HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Isaiah 43:18-19

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland."

Did you know that the number eight represents NEW BEGINNINGS in the Bible??? Here's to a year of new beginnings for all of us!! May we all surrender totally and completely to the will of Our Father, and allow him to take us to NEW PLACES, and teach us NEW THINGS, and bring us to NEW PATHWAYS according to his perfect plan for our lives!!

After all, Jeremiah 29:11 says that He plans to PROSPER us and NOT HARM us...His plans will give us a HOPE and a FUTURE!!! May 2008 be the best year yet!

Happy Birthday KISA!

So today was my KISA's thirty-second birthday.  Yeah, yeah...I don't want to hear it...I know I robbed the cradle!!  (Mama always said if you get 'em young, you can train 'em right!!...just kidding, baby!)

He truly is my KISA, though...for those of you who are still confused after all this time, KISA = "Knight In Shining Armor". He is my hero, my lover, my rock, and my best friend.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again...He's my little piece of Jesus right here on earth! 

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest
       is my lover among the young men.
       I delight to sit in his shade,
       and his fruit is sweet to my taste.

He has taken me to the banquet hall,
       and his banner over me is love.

(Song of Solomon 2:3-4)

I love you Baby, and I am so proud to be your wife!!  You are an awesome husband, father, and provider!  I just can't wait to see what God is going to do in and through your life, as you continue to yield it completely over to Him.  The best is yet to come, my love!!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Friday Five

• Sam is very sick. Poor little fella started coming down with nasty cold on Christmas night.  Which leads me to ask this question... How much snot can one little three year old boy produce??? Obviously a lot!! He's feeling  somewhat better today, but the last couple of days have been doozies!
• Emilee is mastering the vocals on High School Musical SING IT for the Wii.  She got it from Gigi and Paw-Paw for Christmas.  We had to get her a mic, but she absolutely loves it! You'll just have to forgive me if you find me in the IGA humming, "We're all in this together"!!!
• Jacob is experiencing LOONEY TUNES mania!!!  He got a 30 episode DVD from yours truly for Christmas. You would think he would be occupying the majority of his time with the Star Wars or Transformers figures that he got loaded down with for Christmas, but no...he is having a ball with Yosemite Sam and Elmer Fudd!! He told Emilee last night, "I'm gonna blow you to smitherines!!".  Ha ha!! Too funny!!!
• Poor KISA had to go back to work yesterday, but at least he only had a two-day week.  Tomorrow is his 32nd birthday, and I am cooking up something special...
• And yes, I will admit it. I love am addicted to Guitar Hero.  (That's the first step in getting help, right?? Admitting you have a problem??) Who knew rockin' out with Pat Benatar singing "Hit Me with Your Best Shot", could be so dang fun?!?  I have put myself on restriction though.  On account of the other night when I was playing (the night before having to make sure all our stuff was ready to go for our four day, three-hundred mile, round-trip tour of SC) I had a full-out melt down!! Playing the songs are fun, but the duels are way hard.  I got a little too emotional trying to defeat Tom Morello to make it to the next level. Too much stress on me at the time... Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.

Belated Thankfuls...

Sorry...I am a little late posting...Christmas was a whirlwind, and I have sick kiddos!!

For my last several Thankful Thursday posts, I have been focusing on the following verse, and each name given to Our Savior within.

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6

Today I am thankful for my Prince of Peace.  In this sermon, Craig Groeschel actually uses the Hebrew term for this, Sar Shalom. I am thankful that as long as I am under the authority and covering of my Sar Shalom, that I experience His peace that passes all understanding.  He truly is the peace that comforts me when I am anxious and weary.

More than circumstantial peace, I am thankful that my Sar Shalom came to be born of a virgin, and took on flesh in this earthly realm so that he could ultimately become my sacrifice, and save me from my sins, bringing me PEACE with the Father in Heaven.

What an awesome Prince we have!  Thank you Jesus, for your shelter of peace over my life.  Help me to live in such a way that I live under the cover of your peace at all times.  And when I stray, let me seek your peace until I find my way back in your arms.

