Memorial Box Monday: I fell. God picked me up.

Memorial Box Mondays are awesome! They remind me that God is always with me, in the smallest details. They remind me that He will always catch me when I fall, even when I make a complete mess of things. This week's post is one of those times...

Several years ago, I made a huge mistake in ministry -- dishonoring my leader and hurting our relationship. I've shared before how God restored us -- we are better and stronger than ever. WHY? Because God really does redeem our broken relationships when we are committed to Him, willing to humble ourselves, ask forgiveness and be forgiven. My friend confronted me in love. I responded in Christian humility.

But that didn't mean everything was fine. When we sin, we can be redeemed, but we must also accept the consequences of our sinful acts. I had to step out of ministry for a season. I was sincerely sorry for my actions, though, and God met me right there. Together, He and I worked through my pride and stubbornness. I really am not the person now that I was then.

One thing God did to help me in that time was provide free tickets to a Willowcreek Conference. I had gotten the brochure for the conference in the mail, but financially, we weren't in a position for me to go. Two of our kids were in occupational therapy. We were also paying for speech therapy and play therapy. Unfortunately, our insurance didn't cover any of it.

About a week before the conference, a friend called asking if I wanted to go. Do I? Absolutely! But it's not in the budget. She smiled through the phone -- you know what I mean. You can hear the smile fill someone's face. "Friends of mine at the host church have two extra tickets. My husband can't go. Will you go with me?" Would I? Oh my gosh. YIPPEE!

The conference was great. Each speaker spoke to my heart. I learned things about ministry and leadership that will help me the rest of my life. And then God showed off -- He had something even better in store.

Pastor Wayne Cordiero of New Hope Church in Hawaii stepped up to the podium. He shared about a time in ministry when he thought he was having a heart attack -- but the stress of his work had worn him down. He kept talking, explaining that for a very long time, he had been preaching sermons for the people but forgetting to let the word seep into him first. He'd grab a verse and throw it out there, but he wasn't taking the time to "put it in here" -- he pounded his chest -- first.

Right then, the dam broke. I bawled. Sitting in a giant auditorium full of professional and lay ministers, I cried. Cleansing tears, mascara running, sniffling, hiccuping.

Just a week after I got sidelined, God sent me the message of healing I needed. He reminded me that I am no good to anyone if I'm not close to him. I had felt like such a failure -- but God showed me I am not alone. We all stumble. We all fall. Without him, we can't finish the race.

God knew I needed to hear Pastor Wayne's message that day. He provided those tickets. He made sure I heard this message of healing. I bought a CD of that sermon. I will put it in my Memorial Box to remind me that God will always pick me up when I fall.

If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started here: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7). By the way, "YIPPEE!" has become one of my favorite words. It comes from Linny too. Thanks Linny! I think of you every time I say it or write it. :)

FIT Friday: Don't hit the wall. Climb it!

My son, Ben, and me at camp this week!

Hey everyone,
It's Friday and you know what that means! Time for a FIT Friday post! If you're new to FIT Fridays, please read our week one challenge before you jump in where we are now.

This week, I went to student camp and had the honor of leading the seventh grade girls group. It's been a long time since I was in middle school -- let's not dwell on that, though :) Some things I noticed about these precious 13 year olds: they have incredible energy. They do not need sleep -- at all -- at least if there's mountain dew available. They like to look alike -- we braided a lot of hair this week. Seriously, they were amazing and they reminded me how precious it is to just love living!

Our last day at camp, we participated in a team challenge -- to get four of our team members up and over a 15 foot wall. Seriously. I had two who are afraid of heights and one with a sore knee. That left five girls... and our team needed a sixth participant. Obviously, the sun had burned my brain. I said I'd do it. WHAT??? Their 44 year old leader? Climbing a wall? I'm afraid of heights too, you know. AND I leave on vacation this weekend. What if I break my arm or leg -- or neck?

We sent girlie number one up and over that wall in no time! With three of us helping her go up and our strong hoister at the top (seriously, this girl has amazing strength), it was a piece of cake. Then it was my turn.... YIKES! No fear. Or at least never let it show!

Our strong base girl (she's incredibly tough too and such a sweetie) held out her palm. I stepped into it and she pushed me up. I stretched. She and another girl pushed. And I locked arms with the hoister. I "climbed" the wall and got near the top. With a little help that first leg went up and over -- oh my gosh! We did it!!! I have a few bruises which I wear with pride.

The next two came up quick and easy. Four of us went up and over in 2 minutes and 17 seconds. AWESOME! We did it!!!

At lunch, I told my teen sons that I had climbed the wall. One high fived me -- "Great job, Mom. I tried, but I couldn't do it." My other son, "Really? You climbed the wall. No way." Hints of disbelief. The girls backed me up -- and then, "Cool. Good job, Mom."

FIT Fridays is just like climbing that wall.

