for these amazing children at the orphanage. They are sick right now with one of them admitted to the hospital. Please pray for strength & healing for them. Please pray for their nannies, Angela, Carsen, & the hospital staff as well. Thanks so much!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Pray for healing...
for these amazing children at the orphanage. They are sick right now with one of them admitted to the hospital. Please pray for strength & healing for them. Please pray for their nannies, Angela, Carsen, & the hospital staff as well. Thanks so much!
Adoption Fundraiser...
Please pray for many people to attend our concert & ice cream social fundraiser & that they will be doubly blessed by their generous giving. Thanks so much!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Great day but no proof!
My mother, Phoebe, & I headed to Louisville, KY this past Monday & went to the Zoo. It was a beautiful day...sunny but not to warm & not to cool, with a nice breeze. Randy & I had taken Phoebe to the Louisville Zoo once before shortly after moving to IN but she doesn't remember it. This time she had a blast but for some unknown reason unfathomable to me...I forgot my camera! So we had a great day but no pictures to prove it so you'll just have to take my word for it :o)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Unity Needed!!!
There has been some amazing things happening at Three Angels Orphanage lately. For one, all the children that are currently available for adoption now have forever families! The medical clinic that was built this summer is set to open soon. The school continues to grow. More people are interested in helping out in various ways. It's just amazing to see how God is working!
Now we should be prepared for battle. Why you ask? Because it's the "normal" consquence to God doing mighty things. Satan gets mad & he attacks. Is he attacking now? I think he is. What we need to do is to realize his "plan" & to fight his attack with the Word of God. Put on the full armor of God & stand firm.
"Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth & the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, & take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times & on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert & persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."
Ephesians 6:13-18
"Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought & purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10b&c
Now we should be prepared for battle. Why you ask? Because it's the "normal" consquence to God doing mighty things. Satan gets mad & he attacks. Is he attacking now? I think he is. What we need to do is to realize his "plan" & to fight his attack with the Word of God. Put on the full armor of God & stand firm.
"Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth & the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, & take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times & on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert & persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."
Ephesians 6:13-18
"Let there be real harmony so there won't be divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought & purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10b&c
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Please pray for the boys...
at the orphanage. I was really frustrated this past Saturday morning due to some delays with the adoption paper work. I finally cried out to God & asked what was going on. The following is what I believe He revealed to me. Satan is going to attack all of us who are adopting from Haiti because he doesn't want things in Haiti to change. He likes it just the way it is...poor, many hopeless & lost people. People practicing vodoo & other things. Although Satan is not happy when anyone is adopted from Haiti, he is especially upset when boys are adopted. Why you ask? Because he knows that our plans for these children is to bring them home, love them, give them an education, & hopefully some day they will return to their native country & help the people there. He knows that the men are the ones that currently make the decisions in the country & when present...in the family as well. He doesn't want God loving, educated men in Haiti trying to change things for the better. He wants the people to continue to live in poverty & bondage to so many things. So if you are adopting a boy from Haiti or know someone that is...please pray for that boy, the adoptive parents, the birth parents, & the entire adoption process. Satan will do whatever he can to stop these adoptions. It's up to us to stand firm on God's word & His promises.
Happy Birthday Moo!!!
Today my amazing mother turned 60. I am so glad that she is here to celebrate her day with me. We've always been close & I am so thankful that God blessed me with her. Happy Birthday Moo! (aka: Mom :o)
Monday, September 17, 2007
A LOT TO SAY!
I know by the number of posts I've made lately that you probably don't think I have a lot to say right now but I do. I have not had much time to post between having out of town guests two weekends ago & then not feeling well all last week & then my mother arriving this past Sat. for a week long visit. I have at least 3 different posts I could post right now but fatigue will make me wait a little longer to post them.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Contentment...
Below is an excerpt of a Dr. David Jeremiah devotion that I thought was really good & want to share with others.
Just As You Are
Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we
ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3
Recommended Reading
Psalm 139:13-16
A proud grandmother was admiring the way her four-year-old granddaughter
had dressed herself--until she got to the feet. "Why, honey," the
grandmother said gently, "I think you've put your shoes on the wrong
feet." The little girl looked down at her feet and then up at her
grandmother. "But, Grandma, these are the only feet I've got!"
In her misunderstanding, the little girl made an important point, one
that modern, image-conscious people would do well to remember: The
features God has given us are the only ones we've got! It's easy today
to become dissatisfied with who we are and what we have been given: our
looks, our intelligence, our skills and talents, our personality, our
physical build. But the Bible says we are the handiwork of God--that He
shaped us in our mother's womb. A large part of becoming comfortable "in
our own skin" is recognizing that we are unique in God's sight. We are
one-of-a-kind people, created to accomplish for Him what only we can.
