A Blog of Praise

The New Me So far again!

2010-06-04T09:53:00.001-04:00

December 2008 - April 2010 216 pounds lost as of June 4, 2010!

The New Me... So Far!

2009-07-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

The picture on the left was taken on 12/25/08...

the one on the right was taken yesterday 7/13/09.

Patrick and MacKenzee's Wedding Pictures

2009-07-06T09:45:00.007-04:00

Valerie, Patrick, Mackenzee, Deb

Mom and Dad with Mr. & Mrs. McWilliams

John and Susan (my sister)

Valerie and Linda

John, Patch, Susan

Patrick and Dad

The Three Lovelies! Katelyn, Elena and Amanda - my neices!

What a cute couple! Patrick and Mackenzee McWilliams

Mom, Dad, Val and me

So Beautiful!

The most handsome nephew in the WHOLE WORLD!

Mandisa

2009-06-22T14:35:00.005-04:00

I saw Mandisa at the Womenof Faith conference in Harford, Ct. She was really great and has a great testimony.

Anyway, here is a video of one of her songs...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w

Happy Easter!

2009-04-10T12:04:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter everyone!

Sorry it has taken me so long to update my blog... There's been lots going on.

My surgery was a month ago yesterday. Everything went VERY smoothly. Surely, God was answering all of the prayers going up for me. I cannot believe the outpouring of support I have received from friends all over! I am TRULY BLESSED!

As of yesterday, I have lost 66 pounds. 30 preop and 36 post. I need to get more protein and fluids in me. My diet has progressed over this past month from clear liquids & jello/pudding to baby food and mashed potatoes to (finally) finely chopped poultry, spinach, carrots, eggs, cereal - all of this is sugar free and low fat of course.

I have already dropped 1 size in my tops - bottoms are trying to catch up!

Now comes exercise!

I will keep you posted - I will try to do it quicker next time. My next weigh date is May 7th.

Newest PCC Video

2009-02-03T11:42:00.002-05:00

Classes

2009-01-30T15:11:00.002-05:00

I've started taking the behavioral classes that I need to have for the surgery. I am learning to breathe! Yes, I already knew how, but apparently I need to be "Mindfull" about it.

I am making light of it a bit - some of the techniques they are teaching come a little close to being "new agey" but I am trying to have an open mind and some of them are relaxing.

We are also setting goals, short and long-term, for before and after the surgery. I am one of approx. 15 people attending this session.

Oh - did I mention that I am up to 27.6 pounds lost so far? :)

I will write more later...

The Date Is Set!!!

2009-01-23T14:40:00.002-05:00

I will be having the bypass surgery on March 10th!

I have lost 27.6 so far.

Update

2008-12-22T16:38:00.002-05:00

Hi all,

Well, I have met with the surgeon at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. My friend Linda drove me down during our first snow day this past Wednesday.

He was very nice, personable and down to earth. I really liked him. So, his office will be calling me soon to schedule my surgery for February.

I have about 20 more pounds to lose before then - I have already lost 21.2. :)

Thats about it for now... I'll keep you informed!

Stethoscope

2008-12-08T12:53:00.001-05:00

Il Divo - Amazing Grace

2008-12-02T14:02:00.001-05:00

Update!

2008-11-22T11:28:00.002-05:00

I got weighed for the first time, and I lost 12 pounds! The doctor has referred me to Tufts Hospital in Boston for the surgery. I will not have to lose quite as much weight as I had thought before the surgery and it will probably happen in the beginning of the year. I'm hoping for February.

Thanks to everyone for your support!

The Lord is my supply.

2008-11-22T11:24:00.002-05:00

May the caravan of Your grace
bring bountiful supply to me,
that I may continue to live
and to stand guard over Your Word.

Uncover before my eyes
the wonderful treasures of Your law,
that I may behold them.

I am a pilgrim in the earth,
do not conceal from me Your commands.

My sould is crushed with longing,
and I hunger for the bread of Your teachings
at all times.

Those who wander off the path of Your commands
are arrogant and stand accursed,
and You rebuke them.

Deliver me from reproach and contempt,
for I am standing guard over Your Word.

