the borne identity ...

From 'birth' to 'bearing and having borne' children goes from bringing them into this world to the concepts of ...

1. To yield fruit; produce: peach trees that bear every summer.
2. To have relevance; apply: They studied the ways in which the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
3. To exert pressure, force, or influence.
4. 1. To force oneself along; forge.
   2. To endure something with tolerance and patience: Bear with me while I explain matters.
5. To extend or proceed in a specified direction: The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.

Only one can birth, but a mother can be a force within and bear the lives of many. My quiver is full. The son I didn't birth had a lot of mothering over the years (as have all my children), specifically from his own and steps like myself who was at the end of that road. Joseph was Jesus' dad, but he too had an impact on the child he raised; too the woman who took in Moses as her child. Although knowing we are not initiator, we know that some plant seeds, others water, others sow.

This son presented me this for mother's day.

My Mother

Sometimes life just seems so difficult, if you know what I mean.
So much you have to do, for you maybe provide, cook, or clean.
There is something interesting about the way you've intervened in my life. When I was lost you held on believing even though I put you through much strife. As I look back on the way raising was put to play,
You somehow distinctly always knew what to say.
Even though sometimes I felt it was harsh or difficult in my own way.
I suppose I had to trust in you, believe that we would agree one day.
If you add two and two together they say you will get four.
If you add mother after mother I've had, I say you get a whole lot more.
I thank GOD for the way each of them had a special impact of their own.
When I see them look into my eyes there face tells me "Wow look how much he's grown."
I try to say sometime special, just a simple word or two.
But behind the tears I say secretly "Give honor to whom it is due."
Sometimes I wonder if you know how much I am in debt to you.
I could have simply gave you a card, but those words just don't feel true.
There is so much beauty and virtue of a woman whose life is awe inspiring art. Since I have some skill with words I might as well honor you with my heart. Thank you for your patience, discipline, and love.
I can look up in the sky and see my mom, a beautiful sky lit dove.
So much purpose and care she has, just me your son.
I compare a dove to you, so you can think of me the next time to see one.
Thank you once again for all that you do.
I know you know this but I'll say it again, "I love you too." _{RCN III}

The sentiment from our college middle daughter's card told me I always make her feel at home.

It was a day of hugs and 8 year old kisses; I am blessed to have committed so many forgeries ;-).

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her._{Pr 31:28}

Woman On the Move Across the Nation

At WomensHealthGov, I joined the Women's Challenge starting NationalWomen's Health Week, May 13-19, 2007 virtually walking across the pacific coast from Alaska to Hawaii - received a free pedometer too! The Challenge goes through the 4th of July weekend. Today, Mother's Day was a great day to start. I've lost 15 pounds and wore for the Day a teal summer dress with jacket I bought online about a year ago and I wasn't able to squeeze my hips into it, much less my bust. Well, today I wore it and I was looking sharp!

I'm four months away from my Hawaii vacation, and I'm just thanking God and looking forward to the me who will be going on that trip with the husband. I'm truly grateful not only for the husband's support, but also his encouragement and participation.

You may have noticed my walking tracker down at the bottom with my weight loss tracker - it is from when I first got the pedometer. I haven't done much yet, but will do my utmost starting tomorrow. The website itself is very informative about women's health replete with tools and information.

Let me list a couple of places to develop nutrition/fitness tracking and meal planning Lean Cuisine's Wellness and Kraft's Healthy Living (neither program dependent upon their food and some supportive of other programs like WeightWatchers and South Beach Diet) - the beauty of these tools is that they are free and are highly informative of the nutrients lacking and over abundant in your intake; its an eye opener into eating habits and food quality AND your overall daily and weekly progress - tracking weight measurements as well. The difference between them and Sparkpeople.com is these are less inclusive of 'forum' activity although that and journaling is available. I love the christian and overall support found on Sparx.

I took a day off today to enjoy the husband's barbeque ribs - oh and he made the most delicious smoothie! I'll be back on program first thing in the morning! I've had a great weekend - took care of a traffic ticket and was enabled to go to traffic school and spent Friday afternoon in the jacuzzi, where I was also Saturday after some gardening.

And now, if I have found favor in Your eyes, please make me see Your ways, and let me know You, so that I may find favor in Your eyes; and consider that this nation is Your people. And He said, My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. And they said to Him, If Your presence does not go, do not cause us to go up from here. Ex. 33:13-15

Salud!

Appreciating Friends and Days in their Ways

You had a day or a week?

I sent this to my Ace for nurses week: where you'll find things like

"But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:"~1 Thessalonians 2:7~

There are 9 Bible verses with the word NURSE in them
Nave's Topical Bible offers this page: Nurse
Smith's Bible Dictionary offers this page: Nurse

and the the 12th was a day to remember Military Spouses - so this is for all of you, especially the wife of Chief Hayes!

THE MILITARY SPOUSE
Author unknown

There he stands in camouflage…yet he cannot hide from you.
You can pick him out in a crowd, and eye his stride among a formation.
There he goes, away from you again, off to do his part and be his best,
leaving you in his wake - never behind, yet always longing for his return.
There you are, amidst boxes and paper and confusion, creating a home, designing a household, transforming a building into a loving nurturing, comfortable environment.
Memories will be made here. Events will be celebrated.
Children will be born, graduate, grow, change. Your family will evolve. Your love will increase. Your marriage will improve. And then you will be asked to leave it all…again.
There are those who do not understand…
Who cannot comprehend what it takes to fulfill your role, to fill your shoes, to be all that you need to be.
They marvel at times, criticize at others, seldom appreciate, cannot imagine. There are those moments when you are where they are.
When you marvel, criticize, lack comprehension and are unable to muster understanding.
And then he appears at the door, or on the phone, or through a rumpled letter addressed to “My Love” and suddenly there is comprehension and understanding, affirmation and conviction.
For by his presence, through his voice, in his message you KNOW that you’ve been beckoned to a noble calling, when asked to be a military spouse.
Invited to support a soldier who allows freedom, who guards democracy, who instills leadership. And in your role you see a slice of life that few others have the privilege to experience…
Flags appear more brilliant to you…
Parades draw out more emotion for you…
A patriotic song is a musical message played just for you…
A hand-over-the-heart is as stirring as an embrace for you…
A parting kiss can hold you for months…
A welcome back embrace can fill you up from lonely months…
A grave marker is a stark reminder of the meaning of devotion…
A tear shared is a stark statement on the meaning of sacrifice…
A duffel bag on a baggage claim gives you pause and connection…
An eagle’s soar gives you inspiration. There you are…
The military spouse, the one asked to be strong, the one willing to belong.
The one who is often required to do it all.
The one who is privileged to stand beside a true American - day in and day out.
There are military spouses around the world, beside soldiers, airmen, marines and sailors.
They share a bond, a unity and a duty to be there, always for their hero.
There.
Said.
Done.
There are no better…anywhere.

Cheers to you all for all you do!

Meet Myrt the Sqyrt!

