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Thursday, May 24, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Letter asking for support for mission trip
Dear friends,
It is time for my next adventure! God is leading me to beautiful Quepos, Costa
Rica this time! My friend Rebecca and I are joining a team
from New Life Fellowship Foursquare Church from Denver, Colorado to help with
the local church in Quepos. We will be
teaching English classes, sharing our testimonies, ministering to the pastor’s
families, community outreach and starting construction on a Ministry Center.
We will be there for 2 whole weeks!! July 7 – July 21, 2012. The approximate cost of the trip is
$1,500.00. I am looking for financial
partners. If you can help in any way, it
will be greatly appreciated! All money
needs to be raised by the end of June, with most by the end of May in order to
book flights. Please send checks
directly to me, or if you’d like to take the tax deduction, you can make out a
check and mail it to New Life Fellowship Foursquare Church, 2241 S. Holly St.,
Denver CO, 80222. Please write “Tammy
Koch CR Mission Trip” in the memo line.
I also need prayer partners!
Please let me know if you are willing to stand with us. I will give more details to this team so you
can keep the team and I in prayer.
Please let me know ASAP if you’d like to be on this team.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter
and for considering helping me fulfill this calling in my life.
Be blessed as you participate in the Great Commission, that
“the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters
cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14)!
In His love,
Tammy Koch
I will gladly share all my pictures when I return :)
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Where's Tammy?
Where have I been? not sure, mentally anyway. the depression has been kicking my butt lately. It seems like waves in the ocean. It pulls back and I can breathe, then comes back and knocks me down. I get back up and do it all over again.
Guess the point is to keep getting back up, right?
I do. I'm not giving up. My God is so much bigger than this ocean. Even if it seems to go on forever. I get stronger each time I breathe. And He's always the One picking me back up. Even when I make myself fall. Sin's like getting caught up in seaweed, I think it looks like fun to play in, even though I know I'll get tangled up and caught up. I won't be able to brace myself for the next wave. I ask for my Father's help and He picks me back up. He protects me from the waves and the sharks. He hasn't taken me out of the water yet, I guess there's swimming lessons I still need to learn.
So, why all the ocean talk??? Hmmm... maybe because I'm prepping for my next mission trip, to Costa Rica! I'm so excited (well, as excited as this phlegmatic personality can be anyway!). I'll be there for 2 weeks in July with a team from Colorado. And a friend from my home church is going with me! It'll be her first mission trip, yay! We'll be helping out a church down there. Wow, God calls me to some of the hardest, roughest places, I know ;)
I'm looking for financial and prayer partners for this trip. Let me know if you'd like to help in both or either area.
The weight loss journey... well, kinda been at a stand still. I've gained back 48 lbs since my lowest weight (early 2011). It makes me mad and upset with myself, but I've been fighting other battles, so this had to go to the sidelines.
The MS is still in remission. I stopped taking my injection about 5 months ago, because almost every time I did it, I screamed out in pain. I saw my neurologist last week and we're going to try the new drug on the market. Its a pill! Possible scary side effects, but my God is bigger than that too, and nothing that can't be fixed.
I feel like a bad friend. If you're close to me and don't think so, that's awesome. But if you used to be close to me and it seems like I've dropped you, I'm sorry. (insert a ton of excuses) But it's not that I really meant too. Blame MS, blame depression, blame busy lifestyles, blame the things that we don't seem to have in common anymore... blame life. But please don't take it personal.
OK, enough of that! Gotta run and get back to work, hope you all are well! I love feedback, so feel free to leave some!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Single Awareness Day
Most people consider this Valentines' Day, but as my title suggest, for some of us it's something totally different. Random fact I heard this morning... St Valentine is also the patron saint of the plague and of bees (or was it bee keepers?)... need I say more??
OK, enough negativity!! The Lord spoke the sweetest thing to my heart Sunday morning. I thought about just keeping it myself as a private treasure, but I think there maybe someone out there that might just need to hear this too.
Driving to church, I somehow got on the thought pattern of 'why am I single' and 'what's wrong with me'. This isn't something new, and it's not something God and I haven't dealt with a thousand times. I normally 'hear' that its just not the right time, I'm not or he's not ready, just be patient... gentle answers that I don't disagree with. I just wonder sometimes if God wants to just tell me to shut it and move on, but He's not unkind. But this go-around I heard something new...
"You are one of my favorites, you are precious to Me and beautiful. I'm just not ready to share your affections yet"
Tears and tears and tears :)
So, on a day I would normally want to wear all black and eat a container of ice cream, this year I think I'll spend time praising and worshiping Him instead!
OK, enough negativity!! The Lord spoke the sweetest thing to my heart Sunday morning. I thought about just keeping it myself as a private treasure, but I think there maybe someone out there that might just need to hear this too.
Driving to church, I somehow got on the thought pattern of 'why am I single' and 'what's wrong with me'. This isn't something new, and it's not something God and I haven't dealt with a thousand times. I normally 'hear' that its just not the right time, I'm not or he's not ready, just be patient... gentle answers that I don't disagree with. I just wonder sometimes if God wants to just tell me to shut it and move on, but He's not unkind. But this go-around I heard something new...
"You are one of my favorites, you are precious to Me and beautiful. I'm just not ready to share your affections yet"
Tears and tears and tears :)
So, on a day I would normally want to wear all black and eat a container of ice cream, this year I think I'll spend time praising and worshiping Him instead!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Awesome power in the tiniest things
Have you ever witnessed God change someone's life? Ever been a part of Him doing something amazing in a friend's circumstances? If not, ask Him to let you be. Even though I can't go into details here, because of these people's privacy, let me tell you God has been up to some awesome things. He always is, don't get me wrong. But sometimes, a lot of times actually, we don't see it or don't recognize when He does. Never underestimate the power behind simply excepting someone where they are or the power of doing something little for them. The love of Christ is the loudest thing in the universe, but we only hear it in whispers. We only see it in glimpses even though it outshines the brightest star. Want to be a part of spreading that love? Remember little things matter. Our time on this earth is tiny, our time with each other is minuscule, make the most of it. He speaks, listen. He shows Himself, watch. He loves, except it. He cares, open your hands.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
just a glimpse
when
was the last time you took a glimpse of Heaven? not the clouds or the
stars, but where we'll spend eternity? If you've excepted Jesus as Lord
and Savior, and except His sacrifice on the cross, you will spend
eternity with Him in Heaven. We'll see the saints of old, have meals
with Abraham and Paul, chat with the peoples' lives we've touched. I
mean people that are touched by the ripples of our prayers and our
giving. We'll see the scars on His hands, feet and side. We'll be
enveloped in the love that died for us. We'll see God face-to-face.
