A look at life?

New Blog

2009-07-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

New blog for a new era...I decided to start a different blog so that it could include Jason and I. I enjoyed writing on this one, but will not be writing on it anymore. Please follow me to...

www.jlw0620.blogspot.com

Thanks guys!

Muscles that have not been used in a LONG TIME!!!

2008-12-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well I would love to say that I am in the same shape that I was in 8 years ago, but we all know nothing stays the same. I was super excited when I was asked to play on a volleyball league in Jacksonville with Marie and one of her friends from high school. Well excited and now sore, but it is going to be so good! My dad was even excited about it. He is talking to me about it like I am back in high school again...are you wearing your ankle brace, be sure you follow through with you serve, and if your ankle does swell...be sure and ice it! I know that even things we enjoy can cause pain, and in this case maybe it will encourage me to continue and exercise? Well I can hope that it will work this way! I'll keep you posted as to my progress!!!!

LaCinda the Volleyball Player!!!

Excited and What I am THANKFUL for!!!

2008-11-21T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well to say I'm excited is an understatement. I have finally made it it November 21st...Our movie is finally coming out!!! Whoo hoo!!! And on top of that, Jason's boss is letting him come home for the week of Thanksgiving! It is a little gesture, but it means a lot to me, to him, his family, and his friends!

What am I THANKFUL for?

I am thankful for many things! I am thankful for a family that encourages me to do my best at all times. I am thankful for Jason... my "manfriend", who is in one word AMAZING!!! He is sweet, loving, silly, handsome, encouraging, compassionate, and a wonderful man! I am thankful for my friends for whom I am better because of! I am thankful for my church, who are friends, but for whom I want to speak to separately. My church prays, and I know when they pray, because God listens. I am thankful for the fellowship that I have with them and for the love that they share with me when I am away from home. Most of all, I am thankful for God. He loves me through my faults and is compassionate to me when I am undeserving.

There is a lot more, and I could go on and on, but I think that it means so much more when you do it face to face. So thanks for the idea Michelle, I hope to get to tell all of you very soon how much you mean to me!

Love

The Things I Can't Fix

2008-11-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

I have spent a lot of time at the hospital over the last couple of days. I look at my dad and think about who he is and the character that he possesses. Even when he feels the worst, he still manages to crack a joke and flirt with the nurses.

I have talked a lot about my dad over the last couple of months in passing, but I feel like today is as good as any day to talk more. My dad is wonderful. Now don't get me wrong, my mom is great too, but today is about dad.

I can think of so many occasions of just dad and I. When he took me to my first Disney movie, when he taught me how to shoot a basketball, when he taught me how to grill things. So many memories flood my mind, but the best memory is remembering his love of God and how he placed that above all other things.

As many of you know, for my dad's age, COGOP members would probably say he is still a babe in Christ. My dad became a christian about 14 years ago, after sitting on the bench with my mom for around 17 years. That is a long time to sit and not give into God's power! But my dad said he knew when he was 12 that God had a plan for him. My dad will sit and tell you of several occasions when he should have passed away, but that he knew that God had his hand of protection over him, and he survived. My dad has always been a great role model and a great dad. My dad taught me how to work and how to love and how to try and love work. My memories of him make me smile and make me look forwardto the times we will have to come.

Today he is still in the hospital. He is in pain, but he is making it. He is strong! I am so thankful to all the prayers that have been sent up and for the prayers that are continually floating there. Please when you pray, pray not only for my dad and my family, but also pray for the surgeon and his team who will be doing the transplant. God is in control, and we will wait patiently until he see fit to give dad his organ.

Much Love

ASU REDWOLVES

2008-09-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

I am still not completely in love with the idea of ASU being the RED WOLVES, but isn't it strange how when they changed their identity, it changed their confidence. A friend of mine made a comment just this week that isn't it strange that the RED WOLVES scored more points in "1" game than they did the entire time I was in college. IT'S true!!! Needless to say though, I am excited about what is going on there. Coach Roberts is an amazing coach and has an amazing coaching staff. IT is so great that ASU has a Christian Head Football Coach, who encourages his players to pray and to dedicate themselves to something more than football. God is faithful to us and he is faithful to ASU FOOTBALL...IT's time for a RED WOLVES 1st DOWN!!!!!

