Biggest Loser Week 3

Three weeks down, 9 to go!!!

Verse For The week!!!

John 6:35-36, "Jesus replied, 'I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will NEVER be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

I wonder what would happen if when my flesh was weak and tempted I truly went to God for help. I'll be honest, this week I have eaten a lot out of sadness and exhaustion. I guess you call that emotional eating? I think a lot of women, myself included, turn to physical food to satisfy something only spiritual food will satisfy. What could God do for my weak flesh if I went to Him as the Bread of Life and asked for HIS help? I am going to try that this next week and I am expecting BIG things!!!

Time to mix it up ladies.

#1 This week enter your Name

#2 Goal for the week (but let's follow Kassie's example and make your goal measurable. She said she wanted to drink 84 oz. of water a day...)

#3 Your Favorite Healthy Recipe (you can leave it under comments or put it on your blog. This is optional, but I NEED some new recipes. My hubby is begging you!!! =)

# 4 Weight loss for the week

#5 Prayer Request

My Turn:

Dawn

I have two goals: 1. To work out for a total of 4 hours this week. 2. To drink 80 oz. of water per day. (If you need to find me I will be in the bathroom! Ha=)

Weight Loss Tip for the week: (I am taking the week off to read yours =)

Weight Loss - 0

Prayer Request - First a praise to tell you God answered your prayers and I am at COMPLETE PEACE with the situation in my Bible Study. God is good; thank you for lifting me up!!! I would like prayer to strengthen my flesh, so I can accomplish the goals I set for this week.

Your Turn:

See you back here next Monday!!!

Finally...

Okay , I finally fixed my blog!!! This is my last blog "make-over" for a long time.

Seriously it is!

(stop laughing...it really is =) Ha!

I am so excited about the finished project.

Can you see me doing my the happy dance???

WOOHOO!!!

UPDATE: I created my header at scrapblog.com - it was easy, easy!!!

UPDATE #2 - Go to my friend Jerri's blog for her AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

A Deep Thankful Thursday & Bloggin' Awards

After our wonderful Monday I walked into a not so wonderful Tuesday.

Okay I will just be completely transparent and honest. Tuesday was heart-wrenching, painful, awful ~ the last three days I haven't been able to escape the feeling of being "sucker-punched". HARD!!!

(you know the nasty feeling in your tummy)!

Well I choose to be done with that!

I am choosing to believe God's Word TODAY when He says in

Phil 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ... The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I NEED THAT PEACE TODAY.

I need that peace today because nothing else is making that ache in my stomach go away.

I need the peace that comes only from God TODAY because the advice and wisdom from man has not made that ache go away.

We've all been there, right? We've all walked paths where we have cried out, "Where are you in all this GOD? Help me God! And He ALWAYS answers!"

"...Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

What is true in my life?

Even though right now I am hurting, I have many TRUE, NOBLE, LOVELY, and ADMIRABLE things to be THANKFUL FOR TODAY!

SO bring on my list for Thankful Thursday:

#1 The Creator of the Universe knows my name. He loves me. He rejoices over me with singing even if I feel the rest of the world is not.

#2 I am forgiven. All my sins are gone

(and there was a lot of them I might add ;)

#3 I am healthy.

#4 I have a husband who loves me and two precious boys.

AND IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH TO MAKE ME SKIP AROUND THE COUCH...

#5 My First Bloggin' Award from Belinda.
Now it is my honor to pass it on to 5 other great bloggers.

Natalie - Natalie walks the Word...she is walking the Word when the road is not so easy. She inspires me.

Jennifer - Jennifer is an encourager, she has a way of hugging me through her blog. I just love her to pieces.

Jamie- Jamie's encourages me...it is like each day she confirms God's Word in my heart.

Jackie -Jackie's blog makes me smile!!!

Holly - What can I say about Holly...she is a blessing to me. She is my dearest friend; she has a golden heart.

Love isn't love until you give it away. So if you want to select 5 wonderful people to give this award to - be blessed and go ahead and do it. If not, NO PROBLEM!!!

#6 My second bloggin' award from Ms. Shanda.

Here are the award rules:

1. List 7 things that make you Awe-Summm and then pass the award on to 7 bloggers you love (IF YOU WANT TO) =)

2. Make sure to tag the recipients and let them know they have won!

3. Also link back to the Queen that tagged you (I guess that is me???).

What makes me Awe-Summmm???

