Something More to Life

Are you helping or hurting your child? Part 3

2016-08-17T22:09:00.001-04:00

So let me move on to the main topic.

When we fail to create a loving, peaceful and respectful environment we end up skewing our children's thoughts, opinions and deep down, the person they become. This is something that no one may ever realize about themselves: at least, not without a therapist to direct them to the deep dark hidden pain that lies within us. The fact remains that we are not perfect and we will do things that shape our children in positive and negative ways. Knowledge is power and I have been on a quest to know as much as I can about myself to change cycles that have become my life. In unlocking the depths of my soul, I have realized some of the ways I have negatively impacted my own children. It pains me to know this and yet I feel empowered to help them unlock things that trouble them, as well.

I do not blame others for my cycle. You may learn things in this blog that are sad and painful… Sure things have happened in my life that others contributed to when I was young. Just know, I take responsibility for my life.

Are you helping or hurting your child? Part 2

2016-08-17T22:01:00.000-04:00

Examples:

· Kissing our spouse as soon as they get home or acknowledging the spouse before anyone else, teaches children that the adults love and care for each other. It also promotes stability.

· Constantly ignoring or arguing with our spouse teaches children that this behavior is okay to do toward the ones we say we love.

· Responding to accidents in a calm and rational way (no matter who did it) teaches them that no one is perfect and it is, simply put, Okay that we are not perfect.

· Screaming, yelling and accusing when someone has an accident teaching children that only people who have value do not make mistakes.

· Showing respect to all people. ALL... no matter gender, age, race, size or financial disposition. This teaches that everyone is important and should be treated with respect.

· Showing disrespect either to some one’s face or behind their back teaches many untruths like: women are not as important men, youth does not have intelligent opinions, everyone that is not of my race is out to get me, overweight people are slobs and just eat too much, or only the people in my financial league or higher can offer me valuable advice. Etc.

Are you helping or hurting your child? Part 1

2016-08-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

Many parents try to do their best at raising their child. Taking care of their basic needs as an infant, teaching them to walk and talk... even correcting the pronunciation when they say a word incorrectly. *waubee instead of water* or *baff instead of bath*

As they grow up, we make sure they have nice clothes to wear to school and have lunch or lunch money. We even may go as far as setting up a college fund or help with scholarship applications. All of this in hopes of raising responsible adults.

What we may not realize is the day to day things we say, do and sometimes present that develops the character of our children!

If you have followed me on this blog, you will read posts about college, dieting, spiritual guidance and supporting of various passions I have. I am starting my healing process right NOW. I am going to change the cycles that I have found myself in and unlock the barriers that have been created by my past to keep me in a sense of unimportant/incompetent failure. As I move through the cycles, maybe I will blog a little about my journey.

Stay tuned...

One step forward and two steps back? Say what!!!!

2016-01-25T19:27:00.001-05:00

When we use the word STEP different definitions come to people's mind. For instance, if I said STEP to someone with exercise on their mind they may think of the literal 'walking' as STEPS. If I said STEP to someone trying to overcome an addiction or emotional hold, they may think of a process with STEPS.

During the HCG plan, there is a thing called 'Plan Interruption' in which you break from the plan for a few days and then pick up where you left off. The issue I have had with this interruption is the increase in weight. Friday I was down to 191.6 . After three days, I am up to 197. Imagine my disappointment and the reason behind the title of my post. Okay, before you start thinking that this is what will happen when I come off the plan entirely... let me tell you this. Just like any plan, the HCG has phases of the diet. I did not comply 100% with the plan during the interruption. This IS the reason that I gained that much weight. I am frustrated with myself, quiet honestly. So to come clean with this past weekend let me share with you the things I ate.

Atkin's Bar - ok
Water - ok
Bison sample- the mashed potato and gravy was NOT on plan
Bison burger and Parmesan Broccoli - bun was NOT on plan
1/2 Cheesecake - NOT on plan
Cinnamon Almonds - sugar NOT on plan
Coke - NOT on plan

1 pancake w/ topping - NOT on plan
eggs - ok
Coke x2 - NOT on plan
Stacker from Moe's - shell NOT on plan
Atkin's Bar - ok
Chicken w/ broccoli - ok
Sangria - NOT on plan
Water - ok
Coke Zero - ok

OK there it is! Friday and Saturday's foods. Sunday was not great either. Ice cream found it's way into my mouth somehow. LOL

I am determined to make up for this setback!!!