• When you struggle, the rest of us are here to lift you up. You can always comment to share a success story or word of encouragement or scripture that has helped you. You can join our email group (just email me privately or post a comment below that includes your email so I can add you).
• We are stronger together than any one of us alone. No one can climb a 15' vertical wall without help. Becoming healthy is just as hard to do alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that two are better than one, and a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Alone we are weak. Together, we are strong.
• Celebrate your success. When we finished, we screamed and hollered, jumped around and hugged each other. We were so proud of ourselves!!! It felt good to celebrate. Inside, I knew I succeeded because of the exercise and healthy eating I've been doing lately. I know my body was ready for that challenge. I had confidence I didn't have last year (when I refused to climb the wall).

Healthiness takes a commitment of heart, attitude, and mind. This week's "homework" is intended to help you make a healthy commitment. 

First, write down what you want in this life. When you're 40 (or older), do you want to be able to play frisbee in the hot sun with your kids without feeling like you're having a heart attack? How about doing laundry or dishes or cooking dinner without a backache? You can do it! Set the goal, make choices that will help you reach that goal, and celebrate. You'll get there quicker than you think!

Second, pick a theme verse. I am motivated by 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." At camp, I ate healthy. People noticed. One girl asked, "Why do you take the bread off your sandwich?" I explained that I want the food I eat to make me strong so I can do whatever God asks of me and I don't want to eat more than I need. So, I take the white bread off and eat more salad. 

Another girl asked how I stay so fit. Me. Really? NEVER had that question before. Then again, I've never been able to play soccer and ultimate frisbee, cheerlead and climb walls before! I explained, briefly, how I work exercise into my day so that my body can be strong for whatever God brings... I told her how I wished I had done it younger. Whatever you do... Glorify GOD!

Third, drink more water. Water is your "secret weapon." If you drink more water, you aren't as hungry. If you drink water, you have energy. My husband's job sometimes requires him to be up most of the night -- he sometimes only gets one or two hours of sleep. He has never reached for the coffee pot for a quick burst of energy. As long as I've known him, he has reached for the water bottle. He can drink two gallons of water on those exhausting days -- yes, more trips to the bathroom, but he is more alert. Your brain is mostly water. Without it, you get sluggish -- your mind is literally thirsty! For me, not enough water leads to migraines. Since eating healthy, I get fewer headaches than ever. Drink that water!

Fourth, keep cutting calories. If you've mastered the 25% less challenge, step it up. Never go below 1200-1400 calories per day. You can't function and be healthy on less! For those who are still over that, though, it's time to cut some more. What can you swap for healthier eating? How about cutting sugar out of your coffee? How about switching to more vegetables and a couple less fruits? Instead of dessert, how about just a bite? HINT: brush your teeth after meals. You'll crave sweets less.

Finally, get off that couch! Move it. Move it. Move it. And thank God you're alive! Park far away at work, at the mall, at church. Wherever you go. Run up those steps, don't just walk! Get up from your desk and do a lap around the floor in your office building or outside around the building every hour or two. It will keep you sharp! Or run a couple flights of stairs. Just keep moving!!!

One of our FIT Fridays friends did a backflip in the pool this week. AWESOME! Celebrate! God made you special.

Lots of love,

Karen

Memorial Box Monday: Our first fight

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 8:28

I'm looking far back today, almost twenty years, to the first fight Rob and I ever had as husband and wife. We'd been married about three months and I never imagined we would fight about anything (yes, I was naive).

Then I came home from school one day and got the mail from the box (I love getting mail). Our bank statement had arrived. I opened it, expecting the usual: a little money into the bank and slightly less out. Just enough to stay in the black -- that's what two full-time students do. Live paycheck to paycheck, statement to statement.

Only our account was overdrawn. I freaked. Big time. In all my years, I'd never overdrawn my checking and savings. Never!

My dear husband came home -- no doubt from a long day at the hospital -- and I was waiting. He came in and I pounced. I yelled at him. I screamed. Stamped my feet. Screamed. Slammed doors.... Oooooooh...

He just took the papers, sat down on the floor with a calculator, and back-tracked. He never fought back. He never yelled. He never said a word.

I went to our bedroom -- one last door slam just to make sure he knew how upset I was -- and cried.

Several hours later, long after it was dark, he came to our room. He stayed calm. He explained a few things.

First, he said, "No matter how mad you get, I'll always love you."

Then, he explained what happened. It turns out that we both had used the ATM a few times that month without writing the withdrawals into our checkbook. It wasn't his fault. It wasn't my fault. We both did it.

We talked about our fight -- more importantly, my fears. We decided to cut up the ATM cards, right then. We apologized, both of us, for what we had done. Though, I'm not sure my apology was entirely heartfelt at the time. And we prayed for wisdom.

That argument has come up often with friends and our kids. People ask why we don't have an ATM card -- and I tell them. Our marriage is not worth fighting over money. It was -- and is -- easier to live without the "so-called" convenience than to use the cards and set ourselves up for another argument.

Ever since that first fight, we have taken a similar approach: if it causes us to fight do we really need it? 

As the Bible says in Mark 10:9 (and is often quoted in wedding ceremonies), "What God has joined together, let man not separate." (OR "let man not put asunder.") My husband made sure we both remembered that our marriage is more valuable than any thing, any convenience, or any luxury. He kept his focus on God's priorities and didn't stoop to my level.

