Obedience to God's law seems an unlikely road to happiness. Indeed at times it seems to bring us conflict, trial, and great loss. What we lose though, is far less than what we gain if we do the will of God who wills nothing less for us than the joy of life everlasting in His presence. ~ Magnificat 10-16-06

Every morning we arise a fresh in Christ our light. Ancient Christian writers warn against "morning demons." Yesterday's worries and grievances returning to poison the new day. ~ Magnificat 10-16-06

Mary did not fail to live up to her station as the Mother of Christ. When the apostles fled, she stood before the cross and gazed tenderly on the wounds of her Son, because she was waiting, not for her Son's death, but for the salvation of the world. ~ St. Ambrose

Suffering exposes our weaknesses both to ourselves and to others. But Christ does not ask us to carry our cross alone, so we need not fear our weaknesses but glory in this strength as we suffer in and with him for a little while in order to live in and with him for ever. ~ Magnificat 10-22-06

Christ turns false values on their heads; our weakness, not our strength is the door we open to Christ; our humility, not our pride, is the road to success; our insignificance, not our self-importance, is our reason to boast. And, oddest of all, the suffering of the cross is our glory. ~ Magnificat 10-22-06

A Brand New Thing

I received this today from Joel Osteen:

Today's Scripture
“For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun” (Isaiah 43:19, NLT)!

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Can you see the "brand new thing" God is doing in your life? Sometimes we can see the hand of God moving, and sometimes the storms of life cloud can our vision. No matter where you are in life today, focus on this truth that God is working on your behalf behind the scenes! You can trust Him because He has always been faithful, and He always will be. His plan for you today is blessing. His plan is to give you a future and a hope. His plan is to do a new thing in your life. The bible says that it pleases God when we seek Him and His will. Ask the Lord to show His plan for you today. Ask Him to show you His favor and blessing. As you let go of the thoughts of the past and open your heart to what God is doing today, you will step forward in victory and take hold of the "brand new thing" God has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness and work in me, even when I don't see it. Thank you for doing a brand new thing in me today. I open my heart and trust you. I ask you to show me your plan today and keep me close to you. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Fitness Friday

It has been a good week. I am solidly back in my weight range. Sugar Pop continues on with his diet. He had a few bad days - not eating bad, but days when then scale went up instead of down and it made him mad. I'm not sure what his weight did this morning.

I bought some new "food" this week. I saw milled flax seed at the grocery store and bought that to add to my oatmeal. I've had it three days now. I also spotted some Kashi Go Lean Protein Powder. I am fond of Kashi products so I thought I would try it. It is surprisingly tasty. I've had it with water (good) and milk (better). It is 5 points per serving, so it is definitely not something I would splurge on if I was trying to lose weight, but at maintenance points, I can easily fit it into my food plan. I was a little leery of it because it does contain sugar (evaporated cane juice), but because of all the protein (21g) and fiber (7g) that it contains it hasn't seemed to give me any cravings. I had some yesterday about 30-45 minutes before we headed to the gym and I had a most excellent workout on the elliptical machine. It was 30 minutes and I felt like I could have gone much longer.

I need to think about a plan for the weekend. We are going out to eat twice. Saturday night shouldn't be too difficult to make a decent choice, but Sunday we are going to lunch at the Japanese Steak House for Honey's birthday. That is going to be a big splurge and probably cause me to retain lots of water. I will enjoy it and then get right back to my healthy habits.

Inside versus Outside

If I have never been an openly rude and abusive person, the only reason is my own cowardice coupled with the sense of protection I receive from living a civilized life. ~ Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (updated edition)

Yes, this is very true of me. I am little Miss Nice Nice because I am a people pleaser, but I can think lots of nasty and rude thoughts inside my head. There is a person that is in my life that I am friends with - one of those friends you wouldn't choose again, but just end of stuck with. She can be terribly rude, obnoxious, over-bearing, opinionated, proud, boastful, judgemental. But if you needed something, she would be there for you. I like to think that I am better than her because I am not those things. Truth be told, I am probably all those things, but I keep my mouth shut and try to be kind, gracious, understanding, and humble on the outside because I am afraid of what people would think of me.

A Haven

I want my home to feel like a haven. I work at keeping things clean and uncluttered. This is constant work, but even though it is work and I sometimes dislike it, I love the feeling of walking into a clean and uncluttered room. It makes me smile.