Well, this is Myrt the Sqyrt Tyrtle! I use Myrt, but the youngest likes the name one sister came up with - Sqyrt. Other name candidates were Spyke (from the Land Before Time) and Roddy (from Flushed Away). Fortunately we didn't go Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle - although Myrt's initial injuries might have qualified, nor did we go with Vyrne (it just seemed a little too Over the Hedge ;-)).

We moved Myrt the Sqyrt from temporary housing to the new permanent housing - like those makeover shows. But there's a basking rock anchored to the side of the aquarium that it doesn't like (they require basking time - so that will have to be changed. The husband and I shopped for turtle habitats the other day - and expensive proposition. Maybe Myrt should remain homeless? We ended up with an 'everything you need for your turtle' kit from Petsmart. We also went to Petco and the local pet store to get the full assessment of turtle habitat information. If you buy everything separately you go way over the kit cost. But with turtles, the filtration system is very important because keeping the water clean is a more difficult task - we may have to upgrade. So while we have blueprints for a grander home for Myrt the Sqyrt - complete with basking reef and all - this is home for now. Welcome to the family Myrt!

make time to serve!

Right now I am on the air bike. I wanted to put my mind to something to do, so I grabbed my PDA.

Friday, Fontana had its annual national day of prayer breakfast. The only recently retired city council clerk, Bea Watson (a wonderful lady), has been organizing this for several years now. It is held at Fontana Women's Club. This year the theme was 'make time to serve'. I always enjoy attending this event. I've been the last three years. It always remembers our country and its founding principles, our troops and most importantly that God is integral to these things and our very life.

In years past, they showed a film with Red Skelton about God in our Pledge of Allegiance - priceless!

The theme was taking time to serve, reminding that it only takes one person to make a change. The music was thought provoking - one should think about the words when they sing America the Beautiful. Pastor Dan of Crossroads Church, who I've always seen here, was the singer and there was also performances from a duet and a quartet. From the color guard and prayers, I enjoyed it all. Another annual event of note is the annual Inland Empire's breakfast.

With our ever so busy lives, think about all things you make room for and ...remember ... take time to pray - the easiest service of all! The life you change may be your own!

Time passes quickly on the air bike with a PDA in your hand.

by the grace of God, she brought you here...

my mother has passed - but I am a mother by blood and most importantly by love. I have loved my kids, their kids and those kids. For me this day is special to have touched a child's heart for a moment, a day, a weeks, months, years, a lifetime. It is of it's ownself a great reward!

Mother's day is a day we can re-kindle what that should mean in our own lives.

I was trying to come across activities:

Biblical Moms Quiz

2) has some nice activities Have a "Girl Power Trivia" contest! Write down questions about famous real and fictional girls, including Pippi Longstocking, Cinderella, the Power Puff Girls, and so on. You might ask, How did Pippi Longstocking wear her hair?" "What did Cinderella wear to the Ball?" or "Which Power Puff Girl wears green?" etc. Read the questions, see who guesses the answer first, and award a prize to the team with the most correct answers.

3) Arrange a dress up center with old clothes, hats, and accessories. Use a floor length mirror so they can see their creations and take pictures.

Happy Mother's Day!

Maydays!

Mayday Mayday Mayday! Where is the time going? The youngest has about 8 weeks left in the second grade (applause) - we did not like that teacher (military school for free).

A turtle risked life and shell to enter our yard this weekend. To its dismay, our dogs were very entertained when the kids came to its rescue. 'To keep or not to keep' now is the question - whether it is too costly or troublesome to give the youngest the pleasure of having a turtle and where did it come from anyway? I spent the lunch hour addressing such questions at PETCO. Of course a naming process has began -- turk? Slider? - anything but Shell!

The giant went to an Orange County auction and bought a car - yippee! We've been sharing mine of late.

Getting back to my blog title, the phrase, first used on May 1st, 1927, comes from Mayday which wiki says "is an emergency code word used internationally as a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications, derived from the French m'aider, meaning "help me." It is used to signal a life-threatening emergency by many groups, such as police forces, pilots, the fire brigade, and transportation organizations. The call is always given three times in a row ("Mayday Mayday Mayday") to prevent mistaking it for some similar-sounding phrase under noisy conditions, and to distinguish an actual mayday call from a message about a mayday call.

The holiday, May Day, itself is May 1, and refers to any of several holidays celebrated on this day. May 1 was a traditional summer holiday in many pre-Christian European pagan cultures, and many elements of these holidays are still celebrated on May 1 today, such as the Maypole. While February 1 was the first day of Spring, May 1 was the first day of summer: hence, the summer solstice on June 25 (now June 21) was "midsummer."

Besides the two major May holidays, Mothers Day and Memorial Day and Believer's Ascension Day (17th) and Pentecost (27th), also proclaimed for commemoration this month are Cinco de Mayo and Armed Forces Day (20th).

I've been struggling a bit with motivation which reminds me of a word from one of our daughters (and she knows who she is) - disencouraged. I like it! Thanks be to the Lord (not the lord that Sara called her hubbi) and the husband, I've been able to push past these feelings enough to keep on my program.

On the movie tip, we recently enjoyed 'Corpse Bride' - I liked it, 'Night at the Museum' - I loved it, and 'Deja Vu' in which it was great to see work from Erika Alexander from the "The Cosby Show". The movie was very captivating, in some ways reminiscent of Denzel's the 'The Bone Collector' and appears to have similarities to Cage's movie. We shall see. Meanwhile the husband bought me 'Beauty Shop ' with Queen Latifah and an 'old school' cast with people I haven't seen in awhile (from "Martin" Laura Hayes, 'the Cosby Show' Keshia Knight Pulliam, "The Jamie Foxx Show" Sherri Shepherd, and others)t o give a 'looksee'. Meanwhile we are so behind on '24' and all of our sci-fi regulars, not to mention movies we've purchased.

I'll try not to be a stranger. You too okay?

Look at the time...

Came back from vacation all rested and my mind and body totally rejects the idea of going into drive. This did not bode well with the workload waiting for me which was only exacerbated by an abrupt absence of #1, me being #2, this now made me 1.5 - where upon I was forced into overdrive.

However, having been summarily chastised by my huge (ha ha) following or as it is said 'back due to popular demand,’ I am here to blog.

• Celebrations - My dear ‘dahli'ng friend had her birthday and I hope she was blessed with a wonderful celebration. My brother's son had a birthday as well. He's a senior in high school. I'm very proud of him.
• Speaking of relatives! a cousin and her daughter, both of whom I haven’t seen in over 10 years, came from NJ for a visit. Her two brothers live out here, the youngest of which was getting married! She and her daughter, my youngest, and I spent a lovely day in Palm Springs. They and her brothers, the groom's son, and I spent another day traipsing around Victoria Garden's having lunch at Lucille's. Speaking of which! It is impossible to be nutrition conscious there! I enjoyed a hot link and ribs with greens. Yeah, I could have had chicken but c'mon!
• Second Chance - have you seen that movie? It is well worth the watch! It will make you think about how you walk with Jesus.
• I've been praying for a lot of people, of course including of course Virginia Tech and Johnson Space Center - and online especially. The weight of people’s woes seems particularly heavy right now. Please pray endurance for me.
• In case you haven't noticed I've lost 10 pounds!
• The giant had a car accident but he is okay; however the car was ‘put to sleep’.
• Sunday the 22nd was Earth Day – check this out ‘Gen 1: 26-31

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground--everything that has the breath of life in it--I give every green plant for food." And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning--the sixth day.