Week Two of the DIET & NEW YEAR

2016-01-16T19:45:00.000-05:00

Sixteen days into this Diet. I am going strong and on plan. This phase in the plan is very, very strict. It becomes hardest when my husband wants to eat out. I love the change; however, this strict of a plan requires only certain foods cooked with no oils or butter.

Here are the stats for this week:

Starting weight this week: 202.0

DAY 9:              199.6       lost 2.4
DAY 10:            198.2       lost 1.4
DAY 11:             198.0      lost .2
DAY 12:            197.8       lost .2
DAY 13:            196.4       lost 1.4
DAY 14:            195.6       lost .8
DAY 15:            194.6       lost 1
DAY 16:            194.2       lost .4

Ending Stats:     This Week's Loss 7.8 Total Loss 18.2 (including gain)   Actual Loss 10.8

I am feeling much better physically. This diet is draining though. I am so tired mostly. My stomach growls often; I just think it is complaining. I am not hungry much, though and that is the good part. I love that I am not on this journey alone, although the goal is to be health, I pray we stay strong and do what we need to that will keep the weight off. Phase one was easy for me. This is Phase two and it is hard. NO KIDDING about that. Phase three is difficult. However, phase FOUR is the biggest, hardest part of them all ~ keeping it off.

One week on the Diet

2016-01-08T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well I am into this diet. The HCG diet. It is a controversial plan being a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD); however I know that it works for me. So to catch you up, I started on the first and am doing the 45 day plan.

Here are the stats for my first week:

Starting weight      205.0 (eekkk I can't believe I posted this)

DAY 1:              205.0       estimated due to traveling without a scale   Load day
DAY 2:             ?????        no scale while traveling                                    Load day
DAY 3:             210.6        Actual scale weight                                            Load day
DAY 4:             212.4        results from three Load Days                          43 VLCD
DAY 5:             207.6        lost 4.8 pounds today
DAY 6:             204.8       lost 2.8 pounds today
DAY 7:             202.8       lost 2.0 pounds today
DAY 8:            202.0        lost 0.8 pounds today

Ending Stats:     Load day Gain 7.4    Total Loss 10.4   Actual Loss 3.0

Not too bad for the first eight days.

Quickie

2016-01-06T12:11:00.001-05:00

Just popping in to say

I am on a diet!

Yes, yes I know this may come to no surprise to you. Especially considering all the people who starts diets on January first. Yet for me this is about more than just losing weight. It is about LIVING the life I have planned for ME.

More to come....

Shopping

2015-11-05T19:37:00.001-05:00

I need to be saving money. There is no doubt about it. However, lately I am realizing that my wardrobe is mostly out of date. I seriously have items from 10-15 years ago. Maybe you can relate? I have varied sizes most of my adult life. So I tend to keep things I like and should transition with the fashion. Classic items. Black slacks, solid blazers... that sort of stuff. Right now I am in between sizes so it makes it hard to feel content. Honestly I need to buckle down and get into my next smaller size. Until then, I have purchased a few items to either get me by or that will still look good on me as I lose weight.

I need to buckle down, that is what I said. But for now... I promised Ethan Ice Cream. LOL

2015-11-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

Truth be told... I think about blogging often. I need to make some time for it.

I just read my last post which was over a year ago. Wow! So another update between the last post and today is in order. Then maybe I can be more consistent with posting to my few followers. LOL

PS. I do wish you would comment so I know if anyone reads these things. (smiles)

Ok over the past year here is what has occurred.
My husband continues to work hard and is now moving to a brand new shift. This makes us very happy. Our time had been limited. NOW, he will be on a totally different schedule starting next week and we will have more opportunities to do things as a family!

Ethan (gbaby) has grown several inches since we have moved here. He still talks non-stop and has so much energy. He is so smart though and currently we are learning the Periodic Table. Funny to me since he is only FIVE. I guess you can never be too young or old to learn new things. I am sure I will re-learn some things during this process. Anywho... he enjoys his preschool / daycare. I haven't involved him in any sports, just yet. I really need to narrow things down.