That last part, seeing God. Think about it and try to imagine it... crazy huh? The one who made the universe, the galaxies, the stars, the planets, the sky, the clouds, the animals. Who made it ALL, as small as a flower petal is as big as a black hole. We will be with Him. Forever!
In that light, my troubles seems small. My pain, my sickness, my worries. My joys, my victories, everything seems small. What will this dirty living room or that bill that needs to be paid, really measure up to against worshiping directly at His feet? I'm not saying to not clean, or to not pay that bill, but the amount of time and effort we put into those worries... they won't mean much on the other side.
Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart, to open your imagination, to open you hope, to the image of Heaven. Of eternity. Of His love. The rest will fade, and you won't be so worried about today or even tomorrow.
That last part, seeing God. Think about it and try to imagine it... crazy huh? The one who made the universe, the galaxies, the stars, the planets, the sky, the clouds, the animals. Who made it ALL, as small as a flower petal is as big as a black hole. We will be with Him. Forever!
In that light, my troubles seems small. My pain, my sickness, my worries. My joys, my victories, everything seems small. What will this dirty living room or that bill that needs to be paid, really measure up to against worshiping directly at His feet? I'm not saying to not clean, or to not pay that bill, but the amount of time and effort we put into those worries... they won't mean much on the other side.
Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart, to open your imagination, to open you hope, to the image of Heaven. Of eternity. Of His love. The rest will fade, and you won't be so worried about today or even tomorrow.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Adopted and blessed (and a little insane)
Did you know if you adopt a child, you cannot disinherit them? but you can disinherit one who is your flesh and blood? If, as Christians, we are adopted daughters and sons of God, the Heavenly Father, by our faith in Jesus Christ, He cannot disinherit us. Every spiritual blessing in Heavenly places that is ours to inherit through the blood of Christ, the Father won't decide that at some point we don't deserve it. let that all sink in... man, He loves us and those blessings will overwhelm us... wow!
we started a new round of small groups at church last Wed (Sept 14th) and I'm in one where we're discussing the lies we have built up on top of the Truth of the Gospel. Stuff like religion for the sake of rules and guilt and stuff like that. I'm loving it! The Truth sets us free, lies hold us down. Have you ever said to someone, or yourself, that you can't really be a Christian if you (fill in the blank)? Why do we think it's so much more complicated than just a relationship with God? it all weighs us down, and we then weigh other people down.
one of the things I said last night in group kinda came out like it was one of those thoughts I'd had for awhile, but was new, at least formed into words that made a sentence anyway. maybe a year ago I was all proud of myself for losing weight. ya me, I'd figured out my formula. guess what?!? I hadn't. I was so focus on my little success, I'd forgotten Whom to give the praise to. I haven't figured out a stinking thing. I do know I need to exercise and I do know I can't just sit around and eat donuts and fried chicken all the time and expect my health to improve (darn!). but He was the one Who took my small amount of effort and blessed it.
Kinda having the same issue with my debt. I keep asking Him to bless me, to help me with the paying down part, but I'm not trusting Him, I still use my credit cards. I mean, come on, my budget is set so that my NEEDS are met, the WANTS end up on the credit cards. All the while praying He'll show me the 'coin in the fish's mouth'. Hello! Definition of insanity is .... :-/
I
forgot how much just talking with others about stuff helps me think
things out. I've been going around another round of depression and
it's so easy just to retreat into myself. Forget the world, and
friends, and help, I'd rather just watch another episode of... I
started a new anti-depressant a few weeks ago, this has not been a fun
experience, but I do have moments when I know I'm getting better.
Those moments are starting to last into an hour here and there, so
that's nice.
So, new adventures on the horizon that I can't wait to talk about, but at the moment I can't. Changes coming, but we have to be sensitive to the people involved and His timing. Just know He has a new assignment for me, one that will stretch the mess out of me (goodbye mess, but oh, this is gonna hurt!).
Oh, and YA!!!! for Fall! I LOVE autumn, just not so much with the allergies though. Temp wise, this time ROCKS! Just need to invest in a respirator I can wear :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
NSV - Encouragement to keep going
NSV = Non - scale victory before anyone asks
a while back my HDL (good cholesterol) plummeted, down to 11. it's supposed to be over 40. this put me in at high risk for a heart attack (I'm only 32!). we tried Niacin, but it made me sick, so I've been taking 4 Lovaza a day for a few years, a Rx fish oil (not cheap!) and it only helped a little. after some research, I learned that exercise helps increase HDL. I started occasionally taking Zumba classes back in January, eventually committed to 3x a week. I was frustrated because I wasn't losing weight or inches
, even though I felt better and stronger. before that I half-heartedly walked/ran.
Anyway...
I got a call from a nurse today and she said my HDL
is up to 37!!! Yay!! thank you Lord!
here's a kicker though, that level could plummet again if I don't work out for JUST 2 weeks. talk about motivation!
I'm also insulin resistant and my A1C is down to 5.4
I hope this encourages someone else too. it's not always about the numbers on the scale or the tape measure, but lab numbers don't lie. getting healthy is more important than looking 'better'.
a while back my HDL (good cholesterol) plummeted, down to 11. it's supposed to be over 40. this put me in at high risk for a heart attack (I'm only 32!). we tried Niacin, but it made me sick, so I've been taking 4 Lovaza a day for a few years, a Rx fish oil (not cheap!) and it only helped a little. after some research, I learned that exercise helps increase HDL. I started occasionally taking Zumba classes back in January, eventually committed to 3x a week. I was frustrated because I wasn't losing weight or inches
, even though I felt better and stronger. before that I half-heartedly walked/ran. Anyway...
I got a call from a nurse today and she said my HDL
is up to 37!!! Yay!! thank you Lord! here's a kicker though, that level could plummet again if I don't work out for JUST 2 weeks. talk about motivation!
I'm also insulin resistant and my A1C is down to 5.4
I hope this encourages someone else too. it's not always about the numbers on the scale or the tape measure, but lab numbers don't lie. getting healthy is more important than looking 'better'.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
it's been a while...
I've written a bunch of drafts over the past few weeks, in my head and 'on paper', but I can't seem to express exactly what's going on. Let's try again, hopefully this one will get published...
