Honest Scrap Award

Edited by author: For those that were not included in my list of seven, I would like for all of you to have this that is on my blog list, for you all deserve this. I hate leaving people out. I love you all and hope you realize this. I don't like to seem like I'm showing favortism. It's a hard call to make. That's why from now on, I'm not following the rules. It hurts others and I'm not that kind of person, although apparently some think otherwise. ;) But that's okay. I take comfort in knowing My Father knows my heart and He is the one I have to answer to.

Matthew 7:1
1 "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it iwll be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 Don't give me what is holy to dogs to toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces."

So for those that felt judged, I apologize as that is never my intention. Those that know me, know that. I never meant to hurt anyone. God Bless!

I've received this award from a beautiful woman, friend, and sister at Off the Beaten Trek. She is a wonderful individual whom I admire. She has such a wonderful love for God. She's a loving person who leads a very interesting life. She offers herself to helping others. She is such an inspiration with a big heart. I'm so thankful for having been led to her blog and having the chance to get to know her. If you haven't visited her blog yet, please do so by clicking here. You won't be disappointed. Instead, you will be greatly blessed! I also love how she addresses everyone as sister or brother. How wonderful is that. After all, we are all brothers and sisters. Thank you RCUBE's for your kindness. I'm so glad to know you.

In accepting this award, I need to do the following:

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.

2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.

3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.

4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving it.

Now I must share "ten honest things" about myself.

1) I have the most wonderful God led man for a husband. I'm so blessed that God answered my prayers and led hubby to Him. We had a really rocky rough 23 years of marriage, not all bad mind you. But once He gave himself and I became reborn, wow! Life is sooooo good. Thank You Father God!

2) I'm a 49 year old grandmother to seven beautiful grand kids, ages 1 year old boy, the 24 of June, a 5 year old grand daughter, a 4 1/2 year old grandson, 2-7 year old grand daughters, an 8 year old grandson, and a 9 1/2 year old grandson. They are the joys of my life. I've always loved children. It's so great to watch them grow, learn, and laugh! I will never understand how people can mistreat children. I also have a daughter who has five of those children, and a son who has the other two. Hubby got his girl to name after a song so he could sing to her, and I got my little boy. But yes, we both wanted one of each, it made a perfect family for us. I even had a vision of our son before he was born, and he ended up looking just like that vision! Oh and he was born Christmas Eve! How cool is that.

3) I have a wonderful mother and father who were great examples in my life. Mom had some problems and still does, but you know, she can't help it, and I forgive her whole heartedly. Dad is a hard working man still even though his body says enough. Always willing to help others out, which I admire and try to follow in his footsteps. They had us three girls. Poor dad, he always wanted a boy, but we tried are best to be the son he always wanted, and still be daddy's little girls. :) What a great learning experience and examples we grew up with! Thank you Father.

4) I am a lover of the great outdoors. I love to snowmobile, cross country ski (can't down hill to save my life), ice skate (always wanted to be an Olympic figure skater (but can not roller skate for nothing), swimming, biking, hiking, fishing and camping. Oh yeah, gardening which I still do. I so miss living in the country either on a lake or on a farm. I love horses and miss having them to care for and ride. I also miss having a dog. I can't remember ever not having one growing up. At least we have a cat. She's such a sweetheart. Would also love to have some more cockatiels, or an African Gray, or a Parrot. They are so much fun! And believe it or not, I even miss mucking the barns! Yup, you heard right. Who knows perhaps if I had kept with that style of life, my bod wouldn't be in the condition it is now. ha ha, I've always been heavy except while in the military.

5) Speaking of which, there's another something to write about. I only served three years and hated to get out, but since hubby and I were expecting (I was the pregnant one, not him ;)) and were both in the fire department, we really didn't have a choice but to have me get out. At the time, the fire chief would not let us work the same shift, nor one of us work an eight hour shift, which would have meant seeing one another only 1-2 days every two weeks. I'm sorry, but that is now way to raise a family.

