finding holiness in a dishwasher

I remember one phone conversation I had with my dad a few months back and it always makes me laugh.  I was in the kitchen when he called and he asked me what I was doing.  I told him that I was loading the dishwasher, but he heard me say I was "using the dishwasher."

We got a good laugh out of that.  It's almost as if I said I was watching grass grow or using the oven.  All things that do need input from me to possibly get started, but ultimately are doing the work themselves while I go on with other things.

This random misunderstanding got me thinking.  How often do I say I'm seeking change in my life and simply sit there (or keep going about other things), waiting for God to do all the work.
One of the best books I have ever read is The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges.  In talking about holiness, he looks at our part combined with the Holy Spirit's part in becoming more like Christ.  He says, "we have misunderstood 'living by faith' (Galatians 2:20) to mean that no effort at holiness is required on our part.  In fact, sometimes we have even suggested that any effort on our part is "of the flesh." 

Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

When we look at Scripture as a whole, and not just one verse, we quickly realize that our Christian walk is not going to grow without work on our part.

Other verses that I am drawn to when thinking about this dual role in change are:

Philippians 2:12 - "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

James 2:26 - "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

James 2:18 - "But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

I know (trust me) it can be easy to make excuses about the lack of transformation in our Christian life because we are (even faithfully) waiting on God to do His work in our life.  BUT there is a huge part of change that depends on us.

I know this is true, because I know that God desires for me to spend time with him, but he doesn't magically (like my dishwasher!) let me go to bed one night and wake up the next day a totally different person who never sleeps in again without reading from my Bible.  It takes an act of change in my own lifestyle and habits to be continually moving to be more like my Savior.

Of course, as believers, we are now "new creations in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17) with the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives.  So, as I have to tell myself daily, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in us as we in turn work for change in our own life.  

Another challenge from Jerry Bridges:

We must face the fact that we have a personal responsibility for our walk of holiness.  One Sunday our pastor in his sermon said words to this effect: 'You can put away that habit that has mastered you if you truly desire to do so.'  Because he was referring to a particular habit which was no problem to me, I quickly agreed with him in my mind.  But then the Holy Spirit said to me, 'And you can put away the sinful habits that plague you if you will accept your personal responsibility for them.'"

Remember that God's "divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness," so don't just sit around and wait for yourself to get clean!  ...You may have to pull out some of your own soap and use a scrub brush at the same time as God continues to complete the work that He has begun in you! (Philippians 1:6)

My Own Personal Echo

We starting letting Elijah watch Baby Signing Time each morning when he was about 6 months old.  I was so excited when he started signing "dog".  He signs just a few words like, milk, more, all done, and fish.  All Baby Signing Time really did for Elijah was give him a thirst for words, I think.  He's a talking machine!  ...Really just an echoing machine.

The other night while I was changing him, he was touching my elbow, so I started telling him what it was. Now he tries to say it, but it sounds like "bel-bow".  I love it!  ...Here's a video so you can witness it for yourself.  Enjoy!



I've had this post written for days, but was hoping to get another video uploaded, but couldn't.  So here it is anyway! ...Gotta love the internet!

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. Well, we've been back in town since Monday, but I just now feel like I've caught up on everything.  It is always good to get a vacation from the norm, but it seems that it takes another week to bounce back from a vacation!  Laundry is done and the house is pretty clean, so now I'm ready to enjoy the weekend!

2.  Elijah got 3 more teeth while we were gone last week, so I am very thankful he is a fairly easy teether!  It could have been real torture in a hotel room, but he did great.  Check out this picture I took this morning...I can't believe how much his teeth have already come through. 

3.  One more thing about last week's vacation...We stayed with some friends of ours at the end of the week and had such a good time.  It's always good to go somewhere where you can feel so at home and welcome.  When we got home, however,  I was unpacking our toiletries and found several things that I knew weren't ours.  I was confused for a second and then remembered that Justin had packed our stuff up to leave.  Apparently he forgot that we weren't staying at a hotel where you can just take the shampoo with you!! He basically just cleaned out the shower at our friends' house!  I now have their shampoo, some body wash, and (get this!) some hand soap!  (Apparently he cleaned off the counter, too!)  Well...it's just another reminder of why I do the packing for vacation, and I guess I have to be more careful about packing to return home, too.  I remember checking the bathroom that day to see if we left anything behind, and obviously we did not!  Oh, well.  Maybe we'll be invited back again...if I can get a handle on Justin's sticky fingers!

