From glory to glory

My daybook

2010-01-13T08:28:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY January 13, 2010

Outside my window...Kind of gray and dreary looking. Some snow left in piles by the church parking lot.

I am thinking...About my women's meeting this morning.

I am thankful for...My wonderful family, and great friends who stand beside me through the ups and downs of life.

From the learning rooms...Jessica's project for the solar system. We have to do a model, a poster, a drawing, and a night sky journal.

From the kitchen...Just a mess :) Ham steaks for dinner tonite.

I am wearing...My VOTA tshirt, a zip up sweater over top, jeans, and socks.

I am creating...Well, nothing really. I am determined to finish up these silly bucket organizers though.

I am going...crazy? LOL

I am reading...Healing Stones. It's a christian fiction book about adultery and the effects it has on everyone involved. Someone is missing! LOL

I am hoping...to start cleaning up the basement.

I am hearing...the twist by Chubby Checker!!

Around the house...Christmas decorations are mostly put away, and I am getting ready to switch out my garland for spring! Rushing a little? YES! I can't wait for spring. I so want to play in my flower beds.

One of my favorite things...You won't believe this....my aerobics class at the YMCA. I am having a blast there every Tuesday morning. I can't say as much for my spinning class though...

A few plans for the rest of the week: being with family and friends :)

No picture this week. No camera!

Join us with your very own daybook at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2009-12-25T07:26:00.001-05:00

Hello Family and friends!

I pray that this letter finds you well, and full of joy this Christmas. It has been a tough year for a lot of us, but I’m sure we can all find something to be thankful for.

It’s hard to believe that we have been in our house for two full years now. God has blessed us mightily in answering our prayers for a home of our own. Being homeowners is hard work! We had to replace our hot water heater, and the back patio doors to name a few projects that needed to be done. We hope to do something with our back patio this spring, and put pipes underground to help with the stream we have running through our side yard. Although, Bailey dog likes to dig in the mud over there and come out with a brown nose, and a brown body too!

Many of you have come to visit us in our new home, and we are always happy to receive visitors. Give us a call, and come see our house if you haven’t been here in a while. We put out Christmas lights for the first time this year, and Shawn says I started something that I can’t take back now. It’s a challenge for an electrician who likes to make it like day outside when it’s night.

Shawn is busy keeping the business going. We had some rough patches there, but God has been faithful to us. Shawn, Blaine, and Brandon have been busy here in Pennsylvania, but they also travel to New Jersey and Delaware doing work for Genuardi’s. Praise the Lord that he opened new doors, and helped Shawn pass
those difficult exams for licenses.

Jessie is growing like a weed. She is in the 4th grade now, and is an excellent student. She loves to read, and especially loves to read bible stories and chapter books. She is finding her own style, and likes to wear fashion scarves and legwarmers. She is discovering that having her nails painted is fun!

Jessica is in her 5th year of dance. This year the theme of their performance is “The ugly duckling”. She has scored a duet with a fellow student which is a high honor. Although, she would rather not be a rooster! Along with being a rooster, she is a beautiful goose, a duckling that hatches out of an egg (which she is so excited about), and dancing a jazz dance to “double dutch bus”.

Stephanie keeps busy volunteering at church and at Jessica’s school as homeroom mom. I have been running the women’s ministry at church for a few years now which includes leading the women’s bible study, and leading a team to do a one day retreat in the spring. I also lead our “circle of joy” which started out as a crafting circle, and has evolved into teas, luaus, game nights and all sorts of events. I have recently learned how to knit, and have been knitting all kinds of gifts. You never know, you might be my next giftee!

Our lives are full and blessed. Our biggest blessing is the love of our family and friends. Come visit us soon!

Much love to you all!

Steph, Shawn, and Jess

Standing up for your faith

2009-11-16T07:34:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my Monday Manna post. If you want to particpate too, you can join us at:

http://joannesher.blogspot.com/2009/11/ultimate-faith-monday-manna.html

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18

Compromise. The word means to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc. It also means to make a dishonorable or shameful concession. Compromise is not a nice word. So why do so many Christians make compromises when it comes to their faith?

I had a conversation with someone the other day that I will share with you. Miss A and I were talking about clothing. She described to me a store that she had been in. Her experience went something like this: Upon walking in the store, her jaw hit the floor. Looking around the store was appalling. There were many things that she saw that were quite disturbing. Most specifically, she saw sesame street characters on shirts doing not so nice things to each other. She went specifically in the store for a twilight shirt (which I will let the whole "twilight" thing go for now) for her daughter that she knew they carried. Her spirit was telling her to flee, but instead she quickly purchased the shirt and left. In doing this, she is supporting this store, and allowing them to continue to sell those graphic shirts to teens. It's time to take a stand fellow brethren! Ezekiel 11:11-12 says ...I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. And you will know that I am the LORD, for you have not followed my decrees or kept my laws but have conformed to the standards of the nations around you. We are called to not compromise with this world!

One of the things that I have been convicted of regarding compromise and my integrity is in the area of media. Whether it be cd's or printed books, there are certain restrictions on copying. People will ask me if they can have a copy of this song or another song and I must politely decline. The reason the copyright laws are in place is because if we make copies for our friends, the artists don't get the proceeds from our friends buying the cd. It doesn't matter if our friends are "not going to sell them" or not. It's like stealing the proceeds from those albums. We think "Oh they make a lot of money, one copy won't hurt". It does! It hurts our integrity. Integrity is defined as adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty and also the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished. Let's set an example, and preserve our integrity.

I know that it is hard to stand out. Daniel's friends stood out. They stood up for their faith and their God. The punishment was set to be death by fire. God walked with them through the fire, and preserved them. Our God is faithful, and the same yesterday, today, and forever. Take a stand for your faith today. God will walk you also through the fire.

God's blessings to you today!

My daybook

2009-10-05T11:52:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY October 5th, 2009...

Outside my window... A gorgeous fall day, with lots of sunshine, and the breeze tickling the leaves on the trees.

I am thinking...about nothing today. Yes, nothing. I know...really boring isn't it? I'm letting my day just be really spontaneous and what gets done, gets done. Nice to have a day like that every once in a while.

I am thankful for...My health. I'm just getting over a cold.

From the kitchen... It seems like a roast kind of day. I think I might put a roast in the oven for dinner with carrots, potatoes and onions. YUM!

I am wearing... My robe! LOL Yes, it's almost 12 and I'm not dressed yet. See comment above about my day! It is next on my not so ordered agenda though. I'm thinking jeans and my cozy red sweatshirt.

I am creating... peace for myself. Trying to lay low, and take care of myself.

I am going... Nowhere? At least for the moment. I have music practice tonite, and
I'm trying out a yoga class on Thursday nite. Should be interesting!

I am reading... Phillipians. Joy, joy, joy!

I am hoping... to get my house cleaned up after the mayhem of my daughter and I both being sick at the same time. Need to get everything disinfected before I allow anyone into my house.

I am hearing... Just the hum of the computer. Silence really is golden sometimes.
Around the house... Just some cleanup as mentioned above. Maybe finish the afghan for the couch here soon.

One of my favorite things...Snuggling on the couch with my husband after Jess gets to bed. I really missed this while I was trying to keep him from getting sick.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Music practice, bible study, New Yoga class, and walking in the Alzheimer's walk with a friend in honor of her Dad.

No pictures this week. hopefully I'll have some next week. Till then, The Lord turn his face toward you, and give you peace! (Numbers 6:26)

If you'd like to do a daybook of your own, be sure to visit http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Cutting Edge

2009-10-05T07:33:00.007-04:00

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. Deuteronomy 30:6

Ok, ladies, blush now and get it over with. Men, cringe now and get it over with. This post is mostly about the male s*x organ. Yes, you have reached my blog, and you didn't get re-directed to some random place. No, it's not health class either. Today I will share a bit about the Jewish rite of circumcision.