6) I've worked many types of jobs. I started out in a hardware store at the age of 13 working for my parents. I loved it. I learned a lot there. They eventually turned it into a ceramic shop where my grandmother and mom taught ceramics. We done our own mold pouring and firing. I remember making many trips with mom to pick out some molds. It was fun. Dad even built mom a table with a drain for pouring the ceramics. I then moved to being a waitress/cook helper at a local cafe. That was the best experience I ever had. My boss was awesome, but unfortunately I never told him that. :( Then came the military in November 78 the year I graduated high school. Then full time mom and home day care, then a supervisor at a day care center, then an air craft cleaning manager, then a cook in the school districts cafeteria's, then a supervisor/shift leader at a restaurant on our last base, then home day care again. I can not complain about any of my work experience. I've met some wonderful people over the years.

7) Being a fire fighter was the last thing I thought I would do, but absolutely loved it. I always wanted to do something where I would be helping people. The funny thing is, my goals were to be a veterinarian, or a social worker, working with troubled kids. I'm an animal lover, and a love children as mentioned earlier. I never did go to college until 3 years ago. I took on-line classes through the University of Phoenix which had Axia On-line College courses. I wish I had done it sooner, but am grateful for the experience regardless. I was amazed at the amount of people waiting until they were older. That was a relief. This is where I gained my desire to write a couple of books. I had started them, but found life way too busy to do it. At least not yet. Time will tell.

8) Another love is the ocean life. I've "always" been enthralled with aquatic life. Dolphins are my main love, but all of it is just intriguing. Of course there are those few things that makes me squeamish, such as sea snakes, yikes! Please Lord, let me never have a run in with one of them, and then the water spiders. Eels would be a bit creepy too. Working in Sea World would be a dream come true. I also love the otters, sea lions, especially the pups, and the whales. A zoo would be another dream come true. Especially working with babies.

9) Speaking of spiders, I have a fear of them ever since being bitten and finding out I'm allergic to them. I had a reaction to one just like a person would have to a recluse bite. Why is it, when someone has a phobia of something, they always seem to find you? Gardening all these years, I have never had a spider get on me. This year, auuggghhhh, they are crazy! I even had one get on me coming inside the house the other day. It was one I'd never seen before. I've gotten better about them though. I know they do a lot of good. I used to pick them up and let them crawl on me as a kid. Yeah, pretty wild huh?

10) One other fascination I have, photography. I can't wait to be able to get another good camera to start snapping photos of the birds of prey, area birds, and scenery. There is something about the birds of prey that I am just captivated by. They are so graceful. Thank you Lord with providing an abundance of them here of many types. I'll never forget driving home along a field one day and looked up and wondered what in the world was in the sky. Here is was a hawk carrying a huge and I mean huge snake. It's amazing how they can catch and carry something that huge. That's when I became thankful that we do not live on a farm around here. Back in MN where I grew up my whole childhood, we didn't have any that we had to be concerned about. I take that back we had moccasins which I never saw.

Okay, sorry, I know I can be a bit chatty, okay, very chatty. So there you have it. I should have been a boy. ;)

Now the hard part, picking only 7 blogs to honor. I would choose you all, but...I will be a good girl and follow the rules. So here are the seven I would like to honor.

1) Tami at Diary of a Mad Woman

2) Heather at Simply Heather

3) Valerie Lynn at Simply 4 God

4) Denise at Shorty Bears Place and Free to Be Me

5) Kim at Homesteaders Heart

6) Alleluiabelle at Humble as I Go

7) Sarah at God's Not Finished With Us Yet

Believe me, there was many more I would have loved to add here. You all touch me in one way or another and I love you all! Be blessed today and always.

A Confession

While reading a good post at Women Taking a Stand: Post title: Changing our World I was hit with a realization. I can be such a hypocrite at times and not even realize it. This was another wake up call. I felt that my confessing one of my more serious short comings, it may help others that may have the same problem.