Just a thought

2008-08-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

Things that inspire you are all around, but true JOY comes when you least expect it. I have definately had my trials over the last year, but in every instance, God has given me things to inspire me and keep me moving forward, but I sit and think about all of the things that I have tried to create for myself and it is no wonder I was not finding Joy in them. God gives us joy when we quit trying to rule over our own lives.

So in this journey of spiritual maturity, we walk this path trying to develop the skills we need to be successful, but all to often we try to take our own path which is usually a detour. I hope that learning about myself will help me to limit those detours. Lord help me to widen my dimensions to see your end result. Help me to not try and rush through life, but to enjoy it as it comes along. Lord help me put my inadequacies behind me and bottle up those fears which bind me from what I want to accomplish in you and in life. Take time to put you first so that I will have nothing to be sad about later. You have a plan in me and I am your perfect creation.

Be Blessed
LaCinda

Today

2008-08-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today is another day, not like yesterday cause it has already passed. I was just thinking about how life changes in the blink of an eye and for what reason changes happen, we'll never know. One thing, I've learned lately, is that you have to be open to the changes that God has for you. If you are constantly trying to make your life what you want it to be and miss the bigger picture, it will often blow up in you face. I trace back to the beginning of the year and see doors that God tried to open for me that I quickly closed due to fear. What struck that fear in me? Was it that I had neglected my relationship with Christ and therefore could not hear his discerning voice, or was I just being a stubborn child? I hate to say that it was probably the first of the two but honesty and truth are very important to me and so therefore I have to admit my fault. I had began running my own show which always causes problems. Lord help me that my today's and tomorrow's will be more about you and that I will never hesitate to hear your voice. Thank you for remembering me and always taking me back and making my life better than I deserve.

Love

All because of JESUS

2008-08-01T10:01:00.000-07:00

Free - All Because of Jesus: From the album We Shine

Giver of every breath I breathe
Author of all eternity
Giver of every perfect thing
To you be the glory

Maker of heaven and of earth
No one can comprehend your worth
King over all the universe
To you be the glory

I'm alive, bacause I'm alive in You

It's all because of Jesus I'm alive
It's all because the blood of Jesus Christ
That cover's me, and raised this dead man's life
It's all because of Jesus I'm alive

Every sunrise sings Your praise
The universe cries out your praise
I'm singing freedom all my days
Now that I'm alive

It seems I hear this song every morning now, and luckily it sticks with me. Since Wednesday night, I have really tried to ponder exactly where my patience level is. As stated at church, it is okay to be angry, but it is how we harbor that anger that makes a difference. And even this morning as I was driving in traffic and I wanted to yell at the people, I took into account that I can't do anything about what they are doing and do you know that it helped!

Referring back to why I put this song on this particular blog, I thought about it and it goes back to what I've said in previous blogs that no matter what we are going through, we must praise him and give him all the glory. The verses of this song inspire me. Giver of every breath I breate, Author of all eternity, To you be the GLORY!!! I'm alive because I'm ALIVE IN YOU! Lord when I'm not patient continue to work on me for it is all because of you that I have life!

I will not be moved!

2008-07-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

"Will Not Be Moved" By Natalie Grant

I have been the wayward child, I have acted out. I have questioned Sovereignty, And had my share of doubt. And though sometimes my prayers feel like, They're bouncing off the sky. The hand I hold won't let me go, And is the reason why...

I will stumble, I will fall down. But I will not be moved! I will make mistakes. I will face heartache. But I will not be moved! On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand. I will not be moved!

Bitterness has plagued my heart, Many times before. My life has been like broken glass, And I have kept the score. Of all my shattered dreams and though it seemed, That I was far too gone. My brokenness helped me to see, It's grace I'm standing on.

And the chaos in my life, Has been a badge I've worn. Though I have been torn, I will not be moved

I am the singer of many songs, and in many ways, songs are what speak to me. I love that God gave us words like this that we can relate to. In many instances, we hear these words, but sometimes it takes a special song to make them make sense.