I started a new position in October and am so happy about it. This past year has been trying for me at my previous employer. I won't bother going into the details of the situation. I will just move straight to "Praise God". I am so thankful he provided me with a better job and great co-workers. The atmosphere, so far, is very different from where I came from.

I am done looking back at the past though. Moving forward to the positive changes going on right now and that are to come. I will definitely share more about my new job in another post though. I plan to be diligent in blogging.

My computer warned me that I have 10% battery left so I need to say bye for now.

Just another day...

2014-09-11T23:51:00.000-04:00

I noticed I haven't posted since the bible study I was in. I go in waves you could say... My life's goes and stops in Waves. LOL

Where I have been.
My daughter graduated from High School. I am very proud of her and the accomplishments we achieved while in MHS. She has grown into a very beautiful, smart and caring woman! I miss her now that she doesn't live with us. It really is the little things that cause me to think about her. Treasured moments!
My husband was offer a position in South Carolina and we decided to take it. We have been busy selling our Indiana home, training a replacement for my office manager position, moving my daughter closer to her college and relocating several states away.

Fast forward to today.

Where we are now.
My husband has been working hard for the past two months in South Carolina. Ethan (gbaby) and I have been here for three weeks. I have received several job offers and plan to start one on Monday. Ethan has a preschool he likes and will start on the 19th. If all of that wasn't enough to have been accomplished in just a few short weeks, we have been house hunting and placed an offer on a lovely piece of property/house.

Time will tell what the future holds for us.

Where is YOUR mind? (part 2)

2014-03-12T09:16:00.000-04:00

So I have been thinking, again. This study does that to me. Instead of saying EXERCISE and WORKOUT.... what if we said we were going to Celebrate Strength?

We might think... ugh... I have to workout today... wished it could be my rest day, but that was every day last week!

OR

We could think... What can I do today to celebrate my strength that I was blessed with from God?

This puts me in another NEW mindset. What about you?

Here is an 'oh-so-true' story about me. I have a desire to want my husband to think I look good/cute/beautiful. I am sure I am not the only wife/woman out there with this desire. lol. In my quest to hear his approval, I would often intentionally not change into my workout outfit when I got home. You see, I get home before him. When I think I have dressed nicely or look exceptionally cute that day, I desire to receive a complement. My workplace isn't helpful in this department so I just stay in my cuteness and cook dinner, wait from him to get home, eat dinner, clean-up kitchen, (8pm by now... still in dressy clothes... still no verbal notice) get 3yr old ready for bed. I am typically mentally exhausted from my yearning for him to see me. I change into bed clothes and crawling into bed and sleep. Yesterday's #P31 blog post was helpful. They spoke of Leah in the bible and of her wanting to feel loved and accepted by her husband. How she prayed and bore 3 sons for him (I believe). Each time saying, that she hoped to gain favor with him.

*OMG this seems to speak to ME!!! I am her! I am constantly wanting to feel desired by him and hoping with each passing accomplishment that I receive it. Now let me back up a little here and say, the last study we did, God revealed some things to me and opened my eyes to this issue in my life and how it is part of the reason I have issues keeping weight off. Now God has shown some more light on the subject. Yesterday, I just didn't realize THIS! ,I avoid Celebrating Strength through Christ by seeking my identity in praises from my husband. This again, opens a big door in front of me that is full of wrapped-up excuses. God is good and I feel blessed to have my eyes wide open.

Where is YOUR mind?

2014-03-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

So I have been thinking. Instead of saying DIET.... what if we said we were going to Nourish our Temple?

We wake up and think... ugh... I am on a diet so what CAN I eat?

OR

You could wake up and think... I need to nourish my temple. What can I eat?

This puts me in a NEW mindset. What about you?

Ephesians 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind

Looking UP

2014-03-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

To eat or to shop... that was my question.

2014-03-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I have been quite over the past couple weeks, haven't I?

Well, during the last study, I struggled within myself about excess shopping. I was afraid that the shopping would take the place of eating. Now don't get me wrong, I only lost a little. So my deprivation wasn't much in the way of food. I found myself online tossing stuff in the 'cart' that was the best deal for the product, that I felt, I 'needed'. At the end of the shopping spreeeeeee, I would evaluate my 'cart'.