• Err of Imus – I think the issue here that stands out above all most common obnoxious speech aired is this was directed at specific people who came to hear and their families and friends hear this awful talk – a total lack of concern about these ladies’ feelings.
• NBA Playoffs – I love this game!

Oooo, look at the time! There is just not enough time in a day! I'm going to try to get back here real soon; the month ain't hardly wrapped up yet!

Thanks to all of you who actually read this stuff and blessings to you all.

The Giant had a birthday this week and my mother's birthday would have been this week also. Just thinking about the both of them in the midst of this very busy week. The Giant requested my meatloaf and said the result was one of the best! There's a few things I make well, as attested to by my family - and meatloaf is one of them! Mom would have loved it too!

Too today my youngest cousin on my mom's side was married on a cruise ship - right now they would be asail to the Mexican Riviera. My oldest cousin is in town from Jersey for the occasion. Hoping to spend more time with her before she returns home the end of next week.

Hoping to catch up with my brother too; I haven't been too sucessful in doing that. His son will have a birthday the end of this week as well.

God bless us every one!

Being a film aficionado, Holy Week is not without some good watches. Here, in no paraticular order, is a list of possibilities (check the ratings for family viewing):

• Rugrats - Easter
• Easter Parade aka "Irving Berlin's Easter Parade" On the day before Easter in 1911, Don Hewes is crushed when his dancing partner (and object of affection) Nadine Hale refuses to start a new contract with him. To prove Nadine's not important to him, Don acquires innocent new protegee Hannah Brown, vowing to make her a star in time for next year's Easter parade.
• VeggieTales - An Easter Carol The theme is the founding of the state of Israel.
• The Easter Story Keepers
• Ben-Hur When a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.
• The Greatest Story Ever Told The life of Jesus Christ
• "Jesus of Nazareth" depiction of the life of Christ using the Gospel accounts
• King of Kings the Bible story unfolds through the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
• The Robe tribune in the time of Christ in charge of the group that is assigned to crucify Jesus wins Jesus' homespun robe after the crucifixion. Tormented after the event, still not believing in Jesus, he returns to Palestine to and learn what he can of the man he killed
• The Ten Commandments he Egyptian Prince, Moses, learns of his true heritage as a Hebrew and his divine mission as the deliverer of his people.
• Exodus The theme is the founding of the state of Israel.
• The Animated Passion Trilogy
• He Is Risen the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus (interactive)
• When Do We Eat? A family's Passover
• The Silver Chalice A Greek artisan is commissioned to cast the cup of Christ in silver and sculpt around its rim the faces of the disciples and Jesus himself.
• From the Manger to the Cross (1912) the life of Jesus Christ, based on the books of the New Testament
• I Beheld His Glory (1953) (TV) the centurion who presided over Christ's crucifixion
• Spartacus The slave Spartacus leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman empire.
• The Passion of the Christ detailing the final hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ - April 7th on TMC 8pm, 10pm)
• Quo Vadis (1951) a general meets a Christian and gets Emperor Nero to give her to him for services rendered. Meanwhile Nero's atrocities get more outrageous; when he burns Rome and blames the Christians, Nero captures them and all the Christians to throw them to the Lions
• Barabba (1961) Barabbas, the criminal they set free so that Christ could be crucified, is haunted by the ghost of the prophet for the rest of his life.
• Gospel Road: A Story of Jesus (1973) Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which was shot on location in Israel - Johnny Cash appears in, narrates and performs a number of original songs.
• The Prince of Egypt An Egyptian prince learns of his identity as a Hebrew and, later his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people
• Lilies of the Field - strict mother superior believes that someone has been sent by God to build a much needed church in the desert. (my favorite even though its relation has nothing to do with the week in particular).
  

I sense a marathon; hmmm...

the husband ...

Okay, so I had an appointment to get my hair done today. I thought it was at 12 or 1pm, so I call the stylist only to find out it was at 9am. I told this to the husband and he says "so what are you going to do?" I relayed that I am going to call back as the stylist suggested to see if there are any cancellations - but tomorrow being Resurrection Day, I don't really expect there to be any, so I'll do it myself. Then he says "well I liked the way your hair looked last night" (sweet, huh?). I said "well my hair is dirty and itchy so I need to wash it". He replies, "well how about some Benedryl?" Diphenhydramine (Benedryl) is frequently ordered for patients to aid in controlling nausea and itching.

The husband ... gotta love him. I'll be washing my hair!

¡Feliz Pascua de Resurreción!

The more I study spanish culture and language the more in large part I think they get things right with regard to christian celebrations and so this week ¡Feliz Pascua de Resurreción!

They seem more to make their faith part of their daily life rather than make their daily life part of their faith! Enjoy the link about their celebrations. I pray your holy week is blessed in the remembrance of Christ!

Twinkie, Twinkie, little triv...

this is so out of left field and have nothing to do with price of tea in China but I guess appropriate to the day! I learned what a twinkie defense was

"a derogatory term for a criminal defendant's claim that some unusual factor (such as allergies, coffee, nicotine, or sugar) diminished the defendant's responsibility for the alleged crime. The term arose from the trial of Dan White, who was convicted in the fatal shootings of San Francisco mayor George Moscone and city supervisor Harvey Milk.... (Compare Chewbacca Defense - here's an audio.)

and everything and more (or not!) you'd ever want to know about the Twinkie invented on April 6, 1930!

Hunting Season

I struggle with Easter eggs, bunnies, and the like (hunts) as they seem to be founded in Spring celebrations and such rather so much the Holy Week that culminates in the Resurrection.

So I looked a little more into the season of the hunt:

The Jewish celebrate Passover and during that celebration some have hunting for hametz - true to form, the traditions of Passover reserve a place for children as we ready our homes for the holiday. The cleaning culminates with a family search for hametz on the evening before the seder, and our children fall over each other to participate in this ritual.”

A part of the Jewish Seder is hiding the Afikomen - For most children the afikomen, which means dessert, is the highlight of the Passover seder. In fact, its whole purpose is to keep children awake, alert and attentive throughout the ceremony as they look forward to the game at the end.

I like these types of activities as it is important that the fun and games and activities help us remember the object of our celebration. Moses was hidden and then he was found. Because of Christ, my passover, while I once was lost; now I am found!

May your find blessing in your celebrations!

A friend's needle

Can I needle you for a minute? Listen (read)...

“Did I tell you about the needle story?”, she said. We agreed that she had not. She urged us on to finish with what we were doing and then she would tell us. But we knew her stories were always excellent and so we assured her we were done. “Tell us the needle story now!”, we said. So, as best as I can recollect, here is the story told to us by our friend who had not been with us in awhile because of the things going on in her life:

When I left you guys last Tuesday, I went home and got on my computer. I was on there for about an hour arguing with my ex, so absorbed I lost track of the puppy and you know how when its quiet they are up to something.