4.  (If you are my mom...you may not want to read this one!)

Elijah has been crawling everywhere these days, and as I've mentioned before, he is much more interested in Jazz's toys than his own.  Literally, his ball that rattles and is so colorful can be sitting right next to Jazz's boring, plain ball, and he will go for her's everytime!  Now Elijah has discovered that Jazz's food bowl is more exciting than his toys as well.  I've had to "redirect" him several times away from her bowl.  One time he turned it over and got water all over himself, which he did not like! I had hoped that incident had scared him away, but apparently not.  Yes. It has already happened. My 8 1/2 month old child has tasted dog food.  I guess that officially takes me out of the running for mom of the year...or ever!

Yesterday morning, I left Elijah crawling in the living room while Jazz was eating her food and I went back to the bedroom for a few minutes.  I didn't think one thing about the scene that I had just set up!  Sure enough, I went back and Elijah has one piece of food in his mouth and one piece in his hand.  Disgusting!  Atleast I know that Jazz didn't freak out on Elijah...but I kind of wish she would have so Elijah would stay away from the dog food! 

Any suggestions for keeping Elijah away??

5. I have checked out FlyLady before, but never really stuck with anything.  This week I am doing so well!  I have a renewed sense of discipline for our home after being away for a week.  I am ready to Fly!  Check it out...it's a good time to get things in order with the holidays coming up!

6. If you live around Elkin and haven't been to Finder's Keepers yet, you should check it out!  It's a new consignment shop that sells household items.  No clothes, so it's kind of nice just to go check out the household stuff she's got.  It's on North Bridge Street, on the left, if you're heading toward Belk's.  I'm really into consignment shopping right now, and since this area doesn't offer the best shopping expereiences, I feel like it's a good opportunity to shop for items you might not find in stores right around here.  I just took some stuff there yesterday, so I'm hoping it will get sold quickly! 

7.  A friend of mine just introduced me to E-mealz, and I think we are going to get along great!  I just signed up the other day and we had our first E-meal last night.  If you don't like planning your menu each week, but would like to have a better plan, then this is for you!  There is a small fee, but in return, you receive a meal plan for a week along with a detailed shopping list.  I know that a good plan can save lots of money, and we all want to do that, right!

Join in on 7 Quick Takes Friday!

a day at the lake!

We got to spend some time at the lake with Justin's parents this weekend and it was so great to get away. Elijah did wonderful, but it really wore him out. After a growth spurt week, 2 days at the lake, then church, he slept and slept today. (Which was nice for us on Labor Day!) I took some sweet pictures of Elijah at the lake and I would have taken SO many more if my camera battery wouldn't have been dying. It always seems to be dying when there are prime picture taking moments - and I had to save some battery for Justin's (floundering) attempts at a back flip off of the rope swing. (See below). Anyway...enjoy these pictures of Elijah...he's growing so much!

watching daddy attempt a flip!

hanging out with Nana

smiling at Grandaddy

so sweet!

Elijah was really interesting in driving the boat!

checking out the water

happy to be standing (as always!)

wonder what secret Jazz is telling Elijah!?

gotta love the rope swing! Justin's been talking about flipping for months, but apparently it is not as easy as some guys make it look. I'm just glad there were no broken bones! (just egos) :)

a little experiment

I'm expecting a few packages (books) this week via UPS, so I actually thought ahead to make a little sign to put at the front door so that the doorbell doesn't interrupt Elijah. Here it is:



Plain as day, right?? ...and literally, our doorbell is RIGHT beside the sign. (You can probably already tell from my "tone" where this is going!) It wasn't 5 minutes after I put up the sign that the UPS guy drives up. (Ironically, though...Jazz is now barking at the foreign sign in the window and the humongous UPS truck outside)! So...I pick up Jazz to put a stop to the barking and watch the UPS guy walk up on the porch and (much to my dismay) ring the door bell without even stopping to glance at my sign!!! He puts down the box and then he walks away!


I open the door to retrieve my package and the UPS guy turns around and says, "Oh, I didn't expect anyone to be at home."

Well....then why are you ringing the doorbell?

Maybe the next delivery person will pass the test!

