I've Lost a 5th Grader from my Hips...my weight loss (and gain) journey

I always feel funny talking about my weight loss journey.  I think my greatest fear is that my talking about it will come across as PRIDE.  So up to this point, I've said very little.  Plus, it's personal, you know?  It's embarrassing to admit the amount of weight I gained through 2 full term pregnancies and 1 miscarriage.  And what average woman out there wants to draw attention to her body?  Lord know's that's not my desire.  But at the same time, haven't I said all along that I love when people are REAL?  When they can share from their hearts and give all the glory to God?  So here I am...openly talking about my weight...the good, the bad, the really bad, and God's unconditional love for me (inside and out) through it all.

I guess before I start w/ the weight LOSS I must first start at the weight GAIN.

I've always lived an active lifestyle and for most of my life have had a healthy relationship w/ food.  And then I got pregnant.  In Dec 2006, after years of begging God to bless me with a baby, I finally got pregnant.  And in New Zealand of all places!  While I was there I had this gut feeling that I was pregnant and even bought a cute little baby shirt that said, "Made in New Zealand".  That's how very sure I was.  (Little did I know, I was literally just days pregnant)  Jan 31st, 2007 I miscarried.  Talk about a dark, bleak day in my life.  (that whole "journey" will have to be saved for another day, I'm afraid.)  My O/B felt it best to put me on synthetic progesterone, so that if I were to get pregnant again, the baby would have the "best start possible".  I was too much of an emotional wreck to question him.   When I say I gained 10 lbs in 10 days I'm not even kidding you.  The weight just packed on...just as it had when I used to be on birth control.  With both of my pregnancies, I had to continue to be on progesterone well into my 2nd trimester b/c my levels were always low.  Combine synthetic hormones w/ a prego and in a nutshell, I got HUGE.

After having Sam Watson, I was introduced to 3 things that changed my life.

1. P90X
2. Idiot's Guide to Eating Clean (book)
3. Body by God: Bouncing Back After Pregnancy (book)

It's so true when watching "The Biggest Loser" and they say, "It's a lifestyle change."  Boy, are they not kiddin'.  Between my working out and eating clean along w/ focusing on my spiritual heart as much as my physical heart, the pounds just started dropping off.  I asked God to give me Scriptures that I could memorize to help me stay on course.  In retrospect, I see much of my inward/outward transformation as a way of God preparing me to go to Africa.  I honestly don't know how I would have done it had the weight still been on.  And if you have read any of my blogs re: God's work in my life while in Ghana, then you must know how even months before I stepped foot in Africa God was "tilling" my heart, preparing the "soil" for what was yet to come.  I see it so very clearly now.  I'm now 33 years old.  I remember on my birthday reflecting on the fact that I was the age of Christ when He died on the cross.  It's sad to say it, but it's taken me 33 years to really figure out what it means to crucify SELF and really live out loud for Christ in a real, practical, everyday way.  I told God I wanted "33" to be the best year yet!  And my friends, He hasn't disappointed and I still have most of the year to go!!!

I've had a LOT of people ask me questions and wanna know my "secret"...and it dawned on me that I've been holding back on the what the REAL secret of my weight loss has been all along...and that's been to simply want to KNOW GOD MORE.

I think it can best be adequately stated in one of my favorite songs:


I am reaching for the highest goal
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward Pushing every hindrance aside,
out of my way 'Cause I want to know You more.

I want to know You
I want to hear Your voice
I want to know You more
I want to touch You
I want to see Your face
I want to know You more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpxQaItQTNE&feature=related