I went to get up to see what the puppy was up to and it felt like something was slicing around my ankles. I looked down and there was thread all around my feet. I had had a large spool of thread that I had used to repair the puppy’s teddy bear and the puppy had gone crazy with it! There was hardly any thread left on the spool. The puppy had been up and down the stairs and all over the house with the thread. He had run around the chairs wrapping my feet in the thread and he had it all over himself, some of it too tight. I had to cut it all off of him. But the darning needle was gone and I was suddenly afraid the puppy had swallowed it.

I felt awful, having been wrapped up on the computer arguing with my ex and not paying attention to what the puppy was doing and, now, he might have swallowed the needle. I had a cat that once had swallowed a needle, and only because it had gotten stuck in the upper part of his body, it hadn’t made it fatally to his guts. So I began to look all over for the needle, up and down the stairs. The thread was everywhere, but I couldn’t find the needle. I got very upset because I was worried the puppy had swallowed the needle and it was very late and I had to get some sleep in order to go to work in the morning. But I couldn’t sleep without knowing where the needle was – the puppy!

I felt I had to find the needle. This was not something you ask God. It was my responsibility. I was supposed to be watching the dog. I had to find it. And then I grew very upset! In despair, this became my life. I can’t find this needle and I can’t find my life – something in my life is lost! I wanted God to show me where the needle was; to find it! If He couldn’t find the needle, how could He find my life? That part of me that ignores that I know better kept saying God couldn’t find the needle, right? He’s not down here – He’s out there.

Early in the morning, I arranged with the veterinarian to x-ray the dog. But I had to go to work! How was I going to do all this? But I had to know where the needle was! I asked God please find the needle and I heard Him answer me, clearly, “Go upstairs, and stand by the window and wait.” “Right,” I responded and then immediately said “I’m sorry Lord”. I went upstairs and stood by the window. It was still overcast. All I could think about was that I had to go to work soon. How long was I supposed to wait? Why am I waiting? It is silly of me to ask God to find a needle. How long should I wait?

As I realized the sun was beginning to lighten the sky, I just had to get ready to go to work. I started to turn to do so, when a glint of something below caught my eye. It was the needle! Buried in the carpet with only a glint of it exposed by the sun showing, was the needle! God showed me where the needle was. God could do that. God did! God can find my life! How wonderful is our God!

The only thing God asked me to do was tell people. So I am telling everyone; I am telling you!

Thank you my friend for sharing God in your life; it ministered to us all. What a wonderful treat for our Tuesday Women's Study. So many messages to us in there. We serve a mighty, loving, unfathomable God.

So I’m sharing my friend’s story with you.

April in December for Fools!

What does christianity have to do with April Fool's Day - at least somewhere? I read this great bit of info - especially in regards to culture and to christianity - the counterpart to April Fool's Day (4/1) in Spain is in December. Check it out!

This Cup

Ever have a bad week. Ever know that the events that had to take place in your life would make for a bad week. How did you go into it? How did you survive? How did you come out of it?

If your faith in Christ means something to you, let this week in His life soak into your soul - the magnitude of His heart, His humanness, His holiness. There is a classic movie - The Silver Chalice with the tagline "I bid you seek the lost Silver Cup... for Sin is rising like the swollen rivers..." where a Greek artisan travels to Jerusalem and Rome to complete the commission to cast the cup of Christ in silver and sculpt around its rim the faces of the disciples and Jesus. This week we should consider the Lord's cup and all that it means for us and for the world.

The Last Week of Christ's earthly life:
On a Sunday, our Lord was hailed by the onlookers 'Hosanna, in the Highest; Blessed be the King who comes in the name of the Lord' while they tossed they coats and coverings before Him as he rode in upon a young colt never before sat upon. The people saw hope in living form. Jesus remarked that in the absence of the crys of the people, the rocks would even cry out. He, Himself, beheld the city and wept for it.

Monday, He cleaned the temple of those desecrating it by their actions and He taught the people eagerly listening to Him.

Tuesday, as he preached the Gospel there and at the Mount of Olives, the chief priests, scribes, and elders and the like challenged Him. The plotted against Him and sent spies amongst the people in an attempt to bait Him to use His words against Him.

Wednesday, while the chief priests and the scribes schemed on, Satan entered Judas Iscariot who then plotted to betray Jesus with the chief priests and captains.

Thursday was the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover (distinctly different holidays falling on different days while, due to their closeness usually treated as one festival). It is amazing how these celebrations foretell of the Messiah and even moreso how in looking at some of the activities, especially for the children, some of our Easter traditions are gleened.

Jesus observes the Passover with His disciples as The Last Supper. He then went to the Mount of Olives, the heaviness of all that lay ahead weighing upon Him, to pray and wanting His disciples to watch and pray with Him. A stone's throw away, He prayed "Father if thou are willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done." An angel came to Him and strengthened Him, a strength that very much would be required. And in the agony of His heart, He continued to pray, his sweat 'as it were as drops of blood falling down to the ground'. He found His own disciples rather than praying, sleeping 'for sorrow'.

Judas committed his act of betrayal and a multitude descended upon them. Peter reacting angrily cut off the ear of one; but Jesus in is ultimate forgiveness, healed it. Jesus was arrested.

Friday Jesus' disciples scattered even while some including John and Peter lingered nearby. Peter to his own despair, as Jesus foretold, denied he even knew Christ. Jesus, Himself, was ridiculed and horrifically treated - see The Passion if you want to get even just a small insight to it. Justice hangs its head as Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod and again Pilate and, having found no fault in the accusations against Him, (rather than free Him thus displeasing the people) and finally given over to the people to decide his fate. In the stead of Barabas found guilty of sedition and murder, the people condemned Jesus.

Jesus was crucified - led away, He bore His cross and was hung upon it at Calvary as He said "Father forgive them, for they know now what they do" and "Father into thy hands, I commend my spirit" and was buried.

Saturday the sabbath was observed by the women those who had dressed His body and the women who went to see where He lay.

Sunday the very first day of the week very early in the morning, they returned to an open sepulchre; its stone rolled away. "He is not here" was said to them, "but He is risen".

Ever know that the events that had to take place in your life would make for a bad week. How did you go into it? How did you survive? How did you come out of it?

Our Lord and Savior knew what lay ahead of Him. He did not shy away from it. He continued to encourage and teach. He prayed and was strengthened. He was forgiving and loving. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, you will be with me in paradise." He had the victory.

Please take time this week to reflect upon the cup and this Holy Week, even each specific day, and be blessed by the events and the lessons and the eternal truth and give Him your praise 'Hosanna, in the Highest; Blessed be the King who comes in the name of the Lord' and in obedience say not my will, but thine be done.

He used mine!

Our women's study is going through Max Lucado's Cure for the Common Life - Finding Your Sweet Spot; there's a book and a workbook. The workbook part is People Management International's exercise in finding what Max is writing about. Interestingly enough you find out a lot of stuff (or bring to surface things you knew) about yourself, making this possible. If you look at your S.T.O.R.Y, he says you can find your sweet spot.

