Mind: use of the word "love"

It has been on my mind during this holiday season how much I and others use the word "love" to describe unimportant objects, foods, entertainment etc. I have been guilty of this practice myself, and just the other day was giving such high praise to a popsicle--- yes- a popsicle! This was my first notice of such absurdity. I began to notice I labeled a lot of idiotic things with such affections. It popped out of my mouth how much I loved an ornament that I was just seeing for the first time and could hardly have had time to have really fallen  in love with... hmmmm. You laugh but haven't you in fact been throwing this precious word around with such frivolity that a clown would stop and say "wow that's funny"?
I personally pledge to change this habit; I recognize that "I really enjoy____", or "that is my favorite_____", or "I do like that kind very much" will suffice for such everyday pleasures as food, movies, songs, & decorative objects. I also will reserve the word "love" for the people in my life. I am pretty sure that in the Bible that Love was not thrown around in reference to sheep, manna or any other objects. When God uses the word "love" it is a powerful word, and I believe that it was powerful because it was reserved for only the deepest emotional connection that  human beings can feel. It is used in reference to an undying, devoted, sacrificial, beautiful, special feeling that promotes acts of caring for other people.
Don't you think that if we find ourselves saying "I love pickles", that this takes away some of the beauty and strength of the word "love"? I do.

And remember; from this point forward if I say "I love you" it means more than what I can feel for everyday objects that I encounter. Maybe if this special word was used only when it was appropriate then we would get more internal value when other's extol it upon us. Just a thought...

Spirit:Thankfulness

Thankful Lips :
I will extol the Lord
at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
(Psalm 34:1)
Through Jesus, therefore,
let us continually
offer to God
a sacrifice of praise –
the fruit of lips
that confess his name.
(Hebrews 13:15)

I am at a much better place in my life than I have been in for a long time.
I am thankful for my wonderful children and I am thankful that they are proud of me today.

They are proud of me because:

I have taken on a personal challenge to completely abstain from any alcohol for 110 days.

I am on day 40!

I was inspired by the show "I Used To Be Fat" on MTV. The teens are helped by a trainer for
110 days.

I was so moved by one trainer's declaration that a person that can go 110 days has broken a habit,

and is not held under (food's stronghold) - the trainer's proclamation that real change takes place in

this amount of time resonated with me. I made my own 110 day tear-off pad and hung it on my wall.

I have been tearing a sheet off every night before bed. I wrote little notes on some of the days- on today's

Day 40 (70 days to go) I jotted "your boys are very proud of you". I do not want anything unhealthy to

take the place of a closer relationship with God. I want to learn to turn to our Lord Jesus in times of stress,

and emotional distress. This is part of the journey - to test myself and prove to myself that I don't need

to have alcohol to live a good life. I do not believe there is anything wrong with having some drinks to

celebrate or socialize with- I just feel like when you are "using" it to alter consciousness and you feel like

you turn to alcohol instead of dealing with the problems that you have - It needs to be put aside.

I am thankful that I have a home, pets, healthy kids, safe neighborhood,

 good food, good relationships with my Dad, Brothers, and Mother,

 a husband to depend on,

and I am extremely thankful for a strong healthy body. I am also thankful that I get to give

and receive the Love of my family and friends over the holidays. -- I am very humbled

by how grateful I feel at this moment. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Mind: Mental labels

I have something on my mind this morning; I am thinking about how important mental labels are to how we live and experience our lives.


Have you like me labeled foods as "good" or "bad"? For me the labeling on the negative side are foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar or starches. I started thinking about how I have given a good or bad label to so many things subconsciously. I overall label experiences, people, pets, feelings, thoughts, and even kids. (You know that kid in the neighborhood who enters without knocking and rummages through your fridge and is real loud). Labels are important because the labels affect how we treat and experience the person, feeling, or object.
Now I want you to think about a few people that you have mostly labeled as "bad" and really think about why they are under that category in your mind.  I have done this and I have to admit a lot of any negative labels come down to a lack of trust (in general).

Now dig deep here:     
How do you label yourself??
If in fact you label yourself  "good" then that is  a positive thing however I challenge you to think about all the negative labels you give yourself on all kinds of everyday responsibilites or traits.  For example - I label when I say "I am just stressed easily and therefore I am anxiety-prone" or how about this one "I am just lazy".