Luke 4:1-13 "Jesus and the Devil"
1When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, the power of the Holy Spirit was with him, and the Spirit led him into the desert. 2For forty days Jesus was tested by the devil, and during that time he went without eating. When it was all over, he was hungry. 3The devil said to Jesus, "If you are God's Son, tell this stone to turn into bread." 4Jesus answered, "The Scriptures say, `No one can live only on food.' " 5Then the devil led Jesus up to a high place and quickly showed him all the nations on earth. 6The devil said, "I will give all this power and glory to you. It has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7Just worship me, and you can have it all." 8Jesus answered, "The Scriptures say:`Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!' " 9Finally, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and had him stand on top of the temple. The devil said, "If you are God's Son, jump off. 10-11The Scriptures say: `God will tell his angels to take care of you. They will catch you in their arms, and you will not hurt your feet on the stones.' " 12Jesus answered, "The Scriptures also say, `Don't try to test the Lord your God!' " 13After the devil had finished testing Jesus in every way possible, he left him for a while.

Oh to be like Jesus and say "I will not be moved". The devil pressed every side and tempted Jesus in every way. What should be noted is that JESUS WAS TEMPTED!!! HE just knew a God that was bigger than the devil. We often think that the grass is going to be so much greener on the other side, until we realize just what we had to give up to have that green grass. Oh God, help me to stand strong and not be moved. "I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed!!! I am blessed beyond the curse, and your Joy is going to be my strength!

I hope that this is helpful to someone!

Love!

I am every man...or woman!

2008-07-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

"Every Man"

I'm the man with all I've ever wanted All the toys and playing games. I am the one who pours your coffee, corner booth each Saturday. I am your daughter's favorite teacher,I am the leader of the band. I sit behind you in the bleachers. I am every man. I'm the coach of every winning team, and still a loser in my mind. I am the soldier in the Airborn facing giants one more time. I am the woman shamed and haunted by the cry of unborn life. I'm every broken man, nervous child, lonely wife.

Is there hope for every man? A solid place where we can stand.

In this dry and weary landIs there hope for every man. Is there love that never dies.

Is there peace in troubled times. Someone help me understand. Is there hope for every man.

Seems there's just so many roads to travel, it's hard to tell where they will lead. My life is scarred and my dreams unraveled. Now I'm scared to take the leap. If I could find someone to follow who knows my pain and feels the weight. The uncertainty of my tomorrow, the guilt and pain of yesterday.

There is hope for every man. A solid place where we can stand. In this dry and weary land.

There is hope for every man. There is Love that never dies. There is peace in troubled times. Will we help them understand? Jesus is hope for every man.

He is hope for the hopeless and strength for the weary.

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Wow!!! God is the EVERLASTING GOD!!!! He is HOPE for every man. I think it is so funny when we reach our last straw...we are there all to often, and we are hopeless. Who do we truthfully turn to? Do we turn to God first? Do we turn to him after all of our other venues have let us down? I love that he will not grow tired or weary, and that he has understanding that no one can fathom. I want to turn to God I want for him to be my hope. When I'm down he lifts me up and he renews my strength. Many of life's journeys take us down paths that we never thought we would be on. We find ourselves scraping the barrel to get through or telling ourselves that we will change what is hendering our lives tomorrow. When we do that we are not trusting God, we are putting him to the side which is what most often gets us in the situations we are in. Thank you God for being my hope and loving me when I am unlovable. You are strength beyond all measure!

Love you guys!

My Vacation

2008-07-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well I did finally get some much needed time off from work. I got to sleep in late and act like I was on summer vacation from school. But the highlight of my vacation was my trip to New York. I went to see Jason. He was his wonderful self and showed me a great time in NYC. I have said it a hundred times that I haven't ever been anywhere, and now that would be a lie.

I flew into Chicago O'Hare Airport which was scary and then to NY Lagordia Airport which was not as scary cause I knew a face when I got there! It was so much fun! We hit the ground running literally! They do not know how to walk up there! Jason took me to see all the sights and they were so tall! I was loving it! It was unreal to be in the land of the giant buildings. After my star struck self got it together, I finally started taking pictures and enjoying this old city that is forever changing. There is so much architecture there that it is hard to take it all in! I was able to see Lady Liberty, the Empire State Building, Time Square, Ground Zero, Grand Central Station, Park Avenue, The Waldorf Astoria, and many other things that I do not know the names of! One of my favorite memories was when he took me down to Little Italy. It was getting darker and they were turning the lights on. It was magnificent! And again I was starstruck! So when it was time to come home, I must admit, I was terribly sad! We had a great time getting to know each other even better, but it was back on the airplane. He dropped me off at the airport and my plane had been delayed! Big surprise huh! My plane was 1 1/2 hours late and then they had us on the tarmack for 2 hours. I was very tired, but couldn't sleep on there. Luckily, there were great people to my right and to my left! The lady to my left was soon to be starring as "Baby" in Dirty Dancing in an off Broadway Play which is set to start in September in Chicago. We laughed and talked about the movie. She stated that she thought I knew more about the movie than she did! We had a great time. On the last leg of my flight, I sat beside a newly retired soldier from Texas. He had just returned from his last bit in Iraq. We talked about the war and at the end of the conversation, I got to do something that I know most of us would like to do. I told him Thank You! He had a surprised look on his face. He told me not many people had ever said that to him! It's amazing the people that God puts you beside! Thanks to all who were praying for me during my vacation. I had a great time and was truly blessed! Jason if you're reading this! Thanks for a wonderful time in NYC!!! I owe ya!