Anyways, being in the study helped me to recognize such a situation. In online ministry, I met a believing navy wife who was dealing with a re-stationing of her family. I was able to connect her with a believing navy wife friend who not too long ago went through the same thing and is stationed at the new location. She now can have a friend and a resource. Though my friend is faraway, I know He put us in each other's lives for times such as these. The lady I met felt that things were falling into place and it was all by God's hand; she sounded just like my friend had when God had reassured her. The lady I met had peace about her move now. I felt that God had used mine; and that feels indescribably wonderful!

Early Morning Clouds

Surly nomadic clouds marched intently across an unlightened celestial plane, some darkened while others boasted of hope and expectation with a few subtly lined with promise. Their fleeting reign of purpose would refresh the land.

Norman invasion of paradise!

Look out Darrick and Jenn, the Normans are headed to Oahu in an Hawaiian hayze! We are excited. God is really blessing us this year with opportunities to get away from it all - and this one is just going to be me and the husband in paradise! We'll be celebration our 8th anniversary!

Don'tcha just love how the Lord just brings things together in your head in a neat little package wrapped up like a gift!

Sunday at Couple's study part of what we went over in Moments Together for Couples was Fathers as Servant-Leaders. Well with most this concept sat okay, but with some the discussion was discomfiting. It said:

"Serving his wife rounds out the husband's and father's role. Some men cannot understand the biblical definition of a leader as a servant. Even though He was Lord, Jesus said, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matt. 20:28).
As your wife's servant, can you name her top three needs? What worries her? What circumstances quickly put her emotional gas tank on empty?
Men, let me challenge you to lead, to love and to serve."

My wonderful husband was actually able to answer those questions. My point though is for devotion today I was reading Meyer's "Stooping to Rise" and he says:

When our Lord stooped to live visibly amongst men, He refused to avail Himself of the homage due to His original nature. He had been in the form of God, but was content to veil His glory, to assume the form of a servant, to be made in the likeness of men. In the cradle of Bethlehem, in the home of Nazareth, in the voluntary limitations of His earthly ministry, in His obedience to the death of the cross, there was the hiding of His power. He refused to use the attributes of His intrinsic Deity, that He might manifest the Love of God, that He might bear away the guilt of the world, and work out and bring in an eternal righteousness. Therefore He is exalted and bears evermore the name of Jesus---the Saviour of the world.
The Apostle says, let this same mind be in you; think these-thoughts; follow in the steps of Jesus. We must show a holy emulation as to who shall stoop the lowest, and follow the master the closest. The most urgent Matter for each of us to consider is not whether we are orthodox in our creed (though that is not unimportant), but whether at any cost we have the mind which was in Christ, whether at any cost to ourselves we are manifesting the love of God to those around us.

As any of us lead, this is so very important to incorporate into our walk to have any Godly success. Any who know my husband might raise an eyebrow or snicker (now stop that!) when I say he is such a man, because he definitely has a stand-his-ground, firm nature; but he constantly makes an effort to understand, please, and be a blessing to me. I realize too that Jeremiah 5 says the Lord is my Husband and so He initially set the ultimate example.

Thank you Lord for the gift of your Word, your Love, and for the gift of my husband.

Vacation Log

Havasu Vacation 20070309 – Friday’s Fiasco:

Friday we set off while the sun was still up after making a stop at Circuit City and then Best Buy for the latest Stargate Atlantis DVD Season set at Fry’s prices. Taking the 15 Fwy at Foothill, we didn’t even get past the Falcon Ridge onramp when we heard a funny sound in the car. Pulling over, we discover the car is running hot and the husband looks under the hood to find a lack of coolant. He walks back to the Target in that shopping center to acquire some while Jonathan and I sat in the car watching people pass by looking at us pathetically, and a lady was kind enough to give him a ride back.

Traffic had begun mounting and becoming somewhat desperate as people tried to make their way; a traffic accident was suspect due to the emergency vehicles and sirens we were encountering. Temperature levels return to normal levels, but the husband suggestdc we delay until morning and get the Caravan looked over by our reliable mechanic before setting off again – so home we go as he back very deftly and safely backs our vehicle off of the on ramp to the streets again, but this actually gives us an opportunity to re-assess our packing and include items we didn’t have.

Havasu Vacation 20070310 – Saturday’s Sojourning
The Caravan was given the once, maybe even twice, over by our trusty mechanic Joe and deemed trip worthy, so we set off once again. Previously our route was to be the 15 to the 40 as a safer and not as trafficked choice, but since it was now Saturday it was revised to the 10 to the 95. I had some frustration because we were taking off later than discussed, but the husband was so pleased with the safeness of the car. Down the 10 we set off.

Later I realized that the map directions I printed showed us taking the high road of the 62 north of Joshua Tree, so I then became angry with my self that I may have caused us loss of more time. But I realized it was possible to do it the way we were going. Then, I think the husband doubted my navigational abilities and we stopped in Quartzsite, (yeah, Arizona) to get a roadmap. We picked up a few things there, looked at a few things , used the restroom, then picked up some Popeye’s, and also stopped for gas before continuing. This became much more than the quick stop I anticipated. It is not easy sucking in exasperation, but I really wanted this vacation to be a success and mired by a sourpuss. I think I did rather well.

Our coordinates were established, nourishment attended to, we were once again on our way. I oftentimes throughout the trip offered to drive, but I think the husband actually enjoys the driving – or maybe he just doesn’t like mine? The remainder of the trip was might I say delightful? We headed up to Parker City with a big rig roaring down our back and shortly after caught a glimpse of the river to full blown wonderful sights. The youngest was a pleasant passenger throughout with only a couple of “Are we close?” The red rock that made up much of the mountainside and dirt around us carved into bluffs and wind-formed architecture was impressive. Before I anticipated, we were pulling up into our vacation destination – the Nautical Inn Resort and Convention Center.



The Inn boasts to be the only such property with a Colorado Riverside beach – the state owns all other land. So while you might get near lake accommodations in Lake Havasu – we were on AND facing the lake – home at last for the next 6 days. We tend to vacation in places with kitchenettes, so we come with groceries and equipment like the husband’s smoothie maker – all the comforts of home. Our first dinner, I had a salad with chicken, mushroom, and viniagrette dressing, while the gentlemen had rice and breast of chicken that had been already cooked and brought from home. It made the first day easy and comfortable and easy to settle in. And as a remarkable sun set on our day, so it began …. That let me say is the Prologue ;-)

Havasu Vacation 20070311 – Sunday’s Sabbath
We slept soundly. It had been a warm day previously and the week promised mid-90s. We missed the meet & greet Sunday morning free breakfast, but gladly had our own of cereal and such – I finished off 2 of the last 4 pieces of Popeye's. On our patio we overlooked the lake. The place was small, opening into a bedroom area replete with Jacuzzi tub which led you through a bathroom hallway with a separate toilet and shower and area and into a livingroom kitchen area. A sleeper was in the couch there which is where the young one retired. He and I took a walk around the property surveying our surroundings. Overall we did quite a bit of relaxing on the patio, took naps, watched Atlantis episodes and we went swimming.