Do I really need this? Why was I buying it? Was it needful?

These were all questions that I was able to STOP myself dead in my shopping spree express-lane and ask! One by one, the items were deleted. This happened several times a week, mind you. Most stores, I logged out with nothing in my 'cart'. Other stores, I did NEED something. It boiled down to a handful of items that needed a 'basket', instead of that 'cart'. My point to this story is that there was a point when I stopped and question my intent. Seriously!

Lord, help me get to this place with my food choices!

Beneficial

2014-02-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

God has helped me through some difficult situations and has continued to show me where I have room for improvement through His Word. I am not perfect, by any means; however I am trying to be a better person. My ways have not been straight and my desire has not always been in line with Him. Yet through it all, God still loves me! He still wants the best for me! He is my ROCK! His word is BENEFICIAL in every way. Sometimes we might read something and think, WOW! Not sure what THIS is trying to tell me. Then a year or so later you read that same verse and God opens up the window of understanding and you 'GET' it. See it was beneficial, in God's time. This verse here is what I call my DEEPEST, DARKEST VERSE. It is the verse I turn to when I feel I am down in a valley for a while, when things are crashing in and nothing is right in my little world.

You see, I have issues! Lots and lots of issues. However there is one things I am realizing... God already knows my issues and accepts me the way I am... YET loves me too much to allow me to stay in that place. He is working on ME. I can look back and see many changes he has made at my request. I say MY REQUEST because in the battle, I have asked for God to change ME into what he wants me to be. Here is ONE prime example. I use to sing in church. I LOVE TO SING! I say 'use to' because I was asked, encouraged and made felt like my praise to GOD in that way was enjoyed and received by others. Then some things happened (I won't go there because old wounds are tender.). Moving on, I am not asked to sing very often. A rarity is what I call it. This bothered me a lot. I questioned my abilities, my fellow Christians, my walk, my church... well you get it. This battle raged within me. I talked it over with my pastor several times and nothing ever changed. Now what? What was I suppose to do to fight this battle. The pain was so great when I attended song service... tears filled my heart and eyes. The war raged inside and I fought hard. HERE is where some may not 'get it'. So please just hear me out. I began to pray for God to calm my heart and lessen my desire (or NEED) to sing at church. I prayed and prayed. I earnestly wanted to move past this and he heard my cry. He felt my pain and seen me wage this war within my heart. I was faithful to him and needed to get to a place of peace. So He DID change me. I can now go and hear others sing without the pain of feeling unwanted. I knew His WORD was more beneficial to me than my desire to sing on stage to Him. Please know that I am not saying my praise to Him is unwanted by HIM. I am just simply stating that there was a higher level I needed to reach and by him changing my heart... I did.

True change comes from within. We have to want it in order for it to last. God can provide that change in our life if we allow Him to. When we finally learn the lesson that God has set out for us, we will reach the promises he has given us. We are different and we can change with His help.

"God, give us the portion that YOU have set out for us. Make us into a willing vessel. Help us be that child you have loved and died for. We long to be in your will. You are Alpha & Omega, the beginning & end. Thank you for ending the battles that now rage within. Amen"

My battle with weight.
My battle with friends.
My battle with work.
My battle with finances.
My battle with coworkers.
My battle with parenting.
My battle with stress..... it goes on and on. HOWEVER!!!! MY God. is aware of these battles and He is always helping me through each and every one. Every day He is guiding my steps. Honestly, He is my all and all..... He gives only the things that are BENEFICIAL to my salvation.

Thank you, Be blessed my friends!!!

His Grace

2014-02-13T09:24:00.000-05:00

Often times, I am reminded that I am not good enough. I fail to try or try and fail. Repeatedly doing the same things and having the same results. Accomplishment and then failure.

This verse reminds me of a GOD that is bigger than I am. Bigger than my failure and certainly bigger than any success I have had. He helps me realize that HE has grace that is sufficient. HE has strength. HE has power. Those are all the things that it takes to ChAnGe my situation!

His bible is chopped full of reminders. No wonder, He wants us to dip deep into his word. I am refreshed by this scripture. My weakness isn't something to be ashamed of; it is something that will bring glory to God.