Laurie made a good point about how our actions affect those around us. This is so true. It doesn't matter if we are out in public, driving, shopping, at work, or at home for example. If we act or react in a negative manner, it affects those witnessing our behavior. It's just like the commercial where it shows someone doing a good deed, someone else sees it and then goes on to do a good deed, and it keeps going, sometimes coming back full circle. We don't do it for recognition, we do it because it's right, because we are being a Godly person.

Now for my confession. I deal with road rage. Now mind you, it's gotten much, much better. But it's still no excuse. Once re-uniting in the Lord, I tried to curb it, but sometimes it still rears it's ugly little head. Sad, but true, I'll admit it. I don't honk my horn, flip someone off, or scream at them, but I do talk to them, raise my hands, glare at them when given the chance, and give them a dirty look while shaking my head.

Now what makes me better than them? I'm not, just hot headed at times. I let the enemy in way too easy at times. Yes, I'm ashamed of this behavior, and do need to pray about it a whole lot more. I need to confess to the Lord, repent, and do everything I can to end this sinful habit.

I've gotten bad with those that just have to get that one or two cars ahead. They are in a bigger hurry than anyone else. Or those that like to zip in and out, expecting people to get out of their way. (Which I can hear Pastor Ken saying, "You never know what their hurry may be for. Perhaps it's an emergency of some type.") Those that have to ride your bumper (which I know I'm going to end up regretting the reaction to this one someday), those that have to be putting on their make up, or shaving (yes, I've seen it), or talking to the person next to them not watching. And the list goes on. It drives me nuts, mainly when I have the kids in the car with me. I'll yell at them as if they can hear me under my breath most the time, but out loud sometimes with the windows up mind you. "What do you think you are doing you idiot!" "Hey, pay attention before you hurt someone." "Okay, that's it, I'm not letting you ahead of me. You should have left early enough." "If you want to take chances with your life, go do it with a tree or a brick wall. But don't do it with my grand kids life! And think of the poor people that have to respond to clean up your mess."

How pathetic is that? Very pathetic when I think about it. At the time it feels good to release that frustration. I am getting better though and instead of getting angry, I pray for the Lord to put some sense in their heads, make them safer drivers before someone gets hurt. To come into their lives if they have not accepted Him, and so forth. But I'll admit it, I still have my moments. I guess I had better get my act together and set a good example. I'm not helping that person none by getting upset, okay, angry. Anger is a bad thing to possess. Oh, and my other bad--the one that is going to get me in trouble yet--if you are riding my bumper, I like to hit the brakes (tap them) enough to let you know you are way to close and pissing me off. Grrrrr, what a horrible habit to have. I haven't done that in a while though. The last time I had done that in fact, it even scared me, as I was very upset for some dumb reason and hit the brakes a little harder than I had thought I was and scared everyone. Think the Lord was trying to get my attention? Oh I believe so. There's no doubt in my mind. So thank you Father for that warning.

The next time you get upset, try to stop yourself, ask how it will affect the people around you and what you can do differently. How can you divert that negative energy into something positive? Believe me, I know that is easier said than done, but after all, we are trying to be more like Jesus. We do want to set an example to others around us. We do want to lead others to Him. Will we accomplish that through negative behavior? No way, no how.

Wooo, thank you Lord for leading me in this post! You talked directly to my heart, and what a lesson you have given. Boy do I have some work to do. Yup, time to hit the Bible and hit it hard. Perhaps if I used that negative energy to spend more time in the Word, I would improve!

Job 5:2
For anger kills a fool,
And jealousy slays the gullible.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man holds it in check.

Joel 2:13
Tear your hearts,
not just your clothes,
and return to the Lord your God.
For He is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger, rich in faithful love,
and He relents from sending disaster. (italicized to show the significance of how we should follow His example.)

I just love this one:
Ephesians 4:26-32
26 Be angry and do not sin. Don't let the sun go down on your anger.
27 and don't give the Devil an opportunity.
28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.
29 No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear.
30 And don't grieve God's Holy Spirit, who sealed you for the day of redemption.
31 All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you , along with all wickedness.
32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgives you in Christ.

