So I had a good Memorial Day weekend. How was yours? Yesterday I went to church, went to a graduation open house, visited family and friends, walked around at the park with some relatives for an hour, got ice cream, did a little gardening, and watched the end of the Indy 500 race on TV. Today I got the house cleaned up, went swimming at a pool party, and even had time and energy to do my dance video game tonight for 40 minutes. I even have a pretty good tan starting now from being outside so much lately. All in all it was a good Memorial Day weekend.
I'm starting to get excited because my vacation is coming up in the beginning of July! It's only a little over a month away now! I am going to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with my aunt and two cousins. Smoky Mountains here we come! I haven't been there since the summer of 2007 and I can't wait to go back! It's so beautiful & relaxing there. I hope to get to go to Dollywood this time and some other new places. I will be gone for about two weeks and I will be having a blast I'm sure!
Oh and FYI my boyfriend Michael and I have been dating for four months now and I'm loving every minute of it. He really is a special, one of a kind, amazing guy. I look forward to many more fun experiences with him in the future. I will miss him while I'm on vacation though. But that's what phone calls and facebook are for right? lol.
Oh yes I am also currently preparing a short story for a writing contest about an experience in my life that required faith in God & how He worked in my life through that experience. So I will keep you updated on how that goes. I have to submit it by June 20, 2012. So pray that it goes well! Thanks!
Well that's enough for now. Until next time...keep reading, writing, and living life to the fullest!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Mother's Day & Memories
Happy belated Mother's Day to all of you moms out there. Lately my mom has been on my mind. It was eight years ago on May 11, 2004 that my mom passed away from a second bout with cancer. It was a few days after Mother's Day & four days before my sister's wedding. We had her funeral on Friday and my sister's wedding on Saturday. Even though, that was the hardest weekend of my life, I now see that God had a plan through all of that. All of those experiences taught me a lot and helped me to become who I am today.
Lately, I have been having good memories of my mom. Like when I was a kid she read a book called "The Boxcar Children" to me and my brother. She would read to us on nice summer days while swinging on the porch swing on the back patio of my grandmother's old log cabin. I remember her introducing me to the "Nancy Drew" mystery book series which I still love and read to this day.
Just recently I found both of those kinds of books at a book sale they had at the mall. That particular book sale only comes to the mall three times a year. Since I don't see those kinds of books for sale very often I couldn't pass up the chance to get some. So, I bought a few books in her memory and for my own enjoyment. I hope to pass those book traditions on to my nieces and nephew and maybe my future kids some day.
I also remembered just today how she used to help feed the homeless. She would stop and buy some hamburgers for a homeless guy on the street corner or make him a sandwich from our picnic supplies. She tried to make a difference for others in her own, small way. And she tried to lead by example.
I hope that I am leaving a good legacy behind with my life. And I hope to continue to be a Godly example to others that I encounter through out my life. What kind of example are setting for others around you? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations to remember?
It was such beautiful weather out today that I played outside with my nieces and nephew while visiting my sister, later I went for a walk around my neighborhood, then I planted half of my garden. While at my sister's we even ate fresh mulberries off of a mulberry tree. It was a good day. And me, my sister, and my brother all talked about our best memories of our mom. It was our little way of honoring our mom on Mother's Day.
We'll never forget you Mom. Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Your Daughter
Lately, I have been having good memories of my mom. Like when I was a kid she read a book called "The Boxcar Children" to me and my brother. She would read to us on nice summer days while swinging on the porch swing on the back patio of my grandmother's old log cabin. I remember her introducing me to the "Nancy Drew" mystery book series which I still love and read to this day.
Just recently I found both of those kinds of books at a book sale they had at the mall. That particular book sale only comes to the mall three times a year. Since I don't see those kinds of books for sale very often I couldn't pass up the chance to get some. So, I bought a few books in her memory and for my own enjoyment. I hope to pass those book traditions on to my nieces and nephew and maybe my future kids some day.
I also remembered just today how she used to help feed the homeless. She would stop and buy some hamburgers for a homeless guy on the street corner or make him a sandwich from our picnic supplies. She tried to make a difference for others in her own, small way. And she tried to lead by example.
I hope that I am leaving a good legacy behind with my life. And I hope to continue to be a Godly example to others that I encounter through out my life. What kind of example are setting for others around you? What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations to remember?
