Beautiful Faith

Today, I wanted to write about my beautiful friend Wendy. She has truly been an inspiration to many of the people around her. We admire her God given courage, strength and unwavering faith. In her I have seen that verse truly come to life "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Early on this year she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. From day one she never doubted what God could do in her life, in fact she embraced it as a way that God was using her life to bring glory to His name. I have seen God through her this whole time, in that smile that has never left her face.When I see her smile, all that comes to mind is how beautiful faith makes her look. Beautiful peace of God just radiates through her. Not only has she been an example of rock solid faith, she has been a living testimony of how great and powerful God is. Only God can give you peace, strength and faith to believe in His healing power in the midst of a terrible illness. Her life has made God, that much more amazing to me. I mean He has been amazing in many aspects of my life, but her example is just another proof of the powerful and faithful God we serve. When we put our complete trust in Him, no matter what, He shows up, He fills our life with exactly what we need to make it through the storm. He is so faithful and never leaves our side. He is there, taking care of our every need.  Just speaking to her and hearing of all the things God has done throughout this time, it's amazing to see how God has set everything into place, how He has provided for her every need. God always stepped in the perfect time and worked in ways that you know it had to have been God, no one else. It just amazes me the fact that God takes care of every little thing, even before we can even think about it. His faithfulness to a heart who truly believes in His power and word is amazing. 

Romans 8: 28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" I know this trial in her life has not only been for her good (God works in mysterious ways!), but it has been for the good of those around her. Her example has blessed us in many more ways than she can imagine, through her, our own faith and trust in God has grown and been strengthened. She has taught us to walk in peace through the storm and smile because you see the victory ahead! She has taught us the power of faith! She has taught us to believe unconditionally! She has taught us the power of a surrendered heart and life to Christ! She has taught us that God can give you peace and strength to get through anything! Her beautiful life has been an example of the POWER OF PRAYER! I'm thankful that she has so valiantly and peacefully been a vessel that God is using to show His mighty power.  I praise God for what He has already done in Her life! What a powerful God we serve.

Thank you Wendy for the Beautiful Faith we have seen radiate through you!

For Such A Time As This!

Esther 4:14 - For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

This is truly one of my favorite scriptures since from like - BIRTH. Esther had a choice to make, to be used by God, fulfilling her life's purpose, or to perish without having accomplished absolutely anything for the Kingdom of heaven.

Esther was passing through the defining moment of her life, if we read a little bit before verse 14 we will see that Esther had her doubts that she, even being queen, would be able to complete God's purpose for her life during this time. But then the words of the wise Mordecai in verse 14 caused her to change her attitude! She did not want to die without having lived trying or completing her purpose in her lifetime! Then we see her saying…."if I perish, I perish"….she preferred to die trying and making her mark in her lifetime than doing nothing at all.

There are times when we come to a life-defining moment, where we need to make the decision to choose the calling or ignore it.
Each of us have a Godly purpose and plan for our lives. It is Gods desire that all of us to obey this calling, whatever it may be. But as the verse shows above, don't think that if you don't accept the calling on your life, the church will come tumbling down! Out of elsewhere God will chose another willing human being, to carry out his plan.  His plan will not get destroyed if we choose not to obey the calling on our lives, his plan will still be carried out but by another vessel.

There are many reason why we sometimes choose to ignore the voice of God but there is one particular reason which seems to ring time and time again in people I've come across. The reason is unable. In our minds we don't think we are capable enough to carryout God's plan and don't view things in the spiritual perspective! And guess what? You're right, we aren't capable enough on our own but with God (spiritual perspective) we are! God is not looking for "capable" people, he's looking for willing people. Why? Because our capabilities come from Him alone and no one else, so that only HE can get the glory……..2 Cor. 3: 5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God… trust that your capacity to complete such a task will come from above.

For this hour, for this time, for this purpose you were created! You are on earth at such a time as this to complete a purpose now! It is not a coincidence that you are alive and well during this generation! You know what you were called to do. Don't ignore the voice of God when He calls for you, complete your purpose, if not, someone else will.  Don't turn your back on the privilege that God is giving you to use you for His glory.

There are people who work so hard to leave a their mark, legacy, footprints in this world! How great would it be if this generation would rise up and with the same passion and MORE to leave their mark, legacy and footprint in the spiritual realm. That truly the enemy could tremble everytime we wake up because he knows we are on a daily mission to complete our calling! All of God given ministries end in one great goal, winning souls for His Glory.