Consider taking stock of who you are and thanking God for His perfect
wisdom in creating you to be one-of-a-kind.
He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with
what he would like to have.
Unknown
Just As You Are
Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we
ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3
Recommended Reading
Psalm 139:13-16
A proud grandmother was admiring the way her four-year-old granddaughter
had dressed herself--until she got to the feet. "Why, honey," the
grandmother said gently, "I think you've put your shoes on the wrong
feet." The little girl looked down at her feet and then up at her
grandmother. "But, Grandma, these are the only feet I've got!"
In her misunderstanding, the little girl made an important point, one
that modern, image-conscious people would do well to remember: The
features God has given us are the only ones we've got! It's easy today
to become dissatisfied with who we are and what we have been given: our
looks, our intelligence, our skills and talents, our personality, our
physical build. But the Bible says we are the handiwork of God--that He
shaped us in our mother's womb. A large part of becoming comfortable "in
our own skin" is recognizing that we are unique in God's sight. We are
one-of-a-kind people, created to accomplish for Him what only we can.
Consider taking stock of who you are and thanking God for His perfect
wisdom in creating you to be one-of-a-kind.
He who is not contented with what he has would not be contented with
what he would like to have.
Unknown
Doing it Right!
I have received a lot of support feedback & comments to my previous Big Loser post. Thank you so much for your support & encouragement! Some of you have said that you have had similar struggles & want to lose weight the healthy way. Many people that have never had weight issues don't realize that many of us that have don't know how to eat healthy or lose weight the healthy way. They are surprised when someone tells them that & they want to know why. Most of the time the answer is that they have never been taught. I grew up in a home with a mom who didn't like to cook & for the first few years on her own after my parent's divorce, meals consisted of cereal, bologna, & the A&W Drive In. If you aren't taught to eat healthy as a kid, chances are you are going to have unhealthy eating habits as an adult. I was 12 when my mom informed me that I was overweight & needed to lose weight. She was right but she didn't tell me how to do it so I did it on my own & then one thing led to another & the next thing I know I was anorexic. Please don't get me wrong...I'm not blaming my anorexia on my mom but it would have been helpful to have had some sound nutritional & exercise advice from someone instead of trying to figure it out on my own. I also "recovered" on my own & was still leaning on my own knowledge which still did not include healthy eating habits. So I went from "recovery" to being overweight again. I was so grateful when I had a nutrition class in college & finally had some good nutritional information.
If you have never lost weight the "right way"...which is the healthy way...I really encourage you to enlist help of a dietician or join a nutritionally sound program like Weight Watchers. If you are limited in the funds department & can't do that right now, try looking up information on the internet. One book that I highly recommend is "The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person" by Judith S. Beck. I-SBN-13:978-0-8487-3171-1. She basically covers all the things that Weight Watchers teaches but presents it in a fresh, down to earth way.
Some things to consider when trying to losing weight:
***Decrease or eliminate fatty, fast food. You can still eat out but you need to study your options & pick the healthy ones. In a pinch, Subway & Wendy's is a safe bet. Subway has several low fat options & at Wendy's you can skip a burger & fries & have a baked potato & salad instead. If you're going to a "sit down" restaurant, skip the bread or chips that many restaurants serve before your meal comes. If you have difficulty resisting them, simply tell the waiter or waitress "No thank you" when they say your bread or chips will be right out. Stick to entrees listed as low fat or heart healthy. Some places such as AppleBees actually have a Weight Watchers section on the menu.
***Make sure to eat at least 3 servings of lean or lower fat protein, 3 dairy, & 4-5 servings of fruits & veggies a day. Many people think if they skip the meat, cheese, & other higher calorie foods that they will lose more weight when in reality that isn't true. Your body needs protein, especially if you're working out & even more so if you're working out with weights.
Good sources of protein & dairy include: 3-4 oz. of lean chicken, turkey, fish or seafood. When eating beef, choose the leanest cuts. Fat free or low fat milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, & ice cream, are good dairy sources. Also eat eggs or egg beaters,legumes & "healthier" nuts such as almonds & sunflower seeds.
I know they say eat fruit instead of drinking juice. I would encourage that if you can but if you're like me & are not much of a fruit eater, drink the juice if it helps get your fruit servings in. An easy way to get fruit in is to top it on oatmeal, high fiber cereal, or yogurt.
