I have someone very special to me on my heart right now... someone who is struggling and worrying and needs love. I just pray that God gives her the comfort she needs. Amen.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
– Philippians 4:6
Take your worries and give them to God. He is reaching for them with outstretched hands. This is the same God that promises to give peace for despair.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
So Proud of Mister Husband!
About a month or so ago, my husband made the decision to lose weight. For the past year I kept hearing that he was going to go to the gym, he was going to eat better, etc… but he got sick in April due to his high blood pressure, he didn’t like how he looked in our family pictures, and a lot of other little things so when my friend offered him a bottle of hCG b/c her husband didn’t want to do it with her, he decided to give it a try. I checked with his Dr and they said that it couldn’t hurt his high BP and should help matters, but if he started to feel weird at all to stop taking it and come in for a blood test.
So on August 2nd, he started this hCG diet. He could eat 500 calories a day and take these drops. I am so proud of him for his will power, he did great. He stopped the drops after 21 days and he was down 35 lbs!!!
He still has some more he’d like to lose, but he is now counting calories and starting the gym to work on the rest. We went shopping this weekend for an early birthday present since none of his pants fit anymore and he is down 2 sizes, almost 3. I am amazed. He looks great, his health is going to be better, yay!
Here is a before and after picture:
260 lbs
225lbs
So on August 2nd, he started this hCG diet. He could eat 500 calories a day and take these drops. I am so proud of him for his will power, he did great. He stopped the drops after 21 days and he was down 35 lbs!!!
He still has some more he’d like to lose, but he is now counting calories and starting the gym to work on the rest. We went shopping this weekend for an early birthday present since none of his pants fit anymore and he is down 2 sizes, almost 3. I am amazed. He looks great, his health is going to be better, yay!
Here is a before and after picture:
260 lbs
225lbs
Friday, August 27, 2010
Mom Update
In February, my mom had reconstructive surgery done for her mastectomy. Because of her chemo and radiation and everything she had been through, she couldn’t do normal implants… they did this procedure where they took tissue from her stomach to recreate her breasts. In the end, after 16 hrs of surgery, she had a tummy tuck and a new rack... that my husband so lovingly has everyone referring to as "Belly Boobs".
She is doing really well… energy is coming back, hair is growing back (although a different color), and things are good. I thank God for the support, comfort, and healing He provided during these trying times. My mom is an amazing woman and uses what she learned from this experience to help others going through breast cancer.
Someone told me the other day that my mom looks great and is on the back of the Harley like nothing ever happened... I pray that this is something behind us and we dont have to deal with it again. I would like to see her on the back of the bike for many more years to come!
She is doing really well… energy is coming back, hair is growing back (although a different color), and things are good. I thank God for the support, comfort, and healing He provided during these trying times. My mom is an amazing woman and uses what she learned from this experience to help others going through breast cancer.
Someone told me the other day that my mom looks great and is on the back of the Harley like nothing ever happened... I pray that this is something behind us and we dont have to deal with it again. I would like to see her on the back of the bike for many more years to come!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Love ROCKing the Community.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
~ Hebrews 10:24, NLT
All summer long, my church did a thing called R.O.C.K’ed… Random Outbreaks of Community Kindness. We would go out in the community and give out water bottles on a hot day, wash windshield while people pumped gas, gave out quarters at the laundry mat, go to the park and give out otter pops, just a bunch of random things that make a difference… no strings attached.
Our goal isn’t to convert the state of Utah… our goal is to show the love of Christ through our actions. Having people see the good things we are doing and encourage them to do good in return. We can witness to a lot of people unintentionally that way and if you want to strike up a conversation about Jesus along the way, we are always willing to talk.
It’s funny b/c I try to involve my kids in as much community service as I can as I believe they will be better people for it and they are now to the point that they are upset if they hear I went and did something without them… so when I took a day off of work during our week long home missions trip earlier this month, they had a fit b/c I hadn’t planned on bringing them with me. When I saw how much they wanted to come, I changed my mind and brought them along for the day. We did haircuts, back to school supplies, and a grocery delivery. When Pastor Matt asked Drew how he was doing, he told him “I like doing this stuff… its better than going to Worship”. LOL!! Being that P-Matt has 4 little boys of his own, he understood what Drew meant :)
I believe that it doesn’t take good acts to get you to heaven, however doing good for your community and those around you just makes you feel better about your life and your circumstances.
~ Hebrews 10:24, NLT
All summer long, my church did a thing called R.O.C.K’ed… Random Outbreaks of Community Kindness. We would go out in the community and give out water bottles on a hot day, wash windshield while people pumped gas, gave out quarters at the laundry mat, go to the park and give out otter pops, just a bunch of random things that make a difference… no strings attached.