I recently battled a relapse of the MS. It was a minor one and is pretty much over now, praise God! My neurologist did a couple MRI's, which we hadn't done in 3 years. Amazing news - only one tiny, tiny new spot in all that time :) My C-Spine came back clear. Lab work came back clear too! Good stuff! We switched my meds too. For the past 3 years I was doing a once-a-week injection into a muscle (read - big needle) but now I'm doing a 3x week little needle. The side effects are less because the dosage is more spread out, ya! And after the big needle for so long, the new one is almost cute. It also has an auto-inject thing so I don't even see the needle go in and my mom is off the hook now. Good stuff, good stuff.
Battling the relapse sucked though. As I type this my left arm/hand are kinda tingly. I was having balance/coordination problems, more that usual, but they seem to be subsiding. I mostly just gotta stay out of the heat. Easy to do in the Midwest this time of year, right? :-/
I started a 2nd, part-time job a little while back. I'm working in the office of the martial arts place where I take Zumba. I pretty much like it, starting to wonder if I've taken on too much though.
I'm back at the weight I was a year ago, that's not good. I do Zumba 3x a week, but I haven't been walking and I eat out A LOT! Partly because I hardly ever seem to be home, and when I am, I'm sleeping or watching TV or movies. Cooking is low on my list of priorities. So is cleaning for that matter...
Here's the biggest issue in my life as of late, brace yourself... I'm tired of Christianity. At least how it stands today. I LOVE Jesus, He is my Lord, Savior, Best-Friend, so loosing my faith isn't what I'm talking about. It's the rules, regulations, expectations, judgments of/by 'religious' people. I'm as guilty as the next person, and so not perfect, but I'm tired of it. Tired of trying to change the world by telling them what they do is wrong. We do sin, but judging people isn't going to make them want to come to Salvation. Loving them will. Jesus didn't preach at the unsaved, He preached at the religious leaders. He loved and hung out with the worldly. He wasn't best friends with them, and He certainly didn't let their lifestyle choices pull Him down, but He did love them. Unsaved people don't know any better... we need to quit trying to change them! That is God's job! And how will they come to know the loving, saving grace of our Lord if all we do is try to share His wrath? Speak the Truth in Love, not hate!
OK, done with that rant, for now. I'm sure there are plenty of disagreements against a lot of what I just said, I used to be one to argue those points.
I'm just in a place where I want to know God, truly know Him. Not just what I've been taught, but what His Word says. I don't want to take anything of Christianity for granted and I don't want to live a lie. There's a lot of sayings out there and a lot of assumptions on how God feels about different subjects... but what does He really have to say about it all?
If I get any wisdom, I'll pass it along.
I recently battled a relapse of the MS. It was a minor one and is pretty much over now, praise God! My neurologist did a couple MRI's, which we hadn't done in 3 years. Amazing news - only one tiny, tiny new spot in all that time :) My C-Spine came back clear. Lab work came back clear too! Good stuff! We switched my meds too. For the past 3 years I was doing a once-a-week injection into a muscle (read - big needle) but now I'm doing a 3x week little needle. The side effects are less because the dosage is more spread out, ya! And after the big needle for so long, the new one is almost cute. It also has an auto-inject thing so I don't even see the needle go in and my mom is off the hook now. Good stuff, good stuff.
Battling the relapse sucked though. As I type this my left arm/hand are kinda tingly. I was having balance/coordination problems, more that usual, but they seem to be subsiding. I mostly just gotta stay out of the heat. Easy to do in the Midwest this time of year, right? :-/
I started a 2nd, part-time job a little while back. I'm working in the office of the martial arts place where I take Zumba. I pretty much like it, starting to wonder if I've taken on too much though.
I'm back at the weight I was a year ago, that's not good. I do Zumba 3x a week, but I haven't been walking and I eat out A LOT! Partly because I hardly ever seem to be home, and when I am, I'm sleeping or watching TV or movies. Cooking is low on my list of priorities. So is cleaning for that matter...
Here's the biggest issue in my life as of late, brace yourself... I'm tired of Christianity. At least how it stands today. I LOVE Jesus, He is my Lord, Savior, Best-Friend, so loosing my faith isn't what I'm talking about. It's the rules, regulations, expectations, judgments of/by 'religious' people. I'm as guilty as the next person, and so not perfect, but I'm tired of it. Tired of trying to change the world by telling them what they do is wrong. We do sin, but judging people isn't going to make them want to come to Salvation. Loving them will. Jesus didn't preach at the unsaved, He preached at the religious leaders. He loved and hung out with the worldly. He wasn't best friends with them, and He certainly didn't let their lifestyle choices pull Him down, but He did love them. Unsaved people don't know any better... we need to quit trying to change them! That is God's job! And how will they come to know the loving, saving grace of our Lord if all we do is try to share His wrath? Speak the Truth in Love, not hate!
OK, done with that rant, for now. I'm sure there are plenty of disagreements against a lot of what I just said, I used to be one to argue those points.
I'm just in a place where I want to know God, truly know Him. Not just what I've been taught, but what His Word says. I don't want to take anything of Christianity for granted and I don't want to live a lie. There's a lot of sayings out there and a lot of assumptions on how God feels about different subjects... but what does He really have to say about it all?
If I get any wisdom, I'll pass it along.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Love this song!! Describes where I am right now...
Jason Gray - More Like Falling in Love
From the album Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue
From the album Everything Sad Is Coming Untrue
Give me rules
I will break them
Give me lines
I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet
It ought to be
(CHORUS)
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
Give me words
I'll misuse them
Obligations
I'll misplace them
'Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's like I'm falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made
Me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's like I'm falling, oh
I'm falling in falling
It's like I'm falling
I will break them
Give me lines
I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet
It ought to be
(CHORUS)
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
Give me words
I'll misuse them
Obligations
I'll misplace them
'Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's like I'm falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made
Me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's gotta be
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It's like I'm falling, oh
It's like I'm falling in love
It's like I'm falling, oh
I'm falling in falling
It's like I'm falling
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Madame Blueberry
If you're not a Veggie Tales fan, you probably don't get the title. Don't worry, I'm not turning blue or anything. This character is in one story about thankfulness. 'A thankful heart is a happy heart' - that's the lesson, and theme song. Madame Blueberry is, well, blue. Sad and she thinks it's because she doesn't have enough, or the right, stuff. She meets a girl in the story that is poor, but happy, and in the end, she learns that stuff can't make her happy.
