tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61998345757050090972024-03-28T23:29:57.434-04:00Encouraging Deep RootsTerrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.comBlogger2949125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-51762103105454977182024-03-28T06:41:00.005-04:002024-03-28T07:38:46.559-04:00Introducing Simple & Nutritious<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ8RHQWC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XjGN-Gb5nbu1Vo-sRY4KIASuHwBoc2ni-rGzEe7EAl_YvWTleEKFUwZkOZW7gmIdvBcCV5ycFuZX2TDs4prDk4iQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.8j8k3gzfnQOuvUj3QyoZoinnn9A74mQm6EE7aM-6zwg&qid=1711625828&sr=8-4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkMxCbcdETT09-jEJvhQ3OnIlyR_lmvqipRFT7w1rLOQ6hnqeB1sWA3-7XTS-kYDB-fgQ8JUE2VjR78BpY8rHA6_aW7qKF17aOIlIF7KzBBDD-hac9Heh28Z0hIyRBnR10QZ4I1_tFy7aTudwt6Efbq7JMAQ57mGAnTymIDKXNXOHm9FR6RQJmWY9sDFY/w444-h640/Simple%20&%20Nutritious%20Cover%20-%207.125%20x%2010.25.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've spent the past 4 days staring at a computer screen for hours each day, feeling like I wanted to rip my hair out and yes, crying a few tears. However, I am happy to say that my new cookbook has been published. You can click on the picture above to take you to the page on Amazon where it is listed. It is available as a paperback, hardcover and Kindle e-book.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm so happy with how it turned out and yet, never thought writing a cookbook would be that difficult. I would think I was finished and then find something else I needed to tweak. I also included a bit of my weight loss journey in it as well. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have also created a new website for all things frugal called <a href="https://thefrugalconnection.com" target="_blank"><b><i>The Frugal Connection</i></b></a>. The link for that is at the top of this blog. I also started a Facebook page for that with the desire to build a community around inspiring each other with ideas to save money in this crazy economy.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm excited about this new book but had to laugh at the irony of how expensive it is to print a book in color. Any ideas that I actually will make money on the book went out the window once the printing costs and the publisher fees are subtracted from the book price. But I'm happy with the book and think it's beautiful. I created it as a 7x10" size with color photos in it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I know it can help others on a similar journey and that's really what it was all about anyway, not making money. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I hope that you will find it useful if you are trying to incorporate more plants and whole foods into your diet. If you already eat this way, you may glean some new ideas and recipes.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My goal with this book was to create some fun, frugal and nutritious plant-based, whole foods recipes. Enjoy and please share the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ8RHQWC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XjGN-Gb5nbu1Vo-sRY4KIASuHwBoc2ni-rGzEe7EAl_YvWTleEKFUwZkOZW7gmIdvBcCV5ycFuZX2TDs4prDk4iQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.8j8k3gzfnQOuvUj3QyoZoinnn9A74mQm6https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ8RHQWC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XjGN-Gb5nbu1Vo-sRY4KIASuHwBoc2ni-rGzEe7EAl_YvWTleEKFUwZkOZW7gmIdvBcCV5ycFuZX2TDs4prDk4iQnr3qkIF2HGcmvBRt5p4.8j8k3gzfnQOuvUj3QyoZoinnn9A74mQm6EE7aM-6zwg&qid=1711625828&sr=8-4EE7aM-6zwg&qid=1711621582&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Amazon link</a> with others! </span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-19632751673555095172024-03-25T08:22:00.007-04:002024-03-25T09:28:25.132-04:00Speaking Words of Blessing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q2FfoaNbjNxqIxyajixogr5zgh2JPZgIAkbiw_JRBHTW-iTwAAN9_fjCPyZZ2lEbvVmTe-Zbz65Mb9JS_PRswEwaAXcTGb63qPFxnHWFU_yNcSsiZGiczGyQxX4EefqrpuSZ2gyWmOK_V5wrfw7t_i0pnZufZiYSZuYcLumxJG81tmW06vs4MDyWDdM/s3604/IMG_4599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2181" data-original-width="3604" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8q2FfoaNbjNxqIxyajixogr5zgh2JPZgIAkbiw_JRBHTW-iTwAAN9_fjCPyZZ2lEbvVmTe-Zbz65Mb9JS_PRswEwaAXcTGb63qPFxnHWFU_yNcSsiZGiczGyQxX4EefqrpuSZ2gyWmOK_V5wrfw7t_i0pnZufZiYSZuYcLumxJG81tmW06vs4MDyWDdM/w640-h388/IMG_4599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I had such a weird dream last night. In my dream I knew my time was coming to an end and I had different friends, family and acquaintances come where I was and I read a blessing over them. The weird part was that it was a spoken word poem that I had written. ๐</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But as I lay in bed this morning reflecting on the dream, it brought a smile to my face. A wonderful way to go is being able to leave a word of encouragement to those in your life. To let them know how much you love them and speak a word of blessing over them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've tried to live my life that way though I know I'm not always success at it. But that is my goal; to connect with people and speak blessing over them. I want to encourage them with my words and with my life and leave their lives better because it intersected with mine. I think that is a worthwhile goal we all should strive to achieve.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I think about the past week I feel thankful for the following things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ My middle son is in between jobs and doing deliveries to make ends meet before his new job starts. But I'm thankful that he is calm and seems at peace.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I was able to get much accomplished in editing the new book. I just received the second proof in the mail and it should be all set to publish within a week. I've been "cooking" through the recipes to make sure all is clear.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm slowly, but surely, making progress on my women's conference at the end of April. All the details are coming together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I serve as the women's director for our district women's ministry and one of my primary roles is keeping in touch with our International Workers and getting their prayer needs and physical needs out to our district churches. Sometimes it seems as if it's such a small and meaningless role. But when I'm able to connect a need one of our workers has with a local church who can meet that need with a very quick turn-around, it makes me happy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I am thankful for a wonderful Saturday. We met my daughter, her fiancรฉ and his parents and brother for lunch and then a round of miniature golf. I'm thankful that he has a solid family and for a good relationship with them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ Yesterday was such a wonderful day in church. We had a Palm Sunday breakfast, followed by our service which concluded with a children's "hosanna" parade around the sanctuary and then an Easter egg hunt. There was definitely a joyful spirit there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It was a good week. I'm thankful for the many ways that the Lord is reminding me to be a voice that speaks blessing over someone.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-56774149887093896862024-03-23T06:45:00.004-04:002024-03-23T06:45:21.824-04:00Weighing the Cost<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBcRAYltgsfo1-mkB8R3VMTrLleLiqw9m_ad9fHFoQ0uGOq8NicCwBU6_ejNl7BRM3SxqDhDSt8UJg_u4iK31HC0lCuzwsig3STgsOHUle1KwaVKCMpJG1QCert1aVpMSu9Fo6NPvGZLsG3NrglXbRvyZ4U0nVwep0V7q7rB4LLBWieGTzDoXN96TuZY/s640/IMG_6189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBcRAYltgsfo1-mkB8R3VMTrLleLiqw9m_ad9fHFoQ0uGOq8NicCwBU6_ejNl7BRM3SxqDhDSt8UJg_u4iK31HC0lCuzwsig3STgsOHUle1KwaVKCMpJG1QCert1aVpMSu9Fo6NPvGZLsG3NrglXbRvyZ4U0nVwep0V7q7rB4LLBWieGTzDoXN96TuZY/w640-h480/IMG_6189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We are entering into Holy Week and the events that lead up to the death of Christ. One of my favorite celebrations is the celebration of Palm Sunday. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I love the symbolism of this event and enjoy celebrating it with the children at church. But as I was reading this morning and looking at this passage of Scripture again, something new struck me.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mark 11:7-11 ~ </b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>The disciples brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:</b></i></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hosanna!</span></b></i></div><i><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">Blessed is he who comes</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the name of the Lord!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessed is the coming kingdom</div><div style="text-align: center;">of our father David!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hosanna in the highest heaven!</div></span></b></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Jesus enters into Jerusalem on a young and borrowed donkey that no one had ever ridden. It was untamed and yet, willingly submitted to a man riding on it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The crowds are jubilant and are shouting and screaming, "Hosanna!" They are cheering and running and generally in an state of extreme celebration. They run ahead of Jesus and lay down their cloaks and palm branches. I can just imagine the sights, sounds, and chaos of that scene.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And yet, there is no feast at the end of this procession for Jesus. It seems a bit of a let-down, especially for a culture that loves their feasts and celebrations. All the passage says is that Jesus went into the temple, looked around and left for the night. It seems to be a bit of oversight on someone's part!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And yet, I think that's some of the point of this story. The people in this story that were so worked up and excited were in a frenzy because many of them were following the crowd. They weren't intentionally following Him. They were caught up in the moment. These same people would later turn on Him. Their recognition of His lordship only went so deep. When the opportunity came for them to accept Him as Lord and stand up for Him at His trial, they turned and denied Him because the cost was too great. They ended up rejecting Him and shouting for His crucifixion.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I reflected on that, I realized that the cost of following Jesus is a great one. There will be things we give up, say no to, and sacrifice in order to follow where He leads. We will have to deny our baser human impulses. Sometimes He will lead us on hard paths.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Is it worth it? Absolutely. But we must count the cost of what it means to be a Christ-follower or else we will be like that crowd - shouting His praise one minute and rejecting Him the next. If we haven't truly embraced who He is then we will very easily turn our faces from Him when the going gets tough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On Palm Sunday we wave the branches, sing hosanna and have joy in our hearts. But what about when the road of following Jesus is hard and thorny and a struggle. Will we continue to follow Him or will we reject Him? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We have to weigh the cost because that is a choice that will lead to our freedom or to our destruction.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-45522033111120819822024-03-18T07:20:00.002-04:002024-03-18T07:36:21.342-04:00Hanging on for a Wild Ride<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-BChIWzuQ5Jxct-u9_7A-UBJ7zmlJlhZPqg0A6Ctv2eejhIqepMkvU7h_pDMHxft59H-nx3fFngA28aXLnQ1mAqaSx-un8baf5KPbA_WSOML4Y5eL7657q9xMzxUHHYnynSxTlWF5UdPPzQO3dsGhbidPC5ntFa81pxAsiH8t_q1Ta-FB5Whqm1wqDM/s5568/DSC_1770.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-BChIWzuQ5Jxct-u9_7A-UBJ7zmlJlhZPqg0A6Ctv2eejhIqepMkvU7h_pDMHxft59H-nx3fFngA28aXLnQ1mAqaSx-un8baf5KPbA_WSOML4Y5eL7657q9xMzxUHHYnynSxTlWF5UdPPzQO3dsGhbidPC5ntFa81pxAsiH8t_q1Ta-FB5Whqm1wqDM/w640-h426/DSC_1770.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p style="text-align: justify;">I'd love to sit on this bench and contemplate about the grander things in life. However, after looking at my calendar and realizing that we have a major life event happening in our family in less than 5 months, I've had a couple of panicked days.</p></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Weddings are no small things to pull off and I guess I've been in my own little world as time has sped by until we are at this point. And not only is there so much to do, but the expense of things is crazy. I have a number of items in my online shopping cart, but am waiting to see if they go on sale or if I can find them cheaper elsewhere. My frugal nature plus the reality of our finances is kicking in so I'm excited to see how this can be done in a way that is beautiful, elegant and yet, doesn't break our bank nor the bride and groom's bank!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Event planning is my thing so I'm excited for this, but there definitely are so many details to look after. I told a friend that a wedding is event planning on steroids. Add the normal events that happen at this time of the year both in the church and in my district ministry, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, I'm taking it one day at a time, making lots of lists so I don't forget anything and checking them off as I go. The bride and groom are fairly easy to work with as they aren't fussy or uptight about many of the details. There are some specific things they want, but then are really very casual about other details. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some of the challenge is the wedding is out of town and the venue provides a few things but we need to bring the rest. So transporting everything 5 hours away is going to be a bit of a pain. However, I always like a challenge so am working it through in my head.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The bride and groom decided they wanted to forgo a wedding cake and instead are having a cookie bar. Neither of them really like cake and in this day and age, the couple can be really creative and basically, do what they want. I volunteered to bake the cookies for the wedding. All that training from catering and doing the farmer's markets has paid off as I'll be making about 1,000 cookies! ๐คฃ</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've been holding off on purchasing my dress as I continue to lose weight. I've lost 66 lbs. and the weekly loss has slowed way down as I've approached a normal weight. My body mass index has dropped about 12 points into a normal range which is fantastic. At this point, I could probably get the dress as a few more pounds really isn't going to make a difference in sizing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">These are exciting, stressful, but fun times. I had lunch with my daughter and my future son-in-law on Saturday and it was fun to talk about wedding planning and button down a few things with them both. Dan is officiating at the wedding and hopefully will get through it without crying. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Four and a half months to go! I'm hanging on for a wild ride! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuflpyZW2FUyK0UEo0IdP0VGCX5_oS1R1Z8l4BVDJWlrK58O34xLMl9RxBgkCt4whTrgxSdEZQ2ulrZAOacIHP4bx01QmMR44CtCLYwTqV-rwauQ9kBvOxW-_oBE5T5VGoTf2K9fc5np-ci9QwZluze8qKQXVyJO980Cu5pQD1O4gjnv2TJNuRgeojCA/s640/IMG_6073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuflpyZW2FUyK0UEo0IdP0VGCX5_oS1R1Z8l4BVDJWlrK58O34xLMl9RxBgkCt4whTrgxSdEZQ2ulrZAOacIHP4bx01QmMR44CtCLYwTqV-rwauQ9kBvOxW-_oBE5T5VGoTf2K9fc5np-ci9QwZluze8qKQXVyJO980Cu5pQD1O4gjnv2TJNuRgeojCA/w640-h480/IMG_6073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-4947503463177329392024-03-14T05:41:00.003-04:002024-03-14T05:55:36.856-04:00Just Keep Swimming<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1hsNGkIbJhTSog0wYVSvu0QxOmaK6eYT-8l8CpMfrB3XCi80CDJGM6_YwD4yl2hgkIbwlSTpEj3yBfBNnH76K0ltpKy4rzuB_KRxRapBiCFq673YRJzxLfey2YudP_v7Y66u_yptSu4Vmk4xcVYAgu9Pji7fmJxGsBFGQDrUcBMCnOckvasm3Qb8jAY/s3709/DSC_1931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="3709" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1hsNGkIbJhTSog0wYVSvu0QxOmaK6eYT-8l8CpMfrB3XCi80CDJGM6_YwD4yl2hgkIbwlSTpEj3yBfBNnH76K0ltpKy4rzuB_KRxRapBiCFq673YRJzxLfey2YudP_v7Y66u_yptSu4Vmk4xcVYAgu9Pji7fmJxGsBFGQDrUcBMCnOckvasm3Qb8jAY/w640-h218/DSC_1931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's been a busy week and I've had a lot to get done. It's easy to start to feel overwhelmed, but I find that my new mantra is "just keep swimming" or "put one foot in front of the other or "do the next thing." Any of those work. ๐</span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nSXIKYHBiRC51YWXfOGctngosM9p-g74b5pGqYWu90VVtT46QhyfHGV9PTBenm3o3RCrxz9LI8nYi6C8Ndz7mQdYZ4gjfJXHJ5BCpy9xGzY7cfS-LiKTx1m6YPpTGvdo7tzkvyr_gQ8Xgm1LK-Rvy-v1Wia8_n2BrRJE0rUiT8tbdSoz7w9OTRnzFo/s640/IMG_6108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7nSXIKYHBiRC51YWXfOGctngosM9p-g74b5pGqYWu90VVtT46QhyfHGV9PTBenm3o3RCrxz9LI8nYi6C8Ndz7mQdYZ4gjfJXHJ5BCpy9xGzY7cfS-LiKTx1m6YPpTGvdo7tzkvyr_gQ8Xgm1LK-Rvy-v1Wia8_n2BrRJE0rUiT8tbdSoz7w9OTRnzFo/w525-h640/IMG_6108.jpg" width="525" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In the past, when I would have a long list, I used to procrastinate which then just added to the overwhelmed feeling. However, over time I've learned to just keep doing the next task on my list until it is done and then I can cross it off and relieve that overwhelmed feeling. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This year I've been sitting down each Sunday evening and looking at the week ahead and writing down each thing I want to get done, including adding any meetings or appointments to my list and days I plan on walking or exercising. Those things that don't happen get moved to the next week's list.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And then I kick up my heels and get moving on them. I find making the list has really helped me to accomplish more.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo9kI_j9XrHlfY3RvjplAyeo2CkkXZUdUU1qC0adOnxYkc2CIJ9sa1UGOmAsTiP6HApbgbwjz6tTk193uUd4u3tJmMKO0cbUoWspZeWItMoJJOBwv_1B-fSCur7XZBooPcHXGNcn3zVjLwwEolcRsJWou47a-I-uS9m4a3G1savqGQGsvdCJ-i2yUUyA/s1737/DSC_1909.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1737" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibo9kI_j9XrHlfY3RvjplAyeo2CkkXZUdUU1qC0adOnxYkc2CIJ9sa1UGOmAsTiP6HApbgbwjz6tTk193uUd4u3tJmMKO0cbUoWspZeWItMoJJOBwv_1B-fSCur7XZBooPcHXGNcn3zVjLwwEolcRsJWou47a-I-uS9m4a3G1savqGQGsvdCJ-i2yUUyA/w640-h526/DSC_1909.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The past few weeks have been really different as I've been doing a lot of recipe testing and tweaking as I work on a cookbook for plant-based eating. I've also been working on a new website which will be all things frugal and nutritious. When I start to want to procrastinate, I remind myself to keep going because it'll help pay the bills! ๐คฃ</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTcKcuD3nRxSnfO8j9Q4seX0vODQHrfZvI3fapUUArp6r4n-maUO_iyf9v6ng0-uOa3T-JBCxak0rj1NAayqPi6pdaU5PIJdwOp9oeBDjbeRmEYPE8V8zRIBp4tjwzhZVDjfu_BR3FmnsEpEeBOsCsZGtWvd7MVNwepo4MtbENF-ODpR20mV_pS-r5Z8/s640/IMG_6085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="640" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBTcKcuD3nRxSnfO8j9Q4seX0vODQHrfZvI3fapUUArp6r4n-maUO_iyf9v6ng0-uOa3T-JBCxak0rj1NAayqPi6pdaU5PIJdwOp9oeBDjbeRmEYPE8V8zRIBp4tjwzhZVDjfu_BR3FmnsEpEeBOsCsZGtWvd7MVNwepo4MtbENF-ODpR20mV_pS-r5Z8/w640-h396/IMG_6085.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsuW66WaKnajeiMqYewN03-eHh0-IO4YGafdpkq_cdPq6u3KoPQiOTKRwsgc2yodrKrfixR2PhTDUxj9MX7v-GORXPOY6p5t0y11FDQZSCMcwyOkTLNN-kW3y4HYuJD20kv1AcjvTrcZ-cy-DVhqzvDWQTsjg_dZ4KEWRuETCagrCJ55OHXBEyQjAfbI/s640/IMG_6154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsuW66WaKnajeiMqYewN03-eHh0-IO4YGafdpkq_cdPq6u3KoPQiOTKRwsgc2yodrKrfixR2PhTDUxj9MX7v-GORXPOY6p5t0y11FDQZSCMcwyOkTLNN-kW3y4HYuJD20kv1AcjvTrcZ-cy-DVhqzvDWQTsjg_dZ4KEWRuETCagrCJ55OHXBEyQjAfbI/w640-h480/IMG_6154.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After spending hours editing the past few days I was able to submit the book yesterday and order a proof copy. I find it easier to edit the final copy with the actual book in hand. Originally, I had planned on doing an e-book (easier and cheaper) but after polling a bunch of people I found most preferred an actual paperback book. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I may see about doing both as color printing is expensive. Now I know why cookbooks are costly.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPGHqoulc1TuwddaQjlvouCRaEK6S6P26vOaRSGKkBtpN7oBhXYnFiHwv4GTsU97h95QUlCRWD9d3UlKSg43X-8ss-LgJ-qSJR1uFzgHD8BECps0eUpNtjzgpE0MzyZiU-8JKk1bNHcef6lUReOyaekRAo2_mdtkB9oQqaD6ZlCeNj6STtydW01vRAcc/s640/IMG_6159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="640" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPGHqoulc1TuwddaQjlvouCRaEK6S6P26vOaRSGKkBtpN7oBhXYnFiHwv4GTsU97h95QUlCRWD9d3UlKSg43X-8ss-LgJ-qSJR1uFzgHD8BECps0eUpNtjzgpE0MzyZiU-8JKk1bNHcef6lUReOyaekRAo2_mdtkB9oQqaD6ZlCeNj6STtydW01vRAcc/w640-h498/IMG_6159.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to holding this beauty in my hands. Each new book brings me joy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnLaAfOIB_C3zBLywl1Ei9APb3LA5Ds5zjjDmPCqDePDGCW3KGzEjPgHk15DtQeYX9DPTHVCuUw0dfdCmFcPPwXCu8a8R_rRFeruSAginNXTndTIDAs_h65TMZFVGN5M3YUdaQuFuVQCDbnZjNoQDjafcC-qsV-qWHuLMdk4DBxTxJiAHtrao0lDZCv0/s2000/Bright%20Green%20and%20Pink%20Modern%20Healthy%20Food%20Lifestyle%20Book%20Cover%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnLaAfOIB_C3zBLywl1Ei9APb3LA5Ds5zjjDmPCqDePDGCW3KGzEjPgHk15DtQeYX9DPTHVCuUw0dfdCmFcPPwXCu8a8R_rRFeruSAginNXTndTIDAs_h65TMZFVGN5M3YUdaQuFuVQCDbnZjNoQDjafcC-qsV-qWHuLMdk4DBxTxJiAHtrao0lDZCv0/w494-h640/Bright%20Green%20and%20Pink%20Modern%20Healthy%20Food%20Lifestyle%20Book%20Cover%20(2).png" width="494" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've written 5 other books, but I find that writing a cookbook to be very difficult. It'll be a little bit longer before it's available, but that is because I really want to make sure it's correct and the instructions clear to the reader.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I was up before the birds this morning (4 a.m.) which was not by choice. However, once my brain gets going it's difficult to shut it off. Since I have an 8 a.m. meeting I guess it was good that I'm up and at 'em so early. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'll just keep swimming, one stroke at a time, but also am taking some time to enjoy the scenery around me each day. </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplXWGGz3zalb49Yte8Ddy6vniIQMlXWGxOZ656CbnXcGlM3nATB_dWFPXQnPIoa5ieZxfGRjuO3V9uRwGnLfidWTjQwE4MC5SXna7E8gtV0bLM1zauOUBOnO6MEUoF1-cqEc6IUbpjIuxCT58EWtZ4zH7_xtn9Roob3-Gmp7Q8RQZhR93atZQ-pK4RqY/s5568/DSC_1936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplXWGGz3zalb49Yte8Ddy6vniIQMlXWGxOZ656CbnXcGlM3nATB_dWFPXQnPIoa5ieZxfGRjuO3V9uRwGnLfidWTjQwE4MC5SXna7E8gtV0bLM1zauOUBOnO6MEUoF1-cqEc6IUbpjIuxCT58EWtZ4zH7_xtn9Roob3-Gmp7Q8RQZhR93atZQ-pK4RqY/w640-h426/DSC_1936.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-69984808152332161462024-03-11T07:56:00.005-04:002024-03-11T08:01:36.708-04:00What is Your Purpose?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenrYB66zTpx0nMpPf_8YuAn_IYskAFSgGLl3BNqLYye8Hs_aNZ_SOZinXZFni2cYuEhiTM_KNIpxHhOZzL61G-siJHIzlMz_xs4Hak_Vex1I8a_d7JG8BT7eTjbY6p0-vL7gbjA-NtpNn-G_WsU9pmYsNMgrZeS0PVfHP6jUcyjoNheHwz0TbWQeCCfQ/s940/%E2%80%9CThe%20key%20is%20for%20you%20to%20discover%20what%20you%20love%20to%20do,%20what%20you%20were%20created%20to%20do,%20and%20then%20do%20it%20for%20the%20people%20around%20you%20with%20love.%20That%20is%20the%20abundant%20life,%20dear%20girl,%20no%20matter%20where%20in%20the%20w.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenrYB66zTpx0nMpPf_8YuAn_IYskAFSgGLl3BNqLYye8Hs_aNZ_SOZinXZFni2cYuEhiTM_KNIpxHhOZzL61G-siJHIzlMz_xs4Hak_Vex1I8a_d7JG8BT7eTjbY6p0-vL7gbjA-NtpNn-G_WsU9pmYsNMgrZeS0PVfHP6jUcyjoNheHwz0TbWQeCCfQ/w640-h536/%E2%80%9CThe%20key%20is%20for%20you%20to%20discover%20what%20you%20love%20to%20do,%20what%20you%20were%20created%20to%20do,%20and%20then%20do%20it%20for%20the%20people%20around%20you%20with%20love.%20That%20is%20the%20abundant%20life,%20dear%20girl,%20no%20matter%20where%20in%20the%20w.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've spent a large chunk of of my life trying to figure out what purpose I was supposed to serve. Was it writing to encourage others? Was it speaking to do the same? Was it to continue in my role in our district? Was it church ministry? Or was I just supposed to be a good wife and a support to our children? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">What is the overarching purpose in my life?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And often, when I went down that path of introspection I would start to feel that no matter what I chose it was the wrong decision. At times I thought that perhaps I misunderstood what God had said to me so I would change my mind about a decision I had made. It is exhausting going through life feeling as if I somehow missed the mark God had for me. I would end up second-guessing each decision and feeling as if I made a mistake and wasted my life.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have discovered that being on that merry-go-round is pointless and serves no good purpose. I've learned, and to be honest, am still learning, to have a shift of perspective. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Whatever I set out to do in my life, regardless of what it is, and no matter how seemingly small or large, is not wasted in God's kingdom. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If I love my family well, it brings Him glory. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If I show a kindness to a neighbor or stranger, it brings Him glory.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If I write a book that's read by a handful of people or thousands of people, it brings Him glory.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If I speak to a tiny audience or a crowd of multitudes, it all brings Him glory.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It brings God glory because I am doing my best and my motive in doing it is to serve Him well. It brings Him glory because I am operating within the spiritual gifts He has given me. He is glorified because I am enjoying the life He has given me and desire to honor Him with it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When my motivation is to serve God, serve others and find joy in my every day activities, it points people to Him. And that is the purpose every Christ-follower should have. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>Love God. Love people. Serve well. Give Him the glory.</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When you can do that it doesn't matter how that's accomplished - from small insignificant acts to huge inspirational feats. An abundant and overflowing life comes from living each day loving God and loving others so that He gets the glory. The how it's done (activities) doesn't matter as much as knowing why you are doing it (motive).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That is God's plan and purpose for us all.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-75271120754561846392024-03-08T10:07:00.002-05:002024-03-08T10:07:29.028-05:00Playing Peek-a-boo<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPagf1PyHXuw-vngL49LZte8o13glksfmmM979ihOE1GWKEnE7P6zE53CnXv7Lrujo5WUuxpe-oKNTRWMv18-79FQI0gWCpYon0duj65v-PWK8mUWGW6lu8JC6NdVMIkh2jx4PyNnwR0gtMwV4NpVbhBHUFWhEywwSMEcK9wGRGi8Lsyhz0B-TgMULOq0/s5568/DSC_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPagf1PyHXuw-vngL49LZte8o13glksfmmM979ihOE1GWKEnE7P6zE53CnXv7Lrujo5WUuxpe-oKNTRWMv18-79FQI0gWCpYon0duj65v-PWK8mUWGW6lu8JC6NdVMIkh2jx4PyNnwR0gtMwV4NpVbhBHUFWhEywwSMEcK9wGRGi8Lsyhz0B-TgMULOq0/w640-h426/DSC_1854.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Spring is definitely in the air and has come a bit early this year. I've been getting outside and enjoying it as much as I can because it definitely lifts my spirits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The past few days have felt like a game of peek-a-boo! I walk along, lost in thoughts, when out of nowhere a head appears. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This doe was skittish, but curious about me. She stood there while I took pictures and talked to her, but definitely was ready to take off at the first wrong move from me. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSRnsonEJzDMoqjm3O-g_iCzGsRyyiHFLc2IzUnTEqF3sKxG35sDZQQc7j4OW6H4Q5BruXJCc_Apfn6_N5b3ODP5PkofqwoTXqTnvrf2DrGNv8IhdUp9LQdc0q8iAwLUfI49TPb1v7uHs9Tt-Dj2DqqiUf0aezi_b-YLHPMn1wEiznD4UHgdkGIwhx7Y/s5568/DSC_1857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSRnsonEJzDMoqjm3O-g_iCzGsRyyiHFLc2IzUnTEqF3sKxG35sDZQQc7j4OW6H4Q5BruXJCc_Apfn6_N5b3ODP5PkofqwoTXqTnvrf2DrGNv8IhdUp9LQdc0q8iAwLUfI49TPb1v7uHs9Tt-Dj2DqqiUf0aezi_b-YLHPMn1wEiznD4UHgdkGIwhx7Y/w640-h426/DSC_1857.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GQ9vplZ3rKZVeKXb6tqoxK60iJfrEuakh-NjcTaiErHZuEcFpS6Y7UVtha0RCdHKBjQu7-KFr1nPj_f9-aRWN56ewSWSnbhD-jIcnRd4tKjI89hDNeUhdC3LBwqKVonlPzmCcZq-mf5xPVgIP3GQXnfk7lt8J5sk_tLHDKxDMWzMMyOSW5ZViySAbQ/s5568/DSC_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GQ9vplZ3rKZVeKXb6tqoxK60iJfrEuakh-NjcTaiErHZuEcFpS6Y7UVtha0RCdHKBjQu7-KFr1nPj_f9-aRWN56ewSWSnbhD-jIcnRd4tKjI89hDNeUhdC3LBwqKVonlPzmCcZq-mf5xPVgIP3GQXnfk7lt8J5sk_tLHDKxDMWzMMyOSW5ZViySAbQ/w640-h426/DSC_1841.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczqi9QG15Cm-A2qClxz5ZaYaBNd1Th-Y7LmpuDWoK8XjwJFTnbCpIChJpUElGvECqeDiEsV4CnNtCqICmc1jS2R-8YAgQgIWn3mVzL_2O6agtvAfb3ozWMX0CQUK97E27m4rf-aHu_GVNOUJ6CbNfPcf03IzrUpLSyNsgJJmkdWoKhwTKAPq7iuJgeGs/s5568/DSC_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczqi9QG15Cm-A2qClxz5ZaYaBNd1Th-Y7LmpuDWoK8XjwJFTnbCpIChJpUElGvECqeDiEsV4CnNtCqICmc1jS2R-8YAgQgIWn3mVzL_2O6agtvAfb3ozWMX0CQUK97E27m4rf-aHu_GVNOUJ6CbNfPcf03IzrUpLSyNsgJJmkdWoKhwTKAPq7iuJgeGs/w640-h426/DSC_1850.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There are always chipmunks scurrying through the dead leaves, but every now and then one will sit still long enough for me to snap a picture. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnmEu8X0mboiXfywA-_rUq9vUtmWzG7ztanPCoAcCH-VegEH54TrmCbQ_zuOxoHuubu4Me2xSzjhdQyS6cUvwGI5femTACEDWdFWXHIRWsP_FTIJmDSUeGiQS_jMhh8ZF5U8JYAUzRxhwxvX0lNxCH9B2pZW3WLiG9M24uJbrlCZa16LAO2KVdNAuQbs/s1228/DSC_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1228" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijnmEu8X0mboiXfywA-_rUq9vUtmWzG7ztanPCoAcCH-VegEH54TrmCbQ_zuOxoHuubu4Me2xSzjhdQyS6cUvwGI5femTACEDWdFWXHIRWsP_FTIJmDSUeGiQS_jMhh8ZF5U8JYAUzRxhwxvX0lNxCH9B2pZW3WLiG9M24uJbrlCZa16LAO2KVdNAuQbs/w640-h470/DSC_1815.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCh48pJ88-b1WbjHE9X-sttHpAVFz4D9N-HvTXuIGocNyUo8DTxJQDbHUwry5iQPHGzmVyfLeFW86O7StS47ya8hrIfMqs5F3VqLMBGHuE8QcfTxrrfIQYOzOmJUjhAAJxi5pwf9M1Ohvd_Iu5YebWIiwMFCNLL6J_Itq5uZN57uqQCzwCc7WQxcTKN0/s5568/DSC_1861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCh48pJ88-b1WbjHE9X-sttHpAVFz4D9N-HvTXuIGocNyUo8DTxJQDbHUwry5iQPHGzmVyfLeFW86O7StS47ya8hrIfMqs5F3VqLMBGHuE8QcfTxrrfIQYOzOmJUjhAAJxi5pwf9M1Ohvd_Iu5YebWIiwMFCNLL6J_Itq5uZN57uqQCzwCc7WQxcTKN0/w640-h426/DSC_1861.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Tiny buds are poking their heads out as well.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxynQuSPbWtC3H8lPRnGs0trUg5mo14LK9ZZl-4IvXw31wv-mb4y85Qj1j7Ot3QEm35aJNb8iDeDXwK_O1_jvGWC9vSN36I_wgKM1E2I3Nj_i6vW5r1F93qiFKq3dFjb7vHwdCUNIOq1puvMReOiDFceBL16WH05i4prT7-Dum7YDrUyKjzq2vJwdMjNc/s2084/DSC_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2084" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxynQuSPbWtC3H8lPRnGs0trUg5mo14LK9ZZl-4IvXw31wv-mb4y85Qj1j7Ot3QEm35aJNb8iDeDXwK_O1_jvGWC9vSN36I_wgKM1E2I3Nj_i6vW5r1F93qiFKq3dFjb7vHwdCUNIOq1puvMReOiDFceBL16WH05i4prT7-Dum7YDrUyKjzq2vJwdMjNc/w640-h460/DSC_1792.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutR8612gm71PQvH3rcMl2Y9reHr6B3-dTNf5ZEXNyNTyJCwTp7G8MMkaZnKA8vwaUDAgPmzWs3hv06-tBuA1TBDw_0DNPUYmyGGRpI4O_lsWuVdizAW2KcKdNGmcyd4CxYHpjewnlWGWXEG1HZSVcQv4wUGQoXQlnsVyJxxvPfJx3wtWyRqq5hhJcxRc/s5568/DSC_1831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutR8612gm71PQvH3rcMl2Y9reHr6B3-dTNf5ZEXNyNTyJCwTp7G8MMkaZnKA8vwaUDAgPmzWs3hv06-tBuA1TBDw_0DNPUYmyGGRpI4O_lsWuVdizAW2KcKdNGmcyd4CxYHpjewnlWGWXEG1HZSVcQv4wUGQoXQlnsVyJxxvPfJx3wtWyRqq5hhJcxRc/w640-h426/DSC_1831.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The birds are out and singing loudly. They seem to be happy spring is on the way as well!