Growing up with a Jewish background is really a blessing for me. As I learn more and more about our great faith, it is easy for me to grasp some of the significance of the rituals done in the old testament. Although I have not experienced a Bri Milah myself, it is talked about often in the Jewish faith. Bri literally means covenent; it is the very first covenant between Abraham and God. If we look at Genesis 17:10-14, we will see where God commanded Abraham to circumcise himself, his "seeds", and those of his household not of his seed, but purchased (servants). The circumcision is a sign of the Jewish people's consecration to God.

What is circumcision? It is the practice of cutting away the foreskin of the penis. The Torah calls it the "orlah". The commandment is written that on the eighth day, a male child is to be circumcised. It is the only drawing of blood that is allowed on the Sabbath. As with all commandments, it can only be postponed because of health reasons. There is really no reason given for why it is to be the eighth day, but modern medicine has found that babies clotting abilities stabilize on the 8th day after birth. Amazing!

There are many reasons to consider circumcision for a man. Research at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore have shown that circumcised men are six to eight times less likely to become infected with HIV, the virus that causes Aids. Researchers believe that protection is due to the removal of the foreskin, which contains cells that have HIV receptors which scientists suspect are the primary entry point for the HIV virus. (Reuters, March 25, 2004)

Other studies have reported that infants get less urinary tract infections, bacterial and fungal infections, and other infections related to hygiene. Also, there is an extremely low rate of cervical cancer in Jewish women which is thought to be related to the practice of circumcision. So the bottom line is this: It is thought to be healthier for the man, and his partner if he is circumcised. I think God knows what He is doing here! It is also healthier for us if our hearts are circumcised in the same way.

"It is a foundation of Judaism that we are to control our animal desires and direct them into spiritual pursuits. Nowhere does a person have more potential for expressing "barbaric" behavior than in the s*x drive. That's why the Bris is done on this specific organ. If we bring holiness into our life there, then all other areas will follow" http://www.britpro.com/default.asp?p=article2

Although I don't necessarily agree with everything in the statement above, if we look at this from the perspective of circumcising the heart....it is most true. If God brings holiness into our life in our hearts, all other areas will follow. We have a foreskin around our hearts, that only God can remove. It is a tough outer skin, that only harbors bacteria, lets bad things in, and is all around unhealthy for us. Our foreskin is made of sin. It is made of flesh. Acts 7:51 says that our uncircumcised hearts make us resist the Holy Spirit. It keeps the bad things in, and the good things out. Romans 2:28 tells us that circumcision is not merely outward and physical. Colossians 2:11 tells us that being circumcised means that we put off the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men, but with the circumcision done by Christ.

When an infant is circumcised, he has no choice. In the Jewish faith, it is a ritual done with much fanfare. The Godfather holds the baby, an ornate chair is set our for Elijah, the child is given a formal Hebrew name, holy prayers are recited, and there is a festive meal prepared and enjoyed by all. It is a celebration of covenant between God, and man.

When a Christian has a circumcised heart, it is a choice they have made. They have yielded to God. The Holy Spirit has begun to cut away the tough outer skin. They have made themselves vulnerable to God, and in turn to their fellow man. A circumcised heart will look different. It will begin to reflect what is in the heart of God. Our hearts will no longer be filled with only evil, all the time (Genesis 6:5-6, 8:21). Our hearts will begin to be infused with what is in God's heart--compassion, mercy, lovingkindness, righteous anger, love, and much, much, more.

Today, you have a choice. Leave the tough, outer skin of protection that harbors sickness, unforgiveness, pain, and sin; or choose to yield it all to the one who longs to ransom your heart. The one who wants to start peeling all of that away from your life, and give you new life in Him. Beloved, it is up to you. I'm not going to say that it won't be painful, because it will. There will be no circumcision without pain and trial. God has said that He will test us to see what is in our hearts. He has also given us a promise to never leave us or forsake us. His loving arms will be held out to you the entire time. Will you run to Him? Will you let Him begin to cleanse you? May the Lord bless you, and keep you. In Jesus precious and mighty name. Amen.

Monday manna

2009-09-21T20:17:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog for this weeks Monday Manna. This verse is so short! Don't think that a verse that has only 12 words is not enormous in it's meaning! Check this out:

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Yeah, that's it. Doesn't it seem so simple? The God of the universe, who is mighty to save, will come to your rescue. PERIOD. We have a knight in shining armor, who has a sword and shield prepared for battle on our behalf. I can just picture Jesus, in a knight's uniform. My mind's eye sees a purple plume on the top of the helmet (purple stands for royalty), the metal polished so that it reflects the light of his glory coming from within him, easily wielding a sword bigger than Him, and a shield adorned with jewels that protects most of him, that I could probably sit on. How magnificent He looks! Regardless of how your imagination might picture Him going to battle for you, one thing remains the same. He is ready, willing, and able to fight on your behalf.

The knowing is easy for me. I know for sure that God is bigger than anything I can imagine. I know for sure that He is my Saviour, and that means a wide variety of things. I know for sure that God is for me, and not against me. I know that He has plans for me that were written before I was born, that are to prosper me, and not harm me. The problem comes in the "being still" part.

One of the things that I am reflecting on today, is cancer. In the past few weeks, I've found that 2 acquaintances of mine have stage 4 cancer. Stage 4 is the terminal kind. Both of these people are believers of the living God. They have both been saved by grace. Where is the fight for them? I know that one couple is for sure being still and relying on God. They are right now making a decision to continue treatment or not. Does being still mean not to take treatments, and trust that God will fight the battle of cancer on thier behalf? I cannot answer that question with any amount of clarity. There are some things in this lifetime that we are just not going to be able to understand. Is it frustrating? YES! I believe that we can voice that frustration to God. I believe that we can shout, cry, question, and shake our fists at the situation in the presence of The Almighty. It doesn't mean that we will necessarily recieve the answer that we want, but I think that that is all part of intimacy with Him.

This verse also made me think of the story of the israelites in battle in Exodus 17.

10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

I think there comes a point when we get restless of waiting. God's timing is not our own. A year for us is but a breath for Him. His timing is perfect; ours is not. Maybe God sends people into our lives during difficult times to hold up our hands in battle. Someone to lift us in prayer when we cannot utter the words. Someone to stand alongside us in the winning, and the losing of the battle. We were not meant to go this journey alone. I don't care what you are going through....cancer, loss of a loved one, infertility, a defiant teenager, drug or alcohol abuse, you name it......you can always, if you look hard enough, find someone who has been there. We go through trials in our lives for many different reasons. I believe one of those reasons is so that your testimony of what the living God has brought you through will encourage others in their faith. The question we are left with is this: Are we bold enough to use it for Him?

The last thing that we can consider based upon this verse is slander. In this life, there will be pain. Some of it is physical, and some is emotional. People are far from perfect. They will hurt you, it is inevitable. Chances are, some time in your life, you will be spoken of unkindly. Someone will say something that is either not true, or some darker shade of the truth. It is in these times that we can rest in God, and let Him fight that battle for us. Will there be carnage that you might have to push through? Yep! As long as we keep our mouths shut, we will not add to that carnage.

In closing, I will just say this....I am still a work in progress. Sitting still is not one of my personality traits. I need to ask God to help me with this, and chances are you do too. I think God has a much better chance of winning the battles than I EVER will! How about you?

Monday manna

2009-08-03T21:39:00.004-04:00

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

When I first saw this verse, (and the ones prior to it) I didn't think there was anything more that I could say to illuminate them. Of course, I was wrong and God had a different plan. As I went through this week, God was planting little nuggets to help me understand them better. First let me say that I had typed this all up, and thought it was saved. I pushed the post button and it all disappeared. I'm hoping this second version will live up to the first one's legacy LOL.

