal way, and it's drawn us closer together. God is pretty clever about these things as it turns out.
This time with these special ladies has been a blessing beyond belief for me, and I know it has been for them too. I have learned so much from them and from our study. I will be sad to see it end, but I have a feeling this will become a habit for me. I've been able to use my spiritual gifts of encouragement, hospitality, and teaching (yes, teaching!) and get some really good practice!
When God urged me to do this study in the beginning, I knew it had to be His idea, because it's out of my comfort zone. Then he chose the people. I waited for Him to show me who and when, but I didn't get the "why". When the "who" I thought it was for didn't end up coming at all, I became a bit confused. Then as our study progressed, I realized that we are all the "who", including me. And the "why"? I think I get that now too.
We're almost done with our Fearless (by Max Lucado) study, and I have learned a great deal from the book. Now that I've read more of it, I would highly recommend it to you. I won't ask you to study it with me, because that method hasn't worked in the past. What I will do is wait on God for the who, the why, and the when.
Be blessed!
In a small group, there are not "groups" within the group. We're all one group! It does make a difference on whether a person will open up or not. It makes a difference on whether relationships will continue after the class is done. It helps to establish that "confession" time that all Christians need in order to learn and grow. It has helped me immensely to learn to trust others in a new way. I know I can be myself, and guess what? They still like me! I've had a chance to connect with them all in a personal way, and it's drawn us closer together. God is pretty clever about these things as it turns out.
This time with these special ladies has been a blessing beyond belief for me, and I know it has been for them too. I have learned so much from them and from our study. I will be sad to see it end, but I have a feeling this will become a habit for me. I've been able to use my spiritual gifts of encouragement, hospitality, and teaching (yes, teaching!) and get some really good practice!
When God urged me to do this study in the beginning, I knew it had to be His idea, because it's out of my comfort zone. Then he chose the people. I waited for Him to show me who and when, but I didn't get the "why". When the "who" I thought it was for didn't end up coming at all, I became a bit confused. Then as our study progressed, I realized that we are all the "who", including me. And the "why"? I think I get that now too.
We're almost done with our Fearless (by Max Lucado) study, and I have learned a great deal from the book. Now that I've read more of it, I would highly recommend it to you. I won't ask you to study it with me, because that method hasn't worked in the past. What I will do is wait on God for the who, the why, and the when.
Be blessed!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Poopularity
Nat and I had an opportunity to talk this morning. It's so funny what we talk about on the way to school sometimes! She started talking about her friends, and how one seems to be overly obsessed with being "popular". So, I asked her, "Who gets to decide who's popular?" She sat there a minute, and said, "well, I don't really know."
"So, if no one knows, then how do you know who is and who isn't?" I asked her innocently. "Well, I guess it's the outgoing kids....some of them get into trouble." High school was a long time ago for me, but some things never change. I just had to keep asking her until she realized what she was saying.
"So, Nat, who decides that "popular" means "outgoing" and "troublemaker?"
"uhhh, I don't really know," she admitted.
"Well, Nat, I would say kids should focus on being well-liked" instead of "popular" because that doesn't seem to be a very positive thing in this situation."
Then Natalie delivered her punchline, "Mom, I'm popular. It's just that no one knows it yet."
She's so wicked funny sometimes!
I love her attitude, because I can see that she's a bit like I was in school. I didn't let people tell me who I was! Even when I did do things with the so-called popular kids, I usually left early because I didn't like the way I felt around them. When they wanted to go out and smash mailboxes, I did the "nerdy" thing and said, "go ahead and drop me off at home." I don't know if it was confidence or stubbornness that got me through school, but I can see my girl has some of those same traits. She's going to be just fine. She keeps telling her friend that if she wants to be popular, she just has to be nicer to people! How simple is that?
We have a motto at our house and we say it in situations like this one. "Love who you are. Be who you are. Always! Nothing else will do!"
And if no one likes who you are, then go where you are liked and don't worry about it!!
"So, if no one knows, then how do you know who is and who isn't?" I asked her innocently. "Well, I guess it's the outgoing kids....some of them get into trouble." High school was a long time ago for me, but some things never change. I just had to keep asking her until she realized what she was saying.
"So, Nat, who decides that "popular" means "outgoing" and "troublemaker?"
"uhhh, I don't really know," she admitted.
"Well, Nat, I would say kids should focus on being well-liked" instead of "popular" because that doesn't seem to be a very positive thing in this situation."