It was such beautiful weather out today that I played outside with my nieces and nephew while visiting my sister, later I went for a walk around my neighborhood, then I planted half of my garden. While at my sister's we even ate fresh mulberries off of a mulberry tree. It was a good day. And me, my sister, and my brother all talked about our best memories of our mom. It was our little way of honoring our mom on Mother's Day.
We'll never forget you Mom. Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Your Daughter
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sticking to the Diet
I am trying hard again to stick to the diet of eating lots of fruits, veggies, nuts, some healthy whole wheat carbs, little lean meat, and not a lot of high fat or fried foods. Tonight I went to the grocery and bought all kinds of unusual fresh fruit. I bought passion fruit, star fruit, ugly fruit, pomegranate, and a banana mango among others. I tried the passion fruit and star fruit tonight. Both were weird yet delicious. I also bought some veggies, whole wheat bread, pasta sauce, whole wheat noodles, and some healthy veggie chips and snacks. I plan to make healthy meals for the rest of the week and try to take my lunch to work.
Last week, I got back into more consistent exercise and worked out five out of seven days! I danced at home, ran outside and on the treadmill, and walked out side. I also went for a walk outside tonight for a mile around my neighborhood. But I am starting to miss going out dancing. I am kind of burned out on swing dancing. So I think I will go back to salsa dancing which I only did for a little while before I ran out of time last fall. I hope to have more exciting dance updates to come in the near future. But, until then hear is a picture of some of the cool fruit I ate tonight. Enjoy!
Last week, I got back into more consistent exercise and worked out five out of seven days! I danced at home, ran outside and on the treadmill, and walked out side. I also went for a walk outside tonight for a mile around my neighborhood. But I am starting to miss going out dancing. I am kind of burned out on swing dancing. So I think I will go back to salsa dancing which I only did for a little while before I ran out of time last fall. I hope to have more exciting dance updates to come in the near future. But, until then hear is a picture of some of the cool fruit I ate tonight. Enjoy!
Star fruit
Passion fruit
Monday, April 16, 2012
Faith and Trust
Those are the two topics that God has been teaching me about so far this year. I have been learning to have faith in God and His ability and trusting that He will take care of things in my life. It sounds like a simple concept to follow, but it's really hard to put your own pride and ego aside to let God work in your life. Instead of always trying to do things my way and usually watching them not work out, I have been trusting God by having faith in Him to work things out. And so far He has!
It's actually a lot easier and a big relief not to have to worry about every little detail of my life anymore. It has taken me a long time to come to this realization, but obviously God has been teaching me these lessons all along the way to get me to this point in my where I am now willing and able to do the things He has set before me to do. Not my will, but His be done. And let's face it, what He has in store for us is way better than anything we could come up with!
So this post isn't so much about dancing (which I haven't done for a while) or dieting (which I've been sticking to most, but not all the time). This post is more about the diary part. (Although I think I lost a few pounds last month, but I haven't weighed myself recently to see if I've kept it off lol.) Anyway, God has been teaching me a lot and I've been putting what I'm learning into action and so far it's paying off. I have been trusting Him with a particular need in my life and then He provides the solution to that need. He also uses me to help with the needs of others and to encourage them along the way in this hard life we all live.
I challenge you to seek God, have faith, and begin to trust Him like I have. One step at a time of growth in our relationships with God, can lead to a wonderful time of blessing and opportunity now and in the near future. We don't always know what God has in store for us, but we can rest assured that it will be better than our plans or dreams. He created each of us with special gifts, talents, and abilities to serve Him and others in a special and unique way. God is calling you to Himself, to serve Him and love others. Are you listening to His calling? Your spiritual phone is ringing...will you answer?
It's actually a lot easier and a big relief not to have to worry about every little detail of my life anymore. It has taken me a long time to come to this realization, but obviously God has been teaching me these lessons all along the way to get me to this point in my where I am now willing and able to do the things He has set before me to do. Not my will, but His be done. And let's face it, what He has in store for us is way better than anything we could come up with!
So this post isn't so much about dancing (which I haven't done for a while) or dieting (which I've been sticking to most, but not all the time). This post is more about the diary part. (Although I think I lost a few pounds last month, but I haven't weighed myself recently to see if I've kept it off lol.) Anyway, God has been teaching me a lot and I've been putting what I'm learning into action and so far it's paying off. I have been trusting Him with a particular need in my life and then He provides the solution to that need. He also uses me to help with the needs of others and to encourage them along the way in this hard life we all live.
