Keep Going

Becca wanted me to post this.  We are all trying to change our eating habits and exercise habits.  We could all stand to lose weight and get healthy.  We are making several changes.  We are lowering and eventually eliminating sodas.  We are drinking more water.  We are trying to select healthier options for meals and snacks.  We are also adding exercise to our daily routines.  Hopefully - we will find this true at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks and beyond.  Tim mentioned that he now runs 3 miles 3 times a week - who knows maybe next year we will be running right along side him!

I took my first step on that other issue today - it was a good experience - I will keep going and hopefully see some excellent results before long.

Going, Asking and Taking that Step

Ok guys - I need your prayers. 

It is exciting and a little scary, but I'm taking a step.

Super Bowl Sunday

We always watch the Super Bowl.  It is a big event and something we look forward to each year, some years more than others depending on who is playing.  Part of our celebration is the food.  Yummy snacky not so good for you, high fat good tasting food.  Our menus in years past might consist of mexican fair - taquitos, mini tacos, chips, salsa, queso, seven layer dip and more.  Some years it was pizza or little smokies -just yummy but less than healthy food.  This year, however we have made a few adjustments.  We are still snacking but tried to pick things we like that are actually healthy too.
Here is what we selected:

Veggie Tray - with Homemade Ranch Dipping Sauce

Pita Pockets for our Sandwiches

Tuna Salad - Charles' Recipe

Sushi!!!!

Shrimp Ring

 Who are we routing for this year?!?- NEVER the Giants - so we will go with the Patriots!

The day

Woke up early
Chuck did his thing
Grits and eggs for breakfast
Found an interview jacket/cami
Charles made a delicious beef/almond stir fry for lunch
Charles and I went shopping at Sam's - went to new one - it is actually under the Walmart
Chicken Salad for dinner
Watched Limitless with the fam

The Glad Game

One of my favorite movies is Pollyanna.  It's about a sweet little orphan girl who went to live with her wealthy aunt after her missionary parents passed away.  Her aunt is cold and bossy and most people in the town are unfriendly and distant.  Pollyanna brings up the "glad game" in one of the scenes.  The house staff is grumbling and complaining about how horrible Sunday's are and how much they dread them.  After explaining their reasons for complaint, they very sarcastically ask Pollyanna - "Ok, now what can you possibly find to be glad about that?!?"  She is quiet for a moment, thinking very intently then suddenly replies - "It's six whole days until it comes around again!"   She encourages and uplifts those around her in the movie.  She is positive and looks for the good in everything.  Her attitudes in this movie make me think of this.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-24

 ¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 ¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

 ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²²reject every kind of evil.

 ²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

I woke up this morning, knowing this is what I wanted to write about.  Guess what? - I had a very hard time following this today!  It was ONE of THOSE days today.  I am thankful, I am glad - just completely overwhelmed.  Praise the Lord for my sweet husband, kids, parents, and friends that are encouragers.  Sorry if you suffered my moments of "non-gladness" today - the discussions and rantings of my frustrations.  As my sweet Charles pointed out - there are times when you must change your circumstances due to abuse, being taken advantage of, or most importantly God's leading.  I am on the hunt and praying God will open that exact door which is going to be so extremely amazing and make me glad!  I appreciate and treasure your encouragement and prayers!  Many blessing and much love to all of you!

The Breakfast Club

I love our breakfast club.  I've been missing it the past few weeks and glad we decided to get together today.  We often go to a local McDonalds - it makes it more fun for the younger kiddos.  Today, however a couple of the bigger "kids" had to explore the new play place.

Great Night

Wednesday's are always a favorite.  Becca wore her cute little top she bought in FL to youth group and they had a great night discussing Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Chuck enjoyed his college Bible study led by a guest speaker.  They talked a lot about work.  He and I also had a long discussion about work that began due to the little old man that decided he must carry on a conversation with him at Jack in the Box earlier.  Chuck wasn't too fond of some of his advice.  I told him maybe it was an angel sent his way. 
My study was good - we discussed thorns.  It was very interesting and always refreshing.  The ladies in our prayer group are growing closer, learning and sharing more with each other each week- it's sweet getting to know the other ladies a little better.  There are so many thorns, so many burdens that each shared - thankful for El Shaddai and his sufficiency!  It's amazing when we open up, when we expose ourselves and become transparent -  what a blessing we can become to others.  Don't hide because you suffer a thorn - allow God to use it to show off His Glory!  This is an area we can boast and delight that HE is ENOUGH!