If in fact you have mentally labeled yourself as "bad" then ooh my friend you are creating a cycle of continued negativity. When you see yourself this way - then you create a life where "bad" things are manifested.

The point can be said so many ways,but the point is this: Negative self-image perpetuates more negative actions while positive self image increases your possibilites and raises expectations that you WILL rise to!

Watch your self-talk and monitor your thoughts for any time you are accepting something about yourself that you do not like.

Labels can be wonderful when you tell yourself that you are "strong, kind, peaceful, generous, loving, supportive, dependable, and fun to be around" -

We will never be perfect but I guarantee we are creatures that change according to how we perceive ourselves. It is a long process depending on how negative that you see yourself but God sees you as His child and knows how valuable you are and a how much potential for living a full life you have. When you follow your inner voice when your conscience is telling you No!  You should have a moment of positive "self-talk" and build on that!

Make good choices today! It is a start :-)

Mind: What you perceive & believe, you will live!

Click for closer view :-)

spirit: we are loved

I will be in them and you will be in me so that they will be completely one. Then the world will know that you sent me and that you loved me and that you loved them just as much as you loved me. John17:23  


Amazing words from the Holy Bible! I am awestruck at the simplicity and the simultaneous complexity. 


I think I have not truly digested the fact that God really loves me. I don't know if it is because I have had a rough life in many aspects or if I am truly a pessimist. It could be that my eyes have not opened fully to "get it". 


I on a logical conscious level know that God must love me. However, I sometimes don't feel loved by really anyone. I am not sure if I have a hard time believing someone could love (truly love) someone like me. Certainly not God. Then I have moments where I really know that I am blessed and therefore must be loved. 


I have been let down by so many people and have even felt let down by God although I am sure in the great scheme of things this is not the case. 


Someone who doesn't really know me might take this next part wrong- but I am a humble person in so many ways. That I said to preface this: I do also accept that God has graced me with resilience and a strong body that was always able to play sports, dance and is healthy. My personality is mostly engaging and energetic and I have also been given average looks (which is probably really a blessing). God graced me with a good singing voice and a talent to work hard. God has also graced me with a talent for communicating. I know I have been blessed in the form of my friendships, my family (lots of lessons
 :-D) and my beautiful, healthy, wonderful children. 


I do know I have a lot of weaknesses and tend to primarily focus on them. I love the fact that Jesus can take over where I am weak -- If I will only let him. It is so difficult to fight the desire to be loved (adored) by people. I know that we really do not need to please people but hopefully one day I will only seek pleasing the Lord. I am not quite there yet. 

In the meantime I shall meditate on the words "...you loved them just as much as you loved me" from the verse above. 

Spirit: perpetual dissatisfaction

In the book of Haggai from the Old Testament in the Holy Bible, the subject matter is taking place in the second year of King Darius' rule. God wanted the people to rebuild the temple that had been started about 14 years before and never finished. The people were living in nice homes while the temple sat in ruins. The people had apparently planted a large crop, planted large vineyards, made clothes from what they had and were upset that they did not have enough food, "drink", or clothes to meet their needs. Haggai informs them that as long as the temple is not built (disobedience) then they will Never have enough! The people were saying we can't build now we have to plant more, process more grapes, and make more clothes -- we are too busy to work on the temple! They had not connected that until they were obedient, God (the unseen hand) was not allowing them to reap the fullness of the harvest they had planted.

I am always saying that I do not feel fulfilled, and it seems I can never satisfy myself with food or anything else for that matter; this book of the bible really made me think about how I am like the people under Darius' rule, I am disobedient and keep thinking that I will live a more spiritual life later-- after I get this work done, or this exercise completed -- or I think I am too busy with managing a house, working out and going to a full time job to add anything spiritual to my life. But AHA! I am needing to build the metaphorical temple. I really feel that I need to be doing more conscious day to day seeking for what the Lord wants me to do. I believe this blog is an act of obedience to the Lord. But I also know I should be volunteering more and trying to be more thoughtful with others. I have a desire to sing as well.

 We are not going to get what we want out of life no matter how hard we try (planting, working, preparing, hoarding, holding on to cash) unless we do what God wants us to do -- when we tell God "wait" then he doesn't allow us to feel prosperous. I have heard so many stories about wealthy, but dissatisfied & empty people. I believe this is why!