I want ALL OF ME to glorify God.  And I knew deep in my heart, how can I, Misty Terrell, do that when I am 80 lbs overweight?  My weight issue was a HINDRANCE in my life.  At the same time and on the other end of the spectrum, I had to quit the self-loathing.  Let's face it women, haven't most of us struggled w/ weight at some point in our lives?  Or body image?  We look in the mirror and all we can think is, "If only..."  and we can get very "OCD" w/ our looks.  Well, let me tell you.  I've now lost my 80 lbs and all I have now is a NEW list of "if only's".  It's time for us to quit looking at ourselves through distorted mirrors and magnifying glasses, and instead view ourselves through the Biblical lens...we were hand-crafted by the God of all creation.  He used just the right paintbrushes, used perfect strokes, the best lighting, and in the end looked at each of us and said, "Yet another MASTERPIECE." And He tells us that while men look on the outward, what is HE looking at?  Our hearts.  BUT...that being said...we are required to be good stewards of what He has given us...including our bodies.  Thinking about what I put in my body and prioritizing exercise is exhibiting SELF-CONTROL...a fruit of the spirit. 

Yes, this past year has been just as much of a spiritual transformation for me as the physical one.  Weight loss IS a spiritual journey.  It's about changing the INSIDE first...and once that lines up w/ God's Word, then I strongly believe the outside will follow suit.  In the beginning stages after Sam Watson was born, it was H.A.R.D.  So many times I wanted to GIVE UP...or just plain  QUIT.  I meditated on Scripture to help keep me on track...even put my verses on 3x5 cards in my kitchen...and prayed constantly.  And frankly, I just dug my heels in and have been bound and determined to press on.  It has required the MOST STUBBORN FORM OF DISCIPLINE. By the way, did you know that Jesus also had a very STUBBORN FORM OF DISCIPLINE??  At any point during his torture on that cross, He could have given up, too.  He could have quit.  But he didnt'.  Because He loves Misty way too much.  He "dug His heels in" and was DETERMINED TO DIE ON THAT CROSS.  Well, Jesus, I'm diggin' my heels in, too.  You were determined to DIE for ME so I'll be determined to LIVE for YOU the best, most healthy way that I can.

On the humorous side of things...Just like gaining weight is depressing, losing weight has it's downsides, too.  Nothing in my closet fits me.  Even my pre-prego pants don't fit b/c my body shape has changed after 2 babies.  A couple of weeks ago Sam Watson pulled on my pants and the waist was literally down to my knees.  Oh, did I mention I was in the parking lot at the KC Zoo?

And then there are the concerned who are "worried" about me.  God forbid someone could actually lose weight in a healthy manner.  SURELY I'm starving myself and only eating kleenex.  

There is always this awkward moment I have when someone yells at me in a room full of people, "OH MY GOSH...YOU'VE LOST SO MUCH WEIGHT!!!"  What do I say?  "Thank you"???  or "I know! I was so fat last year!"???  Many of my friends and family tease me when I pass up dessert...but I KNOW what it feels like to weigh 80 lbs heavier than I am right now...AND I NEVER EVER WANT TO FEEL THAT WAY AGAIN.   Oh, and I love the people who make comments such as, "oh, you're so lucky that your weight just dropped off of you so easily."  Not ONCE have I even ATTEMPTED to stifle the loud outburst that explodes from my mouth!  YOU THINK IT'S BEEN EASY???  It's been the most grueling, spiritual and physical challenge of my LIFE!  And who's not to say I won't be facing this same challenge again in 10 years?  5 years?  Heck, next month!  Women age, our bodies change, life throws us curve balls...so trust me when I say I'm not at all sittin' comfortable.  I hope to forever be a "work in progress"...inward and outward.  All glory to God and GOD ALONE!

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (The Message)

 ^23-24May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

Feb 2010...oh this picture makes me cringe!

March 2010

May 2010..."Who's your friend w/ you or is that just your butt?"  ~Gloria's comment to Moto Moto on the movie "Madagascar"  Boy! can I relate!

July 2010

August 2010...This is when I started P90X...90 days every day.

September 2010...starting to see a waist

October 2010...right in the middle of my p90x routine and eating clean more and more

November 2010

December 2010...Africa is right around the corner!

January 2011 in Ghana

Feb 2011...Jax, Fl

March 2011 Harry and I goin' for a jog...praising God every step!

April 2011

Now, God...if you could just let the money fall from heaven so I can get as many nips and tucks as this momma desires!  HAHAHA!!! Just kiddin'...but not really.