I challenge you to seek God, have faith, and begin to trust Him like I have. One step at a time of growth in our relationships with God, can lead to a wonderful time of blessing and opportunity now and in the near future. We don't always know what God has in store for us, but we can rest assured that it will be better than our plans or dreams. He created each of us with special gifts, talents, and abilities to serve Him and others in a special and unique way. God is calling you to Himself, to serve Him and love others. Are you listening to His calling? Your spiritual phone is ringing...will you answer?
Monday, March 26, 2012
Spring Cleaning
Spring is here and I have been loving every minute of it. I have been getting outside as much as possible and enjoying the lovely 60-70 degree weather that we have had so far this month. I have been walking, jogging, and running outside each week. I have also danced inside either to music or my dance video game. And last week I even worked out at a local gym with a friend of mine.
Last week, I exercised in all four days in a row. I walked and ran a little over three miles last week. The week before that I walked and ran a total of six miles. Even though I felt tired by the time the weekend rolled around the last two weeks, it also felt great to get lots of exercise and sunlight. All of which is much needed and appreciated by my body and spirit. Oh yeah, I almost forgot I think I even lost 2 or 3 lbs. finally!
All of this is also due in part to the fact that I've been trying again to stick to a healthy overall diet. This diet includes: lots of fruits, veggies, nuts/seeds, and lower carbohydrates, fat, and meat. I eat about every two or three hours and usually snack on fruit, granola bars, or healthy trail mix that has dried fruit, nuts, and sunflower seeds in it. It's a lot of hard work with the extra exercise and involves me bringing my lunch to work more often and eating out less, but it's proving to be worth it. And when I do eat out, I try to make healthy choices. For example, I might eat a meal with lean meat, veggies or a salad as side and no dessert.
I've also been enjoying doing some spring cleaning in my closet and room. Last Sunday afternoon, I cleaned out my closet and gave away seven bags full of clothes, shoes, scarves, and purses to Servant's Heart. Servant's Heart is a local food pantry, clothing, & furniture donation organization that helps needy families on the south side of Indianapolis. It felt good to get rid of unwanted things taking up space in my room and to help others by giving away things that could be better used by those in need.
I have also been enjoying spending time with my wonderful boyfriend Michael who is a blessing and encouragement to me. He makes me want to be a better person, a better servant for God's kingdom, and to be more Christ-like in all I do. I am truly thankful to God for bringing him into my life. I have been waiting for God to bring a man into my life like this man and I feel so blessed to be getting to know him better all the time.
Isaiah 64:3-4 speaks about waiting on God's timing and direction in your life in regards to His will and how He rewards us in return for being patient and trusting Him. Isaiah 64:3-4 says, "3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." God acts on our behalf if we are willing to wait on Him, be patient, and trust Him.
I just watched a sermon online tonight by Dr. Charles Stanley and that is what inspired me to share those verses. These verses spoke to me about where I am in my life right now and where God is taking me. I am trusting in Him to guide me in His will for my life, whatever that may be. I pray that you will do the same and be willing to allow God to touch your heart and impact your life.
He loves you, even if you don't love Him or know Him. God sent His only begotten son to come to earth, die for your sins and mine, descend into hell to pay our sin punishment, to rise again, and ascend into heaven. Jesus is the Savior of the world and the only way to heaven. No amount of good works, good thoughts, or monetary donations to good causes can buy your way into heaven. John 14:6 says about Jesus, "6 I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
So the question is where do you believe you will go when you die? We all sin and fall short of the glory of God and do not deserve to go to heaven. That means that we will go to hell for all of eternity unless we confess our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us. I pray that God will speak to you through this message and convict you of your eternal destination. And I hope that you will turn to Him because He is waiting with open arms to receive you and share His love with you.
John 3:16-18 says,"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
Last week, I exercised in all four days in a row. I walked and ran a little over three miles last week. The week before that I walked and ran a total of six miles. Even though I felt tired by the time the weekend rolled around the last two weeks, it also felt great to get lots of exercise and sunlight. All of which is much needed and appreciated by my body and spirit. Oh yeah, I almost forgot I think I even lost 2 or 3 lbs. finally!
