Thankful Thursday Top 10 (9)

This is what I’m thankful for this week,

1. Prayer

I can come to the throne of grace and know God hears me.

2. My Maids

Daisy the dish washer, Wilma the washer, and Dorothy the dryer, without them life would be harder.

3. Crochet

It gets my mind of things and I can crochet some great beanies.

4. Youth group kids

They loved my chocolate cupcakes and it made me feel appreciated.

5. My Brother

He said the nicest things to me and it made me feel special.

6. My Son

He has been getting up extra early to get his school work done and then he wants to go for walks with me.

7. Church

A place I can serve and stay busy for the LORD.

8. Jessica

For being faithful to come to my home to help Jade with her school work. What a good friend she is.

9. Blue letter bible

I can and hear a study any time of the day or night.

10. The letter I

It’s so nice to see or hear the letter or word “I” in the beginning of “I love you!” It makes a big difference!

Don’t forget to give thanks to the LORD

At midnight I will rise and give thanks to you, because of Your righteous judgments. Psa 119:62

Every week Curious Georgi invites friends in blog world to join us in being thankful.

Click on her button and read other list

1. Make a list of 10 things your thankful for

2. Mention this blog post (hyperlink my post)

3. Ask other to join us

Weight Loss Week 7

New Year Resolution Update

I have to confess, I didn’t post on Saturday because I truly did badly. I didn’t even weigh myself because I didn’t want to see what the scale may say. I didn’t feel like I over did it, but I did. Last week I was in OK and just ate whatever I wanted. I ate when I was not hungry, ate late at night, I didn’t run to God, and fall in to temptation. I did not exercise at all, matter of fact; I let my son walk the dog instead of me.

Why did I do that? To be honest, I didn’t want to work on my weight; I just wanted to do whatever I wanted to. We all have some sin we have to repent of and it does take work. I wish I can just eat whatever and not deal with this, but I do!

This may be hard for some of you to read, but please read and consider what God may be telling you. I know this is for me and want to share what He is telling me.

Gluttony is a sin.

This is from my personal journal, I need to repent!

Deny food! And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Proverbs 23:2

The gluttonous use of food high in sugar and fat takes away from the nutritional balance of milk, fruit, vegetables meat, and bread which contains fiber and other nutrients for good digestion and heath.

First and foremost, we are not to satisfy our selfish and harmful appetites but rather use our bodies to bring glory to God (1 Cor. 6:19,20).

Gluttony can indicate excessive eating and drinking, and it does refer to a ravenous, nearly unstoppable, appetite, It is to food what greed is to material wealth, a carving that cannot be satisfied. It also associated with a loose and undisciplined lifestyle-disobedience, stubbornness, and rebellion.

If we (me) are committing the sin of gluttony eating when we are not hungry we must confess repent this as sin and thus use truth. We can then receive the forgiveness God gives us in Christ He want us to start refreshed, He gives us  mercy.

I am going to start refreshed, though my flesh does not want to get up and exercise, I don’t want to deny my appetite, but I need to because God knows what is best for me and it's sin, sin leads to death..... I want to be used for Him properly so He can get the glory.

Holy Spirit I call out to you for help!....... I will do my part!

Psalm 37:5

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Alice Layden was a woman with no self-control. As long as I knew her, she had been terribly overweight. I hadn't seen Alice for over two years when she showed up one day on my front door-step. She looked fabulous! When I asked how she had finally done it, she said, 'I asked God to help me, and I just kept asking Him. Every morning, every noontime, each evening, and anytime I felt hungry, which was almost all the time, I just said a little prayer for God to get me through. He did it! After I thought I'd just about run out of things to try, I found what I should have known all along. God did for me what I was unable to do for myself!'

Today's thought: The more time spent in prayer, the less time left to eat!

Click here to read the beginning of my weight loss

Junior Bible Quiz - League Finals



Jesse, Issac, Eyvette,Natalie


I’m so proud of our Mountain Climbers, they received 3rd place at finals yesterday. Their couch Tanya wasn’t able to make it because she is a devoted mom to her new born baby and had to stay home. But couch Josh Howard did a great job with the kids. Dennis and I are blessed to assist the couches. Dennis helps on Joshua’s (son) team and I help on Eyvette’s (daughter) team.