I am now working on bringing that same feeling to my closet. This is one of the places that moves from nice and neat to disarray the fastest.

It is a large walk-in closet with rods on either side. At the far end is a row of shelves between the two rods. On one shelf is where I keep my jewelry and perfume. A couple of weeks ago I moved a wedding photo from the living room to that shelf and that is when the inspiration hit. When I walked into my closet, seeing that photo would make me smile. Of course all the other shelves were filled with shorts and sweaters stacked haphazardly. I decided to move the sweaters and shorts to the shelves above the rods and move other things that will make me smile to the center of attention. One thing is a porcelain doll. My mother made her clothes and the little bed she lies in. On another shelf I folded two quilts neatly - one was an old and well used patchwork quilt that was probably made when my mom still lived at home with her parents and the other is a denim quilt I started in elementary school that my mother finished for me.

I wish I would have taken a before picture, but I started this project on a whim and didn't think about where it might lead. I will post an after picture when I feel like the closet is complete.

Saving Time

I am constantly trying to save time and do things as efficiently as possible. Things like unloading the dishwasher while my oatmeal is cooking in the microwave. It is a compulsion of mine.

The latest thing along those lines that I have started doing is when I fill up with gas and the pump finishes. I reach over and lift up the flap in the gas pump while I am taking the nozzle out of the truck. This tells the machine I am done and it starts printing the receipt. By the time I am done putting the gas cap back on, the receipt is printed, and I am on my way.

My plan was foiled the other day when I filled up with at a different station. I go about my usual routine, turn around for my receipt, and the machine says, "Would you like a receipt today?" Darn it! A few precious seconds were wasted while I waited for my receipt.

I am fortunate to have a husband who understands me. I told him my story and he enjoyed it. Then he shared with me his latest time saver. He has started brushing his teeth and shaving before he gets in the shower because then he doesn't have to take the time to rinse and dry his face. He just hops in the shower and can rinse off.

We were made for each other.

What Time Is It?

My alarm went off this morning and I got up and started my morning. Turned on the coffee pot, went tinkle, did my bible reading and drank my coffee, wrote in my journal, and then I looked at the clock. It said 5:31 am. That is what time I normally get up. I thought the clock was wrong. I looked at the computer and it said the same thing. I looked at the three clocks in the kitchen - same thing. Checked the cell phone - same thing. Apparently, my alarm clock was wrong. I know that the alarm did go off. No wonder I felt so tired and hit the snooze twice. Sugar Pop is still sleeping, so I'm not going back in there to see what time my clock says until my normal time to get in the shower. It must be at least 30 minutes off. What is really strange about this is that my alarm clock is an atomic clock and it is supposed to set itself automatically. The clock in my office is one also and it shows the correct time.

So the question is, "Why did God want me to get up 1/2 an hour early?"

Interestingly, Sugar Pop just got up at 6:00 am on his day off because he couldn't sleep anymore.

What is up with the early rising today?

P.S. I checked my alarm clock. It was exactly 40 minutes fast. I've changed the battery, so hopefully that will fix the problem.

Quotes

If you always live with those who are lame, you will yourself learn to limp. ~ Latin Proverb

Jesus, I ask you with all my heart let me know what there is in me that displeases you and also let me know what I should do to become more pleasing to you. ~ St. Faustina Kowalska

Lord, you know everything about me, even the things I'm hiding from myself. Give me the grace to admit my sin, believing that though you see me, you still love me. Help me to let go of anything that keeps me from experiencing the living water of your Holy Spirit welling up inside me. ~ Women of the Bible

Our sins can weigh us down with discouragement. St. Ignatius of Loyola tells us that discouragement is never from God because it clouds faith and hope. God's love does not deal in punishment as human vengeance does. God's love disciplines us in order to free and purify us. ~ Magnificat 10/06/06

To remain in prayer without gathering anything from it is not a loss of time but a great gain for we are toiling without self-interest solely for the honor and glory of our Lord. ~ St. Teresa of Avila

God is true: He has a long memory for his own promises and a short memory for our failures to keep ours. ~ Magnificat 10/11/06

If the Lord rescues me from the snare of my faults, should I not extend the same hand of rescue to my neighbor? Resentment, grudges, retaliation do not help the one who offends me. They merely confirm the breach between us. Bridge-building is costly, as the cross demonstrates, but the people stranded on both banks are still freed by the bridge. ~ Magnificat 10/12/06