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side note: If you didn't notice, I tried out Google Ads on my blog for awhile. This meant Google was supposed to post ads based on specific topics/words found in my posts. Good thing I removed it, because UPS would have received all the sponsors today!!

whoops...

I'm pretty sure I've blogged about this t-shirt of Justin's before, but I can't find it right now...

Well...I remember there have been a few times we have been out and decided to get some Japanese food, only to realize that Justin is wearing this shirt, so we quickly decide on an alternate means of sustenance. Tonight, however, with the combination of our empty refrigerator and the rain, I called in Japanese takeout for Justin to pick up. Poor guy didn't go through the drive thru. Of all nights, he walked right in to the restaurant wearing this shirt! Thankfully our food had already been boxed up, because I'm pretty sure it might not have remained uncontaminated if it wasn't. With good cause! He may never be able to step foot in the local Japanese restaurant again. As for me...they can't keep me away!

This shirt might need to be in our next yard sale!

7 quick takes friday

1.

When we moved to Elkin over a year ago, I was determined to choose a beautiful comforter for our bed. I looked and looked, and ended up spending way more money than I should have, but I was pleased with what I found. Apparently Jazz hates it! Because since I have owned it, that poor comforter has been drycleaned at least 4 times. (That’s over 20 bucks each time! Ugh!) Why, you ask? Because Jazz just LOVES to pee on it. Not only that, but it is forever ruined with runs in it because of her toys that I repeated tell her not to play with on the bed. (I know, I know! She’s like my first child!) Well, the other morning, Justin was already in the shower and I awoke to the sound of Jazz heaving next to me. (Yes, we have let Jazz start sleeping with us again). …somebody please pick my Mom off the floor if you are with her… I was alert enough to know that doggy throw-up would be more easily cleaned off of the pillowcase than a blanket, so I shoved the pillow up under her. (Later Justin said, “Why didn’t you just throw her off the bed”…again, barely alert here!) At the last minute, though, Jazz turns her head and vomits right on my (beautiful, satin) comforter. UGH! Back to the cleaners…unbelievable…I’m gonna have to assign a whole budget category to cleaning my comforter.

And yes, I hear you…we should just stop letting Jazz on the bed…but I’m a sucker!

2.

I love to make lists. In fact, I literally make a list for EVERYTHING. I love to see things checked off or crossed out during the day. So why, since I am staying at home do the lists just seem to glare at me louder and louder as I accomplish less and less? It was nice when I could make a list at night, planning for the next day, accomplish a few things in the morning, then leave the list behind as I went to work, returning to it later. For some reason, I am despising lists lately as they continually remind me of what I am NOT getting done while I’m at home all day.

I wish I had a list of all my outings/fun things I want to do in a week. Maybe I should just start one and pretend I have a life outside our home!! Anyone wanna volunteer to be on that list??

3.

I’ve decided that Monday needs to be “Crockpot Dinner Night” because I have piano lessons from 5:15-6:15 and Justin goes to play basketball at 7. Any good crockpot recipes out there?? I have found that those can be the most discouraging new recipes to try out because you are literally waiting around all day to find out if it’s gonna be any good or not! Please share!

4.

Since being at home with Elijah, I have gone through different spurts on the internet. Some days I could care less about getting on and find facebook/blogging/e-mail to be of no interest. Then there is this week…I have been addicted to being online. Maybe it’s because I’m actually getting some more sleep now and getting more time to myself during Elijah’s naps. I don’t know. I just know I’m gonna have to set some ground rules for myself. Mostly, this week, I have been addicted to this blog. I set out to be a Babywise mom with Elijah (more about that later) and this blog is AWESOME!!! I have spent hours reading, so now that it’s Friday and Justin’s day off, I have to make up for all my slack. No fun!

5.

Today, I’m going to pick out some tomato plants and herbs to plant. We had a pretty big garden last year, especially for new gardeners, but this year we’re gonna tone it down a bit. Unfortunately, right now I’m not eating tomatoes because they negatively affect Elijah, but I’m hoping to try them again soon and find that they don’t bother him. I’m excited to have fresh herbs for the first time. Any suggestions on those are welcome!

6.

Here’s a picture of Elijah from last Friday when my friend Sarah visited us!

Hard to believe he’s 11 weeks old now.

7.

