still can't believe I messed up so bad. I'm usually better with directions than that. If you haven't heard, I didn't send the correct type of picture to the consulate the first time and sent back my visa app incomplete. UPS just picked up the corrected package... running out of time... but it is all in His hands. So is the volcano and so is the financing! Kinda worked out too, I was double checking some of the rest of the app and realized there was a no for the question if I had been out of the country in the past 10 years. I'm sure they would have looked at my passport and the 3 stamps from Mexico and rejected me. Hope that's all!
I read an email devotional (almost) every day and today's verse was Luke 3:5 "The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth". The message was that even when we take a wrong turn or misstep, He still knows the plan and the route. Like a GPS. I love that analogy, not the first time I've heard it. He knows where we are and where He wants us to go. We might not take the correct, easiest or fastest route all the time, but He recalculates and gets us back on track. We just have to remember to listen to His voice. And He's a perfect GPS too, unlike mine that has all of the address numbers of Mexico Road in St Peters mixed up. :)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
:)
For the first time in 10 years or so, I can finally say that I'm under 200 pounds!!!! I give God the glory!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
random thoughts
so many random things going through my head, not all too clear... that was your warning. here we go! :)
a family that was a part of the Lighthouse Youth Center back in the day, lost their 2 sons on Mothers' Day. I hadn't seen this family in years, like 6 or 7 years actually. One son was 24 and the other 14. The 24 yr old was a goofball in youth. I can still remember some of the goofy dances he would make up. I don't really remember too much about the other son, he was around but young. Weird to think if the youth center was still around, he may be a part of it now.
the service last night was so amazing. there were, probably, like 800 people there and the peace and love God was so strong. the boys were saved, they knew Jesus and He was their savior, so we know they are in Heaven. its still hard for the family to loose them, but they can rejoice knowing that they are in Glory. their prayer is that someone gets saved through this. I totally agree. someone will get saved, someone will have a 'deciding moment' in this as the dad put it. be a better friend or a better dad or get in the Word more.
as I look back at the time I had with this family back in the day, I was struck at my judgemental attitude back then. I thought that since they weren't a part of the Charismatic 'department' of Christianity, that they couldn't possibly have a full walk with God. that's a real simple way of putting things I used to think. not just about them, but any Christian who didn't have the fullness of the Spirit. wow, such arrogance and ignorance. I don't think that anymore, thank God. seeing and hearing this family yesterday just showed me how much I've grown. Christian, true Christianity, all comes down to your faith in Jesus Christ. As Savior and Lord, that His blood paid the way, the only way, to Heaven. And that He rose again. having the fullness of the Spirit is... amazing... wouldn't want to go without it. but that doesn't mean that amazing faith can't come from other Christians.
I asked God a while back to reveal Himself to me. I was struggling on know for sure that He was real. So weird to tell Him that I was having problems knowing He's real, as I'm talking to Him. To an unbeliever, I'd be talking to myself, or my imaginary friend. He's real, He set eternity in our hearts. So I knew He was real, but wanted to KNOW He was REAL. to know that I knew that I knew. that He was still working in my life, not just in those around me. well, He's been answering.
through the faith of the people last night, the words given at church, the miraculous way things are coming together for the mission trip to Scotland... and most of all the way I'm relating to Him, and other people for that matter.
all the probably sounded like rambling nonsense, unless you've been there. if you've been through this, you get. if you don't... just ask Him to reveal Him self in a real tangible way. you'll see.
Scotland... about $350 to go, due next week. can't say I'm not at least a little anxious about that, but if I look at the other $1925, it seems like nothing. it has been interesting to me where some of the support has come from, and where it hasn't... can't talk about too much though, just something that I'm pondering. If you read this and take that personal, well, its kinda on you. I don't say it to make anyone feel guilty, just an observation.
also waiting for the Consulate in Chicago to process my charity worker visa as we speak. note that I didn't say patiently waiting :)
3 weeks to go! excited and nervous.
I've realized recently that one of the best motivators to keep up with the weight loss/getting healthy is how many people have told me that I've inspired them! brings tears to my eyes every time I heard/read that, even now. I've been inspired by Ruby and Biggest Loser, never thought I could inspire others. keeps me going!