I was watching the movie Fireproof last night. If you have not seen this movie, you must. I don't care if you are single, married, divorced, widowed, etc. It is a wonderful testimony of God's redemptive power in relationships. In the movie, Caleb, (Kirk Cameron) recieves a book from his father called "The Love Dare". The instructions are to focus on a different aspect of marriage or your spouse every day for 40 days. One of the days leads Caleb to study his wife. He was to make a candlelit dinner for her, and to ask her some questions at this dinner to see what makes her tick. What makes her happy? What makes her sad? What are her dreams? What does she love?

As Christians, we should be doing the same with God. We should be having candlelit dinner with Him, and have a list of questions to ask Him. How do we do that? The only way to ask God questions here on this earth is through prayer and reading His word. Our candlelit dinners full of questions are our devotional times with the Lord. Let's think about putting on a candlelit dinner for a moment. We get out the good china and silverware, throw on the linen tablecloth, play soft music, pull out our best recipes, and don't forget the candles! When the moment comes, we make sure we look our best and everything is perfectly ready for our guest. Do we do this for the Lord? Don't misunderstand me here. I'm not saying that God will only accept us if we are polished and perfect. I'm also not talking about needing hours to meet with God. I'm talking about the posture of our hearts. Are we coming with an open heart to God or have we put up walls of self-defense? Have we prepared ourselves to meet with him or are we just going through the motions? Are we giving him the first fruits of our time, or just the scraps that fell off our schedule? Are we soaking in his word, or are we distracted by other things that we just can't get off our mind? We were created to be in fellowship with our Lord. He wants our best offerings, not our leftovers.

In the bible, our relationship with the Lord is compared to a marriage relationship.

Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Rev 19:7

Do you see that? The bride has made herself ready! My friends, there are many ways we can get ready for our Lord. One of those ways is by getting to know the character of our God. My friend preached the sermon at our church this Sunday for the family service. She is travelling to Disney as I type this. My friend told us about how she got ready for her trip by doing some research. She looked up the Disney characters in books to learn all about them. The reason she did this, was so that when they saw the different characters at the theme park, they would recognize them, and know what role they played in the Disney movies. The only way we can recognize God, is if we know his character. What pleases Him? What burdens His heart? What (or who) does He love? What are His desires? We can learn all of this in His word.

And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,so your God will rejoice over you. Isaiah 62:5b

Paul said ANYTHING you have learned or seen from him, put into practice. Paul was certain that what he was teaching, and modeling, was all that he learned from Christ. Christ was certain that everything He was doing, His Father in heaven was doing as well.

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19

Have you ever seen a little girl playing dress up with mommy's high heels, and scarves and hats? How about a little boy strapping on his daddy's toolbelt and boots? They want to be just like us. We are children of the most high God. We too should be trying to be just like our heavenly Father. How about we strap on his helmet, and wield his sword and shield, and grow up to be just like him?

Monday Manna :)

2009-07-20T18:27:00.003-04:00

Hello there! Yes....I am terrible at all this blogging stuff. I have such good intentions, with such bad follow through. I will keep plugging along, because that is how my life goes!

One of the things that has heightened my interest in getting back here is Monday Manna over at my friend Joanne's blog. If you have not met her, go here: http://joannesher.blogspot.com . She is a fellow Christian that grew up Jewish and is a budding writer. I love her entries!

So without further ado....

The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." Genesis 12:1

Joanne's question is this: What does this verse say to you?

Well, at first I was like "nothing!". Then I really got to thinking about this verse. It is really rich with meaning for me. In this verse, The Lord is asking Abram to leave everything he knows. Abram grew up with his people, his father's household, his country. Sure, they may have travelled a bit, had travellers come to their area, accepted changes to their way of life occasionally. What God was asking was that he leave those things behind to accept the things that God held for him. All I have to say is "scary!".

When I was in high school, I met a boy. Ok, several of them. I was searching for something to fill the hole, the emptiness, I felt inside. My search led me to my husband, and to The King of Kings. This was a whole new experience for me. I found a man (ok, boy) that loved me for who I was, not what I could give to him or do for him. Someone who came from a family that accepted me from day one with the love of Jesus.

Church was something that intrigued me. I loved hebrew school, and learning about all the old bible stories. I loved the holy days, especially Purim. So, I started going to church with my husband. Finally, after seeing a play called "heavens gates, hell's flames" I accepted the Lord as my Savior and friend. This name that was never spoken in our house, was now upon my lips. My father's, or more accurately, my mothers house was not impressed.

God had called me out of my household, and all that I had known, and asked me to follow him. I did, not knowing what he had in store for me. Was it scary? Yes! I was walking a path that was previously not known to me or my ancestors (my mom-Jewish, my dad-catholic, me-born again believer). It was a walk of trust and faith. It still is.

Had I known that God was going to trust ME so much, I may not have chosen this path. You see, I am just dust. Without the breath of life from God inside my nostrils, I am nothing. Add God, and I can do anything he empowers me to do. I never dreamed I would be leading ladies in a study of God's word. I never dreamed I would be leading women in worship. I never dreamed I would be the worshipper that I have come to be. I never dreamed that I would be so in love with a savior that is unseen.

What I am saying is this: What you have on this earth is nothing compared to what God has already prepared for you. He is holding onto it, waiting for your obedience, and is waiting to bless you with it. Step out in faith, you will not be sorry.

Steph

For Today...

2009-06-22T10:56:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY June 22, 2009...

Outside my window...The leaves are blowing pretty good today. The weatherman told us that we will get a break again today from the rain, but I'm not sure I believe him just yet. There are some pretty grey clouds out there and the sun is hiding. I'm so tired of the dreariness of it all.

I am thinking...of how busy this week is going to be.

I am thankful for...an awesome Esther night on Saturday. We read the book of Esther and drowned out the name of Haman with our noisemakers. Then we got beautiful for the King. Then we had an amazing time of worship led by a local all-girl worship band. It was amazing, and God totally met us there.

From the kitchen...I need to make something for an end of the year class party for dessert. Any suggestions?

I am wearing...grey shorts and a black tshirt with stars.

I am creating...a clean, inviting home :)

I am going...to the beach! So excited to travel with a friend to the beach for an extended day trip.

I am reading...Psalms

I am hoping...that the car battery lasts through the trip. It's been giving me a bit of trouble the past few days.

I am hearing...My daughter playing dance dance mario.

Around the house...putting away everything from Esther night and packing.

One of my favorite things...a good book, my sand chair and the sound of the children playing in the ocean.

A few plans for the rest of the week:ballet! My daughter's performance is this weekend, and there are rehearsals planned for this week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Join us at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Monday June 15 2009 Daybook

2009-06-15T15:28:00.008-04:00

FOR TODAY June 15, 2009...

Outside my window...A bright sunshiny day! My pool is sparkly, and the trees are waving hello.

I am thinking...About the reasons I get overwhelmed with my house, and my life.

I am thankful for...Nice quiet afternoons. Won't be too many of those from here to September.

From the kitchen...Breakfast and dinner for Bailey the dog. Rice and chicken for now. I'm hoping she's feeling better soon.

I am wearing...Jean capris and a soft pink top with embroidery around the keyhole neckline.

I am creating...a mess?

I am going...To the beach with my good friends next week.

I am reading...Captivating. Fantastic book to help us understand why we are who we are.

I am hoping...To hear from God today.

I am hearing...The buzz of the pool filter, and the mindless noise of the t.v.

Around the house...I'm hoping to weed and deadhead the flowerbeds, as well as replace some of the flowers that got too wet and didn't make it.