Sweet Place of Breakthrough

2014-01-30T14:54:00.000-05:00

There comes a time in one's life that you have to just STOP!

This came to me last year. I prayed over a matter that was so dear to me. As some of you may recall in my other posts, I bought a business in January 2013. This business was already established (so I thought) in a well thought out degree and thriving. So in my pursuit of happiness, I turned my back on going to college and turned in my notice at work. After all, this was gonna work!!! I spent a few weeks re-vamping the place; new window treatments, new layout, freshly cleaned carpets and some smell good stuff. I also added to the stock that was already there. A little redecorating in the bathroom and added some letters that spelled the word, "LEARN". This was gonna work!!! I advertised in all the right places, places that were 'proven' to get me noticed according to the previous owners. On week three, I had my Grand Re-opening sale. Still holds the second best day of sales record! The boss at my previous job asked me to stay on part time and I agreed. I was Praising GOD for this miracle and not having to fret too much about loss of income.

Four weeks into the new venture, I received a notice of the utmost importance that I directed to the previous owners. I won't go into details; however I will say that I prayed over it. That was the first of several letters that I received from January to August. There came a point were I would just cry. WHY, after many prayers and seeking His direction, would this NOT work? Why, after seeing reports and other documentation, could this NOT work? I was doing just as the others had done. I even took advertising a step further than they did, hoping a last ditch effort would somehow cover the 10+thousands of dollars that I lost over those eight months. Unfortunately, it didn't. I was wronged and I was ashamed and I was guilty of going forward after the first sign of trouble.

The last notice I received in August really made STOP! What was I doing? This was not my dream.... working 30plus hours there and another 30plus hours here, unpaid. NO time for family, no savings left, no hope of my business thriving as they said it had. What a joke, I thought! How can this happen, when I prayed about it? Why would someone lie about profits? Where was I going to end up? Could my family forgive me for putting them in this situation?

In the end, God came through. He had made a way for my escape in January. It took me eight months to see the window and recognize it as His way of taking care of me. I 'LEARNED' a lot those eight months. I learned people are not always honest, even if they profess Christianity. I learned that God sometimes allows us to muster our way through the tough times so that we can 'LEARN'. I also learned that God has a sense of humor!!!

Come on, you can not tell me that you do not see it. Out of all the letters that I had to choose from, the word "LEARN" is the one I chose, or should I say HE chose! Learn, really? YES!!! And boy did I. I am still 10+thousands of dollars in the hole from this experience; however I am richly blessed in the knowledge that God has enlightened me with.

This sweet place of breakthrough was after many tears. Broken dreams are not easily comforted! However now I have a peace. THIS was not God's plan for me and my family. It took a LEARNING tax to make me understand that.

I am loved by Him! "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you hope and a future." {Jer 29: 11}

Be blessed and know that you can LEARN from your 'Sweet Place of Breakthrough'.

Quick Note. M2C

2014-01-29T09:18:00.001-05:00

When asked what my excuses were and told to overruled them, here was my reply!

My excuse: is that I can’t exercise when I have a three year old screaming for me to stop!

OVER-RULED!

Solution: This past week, once I realized he regularly asks to play games on my phone, I told him that he can only play games when I am working out. He now asks me if I can workout so he can play a game. Talk about encouragement!!!

Chapter FIVE’s best part for me was “That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened”. I can’t even begin to share with you the truths that have been revealed to me. I will say that I did this devotional with a friend when the book first came out. I did not see the ‘obvious’ things that I am seeing now. I understand things happen in GOD’s time. I am just truly amazed at the revelations… the enlightenment he has provided me, in these short chapters we have read through.

Glory be to God!!!

M2C Thoughts on Chapter 4

2014-01-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

This chapter is about 'thinking it over'. Before committing to a choice, think about it and how it will effect your progress. It also discusses 'measures of accountability' which really stuck with me. Also the phrase, 'desperation breeds degradation'.

Simple catch phrases that really makes a girl dig deep for answers and meanings. Lord knows I don't have all the answers... but I might have a few for myself. We are all so, very different it would be impossible for me to think I could have your answers too.