(Just in case, like me, you are a little behind...you can join in on this "Thankful Thursday" over at Lynn's Blog. Thanks Lynn, for hosting!)

Merry Christmas To All!!!

We are leaving tomorrow to begin our trek around the state for the celebration Christmas with both our families.  Since I won't be around for a few days, I wanted to leave you with something beautiful and thought provoking.

I wonder... with all the hustle and bustle of the season... packing our suitcases to go and spend time with family... running around town to find that last minute "perfect gift"... getting our clothes pressed and ready for Christmas services at church...can we take a few moments to ponder the TRUE meaning of Christmas??? To stop and really focus on "The Reason for the season"??

In the immortal words of of that great philosopher Charlie Brown...and the powerful answer of Linus' recitation of Luke 2...

 

And even more so in the beautiful words penned by Mr. Mark Lowry...

I wonder...did these notions and images cross Mary's mind as she "pondered these things in her heart".  Did she really know and understand the impact of her obedience?  Could she even fathom the sheer glory that enveloped her as she carried the Son of God??  Did she truly comprehend the power in the name of JESUS, born to save His people from their sins??? 

As I think about these things in my own mind, I am so grateful.  I am overflowing...what a precious gift we have in Jesus!!!  How beautifully our Father has lavished His love upon us in the gift of His Son!!  Even as an eight year old little girl this boggled my mind!  So much so, that the only thing I could think of to do in response to this gift, was give my heart, my life, my all to Him!!

May you truly know the blessed gift that our Father has so graciously bestowed upon us in his Son, Jesus.  May the wonder of His birth, give you HOPE  this Christmas season.  More than that, I pray that the glory of his death would bring PEACE to your heart and FORGIVENESS from your sins, and that the POWER of His resurrection would spark to life in each and every one of you, as you surrender your hearts and lives to Him!!

JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME!!!  LET EARTH RECIEVE HER KING!!! LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!! AND LET ALL HEAVEN AND NATURE SING!!!!

 

Friday Five - Christmas Past

Here are five of my favorite photos of Christmases passed.

Emilee's First Christmas

 

Jacob's First Christmas

 

Sam's First Christmas

 

Christmas Card 2005

 

Christmas Card 2006

Thankful Thursday - Everlasting Father

 

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

(Isaiah 9:6)

This is an awesome sermon on our Everlasting Father.  I am so very grateful for the wonderful gift of my earthly father, who has shown me his love, compassion, care, and presence throughout my life.  (I love you, Daddy!) But the truth of the matter is that everyone is not so blessed to have had such wonderful memories of their earthly fathers.  An even more powerful truth is that when we look at our EVERLASTING FATHER through the lens of our earthly father, we get a dangerously distorted view.  I encourage you to watch this video, if you have 20-30 minutes to set aside today. Trust me, you will be blessed! 

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER is compassionate.

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER could never love me any more, or any less, than he does right this moment.

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER does not require me to work for his acceptance, but invites me to rest in his love.

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER is caring.

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER loves me, and cares about me...He believes in me, and is FOR me!

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER is always there.

I am thankful that my EVERLASTING FATHER is there for me. Even through my painful past, He has ALWAYS BEEN THERE for me, waiting on me to turn to Him.

What are you thankful for today?  The Christmas Season is an awesome time to reflect on our blessings.  Please stop by Lynn's place today and share your thankful heart.

Live Well Wednesdays...

I am definitely at a loss.  Not of weight mind you, but for words...

Maybe this will help:

AAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!

After being sick for two solid weeks, and now having a visit from my monthly nemesis, things didn't look so good for me this morning.  I don't know if it is the antibiotics or what, but something has me all puffed up and swollen.  This is exactly what I wanted to do to my scales!

And to think, next week is Christmas!  Lord, help me!! 

Okay here is the deal.  I am not going to kid myself. There will be enough food around in the next several days to feed a small country...and it's all that "special food" that you only get this time of year.  So to say that I am going to abstain, well... that would just be flat out lying!!

But I can do some positive things to keep from gaining back any more weight before the new year.  These are my goals for the next two weeks.

1) Drink 8 glasses of water DAILY! 