There's no question what will go in my memorial box this week! A picture of my husband and me on our wedding day, the day we promised to love each other, in good times and bad. God has truly blessed our relationship. I am thankful.

If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started here: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

FIT Fridays: Who are you?

Welcome to our third week of FIT Fridays!

If you're new to FIT Fridays, find out what it's all about at our inaugural post. Our "team" continues to grow in number... and we're starting to see outward results of the whole person transformation! Thanks for sharing your testimonies with me. It's truly awesome to see prayer answered and hearts and lives changed for the better!

One reader shared, "It's exciting to get closer to God again. Will I fail along the way? Maybe, but I know God is leading me... He is directing my steps. I must say... it feels good."

God wants each one of us to share that excitement. He wants each of us to know that He really is in control and we don't have to be. He wants to guide each of us. As this lady said, it feels good to do it God's way!

Where do you begin?

With God, of course. DeLynn Rizzo, of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, recently shared an amazing message on our identity in Christ. DeLynn said, "We can't change the world until we know who God made us to be." She explained we are not the job titles we carry (wife, mother, employee, volunteer, cook, chaperone, etc.). Those are all the things we do.

We are:

1. Strong! Strong women are durable. Strong women are capable of enduring much without collapsing. Joshua 1:9 says, "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Whatever we do and wherever we go, including spiritual, emotional and mental battles, God goes too. We never face the dark alone.
2. Valuable and precious! I have shared this before -- we are more precious than rubies! (Proverbs 31:10). Unfortunately, we discount our worth all the time. I spoke with a friend yesterday who needs a new swimsuit -- but she hasn't made time to shop for one. Don't we all do that? The kids need this, that or the other... We sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our kids. But that's not God's plan. He values each one of us. Of course, it's not about swimsuits, it's about our heart. Do we appreciate our "special-ness"?
3. Get comfortable with yourself. Easy to say, but so very hard to do. Instead we believe the lies. We get focused on the wrong things: how clean the house is, how smart the kids are, how wide our hips are... you know the comparisons. We believe we are less than wonderful, because somebody else is "all that." God, though, created us all unique. Special. Beloved for who we are in HIS eyes. Ephesians 2:10 says "we are God's workmanship created to do good works." In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns us of the pitfalls of comparing ourselves with others. It's not about who we aren't. With God it's all about who we are!

If you got to hear DeLynn speak live, review your notes this week. Stick the verse that spoke loudest to you on your bathroom mirror. Claim your rightful place as God's precious jewel and tell satan to get off your back! If you didn't get to hear DeLynn, please take time this week to meditate on the notes above. Ask God to reveal His plan and purpose for you -- just as he designed you.

As the precious reader said, God wants to direct our steps. Living that way feels good!

Walking with God, we are less likely to turn to food for comfort. With a renewed purpose that comes from God, it is difficult to sit on the couch and waste the day in front of the television (or computer). Even with that open heart, we still may not understand how to change the bad habits.

Healthy eating is not all about soy milk and organic vegetables! Sure those things are great, but they aren't necessary to get fit from the inside out. Ready for some basic, easy to apply tips that you can use at every meal? I have two teenage boys who require thousands of calories a day! If I eat like them, I'll grow too. Horizontally. Not exactly what I want. Here's what I do:

• I use a salad plate instead of a dinner plate. Less space means less food! (A good alternative is a small diameter, three section paper plate if you don't have salad plates.)
• My meals consist of 50% vegetables, 20% starch -- or less (which means I just don't include that portion and leave that section of the plate empty), and 30% protein. Some examples:
• Tossed salad with lemon juice instead of dressing, three small meatballs, and a small serving of pasta with tomato sauce.
• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, carrots, onions), three ounce boneless grilled chicken breast brushed with olive oil and seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, and half a baked potato drizzled with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil and seasoned with chives.
• Steamed broccoli, three ounce grilled burger - a tsp. of ketchup and/or mustard, but no mayo, and a slice of Ezekiel bread toast drizzled with 1/2 tsp. of olive oil.
• Before dinner, I usually drink a large glass of water. It fills me some so I'm tempted to eat less.
• Chew that food! When I was younger, I ate slowly and chewed all my food. Motherhood and schedules led to quick eating without enjoying my food. You know the drill... take bite, chomp three times and swallow. Get back to savoring that food! Digestion begins in the mouth and chewing your food will naturally help you eat less!

As I've appreciated who I am in Christ, I naturally got a spring in my step. I'm so excited to live that I have a hard time just sitting around all day! I want to live. I want to experience all that life has to offer! Exercise at the gym is awesome... But don't discount those chances to do things with your kids or your spouse. Take a brisk walk after dinner. Dance with your kids. Or your husband! Get out in the garden and pull the weeds (just be sure to wear sunscreen and drink lots of water). Play tennis. Belong to a pool? Swim during the rest period -- I'm up to five complete laps in ten minutes. When God fills your heart with love, live it out!