I'm in BETTER hands NOW

2008-07-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to stand on shifting sand. It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night. You can't be free if you don't reach for help. You cant love if you dont love yourself.

There is hope when my faith runs out. Cause, I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

I am strong all because of you. I stand in awe of every mountain that you move. Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone. I am safe from this moment on.

There's no fear when the night comes 'round. I'm in better hands now.

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true. Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room.

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now.

Romans 8:18
"For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us."

I have been singing this song in my head for about a week now. I hope it is a blessing to others as it has been to me. I sit here attempting to think outside the box. To remember times when I was waltzing through life. One definition for "Waltz" that I found was "to move briskly and unhesitatingly". I did that and did it well for a long time, but as of late, my life has been more complicated. A dance that I do not know, one that I am not picking up easily.

One area of weakness that I feel Christians struggle with is that it is never going to be easy. When storms rage we have to find ways to protect ourselves. When problems confront us on ever angle of our lives, we have to find constructive ways to make it out. "We are made overcomers by our testimony". We are made overcomers when we no longer sit in our bitterness, We are overcomers when we praise through through the rough times as well as the good times, We are made overcomers when we pray and we know that God hears us because his audible voice comes and comforts you right where you kneel. I love the words of this song when she says: "It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down. It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground. Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true. Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room." God take this heart of mine there's no doubt, I'm in better hands now!!!

Love you guys!

How to Plant your life!!!

2008-07-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

How To Plant Your Garden First, you Come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses....
FOR THE GARDEN OF YOUR DAILY LIVING,

PLANT THREE ROWS OF PEAS:
1. Peace of mind
2. Peace of heart
3. Peace of soul

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF SQUASH:
1. Squash gossip
2. Squash indifference
3. Squash grumbling
4. Squash selfishness

PLANT FOUR ROWS OF LETTUCE:
1. Lettuce be faithful
2. Lettuce be kind
3. Lettuce be patient
4. Lettuce really love one another

NO GARDEN IS WITHOUT TURNIPS:
1. Turnip for meetings
2. Turnip for service
3. Turnip to help one another

TO CONCLUDE OUR GARDEN WE MUST HAVE THYME:
1. Thyme for each other
2.. Thyme for family
3. Thyme for friends

WATER FREELY WITH PATIENCE AND CULTIVATE WITH LOVE. THERE IS MUCH FRUIT IN YOUR GARDEN BECAUSE YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

JOY

2008-07-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

As I sat in church last night, I felt as though my toes were totally being stepped on! And I questioned myself "DO I HAVE JOY?". Here I am listening to the words that are haunting me by night. So I decide I have to continue to make a change. Bro. Greg stated "The secret of JOY is perspective". Where has my perspective been. Well for those of you who have been reading, I have been having a moment for almost a month now...and yes moments do last that long.

Joy comes from understanding the truth. "I know the truth!!! God is faithful and just"
Joy comes from having peace from God. "Well I know I am a child of the most high king, but am I listening to him? Do I realize that I don't have to carry my burdens by myself? Come unto me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest"
Joy comes from being accepted. "I know that I am loved"
Joy comes from seeing the big picture. "My God has a plan, and I asked him to use me; therefore, I must be able to accept the changes he has to make in order for me to be the person he wants me to be".
Joy comes from having hope. "Rom 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

I am running in a race, that I know I will eventually win! God is in control! Thank you to those of you who continue to pray for me. You will never fully know how much of a blessing you all are to me!