1. I am in love with Jesus. He is not part of my life; He IS my life.

2. I am passionate. (too a fault sometimes)

3. I am a mother of 2 boys who are "all boy" if you know what I mean ;)

4. I am teachable - I am addicted to learning everything about God!

5. I love sharing my testimony with other ladies.

6. It is easy for me to see others strengths, so delegating comes easily when in a leadership role.

7. I am a MUCH more loving wife in year 7 than I was in any other year (Thank you Jesus!)

Seven blogs I nominate:

1. Jerri - This Salty Sister takes me from laughing to crying on her blog. When she truly realizes the amazing talents and gifts God has given her we will all have to watch out. She amazes me!

2. Charla - My sweet, sweet sister-in-law is a blessing from my Father. I am thankful for her every day. Her faith inspires me. Love you Lala!

3. Belinda - My sweet friend is so in love with Jesus she blows my mind. She is unashamed and BOLD! Her sweet spirit and loving smile makes me feel loved each time I pull up her blog.

4. B - I love that she can make me laugh out loud when I read her blog. She radiates joy and peace!!! She is a 2 Corin 4:7 woman!

5. Chelsea - Her blog is inspirational as she searches out God's face during this time in her life. She is living Romans 8:28

6. Amber - She just started her blog, but I am blessed by it every time I stop by.

7. My friend Jen at All 4 Boys - I love the way she allows us into her life, her family, and her walk with the Lord. She is a phenomenal writer.

Lovin' Camping

What a weekend!!! We packed the entire house and headed on our first official camping trip. Saturday it started to rain when we crossed the Oklahoma State border. We were SO DISAPPOINTED...Drew started praying that God would make the rain stop, and God answered in a big way. We made it onto the water around 3 and enjoyed PERFECT weather for the next two days.

Right after the rain two AMAZING things happened:

1. Drew caught three HUGE fish: one Wali and two Stripers with his little Red Racer fishing pole. He was so excited, and I was jumping up and down yelling like a crazy Mama at a football game. (BTW - in the pic he doesn't have his life jacket on because the boys took a "bath" in the lake with Ronnie...I was getting Kade dressed and as soon as Drew casted he caught that Wali...we did get the life jacket on after that)

2. We also say this...

and this...a beautiful rainbow that kept getting brighter and brighter as we fished. It was breath-taking.
Then when we finished fishin', Ronnie went across the lake to get Rich and Charla (his brother and Sister-in-law). The boys and I played in the sand and watched this sunset.

Wet sand + water + a pick-up truck = one happy boy!!! THE GOOD LIFE!!!

We camped on a beach across the lake, so we were all by ourselves. The sand was so soft and perfect for the boys to make castles and drive their tractors. They were entertained the entire night. (Thanks for the advice about sand toys Shannon!!!)
We cooked burgers, S'mores, and built a fire. The rest of the night we LAUGHED AND LAUGHED AND LAUGHED. I mean it was that ugly, losin' control, about to fall outta your chair laughing!!! I had the best time!!! Seriously I am smiling just thinking about it!!!
Rich, Drew, Charla, Kade, and Ronnie with our huge "Cast Away" fire!!! Who would have ever known gathering and burning dead wood could be so much fun!!!

Around 11 the boys got in their little cubby hole in the tent and watched a movie

(Okay, so we didn't go completely without technology) Ha!

Sunday morning the men went fishing. Charla, the boys, and I caught a frog, watched a snake swim in the water (YUCK!!!), and played in the sand.

Around lunch Charla and I took the boys to the water slide and amusement park. I think Drew and I climbed the stairs for the water slide a dozen times in our 30-minute time slot. Then we went and drove go-carts. I drove Drew, and Charla drove Kade. She said Kade laughed the entire time. Then we rode the Tilt-o-whirl and got a snow cone. All in all it was an AMAZING experience...I can't wait to go back!!! I highly recommend this state park. Tons to do, beautiful lake!!!

Biggest Loser Bloggin' Style Week Two

WEEK TWO

Weigh-ins: Leave me a comment with your name

Weight loss for the week

Goal for this week

Prayer Request for the week

My turn:

Dawn

lost 1 pound (would have been more, but the camping trip was hard)

Goal for this week is to try to cut out all the processed foods that just leave me wanting more

I ask for prayer about- a situation going on with my Bible Study class that involves me...I keep reading 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, "(I am) troubled on every side, yet not distressed; (I am) perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; cast down but not destroyed. Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the LIFE also of Jesus might be made manifest in (my) body."