Princes of the enemy may sit and slander me,
but Your servant concentrates on Your laws.
Your testimonies are also delicacies to my soul
and counselors to my mind.

Based on Psalm 119:17-24 Gimel

Party Pictures

2008-11-03T14:57:00.005-05:00

First Nutritionist Appointment

2008-10-27T16:00:00.002-04:00

My first appointment with the nutritionist is tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

Sara Groves on Modern Slavery, pt.II

2008-10-16T12:28:00.001-04:00

update

2008-09-30T10:02:00.001-04:00

First doctor appointment is tonight.

It's Official.

2008-09-05T16:03:00.002-04:00

Well, it's official. I have decided to have the bypass surgery. Val and I went to an informational class last night at the Obesity Treatment Center at Catholic Medical Center which was the first step in my journey.

Next is getting my doctor to give a referral.
Then the first appointment with the center for the physical, history, tests, etc.
Thats when I start meeting with the nutritionist and all the other peeps they want me to see.

So anyway, it's the beginning - if I have timed it right (and can lose the required weight in this timeframe), the surgery should be around April.

I would appreciate your prayers as I go about changing my lifestyle, getting active and eating right.

2008-08-25T16:41:00.002-04:00

Beloved,

You worry so. Fear not, I am always with you.
I will not abandon you. I promise I will never leave you nor forsake you.
I have known you always. I've watched you with love from before babyhood till now.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I have always loved you and have been there for you but you haven't always noticed or understood.

You don't have to hide your mistakes or pain from me.
I am intimately acquainted with all your strengths and weaknesses.
There is nothing to be ashamed of before me, for you are my beloved.
I extend to you all the forgiveness that you are willing to receive from me.
I see in you the perfection you cannot see in yourself as yet.

People and circumstances have told you that you are far from perfection and they have broken your heart many times over.
I'm saying to you that I'm here to offer my comfort and to help with the healing of your broken heart.
Again I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you. I will stand with you even in times of trouble.

Again I will say in my eyes you are perfect. You are loved and cherished by me.
When I say I love you, I am not speaking empty words void of life.
Have I not sacrificed all that is precious to me for your sake?
Have I not suffered untold sufferings for you?
I hold you so precious and valuable that I've given my life up for your good.
You are of great worth to me. I offer you life drawn out of my own.
With all this do you still say I am not worthy of your trust?
My beloved, if only you would believe.

I only intend good towards you. I would protect you from all that is evil.
Even in all your comings and goings I would have it that you would be under my protection.
I confess that I am jealous of your affections towards anyone or anything that would do less for you because I love you so.
I long to always be your love above all loves.
If this were so I would gladly give you all you could ask and more than you could even imagine. I ask you to release all your struggles to me that I may give you rest.
Don't worry or be so anxious.
Love me and have faith in me, then I will be free to take your burdens.
Then you would rejoice for your load would be easy and light.

As I must close this letter, beloved, I ask that you would cast all your cares upon me for I truly care for you.
Life will always have difficulties and hardships, none can escape that, but together we can get through it with true love, peace and joy.
Even now before all creation I offer you my everlasting love.

I am yours my beloved, Father God, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and The Holy Spirit

videos

2008-08-18T12:04:00.002-04:00

Sorry to bog you down w/ a bunch of videos. I guess it sometimes takes a while to post them from YouTube, and they must of just caught up.

I am not alone.. Natalie Grant

2008-08-15T23:05:00.003-04:00

Natalie grant "Held"

2008-08-15T23:05:00.001-04:00

I Will Not Be Moved - Natalie Grant

2008-08-15T22:00:00.005-04:00

Nicole C. Mullen - One Touch [Press]

2008-08-15T22:00:00.003-04:00

Ode To Joy

2008-08-15T22:00:00.001-04:00

Mom & Dad's 50th Anniversay Party

2008-08-14T10:03:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures (finally!) of Mom & Dad's surprise party.

The Lord is my home.

2008-08-11T21:15:00.003-04:00

Beth - 2nd letter of the Hebrew Alphabet - represents home. The Word of God is designed to be our home, the place where we can always find security, support, enouragement, enjoyment, love.

Psalm 119: 9-16 -

I came to Your home, You opened Your door,
and I washed my feet.