Joshua received his discovery seal today and will be working on getting his searcher seal. Eyvette is still working on hers. I know she can do it. Sundays at church they study what the verses mean, couch Mary (master seal)  does a great job of explaining the verses. On Thursdays they come together and practice. It’s fun to see the kids play and learn the bible. The kids know more bible verses then Dennis and I, which is great, but we better step up.

There are 576 questions and answers that children memorize in order to compete with each other through the ministry of Junior Bible Quiz. Because we believe that all the Bible is inspired of God, and is useful for training, Dennis and I are happy to be a part of this fun-filled, exciting children's ministry.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.


 Click here and take a quiz to see how much you know about the bible

United Through Reading Military Program

This is the coolest thing, today my sister received a DVD and book of James reading to his son. Amber pops it in to the DVD player and pressed play. We seen James sitting in this big red chair with a book called “Are You My Mother?” by P.D Eastman Dr.Seuss. As he begins to read he explains first how he loved it when his mother read it to him when he was young.

He shares how much he loves his son and wife and hopes that James Jr. likes hearing his voice, and he can’t wait to be with him. Please keep James Sr. in prayer and that he is safe. He is a daddy in love with his new baby boy. It’s so great that they get to Skype all the time, but of course it’s better to be with him in person.

This is the letter that was sent with the book and DVD,

Dear Hero,

Today a very special person stopped by the USO at Dallas Fort Worth Airport’s Untied through Reading Military Program. They picked out a brand new book and recorded themselves reading the book to you. We are sure you are going to enjoy this wonderful gift.

The USO/DFW is proud to offer the United through Reading Military program. We are one of the selected USO sites that offer our service members and their experiencing tremendous success thanks to the kind support of the DFW International Airport Community and the generosity of everyday Americans.

Best Wishes,

United Through Reading Military Program

I remember reading this book to my children; it’s one of my favorite books from Dr. Seuss. Many of these books are now used in schools and libraries throughout the world. These books encourage children to read, and I like reading them myself. Maybe one day, I will be able to read this book and others to my grandchildren. I still have many of them in my own library.

Here is the story; you can read it to your children. And they can draw pictures to go with it.

Are You My Mother?

A mother bird sat on her egg. The egg jumped. “Oh oh!” said the mother bird. “My baby will be here! He will want to eat.” “I must get something for my baby bird to eat!” she said. “I will be back!” So away she went. The egg jumped. It jumped, and jumped, and jumped! Out came the baby bird! “Where is my mother” he said. He looked for her. He looked up. He did not see her.”I will go and look for her,” he said. So away he went. Down, out of the tree he went. Down, down, down! It was a long way down. The baby bird could not fly. He could not fly, but he could walk. “Now I will go and find my mother,” he said. He did not know what his mother looked like. He went right by her. He did not see her. He came to a kitten. “Are you my mother?” he said to the kitten. The kitten just looked and looked. It did not say a thing. The kitten was not his mother, so he went on. Then he came to a hen. “Are you my mother?” he said to the hen. The kitten was not his mother. The hen was not his mother. So the baby went on. “I have to find my mother!” he said. “But where? Where is she? Where could she be? Then he came to a dog. “Are you my mother?” he said to the dog. The kitten was not his mother. The hen was not his mother. The dog was not his mother. So the baby went on. Now he came to a cow. “Are you my mother?” he said to the cow. “How could I be your mother?” said the cow. “I am a cow.” The kitten and the hen were not his mother. The dog and the cow were not his mother. Did he have a mother? “I did have a mother,” said the baby bird. “I know I did. I have to find her. I will. I WILL! Now the baby bird did not walk. He ran! Then he saw a car. Could that old thing be his mother? No, it could not. The baby bird did not stop. He ran on and on. Now he looked way, way down. He saw a boat. “There she is!” said the baby bird. He called to the boat, but the bird did not stop. The boat went on. He looked way, way up. He saw a plane. “Here I am mother,” he called out. But the plane did not stop. The plane went on. Just then, the baby bird saw a big thing. This must be his mother! “There she is!” he said “There she is!” he said “There is my mother!”He ran right up to it. “Mother, Mother! Here I am, Mother!” he said to the big thing. But the big thing just said, “Snort.” “Oh you are not my mother,” said the baby bird. “You are a Snort. I have to get out of here!” but the baby bird could not get away. The Snort went up. It went way, way up. And up, up, up went the bird. But now where was the Snort going?”Oh, oh, oh! What is this Snort going to do with me? Get me out of here!” just then, the Snort came to a stop. “Where am I?” said the baby bird. “I want to go home! I want my mother!” Then something happened. The snort put that baby bird right back in the tree. The baby bird was home! Just then the mother bird came back to the tree. “Do you know who I am?” she said to her baby. “Yes, I know who you are, said the baby bird, “You are not a kitten. “You are not a hen. “You are not a dog. “You are not a cow. “You are not a boat, or a plane, or a Snort!” “You are my mother.”

