The Uh-Huh Syndrome

I'm working from home today with a sick little boy. I thought of this poem as I've said, "uh huh" way too many times today already and I'm wondering what I've agreed to that I'll find out later today (or this week!) Hope this all finds you well!

Those with small children
Do you suffer from this disease?
When your child is non-stop-talking
Do you “uh-huh” them just to please?
My oldest is a talker
Of this there is no doubt
He can ramble on forever
When there’s nothing to talk about
“Mom, did you know there’s a bird on our tree?”
“It’s black….no, it's blue….wait, it's red!”
My lips call out “uh-huh” to my boy
And I systematically nod my head
“Mom do you know what my favorite animal is?”
“It’s a bird…no a dog…can we get some fish?”
I reply back “uh-huh” once again
As I finish my grocery list
Off to the store he talks from the back seat
“That cloud looks like a car in the sky”
“When we’re at the store can we look at the toys?”
“There’s some Hot Wheels I’d like to buy”
Once again I reply “uh-huh” to his words
Unaware of my disease’s progression
Until at the Walmart in the pet food aisle
Do I learn a most dreadful lesson….

“Can we get my little fish now? I want to hold him while we shop.”
“I think I like the red ones the best. See them in the aquarium at the top?”
For some reason these statements jerk me awake
Why does my son assume there are fish we will take???

Then I think back --
I remember some of his words
Favorite animals listed….
The colors of birds…
Oh, no I didn’t!
I agreed to buy fish!
Did he also say Hot Wheels?
Tell me I didn’t do this!!
How do I fix the predicament I’m in?
Do I lie, or back out?
In defeat, I give in.

TAKE HEED TO THIS STORY
Don’t let this syndrome get you
Or you could end up like me
With a bowl of red fish too.

MEAN PARENTS

Hello my dear blogger friends! Forgive my absence....Jaime got a day job so little time for silly writing. I love this time of year and found some of my old Christmas writings. Though I have posted these before, I hope they will still make you giggle! Merry Christmas friends!

My husband and I are evil
This we truly are
We've been lying to our son
Perhaps taking things too far
Our oldest believes in Santa
We've told him he exists
But it's not just the myth of Santa
Or the nice and naughty lists
No, we've taken things much further
Than just a simple, small, white lie
And have used it to our benefit
To get him to comply
Whenever the little man pouts
Or starts to misbehave
We tell him we're calling Santa
As we give our phone a wave
To this he vows perfection
And that he'll stop behaving bad
We've even faked a conversation
(I know our actions are quite sad...)
What we're doing to our son
Has made me question a simple truth
If kids claim their parents mean
Should we believe our complaining youth?
As for now, my spouse and I
Will probably keep on with the fibbing
Parenting has a learning curve
With plenty of ad-libbing.

Good Conversation

I watched my boys today
Standing side by side
They'd been playing in the yard
And giggling down the slide
But something made them stop
And take the time to chat
Little did they know
I was watching where I sat
But Mother Nature calls
And when you're a boy age five and three
You can have a good conversation
While you take the time to pee!

Summer time is here!

Our family is outside
A lot this time of year
The kids play and get dirty
As Mommy's yard work's in full gear
My blog posts will be wanning
As Nature calls my name
I can't keep up the yard work
And stay in the blogging game
But I will still post my updates
Though their numbers will be few
The weeds are calling out to me
As I end this rhyme to you!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 24

WHERE'S SHE BEEN??

I know, I know....I missed a couple of weeks didn't I? Well, here I am back again to inform you that nothing much has changed. (Except a slight tan line on my shoulders...) Summer has arrived in Nebraska and therefore, there is much to do outdoors. (Jaime hasn't been on the computer much, but she has been working in her yard and playing outside with the kids!) This will probably be the case for the rest of the summer...I'm just warning you now. I will still keep you updated on my progress, but I may miss a few weeks here an there. I love this time of year despite all the heat because this is the time of year (spring/summer) where God is in full bloom! It is amazing to me all the beautiful flowers and wonderful smells he blesses us with during our spring and summer months. As a kid, I used to hate yard work. (I was sure making me mow the lawn was my parent's way of punishing me and getting their own work done in the process!) Now, I find such joy in weed pulling, pruning, and any other work to make my yard more luscious!

Okay, so enough about yard work....what about losing weight?

I am unchanged in my weight loss. I am feeling stuck. I prayed a pretty desperate prayer to God this morning that I would be able to deny myself even more than I have been. Summer, though fun for kids and me as I work outside, comes with little scheduling and lots of free time. What do us chubby girls do when we have free time? Look in the cabinets for something to munch on! Thankfully, God has blessed me with a conscience, but I do think lack of scheduling has made this temptation so much worse.

I am also struggling with the fact that though I may eat within the realm of hunger and fullness (90% of the time....) Food still has a power over my brain. I am praying that God will help me get past this. Those of you who are familiar with the Weigh Down principles understand what I'm talking about here....I hope. Here's the best way I can describe it. In all my life, I have never wanted to smoke a cigarette. I know there are many people who are terribly addicted to this cylindrical tobacco filled item. They try to quit but can't. They are constantly drawn to it. But I am not. There is absolutely no pull there for me. I don't want to buy them or smoke them. I want so badly to have the same relationship with food. I don't want to think about the food I just bought at the store sitting in my cupboard or fridge. I don't want to salivate at the thought of when dinner will be here. This is my current unanswered prayer. God will get me there so long as I give it to him!

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a away out so that you can stand up under it.

25 POUNDS LOST

My Cup Overflows

by: Margaret E. Barber

There is always something "over"
When we trust our gracious Lord;
Every cup is overflowing,
His great rivers all are broad
Nothing narrow, nothing sparing,
Ever springing from His store
To His own He gives full measure,
Overflowing, evermore

There is always something "over"
When we, from the Father's hand
Take our portion with thanksgiving,
Praising for the path he planned.
Satisfaction, full and deepening,
Fills the soul, and lights the eye
When the heart has trusted Jesus
All its needs to satisfy

There is always something "over"
When we tell of all His love
Unreached depths still lie beneath us,
Unscaled heights rise far above;
Human lips can never utter
All His wondrous tenderness,
We can only praise and wonder,
And His name forever bless

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 21

Well, for some reason I just can't seem to get passed the 25 pound mark. I have not given up, but continue to be frustrated as I get on the scales and see no change. I guess, God is placing me in a time of waiting and I need to be patient and follow his guidance.

I do have blessings over flowing in my life right now. Though I cannot go into detail, God has blessed our family beyond measure with an opportunity we so desperately needed. He is teaching me that he will meet our needs. If you are struggling in your life or experiencing a time of waiting or sorrow, take it to God. God delights in taking care of his children just as we delight in taking care of our own children. And something he is teaching me is that HIS plan is perfect, not mine.