IN CELEBRATION OF 80 LBS GONE, HOW 'BOUT A GOOD RECIPE???

Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Sweet potato Puree (my adaptation from the Choc Cupcake Recipe in Deceptively Delicious cookbook) 

1 Cup of Sweet potato Puree
1 Cup of Sucanat (found in sugar section of health foods store...or use Sugar in the Raw for a less clean version)
1/2 Cup of FlaxMilk or Almond Milk (both found at WalMart...I suggest Flax cuz it's loaded w/ Omega 3's)
1/2 Cup of Milk (whatever you have in your frig)
1/2 tsp of balsamic vinegar (I use pomegranate balsamic vinegar)
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups of white whole wheat flour (found anywhere...cheapest is Hy-Vee brand)
1/2 cup of wheat germ (found in baking aisle of health foods and is starting to mainstream in regular grocery stores...usually around flour or in organic section)
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of sea/kosher salt
dash of cinnamon (OPTIONAL: only do this if you like cinnamon mixed w/ chocolate)
2-3 handful's of chocolate chips (also optional but I'm thinkin' who in their right mind would opt OUT?)

preheat oven to 350.

In mixing bowl, combine puree, sucanat, milks and vinegar.  Add egg whites 1 at a time and mix just until incorporated.  Toss in all the dry ingredients (don't mix until all are thrown in) and the chocolate chips and mix until combined.  Don't overmix. (FYI:  I do this entire process in my kitchen aid mixer)

Fill up 12 GREASED muffin cups (spray w/ some olive oil cooking spray).  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow to cool in the pan...they'll cook just a little bit more until they are perfectly moist and yummy.  Refrigerate for 3 days or you can even freeze them up to 3 months.  Great, healthy snack or to satisfy that chocoholic in us all!

TIPS:

1. don't want to go buy almond or flax milk?  Just use normal milk...but to boost up the nutritional benefits throw in a couple of tbsp of milled flax seed.

2.  If you opt OUT of choc chips, add about 1/4 cup more sucanat or raw sugar or toss in about 3 tbsp of agave nectar.  Taste batter and add more if you want it a little sweeter...BUT DON'T USE REFINED SUGAR!!!

3.  for those who are puree-challenged:  just bake your sweet potatoes (in foil) at 350 for 1 hour or until they are mushy when you press your finger in them.  Peel off the skin and place potato's in a food processor until nice and smooth.

4. Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar: I found my bottle at Marshall's.  But here's a plug for the store Heavenly Olive Oils and Vinegar in Lee's Summit.  They have every flavor of bals vinegar and you can even taste test!!!  It's like a Baskin-&-robbins for cooks!!!  Also...grab a bottle of their butter olive oil.  You can sub it for butter in any recipe and my favorite way to use it?  Cooking my sunny-side-up eggs in! 

5.  Cooking for kids?  Instead of traditional icing, try spreading some vanilla yogurt and adding a few sprinkles on top.

The Tale of the Ring Pop, An Egg-Crate Jesus and Dryer Sheet Robes

Oh dear me!  I feel like a kid in a candy store! I'm so very excited to 1) be sitting in absolute quiet at the present moment 2) drink a huge cup of decaf w/ almond milk 3) BLOG...my soul just aches to WRITE! 4) did I already mention the whole sitting in absolute quiet thing?? 

There are so many times I just wanna park myself at the keyboard and write to my hearts content.  I find much solace in journaling.  I always have.  I currently have 3 journals in my night stand that go back all the way to 1996.  (WHOA!  Doesn't that sound ANCIENT???) I have a couple of diaries that I wrote in every day as a kid.  There are 2 things that "de-stress" me on a practical level...writing and jogging.  It clears my head, puts things in perspective, and both allow me to either hash things out w/ God or just praise Him because of who He is.  However, I am finding that squeezing in the time to journal (and jog, for that matter) is getting very difficult.  A girl can only do so much in a day, for cryin' out loud. Let's face it all you parents out there, some things we just have to SHELVE for the common good of the family, right?  And I do so w/ all the cheerfulness a girl can muster and would never, EVER, go back to life B.C. (before Charlee...and of course, Sam Watson)  So it is with great excitement that I find myself where I am right at this moment.  Easter Eve.  2011.  I'm feeling a bit long-winded tonight and my fingers are going 100 mph, so you might wanna get comfy, grab a coffee, sit back and relax because I ain't goin' anywhere anytime soon.

