A Christian Woman's Journal...

It's Your Time

2010-05-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...
National Women’s Health Week is a weeklong health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. With the theme “It’s Your Time,” the nationwide initiative encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. Important steps include:

Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week

Eating a nutritious diet

Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings

Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt

Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

It's your time, don't forget to take care of YOU!

But Who's Complaining.

2010-04-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

I watched her grow up and to think of what she has experienced in the past year is beyond amazing.Tracy may God continue to bless your recovery! Here is Tracy's testimony of faith, courage, and determination:

What a difference a year makes…….. A year ago this morning, I woke up in Parkview Hospital with little to no use of my right side and limited use of my left side. I remember thinking “but I haven’t done all that I want to do…Why me? Why now?” Fast forward one year, "ok" maybe slow forward. I don’t do much of anything fast anymore. But, a lot has changed since that Sunday morning.
After 7 months of intense physical, occupational, & speech therapy and a few additional months of “regular” therapy, I had regained most of the strength on the left side but was oriented to fact that the right side would have permanent deficit. That means that there are times when I still drag my right leg and occasionally drop things out of my right hand. I still have some stuttering issues when nervous or feeling rushed. And, the short-term memory is a goner. I still don’t sleep much for fear of not waking up. I have some trouble with my fine-motor skills and sometime need assistance with small buttons & belts. So, of course, there are still days where I cry for what appears to be “no reason at all”, but really it’s just me adjusting to my “new normal”. And believe me it’s a lot easier said than done.
But, praise God….I have been given the chance to adjust to a “new normal”. You see, having a stroke while not quite driving within the speed limit on a busy interstate is not something most people walk away from. Ok, I didn’t exactly walk; I was rolled gracefully a short distance down I-69 from my car to the waiting ambulance that had blocked traffic along with a huge fire truck. You can imagine how embarrassed I was. I mean really “me”, on a hospital stretcher, in the middle of I-69. Well, enough of that, lets get back to the good stuff. I am still here. I have been able to take a few short work trips alone. I can drive myself to Kalamazoo & Lansing, MI. I only got lost once. But trusty Onstar helped a sister out and no one was the wiser. And, this past week I was able to go Indianapolis by myself. This is a huge feat as my mom (you know the Warden) and others in the family still do not let me drive alone very often. I have not had any falls in recent months. I have had some close calls in the shower but the little “shower angels” caught me. Because one more fall and think they were going to put me in the “home”. My blood pressure continues to have a mind of its own, but I am taking everything in stride. You would think a total of 9 pills a day would do the trick. So, I remain somewhere around 140/90’s. And right now, I feel fine. Oh, did I mention that I am still here.
In closing, I want to say “thanks” to my entire medical team(s) at both Parkview and Lutheran. I am not sure how I will ever be able to repay my mom “the Warden” who still stands over my bed “to just watch me” when I do sleep. Or, when I am awake the entire night and she pretends to be sleep but hears my every move. My dad who would just come and sit and look at me for a while and then say “well baby daddy gonna go, but I’ll see you tomorrow”. To my ACS family “thank you sooooooo much”. Sue for putting up with a roommate that doesn’t’ sleep and NEIN for allowing me to me. To all who prayed, sent cards, flowers, or called…..”thank you”. To be honest, I didn’t think I would live to see Christmas 2009, I purchased most of my gifts during my therapy outings and told mom to make sure the “kids” knew that I loved them….fear makes you think crazy things. I see the doctor again next week and I’ll send a brief update. Twelve months and still counting…..not all good days, but who's complaining.
See you all soon......
Tracy

Yolanda Adams asks, why are we wimping out?

2010-04-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

While visiting Cincinnati a few weeks ago, Yolanda Adams reminded us that we truly have the victory.
She not only sang her song, she ministered to the crowd. She sees Christians sitting on the side lines wimping out just like everybody else. Whatever the economy, God is still God! In fact we know that God can really be God when we need Him most. That's when He can get out undivided attention, when there is no one else to call on or when things have spiraled completely out of control. Even when it doesn't look like it, taste like it or feel like it, we have the victory in Jesus. Don't forget to call on Him and expect Him to show up.