And on greeting You,
the first thing I wanted to tell You was this:
I have looked forward to meeting You.
Remember, I have sought with all my heart

In this place is the treasure
that I have hid and carried in my mind, my soul.

I bless You as the author
of my joy and my happiness.
You are the source of all riches.
Please do not hold them back from me,
teach me Your Word.

Break out the treasures,
break out the blessings,
and share them with me. I need them,
I am desperate for those things.

I talk about them. I tell other people about them.
I share them with other people.

Let me feast on the banquet You provided
and then let's sit by the fire
and let's think, let's talk, let's reflect.

Afterwards, let me caress Your Word,
and express to You my affection
for what You have given me.

The Girls

2008-08-06T13:00:00.004-04:00

This picture is of The Girls... Me, Val, Katelyn, Susan, Amanda and Elena. Aren't they cute?

Finally getting around to posting some of my vacation pictures... from MAY!

some shells found on the beach at Assateague Island, VA http://www.assateague.com/

Assateague Island Lighthouse

The Lord is my Wealth - Ps. 119: 1-8

2008-08-04T18:59:00.002-04:00

Aleph - the Wealth of the Word, which reveals the riches
of grace that God lavishes on all believers.

How spiritually prosperous
are those in the path of singlemindedness,
who keep on walking in the law of the Lord.

How spiritually prosperous
are they who guard His revelation,
who keep on seeking Him with a disciplined heart.
They do not get sidetracked,
for they have walked in His path.

Oh that my steps may be fixed
toward guarding over Your statutes

Then I will not be shamed,
when I am caused to look into Your Word.

I will be compelled to give thanks
in my singlemindedness,
while training in Your righteous judgments.

I will guard Your statutes,
You will never forsake me!

The Gospel in 6 Minutes (John Piper)

2008-07-17T11:22:00.001-04:00

Amazing Love...

2008-07-01T15:01:00.003-04:00

A son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in the marathon with me?"

The father, who despite having a heart condition, says, "Yes."

They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together.

One day, the son asked his father, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together," to which his father said "Yes," too.

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathalon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and ending with 26.2 mile marathon along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race together.

See how...

Isaiah 26: 3-4

2008-05-14T14:53:00.000-04:00

3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-09T15:41:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you Momma's out there! May you be blessed on your special day!

This is my beautiful Mother...

I WILL NOT be Afraid!!!

2008-05-09T15:37:00.000-04:00

Psalm 34:4-10 (New King James Version)

4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.

Keep At It

2008-05-06T13:30:00.006-04:00

A Devotional from
The Weekly Walk
a ministry of Walk in the Word
with Dr. James MacDonald
http://www.walkintheword.com/

Keep At It
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, thatwhere I am you may be also. John 14:2-3

What do you think of when you think of heaven?
The Bible gives us a glimpse.
Golden streets and gates of pearls.
No more death, no more sickness,
no more sin, no more sorrow.
No more good-byes, no more tears,
no more time.
No more relational pain, no more pride,
no more hurt feelings.
No more physical pain, no more disabilities,
no more pills, no surgeries.
No more looking ahead, no more counting time,
no more anticipation of the end.
(Revelation 18:16; 21:21; 21:4)

When Jesus said He was going to prepare
a place for us (John 14:2-3),
we knew it was going to be something special.
Yet in spite of what the Bible says about heaven,
there’s still a lot of confusion about our final
destination down here.
Somehow in our culture of trinkets and trivia
we have lost sight of the fact
that though Jesus Christ immeasurably improves
our lives here and now,
our greatest days are yet ahead.

I don’t think we will ever get over the nearness
of God in eternity.
Revelation 21:3 describes the scene yet to come:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and
God himself will be with them as their God.’”

When we get to heaven, God is no longer behind the veil,
no longer present by His Holy Spirit alone.
He is no longer across the crystal sea. He’s with us.

When we dwell with God we’ll be able to sit down
and talk with Christ.
And we’ll never run short on time. I’ve got some
things I need to know.
I’ve wanted to ask some questions for a long time.
Like, what was it like to be the Creator of the universe,
yet grow up on earth as a boy?
And what was it like working at the carpentry shop?
And what was walkin’ on the water like?
Then I want to understand the cross.
I want to know what was on His mind when He gave
Himself up like He did.
The price that You paid . . .
I want to hear it all right from His lips.