Tonight's focus is on...well...hmm....hold on...I'm searching for the right words...Ok, ok.  Tonights focus is on what Easter is really all about.  No, scratch that.  Tonights blog focus is on parenting.  Oh no, totally scratch that.  Ooo, I got it.    Tonight's focus is on a mother's reality and just doing the best she can on a day to day basis.  Perfecto.

A week ago Charlee and I had "girlz nite out".  She and I went to an Easter party w/ some very dear friends of ours.  One of her BFF's introduced Charlee to her very first ever RingPop.  You should have seen her put it on her finger and hold it up like it was the most prized possession.  I kept telling her she could EAT the Ring Pop but something about it made her want to preserve all of it's greatness.

Charlee had just met her magnificent obsession.  (For future reference I will abbreviate this by typing "M.O.")

C's "M.O."

 You should have seen the way she stared at her M.O.  She reminded me of Gollum in Lord of the Rings... remember how he caressed the ring between his fingers, completely infatuated? Yep, that pretty much sums up Charlee and her RingPop.  I thought it cute.  Normal.  Fun.  Although I did laugh at myself as I pictured her in my mind stroking it while saying, "My Precious..."

This is actually a pretty good representation of C's first experience w/ a Ring Pop.

As soon as we got home she showed her Daddy.  She looked at herself in the mirror wearing it and giggled.  Still, I'm thinking maybe a tad strange at the total OCD-ishness of it all, but not too concerned.

And then it happened.  She hit her RingPop on the table and it broke into several pieces and before any of us could do anything, Harry (our 90 lb Golen Retriever) gobbled it up.  I was ready for major drama to unfold so to "downplay" it, I say casually, "No worries, Charlee.  I bet the Easter bunny will bring you one!"

And so it began.  Any time anyone dared mention the word "Easter" to Charlee, all I would hear about was how the rabbit would bring her a Ring Pop.  Her M.O.

Now, some of you might be asking yourself, "What's the big deal?"  Hmmm...let me see here.  Where do I start?

Me: Charlee, let's read your book about Jesus!  He died for you and me, but God raised Him from the dead...(interrupted)

Charlee: RingPop, Momma!

Me: Yes, hunny, but the real reason we celebrate Easter is b/c...(interrupted again)

C:  Bunny bring me a RingPop, Momma!

Me: he just might, but God raised Jesus from the dead and that's why..(interrupted yet again)

C: I get a RingPop, Momma!

Me:  **sigh**

Now, this conversation has happened EVERY SINGLE DAY.  So today, after it happening yet again, while C was napping I pulled out the big guns.  CRAFTS.

I could almost hear my close friends/family gasp as they read that.  Yep, it's down in ink, folks!  I, Misty, actually attempted at a craft today!  I said "ATTEMPTED" so don't get your hopes up too high.

It was time to take matters into my own hands.  This child would learn about Jesus, His death, and His resurrection even if it killed me! (Pardon the pun) I got all my supplies ready and was just waiting for her to wake up so we could begin our first "lesson" on Easter.  First, I need a Jesus and a cross.

cut out of old egg carton

Next, Jesus needs to get dressed.  Hmmm...what to use?  I didn't exactly prepare for this...(rumage through cabinets)...Old Dryer Sheet.  Perfect.  Some string for the belt and botta-bing-botta-bo I's got me a Jesus!

Should I draw a smiley face on Him?  Since we'll be crucifying Him I'll opt out of any facial expressions. A few other supplies and I was set and ready.

small nails I found amongst Jim's tools

Red fingerpaint!