Our goal isn’t to convert the state of Utah… our goal is to show the love of Christ through our actions. Having people see the good things we are doing and encourage them to do good in return. We can witness to a lot of people unintentionally that way and if you want to strike up a conversation about Jesus along the way, we are always willing to talk.
It’s funny b/c I try to involve my kids in as much community service as I can as I believe they will be better people for it and they are now to the point that they are upset if they hear I went and did something without them… so when I took a day off of work during our week long home missions trip earlier this month, they had a fit b/c I hadn’t planned on bringing them with me. When I saw how much they wanted to come, I changed my mind and brought them along for the day. We did haircuts, back to school supplies, and a grocery delivery. When Pastor Matt asked Drew how he was doing, he told him “I like doing this stuff… its better than going to Worship”. LOL!! Being that P-Matt has 4 little boys of his own, he understood what Drew meant :)
I believe that it doesn’t take good acts to get you to heaven, however doing good for your community and those around you just makes you feel better about your life and your circumstances.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Where did the summer go?
I swear it was like last week when school ended and we went to Disney World… the summer has flown by! I decided to make some changes and the kids switched schools and will take the bus this year. At first Ty was upset, she was going to miss her friends. Drew didn’t care where he went as long as he didn’t have to wear uniforms. As time went on and I took them to their new school to see where things were and whatnot, they were both fine with our decision. This morning I went in a bit late so I could see them off to the bus. Hard to believe I have a 5th and 2nd grader (as well as my 7th grader in Bountiful!).
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Meaningful Words
I’ve been finding quotes and writing them down and taping them all over my desk at work. I even have an app on my phone for quotes (Yes, there is an app for that). I have a whole book of quotes or meaningful words that I’ve collected over the years… I thought I would share some.
* May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God, rather than the cares of life.
* Live Simply. Love Generously. Serve Faithfully. Speak Truthfully. Pray Daily. Leave everything else to God.
* Ability is what your capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
* When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope not to have a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me”.
* May you always be overwhelmed by the Grace of God, rather than the cares of life.
* Live Simply. Love Generously. Serve Faithfully. Speak Truthfully. Pray Daily. Leave everything else to God.
* Ability is what your capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.
* When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope not to have a single bit of talent left and could say, “I used everything you gave me”.
Too Blessed to be Stressed
...let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him...
~ Hebrews 10:22, NLT
This bible verse goes right along with what I said yesterday… that God wants us to trust Him, to put our faith in him.
I try to not look to my own understanding and give my worries to God. Little things like “should I really post about my Ex on my Facebook status? It’d make me feel better… but what good does that make the situation?” to “should I switch the kids schools and let them stay home alone until I get there instead of sending them to daycare?” to “ Is working on a relationship with _____ really worth it?” and a million other things that go through my head daily.
I think putting God in the forefront of my mind helps me deal with situations better… a quick little prayer of “God, I’m struggling here… please help” is comforting. It helps me to not over react and freak out. I am the first person to panic when things don’t go my way and I have noticed that when I give it all to God, I am more calm.
That little saying of “Too Blessed to be Stressed” maybe cheesy, but its true!
~ Hebrews 10:22, NLT
This bible verse goes right along with what I said yesterday… that God wants us to trust Him, to put our faith in him.
I try to not look to my own understanding and give my worries to God. Little things like “should I really post about my Ex on my Facebook status? It’d make me feel better… but what good does that make the situation?” to “should I switch the kids schools and let them stay home alone until I get there instead of sending them to daycare?” to “ Is working on a relationship with _____ really worth it?” and a million other things that go through my head daily.
I think putting God in the forefront of my mind helps me deal with situations better… a quick little prayer of “God, I’m struggling here… please help” is comforting. It helps me to not over react and freak out. I am the first person to panic when things don’t go my way and I have noticed that when I give it all to God, I am more calm.
That little saying of “Too Blessed to be Stressed” maybe cheesy, but its true!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hi! Remember Me?
It’s been a while… but I’m back, for now. Between being crazy busy, obsessed with Facebook, and some weird comments in a foreign language I haven’t blogged for a while but something is weighing on my heart so I wanted to share.
As you all know, I am always open to sharing my love of Jesus with just about anyone who will listen. For those who haven’t been Saved may think I am a nut but I can personally say how much my life has made a change for the better once I quit going by my plans and hand things over to God and let him be in control. Raising your hands and saying “Lord, I surrender” can be a scary thing… especially for a control freak like myself but I know that I can’t do it on my own. I know that God has big plans for me, if I will just be quiet and listen.
I don’t pretend to know it all, I can’t quote you bible verses on the fly, I am still new to this… I just know that I am in a better place in my life by serving am amazing God, by impacting the Ogden community with service and love, and showing my children at an early age the grace God can give by accepting him into their lives.