The words of Yolanda Adams, just in case someone needed to hear this today.
I've got, got the victory / I've got the sweet sweet victory in Jesus. / Yes I do / He's our mighty conquer.
In him I will trust all my battles he'll fight./ I've got, got the victory / I've got the sweet sweet victory in Jesus. / For me He died but He rose on the third day. / Thats why I have true victory everyday.

[Verse 1]
Truly I've been through the storm and rain. / I know every thing about heartache and pain. / But God carried me through it all without His protection I'll surely fall. / Ive been broke without a dime to my name. / But all my bills got paid because I called on Jesus name. / You can't tell me that God isnt real 'cause I've got the victory and that why im still here.

[Verse 2]
I'm not worried about material things I dont have. / I'm just blessed cause I sure that my savior's there. / Because I know that my blessing is on the way / I can't see it right now but I stand by faith. / I've fought many, many battles in His name. / I've held up the blood-stained banner and proclaimed. / That Jesus is the truth and the light. / Believe me when I say he will make it alright.

Oh yeah I got the victory yeah / I got the victory yeah yeah yeah / And if you got the victory sing along with me / Yeah I got the victory yeah I got the victory / Yeah yeah yeah / Sing it with me I've got the victory

Yes We Can!!

2010-03-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

"Change is never easy, but it's always possible", announced President Obama as he applauded the passing of the Health Care Reform Bill. Who would have thought that a bill offering health care for all Americans would have received such opposition. Let's see, the bill offers insurance coverage regardless of pre-existing illness, tax credits that allow small businesses to provide health insurance for their employees, preventative care coverage, etc. and the problem is??

We could discuss why so much opposition to a bill that will have an historical positive impact on the overall well-being of a nation, but the greatest protest is the cost of such a bill and I don't think we need to spend much time debating cost. Aren't we spending billions(possibly trillions) on a questionable war(with less resistance), gave millions to bail out banks in response to corrupt behavior and let's not mention Halliburton. Are we really protesting the Cost? Is anyone talking about the current expense of emergency room visits, and the long term chronic care bill for preventable illnesses left untreated? Enough on that topic. There is a lesson in the passing of this bill.

Change is never easy, but always possible. What a reminder that whatever the task, no matter how big the dream, or monstrous the adversaries... with relentless effort, unwavering determination, and mustard seed size faith, Yes You Can!!

Somethings Got To Give

2010-03-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

Sometimes we push ourselves to be Super Women, and on occasion it may be necessary to complete a project or get through a tough week. There's nothing wrong with taking pride in being able to get things done. But come on ladies, if we find ourselves wearing the BIG S on our chest as an accessory every day, somethings got to give. Being overly stressed, pushed to the brink on-the-regular can have a long lasting negative impact on our well being. It can cause our health to suffer, I think we can even operate in this mode for so long that it becomes a normal way of life for us, and that can't be good. We can even get to a place where we are spinning our wheels, and accomplishing very little.

We have to give ourselves permission to have down time, relax and rejuvenate. Not only will our bodies thank us in return, actually, I find that I am more productive when I allow myself time to unwind. Getting things done doesn't have to be running a-mile-a-minute, in may be more of a balancing act. Give yourself a time-out.

... He rested on the seventh day from all the work that He had done. Genesis 2:2

Its 10:00, Do You Know Where Your Children Are?

2010-03-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

At 10:00 am on any given Sunday most of our kids are not in Sunday School. Remember when going to Sunday School was not an option? Our parents and grandparents made sure we went to Sunday School. Now, the decision is left up to the... kids. It's like asking a kid, do you want candy for dinner or broccoli? Do you want to go to Sunday School or stay up late on a Saturday night and sleep in Sunday morning?