When Charlee woke up I ran into her room, so very excited to be "crafy" w/ her...but mostly because I KNEW this would do the trick.  We made ourselves comfortable at the kitchen table and I started by just showing her Jesus.  Then I explained how religious leaders felt very threatened by Him so they nailed Him to a cross, even though He had done nothing wrong.  (I was hoping to find some thumb tacks, but no luck so we used real nails)  She helped me "pierce" his hands/feet onto the cross.  I told her how He suffered and bled.  We grabbed paintbrushes and painted red on Jesus' nice white clothes.  Then we talked about the crown of thorns and she helped me place it on His head. (which was actually just grape stems)

Charlee checks out the cross

Charlee adding "blood"

Nails in hands/feet

Jesus complete w/ a Crown of Thorns...hmmm...the smile tells me she doesn't quite get that we just crucified Jesus...

I told her that is was a sad day for many people, but they didn't understand that it MUST be done...and Jesus died. 

Charlee's expression after talking about His death on the cross

Some of His friends gingerly took His body off the cross and wrapped it up lovingly.  They even put beautiful smelling perfume all over His body b/c that was a symbol of royalty...& that showed He was extra special.

"Perfume" was body spray. Joint Tape from Jim's workshop was the wrapping.

And then they placed His body in a tomb.  It was covered w/ a large rock.

Charlee chose the burial spot

Covering the "tomb" w/ a large rock

She kept patting the rock

 Now up to this point you'd think, Wow, things are going really well!  I think she's actually getting it!  Until we put Jesus in His tomb.  My plan was to leave Him there until Easter morning and I imagined us running out together and looking under the rock only to discover HE WAS GONE! and then I was going to hide Him somewhere inside in a really philosophical place like..oh, I dunno...in a lamp and then i could say something like, "Look!  There is Jesus! On the light! He's alive and you know what else??  He's the Light of the World!"  You know...something like that.

But there was a kink in the plans, peeps.  While C and I are having a "moment" Sam Watson strolls by me and I got a whiff of straight poop.  As I turned to look at him, poo was dripping down his pant legs and over his socks.  So I had to leave Charlee at the "tomb" so I could hose down my son in the bathtub.  Then I looked at the clock and realized we had to get dressed and out the door ASAP b/c the plan was for us to go to Saturday night Easter service at church.  And you might wonder where Jim is during all of this?  Puking his head off upstairs w/ the stomach flu.

I stood in the front door and saw Charlee patting the large rock covering the tomb w/ one hand while the other hand held the cross.  I told her to come inside so we could start getting ready for church...and she refused to come in.  In the mean time, Sam is buck naked and I have poop all over my arm.  I tell her again to come in...but again, she would not obey.  Finally, after starting to get really irritated I went to the doorway ready to discipline her for disobedience until I saw her sweet little face.  She wasn't disobeying from a heart of rebellion...she was heart-broken.  I know my daughter...I know her facial expressions as well as I know my own.

Watching Charlee from our doorway

I asked if she would like to open the tomb and bring Jesus inside w/ her.  That was all it took.  Before she could even say, "yes" the rock was out of the way and she was marching up the steps w/ Jesus in tow.  I had a tinge of frustration flow through me because this was "messing up" my plans!!  I had it all mapped out!  Easter would be ruined!  Woe is me!

Do you want to take Jesus to church w/ you, Charlee?

And my heart stopped in my chest.  It was a moment I never EVER want to get out of my mind.  All she wanted was Jesus.  The very thought of leaving Him in that tomb was completely unacceptable to her.  And ya know...it was completely unacceptable to HIM, too.

Needless to say, Egg-Crate Jesus (now naked once again b/c Charlee unravelled his wrappings) went to church w/ us.  As soon as we got home she wanted a snack and asked for Jesus to sit next to her on the table.  And then He went to bed w/ Charlee as I read them books and prayed w/ her, and kissed her goodnight.  Jesus was tucked safely beside her pillow.