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAhLnxo8EsQ-hTuJSvS9sz_H_udMBmrT0RG8-65631OYb8aCWlxhwXYr9VfwAoXDitRxu9reznnwD72w-vOjPloM1e6GEEvHVR3_iDXmU0MPoq7y5GvoL9Eh_F9nhYo0x8BHHAYvi2kq4_RoebKg5apUykzHW90iEDukmixkB90dGm4QQqFoSp5AnyjA/s1240/DSC_1788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1240" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAhLnxo8EsQ-hTuJSvS9sz_H_udMBmrT0RG8-65631OYb8aCWlxhwXYr9VfwAoXDitRxu9reznnwD72w-vOjPloM1e6GEEvHVR3_iDXmU0MPoq7y5GvoL9Eh_F9nhYo0x8BHHAYvi2kq4_RoebKg5apUykzHW90iEDukmixkB90dGm4QQqFoSp5AnyjA/w640-h598/DSC_1788.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDfPVyoS66c-NsaY71O9d8qvjvKsmr07Dmp8G8kWEFHXy4vC4PfEMVY7BFWd80z8L-V9Q5A9qMjEg4Qmvr_TURRUx2DACuXOx7rGgIj189V7i2GqHMTyVW8bcnyjHyd8ULwYQ1FCAofkpH1j0qAGSXMl6AF4UkKTRX3V6oqCvqKW5488K_6Cq5YyHGq4/s1514/DSC_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="969" data-original-width="1514" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDfPVyoS66c-NsaY71O9d8qvjvKsmr07Dmp8G8kWEFHXy4vC4PfEMVY7BFWd80z8L-V9Q5A9qMjEg4Qmvr_TURRUx2DACuXOx7rGgIj189V7i2GqHMTyVW8bcnyjHyd8ULwYQ1FCAofkpH1j0qAGSXMl6AF4UkKTRX3V6oqCvqKW5488K_6Cq5YyHGq4/w640-h410/DSC_1801.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wU2UqeRbZbLCNq1jzT9Fb82P9zXIQXnTbjoEvZabdJ-RMzfp86334eyypUR7S0367uujQXk-EJuGqwIXZAVMwvvSMK0c4bhxCR4JJRPeM7rxEiSqWGXTnroUXhpcfFZpkDxNB3Spyljwfnf59go0O5IZOidKt2ZNOChukEiPt3s4y5zGmfwFpxRVzBI/s2935/DSC_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="2935" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wU2UqeRbZbLCNq1jzT9Fb82P9zXIQXnTbjoEvZabdJ-RMzfp86334eyypUR7S0367uujQXk-EJuGqwIXZAVMwvvSMK0c4bhxCR4JJRPeM7rxEiSqWGXTnroUXhpcfFZpkDxNB3Spyljwfnf59go0O5IZOidKt2ZNOChukEiPt3s4y5zGmfwFpxRVzBI/w640-h328/DSC_1867.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This little guy even seems so happy to see spring arrive that it decided to climb a tree which I had no idea they could do!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydPazMNUn7RvoYQTxGvG6dGlqxiSQquna_9NPnTk_i9WfcLqKGUZxI1InxC16-SQ4WhahSdP6ke_5Qytlc8PY-OHTC9GOsIir1frSK09anSlqB55f7JnLbjTekDySxFQS6zQwGQaMajJ0UzbZko667QbQm1gIypWiakcBZnWwK6OlJIHPHzLG9Zn5xxI/s3191/DSC_1784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3191" data-original-width="2417" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydPazMNUn7RvoYQTxGvG6dGlqxiSQquna_9NPnTk_i9WfcLqKGUZxI1InxC16-SQ4WhahSdP6ke_5Qytlc8PY-OHTC9GOsIir1frSK09anSlqB55f7JnLbjTekDySxFQS6zQwGQaMajJ0UzbZko667QbQm1gIypWiakcBZnWwK6OlJIHPHzLG9Zn5xxI/w484-h640/DSC_1784.JPG" width="484" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We are supposed to get snow this weekend, but that won't dampen my spirits. Spring has sprung!</span></div><br /> <p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-73313826157298936432024-03-04T06:33:00.004-05:002024-03-04T06:33:59.309-05:00Standing on the Threshold<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrROwj94ubbS_MVWgSp-x2e-VVog6VfBSe9SXie2XwAwPxx0dlnV4CzDGq2NRvnN3oXN-GJb4_336lBP-DjC1ajGKhQd-UaCK1JgDn0Z7QFUt4a9hU75o576EFzBGhgXhUeGZkCKkRgMIGSo-GtVU0bG0r9VutHYpTyQCpnwIrsJ_3z2-f3hN7YX2AA/s940/Standing%20on%20the%20Threshold.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZrROwj94ubbS_MVWgSp-x2e-VVog6VfBSe9SXie2XwAwPxx0dlnV4CzDGq2NRvnN3oXN-GJb4_336lBP-DjC1ajGKhQd-UaCK1JgDn0Z7QFUt4a9hU75o576EFzBGhgXhUeGZkCKkRgMIGSo-GtVU0bG0r9VutHYpTyQCpnwIrsJ_3z2-f3hN7YX2AA/w640-h536/Standing%20on%20the%20Threshold.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ecclesiastes 3:11 ~ He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.</span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There is so much in this world and in my life that I don't understand. There seems to be no purpose to pain and suffering and struggle. And I sometimes question, "Why would God allow this?" It's hard to reconcile what I know of God's goodness and mercy with the hard things that people walk through. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And yet, according to chapter 3 in Ecclesiastes there is a time and purpose for all things. The circumstances that we face, both good and bad, have a broader purpose that we may never know until we stand face to face with the Lord. In the grand scheme of eternity, what I struggle with here on earth may be part of a larger picture that I can't see. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">God's mysterious will shall be revealed one day and my piece of the puzzle will fit into the grander picture. </span></span></div><div><div></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For now, I am learning to be content of seeing just a glimmer of that from time to time. We are standing on the threshold of eternity and God, in His graciousness, gives us an inkling from time to time of His beautiful masterpiece. I'm so thankful for those glimpses because they give me hope and keep me moving forward. I can't wait for that beautiful day in the future when I will no longer be hovering on the threshold, but will walk with Him in glory.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That will be a day of complete peace and rejoicing as I see how all the pieces of my life fit together into HIs wonderful plan. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Monday is the day I give thanks for the many ways I've seen God at work.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I started the week out feeling pretty stressed about different things going on and yet, I ended the week with His peace so I'm thankful for that.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ We got to spend time with my niece and her son. I haven't seen her in about 12 years so that was nice.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful for accountants who are believers and are good at what they do and are helping us see how we can make changes for next year's tax season.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ We are entering into a season that I always love when I can reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for us and the reason I can have hope in the hard times.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ Thankful for a nursery full of babies and little ones. Four years ago we had only one child and now we have a church-full.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful for choices. Not many people in the world have them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I am thankful for my children. We don't always see eye to eye, but we have a good relationship and they talk to us regularly about the things going on in their lives.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">and finally...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">๐ Glimpses I see from time to time of how God is working all things for my benefit and His wonderful plan.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-2419743780608050552024-03-02T07:38:00.006-05:002024-03-02T07:39:27.557-05:00Haste Makes Waste in Decision-Making<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5x-d1a3Imc31fIWViWnNZim-U8TzsSgBVPghr-iK1TpsoUTLHE29oUPzns-PYEjgQ5MoX59ctExmsjwSI9rCd-pZ2T9ydO7K_8GU3ps6L09fJ2gf5vr1EBPFci6C0sn3hgjimMirQ5EflOAd_nEAcSZRxTLdMu30iO4S4kIPEDOrl3xyo4aX7ox02aQ/s940/www.encouragingdeeproots.com.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5x-d1a3Imc31fIWViWnNZim-U8TzsSgBVPghr-iK1TpsoUTLHE29oUPzns-PYEjgQ5MoX59ctExmsjwSI9rCd-pZ2T9ydO7K_8GU3ps6L09fJ2gf5vr1EBPFci6C0sn3hgjimMirQ5EflOAd_nEAcSZRxTLdMu30iO4S4kIPEDOrl3xyo4aX7ox02aQ/w640-h536/www.encouragingdeeproots.com.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Those of you who are methodical and think things through before acting or responding probably don't have to reflect on the saying, "haste makes waste" too much. But for some it's a hard lesson to learn, especially if you are a quick decision maker.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I did look up where the saying came from and it was first recorded in the </span><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">apocryphal Book of Wisdom around 190 BCE. It says, โThere is one that toileth and laboureth, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.โ Over time it was shortened to the quip we know today.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For myself, it's a lesson I've had to learn. I've spent countless hours throughout the years having to go back and redo something or find solutions to problems brought about by being too hasty in my actions or response in agreeing to do something another wants me to do. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To be honest, that later problem is more of what I have struggled with in my life. I have difficulty saying no to people so tend to get caught up in their enthusiasm and agree to something I later regret. Often I'm being asked to do many things because people know I have the gift of administration. In fact, recently someone said, "People come to you because you get things done." While that's a wonderful trait it can really be difficult for me to say, "no."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #22223d;">While some people seem to be almost paralyzed by the inability to start a task or program which can be its own issue, there is benefit in taking time to think something all the way through. </span><span style="color: #22223d;">Taking careful and deliberate action is something I'm practicing and getting much better at, though I still fall into those old habits from time to time. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm learning that it's okay to say, "Give me time to think about it before I give an answer." And if my answer is no, I'm trying to learn to be okay that my answer may disappoint someone. I really dislike that, but I'm discovering that someone else's agenda does not need to be mine.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I reflect and think a task or decision through to the conclusion, I save time because I'm not having to go back and either change my mind or fix mistakes that I made in my haste.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I am practicing doing the following before agreeing:</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1. Say, "Let me think and pray about it and get back to you." Then I do try and give a timeline of when that will happen. It may be a day or a week or a month, depending on what it is.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2. I try to find out what the commitment or activity entails before making a decision.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">3. I then actually pray about the decision. I ask the following questions. "Is this something that You want me to do or am I just trying to please someone for their approval?"</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. And if I can only help in a small way rather than taking on a whole project I make that known. I try to be clear in understanding what another's expectations are and I try to communicate clearly what my level of expectation is.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. Once I agree I put my whole heart and effort into doing it.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">I feel like a slow learner because I'm constantly fighting against my "go get 'em" personality, but I am thankful that I've seen huge strides in this area of my life. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #22223d; font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">And who knows? Maybe by the end of my life I'll be better known for the motto, "Slow and steady wins the race!" ๐</span></span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-18638979628949831112024-02-29T08:32:00.008-05:002024-02-29T10:23:56.309-05:00The Pages of Your Life<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ41yVZJjU8CCvyqZlZT9Ajh3dCXRQbom4E0WxZ4f7867M256u7GFKQ-ywVfvcPWO6SomHJyfuTM1EGGZ1Wh7Cvj6hfCcPniYmbKBex_OLrqpEU8FjsrL0jPkDuKEsyqwlAwqvYpR71JNRUwiwckw5nBXJv4CszIddHEDEht9KsNUMmJcMOsCGYESqQ2Y/s940/The.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ41yVZJjU8CCvyqZlZT9Ajh3dCXRQbom4E0WxZ4f7867M256u7GFKQ-ywVfvcPWO6SomHJyfuTM1EGGZ1Wh7Cvj6hfCcPniYmbKBex_OLrqpEU8FjsrL0jPkDuKEsyqwlAwqvYpR71JNRUwiwckw5nBXJv4CszIddHEDEht9KsNUMmJcMOsCGYESqQ2Y/w640-h536/The.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I love when the Lord sends me a written reminder of how He is working in my life. This morning it was through Psalm 102 which is really a Psalm of lament. </span>I've spiraled down the road of lamenting in the past two weeks. And while each of the things I'm stressing about on their own are not the end of the world, collectively they feel that way. </p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We have aging and frail parents who require a lot of time and attention. Our washing machine died, our hot water heater is banging (a sign of sediment build-up). This week we got hit with a huge tax bill adding up to many thousands of dollars. We have a wedding coming up which requires resources. Our car is on it's way to the junk heap. I felt really de-valued by a situation beyond my control. And a family member is going through a crisis. All of these things together has caused me to have knots in my stomach and to be honest, to say, "What's the point?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So as I was reading in Psalm 102 and praying this morning, I came across these words in the middle of the Psalm.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Psalm 102:17-22 ~</span></i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute </span><span>and will not despise their prayer.</span></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>This will be written for a later generation, </span><span>and a newly created people will praise the Lord: </span><span>He looked down from His holy heightsโ</span><span>the Lord gazed out from heaven to earthโ</span><span>to hear a prisonerโs groaning, </span><span>to set free those condemned to die, </span><span>so that they might declare </span><span>the name of Yahweh in Zion </span><span>and His praise in Jerusalem, </span><span>when peoples and kingdoms are assembled </span><span>to serve the Lord.</span></span></i></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I distinctly heard the Lord ask, "The point is the story you are writing for later generations." Will those who follow me see a beautiful story of trust and acceptance and certainty that the Lord was center in my story? Or will my pages read of anxiety and fearfulness and uncertainty? I want to say that the first question applies to me, but I'm not always sure about that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I know the past few days I've kind of been freaking out! This Psalm was a beautiful reminder of how the things I face are nothing in the light of eternity. My reaction to things in the here and now matter for those coming in the future. My belief in God's sovereignty affects how others will view the Lord.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The pages of our life matter. When people read them will our responses to our circumstances point to the Lord's goodness and provision or will they shout the message, "God is powerless?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You may not see why so many hard things are happening all at once or even over the course of your life, but your response to those struggles are writing your life story. Let the future generations see a book that is full of hope, faith and trust in a living God.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-55065486001294603992024-02-27T15:53:00.006-05:002024-02-27T15:53:40.797-05:00Preparation<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI0WpAbez_hdhKR-7PqfKZva_rwweCay3xlqr2Qvk8uqv4AQZYohGVm8-u0ngYC4PW9bQ4r-m9rnWavqG2fP75CDXtVf3LX5yBiYg1j276YvOZ3msGdhccP2VSdmdzGEoWodWvi0kTUtbjRt-IfxT7QN3zW-iWj86xlaoSofcBLoMLSvGQfcnAq3jLNU/s4660/DSC_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3010" data-original-width="4660" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI0WpAbez_hdhKR-7PqfKZva_rwweCay3xlqr2Qvk8uqv4AQZYohGVm8-u0ngYC4PW9bQ4r-m9rnWavqG2fP75CDXtVf3LX5yBiYg1j276YvOZ3msGdhccP2VSdmdzGEoWodWvi0kTUtbjRt-IfxT7QN3zW-iWj86xlaoSofcBLoMLSvGQfcnAq3jLNU/w640-h414/DSC_1727.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">February comes to a close this week and Palm Sunday and Easter are early this year so I have to switch gears and wrap my head around the fact that it's coming soon. The spring months are busy for me as I put together and prepare for a district-wide women's retreat at the end of April. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This year an extra level of busyness was added because our church's missions conference is at the beginning of April and we are hosting the International Worker in our home. Our district prayer conference for official workers in our district is the beginning of May, in </span><span style="font-family: arial;">early June I have a leadership conference and at the end of June into early July I have an event to prepare for our district family camp. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Add a bridal shower in July and wedding preparations for an August wedding to that mix and it makes for a busy 6 months. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How in the world can I get all this done? By staying organized and following the old adage, "How do you eat an elephant?" "One bite at a time."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm also doing the following activities which are helpful:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1. I've started making lists which really is not my go-to move. In the past I tend to just pull from my memory but am discovering that doesn't work so well any more. And it especially doesn't work when I have multiple events and activities going on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2. Despite what it sounds like, I've cut back on some things that I was involved in. I just cannot do it all and as I get older I'm recognizing that more and more. It's okay to say "no" and if no one else steps up to do it then it just doesn't get done.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">3. I am making sure that I spend time in God's word and prayer each day. Being connected to the source of my strength is key.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4. I am aiming to exercise each day. I love to walk and while I really do need to add some strength training exercises into my routine, I've been doing movement each day. The beautiful weather we are having has certainly helped in that area. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXy76vLuyNQb_l-_k9Cman3en94skHmcuJeOkcgnHbs7y71mIX7FjzFs_O8687ZO2iCN9vD2Z9zTx9SjdqcBjS82LyRu2H-37pWjij8dfpJyA-wMwsqonROGb3CAYzo0c5FCvlJErT1ysSNDFHT3bTFdi3r0Oig0Jxy8Q6CAOTWrDUjufMlq2IWXkrjI/s5568/DSC_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXy76vLuyNQb_l-_k9Cman3en94skHmcuJeOkcgnHbs7y71mIX7FjzFs_O8687ZO2iCN9vD2Z9zTx9SjdqcBjS82LyRu2H-37pWjij8dfpJyA-wMwsqonROGb3CAYzo0c5FCvlJErT1ysSNDFHT3bTFdi3r0Oig0Jxy8Q6CAOTWrDUjufMlq2IWXkrjI/w640-h426/DSC_1718.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">5. My personality is such that when I feel overwhelmed, I have a tendency to procrastinate. I'll find something else to do and try to ignore my list. I think the biggest improvement I'm seeing in my life is that I am working hard at sticking with a task until it is finished. I always completed things, but more often than not, it was at the last minute. That has really changed a lot the past few months.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So in the ebb and flow that is my life and as I enter a busier time, I'm finding that I am getting quite a bit accomplished, staying calm about it and still having time to enjoy the things I love to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I was thankful that I didn't procrastinate today and went for a walk this morning because the weather changed and we have rain now. So putting off for later would have made me miss my walk. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm moving forward with my list - one activity at a time and one step at a time. I'll have eaten that elephant eventually!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVESzpXwIm70Vo7kgqpt7x2xGag4Ktuh7NY2FfNUP2MpqCgMkEa93AylFJkZDKGMdv57vm7j3LGq5otybP-K0O6MT9DCJrUiw2hcIZZF0yIn4uJPyWd9wOKhIbwv_1K6NfU9t8QDi4GPtMErVRWu5Kwg6uNxjBx4fEu5Z8P7w6fQkaUYcbNJ7RC1BnE1c/s5568/DSC_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVESzpXwIm70Vo7kgqpt7x2xGag4Ktuh7NY2FfNUP2MpqCgMkEa93AylFJkZDKGMdv57vm7j3LGq5otybP-K0O6MT9DCJrUiw2hcIZZF0yIn4uJPyWd9wOKhIbwv_1K6NfU9t8QDi4GPtMErVRWu5Kwg6uNxjBx4fEu5Z8P7w6fQkaUYcbNJ7RC1BnE1c/w640-h426/DSC_1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-49106494853476466252024-02-23T05:22:00.002-05:002024-02-23T06:29:34.194-05:00Introspection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSETUN8LkDslwfNwQaic_gt-ShHXqquFAZga2atAGnNI0M_o20Z_VjC25TTloV_pGGeS-EC3f5q1IIE_pOCXIludBd3d4mRi4yjqf1oUSnPhiNmoyizfYXaEwVkX0pC47C_-j6zYBu3SCfs9m4suOgx3AHBtgfW5cNtGwohyO5pq27t36dbgapmYw4Ng/s5568/DSC_1597.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSETUN8LkDslwfNwQaic_gt-ShHXqquFAZga2atAGnNI0M_o20Z_VjC25TTloV_pGGeS-EC3f5q1IIE_pOCXIludBd3d4mRi4yjqf1oUSnPhiNmoyizfYXaEwVkX0pC47C_-j6zYBu3SCfs9m4suOgx3AHBtgfW5cNtGwohyO5pq27t36dbgapmYw4Ng/w640-h426/DSC_1597.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've been doing a lot of introspective thinking lately and one of the things I've been considering is my work-play balance. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My entire adult life has been spent in full-time ministry and I'm not quite sure what my life would look like without that. I've always been a bit of a workaholic and really struggle with slowing down and taking time for myself without feeling incredibly guilty.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvx72VYvwvsJ3ODJUYqhqYO2rl9TCJF6zR1WhJz10GpV4L7QHHgMLc5NwvkMWfy1Ul6alAzIUyowckiLrngi-gD-irHbwUQyhPT0fkCUSgTSYQoT6k_Ewy7cWidYnxmHdpKnu5M9XKIqUohlVLDAr6AwlT2vgtwja_Ik-uIKF7RctQCKu7JVNUGvVb4/s5568/DSC_1599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHvx72VYvwvsJ3ODJUYqhqYO2rl9TCJF6zR1WhJz10GpV4L7QHHgMLc5NwvkMWfy1Ul6alAzIUyowckiLrngi-gD-irHbwUQyhPT0fkCUSgTSYQoT6k_Ewy7cWidYnxmHdpKnu5M9XKIqUohlVLDAr6AwlT2vgtwja_Ik-uIKF7RctQCKu7JVNUGvVb4/w640-h426/DSC_1599.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I do take the time out to do what I enjoy, I feel quite unproductive and as if I should have been working. So that bears the question, "When I do have more time for the simple pleasures in the future, will I actually enjoy them?" </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I want to say, yes, but I'm not sure. And even if I set aside the pleasures I want to do for my to-do list, the reality is that list will never be done. There is always something more to add to it. I can easily get swallowed up with work because work always expands into the time you have.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-h8E96yBKqKvzKMooUXBrzOZXvKkEDSbKQJAkhv-cmdYyAhlEg0uSS1Dix0f1CeugBJrPmsKzTy_vLK9PiobeJ0eV6ZJhdU-9E4Jk4WsNsvtQFuxV5_kQDMqBRmj45PCg3b95NzeQ0prvoxICv0ux0KSDevxLEwzdDiZ0Br2MJVeGQG8EnqxSeEtQE/s5568/DSC_1601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m-h8E96yBKqKvzKMooUXBrzOZXvKkEDSbKQJAkhv-cmdYyAhlEg0uSS1Dix0f1CeugBJrPmsKzTy_vLK9PiobeJ0eV6ZJhdU-9E4Jk4WsNsvtQFuxV5_kQDMqBRmj45PCg3b95NzeQ0prvoxICv0ux0KSDevxLEwzdDiZ0Br2MJVeGQG8EnqxSeEtQE/w640-h426/DSC_1601.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This year as I focus on my word, "connect," one of the things I've been trying to do is connect to myself. It's really easy for me to turn this whole exercise of connecting into one more thing to do. I don't want to rush this process, so I'm taking a bit of time each day to just be okay with stopping all work and doing activities that I enjoy and which rejuvenates me.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT_wFX1EDnZR6kBgWyRU-x1rF0hfuSfhxIGNzstPuVJr37PYE89YZlDzrKEeEJriFr4JfkY_fKAs7cyqDZcmH-KgomMHqvf9uoUyAda5m0VsM-Ca6GJd5h8yiiybR6lU5qWjUKYL4BBa4wWaC1ZXJeTQT4_09_dmOPvhoSOfRh2BkK_cED-D0KMmm3JY/s5568/DSC_1605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT_wFX1EDnZR6kBgWyRU-x1rF0hfuSfhxIGNzstPuVJr37PYE89YZlDzrKEeEJriFr4JfkY_fKAs7cyqDZcmH-KgomMHqvf9uoUyAda5m0VsM-Ca6GJd5h8yiiybR6lU5qWjUKYL4BBa4wWaC1ZXJeTQT4_09_dmOPvhoSOfRh2BkK_cED-D0KMmm3JY/w640-h426/DSC_1605.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Some of those things are activities such as hiking, photography, crafting, sewing, cooking and baking. In fact, there are a host of things I love to do and have no problem coming up with ideas. I just have difficulty actually doing them guilt-free.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4I9DkdO9PTeLjsZ6j4owIEnOACNiLwnV3U31y_LKF8gdbXCfT7gz8nl-CIdWY3sFuGDEp3swPvBKonWJhFAp1vFnsLooQcct0CnqBq1ZcJod7Rf18aOzi2XB2FfhpLoqqnfv1YP0TaZ26I4gC3mZLwxVjrtc29DFhQOHLXJbzgnukEg3MqSeceUgrHI/s5568/DSC_1607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4I9DkdO9PTeLjsZ6j4owIEnOACNiLwnV3U31y_LKF8gdbXCfT7gz8nl-CIdWY3sFuGDEp3swPvBKonWJhFAp1vFnsLooQcct0CnqBq1ZcJod7Rf18aOzi2XB2FfhpLoqqnfv1YP0TaZ26I4gC3mZLwxVjrtc29DFhQOHLXJbzgnukEg3MqSeceUgrHI/w640-h426/DSC_1607.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm learning to be okay to take some time out to connect to my creative side. In fact, when I actually set aside time each day to do the things I love, I'm finding more enjoyment in my ministry. When I allow myself space to relax and create, I have more energy for others.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuao_b_txbuLSXlG0z0cBIsjThDDKlMp1duJ5n4uxQt7aGOBVmt4ontUAetLu9n-xbuUIOlvRvT2QXSzaCQXoQ4mHfSrHEjRso6oJGrsD0ba4GXMIkvgA5vBCSiXlGDa-QrA5a_ZztE1RjLnoAj9FI6DRzijBjRmo9fucde-urE0xsyAFcmZWMHiJA7A/s5568/DSC_1611.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuao_b_txbuLSXlG0z0cBIsjThDDKlMp1duJ5n4uxQt7aGOBVmt4ontUAetLu9n-xbuUIOlvRvT2QXSzaCQXoQ4mHfSrHEjRso6oJGrsD0ba4GXMIkvgA5vBCSiXlGDa-QrA5a_ZztE1RjLnoAj9FI6DRzijBjRmo9fucde-urE0xsyAFcmZWMHiJA7A/w640-h426/DSC_1611.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You would think I should have learned this lesson by now, but apparently I'm a slow learner. This year is one of learning new things about myself, being stretched, and being okay to just be without "doing" 24/7. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruYCKJDA34uZ7ywJJGbyN39sQIA9_qES3YTnc5cgiHw-zpjy9GJ62wFB5T4Cx6E-AYGoL9u4m0wcmVcPCz5NSl4klHqC1W6ugOuWicXGP_s69R9c6vIDbrc3dc0R3QbwF6-2JPtjsn_ZUt5mf_Ziedm3u9Weqx1rVICW2nouHFa3TTcJevhZkj12pNpw/s5568/DSC_1616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruYCKJDA34uZ7ywJJGbyN39sQIA9_qES3YTnc5cgiHw-zpjy9GJ62wFB5T4Cx6E-AYGoL9u4m0wcmVcPCz5NSl4klHqC1W6ugOuWicXGP_s69R9c6vIDbrc3dc0R3QbwF6-2JPtjsn_ZUt5mf_Ziedm3u9Weqx1rVICW2nouHFa3TTcJevhZkj12pNpw/w640-h426/DSC_1616.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I can disconnect for a time, my relationship with the Lord deepens. And that is because I'm slowing down to listen to Him and enjoy the gifts He has given me. I'm taking time to reflect and enjoy life.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And that creates a much happier and more thankful me!</span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-22033964080863938182024-02-19T07:58:00.000-05:002024-02-19T07:58:05.878-05:00Living with Joy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkQOJjDghzvoYtDgMxie6f4XrUqwDkHrcNCFYgWwhIYLmjcrPZGzB-irHv7uUfVP63pVSDbAJ-0x7ljH-WqMZDtZ0jUPy6y7O-UPwgx3tBWMB-oDM4hW0VGbSUefBqNULxRWav-szO2lbc8RVw6KOJqUrUBiQe7CGHOwIVaDwpFsYLOY-PbrqoVrsHv8/s640/IMG_6014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkQOJjDghzvoYtDgMxie6f4XrUqwDkHrcNCFYgWwhIYLmjcrPZGzB-irHv7uUfVP63pVSDbAJ-0x7ljH-WqMZDtZ0jUPy6y7O-UPwgx3tBWMB-oDM4hW0VGbSUefBqNULxRWav-szO2lbc8RVw6KOJqUrUBiQe7CGHOwIVaDwpFsYLOY-PbrqoVrsHv8/w480-h640/IMG_6014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'd love to say that I'm a joyful person, but the reality is I often walk around feeling as if I'm under a cloud. But I've been working hard the past few years to change my attitude. I want to learn to be joyful no matter what my circumstances are at the moment.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And I know joyfulness isn't some happy state where I walk around with a smile plastered to my face and pretending all is right with the world. I think the type of joyfulness that the Bible is talking about has more to do with contentment and trust that God is walking with me no matter what I struggle with on a daily basis.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This morning as I was reading and praying, I kept coming across the word "joy." </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 86:4 ~ Bring joy to your servant's life because I appeal to you, Lord.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 87:7 ~ Singers and dancers alike will say, "My whole source of joy is in you."</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Psalm 89:9 ~ North and southโyou created them. Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at your name.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Psalm 89:15-16 ~ Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light from your face. They rejoice in your name all day long, and they are exalted by your righteousness.</span></i></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Just from these few verses we can see that the joy we experience is not from our circumstances are our possessions or from everything going right in our life. Joy is based on our being grounded in the Lord, seeking Him, recognizing that He is with us and resting in Him as the source of our joy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I keep dwelling on what's not going right in my life I can very easily slip down the rabbit hole of depression, anxiety and frustration. When I keep my eyes fixed on the Lord, then I can have the sense of peace and contentment despite what's going on around me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm definitely a work in progress and want to do better at being filled with the certainty that God is in control of all things. Because when I have that certainty nothing can shake me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Monday is always a day when I give thanks for the ways I've seen God working in my life over the past week and I'm very thankful today for the following things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful that a family member is getting some much needed help.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful for my husband. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEpqnrKvezhXQL9cDGGdkjvIWdprq7BGFZEA6Ti7wCFfcyg_I02TO6w55AQsDJOyeQOteQkLRhKxpzA9blYO-4KCjdwskfYjafyfPOsbzu3EtgKI73pbjdIn96UY45IFbrvPWVuxoPt0da3kBfRkQdbvSNSTWWzrpKXy_mlrlfdX2JV1iMqOrrg0BTXw/s5568/DSC_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEpqnrKvezhXQL9cDGGdkjvIWdprq7BGFZEA6Ti7wCFfcyg_I02TO6w55AQsDJOyeQOteQkLRhKxpzA9blYO-4KCjdwskfYjafyfPOsbzu3EtgKI73pbjdIn96UY45IFbrvPWVuxoPt0da3kBfRkQdbvSNSTWWzrpKXy_mlrlfdX2JV1iMqOrrg0BTXw/w640-h426/DSC_1515.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />๐ I'm thankful we had such a beautiful past couple of weeks with no snow so I could get out and do what I love best!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCtwAp7mHOlpOt4ZunYUu3CQEc1DYxB-9XKe3aD3pdcenkOnt4keznY0l4qlgBPda1UOEd7zbccDTmuYJ9YJ-KM8w_ipBP95yRhZ_DeAEZqBPw-hh_1hxLA5XFLwuPGs5SZwkeNiD60kUB8teEbf8k8thPl6KXSrZalJJpa8HiZai5hJjWesbgXvBxTI/s5568/DSC_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCtwAp7mHOlpOt4ZunYUu3CQEc1DYxB-9XKe3aD3pdcenkOnt4keznY0l4qlgBPda1UOEd7zbccDTmuYJ9YJ-KM8w_ipBP95yRhZ_DeAEZqBPw-hh_1hxLA5XFLwuPGs5SZwkeNiD60kUB8teEbf8k8thPl6KXSrZalJJpa8HiZai5hJjWesbgXvBxTI/w640-h426/DSC_1572.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful for flowers in the winter that bring me happiness.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYWTvRWR5YTIJAfnsMtRCKtmE-UNEzO2uKUdhhcZnG27cyV8BuW-PGxVRCL_ZuH5hBHlpWzj0qSj8uhyG673evZjBYRtmJBR4ELHHqgJNARVUAmYU8oI7Atisw9Ebthu_hVuX-V2cG94GEd5vB5W_OCkrN80FzODVfSkeChA8xAtaB_ct8DDj6Wr1FWc/s640/IMG_6016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="640" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYWTvRWR5YTIJAfnsMtRCKtmE-UNEzO2uKUdhhcZnG27cyV8BuW-PGxVRCL_ZuH5hBHlpWzj0qSj8uhyG673evZjBYRtmJBR4ELHHqgJNARVUAmYU8oI7Atisw9Ebthu_hVuX-V2cG94GEd5vB5W_OCkrN80FzODVfSkeChA8xAtaB_ct8DDj6Wr1FWc/w640-h440/IMG_6016.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />๐ I'm thankful for a beautiful group of ladies at church who regularly wrestle with God's word and encourage one another.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ Dan took our son, Nathan, to urgent care last night since he has been sick for a few days and ended up with 102 fever. It turns out he has the flu. I'm feeling a bit stuffy this morning and I'm praying that's all I experience. But I'm also thankful for a lighter week "just in case" and I'm avoiding people as much as possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ We had a women's Valentine luncheon yesterday after church and I'm thankful for the wonderful time everyone had. I enjoy doing these from time to time.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBvFxvvFVzkK94TI7yT0g2kgo1P0h3VOyx32bNPM_siOF1nFr-tCwEf9lNcYUG30Q2slqsZjATfrczWklepf3IC_jpk7I7uC7FRg2Musbbtg_tCm8vL7it7RiupBZNup7MZZA-XoBWFk_9xHwQRAK4ZAU03ImG7ewAcp3QXAzJMtrmVGSRbGfsV8PzFU/s640/IMG_6006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtBvFxvvFVzkK94TI7yT0g2kgo1P0h3VOyx32bNPM_siOF1nFr-tCwEf9lNcYUG30Q2slqsZjATfrczWklepf3IC_jpk7I7uC7FRg2Musbbtg_tCm8vL7it7RiupBZNup7MZZA-XoBWFk_9xHwQRAK4ZAU03ImG7ewAcp3QXAzJMtrmVGSRbGfsV8PzFU/w480-h640/IMG_6006.