2) Walk at least 2-3 times each week.

3) PRAY PRAY PRAY!!! (Seriously, getting in my Bible, and talking to Jesus, helps me stay connected, and gives me perspective for my day...ALL of it...even the "eating" part!)  So I am going to get up every morning and "commit my plans" to the one who made me.  Only HE can give me the strength I need!

Room at the Inn!

I just heard on WMHK that Travelodge is offering a FREE NIGHT's STAY to any couple with the names "Mary" and "Joseph" this holiday season, as a way to "evoke the true meaning of Christmas".

After checking online, I couldn't find where this was offered here in the US, but it appears to be true in the UK... 

No room at the inn? Not this year. To evoke the true spirit of Christmas, Travelodge is opening its doors and offering couples called Mary and Joseph a free night's stay; at any one of its 322 UK hotels.

The 'gift' of a free night's stay is to make up for the hotel industry not having any rooms left on Christmas Eve over 2000 years ago when the original 'Mary and Joseph' had to settle for the night in a stable.

How cool is that?!?!?

(Click here for more details.)

Friday Five

I jacked this from our friend Jay's blog.  He does "Friday Five" each week, so I thought I would give it a go...

1.  Speaking of "jacked"...you should check out this post from KISA's blog.  If doesn't give you goose bumps, or move you to tears, (or both!), I doubt ANYTHING will!!

2.  I just have to share the cutest story about Sam!! We were in Victoria's Secret on Tuesday, because I heard they had pajamas on sale.  While I was browsing through the sale racks, he was walking around observing all of the bras on display.  "Look Mama!! Ders, rwed (red) boobies, and dween (green) boobies, and purpuh (purple) boobies, and bweu (blue) boobies...and ders YOUR boobies!!!"  I just about died laughing, and so did the sales clerk just a few feet away!  Needless to say, our trip was cut short!

3. Emilee and I are singing a duet ("One King" by Point of Grace) in church on Sunday. She also has a solo in the Children's Christmas Musical on Sunday night.  Like mother like daughter! Hmmmm...can you say "Mini- Me"?? (Make sure you do that with your pinky tucked beside your bottom lip!) ;-)

If only I could teach her to be a "neat freak" like me... life would be so grand!!!

4.  Jacob had a very traumatic morning.  He got put on "yellow" at school yesterday.  (His teacher uses the "stoplight system" for behavior). After having a firm talk with him, we gave him a warning, and told him that if it happened again, there would be consequences.

This morning when he woke up, his head hurt.  Then his neck hurt.  Then he began complaining of a tummy ache...

I said, "Buddy what's up with you?...It's pajama day, and your day to play Santa!  You don't want to miss today!".  Then the truth came out.  "I don't want to go to school because if I get put on yellow again, I will get a spanking!".  I tried to reassure him that everything was going to be okay.  Then he didn't want to put on his clean pajamas.  "What if it's not pajama day?  What if they are only tricking me, and I am the only one at school the pj's on?".  Again, I tried...I cajoled...then I threatened.  We literally had to force him out of the door.  When KISA dropped him off, one of the teachers heard his cries, and reassured him that everyone was in their pajamas. The tears immediately ceased.

After emailing his teacher, warning her about his disposition, she told me that the entire class was put on yellow yesterday.  No wonder my baby was scared to go to school!! I felt so bad!! If I had only known that, I would have dealt with the situation entirely differently! Oh, I hope he isn't scarred for life...

5.  We are in for a JAM PACKED weekend!! Christmas party tonight; play rehearsal, and another Christmas party tomorrow night; and church, and Christmas Musical on Sunday.  'TIS THE SEASON TO BE BUSY!!!

Have a good one!

Thankful Thursday: Mighty God!!

I started last week focusing my thankfulness on the names of Jesus, as quoted in Isaiah 9:6...

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

I am SO THANKFUL for MY MIGHTY GOD!!!  When my babies were small, my brother (AKA: "Uncle Buck") taught my children this song, and he would "help them" do the motions...

My God is SO BIG, SO STRONG AND SO MIGHTY, there's nothing my God cannot do!!