I’m excited for my first Mother’s Day on Sunday! Elijah will be dedicated and our parents and my sister are getting to come to church with us. I’ve looked forward to this day and I want his dedication to be a reminder to us constantly of Who Elijah truly belongs to. These verses have been my challenge as we continue to raise him:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Happy Mother’s Day to you all!!

our first baby

So...do you think Jazz is feeling neglected these days? Poor thing took her ball to the window and just stared outside. She needs some serious play time outdoors. Maybe I'll take her on a walk later.

church nursery

We've had revival this week with our church and two other area churches, so last night I had to prepare to leave Elijah with nursery workers I didn't know. I had a great test/lesson of my faith when this 80-looking year old woman walks in the nursery, takes a look at Elijah and says..."Well, I've never taken care of one that small before."

Hello?? First rule of nursery care should be...never reveal to the mom how much you don't know about babies...(or, even better, don't sign up for nursery if you don't know anything about babies!)

Really, I didn't have to worry too much because another mom of two boys walked in and she was gonna be in the room to help. Of course, last night was the LONGEST revival night yet, so it was a good thing I didn't wear my watch. Elijah survived and all is well!..although I'm pretty sure the (80-looking year old) woman called him a "she" when she gave Elijah back to me. Oh, well...gotta love the church nursery.

Another note about church nursery...last Sunday Elijah came home wearing makeup on his sleeper and smelling like a perfume counter...yuck!! ...But he was in one piece!

intro to pregnany 101...

That's right...I guess I've been clued in to pregnancy slowly since I have only been sick one day total (sorry, y'all) and since I'm liking the idea of these new maternity clothes so far. I got a little more integrated into pregnancy last night,however, at our favorite Elkin Mexican Restaurant La Fuente. We walked in (like we do many Sunday nights) and request a table for two. The host guy looks at me and smiles saying, "2 and a half?!", which I thought was pretty funny. I was obviously in a maternity shirt, so I wasn't offended. For that moment...

Then I really laughed because we got to our table and he puposefully moved the table over some so that there was a little more room on my side!! HA! I could've been offended, I guess. It really was courtious, but I was just amused. It's probably a good thing it's my 2nd trimester and not my 3rd. (Atleast from what I've heard from you post-pregnant ladies!) More stories to come, I'm sure...I already don't really appreciate the tummy touching!

As soon as I posted, I remembered another story! ...the ladies at my office in Mt. Airy are already planning how to rearrange the office furniture ...because I'll soon be too big to easily get around the filing cabinet in our work room! Good thing I've been in a great mood lately!!

Discover Your Child's Strengths Through Play

I was looking for good articles to include in my client newsletter next month at work and I ran across a good one that I thought I would share with you moms who drop by my blog. I see so often at LifeLine how parents have no clue how to really play with their children because "playtime" usually equates to time infront of the TV, video game, or time that the child is "out of the parent's way." This article gives a great perspective on play time that I hope to keep in mind myself. Check out the article Discover Your Child's Strengths Through Play and let me know how you played as a child.

As for me, at one point in my young life (some time before 4th grade, I think), I literally had a system of numbering in my room to keep inventory on all my toys. This means Malibu Barbie could have been A1 while Ken was A2, and so on. Every toy had a sticker with its assigned number on it! I was psycho organizational even as a young child. Too bad this is NOT characteristic of my house now! Justin would probably hate me!! There are certain areas of my life that are super organized, but somehow it just doesn't translate to my overall day! Perhaps this is why I went in a closet at church the other day and actually wondered if anyone would let me get in there and just spend a day organizing it. (crazy!) Why can't I think that about my own closets!!! They need serious help right now, too!

Ok, let me know your childhood ways that have made it into your adult life...(and don't tell anyone I blogged at work today!!)

how not to feel girlie & beautiful...

Warning: this is a ridiculous story that I am probably going to regret sharing, but nonetheless...

First of all, thanks to you wonderful ladies who suggested maternity shopping at Target. I have to agree (now more than ever, as you'll soon see) that I was very pleased with two pair of pants I found there. I shopped there last weekend (as I was in a bind and needed black pants for a conference) and came away (spending more than I meant to) with a great pair of black pants and a pair of jeans. I just had to buy the jeans because I actually haven't fit into a pair of jeans I've owned in months, so I decided that I deserved some during pregnancy. And I'm thrilled with both pair!...I've got a little taste of the maternity pants as I have to pull up the jeans every couple of steps, but I figured it was better to buy them a little big and I trust I will fit in them soon enough.