Then Natalie delivered her punchline, "Mom, I'm popular. It's just that no one knows it yet."
She's so wicked funny sometimes!
I love her attitude, because I can see that she's a bit like I was in school. I didn't let people tell me who I was! Even when I did do things with the so-called popular kids, I usually left early because I didn't like the way I felt around them. When they wanted to go out and smash mailboxes, I did the "nerdy" thing and said, "go ahead and drop me off at home." I don't know if it was confidence or stubbornness that got me through school, but I can see my girl has some of those same traits. She's going to be just fine. She keeps telling her friend that if she wants to be popular, she just has to be nicer to people! How simple is that?
We have a motto at our house and we say it in situations like this one. "Love who you are. Be who you are. Always! Nothing else will do!"
And if no one likes who you are, then go where you are liked and don't worry about it!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I Don't Want to Die-------------t
I haven't yapped about weight or dieting lately, and it's for a good reason. It just doesn't have a big place in my thinking anymore. Oh, sure, I think about getting the last pounds off, but i don't dwell on it. I don't sit around telling myself "no" all the time. I remind myself "enough", and it is becoming a habit. I believe you can be a well adjusted individual at any weight, and if you're happy and healthy, then whatever weight you are is the weight you should be! Some of us are just going to be naturally fluffy, and that's just fine. God loves every inch of us, especially when we are diligent about taking care of ourselves. That means not being overly obsessed with anything, including food. Keeping our minds and bodies for His purpose, not ours. That's the real deal.
Making healthy food choices is not hard at all. I once made a list of all the healthy foods I could eat, and I actually love those foods. So wouldn't it make sense that when I got hungry, I would seek out those foods? Well, of course not. That would be too easy, wouldn't it? Or hard, as it turns out. The bulge wants what the bulge wants, and it's never rice cakes and celery. Thinking up choices is easy, writing it down is a piece of cake ( ooh, cake!), but actually following it...now there's a challenge.
So, one way I've dealt with that is to tell myself this: "Hey, you there with your tight waistband, listen up. Put your chins up and really listen. You can have whatever you want. Really. You can eat cake and donuts, chips and fries. Go bananas if you want to, but here's the deal. If you're going to allow yourself to be that out of balance over a food temptation, then be ready to deal with the consequences of that. Oh, yeah, there are consequences of them. I have 8 pounds back that must have really missed me! I really don't want to get in to this topic too deeply, because I've said enough about dieting in the past. The point is, we make our choices and we live with them. We can't whine about weight. It's not like it got there on its own. I'm not even angry with myself. That would be silly. Weight just can't have that kind of clout or we're in for it. If I even catch myself overthinking the weight thing, I know I'm letting it take over. Honestly, I have better things to do!
So, instead of self-denial, I've gone down the consequence route. You want fries? Go ahead. But drop and give me 20. Get on the fantastical elliptical and give me at least 30. Prove to me that you value this body. Start taking care of me and I'll take care of you! Don't put junk into your body and expect good to come out of it! And most importantly, there will be no beating up of self over food issues. We can start over in 5 minutes if we need to. We're going to eat, and we're going to move. It's a simple concept.
We all know the logical side of this, and yet the emotional side of us seems to want to drive the bus. We just have to get this in our spirits and let God help us achieve the level of health he wants for us! If He is number one, then food is a long way down the list for sure.
A couple of friends of mine lost significant amounts of weight, only I didn't realize it until they told me. I was a bit embarrassed that I hadn't been paying attention, I guess. Then I thought more about it. What I notice about these women is not their body sizes. One has beautiful dark skin, hair, and eyes, and I refer to her as a "knockout", because she is just so beautiful! The other has very pretty blonde hair, a nice smile, and pretty blue eyes. I was actually glad that I hadn't noticed their weight loss, because it proved to me that I'm not all that in tune to it after all! I really do notice their faces and personalities more than their bodies, and I was relieved! Now that they pointed it out, of course I can tell they lost weight, and I'm glad for them, especially if it helps them to do the things they couldn't do before. But honestly, they will always be just beautiful to me either way!
And so will YOU!
Making healthy food choices is not hard at all. I once made a list of all the healthy foods I could eat, and I actually love those foods. So wouldn't it make sense that when I got hungry, I would seek out those foods? Well, of course not. That would be too easy, wouldn't it? Or hard, as it turns out. The bulge wants what the bulge wants, and it's never rice cakes and celery. Thinking up choices is easy, writing it down is a piece of cake ( ooh, cake!), but actually following it...now there's a challenge.