Here's the challenge for this week:

1. Review all the scriptures from DeLynn's message. Jot them down in your journal and ask God to fill you with His plan for you.

2. Keep cutting those portions like you have been. Also, eat a balanced diet like I outlined above. Write it down -- in your journal, of course... Celebrate your progress during the week.

3. Get moving!!!! Include your family and have fun using the body God gave you!!! Keep track of how much you move this week. Add it to your journal too. See what God is doing? Yea!

If you'd like to receive emails during the week for encouragement, prayer and ideas, please let me know. You can email me or leave a comment with your email address below. Be sure to follow this blog too. Thanks! Welcome to our growing community of FIT Friends!

Dear God,

Your creativity just blows me away. You made our bodies to do so much. I'm truly amazed at all the different things I can do. You created a smorgasboard of incredible foods -- from the coconut to avocados to asparagus. So many tastes and textures just for our enjoyment. And you made each of us -- with different talents and passions. Your creativity is simply astounding. Help us, God, to appreciate it all. Be with us as we discover more about who we are -- as you designed us to be. Let our lives glorify you in all we say, do and even in what we eat! 

In Jesus' precious name I pray,

Amen

Creativity

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Earlier this week, a woodpecker woke me way too early. He was pecking on the roof of my front porch, right outside my bedroom window. A little perturbed, I lifted the corner of the blind to peek out and watched him peck away. He was beautiful: red head, black body with delicate white scallops. If he wasn't so noisy, I would love to see him every day.

This morning I awoke uncharacteristically early. I ambled downstairs to the coffee pot, thankfully brewed, filled my cup and went to the back porch to start my day. Perched on the back of a chair sat a regal cardinal. He perched perfectly still. 

Across the yard, a bluebird swooped down to alight on a maple tree branch. He twitched there, perhaps a drop of rainwater dripped onto his back feathers? He settled for a moment, then swooped off again. Breath-taking.

Enjoying these birds, God spoke softly to me. "See these birds?" I do, Lord. 

"They are nothing, compared to the way I made you." 

(It's not like he spoke audibly, but the thoughts just popped into my head. I felt them as much as I thought them. I know God was pressing in close to teach me something.)

I pondered the thought.

God created man and woman in his own image! He saved the best for last - US!

Dear friends, we are God's most special creation. Do you appreciate your special-ness today?

Dear God,

I am in awe of your creativity. Thank you for the birds, the trees, the flowers, and even the brussel sprouts that you created, just for our enjoyment. Thank you for giving us minds to think wild thoughts and bodies to do tremendous works to glorify you. Thank you for the gift of today!

Help me remember how special the gift of life is. Help me remember your great love for me -- and forgive me when I take myself for granted. Forgive me for thinking I'm normal, ordinary, or anything but unique. Thank you for the gift of my health. And the gift that is today.

You are amazing, God.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen

Loneliness

Have you ever felt so lonely it overwhelmed you?

Your heart aches with a physical pain. Your gut turns. It's like you're hollow and there's nothing -- absolutely nothing -- inside.

I know the feeling.

In the midst of a crowded room full of people I know. Among women I call friends.

It's a horrible feeling.

God says:

• I have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. His name is Jesus. (Proverbs 18:24)
• "This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him." (Psalm 91:2)

So why do I get lonely -- even when I'm worshipping God? In a room full of people who I know care about me? 

Three pitfalls I've learned to avoid are:

Skipping time with God. When I spend regular, quality time with God, I don't get that lonely feeling! But, In crazy times, my own time with God sometimes suffers and I get lonely. I fill with doubts of my worthiness. I wonder if people really care. Satan gets in my head and hisses all those horrible lies to me.

Exhaustion. When I'm really worn out I might not want to expend the energy, but when I overcome my own lethargy, my feelings improve. I step out of myself and focus on someone else. It's as simple as scanning that same crowd with a prayer in my heart that God would lead me to a woman who needs encouragement in that moment. It's not about me. 

Overscheduling. With three kids, ministry responsibilities, and a husband to care for, my life can get squeezed out. I'm wired for friends though. I draw energy from girl-time. If I don't make time for friends, it won't happen. Now, I text "my posse" to make sure we have our seating worked out. These are the girls I love to worship with. The girls who laugh at the things I laugh at. Who sing with joyous abandon -- regardless of how our voices really sound. Who love Jesus, family, and friends in that order. Their very existence makes me smile on the inside. Our posse is ever-growing! We have no agenda other than to love, laugh, live, love, pray, encourage, love, and laugh some more. 

The antidote to loneliness is me. Living the way God wants me to. Loving in his love. Laughing, filled with his joy.

Memorial Box Monday: Frank

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

As I've shared before, the tragedy of 9/11 sent my life into a tailspin. My pain was so deep, I couldn't even pray for myself. My husband prayed on my behalf instead. He prayed for weeks as I wallowed in self-pity and fear. 