Tomorrow I travel down to Kansas for my 15 year class reunion. Though I was hoping to be a bit thinner than I am, God has blessed me with the loss of 25 pounds and for this I cannot complain! I am so looking forward to seeing old friends!

Philippians 4:19
My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


25 POUNDS LOST 1 DAY TO GO

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 20

Hello friends! Thanks to another round of the stomach flu in our home, I am back down my five pounds! As miserable as I was when puking my guts up on Sunday, I found it gave me time to read my Bible and pray. I don't know for sure, but I think God used this time to "re-start" me! I was telling my friend Margery that after this bout with the flu, God truly did "empty" me! Also, I as I stated last week, my walk with Him hasn't been as close. I still do my devotions everyday, but not like I used to - in the early morning hours while the house is asleep. There is something magical about that time and though I have continued to read my Bible and read my devotions and pray, when I do it with two small boys clanking around the house, my focus isn't COMPLETELY on Him. I was able to have that quiet time as I moaned and groaned in bed on Sunday with the flu. (You know how you feel....you want to die, but unfortunately you know you're going to survive it?) Yesterday, I was able to continue to find that "empty" feeling before eating. This morning I was able to have that time with God uninterrupted before the house woke up. Oh, I'm a slow learner, but at least I am still learning! I'm sticking with my Jeremiah verse again this week....it is so uplifting and encouraging. God wants me (and you) to succeed!
Have a great week!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

25 POUND LOST 9 DAYS TO GO

If you are interested in learning more about the Weigh Down Diet and it's Biblical principles click here.

WIEGH DOWN DIET week 19

Okay, this is going to be short and sweet as I am limited on time this week! (And unfortunately, I am not overly giddy to be reporting again...)

I must really like those five pounds, because I keep adding them back on (and off and on and off and back on again!) UGH! I will admit to you that though two weeks ago I was able to do good and get them off, this last week I have not weighed in the mornings or read much in my Rise Above book. There are no excuses. Just because I have been busy (and will continue to be busy throughout the month of May) does not mean I can't still listen to my body. Instead, I have listened to my head.

I sat down this morning and prayed with all sincerity that God would help me keep him #1 in my mind...not just this week, but throughout the rest of this busy month (well, and obviously throughout the rest of my life!) Last week, God was ranking somewhere around #2 or #3 for me. And, it shows.

So, here I go again....gonna try to lose those blasted five pounds AGAIN!! (You'd think simply because I don't like to repeat awful chores, I'd quit doing this, wouldn't you?)

For a number of reasons, this is the verse God has placed on my heart. For weight loss, it is my reminder that as long as I keep focusing on him, his plan for me will help me succeed in this battle! Until next week, faithful readers!

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

20 POUNDS LOST 15 DAYS TO GO

I FORGOT!!!

I am a dork! I can't believe I forgot!
I didn't mention a gal I really like a LOT!
It is because of this woman I wrote my last post
Then I go and forget her as if she was a ghost
Please check out Lisa at Bombastic Bandicoot
I promise her posts will give you a hoot!
She is a remarkable photographer as you will soon see
A lovable woman, God made perfectly
Visit her blog and I promise you'll be touched
I doubt there's another blogger who ((hugs)) commenters as much!

Readers,
Please do check out Lisa's blog today. She is one of the most precious women I have met in the blogger world. She reaches out to you as much as you reach out to her. And, if any of you have any interest in photography -- she's your gal! I swear that woman can make a bowl of peas interesting! I feel so badly that I forgot to mention her in my last post. I got so caught up making everything rhyme, I didn't give credit to the one who tagged me! Check her out -- truly you won't regret taking the time to pay her a visit!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!

I have been tagged
By a dear blogger friend
In a little blogging game
Five questions she did send
With each question
I must respond five times
With an answer that explains
(And I'm hoping mine rhymes!)
So read on curious friend
If you're intrigued to know more
Facts about this blogger
There's not much, that's for sure!

WHERE WERE YOU FIVE YEARS AGO?
1) My location five years ago
Was Wichita, Kansas (remember Toto?)
2) I was also a new mom full of OOOs and Ahhhs
My precious baby could easily make me pause
3) I was teaching 8th grade science - I loved it, this I swear
Though now that I am home, it's my boys that need my care
4) I graduated in this month almost to the day
A master's degree in counseling - I hope to use it in some way
5) My high school class was celebrating 10 years of being out
Now it's been 15 years - what's this aging stuff all about?

WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FIVE YEARS FROM NOW?
1) I hope our address forever stays the same
Though many might consider the mid-west a bit lame
We are in love with our modest country home
And I know we are happy and will never want to roam

2) I might be planning another class reunion
It seems our class enjoys the 5 year type communion
Though by then it will be 20 years
And I'll be an age that even now I dread and fear!

3) Maybe I'll be back in the public teaching field
Teaching to my students all that science has to yield
Helping middle schoolers think that school is fun
If I can manage this, I'll consider my life's work as done!

4)Just for fun I will dream a bit big with the number four
Maybe I'll have a best-selling book somewhere in a bookish store
Obviously my book will be the novelty type
Do you think my silly poems could be the next reading hype?!

5)No matter where I am or even what I am doing
The Lord's will and His Word - I will forever be pursuing
God has blessed my life so much - I am lucky enough to say
I'll be thankful and praising His name each and every day!

WHAT IS ON YOUR 'TO DO' LIST TODAY?
1) I have some laundry that needs to be done
2) Followed by laundry I missed in round one
3) Then in case I wanted to do more
There is some laundry I found on the floor
4) I might take a break and add spice to my day
By folding some laundry and then put it away
5) Ahh, the fun things that I get to do
Running around being the mother of two!

WHAT FIVE SNACKS DO YOU ENJOY?
1) I am a lover of the licorice snack Nibs
2) I also like CornNuts - this I can't fib
3) I most always have some type of fruit in my fridge
4)And a blueberry bagel with cream cheese on the ridge
5) Finally, I'm a sucker - no ifs, ands, or buts
For just about any kind of salt coated nut

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE?
1) First I would wonder, "What in the world?"
"Why would God bless, THIS silly girl?"
2) I would give hefty donations to KLOVE and Family Life
As they brought encouragement to this (sometimes) struggling wife
3) I would want to make sure my loved ones were set
My parents and mother-in-law are as good as they get
4) Pay off any debt, and put the rest in the bank
5) Go on living the same - remembering the ONE I should thank!

These are the facts about little ol' me
Not overly exciting, as you can now see

My turn to tag, oh who will it be?
Let's try Christina, Dana, Sarah, Mike and Tami!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 18

I have to report first and foremost, that I am back down to the '25 POUNDS LOST' mark once again! Praise God!! I do think God is gettin' in my head and helpin' me out....this is a wonderful thing!

