The past 7 days…

Brian and I have been now on our diets 8 days.  Today being the 8th day.  Anyway, I weighed myself and I have lost 11 lbs.  Brian has lost 8 lbs.  I’m thrilled for both of us.  Once I hit my first 30 lb. goal, I will be able to turn that into our fitness person at corporate and get a check for I think $300.00 bucks.  I will be putting that money back to get new clothes when I need them.  Every 30 lb goal I make with corporate, I get money when I lose the weight.  What a great company I work for.

I don’t have much to say today, so I’m going to go get some stuff done.

Have a great day.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.1 Kings 12:8

Encouragement for Today

Rehoboam didn’t take the advice of older, wiser men—the men who’d advised the wisest man in the world. No, he turned to his peers. To whom do you go for advice? The ones who have lived for a while, who might tell you what you don’t want to hear? Do you seek advice only from people who are like you and will tell you what you want to hear? Do you reject advice that doesn’t flatter your ego? Solomon himself said that “Many advisers bring success” (Proverbs 15:22)—but beware your advisers!

4th day!!!

Well today is the 4th day of our “change” and for the past 3 evenings we have gone for our walk and it has been good.  I stepped on the scale this morning and I am already down almost 9 lbs.  I was amazed, but I do know that most of it is water weight.  That’s fine, it’s a start.  Oh and last night, I made this awesome dinner.  They are “Spicy Turkey Burgers.”  All I can say is YUM!!!  The thing I thought seemed kind of weird was the pickled onions, but they enhance the flavor of the burger.  Here is the recipe.

Spicy Turkey Burgers with Pickled Onions

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

Pickled Onions
1 cup red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1 small red onion, halved and very thinly sliced

Burgers
1 pound 93%-lean ground turkey
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper (see Note)
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon canola oil
4 whole-wheat buns, split
8 teaspoons reduced-fat mayonnaise1. To prepare pickled onions: Whisk vinegar, brown sugar, salt and allspice in a medium glass bowl. Cover and microwave on High until the mixture boils, 2 to 3 minutes. (Alternatively, bring the mixture to a boil in a small saucepan on the stove.) Add onion and toss to coat.
2. To prepare burgers: Preheat grill to high. Place turkey in a medium bowl and gently mix in cilantro, cumin, ground chipotle, salt and allspice until distributed throughout the meat. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Brush with oil.
3. Grill the burgers until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Toast buns on the grill, if desired.
4. Drain the onion, discarding the marinade. Spread 2 teaspoons mayonnaise on each bun; top with a burger and pickled onions.Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty spice section of most supermarkets.Per serving: 308 calories; 12 g fat (3 g sat, 1 g mono); 65 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrate; 26 g protein; 4 g fiber; 738 mg sodium; 150 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Selenium (30% daily value), Iron (20% dv).
2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 starch, 3 lean meat

So how has everyone’s week been going?  Other then the changes we are making, things have been going pretty well.  Although, work is slow, I am doing things to keep myself busy.  But there is only so much to do.  Anyway, hope everyone has a great day.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. Psalm 130:7-8

Encouragement for Today

Do you need hope today? Memorize and claim this wonderful promise: With God, there is unfailing love and overflowing redemption for every sin. What do you need redeemed? From what sins—your own or the sins of others—do you need salvation? Picture a fountain, overflowing with all you need to wash away and the negative effects of sin you need to reverse. Drink deeply, and be radiant with hope.

What’s going on???

I have been so behind on blogging.  I’m sorry.  Things have just been nutty at work and I had started a new part time job, but I’m just not going to do it.  It winds us being like a pyramid thing.  They want you to get your friends and family into it and I’m just not willing to do that.  I thought it was going to be great to work with a financial company that I could help others with their finances.

Anyway, Brian and I started our new “lifestyle change” yesterday.  We are going to go by calories.  I found a website that I can add all my information on-line of what I have to eat and it keeps track of all my intakes.  Brian even likes the idea of it.  Also, we started walking last night.  We are starting easy, walking 2 times around the neighborhood.  It takes us about 20 minutes to do that.  Right now with starting that way, we can still feel the burn in our legs, but then we will just be leading up to walking farther and farther.  I’m proud of us for making a goal and sticking with it.  Thursday will be kind of boring for me.  I enjoy walking with my husband, and I’ll be walking on my own.  Oh well, I guess I could see what time my son is working to see if he wants to walk with me.

Have a great and blessed day!!!  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

[Solomon] had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. … In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight; he refused to follow the Lord completely, as his father, David, had done. … The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 1 Kings 11:3–4, 6, 9

Encouragement for Today

Solomon, the richest, wisest man in the world, nevertheless fell into idolatry. Perhaps he justified it in his own mind: he was only appeasing his wives. Lust and idolatry were his downfall. No matter how much we’ve been given, we can still fall. We can’t continue to live on past spiritual experiences, either. God had appeared to Solomon two times—apparently the wonder and glory of those moments had faded over time. Obedience and faith are daily matters.