No Effort to be Like the World

We live in an age in which everything is working against the things we hold dear. Think about it. What force in our society is working to help you remain faithful to your partner? None that I can think of. The message of our world is just the opposite. What force in our society is working to help your kids remain true to principles the Bible sets forth in regard to sexual purity, honesty, loyalty, and the priority of character development? None! The message our kids are bombarded with is, "Acquire all you can do do whatever feels good." We don't live in a neutral world that beckons us to choose between right and wrong. The world we face everyday is one in which right as become wrong...

In addressing the believers in this city, Paul advised them to make the most of their time. That is, they should use their time carefully. Paul realized that it required absolutely no effort on their part to become like the world. They did not have to study or set goals or even make any plans to become worldly. All they had to do was get out in the world and live. If they took no precautions, it would be just a matter of time before they looked, acted, and thought just like the world. And that applies to us, too.

...In this evil day we need constant reminders of the truth. If we are not careful with our time, we will allow others to fill it up for us. There will be no time for God....Wise men and women are careful with their time. They use their extra time to draw close to God...

If doing business with certain individuals or groups puts you in a position that causes you to violate your convictions time and time again, quit doing business with them. If watching certain television shows causes you to lust, don't excuse them because of their entertainment value. Just quit watching them. If being with a particular group of people causes you to stumble, don't rationalize by saying, "But they are my friends." Get some new friends!

In every area of life, face up to what God would have you do. As long as you play games, as long as you ignore what you know in your heart God would have you do, you set yourself up to fail...

God wants control over every area of your life. Not partial control, total control. He wants you to be victorious over temptation. But He wants you to be victorious for His purposes, not yours. You may not have achieved victory over temptation because you are holding to the reins of your life and trying to get God to intervene in the rough spots. That isn't the way God works. He wants all of you. And when He knows you are His, He will do whatever He needs to make you into an effective servant for His kingdom. ~ From Winning the War Within by Charles Stanley via the Life Lessons Devotional in my Bible

Fitness Friday

Our little 3-day weekend last weekend added 3.8 pounds to the scale! ACK! I actually felt like I did fairly well, I just had too much flour (bread & pasta). As far as sweet treats, I had cheesecake on Friday night and 3 bites of Italian Cream Cake (the BEST I have ever had) on Saturday night. My system is just not used to refined flour. I only eat it about once a week. When I have bread it is usually Food for Life bread and they don't contain flour. I've been working all week to get back to my weight range. So far, I'm still not there, but I'm hoping I will be when I weigh this morning.

Sugar Pop has decided he needs to get serious about a diet. He stepped on the scale Tuesday morning and was 196. Too close to 200 for him. He wants to get back below 180. I am so happy when he decides to get serious about his weight. Not only do I get a healthier husband, but we start going to the gym more and he is no longer tempting me with trips to Braums.

I got another run on the treadmill in this week. I ran at 5.8 mph for 30 minutes on Wednesday evening. It was tough and I was really tired afterward. I think I will repeat that run one more time before I increase to 5.9 mph. My ultimate goal is 6.0 mph. Speaking of running, I am considering signing up for a 5K. The only one I've found so far is one the gym is having on October 27th. That is a ways off, so I have plenty of time to talk myself into (out of) it. Maybe, just maybe, Sugar Pop would do it with me. He used to run every night. This was long before we met. I can't imagine him going out to jog every night.

Of course, I can't believe that I look forward to my runs on the treadmill. I hated running growing up. I hated P.E. class (except on the days we played with the parachute). I had asthma as a kid and was not athletic at all. I did not play ANY sports. I did like to roller skate. I liked going to the swimming pool, but I was never a strong swimmer (and I'm still not). In high school I was an athletic trainer in high school because it counted as a P.E. credit. I loved being a trainer. It taught me a lot of responsibility and I got to hang out with all the football, basketball, and baseball players. Baseball was my favorite. Sitting in the dugout on a nice spring day and eating sunflowers seeds was great! (Plus there were seldom any injuries in baseball.)