The End

Thankful Thursday Top 10 (8)

This is what I’m thankful for this week,

1. Smiles

When I see someone smile it makes me smile. Especial babies! This is little James Jr. on Valentine's

2. Valentine’s Day

Everyone seems to be in love. Flowers, candy, love notes and special kisses, hugs, and dinners without kids.

3. Spring time weather

The weather has been so nice this week, I think it just makes people feel good when the weather is perfect.

4. Family and friends

Surprise visits, they make you feel special and loved.

5. Dates with my kids

I had a great time with my son without my other kids being around. We had a chance to watch a movie together and chat about his life.

6. Nephew

I had the privilege to spend time with him this last week. He smells so good and I love holding him.

7. Eyvettes bake days

She is learning to make different types of cakes with frosting, cheese cake, and fondant. I’m learning too!

8. Sitting here relaxing at my sisters

It’s so peaceful being here at my sister’s home. Quite for awhile till the baby wakes up.

9. Life

I am so thankful that God gave me life. He has blessed me!

10. Jesus

I will have everlasting life with HIM

Don’t forget to give thanks to the LORD

To the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. Psa 30:12

Every week Curious Georgi invites friends in blog world to join us in being thankful.

Click on her button and read other list

1. Make a list of 10 things your thankful for

2. Mention this blog post (hyperlink my post)

3. Ask other to join us

Monk

My son and I are sitting here watching Monk. It’s about an obsessive, compulsive detective that solves murder cases. My sister has the complete edition on 35 DVD’s. Monk is a comedy drama mystery television series. Josh and I love this show; I need to buy the set.

I am enjoying this short time I have with my son; he is going to be 12 years old in May. He is my only son, as I’m told teenage boys tend to get caught up with their friends and forget their moms. A note to self, we are eating Ritz crackers and cream cheese, drinking IZZE (sparkling clementine) he is talking and sharing his life with me….I love it and hope it last forever.

Monk's compulsive habits are numerous, and a number of phobias compound his situation, such as his fear of germs and cups. Monk has 312 fears, some of which are milk, ladybugs, harmonicas, heights, imperfection and risk. The OCD and plethora of phobias inevitably lead to very awkward situations and cause problems for Monk and anyone around him, as he investigates cases. These same personal struggles, particularly the OCD, are what aid him in solving cases such as his sharp memory, specific mindset and attention to detail. In one episode entitled "Mr. Monk and His Biggest Fan", Marci Maven (Sarah Silverman) had compiled a list of all of Adrian's fears and had put icons on her desktop of them. On another episode, he tried to conquer his fears by doing various activities which involved his phobias. For example, he tried drinking milk, climbing a ladder, putting a ladybug on his hand, and when things were scattered unorganized across a table, he could not help the compulsion to arrange them neatly.

We find it entertaining,…. hours of entertainment. We try to figure out who the murderer is, sometimes Joshua gets it right. We will have to go to bed soon; I don’t think I can do an all nighter. Oh, the next episode is beginning….. Ok, maybe I will!

A Rose

A Rose

by Elizabeth

A lovely rose with petals soft

A scent so sweet and light

So beautiful a flower

With colors shining bright.

But something not so savory

About the fragrant rose -

The thorns, so sharp upon the stem,

That sharpen as it grows.

Yet still lovely is the flower

Despite the thorns that prick

Just as life and love are sweet

They too have thorns that stick.

But do not fear to live or love,

Life's not exempt from pain -

So pick a rose, you may get hurt,

But you will also gain!

Thank you Honey for my Valentine Roses.

Happy Valentines Honey

 Akita Hibachi Sushi

Tonight was sweet but short.

I’m so glad that we got to go and have our favorite meal together. You can take me to have sushi anytime. I love you and I thank the LORD for giving you to me. You are a gift from God and I desire to honor and respect you.

May we have many more sushi meals together. Don’t forget I will love you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, for sickness, for health, to love you, to honor you, to cherish you and protect you, forsaking all others as long as we both shall live.