I'd like to spin the lesson a little, because its something I've been learning lately. I really don't (usually) want for stuff, but for situations. Like I want to be out of debt, I want to be healthy, I want to be 50 pounds lighter, I want to fall in love, I want to do more mission trips, etc. get the idea? so, to help me get over this, I'm going to list some things and situations I'm grateful for.
A great church
Friends who accept me for who I am
A family who supports me
Snuggle times with my sweet, yet crazy, cat
A job that's close to home
Just having a job
To have been on some mission trips
To have my debt level going down
To have lost weight, but more importantly inches
My house, even with all it's problems
Jesus dying on the cross for my sins
And for Him raising from the dead!
An eternal home in Heaven
Some of my health issues coming in line
My independence
My freedom
My friends' children (that I get a 'kid' fix and go back to my freedom/Independence! lol)
Low-cal Alfredo Sauce
That gooey brownie from The Chocolate Bar
The not-so-low calorie Alfredo sauce
Cinnamon/sugar soft pretzels
Strawberries
Cheesecake (my dad's of course)
Dad's pizza
A good sports bra
Lessons learned from past mistakes
A God who isn't limited in the way He can speak to me (through His Word, prayer, spiritual leaders and friends). But also (even?!!?) non-Christian movies, TV, games, books, friends, etc.
That He does answer prayers with 'no'. I don't mean the 'not right now' or 'later' nos, I mean closed and locked doors.
I could go on, and probably will. but for now I need to get some work done at that job close to home!
What are you thankful for?
I'd like to spin the lesson a little, because its something I've been learning lately. I really don't (usually) want for stuff, but for situations. Like I want to be out of debt, I want to be healthy, I want to be 50 pounds lighter, I want to fall in love, I want to do more mission trips, etc. get the idea? so, to help me get over this, I'm going to list some things and situations I'm grateful for.
A great church
Friends who accept me for who I am
A family who supports me
Snuggle times with my sweet, yet crazy, cat
A job that's close to home
Just having a job
To have been on some mission trips
To have my debt level going down
To have lost weight, but more importantly inches
My house, even with all it's problems
Jesus dying on the cross for my sins
And for Him raising from the dead!
An eternal home in Heaven
Some of my health issues coming in line
My independence
My freedom
My friends' children (that I get a 'kid' fix and go back to my freedom/Independence! lol)
Low-cal Alfredo Sauce
That gooey brownie from The Chocolate Bar
The not-so-low calorie Alfredo sauce
Cinnamon/sugar soft pretzels
Strawberries
Cheesecake (my dad's of course)
Dad's pizza
A good sports bra
Lessons learned from past mistakes
A God who isn't limited in the way He can speak to me (through His Word, prayer, spiritual leaders and friends). But also (even?!!?) non-Christian movies, TV, games, books, friends, etc.
That He does answer prayers with 'no'. I don't mean the 'not right now' or 'later' nos, I mean closed and locked doors.
I could go on, and probably will. but for now I need to get some work done at that job close to home!
What are you thankful for?
Monday, February 21, 2011
catching up
I'm not entirely sure how a month and a half has gone by since I last posted. Between the promotion at work and feeling crappy lately, I just haven't been too social. Oh, but if you know me personally I seem like it though. Sometimes its an act, sometimes its me forcing myself out of a slump.
Maybe today isn't the best day to catch up. I messed up my lower back somehow (probably from sitting on my butt most of the weekend doing nothing except eating...) and, well, let's just say the girls should understand why I'm in the 'blahs'.
So, why am I here posting today? Maybe because I titled this blog 'Being Real' and I haven't been lately. Why? Hmmmm. Wish I knew for sure. But I have a few ideas.
Time with God - lacking in that area. I read the Bible and/or a devotional almost everyday, but I know that's not really time with Him. I don't spend hardly any time praying and listening.
TV - well not really TV, more like Netflix. Current addiction = Battlestar Galactica. Before that was Law & Order: SVU. It's amazing how much time you lose when you're watching stuff (just one more episode... oh just another... next thing I know 6+ hours have disappeared)
Food - not eating healthy is not good for my brain or body. I feel sluggish and can't focus. Yesterday alone I ate 3x as much as I should in a normal day. I mean, come on, really? How did that happen? I actually had the thought that maybe if I kept eating the pain would go away. I knew it was wrong then, and I'm paying for it now. It seems like I spend Mon - Thurs making up for Fri - Sun, every week!! Will next weekend be better? Only time will tell.
Exercise - well, I've actually made some improvement here :) I recently took up Zumba. It is so much fun! I have more rhythm and coordination than I thought. It took a few weeks for them to kick in though.
Weight loss - I tell people to ignore the scale while they're in a plateau, I really need to learn to listen to my own advice!! I've actually gained 7 pounds since the beginning of the year. May not seem like too much, but it took me months to lose that 7! People tell me I look like I'm losing though.
Perfection - not attainable but that doesn't stop me from getting down on myself for not being there. I think this really is the main problem in all areas. I keeping thinking I'm not good enough in something and am therefore a failure. So not true! Besides, there was only One Who was Perfect, and He makes me perfect in Him.
Whine, whine, whine...
Well, let's change focus a bit. I have actually managed to stick to a Bible reading plan for 52 days now. I'm a little over 30 pounds lighter than I was a year ago and in much better shape. I feel like I'm moving into some new areas in life and its exciting to see what God's doing. Still hoping to go to China later this year. The promotion at work, and of course the raise, have been good for me, definitely utilizing skills in a better way.
The more I am real about stuff, and face it instead of trying to numb it with food, TV or trying to be perfect, the more I believe that last paragraph will be longer than my list of complaints. Contentment... my pastor preached on that a couple weeks ago. Maybe I should go back and listen to it again!!
Thanks for listening!
Maybe today isn't the best day to catch up. I messed up my lower back somehow (probably from sitting on my butt most of the weekend doing nothing except eating...) and, well, let's just say the girls should understand why I'm in the 'blahs'.
So, why am I here posting today? Maybe because I titled this blog 'Being Real' and I haven't been lately. Why? Hmmmm. Wish I knew for sure. But I have a few ideas.
Time with God - lacking in that area. I read the Bible and/or a devotional almost everyday, but I know that's not really time with Him. I don't spend hardly any time praying and listening.