The sermon at church yesterday was about Christian love, agape love that never fails. My husband's prayers for me back in 2001 were answered when God brought Frank into our lives. Frank was the associate pastor at a church we now call home. He is one of the most soft-spoken men I've ever known. When we met, I was still a bit of a mess, but Frank welcomed me as a friend. When I whined, he listened. He didn't suggest I had a good reason to keep whining, he just listened, then gently pointed me back to God. 

For a while, the world seemed to right itself. I was functioning again. Life seemed better. And I fell apart again. Not sure why. 

My husband wisely called Frank, and he came to visit. I wouldn't let him in the apartment -- oh, it was such a mess. Honestly, I was fairly upset with my husband. But we met in the parking lot -- on a chilly winter day. We talked. He gave me a book to read -- though I can't remember what it was right now. He reminded me that God is good, faithful, true and forever loving. Frank, as always, was patient. Not indulgent, though.

I am thankful that God brought Frank into my life. I'm thankful for Frank's consistent reminders that God is faithful, God is our source of hope, and God's love never fails. Even if we don't understand.

I'm a picture person -- so I'm putting a picture of Frank in my Memorial Box -- after I write 1 Cor. 13:13 on the back.  (The dear lady in the picture with Frank is his incredible wife, Mary). Thank you, God, for putting Frank in my life when I most needed to understand your love. Thank you that I didn't walk that dark road alone.

f you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started here: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).


P. S. If you ever find yourself in the Lynchburg, VA area and want to go to an amazing church, visit Frank and Mary at Riverside!!! Tell them I say HI! :) http://www.riversidec2.org/

FIT Fridays: ATTITUDE

Hello FIT Friday friends,
How was your first week?

• Did you discover that you eat more than you thought??? That 3/4 cup serving of cereal isn't as big as we tend to think it is!
• How about exercise? "You got to move it!" I was amazed a few months ago when I realized how much time I spent on the computer and watching TV compared to moving... moving... moving.
• What about those verses on wisdom? Do you believe that God has a plan for you, other than feeling tired all the time? Did one verse really speak to you?

John Maxwell wrote, "Your attitude and your potential go hand in hand." He explains in his book, Attitude 101, that what we believe is reflected in what we do. Why do we eat when we're stressed? Or lay on the couch watching TV when we know we should be moving?

It boils down to self-worth. Not in a new-age kind of way, but in an appreciation for who God made each of us to be. He made me -- and you -- to live with energy, excitement, and passion for everything good and wonderful in this world. Including kids and housework! He made me a woman with a heart to love. He wants me to love myself too.

It's all about love!

That's tough for a lot of women. We carry hurts the same way we carry extra weight, silently and sadly. We suffer past pains over and over again -- it's like satan wants to make sure we never realize how special we are. We don't forgive -- sometimes we think we can't. Sometimes we're stubborn and we won't. All that pain makes it hard to appreciate ourselves for who we are in Christ.

If you carry baggage that weighs you down, ask God for the strength to forgive. Ask Him to show you have very special you really are to him. If you don't know where to begin, here are some verses:

Forgiveness:

• Proverbs 20:22
• Matthew 5:44-45
• Matthew 6:9-15
• Mark 11:25
• Luke 7:47-48
• Ephesians 1:7
• Colossians 3:13

Your identity in Christ:

• John 1:12
• John 15:15
• Romans 5:1
• 1 Corinthians 6:17
• 1 Corinthians 12:27
• Ephesians 1:3-8
• Colossians 2:9-10

That's step one, clearing out the spiritual junk that weighs us down. With God's help it can happen. 

The second step, involves cutting some calories and taking a step toward healthier living, but only by 25%. For example, if you eat 3000 calories per day, cutting to 1200-1400 calories (as many diets suggest) would leave you feeling starved! Instead, cut down to 2,100. For most people, that means substituting water for the sodas and sweet tea and cutting portions just a little. Maybe a bit less butter on the potatoes? Cutting just 25% this week is manageable. It's a great start. Really!

Finally, get moving! Set a goal of ten minutes per day. That might be a walk around the block, or wii fit, or dancing with the kids. If you belong to a pool swim for ten minutes. Laying on the pool float doesn't count! ;-) Just ten minutes...

Are you ready? Have fun!

Dear God,

You created me to be a wife, a mom, a friend. Thank you for the life you have given me. Help me to remain strong in my quest for health. When I think it's too hard, remind me that you made my body to move. Remind me that you created me so that certain foods would strengthen me and give me energy to be me! Help me forgive others when they hurt me, intentionally or unintentionally. Help me let go of the lifelong hurts that weigh me down so I can live the life you planned for me. Thank you for giving me your word and your spirit so I don't have to do this alone.

In your son's name I pray,

AMEN

FIT Fridays

Hey FIT Friday fans,
Just want to let you know that I'll be writing my post late tonight. Busy today, playing on the beach with the kids and trying to figure out how to make a birthday cake healthy!!!

Seriously, we are celebrating my younger son's thirteenth birthday, so I have to write later.

I know you'll understand.

Thanks!!!
Karen

Twenty years...