Now I hope that you are inspired to  start building God's temple - not your own

Spirit: Fruits of the Spirit

I have been praying for God to let me reap the harvest of His fruitfulness. This may seem bold, or even selfish but I have recently been told by a very spiritual friend that I am missing out on praying for what I really want. In the past I thought it was improper to pray for things that I wanted. I am finding that I have the mantra "Ask Believe Receive!" running through my mind a lot these days. I feel like I have made the choice to stay strong in a tough situation, and now I am ready to feel peace and enjoyment in life again. I want to exhibit the fruits of the spirit in every day life and I am trying to focus on that.
When we are done with this life and look back, what things do you think we will regard with the most fondness?? I think the times that we feel the most in line with the fruitfulness of God, and when we have felt a sense of peace because of handling situations well; that is when we remember with a joy inside our hearts.
Create the space for self-control, peace, goodness, joy, gentleness, kindness, patience, faithfulness, and love to reign in your life.

When we do good things we feel better :-)

Lori Davis Potter

Lori Davis Potter: "Believe that you are worth positive treatment, Laugh 'til your smile hurts , find the joy in everyday moments, love fearlessly and hope for the best, inspire others with your own life choices, faith is the most important Christian testimony, wonder at the beauty of the natural world, imagine if everyone followed the Golden Rule, simplify your life with priorities, dream a bigger dream, wish for others to experience your genuine kindness, and live the life; that you believe would make you feel fulfilled"

body: Saturday is for cleaning!

Image by Chiot's Run via Flickr

Since school has started back,
Saturday is now a day for "catching up" on the household cleaning and laundry. This past week was my first full week of school. I am going to admit that it did not go smoothly and I think it was because I wasn't prepared. I was out of practice! I had not done much cleaning last weekend and I have remembered how much better the work week goes when the house is clean and most of our clothes are clean. Cleaning schedules are important. By my own personal cleaning schedule had a pretty big cleaning job on every week-day. Last week I just couldn't muster the energy.You can find an example of a cleaning schedule http//:FlyLady.net. This website has helped me get more organized and I was really feeling out of sorts last week because in the past month or so I had my schedule working well.
I now realize that I am gonna have to adjust my schedule and put a heavier load on Saturdays.

Here is what I envision my normal Saturday routine to be:
Deep clean kitchen (including fridge)
Laundry (5-8 loads and 1 load for the sheets)
clean foyer and steps
sweep and steam mop hard woods
grocery shopping (cut up fruits and vegetables)

I also think planning out your week ahead (including meals) is a big help.

My goal is to set up my weekend to really relax and enjoy Sunday.

What is your Saturday cleaning schedule like?

Spirit: the acknowledgment of Spiritual Guidance

Image by Sean MacEntee via Flickr

When real change happens you know it. I AM SURE OF God's hand on my life and the Holy Spirit's presence in my heart. The past 2 year's have taught me alot about forgiveness. I was stumbling through the darkness looking for the way out at times but I believe I am finding the lightness (happiness) again.

I am wanting to praise God for allowing me to keep my family together. I know that Satan was trying to tear my family apart and destroy our potential to grow into more productive people.

I also know that if it were not for Jesus' role in my life that I would have gone down a road that would have made my children's lives miserable. I am so thankful that God helped me stay strong. I had times that I came close to seeking revenge and teetered on the edge of annihilating my marriage, but there was a voice inside me (when even smothered by my drink of choice) still whispered "no". Infidelity is one of the worse betrayals to live through. Let me be frank, It hurts so bad. I believe it  hurts even worse when you really love your spouse.

I hope my transparency here is encouraging to someone, instead of fodder for pity. I am willing to give all the credit to my Savior from this point forward for any positive growth in my family, home, and marriage.  I will also relish the moments where I can say "too bad for you devil!!!".  Yes! makes me want to dance and sing God's praises. Realizing that the Devil really wanted to destroy not only my positve destiny but my children's future too really got the Mama Bear in me ready to do what it took to fight for them. I mean I had to wrap my mind around the fact that this was real and really happening!

If I had made a different choice I would be filled up with more guilt than I could handle. This just creates more pain. The old adage 2 wrongs do not make a right is really true. The peace created in your heart from following the guidance inside you is always worth it.

I have regrets too, but know that I plan to clear a path from this day forward to put more creedance on my inner voice's (holy spirit inhabiting my body) validity . Really listen to your Savior because He loves you while Satan is the great deceiver and relishes your destruction.