I would love to become a dietitian or nutritional counselor some day. people suffering with eating disorders or bad nutrition break my heart. while this body is temporary, we shouldn't abuse it. we should be good stewards of what God has given us. maybe I'll get to go into one of those fields without having to pay for college :)
deserted island. not where I want to be, where I feel I am sometimes. so alone and misunderstood. rejected and abandoned. I have people in my life who love me, who care for me, don't get me wrong. It's like I think I should say, no really, please ignore me. don't get back to me. I'm not important enough apparently. sorry to be a bother by just existing. been there? this island is no fun. I wouldn't say its a depression thing. it's being human. ever since the fall in Eden we've been detached. from each other and most of all from God. I used to wonder, as a teen, if this were all a dream. that somehow my consciousness, or subconscious made this whole world up. would I die and there would be nothing, but I wouldn't know there was nothing, cause I wouldn't exist. there's a mind bender for ya! don't know if I've ever told anyone that either. Anyway, then I met Jesus. I know I didn't make this all, He did :) when this life ends, I'll be in Heaven forever. He never leaves me, which brings me back to the original topic of this paragraph. sorry for the tangent. I know He is always here. won't leave me and I can't hide from Him. He sticks closer than a brother, or friend, or family, etc.
did you really make it all the way through all that randomness? wow, thanks! :)
a family that was a part of the Lighthouse Youth Center back in the day, lost their 2 sons on Mothers' Day. I hadn't seen this family in years, like 6 or 7 years actually. One son was 24 and the other 14. The 24 yr old was a goofball in youth. I can still remember some of the goofy dances he would make up. I don't really remember too much about the other son, he was around but young. Weird to think if the youth center was still around, he may be a part of it now.
the service last night was so amazing. there were, probably, like 800 people there and the peace and love God was so strong. the boys were saved, they knew Jesus and He was their savior, so we know they are in Heaven. its still hard for the family to loose them, but they can rejoice knowing that they are in Glory. their prayer is that someone gets saved through this. I totally agree. someone will get saved, someone will have a 'deciding moment' in this as the dad put it. be a better friend or a better dad or get in the Word more.
as I look back at the time I had with this family back in the day, I was struck at my judgemental attitude back then. I thought that since they weren't a part of the Charismatic 'department' of Christianity, that they couldn't possibly have a full walk with God. that's a real simple way of putting things I used to think. not just about them, but any Christian who didn't have the fullness of the Spirit. wow, such arrogance and ignorance. I don't think that anymore, thank God. seeing and hearing this family yesterday just showed me how much I've grown. Christian, true Christianity, all comes down to your faith in Jesus Christ. As Savior and Lord, that His blood paid the way, the only way, to Heaven. And that He rose again. having the fullness of the Spirit is... amazing... wouldn't want to go without it. but that doesn't mean that amazing faith can't come from other Christians.
I asked God a while back to reveal Himself to me. I was struggling on know for sure that He was real. So weird to tell Him that I was having problems knowing He's real, as I'm talking to Him. To an unbeliever, I'd be talking to myself, or my imaginary friend. He's real, He set eternity in our hearts. So I knew He was real, but wanted to KNOW He was REAL. to know that I knew that I knew. that He was still working in my life, not just in those around me. well, He's been answering.
through the faith of the people last night, the words given at church, the miraculous way things are coming together for the mission trip to Scotland... and most of all the way I'm relating to Him, and other people for that matter.
all the probably sounded like rambling nonsense, unless you've been there. if you've been through this, you get. if you don't... just ask Him to reveal Him self in a real tangible way. you'll see.
Scotland... about $350 to go, due next week. can't say I'm not at least a little anxious about that, but if I look at the other $1925, it seems like nothing. it has been interesting to me where some of the support has come from, and where it hasn't... can't talk about too much though, just something that I'm pondering. If you read this and take that personal, well, its kinda on you. I don't say it to make anyone feel guilty, just an observation.
also waiting for the Consulate in Chicago to process my charity worker visa as we speak. note that I didn't say patiently waiting :)
3 weeks to go! excited and nervous.