Is that awesome or what. It says a lot. We should be worrying about helping others in need. While typing Ephesians, I could hear our Pastor speaking, as he reminds us often, "Remember, you reap what you sow. We must learn to control our tongues." It's so true, you sow negativity, it's going to come right back at you. You start setting that negative wheel in motion. But sow gladness and love, and wow! the results are amazing.

May you all have a blessed week filled with happiness, love, prosperity, good health, and a positive atmosphere!

Monday's Crazy Questions-#1

This comes from Becca @ Becca's Backyard. Just play along if you wish.

This weeks meme: Hodge Podge

1. MEN- Boxers, briefs or commando?LADIES-Hipsters, thongs or granny panties?
Eh, I plead the 5th thank you very much. :) That's gettin' a little too personal. ;)
2. Have you ever had an infatuation with someone on the internet?
My hubby when we first start dating after seperating for almost a year.
3. a 20 dollar bill is laying on the door step of a store as you are leaving. Half the bill sits outside the door..half in. do you turn it in or pocket it?If you were coming INTO the store when you saw it, would it make any difference in your decision?
If there is no one around, then I would defiintely take it. Now if someone were around and looking for a dropped 20, then I would give it to them and not ask questions. But, as Becca had stated in her answers; it's impossible to tell one 20 from another.
4. You just won the lottery....your family will be all over it as soon as they find out. Do you try to keep from telling them about it?
I would tell the because if I were to win, I already had it planned to share the wealth.
5. Did you ever play ' I'll show you mine, if you show me yours', when you were a child?
No, not that I can remember any how.
6. Do you remember a huge crush you had on someone while in high school?Did the crush turn into more?
Oh yeah, he was my first real love. The only one who respected me. Unfortunately I went into the military, so didn't have the chance to see if it would go further. Fortunate on the other hand, as I met my sweet hubby.


7. Have you ever had a full body massage?Were you comfortable or uneasy about being touched all over?
I've only had one, as my sister done it as a getaway/relaxation time for us. We were massaged in the same room, so it wasn't so bad. But I had the guy. So at first I was a little nervous. But once he started massaging, I was laxin' big time.


8. What do you think of wet tshirt contests?
Trouble

Your turn!!!

Human Kindness

Oh my gosh! I just read on the most gratifying acts of human kindness that I've heard in a while. This story absolutely brought me to tears. I love hearing of good deeds being done. But for a total stranger to take the time to do something like this annonomously just gladdens my heart. God obviously had a hand in this one. You will love it! Go here . Trust me, you won't regret it. It's titled: "The Post Office at it's Best." After reading it, just imagine what it would be like if we all were that way! Life would be so wonderful.

A Good Quote!

Want to read a good quote that I would love to get out to every one. I'm going to see if I can find it to share on here, but for now, go here to read it at So God...Are You Listening. The post is dated June 7th titled: Quote of the month. I sooooooo agree with what was said. Amen!

Happy Father's Day and Thank You

Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there! Hope you have a relaxing, fun filled day. May the Lord pour His blessings upon you.

Happy Father's Day Father God. You are first and foremost the most important Father in my life. I love you so.

For my dad, I know you won't read this, but want the world to know you. You were and are a remarkable man. A man whom I look up to and admire. Although you were a hard working man, you always made sure you had time for your family. I remember our Sunday excursions. Your taking us fishing and teaching us how to love the great outdoors.

And yes, I remember you trying to help us be the son you never had. I hope we didn't disappoint you. But from the pride we see in your eyes when we have done well, tells us all is well.

Dad, you have taught me so much. I can't even begin to put into words the appreciation I have for having such a wonderful inspiration. Your mom and dad are smiling down on you today with such pride and knowing they done a good job of raising a wonderful son, who became the as close to perfect dad there ever was.

How I wish we were together today to celebrate this day in your honor, perhaps next year. But know that you are always thought of and greatly loved.