We had church in our room considering Psalms wherein it advised the wiseness of adhering to your parents teaching and no listening to those who would lead you astray opening and closing singing praise songs. We hadn’t done that as a family for some time; it was a very nice time of worship.


We went back to the London Bridge (we had crossed over getting to our destination), singing the child’s song and walked around the quaint storefronts and restaurants there. There is a fountain which is used as a foreground of many of the postcard shops. On the other side back in the city we went to the store for smoothie supplies and stopped at MickeyD’s on the way back. We had a very full and pleasant day – we were definitely on vacation.

Havasu Vacation 20070312-15 – weekday unwinding
The rest of our days were much of the same – we swam, played badminton, made more trips into town and shopped a little, walked, hung out on the beach. The youngest made friends with a couple of families with kids and learned to swim t’boot! He went from saying he could swim to swimming both above and under water and retrieving items from the bottom of the pool. He has a collection of seashells to show for his time as well. The young one also was allowed to display his artistic abilities on the sidewalk with chalk colors. One of his highlights would be the spring breaker guys who spent time with him in the pool throwing a football. The young one had a spiral and a victory dance! Nicole I had time to read a book - Last Witness by Jilliane Hoffman.


Every timeshare use is not complete without the timeshare’s sales pitch. We went through that, actually considered it, and walked away with Lake money to spend. We ate out at Denny’s (where we had great service until we got to the abrupt cashier) to utilize some of it. Throughout the week we had waffles and steak and chicken dinners, hot links, taquitos and burritos, italian sausage and such with veggies, salad, rice or potatoes. Right now I’m going to have a lil’ dessert of sherbert.

It is difficult to say where the week has gone because it is nearly over. We depart tomorrow. I hate to see it come to an end, but we plan to make the most of it before we head back to a life all too familiar. I do know there were memories carved and precious artifacts gained beyond the young one's seashells. Now in a dually employed marriage and formerly long time single parent, there hasn’t been the pleasure of infinite hours to spend in the formation of who my children become – each moment has had to be selfishly maximized to bring forth fruit. To have the time to languish in being with the young one and developing who he is and really have an opportunity to appreciate it. Spending time with both his parents, We had conversations on our walks, he became able to know the 10 commandments, examine nature, swim, have long badminton volleys. He is a precious child. Thank you Lord.


Most precious of all was to have the husband with me. In these busy days of ministry, school, work, parenting, household, he often feels lost to me, coming home to change from one hat to another some heavier than others – often wearing severally simultaneously and interchanging as he goes – a most efficient juggler. But he came home to me this past week. We’ve committed to make more of these times. We can’t always change the commitments that are pressing on our lives, but we can make a way to find each other in them. This was our period of rest; thank you Lord.

Havasu Vacation 20070316 – Friday Finale: the Epilogue
I had a skin care clinic at 8:30 so I jumped up, ate a quick breakfast and headed over to the First Cabin Club trailer. We played with Mary Kay make-up and I left with a golden summery look that enhanced the tan my body had acquired in this 90 degree weather. When I got back to our room full-fledged packing was going on. But before getting too heavily involved in that disheartening task, I went over to the gift shop and purchased the summer dress I had been eyeing all week with the remainder of our lake dollars – something to take home with us. Then I went into a packing frenzy. We were ready in short order – a icon of teamwork. We checked out and took the long road off the premises back to highway home. Our route was the inverse of the original one – the 95 to the 40 to the 15.

We stopped in town for a few supplies and MickeyD’s for lunch on the way. And we were in California (we knew because the gas prices went from $2.59/gal. to 3.59 per gal. for unleaded) and going through the long and uneventful Mojave desert passing through Needles and Lodi and the husband noted the location for the Disney-Pixar movie Cars. We scooted from Barstow on home bringing a wonderful vacation to and end ... until the next adventure.

Signing off...the Nomads of Normandy

No waste!

Snatching a minute to blog while the youngest is getting a haircut. Yay; its not me doin’ it! Fantastic Sam’s had a coupon I’m taking advantage of. So, three days into March, I need to wrap up February.

Maybe, I’ll back my way into it…
We are six days (and 7 nights) from a week long vacation – haven’t done that in years (about four now), so I am eagerly looking forward to it – Lake Havasu to see the London Bridge! The youngest (the one getting the haircut) is off-track at his school for the entire month – so he is traversing with us. He doesn’t likely remember the trip he took with us to Orlando before he was two. Also he is getting an award at school on Tuesday (the last day); he got one last month (to our chagrin, we missed the information on that one) too. The proud parents will be there.

It’s been a busy time the last week and I’ve worked hard on weight loss (I didn’t say I’d never talk about it!); have you noticed the progress? It’s been an up and down proposition, but I think it is beginning to pay off. I’m using the trip as a quick short term goal, just because I can.

In that light and in general, I’ve been struggling with discouragement – you may have noticed in my last post. I’m basically a positive person and feel like my atmosphere has been an increasing reminder of negativity. I was reminded today however that God doesn’t waste anything – so there’s a purpose for everything – that’s the positive. I looked high and low for that and He gave it to me today.

I haven’t seen my brother since before the new year – who lives what – an hour away – but where is the time to travel into traffic and return in traffic with so much stuff going on – meetings and engagements - so many plans gone awry. It’s hard to get off of a moving carousel. However I decided to take the award day (above) off and kill two birds with one stone. I should be able to spend time with my brother and still get back before traffic escalates.

Had my second 9/80 day off last Friday and I spent that one trying to kill other birds. The eye doctor’s office informed me it had been since September since I was supposed to pick up some contacts – that one’s off of my ‘to do’ list. Tried to make use of a gift card on trip essentials, but didn’t see anything of value. May have to fit that in later this week – it was an excuse to go back to Victoria Gardens.

Missed my friend's Gold Canyon candle party, but I have some goodies ordered! Cathy and Lee have been battling her life threatening disease and by God's grace they’ve won; praise God. That was so good to find out. Talk about renewing leases – the lease on life is the most profound. As believers, its nice to be able to approach it knowing that the equation is going home or finishing His work here. I'm continuing in prayer for her job. God is good! The Ace was able to get her son into the preschool program she had waitlisted an year. By the grace of God she was the last one in on a first-come/first-serve 6AM enrollment call. Yes, God is good. And her husband is able to be back at work for which we’ve all been long praying. I know the re-adjustment may be hard. But for God, there’s no waste; everything is for a reason. The prayer list seems partiularly long these days, but no prayer is wasted with God. In that vein, we are continuing in prayer for my husband's life-long friend's wife who's diagnosis of cancer does not look good for their family of four little ones and for all those who we know have family battling this disease and those unknown. God be with them all!

Our women’s study has started a new book and we are all excited. It’s Max Lucado’s Cure for the Common Life – the cover has two beautiful short haired lab like dogs lazing on the couch. If we are peculiar people, certainly an uncommon life should accompany us. There is a workbook that we are making our way through. Our group is going to kick off a monthly Saturday study in April as well and the First Place study is seriously being considered; I’ve ordered the group starter kit to initiate it. There is much to look forward to.