I've realized recently that one of the best motivators to keep up with the weight loss/getting healthy is how many people have told me that I've inspired them! brings tears to my eyes every time I heard/read that, even now. I've been inspired by Ruby and Biggest Loser, never thought I could inspire others. keeps me going!
I would love to become a dietitian or nutritional counselor some day. people suffering with eating disorders or bad nutrition break my heart. while this body is temporary, we shouldn't abuse it. we should be good stewards of what God has given us. maybe I'll get to go into one of those fields without having to pay for college :)
deserted island. not where I want to be, where I feel I am sometimes. so alone and misunderstood. rejected and abandoned. I have people in my life who love me, who care for me, don't get me wrong. It's like I think I should say, no really, please ignore me. don't get back to me. I'm not important enough apparently. sorry to be a bother by just existing. been there? this island is no fun. I wouldn't say its a depression thing. it's being human. ever since the fall in Eden we've been detached. from each other and most of all from God. I used to wonder, as a teen, if this were all a dream. that somehow my consciousness, or subconscious made this whole world up. would I die and there would be nothing, but I wouldn't know there was nothing, cause I wouldn't exist. there's a mind bender for ya! don't know if I've ever told anyone that either. Anyway, then I met Jesus. I know I didn't make this all, He did :) when this life ends, I'll be in Heaven forever. He never leaves me, which brings me back to the original topic of this paragraph. sorry for the tangent. I know He is always here. won't leave me and I can't hide from Him. He sticks closer than a brother, or friend, or family, etc.
did you really make it all the way through all that randomness? wow, thanks! :)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
update on Scotland
26 days until I leave! and 11 days until all the money is due. still need about $500, but out of $2275, that doesn't seem like a lot. trusting the Lord for that, and that the volcano in Iceland won't spew anymore ash into the air and we'll be able to fly! had a yard sale yesterday, were we raised $235. pretty good for a chilly day, Mothers' Day and Valley of Flowers weekend.
I'm officially in 'the system' - Big Brother's that is. Got a bioscan done Friday - sounds kinda scary, huh? It's just digital fingerprinting and a picture of my face. Have to do all that for the UK Visa. FedEx-ing a bunch of paperwork, including my passport, to Chicago tomorrow to the consulate and praying that everything gets back to me in time.
I've asked God to amaze me through this whole process. I need to see Him do something miraculous in my life. Its a scary thing to ask this, its kinda like asking for patience. If you don't know what I mean, try it. Be aware that He doesn't give it, He teaches it, and He teaches it by trials. Not fun, but worth it in the end. So, with the amazing me part, the price went up on the trip, a bunch of hoops came up with the Visa application, the volcano keeps erupting ash... but I have to trust Him. I can't wait to see the testimony(ies) I'll have after the trip about how awesome He is!!!!
I am super tired and should get to bed.
I'm officially in 'the system' - Big Brother's that is. Got a bioscan done Friday - sounds kinda scary, huh? It's just digital fingerprinting and a picture of my face. Have to do all that for the UK Visa. FedEx-ing a bunch of paperwork, including my passport, to Chicago tomorrow to the consulate and praying that everything gets back to me in time.
I've asked God to amaze me through this whole process. I need to see Him do something miraculous in my life. Its a scary thing to ask this, its kinda like asking for patience. If you don't know what I mean, try it. Be aware that He doesn't give it, He teaches it, and He teaches it by trials. Not fun, but worth it in the end. So, with the amazing me part, the price went up on the trip, a bunch of hoops came up with the Visa application, the volcano keeps erupting ash... but I have to trust Him. I can't wait to see the testimony(ies) I'll have after the trip about how awesome He is!!!!
I am super tired and should get to bed.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
All to His glory
So, I found a record I kept (I'm good at those!) awhile back of weight loss. The cool thing is if I go back to my highest (223.6) til now (200.6) - I've lost 23 lbs! I'm pretty darn proud of that!! Not to mention that I'm only .7 from being under 200 for the first time since... um... right out of high school? We're talking a good 12 years!!! Whoo-hooo!!! Interested to see what my next set of blood work looks like!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Stupid sunburn!