Then I have a lot of questions about my life.
Don’t you have your questions?
Some that we carry around are very dark and painful.
But we’re gonna sit there at His feet throughout all eternity.
Our questions will be answered.

Wounded and battered by the struggles of this life,
you will step into eternity and fall into your Father’s arms.
And “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning,
nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former
things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The word tear in this verse is symbolic of life’s pain.
Notice who’s going to wipe away the tears-God will.
Jesus Himself will raise His nail-pierced hand to your
cheek and look into your eyes and wipe away your tears.
Every hope that’s been dashed and every shattered dream
you’ve experienced--every time your heart was broken
--all of the pain and anguish of life--will be
eliminated, gone, wiped away.

The things over which we silently anguish will be gone.
No funerals. No caskets. No tombstones.
No sudden loss of loved ones. No heartrending good-byes.
No more death. The time we have left on earth is short.
Eternity is long. Let this reminder stir you to
keep at it till that day.

God Loves ME!

2008-04-30T13:26:00.002-04:00

Lately, Psalm 139 has just been "popping" up over and over. If not the Psalm itself, the theme that God knows me and loves me. ME. I know we hear that all the time... God loves you! And who hasn't sung the song as a child or with your children - "Jesus Loves Me".

The next line of that song is "This I know". But do you know it? I don't think I did until recently and I still don't think I have grasped the hugeness of what that means. He loves ME - He knows ME. He knows my every thought, fear, longing, joy. I can't hide from Him no matter how I try - and oh how I've tried. But isn't that comforting? He is there with me, He will never leave me. He loves me, just as I am. He made me this way - knitted me together in my mother's womb. How many times have I heard this at work and it just didn't register. I always thought about it in terms of the unborn, pro-life etc. Just another verse to bolster up the cause! But it's talking about me too. He knit ME together.

I don't know who reads this blog but I hope you have already come to this realization. I don't know why it took me so long to get this knowledge from my head to my heart, but it did.

Thank you God for loving me, forming me, abiding with me. Thank you for the work you are doing in me.

A friend sent this to me today... I know she won't mind me sharing it with you.

Sometimes I ask the question,

"My Lord, is this your will?"

It's then I hear you answer me,

"My Precious Child... be still."

Sometimes I feel frustrated,

‘Cuz I think I know what's best.

It's then I hear you say to me,

"My Busy Child... just rest"

"I know the plans I have for you,

The wondrous things you'll see;

If you can just be patient, Child,

And put your trust in me.

I've plans to draw you closer.

I've plans to help you grow.

There's much I do you cannot see

And much you do not know.

But know this, Child ...I LOVE YOU.

You are Precious unto Me.

Before I formed you in the womb,

I planned your destiny.

I've something very special

I hope for you to learn.

The gifts I wish to give to you

Are gifts you cannot earn.

They come without a price tag,

But not without a cost;

At Calvary, I gave Myself,

So you would not be lost.

Rest, Child, and do not weary

Of doing what is good.

I promise I'll come back for you

Just like I said I would.

Your name is written on my palm,

I never could forget;

Therefore, do not be discouraged when

My answer is... "Not Yet"

Author Unknown

I am not alone.....

2008-04-23T14:41:00.000-04:00

Psalm 139:

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

Psalm 8

2008-04-17T10:18:00.002-04:00

A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

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

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

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

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

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

2008-04-13T18:23:00.001-04:00

see more crazy cat pics

My Life is in Your Hands - PCC Video

2008-04-09T16:53:00.003-04:00

A Jealous God

2008-04-07T11:31:00.005-04:00

A Jealous God by Francis Frangipane
Have you ever sensed spiritual resistance, as though some power much greater than you was deliberately opposing your success? We often assume it is the devil who is fighting us. Allow me to suggest that, on some occasions, what is standing in your way may not be an enemy at all; it may actually be the jealousy of God.