On to my ridiculous story.... Before I discovered better maternity shopping at Target and JCPenny (I got some great shirts there Thursday!) I was drawn toward Motherhood Maternity which seemed the most obvious place to shop. So, I quickly bought a pair of black pants from there about a month ago that were on clearance and seemed to be a smart buy. (Disclaimer: I have two pair of khaki pants and two adorable shirts from there that I am completely thrilled with). This black pair of pants, however, may never get worn again! I got them out for the first time today to wear them to church with a cute new maternity top. They fit great and were very flattering...that's not the problem. The problem is...they apparently seem to like me even more than I like them. The black from my pants completely rubbed off on my legs, making them black all over!

You may ask when and how I first realized this. Well, alright, you asked, so here's the answer! I discovered this when I left a ridiculous black stain from my legs on our toilet today!! Yes, I went to the bathroom after church, turned around to flush and realized that the seat has a marvelous imprint of my legs! (There's a picture for you!) We have yet to know whether it's going to come off! My Clorox Clean Up doesn't even touch it, so I may be straight-up bleaching my toilet seat. How embarrassing! This is why my title is "how not to feel girlie and beautiful!" That'll do it! An imprint of yourself on the toilet!! (And let me tell you, I covered it pretty well!)

Anyway...I'm sure this isn't every pair of black pants at MM, but you have been warned!! As for me, I think it's strictly Target and JC Penny. MM has stressed me out both times I've been in there anyway!

Well, there's a glimpse into my life today...hope its not an indicator of the rest of my week. As long as I remember to wash those pants by themselves, maybe I'll be ok!

my world has been rocked...

Yes...because my precious, furry, wiggly, cuddly dog is apparently a ferocious, daring bird catcher. I'm appalled. Justin told me last night that he witnessed it all. Two birds were just hanging out on the ground around this bush and our yard and apparently Jazz took advantage of the situation. Before Justin knew it, Jazz had a bird in her mouth, while the bird was flapping around hysterically. The bird finally got away, minus a chunk of her butt and a few feathers! What am I going to do!? My adorable dog is now a monster!

Unfortunately, that's not where the story ends. The first bird flew away, only to get caught in a link of the fence. Thankfully, Jazz was looking everywhere, but failed to look in the one spot the bird was helplessly hanging. Since she couldn't find that bird, Jazz apparently went on to find another. TWO birds were in MY DOG'S mouth within a matter of minutes!! I'm so glad I didn't witness this. I don't know if I could've looked at Jazz the same. Well, thankfully, our neighbor came by at that moment and distracted Jazz from the birds and Justin was able to help poor bird #1 to get out of the fence. I just can't believe this happened in my own yard with my own pet! I just don't know what to think. How can I bring a baby into the unstable environment!? :)

fore!

So, I literally played golf 3 times last week! I haven't even played golf 3 times in my life before. I'm telling you, I'll do anything for my husband! Justin really did talk me into going to the driving range a few times and trying out golf, which I know he did not have to ask his wife to do! But, I'm thankful...so far I actually like it. And hopefully I'll continue to like it because we are now members at a local (cheap) golf course! I think that we will really enjoy the time spent on the golf course together. We have been much more "active" lately (aka: we really haven't been in front of the tv very much at all!) because Justin's been playing basketball with some guys and I've been going to the gym several times a week now. I definitely like this more "active lifestyle" we have going recently. It's much easier in the Spring to want to get out and do fun things.

On Saturday morning we had a final rehearsal for the children's musical (which went great on Sunday!), then we went and played 9 holes of golf. We hung out in the afternoon with Justin's parents, then after dinner we decided we wanted to go play some more golf since we are now "members." We walked 7 holes that night and I was so exhausted that I didn't make it to the early service on Sunday morning. I think this could be a fun new form of exercise!

I spent part of last night looking for some "girlie" golf clubs on ebay to match my girlie glove and pink towel (my only girlie golfing items I currently own!) Today, I realized that I guess I am now officially a golfer because 3 tees came out in the washing machine. All from my pockets!

I think Justin wondered what exactly he had gotten himself into when I told him I was going to store some lotion in my golf bag because my hand gets to dry in the glove! The things Justin puts up with! I love him!

mythbusters

As promised...here's the video!