Last Sunday the students in the Teen Sunday School class discussed, being used by God and showing compassion toward others. Where else do you find teenagers sharing their thoughts on this topic. "Getting good grades is a way of being used by God, because it shows other students they can do it too". "Singing in the choir is a way that God can use you to bless someone else". These are a couple of things our young people had to say. I don 't know about you, but this is a conversation that I would sign my kids up for any day. Even if it's on a Sunday Morning at 10:00, especially when you consider the alternatives.

Annual Radio One Book Fair

2010-02-18T05:02:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

Had a wonderful time at the Annual Radio One Book Fair last weekend. I am thankful that although it was rescheduled due to the weather, it was still well attended. Also, the group of people attending the workshop in the afternoon were wonderful, I enjoyed hearing their stories, sharing my book and my publishing experiences. If you love books, are a writer or interested in writing, put this event on your calendar for next year!!

Sunday Morning

2010-02-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28NIV

This was the scripture our pastor preached from on Sunday. It is a very familiar passage of scripture, we've heard it, used it or shared it with someone else. This verse is a promise from God that can give us peace in the storm, remind us that if we are patient there is a better day, and give us faith that God will work things out for our good.

What I love about this verse is that there are no exceptions, it basically come with a 100% guarantee!! With God 'all things', means 'all things', that is somewhat hard to comprehend, because we are so accustomed to looking for the fine print. No gimmicks, the only question here is, do we love Him? No, we can't leave out the second half of the verse. Gods got the verse half, the second half is up to us. Do we love Him, and I have to ask, is it obvious?

What If God Said Go Left

2010-01-29T01:14:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

We would all like to think that if God said go left, we would without question, go left. After all, He is the King of Kings, the Omnipotent One, God of all creation. Yes, I am sure we would all go left. Right?

Well, unfortunately more than we want to admit it, we have gone right when He clearly said go left. Yes, its true. If we believe the bible to be the Living Word that it is, then we agree that God is speaking to us through His Word. I think we are challenged by the fact that these are not audible instructions, so we pass the Book off as a sacred book of biblical accounts to be read not lived.

In Colossians 3, when He said to work as unto the Lord, he meant it? Treating each other with brotherly love as stated in Romans 12 wasn't optional? Is it possible to acknowledge Him in all our ways?

If God said go left, why are we going right? Thank about it, He know what's best for us, He has our back, and we know how the Book ends, with Him we win! Do we really want to keep going right and end up in another multi-car accident or lost without a GPS system to find our way home. I don't know about you, but as I approach the next intersection that left turn is looking very tempting.

OK, being realistic we won't get it right every time, but most of the time we should find ourselves going left. Then when we have mistakenly made that right turn(the way that seems/feels right to man), we can quickly make a U-turn. Life is too short to be going in the wrong direction for miles. Who wants, what should have been a 2 mile run to turn into a 1000 mile excursion.

It Is More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

2010-01-22T03:43:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

"Nothing has been planned yet," was the response I got from my daughter's principal. I had called to see if I could help with the Haiti Relief effort at the school. Based on her response, I couldn't just sit on the side lines or help out this time, it was obviously my turn to step up, take the ball and run with it.

I could sit back and say, "What can I do?" or "Orchestrating a fundraiser sounds like a lot of work," but is that what we are called to do? Sit back and wait for someone else to do it, or talk a good game with very little action? In fact we could look at this from two different angles, what if every school in America held a fundraiser or what if everyone waited for someone else to do it.

Well, as I was planning the Haiti Relief Fund Effort at the school, I was reminded of a scripture in Acts. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35

I actually just remembered the latter part of that verse, the part we all have memorized, but isn't the first half very interesting. Are we willing to work hard to help someone else? Or are we so concerned with helping ourselves that we can't find the time to be a blessing to someone else. If you've never tried it, I dare you. Giving is its own reward.