Is the Almighty jealous for us? Yes. The Lord describes Himself often in the Bible as “a jealous God” (Ex. 20:5, 34:14; Deut. 4:24, 5:9, etc.). We should expect He would be jealous since we have actually been created for His pleasure. While His covering, nurturing love accepts us as we are, a time comes when He begins to confront the false gods, the idols, which rule in our hearts. Indeed, anything in us that denies Him full access to our souls, that stands between our hearts and His, becomes His enemy.

The revelation that His jealousy will fight against our hidden idols can be frightening if we are intent upon sin, yet it can also be liberating if we desire intimacy with Him. For He will not allow us to find enduring fulfillment in something apart from Him.

Listen to His command in Exodus: “Watch yourself that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, lest it become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim --- for you shall not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Ex. 34:12-14).

Oh, let us hear God’s heart in trembling fear. The Lord’s very name is Jealous. Jealousy is central to His nature. Indeed, it is an abomination that false gods should occupy our hearts, for we are the temple of God.

A Land Of Idols
Israel committed many sins, but the worst of them involved idol worship; idolatry, beyond all others, tried God’s heart. How does that relate to us, you ask? We don’t have other gods in our society. Yes, we do. Though they are not standing openly in our city squares (usually), the idols in our land are just as demanding. In fact, our nation is full of false gods that influence both our actions and our thoughts. Since we each were created to worship God in focused purity, God must confront the idols in our hearts. Indeed, from His view idolatry is unfaithfulness.

Recall the Lord’s word, “No one can serve two masters.” One of the most dominant idols in our culture is obsession with wealth. Even though our currency says “In God We Trust,” it is more often the dollar we rely upon, not God. In fact, while billions of the world’s poor starve, we are addicted to spending our wealth selfishly upon ourselves.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “You cannot serve (bow before) God and mammon.” God, not money, must be our master. If we tithe, give to the poor, and do not let money rule us, wealth can certainly become our servant, and thus a blessing to us and others. But if we allow finances to rule us, mammon can easily become a false God adding stress and greed to our existence. Yet, remember: Jesus did not say we couldn’t have money; He said we couldn’t serve money. The voice of mammon must be subdued if the Lord alone is to be our Master.

Betrothed To One Lord
Consider the powerful influence that entertainment, sports, fashion and the drive for success and materialism have over American society. If the Lord has to compete with our passions, then we are harboring idols in our hearts. Fear also is a powerful idol that rules many souls, especially during these times.

We must see God’s jealousy as His desire to love and shelter us through life. He is without the dark, evil elements that human jealousy has. But even with our finite understanding, we know jealousy is response to unfaithfulness in a loved one. Once human jealousy awakens, it easily can become a consuming fire. If this has happened to you, then you know somewhat how our unfaithfulness affects the Lord’s heart. Paul certainly was thinking about this when he wrote, “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin” (2 Cor. 11:2).

James 4:5 says, “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us.” Yet, James also said, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4).

For the rest of the article visit: A Jealous God

The Church of Oprah Exposed

2008-04-07T09:47:00.001-04:00

Unbelievable! Blasphamy!

I Am The Lord

2008-04-03T10:22:00.001-04:00

I AM THE LORD
Diane C.
May 19, 2006

I AM the Lord, Strong and Mighty in Power. Who has power likened unto to Mine? Who can stand in my stead? Can anyone halt what I set in motion, or set in motion that which I bring to a halt? Who can open the doors I close, or close the doors I open? Who spoke the world into existence? Am I not the One Who set the moon, sun, and stars in the Heavens? Who created man from the dust and breathed life into him? Did I not also redeem him from the fall? Am I not the God Who delivered My three Hebrew children from the fiery furnace? Were they burned; was one hair on their bodies singed? Did they even smell of smoke? When My servant, Daniel, was in the lions’ den, Who commanded the angel to shut the mouths of the lions? When Daniel emerged from the lions’ den was he injured in any way? Who opened the Red Sea to deliver Moses and the children of Israel? Who closed the Red Sea and destroyed Pharaoh’s army as they pursued My chosen? By Whose Hand was Gideon victorious? By Whose Hand is Satan defeated? The mountains are impenetrable, yet in My Presence do they not melt like wax?