All of this is also due in part to the fact that I've been trying again to stick to a healthy overall diet. This diet includes: lots of fruits, veggies, nuts/seeds, and lower carbohydrates, fat, and meat. I eat about every two or three hours and usually snack on fruit, granola bars, or healthy trail mix that has dried fruit, nuts, and sunflower seeds in it. It's a lot of hard work with the extra exercise and involves me bringing my lunch to work more often and eating out less, but it's proving to be worth it. And when I do eat out, I try to make healthy choices. For example, I might eat a meal with lean meat, veggies or a salad as side and no dessert.
I've also been enjoying doing some spring cleaning in my closet and room. Last Sunday afternoon, I cleaned out my closet and gave away seven bags full of clothes, shoes, scarves, and purses to Servant's Heart. Servant's Heart is a local food pantry, clothing, & furniture donation organization that helps needy families on the south side of Indianapolis. It felt good to get rid of unwanted things taking up space in my room and to help others by giving away things that could be better used by those in need.
I have also been enjoying spending time with my wonderful boyfriend Michael who is a blessing and encouragement to me. He makes me want to be a better person, a better servant for God's kingdom, and to be more Christ-like in all I do. I am truly thankful to God for bringing him into my life. I have been waiting for God to bring a man into my life like this man and I feel so blessed to be getting to know him better all the time.
Isaiah 64:3-4 speaks about waiting on God's timing and direction in your life in regards to His will and how He rewards us in return for being patient and trusting Him. Isaiah 64:3-4 says, "3 For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. 4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." God acts on our behalf if we are willing to wait on Him, be patient, and trust Him.
I just watched a sermon online tonight by Dr. Charles Stanley and that is what inspired me to share those verses. These verses spoke to me about where I am in my life right now and where God is taking me. I am trusting in Him to guide me in His will for my life, whatever that may be. I pray that you will do the same and be willing to allow God to touch your heart and impact your life.
He loves you, even if you don't love Him or know Him. God sent His only begotten son to come to earth, die for your sins and mine, descend into hell to pay our sin punishment, to rise again, and ascend into heaven. Jesus is the Savior of the world and the only way to heaven. No amount of good works, good thoughts, or monetary donations to good causes can buy your way into heaven. John 14:6 says about Jesus, "6 I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
So the question is where do you believe you will go when you die? We all sin and fall short of the glory of God and do not deserve to go to heaven. That means that we will go to hell for all of eternity unless we confess our sins and ask Jesus to forgive us. I pray that God will speak to you through this message and convict you of your eternal destination. And I hope that you will turn to Him because He is waiting with open arms to receive you and share His love with you.
John 3:16-18 says,"16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
Monday, February 27, 2012
Week of Workouts
I worked out four times this week! For me that is a pretty big accomplishment considering I usually end up being too busy to fit in three or four workouts per week. On Tuesday of this week, I worked out with a friend at her gym for an hour. On Wednesday, it was warm enough so I ran a little over a mile outside, around my neighborhood with my dad for about twenty minutes. On Thursday night, I went out to eat with two friends from work and Michael the guy I am dating. We had a nice time eating and visiting.
On Friday, I bought a dance game for my game console and danced for 45 minutes. On Saturday night, I went with Michael to my sister's house and we visited my sister, brother-in-law, and their children. We had fun visiting with everyone and playing with the kids. Today, it was sunny and I ran a mile outside in 15 minutes. Then I came inside and danced to my dance game for about 45 minutes. So all in all I've worked out for about three hours this week. I hope to keep it up!
Tonight, I decided to dub some of our old family movies that were on 25 year old VHS tapes over to our hard drive recorder. So that way I can then burn them to DVD, make some copies, and pass them out to my various family members who might want some copies of them. It was neat to see myself as a month old little baby in Christmas of 1986. Then to see myself again as a one year old and later as a two year old. I was so cute! And it was funny to see relatives a lot younger, with more hair, and with funny clothes and hairstyles.
It was so neat to see relatives who aren't even alive anymore smiling and talking to everyone. I hope to preserve some of this family history that is on video and to pass it on to future generations.