Dieting is not new to me. I've done a lot of that during my life, but fitness is a new thing. I've come a long way in that journey. I do not dread exercise any more. I look forward to it every day and sometimes get irritable when I have to miss it. I enjoy doing it on my own. I don't like classes at the gym, because I feel very uncoordinated and I don't like other people watching me. I don't have a problem with going to the gym and using the cardio and weight machines, but I'm not comfortable being in a class. I'm sure it has to do with the little girl with asthma who wasn't athletic and didn't play sports and was always one of the last (but fortunately not THE last) kid chosen for a team in P.E. class.

Getting back to Flylady Routines

I discovered Flylady about 3 years ago. A friend mentioned her once and then she was mentioned in a Dear Abby column. I went to her site, signed up for her emails, bought the book, read everything on the website and the book, and started implementing her routines. I made a control journal and stuck with it for a long time. Lately I haven't been doing so well though. I'm not getting the "home blessing hour" done every week and I seldom do any zone work. I never refer to my countrol journal.

As part of my 101 in 1001, I want to re-work the control journal and start referring to it every day. But first, I am going to list the things I have implemented because of FlyLady and I am still doing. (A good pat on the back should motivate me even more.)

• I run the dishwasher every night and unload it each morning.
• The living room is picked up before bed.
• I purchased a 3 section laundry hamper and can easily do a load of laundry every day.
• I fill my truck up when it is only 1/2 empty.
• I plan our meals weekly and grocery shop weekly.
• We cook at home (almost) every night.
• Sugar Pop now has leftovers to take for his lunch each day instead of eating out.
• I have master lists for the grocery store, Drug Emporium, and Sam's Club.
• I wash the sheets each weekend (instead of when I "feel" like it).
• The towels get changed out on a regular schedule (twice a week) instead of "whenever."
• The bank account gets reconciled at least once a week.

Quotes

Without humility we can not be pleasing to God. ~ St. Faustina Kowalska

It is necessary for you to fight against the devil every day under the leadership of Christ ~ St. Caesarius of Arles

All who do the Gospel work of love belong to Christ and serve Christ. Let us seek to recognize his invitation to join together in doing good in his name in all the ordinary circumstances of life. Let us be willing to accept that invitation even when it requires of us hard and selfless choices, that our lives may reveal God's love rather than give scandal to the vulnerable. ~ Magnificat, 10-01-06

God calls His people to live at a standard higher than the unbelievers who surround them so we can be a light and a standard for the rest of the world. ~ John Maxwell, Leadership Promises, 10-01

Today, Lord, I thank you for being so good...and so good to me. Thank you for what you've done and for what you're doing in me. Be praised, and let me live to glorify your name. ~ Lose it for Life, 11-18

It is not on the authority of the Church that we accept Jesus, but on the authority of Jesus that we accept and love the Church. So the first thing the Church has to do is not present herself to the worlds, but present Jesus. ~ Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa

What He is Making

When a man turns to Christ and seems to be getting on pretty well (in the sense that some of his bad habits are now corrected) he often feels that it would now be natural if things went fairly smoothly. When troubles come along -- illnesses, money troubles, new kinds of temptations -- he is disappointed. These things, he feels, might have been necessary to rouse him and make him repent in his bad days; but why now? Because God is forcing him on, or up, to a higher level: putting him into situations where he will have to be very much braver, or more patient, or more loving, than he ever dreamed of being before. It seems to us all unnecessary: but that is because we have not yet had the slightest notion of the tremendous thing He means to make of us. ~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Home

It feels so good to be home. I love my house. I love getting back to my routine. Sometimes I think I love it so much that I miss out on the joys of traveling because of it.

I did have a good time this weekend. I didn't quite feel like my normal upbeat self. I'm still sad about my nephew's death. We had fun Friday night. I enjoyed dinner (Greek food) and the concert (The Rippingtons) and dessert (cheesecake) afterwards. We rode the DART train into downtown Dallas so that was much more relaxing than driving.

Saturday though I was just bleh though. Sugar Pop noticed and asked if I felt ok. I just wasn't my normal happy, upbeat self. Sugar Pop's family is very talkative and I just didn't feel like talking. It is very easy to sit and say nothing. I normally join in the conversation, but I just didn't feel like making conversation. I was tired and sad and would have been quite happy to just sit and read a book. I spent a long time looking at the new JCPenny catalog.

But Sunday I woke up in a great mood because it was Time to Go Home! I am happy to be home and could only be happier if I didn't have to go to work today.