Who has in times past made ways out of no way for you? When the enemy came in like a flood, in Whom did you find Refuge? When your enemies sought to devour you, by Whose Power did they stumble and fall? When you were without a job and had no money, Who opened for you the windows of Heaven? At My Command didn’t men give unto your bosom? When you were afflicted in your body, didn’t I heal you? When you cried out to Me from your place of captivity, wasn’t it I Who delivered you? When you were in need of a Savior, Who laid down His life for you? When you ask for My forgiveness, don’t I also cleanse you from the unrighteousness of your sin? Who everyday affords you brand new mercies and provides for you sufficient grace? When you were faithless, didn’t I prove Myself Faithful? When you were at your weakest, isn’t that when My Strength was perfected in you?

Then, why do you fret, Child? Have you forgotten Who I AM?

I AM the Lord, and My Power is limitless!

Psalm 18:31 – “For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?”

Psalm 59:16 – “But as for me, I will sing about your power. I will shout with joy each morning because of your unfailing love. For you have
been my refuge, a place of safety in the day of distress.”

Psalm 24:8 – “Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, invincible in battle.”

Psalm 89:6 – “For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the
LORD?”

Psalm 93:4 – “The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.”

Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

Exodus 33

2008-03-27T10:52:00.000-04:00

15 Then Moses said to him, "If you don't go with us, don't send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and your people? You must go with us. How else will we be different from all of the other people on the face of the earth?"
17 The Lord said to Moses, "I will do exactly what you have asked. I am pleased with you. And I know your name. I know all about you."

Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth (Live)

2008-03-27T02:30:00.001-04:00

Elderly woman witnesses to man trying to rob her

2008-03-27T02:28:00.001-04:00

2008-03-21T10:24:00.001-04:00

Prosperity Gospel - John Piper

2008-03-12T17:35:00.003-04:00

Psalms 31:24

2008-03-06T09:53:00.003-05:00

Be strong and let your

heart take courage,

all you who wait for

and hope for and

expect the Lord!

For Emma

2008-02-28T11:47:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of having lunch with a group of people on Sunday - one of which is and exceptional young lady who loves animals of all kinds. I had the best time looking at a book of animals with her - and laughing like I haven't laughed in so long. These pictures made me think of her. I hope she see's these and likes them!

Isaiah 61

2008-02-27T10:21:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 61
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,
Because the LORD has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
And the sons of the foreigner
Shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD,
They shall call you the servants of our God.
You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
And in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
8 “ For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offering;
I will direct their work in truth,
And will make with them an everlasting covenant.
9 Their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles,
And their offspring among the people.
All who see them shall acknowledge them,
That they are the posterity whom the LORD has blessed.”
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth brings forth its bud,
As the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth,
So the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Jeremiah 33:3

2008-02-25T15:53:00.004-05:00

‘Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.’

Frozen Grand Central

2008-02-19T09:58:00.001-05:00

This is the coolest thing!

Me in the morning!

2008-01-30T12:21:00.000-05:00

Just ask anyone that has to talk to me before coffee (or noon!) and this is what they see!

7 Weird Things About Me

2008-01-28T11:16:00.000-05:00

This post is in response to Becca's tag to all her buddies to list 7 weird things about themselves. So here goes.

1. I'm always either Hot or Cold - never just right unless it's under a bunch of blankets curled up in my bed - and even then I have the fan on.

2. My favorite "special day" breakfast is oatmeal - nice and hot - with a scoop of chocolate ice cream on top.

3. I like to re-read books by my favorite authors. (Nora Robert, James Patterson, Karen Kingsbury) Not just once, but multiple times. It is like visiting old friends.

4. When reading a new, involved book - like by Karen Kingsbury or one of the Yada Yada's, I have caught myself praying for the characters. (Yes, I'm in therapy!) :)

5. I can't seem to drive without talking on the phone or "doing" something.

6. I want pink hair.

7. I want a tattoo, too!

I was going through pictures yesterday and found this one of me at my smallest weight. Thought it would motivate me so I'm hanging it up everywhere. Enjoy - oh, and don't look at the perm!

Raaaar!

2008-01-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help it - isn't this cute!
I got it from http://icanhascheezburger.com/

I Hate Being a Grown Up!