***Eat things you like. If you like salads more than cooked veggies, then eat salads. If you like cooked veggies & not salads, then eat the cooked.
***Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you don't like water, add crystal light to go to your bottle or glass. Dehydration can bring your metabolism to a stand still.
***Listen to your body. If you feel better eating several small meals a day then do it. If you feel better eating three squares & no snacks then do that. If you need three meals & one or two small snacks in between then do that. Every "body" is different. What may work for one person may not work for you.
***Exercise at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time. If you are "out of shape" & don't feel like you can do a strenous work out...start with walking & then increase time, frequency, & hills. Don't forget to stretch before AND after exercising.
***Weigh yourself once a week. Doing it more just frustrates you & gets you focused on the scale rather than healthy lifestyle changes. Not weighing yourself at all can fool yourself into believing you are losing weight when you may not be losing any weight or maybe gaining. Take body measurements once a month as well. You may not always be losing pounds but maybe losing inches instead.
***If you lack in motivation & accountability...get a "buddy" to check in with & to work out with.
***Do not "treat" yourself with food. If you have lost weight or have done something else that you think deserves a reward...buy a new outfit, get a pedicure or give yourself permission to take a 3 hour nap.
***Always talk with your doctor if you have any questions about starting a weight loss &/or exercise program.
***Get creative & have fun!!! :o)
If you have never lost weight the "right way"...which is the healthy way...I really encourage you to enlist help of a dietician or join a nutritionally sound program like Weight Watchers. If you are limited in the funds department & can't do that right now, try looking up information on the internet. One book that I highly recommend is "The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person" by Judith S. Beck. I-SBN-13:978-0-8487-3171-1. She basically covers all the things that Weight Watchers teaches but presents it in a fresh, down to earth way.
Some things to consider when trying to losing weight:
***Decrease or eliminate fatty, fast food. You can still eat out but you need to study your options & pick the healthy ones. In a pinch, Subway & Wendy's is a safe bet. Subway has several low fat options & at Wendy's you can skip a burger & fries & have a baked potato & salad instead. If you're going to a "sit down" restaurant, skip the bread or chips that many restaurants serve before your meal comes. If you have difficulty resisting them, simply tell the waiter or waitress "No thank you" when they say your bread or chips will be right out. Stick to entrees listed as low fat or heart healthy. Some places such as AppleBees actually have a Weight Watchers section on the menu.
***Make sure to eat at least 3 servings of lean or lower fat protein, 3 dairy, & 4-5 servings of fruits & veggies a day. Many people think if they skip the meat, cheese, & other higher calorie foods that they will lose more weight when in reality that isn't true. Your body needs protein, especially if you're working out & even more so if you're working out with weights.
Good sources of protein & dairy include: 3-4 oz. of lean chicken, turkey, fish or seafood. When eating beef, choose the leanest cuts. Fat free or low fat milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, & ice cream, are good dairy sources. Also eat eggs or egg beaters,legumes & "healthier" nuts such as almonds & sunflower seeds.
I know they say eat fruit instead of drinking juice. I would encourage that if you can but if you're like me & are not much of a fruit eater, drink the juice if it helps get your fruit servings in. An easy way to get fruit in is to top it on oatmeal, high fiber cereal, or yogurt.
***Eat things you like. If you like salads more than cooked veggies, then eat salads. If you like cooked veggies & not salads, then eat the cooked.
***Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you don't like water, add crystal light to go to your bottle or glass. Dehydration can bring your metabolism to a stand still.
***Listen to your body. If you feel better eating several small meals a day then do it. If you feel better eating three squares & no snacks then do that. If you need three meals & one or two small snacks in between then do that. Every "body" is different. What may work for one person may not work for you.
***Exercise at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time. If you are "out of shape" & don't feel like you can do a strenous work out...start with walking & then increase time, frequency, & hills. Don't forget to stretch before AND after exercising.
***Weigh yourself once a week. Doing it more just frustrates you & gets you focused on the scale rather than healthy lifestyle changes. Not weighing yourself at all can fool yourself into believing you are losing weight when you may not be losing any weight or maybe gaining. Take body measurements once a month as well. You may not always be losing pounds but maybe losing inches instead.
***If you lack in motivation & accountability...get a "buddy" to check in with & to work out with.
***Do not "treat" yourself with food. If you have lost weight or have done something else that you think deserves a reward...buy a new outfit, get a pedicure or give yourself permission to take a 3 hour nap.