TV - well not really TV, more like Netflix. Current addiction = Battlestar Galactica. Before that was Law & Order: SVU. It's amazing how much time you lose when you're watching stuff (just one more episode... oh just another... next thing I know 6+ hours have disappeared)
Food - not eating healthy is not good for my brain or body. I feel sluggish and can't focus. Yesterday alone I ate 3x as much as I should in a normal day. I mean, come on, really? How did that happen? I actually had the thought that maybe if I kept eating the pain would go away. I knew it was wrong then, and I'm paying for it now. It seems like I spend Mon - Thurs making up for Fri - Sun, every week!! Will next weekend be better? Only time will tell.
Exercise - well, I've actually made some improvement here :) I recently took up Zumba. It is so much fun! I have more rhythm and coordination than I thought. It took a few weeks for them to kick in though.
Weight loss - I tell people to ignore the scale while they're in a plateau, I really need to learn to listen to my own advice!! I've actually gained 7 pounds since the beginning of the year. May not seem like too much, but it took me months to lose that 7! People tell me I look like I'm losing though.
Perfection - not attainable but that doesn't stop me from getting down on myself for not being there. I think this really is the main problem in all areas. I keeping thinking I'm not good enough in something and am therefore a failure. So not true! Besides, there was only One Who was Perfect, and He makes me perfect in Him.
Whine, whine, whine...
Well, let's change focus a bit. I have actually managed to stick to a Bible reading plan for 52 days now. I'm a little over 30 pounds lighter than I was a year ago and in much better shape. I feel like I'm moving into some new areas in life and its exciting to see what God's doing. Still hoping to go to China later this year. The promotion at work, and of course the raise, have been good for me, definitely utilizing skills in a better way.
The more I am real about stuff, and face it instead of trying to numb it with food, TV or trying to be perfect, the more I believe that last paragraph will be longer than my list of complaints. Contentment... my pastor preached on that a couple weeks ago. Maybe I should go back and listen to it again!!
Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
hello 2011
First post for the new year! Hope everyone is well!
So, I finished the Twilight Saga last week. wow! I really enjoyed the story, I gotta say. But the emotional roller coaster that came along with it... not so much. If you've read any of my other post about the series, you know what I'm talking about (if not, go back and read). I've slowly been weening myself off the addiction. Any time the longing comes, I pray. The Lord and I have had some intense talks lately, but I feel closer to Him than I have in a long time. Silly how a vampire/werewolf story can draw you closer to God, but sometimes that's how He works - in the unexpected. All that said, even though I liked the series, I do not recommend it to anyone who is prone to identifying with the character or gets emotionally involved in the story, like me. I really think some of the material is to mature for a younger/teenage audience. I guess I'm just old fashioned that way :) But why stir up emotions or feelings or desires unnecessarily? Those emotions are God-given, don't get me wrong, but they have a time and place. They just leave me frustrated. TMI? maybe, but remember, this is my blog about being real and honest ;)
Anyway, moving on...
My first pastor's wife passed away Sunday morning from pancreatic cancer. Sad that this sweet, dear woman is no longer with us. She meant a lot to my life when I was a baby Christian. She worked with me through a lot of junk. But, I know where she is and Who she is with, and I rejoice over that. Actually, slightly envious :)
Through events that have happened lately in my life, the passion for Heaven is swelling in my heart. I cannot wait to be in eternity. Over a year ago, I felt that way, but in a scary way. The depression type of just wanting to die. Now, I just want to be with Jesus.
I'm really starting to understand what Paul meant in Philippians 1:21-26 "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me"
I started reading a book by Ted Dekker called The Slumber of Christianity. I love his fiction so I thought I'd try his non-fiction. Its a book about how Christians have lost the passion for eternity, how we long for satisfaction in earthly things, yet never find it. I'm only in chapter 1, I'm sure I'll have more to share here as I read it.
God is real, Heaven is real and therefore Hell is too. I know where I'm going, do you?
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 - what a year!
I guess having a blog means I should have a recap of the previous year, at least I feel like writing one :)
2010 brought so many things into my life, things I never really thought possible. I lost 40 pounds and I completed 2 5k's and 1 10k. I'm (at least a little bit) less in debt than when I started. I went to Scotland, Kansas City and Denver twice. I attended a MS support group. I blogged, fairly faithfully. I started the process of a promotion at work, and got my highest performance rating since I started there 10 years ago. All in all, gotta be one of my best years.
Considering last year was one of the worse anyway. Depression sucks.
I did a personality study for work that gave me insight into who I am, who God made me to be. Discovered my love and talent of photography and other visual arts, which lead me to join the tech team at church. I know now that I'm a numbers driven person, not a people driven person, at least at work. I get highly emotional about things, but tend to bottle it all up. I see situations in black & white, maybe not the same black/white of others, but I have some strong convictions. I'm loyal. I'm not a self-started.
In the past couple weeks I discovered I'm a Twilight fan, really didn't think that would happen.
I started the year not knowing if God was really real. I needed Him to amaze me, to remind me how real He is. He did, in so many ways. A lot through the mission trip to Scotland, how it all worked out. Through the emotional battle I've had with being single. I feel closer to Him, closer than I have in a long time, if ever.
Well, what does 2011 have in store? No one can really know. Some of things I'm working towards are to lose the last 30 pounds, to complete 6 5k's, to pay off more debt, to take another international mission trip (hopefully to China in November!). Not sure what else. I know God has plans for me, plans to not harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope.
2010 brought so many things into my life, things I never really thought possible. I lost 40 pounds and I completed 2 5k's and 1 10k. I'm (at least a little bit) less in debt than when I started. I went to Scotland, Kansas City and Denver twice. I attended a MS support group. I blogged, fairly faithfully. I started the process of a promotion at work, and got my highest performance rating since I started there 10 years ago. All in all, gotta be one of my best years.
Considering last year was one of the worse anyway. Depression sucks.
I did a personality study for work that gave me insight into who I am, who God made me to be. Discovered my love and talent of photography and other visual arts, which lead me to join the tech team at church. I know now that I'm a numbers driven person, not a people driven person, at least at work. I get highly emotional about things, but tend to bottle it all up. I see situations in black & white, maybe not the same black/white of others, but I have some strong convictions. I'm loyal. I'm not a self-started.
In the past couple weeks I discovered I'm a Twilight fan, really didn't think that would happen.
I started the year not knowing if God was really real. I needed Him to amaze me, to remind me how real He is. He did, in so many ways. A lot through the mission trip to Scotland, how it all worked out. Through the emotional battle I've had with being single. I feel closer to Him, closer than I have in a long time, if ever.