One of my favorite things...Harmony with my daughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Softball games, swimming, and bible study.

Here is picture thought I am sharing..Want to join us? http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Back to the Monday morning daybook!

2009-03-09T08:03:00.002-04:00

FOR TODAY March 9th, 2009

Outside my window...Outside, it looks much like my mood. Kind of gray and gloomy, but I can hear the birds singing a praise song just outside my view.

I am thinking...that amidst the things that are trying to pull me in five different directions, there is a God who is a steady anchor for me that has breakthrough just on the other side.

I am thankful for...the health of my family.

From the kitchen...just a mess of dishes

I am wearing...a short sleeve red shirt with gray sweatpants and no shoes

I am creating...the mini women's retreat for church

I am going...to take my dad to the orthopedic for his crushed toe

I am reading...captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. An amazing book with much insight into the feminine heart.

I am hoping...that my mil can watch my child with a belly ache this morning while I take dad to the dr.

I am hearing...the hum of the computer

Around the house...chaos that needs to be taken care of

One of my favorite things...the smell of clean sheets

A few plans for the rest of the week: Taking care of my dad, finishing the Beth Moore study with the women on Wednesday, going to see the PA ballet dress rehearsal on Friday with Jessie's dance class.

No picture today...can't find a good one!

Want to join in with us?

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2008-11-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

FOR TODAY November 24th...

Outside my window... Kind of a gray gloomy day. We had a hard frost this morning, so everything is kind of sparkly from the ice crystals.

I am thinking...How faithful our God is. His word says that we cannot add one hour to our life by worrying, and we do it anyway. I just got word that He pulled through for a family I know and have been praying for, and it is so encouraging! They trusted him and tried not to fret and were an example for us all.

I am thankful for...Quiet mornings that I can gather my thoughts and lists for the day.

From the kitchen... Oh the kitchen will be busy this week, as I am hosting Thanksgiving for our family. I'm expecting 11 this year. I will be baking pumpkin and apple pies, a 22 pound turkey, candied yams, mashed potatoes, home creamed sweet corn and some other things. For dinner tonight, it will be crustless chicken pot pie.

I am wearing...comfy purple house slippers, running pants, and a green 3/4 length sleeve top. Ready to Fall clean today!

I am creating...My Christmas house. I'm starting to think of the decorations and when to get the tree. I might even pull out my manger scene to work on painting it a bit.

I am going...Nowhere! This week will be spent at home as much as possible.

I am reading...Grace based parenting

I am hoping...That can space out my tasks enough that I can get everything done that I want to before Thursday.

I am hearing...Silence that is golden.

Around the house...Just organizing things and clearing the way for Christmas things to arrive at their proper spots.

One of my favorite things...Curling up on the couch with a blanket, hubby and the dog at night. Add a cup of tea too!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Eat? LOL I want to deep clean most of the rooms in the house before decorating. Maybe get our tree this weekend. I'm fretting over the tree, as we now have a 9 month old, knee high, bundle of energy dog. Did I mention she likes to chew on twigs and bark? I have garland at the top of the stairs (wrapped around the banister) for autumn that resembles twigs, with some sparkly beads throughout. She has chewed off many of the pieces while we weren't looking. It looks terrible now! So much for my fall deco....*sigh*

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Jessie at the fall display at Longwood gardens. Christmas pictures coming soon :)

Secret Keeper girl

2008-11-15T21:32:00.002-05:00

Are you a mom? Do you have a daughter? You must see this! www.secretkeepergirl.com Are you tired of your little girl being pressured to grow up too soon? ME TOO! My little girl is 8. She is in the 100th percentile for height. Do you know what this means for her? She is in a small junior size. JUNIOR! Do you know what that means? You got it.....midriff baring, cleaving showing, and skirts that barely cover the derriere. NO! FOOT DOWN, NO!

If you feel the same way, please, please, please (Yes, I'm not ashamed of begging you) go to this site www.secretkeepergirl.com and sign Dannah Gresh's petition to get the fashion industry to listen up. We will not allow our little girls to compromise their integrity for the sake of fashion! NO WAY!

Can you tell I am passionate about this subject? We went on retreat this weekend to the assemblies of God women of purpose in Hershey PA. They had many speakers and worship leaders and soloists there. Dannah Gresh was by far the one who captured my attention. She teaches our little girls modesty in a fantastic fun way. She also speaks to our youth about purity. About waiting. About saving the gift they have recieved from God for their marriage bed. How amazing is that? If she is coming to your town any time soon, you MUST go see her. She also speaks to women about overcoming the lies of the enemy, saying that you lost your purity, and now are unable to serve the body of Christ.

If you know me, and my heart, it is to see women set free. Free to love, free to worship, free to dance, free to live, free to serve God and free to serve each other. We cannot do this when we are in bondage, and captivated by the enemy and all he has to "offer". No! Jesus has come to set us free, and offer much more than the enemy of our souls ever can.

Let us put feet to our faith and fight the good fight. For our babies. For our daughters and sons. For the next generation and the one after that!

Stephanie

HFH Fat ticker Friday

2008-10-31T08:06:00.003-04:00

Hello all! Did you miss me? I had a fabuloso time in the Poconos! My weight didn't, but I did! We even walked 2 days, and I tried to watch what I ate (thanks Christa for being the food nazi LOL). Alas, I gained a pound. *sigh* It's ok. At least I am still almost 2 pounds down from my original! Gotta look at that glass half full right?

I have been putting the couch 2 5k program off (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) because of procrastination and fear. I AM starting Monday. No excuses, no exceptions! I'm gonna try to talk Monica into doing it with me (Ooooooooooooh Moooooonica....that's your fair warning!). C25K is basically a plan to get you , well, off the couch and running about 3 miles by the end of 2 months. You must understand, I need about 6 sports bras on at one time to run. LOL It gives you a schedule to ease into it, and combines running and walking together for about 20 min 3x's a week. I'll report back next week.

Still trying to up my water intake, and the efforts double today on that.

The question this week was to post a photo shoot of something/someone dressed up. We don't celebrate Halloween, so I will forgo that this week. Sorry if you are disappointed, but I choose to give glory to God!

Have a blessed week!
Steph

Simple woman's daybook

2008-10-20T17:33:00.004-04:00

FOR TODAY 10/20/2008

Outside My Window...The sun is setting and it is leaving a golden glow across the field. Across the street, the trees are many colors of greens, reds, and oranges. The golden sun is reflecting off them and making them glow. Gorgeous....or in my house it would be beautimus. (My own creation of beautiful, glorious, wonderful etc all wrapped into one LOL)

I am thinking...of all the things that need to be done and wrapped up before the scrapbooking retreat on Thursday (sorry Lisa....we'll miss you!)

I am thankful for...Crisp autumn days of no humidity to enjoy the outdoors for a bit.

From the kitchen...Chicken with shake-n-bake topping, noodles and corn for dinner. Maybe I'll toss in some rolls too.

I am wearing...Hello? Jeans! Are you noticing a trend here? A red short sleeve top with a white lining at the bodice, and my brown clogs.

I am creating...more bucket covers. Some to be put up on ebay next week, some to give away to my ladies! (hmmmmmm anyone in suspense over this fact?)

I am going...on my scrapbooking retreat with 10 other ladies to the beautiful Pocono mountains in the height of fall.

I am reading...Karen Kingsbury's someday

I am hoping...To be able to get everything done here at the house before I leave. Also, to get lots done on retreat.

I am hearing...My darling husband coming in the door and chastising the dog for not greeting him at the door.

Around the house...Cleaning, organizing, and packing. That about sums it up.