It would be great that when we pass away, we may be remembered for the impact and difference we made in the Kingdom of heaven. But most of all that God may be pleased in the life that we lived for Him. "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." - Revelation 21:12
A preacher once said," take care of God's business and he will take care of your business."  - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. - 1 Cor. 15:28
The time to start is now, will you obey the calling…Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

The Word: A Light That Shineth in a Dark Place

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts”

2 Peter 1:19 (KJV)

If I could paint a picture of this verse, I would draw a woman reading the bible with her hand on her heart, with a tear rolling from her face, and the open bible would just be glowing with a powerful shining light.  That is the mental picture that came to mind when I first read this verse. I tried to draw it but I’m just not talented in that area at all!!

I love what this scripture says, the writer is advising us to pay attention to the Word of God and allow it to shine in the darkness. The word provides light, understanding and revelation to our lives. First, to be able to obtain Salvation and secondly to show us how to live our lives according to God’s will.

  

The word is like a mirror that allows us to see all of our faults on the inside which need fixing!  It shines a  light in all the dark parts of our heart and it convicts us to change. There have been many times that I have read the word of God or heard a sermon and had an immediate stirring in my soul causing me to reflect on certain areas of my life. This path is all about growth, every day, we are not perfect but we are striving daily to grow as we read the word, as we pray, as we get closer to Him, we notice things in us that need changing. It is possible to change, it is possible to grow, His word is powerful enough to do that in us! As we get closer to Him, His light shines in all the dark places in our life and shows us where we went wrong, and how we can fix it.  The word always provides a way, it guides us and gives us the tools we need to grow in Christ. God thought of everything! His love and mercy are shown throughout all of His word. I’m thankful for a God that cares about my spiritual health, because He wants me to make it to heaven one day, He wants me to meet Him one day! If that light didn't shine on certain areas of my life, who knows where it would lead me, maybe broken and away from Him,  if I didn't allow Him to work on me like a pot in the potters hands!

Sometimes It’s hard to admit our faults, our sin, our weaknesses but I’m thankful that word still causes an affect in me and sheds a light on things in me that I would rather keep in the dark but are best for my sake, that I deal with it!  If the word didn’t cause anything in me it would mean that I have drawn so far away from Him that He can no longer speak to me. I don’t want that ever!  I want my heart  to be a good ground where His word can bear fruit. “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:23”   

I’m thankful for God’s word and the many things it does to my soul! In it I have found hope, refuge, comfort, mercy and overall love! Beautiful, merciful and faithful Love!  You can find this and more if you also allow your heart to be a good ground where His word can bear fruit!

Abound in the Fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5: 22-23

I think we all have some favorite passages in the Bible. It's true no scripture is better than another, as they all provide life and truth, but sometimes there are certain scriptures that stand out for us the most. One particular passage that I've always loved is Galatians 5. I remember the first time I really studied the Fruit of Spirit thoroughly was because I was going to give a bible study based on them. As I was studying them, the Lord started speaking to me and stirring my soul. We need to abound in fruit, abounding in the fruit is part of the growing up process of every Christian.

The past few years, I've included this passage in my prayers, I've asked the Lord for Him grow in me and in my church so that we may abound in the Fruit of the Spirit. I've come to realize that asking God to help you be more like Him means He will test you to see (and for you to see!) if you have abounded in those particular fruits.The testing is not always easy to get through but when you go through it and don't react carnally, it is satisfying to see that you can overcome obstacles in the Spirit. Tests and trials are much easier to go through when we abound in the fruit. When we learn to love those that offend us, when we learn to have peace and faith in the midst of the storm, when we learn to let our pride go and be meek as He was.

Everyone is at a different point in their Journey with Christ and some might not be there quite yet, still struggling to follow this path, but as we begin to grow in Christ our maturity is shown through our fruits. It is important that we die to the flesh daily! That we allow the Spirit and its desires to grow and that we (our ego/our desires) decrease so that God may increase in us. The more He Increases in us, the more we will be like Him. The more He shines through us in our character, the more credible our witness to others will be. Abounding in the fruits can be a great witnessing tool, when others see the goodness, love and mercy of Christ through our words and actions.

It is my desire that God and others may find my life abundant in the Fruit of the Spirit! Let it be yours too!

Let Me Be An Instrument

I know I haven't been on for a while. Life gets busy as you all my know.