I love you!

Oh, and dessert was the bomb

Amish Cheese Cake

Eyvette is on a baking frenzy! She made an Amish Cheese Cake and it was delicious. For some reason I thought making a cheese cake was going to be a lot of work, but it was the easiest cake ever.

She decided to use a rolling pin to cruch 15 gramcrackers 

Looks good!

She added the butter

15 graham crackers crushed and 4 tbsp melted butter (press in bottom of pan)

She didn't have to bake the crust.

Cream cheese and condensed milk

Beat 8 oz cream cheese and 14 oz sweeten evaporated milk until smooth.

Beat in 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1 tsp vanilla.

Pour

Pour onto graham cracker bottom and then top with pie filling.

Refrigerate till chilled about 2 to 6 hours.

I should have used a nicer pie pan, oh well, next time.

Oh, and the pie was gone, right before my eyes.

 Recipe by Sherry Gore



Weight Loss Week 6

New Year Resolution Update

This week, I will continue to ask God to help me to stick with everything I need to do. I desire to honor Him with the body He gave me, and pray when I’m tempted! I will continue to invite Him to be at the center of my dining experience.

I will eat when my body is hungry, eat the right amount, eat in a calm environment, eat when I’m sitting, eat when my body and mind are relaxed, eat and drink the things my body enjoys, eat slowly, savoring each bite, and stop before my body is full.

I also need to thank God for His generous provisions, and pray that the food would bring physical satisfaction and health to my body.

Food

I did well this week; I did everything I was supposed to do, and eat the right amount! Weight Watchers really helps me keep on track with the amount my body needs.

Exercise

This week, I didn’t do so well, I didn’t work out at all. I really wanted to, but really wanting to, doesn’t get the job done. Maybe next week, since we will have nicer weather.

Scale

Did you know that the scale has trouble shooting section?

1. Place feet in the same position every time you weigh yourself

2. Weigh yourself without clothing whenever possible.

3. Move the scale to a location where it won’t be bumped.

4. For the most consistent reading, weigh yourself at the same time of the day.

Yay, I lost 2 pounds this week. I love my new scale.

Have you ever looked at the Body Mass Index? Who came up with this? I looked up 64 inches and I am now overweight instead off obese,…. by one pound. Do I say yay or nay?

Weigh

I weigh 173.

Until next week…..

Weight Loss Tip for the Week

Try adding different types of food instead of subtracting.

Fitness Tip for the Week

Go out and just do it!

Dining Out Dos and Don’ts

Don’t be afraid to tell the waiter exactly what you want and don’t want. Dressing on the side, one meal on two plates, and do not bring bread to the table ect, ect, ect…..

Myth

Once I lose weight, my whole life will be different.

Fact

People who successfully lose weight often do change many aspects of their lives. Losing weight will probably change your look and improve your health and self confidence. But keep in mind, what really matters is your relationship with the LORD and to continue to be spiritual fed.

Revelation 21:7

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Being thin is a wonderful goal. Regaining health and vigor is also great. Looking and feeling good are important, but both pale in comparison with how good it is to please the Lord by being the best people we can be. When we diet, we not only gain physically, but also spiritually. Resisting temptation tones our spiritual being as well as dieting tones our physical being. When we reach our goal in our diet, we reach a second goal, as well: We do what is pleasing to God. When we are faithful to do the will of the Lord, we can rest assured that we have an eternal home with Him.

Today's thought: Dieting makes me a spiritual overcomer as well as a physical overcomer!

Click here to read the beginning of my weight loss

NOBODY CARES!

Nobody loves me,

Nobody cares,

Nobody picks me peaches and pears.

Nobody offers me candy and cokes,

Nobody listens and laughs at my jokes.

Nobody helps when I get in a fight,

Nobody does all my homework at night.

Nobody misses me,

Nobody cries,

Nobody thinks I’m a wonderful guy.

So if you ask me who’s my best friend, in a whiz,

I’ll stand up and tell you that Nobody is.

But yesterday night I got quite a scare,

I woke up and Nobody just wasn’t there.

I called out and reached out for Nobody’s hand,

In the darkness where Nobody usually stands.

Then I poked through the house, in each cranny and nook,

But I found somebody each place that I looked.

I searched till I’m tired, and now with the dawn,

There’s no doubt about it-

Nobody’s gone!