Verse for the week:

Jeremiah 29:11-12, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."

I know we have all read this verse numerous times, but sometimes this journey to get healthy is HARD AND FRUSTRATING!!! It just gives me peace when I remember this specific Word from God!!!

Recipe for the week:

Grilled Fish

One pound of fresh Orange Roughy

4 limes

Paprika

Chili Powder

salt

pepper

Place the fish in a pan and squeeze the juice of 4 limes over it. Dust the fish with the remaining spices, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for one hour. Place fish on a foil square and pull the ends up together. Place on the grill. Let cook for 10 minutes. Serve with fresh corn and/or a baked potato. Mmm!!! Even my hubby LOVES this!!!

Sorry- no fun pictures this week...I am not at my home computer!!! Next week I'll be sure to add tons of 'sparkle'! Ha!

For more information click here and here.

Jamie joined us on the 19th, so now we have 16 ladies (including myself) that are participating in our 12 week challenge! Yea!!!
1. Adrian
2. Holly
3. Shannon
4. Haylee
5. Amber
6. Jennifer
7. Belinda
8. Natalie
9. Amy
10. Kassie klwjmw69@yahoo.com
11. Christy chrstycrtt@aol.com
12. Jackie
13. Nicole

14. Becky becky.vetter@southwestheritagecu.com

15. Jamie

"Pinked" Out

I have been "messin" with my blog template all week because I really want three-columns (I love buttons, especially the ones that blink and sparkle. What can I say, I am an accessory girl!). I finally just decided to keep my two-column layout (mainly because I can't figure out how to get three =). I couldn't get excited about any of the layouts and finally decided it was because I am just "pinked" out!

(I never knew that could happen to "me", but it did!!! =) I am packing for our weekend camping trip to the Quartz Mountains in Oklahoma. Between the food, bedding, fishing/camping gear, toys, toiletries, clothes etc. I am thinking I am going to need a U-Haul.

Seriously !!!=)

EXPERIENCED CAMPERS:I need help!!! Leave me suggestions for 'must haves' when camping with small children!!!

(pic above: Quartz Mountains near Altus, Oklahoma)

The boys are so excited about sleeping outside under the stars and cooking over a campfire. I think it will even be warm enough to swim and do a little tubing! The Quartz Mountain Resort has a small amusement/water park, swimming pool, and play ground. I don't know if we will be able to get the boys to leave on Sunday!!!

I'll be honest...after the revival this week (and all the emotions that come with that) I started to tell Ronnie, "I have too much to do and catch-up on this weekend. I am too tired for this trip." You know God is so good to me, and He reminded me of my Beth Moore Memory Scripture for this week is, "I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep growing in knowledge and understanding. For I WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND WHAT REALLY MATTERS, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ's return..."

My friend Stacy says, "The more time you spend with them as children the more time they will spend with you as an adult."

I am tired. I have a mountain of laundry to do. I need to iron Ronnie's work clothes for next week. I am walking on a sticky kitchen floor. I need to get post cards out for our new Bible Study that starts June 2nd.

But, I know the more time I sow into my children TODAY, the more our family will reap later. I don't want the "busyness" of life to rob me of memories with my boys. I feel like that is one mistake I have let happen way to often this past year. Way too often!!!

Well that is enough deep thoughts for a relaxing Memorial Day Weekend...I will see you all back here on Monday!!!

Titus Two Tuesday

I loved the idea I found on this blog about women sharing wisdom they gleaned from other women.
Titus 2 says "...Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior."

Today I want to talk about Stormie Omartian and her book "The Power of A Praying Wife." Ronnie and I just celebrated our 7-year anniversary, and it is only right I talk about how this Titus 2 woman used the Word of God to make our 7th year the happiest yet!

I confess, six months after Ronnie and I were married, I was ready to get divorced. I was lonely and hurt, and the "D-word" was all I thought about. I wasn't saved, so it was easy for me to think, "This is too much work...I need to just cut my losses." In December of 2002, God in all of His prevenient grace literally led me by the hand in the middle of Wal-Mart to Stormie's book.

The first thing she says is that every wife needs to pray the following three-words,
"CHANGE ME, LORD."
Oh yea, you can imagine how hard that was to swallow. I was like, "What?"