As I turned off her lamp and blew her a kiss, it dawned on me that my 3 year old daughter taught ME about Easter instead.

And now it is Easter Eve, exactly 10:44pm.  I just snuck into her room to get Jesus.  He was a little wrinkly.  His arms had been severed from His body and one leg was broken.   He'd obviously been "tampered with" after I left the room earlier.  Guess it just adds an element of reality.

Arms severed and broken leg

I put His NEW clothes on (a brand new, clean dryer sheet to represent His new glorified body!) and I decided I WILL go ahead and hide Him somewhere inside the house...I want her to understand that He IS alive, He DIDN'T stay dead, broken, bloody and bruised in that tomb.

The question remains...where to hide Him?


Ahhh...I got it.  He'll go right back where He belongs.  The perfect place...Jesus will be exactly where He last was.  Tucked safely next to Charlee's pillow.  Only this time He'll be WHOLE once again...complete w/ a brand new clean outfit!  And while I'm at it...let's add that smiley face.

Resurrected Jesus! See the nail marks in his hands?

And that M.O. we discussed earlier?  Well, let's just say that's what Grandma's are for! 

EASTER MORNING UPDATE... When I went into C's room this morning I opened her door to see she was still snuggled under all her blankets but her head popped up and you wanna know the FIRST WORD out of her mouth?  "JESUS!"  She whipped out of bed and the pitter patter of her feet told me she was headed to the front door.  I ran behind her, tickled pink that even though she had physically removed Jesus from the tomb, she still couldn't wait to run and see if He was still there! I wondered if that is how Mary felt as she, too, ran to an empty tomb.  Even though it was very cold, Charlee didn't hesitate to walk barefoot in the cold grass...she could barely contain her excitment.  Jim and I smiled at each other as we watched her "roll" the stone away. 

Are you there Jesus?

BUT THE TOMB WAS EMPTY!

This picture captures Charlee initial face expression when she didn't see Jesus.  It was more like, "Huh?"

We clapped our hands and shouted, "Hosanna!" as we ran back inside to find where He was.

Back into her room she ran.  She lifted the pillow to find a new, glorified Jesus in His resurrected body, complete w/ a smiley face. 

Jesus! You're alive!

A very excited little girl...

Can I put him in my pocket, momma?

Of course we still did our Easter egg hunt, but I couldn't believe she didn't mention her M.O. even once this morning.

Jesus has done lots of stuff w/ us today.  We danced w/ Him while listening to praise music.  He went to WalMart w/ Charlee and I and, according to my daughter, He preferred to ride in the buggy w/ Charlee.  On the way home his head came off, but nothing a little spiritual scotch tape can't fix!  HA!

He's currently taking a nap w/ Charlee...and guess where she put Him?  Tucked safely under her pillow once again.

Looks like C has a new M.O.  And this momma couldn't be happier.

 HAPPY EASTER!

ERRRrrrr!!

America, WAKE UP AND GET OVER YOURSELVES! Seriously...I'm about to erupt.  I can only take so much.  I've held my tongue but tonight...I'm ready to get off my chest something that has vexed me since the day I got back from Ghana.  I simply cannot sit idle any longer.  I've had it.  Now, I know I'm FAR from perfection...in fact, the 1 thing that has kept me from saying anything thus far is that exact reason.  Who am I?  I'm like everyone else...a sinner.  Saved by grace.  But still, a sinner.  I have never, nor will I ever, claim to be anywhere CLOSE to perfect.  I have many MANY faults (just ask my husband and kids!) I, too, am a "work in progress"...

Maybe I'm just in a mood.  Maybe this is a pet pieve.  Maybe I'm a nutcase.  But maybe, just maybe, I'M ANGRY for a reason...so listen up.

What, you ask, am I so upset over?

AMERICAN'S and their NEED TO COMPLAIN.  And let me get even MORE specific and say...CHRISTIAN AMERICAN'S and their need to complain.