By Shel Silerstein

There is one that does care and His name is Jesus!

Jesus say’s,

“I love you and gave my life for you!”

“I care for you and watch over you!”

“I hear you and hold all your prayers in a bowl!”

“I will fight for you!”

“I gave the Holy Spirit to help you!”

“Yet I am always with you!”

“I hear every cry!”

“You’re the apple of my eye!”

“I am a friend that sticks closes then a brother!”

“I’m your Father your Friend!”

“I’m your lover your bride groom!”

“I’m your Savior your God!”

“I’m your everything, I’m all you need!”

“Draw near to me and I will draw near to you!”

“Call out to me, I will answer!”

“I LOVE YOU!”

By Jesus Christ

Thankful Thursday Top Ten (7)

What I’m thankful for this week,

1. Snow

I love the snow it’s so white and fluffy. It reminds me of this song,

White as snow, white as snow

Though my sins were as scarlet

Lord, I know, Lord, I know

That I’m clean and forgiven

Through the power of your blood

Through the wonder of your love

Through faith in you

I know that I can be white as snow.

By Leon Olguin and Kelly Willard

2. Snow Days

Even though my children are homeschooled, it’s fun to go out and play all day in the snow.

3. Snow Men

It’s fun to watch the kids make their own snow man and dress them up with scruffs and a carrot nose!

4. Snow Sledding

How fun to ride down the hill and hear my kids laughing.

5. Snow Fights

It’s only Eyvette and Joshua that likes to throw snow balls at each other, but I do need to help Eyve since Josh is a lot faster at making and throwing them.

I'm coming to help you Eyvie

6. Snow Flakes

They’re so pretty and if you look real close you can see the crystal

7. Eating Snow

 My husband likes to eat snow, just not when it’s yellow.

8. Snow Angels

What can I say! Every one likes to make snow angels!

9. Snow Covered Trees

I like how the trees look with the snow covering the branches.

10. Watching It Snow

I like looking out the window watching it snow while I’m drinking a cup of coffee and the kids drinking hot chocolate.

Don't forget to give thanks to the LORD.

 Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name
 (Psa 30:4).

****
Every week Curious Georgi invite friends in blog world to join us in being thankful.
Click her button and read other list.







1. Make a list of 10 things your thankful for.

2. Mention this blog (hyperlink this post).

3.Ask other to join us.

****

Get Up and Clean the House

Cleaning Poem

I asked the Lord to tell me

Why my house is such a mess.

He asked if I'd been "puttering",

And I had to answer "yes."

He told me to get off my rump

And tidy up the house.

And so I started cleaning up...

The smudges off my mouse.

I wiped and shined the topside.

That really did the trick...

I was just admiring my work...

I didn't mean to click.

But click, I did, and oops I found

A real absorbing site

That I got SO way into...

I was into it all night.

<>

Nothings changed except my mouse

It's very, very shiny.

I guess my house will stay a mess...

While I sit here on my hinny.

I got to get up and clean my house!

Our First Home

Our First home in Crestline, CA

We lived in this little 1000sq foot apartment in Whittier CA. We were newly married and had 5 children together. My husband had 2 daughters and I had 3 daughters. We were like the Bandy Bunch. Dennis had 50 percent custody of his children, one week they lived with us and then one week with their mom.

The apartment had two bedrooms, Dennis and I were in one room and the girls were in the other. Can you image 5 girls living in one room? Crazy! I’m so thankful, because they all loved each other. They were not just new sisters but friends. They did everything together, except Jade, she was only 4 at that time.

I soon found out that we were going to have a baby, everyone was so excited. The only thing was, we didn’t have enough room for another child. We needed a bigger place. Dennis and I didn’t have credit at all, but knew that God wanted us to have a home of our own.

Joshua was born, and he is our only son, I called him my little man. I am so blessed to finally have a son. He lived in our room for the first year of his life…. We decided to look for a house. We really couldn’t afford one and Dennis was the only provider. Before we were married, we decided that I would quit my job and homeschool the kids. I worked for Jenny Craig, yes, I was a consultant. I also worked for LA Fitness and 24 hour Fitness.

We prayed that God would provide a home for us. We looked and searched, we were denied, and some places were outrageous. But we didn’t give up.

We had a friend that lived up in the San Bernardino Mountains and he opened up his home to our youth for a retreat. My husband fell in love and knew that God was calling us to move on the mountain.