The mountains are His, the rivers are His, the stars are his handiwork, too!!

My God is SO BIG, SO STRONG and SO MIGHTY, there's nothing my God cannot do!!

I am thankful that His creation proclaims His majesty, and POWER!!  Every time I see a spectacular sunset, or the brilliant stars in the deep night sky, I am reminded that my God is MIGHTY!

I am thankful that NOTHING IS TOO HARD FOR MY GOD!!!

I am thankful that MY GOD is OMNISCIENT!! He knows everything, and I can place my faith and trust in HIM!!

I am thankful that MY GOD is OMNIPRESENT!! He's everywhere, and there is nothing that happens that he is not aware of.  He is always watching over me and protecting me!!

I am thankful that MY GOD is OMNIPOTENT!! He is ALL MIGHTY and ALL POWERFUL, and even when I can't "see" that power, I KNOW THAT IT'S THERE!!

I am thankful that Philippians 2:13 says that His power is working IN ME!!

I am thankful that Isaiah 40:29-31 tells me that His power is working FOR ME!!!

I am thankful that Acts 1:8 shows me that His power is available to work THROUGH ME!!!

I am thankful that even when I am weak, and feel like giving up, 1 Corinthians 12:9-10 tells me that your GRACE is sufficient for me, and your POWER is made perfect in my weakness!!

Thank you Jesus, for working in me, for me, and through my ordinary life to do EXTRORDINARY things for YOUR PURPOSE and YOUR GLORY!!  Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and having a plan for my life.  You are MY MIGHTY GOD, and I put my trust in YOU!!

What are you thankful for today?? Don't forget to stop by Laurel Wreath's beautiful blog, and share with us today!

LWW and More Ornamentation

I LOVE the quote Darlene shared today!!

"Food can never make you feel as good as looking great does."

So profound, and SO TRUE!!! I have definitely been enjoying the way my clothes look and feel lately.

As Karen said in her post, Living Well is a daily struggle for me. Having been as sick as a dog for the past 10 days (this stuff is kicking my tail!) I wasn't hoping for much this week. I knew that I hadn't been "over eating", but my nutritional choices have left much to be desired. ;-) I have been watching my caffeine intake (per doctor's orders) and I think that may be part of my icky feeling...I am going through withdrawals!!! But that is a good thing, right?? At least that is what I keep telling myself! (I am headed to the grocery store this afternoon to get some DECAF, at least I can pretend!!!)

Okay, so here are my results. I have taken my blood pressure twice over the past week, and both times it was within the normal range. Thank you Jesus!!! And...I LOST TWO POUNDS!! So that puts me almost back down to my original eight pound loss. No more going backwards for me!!

Like Priscilla, I have a multitude of holiday fun on the books for this weekend. Each event, I am sure, will include lots and lots of food. But every time I look at one of those little delectables, I am going to remind myself that as good as that will taste, in the long run, it will not look so good on me...or in my jeans!

And now for the "ornamentation"...

Here are a few more pics from Mom's birthday. Each year she gives the kid's a new ornament - for her birthday - that's a Nana for you! Here they are with their new treasures...

Monday Musings...

(Okay, so it's not Monday...bear with me...I am catching up!!  Eventually I will get around to my Thankful Thursday post!)

We went to my Mom's this past weekend to celebrate her birthday.  We always celebrate by getting the whole gang under one roof, and decorating her Christmas tree.  As usual, it was a blast!  I thought I would share my "top twelve" of the weekend with you today.

12. Chips dipped in KK's awesome Taco Dip.

11. Kisses stolen from my darling nephew Nathan.

10. Times Uncle Buck lifted children on his shoulders to place ornaments on the tree.

9. Number of ornaments hung on one branch of Mom's tree! (Thanks KK for keeping us straight!)

8. "Sleepers sleeping" at Nana's house on Saturday night.

7. Delicious plates of Mama's spaghetti at Sunday Dinner. (no...I didn't eat them all...there were 7 of us at the table!)