I felt to share an inspiration I found on my computer that I wrote in 2011. In everything that I do for the Lord, I do not do it to gain praise. I do it in thanks to him for His undeserving mercy and kindness towards me. I do because I want to help others find Christ. That is our purpose, that is our reason. To be an instrument in God's hand's is my utmost desire, to be an instrument is the utmost privileged we may have on this earth.

Let Me Be An Instrument.

You are the one who gives

You are the one who anoints

You are the one who chooses

Oh let it Lord be me, Fill me of your power and overwhelming love

To be an instrument in your hand to bless those all around me

That they may see your presence in everything I am

Not for my Glory

Not for my praise

Let it all go to you

Let me be the feet that go

Let me be that lips that speaks

Let me be oh Lord an instrument in your Holy hands

Not for my Glory

Not for my Praise

Let it always and eternally go to you alone

-Natalie

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Seven years ago today, I married the love of my life.

It's been quite the joy ride and time has truly flown by! Sometimes I wish we could go back in time and re-live all the joyous moments. :) Love is truly the greatest gift from God, to love and to be loved is an amazing feeling.

To celebrate our anniversary we went on a short get-away to the 1000 Islands in Kingston, ON. It's really beautiful scenery. We've been there before a few years back and really love it there.

With the increase rate in divorce, every year we are together means a whole lot. Truly the Lord makes a huge difference in a marriage, when He is the center, things just go better and any problems or issues are easier to work through with the Lords guidance and help!! :)

I'm thankful for my husband, his love for the Lord and his Love for Us is inspiring. He completes me, He encourages me to be better. He is perfect for me and I thank God for leading Him to my life. I can't imagine my life without  Him. Looking forward to many, many, many more. Happy Anniversary to Us.

Quote: "Express your love today, instead of living in regret tomorrow, wishing to have said everything they made you feel, when they can no longer see or hear your appreciation of them."

Weekly Favs: POWER by The Pentecostals of Katy

Hello! I know I've been away. Sorry, I'm sad about it too. HA! Anyhoo. Here's another weekly fav. I love it, because I can feel the POWER being transmitted through this song! It's wonderful when the Holy Spirit gets a hold of you and you just want to jump, shout and praise, it's the POWERFULNESS of the presence of God in your life that moves you. Love this song, makes me want to be there. :)

A Song I Wrote - I Want to Worship You

When I was on Maternity leave, it was the best year of my life. ha ha ha...Not only because I was home all day with my daughter, but also because I felt like I accomplished a lot of things that were on my personal to do list that year. It's nice to accomplish your goals! Well, one of the goals I had that year was to write and compose of few songs. And the Lord gave me a few songs during that year, that my brother, a pianist,  help me put the music together to. I wanted to share one of those songs with you today. This song means a lot to me, because of the words, but also because it was one of the last songs, me and my brothers sang together at one of our jam sessions at my moms house. We used to have many of those, I took many of those jam sessions for granted. I really miss those times. My pianist brother moved, FOREVER, to the West coast to pursue his dreams and also got married. It was hard to see him go, our world was messed up for a bit, since we had always been a really close family, but He was happy and that made us happy. I still miss him a lot, our music ministries started pretty much at the same time, so we had that special connection, but I'm happy to know he is continuing to serve the Lord in music and other ministries where he is right now.

So I remember writing this song, meditating of the presence of God and How I could not live without it. The song is in Spanish, but I will translate the words for the English readers.

Today I want to worship you Lord, For what you've done in me,

For your mercy and for your love 

For what you do in my heart

No one else Makes me feel like you do, 

That's why I want to pour my soul before you

And tell you that I love you,

That there is no one that resembles you

And tell you that I adore you my Lord

That there is no one like you Jesus

It's a simple song, but it's from my heart to Him. Glory be to Him!

Special shout out and thanks to the musicians from my church who helped compose this version of the song! You guys are blessed with talent. Happy to know you are using it for His Glory!!!

An Inspiration in my Life: My Daughter

Children are truly such a blessing from God. As I see my daughter grow, I learn so much about God from her. She's an inspiration for me to be better as person, as a mother, but especially as a servant of the Most High God. I have so many dreams for her, so many hopes for her life. And I ask myself what I can I do to ensure she stays on this path? What can I do to ensure, those dreams will become a reality in this life. The things I can do is cover her with prayer and be an example to her, to live the life that I want her to one day have, that she can be inspired by my own example to her. If I am not an example in all aspects of my life to her, how will she be inspired to do more and be more for God? So I'm trying, we're trying, my hubs and I to be that Godly example for her. Even the way we talk, the way we view things, the things we say in front of her, all that I examine and think, will this be a good example for her? I'm not saying we are perfect, we are growing and learning as the months and years go by, but I do want to try my best to be the greatest example for her and during that time, I'm also getting closer to the Lord.