I was not ready to move so far away from my family and home church. I remember telling my husband, “God might have told you, but He didn’t tell me”. Soon after, God changed my heart.

We finally found the house that we could afford, it was only a 3 bedroom house, but new it would fit us. The doors were wide open, all we needed was a down payment….God took care of that. He had laid it on a few people’s hearts to give us the money. Dennis and I were just blown way. God is so good!

I remember packing all our things with the help of my parents, friends, and of course all the children. We were so excited! On April 27 2001, our new address was 24538 South Albrun Drive Crestline, CA 92325. We lived on the mountain; there was a forest in front of our home, beside our home, and behind our home. I had a beautiful view from my living room window, pine trees that stood tall and strong.

I would sit and watch the fog roll in, all cozy on the couch next to the fireplace, drinking a cup of hot chocolate. I would watch the snowflakes falling and the tress swaying back and forth; it was the most peaceful time ever, just sitting, looking out the window and praising God for what He created.

So many good memories were made in that home. Our first Home!

Now, God has moved us to Texas.We are making new memories here, but that's a whole other story or should I say post.

What is a blog and why do I blog?

What is a blog?

Blogging is an on line dairy (journal) or a “dairy without a lock and key” is what I call it. It’s my personal blog that I allow others to view. I remember having a dairy when my girls were preteens; I would write all my personal thoughts and important things that happened in my life. Then one day, I heard giggling in the closet. I opened the closet door, sitting on the floor with a flash light were my daughters, reading my dairy. That was the last time I kept a diary…. Now that I have a couple of online blogs, I can’t even pay my daughters to read them… Funny!

There are many other types of blogs, but this one is considered a personal blog.

Why do I blog?

I have been asking myself this question, “Why do I like to blog?” I believe it’s because I want to share my thoughts and experiences with my family and friends that live out of state, but mostly to have a voice. I’m very passionate about my family and the LORD; I desire to share what’s important to me. I’m not a writer and not necessarily grammatically-correct, but I like to blog and have fun.

Some bloggers write to rant, to feel connected, sense of well being, and to get things of their chest without having to do it directly. Some like to just brag about their family and share a bunch a picture of their children. I’m guilty of that one, sometimes….. Ok, most of the time.

I didn’t realize how many people blogged until I started to research it. The first time I heard of a blog was when my sister mentioned that her in laws had a blog. She explained to me what a blog was, I thought, wow, that’s pretty cool! So that year I began blogging, my brother in law James, encourage me to get one, and He gave me the name Dinky’s Hum Drum Journal.

I started blogging, but it only lasted a few months. I guess, I thought that people would think I was being silly, especial since I wasn’t a real writer and I make lots of mistakes. I’m not sure when to use commas or colons, how dumb of me. For some reason this past year something had came over me. It’s, “The blog bug!” Now, I post almost every day. I guess I have a lot to share.

There’re many that start off sharing their passions and then get caught up in trying to make money off the blog. Which is fine, but I think that it ends up being a god instead of what they desired it to be in the beginning. But if you can earn a few bucks, go for it.

Unhealthy Tendency

My question is, why do I have this unhealthy tendency to check my stats, and desiring other followers? What makes me think, what I have to share is so important? Who would want to read any thing I wrote?

I have noticed that some blogs have hundreds of followers, thousands of page views, I mean thousands… This is serious business. I thought, “Maybe I will get thousands of people to view my page.” I don’t even know that many people, but it’s a nice thought! It’s like that saying “build it and they will come.”Expect no one told me to build a blog.

I think a small part of me is selfishly hoping for admiration and affirmation. It’s a very shallow attitude that I need to repent of. The only one I need affirmation from is my God. I do hope that one day my grandchild, great grandchild, my nephews and nieces will enjoy reading about the things that were important to their old grandma and or aunty. I hope they will enjoy stories about their parents, and things that my God did for me.

I hope they will be blessed and encouraged!

Maybe this is another way for me to be remembered, that I loved my family and my God with all my heart!

Weight Loss Update Week 5

New Year Resolution Update

This pass month I have been working on the amount of food my body needs, running to Jesus instead of food, eating only when I’m really hungry, eating in a calm environment, and keeping track of what I eat.