As I mentioned last week, I started reading Rise Above by Gwen Shamblin. It is a wonderful read and very hard to put down. (In fact, I should have written this post yesterday, but used my blogging time to read her book....oops!) So much of what she offers up is so practical. For instance, we (dieters) have made such a big deal about our food. What to eat, what not to eat, what diet to try, what diet not to try...etc. If you think about it though, we don't put any effort or thought into how much air we breathe. We just do it. We don't think, "Hmm, I'm getting a little low on oxygen right now....I'd better take a gulp of air." "Gee, I wonder how much air I should breathe in? Do you think this is too much....(inhale, inhale, inhale!)" We just breathe. We enjoy the fact that God, our creator, designed a perfect body that works as it should. Eating can be the same way so long as we get our focus OFF of food and ON TO God.

She also points out that we have responsibility....the ability to make a response. We have been given a heart that can make a choice. What are we going to fixate on all day? Counting calories? How much food we can binge on? How much exercise we need to stay slim? Or God? (Keep in mind I do not think exercise is wrong or bad, but if it is a means to allow your heart to still be addicted to food, then I do believe you are exercising for the wrong reasons. If exercising is the only way to stay slim, then that means people bound by wheelchairs can never lose weight. As I have seen, those who are unable to exercise CAN LOSE WEIGHT!)

Genesis 4:6-7 tells us: "Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.'" I can master the sin of greed for food. I do believe God gave us a heart to be addicted - He just intended the addiction to be for Him!

I am already writing so much more than I intended, but if you can tell, this book has really got the gears in my brain a twitchin'! All of my issues with food (or any other addiction I may have) starts with my mind. My mind should be on God and what He wants. If my mind is on what I want, then I am being controlled by my sinful nature. I need to ask God what He wants EVERY day.

Okay, this may be a lot for some of my readers to take in, but I have just been overwhelmed by the ideas in this book. I hope I wasn't too haphazard in presenting what I read. I would STRONGLY encourage anyone reading this post (who struggles with any addiction) to buy this book. I really do think all of us have some kind of addiction -- there is much to be addicted to! What do you struggle with? Maybe it's not food, but alcohol, cigarettes, materialistic items, money, stealing, lying, being lazy, watching too much TV, etc....the list can go on and on! God can help you with whatever causes you to stumble. (okay, I'm done now...let me kick my soap box back over here in the corner.)

I'm stickin' with my verse from last week -- though it is short, I still believe it is powerful!

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not be like others who are asleep but let us be alert and self-controlled.

25 POUNDS LOST 21 DAYS TO GO!!

The Y Factor

I'm slowly learning about male DNA
And why my sons act a certain way
For instance with my two little boys
Every puddle around is seen as a toy
I think it is a Y chromosome trait
Their little brains process puddles as great!
Like just today in a parking lot
My boys thought they had hit the jackpot
Puddles here...and puddles there...
Puddles pudd'ling everywhere!
Though we parked right by the store
It took TWENTY minutes to reach the door
And then, as if taken by complete surprise
My oldest son yelled out this cry:
"Oh no! Mom, now my pants are wet!"

Another Y trait? Males are quick to forget.

KINDERGARTEN!!

My oldest son starts kindergarten next year
He is so excited -- it is me who has fears
I worry about his first ride on the bus
Will the big kids be nice or be scary and cuss?
What about when he gets to school?
Will the other kids think my kid is cool?
Will he behave? And what about his teacher?
Will she see my son as sweet or a menacing creature?
Will he be good? A conscientious student?
Will he understand? Will he be prudent?

Oh this day! I dread in my mind!
But when I am rational (?) I (think) he'll be fine...

Just yesterday was kindergarten round up
His two concerns he openly 'fessed up
"Does the big school have bathrooms if I need to pee?"
"Will we play outside? What time will that be?"
These are the worries of my five-year-old son
I suppose they are logical for a wee little one
For him - the most important things to know
Are where to play and where to "go"
I'm sure my kid will do just fine
I am the one who will worry and whine
Lord, be with my son as he starts school next year
(And be with his mother, as she deals with her fears!)

Junior can count!

My two year old can count to ten
The way he learned may shock you when --
I tell you that what we do in our house
Is count to ten before punishment is doused
While we count, the kids must go to their room
There they wait for discipline's doom
I've been counting quite a bit these days
My oldest is struggling in his "behaving" ways
So little Junior did learn from his mother
How to count to ten because of an ill-behaved brother
Have any of you ever "taught" in this way?
An unintentional lesson through what you say?

I've got to admit, when his counting I heard...
It made me wonder, what's louder? Actions or words?

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 17

Ever had to break bad news to someone? Ever had to break the bad news to yourself? Neither are fun, and today I feel like I'm doing both. Breaking bad news to my readers and to myself. It's probably easier for you to hear/read than it is for me to write.

I am unchanged in my weight as of this morning. I am frustrated with myself that I continue to allow my greed to overtake me. I have been trying to figure out where I keep failing. I actually do quite well during the day. I always wait for hunger. Usually, during the day my boys keep me pretty busy so I don't have much time to even think about food. My biggest struggle comes from eating at night with the family. I do wait until I'm hungry, but when the meal is placed before me, I do not stop when I am full.....I just keep shoveling it in. (And honestly, I don't know why - the food isn't that good as I'm not a good cook!) But that's what I'm doing. I can give you every excuse in the world:

1) It's the end of the day and I'm tired....I let my guard down

2) I am so distracted by the million things that always seem to happen once the hubby comes home

3) I like sitting at the table as long as I can so that Mr. Wonderful and I can catch up...as I do, I feel like I must keep eating

4) Excuses

5) Excuses

6) Excuses



Should I go on?

I have GOT to change things up. I feel like I have been sleeping these past three weeks. ENOUGH! Time to WAKE UP! Here's what I am going to do to be more alert.

ONE, I ordered the Gwen Shamblin's book Rise Above and it arrived on Monday. I have yet to read it, but I am starting today. I know that any time I'm reading a book, the words tend to linger in my mind throughout the day. That's why I like reading my Bible first thing in the morning. The words stay with me throughout the day.

TWO, thus far I have only weighed once a week. I was afraid if I weighed daily I would get discouraged when I saw no change on the scales. I am going start weighing every morning first thing (and then follow it with a STRONG cup of coffee!) I hope this will also help keep me more focused.

THREE, I have a new verse I am going to memorize. It's not long. It's not profound. It is something I feel I can continually say to myself throughout the day.

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled

Until we meet again, my friends!