So, one way I've dealt with that is to tell myself this: "Hey, you there with your tight waistband, listen up. Put your chins up and really listen. You can have whatever you want. Really. You can eat cake and donuts, chips and fries. Go bananas if you want to, but here's the deal. If you're going to allow yourself to be that out of balance over a food temptation, then be ready to deal with the consequences of that. Oh, yeah, there are consequences of them. I have 8 pounds back that must have really missed me! I really don't want to get in to this topic too deeply, because I've said enough about dieting in the past. The point is, we make our choices and we live with them. We can't whine about weight. It's not like it got there on its own. I'm not even angry with myself. That would be silly. Weight just can't have that kind of clout or we're in for it. If I even catch myself overthinking the weight thing, I know I'm letting it take over. Honestly, I have better things to do!
So, instead of self-denial, I've gone down the consequence route. You want fries? Go ahead. But drop and give me 20. Get on the fantastical elliptical and give me at least 30. Prove to me that you value this body. Start taking care of me and I'll take care of you! Don't put junk into your body and expect good to come out of it! And most importantly, there will be no beating up of self over food issues. We can start over in 5 minutes if we need to. We're going to eat, and we're going to move. It's a simple concept.
We all know the logical side of this, and yet the emotional side of us seems to want to drive the bus. We just have to get this in our spirits and let God help us achieve the level of health he wants for us! If He is number one, then food is a long way down the list for sure.
A couple of friends of mine lost significant amounts of weight, only I didn't realize it until they told me. I was a bit embarrassed that I hadn't been paying attention, I guess. Then I thought more about it. What I notice about these women is not their body sizes. One has beautiful dark skin, hair, and eyes, and I refer to her as a "knockout", because she is just so beautiful! The other has very pretty blonde hair, a nice smile, and pretty blue eyes. I was actually glad that I hadn't noticed their weight loss, because it proved to me that I'm not all that in tune to it after all! I really do notice their faces and personalities more than their bodies, and I was relieved! Now that they pointed it out, of course I can tell they lost weight, and I'm glad for them, especially if it helps them to do the things they couldn't do before. But honestly, they will always be just beautiful to me either way!
And so will YOU!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Excuse me...Hello? Can you hear me?
I am pretty open-minded about most things and most people, though I can catch myself being a bit closed-minded or judgmental about things sometimes. For example, public figures, politicians, musicians, athletes, Christian speakers, etc.... "Oh, I just can't stand that so and so.......that golfer, what a creep!....listen to that music, now there's a weirdo!...I can't stand so and so's boldness, aggressiveness, opinion, etc..." I've heard it and I've said it but really.....
I don't care about that stuff at all. Why get all bent out of shape over someone I don't even know? We shouldn't be spending too much time on these things because it is a bit like putting someone on a pedestal. Should kids have role models in sports figures? Actors? Singers? TV stars? No, no and no. Should adults emulate politicians and newscasters? No no and no again. Should we spend any energy judging, hating, dissing, or even commenting on these people? Should we get a say in their lives? I don't think so. What we can do is turn off the TV. Ahhh....silence. We do have control over what we hear, see, and listen to. Some people just keep one eye or one ear out anyway, and why? It's like rubbernecking at an accident. We want to see, but we don't want to see. Then we go home and turn on the news and check the paper to see who, what, when, where, and why. When's the last time we put that much time into things of importance? God, family, working, etc... Why aren't we more naturally curious about things of God?
Our time can be better spent. We waste time arguing over silly unimportant things. We argue over who is worse....an animal abuser or an adulterer, a pedophile or an embezzling gabillionaire, the overly made-up evangelist or the philandering minister.... it's silly to me to even waste time having to talk about it, yet it comes up over and over again. Things of the world. That's what this is all about. The messed up world, where dirty topics and people are a dime a dozen. Where gossip and judging, criticizing and lamenting would take over in a heartbeat. I think some people actually thrive on it, and it's scary, not to mention a real downer to be around them.