BUT...
Psalm 66:18 says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear."
Stormie goes on to say, "The point is not who needs to change. The point is who is willing to change."
Then the next thing that really struck a cord with me was her saying my attitude needs to be, "Whatever you want, Lord. Show me and I'll do it." It means being willing to die to yourself and your wants

(I think they call that, sacrifice. Ha!=)

It means seeing your hubby as God's child. It means loving and respecting your husband not because he deserves it, but because it is what God commands.
(After all, we didn't "DESERVE" the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross - Ephesians 5:1-2)

The following prayer from Stormie's book was the first prayer I prayed for my husband:

"Lord, Help me to be a good wife. I fully realize I don't have what it takes to be one without Your help. Take my selfishness, impatience, and irritability and turn them into kindness, long-suffering, and the willingness to bear all things. Take my old emotional habits, mindsets, automatic reactions, rude assumptions, and self-protective stance, and make me patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. Take the hardness of my heart and break down the walls with Your battering ram of revelation. Give me a new heart and work in me Your love, peace, and joy. I am not able to rise above who I am at this moment. Only You can transform me.
Show me where the sin is in my heart, especially in regard to my husband...Make me a tool of reconciliation, peace, and healing in this marriage...Make me my husband's helpmate, companion, champion, friend, and support. Help me to create a peaceful, restful, safe place for him to come home to. Teach me how to take care of myself and stay attractive to him. Grow me into a creative and confident woman who is rich in mind, soul, and spirit. Make me the kind of woman he can be proud to say is his wife.
I lay all my expectations at Your cross. I release my husband from the burden of fulfilling me in areas I should be looking to you. Help me to accept him the way he is and not try to change him. I leave any changing that needs to be done in your hands...Only You, Lord are perfect...
Teach me how to pray for my husband and make my prayers a true language of love. Where love died, create new love between us. Show me what unconditional love truly is...May the God of patience and comfort grant us to be like-minded toward one another.
I pray that our commitment to You and one another will grow stronger and more passionate every day...Breathe your life into this marriage. Make me a new person, Lord. Give me a fresh perspective, a positive outlook, and a renewed relationship with the man You've given me. Help me to see him with new eyes...new love, new compassion, and new acceptance. Give my husband a new wife, and let it be me."

I prayed that prayer and the other prayers in this book for over a month, and I was saved a few weeks later. God did change my heart!!! Thanks Stormie.

Biggest Loser Bloggin' Style - Week One

Scripture for the week: Psalm 118:24

"Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

I think when I try to focus on doing well for 12 straight weeks, I get overwhelmed! I feel discouraged because I start to carry a burden God didn't intend for me to carry. God says to only think/worry about....(you know the answer) TODAY!!! If I will live today for God, if I will make the most of what God has given me today, if I will live passionately for him today, if I will surrender all of my temptations and fleshly desires to him today, then God will bless my 12-week journey.

Annie Dillard says, "How we live our days is...how we live our lives."

Recipe for the week:

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

*1 pound of chicken (I use two cans of Tyson canned chicken, but the recipe calls for 1 lb. of

chicken cooked and diced in 1 inch squares)

* 2 cans of green chili

*one diced onion

*one diced and seeded jalepeno

*one diced red bell-pepper (optional)

*one can of water chesnuts diced (optional)

* 2 Tbsp of chooped cilantro (optional)

*2 tsp of olive oil

*12 corn tortillas

*1 cup of 2 % or fat-free shredded cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350 and lightly coat a baking dish (mine is 7 x11) Dice the chicken in one inch squares and cook until no longer pink. Remove and set-aside (or take the easy way out and just buy the chicken in a can=)Ha! . Saute onion, jalepeno, bell-pepper, chesnuts, and cilantro in olive oil until vegtables are tender. Add two cans of green chili and chicken. (I add a little chili powder, garlic salt, cumin, and pepper to taste) Let simmer for 5 minutes. Place 6 corn tortillas in a baking dish, cover with 1/2 of chicken mixture, and spread half of the cheese over the chicken recipe. Repeat. Cover with foil and let bake for 30 minutes. You can garnish with salsa, diced tomatoes, black olives, and/or fat-free sour cream.


For our first weigh, leave me a comment that includes:
Name
Weight Loss for the week-
One goal for next week -
Prayer request -

My example -
Dawn
Lost 1 pound
My goal for the week is to not drink any cokes.
I would like you all to pray for our revival this week (Monday - Wednesday).

Exciting news...