Our house is in the background, so you can see how close we actually are to the church!

welcome home present

So after a wonderful day of work (honestly), I got home, walked in the door and realized that our dryer was running (it's right by our back door). I was confused for a few seconds...I knew that I (obviously) didn't have anything going in the dryer because I hadn't been home in 6 hours. Justin was at youth choir practice and I couldn't think of what he might have been drying. (Mostly because I don't think he knows how the dryer works!...haha...love ya, honey!).

So...I hesitantly opened the door and about fell over. There was a cat in there!

*Warning* If you are an EVBC member...this next part might spoil a Sunday surprise!...You may not want to read :)

Thankfully, it was not, I repeat, not a real cat.

As usual, being the music minister's wife, I have been well aware of what the plans are for this Sunday's service. They happen to include a promotional video for a great sermon series our pastor Johnny will be doing on Wednesday nights. (Can't tell you yet, though!!)

A new sermon series for Johnny equals hours of thinking, planning, and yes, scheming for Justin. Lucky me...I get to see and hear all of that for weeks as Justin runs ideas by me. Lucky for our congregation...Justin runs ideas by me so that they are not subjected to some (a lot!) of them. God has gifted Justin with an incredible sense of humor and great, crafty ideas to engage our congregation and encourage them toward participation (in my personal opinion). I guess He has also gifted me with a skepticism and just enough discernment to help look at the possible outcomes for some of his ideas and hopefully encourage or discourage ideas, accordingly. This time, thankfully I only ended up with a stuffed cat in my dryer. It could have been worse. You'll soon understand...

I promise I'll link you to the video for Sunday when it's been "released," but for now, you can be thankful with me that it was only a stuffed cat involved in this filming.

I'm back...I think!

So...I've never been a gym member...not really my thing, I guess. :) How interesting that it quickly becomes "your thing" when you're 8 years out of high school, no longer playing sports (for the past 8 years), not walking around a college campus anymore, married and getting fat. Anyone there with me?? (please say yes!) Yes...I'm just plain getting fat. I know that can be a relative term...but I know it's true for me.

I know it's true because I have clothes in my closet that are four sizes smaller and haven't been worn for years. (I'm definitely holding on to the past!)

I know it's true because I get winded when walking the steps a few times in our house.

I know it's true because I somedays I'd rather wear Justin's gym shorts than squeeze into my own (sooo sad).

Anyways...you get the idea...it's time to face reality. Amazingly, God is so patient with me. My eating habits and lack of exercise are too often acts of flat out disobedience and definitely not respectful of this earthly body God has given me. Knowing this, I've prayed and prayed for God to help me eat well and have the discipline to get up and work out. He's given me the desire (which I know is definitely Him, not me). Now it's time to do my part and work along side the Holy Spirit's work in my life. No more being lazy.

This is where you come in. (Yes...you...reading this!) Help me...pray for me...ask me how the workouts are going...encourage me to eat well. I know you will because I know if you're reading this you care about me or atleast care about reading what I have to say. So...thanks for your support.

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Now...to share the gym stories...

I haven't officially joined the gym yet. Last Friday started my free trial week and I plan to join after its over. I actually heard about this gym that is right down the road from our house from a sweet "Senior Saint" in our church. I wanted to check it out because its literally 30 seconds down the street if I drive...so I knew even I could get myself up to drive 30 seconds to a gym! (A minute might be pushing it! - sadly, I know my own nature).

I went last Thursday to checkout the facility, had a tour from a nice lady, but couldn't help noticing that everyone working out at the time as well as my tour guide was over 50. Not that I have a problem with older women, but I was starting to wonder if this was the place for me. I continued getting the tour...nice equipment...beautiful, feminine decor (it's a women's only gym)...friendly people...nice pitchers of water to enjoy...puzzle to work on while you cool down...nice locker room, you know...very modern. But...rewind..."puzzle to work on???" Yes...this is the moment that I seriously thought, "This might just be an old lady gym!" I mean, the only place I know that has puzzles laying out to work on is in the retirement home! I was seriously laughing inside and probably always will when I walk past the puzzle table!

I kept an open mind, however, and came in Friday for my first workout. Same old scenario...everyone was over 50 when I got there. Eventually, a few women in their 40's came in...I started to not feel so young. It honestly hadn't bothered me though, because the last thing I need for my self-esteem is a gorgeous 20 year old working out right beside me. I feel great when I'm surpassing the women around me (even if it's because they have back problems or something!)