"Sometimes the devil sends his best before God sends his best"

TODAY IS THE DAY

2008-06-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

TODAY is the DAY
By Lincoln Brewster

I’m casting my cares aside I’m leaving my past behind I’m setting my heart and mind on You Jesus I’m reaching my hand to Yours Believing there’s so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good Is good

Chorus: Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it Today is the day You have made I will rejoice and be glad in it And I won’t worry about tomorrow I’m trusting in what You say Today is the day

I putting my fears aside I’m leaving my doubts behind I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You Jesus I’m reaching my hand to Yours Believing there’s so much more Knowing that all You have in store for me is good Is good

Today is the day God has made and I will REJOICE and be GLAD in it!!!! Sometimes the ball is not in our court and sometimes we can not control everything. Therefore, it is important to realize that giving God our HOPES and DREAMS or our FEARS and SORROWS, is the only way to make it through the day. Thank you Lord for making this day for me to dwell in!

I WILL PRAISE YOU THROUGH THIS STORM

2008-06-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Praise You in This Storm
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day. But once again, I say amen and it's still raining as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind You heard my cry to You and raised me up again my strength is almost gone how can I carry on if I can't find You and as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain "I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth I lift my eyes onto the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm.

It's a new day and a new picture. I thank all of you for the prayers that I am receiving! I know that God is listening and he is faithful. My mom mentioned this song to me last night as I drove away from Tom and Steph's house. It is my life right now. Between my dad's sickness and the other big purple elephant that I have been dealing with I have just been wollowing (probably a horrible spelling but just sound it out) in all of my issues. But God, I will praise you in this storm. I don't know why I am going thru this right now but you do! You are the maker of Heaven and Earth. I WILL PRAISE YOU IN THIS STORM!!! So today, I pledge to smile more, to get on with my life, to actually return to the gym, to give Taylor and Clay their beds back, and most importantly to PRAISE him even when my world doesn't make sense.

2 Breaths

2008-06-19T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sharon asked me yesterday how I was doing and I said "I'm trying to breathe". I got a message from Sharon today and she said "Well take 1 breath today and try and take 2 breaths tomorrow". What a thought!

So I have sat here and tried to figure out all of the things that are going on in my life, and although I know my God is comforting me and helping me, I am still hurting and I am still mourning this loss. I talked about it last night at church and I know that God is doing a work in my life. He heard my prayers and has chosen to help me weed out my habits and keep me from compromising into things that can cause me to stray. So here I stand again, asking God, Please help me to be the witness I need to be. Help me to move in the path I need to be in! And as always, God please give me the Strength, Endurance, and Faith to keep on moving.

New Chapter

2008-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

Time to start a new chapter in my life!!! One that I didn't think I would ever be starting again. For those of you who know me well or those of you who are just loyal readers, Stratton and I officially broke up on June 15. I have been bombarded with all of these thoughts of why I am not good enough. Why did this persist for 2 years before he decided to tell me this. "He said, He wasn't as sure about us as he felt he should be". What a blow to my heart. The person who has said he loved me for 2 years, is now not sure how he feels about me. I could say that I am taking this well, but that would be complete understatement. I know this is 2 blogs in a row, but I ask you to please pray for me! I am hurt and a little lost. The life that I thought I had is now changed and will never be the same. Each day is a little better, and each breath is a little easier to take in!

A little stressed!!!

2008-06-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Okay so I am really in need of vent time. This week has been so hard. Here I am so excited about camp and getting all of my stuff finished and what happens? I get sick! That's okay I can totally bounce back! But what worries me is My dad went into the hospital on Tuesday. For all of you that don't know, my dad's health is not the greatest at this point due to his need of a liver transplant! (Totally the condensed soup version!) Anyway the dr's in Jonesboro put him on a high dosage of antibiotics and that has totally messed his insides up! SO now he is in Memphis getting better! I never realized how hard it was going to be away from my family until dad got sick! I can't be there and do what I need to do for him. I am not there to ask the questions to the doctors and so I feel completely separated! Really tough stuff!

On a worse note, some lunatic feels that it is necessary to break into cars over by where I work. They are stealing things like garage door openers and insurance and registration information. Scary!!!! And to top it all off, When I got home from church last night, I started to put my pj's on and of all things, someone was shining a stinkin' red lazer light in my window! SUPER SCARY!!!! So I called the neighbors and they came over and looked around. I called the police and they said they would put extra patrol over on my street. As I hung up with them the little bad person did it again! So I immediately called the police back and they sent over patrol. My sweet little lady neighbor was watching the house when it happened the 2nd time and saw it. Talk about a horrible nights sleep!