21 POUNDS LOST 30 DAYS TO GO!

The "Uh-huh" Syndrome

Those with small children
Do you suffer from this disease?
When your child is non-stop-talking
Do you “uh-huh” them just to please?
My oldest is a talker
Of this there is no doubt
He can ramble on forever
When there’s nothing to talk about
“Mom, did you know there’s a bird on our tree?”
“It’s black….no, it's blue….wait, it's red!”
My lips call out “uh-huh” to my boy
And I systematically nod my head
“Mom do you know what my favorite animal is?”
“It’s a bird…no a dog…can we get some fish?”
I reply back “uh-huh” once again
As I finish my grocery list
Off to the store he talks from the back seat
“That cloud looks like a car in the sky”
“When we’re at the store can we look at the toys?”
“There’s some Hot Wheels I’d like to buy”
Once again I reply “uh-huh” to his words
Unaware of my disease’s progression
Until at the Walmart in the pet food aisle
Do I learn a most dreadful lesson….

“Can we get my little fish now? I want to hold him while we shop.”
“I think I like the red ones the best. See them in the aquarium at the top?”
For some reason these statements jerk me awake
Why does my son assume there are fish we will take???

Then I think back --
I remember some of his words
Favorite animals listed….
The colors of birds…
Oh, no I didn’t!
I agreed to buy fish!
Did he also say Hot Wheels?
Tell me I didn’t do this!!
How do I fix the predicament I’m in?
Do I lie, or back out?
In defeat, I give in.

TAKE HEED TO THIS STORY
Don’t let this syndrome get you
Or you could end up like me
With a bowl of red fish too.

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 16

Okay, I was scared to do it, but I got on the scales today. My fears were confirmed, I was up four pounds. Uuuugggghhhh! But, what can I do? I could mope about it (I kind of did this morning....) Or, realize that I haven't been keeping my eyes on Him and turn things around!

I have been reading in Matthew and this mornings scriptures SCREAMED at me! I was reading Matthew 23....verse 25 hit me right between the eyeballs

"Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence."

Now, who ever wants to be compared to a Pharisee? Not I! And yet, this is how I have been acting. I hate to leave the house without my hair done or my make-up on, but when I sit down to the dinner table, I don't think twice about stuffing my face even when my body has given me a clear sign that I am full. Hmmm.....maybe Jaime has some house-keeping issues. Take the vacuum to the greed and dust down the self-indulgence. Be gone!

I will be back next week - with a "cleaner" inside and hopefully better news to report!

Lamentations 3: 22-23 "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!"

21 POUNDS LOST 36 DAYS TO GO

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 15

Do you ever feel like you just can't catch a break? Sometimes I feel like so much is being thrown at me, even if I were microscopically-sized - I'd still get hit. Though the stresses of the world may get me down, I am always to go to Him. However, there are days....and sometimes those days are in consecutive order, where I don't. I mope. I cry. I ignore God and I eat. OUCH!

Here's the thing. My grandpa recently had a soccer-ball sized tumor removed from his abdominal area. We have also learned it is malignant. He is slowly (but surely) recovering. Last weekend I drove down to where he was hospitalized from Friday evening until Monday afternoon. Have any of you ever watched a loved one suffer? Let me tell you, it is a hard thing to watch. I would sit and watch my Grandpa grimace and sometimes even let out audible groans. All I could do was hold his hand and pray.

While I was visiting, my best friend's son was also hospitalized. (Same town, different hospital). Her son has been in and out of hospitals since the day he was born. In the last six months he has had six different hospital stays. He is now there yet again. How hard it is for us as parents to watch our children suffer!!! For my friend, she has watched her child suffer for six years.

My heart has been aching for days. I wonder how God can use all this pain for his glory. I hate to see the people I love suffer. I question God (and even I get mad at Him from time to time too.) Why all this pain? My tiny brain can't understand God's perfect plan. Needless to say, I have been in a funk since Friday.

Today however, I had the opportunity to encourage my friend/relative. She has been a girl that has been there for me so many times throughout my life. Today however, she was discouraged about some past hurt. Despite my own recent pain and worry, God gave me the opportunity to lift her up and you know what, friends? In encouraging her, I was encouraged. It was amazing.

It reminded me of my new friend Margery. She has been a HUGE "encourager" for me in the past month or so with my weight loss. In fact, I told her today that I was going to consider her my "jewel of the day!" What a blessing it is to have people like Margery in your life!! (Thank you Margery for all you have done for my spirits!)

I write all this to get you to guys a thinkin'.....who have you encouraged today? What has God blessed you with that you could, in turn, pass on to another? Even in our hurting moments, how can we lift someone else up? Many of you reading my blog have told me you are also Weigh Down Dieters. When people see you and ask, "How have you lost all that weight?" What is your answer? Do you give God the glory and then encourage others that they can do the same? No matter our situation - God places people in our lives we are to encourage. Are we doing it? It could be your child, your husband, your friend, your fellow Weigh Down Dieter.....God has put us in specific situations that we might help and encourage others.

I didn't weigh again this week. Unfortunately, I know I went to food instead of God too many times to count this week. But as that old Bill Gather song goes, I am a "kid under construction" and "my paint is still wet." However, even being a "kid under construction" I must remember, "the Lord ain't through with me yet!" I will weigh next Wednesday and I promise to report back to you then.

This week, I feel that God has put my weight loss on display to give me the opportunity to 1) give Him the glory and 2) encourage others. I do not want to let Him down. Tomorrow is a new day. May He be with us all!

Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Proverbs 12:25
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Romans 12: 6...8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us....if it is encouraging, let him encourage.

Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

My Girlfriend

My girlfriend...
Knows me inside out
My girlfriend...
Knows what my hurt is all about
My girlfriend...
Loves me through those crabby days
My girlfriend...
Won't run in darkness - but stay

And yet...

No matter how much my girlfriend loves
It is uncomparable to HIM above
I am blessed because she knows this
She directs my eyes to HE who lifts
God bless my precious girlfriend today
Because of HIM - she can help me along the way

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 14

Well, the good news is I am not up any “poundage.” I am encouraged by this. My fast went well, and I started up again with my friend Margery today. I know that when I am fasting with another person, I am much more likely to stay committed and not cheat. (I have to admit it is so easy to grab a cracker off the kids’ lunch plate or nibble as I cook….please do not think less of me!) However, when I know there is another person fasting with me, I don’t want to let her down! Why is it that I will cheat on myself (or worse, God) but I won’t cheat on another individual? What does this say about my psyche? (Check that – I don’t think I want to know the answer!)