Thinking it over and desperation are too countering objects. For me, desperation results in impulsivity... the very opposite of thinking ANYTHING over. When I am anxious and desperate... I react and not always in a positive manner. I can see where degradation falls... I mean, how many impulsive decisions have left me wishing I had 'thought things over' or got clearer answers before proceeding. (Don't get me wrong, I have made somewhat of a thought-out decision and still wished I had did things differently.) In those moments after when rationality sets in, I am left feeling sadden, degraded and down right embarrassed at times.

So moving forward to measures of accountability! In all aspects of our life, I am reminded that we have measures of accountability. The book tells of seeing a cop and checking your speed. I think of balancing my check book and slowing down unnecessary purchases. ON many levels we need some form of accountability. I need it!!!

I have learned in this chapter that everyone fails. However we have the power to change the future with #determination! I am determined to make some changes in ME that will help with impulsive decision making.

Be Blessed!

Made 2 Crave Chapter 3 thoughts

2014-01-27T16:03:00.000-05:00

This chapter talks of plans. My plan is more of a mindful eating plan. I have managed to lose a couple pounds so far. Inwardly, I feel that in order for continued success I may need to be on a more structural plan. We shall see, though. After all, plans work better in all the other areas of my life. I am careful of spending, especially after I balance my check book! My day flows better if I have a plan at work.

One question in the review was: "My changing body revealed all my secrets…Poor choices with food will rat me out every time (page 38). What is the relationship between food and secrets? What secrets do you think your body reveals?"
When I am disappointed and let down, I tend to eat. There I said it. Unfortunately it isn't only about that. There are deeper levels that are being sorted through and dealt with (between myself and God). The reasons behind my disappointment and let downs.

Bottom line, moderation is key to success in everything. I have been on many diet plans in the past and most of them have worked. My issue is about keeping the weight off. Part of me wants to rush through the process and then challenge myself to keep it off through this study; however I know that isn't a good idea. I need to seek all the reasons behind my weight gain. I need to figure out the 'whys' to re-gaining the weight. I need to search the scripture for answers to these things. After all, GOD is the only one who can truly heal us from our past and direct our steps in the future if we plan to be successful!

Be Blessed!

Chapter 2 Thoughts

2014-01-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

I turn to food for many reasons. However in only this VERY short period I have come to realize that this isn't about my relationship with food. It is about my relationship with others and with God.

I have lost weight many times. Kept it off for a certain amount of time, then something would happen. I would see a NEED and before I knew it; I was putting this need in front of my own needs.

For instance, helping other people. I am a big helper, ask my husband!!! He doesn't mind me helping; however my help is always beyond the norm. I am not going to go into detail about all of that. Just know that if someone asked me to cut an apple, I would go buy a nice apple cutter, cut the apple for them and also give them the nice cutter. Silly example, I am sure. I hope you can understand what I mean. I have been blessed, no really CURSED with the ability to help others to a point where my family has made sacrifices for the 'help' given. When I put it that way, I can see that isn't any way to live. I tend to go beyond. Give more that I should more often, than not.

Lately God has been speaking to my heart. I need to prioritize the ranking in my life. They have been mixed up for some time. I knew that! The rankings often looked like a yoyo. One month this was first, next it would be something else. I would slowly climb my way back to the top and soon after achieving a goal... slowly slid back down to near the bottom.

God should always come first. I know that and I am working to make sure he will continue to be first. However the natural things/ people need to not be before my needs. It is not selfish to take time out to care for myself! It is necessary!

This doesn't mean that I can't help others. I just need to limit the extent of help given. My family should not suffer or make sacrifices, in order for me to help others beyond our means. (both financially and physically)

Be blessed!

#Empowered!

2014-01-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

Feeling Empowered this week and last week.

The scale was not smiling this morning; however I know I have been faithful to my personalized plan. It will not make me discouraged. Besides, what was I thinking... Getting on the scale in the middle of the week. Saturday is my official weigh day.

I have my word printed out. It is taped to the wall beside this monitor I am using to type this blog. It is the very monitor that I am on daily... hours at a time. This is MY best place for the word. While I am at work, I am tempted. This helps me stay focused on GOD and his power that is in me.