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />๐ God has given me some more clarity this week and I'm thankful for that.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful for the privilege of being able to pray for friends and family.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">and finally...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I am thankful that the joy of the Lord is my strength.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RiVQJMBPVW4tQxs0y3_IdayulkPn39mwlPrHYFqym7M1kZhqTTFJUQBs8uTnJLjr5fD2Fbm8MzA5K99VWPSdN1xYcPttvmF8ywr5WYIKYIYFEm8XpBX-d6KBa7hHhmzQ7at9rafAarNwL2SuVfGARrBP99Y2w7v2ukM7sK7r4_Xw2w1M3w3ZsbFzy6o/s640/IMG_5999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RiVQJMBPVW4tQxs0y3_IdayulkPn39mwlPrHYFqym7M1kZhqTTFJUQBs8uTnJLjr5fD2Fbm8MzA5K99VWPSdN1xYcPttvmF8ywr5WYIKYIYFEm8XpBX-d6KBa7hHhmzQ7at9rafAarNwL2SuVfGARrBP99Y2w7v2ukM7sK7r4_Xw2w1M3w3ZsbFzy6o/w480-h640/IMG_5999.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, the snow is back!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-7534983462157185292024-02-16T07:32:00.002-05:002024-02-16T08:12:42.871-05:00Eating to Live<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2bQl6mU528gUGvEJFVtV-h4xze9c5x8CL1FRrLtf83O2wmWP0ry1__7dFfnjeCuqHm_WEegtFbbdfL9FI0Yo3m5VSzoKtFzh4EVreYHQUzZdrALVdgeqKjVNvf_paLegoSA0eVuEX_SoNzQSuWIir1ZDEXr2ZXOSzOuHPjf02yxB1JNO1hyphenhyphen5VSjXAq0/s640/IMG_5972.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="640" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2bQl6mU528gUGvEJFVtV-h4xze9c5x8CL1FRrLtf83O2wmWP0ry1__7dFfnjeCuqHm_WEegtFbbdfL9FI0Yo3m5VSzoKtFzh4EVreYHQUzZdrALVdgeqKjVNvf_paLegoSA0eVuEX_SoNzQSuWIir1ZDEXr2ZXOSzOuHPjf02yxB1JNO1hyphenhyphen5VSjXAq0/w640-h490/IMG_5972.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4eAES_C4MKNaMlRE0ovUwbaeITOvGTTGYTJ048RZ2yr2W1Gu8ciYGGT7b88Z1o87JqWX6-Wdtu3-8sQN6WwPN1tRaAsX-_m0lSPkB01J0wHgcryVJqZCC-kgv2ex69yv2Rf8NnHyNnC_DbAhTw5uS49c9bJ0cWUP-eAFbHa-qxRjjWjzsfPPzZiQiY8/s640/IMG_5853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4eAES_C4MKNaMlRE0ovUwbaeITOvGTTGYTJ048RZ2yr2W1Gu8ciYGGT7b88Z1o87JqWX6-Wdtu3-8sQN6WwPN1tRaAsX-_m0lSPkB01J0wHgcryVJqZCC-kgv2ex69yv2Rf8NnHyNnC_DbAhTw5uS49c9bJ0cWUP-eAFbHa-qxRjjWjzsfPPzZiQiY8/w640-h480/IMG_5853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy4XeSLxHoCuazL8U9l2w88N4t4eH3tsV45mQlEaoJkoBYO2o3o89JtmsZM6qrty-27Oie3MUs0peMO25GyRH8HsTqYPTfeKzwsYhWJAfCxkZ2HzBJ5_tg-ugvdGpHtEyOp1IdvVl5Iv0pl2Ys6gxPDO0mSKRds2WOYDr7FIqF_l5aA9IuGQXu2sww1o/s640/IMG_5809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="640" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy4XeSLxHoCuazL8U9l2w88N4t4eH3tsV45mQlEaoJkoBYO2o3o89JtmsZM6qrty-27Oie3MUs0peMO25GyRH8HsTqYPTfeKzwsYhWJAfCxkZ2HzBJ5_tg-ugvdGpHtEyOp1IdvVl5Iv0pl2Ys6gxPDO0mSKRds2WOYDr7FIqF_l5aA9IuGQXu2sww1o/w640-h404/IMG_5809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIlkPLdfwgmHB4RD6Uk9FbODQfEe0MZC-rv1XYBA8rzu0kR6gVo8jRr9_Z-dIULiabZ38vltW03xD8h-Sl7i3EoHyIwiEyOLA9fpN-vU7_DDorUPT9zNuG0-US1UzLnAhSQh-BaIQelv7oclMPW3iG-oXjE7vnNcs0bE9SbPDuhJTfSHLbtgQ_kdMGKE/s640/IMG_5612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="640" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIlkPLdfwgmHB4RD6Uk9FbODQfEe0MZC-rv1XYBA8rzu0kR6gVo8jRr9_Z-dIULiabZ38vltW03xD8h-Sl7i3EoHyIwiEyOLA9fpN-vU7_DDorUPT9zNuG0-US1UzLnAhSQh-BaIQelv7oclMPW3iG-oXjE7vnNcs0bE9SbPDuhJTfSHLbtgQ_kdMGKE/w640-h424/IMG_5612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwJkYA1ySVj6b5JeB2YSc0ZB-qKxM6qEUIcxuEKebWNBil3DqmDKDB3tVBLfLmIKioYmuEPPT0yzSJ5X6a0GTLmz3obf6ylD9LL3owEuxfU0jzCvHObxmEbDB5IWQipiwLybLcYaqDkloPWAqWkUAuULcwfEFPzd0oStMWeM17VM1pqsWtAJc_Wo8blw/s640/IMG_5627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGwJkYA1ySVj6b5JeB2YSc0ZB-qKxM6qEUIcxuEKebWNBil3DqmDKDB3tVBLfLmIKioYmuEPPT0yzSJ5X6a0GTLmz3obf6ylD9LL3owEuxfU0jzCvHObxmEbDB5IWQipiwLybLcYaqDkloPWAqWkUAuULcwfEFPzd0oStMWeM17VM1pqsWtAJc_Wo8blw/w640-h480/IMG_5627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwPh3bDsEb-7yqQ_UFR3f6FJCy_9bqfbxncAe2y1eKNo9sx4hSzzJB3XvwggpmpJse9r7M3wws94mWLPbrw_WWDlFeHlBFMmz_4GtFzlXsifQhHWGojKqQie8QLGsfqlSK0p8Szj-gA5X96URgOXTQBqeAMxB8gfcah4dk6H-F_JC371xIdBh41sHNxU/s640/IMG_5575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwPh3bDsEb-7yqQ_UFR3f6FJCy_9bqfbxncAe2y1eKNo9sx4hSzzJB3XvwggpmpJse9r7M3wws94mWLPbrw_WWDlFeHlBFMmz_4GtFzlXsifQhHWGojKqQie8QLGsfqlSK0p8Szj-gA5X96URgOXTQBqeAMxB8gfcah4dk6H-F_JC371xIdBh41sHNxU/w640-h480/IMG_5575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0omRJ20oWvq2twy58_F7UjlBXpJU3M9Zyab2DJL08BbM1o_ehZartuiutXnCZ5uZNHfLpOsuxfHtZfgdhg_BgMJYLn6AJ6f82HwiuE_eh2U0SBBsp4QY1wQhnwlPMiUV7D8ZFDCyM2bV_gc2YL3q0njSqPFHk6tbZtbIK0APQvmN28lMSQ7x-_3b_Y/s640/IMG_5498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s0omRJ20oWvq2twy58_F7UjlBXpJU3M9Zyab2DJL08BbM1o_ehZartuiutXnCZ5uZNHfLpOsuxfHtZfgdhg_BgMJYLn6AJ6f82HwiuE_eh2U0SBBsp4QY1wQhnwlPMiUV7D8ZFDCyM2bV_gc2YL3q0njSqPFHk6tbZtbIK0APQvmN28lMSQ7x-_3b_Y/w640-h480/IMG_5498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Despite the unexpected busyness and interruptions, I have been plugging away at my weight loss as well as writing the plant-based, whole food cookbook. Recipe testing fell by the wayside the past two weeks, but I've still gotten a good chunk of the book done.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I also got on the scale this morning for another one pound loss which makes a total of 61 lbs. since I started this journey back in July. It's second nature at this point and I have so much more energy and feel healthy. The only negative is that because I've lost so much weight I'm seeing some sagging, crepe-papery skin happening. Yuck. Some of that is age and I need to figure out some toning exercises.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's definitely a life-style change, but a positive one which I'm so thankful I started on. The pictures above are a small selection of meals I've eaten the past two months and many of those will be included in the book. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This will be a printable e-book as I find that will be the easiest and most cost effective. My main goal in writing it is to dispel some of the myths around eating plant-based.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Myths such as: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1. It's too expensive.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2. I don't have time to cook this way.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">3. It's too restrictive.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4. It won't taste good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I want to show how you can change your health, eat a wide selection of nutritious and delicious foods and do it in a way that won't break the bank. In fact, my food bill has gone down since I began this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The main takeaways I can give you from my experience is even if you don't want to go to an entirely plant-based, whole food way of eating is the following: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">1. Cut out the sugar.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">2. Cut back or eliminate oils. Oil, even olive oil, is not healthy and packs a walloping 120 calories per Tbsp. I don't know about you, but when I used it in cooking I probably was using 3-4 Tbsp. in my pan. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">3. You can eat healthy fats (limited if you are trying to lose weight) such as avocados, nuts and seeds. You should really eat no more than 1/4-1/2 cup of these per day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">4. Cut out the processed foods. Cook foods that you can find in nature without ultra processing. Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Starches, etc. Pop Tarts are not a healthy breakfast choice! ;-)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">5. Add more leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables to each meal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">6. Move more. Use it or lose it. Our bodies were meant to move.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I still have a bit more to lose but I'm not even really thinking about it. I've loved eating this way because I can eat large and filling portions of plant-based foods without restricting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And other than walking when I can, I didn't spend hours in a gym trying to do strenuous exercising. I have been more intentional over the past two months with my activity because I know it's healthy and I need to tone up. But lost the 61 lbs. without doing any sort of fad dieting, calorie counting or spending hours exercising.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But the main thing I'm so thrilled about is that I'm off my blood pressure medication, no longer have tingling in my fingers, no longer have what felt like gall bladder pain, no longer snoring, no longer wheezing and no longer have the aching joints. I have a yearly checkup in a few months and will also find out if the fatty liver disease and pre-diabetes has gone and if my blood work is good. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I encourage you to join me on this journey. You'll be amazed at how much better you will feel. </span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-54014908143347756932024-02-15T07:41:00.005-05:002024-02-15T07:50:59.994-05:00When Connecting isn't the Way you Envisioned<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIKnY1O6RSeSxy_NaCFL4pRkg9MLLBqygFdB0lnV64BU2J_8UAjyz2y-tYppSHM8L9vnzYkEy5CP6swTbmQTffLvze8j9aCeeP4Kkcys-felSoDhDLmrLWwV5UiznH1E5BMZkfGH-N6Kk6l0w-jfvL1xyunwDBngQnYdxACUELMIa64NBG5vhEjg9baw/s581/IMG_5964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="581" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIKnY1O6RSeSxy_NaCFL4pRkg9MLLBqygFdB0lnV64BU2J_8UAjyz2y-tYppSHM8L9vnzYkEy5CP6swTbmQTffLvze8j9aCeeP4Kkcys-felSoDhDLmrLWwV5UiznH1E5BMZkfGH-N6Kk6l0w-jfvL1xyunwDBngQnYdxACUELMIa64NBG5vhEjg9baw/w640-h514/IMG_5964.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In 2024 I wanted to connect more. I wanted to connect to God, to others and to the purpose the Lord has for my life. I've been very intentional about it this year and so far it's been going well, but it hasn't been quite the way I envisioned it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I bent over the toilet to clean it at my in-law's house, the thought occurred to me that this wasn't what I meant when I came up with the word, "connected". I envisioned going out for coffee with friends, inviting people to the house and being more intentional in relationships.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Scrubbing toilets, making multiple trips which are a two hour round trip drive and spending time listening to the same stories over and over were not quite what I meant when I told the Lord I wanted to be present in others' lives. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKDXGj328NIOotN6AdsSf4UxeeyUSV7IQvkCGOhllnt6XA49VYPaNDVKEHOJ4FtejIaYdFDdTZ8Dkph4YoWDDVnopuXJftjO6W_b3WvFGOU8gYF1PxTNJ0myX9lJYtB-IUKjR6uD11SvQM1_Y27XH2iW94OVJsIU6LD91MOc7r1P-jaTEC59m5qNHuuo/s640/IMG_5961.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKDXGj328NIOotN6AdsSf4UxeeyUSV7IQvkCGOhllnt6XA49VYPaNDVKEHOJ4FtejIaYdFDdTZ8Dkph4YoWDDVnopuXJftjO6W_b3WvFGOU8gYF1PxTNJ0myX9lJYtB-IUKjR6uD11SvQM1_Y27XH2iW94OVJsIU6LD91MOc7r1P-jaTEC59m5qNHuuo/w640-h480/IMG_5961.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But God reminds me that connecting isn't just about doing the fun things in life. Sometimes when you are being intentional in relationships it may not look glamorous. It may be in quiet ways. Sometimes the connecting takes place by showing others with your actions how much you love them. And at times, it's about loving others even when they are being unpleasant. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Lord also reminds me that my number one connection point was with Him. This year I wanted to stay intentional in being connected to the vine. As I stay rooted in Him, He gives me the ability to love through those difficult times and relationships. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have been able to connect with Him and with others in the ways I envisioned. It's just some of what I expected hasn't been able to happen yet. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've connected to the Lord through my time with Him, reading and praying. I've connected to Him through my times of being out in nature and in painting (a new hobby that I've never tried before).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqC3yJFtFswuV9QGJUoHlP3RJsCFdu3F_TkDfuVee50E6p261RG5H-Ot-ZqsyQiJiQUCRPQEalzH1K6p9PicFzh-ioT5KAdOlbYgSgzRLt68JjkUFy28a3cuFxp6pTFn1zqG3IjmSFo-RvqiuLIXWbF9ZoqmOjNLtUbN0D34GxmYHf_hY2Wm_IEYQa0s/s640/IMG_5926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqC3yJFtFswuV9QGJUoHlP3RJsCFdu3F_TkDfuVee50E6p261RG5H-Ot-ZqsyQiJiQUCRPQEalzH1K6p9PicFzh-ioT5KAdOlbYgSgzRLt68JjkUFy28a3cuFxp6pTFn1zqG3IjmSFo-RvqiuLIXWbF9ZoqmOjNLtUbN0D34GxmYHf_hY2Wm_IEYQa0s/w640-h470/IMG_5926.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4To35hNBPA34Gacq1-6xN-xw3ZZKxuSIFet_-f99zvpJ3L7Ri5mrXAT2JyvokG8V01iNsxZ7MSha69CgVWpjlKc2C4rXIaIYefAvWH0s3WSwX_pFTBKXYGlf3m_fKfh4NkTUWCEPmxMaqaP80rVj4X5eWV8_t-aGjKkCLVSZYh8LyCJCFqo7OOIJj10g/s640/IMG_5956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4To35hNBPA34Gacq1-6xN-xw3ZZKxuSIFet_-f99zvpJ3L7Ri5mrXAT2JyvokG8V01iNsxZ7MSha69CgVWpjlKc2C4rXIaIYefAvWH0s3WSwX_pFTBKXYGlf3m_fKfh4NkTUWCEPmxMaqaP80rVj4X5eWV8_t-aGjKkCLVSZYh8LyCJCFqo7OOIJj10g/w640-h466/IMG_5956.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmAUxHrdGqrbWTheJNLO7nC5cdGL1_uwwWQyfPfHAijvmcES4qUBFExPFpEPpTWRayiPFennd22EVn5OGDsTiRvfn5Uc0sMp4C16ocBeS87pZLmNA_ppd3CDnoUdKc71kYhQUgDs87iqpnhjmQSG5BnghsgKuCHcOPlIhw8HGZEAp7HR_p-OY_CtlClM/s5568/DSC_1563.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmAUxHrdGqrbWTheJNLO7nC5cdGL1_uwwWQyfPfHAijvmcES4qUBFExPFpEPpTWRayiPFennd22EVn5OGDsTiRvfn5Uc0sMp4C16ocBeS87pZLmNA_ppd3CDnoUdKc71kYhQUgDs87iqpnhjmQSG5BnghsgKuCHcOPlIhw8HGZEAp7HR_p-OY_CtlClM/w640-h426/DSC_1563.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I've connected to family and friends through times of celebration, listening to my adult children instead of giving advice, going out for coffee with friends, sending cards on a weekly basis, and giving gifts. </div></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ5DC879xfM9uW-YDa8NpOWI7epDnM-SGRmTsMJHCynyvget1ajJpXRG5ptG2J6v6A-Pucf48aAx7ziimuIJWezaaQkEnEgllnIZLMmtki-1Ez8zrDWpT8Rd4Yx3GtkNQB1ZPLTi6AdtgggmFQxguMS1kS0N8s_aVguYKTEZrW1IbmjR4aVMmnOBdpEE/s640/IMG_5933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ5DC879xfM9uW-YDa8NpOWI7epDnM-SGRmTsMJHCynyvget1ajJpXRG5ptG2J6v6A-Pucf48aAx7ziimuIJWezaaQkEnEgllnIZLMmtki-1Ez8zrDWpT8Rd4Yx3GtkNQB1ZPLTi6AdtgggmFQxguMS1kS0N8s_aVguYKTEZrW1IbmjR4aVMmnOBdpEE/w640-h480/IMG_5933.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeZkoICyy7HKCZluxYpuKZG2OBGWcIGWYKHlsYsv0IVkttIFqpOHC5SXhZPi5L12Z0fOfxqyGuHu7FL7ZCUXFCnj-IvBdmd6KvUN4PB-uZhPnbVbd-p-q3giWeQagIjDeqsMVYgESdw3k4GPTn-k-b13bCwz2tHsRVkg_5XWcThQsgZ3KDTsLDkJq20c/s640/IMG_5960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="640" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeZkoICyy7HKCZluxYpuKZG2OBGWcIGWYKHlsYsv0IVkttIFqpOHC5SXhZPi5L12Z0fOfxqyGuHu7FL7ZCUXFCnj-IvBdmd6KvUN4PB-uZhPnbVbd-p-q3giWeQagIjDeqsMVYgESdw3k4GPTn-k-b13bCwz2tHsRVkg_5XWcThQsgZ3KDTsLDkJq20c/w640-h588/IMG_5960.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've connected with my husband through getting out and walking together, praying together, and talking together. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH0SuvGTTHc3RxR2WbBzjZQZlpqk3pHILeCHYtDqeE2YXGe2QaBeWRI7kjEvUa1YtwCrqhxK6etq5DLsIAZYdrBPht9_2wJiNXiZ44drEHhkv8pEr7nhe-Wa6ebTK-tCTB02YbOgvjX9XlF01sk1DHReDmE9QEU4Tavwd4vh9pEWR9IMC49rvvVn5Xbc/s5568/DSC_1515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH0SuvGTTHc3RxR2WbBzjZQZlpqk3pHILeCHYtDqeE2YXGe2QaBeWRI7kjEvUa1YtwCrqhxK6etq5DLsIAZYdrBPht9_2wJiNXiZ44drEHhkv8pEr7nhe-Wa6ebTK-tCTB02YbOgvjX9XlF01sk1DHReDmE9QEU4Tavwd4vh9pEWR9IMC49rvvVn5Xbc/w640-h426/DSC_1515.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And I've connected to the purpose and ministry that the Lord has for me by staying open to where He is leading. So far in 2024 that has looked very different than I expected and for this month and season it's in serving family who is struggling.