Chez Kristen

A Tale of Two Kings

2011-12-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

This morning I listed to a sermon about pride. King Saul and David were both mentioned as examples. (Stories in First Samuel 13 and 2 Samuel 11-12)

What I find interesting is what happened next. King Saul doesn't appear to repent but instead continue further in the path of pride and eventually takes his own life and David takes his place as king.

When David is confronted with what he has done, David immediately responds to the realization by saying "I have sinned against the Lord." You can read in the Psalms of David's cries to God and his faith in his love.

"Hide your face from my sins and blot our all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:9-10

"I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." Psalms 52:8b

Both David and Saul sinned against God. But one king fell to ruin while the other forgiven was blessed with a part in the lineage of the Messiah.

What can we learn from this? Probably many things, but one thing that's worth considering is the state of the heart. Are we proud and always right? Do we refuse to accept God's words if the differ from what we want? Or are we open to God's leading and humble before Him? When we make mistakes do we admit it and ask forgiveness? Do we know God's character so that we can say like David, I trust in His unfailing love?

A good poem

2011-06-25T12:32:00.001-07:00

Out in the Fields with God

The little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds that play,
Among the lowing of the herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing of the birds,
The humming of the bees.

The fears of what may come to pass,
I cast them all away
Among the clover-scented grass,
Among the new mown hay,
Among the rustling of the corn,
Where drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields with God.

~ Louise Imogen Guiney ~

Judgement Day

2011-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to the same world that was here when I fell asleep. I checked Facebook to see if anything unique had happened in another country and was greeted with a post that said something like, "It seems the end of the world is not today."

I turned to my husband and said "Oh good, looks like the world isn't ending." Instantly I regretted my words.

I admit, I too have found the humor in the so called judgement day for May 21, 2011. After all, the Biblical math I saw that supports this theory isn't very solid. I've read some funny jokes on the internet.

But even as I find amusement in the sarcasm, I also feel my heart fighting against the laughter.

After all, just because his calculations and Biblical knowledge is off to me, we both still want the same thing. Wouldn't it be wonderful if God did come back today?

One day He will. And maybe He can use the publicity of this well-intentioned but misinformed event to ask the question of people across the world, "If God did return today, would I ready?"

One day, whether its today, tomorrow, or years in the future, the world we wake up to will be a decidedly different one. And that is cause for great joy for those who eagerly await His return.

Moments Before a Change

2011-02-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

There are times in life when you wish you could slow down the clock- suspend things where they are for a little longer.

The week before your wedding perhaps- more time to enjoy being engaged, to perfect the last minute details, to feel more prepared for the new phase of life approaching.

The last few days in a beloved city- more meals at your favorite restaurants, more chances to spend quality time with friends and family.

The last year before a child goes off to college- time to savor each little everyday thing that when they have left for school will bring joy and perhaps a touch of sadness as you remember them.

The last week of a decade. 29 sounds so different then 30. 59 so much younger than 60.

Where does time go? Some days it feels like time is ever before you stretching out with its immense possibilities.

Other days life and breath seem so fleeting. Each moment something to savor and capture. Some days you want to hold on for dear life to the present.

But life goes on. If we didn't graduate high school we might not meet that special someone in college. If we didn't move past pregnancy we'd miss the child's first smile, first bicycle ride, first prom date.

Life is full of firsts. It's also full of memories, traditions, and favorite activities and people.

And so we continue to live each day as it comes and trust our tomorrows and the story that is our lives with the One created us and makes all things beautiful in His time.

Joy

2011-01-08T12:53:00.001-08:00

As a Christian I have a lot of knowledge in my head about joy. And I understand many true reasons why we should have joy.

We've been saved, redeemed!

If God is for us, who can be against us!

Jesus has prepared a place for us and is coming back one day to take us home- to a place filled with such joy- our minds can only dimly comprehend how beautiful our new home will be.

Jesus loves me, this I know.

The problem then isn't necessarily with the knowing or believing but rather the feeling.

How do you connect your mind with your heart? How do you make this joy part of your spirit, your emotions, the face you portray to the world on days when you don't naturally feel it?

If this question were posed to me I imagine I could come up with some type of response. But for day I think I'll just leave the question as it is.

For though I am imperfect, though I don't have all knowledge for which I might desire, this truth I still know. Jesus loves me. For the Bible tells me so.

Thoughts for the new year

2010-12-31T09:24:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe we've reached the end of 2010. I probably say this every year, and every year it seems true. Time continues to flow on- days turn to weeks, weeks to months, and months to years.

This year I will turn 30. This doesn't seem possible. Yet when I think back on my travels, and time with family and friends, it does seem possible. I'm very grateful for the wonderful memories I've made and hope for many more!

Our pastor recently shared this verse from 1 Corinthians 8. "But knowledge puffs up while love builds up."

Truth is a wonderful thing. Proverbs is full of great verses on wisdom. Truth, knowledge and wisdom are important and worth seeking.

But without love, what do they mean? One can know all about God, but unless you know Him and love Him, what have you gained?

Knowledge can also divide. People can interpret words differently; ideas can be divisive.

But love includes, pursues, brings beauty and life. God's love shines into our lives and tells us who we are; it makes life beautiful.

So this year I wish for truth and wisdom, but most importantly I wish to increase my grasp of the height and depth and width of the incredible love of God. May this be your wish also.

Happy New Year!

Routines

2010-12-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

When I say the word, "routine" what kinds of feelings come to mind? Mostly positive, or mostly negative?

Most of us have some type of routine. Mine weekday morning routine involves hitting the snooze as long as possible, grabbing a yogurt on the way out the door, checking email at my desk, and making myself a nice hazelnut cappuccino at our coffee machine.

In the evenings, I often I come home from work, make supper, enjoy eating with my husband, and after the dishes are put away- consider what else we want to do with our evening.

When I think about these activities, so often repeated- I'm torn between the charm of the ordinary and the desire for the extraordinary.

There is joy in routines, in knowing what your day holds, in appreciating a hand to hold for prayer before meals and a favorite juice kept stocked in the fridge. There is pleasure to be found in every day life.

But there is also joy in the uniqueness of a day, in new discoveries, in new experiences. Sometimes it seems the mind longs for fresh air to blow in through it's windows.

So, as with many things in life, perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between. The balance of the routine and the new. And the things that are neither habit nor novice, but those that re-inspire our hearts and should thus be given more generous portion of our time.

Rhythms

2010-11-26T19:12:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving. We enjoyed mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet bread rolls, and pumpkin pie. The question is...why?

Why every last Thursday in November to we travel to each others houses and eat pumpkin pie and then often follow this large meal with football?

Who made the correlation of mashed potatoes and being thankful? Or football and pilgrims for that matter.

There are many history lessons I imagine one could teach in answering this question. But from the building blocks of history came traditions and cultures of today, sometimes changing form and meaning as time goes on.

We do these things because they are part of our annual rhythms. We know that after the last piece of pie is enjoyed, it's time to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. And there is comfort in these familiar rhythms. After Christmas comes spring with its new life and green trees and warm breezes. And then summer where we can enjoy Fourth of July picnics and trips to the lake. And then soon the cooler breezes will bring anticipation of fall leaves and the long anticipated pumpkin pie.

So here's to the these comforting rhythms and all the warm memories and new laughter they bring. As well as the blessing of each day and the many unexpected joys we receive along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dream

2010-04-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

I had a somewhat thought provoking dream last night. It was like a dream within a dream.

Where Jesus came back and all the 'saved' suddenly got wings. They were all excited and flying away, but then there were a few cut scenes that were sad. A wife was getting ready to fly away and then she saw her husband didn't have any wings. It was a sobering realization for her. And a co-worker became very upset with the Christian who hadn't thought to share the path to salvation with her. 'You knew and you didn't tell me?!"

The saved flew up to this huge building/mountain thing overlooking the world and saw all the people still left.

I don't know if this dream was given to me or was just a combination of whatever my brain was processing last night. But it did remind me of a couple things.
1. We should live our lives in such a way that others want to know our God. And we shouldn't be afraid or embarrassed to voice our faith when we feel the Holy Spirit move us.
2. One day God's people are going to leave this world. It seems so abstract and almost surreal now, but one day it will happen. We may not sprout wings. But we will go home. That dream is our hope and will at last be our reality.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Turnip Greens

2010-01-17T16:29:00.001-08:00

Okay...so I love country music but I keep hearing this song and it's just ridiculous. It's called something like Good Directions and Turnip Greens.

plot- Country boy is eating a pork rind selling turnip greens when a girl with Hollywood plates pulls up and asks for directions. She ends up coming back to him after meeting his Momma and drinking some of her sweet tea.

In order to make this song believable, here are my questions.

1. How hot is this guy?
2. What was in that sweet tea?

The Call

2009-12-12T07:08:00.000-08:00

The lamb came to him one morning. Called his name, invited him into His presence.
The man felt the warm call and thought about responding. And then he thought, this is just the sort of moment people wish for...and he wrote a beautiful worship song about it and many were blessed.
But the Author, he knew not.

The lamb came to him one afternoon. In the midst of a ski vacation, surrounded by powerful snow capped peaks, rugged and awesome in their strength. He noticed the untouched snowfall of the tallest ridge and felt a tugging of wonder at it's beauty. But then he thought about seeing his tracks on the snow and how he might best reach the peek so that he could ski down it.
But the Creator, he knew not.

The lamb came to him one evening, As the sun was setting on a beautiful day at the beach. His kids playing, his wife picking up the last of the flippers. The light shone, bright and warm across the sky, painting an incredible sunset. He was touched by the beauty and instantly pulled out his camera, hoping to capture it, perhapes even paint it.
But the Light, he knew not.

In our moments of inspiration..let us not forget the One that inspires us.

10 ways to take control of your health

2009-12-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

OrlandoSentinel.com
10 ways to take control of your health
By Julie Deardorff
Tribune Newspapers
November 10, 2009
CHICAGO

If you're ready to take control of your health, start by washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds, about as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.Doing this simple act, while avoiding certain behaviors -- smoking, excessive drinking and eating too much -- can dramatically improve your health, said internist William Meller, who specializes in evolutionary medicine in Santa Barbara, Calif.Prevention goes well beyond the mammograms, prostate screenings or blood tests that we can get at the doctor's office. It's the little steps you take that can keep you healthy."Ideally, prevention should also emphasize healthy lifestyles, a practice that isn't only health-conscious, but [is] inexpensive," said James Pivarnik, president of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Here are 10 easy ways to get started.

Take a walk.
Humans are designed to be on the move, Meller said. "Walking triggers all of our bodily systems: digestion, stress relief, thinking and preparation for sleep."It's easy, simple, free and confers the benefits of exercise without the risk of damage from more energetic pursuits, Meller said. Walk every day -- barefoot is fine -- and get a pedometer to track your steps, shooting for a minimum of 10,000. Stay committed by setting walking dates with a friend.

Keep a food journal.
Writing down everything you eat can double your weight loss, according to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine."The more food records people kept, the more weight they lost," said lead author Jack Hollis, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research.Scribble down your dietary transgressions on a note pad, use an online food journal or send yourself text messages."It's the process of reflecting on what you eat that helps us become aware of our habits, and hopefully change our behavior," said Dr. Keith Bachman, a member of the Kaiser Permanente Care Management Institute's Weight Management Initiative.

Stop drinking soda.
Soda and other caloric, sugar-sweetened beverages have contributed to skyrocketing rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. But there's also evidence that drinking diet soda leads to weight gain. Researchers suspect that tricking the brain -- getting sweetness without the calories -- makes you crave more sugar than ever. Your best bet is to stop drinking calories altogether, said obesity specialist Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, founder of Ottawa's Bariatric Medical Institute, a multidisciplinary weight-management center.His most confused patients seem to be doing everything right but may have two glasses of milk, one glass of juice and one glass of wine a day."That's roughly 40 pounds of liquid calories per year," he wrote on his blog, Weighty Matters. Freedhoff's advice: Don't rely on beverages for nourishment."A well-balanced diet replete with fruits, vegetables and proteins should satisfy all of one's nutritional needs," he said. "Liquid calories are not satiating and in studies tend only to add calories to a meal."

Strengthen your muscles.
If you want to keep your muscles from weakening as you age, start strength training. It's "the only style of exercise that maintains and increases lean muscle tissue and burns between 22 and 36 calories per day," said personal trainer Jim Karas.He suggests starting with push-ups for the upper body and lunges and squats for the lower body. "Move slowly, and think about the muscles you are engaging. One slow set of 10 is all you need, but make sure to fail," which means you can't perform another repetition.