2008-01-15T16:24:00.000-05:00

Once again I have rescheduled my hair appointment. As much as I want to get this done, I can't seem to justify spending more than 2 weeks grocery's and gas on my hair! Anyway, now I had to pay the plow guy instead so it's been put off till the 1st.

Oh well, I'll stop whining now. Maybe.

So, got to have a snow day. That was good. Read a book, made chicken and rice soup. Talked with my good friend Dani (who never updates her blog!) and pretty much vegged. All in all a pretty good day.

Working Out - in the Pink!

2008-01-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

So I had my first appointment with a personal trainer at Planet Fitness. I have a workout plan now, and another appointment to work on my lower body plan. To be followed up with an upper body plan. Anyway, I really liked the trainer (minus the sales pitch to get me to buy extra sessions), she was nice and encouaging. I kept picturing Jillian as I was listening to her talk, so she was very motivating! :)

I walked on the treadmill after the meeting. I only made it for 15 minutes at a paltry 1.7 miles an hour, but my heart rate was in the correct zone and all that so I'm told it was good. I'm thinking I'll go back tonight and try it again.

Well, if you know me you know I've been talking about getting my hair done with some pink in it for quite some time now. I actually have the appointment made for Monday night! I came across this picture of Avril Lavigne and I just LOVE her hair! I'm not going to be quite that brave, as I don't have her blond locks to begin with.

Planet Fitness

2008-01-08T16:18:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I didn't join Curves after all. I did the free month and liked it but I felt like I wanted to work certain areas a little more and I couldn't do it there. Plus the hours were not really condusive to my schedule. Sooo... I joined..

I think I'm going to like it. They have much better hours, their plan is cheaper, and they have more machines, a circuit training set up similar to Curves and more! I have an appointment with a personal trainer tomorrow evening.

I'll keep you informed!

Every Time I Breathe (Video)

2008-01-08T12:56:00.001-05:00

Quilting Projects

2008-01-01T16:41:00.001-05:00

This donkey is from an antique pattern dating backto the civil war. Jamie helped me make it for RuthAnn as a Christmas present. Thanks Jamie!

The quilt below was my first... It was a present for my sister for Christmas a few years ago.

Sorry

2007-12-12T16:36:00.001-05:00

Sorry it has been a while since I've updated. There really hasn't been that much to say... other than cough, cough, sneeze, sniff, haaaaccchhhoooooo! There, you're all caught up!

Other than being down with the cold, I've been really busy at work. We have a newsletter going out this week, a large appeal letter just went out and now I'm looking toward the end of year clean up. Whew!

Work at church is going well. I just love my church.

My Christmas shopping is just about done. I still have to wrap everything and ship most of it back home to Maryland. Maybe I'll have time to do that during the storm this weekend.

For those of you who don't care about "The Biggest Loser", you can skip this part. The finale is this coming Tuesday. I'm so excited! I know it's just a show but these people have accomplished so much in 3 months! I admire they're tenacity and perseverance. This is Jillian - one of the trainer's - I want to be her when I grow up.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll try to not be so long in the updating next time....

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

When I woke this morning, I looked outside and it was a beautiful, foggy fall morning. A little drizzily, but oh so quiet and calm. I lay there and just thanked God for all of my blessings... all of the people and things he has blessed me with this year. So many people have become dear to me this year, I can't begin to name them. You know who you are!

Today has been the perfect day so far. Up early (for me) coffee and breakfast with my sister, Val, setting the table, getting ready for Linda to come home and the cooking to begin.

I wish everyone who may happen upon this blog a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! I leave you with a little Blog of Praise...

Psalm 67
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Happy November

2007-11-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know I haven't posted in a while but I've been really busy! Let me get you caught up...

Let's see, work first I think. We had our annual banquet on October 18th. It went really well. The theme was "It's the little thing's that make a Big difference".

Ralph Leo was the speaker and told of the adoption stories of 2 of his sons from Ethiopia. It was very moving. Made me want to run right out and adopt 10! Well, maybe 1 to start.

Work at the church is always busy - the website is getting a much needed re-vamping and I am learning (thanks Dani!) all kinds of new stuff. I'll post the link when it's up and running and pretty.