I'll always cherish the memories of all the times you came to my rescue. Of all the wonderful times we talked, even though you weren't exactly comfortable doing it. How you were there to pick up the pieces and make the best of the situations when mom would leave or go through one of her episodes. I love how you never gave up on her and you never turned us away saying you could not do it. You provided, you stood by us, you made it work and never gave up. I thank God for such a wonderful father.

Dad, I try to live by your examples. That's a pretty heavy load, but I keep striving to be just like my daddy and my Heavenly Father.

You would give the shirt off your back for anyone that needed it. Still today, even when you are in so much pain, extremely tired, feeling sick, you are always there when someone is in need of help. Always putting others first. Just as our Father has instructed us to love our neighbors, to even love our enemies. You were always quick to forgive and help no matter what.

I love you dad, and am so proud that you are my daddy. Happy Father's Day Dad! I hope your day is one of rest (that you so greatly need and deserve) and is a happy fun one!

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful husband. I still go through the photo albums smiling with joy and pride seeing how you were when our kids were babies. You were such a proud pappa. How you would spend every spare minute with JJ when he was born. How you loved teaching him. How happy you were when you got your little girl that you wanted to be able sing her name to of that beautiful song.

How as they grew, you always tried to provide and give them what they needed. How you tried to be there no matter what. How you would take the time to help them with their homework, because mom (me) wasn't the brightest cookie in the bunch. ;) For helping them through their trials and tribulations growing up. You never gave up hope for them.

And now, you are still such a wonderful father, praying for them since coming to the Lord. Praise God! You have become the leader our family so needed. You have been such a loving caring father and grand father. I'll never forget the look on your face when your first grand daughter was born. You could not have smiled any bigger than you were. How you walked our daughter up and down the isles of the hospital while in labor. How you were so patient and then so impatient wanting to greet our little girl into the world when our daughter was taken into Labor and Delivery.

What a wonderful man, always trying to make sure our grandchildren are provided for even though you are wondering where the money is going to come from. Being there to pick up the pieces when one of our kids runs into trouble.

You know dear sweet hubby, there are not a whole lot of dads out there that would do what you do. I couldn't be prouder than I am today to have a husband who loves his family the way you love yours. How you are willing to take the grandchildren to church with us and are never afraid to tell them about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. How you try to build on their thirst and hunger for Him. I praise and thank God for such a Godly father, and grandfather. No wonder you have all those grays. It's like the Bible says, it's a crown of glory. You so deserve that crown. I love you for eternity my dear sweet man. Happy Father's Day!

Trinity/Trinitarian

A wonderful blogger buddy asked a good question, one that confuses many. I was confused for a while as well. The question was: Is the word Trinitarian a word, and what is the trinity? Is God one God or is He more than one? (Mind you, this isn't the exact wording, but pretty much what was asked.)
Although the Bible does not say Trinity or Trinitarian in it, it is in fact a real word. You can find it listed in the Websters Dictionary and Wikipedia. That's as far as I had gotten when searching. But for me that was enough proof.
Hank Hanegraff has a great book out. "The Complete Bible Answer Book. Collectors Edition." Now granted there are many that do not like him very well, but he answers so many questions and this book is so helpful. I am not going to write word for word what he has written on this subject, but enough to make a point.
First of all, in the Bible in Genesis 1:26 the first example of where the idea "trinity" came from.

"God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Notice the use of us and our. This implies that God is making a reference to others. Now we all know there is only one God.

Hank writes:

"The word "Trinity"--like "incarnation"--is not found in Scripture; however, it
aptly codifies what God has condescended t reveal to us about this nature and
being. In short, the Trinitarian platform contains three planks (1) there is but
one God; (2) the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God; (3)
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are eternally distinct." (Hanegraff, H. 1984)

Then he goes on to talk about the three planks to this. One being that it is stated that there is only one God. The second that there are many passages that mention the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He also stated:

"The apostle Paul says that, 'there is but one God the Father'
(1 Corinthians 8:6). The Father, speaking of the Son, says, 'Your throne, O God,
will last forever" (Hebrews 1:8). And when Ananias 'lied to the Holy Spirit,'
Peter points out that he had 'not lied to men but to God (Acts 5:3-4)." (Hanegraff, H. 1984)