Chill out.
Stressed-out people are more vulnerable to colds and other viruses, they take longer to recover from illness, and they gain more weight than their relaxed counterparts, research has shown.We also know that "the inability to feel in control of stress, rather than the stressful event itself, is the most damaging to immunity," wrote Joan Borysenko in Mending the Body, Mending the Mind.Another stress expert, Debbie Mandel, likes to lift weights when her stress levels creep up. "Then I'm ready to reframe negatives into positives to turn stress into strength," said Mandel, the author of Addicted to Stress. In addition to exercise, deep-breathing techniques, meditation, tai chi and yoga are proven stress relievers.

Eat out less.
We often use restaurants in the same way our parents used supermarkets, one of the main reasons for the dramatic global rise in chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, Freedhoff said."Nutrition and calories aren't intuitive," he said. "When restaurant salads can have more calories and fat than a Big Mac, you know you're putting your health at risk. You'll save more than your money by eating meals in. You might even save your life."

Be a social butterfly.
Human beings are social creatures, if only because we need to reproduce. But research has shown that joining a club or sports team, belonging to a church group or keeping in contact with friends creates a sense of social identity that can help significantly reduce your risk of having a stroke, dementia and even the common cold."We do not outgrow our need for others," according to the MacArthur Foundation Study of Aging in America. "Loneliness breeds both illness and early death."

Get some sleep.
Sleeping well is the single most overlooked factor critical to good health, especially during the flu season, said sleep specialist Dr. Rubin Naiman, an assistant professor at the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine. But because focusing on doing all the right things before bed can make it harder to sleep, Naiman suggests lightening things up, perhaps by watching comedy on television before bed."Too often sleep is approached with an anxious mind and heavy heart," he said. "Laughter is good medicine -- and good sleep medicine. I recommend it over sleeping pills."

Eat whole foods.
Whole foods -- fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs and whole grains -- are unprocessed and unrefined and typically don't have added sugar, salt or fat. They often have a low glycemic index, which means they don't raise blood sugar and insulin levels as quickly as processed foods.Choose a baked potato instead of French fries, eat whole wheat bread instead of white bread, or start the day with oatmeal, rather than a sugary breakfast cereal."I eat as many fresh veggies and fruits as possible and stay away from anything in a bag, a box or a can," said Yvonne Conte of Syracuse, N.Y., the author of a guidebook to living a happier and healthier life. "When I started this, I lost 22 pounds. And it has stayed off. Best thing I ever did."

Find your passion.
Do things that bring meaning to your days, said Patricia Boyle, a neuropsychologist in the Alzheimer's Disease Center at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, whose research has shown that having a higher purpose can reduce the risk of death among older adults."Purpose is cognitively stimulating, and this is very much along the lines of the adage 'Use it or lose it,' which certainly has merit," said Dr. Thomas Perls, director of the New England Centenarian study.

Tumeric

2009-12-04T08:44:00.001-08:00

I was listening to the John Tesh radio show and I heard about this spice that is supposed to help with a lot of disease prevention.

At the end of this post is a link to an article about it but I've included some of the points below.

"The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease."

It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
Is a natural liver detoxifier.
May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

How to Live in An Enchanted World

2009-11-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

I came across this blog and wanted to share. I think it's inspiring.

How to Live in An Enchanted World

I live in an enchanted world. The secret can be summarized in one word: Marci. That is the name of the woman I loved and married, in 2004. I cannot wait to get up, every morning, at the prospect that I get to spend another day with her. For she creates an enchanted world all around her.

Marci grew up in another country, and another culture. She is exquisitely different from any one I have ever met in my life. I ponder every day what makes her so delightful to live with. So let me describe her character to you, but I won't say it's about her. I'll say it's about us, or what we could be, since I beieve these are things she had to learn, and therefore these are things that we can learn, if we want to live a more enchanted life:

1. Prize Innocence. We seem too often to prize worldliness, the person who has seen it all, done it all, and drained life of its wonder. In an enchanted world, you prize innocence: the people who have no cynicism, but believe the best of every person they meet. Remember, when Jesus was asked who was the greatest in his kingdom, he set a little child before them. Keeping the little child in you alive is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. Believe, as children do, in an invisible world around us. Filled not with dreadful dark and terrible things as the popular books and movies of our time would have it, but with invisible creatures of Virtue and Beauty, as the best of faith would have it.

2. Treat every day as the first day. Even with the partner you have lived with for ten thousand days and nights, treat each new day with them as though it were the first time you've ever seen them. That means, tell them each day what you delight in, about them. Never grow tired of saying "please" and "thank you" each time they do an act of kindness that makes your life better, on down to simple tasks like cooking and making the bed. Hold them, touch them, hug them, and laugh with them each day, as a child would. You know the respect with which you treated them when the relationship was new; treat them with the same respect, on the ten thousandth day. And expect the same in return.

3. Always be curious about the people you love or treasure. A scientist is walking by the seashore. Suddenly she sees a creature she has never seen before, in her life. She decides she will not capture it, but simply spend some weeks studying it, to see just what it does: how it survives, how it spends the day, what it eats, what its relationship is with other creatures, where it goes at night, how long it sleeps, etc. In an enchanted world, you must approach each person, and most particularly your partner, with this same curiosity. Day by day, you observe them, not judge them. You try to find out the laws that govern their being, and their life. Example: ¥ou are married to a writer. The writer seems to take two weeks each time they need to write a piece, before they actually start writing. You note this, not try to change it. You do not say to yourself, "Oh, she's got writer's block, and I've got to get her over that." You simply observe: "Oh, she takes two weeks before she gets going." This observation never ends. You are living with a creature you do not know. Do not lull yourself into thinking you do. This creature is constantly evolving, changing. You want to know more about the laws that govern your partner's being this year. Always, in an enchanted world, it's "Oh, this is who they are," not "Oh, I've got to change them." But there is a paradox here: often, by just studying who they are, you will help them change and grow without a word from you.

4. Go through Life determining to be fun to live with. You know, we have so many goals when we are in a long-term relationship, marriage or whatever: to be forgiving, to be gracious, to be ioving, and kind. We often forget the most essential goal, the one that creates an enchanted world: that you be fun to live with. Just that. Nothing more. It's not that hard. If you're puzzled, and you think it is hard, recall someone you know who is loads of fun to be with. Don't just try to fake being like them, but make a list of what makes them fun. That will give you something to work on. Here are my hunches: lots of laughter, showing an interest in you, immense playfulness that is also kind, having an optimism about people and things, not brooding about things, looking forward rather than backward, able to keep people entertained, and the creme de la creme, able to make occasional funny comments about things. That you can cultivate in yourself. But most of all the key is simply that you want to be fun, to live with.

5. Prize Beauty. An enchanted world is a beautiful world, above all. To live in one, put as much beauty into your daily life, as you can. It's up to you to say what that means. For some it is flowers. For some it is music. For some it is nature. For some it is art. For some it is decoration of the place they live. For some it is the way they dress, and the jewelry they wear. For some, it is all of these things. In an enchanted world, however, it is inner beauty radiating from the face and soul, that is the greatest beauty of all.

6. Lastly, an enchanted world is a place of endless gratitude. Nothing is taken for granted. Everything is offered and accepted only with gratitude. Endlessly. To and from your partner. To and from your family. To and from your friends. Strangers. Everyone, including above all the one who created us. In a world where it is considered the height of intelligence to criticize everything, it is enchanting to be thanked often. It is enchanting to give thanks often. Why settle for a dreary complaining existence when you could have an enchanted one?

Well, there it is: a description of Marci. A description of you. A description of an enchanted life, where you just can't wait to get up each morning.

I wish each of you a more enchanted life. Even if it's not named "Marci."

Source- http://jobhuntersbible.typepad.com/

Out of Energy?

2009-11-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Here is an article I found about increasing vitality. Any thoughts or comments on this subject?

Out of Energy?
See nine things that zap your vitality and how to get it back
By Denise Schipani Posted October 09, 2009 from Woman's Day; November 3, 2009

It’s 3 p.m.—do you know where your energy’s gone? You probably expect to feel that late-afternoon drag, but you don’t always have to. Turns out, some of your regular habits may be sneakily zapping your zip. Fix some or all of these energy stealers, and you just may be feeling brighter this afternoon.
Energy Zapper #1: Being Addicted to E-mail Isn’t being wired to the hilt—e-mail, voice mail, IM, BlackBerry— supposed to boost productivity, freeing up your energy? More often, the opposite is true. If you continually halt what you’re doing to answer e-mail, check voice mail, and attend to a thousand other beeps and blips, your attention becomes diluted, which leaves you feeling depleted.
There are two things going on here, says John Salerno, MD, a New York City family physician and director of the Salerno Center for Complementary Medicine. “The brain needs a lot of physical and mental energy to multitask, which gets drained,” he says. And continually redirecting your attention from the BlackBerry to other stimuli siphons more energy and distracts your brain further.
Energy Fix Switch off electronic gadgets during your most productive work hours, which for most people tend to be in the morning, says Laura Stack, author of The Exhaustion Cure. As for e-mail, try to limit yourself to checking it once every hour, instead of hopping to whenever it beeps. (Hint: Turn off the beep sound.) If something pops into your mind that you need to remember—call back your mom, e-mail the soccer coach about the snack schedule—write it down and take care of it later.
Energy Zapper #2: Visual Clutter We may be used to living in enclosed spaces with lots of stuff—a refrigerator door packed with artwork, a countertop laden with mail, a desk that’s little more than a shifting pile of folders and paper—but it’s not how we’re meant to live, says Dr. Salerno. “Clutter signals disorder, which makes us anxious. Our brains sense that anxiety.”
Energy Fix Do your best to clear visual clutter, so when you look around, your eyes can “rest” rather than dart from mess to mess, says Janice Ash, organization expert and owner of I Declutter!. Instead of layering papers on a bulletin board, leave a small border of space around them. Clear the front of the fridge of all but the most current kids’ artwork, and make a habit of leaving the kitchen counter stuff-free before bed each night.
Energy Zapper #3: Being BoredEver sat around for an hour or more not tackling a chore or work because it’s just so darned monotonous? Mental foot-dragging, boredom and lack of motivation are draining, says Dr. Salerno. “Put simply, we like to see results, and getting things done gives us a mental energy boost.” So avoiding tasks deprives you of that high.
Energy Fix Find a partner for encouragement—a friend, a coworker—and call or e-mail to enlist her in a time challenge. “Say, ‘I’ll check back in with you in an hour, and we’ll see if we’ve gotten these reports/ organizing chores done.’” Or promise yourself motivational rewards for completing the task at hand, suggests Dr. Salerno.
Energy Zapper #4: Poor PostureYou already know that not sitting or standing straight is bad for your body. But all that hunching over a computer screen or cradling a phone on your shoulder wreaks havoc on your energy level, too, says Pia Martin, a San Diego health and wellness chiropractor. “When you sit for long periods, you tend to slump forward, leading to rounded shoulders and a tilted lower spine. Your muscles contract, and blood flow is impaired,” which limits the amount of oxygen to your brain.
Energy Fix Sit up straight! Your legs should be at right angles to the floor, your arms at right angles to your keyboard. Be conscious of keeping your shoulders down, not up near your ears. Adjust your computer screen so your eyes gaze at the middle of it. And don’t just sit there—if you have to, set a timer to go off hourly to remind you to get up, stretch and get a drink of water. When you get back to your desk, do a quick posture check: Shoulders down!
Energy Zapper #5: Toxic Indoor Air Humming copy machines. Cleaning products. Dry-cleaning chemicals. Synthetic carpeting. Even the desks in your office may be contributing to the load of toxins you breathe each day, because all of them release chemicals into the air. “No one knows for sure how much harm these cause to our bodies, but they do build up over time, and can drain your energy by potentially interfering with thyroid function and overloading the body’s detox system,” says Frank Lipman, MD, a New York City physician and author of Spent: End Exhaustion and Feel Great Again.
Energy Fix Get outside. If you’re feeling tired, go out for 10 minutes to breathe fresh air. Indoors, cultivate houseplants, which are remarkably good at absorbing toxins. And don’t wear shoes inside the house—you’re dragging not just dirt indoors on your soles, but pesticides and other harmful chemicals too.
Energy Zapper #6: Eating Too Much at Once Consuming a big meal is always something that will cause a dip in energy later, but that effect is most noticeable in the afternoon because the slump happens at that reach-for-coffee-or-sugar hour: 3 p.m. Here’s what happens: You fill up on a carb- and calorie-rich lunch and, as nutrients are absorbed by your body, excess glucose is dumped into your bloodstream, and your body releases insulin to process all that sugar. “A better idea is to spread out what and how you eat throughout the day to keep energy levels steady,” says Gloria Tsang, RD, founder of the nutrition website HealthCastle.com.
Energy Fix Eat every four hours, instead of the usual six. To reform lunch, “try to brownbag more often than eating out,” says Tsang. It’s a fact that if you buy takeout or dine in a restaurant, you’re likely to eat more. Four hours after lunch, have a snack. If you’re going to eat dinner a couple of hours later, keep the snack small, such as half a turkey sandwich, or a yogurt and some crackers. Other ideas: Drink liquids (water, tea) all day. “Dehydration makes you tired, too,” says Tsang. If you usually have coffee right after lunch, try it a little later in the afternoon and make it a latte. The caffeine’s an obvious pick-me-up, but the little bit of fat and protein in the milk gives you a snack-like boost.
Energy Zapper #7: Living in Artificial Light Our natural body rhythms are keyed to the rising and setting of the sun, says Carol Ash, DO, medical director of Sleep for Life, a sleep-disorder clinic in Somerset, New Jersey. When you open your eyes in the morning and get your first glimpse of sunlight, your brain receives a signal that helps it set its sleep-wake clock for the day. Similarly, seeing sunlight during the day gives your brain a boost. So if you are awake before the sun, and/or don’t see much sun all day, your body is experiencing something a lot like jet lag.
Energy Fix Instead of hitting the coffee cart when you’re flagging, hit the sidewalk— the combination of physical exercise and a shot of sunlight will energize you. You don’t need much: “A 10- to 20-minute walk in the sunshine will give you a boost,” says Dr. Ash.
Energy Zapper #8: Listening to Negative Nellies You may be upbeat, but it can be exhausting to listen to complainers all day long, whether it’s the fellow mom who calls to trash-talk the neighbors or the coworker who never has a positive word to say. It’s not your imagination: A 2006 study at Chicago’s Northwestern University found that people forced to listen to “high-maintenance” colleagues became frustrated and unfocused, and suffered a decline in the quality of their work.
Energy Fix Insulate yourself as best you can. If a coworker loves to enumerate her complaints, cut her off with a firm but polite “I really have to get this finished,” then smile and get to work. She’ll get the message. If it’s your own negative thoughts that drag you down, train yourself to banish them by listing, daily, the things you’re grateful for, so you can pull out that list when the negative stuff intrudes.
Energy Zapper #9: Holding a Grudge It takes a surprising amount of energy to remember whom you have a grudge against, and to continually update the faults, missteps and things you’re mad about. “Resentment is a huge drain physically as well as mentally,” says Dr. Lipman. “Anger, resentment, grudges— all of these emotions are toxic, and we hang on to them in our bodies especially in tense, tired muscles.”
Energy Fix It takes practice, but try to forgive old mistakes. An easy way to start is to simply be aware of the times negative thoughts about others creep into your mind, says Dr. Lipman. “Think of others as flawed humans, which we all are,” which makes it easier to forgive—and free up energy.