On a personal note in an effort to continue on my weight loss journey, I have joined . They have a 30 day free trial so I'm gonna give them a try. My first workout is tonight at 5:30. I'll let you know how it "worked out"! :) Pray that I'll stay motivated!

A Love Letter

2007-10-12T12:35:00.000-04:00

Again I will say in my eyes you are perfect. You are loved and cherished by me. When I say I love you, I am not speaking empty words void of life. Have I not sacrificed all that is precious to me for your sake? Have I not suffered untold sufferings for you? I hold you so precious and valuable that I've given my life up for your good. You are of great worth to me. I offer you life drawn out of my own. With all this do you still say I am not worthy of your trust? My beloved, if only you would believe.

I only intend good towards you. I would protect you from all that is evil. Even in all your comings and goings I would have it that you would be under my protection. I confess that I am jealous of your affections towards anyone or anything that would do less for you because I love you so. I long to always be your love above all loves. If this were so I would gladly give you all you could ask and more than you could even imagine. I ask you to release all your struggles to me that I may give you rest. Don't worry or be so anxious. Love me and have faith in me, then I will be free to take your burdens. Then you would rejoice for your load would be easy and light. As I must close this letter, beloved, I ask that you would cast all your cares upon me for I truly care for you. Life will always have difficulties and hardships, none can escape that, but together we can get through it with true love, peace and joy. Even now before all creation I offer you my everlasting love.

I am yours my beloved,
Father God, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and The Holy Spirit

Who Am I Casting Crowns

2007-10-04T15:16:00.001-04:00

Really awesome video - check it out!

Pachelbel Bedtime

2007-10-04T13:58:00.001-04:00

For all my friends with children...

More "old" Friends!

2007-10-04T09:49:00.000-04:00

More friends... Linda R. - there's sooo much I could say, but I'll keep it to: see what whining gets you? Oh and Love Ya!

Patty and Kathy and guess who? This is at Newfoundlake a few years ago. We were FREEZING but it was fun.

Joy, Ken and Maeve

2007-10-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

My good friend and coworker Joy made a comment about not putting pictures of my "old" friends on my blog too, sooooooo here ya go Joy!

This is her grand daughter Maeve - isn't she just precious! Maeve that is... :)

Here is Maeve helping Joy and Ken (Joy's husband) walk down the beach...

Phil Keaggy

2007-10-01T11:12:00.001-04:00

Powerful Pro-Life Song we came across in research for our banquet.

Shawn McDonald - All I Need

2007-09-28T15:29:00.001-04:00

I love Shawn's music - very real, natural.

2007-09-27T12:22:00.000-04:00

Friends

2007-09-27T12:06:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking lately about how God has really blessed me with such good friends! Throughout my life, I have had 1 or 2 close friends at a time - thats all and sometimes they were rather superficial. But during this time of my life, He has surrounded me with women who I cherish. The girls at work, at church and my new sista's from Lose It. Thank you for being an ear, for checking on me when I'm not there and for letting me "spew" when I need to. I can only hope that I am 1/2 as good a friend as ya'll.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Nicole C Mullen live

2007-09-24T15:37:00.001-04:00

I saw Nicole C Mullen perform this at Women of Faith in Boston, MA in July. She does an amazing job. What a visual!

God's Promise

2007-09-18T14:05:00.000-04:00

This picture reminds me of the promise God made to Noah - that He would not destroy the earth by a flood again. (Gen 9:11) How wonderful is it that God keeps His promises? Not just the big ones, but all of them.

One of His promises I am most grateful for is Daniel 9:9 "The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;"

Psalm 63

2007-09-17T16:15:00.000-04:00

Psalm 63

1 O God, you are my God,

earnestly I seek you;

my soul thirsts for you,

my body longs for you,

in a dry and weary land

where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary

and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,

my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,

and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;

with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;

I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,

I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;

your right hand upholds me.

9 They who seek my life will be destroyed;

they will go down to the depths of the earth.

10 They will be given over to the sword

and become food for jackals.

11 But the king will rejoice in God;

all who swear by God's name will praise him,

while the mouths of liars will be silenced.