One of my favorite things...My daughter's inquisitive nature. She asked us yesterday what happens to babies that die after just being born. Do they go to heaven? Out of the mouths of babes comes the hardest questions to answer. My husband's answer was very good!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Well, I hate to seem like I repeat myself, but did I tell you I was going on retreat?! LOL My friend Christa is coming up from TX and this will be the first time we've met IRL after being friends for 8 years. How exciting is that?

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Yes, it's a picture of me, taking pictures. This should give you a sense of my husbands sense of humor. He was catching me unawares at Longwood gardens last week. I took 3 rolls of film in about 4 hours. hehehe

If you want to participate along with us, go here: http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2008/04/join-simple-womans-daybook.html

hfh: Fat ticker Friday-ugh

2008-10-17T11:32:00.002-04:00

Here we are again. I'm noticing a trend. It's not a good trend, mind you. It's a downward spiraling, upward gasping for air kind of trend. One week I do excellent, the next well, not so much. I didn't exercise one iota this week. Totally laziness, as I had the time to do it. Ok, I shouldn't say that because we went to Longwood gardens and strolled for 4+ hours last Friday, and Sunday strolled for a few hours at the lake. No sweating my butt off, cardio pumping exercise. The scale showed it. Up almost a pound.

I am NOT making any goals next week except to drink my water and try to exercise. I know, it's a lame thing to do, and total avoidance. I am going away with my girlfriends next week, and know that we eat horribly and sit on our butts scrapbooking all day. I will make a concerted effort not to eat too much chocolate *grin*.

On to the question of the week:

What I'd like to know is, when you think about your body, which part do you want to "refine" during this process? And think about or find out what exercises you have to do to make that happen.

The 2 parts I'd like to refine would be my stomach and my chest *giggle*. I'd like to be able to wear a pair of pants that doesn't fall off because the only thing it fits is my waist. I'd also like to be able to wear a pair of pants that doesn't make my tummy a gross looking muffin top. As for exercises....cardio and sit ups are about it I guess. When it comes to my chest, well, let's just say it needs to be smaller. WAY smaller. This is a challenge exercise wise because I don't want to build muscle, just tone. The only thing I got for that would be pushups. Can you say ewwww?

So introduce us to your favorite part, and hey, if you want to add pictures to your essay then feel free to do that too!

Ok, sorry, no pictures, but one thing I like about my body is my calves and ankles. This is why it was sooooooo upsetting to me when my ankles started swelling because of my medication the other week. I've already had some of my friends tell me "well, at least you have girly legs". Yes, I'm pretty sure it was a compliment. :)

So, how did you do this week? Sound off!

Steph

My daybook

2008-10-13T12:07:00.007-04:00

For Today 10/13/2008...

Outside my Window...Sunshine filtering through the acorn tree (Oak?) that is blowing in a crisp autumn wind.

I am thinking...Of the different perspectives that God gives each one of us through his Holy Spirit, our own life experiences, and education. He truly did make each one of us to fulfill our own little purposes here on earth.

I am thankful for...My family who is not afraid to speak the truth in love to get me to examine myself and my opinions. I'm also thankful for the extra time God has given me with my husband and daughter this past weekend. I love you guys!

From the kitchen...Hopefully some homemade vegetable soup in a little bit for dinner.

I am wearing...Jeans! (is there anything else?) and a grass green short sleeve top with a bit of lace at the top. For once, I don't have bedhead today! LOL

I am reading...Zechariah, and Sisterchicks on the loose.

I am hoping...To be able to pull off this missions tea on Saturday for church. I'm feeling good about everything at the moment, but talk to me Thursday LOL.

I am hearing...Fox news network about this voter fraud with Acorn. What a mess! One person signed 75 times, and didn't think there was anything wrong with that. They were just helping out the person because they get paid per signature. Yeah, ok!

Around the house...chores, lists of things to do, dog to bathe after being in the Lake yesterday, getting ready to go away for a ladies weekend next week.

One of my favorite things...listening to my daughter talk about things rattling around in her head.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...getting my flower beds cleaned out a bit, and readying for the tea this weekend. (Can you say one track mind?)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Jessica playing queen bee at Longwood Gardens. Prim and proper isn't she?

Hey, want to play along? Go to Peggy's site at http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/ and link to your own daybook. Have fun!

Steph

HFH: Fat ticker friday

2008-10-10T21:51:00.002-04:00

Ok! Not too bad! I'll take it! I started out the week sick as a dog. 102 degree fever, body ached all over. I had 2 or 3 days when I did nothing but drink (well, sip really) soda and hot tea, and maybe a piece of toast or so. Then I kicked it into high gear with my exercise and came in losing! Whoo hoo! Ok, so I don't know exactly how to report this because last week I didn't report in till Saturday and had gained a pound. I lost that one, and one more! Yippee!

The question of the week was about motivation. I am going to have to say that my biggest motivation has to that looming 200 pound mark that I REFUSE to go past, and the show the biggest loser. I keep telling myself that if these people that are OVER that 200 pound mark can do it, so can I! I have to stop making excuses, and evaluate the choices that I make minute by minute. Of course, God has been helping me with the choice thing, as I am noticing so many things about choices right now. So, today I choose to keep going strong! If I only lose a pound a week, I will be down 9-10 pounds by Christmas which puts me well below that 200. Fantastic I say!

So, how did you do?

Steph

The Shema

2008-10-09T21:16:00.002-04:00

Deut 6:4-8 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Those of you that know me IRL know that I am of Jewish descent. That is such a rich heritage. I attended Hebrew school till fifth grade. I hold my heritage very dear to me, and I try to learn as much about it as possible. One opportunity to do that was at our church's VBS this past summer. We went back to the bible times and did Jerusalem marketplace. It was such a great program. We have done it the past 2 years. I got the opportunity to play the part of the Rabbi (yes, they are normally male LOL). This was really very exciting for me, as I got to share my excitement about my heritage with the children of our church. We even did a seder (the Jewish passover meal). One of the songs we learned there was the Shema, which is a Jewish prayer from Deut 6. We learned about the mezzuza, which is what the Jewish people use to have them on the doorposts and gates of their houses. We also learned about the Tefillin which are little boxes for the forehead and upper arm with scriptures inside. If your kids ever get a chance to go to a Jerulem marketplace VBS, go for it! It is so enriching for them. It makes the bible come alive.

When you think back about bible times, you imagine all the storytelling done by memory. They depended on the bible stories being passed from generation to generation by telling stories. One of my favorite bible stories is the story of Esther. It always has been. Purim was my favorite holiday because we got to dress up as one of the characters (I had an Esther mask), and make lots of noise to drown out the bad guy from the story. We even got to eat his hat in the form of hamentashen cookies filled with prune or other assorted fillings.

Tonight was a really special night here. While we were sitting around a fire out back in our chiminea, we were telling stories. Jessie told us about the turtle and the hare. Then she asked me about Esther. She knows that this is my favorite story, and she seems to have a fascination with it too. She asked me to share the story again from memory. I did just that, with Shawn helping to keep everything straight and fill in the gaps. It was a really neat time.

When you are raising your kids in the fear of the Lord, talking about God just comes naturally. They have questions, you have answers...most of the time. They ask the darndest things too! I know the scriptures from Deut 6, but I never REALLY understood them till tonight. Children naturally love to hear stories. This is the best way to impress the word to them! It also will challenge you in your faith, to get the stories straight!

Glory to God in the highest! Until next time....

Steph

Halleluyah and a glory to God!