One of the most wonderful things that fills my heart is to see Breanna worship, even if she's playing around, but she does it. And she's learned that from me and daddy, and yes I'm proud to say that! I love it when i'm singing at church and I see her jumping and singing along to the all songs! And sometimes at home when she sings to me, she does these facial expressions and moves her head like I do when I'm singing. It's so precious and makes me teary! I don't know if she will become a singer like her mother, but I do know that one of the things I want to teach her is to praise the Lord with her whole heart, to worship Him with all she is and with LIBERTY. Within her playing around she's worshiping the Lord. Seeing her do all these things, makes me realize, she is watching my every move, kids are so smart, she can pick up on my reactions and act the same way. I have to ensure that I am acting in a way that I would want her to be.

Breanna is my inspiration to be a better person in all aspects. She's my blessing from the Lord. I've always wanted to be better for God in thanks for all He's done for me but with Breanna, that feeling just quadrupled. I'm so grateful to the Lord for her. And I'm looking forward to the great things He will do in her life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Bre is in the blue dress here, jumping during the Praise songs with her little friends at church. Do you see her little finger? :)

Weekly Favs: Your Name-Cry of the Broken

I know I've been MIA! I have so much I want to write about, but it's been a busy time. I hope I don't forget all my inspirations. lol....Hope to be back next week with some inspirations.

For now I leave this song with you. I can certainly testify that He has heard my cry when I've been broken by life and it's situations and he has healed and help me with just the mention His beautiful Name Jesus! May this song bless you.

Weekly Favs: Just To Know You

I found this song in the wee hours of the morning when I should have been sleeping, but sometimes, that's the only "me time" I get! lol....I love finding songs that stir my soul and inspire me to Worship and Praise the Lord, with everything. I shall sing this song one day.  "He takes me Higher!" I want more of him everyday, I want to know Him more Everyday. It is the deepest desire of my heart. I don't want to waste any day and any time that I'm given of life to Praise His Name. I love My Saviour JesusChrist.


 

A Dream: That None Should Perish

A few weeks ago I had a dream that I wanted to write about, but it's been a busy time, I hadn't had much time to write. Booohooo....so I'm taking advantage of these few minutes on this quiet Monday March Break week Morning. Tee hee.

I was dreaming one night that I was somewhere very high, maybe I was on a cloud, but all I remember is my view. I could see the city, the buildings, the cars, like you can see them when you are on a really high roller coaster. Than I could see my daughter, from so high up I could tell it was her. My daughter is 3 years old. I could see her walking on the streets on her own, not knowing where she was going, not knowing what she was doing. I could see the danger her life was in and I would shout and scream her name so that she would avoid, the ongoing traffic around her. I was scared for her life, in fear of a car hitting her. As much as I screamed, she could not hear me. I then attempted to scream and call out the people that were around her, so that they could help her and guide her home, but no one seemed to notice that she was around, no one seemed to see or even care the danger that this child was confronting. I remember feeling helpless and in despair in the dream because I could not do anything to save my child, I was stuck at this height and could not go down.

When I awaken from the dream, the first thought that came to my mind, was "That is exactly How God Feels, That is Exactly How God Loves". I understood it was a God given dream, not just a nightmare. In scripture God compares HIS love for humanity like how a Parent loves his child, of course He being God, His love is much greater than what we could ever comprehend, but if you are a parent, you can relate on how strong that kind of Love could be.

This world, as my daughter in the dream, is so lost in their paths, they are following a path that leads to death and destruction. As much as God calls people in many different ways, people harden their hearts and choose to ignore his call. Or they may hear him but because they have never known God they are not sure how to respond to Him. Than God tries to reach these souls through us, the witnesses of his Love, the born-again people, the people who have experienced his presence, the people who know the truth and He calls out to us, so that we can guide these people who are so lost, in danger and in trouble, but at times we are so caught up with our lives and our troubles that we don't hear the voice of God calling us to speak of His name, to the needy people of this world. We are Christians and are proud of knowing the truth, but that's it. We keep this great truth, this great hope, this great doctrine, to ourselves either because we don't want to go through trouble, because we are scared of what they will say, or simply because "because", no real excuse. Sometimes we are so focus on our troubles, on our circumstances we lose focus of the bigger picture, WE HAVE GOD to help us in our time of need, the WORLD does not and because they don't have any hope, many choose that path of suicide as a way to end it all. Sometimes we are even so busy arguing, fighting and competing against each other, "the chosen" that we even fail to see those around us that need GOD so much.