Job Search article from Careerbuilder

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine you're a hiring manager, and you receive a cover letter from a job seeker that begins: "I am tired of writing cover letters." Rather than pick up the phone and call the person in for an interview, you're likely to discard the application.

You may be surprised to learn that the example above is real, and this applicant isn't the only one to inappropriately complain to a prospective employer. Here are some additional examples:
· "Argh! I hate job hunting!"
· "Life isn't fair. I should get paid for looking for a job."
· "I have received zero replies from my résumé. It's not me, though. I know that for sure."

While nearly everyone can understand the frustration of a prolonged job search, it's a big mistake to let your negative feelings show. Indeed, remaining positive can help you get hired. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work, relate well to others and aren't easily deflated by setbacks.

Here are some guidelines for conveying the right attitude to hiring managers:

When in doubt, leave it out

One individual who applied for a job wrote: "I'm not lazy, but given a choice between working for someone else, following orders and waking up to that awful sound of an alarm clock or doing what I want to do -- wouldn't any intelligent human being choose the latter?" Although few would be as blatant as this person, any amount of venting is likely to turn off a hiring manager. Make sure the focus of your résumé or cover letter remains on your qualifications. Specifically, what needs does the firm have, and how can you help fill them?

Be a team player
Another candidate had this to say: "I have a problem with dress codes. It will be difficult for me if I need to wear a formal button-down shirt for work because I don't have many of those types of clothes since I dress cool." Such candor didn't do him any favors because he was perceived as someone who has trouble following rules and interacting with colleagues who may have different opinions than his own.
The simple truth is that people want to hire -- and work with -- people who are easy to get along with and low-maintenance. Don't appear difficult by outlining your pet peeves. This extends to the interview as well, especially if it's over lunch: Don't give an overly complicated order; instead, make your requests simple.

Show your enthusiasm for the position
One company received a résumé from a job seeker who said simply, "I've never been all that excited about working." With an attitude like that, you can bet the business wasn't too excited about the candidate, either. Employers want to hire professionals with a true desire to work for their firms. Demonstrate your passion for the position by researching the employer before submitting your application and noting how your skills can meet the company's unique needs. For example, you may learn that the company is opening a new office in your area. Your experience helping to launch start-up operations could be valuable to the organization.

Impress in person

If you're called in for an interview, remember your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- will show during the meeting. Simple steps, like offering a firm handshake, sitting up straight, smiling and maintaining eye contact with the interviewer, will showcase your positive attitude. Small shifts in body language, like tapping your foot impatiently, or tone, such as sighing under your breath, can undermine your efforts to make a good impression.

Check in with others

If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, it might be worthwhile to get an outside perspective about how you're presenting yourself. Ask someone whose opinion you trust to review your résumé, cover letter and any other materials you will be submitting to hiring managers. A subtle negative tone can sometimes seep into your application materials without you noticing.

A job search can be challenging even in a good employment market. If you're feeling discouraged and having trouble getting motivated, share your frustration with close friends and family. Not only can they provide a good shoulder to lean on, those you know may have faced similar challenges themselves and be able to provide valuable advice for keeping your head high.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2040-Job-Search-Your-Bad-Attitude-Could-Be-Hurting-Your-Job-Search/?sc_extcmp=JS_2040_home1&SiteId=cbmsnhp42040&ArticleID=2040&gt1=23000&cbRecursionCnt=1&cbsid=6e27762f916a4c38bcbe2e132a5f6361-309614253-VS-4

A good quote

2009-10-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscaglia

Restoration

2009-10-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Deut 30:2-10

And when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. 5 He will bring you to the land that belonged to your fathers, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers. 6 The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. 7 The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. 8 You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. 9 Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The LORD will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers, 10 if you obey the LORD your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

The mirror

2009-10-11T08:10:00.000-07:00

I read part of the book "Walking the Dead" by John Eldredge yesterday and thought this poem by Yates was insightful. In my interpretation it's not really about make-up or vanity but rather about realizing that we were created in the image of God. As John writes, "You remember faintly that you were once more than what you have become. Your story didn't start with sin, and thank God, it doesn't end with sin. It ends with glory restored"

If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror
No vanity's displayed
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.

Benefits of walking

2009-10-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

Our wellness team sent out an email including the benefits of walking. I thought this was interesting.

BENEFITS OF WALKING
 Burns calories
 Strengthens back muscles
 Slims your waist
 Easy on your joints
 Strengthens your bones
 Lowers blood pressure
 Allows time with family and friends
 Shapes and tones your legs and butt
 Cuts cholesterol
 Reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes, & more
 Reduces stress
 Sleep better
 Improves mood and outlook on life
 Can be done almost anywhere
 Requires no equipment
 It's Free

Source: http://www.thewalkingsite.com/howtowalk.html

Good verse

2009-08-06T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Offer of Life or Death
Deuteronomy 30: 11-20

11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Gleam of Dawn

2009-07-17T20:38:00.001-07:00

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18

Good Verse

2009-07-13T06:32:00.000-07:00

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.

Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

(New International Version)
Deuteronomy 8:10-20

Choices

2009-06-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

There are times in life when we make big decisions. We have seemingly complicated choices and sort through pros and cons to figure out the best course of action.

But other times....for many of us...most of the time…the challenges we face aren’t monumental. But rather almost mundane.

Sometimes the choice we make is simply to get out of bed in the morning. To not hit the snooze button again. Sometimes we choose to push through a bad mood.

Sometimes we simply keep moving when we want to give up.We fight the voice of despair. Of temptation. Or pointlessness. Of boredom. Of unmet expectations. Or regrets. And maybe even the desire to just be a kid again...no responsibilities. No pressure.

But as it turns out these little choices we make add up to something of great significance. They shape our attitude, our personality, our character- our lives.

So my challenge to you and to myself is: enjoy life as deeply and as often as possible.
And when those heavy moments come- don't give in. At least not for long. Find little things to restore your joy. And keep going. As it turns out....shadows disappear in the light.

Ode to Poetry

2009-05-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend I've been reading some of the classic poems. For a moment I wondered if there was a point to reading through the word pictures, comparisons, etc when you could just say what you want to say. In today's culture we are very to the point. We like information and quickly!

And though simplicity and conciseness of words are something that I often appreciate and find impactful, there is something beautiful about these lines. A small peek into the thoughts of the author and the questions of his or her time. It's a different, sometimes slower way of thinking...yet often lovely and refreshing.

Here are a few poems I wanted to share

A red, red rose

By Robert Burns

O, my luve's like a red, red rose,

That's newly sprung in June.

O, my luve's like the melodie,

That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonie lass,

So deep in luve am I,

And I will luve thee still, my Dear,

Till a' the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,

And the rocks melt wi' the sun!

O I will luve thee still, my Dear,

While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only Luve,

And fare thee weel a while!

And I will come again, my Luve,

Tho' it were ten thousand mile!

The Lamb

By William Blake

Little Lamb, who make thee

Dost thou know who made thee,

Gave thee life, and bid thee feed

By the stream and o'er the mead

Gave thee clothing of delight,

Softest clothing, wolly, bright;

Gave thee such a tender voice,

Making all the vales rejoice?

Little Lamb, who made thee?

Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee;

Little Lamb, I'll tell thee:

He is called by thy name;
For He calls Himself a Lamb

He is meek, and He is mild,

He became a little child.

I a child, and thou a lamb,

We are called by His name.

Little Lamb, God bless thee!

The Eagle

By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

He clasps the crag with crooked hands;

Close to the sun in lonely lands,

Ring’d with the azure world, he stands.
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;

He watches from his mountain walls,

And like a thunderbolt he falls.

Preservatives

2009-05-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

So I have been attempting to eat more foods that are closer to their natural state or have less confusing ingrediants in them. However, this afternoon I had the realization that some preservatives are actually good for you and keep food from going bad. I came across this article regarding good vs bad preservatives from a men's health website and thought it was worth sharing.

The Good.

Preferred preservatives

The following preservatives are, according to the FDA, completely safe for consumption. They aren’t known to cause allergic reactions or adverse health affects when used in small quantities. Most are natural -- either squeezed out of Mother Nature’s products or built, chemical by chemical, to be just like them. And, believe it or not, some of them are actually good for you.

Vitamin C
That’s right, in addition to being an essential vitamin, a potential cancer fighter and a great nutritional supplement, good old vitamin C is a great preservative. The same properties that make it a super vitamin -- mainly its ability to keep oxygen from wrecking shop -- also keep foods fresh and colorful.Where it’s found: Because it does double duty as a preservative and as a vitamin, vitamin C (known by its technical name, ascorbic acid, on ingredient lists) is used in a surprising number of foods. It’s found in cured meats such as bacon and ham, for instance, and many fruit juices. It’s also put in cereal flours, jellies and preserves, canned mushrooms, and artichokes.

Citric acid
Citric acid is vitamin C’s cousin and is an equally impressive natural preservative and additive. As far as acids go, it’s pretty weak -- incapable of eating a hole in a tabletop, for instance. Still, it works wonders in food, where it helps to keep bacteria and mold at bay. Oddly enough, most citric acid isn’t derived from citrus fruits. It’s manufactured one molecule at a time by the mold -- aspergillus niger. The mold happily produces citric acid as long as it has a nice supply of sucrose (sugar). Citric acid is found naturally throughout the body and causes no side effects in 99.9% of the population. A very, very small portion of the population is intolerant of the stuff, but the condition is so rare as to be nearly nonexistent. Where it’s found: Citric acid is used extensively in soft drinks as a preservative and to enhance flavor. The acid adds a sour punch to whatever it’s in and turns up in many foods that need an extra sour kick. Citric acid is also used in some household cleaners to balance pH levels.A few more of the good and then we introduce you to the bad guys...

Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid
Nature provides some great preservatives. Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid, even though they sound like they were created in a laboratory, are two of the best. They are found in cranberries, prunes, greengage plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves and apples. Both compounds have great antimicrobial properties and are added to many foods to keep them from growing bacteria and mold. It can, however, give some foods a funny taste, so it is legally limited in the U.S. and other countries.Where it’s found: Sodium benzoate and benzoic acid are found in tons of products, including jams, relishes, beverages, dressings, salads, pie and pastry fillings, icings, olives, and even sauerkraut.

Sorbates
Sorbates are the superheroes of preservation. Tasteless, odorless and without side effects, they are used throughout the food industry. They include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, and calcium sorbate. Each compound keeps bacteria and yeast from growing out of control in many foods.Where it’s found: Because they’re so effective and nontoxic, sorbates are used in a wide variety of foods, including cheeses, dips, yogurt, sour cream, bread, cakes, pies and fillings, baking mixes, dough, icings, fudges, toppings, beverages, margarine, salads, fermented and acidified vegetables, olives, fruit products, dressings, smoked and salted fish, confections, and mayonnaise.

The Bad
Problem Preservatives

BHA, BHT Two of the most thoroughly tongue-twisting preservatives, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) have a dubious history. The two compounds are antioxidants, which means they keep volatile oxygen atoms from wreaking havoc on fats. They basically scoop up oxygen before it has a chance to make fat go rancid. Some studies have shown that these two compounds can cause cancer and tumors in lab animals, and there is evidence that some people have trouble metabolizing them. However, the compounds are also being tested as treatments for herpes and AIDS. Both BHA and BHT were banned in U.S. baby foods and were completely locked out in Japan, Romania, Sweden, and Australia.Where it’s found: You’ll find BHA where you’ll find fat. It can be in butter, meats, cereals, baked goods, snack foods, dehydrated potatoes, and other processed foods. It’s also used in chewing gum and beer.

Sulfites
Potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and sulfur dioxide
Cheap wine can give you a horrendous headache. Most wine aficionados will blame the pain on sulfites; preservatives that are added to wine to keep it from turning into vinegar. Unfortunately, these people are just perpetuating a myth. Red wine can cause headaches, but there is no scientific evidence that sulfites have anything to do with it. That being said, some people are legitimately allergic to sulfites. But for those people, the compounds cause asthma and other allergic reactions, not headaches. Because of this, the U.S. requires a warning label for foods and wine that contain sulfites. The country has also banned the practice of spraying sulfites directly on fresh fruits and veggies to preserve their vibrant colors.Where it’s found: Sulfites are found in all wine. They are a natural byproduct of fermentation and all winemakers across the world add some to keep their wine from spoiling. Sulfites are also found in dried foods and dehydrated potatoes.

Sodium nitrite
Here’s one more reason not to eat hot dogs: They contain sodium nitrite, which can form cancer-causing chemicals in your gut. Sodium nitrite is a salt that’s been used for decades to cure meats and fend off clostridium botulinum -- the bacterium that causes botulism. It’s essentially the ingredient that turns bacon and ham bright red. The compound can react with proteins in the stomach or in the frying pan to form N-nitrosamines, the cancer-causing agents. Thankfully, ascorbic acid or erythorbic acid is now added to cured meats to prevent the formation of N-Nitrosamines. Still, some people worry that the preservative can cause cancer regardless of this preventative step.Where it’s found: Sodium nitrite is found in cured meats, including ham, bacon, hot dogs, and some sausages. It’s also in smoked and cured fish.

http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt_150/181_eating_well.html

Keep Your Hopes Up

2009-04-24T09:01:00.001-07:00

Keep Your Hopes Up

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"And you shall be secure and feel confident because there is hope…"(Job 11:18 AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In the world today, it seems there are so many things trying to pull us down. Every time you turn around, you're being bombarded with bad news. Life can be difficult, but there is a peace that God can give you in the midst of the challenge. If you'll keep your hopes up and keep your mind focused in the right direction, you'll get to the place where you'll say, "I should be upset. I should be losing sleep at night. But I'm not the least bit worried. I know God is still on the throne. I know He's working this out for my good."
When you keep your hopes up, you eventually step into the anointing of ease. You don't drag around discouraged or despondent. You're in faith, hoping, believing, and expecting. That's when God will move on your behalf. That's when you'll look up and say, "You know what? I don't struggle in this area anymore. God took the pressure off. Things are starting to fall into place." You may not be there just yet, but there is hope! God who promised to deliver you is faithful, and He will lead you in victory all the days of your life!

Remember, appreciate, believe.

2009-04-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 53
1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground.He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Wedding Website!

2009-03-22T20:02:00.001-07:00

We have a wedding website! There will probably be additional information added so feel free to check back later too :)

http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/KristenMeyer&JoeHarmon

The Six Super Foods Every Woman Needs

2009-03-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Six Super Foods Every Woman Needs

The foods you really need to stay you healthy and strong

By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

From the food pyramid to the Internet to your local bookstore, there is certainly no shortage of advice on nutrition and healthy eating. But with all the media hype surrounding many “health foods,” it can be hard for a woman to tell the nutrients from advertising ploys.

“We are sometimes led to believe that a specific food is healthier than it really is,” says nutritionist Elizabeth Somer, MS, RD, author of Age-proof Your Body. “Or that you need some exotic or expensive form of certain nutrients to gain benefits -- and most of the time that’s not true.”

Moreover -- as happened in the '90s when low fat cookies made everyone temporarily forget about calories -- Somer says some of today’s advertising sways us toward one healthy aspect of a food to keep us from noticing other, less healthy attributes. “A product may advertise itself as ‘no cholesterol’" she says, “but it still can be loaded with bad fats or tons of calories. You have to look at the total food to know for sure.”

NYU nutritionist Tara Miller, MS, RD, agrees. “You have to read the whole label, look at all the ingredients and the portion sizes, before you know for sure just how healthy a food is.”

Or you can let us do the work for you! To help you zero in on the healthiest foods that women can eat, we asked a panel of experts for their advice.

What follows is a description of the six super foods they say every woman needs. While these foods won’t cover all your nutrient bases, incorporating them into your diet as often as possible can help give you a wide range of protection.

Super foods for women: What you need

Super Food # 1: Low-fat yogurt

Goal: 3 to 5 servings a week

What it does: As a health food, yogurt is almost as old as, well, good health itself. But experts say evidence continues to accumulate that reveals its benefits in many new and exciting ways. And not just yogurt. Somer tells WebMD that any fermented dairy product -- including kefir -- contains healthy “probiotics” -- bacteria with the power to protect you in myriad ways.

“There is a suggestion [that yogurt] may decrease the risk of breast cancer,” Somer says. ”And there’s very strong evidence it can reduce problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory digestive tract disorders -- both conditions that impact women more than men.” Additionally, she says, yogurt can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and vaginal infections.

Enjoy a cup of yogurt at breakfast, lunch, or snack to help meet the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation for three servings of low fat dairy each day. “It’s loaded with bone-healthy calcium -- something every woman needs more of at every age,” Somer says. One cup of yogurt has about 448 mg of calcium, compared to just 300 for eight ounces of skim milk.

The key, according to Somer, is to choose a low fat yogurt with live cultures -- like Lactobacillus acidophilus. And do check the label, Somer advises. Some store brands may not have the level of cultures found in more established brands.

Also important: Skip the fruit-on-the-bottom or other flavored varieties. “Too much sugar,” says Somer, who also reminds us that, no, those two blueberries on the bottom of the container do not constitute a serving of fruit!

Super Food # 2: Fatty fish -- like salmon, sardines, and mackerel

Goal: 2 to 3 servings every week

What it does: The healthy factor in fish is omega-3 fatty acids, and specifically two types known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

“Fatty fish not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats,” says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.

Some of those threats include heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, joint pain, and a number of illnesses linked to inflammation, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Somer says fish may even offer some protection against Alzheimer’s disease.

While many foods -- such as walnuts, flaxseed oil, and some mayonnaise brands -- claim the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, Somer cautions that only the DHA or EPA forms of omega-3 can be directly used by the body.

“What you get in foods like walnuts and flaxseed oil is an omega-3 acid known as ALA -- alpha-linoleic acid,” says Somer. “And while it’s certainly good for you, it requires a process in the body to convert it to DHA. And that conversion process can be influenced by a variety of individual factors.”

The good news: You are likely to see a wheelbarrow full of new products supplemented with DHA slowly making their way to market in the coming year. Currently, Kellogg is reportedly developing a cereal fortified with DHA, while a company called Nutri-Kids has already launched a DHA fortified ready-to-drink milk product. You can also find eggs fortified with DHA and, says Somer, certain brands of soymilk.

Super Food # 3: Beans

Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week

What it does: Low in fat, beans are a good source of protein and fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. Beans may also play a role in stabilizing female hormones, says nutritionist Susan Krause, MS, RD.

“Beans have been around so long that most people don’t view them as a fancy new health food,” Krause says. “But in fact, they are among one of the healthiest things a woman can eat.”

In studies published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers found that beans in general, and lentils in particular, may have some protective effects against breast cancer. In research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, doctors found a relationship between a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and a higher intake of legumes. Well known legumes include peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts.

As a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, Krause says, beans can help lower cholesterol, while their level of a nutrient known as isoflavone can help in the regulation of hormones and may aid with PMS, perimenopause, or menopause symptoms. Although soybeans have among the highest levels of isoflavones, other sources include red clover, kudzu, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts, black cohosh, and chickpeas.

“Beans also contain something called protease inhibitors, which may help protect against breast cancer,” says Krause. Protease inhibitors help slow the division of cancer cells and in this way may prevent tumor formation.

Last but not least, if you are in your reproductive years, beans can give you a steady supply of folic acid -- essential if you should become pregnant.

Super Food # 4: Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges)

Goal: 3 to 5 servings each week

What it does: The powerhouse nutrient in all these fruits is lycopene. And, according to Miller, while the headlines touted its protective effects against prostate cancer, more quiet research has shown it has tremendous health benefits for women as well.

“Research is starting to show that lycopene may protect against breast cancer,” Miller says. "And it’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help a woman fight heart disease.”

The very latest research shows it may also help keep you looking younger longer by protecting against UV damage from the sun.

Super Food # 5: Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice

Goal: At least 400 IUs of vitamin D daily

What it does: “Essential to helping the bones absorb calcium from the gut,” says Somer, “vitamin D helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may be vital in reducing the risk of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the breast, colon, and ovary.”

Indeed, recent studies from the University of California San Diego suggest that vitamin D has the potential to prevent up to one–half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer in the United States.

Somer tells WebMD that a growing body of research indicates many women may be vitamin D deficient. “A combination of staying out of the sun (which the body uses to manufacture vitamin D) and using sunscreen, which blocks the synthesis of vitamin D, has resulted in many women hitting a dangerously low level of this nutrient,” says Somer.

While Vitamin D is found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, experts say fortified foods, such as milk, are the best source.

Super Food # 6: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries)

Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week

What It Does: In a way similar to wine, these fruits may protect your body with powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyans, which are believed to play a role in cell repair. Krause says research shows anthocyans may decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract.

“These berries,” says Krause, “are also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which is essential for all women in their childbearing years. And they offer powerful anti-oxidant protection, which not only protects the heart but also may protect against skin aging, from the inside out.” Moreover, she tells WebMD that cranberries may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women, while the nutrient, lutein found in all the berries, can help protect vision.

You'll be there

2009-01-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Today I heard a song on the radio that caught my attention. While I may not agree with all the theology...I think it's a beautiful song about someone looking for hope. It reminds me of the words spoken by Thomas "Lord I believe, help my unbelief" Check it out.

You'll be there by George Strait.

http://music.aol.com/song/youll-be-there/6689046

Cool Lyrics

2008-12-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

One of my friends shared a Christmas song at our Bible Study last night.

The song is called "Cry of a Tiny Babe." I really like the imagry in the chorus.

Like a stone on the surface of a still river

Driving the ripples on forever

Redemption rips through the surface of time

In the cry of a tiny babe

Merry Christmas Week! :)

What do I really want?

2008-12-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

I subscribe to a "Crucial Conversation" newsletter and I thought I would share the advice for this week. The author talks about how generally peaceful people can become easily angered and violent due to the pressures of our economy. And he gives some advice for dealing with these people.

"So what do you do when someone screams in your face and tries to bait you into a fight—for no apparent reason?