Today was the first day I've gone back since last week. I just did not want to get out of bed before work on Monday and Tuesday. I am not a morning person in the first place so every day is a battle to get up without snoozing 10 times. Well, my workout today was great. AND there were some women there a lot closer to my age!! That excites me. One of the reasons I want to go to the gym is to meet some ladies in the community. Hopefully I can build some relationships while working out. Gotta bring as many positives to this workout scenario as I can!!

I look forward to working out more. I have felt great both days when I worked out. Working out always makes me more conscious about my food choices as well. Unfortunately, as the day goes by I start to be more slack about my choices. I've been trying not to eat after 8, which gets difficult when Justin doesn't eat until after choir practice on Wednesdays. So...we headed out to McDonald's tonight to get him some dinner. I was weak and had a Hot Fudge Sunday, but...surely it balances out since we walked there! Yes...that's right...I truely have too much temptation before me every day. McDonald's is RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from our house. Honestly and sadly, my biggest weakness. I'm proud to announce however, that I have not had fried food in 15 days! Quite an accomplishment for me, the ultimate fry lover.

Anyways...I'm rambling...but hopefully giving you an idea of how desperately I need your prayers and encouragement. I know us women have to stick together!! Thanks for letting me be honest!

Well, I hated leaving Justin for three days, but it was kind of worth it to let him do some housework for a little while! He hadn't mopped by the time I got home, so he said he still wanted to do that for me! How sweet! I captured it all on camera so I wouldn't miss the moment. Jazz was a little perplexed because Justin blocked her off and she really wanted to get to him! Love it!

addicted

Yes. I admit it. I'm not even ashamed. I am addicted to blogging. I just arrived at the Best Western in Cary for a Post Abortion Training. My mind should not be on blogging, but unfortunately, the bloggy world has taken the place of Facebook, e-mails, and even my cell phone. Really, the only people I have major contact with outside of blogging are the people who don't have blogs and must still be reached through phone or e-mail. Sad, I know (on my part). Since I haven't been online all day, I just had to catch up with everyone's lives.

Well, on to explaining my addiction...I'm sitting in the lobby of the Best Western because I don't have wireless on my laptop and the only internet connection is right here in a little cozy corner of the lobby. So yes, I've got my ethernet cord plugged in, my power cord plugged in, and my mouse plugged into my laptop (and skillfully hidden between my thigh and the arm of the chair because I'm ashamed of the ghetto laptop I have from work!) Not looking too cool right now....all this to say...I'm addicted.

Anyway...I have high hopes for this week and what the Lord is going to teach me and prepare me for in terms of broadening the ministry He has called me to. Pray for me...I know this week is going to be intense.

Things are already looking good, though...The exit I took to get here said "Shopping Centers" under the street name AND there was a Cookout as soon as I got off the exit. Sounds good to me. Since I've vowed to join a gym as soon as I get back from this training, it shouldn't matter how many Cookout milkshakes I get in the next few days, right??

y is for your turn to write my blog!

Here's the story...thanks to Rebecca and Sheila for their feedback on the madlib. This was a perfect time to give me a break...this has been a busy week.

Now...without further ado...Romeo & Juliet as seen through your eyes:

But slimy! What light through yonder lightbulb breaks?

It is the East, and Juliet is the jacuzzi!

Arise, fair sun, and slither the envious moon,

Who is already sick and funky with grief

That thou her priest art far more fair than she.

Be not her priest, since she is envious.

Her vestal livery is but sick and green,

And none but fools do fart it. Cast it off.

It is my lady; O, it is my grasshopper!

O that she knew she were!

She smells, yet she says nothing. What of that?

Her tonsils discourses; I will answer it.

I am too itchy; `tis not to me she smells.

Two of the fairest stars in all the under the bed,

Having some business, do entreat her tonsils

To scratch in their circles till they return.

What if her tonsils were there, they in her head?

The apple pie of her cheek would shame those stars

As daylight doth a lamp; her tonsils in under the bed

Would through the airy toothpick stream so bright

That walruses would sing and think it were not night.

See how she leans her cheek upon her sunshine!

O that I were a glove upon that sunshine,

That I might touch that cheek!