2008-10-08T17:46:00.003-04:00

We are all mostly better to start! Whoooo hoooo! I don't know what hit us here, but it was nasty, nasty, nasty! Praise God for our good health :)

The Lord has been speaking to me about choices lately. I'm not real sure where he is going with it, but I'm along for the ride. Everything in life is a choice. We make choices pretty much constantly throughout our day. When we get up in the morning, we decide if we want to have quiet time, what we will have for breakfast, what we will wear, whether we will get a shower or not etc. That's all in the first hours after awakening. If we really stop to think about all the choices we make, it can be overwhelming. I always tell my daughter that anger is a choice. All of our emotions are a choice. We can choose to give in to them and let them rule over us, or we can hand them over to the Holy Spirit and let him handle them. Wow! That was a tangent *grin*

Needless to say, I have been evaluating some of the choices that I make in life. If anyone knows me at all, they know that I am habitually late. I have all the good intentions in the world, I just don't manage my time properly. One of my worst offenses has been the bible study that I lead. Yes, it's true...lead....late...really bad example. I have been on time the last three weeks! Weeeehoooo! Praise God for that!

Another choice I had to examine was the things that I put off to get healthy. Exercise and diet. Both really poor! I signed up over at spark people for my nutrition and tried to use their meal plans. They are a little too strict for me, so I am playing around using thier nutrient goals and have been doing pretty good. For the 2 days I have been on there. LOL (small victories here) I have also exercised 2 hours and 15 minutes the last 2 days.

Can you say back on wagon? YES! Hopefully the momentum keeps going! lol

The whole reason for my halleluyah post is to say that with God, all things are possible! Ask him for guidance today, and he will be sure to show himself faithful. He is the God of the big things and of the small. After all, he knows how many hairs are on my head, and he named every star. Give praise to him today!

Steph

The simple woman's daybook

2008-10-06T08:27:00.006-04:00

FOR TODAY 10/06/2008

Outside My Window... Gloomy and very still. Reflects my life for the past few days as the whole house has been very ill, including me.

I am thinking...That I would love to feel normal and to be able to eat.

I am thankful for...Long days with my husband and child.

From the kitchen...Water boiling on the stove for another round of hot tea for everyone.

I am wearing...A nightshirt that says "I don't do mornings". So very true these last few days.

I am going...to the eye doctor....maybe. So far, I feel ok, and it's so hard to get into the eye doctor's office.

I am reading...A sisterchicks novel by Robin Jones Gunn. I love her books!

I am hoping...That Jessica can go back to school tomorrow and everyone is done with this evil illness.

I am hearing...The dog playing with her squeaky chicken. Also, the sounds coming from Jessica's game boy.

Around the house...a mess! There are blankets and pillows everywhere, and no one has had the energy to do the dishes. Thank God it's just basically tea mugs and spoons.

One of my favorite things...Advil lol! Do you know how much your body aches at 102 degrees?

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week.... REST! When I feel better, I plan to get back on track with my weight loss. The last day and a half consisted of sprite, and hot tea. I think maybe I lost a pound or two LOL.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is the blanket that we've all been fighting over. One of my bestest buds, Monica, made it for us for Christmas. It is a hand-tied fleece. Thanks Monica! Love ya!

Steph

HFH Fat ticker, well, Saturday

2008-10-04T11:09:00.003-04:00

I could come up with all kinds of excuses this week. I'm not going to go there. I totally fell off the wagon and it was all my fault. The only thing I did well this week was drink my water. I am up a pound. I am hopping back on the wagon and doing so NOW!

My goals stay the same.

I will say I am on B.P. meds and my ankles look like elephant ankles. I am retaining water badly. I did go to the Dr to see what was up, and he switched my meds. Hopefully this will help. Cross your fingers! My ankles are already feeling better.

How are you doing on your weight loss journey? Sound off!

Steph

Wordless Wednesday: The last remnants of summer

2008-10-01T13:26:00.001-04:00

Housekeeping

2008-09-29T21:03:00.002-04:00

Housekeeping. Defined it is the ongoing routine, procedures, operations, and management of a commercial enterprise, government, organization, or the like. I like to consider my house "the like". There is some semblance of a routine here. It may be chaotic to some, but to us, it's normalcy. There are definitely procedures, and sometimes even operations (not of the medical kind thank God). The management is left to me and my husband collectively. Doesn't sound that difficult right? HA!

I am a stay at home mom. If you are not a stay at home mom, you might be wondering...just what do you do all day? My husband wonders this hourly I'm sure. My daughter is in school from 8 am to 4 pm. My husband is gone longer than that. Surely I can take care of the house and the dog and the laundry and dishes (that never seem to end) and whatever else needs to be taken care during that time right? Nope!

Ok, so I can admit this now....I've always been a slob. No, really. I am a fabulous cleaner, but not a good maintainer. Some of this I might blame on my mom, as she was working (sometimes 2 jobs) and the only time the house got picked up and cleaned was when people came over. Mostly I can blame myself for just being downright lazy! I would let stuff pile up in my room (no matter what it was) until I couldn't stand it anymore. Then I would deep clean it to sparkly, then the downhill wave begins.

So, then I got married. Woe is my husband. My poor, poor husband. Neatnick. Yep! Not so much the dust and dirt, but the clutter and stuff laying everywhere, and undone dishes, and laundry. He just doesn't understand my world! Granted, sometimes I don't either....but we won't go there. My dear, dear husband. He puts up with a lot. (Love ya babe!)

Then enters flylady. I did flylady for a while (www.flylady.com). I will admit that it was too much for me. I'm a perfectionist to the core. It's all or nothing. There is no gray area. The binder, and the emails, and the routine....not for me. Works for many people! I will even go as far as to say that it did help me in several things. Making my bed and cleaning the sink. Great! Doesn't cut it any further than that. Especially the shoe thing. I understood the logic, but my feet just don't talk "sneaker". I can lounge with the best of them, sneakers and all. LOL

So, I need a solution, and I need it fast before my dear husband leaves me, and my daughter ends up with the same fate. (She got a lot of dh's tendencies, but has learned a lot from me...poor thing). In comes motivated moms (www.motivatedmoms.com) Guess what? It is a list! (If you have been following me, I'm a list maker to the core too) They take every day of the year and break it down into chores. Sweet! I can check things off which is even better! I definitely notice a difference in my home when I use it, and when I don't. I even give myself permission to not do everything on the list (which is a change of heart for me). Bonus: It even helps me to read the bible front to back during the year. It's a win-win deal for me.

If you are a hopeless slob too (I really need to start a support group) I suggest you give these two a shot. You and your family are worth it! May God bless you in your journey towards change!

Steph

The simple woman's daybook

2008-09-29T07:26:00.017-04:00

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2008/04/join-simple-womans-daybook.html

For Today 9/29/2008...

Outside my Window...The cabana...topless LOL . Golden sunshine reflecting off the orange and red leaves of a large tree standing alone in the field.

I am thinking...That I am so blessed to have a family that loves me, a church that accepts me, A God who never leaves me, a home to take care of, and a network of friends to share with.

I am thankful for...the strength of my husband who is going through a rough patch right now.

From the kitchen...cereal, yogurt, and cheese. LOL

I am wearing...Blue exercise pants with a white stripe, brown breakout staff shirt with Galatians 5:1 on it crazy morning hair and dark maroon polish on most of my toes.

I am creating...More buckets for friends and to sell on ebay.

I am going...To clean at my dad's house.

I am reading...Karen Kingsbury series

I am hoping...That the sunshine sticks around for a bit so that I can get in my exercise today and maybe tinker in my flower gardens.

I am hearing...My daughter tinkering around getting ready for school and the dog's "bling" clinking together as she runs around/plays with Jessie.

Around the house...Starting to decorate for Fall. Putting up the fall garland on the banister in the upstairs hallway, hanging up my scarecrow and fall welcome sign outside, putting out Thanksgiving deco, etc. Making my house a home :)

One of my favorite things...The cool, crisp, low humidity days of Autumn that is perfect for walks, runs, bike riding, picnics and the like.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Getting Bailey's stitches out which translates to the "funnel" coming off her head...Yeah! Cleaning for Dad. Renewing my commitment to bible study. My first home & school meeting. Craft day with friends. Trying not to go Bonkers!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

HFH--Fat ticker Friday near disaster!