With that being said, one of the things I am struggling with right now is how to forgive someone if you can’t forget what they did. To me it seems hypocritical. I don’t know how to say “I forgive you” and mean it if will never trust them again. I know it’s not my place to judge the sin of others… that its between them and God, but how do I feel comfortable around someone who has hurt others? This has been weighing on my mind and I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer over it. I found something online that really hit home and I felt compelled to share in hopes that it will help someone else who may be struggling with forgiveness.
How to Forgive When You Can't Forget
• Make a decision. Do you really want to keep being upset? Do you want to keep allowing the person who hurt you to dwell in your mind, without paying rent? Do you want to allow the wound to begin healing just to tear it back open? OR Are you ready to move on with living and move on from this bad chapter in your life? Only you can decide. Make the decision - YES, I want to move on.
• Realize they may or may not know. The person who you need to forgive may or may not realize it. Sometimes a person doesn't even know what they've done. You may be thinking about them but they may have long since forgotten about you. You just don't know exactly what's going on in the other person's head. You also don't know why people are like they are. Leave all that to God to worry about.
• Ask God to help you. There's only one person that wants you to move on from the past more than you and that's God. He doesn't want his child living in slummy conditions. He wants you to live a joyful and victorious life. Just say - "God, I'm having a hard time forgiving (fill in the name) You know they have (fill in the blank) and I'm tired of having this eat me up. Please help me to forgive and move on." I know you forgive me when I blow it, please help me to forgive them.
• Forgive them. Just say to yourself and to God. I forgive (name) for (action). I know that forgiving them doesn't mean they were right. I know that forgiving them doesn't mean I agree. I just know forgiving them frees me to live again. Forgiving them frees me to focus on more important things. They have taken too much from me already and the buck stops here. I forgive them and I thank you God for helping me.
• Celebrate! You've just been freed from a life sentence! You don't have to forgive a person face-to-face unless you need it for your own healing. God knows your heart and he's so very proud of you. You're Free! Praise the Lord!
As you all know, I am always open to sharing my love of Jesus with just about anyone who will listen. For those who haven’t been Saved may think I am a nut but I can personally say how much my life has made a change for the better once I quit going by my plans and hand things over to God and let him be in control. Raising your hands and saying “Lord, I surrender” can be a scary thing… especially for a control freak like myself but I know that I can’t do it on my own. I know that God has big plans for me, if I will just be quiet and listen.
I don’t pretend to know it all, I can’t quote you bible verses on the fly, I am still new to this… I just know that I am in a better place in my life by serving am amazing God, by impacting the Ogden community with service and love, and showing my children at an early age the grace God can give by accepting him into their lives.
With that being said, one of the things I am struggling with right now is how to forgive someone if you can’t forget what they did. To me it seems hypocritical. I don’t know how to say “I forgive you” and mean it if will never trust them again. I know it’s not my place to judge the sin of others… that its between them and God, but how do I feel comfortable around someone who has hurt others? This has been weighing on my mind and I’ve spent a lot of time in prayer over it. I found something online that really hit home and I felt compelled to share in hopes that it will help someone else who may be struggling with forgiveness.
How to Forgive When You Can't Forget
• Make a decision. Do you really want to keep being upset? Do you want to keep allowing the person who hurt you to dwell in your mind, without paying rent? Do you want to allow the wound to begin healing just to tear it back open? OR Are you ready to move on with living and move on from this bad chapter in your life? Only you can decide. Make the decision - YES, I want to move on.
• Realize they may or may not know. The person who you need to forgive may or may not realize it. Sometimes a person doesn't even know what they've done. You may be thinking about them but they may have long since forgotten about you. You just don't know exactly what's going on in the other person's head. You also don't know why people are like they are. Leave all that to God to worry about.
• Ask God to help you. There's only one person that wants you to move on from the past more than you and that's God. He doesn't want his child living in slummy conditions. He wants you to live a joyful and victorious life. Just say - "God, I'm having a hard time forgiving (fill in the name) You know they have (fill in the blank) and I'm tired of having this eat me up. Please help me to forgive and move on." I know you forgive me when I blow it, please help me to forgive them.
• Forgive them. Just say to yourself and to God. I forgive (name) for (action). I know that forgiving them doesn't mean they were right. I know that forgiving them doesn't mean I agree. I just know forgiving them frees me to live again. Forgiving them frees me to focus on more important things. They have taken too much from me already and the buck stops here. I forgive them and I thank you God for helping me.
• Celebrate! You've just been freed from a life sentence! You don't have to forgive a person face-to-face unless you need it for your own healing. God knows your heart and he's so very proud of you. You're Free! Praise the Lord!
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