Prayer Closet

Sugar Pop and I took a driving trip this weekend. It was six hours each way. Sitting in a car for 12 hours gives me LOTS of time to think. I wore myself out with all that thinking.

I thought about feature I like about my house, things I would have different if I built one, how I would like to live in a small town, how I long for a simple life.

I did a lot of thinking about how neat it would be to have a "prayer closet." It would be the size of a walk-in closet. It would be big enough for a small barrel-back chair, a kneeler, a mantle to hold candles and such, and a book case or some shelves. I would have a light fixture in it that came from an old church. I would paint the walls in a metallic gold and hang icons on the walls. I would burn some incense so it would smell church-y. I would have a CD player in there so I could listen to worship music.

Fitness Friday

Having a plan last weekend helped tremendously. I didn't stick to it perfectly, but it gave me guidance and made me mindful of my weekend choices.

This week has been fairly good. My nephew's vigil and funeral threw some abnormality into my week and Tuesday I didn't do well on my healthy habits at all (eating was overboard, no exercise at all). However, I issued myself a 2-day 100% Healthy Habit Challenge for Wednesday (100%) and Thursday (only missed 2 for 93%) which got me right back in control.

Now I am facing a three-day weekend away from home. We are leaving for Dallas this morning (a 6 hour drive) and going to a concert tonight. We'll be staying with Sugar Pop's parents tonight and tomorrow and driving home Sunday. Trips like this used to really through me off my plan sometimes for weeks at a time, but I have gotten much better at eating sensibly away from home and resuming my healthy habits immediately. I have a small spiral that I started taking on trips last April. I use it to track my healthy habits, food, exercise, and tips to myself for future trips. This has proven very helpful. I can see what stumbling blocks to watch out for and can remember things that helped me stay on track.

Do I sound like a tyrant with myself? Don't start thinking that I don't allow myself to splurge. I am all about splurges, but it is very important that I keep them controlled. Losing control leads to binging and I am NOT going down that road again. I have made a commitment to myself (and God) to not binge ever again. (Today will be 105 days binge-free.) By keeping track of my eating and exercise, avoiding potential triggers, and relying on God for my strength, I will continue to remain binge-free. Journalling so extensively keeps me honest. When I stop all the journalling, unhealthy habits start to creep in and the pounds start to creep on. Journalling is not slavery to me, it is the tool I use to ensure my freedom from being controlled by food.

Good News for a Change

Butterfly is Pregnant!

Due date is 3/7/2008.

I needed some good news today.

Mood

I am in a horrible mood. It feels like bad PMS, but it is not that time of the month. My husband is grating on my nerves. It is NOT him, it is me. My normal self is happy and easy to get along with, today (and last night too) I want to be left alone! How do people who are like this all the time stand themselves?

I need a HUGE attitude adjustment because I have a 3 day weekend with my husband starting tomorrow.

Pray for me. I need it.

Sometimes God gives us tasks that seem overwhelming because He wants us to get the rest of our lives in order so there is time for those tasks. ~ Unknown

Greatness is verified in being a servant to others. ~ Unknown

You can reach your potentials tomorrow if you dedicate yourself to growth today. Remember, to change your world, you must first change yourself. ~ John Maxwell, Leadership Devotional, 8/26

Whether we fight against the ambition of the world, against the desires of the flesh, or against the darts of heretics, we are always armed with the Lord's cross. ~ St. Leo the Great

Sacrifices made for God have a sweetness and a joy unknown to the world. ~ St. Pierre Henri Dorie

The notion that one gains freedom by rebelling against God has been a popular illusion since Eden. The paradox of the gospel is that we are set free from the cains of our own making by choosing to yoke ourselves to Christ, who bursts our bonds by his own death and resurrection. ~ Magnifiat 9-26-06

Hints of Our Future

"We know not what we shall be"; but we may be sure we shall be more, not less, than we were on earth. Our natural experiences (sensory, emotional, imaginative) are only like the drawing, like pencilled lines on flat paper. If they vanish in the risen life, they will vanish only as pencil lines vanish from the real landscape, not as a candle flame that is put out but as a candle flame which becomes invisible because someone has pulled up the blind, thrown open the shutters, and let in the blaze of the risen sun. ~ from "Transposition" (The Weight of Glory) by C.S. Lewis

Last Words

I have no more ailments.