6. Times we heard "The Christmas Waltz" by Karen Carpenter. (I could've listened more...wow, what a voice!)

5.  Precious children!

4. Number of cumulative hours Jake spent watching BOOMERANG!

3. Boys randomly attacking Papa throughout the weekend, and getting their "guts squeezed"!

2. Number of seconds it took me to cream one of the flood lights in Mom's front yard, while trying to back KISA's truck out of the driveway!

1.  A "Passie" in a Christmas tree!

For Fun Friday

Found this Christmas Meme over at Baseballs and Bows. Feel free to join in the fun if you want to! ;-) (Patty and Nise' are playing, too!)

GETTING TO KNOW YOU: CHRISTMAS VERSION

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper...gift bags are easier, but just not as much fun!!

2. Real tree or artificial? Realistically artificial...with 1000 (colored) lights!!

3. When do you put up the tree? On the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually on Jan 2nd or 3rd. I like to celebrate the New Year with the lights all aglow!

5. Do you like eggnog? Yup. But only Southern Comfort (that's pretty ironic considering I don't drink) Vanilla Eggnog. (That's straight up, no alcohol added!! ;-))

6. Favorite gift received as a child? My keyboard. I played that thing to death!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes...up on the mantle. I like to place it in the most prominent focal point of the room. We center everything else around it.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad!! He already has everything...and what he wants, he just goes out and gets!

9. Easiest person to buy for? Definitely the my children. Not that we don't run into trouble at times, but it's worth it to see their faces on Christmas morning!

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I really can't think of one.
11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Definitely mail!!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Santa Claus The Movie

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually right after Thanksgiving. And like this year, KISA and I usually tag team and get it all done in one day, or at least one weekend.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I've thought about it, but never done it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Magic Cookie Bars!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? We have clear lights on all our outside decorations, but inside is colored. (They used to be all white , but the kids like it better with colorful lights, so I caved two years ago.)

17. Favorite Christmas song? Mary Did You Know

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This is where it gets crazy. We travel to KISA's parents on Christmas Eve Eve, spend the night, and come home Christmas Eve night.(Usually early enough to snuggle with the kids and read the Christmas Story before tucking them in bed). Then Christmas Day, sometime in the afternoon we head off to my mom's to spend the night.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? "You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall...the most famous reindeer of all???" (Of course, that's RUDOLPH!)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star with a gold bow under it, streaming down the length of the tree.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Standing in check out lines listening to people talk loudly on their cell phones, like it's supposed to be entertaining, and you really give a care. (Sorry...got a little carried away there...;-))

23. What I love most about Christmas? Everything really. But most of all, watching the joy and wonder on my children's faces as we read the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve, and tucking them in bed, so giddy, as they anticipate Santa's arrival. Like I said before, it really is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday

Techno-Nana!!

Today is my wonderful Mama's birthday!  She is so beautiful and precious to me!! I thank God for her every. single. day.  She has truly modeled before me what it means to be a loving wife, devoted mother, and woman after God's own heart.

So, instead of commenting here, I would like to invite you all to stop by her blog, and wish her a very Happy Birthday! ;-)

Wonderful Counselor

.

Shakespeare asked, "What's in a name"??? 

The answer: A LOT!!

I know when I was pregnant with each of my children, I spent hours pouring over Baby Name books.  I wanted to choose names with character; classic, but beautiful names that have stood the test of time. Was it any different for God?

Isaiah 9:6 says...

For to us a child is born,
       to us a son is given,
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
       And he will be called
       Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.          

For the next four weeks or so, I thought I would focus my thankful heart on these names of Jesus... (Thanks to Craig G. and this sermon for the idea...and a lot of the content!! ;-))

Wonderful Counselor in the Hebrew is translated pele' ya'ats.  Pele' means "beyond understanding; too wonderful for words".  Ya'ats means "to advise; to consult; to guide". 

After defining the terms, Pastor Craig then calls our attention to  Hebrews 4:15-16.  Jesus can counsel us because HE HAS BEEN WHERE WE ARE!!  Because of that fact, I can boldly approach him and get the help I need when I need it. (...Can I get an AMEN?!?!)