Well, what does 2011 have in store? No one can really know. Some of things I'm working towards are to lose the last 30 pounds, to complete 6 5k's, to pay off more debt, to take another international mission trip (hopefully to China in November!). Not sure what else. I know God has plans for me, plans to not harm me, plans to give me a future and a hope.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
obsessed and need sleep
so yesterday I get off work, go home and start reading. about 630+ pages and HOURS later, I finally went to bed and fell asleep somewhere around 3am.
what in the heck was I thinking???
well, I was totally engrossed in Eclipse. then couldn't help myself and read 1 1/2 chapters of Breaking Dawn. The word 'obsessed' comes to mind :/
today I'm a mess. I'm numb, not just emotionally like I was talking about yesterday, but physically. SO stinking tired! and it's all my own fault! stupid, stupid girl
I really shouldn't let myself do things like that. My defenses are down. Fighting the good fight of faith is hard enough w/o sleep deprivation! I'm so emotional, more than usual. And there's a short trip between being being slaphappy, numb, then bitchy... currently at numb, good thing I get to go home and not do anything tonight. Well, there are about 600 pages for me to read...
we'll see how long I last. unless of course I go home and nap, then finish it later tonight. but that will just make tomorrow even worse. I'm so not gifted in self-control!
But here's my revelation for today... I'm sure there's some psychological word for it, but I really get into the characters of books, TV shows and movies. I get so wrapped up in their lives, I can't just watch or read, then walk away and not have the emotions follow. It's weird. And this isn't the first time I've realized it, just the first time I'm 'talking' about it. 1 episode, or 1 OK book, and I'm good. Get me engrossed in a series, and I'm done. The line between reality and fiction blurs. I need help, I know. :)
Now, if I could just do this with the Bible....... stupid flesh :-/
what in the heck was I thinking???
well, I was totally engrossed in Eclipse. then couldn't help myself and read 1 1/2 chapters of Breaking Dawn. The word 'obsessed' comes to mind :/
today I'm a mess. I'm numb, not just emotionally like I was talking about yesterday, but physically. SO stinking tired! and it's all my own fault! stupid, stupid girl
I really shouldn't let myself do things like that. My defenses are down. Fighting the good fight of faith is hard enough w/o sleep deprivation! I'm so emotional, more than usual. And there's a short trip between being being slaphappy, numb, then bitchy... currently at numb, good thing I get to go home and not do anything tonight. Well, there are about 600 pages for me to read...
we'll see how long I last. unless of course I go home and nap, then finish it later tonight. but that will just make tomorrow even worse. I'm so not gifted in self-control!
But here's my revelation for today... I'm sure there's some psychological word for it, but I really get into the characters of books, TV shows and movies. I get so wrapped up in their lives, I can't just watch or read, then walk away and not have the emotions follow. It's weird. And this isn't the first time I've realized it, just the first time I'm 'talking' about it. 1 episode, or 1 OK book, and I'm good. Get me engrossed in a series, and I'm done. The line between reality and fiction blurs. I need help, I know. :)
Now, if I could just do this with the Bible....... stupid flesh :-/
Monday, December 27, 2010
The hole in my chest / Why I like the Twilight Saga
I feel like I have to preface this entry with the following statements:
If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, what I'm about to say might sound crazy to you. Seek Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him into your heart. Ask me if you have any questions.
Then again, if you do know Him, you may still think I'm off my rocker. I welcome you to read also, with an open mind and just try to see where I'm coming from... and you may ask questions also
It hurts. To breath, to think, to wish. To feel. It feels like I’m drowning. And longing for something. I have a hole in my chest that yearns to be filled. Like something or someone is missing from my life.
I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that hole is God-shaped. The longing is a desire to be with Him, to be whole, to be healed, to be out of this mortal body and with the Lover of my soul. But I’ve been human long enough to know I want to fill that void with a person, or with things.
I’ve tried food for a long time. It fills holes, but not the right one. Actually, it over fills holes! I’ve tried to fill it with knowledge. School, research. Bible studies, culinary arts, nutrition, fitness science, etc. that fills holes, in my head (no comments from the peanut gallery!). Tried to fill it with people. People come and go, they have their own lives to live. Books and movies. Those work well sometimes to numb the pain. I relate to characters, get into their heads, feel what they feel… lose myself in them. A fantasy world that sucks me out of reality. Books and movies have endings though. Usually with good endings. Then it’s back to reality. I’ve tried fantasy. Close my eyes and imagine what’s over the rainbow. A Mr. Darcy or Edward for myself. A thin body, a degree, a career...
None of this satisfies. It makes the longing worse.
It ‘stirs up love before it’s time’. It numbs the pain for a short period of time. Then it all comes crashing back.
I think I’m longing for a person. Someone to hold me, to love me, to want me. Someone who cares so much it hurts. Someone who will look longing into my eyes and make all my worries disappear.
Recently, after watching the first couple Twilight movies, I was asking God where my Edward was. Or even my Jacob (I’m more on team Edward though!). Where is the one who loves me to death, who will protect me, who watches me sleep, who can’t live without me? Then, in a very tender moment I heard the Holy Spirit say, in my heart, I AM He.
Wow! and Whoa!
My eyes get misty. I can’t seem to really cry anymore. Maybe still trying to stay in that numb place. I’m so not worthy of His love and sacrifice. But He loved me before I was even born, knowing all my imperfections. He does knows my every thought, yet still can’t get enough of me.
I long for Heaven. To be done with this fight and in His presence. His real presence, where I can see Him and feel Him.
Jesus is my Edward. He is my Mr. Darcy. He loves me more than they ever could. But, there’s more I long for……..I am human after all ;)
Jesus is my eternal Husband, not my mortal one. I will long for him till I die or he finds me. Is there one for me? I don’t know. I like to think so. But it hurts. It hurts to see other people with their ‘mate’. I’m in no way more spiritual than anyone, I’m too weak to think it’s possible to one of the ‘chosen’ who devote their lives completely to His service and never marry.
Bearing my heart like this hurts too. It feels SO fragile. But, my heart is in His hands. In order to find it, one would have to search Him out first anyway.