More than 20 years ago, my incredible husband asked me to be his wife. Later this summer we'll celebrate 20 amazing years of marriage. We've added three kids to the family... and one fish (and other assorted pets through the years). We've lived in three towns at eight different addresses. We've traveled further than I ever imagined we would -- China, really? But I'm terrified to fly! Make that "WAS."

As our anniversary rolls in, one very important symbol of our love won't make it there with us... My wedding ring. And my engagement ring.

It seems that all that living wore them out and there's just no repairing them. That makes me sadder than you might imagine. After all, I've still got the man. That should be good enough, right?

But I remember when Rob proposed. I remember being newly engaged, playing with my ring during torts class and watching it sparkle. Those rings, picked out so carefully and secretly by my dear husband, meant a lot to me. I never took them off.

Good-bye dear rings. Thanks for sharing 20 years with us.

MOVE IT!!!

It's summertime... and if you ask me, there is no better time to get moving! If you need a bit of inspiration to get moving today, then click on the link below! We love this video :)



Seriously, friends, the options are endless! You can:

• take a walk at the park
• take a walk through the neighborhood
• swim at the local pool
• throw water balloons in the backyard
• have a squirt gun fight in the backyard (or in the house if you're really crazy)
• dance with your kids
• challenge your kids in a light saber duel
• go bowling
• go golfing
• ride a bike
• play frisbee -- or ultimate frisbee if you have teens!
• bounce on a trampoline
• ride a horse
• ride a scooter -- non-electric, please!
• play catch with your kids
• play basketball in the driveway
• garden -- hmmmm... that used to be a noun, now it's a verb?
• wait a minute... it's summer. Grammar can wait till fall :)

You get the idea!!! So what are you waiting for? Move it!!!

HAPPY SUMMER!

SUM-SUM-Summertime

Woo Hoo!!! We are officially done with school for the year... It's SUMMER!!!

My top ten list of why summer is so awesome:

• the smell of sunscreen
• sticky popsicles
• teenagers sleeping in, really, really late
• chillin' on the lazy river
• escaping the routine with a fun vacation (or stay-cation...)
• movie nights on Tuesday... no need to wait for Friday anymore
• grillin' and chillin' in the back yard
• hikes at the park
• lemonade
• crickets singing us to sleep
• birds waking us way too early with their chirpy chortles (number 11, if you're counting. I love the birds... but sometimes, I'd prefer if they were quiet. This also makes my top 10 list of what not to like about summer!!!)

Thanking God today for the seasons!!! 

What do you like about summer?

Memorial Box Monday: Providential Encounter!

Providential: involving divine foresight or intervention

 : God’s providential care for each of us.

Many years ago, long before Ellie, I took the boys to visit the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, NC. We drove out early in the morning, the car loaded with snacks, CDs, and toys. Once there, we toured the mansion and ran around on the grounds (I never know if that's frowned upon, but those wide open lawns and mazes are so inviting). We took silly pictures of each other. Simply put, I had a great day with my boys.

We returned to the car, all ready to head home. I got in and turned on the air conditioning. The boys hopped into the back and settled into their seats. "All buckled?" I chimed. 


"NO. I can't get my buckle to snap." Ben was quite frustrated.


I got out with a heavy sigh and opened the back door, planning to snap his seatbelt in with a determined flourish. It wouldn't snap in. I looked at the buckle, and how? why? I don't know, but something possessed my son to shove a piece of paper into the belt. No wonder it wouldn't latch.


I couldn't pry it out with my key. I tried. I couldn't pry it out with a pencil tip or a pen. I couldn't keep my cool -- and I got pretty flustered.


I told the boys to get out and sit on the curb. (For some reason, when I'm mad, I like to be alone.) I called my husband - at the time my cell phone reception was spotty. We had trouble communicating. I emptied the glove box... "Please, let there be something useful in here," I begged to no one in particular. 


The boys sat. Like the little stone statues we'd seen at the mansion, they didn't move. Or say a word.


Then, I finally (I can be really, really slow to do the right thing), I went over to the boys and told them I wasn't quite sure how to fix it and suggested we pray.


Within minutes, a couple from our church (about 4 hours east of Asheville) walked across the parking lot right past my car. I filled them in on our situation. The husband pulled out his utility knife, flipped it open to the tweezers, walked over to the car and pulled the paper from the belt buckle, just like that.


Relief flooded over me. Right there, in a nearly empty parking lot, God sent friends with the right tools to rescue me. You know, God does that all the time! He sends a word of comfort or peace through the Holy Spirit. He sends a hug when I feel lonely. He uses my pastor to preach a sermon I needed to hear to move forward in life. God is always on time! He is never late! He never forgets.


When I find it (that's becoming a theme on Memorial Box Monday), I will put a picture of my kids and me in front of the Biltmore Mansion in my memorial box. I forget so easily that God is always on time... this memory, preserved forever, will help me remember that He cares for me.


If you don't know what Memorial Box Monday is, it all started here: "A Place Called Simplicity." A friend of mine introduced me to it, and I love it! love it! love it!!! Memorial Box Monday provides an opportunity to remember all the good things God has done. Huge, gigantic things and little things that might seem insignificant. God's word is clear: "Cast every care on Me, for I care for you." (1 Peter 5:7).