Third, "the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are eternally distinct." Throughout the Scriptures, there is plenty that shows the distinct relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. An example that Hank uses:

"The Father and Son love one another, speak to each other, (John 17:1-26), and
together send the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). Additionally, Jesus proclaims that
he and the Father are two distinct witnesses and two distinct judges (John
8:14-18). If Jesus were himself the Father, his argument would have been not
only irrelevant but also fatally flawed; and if such were the case, he could not
have been fully God." Hanegraff, H. 1984)

This paragraph speaks a lot:

"It is important to note that when Trinitarians speak of one God they are
referring to the nature or essence of God. Moreover, when they speak of persons
they are referring to personal self-distinctions within the God head. Put
another way, we believe in one What and three Who's." (Hanegraff, H. 1984)

All throughout the Bible, it does talk about God as one as a central part. But
it also that God is "eternally three distinct persons," those being the Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. (This paragraph and the next are not part of the quotes, but will not go back to regular left margin alignment. This is one problem I have with this program. If anyone knows how to fix it, please share for further posts. Thanks)

If you look at the Concordance under God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. There are many scriptures that speak of them--not necessarily all three at one time--but of them being as one.

One example: Matthew 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," as quoted from Hanks book.

Hank listed areas to look further to back this up.

"James R. White, The Forgotten Trinity (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001), and
Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship
(Phillipsburg, New Jersey; P&R Publishing, 2004)." (Hanegraff, H. 1984)

If anyone has anything to add, please add in your comments and add permission to use if you don't mind it being added to here. Hope this is of some help.

One thing to keep in mind, you are going to find different view points, as there are different beliefs. There are some religions that don't follow the Holy Bible, instead have a Bible designed to follow their beliefs. I'm a Christian, and we do believe in the trinity/triunity. I grew up a Catholic being taught the same thing.

When I first came back to the Lord, I was confused by the whole concept. During my childhood days, I had misunderstood the whole idea. It took quite some time for me to realize that in fact God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in fact were one, but three persons in one. I had a hard time understanding how that could work since Jesus had been born through Mary. That is where my whole confusion came in. But now the more I read, the more I understand for the most part.

The way I look at it, and this is may be the wrong perspective to have, but we were not made to understand the whole Bible, but to live by what we learn from it. We can argue all we want as to what is right and wrong with things that are not clearly explained, such as the trinity, since it is not found in the Bible. Instead, it's the concept that has been taken from what is read in the Bible. As we read it, it seems that the three are a triunity. But there are those gray areas too that confuse us. We may never know the truth, but instead, go with your heart, what does God tell you? I asked, He gave me what I've found. I'll follow that. For He alone has all the answers. I figure when we get to Heaven, that's when we will know the facts. For now, what He tells me and teaches me, I'll believe, as I trust in Him and believe Him wholeheartedly.

I will listen to those that are Godly people and be led as they are being led, but I will still talk to the Lord to be sure it's not the enemy taking control of their tongue (which is another subject for a near post). And so I will end here with my humble opinions and belief. I welcome a good hearty discussion on this subject. All I ask is there be no nasty comments with profanity. I will delete your comments if it is written in anger. Thank you and God Bless. Have beautifully blessed day. Happy Fathers Day to all you dads out there!!!

Reference:

Hanegraff, H. 1984. "The Complete Bible Answer Book; A collectors edition." Thomas Nelson

Inc., Nashville, TN.

Bloggy Friendship Days

Lisa at Stop and Smell the Chocolates and Kim at Homesteaders Heart are doing a Bloggy Friends days from June 25th-27th. This is a good way to recognize the friends you have made in bloggy land. Just click on one of the links above to learn more about this. Have a blessed, wonderful weekend!

Six Word Saturday

You know what to do. For more information, go here.

Believing in God for total healing!