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I envisioned writing and speaking and it's turned into cooking and scrubbing toilets. But despite the unglamorous nature of it, I'm actually feeling content and joyful that I can do this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnAURMpy-LOCDzxj4BzRGRVURGWK92NLACijJlU4VopmUsv3TgkxKvmaAvFpSNb5Lz-znRudQXaXlBZ-Uf28jdn1FzY3I31xkP4aYtpXi4mtwDGm7wsab18IrXyCDUpx7CDkXXEkVU9xTNT0zx1uyfrJ2IPtHkVjr9KYK2nR_p62vAs9jP1dXaqzk9Iw/s640/IMG_5919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnAURMpy-LOCDzxj4BzRGRVURGWK92NLACijJlU4VopmUsv3TgkxKvmaAvFpSNb5Lz-znRudQXaXlBZ-Uf28jdn1FzY3I31xkP4aYtpXi4mtwDGm7wsab18IrXyCDUpx7CDkXXEkVU9xTNT0zx1uyfrJ2IPtHkVjr9KYK2nR_p62vAs9jP1dXaqzk9Iw/w640-h480/IMG_5919.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn3K9iSuoV9XHEIPoHE7MbE4U8nUA795cJMDeAaUyenJKK3Ipod7Ec5bnMZ8HHEW9Zvmr3e1tlaO8Apv_9LYh3200Wi14Tt9YQ6pZXD7N1okyfjdQHsuecEKNHR58w3N5LJ8S74_TUledoF5taL09wUF8xgeO082A2ImyZ7hZYyhlw3tK3fXAPePjc8o/s640/IMG_5925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn3K9iSuoV9XHEIPoHE7MbE4U8nUA795cJMDeAaUyenJKK3Ipod7Ec5bnMZ8HHEW9Zvmr3e1tlaO8Apv_9LYh3200Wi14Tt9YQ6pZXD7N1okyfjdQHsuecEKNHR58w3N5LJ8S74_TUledoF5taL09wUF8xgeO082A2ImyZ7hZYyhlw3tK3fXAPePjc8o/w480-h640/IMG_5925.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I realize that I'm only six weeks into 2024, and though January 1st feels like a life-time ago, I still have a lot of year to get through and many more opportunities to connect on a daily basis. </div></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAeSnsdKtjYkPkDcbb0-8Wws5WHr1ie0T4Uidm4uYvj6IN-zfwlTS_mY8NgLqQWJ0peQ_qGgLwry9kRODbX68cTvVvK6PUNcF0rZkCoAhYAJFK2AVcn0dUjfFH60tJ_nMIJnhLa0luWxJj3gU8m0H9ssczdvhXwrtKlkLztb1NlTqTpauxirr-ReVPWY/s482/IMG_5965.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="482" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAeSnsdKtjYkPkDcbb0-8Wws5WHr1ie0T4Uidm4uYvj6IN-zfwlTS_mY8NgLqQWJ0peQ_qGgLwry9kRODbX68cTvVvK6PUNcF0rZkCoAhYAJFK2AVcn0dUjfFH60tJ_nMIJnhLa0luWxJj3gU8m0H9ssczdvhXwrtKlkLztb1NlTqTpauxirr-ReVPWY/w640-h478/IMG_5965.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-91941461182000959032024-02-12T06:36:00.004-05:002024-02-12T06:49:58.804-05:00Unimpressed by Simplicity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT8p4ComPO9Drepfb2zPsoEf6HGG10p2A6w87oFQVi45XjU17xg_xP3wNUBzEwyO55BNF0UelSf5k11QqMuZqNx2a2GxJvloKVI75EhzY3h5fU_oAhmH2OckYKMi0NO7g_eukcKafaINVQC8y-s0sehct3FhCmz9AxzQU17kI8TTRN7PMJO85X26pTKQ/s5568/DSC_1507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT8p4ComPO9Drepfb2zPsoEf6HGG10p2A6w87oFQVi45XjU17xg_xP3wNUBzEwyO55BNF0UelSf5k11QqMuZqNx2a2GxJvloKVI75EhzY3h5fU_oAhmH2OckYKMi0NO7g_eukcKafaINVQC8y-s0sehct3FhCmz9AxzQU17kI8TTRN7PMJO85X26pTKQ/w640-h426/DSC_1507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We live in a society that is enamored by the flashy and latest trends. The bigger the flash, the more we want to be part of it. We watched the Super Bowl last night and I reflected on how showy it has gotten compared to 20 years ago. And to be honest, we as a society are quite unimpressed by simplicity. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign_XxQNshfHRuXnHwlm20V5h4UkMAhAL7P-uiypHDDYhQpEEDxYBXiYqjV3hFgbsJoKmpVFVNrTCA6PPLtH8tcbjdCAYRlAXEVfoc2fC_FI9rHtcksA1gjboBqn5ADmmcNEp-kFxsXWOzWhYj-jVG-eSLQwx6mChyy8Pm1iak7YydGmn450vb7cZ9zS8/s5568/DSC_1472.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEign_XxQNshfHRuXnHwlm20V5h4UkMAhAL7P-uiypHDDYhQpEEDxYBXiYqjV3hFgbsJoKmpVFVNrTCA6PPLtH8tcbjdCAYRlAXEVfoc2fC_FI9rHtcksA1gjboBqn5ADmmcNEp-kFxsXWOzWhYj-jVG-eSLQwx6mChyy8Pm1iak7YydGmn450vb7cZ9zS8/w640-h426/DSC_1472.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And yet, that is where true and lasting beauty is. It's in the quiet and unnoticed where God seems to work the most. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvo1pBEEiOKnGIBheP0z41LjXjgWJJmcmmuxIV0PwFxY_-aTy5JEvzHV_sp6bxH1X7Yr0_Gibw-KSQGbP0dFRQJg7HDrtzox5G-fup-lStMxwMhKz4YLA7csRbUIahd6XWDpXUS6lejdcdsv9fFS9novOyJ5pCsald3REAa-Hc2IARCBUlji1vh86B9o/s5568/DSC_1499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkvo1pBEEiOKnGIBheP0z41LjXjgWJJmcmmuxIV0PwFxY_-aTy5JEvzHV_sp6bxH1X7Yr0_Gibw-KSQGbP0dFRQJg7HDrtzox5G-fup-lStMxwMhKz4YLA7csRbUIahd6XWDpXUS6lejdcdsv9fFS9novOyJ5pCsald3REAa-Hc2IARCBUlji1vh86B9o/w640-h426/DSC_1499.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All my life I was told, "You can do whatever you set your mind to do." The message that was communicated to me growing up was to make something of myself. And as much as I don't think that affected me, if I'm honest, I can see how much it really did. I have an internal drive that is constantly striving for more.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM70hX6O-79xgGKSxJUdN6n41UKX4wFvDjBuWbuYroIYMLaTFDkmyyNi6GwPfHqWAH3WPnHvWw75x9TjO7mglEcW4f-l9h5C4BfKNmDYfpdbyyD6oAsBYOgPYuEbtuVF-_iParrn2kvixDSci9iPM5zacBAzogd-SBJJwGepXwCgAP50hI7tMBwvxwP34/s5568/DSC_1463.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM70hX6O-79xgGKSxJUdN6n41UKX4wFvDjBuWbuYroIYMLaTFDkmyyNi6GwPfHqWAH3WPnHvWw75x9TjO7mglEcW4f-l9h5C4BfKNmDYfpdbyyD6oAsBYOgPYuEbtuVF-_iParrn2kvixDSci9iPM5zacBAzogd-SBJJwGepXwCgAP50hI7tMBwvxwP34/w640-h426/DSC_1463.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dan and I have had some really good discussions about this recently. My husband is good for me in that he challenges some of my core misconceptions of what I think God may want for my life. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqeo4bfJdxflkxb9sm1qhML8UvM_TLMN-Ss9WeaFIqNlD6bej_K-dTv1ckW2rStJ4zMFnnLZAzFnO6j-R4m2Xpfr9EHUxfPSeMA_jSVUI9Y1d630fW-4HK68du6Emz0CbtTt9pQU0JIzGIOnSBc89VHsxQHMGvoazVXBJPPgLA3CoYtF1zjjvJ8F6wyk/s2415/DSC_1441.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2415" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqeo4bfJdxflkxb9sm1qhML8UvM_TLMN-Ss9WeaFIqNlD6bej_K-dTv1ckW2rStJ4zMFnnLZAzFnO6j-R4m2Xpfr9EHUxfPSeMA_jSVUI9Y1d630fW-4HK68du6Emz0CbtTt9pQU0JIzGIOnSBc89VHsxQHMGvoazVXBJPPgLA3CoYtF1zjjvJ8F6wyk/w640-h386/DSC_1441.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of the things he brought up is perhaps God's will for my life is as simple as supporting my son who has a disability, making meals and caring for my in-laws who are aging rapidly and need assistance, and working quietly behind the scenes and supporting others' ministries who may be in the forefront. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That's a hard thing to swallow when my underlying internal message has always been that I have to make something of my life. If I don't make something of it or it goes unnoticed, then does it really count for anything in God's kingdom?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2gPHKmCCwApdM-d6dIEf0bzMibUDKYomU9G57vkVmk47BPQ-g3GWat99YAjnEWtY6nMKNqaKu-aIiBCtwFGqmjS4hPKLH2JbueBnKyxJ32t-uxfdX8H6MgY8Qx3B2iAKHV5oMp3XivC5i-o7rELeIvERWR5ytSdbNJ37-x_6Ny_OXMVeRhrIu34XRBo/s5568/DSC_1435.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2gPHKmCCwApdM-d6dIEf0bzMibUDKYomU9G57vkVmk47BPQ-g3GWat99YAjnEWtY6nMKNqaKu-aIiBCtwFGqmjS4hPKLH2JbueBnKyxJ32t-uxfdX8H6MgY8Qx3B2iAKHV5oMp3XivC5i-o7rELeIvERWR5ytSdbNJ37-x_6Ny_OXMVeRhrIu34XRBo/w640-h426/DSC_1435.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br />Perhaps in God's kingdom the things that really do count the most are the activities and ministries that absolutely no one notices. The things that are done in quiet and behind-the-scenes. And perhaps, He will be the only one who approves.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And that is really what being a follower of Him is about anyway. Jesus taught that the first shall be last and the one who is a servant is the true follower.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisSEyrfnVVH_iCQxVl6ZUdTN9ejB7sggVKSTledFl85AIZ9UuinagKA-FMiIHohsO2NEHoupqpPXYfkuFEGLdgK7TMqirw9qMRRfq1OROTohnWRPpZ6RTQ_R0ddR5qio-PYn2U6Qk5jzhlxWr8FbR7xvoXgGhr9D6I5vPRhDYJRiSe2O9aIN4eRoh93Y/s640/IMG_5904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisSEyrfnVVH_iCQxVl6ZUdTN9ejB7sggVKSTledFl85AIZ9UuinagKA-FMiIHohsO2NEHoupqpPXYfkuFEGLdgK7TMqirw9qMRRfq1OROTohnWRPpZ6RTQ_R0ddR5qio-PYn2U6Qk5jzhlxWr8FbR7xvoXgGhr9D6I5vPRhDYJRiSe2O9aIN4eRoh93Y/w480-h640/IMG_5904.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In our "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" and "make something of yourself" society that mindset is very unattractive. And yet, as I continually follow where God leads me that internal mantra that I've had is one I need to reject.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I see so clearly that God has led me to this place we are currently in to teach me that lesson. It's not easy because it really is humbling. The thought that my only ministry may be to my own family feels as if I'm letting down all those strong women in my life growing up who told me to be all I can be. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, the ministry that no one sees is the one where I feel God working in me the most. It's the ministry that often feels unnoticed and unappreciated, but its also the one that has Kingdom value.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnvJD1edbmGNUaQynZiLRpINB8wNViu9caJqLymFU6aeg458E65Ga7B4vO-hfcbKiwld-OHevSZzd1DoaO6M_otKxmWakTdiQywXLUPMhjLkWVw4r3wpy46_Bzn1S0E0wfIRESTffNwOgiOuPvOur0G5C4Gn-MnuUtmLNUwkRf_TABKaLhb7_OQgH5_o/s5568/DSC_1498.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnvJD1edbmGNUaQynZiLRpINB8wNViu9caJqLymFU6aeg458E65Ga7B4vO-hfcbKiwld-OHevSZzd1DoaO6M_otKxmWakTdiQywXLUPMhjLkWVw4r3wpy46_Bzn1S0E0wfIRESTffNwOgiOuPvOur0G5C4Gn-MnuUtmLNUwkRf_TABKaLhb7_OQgH5_o/w640-h426/DSC_1498.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So while our society and even Christian society continues to be enamored with the latest trends and biggest ministry, I'm going to continue to work on living and ministering simply. Small ministry, unnoticed work, but in the long run it is making the biggest impact on my spiritual life. And that may be all that the Lord wants from me anyway; my own stretching and growth.</span></div></div><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-63554157460193514662024-02-05T07:02:00.001-05:002024-02-05T07:02:02.837-05:00Soaking up the SON<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTINjRLqOTKNJVmb9NMRN8cmLJ6zccRlcGSo2PEtdzRiyXhiMTGhncwNCxtTtosGqbakOe43YBVBOCFhALsRnOjV7f2fdBJUTjjqMrPUZ4DGsszUvFgkrRJ22T_NnopuGjXtt7zl9ILLFhr8Yi8Y-9nMNUe8UWGldy3yiDWi11lKLtul0ID09obpxg5Q/s5568/DSC_1401.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTINjRLqOTKNJVmb9NMRN8cmLJ6zccRlcGSo2PEtdzRiyXhiMTGhncwNCxtTtosGqbakOe43YBVBOCFhALsRnOjV7f2fdBJUTjjqMrPUZ4DGsszUvFgkrRJ22T_NnopuGjXtt7zl9ILLFhr8Yi8Y-9nMNUe8UWGldy3yiDWi11lKLtul0ID09obpxg5Q/w640-h426/DSC_1401.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Winter in the northern hemisphere is a challenge and in particular, the months of January and February. This year has been especially difficult as the sun peeked out only one or two days the entire month of January. Gray days stretched on and on and it seemed as if the sun would never shine again.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This past weekend was glorious. The sun came out and shone bright from sun-up to sun-down. Yesterday afternoon, despite still testing positive, I made my way to my favorite walking location so I could soak up the rays. Because it's fairly isolated I was able to safely get out without exposing anyone to my germs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On those days when the sun is shining I want to soak up as much of it as I can which will help me through those dark dreary days. I find this true in my spiritual life as well. When I daily come before the Lord and spend time with Him, soaking up His presence then it helps me through those times in my life when all is gray and stormy. As I read and pray I feel His peace flow through me and that empowers me to walk in the days of darkness. Daily spending time and walking in relationship with the Lord is laying the root system that will anchor me in the storms.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The problem comes when we don't spend any meaningful time with Him. When we allow busyness, activity, social media or work to take the place that God should hold we won't be able to say down deep roots. How can we weather the storms that will come when our roots are too shallow and have no substance? The first strong breeze that blows will cause us to topple over and fall apart. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfsAbgHu_u9aAQPCzKWIUnGZ1sP_ZeKI4L7A4ukqBYgDiMcYngekMqw7sp4cc4sFcBLG-VvVv9iV5QjbbleSN_W2rwvAEcCnO7OCZ3reG37dTay7-aaTn0-oWy-nP3j95y9zf4T2Jv4QtNSYbOFSBY1zH-v9WS7CiNV8tllevNUETZDpRjyd5RtFWnX0/s5568/DSC_1405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfsAbgHu_u9aAQPCzKWIUnGZ1sP_ZeKI4L7A4ukqBYgDiMcYngekMqw7sp4cc4sFcBLG-VvVv9iV5QjbbleSN_W2rwvAEcCnO7OCZ3reG37dTay7-aaTn0-oWy-nP3j95y9zf4T2Jv4QtNSYbOFSBY1zH-v9WS7CiNV8tllevNUETZDpRjyd5RtFWnX0/w640-h426/DSC_1405.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The only thing that will see us through those dark, dreary days of trial is having a root system that goes down deep into the truth of God's word. Family, friends, success, position, money, and affirmation from others will ultimately not satisfy us. It's only the relationship we have God that will hold us upright. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I know the clouds will return soon so I'm thankful I was able to spend time soaking up that vitamin D yesterday. I'm also thankful that I spent time soaking up the SON this morning because the clouds of trial are always overhead lately. But because I'm letting my roots go down deep into the truth of God's word and I'm spending time with Him each day, I know I can weather whatever storm is coming my way. I may bend under the wind, but I won't break because my roots are deep.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Soak up some SONshine today. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnMvtzMFnh-xxHzo3bfZp594rnreiPvC5ieKB-nZVBvb4STijbu1FUHMtqVt5f6fKgXofskSIrJ4TpVvwCGm0ijcviw9Q5LArOznf_rHd2YP55xixjkFk9ZYGcP1tKHQFjdY7_re-qnKT3-bHIlj8RUPpn85_KhCcATTuwa7p1-4C2BTTr9BreVVQFSg/s5568/DSC_1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnMvtzMFnh-xxHzo3bfZp594rnreiPvC5ieKB-nZVBvb4STijbu1FUHMtqVt5f6fKgXofskSIrJ4TpVvwCGm0ijcviw9Q5LArOznf_rHd2YP55xixjkFk9ZYGcP1tKHQFjdY7_re-qnKT3-bHIlj8RUPpn85_KhCcATTuwa7p1-4C2BTTr9BreVVQFSg/w640-h426/DSC_1393.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><br /></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-83033405461176253442024-02-01T08:32:00.009-05:002024-02-01T09:18:45.970-05:00Positively Contagious<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcaiUXbVSHW5j35fnT6P3_z4oT_sDwhZYs0JCO6c06a3FRg2CXfHRxp_-lxw12EIgU8AvfDwNjhCWFGnXSZrQ-lk17jixg182kfBAqg5wKR-EUQpVCA0oGCPzB1WNH59QijkxG_bDsW_ej0Rl7No9f7JZXwoICb3rK8DRZSTQ0gBcrnkPlu9yrEPN1pE/s722/your-day-by-day-guide-common-cold-722x406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="722" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcaiUXbVSHW5j35fnT6P3_z4oT_sDwhZYs0JCO6c06a3FRg2CXfHRxp_-lxw12EIgU8AvfDwNjhCWFGnXSZrQ-lk17jixg182kfBAqg5wKR-EUQpVCA0oGCPzB1WNH59QijkxG_bDsW_ej0Rl7No9f7JZXwoICb3rK8DRZSTQ0gBcrnkPlu9yrEPN1pE/w640-h360/your-day-by-day-guide-common-cold-722x406.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This past Saturday I went off to a conference with Dan. We got up at 4 a.m., traveled the 2 1/2 hours to get there, spent the day learning, but also talking, hugging and visiting with other friends from around the district. Then we arrived back home around 7:30 p.m.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The next day I got up and skipped off to church where I hung out in the nursery, caring for the little ones while their parents worshipped upstairs. It was a great morning!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We came home and that afternoon, we sat down to watch a football game (American football for my overseas readers). In the middle of the game, I suddenly started coughing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And by the next day, I was coughing, wheezing, had a fever and sore throat and had chills. I took a Covid test and tested positive. Ugh.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I was more upset that I had spent the weekend around so many people. I never would have gone if I knew I was going to be sick, but unfortunately, the nature of the virus is you don't even know you have it until the symptoms start. I felt fine the entire weekend until the cough started.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This week l've fluctuated between feeling like I'm going to die (okay, I exaggerate! ๐) to feeling pretty good (once the ibuprofen kicked in). It's gone from coughing and a fever to intestinal issues to an entire day of massive head congestion. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This morning my ears are clogged up and the cough seems to be a bit more productive. The biggest discouragement is at some point yesterday morning I lost my taste and smell. It took 2 1/2 years to come back the last time I had Covid and I'm praying it doesn't do that again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But I have some things I'm thankful for. The positives?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I've lost another lb. for a total of 59 lbs.!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ My husband and son seem to have dodged it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ Dan is a gem. He's bought me cough drops, tissues, some groceries. He has done dishes and laundry. He's also avoided me as much as possible. He stands at the top of the stares to our family room where I've been hanging out and calls down to me. ๐คฃ</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐Despite being sick, I have had moments when I felt well enough to get some computer work done. I spent the afternoon yesterday entering our checkbook register into a spreadsheet to track our spending. And kicking myself that once again I didn't stay on top of it and trying to get 5 months worth entered in. ๐</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ So far no one at church has gotten ill (as far as I know). Unfortunately, a friend I sat with at the conference has it and we don't know if I got it from him or he got it from me. His wife who is vulnerable seems to be okay. Another friend who was there came down with it as well but again, who knows who was ground zero with the infection. I could have picked up the bug from the grocery store.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I'm thankful I started feeling sick when I did because we planned on going to visit Dan's parents on Monday and because I wasn't feeling well, we canceled. It would not be good if they were exposed.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">๐ The sun was out yesterday for the first time in almost a month. It was so beautiful as I longingly stared out the window. ๐คฃ</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I've spent lots of time reflecting, praying, resting, reading, and generally just not being my normal self which is always on the move. Sometimes I think forced rest is a good thing.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">๐ I've been able to chat with my children on the phone though with a squeaky voice, I still was able to send out some encouragement cards. I was able to get our district prayer list out for our International Workers. Of course, I'm hoping all those things were coherent in my hazy state. ๐</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And I'm thankful that I can find things for which to be thankful. Thankfulness is positively contagious and I'd rather pass that on then my germs. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Have a blessed day and pass on some thanksgiving today!</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-26674625484732185642024-01-29T05:10:00.001-05:002024-01-29T07:41:41.450-05:00Encouraging Deep Roots<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrHTXSmO4NLa01Sh-yoHj3tDBTxTNS4wn6-M13PlODYZJ-mj-bBhPfPsmm7M_SW61z_pXzqEiHes50mKJ5JUXmU3GI_NJfaCFZQk3syuAgUTmpuZS2rKeDK9qAiEnVcVxSMjfSeae66RbqyKe47TSGWBEmJKYA3QhkTrIfUQDWfrH3cJQFNB-u1XWlFI/s500/Black%20White%20Elegant%20Monogram%20Initial%20Name%20Logo%20(2).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrHTXSmO4NLa01Sh-yoHj3tDBTxTNS4wn6-M13PlODYZJ-mj-bBhPfPsmm7M_SW61z_pXzqEiHes50mKJ5JUXmU3GI_NJfaCFZQk3syuAgUTmpuZS2rKeDK9qAiEnVcVxSMjfSeae66RbqyKe47TSGWBEmJKYA3QhkTrIfUQDWfrH3cJQFNB-u1XWlFI/w640-h640/Black%20White%20Elegant%20Monogram%20Initial%20Name%20Logo%20(2).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I started my website a few years ago I was trying to come up with a name that would encompass what I wanted to do. However, every name that I researched was already taken. At the time, my blog was called Hearts in Service but that domain was already taken. So after thinking about it I settled on "Words of Encouragement for a Discouraged World" which was part of one of my book titles.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, the problem with that particular name is that it was a mouthful to say and hard for people to remember when trying to search for it. It also sounded a bit grandiose to me! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The past few weeks I've been thinking, praying and evaluating things and have given my site a "tweak." When I reflected on what my desire in ministry really is, my heart is to see people put down roots in the truth of God's word and grow spiritually. And that's my desire for myself as well. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm thankful for this past month because as I've worked on staying focused and honing in on what my purpose is, God has been giving me some clarity. And He's given me some really cool opportunities and open doors that I never would have expected.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I've purchased a new domain and applied it to my current website. The new name is Encouraging Deep Roots and the domain is https://encouragingdeeproots.com. That's so much easier to remember and type. I even put together my own logo which is above. I told my husband that it actually is helping me to have a more narrowed focus in my writing. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The website needs a bit of work, but for now I'm happy with the name and focus. And the opportunities I mentioned include a friend asking if he could translate one of my books into another language for distribution in a different country. WHAT????!!!!! That was totally not expected. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another was being asked back to be a weekend retreat speaker in October. This past year I taught 6 sessions on the Epistle of James at a retreat center and I'm looking forward to doing this again with a different book. I may also have a possibility of teaching an online class as well. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm thankful for the doors that God is opening for me, especially because they aren't ones that I even expected. That's always an amazing sign to me that He is in it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to seeing how this all works out as I continue to step out in faith and follow where the Lord leads.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-69300755027208570992024-01-25T12:50:00.012-05:002024-01-25T13:02:23.984-05:00Oh What to Do; I'm Sixty-Two!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo8db9eJhMUTCkn_A5qCIdlItR22z1HFBwogPN9FdmR7tMWTjY9-LQ7sUVVYJvCmYzbAWUnXtiWsZixKaAMd43NV80WCzeXx6Bp7jeoTpLQH7rBIhd3TpuilbMIs1PGJNX3pb6qYEZ31iVWGH1TOKWo21twgeH-BSzQlJrlYu8P3_wSpJcf8rHmyaHOE/s640/IMG_5802.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdo8db9eJhMUTCkn_A5qCIdlItR22z1HFBwogPN9FdmR7tMWTjY9-LQ7sUVVYJvCmYzbAWUnXtiWsZixKaAMd43NV80WCzeXx6Bp7jeoTpLQH7rBIhd3TpuilbMIs1PGJNX3pb6qYEZ31iVWGH1TOKWo21twgeH-BSzQlJrlYu8P3_wSpJcf8rHmyaHOE/w640-h480/IMG_5802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Today is my sixty-second birthday and it's hard to believe I've achieved that....um....seasoned age! My first thought this morning was one of not being sure that I like it. However,</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> as I thought I about it, I decided to take joy in the fact that I've reached an older age. Because age comes with benefits.</span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Benefit #1 - I'm a bit wiser.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I look back at some of the decisions I made when I was younger, I cringe. With age has come the ability to slow down and think things through before I make major upheavals in my life. I've also discovered that getting worked up about certain things is just an absolute waste of emotional energy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Benefit #2 - I'm enjoying my life.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I've aged I've learned all kinds of skills and hobbies and can honestly say that I'm never, ever bored. I love all the different things I'm able to do and it's fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Benefit #3 - I've learned to appreciate my relationships.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With age I've learned to work on developing and enjoying the relationships I have with both family and friends. I have an eclectic mix of people in my life from all different ends of the political, religious and social spectrum and I truly enjoy them. We don't all have to think alike or agree to be friends or family. It makes me sad when people cut off relationships just because of a difference of opinion. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Benefit #4 - The simple things bring me joy.</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have never been a fancy, ball-gown type of woman, but that is more true now that I'm older. I'm happy with simple little every day joys. This morning I had coffee with a friend and then later, my husband and son took me out to lunch. I talked to my daughter and sister on the phone. My middle son texted me this morning. I'm happy and content with what I have. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Benefit #5 - I've learned and, am still learning, to be content with my lot in life.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I was younger I did a lot of whining and complaining about things that would happen to me. Okay, I still do whine at times.๐ But, I have learned that God is with me no matter what and He always works things out to my growth and His glory when I trust Him. I whine a lot less and I find it more beneficial to trust that He is working all things out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm sure there are many other benefits, but those are 5 off the top of my head. I have noticed my head holds a lot less than it used to so perhaps five is enough! ๐</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm sixty-two and what will I do? I will enjoy each moment that comes my way today!</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-5733114419646347442024-01-23T07:39:00.004-05:002024-01-28T13:16:52.963-05:00The Lifebuilder's Creed<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPyMRskpfKSxeibik-0e5oIAga1Bq6d51VFv7gGwPt8uQJZi6gxl84WfXEye7DKHKqEl7-lE4PinIgHQSekoljlUufbYdGy8JMXD6uKZmekKaLO43rJq1Fv0-nSSAnJSAcS-N4r4XuUxBnTycNCFE0Q2Q18vpBM1KwiNbC7-H0VJpgCyx2wro8iyfb-c/s1191/Finding%20Hope%20and%20Growth%20in%20God%E2%80%99s%20Word.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1191" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPyMRskpfKSxeibik-0e5oIAga1Bq6d51VFv7gGwPt8uQJZi6gxl84WfXEye7DKHKqEl7-lE4PinIgHQSekoljlUufbYdGy8JMXD6uKZmekKaLO43rJq1Fv0-nSSAnJSAcS-N4r4XuUxBnTycNCFE0Q2Q18vpBM1KwiNbC7-H0VJpgCyx2wro8iyfb-c/w640-h412/Finding%20Hope%20and%20Growth%20in%20God%E2%80%99s%20Word.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">I was reading a book last night and saw this poem in it and it struck a chord with me. All we really have is today to live out our values. It was a challenge to me to make today a good one. Hopefully, you will find it encouraging as well. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #272626; font-size: 32px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0em;">The Lifebuilderโs Creed</span></p><div><span 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style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="color: #272626; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0em;">By Dale Witherington</span></p></div><div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;">Today is the most important day of my life.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Yesterday with its successes and victories, struggles and failures is gone forever.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> The past is past.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Done.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Finished.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> I cannot relive it. I cannot go back and change it.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> But I will learn from it and improve my TODAY.</span></span></p></div><div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;">TODAY. This moment. NOW.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> It is Godโs gift to me and it is all that I have.</span></span></p></div><div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;">Tomorrow with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> troubles isnโt here yet.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Indeed, tomorrow may never come.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Therefore, I will not worry about tomorrow.</span></span></p></div><div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;">Today is what God has entrusted to me.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> It is all that I have. I will do my best in it.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> I will demonstrate the best of me in it โ</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> my character, giftedness, and abilities โ</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> to my family and friends, clients and associates.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> I will identify those things that are most important to do TODAY,</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> and those things I will do until they are done.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> And when this day is done</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> I will look back with satisfaction at that</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> which I have accomplished.</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Then, and only then, will I plan my tomorrow,</span><br /><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"> Looking to improve upon Today, with Godโs help.</span></span></p></div><div style="direction: ltr; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><p><span style="color: #272626; letter-spacing: 0em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Then I shall go to sleep in peace โฆ content.</span></span></p></div></div><div><span data-canva-clipboard="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"></span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-7402653594043014122024-01-22T07:52:00.002-05:002024-01-22T07:52:46.316-05:00Some Winter Musings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKiP0MhiTLtDz48ze_bZXSx3gU7ejek1xD4FWwfua-kradBiu1fYlcDCcRCEXKgNXDgz8_K0AB4P2FIIOPi1L-Xso80x3vM3r-SGw1cMv0AjasizF1pwVexoGpk6-zctvzOad_TuXazVRFoLCGO1lUVJfriyhLxgH_N0YH6vfrC-cZCfeSBNeozxV_28/s640/IMG_5777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="558" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKiP0MhiTLtDz48ze_bZXSx3gU7ejek1xD4FWwfua-kradBiu1fYlcDCcRCEXKgNXDgz8_K0AB4P2FIIOPi1L-Xso80x3vM3r-SGw1cMv0AjasizF1pwVexoGpk6-zctvzOad_TuXazVRFoLCGO1lUVJfriyhLxgH_N0YH6vfrC-cZCfeSBNeozxV_28/w558-h640/IMG_5777.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This was the scene outside my window the entire week. While it is beautiful, it is not my favorite scenery. It was snowy and frigid and I stayed hunkered down in my house for most of the week. I ventured outside to take dinner to my in-laws on Monday for my father-in-law's 89th birthday and I worked at a friend's shop on Thursday, and went grocery shopping, but other than those things, I stayed home and worked from here. I'm starting to understand why some people move south when they get older.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But despite the weather, I enjoyed my week. That is mostly because I was working on a fun project - a cookbook. I'm in the process of writing a plant-based cookbook and so did a bunch of recipe testing this past week. I also did a lot of sampling which was not good! The needle on the scale jumped up a couple of pounds which helped me realize that I need to watch it, even when eating good things.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO5dKsd78P0R_g6ib5BlfCIs6uELDjB9Z1tDzj0ZPRXWzZGJduQXl_bJZ7qtS45vLkm2ya6RL4FiAHijHo6AHGpbT1xxDzAGaNXbD6_yDP8YDQSyOC9UfPPTMt1KCd5-X9D4vT7ZxkzGJqMa7LR-TBr2GYa5dbqWecUFVQbiQcsAvVyOfKSnxkIOpnzU/s640/IMG_5715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO5dKsd78P0R_g6ib5BlfCIs6uELDjB9Z1tDzj0ZPRXWzZGJduQXl_bJZ7qtS45vLkm2ya6RL4FiAHijHo6AHGpbT1xxDzAGaNXbD6_yDP8YDQSyOC9UfPPTMt1KCd5-X9D4vT7ZxkzGJqMa7LR-TBr2GYa5dbqWecUFVQbiQcsAvVyOfKSnxkIOpnzU/w640-h480/IMG_5715.