If I could in this moment, inspire you to feel a burden for those souls of this earth, that are empty, that are in fear, that don't feel love, that feel anxiety, that don't have direction, that need to be shown the way to Escape death and hell.  That we may feel that same anguish that God feels for humanity.That we may make the sacrifice that He made on that cross, everyday more worth it as more souls are pulled out of hell and headed to heaven. That we may take a moment to refocus, to put things into true perspective to LOVE as GOD has loved us. Think about how your life could have been like, if someone, hadn't dedicated time to you and ensured you were on the right path to salvation. Think about how your life could have been if someone didn't see the potential in you, if someone didn't see, with faith who you could become in the kingdom of heaven. Every soul is worth it to God, no matter how ugly, no matter how sinful, God can forgive and those people can become a great blessing and inspiration to the church as they share the GREAT things the Lord did in their lives.

May we remember His dream, that None should Perish. May we rejoice when a sinner comes to Christ, wherever it may be, in our church, their church, any church around this globe! They are souls for JESUS AND ARE BEING SAVED FROM HELL. Rejoice with the LORD.

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:10

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9

Inspirations: I'm not going to wait, until I can't

As my eyes were shutting last night these thoughts came to mind:

I’m not going to wait until I can’t move my legs to desire to jump in worship in God’s presence

I’m not going to wait until I lose my voice, to desire to sing, speak, and shout about Him with everything I am

I’m not going to wait until my arms have lost their strength to desire to wave my hands in his presence

I'm not going to wait until I can no longer move, to desire to do everything I can do, today and now to Praise Him

So although, I may look/seem crazy, silly, funny worshiping the Lord, speaking out about Him, I’m going to use the strength I got now, to Bring GLORY & PRAISE to HIS NAME! And to tell the world about my King and Savior JESUS!

I don't want to waste the years I'm granted of my life, in things that are vain, that will only pass away, that will not invest in my relationship with God, and that will not invest in my future life with my Lord. As long as I'm alive, It is my true desire for every single little bit of my being, to bring praises to His name. I love HIM. 

One Day I will Sing in Heaven!

During my years of singing there have been some wonderful moments that I've had with the Lord. I shall share one of them with you today.

This past weekend we had very blessed services. I can still taste the presence of the Lord. It was amazing. While we were singing the Song "Agnus Dei" (Hallelujah for the Lord God Almighty Reigns) as I worshiped I could hear like as if it were hundreds of people singing the song along with us 4 singers. It was truly incredible and a joyous feeling because our church is not a huge church - just yet! : ) and it seriously sounded like it as if it were angels that were singing along with us, it's quite amazing. The bible does say that Angels are present to minister to the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14)! During my years of singing I've had this experience a few times and I've even open my eyes, to see if the Lord will allow me to have a glimpse of these angels singing along with us, but I can't say I have seen any. It may sound crazy but when we talk about faith, faith is crazy, acts crazy, but accomplishes the impossible. This experience always fills my heart of joy and takes my mind to that one day that Revelations talks about, while thousands of thousands will be singing to the King of Kings and to the Lord of Lords. Experiences like these, make me want to sing my heart out even more, be a better worshiper and wrap myself in the presence of the Lord forever!! The Lord becomes so much more real to me, and I am humbled that he would allow me a glimpse of heaven. It inspires me and encourages me to keep fighting this battle of faith, because one day, I will be doing what I love best forever! Singing to my Lord and Savior face to face. The thought of that brings such great joy to my heart and tears of joy to my eyes, to think of that day. Oh how I desire to see HIM. I am so blessed to know Him and to have the opportunity to see Him one day. For now, I will keep rejoicing in His presence and singing to Him and only Him.

Biggest Loser - Week 7

I'm a little late with this post. Had an extra long weekend from work and getting back into the flow of things is a bit hard after that.

Progress:

Loss of 2 pounds, for a total of 12 pounds since this Journey started off. Yay!