*We have 15 ladies (including myself) that are participating in our 12 week challenge! Yea!!!

1. Adrian

2. Holly

3. Shannon

4. Haylee

5. Amber

6. Jennifer

7. Belinda

8. Natalie

9. Amy

10. Kassie klwjmw69@yahoo.com

11. Christy chrstycrtt@aol.com

12. Jackie

13. Nicole

14. Becky becky.vetter@southwestheritagecu.com

I encourage you to visit the ladies' blogs if you have time and encourage them. You are all invited to share recipes, ideas, encouragement on your blog. I can't wait to see how many good recipes and ideas you will have!!!

My challenge for all of us this week: Pray!!! We need to ask God to give us the strength we need to be successful . Jeremiah 33:3 says He wants to show us great and marvelous things...we just have to ask!!! I am praying that I won't have an appetite for anything, but God. I love what Psalm 62 says, "...my victory and my honor come from HIM alone..."

Have a blessed week!!! See you all back here next Monday!

Psalm 63:1-5 says, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

If you have any questions click here for more information or email me at mommy10_19_04@yahoo.com

I Have A New Bloggin' Buddy!!!

Go check-out my new friend Amber Decker's blog!!!

Little Boys and Deep Thoughts

The boys went to Haydn's Birthday party at Jumpin' Jungle last weekend!!! Wall-E shirts and John Deere tractors!!!

Last week we kept Cash for Holly. He loved ridin' with Drew!


Thought for the day from the book I am reading, Crazy Love:
Chan says, "When I am consumed by my problems-stressed out about my life, my family, my job-I actually convey the belief that I think circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. (Phil 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!")
Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives. Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control."

CAUTION: Do not read this book unless you want to be challenged to live like Christ!!! I have to put it down after a couple of pages because my toes are sore from being 'stomped' on!!! Ha!

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire-Book Review

Some food for thought from the book:

1. The first church was birthed during a prayer meeting at Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2). I started thinking about how much time I pray during church...I will be honest, not much! Cymbala says, "I have seen God do more in people's lives during 10 minutes of REAL PRAYER than in ten of my sermons." God's house is suppose to be a house of prayer (Mark 11:17) not a house of preaching. So why do we spend SO LITTLE time in church praying to God?

2. Paul preached in Romans 10:13-15 the chain of the new testament salvation "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Cymbala says, "How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent?...Sending leads to preaching. Preaching leads to Hearing. Hearing leads to Believing. Believing leads to Calling on the Name of the Lord."Notice believing is not the climax...There is one more step for demonstrating a REAL AND LIVING FAITH, and that is calling out to God with all of one's heart and soul. (Read that again...let it really sink in...WOW!!!)

3. Why is that Christians "vigorously defend" what it says in Ephesians 4 about "one faith" and "one God" but we baulk when we talk about "one body"? You hear the whispers amongst Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Church of Christ about their denomination being the only way. I thought Jesus was "THE WAY"!!! Jesus didn't call for denominations and over-organization of our religion...He called for ONE BODY! What would happen if we all joined up to share the Gospel the way the early church did?

4. Cymbala says the way to judge a successful church is not by attendance, but with the standards of Acts 4:29, "Enable your servants to speak your Word with GREAT BOLDNESS!!!" When people leave my church, your church, is the Word of God on their lips???

5. Cymbala says we have to make room for the Spirit of God in Church. The Brooklyn Tabernacle usually meets for 2-2 1/2 hours each Sunday, but they don't have a set ending time.

(GASP!!! What happens if they miss the buffet at Pizza Hut??? ;)

Ahem, are you seeing where Cymbala is going with this...

Cymbala says you can't fit God into a bulletin. We can't rush God into a 1-hour church service.

6. Do we invite the Spirit of God into our worship services??? Cymbala says

"If you only have the Word you dry up. If you only have the Spirit, you blow up. But if you have both, you grow up."

William Lay said, "In the same apostasy that characterized the Jewish nation...The Jews refused Him who was the substance and fulfilling of all that was taught in their Law and Prophets. The Christian church is in a fallen state for the SAME REJECTION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT." Does my church invite the Spirit during services? Do I yield when I know the Spirit of God is moving? Are we rejecting the Holy Spirit???

7. Cymbala says "We are always either drawing nearer to God or falling away. There is no holding pattern."

There is NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS; I want to hear what YOU are thinking! It's your turn!