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I also will be starting a new website for all things frugal and nutritious. A friend encouraged me to delve into this untapped part of my life. I will share the links once it is up and running, but it will include frugal tips and inspiration and ways to save money. I will have some recipes there and also share how it is possible to eat nutritiously on a budget.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLelRaEgc55leqBnwjIFfiOT5T95c9xXZN1ZFvG6yljrmsYZC4MbjMV4LOW7obMd6fjAG7vqMXXlXpqgVuMGKvM7Vtc3HDYanMOWTZIQrcAGZqNQZvk2WQ7-TSSAVxTjTPgtnrboWNO9XYHoSie9sCJhiaQJWkH3c3ZGIqRb-di3qrwONwcwBWopbwBNA/s640/IMG_5735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLelRaEgc55leqBnwjIFfiOT5T95c9xXZN1ZFvG6yljrmsYZC4MbjMV4LOW7obMd6fjAG7vqMXXlXpqgVuMGKvM7Vtc3HDYanMOWTZIQrcAGZqNQZvk2WQ7-TSSAVxTjTPgtnrboWNO9XYHoSie9sCJhiaQJWkH3c3ZGIqRb-di3qrwONwcwBWopbwBNA/w640-h480/IMG_5735.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I will continue to write here on this blog as well. This has been a ministry for me and I will continue to encourage and share different insights the Lord has given to me. Writing has always been a way I process things so I will continue to do that in this space.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXaW05bWcaUUV1Yyo1caQslo00SCqX3K5UVWKcBV0b9ybsBaodGgB_4EBL4KciMAQSvI6nWPxk09Ps0MNPwdjssfnuxtwBQQyTo3gJNihn0MipJhEiYUyBjkd6neoM3zBFf6op2VkdOV-OQSWyd18oOb6HUEhGCz0xWpvnjT24kKgg1uUthJPA8nVBuY/s639/1012256_10203065864231380_1582134070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="639" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXaW05bWcaUUV1Yyo1caQslo00SCqX3K5UVWKcBV0b9ybsBaodGgB_4EBL4KciMAQSvI6nWPxk09Ps0MNPwdjssfnuxtwBQQyTo3gJNihn0MipJhEiYUyBjkd6neoM3zBFf6op2VkdOV-OQSWyd18oOb6HUEhGCz0xWpvnjT24kKgg1uUthJPA8nVBuY/w640-h360/1012256_10203065864231380_1582134070_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We are three weeks into January and they have been productive weeks. I am thankful that the way I've organized my goals this year, as well as being intentional each week in sitting down and planning out the coming week, has been very helpful. I generally set aside some time on Sunday and look at my overall yearly objectives to remind myself of the them. Then I write down my list of appointments for the week and plug in what I would like to accomplish that week, keeping in mind my word for the year, "connected."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJwNY_yWprZ3LYOrdz-PHP7LpmSApIhpjiOaXCge1wZ6qZCpB96jUUMHntqPxNEJmXUwEzrOvDItUxR0G4wiOBZNy4k7iZ8wcSYmeWEVBoC50mJz8BlU08GRmzQk5d1xNNMUaxr_aBp3ccb8xZf-OhmhUNFQGf0ufclP1EznTAwogNqA_NMTabK0xLqA/s640/IMG_5642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJwNY_yWprZ3LYOrdz-PHP7LpmSApIhpjiOaXCge1wZ6qZCpB96jUUMHntqPxNEJmXUwEzrOvDItUxR0G4wiOBZNy4k7iZ8wcSYmeWEVBoC50mJz8BlU08GRmzQk5d1xNNMUaxr_aBp3ccb8xZf-OhmhUNFQGf0ufclP1EznTAwogNqA_NMTabK0xLqA/w640-h480/IMG_5642.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So I schedule in time to connect to the Lord, connect to others around me and stay connected to the ministry that God has for me. It's been a very different way to operate my life and I see a difference already. So I want to continue to do this on a weekly basis.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And one other thing I've been doing after I write out my list for the week is to pray about it to be sure I'm staying in-tune to what the Lord wants me to do that week. I also am praying before I say "yes" to things. I have a tendency to plunge in and think afterwards or I say "yes" because I feel guilty if I don't want to do a particular thing. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm learning that just because something is important to another person that I don't have to make it my priority if I'm not feeling led to do that ministry. That is a hard one for me because the approval of others has been a driving force in my life. The Lord is teaching me to listen to His nudging and it's okay to say, "no," even if that means someone may be disappointed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I also want to do things to the best of my ability and that doesn't always happen when I'm spread too thin. I do a good job, but I often think that it would be even better if I could just stay focused.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to this year and am praying that it's a year of growth and forward movement. In many ways it is going to be an exciting year, which includes our daughter's wedding. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to a year of connections.</span></div>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-28173249431614556622024-01-17T07:23:00.005-05:002024-01-17T07:23:39.918-05:00The Good, the Bad and the Ugly<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDl0AVc1yWAA4x1pXCfYjrjXX7SknmQCXoQcjY_H2W6_yG0oTFhKmn9fKvMiAqCwogIGi3hbUaE6uSXmBstsufbQQ2NnSPVvTOLHxLKL_ZdjT7ipoKQVPGF9ubaq2mXxDheX-COBEeJxxmnLrEUZMDBMWMfvOc1pXYLjjpGKlEOwi1wzu2q3J8642HIw/s940/www.nedalliancewomen.org%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDl0AVc1yWAA4x1pXCfYjrjXX7SknmQCXoQcjY_H2W6_yG0oTFhKmn9fKvMiAqCwogIGi3hbUaE6uSXmBstsufbQQ2NnSPVvTOLHxLKL_ZdjT7ipoKQVPGF9ubaq2mXxDheX-COBEeJxxmnLrEUZMDBMWMfvOc1pXYLjjpGKlEOwi1wzu2q3J8642HIw/w640-h536/www.nedalliancewomen.org%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Since I started this blog in 2008, I have tried to encourage others as I share bits of my life. I've been fairly transparent because I don't have it altogether and yet, I do know God is working through the struggles I have. Perhaps, you find yourself in similar situations and you will find encouragement in my words. </span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My posts are a mixture of all kinds of things. Today, I'm going to share the good, the bad and the ugly from yesterday. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Good</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After months of waiting, we finally were able to meet with a financial broker to get our son's, services started and to implement what is in his life plan. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For those who are new to this blog, our eldest is on the autism spectrum and has been approved for services through the state. He has been assigned a care coordinator, has a job coach and a life plan has been developed for him, along with input from him and my husband and I. But we couldn't do anything with it until we met with the financial broker who would come up with a budget for all of this. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He has been on a waiting list and has been waiting about 9 months. Yesterday, we met with the gentleman and signed the papers to move forward. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Bad.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Our son left for work like he always does in the early afternoon and last night my husband got a phone call from him. He works full-time as a cleaner for the school system and has been really struggling and feels completely overwhelmed by it. When he gets like that he starts to shut down completely. And because he is anxious and overwhelmed, he has not been sleeping well at all. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Nathan called while on his break time and Dan talked him through some strategies to get through the rest of his shift. This has happened multiple times in the past couple of months and it causes me to get knots in my stomach. I hate that he struggles so much. His care coordinator suggested that full-time might be more than he can handle. When he is stressed at work, that becomes his entire focus even when he is home. So he's not pleasant to be around when he's depressed, anxious and negative.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>The Ugly.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dan got off the phone and I had a complete and utter meltdown. The crux of the matter is that I'm frustrated. Our son, Nathan, doesn't wear his disability on the outside. He looks just like you and me and so, people cannot understand when he is unable to perform at the same level as others. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">His processing speed is very low and when feeling rushed and pressured, it slows even more. In the right environment, he thrives. In a wrong one, he falls apart. But sometimes, I forget that as well and get really frustrated with him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dan listened to me as I ranted (just being real and raw here) about why Nathan couldn't just do the job. Then he said something that brought me up short, "Aren't you really mad at God because this is our life?" OUCH!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But he wasn't wrong. Our entire married life has been one of dealing with a child who struggles and it has been lonely. Lonely because not everyone understands, especially since our son doesn't wear his disability on the outside. When I have tried to express some of this, people look at me with a puzzled or blank expression on their face. Or I get the sense they think we are being over-dramatic or over-protective. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We didn't have family who understood or helped when he was growing up. There were very few people I could leave him with and unfortunately, the few times we did leave him it turned out to be the wrong choice. We have not been able to do many of the things our friends are able to do. It's hard for us to even get away because he struggles if he is by himself so often it's either me going by myself to some conference or Dan going by himself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My husband touched a nerve because if I'm honest, I am frustrated with my circumstances. I have all these wonderful plans of what I want to do and where I would like to see my life head, but this is my reality. Dan gently reminded me that God has given us this son and this is what our objective and goal should be. Nothing else.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's not speaking engagements or leadership development or plans or church programs. Helping our son thrive and move forward needs to be my number one priority. And I forget that often or perhaps, if I'm honest, I want to carry on as if my life looks like everyone else's around me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">But it doesn't. And despite my meltdown last night, I know that God is with me as I walk this hard path. And He gives me the strength to pick myself back up, brush myself off and keep moving forward.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As I process through this, I thought I'd share a bit here today because I know there are others out there in similar situations who have dealt with the good, the bad and the ugly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's okay to cry and grieve. But then we get up and continue on. Because God is with us and God is with our children. And that thought as well as God's strength keeps us moving forward.</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-59778704951156935432024-01-15T05:30:00.004-05:002024-01-15T05:30:54.839-05:00Caution: Work Ahead<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh88G-Q9fAtpkCHvaQ1s-WBvozI8LnS-4IDkWgJ0Yy4qhyphenhyphen3_FDf10Nb5KdV_mirRP9xhbT2bD_umeQ4AvcCKfYFlJTpg4sLrfaziyaP3gSi1fcQWe0BLZRa28iKDwHHd1GsIleOX50eHVR1MIV29f7zBY_Te5vBU7uxmAbzkc9-PFoCSBhypbGvcBlss/s2000/Road_works_ahead_PW03_2_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh88G-Q9fAtpkCHvaQ1s-WBvozI8LnS-4IDkWgJ0Yy4qhyphenhyphen3_FDf10Nb5KdV_mirRP9xhbT2bD_umeQ4AvcCKfYFlJTpg4sLrfaziyaP3gSi1fcQWe0BLZRa28iKDwHHd1GsIleOX50eHVR1MIV29f7zBY_Te5vBU7uxmAbzkc9-PFoCSBhypbGvcBlss/w640-h640/Road_works_ahead_PW03_2_01.png" width="640" /></a></i></span></div><i style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><b>Philippians 1:3-6 ~ </b></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><b>I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I woke up at 3 a.m. and was unable to get back to sleep. Things were weighing heavy on my mind and I finally made my way downstairs, picked up my Bible and started to read.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I stumble and mess up either with my actions or my attitude, I have a hard time letting it go. And when I express my bad attitude to others then I start to beat myself up, spiral downward, and feel like a failure in my walk with the Lord.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This morning I started reading in the second chapter of Philippians to remind myself of what humility looks like and something made me go back and start at the beginning. I'm thankful I did because I was reminded once again that God continually uses my weaknesses and stumbling to help me to grow and mature in Him. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When I allow Him to take those broken and weak areas of my life, He works to draw me to Himself and He speaks His truth to my heart. As I allow Him to work, I can have confidence that He will finish what He started in my life. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Stumbling, especially when it happens in front of others, is a humbling thing. But humility is the only way I can approach the Lord so it's not all bad. He uses those moments of weakness to shape me into a woman that can be used by Him.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm a work in progress and am thankful that God does not give up on me. I'm sure I'll mess up again, but because I know God is working I will always refuse to give up.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Caution: Work Ahead</span></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6199834575705009097.post-80651494845159282692024-01-12T07:31:00.004-05:002024-01-12T07:31:46.609-05:00Blossoming<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGeZzqFHVoBM64qAb16HEcIMNzS0dTGrK0_YnOsKxXzGEjCiQOl61Lswlpu0lhEdKszUHsEAs-eDoMjFYJQ5hnbI-cHvYq6z5AXvjZ6V8SYu7wQWbN1XQHkWUjG_XOAYQAljNkboyz0XmGg6GE2OSO5WUgYkaUOGf6ao6VarLiTgnhS2TSIxyalUTy0o/s5184/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdGeZzqFHVoBM64qAb16HEcIMNzS0dTGrK0_YnOsKxXzGEjCiQOl61Lswlpu0lhEdKszUHsEAs-eDoMjFYJQ5hnbI-cHvYq6z5AXvjZ6V8SYu7wQWbN1XQHkWUjG_XOAYQAljNkboyz0XmGg6GE2OSO5WUgYkaUOGf6ao6VarLiTgnhS2TSIxyalUTy0o/w640-h426/IMG_1620.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of the items on my vision board that I made was a painting I did a few years back. It says, "Bloom where you are planted." That's a saying we've heard multiple times but don't always implement. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you are anything like me, when you find yourself in a new situation, you lament and whine and wish things could be as they were. You regret that the change happened and spend most of the time looking backward.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Time is wasted on "should haves," "would haves," and "could haves." It's an exercise in futility and gets you nowhere. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The reason I put this on my board is to remind myself that whenever I follow where God leads, even to those hard places where it seems like I have no fruit, He is always glorified.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So this year I want to bloom right where I am - even when the land is parched. I want to blossom with the gifts He has given me even if water is scarce. I want to thrive even in the middle of a desert.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How about you? Are you trusting God to help you bloom where He has planted you? It may not be a place, but perhaps He has allowed circumstances in your life you don't like. Maybe it's a situation where there seems to be no answers. Or it could be that you are struggling with the choices others make. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Whatever the circumstance and wherever you find yourself, allow Him to work in you so you can thrive and blossom right where you are planted.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eHLJ3PPjduJI-puJTfjgB4sL-Y_mslNcJiI1mEN5Iqz-Z5lTy1QAZ_enwraKAqxQYSSfKy_XEo98bJdqfWKMb4lzV4fAs5etvlbQ1ShViTrfEk7hhY5hsGOe4eI3FySVMXiPLSm6wllPuhwx4H7c8F4Sc4x8XJAjfoKLl1wYgFoQJdnQtQTOT8Bo578/s640/IMG_5648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eHLJ3PPjduJI-puJTfjgB4sL-Y_mslNcJiI1mEN5Iqz-Z5lTy1QAZ_enwraKAqxQYSSfKy_XEo98bJdqfWKMb4lzV4fAs5etvlbQ1ShViTrfEk7hhY5hsGOe4eI3FySVMXiPLSm6wllPuhwx4H7c8F4Sc4x8XJAjfoKLl1wYgFoQJdnQtQTOT8Bo578/w480-h640/IMG_5648.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Terrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15813884721045918546noreply@blogger.com0