***Always talk with your doctor if you have any questions about starting a weight loss &/or exercise program.
***Get creative & have fun!!! :o)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Big Loser...
If you are 115 pounds &/or wear a size 0, this post is not for you. I meant to post this yesterday but I got side tracked. I don't want to take away from Shakira's previous birthday post but I needed to post this before tonight. Some of you who have known me for a long time know that I have struggled with my weight most of my life. I was a skinny baby who became a "healthy" child who became an over weight pre teen who became an anorexic teen who became a recovering anorexic teen who became an overweight teen who lost the college freshman "33" who had a couple of healthy weight years as a young adult who then became an overweight adult who then became an obese adult.
In July of 2004 when Phoebe was 10 months old & I was a "voluptous" 206 pounds, I decided that it was time to start losing weight...and for the first time in my life I was determined to do it the "right" way...the healthy way. I joined Weight Watchers. During the first year I lost 26 pounds. I should have lost more but 4 months after I started I experienced some major life changes such as moving to a new state with no friends or family there & became a stay at home mom. I was proud of myself that I didn't gain any of the weight back even though I hadn't lost any more. Over the past two years I've had periods of some loss & some gain but overall I have lost 41 pounds so far. I still have some pounds to go before I get to my goal weight but I am happy to be where I am now as opposed to when I was 206 pounds.
The hardest thing for me is portion control & motivation. I will do well for awhile & then I decide it's time to take a break. The next thing I know the pounds start to creep (or I should say just run & jump) back on. I am not into reality shows & have never watched The Biggest Loser during it's actual viewing season. I stumbled across it at the beginning of this summer when they began playing the re runs on the Style Network which is one of my favorite channels. The first show really inspired me & I took off running down the street...unfortunately for me however, my back has decided that my running days are long behind me..."way" back there. But I have been walking consistently as well as doing a dvd work out with hand held weights. Exercise is usually not a problem for me because I enjoy it & it's a stress release for me. My problem continues to be with food itself. I have prayed about it & even fasted about it. I know God wants to deliver me from my food addiction & He is just waiting for me to turn it all over to Him as well as be willing to discipline myself regarding my food intake & the types of food I eat on a regular basis.
I am ready to do this. I want to have a balance with food & my weight. It's been long over due & now is the time! Besides I have 3 more children on the way & I need to have the energy to keep up with all of them as well as be healthy to be around to see them grow up. If you are like me & lack in the motivation department from time to time...make yourself comfy on the couch tonight at 7pm (without food in hand) & turn your TV on NBC to watch the 2 hour season premiere of The Biggest Loser. I know they lose more weight than most of us do in a weeks time because it is a "game" as well & they are exercising a lot more than they would at home but the general principle of healthy, balanced eating plus exercise equals a good equation. If you feel guilty for sitting on your tooshy for 2 hours feel free to do some exercises or fold laundry while you watch. You can lose weight & be the healthy person that God created you to be! God's blessings on your weight loss journey & a healthier you!
In July of 2004 when Phoebe was 10 months old & I was a "voluptous" 206 pounds, I decided that it was time to start losing weight...and for the first time in my life I was determined to do it the "right" way...the healthy way. I joined Weight Watchers. During the first year I lost 26 pounds. I should have lost more but 4 months after I started I experienced some major life changes such as moving to a new state with no friends or family there & became a stay at home mom. I was proud of myself that I didn't gain any of the weight back even though I hadn't lost any more. Over the past two years I've had periods of some loss & some gain but overall I have lost 41 pounds so far. I still have some pounds to go before I get to my goal weight but I am happy to be where I am now as opposed to when I was 206 pounds.
The hardest thing for me is portion control & motivation. I will do well for awhile & then I decide it's time to take a break. The next thing I know the pounds start to creep (or I should say just run & jump) back on. I am not into reality shows & have never watched The Biggest Loser during it's actual viewing season. I stumbled across it at the beginning of this summer when they began playing the re runs on the Style Network which is one of my favorite channels. The first show really inspired me & I took off running down the street...unfortunately for me however, my back has decided that my running days are long behind me..."way" back there. But I have been walking consistently as well as doing a dvd work out with hand held weights. Exercise is usually not a problem for me because I enjoy it & it's a stress release for me. My problem continues to be with food itself. I have prayed about it & even fasted about it. I know God wants to deliver me from my food addiction & He is just waiting for me to turn it all over to Him as well as be willing to discipline myself regarding my food intake & the types of food I eat on a regular basis.