I learned an incredible and helpful response from an alert reader in Brazil who had been car jacked in Rio de Janeiro. She had read in our book, Crucial Conversations, that one of the ways to take the violence out of a situation is to quickly establish mutual purpose, which she did. She looked at the would-be carjacker and stated, “You tell me what you want and I’ll be glad to help.” The surprised thief asked her to take him to the nearest ATM and withdraw the maximum amount of cash she could, which she did. “Now what can I do?” she asked. “You can drive me across town,” he answered. When the two arrived at the appointed destination, the thief didn’t take her car, just the cash. Most importantly, he didn’t hurt her. He actually thanked her for her cooperation and then fled. Now, the skills in the book were not intended to instruct on negotiating threats of actual physical violence—obviously the best solution there is to get out as quickly as possible. But in a situation where the reader was trapped, keeping her head helped her avoid some common and possibly fatal results.

Following this reader’s lead, when the crazed guy in front of the sandwich shop tried to pick a fight with me for almost dinging his car, I was prepared. I apologized profusely several times. I then established mutual purpose by asking him what I could do to undo the possible harm. Of course, there was no actual harm to his car, but I was willing to do whatever would appease him. Now remember, I was not trying to negotiate a fair settlement. I was not trying to save face in front of others. I was not trying to look macho or feel in charge. Instead, I was doing my best to avoid getting pummeled by a guy who looked both willing and able to pummel me. And, make no mistake; he had a plan for getting there. He wanted me to argue back. He wanted me to get in his face where he could then push me away from him and I’d invariably push him back—and then he would have me. Then he could smack me around because I had pushed him.

But I didn’t follow the screaming stranger’s nefarious plan. Instead I apologized, admitted to my thoughtlessness, and genially sought to make reparations. As a result, the fellow had no place to go with his anger. All that was left for him to do was to forgive me and send me on my way with a stern warning—which he did.

I know this message may seem a bit bah-humbuggy and far from the kind of gift you might expect this time of year. But then again, some gifts you receive are more practical than your standard dangly earrings or pungent aftershave. Sometimes you get a new security system or hefty new locks on the door. I’ve given you something you can lock away in your head. You may not need it right now, but one day when you’re climbing out of your car listening to Burl Ives wish you a Holly Jolly Christmas and you’re distracted just enough to let your car door swing a quarter of an inch too far—well, you’ll now know what to say and do. And that, I hope, will lead to a happy and safe holiday."

Great Verse!

2008-11-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

“Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring” (Hosea 6:3).

OR we could jump in the pool!

2008-10-30T17:25:00.001-07:00

I was on MySpace tonight and was notified that one of my friends had been tagged in a picture. I looked at the tagged pictures and came across the following. And had to share. I don't think any other words are necessary really.....

Bisous

2008-10-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

My precious kitty died this morning. She was the best kitty I could hope for and I will miss her. This poem is dedicated to her.

Precious Bisous, my little one.
Always loving, kind and fun.

I'm grateful for the time you gave
Unselfishly fighting, always brave.

I'll miss your greetings and soft gray furr
I'll miss the sound of your happy purr.

My little kitty, precious one.
Rest in Peace, Rest in Love.

Weighing Your Options

2008-10-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday!

I subscribe to a number of newsletters, but one of my favorites is Crucial Conversations. They describe difficult situations often submitted by readers and offer practical and non-biased ways to handle these issues and move forward in a positive direction.

I thought that the below story was especially good advice for anyone who is any a tough spot at work right now. It gives some good options for change, if you feel change is needed.

Dear Crucial Skills,

Ten of us are struggling with how to deal with the bad behavior of our boss. Most of us are contemplating leaving this really good company because of it. Two others have quit already because of the bad and even abusive behavior and told the HR director and CEO. Nothing has changed.

Signed,
What Next?

Dear What Next,

As I write this, the stock markets across the planet are on a roller coaster ride that’s bringing little joy to anyone. With that kind of insecurity as a backdrop, your question becomes especially sensitive. Even in the best of times, many people are reluctant to address concerns with their boss because they think it might put their jobs or their future opportunities at risk.

I would love to comfort you with our research that suggests if you practice crucial confrontations skills well, the odds of you being hurt by your attempt are quite low. However, your situation is a bit different. Your colleagues have already escalated this to HR and the CEO. You didn't mention that you have spoken to your boss directly—but for the sake of my response I’ll assume you have already done this (if you haven't, you need to step up to this crucial confrontation first thing). And still, after all these attempts, you’ve seen no change. What next?

You’re obviously in a very tough situation and your options are limited. But you do have options. Let me list them. You are in the best position to decide based on your perception of risk and your personal values which of these is the wisest choice for you. So, I’ll simply lay them out and hope considering them will assist you in making your decision.

1) Commit and cope. You could choose to accept the security of your current situation and cope with the abusive relationship. If you do so, I urge you to have the maturity to acknowledge that you are making this choice and not to blame your boss for behaving in the future the way he has in the past. You know what you’re signing up for—take it or leave it.

2) Give it up and quit. Second, you could decide that even an uncertain job market is more desirable than the certainly of a rotten work environment. Of course, it would be best to look around and solidify options as much as you can before making the leap—but if you’ve tried your best and can’t influence change where you are, change your address.

3) Escalate further and hope for the best. If there are ten of you who are dissatisfied, you have significant power to further escalate the behavior problems—provided you stick together. Though this may seem like unusual advice, I would encourage you to confront your boss as a group. Do it in as safe and respectful a way as you can (re-read Crucial Confrontations before acting). Limit your complaints to the one or two most salient ones and then detail what behavior you would like to have instead. Express your openness to changing yourselves if there are things you and your colleagues are doing that provoke your boss's bad behavior. But let your boss know that “no change” is unacceptable.

Before holding this discussion, share your intention with HR and the CEO. Ask them for their support. Ask them if you can report the outcome following the meeting. If they refuse to support your effort, then you must go back to options 1 or 2 above. If HR and the CEO will not support you, then either you are deluding yourself about the problem, or you are in an organization that is determined to enable your boss's bad behavior. It’s time to make a choice.

4) Prop the door open then escalate. Finally, you can combine #3 with a careful retreat plan. Shop around. Solidify some exit options. Be sure the back door is propped open and then take action to influence change.

Unfortunately, there is no easy solution. However, failing to clarify what you really want and not maturely choosing your best course of action will only add the misery of powerlessness to the dissatisfaction of abuse. Powerlessness is frequently as much fiction as reality. You do have options—and I urge you to exercise them to your greatest benefit.

I wish you the best and would be pleased to hear what you decide and how things turn out.

Warmly,
Joseph

Life

2008-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that's a rather intense blog name. In order to use such an impactful word....I should really write something deep, insightful, brilliant.

I'm not sure that's going to happen....but tonight I feel that melancholy pull to reflect and write and somehow express this small sadness I don't know why I feel.

Recently I heard a talk about growing up in God without growing old and the speaker said "How many are the children of God. How few are the friends."

Sometimes I feel like I could be a friend of God. But other times I feel like a little kid. I feel overwhelmed, challenged, sad, tired.... And I feel like I talk to God like I would talk to my dad when I was little.

I guess this is one of the many reasons why its good that God can encompass all roles. Sometimes we all need some milk and cookies and a big hug.

Why I like Country Music

2008-08-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

So this morning I was reminded of one of reasons that I like country music. It reminds me of the important things.

This morning I heard the song American Soldier and I thought about it. I don't understand the war, but I'm grateful that there are people who are willing to risk their lives to defend our Country.

Then I started thinking about the many songs that are played. Yes there are dumb ones and yes sometimes the tune is just too much for me, but there are so many good words. Reminders of important values. And even reminders of God.

Check out these lyrics:

"Well, I'm what I am and I'm what I'm not. And I'm sure happy with what I've got. I live to love and laugh alot. And that's all I need. -Kenny Chesney- That's all I need

Do want you want, do want you wish. It's your life but remember this. There's bound to be some consequences. Sneaking under other fences. Clay Walker- Then What

"It was no accident me finding you Someone had a hand in it Long before we ever knew Now I just cant believe your in my life. Heavens smilin down on meAs I look at you tonight." Tracy Byrd- Keeper of the Stars

"Half way through the service While the choir sang a hymn He looked up above the preacher And he sat and stared at him He said'forgive me Father' When he realized That he hadn't been unloved Or alone all his life His arms were stretched out As far as they'd go Nailed to the cross For the whole world to know"- Jimmy Wayne. I love you this much

Remember the Alamo

2008-06-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

I'm in San Antonio right now for the APTA convention. It's a beautiful place, right on the riverwalk. I'm really enjoying the nice walks in the morning or evening.

I stopped by the Alamo today and walked around the grounds. I've been there before, but it was really neat to see again. I don't think I paid as much attention in hi9h school!

Besides the beautiful old trees and stone artitecture, what I noticed most about the Alamo was the people who fought there. They were from everywhere: Tennessee, Ohio, England, Germany, and even a "Freed blackman"

How did these 30some people from all around the world end up in this once place, all ready to fight and give there lives for a cause they believed in?

I hate fighting and war and wish for peaceful solutions whenever possible. But I have to admire the courage and determination that these men had. I hope to meet some of them in heaven one day.

Congratulations Annette and Adam!

2008-03-31T19:00:00.001-07:00

You know you are taking Economics when....

2008-03-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

You are at Target shopping for a particular item and decide not to buy the brand you were orginally going to purchase, but instead buy the one that is on sale...and then actually think....wow... because I made the decision to purchase this product based on price...this means this product is an elastic product.

For those of you trying to remember the difference...elastic products are affected by a change in price (like a brand of soap) and inelastic products are not affected by a change in price (like gas)

At this point...no one is reading my blog as you are all very bored. :)

Monstrous pedestals

2008-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've been reading through Oscar Wilde's play "An ideal husband." It's quite a brillant piece, but I came across one section that really stood out to me. It comes from the part where Lady Chiltern has just realized that her husband sold a secret for money many years ago and she feels she can't forgive him.

Lady Chiltern- No don't speak! Say nothing! Your voice wakes terrible memories- memories of things that made me love you-memories of words that made me love you-memories that are now horrible to me. And how I worshipped you! You were to me something apart from common life, a thing pure, noble, honest, without stain. The world seemed to me finer because you were in it, and goodness more real because you lived. And now- oh when I think I made a man like you my ideal! The ideal of my life!

Sir Robert Chiltern. There was your mistake. There was your error. The error all women commit. Why can’t you women love us, faults and all? Why do you place us on monstrous pedestals? We have all feet of clay, women as well as men; but when we men love woman, we love them knowing their weaknesses, their follies, their imperfections, love them all the more, it may be for that reason. It is not the perfect, but the imperfect, who have need of love. It is when we are wounded by our own hands, or by the hands of others that love should come to cure us-else what use is love at all?... Women think they are making ideals of men. What they are making of us are false idols merely. You made your false idol of me, and I had not the courage to come down, show you my wounds, tell you my weaknesses. I was afraid that I might lose your love, as I have lost it now.

I disagree with Sir Robert Chiltern that this fault lies only with women. I think it is something we all can easily do with one another. It’s easy to put people on pedestals- husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, pastors, teachers….etc. And while we all should certainly strive to be men and women of good character, there is only One who has obtained perfection. Only one pedestal. And it was placed on a hill many years ago. And since the One who has seen perfection finds grace to grant us mercy and forgiveness, I think we too can show grace to those in our lives who…may not be perfect, but are on a journey to follow God just as we are.

Status

2008-02-21T06:08:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,
I've talked a lot about Status and how much I am blessed by the creativity, and focus on Christ at this service. Some of the Full Sail students put together a video about Status and the what it stands for. Here's the link if anyone is interested in checking it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5cMOGpQNsI

Lessons Learned

2008-02-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

So I've had a fish at my office for about two years now. His name is Neige (French for snow). He's been rather popular around my work for awhile now. People will stop by and remind me to clean his fish bowl or tell me he "doesn't look so good!"

Anyways... Sadly, Neige passed away yesterday. We found him somehow buried under his rocks. Catherine, one of the girls on my team, decided that we should have a funeral for him and return him to the Earth so to speak. So 4 of us went out back in a little procession and said a few nice things about him before I dumped him, rocks and all, into the lake behind our office. So far so good.

Then Matt noticed that he had not followed his rocks to the bottom of the lake, but was instead floating on top. This was a little distressing. One doesn't usually see a little white beta fish floating in a lake. Even more distressing was what happened when the lake's natural fish spotted him. Yikes. At this point I very quicky walked away because really...no one wants to see that. And thus concluded our rather unique ceremony for Neige.....

That Hideous Strength

2008-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished "That Hideous Strength" which is the last book in C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. I think he is a brilliant author but this series is not my favorite of his writings. I have a hard time linking back some of the theology. However, there is a section in the book that I really like. It describes where one of the main characters finally surrenders to God. It's from Chapter 14 Section 6 if anyone is interested.