Confessions:

I'm really happy with the progress because with the extra long weekend, I had a few things, I shouldn't have had, that I allowed myself because I was on "Vacation Mode". However, I did not go overboard which is good. I only worked out 2x last week, because I was on Vacation Mode too. LOL...oh boy. Remind me to not take off too many days during this challenge.

Okay, don't have much to say this week. Hope you all had some progress this week.

TODDLES!

Biggest Loser: Week 6

What a busy life the past days!!! Need some breathing space. This post is late, but better late than never.

Progress:

Loss 1.5 pounds. For a total of 10 pounds. Wohooo, I'm halfway to my short-term goal. I must say, it's been easier (not easy, just easier!) than I thought It would be and I realize that its because my mindset has changed. I can really stick to this "eating healthy" lifestyle because I feel good doing it.

Things that have helped me:

Using the myfitnesspal app to calculate how much calories I'm eating a day, has really helped me control how much I eat. I have eaten out a few days and being able to plan my meals according to what i'm going to eat that day has helped me. If I know lunch is going to be big, I'll have a smaller breakfast or a shake. Before I eat something, I'll log in to check the calorie count, to see if there is something in the meal I should skip or substitute. It's really been a helpful tool and also I believe part of my success to this point. An example, is that last week, I went to Chipotle for lunch and had a chicken burrito, that burrito alone is huge and has about 900 calories! But I planned it out and had a small breakfast, and only some fruit for dinner (was still full from that burrito) because I was out of calories, but I still got to eat what I was craving.

Exercise:

I said last week that I wanted to exercise more. I sincerely did try, but my 3 year old, decided to ruin my favorite exercise routine DVD (which is no longer produced). NOOOOO....so, although I did workout 3 times last week, It was mostly testing out new routines, to figure out which one worked better for me. I don't feel like the workouts were "good enough" workout sessions because I was still testing them all out. I have found a routine that works and I enjoy, so I will be doing that this week and hopefully will feel like I did a GOOOD fat/calorie burning workout! :)

Confession:

I had 2 cupcakes on Sunday for my daughters b.day, they tasted so delicious, and I don't feel bad about it, because, I've been really good and I did not eat any further "junk food" for the rest of the day. Sometimes you just need to cheat. ha ha....

Hope you all had successful weeks.

Weekly Favs: "Indescribable"

This song is just awesome. I've loved the original version and this version is just great as well.

We could spend a whole life, trying to describe the mighty wonder of God but he's just so grand, we could never finish explaining or describing his greatness. I'm privileged to be his daughter. I really want to sing this song now. Feel like filling this office with praise!!!!! : ) Thank you Jesus.

Biggest Loser: Week 5

Progress:

Lost 1 pound! I'm glad I don't gain, but I'd really like to be loosing at least 2. lol...Oh well. I have however, noticed a different in some of my "bigger" clothing, feeling a little bit looser. yay! :)
I must say I'm proud of my will power to not to eat the "bad stuff"...lol...I've been very good at making better choices when eating out and also, choosing to eat something homemade instead of out, whenever possible. Last week we had a pizza lunch at work. I went for the vegetarian pizza (normally have meat), choose the smallest slice (could normally have 2-3 slices) and covered half my plate of salad. I must say I was very Proud. I absolutely love pizza, one of my fav dishes. I want to give a shout out to all my gals friends from Church, who have been so motivating and encouraging these past weeks, I'm excited to see us all reach our goals. :)

Goals:

I think I've slowed down on the weight loss per week because I haven't been exercising as much. I've managed to get in 2 a week, but I think if I bump it up to 4 times, I will get better results! Will try really hard this week to get those extra 2 in.

Clarification:

Last week I said that part of my motivation was going on a shopping trip in the near future. Some of you lovelies commented and said, you would love to fit into your old clothes before going out to buy new. Fair enough! The problem with me is, I gave all my old clothes away. I had been over-my-normal-weight for about a year and it was a bit depressing to see all that clothes that didn't fit me, so I had settled that I was going to stay at the weight (at least for a while) and I would give away the clothing  (save but a few fancy dresses) so that I would not see it! lol...But now my mindset has changed, and now I can't get the clothing back. ja ja...so that is why a shopping trip would be necessary to a certain extent. Truthfully, I find any excuse for shopping. ha ha....

