Relationships. We all have them. Some that bring great joy and some that cause great pain.
Our pastor talked today about “the refining fire of relationships”.
John 13:20 “He was troubled in spirit over a relationship”? Jesus is speaking of His relationship with Judas Iscariot. (how have I never seen this scripture before???)
I’ve been in a few relationships that have troubled my spirit and caused extreme pain. And I’ve wondered why God allowed it. Though I’ve forgiven, the memories are still there.
Pastor Matt asked us to ponder this question. “How can God use the hurt/rejection/betrayal for His purposes in my life?”
This is my question to ponder this week.
Sunday, January 24
Saturday, January 23
Friday, January 22
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
For several years I’ve chosen a theme for the new year. The word or phrase becomes my “mantra” to help me focus on my attitude, actions and decisions. So far I’ve used gratitude and consistency.
This year I chose the phrase “Make the Most of Every Opportunity”. I look back and see how I’ve let wonderful opportunities slip by. When I pray and ask for God’s guidance I know He answers and provides for me. This year I want to take full advantage of each and every opportunity He lays before me.
How will I “unpack” this phrase in real day-to-day terms? The five things that came to me this morning:
1. Pray each morning and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance for the day.
2. Stay current on events that I am interested in such as writing and genealogy to be aware of opportunities.
3. Spend quality time with my family, including extended family.
4. Simplify my life and have more time to do the things I really enjoy.
5. Step out in faith. When I stop making excuses, God will give me more opportunities.
I am ready to make the most of every opportunity!
This year I chose the phrase “Make the Most of Every Opportunity”. I look back and see how I’ve let wonderful opportunities slip by. When I pray and ask for God’s guidance I know He answers and provides for me. This year I want to take full advantage of each and every opportunity He lays before me.
How will I “unpack” this phrase in real day-to-day terms? The five things that came to me this morning:
1. Pray each morning and ask for God’s wisdom and guidance for the day.
2. Stay current on events that I am interested in such as writing and genealogy to be aware of opportunities.
3. Spend quality time with my family, including extended family.
4. Simplify my life and have more time to do the things I really enjoy.
5. Step out in faith. When I stop making excuses, God will give me more opportunities.
I am ready to make the most of every opportunity!
Wednesday, January 20
Writers Critique Group
One of my goals this year is to join a writers critique group. I’ve actually wanted to do this for a long time because I need the accountability and the honest feedback from other writers.
Last Saturday I attended the first meeting of a new critique group in my area. It was a pleasure to sit with other writers and read their work. Though I was nervous at first, I relished the honest and helpful feedback they gave me on my submission.
I’m so grateful to the two ladies that started this group. They actually have been in a critique group together for over 7 years and have helped either other immensely. Their goal is to teach us to critique and form several new groups.
It is an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to the future!
Last Saturday I attended the first meeting of a new critique group in my area. It was a pleasure to sit with other writers and read their work. Though I was nervous at first, I relished the honest and helpful feedback they gave me on my submission.
I’m so grateful to the two ladies that started this group. They actually have been in a critique group together for over 7 years and have helped either other immensely. Their goal is to teach us to critique and form several new groups.
It is an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to the future!
Tuesday, January 19
Small Group
Steve and I attended a small group launch at our church last Sunday. We are interested in joining with others and meeting once a week to fellowship, study the Word and do “life” together.
It’s interesting how the Lord put us with people with common interests. One lady is from the St. Louis area where we lived for seven years. Another lady previously worked at Focus and I had met her a few times.
We will meet again the next two Sundays to get to know each other and discuss the logistics of the group. Then we will have a six month “test run” to see how the group evolves.
We are excited about new friendships and the endless possibilities of ministry.
It’s interesting how the Lord put us with people with common interests. One lady is from the St. Louis area where we lived for seven years. Another lady previously worked at Focus and I had met her a few times.
We will meet again the next two Sundays to get to know each other and discuss the logistics of the group. Then we will have a six month “test run” to see how the group evolves.
We are excited about new friendships and the endless possibilities of ministry.
Saturday, January 16
Flat Belly Diet - Progress
At the beginning of every year it seems I’m searching for a new eating plan. The extra holiday pounds are "weighing heavy" and I’m ready to get rid of them!
This year I came across the “Flat Belly Diet” by Prevention magazine. The basic thought is to eat four times a day, 3 meals and one snack that each total 400 calories. The main thing is to eat every four hours.