Biggest Loser - Bloggin' Style

God's Word says in 3 John 1:2, "Dear Friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are AS HEALTHY in body as you are strong in spirit."

God is concerned with our body AND our spirit. As Christians we should neither neglect or indulge ourselves, but care for of physical needs and discipline our bodies so we can do God's work.
Now, let's get real - My body doesn't function the way God intended it to because I don't treat my body as God's temple...

CONFESSION TIME:
***Do you know how many times I don't go the extra mile and miss opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ because I am tired and don't have any energy?

***Do you know sometimes I wake up on Sundays bummed because my "church" pants don't fit right?

***Do you know how many times I am not "bold for Christ" (Phil 1:20) because I don't feel good about myself?

John 10:10 God says, "The thief does not come EXCEPT to steal (my joy), and to kill (my enthusiasm), and to destroy (my purpose). I (God) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it MORE ABUNDANTLY."

I AM READY TO RECEIVE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!

SO...

You are invited to join me in the 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge!!!

(May 11th - August 3rd)

This isn't about getting skinny, this isn't about getting into a size 2 pair of pants, this is about getting healthy!!! This is about offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1)!!!

Let's do it TOGETHER!!!

Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

Rules:

1. You have to sign in this week with your name and town. (Deadline - May 17th)

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BLOGGER TO JOIN IN!!! (If you aren't a blogger - just click on the little envelope at the bottome of the post, type your message, and select "anonymous" to enter).

I don't want to know your weight - I am not asking you for anything I don't want to share myself =) Ha!

2. Every Monday, for the next 12 weeks you have to update us with your progress. (for example: Under May 18th's Monday Post: Dawn Jenkins - 1 pound loss or Dawn Jenkins +.5 pounds)

3. At the end of 12 weeks the woman with the highest PERCENTAGE of weight loss wins. For example: Mary Lou (Lost 10 pounds in 12 weeks) divided by (her beginning weight of 180 pounds) = 6 % *** At the end of 12 weeks I will have everyone email me their results (to protect your privacy) and will announce the winner August 4th!!!

4. If you are a blogger (OPTIONAL), you can join me in posting your progress with a ticker(http://www.tickerfactory.com/), weight loss ideas, recipes, etc. on your blog!!!

Grand Prize (drum roll please...)

A $50 gift card to any department store of your choice.

AND...

Each person that participates all 12 weeks will receive a personalized brag book.

(example below)

My Promise to You:
1. I will commit to pray daily for each one who signs-up.
2. I will post weight-loss tips, ideas, and/or recipes each Monday.
3. I will also post a verse each week to keep the focus on God in our quest to get healthy! HE, ALONE, is our source of strength.

2 Corinthians 4:7 "We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear THAT OUR GREAT POWER IS FROM GOD, NOT FROM OURSELVES."

(If you have trouble leaving a comment, email me mommy10_19_04@yahoo.com)

Ready, Set, Join Me!!!

Bloggin' Buddies

Yesterday I drove to Childress to listen to my dear friend, Jerri Ann give her testimony. It was amazing...the Holy Spirit was moving in a BIG way!

AND

I got to meet up with my bloggin' friend, Belinda from Childress. She and I recently started chatting through our blogs!!! She is AMAZING! We just started talking like we've known each other for years!

AND

All four of the ladies above : Belinda, Charla, Me, & Jerri know each other through blogging. Just another way God is using the Internet to join the Body of Christ together.

Titus 2 Tuesday-Judy Jones

I loved the idea I found on this blog about women sharing wisdom they gleaned from other women.

Titus 2 says "...Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior."

Today I want to tell you about my sweet, sweet mama-in-Christ, Judy Jones (a.k.a. Mama JuJu)!!!
Judy Jones loves the Lord, her husband, her "four" kids, and her six grandchildren. She lives in Lamesa, Texas, and loves to pic' and grin for Jesus, work with the Kairos Ministry, and work in the Emmaus Community!
There are SO MANY things she has taught me the last three years, but today I'll share one (otherwise this post could be two pages long) Ha! About a year ago I accepted an invitation to be on a prayer team for a Walk to Emmaus. After a month of sending up many, many prayers for others, I found myself falling into a DEEP depression. (I realized later I was praying for all these people, but not praying the blood of Jesus over myself - that reminder also came from my sweet Mama JuJu =) I do not have a history of depression (except for six months of post-partum I had with Drew), but I knew I was in trouble. Big trouble! I was burdened. Oppressed. Exhausted. I felt like I was treading water and about to go under. Way under. The Friday night before our second team meeting, I was ironing and just started sobbing. I couldn't stop...I called out to God, and He brought Mama JuJu to mind. I called her, and told her I lost my hope. She didn't tell me to call my doctor for meds, and she didn't listen to all my woes and tell me she'd put me on her prayer list. No! At that very moment before I could finish my sentence, she pulled out this book:

and started praying the Victory Over Depression with me.