I am ready to do this. I want to have a balance with food & my weight. It's been long over due & now is the time! Besides I have 3 more children on the way & I need to have the energy to keep up with all of them as well as be healthy to be around to see them grow up. If you are like me & lack in the motivation department from time to time...make yourself comfy on the couch tonight at 7pm (without food in hand) & turn your TV on NBC to watch the 2 hour season premiere of The Biggest Loser. I know they lose more weight than most of us do in a weeks time because it is a "game" as well & they are exercising a lot more than they would at home but the general principle of healthy, balanced eating plus exercise equals a good equation. If you feel guilty for sitting on your tooshy for 2 hours feel free to do some exercises or fold laundry while you watch. You can lose weight & be the healthy person that God created you to be! God's blessings on your weight loss journey & a healthier you!
Happy Birthday Shakira!!!
I so wish you were here with us today to celebrate your 5th birthday! We love you & miss you very much! Happy Birthday sweet, beautiful girl!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Happy Birthday Randy!!!
I love you more than words can say! I thank God for all the days of your life & especially for being my husband! Happy, Happy Birthday!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Phoebe's Party...
I know that I have already shown pictures from Phoebe's birthday that was on Tues. but we had "her" party with her two closest friends today.
Friday, September 7, 2007
New Date...
Just wanted to update everyone on the new date for our adoption fundraising concert. It was originally scheduled for Friday Sept. 14th at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer but is now rescheduled for Friday Oct. 26th. I will give you the information on the time & band line up as soon as I get that information. For out of town family & friends who would like to help out but will not be able to attend you can send donations &/or purchase something from our needs list that I will soon be posting on my blog. Thank you so much for your support!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Happy Birthday Sass!
This picture is from last year but I'm too lazy to take an updated one of him right now. My "old man" kitty cat turned 12 years old today. He will get his birthday treat of shrimp tonight.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
"Wrestling at the Chase"
I'm sure many of you are too young to remember "Wrestling at the Chase." I started watching it when I was around 9 years old. It was an hour long show of wrestling that came on every Sunday morning. So after I went to church I would settle down on the couch in front of the television with a stack of pancakes, eggs or something else to eat & watch it with my Mom. Why we watched it...I have no idea! There were no men in the house...just us two. We really enjoyed it for several years until it became "too staged."
I have never been on a wrestling team but have "wrestled" many times in my life. Sometimes it was physical wrestling...especially my JR High years when I thought it was necessary to fight with everyone who looked at me wrong. There were a couple of times that may have been "valid & noble" fights but the others were just plain silly.
So why did I do it? I'm not really sure...hormones, supressed anger, looking out for "me."
I have "wrestled" since then but it's been spiritual & emotional wrestling. I've wrestled with God, myself, & others around me who were trying to help me. Why would I wrestle with God? That's a good question because we know who's going to lose that match...me! Why would I wrestle myself? I really have no idea. Why would I wrestle with others who are trying to help me? Lots of reasons but none of them "good" ones...pride, stubborness, fear, exhaustion, etc.
I have wasted a lot of time & energy over the years "wrestling." As a Christian I am suppose to "fight" but not with people...and not in my own strength. The Bible says, "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies & tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh & bone, but against the evil rulers & authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, & against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6: 10-12
Don't forgot to put on God's armor today & stand strong in Him!!!
I have never been on a wrestling team but have "wrestled" many times in my life. Sometimes it was physical wrestling...especially my JR High years when I thought it was necessary to fight with everyone who looked at me wrong. There were a couple of times that may have been "valid & noble" fights but the others were just plain silly.
So why did I do it? I'm not really sure...hormones, supressed anger, looking out for "me."
I have "wrestled" since then but it's been spiritual & emotional wrestling. I've wrestled with God, myself, & others around me who were trying to help me. Why would I wrestle with God? That's a good question because we know who's going to lose that match...me! Why would I wrestle myself? I really have no idea. Why would I wrestle with others who are trying to help me? Lots of reasons but none of them "good" ones...pride, stubborness, fear, exhaustion, etc.
I have wasted a lot of time & energy over the years "wrestling." As a Christian I am suppose to "fight" but not with people...and not in my own strength. The Bible says, "Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies & tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh & bone, but against the evil rulers & authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, & against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6: 10-12
Don't forgot to put on God's armor today & stand strong in Him!!!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Happy Birthday Phoebe & Samara!!!
Happy Birthday to my girls...with beautiful faces & lovely curls!
I love you both so much...more than words could ever say.
I wish you love, peace, joy, & hope on your 4th & 3rd birthday!
I wish you were here with us Samara to celebrate. We love you very much!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)