Walk for Lupus

Cousins Getting Ready to Walk

1/2 Way

Tim was the 2nd place runner - Yeah!

There were a few skaters that stayed in front of the runners.

It was a beautiful day for the 5K Walk for Lupus.  

We miss you Dawn and look forward to our reunion one day!

Helpful Healthy Ideas

I read something recently that I've been trying to practice.

A few simple ways to cut back:

 - Always PRAY before eating - He will help with choices and portions

 - use a smaller plate

 - always leave at least a bite on your plate (we are so trained to clean our plates - this is especially helpful when eating out - the portions are usually tooooo much)

 - if something doesn't taste good/satisfying - don't just eat it to eat it - enjoy what you eat and be satisfied

 - put your utensil down until the bite in your mouth is in your stomach, don't pick it up until your mouth is empty 

 -  what are you really hungry for - determine this before munching

 - make healthier choices once you know what you are craving

 - eat smaller meals 5-6 throughout the day

 - log, log, log everything that goes into your mouth - try to stay in your range even on "cheat" days

 - water 1st choice and drink a lot of it!

 - if you are bored - don't head to the kitchen - find something else to do! 

 - slow down - it takes 20 minutes to feel full!

  - Move - take time for some activity every day!

Spaghetti Dogs

Here is What Becca Made for Lunch!

Isn't this great!  I wish we would have came across this idea years ago - it is so fun!

Both Becca and Chuck gave it a thumbs up!

Charles made his yummy homemade tomato soup for dinner.

I'm trying my hand at mini quiches, something we can add to our breakfast options.  

Our rating will come tomorrow, they are still in the oven.

They are smelling pretty tasty!

Randomness

What does Becca say...iced tea and unicorns
What does Chuck say...the Porch is awesome - you need to go there when you are college age
Becca....rainbow poo (from a song spoof)
Chuck...stuff
Major....food, Food, FOOD...more FOOOD!
Becca....tadpoles tickle me (from that same song spoof)
Chuck...hot dogs (eating a snack)
My kids are so goofy!  Can you hear the giggles?!?

Promotion

PROMOTE WHAT YOU Love

Instead

Of Bashing What You Hate.

This is just a little something I read today and thought it was good advice.  It made me think of Jesus –He is Love!  Hoping – He is who you love and who you are promoting!

Beautiful Night For a Walk

Boston Market with their wonderful sides for dinner to help fight off this cold Dad has picked up somewhere.  Becca and I headed off after we ate for a walk - needed 2,000 more steps to get to my 10,000.  I will have to say - Anne Marie must find me a bit crazy - I get up every now and then to add to my steps during the day.  There were tons of people out tonight - the weather was perfect for stroll.  Chuck put out more applications - still searching and trying...don't give up- you will find one soon!

Youth Night at Church

We have a great bunch of teens at our church.  They led the service - great praise and worship time, 4 of our teens preached a short message, they had a skit, special music, testimonies, ushered and greeted.  They did an amazing job!  We are so thankful that we have a great group of leaders with hearts for Jesus first and serving Him by ministering to our youth.

I loved Tyler's illustration of faith.  He talked about a tight rope walker who was amazing.  The more he performed the more he "wowwed the crowd".  He walked across that thin wire, he would juggle as he went, ride a bike to the other side, walk on his hands, he stunned them with each new act.  He stood on the platform and asked if they thought he could make it across carrying a person on his shoulders.  In the excitement, the crowd - cheered him on - yes, yes - definetly!  He asked the crowd - who will be my volunteer?  It became so quiet in the arena - you could have heard a pin drop.  He stood looking over the crowd, searching for a hand to be raised.  Not one hand went up.  As he turned, a little old man caught his eye.  He was slowly climbing the ladder to the platform where he stood, coming up to be that volunteer.  The acrobat lifted the man onto his shoulders and started across that rope, ever so slowly and carefully. As he slipped and losing his footing, the crowd gasped.  He regained his balance and carefully made it to the other side.  The cheers erupted at the successul trip. 
Do you have this kind of faith when it comes to trusting Jesus?  Are you willing to jump on His shoulders and let him carry you through each day?  We know already He will get us "to the other side" successfully! 
Don't be like the crowd, instead be like that little old man and have faith!

Bluebonnets and Trains

later

gator

View on the Horizon

On the way to work this morning - the sky was very interesting.  I tried to capture a picture with my camera - but it didn't show the true view on the horizon.  I will try to find a similar image or photo shop it closer to what I was seeing.  I could see a storm in the distance, but also a clear blue sky.  It was clear where the storm met the clear sky. 

When we are in the middle of a trial - we often look at the circumstance and can't see past it. 

Stormy Songs

Sometimes He Calms the Storm 

All who sail the sea of faith
find out before too long
how quickly blue skies can grow dark
and gentle winds grow strong
suddenly fear is like white water
pounding on the soul
still we sail on knowing
that our Lord is in control

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
that we pass through in life
and though we're shaken
we cannot be pulled apart from Christ
no matter how the driving rain beats down
on those who hold to faith
a heart of trust will always
be a quiet peaceful place

The Ball Brothers singing one of my favorites...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jErYClnYLVs

A few girls in the church would sing this song - I always loved it!
Till The Storm Passes By                 

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

Chorus…

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Chorus…
_________

Have you ever noticed the beauty the day after a storm - everything is so clear, the sky so blue and the trees and plants a vibrant green!  Sometimes the Lord allows us a glimpse of the beauty which was created from our storms or trials, other times we may not understand or see it.  Try not to fix your eyes on what you can see, but focus on what is unseen!