I know my nieces and nephew will get a kick out of seeing us all in the family videos. I know I sure did. LoL. ;-)
On Friday, I bought a dance game for my game console and danced for 45 minutes. On Saturday night, I went with Michael to my sister's house and we visited my sister, brother-in-law, and their children. We had fun visiting with everyone and playing with the kids. Today, it was sunny and I ran a mile outside in 15 minutes. Then I came inside and danced to my dance game for about 45 minutes. So all in all I've worked out for about three hours this week. I hope to keep it up!
Tonight, I decided to dub some of our old family movies that were on 25 year old VHS tapes over to our hard drive recorder. So that way I can then burn them to DVD, make some copies, and pass them out to my various family members who might want some copies of them. It was neat to see myself as a month old little baby in Christmas of 1986. Then to see myself again as a one year old and later as a two year old. I was so cute! And it was funny to see relatives a lot younger, with more hair, and with funny clothes and hairstyles.
It was so neat to see relatives who aren't even alive anymore smiling and talking to everyone. I hope to preserve some of this family history that is on video and to pass it on to future generations.
I know my nieces and nephew will get a kick out of seeing us all in the family videos. I know I sure did. LoL. ;-)
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Valentine's Day Surprise
Valentine's Day this year was the best one ever. I woke up in the morning to having my dad tell me that my sister had her baby. And to my surprise it was another girl. Now I have four nieces and one nephew. Her name is Adelise Joy and she was born at 4:32 am on Feb. 14, 2012. She weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 inches long. I saw her for the first time the next day and she was adorable.
When I got to work that day the time clock told me, "Happy Anniversary." I was three years at my job on Feb. 14, 2012. I can't believe it! And my raise went into effect that day too so that is a plus. I worked a short shift that day and got off at 3pm.
After work I went home and starting getting ready for a fun night out. I went on a double date with a nice guy I'm dating and my dad and his girlfriend. We had dinner at a nice German restaurant called The Rathskeller and then went to a Valentine's Day Dance and Concert with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at the Athenaeum downtown. We danced, listened to live jazz music, and had a great time.
It was definitely the best Valentine's Day ever. And the next day was pretty good too. I took my three older nieces to the Children's Museum with my aunt. We had fun exploring the new Mr. Potato Head exhibit, a few other exhibits, and playing together. I even treated everyone to ice cream after lunch. When we went home we all got to visit the new baby and all took turns holding her.
Since then I've been busy working and helping take care of my brother who had his wisdom teeth taken out last week. And I've gotten back into the diet for the most part and I've been exercising more. Last Sat. I danced for three hours while playing a dance video game at a game night at a friend's house. And last night I worked out for an hour at a gym with a friend. Yesterday, I also cooked greens and made bean burritos. So I'm getting back on track with my health again.
I will try to keep my updates on here coming at least once a week if not more. But you know how life can sometimes get crazy. And when it does that's when I try to slow down and then write about it. So here's to living life, dancing, dieting, and then writing about it. ;-)
When I got to work that day the time clock told me, "Happy Anniversary." I was three years at my job on Feb. 14, 2012. I can't believe it! And my raise went into effect that day too so that is a plus. I worked a short shift that day and got off at 3pm.
After work I went home and starting getting ready for a fun night out. I went on a double date with a nice guy I'm dating and my dad and his girlfriend. We had dinner at a nice German restaurant called The Rathskeller and then went to a Valentine's Day Dance and Concert with the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra at the Athenaeum downtown. We danced, listened to live jazz music, and had a great time.
It was definitely the best Valentine's Day ever. And the next day was pretty good too. I took my three older nieces to the Children's Museum with my aunt. We had fun exploring the new Mr. Potato Head exhibit, a few other exhibits, and playing together. I even treated everyone to ice cream after lunch. When we went home we all got to visit the new baby and all took turns holding her.
Since then I've been busy working and helping take care of my brother who had his wisdom teeth taken out last week. And I've gotten back into the diet for the most part and I've been exercising more. Last Sat. I danced for three hours while playing a dance video game at a game night at a friend's house. And last night I worked out for an hour at a gym with a friend. Yesterday, I also cooked greens and made bean burritos. So I'm getting back on track with my health again.
I will try to keep my updates on here coming at least once a week if not more. But you know how life can sometimes get crazy. And when it does that's when I try to slow down and then write about it. So here's to living life, dancing, dieting, and then writing about it. ;-)
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