So here I am at work trying to keep from crying cause I think that I have had about all I can handle this week! Realizing God never puts more on me than I can handle. I put what I have in his hands and ask him to help me! Give me courage to be there for my family, Give me peace to understand that I can not change things that are out of my control, and Give me endurance to move forward and be productive! HE knows better what I need than what I can express and so if he needs to tweek these requests I know he will! Please pray for me this week and the following while I am at camp!

Love you guys!!!!

This is hard!!!

2008-05-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

So I weighed in last Monday and I was slightly sad with my results. I lost another 2 and 1/2 pounds, but he said I gained 3 pounds of muscle...As a female, you want to see the number go down...not stay the same, but I am continuing to chug along. One day the number will be down to where I want it. I am supposed to weigh in again today, so I guess we'll see what kind of progress I made in a weeks time!!! Wish me luck!!!

Good Story

2008-04-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

BILLY GRAHAM'S SUIT. ( I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS AS MUCH AS I DID )
Something heartwarming - nice to see this kind of mail!

Billy Graham is now 86 years old with Parkinson's disease. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina , invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you. So he agreed.

After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.'

Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great
physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'

Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''

Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.

You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going.'

May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door.

So it really works

2008-04-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Bless all of you who have listened to me belly ache for the last 3 weeks. By the way that means I only have 9 more weeks to go before this program is over....That is really exciting. So here is my update...After the first 3 weeks I lost a total of 9 pounds!! YEA!!!! He adjusted my workout program and so now I have to "JUST KEEP SWIMMING!!!!" I love that quote... Pray that the Lord helps me stay motivated!!!! Until next time!

12 Weeks

2008-04-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

Who said working out was fun? I am having to retrain my body to do all the things it did many years ago, and can i state that my body is not happy about it. I have found muscles that I had forgotten about. But I know that this is going to be good for me in the long run. I have made jokes that I need to take a picture in my swimsuit and then follow it up after the 12 weeks is completed. The trainer at the gym told me if I worked hard it would be an "EXTREME MAKEOVER". Can I tell you how happy that would make me! Anyway, I'll let you know how it is going over the next 12 weeks. I can do anything for 12 weeks right?

FAVORITISM

2008-04-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

After listening to Robert's talk last night, I wanted to give him a pat on the back!!!! Those were good words! I think we all needed to hear not only what the video said but also what he provided in his lesson. We all need to treat others the way we want to be treated!!! "GOLDEN RULE"~ "Do unto other's as you would have them do unto you"!

I think it is great that these are the types of lessons that he is bringing to the youth. In our society, it is hard to fit in; therefore, it can be assumed that you would try to do what you can do in order to be a part of the "In Group". This word is important for our youth to understand. In our walk of life as a christian, we are to strive to be christ like. If we are doing so, we will not try to fit in. We will walk and befriend all that is around in order to further the kingdom. I hope that I can live out the lesson and encourage others.

Sitting At Work

2008-03-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

So here I am in my office writing on my blog...I know what you are thinking...why doesn't she do some work...Well I finished early so I had some time to write!

I have been reading "The Five Love Languages For Singles". Wow it is really powerful! I have found that I am 1 of the 5...I am one who enjoys Quality Time. So many times we let out lives pass us by. We never truly learn to love the ones we are around the way they need to be loved. When I told Stratton that I was reading this book, first of all he asked me why I bought a book for singles..."I had to tell him that I wasn't married yet so therefore I am single...I figured if I had to check the box for my taxes then it reigned true". Secondly he wanted to know why I felt the need to read the book, "I simply told him that I want to know how to make the people in my life feel loved". This book is very telling in that while reading, you can see the different people the book is talking about. Those who just need to hear a word to know you care. Those who need "THINGS" to feel loved. Those who need you to do things for them, AKA "Acts of Service". Those who need a pat on the back or a big bear hug!!! Or if your like me, you just need 5 minutes of quality time. I hope that in learning these things, I will be able to initiate them into my everyday life so that those individuals who are around me will know they are loved because I am speaking their language.