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

New International Version (NIV)

 ^{16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.}

Stormy Night and Sleepy Souls

Last night the biggest storm blew through here.  The lightning, thunder and wind were all so strong, loud, long and bright.  I don't know if that is what has all of us so tired tonight, but everyone went to bed early to read and rest - before 8:00.  Dad's commute was a bear this morning, but the sun broke through and showed his face this afternoon.  I'm glad his evening commute was a little more forgiving.   I'm so thankful that we cooked a turkey, dressing, potatoes and corn this weekend; it gave us leftovers for dinner tonight. 

Increase the size of your box!

Proverbs 1:5

A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Remember to listen - you will learn!  I had the opportunity to apply this today!  I was working on an advertisement for one of our conferences that will hopefully have a great impact on our company.  The layout was set, but there was something about the ad that just wasn't coming together.  My co-worker gave an excellent suggestion on changing the size of the top image!  Brilliant - it brought the whole thing together in a uniform and professional presentation!  If I did not listen to her suggestion, I would have struggled and wasted time brainstorming other changes.  This not only helped me with this ad - but will help me with future ads - it increased my learning!  

Take time to listen and try to apply what you learn.

Remember what Dad says - always be watching and listening for  ways to increase your box!

Pockets Full of Sunshine

Yesterday I was wiping down the washer and dryer and there were a few coins on the dryer.  We always have a few odds and ends that get thrown there after emptying our pockets.  It made me think about that little song Pocketful of Sunshine...which took me on this little brainstorm.

I decided I wanted a little sunshine plate, bowl or jar to throw those items in until the rightful owner came along and claimed them.  Becca and I ran by one garage sale - no luck there!  We then headed to the dollar tree and I found the little yellow pot below!  As soon as I got home, I pulled pinterest up because I knew I had pinned several transfer links.  I found one that looked like it might work.  I only needed to print my image and locate that paint thinner out in the garage.  Paint thinner was found!

Printed this cute little picture and flipped it horizontally to transfer to the container!

Here is the little pot - isn't it a great yellow - looked sunny to me!

What luck!  Didn't need to go get this supply - had it already!

Paper printed, flipped, trimmed and taped to the little container!

The cap filled with paint thinner and a Q-tip applicator!

Applying the thinner - Sure hope this works!

Isn't He Cute?!?

Applied and Rubbed the Image with End of a Ruler

Rats!  It didn't work - in all fairness - the website didn't mention this type of medium - said it would work on wood, fabric, cardboard and metal!  It did NOT work on pottery!

Oh Well - I had fun drawing the little sunshine and giving it a try!  If any of you find a cute little sunshine container - let me know...but this little sunshine will work for now!

Here is the song that I was referring to earlier...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f6D0rOLfWs

Let's Move some Mountains!

One of my favorite verses is Matthew 17:20

  He replied, "Because you have so little faith. 

I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,

'Move from here to there' and it will move.

Nothing will be impossible for you."

Do you look at that mountain you are facing as being in your way?  

Are you giving up your journey before you even begin? 

We can come up with so many excuses! 

 It's too much, it's too big, I can't make it, it isn't happening quick enough, I want it now, I've already tried and failed...have you ever thought these thoughts? 

 I know I have and probably will again. 

We must not be tricked into believing that we can't overcome our daily obstacles. 

They are nothing in comparison to our powerful God. 

Ask the Lord for an increase of faith regarding that mountain in your life. 

With His help, those things will have no choice but to move out of the way!

Lord - please give us all some faith - faith to move these mountains in our lives!

Friday

Had a great Breakfast at ChickFila
Work was busy but good
Chico was happy to get home
TacoBell/Pizza Hut for dinner - tried the dorito tacos - they were good
Movie - Harry Potter
latest fitness goal is shooting for 10,000 steps every day
a gift from my sweet husband - we were watching tv the other day and I mentioned that I would like to try the face cream that was advertised - Charles surprised me  - he ordered it the day I mentioned it and it came today- looking forward to trying it out!
Chuck's been hitting the jobsearch hard lately - praying his efforts will be rewarded very soon!

Fighting Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version

¹³ No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Using scripture to help with weight loss- eating changes - exercise habits - isn't this a good one!

Home Again

Heading to pick up our baby!  So glad she we will be back home again soon!  Her trip was very meaningful and great, but thankful for her safe return.  We are looking forward to hearing all about it. 

I tried a recipe from Pinterest ...

No-Bake Energy Bites

(makes 18-20 bites)

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup ground flaxseed

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy!  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

They are a pretty good little snack but probably about 90-100 calories per bite.  That is a little more than I want right now for us since we are all trying to lose weight.  It is a good all natural little snack though.  Chuck and I agreed we would much rather work on making Dad's oatmeal cookies a little healthier.

Day Six

Waiting for pictures

Day Five

Went to a village this morning and had a wonderful time. We were able to do puppets, drama and Hayden gave a testimony with an interpreter. We are going to a village this afternoon that we went to two years ago. We were the fist Score group that had visited it. We are so excited to go back!

 

Day Four

Today they ministered in two different churches, Bro. Gary is preaching this morning.