Or should it say "Stupid got sunburnt"? I sell skin care, you'd think I knew better! Where did I get it? At the yard sale I had this past Saturday. Raising money for a mission trip to Scotland! I pick the roughest places to do missions, huh? ;) 3x to Mexico to visit Janine and now Scotland... and, Lord willing, Japan next year :) The yard sale went well, raised $345. I'm having another on May 8th. With the yard sale and a few donations I'm currently at about $600, the trip costs $2000 and $1200 of that is due by the end of this month. I think things are looking good.
The mission trip is to a place in Glasgow that is a castle!!!! We will be putting together/constructing rooms for unwed-expectant mothers. They also have a lot of other programs. You can see more at overtounhouse.com.
Please consider and pray about supporting me. Email me for more info.
I did it!!! I walked a 5k marathon!! 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 21 seconds :) I thought it might be about 10 min more than that, so I'm happy. Already signed up for a 10k in October!! Hope to someday be able to jog some of these too, but for now, walking is good. Except for the shin splits! OMG!!
I've lost 17 lbs so far :) Went up for a week or so, but now back at 17. I have a goal of 66 by the end of the year, which seems big. So, I broke it down into quarters, which is 16.5. Right at goal :) Just weighed - I'm now at 18 :)
Work is crazy busy! We are finally up to full production again for the first time in about 1.5 years? Schedule is full too. The market has turned! This time last year, we were taking weeks down b/c we didn't have enough to run, and last June we laid off a bunch of people. Things are so much better :)
Well, speaking of work, I'd better get back to it!!
The mission trip is to a place in Glasgow that is a castle!!!! We will be putting together/constructing rooms for unwed-expectant mothers. They also have a lot of other programs. You can see more at overtounhouse.com.
Please consider and pray about supporting me. Email me for more info.
I did it!!! I walked a 5k marathon!! 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 21 seconds :) I thought it might be about 10 min more than that, so I'm happy. Already signed up for a 10k in October!! Hope to someday be able to jog some of these too, but for now, walking is good. Except for the shin splits! OMG!!
I've lost 17 lbs so far :) Went up for a week or so, but now back at 17. I have a goal of 66 by the end of the year, which seems big. So, I broke it down into quarters, which is 16.5. Right at goal :) Just weighed - I'm now at 18 :)
Work is crazy busy! We are finally up to full production again for the first time in about 1.5 years? Schedule is full too. The market has turned! This time last year, we were taking weeks down b/c we didn't have enough to run, and last June we laid off a bunch of people. Things are so much better :)
Well, speaking of work, I'd better get back to it!!
Monday, March 29, 2010
15!
I'm down 15 pounds! It actually happened a couple weeks ago, but I've been slacking on blogging. I'm little behind the goal I wanted to be at by the end of March, which is 16.5, but it could happen in the next few days. The marathon is in less than 2 weeks, not at all ready. At least it's going to be gorgeous out for the rest of this week, I hope to walk everyday.
I've had a few rough weeks. We've been going through a series at church on hope the heart(stick with me)and things from my past have been resurfacing. I didn't quite understand why until yesterday's service. God was showing me things that I needed to lay down at His feet. People I needed to forgive and let go, things that were said, things that were done to me. Rejections. Jesus had all that happen to Him too, He really does understand what we're going through. And no matter who does what to me, He will never leave and never stop loving me. So freeing!
this is short, just wanted to update. please comment if you're reading this, just curious if anyone is.
I've had a few rough weeks. We've been going through a series at church on hope the heart(stick with me)and things from my past have been resurfacing. I didn't quite understand why until yesterday's service. God was showing me things that I needed to lay down at His feet. People I needed to forgive and let go, things that were said, things that were done to me. Rejections. Jesus had all that happen to Him too, He really does understand what we're going through. And no matter who does what to me, He will never leave and never stop loving me. So freeing!
this is short, just wanted to update. please comment if you're reading this, just curious if anyone is.
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