There is a lot more to this life than who we like and who we dislike, who we agree on, and what we consider the nastier offense. God is in the middle of all of that saying, "Excuse me...hello...can you hear me?" We're not to be in love with the world and all of its trappings. We're not to put our faith in ordinary people who happen to golf better than we do. Unfortunately lots of men (and women) are adulterers. If there was one in your church with 12 girlfriends and a wife, would you hang him out to dry? Hmm...I wonder. How far does our mercy go? Not far enough. But His goes all the way! God's love is a hole in one. Oh, and by the way, He is the judge of them, not us! There's a hard one to remember sometimes, eh? Some of these public figures make it a bit easy to criticize them, but we have to remember, God designed them too, and we should be concerned for their souls, number one.
I want God to be the one we talk about, the one we emulate, and the one we keep on a pedestal. I love conversations about His goodness, mercy, forgiveness, faithfulness, and truth. I need to hear about Him every day, whether it's from Joyce Meyer, my heart, my Bible , or a friend. If you don't like Joyce, that's just too bad! I'm finding more and more people really don't like people who "tell it like it is". I find more and more that I value people who are courageous and caring enough to do that for me. Don't be afraid to hear and speak the truth. It sets you free!
God may not be on CNN every day, but He is in your heart and He wants to be the One you're talking about! It's easy to get off talking about the wrong things in mixed company, but if you are courageous, you can turn that conversation right back to Him. Sometimes I just feel yukky if I let myself get into a discussion about something silly when I know I shouldn't. That "yukky" feeling is God's voice telling me to "knock it off!"
I hope you hear His voice too, and next time we get together, I'd love to hear what He has been saying to you!
I don't care about that stuff at all. Why get all bent out of shape over someone I don't even know? We shouldn't be spending too much time on these things because it is a bit like putting someone on a pedestal. Should kids have role models in sports figures? Actors? Singers? TV stars? No, no and no. Should adults emulate politicians and newscasters? No no and no again. Should we spend any energy judging, hating, dissing, or even commenting on these people? Should we get a say in their lives? I don't think so. What we can do is turn off the TV. Ahhh....silence. We do have control over what we hear, see, and listen to. Some people just keep one eye or one ear out anyway, and why? It's like rubbernecking at an accident. We want to see, but we don't want to see. Then we go home and turn on the news and check the paper to see who, what, when, where, and why. When's the last time we put that much time into things of importance? God, family, working, etc... Why aren't we more naturally curious about things of God?
Our time can be better spent. We waste time arguing over silly unimportant things. We argue over who is worse....an animal abuser or an adulterer, a pedophile or an embezzling gabillionaire, the overly made-up evangelist or the philandering minister.... it's silly to me to even waste time having to talk about it, yet it comes up over and over again. Things of the world. That's what this is all about. The messed up world, where dirty topics and people are a dime a dozen. Where gossip and judging, criticizing and lamenting would take over in a heartbeat. I think some people actually thrive on it, and it's scary, not to mention a real downer to be around them.
There is a lot more to this life than who we like and who we dislike, who we agree on, and what we consider the nastier offense. God is in the middle of all of that saying, "Excuse me...hello...can you hear me?" We're not to be in love with the world and all of its trappings. We're not to put our faith in ordinary people who happen to golf better than we do. Unfortunately lots of men (and women) are adulterers. If there was one in your church with 12 girlfriends and a wife, would you hang him out to dry? Hmm...I wonder. How far does our mercy go? Not far enough. But His goes all the way! God's love is a hole in one. Oh, and by the way, He is the judge of them, not us! There's a hard one to remember sometimes, eh? Some of these public figures make it a bit easy to criticize them, but we have to remember, God designed them too, and we should be concerned for their souls, number one.
I want God to be the one we talk about, the one we emulate, and the one we keep on a pedestal. I love conversations about His goodness, mercy, forgiveness, faithfulness, and truth. I need to hear about Him every day, whether it's from Joyce Meyer, my heart, my Bible , or a friend. If you don't like Joyce, that's just too bad! I'm finding more and more people really don't like people who "tell it like it is". I find more and more that I value people who are courageous and caring enough to do that for me. Don't be afraid to hear and speak the truth. It sets you free!
God may not be on CNN every day, but He is in your heart and He wants to be the One you're talking about! It's easy to get off talking about the wrong things in mixed company, but if you are courageous, you can turn that conversation right back to Him. Sometimes I just feel yukky if I let myself get into a discussion about something silly when I know I shouldn't. That "yukky" feeling is God's voice telling me to "knock it off!"
I hope you hear His voice too, and next time we get together, I'd love to hear what He has been saying to you!