What a nutball week this has been…

This week has just been kind of crazy.  Everything with work and I am getting a part time job on top of that.  I’m going to be working with Primerica.  It will be nice to have someone help me with my finances and for me to be able to help someone else with theirs.  I think the thing that is really gearing me up for this job is that I can basically do this anytime I want to.  I don’t have a schedule and they have a lot of fun.  As a matter of fact, they are having a pool party tomorrow evening and it sounds like it will be a ball, but I’m not going to be able to go, I already have a commitment that evening, and it is Amanda’s 20th birthday.  SCARY!!!  Anyway, Primerica will show me how to get out of debt and have my house paid off in no time.  That would be awesome.  I will be getting my license or certification for everything that is involved.  Once I do that, I’m sure I will be able to explain things better. 

We are going to the Amicus banquet tomorrow evening.  That is our exchange student program that we help fund through our church.  We went last year, but we were invited this year also.  We have thought about having an exchange student probably after Brian is moved out of the house.  But who knows what we will do.  I’m sure if it is what we are supposed to do, God will lead us to do that.

Anyway, sorry I didn’t write all week, I really didn’t have much to say but also I have just been busy.

Have a great and blessed weekend.  Enjoy every minute you get with your families.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Proverbs 28:10

Encouragement for Today

“The honest will inherit good things.” Note the word inherit. Usually you have to wait before you receive an inheritance. The “good things” mentioned in this verse may not come instantly. Over time, however, integrity will lead to good things coming your way, just as, eventually, those following an evil way will fall into their own trap. The results of our choices manifest over time, so be patient and continue on the path of integrity.

Movin’ on up!!!

Well, our office is going to be moving in about 7 weeks.  We are moving to the new, beautiful, Briarcliff building.  We also found out that the Federal Marshal’s offices will be in there too.  At least we will have protection there.  LOL  Anyway, Julie is going nuts and starting to have dreams about the move.  Since she is one of the head people dealing with the move, certain things are starting to get to her.  So the office looks like it is going to be huge, and there is going to be plenty of room for us to grow.  Not real sure if it is going to grow at all, due to they have been laying people off in several of our offices.  It is kind of scary, but if I was to lose my job, Brian and I have already talked about what we would do.  First off, we would give it up to God and just follow him in what he tells us to do.  Second, I don’t know, we would figure that out when or if it ever happens.

We are going to take the kids to the Omaha zoo next month.  We went a few weeks ago and loved it.  Brian and I really want to have that experience again, but this time we want to share it with the kids.  I think they would really enjoy it.  Brian wants to go the first weekend in August, I would rather go the 3rd weekend in August.  I think either way, we need to just see how the weather is going to be.

On a more serious note, Brian and I have been talking a lot about our weight.  Especially mine with the health issues that I have had lately.  We are maybe looking into the lap band.  I was kind of reading up on it last night and it looks like my insurance will cover about 80% to 90%.  Which would be great, but I am still going to take some time to think about this.  I was looking at the lap band vs. stapling.  The whole stapling thing is really scary.  You lose a lot of your small intestine, and they literally cut your stomach.  Then there is the possibility of a leakage thru the staples.  YUCK!!!  It is a huge and scary step.  But I will let everyone know what we decide to do.

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

(So Solomon rebuilt the city of Gezer.) He also built up the towns of Lower Beth-horon, Baalath, and Tamar in the wilderness within his land. He built towns as supply centers and constructed towns where his chariots and horses could be stationed. He built everything he desired in Jerusalem and Lebanon and throughout his entire realm.1 Kings 9:17-19

Encouragement for Today

If there’s one verb to describe what Solomon did most, it’s “build.” Solomon seemed to love to build. He built the Temple, his palace, cities. God chose someone with a natural bent toward building, so he could build up his land and people through Solomon. Note, too, that there was peace during Solomon’s reign. Before you seek to build, make sure there’s a foundation of peace. Settle any unresolved issues first, then build away!

I hope everyone has a blessed day and keep pressing into Jesus!!!  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

ARGH!!!

This weekend kind of sucked.  We didn’t do anything for the 4th of July because I had a stupid headache all day long.  Then on Saturday, I didn’t have my wounded heart group so I worked on the laundry and got the house picked up.  Brian had his men’s group then had band practice that morning till about 11:30.  Again we didn’t go anywhere, we started to clean out the garage.  Surprisingly, we did get it almost completely done.  Then by 4 pm his buddy Todd came over and they were up till about 2 am.  I’m a wuss and went to bed.  So yesterday, we were at church until 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm.  By the time we got home, Brian had a bad headache and slept until 4:30 pm.  So again, we didn’t do anything.  I almost feel depressed.  I’m not sure what is causing that, but it sucks.

I sure hope everyone had a great weekend.  I really don’t have a lot to say.  So talk to y’all later.  Love, love!!!