Margery shared with me a quote from Gwen Shamblin that was mentioned in one of the online Weigh Down classes. (Margery is currently enrolled in these online classes. Way to go Margery!!) I thought it was very encouraging and wanted to share with all you what Margery relayed to me.
When you feel an urge to eat and you are not hungry, it is hunger for God! Go to His Word! Do not hang out near food. Do not long for the food. Do not look for the food. Pray, “God, clean up my mind.” Pray, “God, in the name of Jesus Christ, take away this nagging head hunger, this longing, and turn that back into a longing to be inside Your will and to have Your approval. Amen.”

If you are one who struggles with “head hunger” (defined: wanting to eat, but not feeling any physiological hunger) like I do, I think this prayer is perfect! I know I will be praying it.
Though I mainly write about my struggles with weight, I do have other areas in my life I struggle with as well (surely, I didn’t have you all completely fooled!) This prayer from the Weigh Down class got me thinking about all my areas of struggle. No matter what the issue might be, I am to take EVERYTHING to God. He is the one who can fill me up where I am lacking. I get frustrated with my children (gasp!) I get irritated with my husband (double gasp!) I don’t understand why I can’t always have my way especially when my desires seem like very “Christian” needs (are you hyperventilating yet?) Tell me I not alone in wanting things that can only be filled by God? My issue with food is simply ONE of many struggles – all of which must be taken directly to God for help, comfort, and guidance.

I will leave you with these verses….I hope you find them and the above prayer encouraging for this next week!

John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

Psalm 127:1-2
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Isaiah 65:24
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

25 POUNDS LOST 51 DAYS TO GO

Dialing 911

Junior struck again this last Saturday
Though this time he had not a thing to say
Just picked up the phone while with his Grandma
Pushed three little puttons to make a call
But then instead of hanging up
He left the phone on -- the silly duck
As the police walked to my mother-in-law's door
She wondered what in the world they were knocking for?
Opened the door - greeted them with a sweet smile
They asked, "By chance, did you give 9-1-1 a dial?"
Immediately her eyes turned back to her grandson
Taking in just what he had done
Gave a little chuckle and let out a sigh
Thanked the police and waved them goodbye
Realizing now she has another story to tell
About how her little Junior is as onery as ....heck.

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 13

There has been a lot going on in our home the last few weeks. That coupled with the arrival of my monthly FedEx package (as my husband so lovingly puts it...) has not been good with my desire for food. I have not weighed myself this week. (And I am going to refrain until next week). I know that I can still fit into my smaller clothes, but I also know I need to slow down shoveling the food into my mouth as I have been these last two weeks. I am going on a fast again. Those seem to always get me back on track -- getting my comfort from God, not from food.

??? POUNDS LOST 63 DAYS TO GO

The Trophy

On our first official potty training day
My oldest surprised me in the most humorous way
Junior had just accomplished #2 in the potty chair
While everyone was cheering, our oldest ran upstairs
In just a few seconds, he came running back down
With an old 4H trophy he'd recently found
And in the most encouraging way
He presented his brother with the gold-chipped display
Though I thought it was funny - it also warmed my heart
I realized my oldest was more than dirt, guns, and farts
And despite all their squabbles one thing was true
My boys love each other - for things as simple as going poo

POTTY TRAINING IS...

Potty training is...
A job no mother desires
Potty training is...
A technique you cannot simply inspire
Potty training is...
A necessity despite the strain
Potty training is...
No fun, icky and a pain

AND YET...

Potty training is...
Teaching a truly independent act
Potty training is...
A "they're-getting-older" fact
Potty training is...
A grossly-liberating skill to teach
Potty training is...
The first step in preventing kids becoming a leech!

I'm back...

I took a little blogging break
Underestimated just how long it'd take
To potty train my little Junior
I thought I'd be back blogging sooner
I truly missed reading your inspiring words
(You know cleaning up "accidents" is for the birds!)
But now I'm back with my rhyming posts
And my Junior is trained....well, almost!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 12

Another week, but no weight loss. I am not complaining. I am honestly happy. I would much rather have no results than to be up any "pound-age". Plus, I have been dealing with some stressful issues. So, the fact that I'm stressing and not eating to comfort myself is HUGE!! (And my scales prove this fact!!)

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

25 POUNDS LOST 70 DAYS TO GO

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 11

GOOD NEWS AGAIN! I am down four more pounds! Making my total loss 25 pounds. This last week, I went "shopping" in my own closet! I tried on clothes that I haven't worn in 8 years...I can't tell you how good it felt to put on skirts and pants that have not fit for YEARS. I seriously have a whole new set of clothes I can now daunt in public! Fun and exciting don't come close to describe my emotional state. I feel like a new woman. I still want to lose AT LEAST 15 more pounds, but I'll take more as it continues to come off!

Psalms 34:22
The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

Psalms 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.



25 POUNDS LOST 78 DAYS TO GO

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 10

This will be short and sweet -- still working with Junior on potty training. After fasting with my fellow Weigh Down dieter Tracey last weekend, I felt like I was back on track again. This morning, I was down the pounds I had gained plus one more! Therefore:



21 POUNDS LOST 85 DAYS TO GO

Blogging Refraining for Potty Training!

I'm going to take
A little blogging break
I'm potty training Junior
In hopes he'll be ready sooner
Than was his older brother
As I was a pregnant, lazy mother
Who pushed off training him to potty
As I look back I think, "Maybe I was naughty?"
But the big kid is doing fine
And now it's Junior who'll walk the line

So, "Adios People!" For the next few days
Feel free to lift me up, if you're one who prays!!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 9

Okay, I've been struggling for two weeks now. For whatever reason, the stronghold I thought I had overcome with food is back. Unfortunately, I am up three pounds. (I am hoping some of this has to do with Mother Nature and her unwelcomed arrival....but nonetheless, I'm up on the scales...not down).

I will be praying much more this week. Spending more time on my knees.


2 Corinthians 4:8

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but no in despair, persecuted, but not abandonded; struck down, but not destroyed.


17 POUNDS LOST 92 DAYS TO GO

Periodic Mood Swings

DISCLAIMER: For those of you who blush easily, this may not be for you. But my husband lifted my spirits this week and I wanted to share this funny moment with you!

Every month she sends me a gift
But it never gives my spirits a lift
The present always contains the same thing
Crankiness, headaches, and lots of bloating
I can usually tell when she's about to arrive
And my husband wonders if he will survive
Because I am not pleasant during this time of waiting
I am not desirable - there will be no mating
As I have aged my symptoms are worse
(Isn't getting older ENOUGH of a curse?!)
My poor husband, with his quick charm and wit
Does what he can to snatch me out of the pit
This last week in the kitchen, he caught me off guard
(Which, when in this state - it isn't real hard...)
He said, "I'm gonna check around the FedEx website."
Perplexed I asked, "Why would you do that tonight?"
To this he responded with his crooked little grin
"I want the tracking number for when Mother Nature's getting in!"