Morning Prayer

2008-02-08T20:23:00.001-08:00

As I was searching for breakfast this morning at my hotel a song came to mind from many years ago. The tune isn't so catchy anymore, but the words are actually an incredible prayer.

Father God, for today, let me walk your narrow way.
Let me stand, where I would fall. And give me the strength to hear your call.
May my steps be worship. May my thoughts be praise. May my words bring honor to your name.

This was my prayer this morning. I enjoyed having a little bit of quiet time in the Garden Conservatory by a waterfall. I absolutely love the Opryland Hotel. It's like camping in Hawaii. You wake up and walk outside your room to an incredible view of palm trees and flowers and waterfalls. I think whoever designed this place must have been a Christian. It's so peaceful and beautiful.

Hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm super tired and rather looking forward to sleeping for a good 8-9 hours tonight :)

We Judge

2008-01-29T12:31:00.001-08:00

Easy to say. Easy to do
Compare you to me. Compare me to you.

We have our rules. We have our codes
Suits and ties. Skirts and hose.

Shades of grey. Or black and white.
What makes wrong and what makes right

A time to fight. A time to learn
A time to give in. A time to burn

In the end, all is dim
Save how we loved and followed Him.

2008

2008-01-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

For only being 27 days old, 2008 has already brought a lot of change. Not so much direct change but indirect as it affects friends and family thus affecting me. Some of it is good change. Some hard. All is moving forward. Sometimes that is hard for me. I want to move forward but yet I still glance back. I hold on. I see the beautiful and the good. And I want to keep it close. But one can not can't live in the past. You can learn from it, treasure it, and laugh about it with good friends. But still you move on. Accepting, embracing, acknowedging the new. And earnestly seeking God's wisdom and blessing for the unknown.

1 Chronicles 5:18-22

2008-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

So I ran across this passage last night and it really impacted me. Not so much the content of it but rather the context. It basically said that God's people were fighting this battle and they "cried out to him during the battle" and "He answered their prayers, because they trusted Him." And then in verse 22 it talks about how they had victory because the battle was God's. Most of us aren't fighting against unpronounceable enemies but yet we all face times when we need God’s guidance. This text makes it so simple. Cry out to God for help, trust in Him, and He will lead you to victory.

Here is the text:

18 The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 men ready for military service—able-bodied men who could handle shield and sword, who could use a bow, and who were trained for battle. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. 20 They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle was God's. And they occupied the land until the exile.

Musicians amaze me

2008-01-18T19:55:00.001-08:00

I'm singing with the worship team for Deeper this weekend so we had a long practice tonight....It was fun though. I enjoy singing and its really cool to be part of a team of such talented musicians. I can dabble in a couple instraments, but some people are just amazing. It's like the songs come alive and become beautiful when they play.

My uncle was telling me about an ex rocker who turned Christian and has a soapbox about only listening to...organ music.... Yeah. His reason is that because his band would use the drums and chord progressions to drive home their lyrics- which were bad then therefore drums and anything besides the organ is...bad. However, if you flip this around and use strong drum beats and all the other elements of good music to drive home POSITVE lyrics- isn't that good?

To me, music is incredible. Indescribible. Powerful. And when used appropriately a beautiful expression of worship.

Perspectives

2008-01-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

It's funny how your perspective can change at different points in your life. Things that seem daunting and impassible become distant memories and you wonder how you could have ever been so affected by them. Things that seemed muddled and confusing, become clear. Things that seemed perfect, become increasingly imperfect. A lot can change over time.

Yet life cannot be lived from a backward glance perspective. It must be lived in moments, in hours, in days. It must be enjoyed and overcome, lived as one who is free yet fully submitted to the One who knows all perspectives and sees all situations from beginning to end.

These are my musings for tonight. Triggered by thoughts of friends and their journeys. Where they thought they would end up, and where they are now and how much better God's plan is then the ones we come up with on our own.

Goodnight.

This weekend

2008-01-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

This week I enjoyed two different but interesting worship services. I liked a thought from Pastor Danny's sermon at Deeper which was basically this "He who conquers himself, he is the greatest warrier of all."

Then at Status we did an experiential worship session. We started off with music- which was awesome: Guitar, piano, violin, and voice. Then we had time for individial reflection at the different stations: intercession, nature, scripture, communion, foot washing, art..ect

Here is one of the songs that we sang. I really like it but can't find it on myspace or youtube. Imagine that!? I guess I will need to buy it. ;)

Oh Lord, to you
Shane Barnard

We will seek you first Lord.
You will hear our voices.
Early in the morning and late in the night
We will sing your praises
Giving you the glory
Offering our lives to you a holy sacrifice

May our praise rise as incense
Oh Lord, to you
May our worship be a fragrance
Oh Lord, to you

House Pictures!

2008-01-02T19:24:00.001-08:00

My parents came down for New Year's weekend and helped me with my house. Here are some pictures of my new look in the living room/kitchen!

Hillsong United

2007-11-10T20:27:00.001-08:00

This weekend I was blessed to attend the first Hillsong United Conference in the U.S. It was amazing. The music was incredible- pure beautiful worship. And the speakers/workshops were also very powerful. Here are a few of the thoughts that inspired me:
- God is a creative God. It's good to use creativity to glorify him
- There is great power in unity. Check out 2 Chronicles 5:13-14. When God's people came together and sang in one voice, God's presence was so powerful that the priests could not finish their service.
- It's important to be intentional and well prepared for worship services. But after that, let God move and be willing to change things as He leads.
- Be inclusive. Build for the future
- Keep a teachable heart.

A masked ball....okay not really

2007-10-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Last night Kristin, Isaac, George, and I went to a Halloween Party. I decided to make use of a bridesmaid dress and go as the toothfairy.

Kristin and Isaac went as Bret and Lacy from Rock of Love and George was someone from the 70's.

New Poem

2007-10-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Far Side of The Sea

Disappointment, fear, and judgment
Call me to retreat
From the hurtful tones and awkward looks
And somewhere re-find peace

Perhaps to climb a mountain
And surround myself in green
Or seat beside the oceans roar
And soak the sun and dream

But no matter where I go
Or how far I pull away
I know I'm not alone
I know You're here to stay

My Shelter and my Rock
Faithful to the end
How blessed am I to serve a God
Who's also my Best Friend

Line Up Your Heart

2007-09-25T08:07:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share this devotion thought from Joel Osteen. Hope everyone is having a good day!

Today's Scripture
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Samuel 16:7 NIV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
When the Lord looks at your heart, what does He see? Every one has an outer life and an inner life. The outer life is our public life that everyone can see. The inner life is made up of your thoughts, your attitudes and your motives. Only you and God know what’s going on inside. Too many people go around today pretending—acting one way, yet on the inside, they’re thinking something totally different. Their heart and their actions don’t line up. We have to understand that God looks at the inside. We can fool a lot of people, but we can’t fool God. God would rather us be open and honest than for us to go through life pretending or wearing masks. Take inventory of what’s going on inside of you today. Are you at peace? Are you overlooking offenses? Do you believe the best in people? Are your heart and actions lining up? If not, submit your ways to the Lord today and ask Him to give you an undivided heart so that you can be pleasing to Him all the days of your life!

A Rainy Day

2007-09-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today was a generally blah day. It rained all day which hardly ever happens in Orlando. And I just had an overall feeling of frustration. I like it here. But every now and then I wonder what i'm doing here. Why exactly it is that I live 600 miles away from my family and my "home."

So, inspired by one of Katie's blogs, I decided to make a list of some of the things I'm happy about.

1. I live near the beach
2. We don't have many rainy days like this
3. I have a really nice roommate
4. I like my family. Even if they are 600 miles away
5. I have good friends
6. I like my job and my team and my manager
7. My cat purrs when I pet her
8. It is finally getting nice and cool outside!
9. I'm starting a good book.
10. Tomorrow is Thursday which means I can make it to the weekend

Weekend

2007-09-02T08:13:00.001-07:00

Here is a snapshot of my weekend in Chattanooga so far.

My family likes to talk and discuss things. Sabbath we had a lovely meal by my mom and my Aunt and then we sat at the table for a good hour afterwards listening to stories and discussing different topics.

Here is Jeremy, Jenny, Charles and I at Cracker Barrel on Sunday morning.

It's my Aunt and Uncle's 28'th Anniversary!

Saturday night we celebrated my friend Heather's birthday!

Food for thought

2007-08-27T06:42:00.001-07:00

I recently came across this verse from Titus 3:8-9

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."

How easy is it to get caught up in foolish controverseries and arguments. This doesn't say to disregard the law, but neither should it be our focus. We should focus on doing what is good. On being who God made us to be. On loving others and on loving God and walking with Him each day. The rest will naturally fall into place.

Imperfection

2007-08-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just wish I were perfect. Or at least that I could pick up the phone and ask God exactly what to do in each situation. I wish I could just be happy. Have faith. Be patient. Not be sad or overwhelmed with emotions. But I'm so not perfect. And it's exhausting sometimes.

Shadows

2007-08-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

I'm a sunshine girl. I love being outside when the sky is blue and the air is crisp and the sun is warm and soft. I enjoy hiking and swimming and just hanging out on a blanket with friends. When the sun is out, life is good and it makes sense. I feel like I can do and be just about anything.

But invariably, at some point some moisture finds itself in the atmosphere and pulls together to make big dark clouds that block or even hide the light. Then it doesn't seem so nice outside. I feel ready to get back in the car and go home. Watch some TV maybe. Take a nap. Anything to stop feeling so gloomy.

It would be nice if the sun were always out. But at least I know it's always there. Even when I can't feel the warmth. And in the end light breaks through darkness every time.

Where do you stop?

2007-08-07T19:07:00.001-07:00

"It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes." Eccl 7:18

So my question is: how do you stay in the middle? When you find yourself too far on one side of the street...how far do you go before you start hitting the other side? What is "balance"? It is certainly something I strive for. But I also seek adventure and variety and new things. For example. I'm thinking about piercing my ears. I would really like to. It would give me a whole new genre to shop for and a new way to accessories. But. Let's say I do that, and then 6 months later I get bored and I want to try something else new. Where do you stop? Or are there really always new acceptable good things to experience and try?

Thoughts?

Mr. Lockhart's Do-Over

2007-07-19T06:46:00.001-07:00

I read this story this morning from one of my HR newsletters and I thought it was a really good story. It's a little long, but worth the read.

Mr. Lockhart's Do-Over
Sometimes you learn important lessons from the most unlikely places. I once learned a terrific lesson about leadership from a milkman. It happened in 1954, when I was eight years old.
At this stage of my life, two important events happened at the same time—Mother's Day and the carnival. Both required money, so I had to save for months. That year I had hoarded my fifty-cent weekly allowance until I had saved six whole dollars—two dollars to buy my mom a pair of the Mother's Day earrings she had pointed out to me at a local jewelry store, two dollars for food and bus fare, and two dollars for an unlimited ride pass at the carnival. (I loved the Octopus. In fact, I loved every single thing about the carnival.)

When I got off the bus the day I set off to buy Mom's earrings and take a look at the carnival, I could hear the joyous sounds of the kid rides a couple of blocks away. But first things first—I had to get those earrings. As I approached the jewelry store, the cry of the carnival beckoned me. It was so inviting that I decided to put off buying the Mother's Day earrings and go straight for the home of the Loopty-Loop. The thoughts of cotton candy and the fun house were more than I could withstand. This, of course, was my first mistake.

I made my second mistake when I arrived at the carnival itself. Instead of going directly to the ticket booth and buying my unlimited ride pass, I moseyed into the midway where a hoard of carnies tried to get me to toss baseballs or pop balloons. I resisted any temptation to compete until I came across a booth that offered as its prize small cages containing parakeets. I had never seen such birds. They were blue and green—almost florescent—and I soon learned that you could teach them to talk.

Mom would like one of these birds way more than any old earrings! Why, just look at the gorgeous creatures! And all I had to do was throw a dime and land it on a plate—a huge plate no less. And there were dozens of plates. So I eagerly cashed in a dollar for ten dimes. The first one hit right on a plate—oh boy oh boy oh boy!—but then it bounced off. But it almost landed on another plate. This was going to be easy. After bouncing six dimes and winning nothing, I stared to get discouraged. But the nice fellow who worked the counter told me not to worry—I was bound to win soon.

And so went the two dollars I had set aside for food and return bus fare. Nevertheless, if I won, I could use the two dollars I'd set aside for the earrings and I'd be back to even. The next twenty dimes bounced pretty much like the first twenty. But once again, the fellow behind the counter was certain I would soon win.
As I clutched my last two dollars, I was tempted to walk straight to the jewelry store before it was too late, but one of the parakeets chirped, "Pretty bird!"—at least, I thought it did—and that's all it took. I had twenty more chances to buy the best present any kid had ever bought his mom for Mother's Day!