I can breath without oxygen.

I can digest food without enzymes.

I believe with all my heart I am healed.

Jesus Christ has saved my body and soul.

These were the last words that were written by my nephew. I am so saddened by his death, but I know that he is healed. And because of Jesus and the sacrifice He made, I will see him again someday.

In God's Peace (On Early Death)

by John Michael Talbot

The souls of the just are in God's hand
No torment shall ever touch them
In the view of fools they seem as dead
And their passing away an affliction

But they are in God's peace
Suffering a short time, now blessed indeed
But they are in God's peace
For the souls of the just are blessed indeed

Though the just die young, their souls are at rest
In a short time, their soul is perfected
Snatched away lest evil pervert their mind
God sped them away from the world

For they are in God's peace
Suffering a short time, now blessed indeed
For they are in God's peace
For the souls of the just are blessed indeed.

From the book of Wisdom (if you don't have a Catholic Bible you are missing out on some good stuff in Wisdom, read Wisdom 2:12-22 for an excellent prophecy of the Pharisees reaction to Jesus)

For the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect. (Wisdom 3:1-9)

But the just man, though he die early, shall be at rest. For the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years. Rather, understanding is the hoary crown for men, and an unsullied life, the attainment of old age. He who pleased God was loved; he who lived among sinners was transported – Snatched away, lest wickedness pervert his mind or deceit beguile his soul; For the witchery of paltry things obscures what is right and the whirl of desire transforms the innocent mind. Having become perfect in a short while, he reached the fullness of a long career; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he sped him out of the midst of wickedness. (Wisdom 4:7-14)

These lyrics and scriptures are in memory of my nephew who passed away yesterday. He suffered from cystic fibrosis and died at the young age of twenty.

May he rest in peace.

Quotes

I do not regret leaving this world; my soul thirsts for the waters of eternal life. My exile is over. I touch the soil of my real country; earth vanishes, heaven opens, I go to God. ~ St. Theophane Venard

All creation sings praise to God by being fully what the creator intended. Obedience to God's designs is in itself an act of worship. Worship without obedience is merely hollow flattery. Yet both worship and obedience are less than Christian if they do not spring from one root, love of God. ~ From the Magnificat 8-17-06

Oh God, Creator and Redeemer, you are the author of being and life. Inspire in us a spirit of praise and desire for obedience, that we may give you glory in everything we think and say and do, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ From the Magnificat 8-17-06

See, the medicine is prepared for you; the wound of sin must first be healed, and it is alleviated in this way: put wine and oil in it, the oil of trust in the Lord's passion, the wine of remorse in your grief, and mix well. ~ St. Thomas of Villanova

Sin is a subtle prison. So accustomed can we become to its walls that we cease to recognize that w are dying in slow and unseen ways. ~ From the Magnificat 8-25-06

We hear the voice of Christ from the tomb, praying in the name of all of those who are as if dead in the crushing grip of evil, so often disguised as unbreakable habits that may have a certain social acceptability but are nonetheless deadly. ~ Unknown

Fitness Friday

Welcome to the 2nd week of Fitness Friday. I almost forgot that was my new Friday topic.

Yes! My weekly average last week did end up in my goal weight range. Final number was 132.7. This week I am barely hanging into the range. The holiday in the middle of the week has thrown me for a loop. It was my own doing because I didn't have meal plans or exercise plans for the day. Tuesday evening I had a massage after work (it was heavenly) and then Sugar Pop grilled us a wonderful steak dinner. Later we went to Braum's for dessert. I went for the gusto and had the Double Dip Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sundae (I didn't eat the entire thing - probably just 95% of it). That eating wouldn't have been too bad, but on the 4th we went out for greasy burgers and fries at lunch and then had Chicken Fried Rice for supper. I didn't get any exercise either day - not even my stretching! Thursday's weight was WAY up and I decided to leave it out of my weekly average computation because it was mostly water retention. That was very evident when I weighed this morning and I was down 2 lbs from yesterday morning.

Weekends and Holidays always seem to through me for a loop when I don't make a plan. I have made a plan for the weekend. I have planned meals and planned exercise and I am looking forward to all of it. Even though we have a party to attend tomorrow night, the weekend is going to look much different than the mid-week holiday.