Dreamers

If you are a dreamer
Dream with big intentions
Don't let things hold you back
Insecurities will cause you tension
Aim high! Think big thoughts!
You can do anything
With the brain you've got!
You are a dreamer
God gave you this mind
To help you achieve feats
That are one-of-a-kind!

The Mouths of My Babes...

My two little boys are killing me this week
By what they say when they speak
My five year old told me this of his snout
"I just use my finger to get the snot out!"
I told him if he acted this way
He must wash his hands three hundred times a day
To this he said in no certain terms
"I know, because of OTHER people's germs!"
Though I may sigh, I can't lose hope
His nose is clear and he uses soap!

My two year old is using more and more words
Though sometimes his sounds are quite absurd
He really wants us to understand
And our attention he does try to command
He's struggling with saying his "please" and "thank yous"
Never quite sure which one he should use
Now he says "please" for everything
And I find his logic quite amazing
If he uses "please" over and over
The "politeness rules" he's sure to cover

Listening to my kids always keeps me guessin'
Though there are times I AM taught the lesson
That out of the mouths of babes you'll find
Logic and wisdom that's one-of-a-kind!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 8

Well, I don’t have any loss to report. I let stress get the better of me this week. I was not staying “self-controlled and alert.” For this, I am ashamed. However, I am starting over again. Today, I am fasting. I am clearing my mind and getting my focus back on what it needs to be…not worry, not stress, not the what ifs in life, but on God. After all, he has the victory in everything doesn’t he?

I have to share with you a question my friend Tracey recently posed to her readers on her blog In Word Adorning. She said that when she was growing up her father would ask his children, “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” This question has not left my mind since I read a few days ago. If I am acting with worry and fear in my heart, then am I acting as a Christian should? Don’t I know God is in control? I have also thought of David a lot this week. When he set out to slay the lion and bear killing his sheep, he did so with the mind that God would give him the victory. Then when up against Goliath, he didn’t wonder if God would grant him success, he KNEW.

I have to tell you friends, I have lived with entirely too much doubt. God is the creator of all things. God will take care of me, and give me victories. Doesn’t God tell me to “ask and you shall receive?” (Matt 7:7) Instead, I am like Peter when walking out to Christ on the water….my focus has not been on him and now Jesus is saying to me, “You of little faith, why do you doubt?” (Matt 14:31)

And if I am behaving this way, could I ever be convicted of being a faithful Christian? Who in my life is watching me and not convinced of my actions or my God because of my behavior?

I am starting over again today. Here are my verses for those of you who are also struggling with issues in your own life.

Philipians 1:6
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

James 1:4
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Luke 18:27
Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.

20 POUNDS LOST 99 DAYS TO GO

Commercials...

I should have been clear
When writing before
My involvement in commercials
Is nothing to get excited for
They were not big business
Not like McDonalds came calling
My "stardom" was local
Nothing much for recalling

When I was in high school
Sporting a smaller physique
I was asked to model
For a lady's formal boutique
During the time
I was modeling for her
She decided to film
A commercial to lure

Then in my twenties
After buying a car
the dealership filmed
A commercial to star
New owners of vehicles
Purchased there on their lot
Telling the public
About the new car they bought

As you can see
No real reason to freak
But it is a tidbit
People do find unique!

BEAUTIFUL BLOGGER AWARD Part II

REQUIREMENT #1: Pass award on to seven deserving bloggers

The Beautiful Blogger Award
Isn't just pretty
It comes with some rules
And responsibility
First I must select
Seven more bloggers to bestow
This Beautiful Blogger Award to
So here I go:
Tami at THE NEXT STEP
Is fun and thought provoking
e-mom at CHRYSALIS
Is as well, and I'm not joking
Mindy at MOMMA MINDY MOMENTS
Will make you long to serve the Lord
Ron at THE OLD GEEZER
Will strum your humorous and political chord
Tracey at IN WORD ADORNING
Makes you yearn to learn God more
Sarah at ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
Reminds us of what to be thankful for
Last but not least
'Cause I feel like I'm scrambling
Check out my other blogging friend
Over at ANDI'S RAMBLINGS

REQUIRMENT #2: Seven interesting things about me

Yet another poem
Fulfilling certain obligation
For the Beautiful Blogger Award
Rules and regulation
Not it is my duty
To give seven personal tidbits
Please bear with me now
As the items I will admit:
1) Mother of two beautiful boys
2) Working outside brings me much joy
3) Small-town Kansas -- I was born and raised
4) Can talk forever -- my husband's still amazed
5) Twice I have been in commercials on TV
6) Renamed our cat Butch to help his feline insecurities
7) No matter what we do, there's nothing better in my mind, than being with my family, I could do it all the time

There you have it
No more tasks to be completed
I'll give my brain some rest
As it is feeling quite depleted!

Beautiful Blogger Award

I have been blessed
These last few days
By the blogging community
In so many ways
First I get comments
Of praise and support
But this is not all
I have to report
I also get help
When I send out a request
My blogger friends voted
In a poetry contest
For this I am grateful
And feel fully loved
But my blog friends aren't done
The go beyond and above
I have now been given
The beautiful award
And this simple gift
Truly struck a chord
Hinting my words
Aren't filling voids in cyberspace
But touching the hearts
Of other people someplace
So thank you again
To those who read my rhyming writings
And can I be completely honest and say
"This is all SO VERY EXCITING!!"

I was blessed with the Beautiful Blogger award by Dana at Running Commentary this week. I have truly loved reading her blog about becoming a runner as well as her other blog Using 100 Words When 10 Will Suffice. You should all take the time to check her out! See my follow up post on who I have selected as Beautiful Blog winners along with fulfilling the obligations of this award!!

THANK YOU!!

Here's a little note
To Thank you for your vote
I appreciate the time
You took for my silly rhyme
My little blogging community
Showed GREATNESS in their unity
As many of you might have guessed
This blogger girl was blessed!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to vote for my poem last week! You truly touched my heart!

Super Hero

Most folks look at me and think
"Ah, he's just a little kid..."
But what they cannot see is that
I'm keeping something hid

SHHH! I'm a super hero
Not a single person knows
Underneath my jeans and shirt
Are super hero clothes

I cannot blow my cover
So when Mommy calls me in
I just try to act real natural
Without telling where I've been

My super hero power
Is something I keep a secret
But I'll tell you what it is
If you promise you will keep it

Can you believe I have night vision
And can see out in the dark?
So I can sneak out late at night
And fight the monsters in the park?

But just like Superman
I have my kryptonite
Inside my powers fail
So I sleep with my flashlight!