Each time I am feeling weak with temptation and desire for food, I draw a small (and sort of weird looking) flower on the sign. Today is Wednesday and I have managed a few flowers on my sign. This reminds me of all the times I have redirected my attention to God and he has empowered me to resist other temptations.

The Philippians 4:8 verse is the one I have used many times to calm my heart!!! Yes my heart! "8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." I am reminded that all of His word is for our use and is our strength.

Be #Empowered my friends!!! God is there for us ALL!!!

What is your monster? M2C Chapter 1 thoughts

2014-01-21T08:50:00.000-05:00

[• If you could personify craving based on your experience of it, what form might it take? Would it be like the little orange monster or would it take a different shape? Describe what your craving looks like and how it behaves.]
Made to Crave Book

I thought for a moment after reading this and then responded with, "My orange monster would really be a famous super model with all the money in the world. It would be arrogant and taunting." As I shared with my daughter last night, she looked at me and said, "You need to get THIS straight!" (pointing to her head/mind) She is right and, being a senior in high school, headed in the right profession. Social Work. Good to know I will have someone in the family with a degree to tell me what is wrong. *smiles*

I agree with my daughter. If our head isn't on right, our body will never be able to conquer the object of concern. So let's get back to my issue.

Famous! Super Model! All the money in the world! hummm... Why? Why would that be the THING that I envision when I think of cravings. Not just food cravings, any craving. Well I am going to break it down! It is the opposite of ME.

Famous, because I do so much to help so many and don't get recognized, maybe? Honestly, it is God through me that does it and I wonder if anyone gives him the recognition HE deserves.

Super Model, because my creation is beautiful and skinny. I don't feel pretty, let alone beauty. However I am God's creation and HE thinks I am wonderful.

All the money in the world, because most of my life I have been poor. There were others poorer than I; however we were poor. Even getting married, we were still living with barely $6.00 a week to buy food. Now God has blessed me and I am thankful.

So with all of that lumped together in ONE persona, I would be safe to say I have a lot to work on. God has blessed me to be a part of this massive OBS with P31. Together we will go through the book and work on personal issues, individually and as a group. The first chapter talks about the Lust of the Eye, the Lust of the Flesh and the Pride of Life. She doesn't use those terms; however those are the ones I prefer. In my persona, I can see all three. Yikes!

Why I joined the P31 Online Bible Study

2014-01-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about my participation in the Made 2 Crave bible study. I have read through this book before and am so excited to learn more from God; gathering strength from my friends is also a very important part of this sort of thing.

It has been a while since I have posted regularly; however this study asks for posters. I am always willing to help and assist when I can. So watch out! :)

I joined because I need a closer walk with God. Life keeps me very busy and I am feeling a little distant. This is just what I need to help me refocus and gain control over my unhealthy habits. This may get a little raw; however being broken and remade is part of the process. One in which God have complete control!

I am ready to be a new woman. Reborn. I am ready to put off the old person and be all that God has created me to be.

It is not too late to join. If you are reading this, you can also participate. Click to sign up. It is Free. Leave me a comment if you want and let me know you signed up. With the amount of people on the list, I will never know you did, if you don't tell me.

Ohh, and there is word that Mandesa (ya know the amazing song, "I'm an Overcomer") has also joined in on our OBS.

Kokomo's Tornado. This is where I was. Where were you?

2013-11-19T10:43:00.001-05:00

As we walked up to the building the following day, my heart sank to see the damage. The back corner of the building collapsed on top of a group of people that was at the birthday party. My daughter and her boyfriend were in that group of people. It was a birthday part for a 1yr old and a 3yr old. One we will never forget! Many of the surrounding places were leveled.

Vehicles were tossed around. Dents and busted windows were the lest of our worries when we realized we had survived the tornado.

This is one of the rooms in the facility. It is/was called the toddler room. With chunky toys and soft mats, it was not the place to be when the destruction hit on Sunday!

Down power lines were a big concern with the hail and rain after the tornado passed through. We had to walk through all of this to get to a safe place.

So much loss, yet this tree remains?

Bona Vista's Imagine That! was a place to have children's birthday parties. They had several themed rooms and lots of space to run around. I never would have guessed that this is the building we would be leaving that day when we entered it at 2pm.