I now want to focus on rebuilding this temple. This may be a different approach, but I know that I can’t lose weight without God. I will ask God what He would like to accomplish in my life. So I will begin by inviting God into the activity and listening to the Holy Spirit. I feel like God has called me to release excess weight, so I can serve Him better. It’s not about how much you weigh, but how well you will be able to serve God.

I have children; can I play with them without getting tired and out of breath? Can I do the chores around the house? This is the ministry God has given and called me to. I want to better serve and glorify Him the best I can with this body I have.

1 Corinthians 3:16 say’s “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? The word “temple” here is used in the metaphorical sense to refer to persons in who God or His Holy Spirit is said to dwell or act.

Food

I did pretty good this week, ate the right amount, and ate when I was hungry. Except last night, my daughter and I made chocolate cake with cheese cream frosting. So, this morning I was really tempted and fell. I had my daughter prayed for me; my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. I need to run to Jesus when I’m tempted. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Exercise

This week, I didn’t do so well, I hiked once. I could blame it on the weather, or on my hiking partner (my daughter), which went back to CA, but the truth is, I just didn’t feel like it. I really have to work on this. I need to exercise 5 days out of the week or at least every other day for 30 minutes.

Scale

Yay, I went ahead and bought a new scale. My old scale ended up being 4 ½ pounds off. I weigh 4 ½ pounds less now and I lost 2 pounds this week. I love my new scale.

Weigh

I weigh 175. Wait, what, I told you how much I weigh! Well, I guess it’s better than 216, which is where I stated off at.

Until next week…..

Weight Loss Tip for the Week

Don’t keep anything in the house that will tempt you to over eat. This is hard, if you have children, try to buy healthy things to eat.

Fitness Tip for the Week

The best activity plan for weight loss and maintenance includes cardio, resistance and stretching.

Dining Out Dos and Don’ts

Watch out for extras

The average hamburger with ketchup is not bad, but the one with the work is. Skip the bacon, chesses and mayo. You can have a protein style, which means to leave the bread out.

Myth

Having a lapse is a sigh that I can’t do this.

Fact

You’re learning to lose weight in the real world, not the perfect one. A lapse is not a sign of failure. It is normal part of the weight loss process. Think of a lapse as an opportunity to build new skills for the future.

Jude 24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.

There was a girl by the name of Jennifer who was always getting herself into trouble because she couldn't say no. She had absolutely no resistance to any temptation. Then she met Beth. Beth was able to be a voice of reason and common sense for Jennifer. Jennifer knew that if she was tempted, Beth would get her through. Jesus Christ can be to us what Beth was to Jennifer; He can be our voice of reason. Whenever we feel ourselves being tempted, we need to turn toward Him. He is able to keep us from falling. When we find ourselves too weak to handle a situation, we can rest assured that Jesus is indeed strong enough.

Today's thought: Jesus can keep me on the right track!

Click here to read the Beginning of my Weight Loss

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Friday Cake Day

  Friday Cake Day

Today we decided to bake a cake. Eyvette loves this show called Cake Boss. Every day she watches Buddy design cakes on Netflix. She went ahead and designed her own cake. She baked a butterfly chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.

I don’t cook or bake, but this was an exception. I didn’t want to buy a cake box, so we went and bought the ingredients.

We had so much fun baking together, my son decided he want to get in to the action and made the sugar cookies, and I decided to buy the package…… One thing at a time!

Eyvette designed her butterfly and did a great job. Both Eyvette and Joshua have a gift of artistic ability. God has given them this gift....... I can draw stick men!

We started off putting everything we need on the table. I forgot how much work it is to bake. Yes, I use to bake all the time and I loved it, but I think the older I get…….I dislike it.

Then we stirred together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.

We added eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans. Except we don’t have a mixer, we did it ourselves.

Ready to bake

Now the frosting

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese, butter, and marshmallow cream until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, and then gradually stir in the confections’ sugar. We added the red food coloring. Pink is what she wants.



Josh made the sugar cookies

 Caught you eating cookie dough

Eyvette molded out her butterfly, pooped it in the oven, and then decorated it.

Yummy, ready to eat! 

Move Over Cake Boss
Cake Queen Is Here

Hershey's Prefectly Chocolate Cake

2 cups sugar

1-3/4 cups Hershey’s Cocoa

1-1/2 teaspoon baking power

1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.



Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

½ cup butter, softened

2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

I like to add 1 cup of marshmallow cream

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream chesses, marshmallow cream butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, and then gradually stir in the confections’ sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

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