Body: thinking about a new hairstyle

This is my hair now:

I started to think about how interesting it would be to browse popular hairstyles from previous decades and I found 1 picture for the 20's through now that were representative of a popular hairstyle at the time. I am wanting a new hair-do that endures the tests of time. Let's take a walk through the images of the popular hairstyles I found and see if there is any common thread:

poor women in the 20's! The hair that jumps out at me the most is Farrah's representing the 70's! Wow that was some great hair. Love "The Rachel", and I am thinking about a curlier choppier bob than the most modern (katie) hair-do. the bob length seems to be the most popular through the decades. What do you all think?

Spirit: step through opportunity

Image via Wikipedia

GOD provides, opportunities, escape routes, and choice. Do not underestimate the satisfaction in choosing God's will.
I want to share this excerpt from Personal Development.com:

"It can bring us closer to or further from our dreams. A good part of our waking day is spent in making choices. It begins as soon as the alarm goes off. Do we get out of bed immediately or push the snooze button? Do we prepare for work or call in sick? At the job, do we work hard or goof off? All during the day we continue making choices as we decide what to do next. Do I tackle the most important task or make a personal telephone call? Do I answer my business messages or chat with coworkers over coffee? Each decision I make points me to the road of success or the path of mediocrity.
Many of us act as if were in rudderless boats drifting in the sea of life. Our destination? Who knows? We arrive wherever the currents and tides take us. But it doesnt have to be that way. You see, the boat were in has a rudder! It can steer us to the shore of success. That rudder is CHOICE. If we use it, we can become the captain of our destiny.
We didnt decide to be born. And after entering the world, no one handed us a book of instructions on how to succeed in life. So, its not surprising that many make mistakes. Some of the instructions we didnt receive are the following five steps. Following them can help us to maximize the potential positive power of CHOICE.
1. Be aware of your choices. This is not as easy as you think. Why? Because most of the time our boat (mind) is on autopilot. Instead of deciding whether to rise at the sound of the alarm or hit the snooze button, for example, we act automatically. We act by force of habit. If its a good habit, thats great, as there is one less decision to make. But if it is a bad habit, our boat will move away from the shore of success and head for the rocks. Imagine not being aware of that! To avoid such danger, force yourself to become aware of your choices.
2. Analyze your choices. Once you become aware of making a decision, ask yourself, Will this choice help me to succeed or hold me back?
3. Make your choice. After realizing whether the choice is helpful or harmful, make a decision for the best.
4. Act on your choice. Decisions without action are worthless, for they are mere pipe dreams, not plans. As Arnold H. Glasow wrote, Ideas not coupled with action never become bigger than the brain cells they occupied.
5. Multiply your choices. One choice is no choice and two choices may pose a dilemma. However, three or more alternatives offer flexibility and provide you with the option of making the best possible choice.


The next time you plan on making New Year resolutions (choices), here are some you may want to consider:
From this day forward, I choose to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
To those who share their fears, I choose to share my courage.
I choose to stop robbing my future by being irresponsible.
I will never be ashamed to admit that I was wrong. For to do so means that I am wiser today than I was yesterday.I will always remember that the true measure of individuals is the height of their ideals, the breadth of their compassion, the depth of their convictions, and the length of their patience."


This was written by:Chuck Gallozzi

I am going to start keeping my eyes open to opportunities to step through that create positivity in my life and relish the fact that my choices are my own.

Spirit: You choose your happiness

Image via Wikipedia

It is best to stop relying on other people for your happiness. You need to be responsible for your own happiness. Please the Lord first and look inward for joy.

Journal entry: July16th 2011

I am happy to say I am down 5 lb.s from my previous gain! I have worked out hard this past week and ate like I was supposed to for the Weight Watchers point plus program. I have been hungry every evening and am going for my 4th day of exercise this week. I try to do 4-5 days a week! So I consider this a success. I hope that I can keep having this kind of journal entries in the future - It feels so much better. I must remember this throughout next week. I am feeling the hope that I can reach my goal again. I had lost it for a littlw while.

I also made a list of Why I was starting this diet/exercise plan again. Then I read it outloud every morning and when I was wanting to eat or drink something I shouldn't. It helped  a lot.

 One of my things on my list was "I do not want to fail again and start over again"

I am feeling positive about this past week.  Yay Me!