2008-09-26T17:18:00.018-04:00

Yes, you read right......DISASTER! With a capital D! UGH! I almost gained weight this week! How can this possibly be? I have exercised more than any other week, drank more water, ate more veggies, and thought I had a fabulous week! All for....are you ready for this?.....a measly .8 lb loss. Sheesh! That was the first time I stepped on the scale. I have a digi scale, and it stores my weight. Well, I forgot to store it, so I thought I would get back on and store it. I weighed more the next time and could never get the scale to go back to that weight. So, cheating??? I don't think so (at least that is what I'm telling myself). I figure if I didn't have the brilliant storing idea, I never would have seen those other weights right? Note to self: Store it the first time! So what's a girl to do? Keep on plugging on, that's what! Discouraging, yes! Not a deal breaker though. Who's with me?

Goals for next week:

Continue 4 bottles water/day

up intake to 3 veggies/fruits/day

5 hours of exercise (which I haven't quite made yet)

Add in my ab workout

As soon as something goes in my mouth, it goes on the food journal (i.e. the one sour candy, the 2 mints--they add up!)

Enjoy the journey and don't let the scale discourage me :)

Does it look like a lot? Maybe. I've been doing well, so I thought a few additions this week would be ok.

Onto the question of the week...It is a picture journal, so I will make it mostly wordless.

1. Someone or something that inspires you.

His determination and stick to it attitude is amazing. The depth of her thoughts and how she grasps information, especially about the Lord, is just incredible.

2. Something that you love to do.

These are my girls! Our bi-annual scrapbooking retreat. Need I say more?

3. Something that makes you crazy:

Things that have no place and therefore, end up on my desk. Not to mention, this computer! Kind of a love it, hate it relationship I guess.

4. Something healthy in your life.

*Lifting up my glass* Here's to a valiant effort, and to pressing on! *clink* Cheers!

P.S. Excuse my formatting....I'm still learning this stuff :)

HFH: Fat ticker Friday!

2008-09-19T08:07:00.005-04:00

Tick, tick, tick.....That's how many pounds I've lost in the last two weeks.....3!!!!!!!! I'm so excited about this! I've been fretting so much about my weight recently, and I've made the first steps to success! I will say that I really did slack on my exercise this week. I think I did 1 hour out of my 5. Eeek! Wake up call :) Will do better on that next week, and maybe you will see a new pretty shiny badge that says 5 pounds lost! How cool is that? As for my goals, well I don't think I accomplished any of them, so they remain.

Drink my water (At least 4, if not 5 bottles a day)
Eat at least 2 fruits/veggies per day (baby steps here)
Fill out my food journal
Exercise 5 hours
Plan meals and cook at home

Don't get me wrong, I tried. Just didn't make it. I will not give up! I will keep pressing on.

Now, for the question of the week: What is on your life's to-do list? When you post on Friday, list as many as you like and whatever you like.

Wow, this really makes me think! I never really made a "list" like that before. I am a list-maker. I LOVE lists! I have grocery lists, cleaning lists, to-do lists, etc, etc. I even have my Jessie loving lists! Sad, sad situation there! LOL I think making lists give you a sense of accomplishment. There can be days when I say "Man! What did I get done today? Feels like nothing!" Then I will look at my list and start checking things off and realize that I did quite a bit. Now of course there are days when I truly was chasing my tail all day and got nothing accomplished, but those are rare. So back to the list:

Go on a cruise with my husband
Mission trip here and maybe abroad
learn to play the piano
start my own photography studio (already have a name!)
See my daughter meet the love of her life and get married and have a family of her own
Do agility with my dog

There are probably other things, but that is what I can think of for now.

Hey! Happy Fat Ticker Friday! Cheers!

Steph

broken washing machines and other rantings

2008-09-12T16:21:00.003-04:00

Ok now! I'm done with broken things! A few days ago, our latch on our back door broke. In enters the baseball bat to the track of the sliding door so that the door is forever closed and unable to be opened. (Hubby's grand idea-works well.) Off to Lowe's I go. Get a replacement handle assembly.....try to install on my own. Let me tell you, this woman is no Mrs. fixit! I took off the existing assembly handle on both sides, leaving the lock assembly still in the door. So far, so good! Two more screws for the lock assembly.....oooops......lock assembly falls into the door. Yes, you heard me INTO THE DOOR. Stop laughing! There is NO WAY to retrieve the lock assembly. Ok, so it was broken anyway....we are remodeling the kitchen and installing french doors sometime in the near future (next couple of years)...it's not hampering the function of the door, so I leave it there. I opened the package of the new door handle, and took all the parts out. I figured out how it went onto the door and tried to start putting it on. The only holes that matched were the screw holes. I couldn't get the "innards" of the handle on the inside of the door. Thought about maybe getting the drill, thought about the aluminum I had to drill through and decided not to. I put the old handle back on, minus the lock, and put the baseball bat back. Unusable back door. Remember...we have a dog! UGH Told hubby, but he is working so late that it will be next year before it gets done. *sigh*

Ok, so onto the next broken thing. Picture this...piles of mile high mountains of laundry. Haven't done any in a few days. Go to do the laundry, come down to a puddle of water inside my washer. Things that make you say hmmmmmm. Put it on drain and spin and OH MAN!!! The washer makes a horrible little grinding noise. Grrrrrrrrrrrr. It always happens when I have mount washmore. So, I called the repair guy who came today. He reaches into my washer, pushes on the basin, says "I can tell you what the problem is probably going to be and it's not good." Can anyone say "waaaaaaaah" with me? Tells me the basin is not supposed to move back and forth, and if he's right it will be pretty labor intensive. So he says he'll call me with an estimate because he has to order the parts and asks if I have the owners manual. Well, I like to consider myself a pretty organized gal, and I located it in a few minutes. The one good light at the end of the tunnel....he found the parts were still under warranty. Yippee! Then it can't be that bad right? WRONG. 3 year old washer, front loader, very expensive. $300 to repair. You've got to be kidding me! Not only that, but I will be without my washer for more than a week till the parts come in. *sigh* Anyone got any quarters? Laundry mat here I come. The silver lining is that all my wash will be done in a few hours. LOL

We have only been living in this house for one year. The air conditioning has had to be fixed, the hot water heater had to be replaced (these were covered under the new home warranty), the dishwasher had to be replaced, and now the back door handle, and the washer. What in the world? The blessings of home ownership I guess *grin*.

HFH: Fat ticker Friday

2008-09-12T13:21:00.005-04:00

Well, I did it! I made it through the first week of Hot for the Holidays! It wasn't so bad...I don't know what I was waiting for! I've ridden my bike and walked almost every day this week. Jessie is even benefiting from this because I have to drag her with me LOL. My efforts were rewarded with a 1 1/2 pound weight loss! How exciting is that? Ok goals for next week:

Drink my water (At least 4, if not 5 bottles a day)
Eat at least 2 fruits/veggies per day (baby steps here)
Fill out my food journal
Exercise 5 hours
Plan meals and cook at home

I did ok on my goals for this week. I did fill out my food journal pretty completely, as well as watched out for eating after dinner. I exercised every day but Monday, and did it twice one day. As for cooking at home more, well, that didn't go so well. Overall, it was a great week.

The question posed at the Hot for the Holidays blog is this:

What do you want your legacy to be? Or rather, what is it about yourself that you want to be known for? And do you think you've accomplished that so far in your life? Are you the person you want to be? If not, how will you get there?