Luke 5:31-32 tells us that Jesus came for the sick.  We are not supposed to have it all together.  We never will.  We are flawed human beings as a result of the fall.  Our only hope is found in Jesus.  But we are not without responsibility.  First, we have to admit we are sick, and seek help.  Then, just like with any counselor, there are rules we must follow in order to get the most Jesus has to offer:

1. Be brutally honest with your Counselor. Just like the Woman at the Well, we cannot hide anything from Jesus, if we truly want him to heal us.  "Because of her honesty, Jesus was able to reveal who He is, and who He should be in her life" (Craig Groeschel).
2. Learn to LISTEN to the Counselor's voice.  In Mark 9:7, Peter, James, and John audibly heard the voice of God.  John 10:27 reminds us that His sheep listen to His voice.  How does He speak?  Through His Word, through a sermon, through a song, and through our circumstances.  We should recognize His voice as easily as a child recognizes his father's voice.
3. Do what the Counselor tells you to do. Even if it doesn't make sense.  The Bible in says that the Rich Young Man in Mark 10, went away sad because he refused to listen to Jesus' instruction.  This is particularly troublesome because he, in fact, was the one who came to Jesus with a question, but then did not have the guts to follow through.  He was sick.  Sick with the disease of materialism.  Jesus knew this, and loved him anyway!  But then he told the young man something he did not want to hear.  Aren't we just like that?  We are all about seeking help and finding answers until someone tells us something we don't want to hear. (Even if it IS the truth!)

"If we (church) don't do what Jesus tells us to do---we are a joke!  And we will continue to live unfulfilled, unvictorious, and a life that breaks the heart of God." - Craig Groeschel

Thank You, Jesus!! That You are my WONDERFUL COUNSELOR!! That You can guide me because You have been where I am.  Thank you that because You understand me like no one else, I can approach Your throne of grace with confidence that You will hear me...help me...heal me!  Please help me to always be honest with You.  To tell You exactly where I am hurting and confess the things that are bringing me pain.  Teach me how to listen to Your voice, Sweet Savior...help me to recognize it like none other.  And give me the strength and courage to do what You say.  I don't want to break your heart anymore!!

(Please join us at Laurel Wreath's Reflections to share your thankful heart.)

Live Well Wednesday

Well...

I went to the doctor today and found out I have a severe sinus infection. It's pretty bad when the doctor looks up your nose and says, "Oooh that's gross, girl!!". (Sorry...that was pretty yucky, wasn't it???) According to the doctor's scales (haven't weighed on mine) I am up another two pounds.  I have NOT been staying on program, NOT been exercising, and NOT drinking my water.  You hear that?...Yeah that...It's the "swoosh" of my Yo-yo!!

Due to the busy-ness of the season, my accountability partner and I have not been able to meet for the last couple of weeks, and that made things a little harder, too.  We are supposed to be getting together in the morning, so that will definitely  be a GOOD THING for me! 

Along with that, I have a new motivation.  My blood pressure was WAY UP at my doctor visit this morning.  I don't usually have any problems with this (unless you count my second pregnancy), so Dr. K was a bit puzzled.  She thinks it may be due to all the over-the-counter meds I have been using to "self-medicate" over the last several weeks. (That, and the insane amounts of caffeine I have been drinking in coffee, green tea, etc...to keep me going during all the hustle and bustle of the season).  I am to check my pressure again next week, and if it is not better, I am to call her for further consultation.  When I got home, I was a little concerned, so I decided to check the American Heart Association website.  There is a cool little calculator you can use to show your risks, and get an idea of how to treat and prevent hypertension.  Get this...the top two things on my list were: 1) Lose weight, and 2) get regular exercise.  Think Somebody is trying to tell me something???

I also got an email from my Mama today that featured a video of one of her friends (a former GA Leader of mine) on the local TV station talking about how to stay healthy and lower stress during the holidays. Coincidence?  I think NOT!! (Actually, I don't believe there is any such thing in the life of a believer....it's all about the GOD-INCIDENCES).

That being said, it is ON...it's ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!! This isn't just about looking good, and feeling better anymore...this is about LIVING WELL, and being healthy.  This is about NOT having to take meds to regulate my blood pressure.  This is about being a good steward of my body, and the life my Creator has given me...