Body: eating more salmon

Image via Wikipedia

Salmon is higher in Omega 3 fatty acids than most fish and it is low in saturated fat. Okay listen, it is even low in calories! It is amazing! I had a nice sized slab of the pinky delightful fish yesterday on a big bed of dark green spinach, lettuce, and other salad greens. I drizzled an italian/balsmic mixture of dressing over the whole thing. It was so delicious!

The health benefits of incorporating Salmon in your diet are undisputed - Almost everyone agrees EAT MORE SALMON. I know I am going to after that delicious experience yesterday.

Related articles

• Omega-3 reduces anxiety and inflammation in healthy students (eurekalert.org)

Here is a recipe to try-

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
lemon pepper to taste
garlic powder to taste
salt to taste
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions

1.Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
2.In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3.Preheat grill for medium heat.
4.Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Sounds so good!!

Spirit: Defensive nature

Image via Wikipedia

If we defend our habits, we have no intentions of quitting them. When someone gets defensive they are basically justifying their actions.
A defensive stance, attitude, or argument indicates that the person knows (down deep) that they are wrong and are unwilling to change.
Sometimes, it is just not time for them to be able to change. Timing is so important (maturity in Christ).
Sometimes, more often the case, the person is identifying themselves with a stronghold that is holding them back. In other words, they cannot see themselves without their weakness, vice or escape mechanism. This is obvious when someone says things like "that's just how I am", or "that's just me", or even worse "who would I be if I couldn't _______?"  
Is it time for you to examine your strongholds? What is holding you back from living the abundant life God wants for you? What excuses do you make about your weaknesses and deficiencies? Some things are just so hard to let go of.

Here is the truth though: None of us are strong enough, good enough or perfect enough!  Only through God's help and guidance through the Holy Spirit of Jesus can we stop being defensive and make real change in our lives.

It is time!as soon as you make the decision to let go of your filthy rags (old ways) and put on the royal robes that only God can provide.

I know that I have been "getting in the way" of what God wants for me. I truly want to change and allow God to revive me and give me peace. I am on this path for a reason  and I do believe that there are a lot of things to do, that give purpose to life that I am letting pass me by.

Mind/Spirit; goal setting and vision boards

If you don't know clearly what you want to achieve then, you will never feel accomplished when making positive changes.
I believe that setting goals helps me focus and thrive rather than survive.

deciding on a destination is 1/2 the battle, the other half is deciding on a plan of attack-

My new weight goal is to weigh 120 pounds. I am deciding that this is the year to really accomplish this goal.

I know where I am going and am committed to it through stating my goal!

Working out everyday is one of my goals. Eating less than 29 WW points everyday is another.

Visualizing my healthier, thin self is a part of the formula as well.

I have basically stayed the same weight for the past 6-8 months.

I am ready to make these changes.

vision boards help clarify what you want:

Image by lululemon athletica via Flickr

When you do a vision board all you simply have to do is cut out or print out images that you love, and paste them all over a blank posterboard. The final product usually shows you what you really want more clearly.

I did a vision board a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. It is time for a new one.
After completing your vision board:
1. Decide on your goals
2. plan a way to get there
3. state your goals to friends/family/journal etc.
4. stay on track by journaling and looking at your vision board daily

Image by kkilometer via Flickr

Journal Entry: July 5th

Back from the beach and now the 4th of July holiday is over. Back to reality!
I had a nice time in Pensacola Florida. We stayed in a really nice condo. Starboard Village.

We spent most of our time walking/laying on/playing on the beach. I read Heaven is for Real while we were soaking up the sun. So nice to relax!

We grilled out and ate out a lot!

We did a Dolphin Cruise and the kids and my hubby went parasailing!

I loved the time I spent in the pool and watching my boys "battle" the waves!

But by far the best part was spending time with my family!
 In this picture- My son Jake, husband Michael, myself (boat hair), my son Logan (boat hair), and my boys' friend Grant:

Some of the best times for me was getting dressed up and going out to eat and to Downtown Pensacola

Now, today is the first day of the rest of my Summer break!
I would love to paint my son's room, the foyer downstairs, re-do my bathroom, and lose a little more weight before school starts back.

I am feeling like I have made progress in my life but have a long way to go before I am being all Our Heavenly Father meant for me to  be.

Spirit: A week of rest and refreshment

Image by HeyDanielle via Flickr

"Packing, cleaning, getting excited!!!! Going to the beach 2morrow and everybody says it, but it is true ; putting your toes in the sand and breathing in the moment really is what it is all about. I will still feel small when I stand beside the ocean."