Introducing FIT Fridays!

Welcome friends to Fit Fridays! I'm so excited you're here.


Since January, I've been working, slowly and steadily, to improve my physical health. I'm motivated for a few different reasons. 

• My slower metabolism... You know how our bodies slow down as we age? Well, the belly bulge comes right along with it! (Men, aren't you glad you're here right now?) 
• I'm a 44 year old mom to a 5 year old! When Ellie graduates high school -- in 13 years -- I'll be (big sigh) 57 years old. Age, though, is just a number. Eating healthy and exercising, I'll be able to keep up with her through it all. She deserves a healthy mom. 
• I want to live a long and vibrant life to make a big difference for God's kingdom. I want to "finish the race" as Paul did... whatever God has planned.
• Of course, being honest, I want to look good too. More on that in a minute...

God has a lot to say about taking care of our bodies. I bet as I share this it's nothing new to you. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 says, "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." Simply put, when we take care of our bodies, we honor God. With healthy bodies we can do more, and that includes more for God.

Being healthy for the right reasons is something God will support. If we "get healthy" to look good to others, our motivation is temporary and external. It's not what God cares about. Consider God's admonition to Samuel, "Do not conisder his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Sam. 16:7) Does your heart long for what God longs for? Does that include healthy living so you can go wherever He sends you and do whatever He asks?


Women face an uphill battle. Men are allowed to go gray. Their wrinkles are "distinguished." Women, on the other hand, are never supposed to age but to fight the gray and botox the wrinkles... at least if you pay attention to television and print ads. On top of that, there's fashion. Of course, it's not wrong to dress nicely, even the "Proverbs 31 woman" does that to honor her husband and family. (Proverbs 31:21-22) God insists that our "beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as... fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's eyes." (1 Peter 3:3-4).


As I've been exercising, eating healthier, drinking water, and spending time with God more intentionally (especially that exercising part), I realize I actually have more time to help others. I have more energy, too. I love how this new way of living is changing me -- but I don't want to keep it to myself (you know my big mouth). Life is better shared with good friends and blogger buddies. And that's where FIT Fridays comes in.


FIT Fridays give us all the opportunity to share with each other, to celebrate healthy successes and to pray for one another as we discover what it means to live in the body God gave us for this life. I'll share what's working for me and why. You know, we all do better when we understand why to do something -- or not do it. It won't just be exercise and recipes, though. Healthy living is a spiritual battle! We all know we should eat our veggies and not eat quite so much chocolate cake. Yet, we give in to the gluttony. You get the idea!


Each week I'll share scripture, areas for prayer, and concrete steps to take in eating and in exercise. Then we'll each live it out the best we can throughout the week. How's that sound? 


If you'd like to join me on this journey to good health, please commit by commenting below. If you provide your email, I will add you to an email group for more tips and encouragement throughout the week. Easy enough, right?


Well, then... here's this week's "assignment." 

• Don't change your eating habits this week! (YEP!!! You read that right and hopefully I caught you by surprise :D). Instead, eat what you normally do -- only before you sit down to eat it, measure out how much you're really eating. Honestly! You can't know where to begin until you know where you are. I think you'll surprise yourself. 
• Every time you sit in front of your computer (except when reading this blog, of course) and/or the TV, ask yourself if what you're doing is helping you improve your life. Just think about it. Again, you can't change until you know where you are.
• Read these passages and pray. Ask God to show you the plans he has for your life. Ask him for strength to make wise decisions. Ask him to help you in the battle against food. Proverbs 4:6-7, Psalm 107:43, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 14:1, and Jeremiah 29:11.

That's it. Are you ready?

*NOTE: I am not a physician or a nutritionist. Do not change your diet or exercise habits just because of what I write here. If you are under a doctor's care, you should make sure you can participate in exercise and/or modify your diet.*


With prayers for good health!
In Christian love,
Karen

Truth - in love

...Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Eph. 4:15

I blew it on Monday. One of my children made a few bad choices - not major decisions, but little things that indicated a lack of respect and honor for others. This child's actions affected both siblings and parents. And it made me mad. Really, really mad. I screamed in frustration at my child, definitely speaking the truth. Definitely NOT in love. I spoke - I use that term loosely - in a fit of anger. I ranted at my child. I blew it, plain and simple.

Another day this week, a friend of mine asked for prayer in a particular situation. She cautioned that her husband knew nothing of the prayer request. Warning bells rang in my head... Secrets in marriage can destroy it. I've seen it happen too often. "Don't tell my husband, but..." "Look at my new outfit (friend pulls bag from its hiding place in the back of the closet). I blew the clothing budget, but isn't it just the cutest?" "My husband would never understand..." 

I agreed to pray for my friend. Then I prayed about those warning bells, ultimately encouraging her to share her concern with her husband and cautioning her against keeping a secret from him. She received it well, explaining that she planned to talk to him later, but that it wasn't possible to tell him while he was at work. She thanked me for caring about her marriage and speaking in Christian love. 