Oh, needless to say I did not make it to the gym this week, but I did wear my ankle weights. So technically every step was a work out.

Rebounding From The Holidays

2010-01-12T04:31:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

Yes, the holidays are over and it's time to get back on track.
That homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Red Velvet Cake or Sweet
Potato Pie was delicious, but it can't be a part of our daily
meal plan if we're serious about our weight loss. It's time
to create a 2010 Menu.

Realistically speaking even if we are committed to loosing the
extra pounds we will have some sweets, but having them in small
quantities on rare occasions is the healthy approach. There are
many ways to address this, I try to reserve certain foods for the
weekend only, this gives me five days to make good progress. Now
I am not giving myself permission to undo everything I did during
the week, my portions and choices have to be 'game plan sensible'.

So, the holidays are over and hopefully we had an enjoyable one,
but now it's time to get our priorities back in order. We are
more important that cheese cake. Our long term health is ranked
higher then bread and butter. Let's prepare to unwrap that last
gift in 2010, YOU!

Something Came Up, Realizing Your Weight Loss Resolution in 2010

2010-01-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

Another year another weight loss resolution. Year after year
the pattern continues, in January we're going strong,
watching what we eat, exercising, drinking plenty of
water and getting an adequate amount of rest. We are proud of
the effort we're making, and there are noticeable results.
We are on track to becoming healthier and fit.

However, by March or maybe even February something happens.
That something has a major affect on us ever achieving our
weight loss resolution. For years we have allowed something
to ship wreck our plans of getting in shape. It's typically
the same something every year, but it always takes us by
surprise and we wake-up months later wondering what happened.
Well, something happened... again.

In order to make this year different, a year of victory and
not remorse, we have to plan for something. We first have to
determine or admit what our something is. Then draft a plan
to deal with something when it comes up. The thought behind
drafting a plan is to have the flexibility to make changes as
needed. Not allowing ourselves that flexibility in the past and
respond to changing circumstances could be the very reason our
plan have failed repeatedly. We can no longer allow something
to sink our ship.

Somethings can include(but are not limited to) the following:
change in routine, a bad day/week. reaching a plateau, boredom,
getting disillusioned, or cake. Well, look at it this way, if
something comes up on our job we handle it, if something comes
up in our family we handle it. In fact, most women take pride
in being able to handle many situations at one time, we have
a name for it, multitasking. Well this year we are going to handle
our drafted plan to loose the weight and become the healthier
person we strive to be.

Now that we have determined our possible somethings, what
are we going to do about it? When our schedule changes, maybe
there is an event or project that changes our routine, respond.
Workout earlier or later that day/week. When we are tempted to
skip a scheduled workout, push ourselves to make time for it. We
make time for everyone else, let's make time for ourselves.
Even if we have to adjust the workout place, time or duration.
Do something.

Let's face it after January the thought of sticking to the plan is
not so appealing. Often, the thought of just giving up crosses our
mind more that we want to admit. When we find ourselves tired of
our new routine, we have to do something. Adjust our thinking,
this is not a diet or a short adventure, we are on a journey.
It could take a while, be filled with peaks and valleys, but the
end result is worth it.

Oh, and when our something is cake, enjoy it!! If we don't address
our temptations they will eventually push us to jump ship. It's
when we beat ourselves up for having it, we give up and eat the
whole thing, that's when we are really in trouble. So cake came
up, hopefully we enjoyed it and we are ready to get back on track.

This is not a short excursion but a life long journey, we can make
2010 the year we meet our goal. Create your plan, and be prepared for
something to come up.

Sunday Mornings

2009-11-23T04:02:00.000-08:00

What's on your mind...

"Prayer... it is the most powerful weapon that we have and the least used". As pastor talked about the church, the question was are we operating in the true power of God? What are the signs of a great church?