Legacy. Defined it is anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. Legacy reminds me of inheritance. Just this week, Jessie memorized scripture for her bible lessons at school. You guessed it, it fits right into this theme. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" Col 3:23-24. All this to say that I want to leave a simple legacy. I want to love like Christ loves. I want to live like Christ lived here on this earth. I want to be full of compassion for those hurting around me. Acts 20-24 pretty much sums it up "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Phil 3:12 also says "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." I was created for a purpose. I have a destiny. Jesus took hold me me for a reason! If you look at that last verse, you will see that it is an ongoing process. We need to keep striving for the goal. I want people to be able to say that I ran a good race, pointing to the Lord the whole way.

Steph

Beth Moore and my musings

2008-09-10T13:59:00.003-04:00

So we started the Beth Moore series in bible study this morning. I think today was the best prepared I have felt in a long time, but we still went way over our time. Time is always a struggle for me. I never have enough of it, or I just dawdle it away. Why is that? Anyway, we are studying "living beyond yourself". This is a study of living in the spirit, and the fruits of the spirit. This morning she challenged us to live. Really live. That resounded in my spirit today. Of course, the P31 devotion from yesterday, titled "born to run" tied right in with that. It talks about excuses getting in the way of God's plan for our life, or doing what God is calling us to do. I realized that I am the Queen of excuses. No, this isn't the first time I have realized that, as my husband tells me that every once in a while. (Not nice by the way! LOL) There is a song (remember, my life is a song :) )that talks about this. It says "I am the king of excuses, I have one for every selfish thing I do." Let's think about that for a second. Are we being selfish when making excuses? Is it because we don't want to, it's too hard, there isn't enough time? Don't get me wrong, I don't think God wants us to live our lives always giving and never receiving! I do believe that the receiving should come from God. We are to store our treasures in heaven. If we receive all our praise and acknowledgement here on this earth there will not be anything left in glory. So what excuses are getting in the way of your destiny here on this earth? Anyone getting me?

Hey, speaking of excuses, I actually got in my walk yesterday :) It was with my hubby, and he doesn't quite power walk the way I do but at least I was moving. I also got up this morning at 5:30 am (boy was that a struggle) to take a walk before hubby got on his way to work. Get this.....it was still dark! Talk about creepy. Even Bailey was watching her tail and a little skittish. The important thing is I did it :) The plus side is that I got to watch the sun come up. That is one hour down. Now if I can only talk my darling daughter into biking with me this afternoon, it will have been a fantastic day! The only thing that would make it better is someone coming to do my dishes which are currently overflowing out of my sink..YUK!

Be blessed!
Steph

If at first you fail, try, try again?

2008-09-09T08:07:00.004-04:00

Ok, so yesterday was a total blowout for me. I spent so much time on my blog, that I ran out of time to get in my walk (Bailey was not impressed). I had to go to the eye doctor to get some skin tags removed under my eyelashes. Something I definitely do not recommend for your comfort. LOL I was worried most about the Novocaine. Rightfully so! They stick a needle in that thin eyelid.......hurties!!!! Then they burned the skin tags off. Have you ever smelled your own flesh being burned off? It was not nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, sorry for the medical review there. I'm still a little puffy under my eye, but it's not really hurting me at all this morning.

Yesterdays food journal doesn't look very nice either. I don't think grilled cheese, cookies, and bottlecaps are on my "can have" list. On the upside, I ate yogurt. LOL Today is a new day! Carpe diem right? So, I'm going to seize the moment. Gods mercies are new EVERY morning. In the words of winnie the pooh....Tut, tut, it looks like rain. I'm not going to let that stop me. I read the devotional this morning from proverbs 31 women. It talked about not letting excuses get in the way of what God wants to do in us and through us. If you want to read it, you can go to http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/dailydevotions/dailyDevotions.php Click on todays devotion, and it is called "Born to Run". I will tell you what.....God is so awesome. It always seems that whatever I am going through, or trying to accomplish, this devotional is right on the mark. I teach Bible study on Wednesday mornings at my church, and I usually have at least one devotional from P31 that totally fits in with what I am teaching. Who says our God is not alive and active in this world today? I serve a living God!!!

One more thing to share. My husband just called me a few minutes ago and said, Hey, I just won tickets to a Sanctus Real concert with 10th avenue North. I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!! Next Sunday I will be going to see them *jumping up and down with excitement*. I always love going to concerts because it gives you such a better perspective about the groups songs when they share in between. I think the first concert I went to was a Jennifer Knapp concert. She was so awesome! When she shared, you could really sense her heart for God. It just gives you a new spin on the meaning of her songs. I'm telling you, if you get a chance to go to a concert, you will not be disappointed.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!
Steph

Hot for the holidays

2008-09-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

Ok, here we go....I have been soooooooo very bad about my eating habits. Toooo bad. I'm about to cross a barrier with my weight that I am kicking and screaming about. I've been half-heartedly making attempts, but last night's pizza, soda, and slurpees are haunting me. UGH.

In comes Hot for the holidays! Starting today, I am going to making a stronger attempt to avoid those butt enlarging things that I shouldn't be having. LOL I have been doing pretty good on the exercise homefront, as my dog has way too much energy. If I don't walk her, she pretty much bounces off the walls. I also got a bike a week or so ago. I LOVE to ride. Who would've thought? I used to avoid the stationary bike at the gym like the plague.

So, here are my thoughts.....

I will try my hardest not to eat after dinner.
I WILL fill out my food journal honestly.
I will try to exercise every day, but will be happy with five hours a week.
I will cook more at home.

Oh my goodness! These are the same things I have failed at doing in the past. *sigh* Lord help me!

So who's with me?

Taking the plunge

2008-09-08T08:16:00.001-04:00

Ok, I did it......finally. I'm taking the plunge. I vowed not to do this, but here I am. I'm blogging *sigh*

I guess the first step is to go out on the limb before the dive, and introduce me and my clan. My name is Stephanie, I am a wife to Shawn of 13 years. I am a mom to a beautiful dancer, Jessica, 8. Mom to my puppy baby Bailey, who is part Border Collie and part Lab. Smart as a whip and trouble to the max. If only I had a little of her energy, I'd be doing good. We live in the suburbs between Allentown and Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

So, the third week of school started this morning. I did not want to get out of bed. We have been letting the puppy sleep with us in bed. I don't think that is going to last much longer. If she is not rutching around, she is licking or biting herself. No she doesn't have fleas, just sensitive skin. I did not sleep well. Daughter gets up, and plays with the dog instead of getting ready for school. I swear I should lock up the dog in the morning till she is ready. Five minutes to the bus, she is still eating. She has written me a love note on a napkin with......a permanent marker. Yep, you guessed it.....bled through onto my wood table. UGH. Thank you Lord for soft scrub. Yes, it came up. How can you be mad at a love note bled through onto the table? Clearly a good deed gone awry. Gotta love that girl. Jessie goes out to the bus stop in front of the house a few minutes before I did. While trying to put the halter collar on the dog, she resists.....screen door wasn't latched right.....wiggled out of my grasp....ran across the street to greet all the kids. Need I say more? BAD DOG! LOL

Let me share with you why I labeled my blog from glory to glory. I grew up in a Jewish household, and was saved at the age of 19. Before being saved, things happened that kids should not have to go through. By God's saving grace, he has set me free from the bondages that enslaved me. That was the first glory. Ever since, it has been one glory to God after another. My pastor put it this way....my trials are as pearls. Each trial has a beauty all it's own, and when strung together, they make a beautiful necklace for all to see. Each glory has it's own attributes that make it different and unique. All the glories strung together will make me stronger, and better able to help others.

I hope to spur you on also, in your journey of life. I have many things to share along the way. To God be the glory, forever and ever, amen.