The party started at 2pm. We got there and the tables were lined up and the food was ready. The children played and the adults talked. We were laughing and having a great time. Finally it was time. We sung the birthday song and cut the cake. Midway through the cake-eating, we were told that we needed to go to the kitchen in the back of the building. Many grabbed their cake and drinks and we all walked back. Phone notifications were now starting to go off. It was 3:18. My phone was out in the Forester in my unzipped purse sitting on the front seat. We all continued to talk and finish our cake. Some of the children were upset so the director said we could take them to the 'Art Room'. This was a second SAFE ROOM. We were urged to GO NOW if we are going. 3:28 We had no idea the tornado was only moments away from hitting our building. We scurried down the hall and in the Art Room. Some spoke of leaving and got their child and left the room. The director told us we needed to shut the door to the room and she hurried down the hall to the kitchen. Those in the kitchen were told to go into the utility room. This room was much smaller and not everyone could fit. The director then returned to where I was and again said the door must be shut to be considered a SAFE ROOM. The family that we thought left, had returned quickly saying it was hailing and the storm/tornado was coming. Suddenly we heard sounds of building be torn apart and glass breaking. The building trembled and the light flickered. Our door was shut! We sung 'the wheels on the bus go round and round' the lights went out. I yelled, 'GRAB YOUR CHILD!' 3:32

We all grabbed someone or two and held on tight. I was worried about the others in another area of the building. What was happening there? Where I was at, I could feel the tornado pushing and pulling us. I felt the ceiling fall on our back and many other object fell in on us as well. The lady beside me and I was cuddled together with Ethan (my grandbaby) between us. We held on tight and prayed! I don't know exactly what she was saying. I prayed, "Thank you God for your protection through this storm. Please watch over the others and protect us all." As it moved away from us, we all took a second to take a breath and then the adrenaline kicked BACK in. We started searching for each other. The lights were out but the room was lit by the sky. Electrical was dangling, the smell of gas in the room and it was raining and hailing! We immediately made our way out the door. We were in the second room to the right. You can't see the room but it was on the other side of that square metal piece that is laying across the room. The is the window we all crawled out of.

The people in the kitchen and utility late shared that when they started hearing the screaming metal being peeling away from surrounding buildings, they crammed into the room. The last person shut the door and ran down the hall into the restroom barely making it. Within seconds, the utility room collapsed. Bricks fell on the people that were in there, causing head injuries. Almost everyone in the Utility room was injured to some degree but none were unconscious! The man who went to the restroom immediate came back to the utility room and made a path for those to get out. Many of those were already out of the building by the time we got our door open and starting filing out.

There were approximately 15 children there under the age of 7. NONE were scraped up or injured! GOD IS GOOD!!! We had one major head injury in the Art Room. Several major head injuries to the ones in the Utility room. We climbed out the window to see the damage all around us. It was pouring, hailing, cold. We were alive!!! I hugged my kids and praised God. I walked over to my car. My phone... still in my unzipped purse in my front seat! My contents remained, but I also have some extra things. Glass, shingles and wood found it's way into my purse. Just amazing really!!! I called my husband who couldn't get signal. 3:36 Later finding out that he was ok. I grab a few things from my car and we head to a safe place. Later being taken to the hospital for stitches and bandages. 4:15

Several on lookers took photos and drove off. SAD BUT TRUE! Finally ONE van stopped and helped a group get to a safe place. With all of the damage, crews were in areas that was more critical than ours.

The day after is dry. But the day off, I will never forget the way everything looked. Drenched!

It was a long day and a birthday party that will never be forgotten!

Now it is the day after. Damage to my car is clear; however I am still so happy that God spared us. My car was driven to the body shop for estimates and turned in to my insurance.

So much debris inside!

Holes from unknown objects and dents all over!

Busted or cracked windows all around!

Mirrors busted and cracks in body.

Glass throughout the interior and all over the baby's car seat. Yet the books remain in the pouch!

I stopped by Ulta before the party and it appears my purchase remained in the car through the tornado and over night with all the wind and rain! Also the "Something More" song that Kris and I sung in church that morning is still in the same place as before!

Many repairs will have to be made; however no lives were claimed by the Indiana Tornados!

Miracles happen!

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!