ATTENTION!!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!! This is the poem I wrote for Project OpenBook. This is a community-written book. The proceeds are going to help release a girl in Nepal from slave labor and to help fund her education once free. This is where I NEED YOUR HELP!! I need people to vote for my poem! If you would follow this link to the MarbleSpark blog and vote for me! You might also check out the MarbleSpark website and see how you can either join or contribute to this wonderful cause. Thank you my blogger friends!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 7

Well, due to the stomach flu, which is slowly making its rounds in our house, I am a day late in getting this post out. I do have good news though -- I've reached my half-way mark!! I have lost 20 pounds, which means, only 20 pounds to go!! (Sometimes even the stomach flu has a silver lining, right?)

I also want to recognize my two dear friends who are joining me on this weight loss journey, Lacey and Tracey. They are amazing women. Lacey is down four pounds this week -- way to go, girl! And Tracey is just starting. However, you might want to check out Tracey's blog as she documents her own personal journey as well. Her blog is called In Word Adorning. You'll love this her words - she is a wise, wise woman. It won't take you long to realize she truly has a love for Christ in her heart.

Any one else interested in joining us? Let me know! I'd love to encourage you as well! God bless you all!

20 POUNDS LOST 106 DAYS TO GO

SHARING

I've tried for a while to teach my kids how to share
But up until now I couldn't get them to care
Then this last week they mastered the art
They shared all they had with all of their heart
And from their sharing, the whole family was blessed
With a bad case of the flu, who would have guessed
That teaching my kids to share could end up
With Mom, Dad, and boys all covered in throw up?!

CHUCK-E-CHEESE

Do you have little ones living in your home?
Is the Chuck-E-Cheese pizza and party place well known?
Our oldest son loves to go there
Though, a once a year visit is all we will dare
I understand why kids think it is fun
But after two minutes - I'm already done
It's not the noise, the singing, or food
It's how our YOUNGEST acts - which trust me - ain't good
Of course he wants to get up, play and run around
But disaster always strikes the moment his feet hit the ground
Our last visit there, he went on his way
And began grabbing tickets kids had won as they played
On the skeet ball game, he crawled up the alley
Then off to the next thing - he's not one to dally
Up in a jungle gym he refused to come down
He remained uneffected by our threats and our frowns
Knocked over some pop, lost a shoe in a crawl space
(Are you starting to see why I dread visiting this place?)
But then, my oldest smiles and I start to feel the guilt
Because his dreams are being made in the house that Chuck-E built

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 6

Well, this week was both challenging and rewarding for me. On a whim Saturday night, I went to what I call my I-USED-TO-BE-ABLE-TO-WEAR-YOU drawer to see if ANY of my smaller sized jeans would fit me. And, low and behold, THEY DID!!! I found three pairs of jeans that I was able to fit into comfortably that were a full pant size smaller. WHAT JOY!! The jeans that I am now wearing I haven’t worn since BEFORE the birth of my FIRST son (who will be 5 on Monday). So, I gotta tell you, this was exciting for me.

(Now, let me tell you, there are about 10 more pair still in the drawer I can’t wear, but I’m saving them as I plan to get into them by May!)

So this was the exciting news of the weekend…then came Sunday…Super Bowl Sunday. Our family didn’t have any Super Bowl plans, but my husband is quite the little “snacker.” I had bought him treats to munch on throughout the game. He also requested some of my fried onion rings – a recipe I just discovered and had made about a week ago. Though I wanted to indulge in all the treats at first, I found that my desire for food is decreasing. I will say that old habits do die hard though. I wanted to munch along with my husband, but when I realized I really wasn’t hungry the food lost the temptation it used to have for me.

This morning the scales showed I was again down two more pounds! In the Weigh Down Diet, losing weight and fitting into a new (smaller) pant size are referred to as “jewels.” Well then call me a princess, ‘cause I’m feeling covered in them! Praise God and the jewels He blesses us with when we are obedient to Him! Amen!

Psalm 112:1
Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

17 POUNDS LOST 114 DAYS TO GO

"What's for dinner?" PART II

For those of you
Frustrated like me
Take a trip
To this blog and see
Planning a menu
Can help you a lot
When trying to decide
What to cook in your pot
If at dinner time
You find yourself scrambling
Get some helpful tips
From Andi's Ramblings

"What's for dinner?"

I do not like this time of day
I never know just what I'll say
I feel as if I'm on display
When asked, "What's for dinner?"

I don't mind cooking if we have guests
It's fun to get the table dressed
And when my meal is praised and blessed
I feel like a winner

But the day-in and the day-out cooking
Leaves me panicked and always looking
Wishing it was reservations I was booking
Do you think me a sinner?

For now I will keep dreaming up meals
Even if they aren't ideal
I will eat less if there's no appeal
And then I'll be thinner!

It's the little things in life....

I have discovered something a bit new
And I am quite amazed at all it can do
I had seen it advertized on TV before
But after one day, I've come to adore
This product that is truly and utterly amazing
I still can't believe all the time I've been wasting
If you haven't tried it please go out and buy
Pledge Multi-Surface cleaner and give it a try
I promise it will cut your dusting time in half
And what could ever be better than that?
(Sure, gobs of money or a house in the Bahamas
Would be a nice treat for this stay-at-home mama
But since my life consists of home and Wal-mart
I'll be happy to enjoy products I throw in my cart)
I'm sure that by now you think me a quack
But I can honestly say, I'm okay with that
I'll be content with the little things in life
And bein' one stinkin'-fast-cleanin' stay-at-home wife!

I wonder if this could ever be an Olympic event???

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 5

I am still reporting weight loss, though not as much this week – only two pounds. However, as long as I am still losing, how can I complain? I must admit, I like seeing the scales down five pounds, but I will take anything as long as it is less!

Okay, two pounds down, that is good – but here’s the great part…drum roll please….

I now have a Weigh Down partner! My friend Lacey has joined me in this journey! I can’t tell you how excited I am! (I mean, isn’t always more fun to take a trip, with a friend?) I hope to encourage Lacey as we take on the challenge of living and eating the way God intended for us. Lacey is also an answer to a prayer. Let me tell you why I am doubly excited to have her join me.

Before I started documenting my weight loss via my blog, I started praying the Prayer of Jabez. For those of you unfamiliar, it is prayer that asks for God’s blessings in your life. The VERY short story of Jabez is written in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. A very insignificant man prayed an amazing prayer. Here it is:

“Oh, that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”

And God granted his request.

Lacey is my very first blessing. How great is that? I am now able to encourage one more person in my life because I asked God to enlarge my territory. (Believe me, as a Nebraska housewife my territory is limited to my two boys and my husband. I am a far cry from being a Billy Graham type.) But, where I see limits, God sees miles.

So, this is my latest week. I lost two pounds, but I gained one friend. Are you struggling with weight? Would you like to join us? Please, join Lacey and me! Together we can encourage one another!