Fitness Friday

Go here to learn more and link to other stories about this weeks segment. This Friday we are to post pictures of ourselves or from the web of ways we use to make ourselves look slimmer. Hmmm, I don't want to post ones of myself :0) so, I went searching on the web. I'm not having any luck. wah. But...I have found a site that is very beneficial to this episode to start with. Titled, how to look slim. They have some great tips. The first one was love color and talked about how black isn't the only way to slim. Yeah!!! Hubby is tired of me wearing black. :) You can go here and here.

I've found pants with a wide waist band that are form fitting a little long and flared are the best. They accentuate your lower torso without giving you that big look. Those with control tummy panels really work well too. Also, stretchy material is a major help.

Tank tops that are longer help hide the bulge(s). Those that have the layered look can distract from the center as well.

I've found that dresses can look okay as long as you have one that is flairy on the bottom half with a wrap around type upper half. I was really surprised with this one. A print and darker color makes a difference to. Also one with a jacket really helps. However, I don't like to wear skirts unless they are the a-frame and flared and not long. Those long dresses and skirts causes one to look bigger.

Capri's are great if you have them loose fitting, but not baggy. Any type of baggy bottoms makes one look even bigger. They have to be calf length for me. I've found if you get the ones with the wider waist band, they have a more slimming effect.

Blouses/tops that flair, and have a bodice binding of some sort is better than those that have the binding around the waist, as the binding around the waist makes the top flair more giving you that pregnant look accenting your midsection. Having it in the bodice area distracts from the midsection.

Shirts or even pants that have stripes need to be running down. Those with the strips going around you makes you look bigger. Striping running vertical makes a big difference and can be very slimming.

I like blazers for those moments when you are feeling a little self conscious and want to use something to hide those bulges and look nice.

Jackets are also a nice cover when you need one and can really accessorize and look attractive.

Blouses that are longer, loose, and have something at the top to draw attention from the midsection is nice. Often times too with sleeves that have something going on makes a difference.

As to how I am doing, well I'm finally losing weight after the wake up call I received. I found that I have neuropathy, which is why my feet are numb and are actually in worse shape than thought. So I have some interesting information to pass on. Belly fat is the cause of this to happen. It can cause other health issues as well. You see, as we start to age, our bodies prepare us for the end, so we start decomposing inside. The toxins are taken to the belly. If there is too much (which happens with the larger your belly gets), then toxins are dispersed to the base of your body (feet) and makes its way up if not cared for.

When not properly taken care of my dear friends, we are taking years off of our life. If I were to continue going like I am with the neuropathy set in already and spreading fast, I could die in another 10 years! Yes, you read right.

I went on line and looked up belly fat and found a couple of articles from places I trust and want to share them with you. These too are eye openers. Oh, and it turns out that they are sure I either already have type 2 diabetes or the onset of, as this is very common with all that is going on. Did you know you can actually have it for years and never know. Also, feet can start to numb before you even realize it. I thought it was just in my toes and had worked it's way to the middle of my foot. Yeah right, nope, wrong. It's into my ankles and starting up one of my legs. So here are the sites. Good reason to work at eating right and losing weight huh?

You can go here and here.

All photo's came from here Woman Within Plus Size Clothing

This wasn't meant to be a downer, just an informative post that hopefully will help others that could be at risk so that you don't have to go through what I am. Believe me, the whole feet thing has not been fun. Have a great week all, until next week!

Health Update

Saw the neurosurgeon today. As for the neck pain and headaches, he's thinking it is caused from stress and tension which is causing a pinched nerve, but wants to rule out other possibilities first. So had a neck x-ray done.

I tell you, I must be literally glowing by now with all the MRI's and x-rays taken in a years time.

Then we went on to the feet. This is a downer, but am trusting and believing in the Lord. (more below about my feet, felt compelled to add Scriptures here). This thought just come into my mind when it was filled with the words, Come Lord Jesus come, won't you come my Lord. The song on the next post just seems so befitting for today. Wow! How good is He!

Hosea 6:1
"Come, let us return to the Lord,
He has torn us to pieces;
now He will heal us.
He has injured us;
now He will bandage our wounds."