If prayer really changes things, should the church have more of an impact on the communities around us. If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek My Face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Are we seeking? Are we turning? Are we praying? Are we trusting that the Lord will do what He said He will do?

Dieting?

2009-11-03T11:34:00.001-08:00

What's on your mind...
Another Diet? No Thank You!

In many cases, diets are a short-term solution for a long-term issue. Diets actually begin with an end date in mind. "I am dieting to loose 25lbs", end date: 25lbs later. "I am dieting to fit into my bridesmaid dress", end date: June 11. These are typical phrases from many dieters. We can't wait until the diet is over. Then what?

Well, the diet may be over, but the issues that created the need to diet are still there. The issues with food and weight management do not melt away while dieting. Reducing our calorie intake for a limited time, without a long term game plan to address the deeper issues, we many find ourselves in the off-again-on-again dieter club.

Diets can lead to the vicious cycle of loosing weight, gaining weight, loosing weight and gaining weight again. And this makes sense, as restrictive and limiting as most of the diets are, honestly, who wants to be on a diet for the rest of your life. Not me.

When I made the real commitment to get healthy and loose weight, I didn't want another diet. I evaluated why I ate, I looked at what I ate and when. Self discovery led to a new approach to food and weight management. I began to look
for foods I could enjoy that were also good for me. I would experiment with recipes and seasonings. I found ways to fit exercising into my schedule, regularly. Over time I developed a new way of life for myself.

I am not on a diet, I am not depriving myself, or limiting my food choices. I am living a healthy lifestyle that works for me. The fact that this new lifestyle also enabled me to get back into a size 8, is just a plus. I am not dieting, so there
is no need for an end date, and no fear of starting all over again. Another diet? No Thank you!

What Does Salad Have to Do With Relationships?

2009-10-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

I am the author of a book entitled, A Christian Woman's Journal to Weight Loss, so why am I writing an article on relationships? Well, during my weight loss journey
I realized that loosing weight is about so much more than food. It's about how we live our lives. Weight issues affect every aspect of our life; relationships,
careers, physical and mental health, just to name a few. Today, we are looking at how it can have an adverse affect on our relationships.

Did you know, how comfortable we are in our own skin, can determine how comfortable we are touching someone else's. Excess weight can become a barrier that causes us to shut others out and lock ourselves in. Yes, we are mingling, dating, or even married, but we are prepared with roadblock, yield or stop signs for anyone who might dare get too close.

These signs can appear in the form of, an abrasive attitude, preoccupied persona or overly shy disposition. Without others or we ourselves realizing that the added weight we're carrying is the culprit of our prickly personality. The insecurities
that come with being overweight not only hold us back, but they could very well be holding back the one person who is trying to get in.

We owe it to not only ourselves, but those around us to choose a healthier lifestyle. As the weight loss begins the barrier wall gets thinner and thinner, allowing our true self to shine for all to see and be drawn to. Feeling good and looking good is very appealing. Improving our relationships could certainly
be tied to the commitment to improving our body image.

I know this is easier said then done, but think about it, you deserve it and what do you have to loose but a little bit or a lot of weight. Make yourself a priority everyday, do something to improve your overall health. It doesn't have to be an overwhelming concept, even small steps over time can have a sizable impact. Walk once a day, drink eight glasses of water a day, eat more vegetables and less fatty foods each day, then... put up the welcome sign.

2009-10-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

RESULTS JUST ANNOUNCED!
National "Best Books 2009" Awards!

USA Book News. Check out the Winners & Finalists.
(Their website is www.usabooknews.com). A Christian
Woman's Journal to Weight Loss was a finalist in two categories,
Spirituality: Journals/Quotes and Health:Diet/Weight Loss.

Priceless

2009-10-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

I remember when I could only run for two minutes.
I would be completely out of breath. So my workout
would consist of a run/walk combination. Now, to be
able to run for three+ miles without stopping is an
amazing feeling. I know that I am healthier and my
body is in much better shape, that's priceless.