Exercise Plan:
Tonight ~ I was going to run on the treadmill but was feeling too crampy from TOM so we went for a walk and do floor exercises (hand weights, abs, stretching) Saturday ~ Do a lower body Power Half Hour weight routine and at least a 10 minute walk on the treadmill, stretching and abs
Sunday ~ The Power Half Hour Arm Video, a Yoga Video, Run on the treadmill, abs and stretching

Meal Plan:
Tonight ~ Grilled sirloin, corn-on-the-cob, and salad. SF Chocolate Fudge Pudding for dessert. Saturday ~ Normal Breakfast, Big Salads for Lunch, Supper will be at the party (I think it is BBQ). Sunday ~ Normal Breakfast, Chicken Curry in the Crockpot for lunch, and (if the oven gets installed) Oven Fry Chicken for supper. If the oven isn’t ready, then I will do Garlic Lime Chicken.
I am really looking forward to the yoga video and the run afterward. I was able to do that combination a few weeks ago and I felt so AWESOME during the run because I had a really good stretch beforehand.

Next week will be another week at 24 points. The house is finally returning to normal. The oven is the only thing left to do in the kitchen and Honey will be back at her mom's. There shouldn't be anything to keep me from getting back into a good exercise routine. Hopefully, Sugar Pop will be ready to start going to the gym more often. If so, I will start doing Power Half Hour videos right after work for my strength training and then doing cardio at the gym.

Oh, I spent some time last night cleaning out the pantry, freezer, fridge and spice cabinet. It feels so good to look in there now and be able to see everything clearly. I still need to organize the coffee/tea/sweetener cabinet and then all the food storage areas will be nice and neat and my OCPD-ness will be happy!

Emotions

I am feeling emotionally down this morning. Reasons: I didn't eat healthy yesterday, hormones (TOM arrived this morning), I spent a lot of time yesterday looking through old photo albums (scanning pictures for my brother's 60th birthday), and this is the 5-year anniversary of my mother's passing (July 2nd was the day she died and July 5th was her funeral).

So to combat these negative emotions, I listened to worship music on my iPod while I was getting ready. Praise and worship music makes me feel better. I will continue listening to it all day to day. I will also be eating healthy and drinking plenty of water.

Don't Fret

Today's Reading in My Utmost for His Highest is yet another in a long list that is particularly relevant for what I am enduring right now.

We've had several problems recently. They are mostly minor and wouldn't be a big deal if they hadn't all hit one right after another. Yesterday when the wrong color of oven arrived, I had had enough and I was down on my knees praying for the Lord to help me endure. I felt much better after that, because relying on Lord for strength is so much better than relying on myself.

Family Reunion

Saturday was an emotional day.

We had the family reunion for my dad's side of the family. Starting with the last reunion we had four years ago, we have been having a memorial service for the deceased members of the family. It is not a big deal...just acknowledging when they were born and when they died and lighting a candle. I teared up. I wasn't really expecting too. It has been 4 years since Dad died, but he was with us at the last reunion.

Saturday evening I went to church. The worship time was really good. I teared up a little during "Open Our Eyes Lord" which was the last song before communion. I don't know what the worship leader said during the prayer before communion, but that really got the tears flowing.

I still miss my parents terribly. But I am thankful that someday I will see them again because of the Great Sacrifice that Our Lord Jesus Christ made for all of us. Thank you Jesus!

And regarding the question, friends, that has come up about what happens to those already dead and buried, we don't want you in the dark any longer. First off, you just not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word. Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. And then this: We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master's word on it—that when the Master comes again to get us, those of us who are still alive will not get a jump on the dead and leave them behind. In actual fact, they'll be ahead of us. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they'll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we'll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (The Message)

101 in 1001

I stumbled upon someone with a 101 in 1001 list and I was immediately intrigued and decided to join in. I started my list a few days ago and I am now ready to stop trying to perfect and start completing it.