Most of all I am sooooo looking forward to our vacation. The place is right on the water with beach and pools, lots of activities in and around the area – gotta talk to a man about buying a bridge ;-)

My, he looks handsome with his haircut; time to go!

a discouraging word

It's been a lil bit and I'll catch things up shortly; this is just a quickie.

My friend posted about who we should esteem which lingered on the brain. I sure wish I had her reading time *sigh*) Anyways, silly enough, that song home, home on the range has been rattlin' around in my head as well, particularly the words where never is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day. Where you treasure is, there shall you heart be also. My range and my heart are with God. I need to remind myself of that when I hear a discouraging word and go home - a place of comfort, correction, love and encouragement - and have a heart to heart with my Abba Father.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us _{Heb 12:1}

life swapping?

I've done something along this line before but this tangent is stimulated by watching the last airing of wife swap - the families involved were a farm 'au natural' food (even raw meat) and life style vs. the eating out metropolitan lifestyle. I thought it commendable that one family being white and the other black didn't seem to factor in.

I'm not sure what the entire premise of the program is, but what I saw was 2 wives swapping having at first to live the other lifestyle and then to expose the other family to theirs. I was appalled at the dynamics that went on which I guess is what sells the show. Both sides were so imposing, judgemental and self-righteous.

I thought about if as a christian I had to do this with say a satan-worshiping family, what would I (reflecting Jesus) do?

• Their time: I can be amongst them. While Lot did not do it successfully because of his motivations, Daniel and his cohorts were very successful not without challenges - great example of how to be amongst those who had not their understanding. Such as with the tax collector who became His disciple and the woman at the well, Jesus, Himself, was willing to be amongst the dregs of society. Their motive was pleasing the Father.
  
  While having understanding and not being judgemental, they were non-compromising. This very approach will lend acceptance to what would be my time, God willing. Meanwhile there are places I am willing to go because greater is He and at the same time I must maintain my aim to glorify God just as Daniel did when he changed not his diet.- I would lean to Him for the discernment.
  
  
• My time: In reverse context whatever I can allow myself to do with them, I can request in like kind they participate within the practice of my faith. So there are things I would ask like that they attend church. But I can not impose my beliefs on others! I can only live the life and provide an example of its blessings.

I was really crushed by the pain invoked in the cross exposure done in this television program. Certainly this was not the purpose of the Cross. I guess these things disturb me.

God Help me to reflect you in your brightness of light and not as such that can only be gleened from desperately squinting into the darkness. Selah.

marriage seasons?

I found a quiz on Which Season of Marriage are you in? - you might find it enlightening. Enjoy and let me know what you discovered, if anything.

My results were:

Based on your score- your interpretation of your marriage indicates your marriage is predominantly in Spring. In Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The Four Seasons of Marriage ... the emotions of Spring are: excitement, joy and hope. This is a season that is very satisfying.

in celebration of an 18 year Anniversary

We know some kewl people that have withstood the test of time. I was listening to the morning show on KDAY this morning (okay, I think Steve Harvey is, although quite colorful, a hilarious and often inspiring christian) - and nephew Tommy's tip was glamorous does not go with ghetto.

Why they make me think of that I don't know - but I think some people try to move away from difficult times to better days, and they just bring the difficulties with them. The gist of it is our friends have seen harder days and struggles, and not that it's all glam now, but they are certainly going from glory to glory to glory!

Congratulations dear friends on your Valentine 18th Anniversary! You know who you are ;-)! May the Lord bless your lifetime of love! Here's to ya - One Life/One Love!

It's not 'Heavy'; It's my journey ...

dumb title, huh?

Well, I may have gotten a little fitness heavy ha! ha! So I've moved my Journaling the Journey wellness commentary to sparx. There's a link at the bottom with my progress charts in addition to the one embedded here. Thanks for all of the support I've received!

But meanwhile I wanted to make my final comment (applause! applause!) that my waist measurement has decreased 1.5 inches. So when you look at that curvy line on the bottom graph, keep that in mind :-)! If I were the Sphinx of the Mystery Men I might say sometimes, to go down, you must first go up! Now that's progress!

He's eight!

Our little man turned eight Sunday. Has it been that long? Where have the years gone? Every child's birthday I wonder, reminiscing on Sunrise Sunset. But I think we still have many years of growing up to look forward too! :-)

At church, Elder Mike said his gift to him was a prayer; that was indeed very special. He received presents from the family and was quite delighted. And ...we used his birthday coupon at Red Robin's! He got a free entree and dessert. He was full to bustin'!


Happy Birthday! We love you!

faithfully fit

My Ace, ever accountable, was telling me about a weightloss program that has a christian perspective. While I was looking for it, I came across this little gem of a workbook: Fit 4 Fitness - it comes from LifeWay's weight-loss and wellness program and provides devotional materials and exercise suggestions for a 12-week health and fitness emphasis.

The comprehensive program, my Ace, was telling me about is First Place (you know, where God is supposed to be) uses a support system incorporating Bible study, scripture memory, prayer, healthy eating and exercise. The overall program comes replete with audio tools, accessories and more, and has its own even more comprehensive site. This approach is a study we are looking into taking on.

Meanwhile there is a lot out there from this perspective - check it out if you are interested!

Essentially most of these materials focus on keeping our minds stayed on Him causing the rest to come with it.

fitness finds

well while not making a lot of progress, weightwise, I am encountering a lot of information and achieving an increased awareness. Here's just some of it:

Sparkpeople is a site with a comprehensive health and weightloss focus. I am normzrib there, as I am known many places. The site allows for goal tracking and breaks it down to eating and exercise - with health tips on key areas like diabetes and hypertension. A profile is created and one can be as thorough as one wants to be; but it provides insight to a person's goal as an individual and not just blanket remedies. Exercise programs can be set up based on individual focus, etc.

There are some tools I added-on to my google page.

Calorie Counter - it is neat to have on the page, but is essentially something that can also be done on the Sparx site. It keeps track of the calories eaten at each meal and gives you a total for the day against your desired total. On Sparx however you will get an ever more detailed breakdown as to your daily requirements and accomplishments.

On the Google 15 (odd name) one can log weigh-ins (I may have mentioned this one before) and see a graph of the progress similar to the tickers at the bottom of this page and also a summary. I find it doesn't act right all the time, but still is rather neat (i'll be using that word a lot - somewhat similar to kewl.

My Workout Routine actually helps you develop a workout routine similar to that on Sparx - based on your settings.

There's a Daily Nutrition Checklist that is based on your weight, activity level among other settings and it indicates your caloric, sugar, and fat limitations, and provides a means to track your consumption.

One the internet, itself I've found a few things besides the comprehensive Sparx page.

a comprehensive calorie counter for when you want to look items up.

a healthy body calculator that tells you a lot about yourself based on your answers. It would prove useful to repeat sometimes and gauge what progress has been made.

an interactive menu planner from which you can determine meals based on planned calories

a Body Fat Estimator - aren't you just dying to know what that is?