Thank you Jesus!!! Tomorrow is a NEW DAY!

Tis the Season...

Rosy cheeks like Santa? Yup.  But it ain't cause I'm happy...

Red nose like Rudolph?  Yes ma'am...and proud of it!

Pale like Jack Frost? Unfortunately...

Sounding like the Abominable Snowman?? Abso-flippin-lutely.

That's me...

Stuffy-headed, coughing, sneezing, achy little old me...

Got a call in to the doctor.

Praying for some relief...

Soon.

Merry Tossmas?

Got this in my email inbox from my friend Donna. Too good not to share...

Click here and enjoy!

Monday Musings

We had another wonderful weekend! (God has blessed us with quite a few of those lately, and we are SO THANKFUL!! ;-))

Friday afternoon, KISA and I took the kids to his parents and headed out for Myrtle Beach, SC.  We participated in our Deacon's Retreat for this year, with our awesome Pastor, his wife Mrs. Nancy, and many other wonderful friends and leaders from our church.  A wonderful time was had by all!

I really enjoyed getting to know some of the ladies from our church while we were out shopping and having coffee on Friday evening.  (Yes, Mrs. June...I am like that ALL THE TIME! :-)...poor thing, she didn't even see it coming!)  It's always great when you get to shop for cute clothes with a bunch of cute gals, and cut up and giggle the whole time!  I really felt like it brought us closer together as a team.

On Saturday, after the meetings were over, we had lunch at Damon's on the ocean. Then KISA and I set out on an adventure of our own.  CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!!  We started around 1:30 pm at the Tanger Outlets in Myrtle Beach, and ended up around 10:30 pm at the Target in Flo-town.  But you know what??? Stick a fork in us, 'cause we are D-O-N-E!! (Totally NOT like our steaks, Dori and Brad! Honestly, I think I heard mine "moo"! Hee Hee!)  We literally shopped until we dropped, but  we slept so peacefully with, not visions of sugarplums, but the sound of pencils making check marks in our heads!

Yesterday morning, we had a great Sunday School lesson about church, and what Jesus intended for it to be. We have been using the Nooma Video series, and they are awesome!  This one was called Sunday. Our teenagers really stepped out and began sharing their hearts...so exciting when that happens!  And we moved back to ONE service in preparation for moving into our NEW SANCTUARY sometime in January.  The whole church family was together at the same time, and let me tell you it was a PACKED HOUSE!!  It's so awesome when you can experience that kind of unity!  I hear that services last night were awesome, too...with wonderful praise songs and testimonies.  I hate we had to miss it, but we were traveling to pick up the kids.  God is continually reminding me what a blessing it is to be part of a group of believers like SFBC.  Thank you Jesus for bringing us to such a wonderful church 7 years ago, where your presence is felt, your power is magnified, and your love is shown!

On the way home from getting the kids, each of them took turns in the truck telling "stories" about their weekend.  They had a fabulous time with Gigi and PawPaw, Aunt Misty and Uncle Chris.  (Chris, you will be thrilled to know that Samuel woke up at 5:00 this morning asking for YOU!! He waned NO ONE else!)  On Saturday they took a train ride complete with Christmas songs, and hot cocoa--- their very own little Polar Express--- to see Santa!  How fun!! KISA and I are planning to go with them next year.  Each of them had so much wonder in their voices as they  recounted the experience.  It was truly a blessing to hear.  But  not as much as the blessing we received when they started talking about church on Sunday.  Apparently their lesson was on the Parable of the Wedding, and they talked about getting new robes, and being invited to the party.  They even ate wedding cake!  It was such a joy to hear the excitement in their voices, and hear Emilee say, "That's what it's going to be like in heaven, Mama!". Priceless!

When we got them home, they noticed that their stockings had been stuffed with a special surprise, and went running over to see what it was.  New Christmas pajamas! (Pictures coming SOON!) They were so excited they wanted to immediately take their baths so they could put them on!  After eating and bathing, they did just that, and we all settled around the television to watch Frosty Returns on DVD.

Have I mentioned that I love this time of year???