Beginning Date: July 1, 2007
Ending Date: March 28, 2010
Items Completed: 7 0f 101

Books, Movies, & Music
001. Get a library card
002. Have a Lord of the Rings Movie Marathon
003. Finish watching G.K. Chesterton DVDs
004. Watch Groundhog Day and eat flapjacks on Groundhog Day
005. Watch Season 5 of 24
006. Watch Season 6 of 24
007. Watch the Passion of the Christ on Good Friday
008. Read Pilgrim's Progress
009. Read the Chronicles of Narnia
010. Read the Imitation of Christ
011. Re-Read Beautiful in God's Eyes
012. Re-Read Streams in the Desert
013. Read Lord of the Flies to see why it was required reading in high school
014. Start (and finish) a book by G.K. Chesterton
015. Only listen to jazz for an entire week (excluding workout music)
016. Only listen to classical music for an entire week (excluding workout music)

Places to Visit and People & Things to See
017. Visit New York City
018. See Phantom of the Opera (preferably on Broadway)
019. Meet the man who repairs lawnmowers
020. Visit the Farmer's Market at least three times each summer (3 times in 2007)
021. Go to an outdoor concert
022. Take a scuba class (does not require completing or becoming certified)
023. Take granddaughter to the farm during harvest
024. Visit the farm during cotton harvest
025. Dress up in formal wear and go out with Sugar Pop on prom night
026. Play bingo
027. Go to the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues
028. Go on an Alaskan cruise

Charitable
029. Use paid4u.com card thirty times
030. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
031. Donate 101 grocery sacks of stuff to Thrift Town (7/101)
032. Redesign Emmaus newsletter
033. Make coloring pages for Kairos
034. Participate in a walk for charity
035. Create a spot to keep and start gathering items for Honey's first apartment

Projects
036. Get a new job
037. Have mom's photos scanned
038. Create recipe book of mom's recipes
039. Create family information book for mom's side of the family
040. Glue completed puzzles together
041. Create slideshow of wedding photos
042. Create and keep a gratitude journal for at least one month
043. Make You Tube video of husband cutting up a watermelon
044. Scan Senior Pictures (completed in August 2007)
045. Scan photos of my brother for his 60th birthday (Completed 7/7/7)

Home & Finance
046. Get 2006 tax information to the accountant
047. Have tax information to the accountant by March 1st
048. Prepare a Will
049. Update CD inventory
050. Have the guest bathroom redone
051. Plant a bulb pot
052. Plant winter wheat in the fall
053. Clean new oven at least once each year
054. Trim hoya plants and pot "babies"
055. Recover dining room chairs
056. Take a defensive driving course to get the auto insurance discount
057. Get a safety deposit box
058. Organize husband's music business expenses
059. Create a real FlyLady control journal
060. Refer to above control journal daily for six months
061. Help Honey with daily routine during summer visit
062. Sell something on Ebay

Body
063. Have a foot detox spa
064. Rock wall climbing
065. Run in a 5K
066. Maintain average weight below 135 for 12 months in a row (2/12)
067. Reach body fat % below 23% (on Tanita scale)
068. Get a massage every month for six months in a row (3/6)
069. Run 30 minutes at 6.0 mph (completed 8/17/07)
070. Try on wedding dress on or near 10 year wedding anniversary
071. Still fit in wedding dress on or near 10 year wedding anniversary
072. Have my first mammogram
073. Order (and learn) a line dancing video
074. Try Weight Watchers Core Plan for one week
075. Have legs waxed
076. Don't check my weight for an entire month
077. Have sun damage on my forehead corrected
078. Use personal trainer appointments that came with my gym membership
079. Have a spa day

Food & Drink
080. Make homemade ice cream
081. Eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day
082. Find 10 new "keeper" crock pot recipes
083. Give up Chocolate for Lent
084. Make snow ice cream
085. Make cream puffs for Honey
086. Make Frito pies on Halloween
087. Drink a $50 bottle of wine
088. Try raw milk
089. Bake a Flourless Chocolate Cake
090. Cook a Greek recipe from the cookbook Butterfly gave us
091. Make Pasta E Fagioli Soup
092. Have a "duck fart" with my dear husband and laugh about old times (completed 8/4/7)

Things to Buy
093. Buy an electric tea kettle and use it at work (purchased 7/4/7, haven't used yet)
094. Try (possibly buy) a Wacoal bra
095. Order personalized M&Ms for my goddaughter
096. Buy a new (to me) vehicle
097. Buy myself fresh flowers at least once a month
098. Buy a new (smaller) digital camera
099. Buy and set up a wireless router
100. Get mattress topper for the guest bed (completed 8/9/7)
101. Purchase a natural light desk lamp (completed 9/12/7 - one for home and one for work)