The program starts with a four day “jump start” of 1200 calories. I lost 3.5 lbs on it. Then the main program is set up for 28 days and can be repeated as desired. If there is a special function, dress to wear, etc. the jump start can also be repeated for additional weight loss.
This plan has been excellent for me. I’ve always lost weight when I eat small meals and do not overindulge. The five core foods of the plan are olive oil, avocadoes, olives, dark chocolate and nuts and seeds. Five foods that I love and have no problem incorporating into my meals.
My goal is to lose 12.5 lbs. My first mini goal is to be down 7 lbs or more by Feb 17th when I have a yearly physical and blood work.
This year I came across the “Flat Belly Diet” by Prevention magazine. The basic thought is to eat four times a day, 3 meals and one snack that each total 400 calories. The main thing is to eat every four hours.
The program starts with a four day “jump start” of 1200 calories. I lost 3.5 lbs on it. Then the main program is set up for 28 days and can be repeated as desired. If there is a special function, dress to wear, etc. the jump start can also be repeated for additional weight loss.
This plan has been excellent for me. I’ve always lost weight when I eat small meals and do not overindulge. The five core foods of the plan are olive oil, avocadoes, olives, dark chocolate and nuts and seeds. Five foods that I love and have no problem incorporating into my meals.
My goal is to lose 12.5 lbs. My first mini goal is to be down 7 lbs or more by Feb 17th when I have a yearly physical and blood work.
Sunday, January 10
Weekly Projects
Sundays are always filled with weekly projects. Since we are now attending church on Saturday nights, Sunday is a day of reflection, rest and getting stuff done!
Today's To Do list:
1. Finish up our budget and start using the envelope system
2. Review my plan for Tuesdays start of the "Flat Belly Diet"
3. Work on the family geneaology...starting with the Wood family
4. Scan pictures and plan photo book
5. E-mail critique material for Saturday's critique writing group
6. Finish laundry
7. Vaccuum
8. Update blog
Today's To Do list:
1. Finish up our budget and start using the envelope system
2. Review my plan for Tuesdays start of the "Flat Belly Diet"
3. Work on the family geneaology...starting with the Wood family
4. Scan pictures and plan photo book
5. E-mail critique material for Saturday's critique writing group
6. Finish laundry
7. Vaccuum
8. Update blog
Wednesday, January 6
The Flat Belly Diet
To accomplish goal #7 of my new years goals, I've been thinking about a new eating plan. Several have worked for me in the past and but I would like to try something different.
I came across "The Flat Belly Diet" by Prevention magazine. My belly as always been my "biggest" challenge (ha ha) and this eating plan really appealed to me.
I checked out a copy of the book from the local library yesterday and immediately liked what I saw. It is normal food, easy to prepare and easy on the food budget.
The first four days are a jump start and then the eating plan is 28 days. I can do anything for 32 days but I think this one is a real winner.
I'm starting on Tuesday, Jan 12 and will update on my progress.
I came across "The Flat Belly Diet" by Prevention magazine. My belly as always been my "biggest" challenge (ha ha) and this eating plan really appealed to me.
I checked out a copy of the book from the local library yesterday and immediately liked what I saw. It is normal food, easy to prepare and easy on the food budget.
The first four days are a jump start and then the eating plan is 28 days. I can do anything for 32 days but I think this one is a real winner.
I'm starting on Tuesday, Jan 12 and will update on my progress.
Saturday, January 2
New Years Goals
New years resolutions always seem to get broken. I much prefer goals.
2010 Goals
1. Spend quiet time with God every day
2. Make the most of every opportunity
3. Join a small group at Woodmen Valley Chapel
4. Exercise a minimum of 3x a week
5. Say what I mean, mean what I say and don't be mean when I say it!
6. Follow a budget; pay off the truck and credit card this year
7. Eat healthy, lose 10 lbs and maintain
8. Hike and travel in Colorado
9. Complete family geneaology project
10. Blog a minimum of 3x a week
2010 Goals
1. Spend quiet time with God every day
2. Make the most of every opportunity
3. Join a small group at Woodmen Valley Chapel
4. Exercise a minimum of 3x a week
5. Say what I mean, mean what I say and don't be mean when I say it!
6. Follow a budget; pay off the truck and credit card this year
7. Eat healthy, lose 10 lbs and maintain
8. Hike and travel in Colorado
9. Complete family geneaology project
10. Blog a minimum of 3x a week
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