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

But the Lord is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly. Psalm 129:4

Encouragement for Today

Other people really can bind us up. Perhaps it’s with their lies, or manipulation, or even subtle expectations. Perhaps it’s their addictions. This verse reminds us that God is good, and he cuts us free from the ropes of those who would bind us. Remember that. Don’t let yourself be bound by ungodly people. Ask God to free you. Be open to the means he brings to accomplish this. He often uses other people—a godly friend, mentor, counselor. He also uses Scripture and prayer. Regardless of the means, it is God who frees you.

Happy 4th of July!!!

God Bless America!!!  I hope everyone has a very safe and happy 4th.  We decided not to get any fireworks this year.  The kids are all grown and we really don’t have any plans for today.  I know that our son is going to go out with his girlfriend and another couple.  They are going to go on a picnic and the boys are going to get everything together.  I thought that was really sweet.

Be safe and have a blessed day.  Love, love!!!

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.” Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.The Jewish believers* who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. Acts 10:34–35, 44–46

Encouragement for Today

This event was a huge leap forward for the church. It was very clear to all that God meant salvation and the Holy Spirit to be available for Gentiles, as well as Jews. This broke through the Jews’ expectations in a huge way. When have you experienced a breakthrough in your own life, when God took things to a whole new level? Are you open to his doing that at any time?

We had a good night last night…

So last night, we get home from work, I go upstairs, put my pj’s on and just lay around.  I decided that I wasn’t going to go anywhere last night.  After being up by 4:00 am and getting home from work around 5:15 pm, I was just dead dog tired.  We sat downstairs in the basement and it was almost freezing down there.  But it was a nice quiet night.  We read our daily reading together and it was going along with what we have always been talking about.  He have been wondering about community living and taking care of the homeless in our area.  See here lately, we have even asked a couple of people what they think about it.  What we would like to do is get a warehouse, or an old hotel, or something to that effect, clean it up and have the rooms basically turned into apartments without kitchens, we would have the kitchen area as the “common room” where we would have meals together, etc.  I’m sure a lot of people think this is a weird thing, but it is what we have always wanted to do.  I would love to be downtown and also be able to do my photography on the streets.  I think it would be really cool.  So anyway, the reading last night definitely talked about taking care of the homeless.  Is that something that God is saying to me?  Or is it still something that just burns deep down and I want to do myself?  Does that make sense?

Anyway, the last couple of days here at work have just been so boring.  There really isn’t anything for me to do.  I can only do so much filing, and the reports are done and stacked on my desk.  Seriously, when are they going to come put the permits in the reports and get these things off my desk.  I’m tired of looking at them.

Well, I hope everyone is having a great day.  Try to keep cool.  Today it is supposed to be 91 and very muggy.  It was funny when Julie got back into the office.  She walked in and her glasses just fogged up immediately.  I was teasing her saying can you see me?  Huh? Huh? Huh?  LOL  Anyhow, take care and I will talk to you later.  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!”Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:35–45

Encouragement for Today

It wasn’t easy for the disciples to wrap their minds around Jesus’ resurrection. They had no mental category for someone rising from the dead. Jesus had to stretch their minds to grasp it. Have things changed with us? Might God have amazing things to show us—some great blessing or wonder or ministry—but because we have no mental category for it, we don’t even perceive it? Today, ask God to stretch your mind to receive all he has for you. And be open to anything! (Note: just be sure it’s in keeping with Scripture.)

Group this morning…

Group this morning was pretty good.  We are starting a new book called How to Reach Secular People by George G. Hunter III.  Honestly, when I was reading the forward, I was thinkingOH NO, how am I going to get into this book.  Lord Donald Soper was the one writing the forward and he uses so much theological stuff and words us common folk don’t understand.  But once I got into the introduction, I wiped my brow from the sweat and said “good, I’m glad that Hunter isn’t speaking this way.”  So far I am really liking this book.  Chapter 1 is talking about 3 Myths about secular people, and 10 Characteristics of secular people.  I’m hoping that it will give me some better guidelines but then again, I know that I always need to listen to what God is telling me when talking with secular people.

Well, I talked to my daughter last night about the whole situation with Chris and why she was talking to him after the fact.  Apparently she did have a set of pajamas over at his apartment, and he had a few CD’s at her apartment.  After we left, he came over with her pajamas and they talked about that he doesn’t want to talk to her at all because she has broken his heart.  He asked her why she didn’t say anything to him and she said she had been telling him how she felt, but he just wouldn’t listen to what she was saying because he is so obsessed with her.  She said she is glad that he doesn’t want to talk to her for the simple fact that she will now be able to get some rest.  I truly do hope that it is over and he does leave her alone.

Have a blessed day and just enjoy life!!!  Love, love!!!  XOXOXO

Today’s Verse from the New Living Translation

Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender. Proverbs 22:7

Encouragement for Today

This verse implies that it’s unwise to be in debt. It teaches that if you’re in debt to a lender, you’re a servant of that lender. Jesus said you cannot serve two masters. When you’re in debt, you’re chained to the responsibility of paying it off—with interest. To be free to serve God with your money, you need to be free of debt. Then all of your money and your attention can be devoted to what God would have you to do with your assets. Stay out of debt, and stay free!