Since I've been back from Africa, my time on facebook has diminished DRAMATICALLY.  There are several factors going into this.  1. I don't have time. 2. I have more important issues to devote my time to. 3. My babies need their mother.  4. All of the above are basically saying the same thing but w/ a different angle.  5. I CAN'T HANDLE THE COMPLAINING AND WHINING!!!

If I hear 1 more person whine about their kids, whine about their dog, whine about the cold, whine about the hot, whine about their jobs, whine about their TV being broken, or their cell phone being outdated, or the weeds in their lawn, or the sales clerk messing up their purchase, or the parking lot being crowded...I will seriously burst a blood vessel.  But you know what?  If I do, I will PRAISE GOD that there are hospitals close by with doctors and nurses who have my well-being as a priority.  I will praise God for a car that gets me to the hospital.  I will praise God for shoes that I can wear to the hospital.  And if my aneurysm causes me to drop dead on the floor, then I'll praise God He took me home so I can STOP HEARING ALL THE WHINING!!!

I swear "Christian" America...you've turned into the Isrealites when they left Egypt.  God did all this totally amazing stuff for them, but all they can focus on is what they don't have.   I expect whining from people who haven't been rescued from the pit of hell.  But dear Christian, you KNOW what you've been delivered from.  You KNOW how much Christ loves you.  You KNOW His ways are Sovereign.  You SAY one thing but you ACT another.  And quite honestly, it makes me ill.

All I'm getting at is...how about instead of posting NEGATIVE, WHINY STATUS UPDATES, here's a new thought:   EDIFY.  Every time you post your status, just ask a simple question..."Does this EDIFY?"

DEFINITION OF 'EDIFY': Instruct or improve (someone) morally or intellectually.

I Thess 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up,..."

Here's another thought.  The next time you are about to complain for all the world to see, think to yourself, "Would they feel the same way about this in Africa?"  Cuz you know what??...I'm thinking the waitress you just yelled at b/c they brought you the wrong cheeseburger would be a completely different outcome if you ever went to a 3rd world country.  You just might walk away telling her how grateful you are for her hard work in doing her best to take care of you.

Just sayin'.

Which makes me wonder?  Can any of us go 7 days without complaining? 4 days? 2?  I really wonder how many Americans could even go 1 DAY without complaining.  

And you know what I just realized?  I'm whining about whining. Great.  Just great.  Now look what you made me do.  sigh.  Thanks a LOT, America.

Ephesians 4:29 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Fresh Asparagus Salad or PB&J?

Date night.  Just me and my man.  It's been a loooooong time comin', baby.  All week I've been looking forward to it.  Should we make reservations somewhere and get all dolled up?  Or go a little more casual w/ a relaxed atmosphere?  Saturday couldn't get here fast enough!

Yesterday I finally decided on "the place" for us to go...in Overland Park, KS...great food, relaxed atmosphere where Jim could wear his jeans and boots and get away w/ it...just our style.  Or was it?  Cuz today came and as the weather continued to get better and better all I could think about was how much I wanted to be outside!

When Jim walked in the door (he had to work today) I asked him if he would be terribly disappointed if we changed our plans.  "What do you have in mind?" he asked me.  "Fishin'.  I wanna go fishin'. and a joggin'. and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the grass...and then maybe get some custard before heading home."  His eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. 

So that's exactly we did.  And had the best date EVER.  Jim fished his heart away and not once did I have to worry about one of my kids falling in the pond and drowning.  I got to go jogging...w/o a stroller in tow...just me, my feet, and  the wind at my back urging me on. It was pure delight, I tell ya.  And did I mention how QUIET is was?  Ahhhhh...

I sat on the bank of the pond and watched the clouds turn pink.  I smacked the mosquito's as they landed on my bare skin and as 1 buzzed by my ear I couldn't help but think about its relatives in Africa who carried a horrible disease called Malaria.  As I chatted away about this and that I saw lots of fish jump out to eat their dinner...or maybe they just wanted to greet me hello.  Either way, I liked it.

 I never did eat my PB&J that I packed.  Hmmm...looks like we'll be having a family picnic outside tomorrow!  Oh how I love SPRING!