The three-mile walk home that day was a miserable one. I hadn't eaten anything, I didn't have a present, and boy was I going to get in trouble when mom found out what I had done. As I walked down the last mile of the dirt road that led home, my next door neighbor, George Lockhart, drove up in his milk truck. George got up every day at the crack of dawn and delivered milk to stores and families around town. He was on his way home. Normally I would have been thrilled to hitch a ride—you know, ride up front with a guy wearing a milkman uniform and white hat; maybe he'd even give me a fudgecicle. But not this day. I had just suffered the great parakeet debacle of 1954.

One look at me and Mr. Lockhart could tell I was unhappy. As I told him my story about the beautiful birds—I mean really, you could teach them to talk and everything!—I told him how I'd lost all my money, and he nodded knowingly but didn't say a word. Eventually, when we got to his house, he turned to me and said, "I've done you a good turn by giving you a ride home, would you do something for me? I've just had a new load of wood delivered, and I need some of it chopped into kindling." Then he handed me a large sharp ax.
All right! I'd get to swing a really cool ax and I wouldn't have to go home and face the music! Now, before you go all safety-conscious on me, let me remind you that this was in 1954. Back then eight-year-olds went to the carnival by themselves, walked long distances alone, and yes, they even swung the occasional ax. Well, I did anyway.

After a couple of hours, Mr. Lockhart reappeared, gave my stack of kindling a nod of approval, and said it was getting dark and I should go home. As I turned down the path that connected our two houses, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked around and there was Mr. Lockhart. In his right hand he was holding a wad of six one-dollar bills. "This is for the work you did." Then he turned on his heel and walked away.

Six dollars! At age eight, and on that particular day, it was like a million dollars to me. I could hardly wait to get home and tell Mom what had happened.
Now, let's think about what Mr. Lockhart had done. He heard the story of how foolish I had been. Of course, he knew that my intentions were pure. He realized that I had made an innocent mistake. And he knew that I had learned from the experience. And so, instead of lecturing me—something I really didn't need—he didn't say a word. Instead of keeping me from trying again, he set me up for another go around.

He gave me a do-over—and it was exactly the right thing to do. When I returned to town the next morning—six dollars in hand—I went straight to the jewelry store and bought the beautiful earrings Mom wanted. She wore them on special occasions for over fifty years. When I made my way over to the carnival, I wouldn't let myself walk within a half-block of the parakeets. I knew I'd be too weak to resist the temptation. Averting the siren call of "Pretty bird!" I bought a wad of cotton candy and an unlimited ride pass, and spun myself into oblivion.
I had learned several lessons that day. But the real lesson here is the one I learned from Mr. Lockhart about leadership.

When direct reports make a sizeable mistake, stop and ask yourself what they really need.
Were they well intended? Did they not know any better? Have they learned their lesson and what they really need now is support? Football coaches understand this. Watch what happens when a field goal kicker misses an important field goal. When the fans are jeering, booing, and threatening to hang the kicker in effigy, the coach is typically encouraging the poor fellow. There will be more kicks—maybe soon—and it's not like the kicker didn't care. At this point, what he needs is confidence, not criticism. Later you may help him work on his technique, but for now, you're going to give him a do-over.

And so, when someone messes up big time at work—or perhaps it's one of your kids who lets you down—when your natural inclination is to lay on a lecture and lay it on thick, think about old George and ask yourself: Does this person need a do-over?

Sometimes it's just what the milkman ordered.

The Pale Blue Dot

2007-07-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

Check out this video and consider these verses from Psalms 8.

When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

What is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Seven Wonders of the World

2007-06-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

I got a forward this week that made me pause and think. Basically it is one little girl's perspective of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Here is her words with some pictures that I think illustrate them.

The Seven Wonders of the World

To see

To hear

To Touch

To Feel

To Laugh

And to Love

A Great Weekend

2007-05-20T21:09:00.001-07:00

I had such a nice weekend at home.

Friday night I had a really nice dinner with some of my best friends and then had Sabbath worship with Katie and my family. It was lovely We went on my parents back porch and the stars came out as we enjoyed singing and listening to the violin and cello.

Sunday was Paul and Alicia's wedding! They got married at Whigs Meadow on the Cherohala skyway. It was a perfect day and a beautiful wedding.

Man Vs Wild

2007-05-11T18:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we watch a show called "Man vs Wild." Basically this guy drops himself in hard to survive places like the desert, a glacier, or a lava field, and then shows you how to survive were you to unfortuantly find yourself in such a situation.

I ran across an article called 10 things You Need to Know on his website. It gives ideas of how to survive things like a shark attack, a snake bite, or hypothermia. Here is how you would survive the car filling with water.....

10 Things You Need To Know

When Your Car Goes Underwater

You don't have to drive off a bridge to experience the terror of sinking underwater in a car. Flash floods can be just as deadly — a car could start floating away in only 2 feet of water. Either way, once the water starts pouring into your vehicle, you need to keep your cool while acting quickly.

First, unfasten your seat belt. That may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at the number of drowning victims who never unbuckled themselves. Then, before the electricity shorts out, roll down the windows.

THAT'S RIGHT, ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS

This may seem a suicidal act as you sit in a sinking car. But the point is to equalize the water pressure inside and outside the vehicle. If your sinking car stays full of air, there's no way you'll be able to open the door.

If you still can't get the door open and windows won't roll down, find a heavy object, say a flashlight, and break the glass. Don't try to kick out the windshield; you'll never be able to do it. Smash a side window — it breaks more easily if you hit an edge or corner — and swim out through it and head to the surface.

YOUR LAPTOP WILL FORGIVE YOU

Don't waste time trying to gather up valuable possessions. The laptop, the purse, the DVDs ... their time has come. Yours hasn't, if you use your head.

More Things to Know

1. When It's a Bear, Don't Stare
2. When Your Car Goes Underwater
3. Staying Safe in a Tornado
4. When Lightning Strikes
5. If Your House Catches Fire
6. Out in the Cold? Avoiding Hypothermia
7. Lost at Sea?
8. That Sinking Feeling: Getting Out of Quicksand
9. Snake-Bit?
10. Taking on a Shark

So the paper's going really well....

2007-05-06T15:33:00.001-07:00

This afternoon was supposed to be my time to work on my paper. It's going really well so far! I went rollerblading, took a shower, made lunch, finally started on the paper. Stared at it for awhile. Talked on the phone. Wrote about a page. Talked to my roommate. Started on the next page. Talked on the phone. Took a nap. Now I'm trying again! At this rate I'll be finished in no time......

Ah well. At least I'm working on it!

Brilliant Songs

2007-04-30T14:36:00.000-07:00

So I just got Josh Groban's latest CD, and I must say that I LOVE several of the songs on this CD! The quality isn't as good on youtube, but here are links to my two favorite songs.

The first is "You are Loved" I think this is an amazing song if you think of it as God singing it to us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnKH2kdu__c

The Second is "So She Dances" I just love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEGuAOHDKi0

Had a bad day......

2007-04-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

So today I feel like that song that they play over and over again on the radio. I really just don't feel like myself today. I feel like I have very heightened emotions. So things that might only bother me a little bit, are bothering me a lot more. Ugh. I think I should go back to bed and try again.

Top Five Amusing Things at a Career Fair

2007-04-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

People who say to me, "You don't have a very dark tan for living in Florida!" Hello. We do have some sort of winter here. It's not summer all year.
Other vendors who try to attract attention to their booths by doing things like hiring models to walk around in what looks like nothing but bathrobes bearing their logo.
People with a much smaller sense of personal space with strangers then I possess
Candidates who say "Orlando? Don't you guys have tons of hurricanes?" Hopefully for all of us living here that was just a bad couple years not a permanent trend!
People who say "Can I steal a pen?" Sure. Or you could just take one. You'd probably feel less guilty that way.

Nowhere to run

2007-04-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I get the urge to make a change. I get discouraged or disappointed and I want to start over. I consider moving to Colorado or back home to Chattanooga. Because it feels like if I hit a roadblock, that I must be going the wrong way. But it seems more and more like God is teaching me to rest. Sometimes the hardest thing is to stay still. To wait on Him to make sense of things. For him to provide direction and perhaps build a bridge to an area that once seemed impossible.
I've started reading the book "Captivating." So far its been a good book, but there was one line in particular that really spoke to me. The idea is this. When Eve first took the fruit, she did it because she was convinced in her heart that God was holding out on her. How often do I make that same mistake? When things aren't going how I planned, its so easy to feel cheated. Like God is holding out on me. And so I try to regain control. I too take the fruit.

Thank God for His mercy and gentleness with our human hearts. Thank God that He has a good plan for our lives, even when we don't understand it.

Hi. I'm a doctor and a lawyer

2007-04-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

I went to lunch with a couple of my work friends today and we happened to see a "local celebrity." For those of you that don't live here, he's an attorney that is both an MD and a JD and describes himself as such on his commercials. He says, "Hi. I'm Dr. so and so. I'm both a medical doctor and an attorney....ect..." Basically a "how would you like to sue YOUR doctor today?!" commercial. Which, if you'll permit me a side bar here, how does a medical doctor become a lawyer?? I mean really? How did you go from saving lives to sueing those life-savers? Okay, I'm done. So we saw this guy and were amused. My friend thought it would be funny if she pretended to choke on her food and then I ran away all suspicous like and she gasped out, "help me. I need a doctor AND an attorney!"

We had a good laugh about that one!

Mr. Kristen

2007-03-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

A couple of the girls that I work with and I are listening to an audio book about how to hold important conversations effectively. One of the things we learned yesterday was that when adrenalin is flowing through your body more blood goes to your muscles groups and blood actually leaves parts of your brain. Which is why sometimes when you are emotional you say things that seem smart at the time but not so smart later, when all the blood is back in your brain.

Anyways. I discovered that I am not immune to this today when I received the following phone call.

Me: "Human Resources, This is Kristen."
Indian-accented Pharmacist: Silence
Me: "Hello?"
Indian-accented Pharmacist: Can I speak to Mr. Kristen please.
Me: (Already a bit annoyed having received an email from this person addressed to a Mr. Kristen.) "This is Miss Kristen"
Indian-accented Pharmacist: I received an email from Mr. Kristen asking me to contact him.
Me: I'm Kristen
Indian-accented Pharmacist: Something I don't remember because the blood is leaving my brain, but I think it had something to do with, can I please speak with Mr. Kristen.
Me: I'm Kristen. I'm a girl.
Indian-accented Pharmacist: Oh

Yeah. Thinking back on this dialogue, I probably should just asked what he wanted and used a deeper voice...... ;)

It's not that cold.....

2007-03-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend I went to the beach with some of my friends despite weather predictions of below 70 degree temperatures....We thought, hey it's sunny out. It will be nice! Which, it was sunny and beautiful outside. However, we decided to play in the waves. It really didn't feel that cold at the time. But we were the ONLY people on the whole beach (did I mention that its Spring Break?) who actually got in the water! And we stayed in for a good while. Which was fun and kindof invigorating. However, when we got out it was REALLY cold. And we had drifted a very long way down the beach so we had to walk back against the wind. It took me awhile to warm up after that....

Still, it was very nice to spend time outside this weekend!

Washed Clean

2007-03-15T18:35:00.001-07:00

Tonight I gave my lovely little kitty a bath. She was not very happy about this. But as most of you know, she is fluffly thing and as such tends to attract a lot of dirt. It was time for a bath. I hopped in the tub with her and turned on the water. It was amazing to see how much dirt came off of her. I also love how she smells and feels when it's all over.

I couldn't help but think that sometimes God must feel like that about us. He knows we are dirty and that he can make us look and smell so much better. But sometimes that involves going through the water. But God doesn't just throw us in and hope for the best. He jumps in with us and help us remove the dirt from our lives. And when we're out it's amazing how much better and cleaner we can feel.

Hymns

2007-02-24T22:31:00.001-08:00

I really like the words of some of the older hymns. For example, I have not heard the actual arrangement for "I am Trusting Thee Lord Jesus" but I love the words so I created a simple tune to sing them to. I think it has a simple yet powerful message.

I am trusting Thee, Lord, Jesus,
Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation,
Great and free.

I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead;
Every day and hour supplying
All my need.

I am trusting Thee for pardon;
At Thy feet I bow;
For Thy grace and tender mercy,
Trusting now.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus;
Never let me fall;
I am trusting Thee forever,
And for all.