So, it may not make any sense to anyone else why I enjoy the Twilight Saga. It’s not the best book series ever written. Definitely not the best movies ever. (Seriously, what were they thinking with the actor for Edward???). I’m a romantic at heart, with some teenage love-sick tendencies. I know and admit to that. Heaven help the guy who has to put up with me ;)
I’m only just starting the 3rd book today, so I haven’t read about the wedding and transformation yet (thanks for the spoiler, Mike!!). But I cannot wait to have my transformation into my glorified body and to sit at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
So there it is, the tender gaping hole in my chest. Sometimes I have nightmares, wake up screaming or crying, and I have to hold myself together too, Bella. But my guy too will come, or He will come back to get me :)
If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord, what I'm about to say might sound crazy to you. Seek Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him into your heart. Ask me if you have any questions.
Then again, if you do know Him, you may still think I'm off my rocker. I welcome you to read also, with an open mind and just try to see where I'm coming from... and you may ask questions also
It hurts. To breath, to think, to wish. To feel. It feels like I’m drowning. And longing for something. I have a hole in my chest that yearns to be filled. Like something or someone is missing from my life.
I’ve been a Christian long enough to know that hole is God-shaped. The longing is a desire to be with Him, to be whole, to be healed, to be out of this mortal body and with the Lover of my soul. But I’ve been human long enough to know I want to fill that void with a person, or with things.
I’ve tried food for a long time. It fills holes, but not the right one. Actually, it over fills holes! I’ve tried to fill it with knowledge. School, research. Bible studies, culinary arts, nutrition, fitness science, etc. that fills holes, in my head (no comments from the peanut gallery!). Tried to fill it with people. People come and go, they have their own lives to live. Books and movies. Those work well sometimes to numb the pain. I relate to characters, get into their heads, feel what they feel… lose myself in them. A fantasy world that sucks me out of reality. Books and movies have endings though. Usually with good endings. Then it’s back to reality. I’ve tried fantasy. Close my eyes and imagine what’s over the rainbow. A Mr. Darcy or Edward for myself. A thin body, a degree, a career...
None of this satisfies. It makes the longing worse.
It ‘stirs up love before it’s time’. It numbs the pain for a short period of time. Then it all comes crashing back.
I think I’m longing for a person. Someone to hold me, to love me, to want me. Someone who cares so much it hurts. Someone who will look longing into my eyes and make all my worries disappear.
Recently, after watching the first couple Twilight movies, I was asking God where my Edward was. Or even my Jacob (I’m more on team Edward though!). Where is the one who loves me to death, who will protect me, who watches me sleep, who can’t live without me? Then, in a very tender moment I heard the Holy Spirit say, in my heart, I AM He.
Wow! and Whoa!
My eyes get misty. I can’t seem to really cry anymore. Maybe still trying to stay in that numb place. I’m so not worthy of His love and sacrifice. But He loved me before I was even born, knowing all my imperfections. He does knows my every thought, yet still can’t get enough of me.
I long for Heaven. To be done with this fight and in His presence. His real presence, where I can see Him and feel Him.
Jesus is my Edward. He is my Mr. Darcy. He loves me more than they ever could. But, there’s more I long for……..I am human after all ;)
Jesus is my eternal Husband, not my mortal one. I will long for him till I die or he finds me. Is there one for me? I don’t know. I like to think so. But it hurts. It hurts to see other people with their ‘mate’. I’m in no way more spiritual than anyone, I’m too weak to think it’s possible to one of the ‘chosen’ who devote their lives completely to His service and never marry.
Bearing my heart like this hurts too. It feels SO fragile. But, my heart is in His hands. In order to find it, one would have to search Him out first anyway.
So, it may not make any sense to anyone else why I enjoy the Twilight Saga. It’s not the best book series ever written. Definitely not the best movies ever. (Seriously, what were they thinking with the actor for Edward???). I’m a romantic at heart, with some teenage love-sick tendencies. I know and admit to that. Heaven help the guy who has to put up with me ;)
I’m only just starting the 3rd book today, so I haven’t read about the wedding and transformation yet (thanks for the spoiler, Mike!!). But I cannot wait to have my transformation into my glorified body and to sit at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
So there it is, the tender gaping hole in my chest. Sometimes I have nightmares, wake up screaming or crying, and I have to hold myself together too, Bella. But my guy too will come, or He will come back to get me :)
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Heavens Proclaim His Glory - review
Another book review courtesy of Booksneeze.com and Thomas Nelson Publishing. This book was sent to me for free in return for a review.
The Heavens Proclaim His Glory
By A Spectacular View of Creation Through the Lens of the NASA Hubble Telescope
Published by Thomas Nelson
Description of book from Booksneeze.com:
'Our world displays the handiwork of God all around us—in the land and sea, the animals and the plants. But in respect to the sky, the heavens, the universe…there’s a realm of beauty and creation man has not been able to witness, until now. The Heavens Proclaim His Glory is a compilation of stunning photography taken by NASA’s Hubble® Telescope capturing striking images of stars, galaxies, cosmic events, planets, and more. Vivid up-close photographs are paired with a romantic Psalm or quote, as well as a short description of the image. The Heavens will open up a whole new world of worship and praise for our God.
Contributors include: Francis Chan, Mike Huckabee, John MacArthur, Stephen Mansfield, Sarah Young, Max Lucado, Jenna Lucado, Henry & Richard Blackaby, Robert Morgan, Kirk Cameron, Homer Hickam, and more.'
My review:
I originally requested the book because I'm into astronomy and so are my brother and father. To put it pretty simple, its a beautiful book and very inspiring! It can be hard for our human brains to fathom the size of the galaxies and planets and such in the pictures, and even harder to imagine the God who created it all! Yet, I know this God personally and He knows every hair on my head. Wow. The pictures are colorful and amazing, the quotes are thought-provoking. This book would make a wonderful gift for anyone into astronomy, or anyone who just needs to read something uplifting (isn't that all of us?)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
end of November check-in
went a whole month w/o blogging? what's up with that? rough month, that's what.
been kinda down lately. that time of year? most likely. went to my doc yesterday and we're uping my Zoloft. I'm doing a lot better overall, but I've had some really bad moments lately and don't know how I'll do through the rest of the holidays.
Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year, and my birthday. There are a lot of good things going on. but I'm sure I'm not alone on this: I feel lonely. like I said, that time of year. not just the holidays, but events in my past that have help make me who I am today happened this time of year too. ugh, rather not talk about it here though.
Anyway! hit my 1/2 way point on the weight loss goal earlier this month :) gained a couple pounds back the last few weeks, but still really close to 1/2 way.
did a 5k on Thanksgiving morning. it was cold and rainy and I was fighting a cold, but I still managed to have my best pace yet :) finished in 54:35 (according to my watch, the official time is 54:48, close enough). that's 11 minutes off my time in April!! next? a 5k Jan 9th, or maybe one on Dec 18th. need to train more though.