Matthew 4:23-24
23"Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness."
24 News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to Him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon-possessed or epileptic or paralyzed--He healed them all."

Matthew 8:16-17
"That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and He healed all the sick. 17This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

'He took our sicknesses

and removed our diseases."

Matthew 15:30

"A vast crowd brought to Him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and He healed them all."

Mark 1:32-34

32"That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34 Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and He cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who He was, He did not allow them to speak."

Luke 8:50

"But when Jesus heard what had happened, He said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed."

Luke 17:19

"And Jesus said to the man, 'Stand up and go, for your faith has healed you."

James 5:16

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest power of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

1Peter 24

"He personally carried your sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed."

All verses were taken from the NLT

There are so many references to God healing in the Bible. I only listed a handful of them. The one most important to remember I believe is 1Peter 24. Because of Jesus' great sacrifice we will be healed. Better known for "by His stripes we are healed." This is why I believe in healing. The Lord is mighty to save. He is the God of Love. The Lord of healing.

As for the results. The neck pain and headaches with the one day of numbness in the left side is still unknown for sure. The feet, I have something neuropathy. It is worse than he first thought. Basically my nerves are about shot in my left foot and pretty much so in the right foot. I have no feeling (which was a shock to me) from the tip of my toes to the top of my ankle on the left and almost as bad on the right.

He feels I have the onset of Type 2 diabetes if I don't already have it. I have to get rid of my belly fat. The way it was explained, when we age, we all will start to get a belly bulge. This happens as our bodies start to decompose inside. The first place it sends the extra toxins is to the base of the body, our feet. It is very important to keep the body fat in the belly down. So an important life style change has to happen quickly. I'm prone to heart attacks and strokes now as well. He is concerned about my feet and told me we are going to have to be very careful.

Also, when we carry the excess weight and the diseases start to occur, we are taking years off of our lives. Basically, I'm setting myself up for an early death in as early as 10 years if I don't start acting now. Talk about getting someones attention! That hit home. Well it all did, but that especially. Hubby and JJ are taking it much harder than I am. I just have to hold onto faith that the Good Lord is going to heal me. He will help me with the hunger pains. He will walk this journey with me. If I don't hold fast to Jesus, then I'm setting myself up for failure, as we can never take the journey on our own.

So there you have it. Change of lifestyle and eating habits, or miss out watching my grand kids grow and enjoy them. I chose to be around for many more years and make my body young again. It's all hereditary darn it. :( Okay, I know, no whining and no negativity. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...Hee hee, no, no crying here. The Lord has given me a warning, and I'm blessed that He has told me now instead of when it's too late to do anything about it. Thank you God!!!

I so wanted to share this information with you all so that none of you ever have to experience this. Take good care of yourselves. Keep that darned bulge of aging away. I wish you all good health, healing for those who are facing health issues, strength for those facing other trials and tribulations and ask that the Lord fills all areas of weakness in your lives. May he bless you in every way. May you stretch out your hands to Him to give Him thanks and praise!

Thank You Father God for Your wonderful blessings You have shown me today. Thank You for all the wonderful people You have introduced to me through here, building a wonderful community of friendship that goes beyond. You are an awesome God! Thank You!!!

All Who are Thirsty

I just love this song. We are singing for others for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come and fill them along with ourselves if we are thirsty. I am so thirsty for Him!
All Who Are Thirsty: by Kutless
Lyrics

All who are thirsty;
All who are weak;
Come to the fountain,
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrows be washed away,
And the waves of His mercy,
As deep cries out to deep.
And we sing;

Come Lord Jesus Come x 4

All who are thirsty;
All who are weak;
Come to the fountain,
Dip your heart in the stream of life.
Let the pain and the sorrows, be washed away,
And the waves of His mercy,
As deep cries out to deep.
And we sing;

Come Lord Jesus Come x 4

Holy Spirity Come x 4

As deep cries out to deep x 3
And we sing;

Come Lord Jesus Come x 7

Hope you all have a blessed filled day! Just let the Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit fill you up!