Today

2008-01-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of things running through my mind today. Where will I be in the next 6 months of year. What choices will I have to make in the next week that will define who I am. Regardless, I know that they will be made. It is hysterical to me to think that only 6 months ago when I finished college I thought I had it all figured out. I guess this NEW YEAR is really playing tricks on me.One thing that my mom has always instilled in me, is to be with the people who make you feel of worth. IF you are of worth to them, then in a sense they need you. Today I don't know what I am feeling? It is definitely not a feeling of being not needed, lots of people need me. My family needs me, my work needs me. Maybe I am just participating in my own personal pity party. It is a lonely place. Sometimes being away from home for a long time puts me in this mood. Do I really have enough here to keep me here. I have a wonderful church family and a great boyfriend whose family I would not change for anything, but does my church or does he need me. Have I made an impact on their life? Do I continue to do the same ole stuff that requires no response or have I really let them know who I really am? I hate questioning myself, but I know that God wants us to do that. He requires it. If we do not question the impact we are making on the people we are around, the what kind of christian are we really?

Fave Quotes!!!

2007-11-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

Okay so I also love quotes...well specific quotes that make me smile!

I'm looking for love. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.

Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous

Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course, we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies, or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away.

I would rather fight with you than love anyone else.

I think I would love you even if I had never met you!

2007-11-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

God's Plan For Me
When it comes back to you.
When you find something that is so important that you would lay down your life for it, you officially know that you have found something you can't live without. But there are things that occur that make life more and more difficult, and when those moments come you have to step back from the situation and believe in your God and know that he does things only for the good for those that serve him. So when trials come you have to believe in him and know that he will take care of you, he will lead you, and you will eventually make it out stronger than you were when it began. He made us strong so that we could make it through things that we never thought we could. So when you go through a time when you feel as though you have lost what you truly love, realize that God's plan is perfect and if what you love is true, It will come back to you!

What God Teaches Me!

2007-11-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

In this world there are ups and downs, lefts and rights, and the ever so unfortunate circles that never let you see an end! I have been going in a circle for a while now...
So when I thought about what that circle was doing to my life, I was very angry...angry enough that I am just now capable of writing about it! I, someone who usually relies on God for everything had taken hold of the wheel. No matter how many times he told me I was going in the wrong direction, I ignored him and kept going my way! As you can imagine, the same scenery got old and the same feeling of being lost did the same! It wasn't until I reached that boiling point and said I can't do it on my own that I felt God tell me "I never meant for you to"! What a revelation...the one who is forever in my favor doesn't mind helping me get through a hard time in my life! Now time has gone by, and I admit that there are days when I feel my hand grip the wheel, but then I remember that I gave my situation to God and he has full control! He knows where I am going and where I have been! Isn't it amazing...No matter what metaphor I use, I can give God the glory for helping me through all that I go through! And though the sitation was so big to me, it was so little for him! I serve a great big GOD!!!!
I know this is a strange way of doing it, but this is a little testimony of my life over the last couple of months! God has really helped me be an overcomer! And I used the analogy simply because if it helped me, maybe it can help someone else!
Life is hard, but God is good!

Friendship

2007-11-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

It's one of the things that your heart can't life without. Someone to vent to, someone to share things with, someone to listen to... All of these things are extremely important especially if you have ever had a friend that you feel you've lost.

I have many wonderful friends that I would mourn over losing. One of which I feel I have already lost for reasons beyond my control. One day you are talking without fail and the next communication ends. What happened? You never know unless you ask and sometimes when you ask you don't get the answer you are looking for. You appologize for actions that you don't realize have even occured. I have even gone so far as to continually call and call and I continue to get the same response. What more do you have to do?

Part of my problem is I tend to be a pleaser...I never want anyone to be upset with me or to dislike me.

Is a friend that will not tell you what is wrong really a good friend? Are they trying in some strange way to save you from yourself? To spare your feelings when in the long run they are hurting them by ignoring your existance.

Friendship can be a difficult thing to master. It is a longterm relationship of sorts that is mastered over time. Think of the friends that you had in Kindergarten? Are they the same friends that you talk to today, or have you moved on to other friends? Were all the friends that you have had a long the way been a stepping stone to learn how to be in this relationship today? All in all this was merely a way to vent my feelings about friendships that may be visible to others, but in my eyes are very vague and definately not transparent on the surface. You never see us talk anymore unless it is in short choppy sentences and you can never ask them advice because they are no longer talking to you. What do you do to get the friend back that says there is nothing wrong?