Might write more later, just wanted to check in
been kinda down lately. that time of year? most likely. went to my doc yesterday and we're uping my Zoloft. I'm doing a lot better overall, but I've had some really bad moments lately and don't know how I'll do through the rest of the holidays.
Don't get me wrong, I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and the New Year, and my birthday. There are a lot of good things going on. but I'm sure I'm not alone on this: I feel lonely. like I said, that time of year. not just the holidays, but events in my past that have help make me who I am today happened this time of year too. ugh, rather not talk about it here though.
Anyway! hit my 1/2 way point on the weight loss goal earlier this month :) gained a couple pounds back the last few weeks, but still really close to 1/2 way.
did a 5k on Thanksgiving morning. it was cold and rainy and I was fighting a cold, but I still managed to have my best pace yet :) finished in 54:35 (according to my watch, the official time is 54:48, close enough). that's 11 minutes off my time in April!! next? a 5k Jan 9th, or maybe one on Dec 18th. need to train more though.
Might write more later, just wanted to check in
Friday, October 29, 2010
end of October already?
What a busy month! Finished a 10k, went to KC, attempted to rescue a kitten, joined the tech team at church...
The 10k was the 17th. It was the Go! St Louis Halloween 10k. We got to dress up, which was fun and some people had some very interesting imaginations! I just did my face up as a cat, nothing fancy. But the coolest thing about what I wore was the pants! Just simple black yoga/lounge pants from Fashion Bug, but they were a Large! When I started losing weight I was in a 1X! I was so excited! The first item of clothing I had purchased! Can't wait to have the $ to do more shopping.
I finished the race 5th from last. Not too proud of that, but hey, I finished! 1:58:31 and I had a goal of under 2 hours. made it! I cut about 1:30 off my 5k pace from April, so that's really cool. I'm going to stick with 5k's for awhile and I started training to run some of them. Races are addicting, and so fun. BTW - 10k = 6.2 miles.
There was a kitten at work who was badly injured, not sure by what. She was tiny, dehydrated and in a lot of pain. I took her to the vet and tried to nurse back to health at home, but she didn't make it. It was really sad. But, I tried and at least she passed away in a warm bed instead of on the cold and dirty warehouse floor of the plant.
Went to KC last weekend to help with another Hopefest, like the one we did in Denver a couple months ago. All went well. something like 150 people answered the alter calls and 15 or so were baptized! We got rained out 3 hours early on Saturday though. It was nice to get home a little earlier and miss the Mizzou traffic (go Tigers!), but we could have reached more people. Oh well, God's in charge and we did what we were supposed to do!
Tonight we have our own outreach at church, our annual fall festival. Should be fun, even though its cold!
I really love photography and computer stuff, so I joined the tech team at church to help out. I think this further solidifies my membership in the geek community, and that's cool with me :)
So, October... last year it was my darkest month. I came face-to-face with the depression monster and started fighting. What a difference a year makes! To explain all that the Lord has done with me in 12 months, wow, we'd be here awhile. But if you've been following for awhile, you should have an idea. I'm not at all saying everything is rainbows and brownies and kittens, but things are good. I'm excited about things that are going on in my life, not just sitting around wondering when it will all end. I hope if you know me personally, you can tell a difference. Not just physically with the 34+ pounds I've lost, but in my attitude and actions too.
The 10k was the 17th. It was the Go! St Louis Halloween 10k. We got to dress up, which was fun and some people had some very interesting imaginations! I just did my face up as a cat, nothing fancy. But the coolest thing about what I wore was the pants! Just simple black yoga/lounge pants from Fashion Bug, but they were a Large! When I started losing weight I was in a 1X! I was so excited! The first item of clothing I had purchased! Can't wait to have the $ to do more shopping.
I finished the race 5th from last. Not too proud of that, but hey, I finished! 1:58:31 and I had a goal of under 2 hours. made it! I cut about 1:30 off my 5k pace from April, so that's really cool. I'm going to stick with 5k's for awhile and I started training to run some of them. Races are addicting, and so fun. BTW - 10k = 6.2 miles.
There was a kitten at work who was badly injured, not sure by what. She was tiny, dehydrated and in a lot of pain. I took her to the vet and tried to nurse back to health at home, but she didn't make it. It was really sad. But, I tried and at least she passed away in a warm bed instead of on the cold and dirty warehouse floor of the plant.
Went to KC last weekend to help with another Hopefest, like the one we did in Denver a couple months ago. All went well. something like 150 people answered the alter calls and 15 or so were baptized! We got rained out 3 hours early on Saturday though. It was nice to get home a little earlier and miss the Mizzou traffic (go Tigers!), but we could have reached more people. Oh well, God's in charge and we did what we were supposed to do!
Tonight we have our own outreach at church, our annual fall festival. Should be fun, even though its cold!
I really love photography and computer stuff, so I joined the tech team at church to help out. I think this further solidifies my membership in the geek community, and that's cool with me :)
So, October... last year it was my darkest month. I came face-to-face with the depression monster and started fighting. What a difference a year makes! To explain all that the Lord has done with me in 12 months, wow, we'd be here awhile. But if you've been following for awhile, you should have an idea. I'm not at all saying everything is rainbows and brownies and kittens, but things are good. I'm excited about things that are going on in my life, not just sitting around wondering when it will all end. I hope if you know me personally, you can tell a difference. Not just physically with the 34+ pounds I've lost, but in my attitude and actions too.
Out Live Your Life by Max Lucado
This is my first ever book review :) I received a copy of Max Lucado's new book, Out Live Your Life via BookSneeze.com in return for a review on my blog. Sweet deal!
Book description from booksneeze.com:
These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.
I love Max Lucado's style of writing and have read a lot of his books. He writes in way that is easy to understand and he helps make the Word of God so real. Out Live Your Life is no different. Max takes us through some of the accounts of the early church from the book of Acts. Basically asking the question, could God do the same amazing things today and through us?
The answer? Yes, He can! This book will ignite your faith and passion for this lost word and the billions of people in it and are hurting and in need of Christ's salvation and hope. Max will challenge you to open your eyes to the lives that are outside of your own. I'm excited, loved the book, can't wait to read it again and to go through the questions in the back! I highly recommend this book!
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