As women we are dedicated wives, mothers, sisters
and friends, but we can put on all of those hats
without neglecting ourselves. Remember... put
on your mask first and then you can better assist
those around you.

Sunday Mornings

2009-09-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

Last Sunday during the sermon, two words stood out. Fear Not. When we need to make a change in our lives, fear not. If the results we're getting requires us to rethink our strategy, fear not. If we have to toss out our plan and pray for a better one, fear not.

To get a different result, we have to be willing to try something new. It might take some of the fear out of change, if we work backwards. Act, with the goal in mind. As we focus on the outcome, it may give us the strength to work through the tough realities of change.

And... remember who said, Fear Not.

The Weekend

2009-09-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

With all the hats we wear during the week, we are all
ready for the weekend. Its time to unwind and relax.
Whether its walks in the park, long baths with a good
book or brunch with a friend, take the time to enjoy
the weekend. With schedules so busy, we can find
ourselves running seven days a week with no break.
We all need rest, our bodies and our minds need rest.
Slow it down... take your rest this weekend.

Decorum??

2009-09-16T05:26:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

An article in Politics Daily, states that Congressman
Joe Wilson's wife was even shocked by his outburst.
Immediately after the president's speech, Roxanne
Wilson spoke with her husband on the phone and asked,
"Joe, who's the nut who hollered out 'You lie'?" When
he told her he had done it, she said, "No really, who
did it?" She explains that the congressman is "very
passionate," and that his constituents at town-hall
meetings were worried and upset about health care.
"I think that's where Joe's outburst came from."

At the 2009 US Open Semi-Final, a line judge called a
foot fault on Serena Williams, during her match against
Kim Clijsters. This call, though very questionable was
followed by yelling, cursing and threatening remarks from
Serena.

During the 2009 MTV VMA Awards, Kanye West decided to voice
his opinion during a live show, on stage, in the middle of
the award winner's acceptance speech. Taylor Swift was
robbed of her moment as he felt the need to recognize
another nominee(Beyonce).

We live in America, every ones voice should be heard.
However, there is a time and a place. Our history teaches
that concerns, differences of opinion, and mistakes can
all be addressed with decorum. Outbursts, rude interruptions
and outlandish behavior in many cases can cloud the real issue.
Instant replay showed that the foot fault call against Serena
was very questionable, but that wasn't the focus after her
reaction to the call. Was Beyonce's video more deserving of
the award? In the interviews with Taylor and Kanye this week
the discussion is centered around Kanye's judgement.
After Congressman Wilson's outburst the focus was on his
public apology, not his view on the issues.

Sunday Mornings

2009-09-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

What's on your mind...

Remember when Sunday School was not an option.
Your parents made you go. Not anymore, we would
be amazed at the number of kids who do not regularly
attend Sunday School. Mothers, with our kids learning
so much from the music they listen to, the shows/videos
they watch, a 45 minute bible study lesson can't hurt.
Also while they are getting their lesson of the morning, the
adults can study and discuss the word as well. Our Sunday
School lesson this week very interesting. We pondered how
a powerful people can walk powerlessly, due to a lack of faith.
Think about it, with God anything is possible. He is not
concerned with our capability, it's our availability that is
the issue.

The Temple

2009-09-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Is weight loss important in a spiritual sense?

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom

you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19,20

This scripture not only convicted me, but what a way to be reminded that my body is a precious gift from God. Although I wasn't feeling very precious, I had to begin to see myself as God sees me. I decided, that I deserve so much more than a few pieces of cheese cake, a bag of potato chips, or a jumbo size fry. My cholesterol was borderline, my energy level was low and I didn't feel very victorious. This was not Gods plan, so I had to replace my agenda with His. As the pounds began to shed, my cholesterol went down, and through His grace I am a conquerer. I look at it like this, as I take care of His temple, He is really taking care of me.