"Father, You are my Refuge and my High Tower and my Stronghold in times of trouble. I lean on and confidently put my trust in You, for You have not forsaken me...I establish myself on righteousness- right standing in conformity with Your will and order. I am far even from the thought of oppression or destruction, for I FEAR NOT! I am far from terror, for it shall not come near me. Father, You have thoughts and plans for my welfare and peace. MY MIND IS STAYED ON YOU, for I will stop allowing myself to be agitated and disturbed and intimated and cowardly and unsettled. In the Name of JESUS, I loose my mind from wrong thought patterns. I tear down strongholds that have protected bad perceptions about myself...I surround myself with songs ans shouts of deliverance from depression, and I will continue to be an OVERCOMER by the word of my testimony and the blood of the Lamb.

Father, I thank you that I have been given a spirit of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind. I have discipline and self-control. I have the mind of CHRIST and hold the thoughts, feelings, and purpose of HIS Heart. I have a fresh mental and spiritual attitude, for I am constantly renewed in the spirit of my mind with Your Word, Father...I arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept me. I rise to new life; I shine and am radiant with the glory of the Lord...I praise You that the Joy of the Lord is my strength and stronghold. Hallelujah! Amen."

When Mama JuJu prayed these words over me I felt the immediate release from the spirit of depression. I stood up and was completely free! The prayers in this book are from the WORD (after each prayer the scripture is listed that was referenced in each prayer). God's Word is POWERFUL!!! The Word never goes out and returns to Him void...it ALWAYS accomplishes what God wants it to. Not only did she pray for me that day, but she called me the following week and gave me a copy of this book a few weeks later. She was the hands and feet of Christ to me in a dark hour!

I love you Mama JuJu and thank God that you are in my life!

Crazy Eight

AMENDMENT!!! AMENDMENT!!! HA! On the 8 things "I wish I could do" I change one of my answers to picking my son's wives and reserving them in ADVANCE!!! (HA!) -I am taking applications by the way. (Thanks for the good idea Jennifer!)

I was tagged by my sister-in-law, Charla. So...

The rules are:

1. Mention the person that tagged you.

2. Complete the lists of 8's.

3. Tag 8 other bloggers.

4. Tell them that they have been tagged.

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Moving to the country and building a new house.

2. Spending the weekend ALONE with Ronnie-- our 7-year anniversary is two weeks away!

3. Getting in some authentic worship time in God's house (visiting a new church this Sunday)
4. The Aggies having a winning football season!!!

5. Kade being completely potty-trained!!!

6. Going to Sea World for vacation!
7. Getting back into my pre-baby jeans!
8. June 2nd - our Young Ladies class is starting a new Bible study.

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Watched 24 (Season 5 on tape) with Ronnie.
2. Cleaned the house.
3. Ate cereal for dinner.

4. Broke my toe on weights the boys left in the floor. (oh, yea my pinkie toe is black)

5. Reconnected with some college friends on Facebook.

6. Kept Cash for Holly.
7. Talked to Chelsea and Kelly (our neighbor's daughters).

8. Took a shower while the boys turned the lights on and off at least 50 times =)

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Play an instrument or sing.
2. Cut Texas in half, so I could decrease the distance between Levelland and Paige .
3. Have more original ideas.
4. Run 3 miles.

5. Be a better "ambassador" for Christ.
6. Learn to be less "intense"
7. Make 30 hours in a day instead of 24.
8. Help our church become Spirit-filled.

8 Shows I Watch
1. 24

2. The Biggest Loser
3. American Idol
4. Criminal Minds
5. Friday Night Lights

6. Jon and Kate Plus 8
7. Glenn Beck
8. Cold Case

8 Bloggers That I Tagged

Haylee P.

Holly C.

B.

Jennifer

Shannon R.

Carly R.

Nicole F.

Jennifer

My Husband Rocks - A Giveaway

Go check out my SIL's blog for great advice and a giveaway!