Travel

2007-02-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

Most people who know me are aware that I love to travel. However this last trip was almost enough to keep me grounded for awhile...

It started out okay. I left for Toronto Thursday morning around 8:15. Our flights left on time and we even arrived into Toronto ar 15 minutes early at 3:15. However, that's when the fun stopped. We got off the plane and had to wait in a little room for reasons I'm still not sure that I understand. I heard mutterings of a work slow down and not enough workers.... However, after a few minutes we were let into the customs hall which was filled with people from all over. The lines moved rediculously slowly. We finally got through the first customs agent, but apparently my co-worker looked fine, but I looked suspicious. We were separated and I was sent to the "special" baggage claim and she got to go though the normal side.

The "special" section consisted of 20 guard stations and only 3 people working. There was a long line that I got to stand in before finally allowing my suitcase to be opened and answering questions like, "What business brings you to Canada? What do you pay for nurses in your company? Do you offer relocation?" Does this customs guy have a friend he wants to refer to me, or is he really just this interested in my job? Anyways. I finally got out of the Toronto airport and we made it to our hotel with just enough time to drop off our bags and head to the evening activity.

The job fair was good overall. I got to meet some of the recruiters from other Adventist hospitals, which was cool. It was very cold there. Around 5 degrees.

And then there was the trip back. We got through customs easily this time. But the problem came in our connecting flight in Orlando.

Apparently a great number of people wanted to fly from Miami to Orlando that day because we got an Airbus plane. This is the Europe size plane with 11 seats in one row. Our Airbus had a mechanical error and we all had to wait for about 2.5 hours before finally heading to Orlando.

Wow. I'm okay to stay out of the airports for a few weeks now.

On a positive note, I was able to go camping this weekend! I got back to Orlando with just enough time to hop in my car, drive quickly to Deland, and catch the last ferry to Hontoon island where I had a very nice time hanging out with friends. We had a nice warm fire. We played games. I made a s'more. So, overall it was a good weekend. :)

This is why people live in Florida!

2007-02-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

So I went outside on my lunch break today and was greeted with sunshine, blue skies, and 70 degrees temperature. It is absolutely gorgeous outside!!! Anyone want to visit me?!

Why I rarely listen to the news

2007-01-31T06:10:00.000-08:00

Why is it that the news is so often full of horrible depressing stories? I happened to listen for a couple minutes today and heard about a daycare worker who punished a child for crying by putting him in a COLD shower. What I would like to know is how this person got hired. I would think that people who work at daycares should like children and generally be good with them. Not put them in cold showers. Doesn't give you a lot of confidence in daycare does it?

Sunglasses

2007-01-28T15:34:00.001-08:00

Sadly, my favorite sunglasses broke this weekend. Sunglasses are not the easiest things to fix so I'm now in the market for a new pair. Unfortunately, I have a difficult time finding some that look good on me and that I actually like. I don't want to buy boring sunglasses so that eliminates quite a few, but neither can I pull off the giant white ones. If anyone would like to go sunglasses shopping with me, let me know. It's always good to get another opinion seeing as those tiny long mirrors rarely do the situation justice.

A new level in culinary skills for Val and me!

2007-01-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

Homemade CheeseSticks!!! Yes, they were very good. No we did not feel guilty. At least not much!

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families

2007-01-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

I listened to this audio tape during my trip to and from Chattanooga. It's a great book and I recommend it. But in case you don't have the time, I wanted to share three of the examples Stephen Covey shared that really stuck out in my mind.

· You can climb the ladder of success only to get to the top and realize you had placed your ladder against the wrong wall. Choose what are the most important things in your life and than work toward success in these areas.

· Having a successful family is like managing a flight plan on an airplane. You set your end point and that move towards that goal. Sometimes you will get off course, but the flight plan will keep readjusting you to get to the goal.

· Relationships are much like bank accounts. You make deposits and withdrawals. Deposits are things like affirming words and keeping promises. They are also whatever the other person in the relationship considers to be deposits. You must find out what is important to them. If the bank account is full, an occasional withdrawal will not affect the overall account. But if the account is empty, the smallest withdrawal can send it into overdraft.

About me

2006-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

Val inspired me with her list of 100 things about Val and Eli so I decided to try a list of 25 about me.

I'm from Chattanooga, TN. Yes, I know I don't have the accent.
I play the violin and the piano.
I spent a school year in France. It was an amazing experience, though difficult at times.
I'm solar powered.
Seattle, Washington is one of the worst places I could imagine moving in the U.S. See number 4.
I wish I were perfect.
But I'm not.
I like English Breakfast tea and Dr. Pepper.
I like to snowski and waterski
I miss living near good hiking.
I used to own a horse.
Sometimes people think that Heather and I are twins. I think it must be the hair.
I consider myself outdoorsy more than athletic.
I miss having Christmas, Spring, Fall, and Summer break.
For the most part I like my job.
I don't like to wake up before 8:00 in the morning.
I wear a lot of blue and pink colors.
I once took a night train to Italy by myself. One the way I actually heard people speaking in a weird sounding clicking language.
I am an affectionate person with people I care about.
I don't like scary movies
My Great Grandmother had her Masters degree and worked at Madison Academy in Nashville.
I get excited when I find good deals shopping. I feel much better about a purchase if it was a good deal.
I have moved 4 times in the last 3 years.
I like to eat at Mexican restaurants
Relationships are important to me.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Here are some of the pictures from this weekend.

Home for Christmas

2006-12-22T19:19:00.001-08:00

For various reasons I decided to drive home for Christmas this year. It's a long drive! But happily I was able to break it up a little by driving to Valdasta last night and then the rest of the way today. Which was a really good thing because the weather today was horrible. I passed around 6 accidents on the way home! It was rainy and nasty and there was a lot of traffic on certain parts of the road. I'm very thankful for the angels that were around my car! At least twice I could have been part of the accident count so I'm very glad to be home safe and sound.

Happy Sabbath!

Glad to be going home

2006-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day in Las Vegas! I'm glad. I've enjoyed some of the things here, but I'm ready to go home. I'm happy to report that I did not finance the building of this city by gambling! Although I did contribute to the entertaintment and food income! I will say that the food here is very good. From plantains to crepes, they really have a lot of options. Speaking of crepes, I LOVE the Paris hotel. That's probably my favorite thing here. They have a mini Effle Tower and cute little shops and streets. AND they make great French food. I walked in the bakery and it actually smelled like France! The tartes were good, the crepes were good..... :) Vive la cuisine francaise!

I Saw the Shuttle Take Off!

2006-12-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

It was so cool. A group of us drove out to a park 7 miles from the launch site with a perfect view across the lake. The shuttle took off at exactly 8:47 and it was really cool. It was like a bright light going up the sky. It made a wide light path across the lake. The boom didn't come until the shuttle was almost out of sight! I'm really glad we were able to see it!

Friday Evening

2006-12-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

So, tonight being the relaxing Friday night that it is, I decided to take a bath. I had the salts and the music and the candles. It was all very nice. However, Bisous decided to get closer to the action and climbed up to where my vanilla candle jar was and practially sat on it! Not good. I saw smoke. I quickly pulled it away and dabbed some water on my cat, which she loved, and no harm was done. Note to self. Keep Bisous away from candles!

Fun in the Hay

2006-11-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

Today our social committee at Deeper planned an outing to the Corn Maize in Zellwood. (On a side note Val and I got some of the corn there and it's REALLY good!!) But we also wondered around in the fields for a good hour and a half learning about history and enjoying being outside. Here are some pictures.

And the answer to clue number 5 is...Davy Crockett! Great. Now how does that get us out of the maize?!
Shawn got a little scared, being lost and all, and started waiving the "help us" flag. ;) Okay fine, it was just for the picture.

Quote

2006-11-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

Nikki brought the following quote to our staff meeting this morning and I thought I would share it.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Marianne Williamson

Lessons from Narnia

2006-10-31T19:49:00.000-08:00

I read "The Last Battle" a while ago and a section from the book has been coming to mind recently. I thought I would share the text and let you come to your own conclusions about the message.

This is near the end of the book when one of the characters discovered that he had been worshiping the wrong god all of his life. Here is his encounter with Aslan.

"So I went over much grass and many flowers and among all kinds of wholesome and delectable trees till lo! in a narrow place between two rocks there came to meet me a great Lion. The speed of him was like the ostrich, and his size was an elephant's; his hair was like pure gold and the brightness of his eyes like gold that is liquid in the furnace. He was more terrible than the Flaming Mountain of Lagour, and in beauty he surpassed all that is in the world even as the rose in bloom surpasses the dust of the desert. Then I fell at his feet and thought, Surely this is the hour of death for the Lion (who is worthy of all honor) will know that I have served Tash all my days and not him. Nevertheless, it is better to see the Lion and die than to be Tisroe of the world and live and not to have seen him. But the Glorious One bent down his golden head and touched my forehead with his tongue and said "Son, thou art welcome. But I said, Alas, Lord, I am no son of thine but the servant of Tash. He answered, Child, all the service thou has done to Tash, I account as service done to me.

Then by reasons of my great desire for wisdom and understanding, I overcame my fear and questioned the Glorious One and said, Lord, is it then true, as the Ape said, that thou and Tash are one? The Lion growled so that the earth shook (but his wrath was not against me) and said, It is false. Not because he and I are one, but because we are opposites, I take to me the services which thou has done to him. For I and he are of such different kinds that no service which is vile can be done to me, and none which is not vile can be done to him. Therefore if any man swear by Tash and keep his oath for the oath’s sake, it is by me that he has truly sworn, though he know it not, and it is I who reward him. And if any man do a cruelty in my name, then, though he say the name Aslan, it is Tash whom he serves and by Tash his deed is accepted. Dost thou understand, Child? I said, Lord, thou knowest how much I understand. But I said also (for the truth constrained me), Yet I have been seeking Tash all my days. Beloved, said the Glorious One, unless thy desire had been for me thou wouldst not have sought so long and so truly. For all find what they truly seek."

Pet Peeve

2006-10-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

So I've discovered that one of the things that really makes me angry is men who obsess over their weight, or even worse, MY weight (or any other female.) Don't get me wrong here. I think it's very important to be healthy and to eat good foods and stay active. However, there is a line. And it's a line that people really shouldn't be crossing when they don't know you all that well. Someone I know said outloud today that he thinks his wife should lose weight. And he tells her this. Now, I'm all for open communication. And sometimes the people you love do have to tell you when you are doing unhealthy things. But still, tact is important. Noone should feel like less of a person or unattractive just because they don't meet society's image of what a woman or a man for that matter should look like. Again, it's important to be healthy. But it's also important to be loving and to treat each other with respect. And commenting on someone's weight and what they should and shouldn't eat is more often than not, very hurtful. If I want to make popcorn with lots of butter, let me. If my friend wants to have an afternoon snack of ice cream, let her. Unless you are genuinely speaking out of concern for a very close friend or loved one, another person's eating habits is none of your business. Okay, getting of my soapbox now...

Weekend activities

2006-10-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Heather and I went to Hilton Head this weekend. It was lots of fun. :)

Hanging out at the aiport

2006-09-28T15:43:00.000-07:00

So, the bad news is that my flight is delayed and I'm stuck at the airport. The good news is that I'm connecting to a signal somewhere and I can get online! Apparently there is some kind of bad weather in Baltimore right now, and we have to go through there to get to New York. From which we will drive to Vermont. I think I'm going to be getting to bed late tonight...

Anyways. I'm excited about seeing the tree colors in Vermont. I hope we are able to do some hiking on Sabbath. I love the sunshine in Florida, but I do miss hiking in the mountains. Hopefully I'll get to do a little of that this weekend!

Walking along

2006-09-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today was a blah day. Work was boring and seemed to take too long. And then I finally moved the rest of my things out of the apartment. That was tiring and my back hurts. But I'm glad it is done. Also, sometimes I really confuse myself. There is something I have really believed in for a long time now that I just don't understand. It really doesn't make sense right now. I can't seem to shut the door, but every time I try to walk through it, I end up outside again. I don't know why it's so complicated. But I guess that's where faith comes in. If life had only open and closed doors, we wouldn't have to rely on God to lead us. We would easily know where to go. I just hope that I'm doing everything I can to truly hear his leading.

Congratulations Nikki and Mike

2006-09-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

We had a very nice shower for my friend Nikki today at an adorable tea place. She's geting married in less than two weeks. Congratulations you guys! :)

What happens when Val and I leave for work...

2006-09-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

What should we do today Bisous?

The same thing we do every day Oreo!

Watch some TV. Catch up on Grey's Anatomy. Make some popcorn. Check myspace.
And make sure to look nice and innocent by the time our mom's get home!