Picture update:

Still got a long way to go, but felt great to fit into these clothes, I tried them on a few weeks ago and they didn't fit as great as they did this week. Slowly but surely! :) This was just before church started, my momma just had to take a pic. She says she's proud. I don't believe her. HA HA...funny how even with age, it still matters when you make your parents proud.

Hope y'all are reaching your goals! Love reading your stories.

"Call Me Fanatic" - Poem

Call me fanatic if you will.

Call me crazy if you will.

Call me abnormal if you will.

But you just don't get it, you just don't understand.

You weren't there, when he gave my life meaning

You weren't there, when he held me in my loneliness

You weren't there, when he gave me strength in deception

You weren't there, when he healed my loved one of cancer

You weren't there, when he saved my sibling from disaster

You weren't there, when he kept me from drugs & disease

You weren't there, when he kept me from addiction

You weren't there, when everyone left, only He remained

You weren't there, when he healed my soul from pain

You weren't there, when he kept me from harms way

You weren't there, when he provided, when there was not a cent left

You weren't there, when he showed me love in my weaknesses

You weren't there, when he made a way, where there was no way

You weren't there, when he opened a door, that was forever shut

You weren't there, when he gave me peace that surpasses all understanding

You weren't there, when he showed me light in the darkness

You weren't there, when he wiped my tears

You weren't there, when he filled me with wondrous power

You weren't there, when he forgave all of my sins

You weren't there, when he blessed me, with more than I deserved

You weren't there, when he answered all of my prayers....

Call me fanatical if you will, but YOU JUST WEREN'T THERE.

-Me

Some people will never understand why we dedicate so much to serving God, why we spend so much time in his presence, why we work in his business without getting anything in return. But the truth is, there's nothing that can compare, to God's presence, it's a bit of heaven on this earth! Anything that we do here on earth, could never re-pay the Lord for the salvation he offers us, for his mercies every morning and for the faithfulness he has shown us, even in our weaknesses. He's done so much for us, how can we not serve HIM!?!? If they want to call me fanatic, so be it, I am a fan of JESUS. Why not? The world has so many idols and love for human beings, and even cry and scream when they see them, just another human being, like you and me! So why is it fanatical and crazy to cry and worship in the presence of the almighty GOD, who is not human, who is all power, who has done so much for me and the ones I love? I say it's more crazy to worship a human being, than it is to worship, the CREATOR of all. But I'll leave that up to you to decide. Call me crazy if you will, but you just weren't there.

"Preaching about the cross sounds foolish to those who are dying in sin. But it is the power of God to those of us who are being saved from the punishment of sin" - 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NLV)

The Biggest Loser: Week 4

So it's that time again.

Progress:

I'm down 1.5 pounds from last week - for a total of 7 pounds in 3 weeks of this madness (HA!), my short-term goal is 20 so I'm getting there! Longterm goal is 35.

Last week was another rough week for me, it was really cold in this part of the world and I wasn't feeling too great - Health wise, so both things got to me. I really dislike being cold. lol...my blood is tropical. All I wanted to do when I got home was cuddle up in bed with warm blankets, however, I did manage to get 2 workouts during the week, despite not feeling too great and it paid off. :)

I must say I'm impressed with my water consumption, I've been able to do more than 8 glasses a day and don't even realize it.

Things I struggled with:

Getting motivated to workout, since like I said  a few things drained me out. But I started looking at that dress I really want to wear again and that helped. LOL...

Cravings for fast/junk food. I've been pretty good at staying away from the fast food, but last week I was craving everything (it was that TOM), from burgers, to poutines, to pizza, to chocolate! OH boy it was hard not to sink in, but I didn't! I try to stock up on low-fat/healthy snacks at home and at work, to keep me full and stop my cravings. I also try to re-create lower fat versions of my favs like pizza and poutines. lol...and it works! I have those for lunch, for exampe a baked whole wheat tortilla with a light sauce and light mozarella cheese and add a side garden salad. I'm trying to have a heavy lunch and really light dinners. It's been working for me.

Things that motivate me:

Maybe y'all could use similar things as motivation.

-Looking at pictures of myself of the weight I want to be at again.
-The sweet hubs is taking me to Buffalo for a shopping trip in a few weeks - I want to have lost a few more pounds to buy some new clothes!
-Looking at clothing in my closet that I used to wear and would love to wear again.
-Thinking about the weight you already lost and how much more you will lose if you keep going!!

I think that's about all I have to say for today! Hope you had a great week. :) We can do this.