The difference in dialogue with my child and with my friend really boils down to my heart. My child receives instruction and correction when I'm calm -- I know that, but I still messed up. If I had treated my child's situation the way I treated my friend, first stopping to pray for guidance, God would have provided calm in the midst of my anger. I would have spoken in love, building my child up to become more like Jesus. Instead, I tore my kid to shreds.

Why do I rant at my kids? Why don't I remember first to pray when they make mistakes (not always, but more than I ever would with my friends)? Why is it so much harder to do it right when these young people God has entrusted to my care annoy me? 

I know the answer, of course. At home, I get lazy. I get comfortable. I live in the routine -- and forget that God wants my family to be anything but ordinary. I assume they'll just understand and let it go. SO NOT FAIR TO THEM!!!

Today, I humbly ask God to forgive me (and I'll ask my child in just a moment). Help me, God, to remember that You gave me these children to raise to know You. Help me remember to speak to them in your love, just as I do with my friends. Forgive me of the hypocrisy I sometimes live. Thank you for being a merciful, forgiving God. Help me focus only on You. Amen

Date Night Fun

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

For Mother's Day, my husband did something a little different. Instead of flowers, cards or a little present (though diamond earrings would have been awesome - LOL), he gave me a date night with each of my kids. One on one time to do something fun  and get dinner.

Nathan and I went a couple weeks ago. We grabbed dinner at Pei Wei, then went to the mall. No big excitement, except... it was just the two of us. At first, it felt a little like any other errand run. But then, without competition from his siblings, Nathan asked me some neat questions about my high school and college years. He asked about my regrets and my favorite memories. He asked about my relationship with God. He shared his feelings about college, the college search (overwhelming), and girls. My man-boy is growing up. This was no errand trip to the mall!

Ben and I went last night. I "need" a new swimsuit (I've had mine a few years, and that fabric is a bit stretched out and saggy). I do not like swimsuit shopping. Not one little bit (does anyone???). I don't know that he knew what he was getting himself into!

Ben and his ultimate sicilian chicken sandwich! He almost ate the whole thing :)

We set off about 4:00 as the rain came down -- HARD! Driving to Knightdale (I found a swimsuit "shoppe" online and thought maybe I'd have more luck there), he asked all sorts of questions about driving in the rain. He spoke freely about so many things. He cracked me up. This quiet boy has quite the sense of humor. At the swimsuit store, he patiently waited. He offered his opinions on each suit I tried. Sometimes his face said more than any words ever would. His input made the whole ordeal much more fun... and his wife will really appreciate him one day!

At dinner, he must have said, "this is the best date..." about 100 times! Okay, at least 20. He spoke confidently to our server. You'd never guess he's our quiet middle child! He laughed. He talked. He reveled in the moment. He was a perfect little gentleman.

Ellie and I haven't had our date yet, but I think we might go to the "girls' spa" (meant for kids and tweens and their moms) in town and get our toes painted :) She'd eat that up. Fancy painted matching toes :) Very girlie!!! Whatever we do, I know I'll see a side of my little girl I don't normally get to see.

I love my kids. I love doing things with my family. But there's nothing like date night!

If you haven't tried it with your kids, I hope you will.

If you already have date nights, would you share your favorites?

Housework!

Good morning, my sweet friends!

As I sit here, sipping coffee as the rain comes down... again (HELLO, GOD! This is North Carolina, not Ohio... please move the clouds somewhere else!), I have a great view. Why? Because I'm sitting on my screen porch looking out at all the green -- and the raindrops.

Home sweet home! Even when it rains.

If I were in the house, ohhhhh, that would be an entirely different scene. The laundry's piled up on the couch. Why do I never seem to get it folded before everything is wrinkled? There are Ellie toys all over the place (thanks in part to her friend who gave her so many hand-me-downs last week that Ellie had her own personal Christmas in May!). There are dishes in the sink. The swim bag sits on the floor in the kitchen, waiting for someone less lazy than me to put it away in the hall closet (it was wet yesterday, which is why I didn't put it away when we got home from the pool)....

The swim bag... Trust me, the rest looks much worse! :(

Anyway, you get the idea. My house is a WRECK!

I'm not the world's best housekeeping wife to begin with. And this weekend, every chance I got, I opted instead for family time over chores. Maybe, perhaps, there's some balance in there that I missed, but I think I'm okay with that. I'm glad we watched movies together, went to the mall together, went to church together, served our children's ministry together, went to the pool together, and played wii... yep! together!

Some of Ellie's toys... the water bottle IS for exercising at least :)

Nathan leaves for college in two short years. Ben will follow soon after that. Ellie, well, she's here for a while yet.... but, that time, too, will pass quickly. If it comes down to housecleaning or family time, I'm choosing family!

So, friends, how do you manage your time?
For those of you who are beyond me, how did you strike a balance?
Is it even possible to have both???? Clean house AND family time? (NOTE: My kids have chores each day, but we still can't keep up all the time.)

God bless!