Well that is the tool tip for now; I'm going to join the husband in the jacuzzi, well deserved after a 20 minute aerobic time and 30 minute gym workout. Yes, its here and put together that day!

If I've been repetitive on any of these things, forgive me. I like some of these tools because they provide perspective - I've eaten this much entirely or of this so I only need to eat this much now. I'm on track with water. I've done these exercised focuses; I need to do these.

But I don't want to get anal. The real perspective is making this all second nature, achieving my goals and getting on with my life. As God wills, it shall be!

super nachos bowl recipe

I'm not good on amounts so gauge your ingredients.

Ingredients:

• chicken - I used boneless chicken breast
• tortilla chips - buy a party bag and you'll have some left over
• frijoles (refried beans) - I used 16 oz. You can buy spicy or not, fat free or not - you choose
• velveeta cheese - recommend the mexican flavor, or regular or 2% milk - 1 or 2 of the smaller package - or a mix (just like I did the beans)
• one jar of salsa - at least 8 oz.
  
• For additional toppings, you may want: sour cream, guacamole (don't buy the cheap slimy looking ones), serano peppers (tip - never wipe your eyes after touching them) sliced if you want to be able to find them or diced or olive (I abhor those and don't use them myself)

Preparation: The meat - I did this the night before and then stored in a baggy overnight. Slice up and stir fry the chicken (with a little olive or canola oil). Season as you choose - I used garlic powder and cilantro. You can also use taco seasonings. Just monitor your flavoring - you don't want everything spicy flavored. The key is to enjoy the unique tastes of things.
The cheese - melt it or cut in small squares for spreading.
The spread - use the largest microwavable plate you have and cover the bottom with chips. Proceed to layer the rest of the items (excluding the salsa, guac and cream - these do better not being microwaved). Alternate chicken, dollups of beans, cheese either poured or pieces spread, and the optional pepper slices, and then repeat the layering process until you reach a reasonable microwavable height.
The melt - then heat in the microwave in the oven until you see the cheese and beans soft and sizzling.
The presentation - you should have a mountain of chips that can be selected covered in the toppings. You can add dollops of the sour cream and guacamole, or you can provide individual dishes of those that can be applied according to individual taste.
The alternative - you can make individual servings creating saucers of the layered items to be microwaved and handed out. This is easier for individual eating, but takes more time serving. There's a lot of room for creativity.

Hope you enjoy. It was a rave at our superbowl party.

Released just in time for the pro-bowl the basketball all star weekend. ;-) Enjoy!

into February ...

A week into February - where did the time go? Life has been a many splendored thing!

• Well, thank you Brown, the package has finally arrived to stay - today! It wasn't in the best of condition, this delivery; but workable - so it gets to stay. The husband is at home and maybe the giant too - I wonder if it'll be put together by the time I get home. The giant didn't get the job from the last interview, but has some more set up - keep him in prayer. The floor is matted. The exercise bike is in place. And today I am a pound less than last week. It's time to step up the program!
• The 9/80 work week started and is going pretty well. I had my first Friday off last week. I used it to wait for people like housecleaners, service people, and school principals - oh joy. But more progress was made on the garage - and more things given to Goodwill and the Agape House. The next day off will be a 4-day weekend as the following Monday is a holiday - how kewl!
• The husband has wooed me to dinner a few times - we have patronized Tony Roma's again and also went to Chili's. At Tony's my eyes were so much larger than my stomach. I brought half of those ribs home.
  At Chili's I just love their Chicken Crispers. Again, I think the effects of working toward weight loss was reflected, as I couldn't begin to consume all of the food. But this time maybe it was because I over-ordered ;-). With a main course you can get a side of ribs for $5.99. Who could resist that? And then those onion blossoms! I couldn't even order their delicious mexican eggrolls sigh. But the good news is I dutifully packed up a lot of my meal for take home and dined on it over the rest of the week. Still maybe those bump ups on my weight loss progress chart are for a reason ...
  
• We had our annual superbowl party complete with tossing penalty flags into the middle of the floor and replete with food. And yet again, I did very well - one small plate of food even though I, yes me, made a dish myself - chicken nachos (recipe forthcoming). I was for the Colts, so very happy with the day's outcome.
• We must give homage to the youngest's godfather (picturing Marlon Brando in my head), a dear friend of ours - Happy Birthday Andre!
• Other dear friends of ours had an anniversary - Congratulations Aaron and Jody!
• The husband and I sensed a need to request a change for the youngest one's teacher. He had and absolutely wonderful teacher, Mrs. Zappe, in kindergarten. In 1st grade, Mr. Ferguson continued to challenge and stimulate him. But we are noticing signs of discouragement in the 2nd grade and not because the work is too hard. So after the principal did not return my 2 phone calls and a subsequent conversation I did have with the teacher (after 2 emails), dad took over the reigns and carried the baton from mom. They met today and if there is no improvement for the youngest, it'll be pressed even without relenting.
• The family room is getting a face lift - along with the TV the husband has been long wanting (no not a plasma!), I on the other had was able to adorn it with a lovely entertainment center. He was able to take advantage of 'after the bowl savings' and I snagged a no longer to be carried item before it disappeared into oblivion for a remarkable price that was only available until midnight the evening I spotted it. The wonders of the internet - I could still snatch it up even though the hour was late. It is now scheduled for delivery.

That's enough for a week into February; isn't it?

Cheers to 10 Years

Congratulations Lee and Cathy on the blessing of ten years of marriage!

Wallaby - a monkey's uncle?

Not! The face of Fontana is changing all of the time, but I never expected exotic to come to mind. At least in the animal arena, yesterday Fontana was put on the news map for a day with a wallaby on the ruse! (the puppy part is not easy to watch - sorry!)

Well, I'll be ...

A Race Run - Superbowl 2007

This year's Superbowl was noted for two african-american coaches contending for the championship. Not so highly touted was that the self-same two christian coaches (and by that I mean professing and living the life) were vying. Not only that, but the winning team was owned by a christian. After the game Deion Sanders greeted the winning coach as 'my christian brother' on his show. The winning coach gave honorable tribute to the contending coach. And for all that the team had achieved he gave honor to God. A year ago, his son had died at which time he shared that God would see his family through. Both coaches are known for their character and demeanor- the rare coach that doesn't have to raise his voice to lead his people.

While more and more, I see athletes stand for God in professional sports, never before have I see such an unadulterated witness and tribute to who He is! It was a joy to behold and a beacon to closet disciples everywhere to not be ashamed! Praise God! The question is not whether God favored one over the other. Rather the answer is that both coaches knew that, regardless of the outcome, God is able and to God be the glory! Hebrews 12:1.

On an opposite note, did you know the NFL took a stand against churches having Superbowl parties? Well, regardless of the outcome until the race is done, God is able and to God will be the glory!

Fitness Flash

Well, the dropped package is picked up on the day promised and the new gym order is being processed by Costco.

I was indeed right about hormones and have since lost 3 pounds. happy dancing!

KSGN, yesterday evening, was talking about partnering in walking; I might check that out.

So it goes.