15 POUNDS LOST 121 DAYS TO GO

LOVE LIKE GOD

Want this button?

Marriage is hard
Feelings get hurt
Mistakes made in anger
Leave you face down in the dirt
Why do we expect
So much from our spouse?
When we’re less than perfect
Flaws we’re not without
It’s hard to love
Someone selfish like me
I want acts of grandeur
To soothe my insecurities
But why should I give
Any less than I want
My God loves me daily
Hold back love – he does not
So even when it’s hard
I will love every day
The way Christ commands
In a patient and kind way
I will not be proud, rude or self-seeking
When I need to change
I’ll let God do his tweeking
To make me a wife
Who loves even when it’s hard
Because true love with God
Is more than a Valentine card

To see more Marriage Monday posts, visit e-mom at Chrysalis.

Praying with My Son

I am teaching my oldest son
How God wants us each to pray
And that it’s not a simple act
For the closing of each day
“God really wants to help us
When we feel scared or even sad
And he also wants to rejoice
When we are happy or quite glad.”

He struggles with the nightmares
And often wakes up in the night
I tell him he should pray
God will make things be all right
I know it must be hard
To believe what he can’t see
Faith is a tricky concept
For believers just like me
But he prays the way we talk
Though his one eye might still peek out
Maybe he’ll catch a glimpse
Of this God his Mommy talks about

Last night he came running in
Scared of monsters in his room
Yet not like the other nights
When he was sure he’d met his doom
I asked him if he’d prayed
For God to calm him of his fears
He nodded that he did
But then he whispered in my ear,
“I know that God has saved me
‘Cause the monsters are all gone
But I’m still a little scared
And would like someone with skin on!”

I AM FROM...

I am from construction paper, from Big Chief Notebooks, and Grandma’s lemon drops.

I am from the big corner lot house with decorative paint, secret dirt alley trails, and old, metal play ground swings

I am from the spirea bushes mom transplanted five times, and the sawdust from dad’s work shop

I am from water skiing on choppy waters and campfires, from Jeff and Marcia and pet cats.

I am from the stubborn, and patient.

From “I worry you’re dead in a ditch somewhere.” and “Always remember to thank others”

I am from Bible reading, teaching, and memorizing.

I'm from the Great Plains and the small towns of the mid-west, Grandma's chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes

From the only girl with divorced parents in town, the boy who had the right family name in town, and the grandparents who were pillars of the community in town.

I am from St. John and Stafford Kansas where wheat fields dance in the wind. From Lake Wilson where the waters were as rough as the rock cliffs surrounding it, from family-friendly campsites with souvenir shops around the country

This "I am From..." poem is being sponsered by e-mom at Chrysalis. To read e-mom's "I am From..." poem and others click here.

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 4

I have good news to report again – I am down another 3 pounds! Now this may not sound like much and compared to the last two weeks it is not, but it is still progress! I also have to admit to you without going into many details that this was an emotionally charged week. Instead of eating my way through the pain, I prayed. When worried about a doctor’s appointment for my little boy, and me I prayed. When concerned about issues at home, I prayed. Food has never made worry or problems go away. In fact, not only are the problems still there, but if you handle the issue with food you can just about bet you are also adding a couple more dimples to your thighs that weren’t there before. Who wants that?! Not me!

I have to share with you how praying paid off for me. One, I didn’t add to any pounds I had lost by binging. Two, both doctor’s appointments went fine – doctor’s didn’t find anything wrong with me or my son. Finally, my God blessed me with friends in a way I would have never expected.

Along with teaching me how to eat again, God is also teaching me how to wait on him. He is a God who hears us and answers our prayers….but in his time, not ours. Here are some verses that got me through this last week. I hope they will encourage you too!

Psalms 27:14
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Luke 18:1
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

And, then of course my favorite…

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.

Is there anyone else in cyber-space who is also struggling with his or her weight? Would you want to join me in this journey? It’s free of charge and all you have to do is focus on your God-given bodily cues. If you want to learn more about The Weigh Down Diet click here. I would love to hear from anyone who might have a weight issue. We could encourage each other along! God bless you all! Stay tuned for next week’s totals!

13 POUNDS LOST 128 DAYS TO GO

Bedtime Stories

It's the same routine every night
Bubble bath, brush teeth
Tuck 'em in tight
Read a book, say our prayers
Give 'em each a kiss
Same request every night
Gives my big boy such bliss
"Tell me a story about me as a baby"
"....a story about when I was born"
"Tell me a story about funny things I did"
As he sits back like a kid with his popcorn
He takes in my stories as if at the movies
Excited by what I might say
Though sometimes I tell the same stories again
It seems that he likes it that way
How I would love to freeze this moment in time
And never let him grow old
But its out of my hands - he's gonna grow up
And if I believe the things I've been told
That precious little boy will become a young man
And not think that my stories are fun
But I pray he'll remember our bedtime moments together
When it's his turn to tell his little one.

Perfection is my Enemy

I want to be perfect
But it's out of my reach
My effort is hopeless
Energy is sucked like a leech
I want the perfect body
Hip clothes and hairstyle
Clean house, obedient kids
And white teeth when I smile
But my life is messy
And no matter how I try
I make BIG mistakes
That forever make me cry
I yell at my kids
And let my husband down
My past is littered with baggage
I can't seem to get around
I want to be perfect -
Perfect mother, friend, and wife
But the only one who sees me flawless
Is Jesus - God of life

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 3

I have great news to report, once again! I am down five more pounds! God is great for helping me through this!

I must tell you that I am re-learning just how wonderful God made the human body. Moreover, that he created our bodies to be at their appropriate weight. I am simply following my hunger and fullness feelings and am losing weight. I also believe that since my body wants to get rid of this excess weight, it is coming off quite rapidly…thus far, anyway.

This is not to say that I haven’t desired to eat more – heck no! I have had plenty of moments when I WANTED something, but was not hungry for it. Gwen refers to this feeling as “desire eating,” and aptly named. There are times when I desire chocolate or chips, but my body is not hungry for it. The most practical thing I have done is walk away from the kitchen or food when I have felt this urge. However, there have been times that even though I am out of the room, I still want it. At that point, I send up a prayer that God will help by distracting me or taking my mind off the chocolate so that I can quit obsessing over something I do not need. And thus far, people – it’s working! God is faithful when we are obedient!

I am still fixated on this passage – it is what has been keeping me going!

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 POUNDS LOST 135 DAYS TO GO

Marshmallow Gun

I wish everyone had a marshmallow gun
The bullets are soft and edible when done

If you get hit it's really quite fun
The marshmallow tickles and it's never a stun

When the marshmallow battle is over and done
There's always a party, 'cause both sides have won

We then eat our ammo and talk about the fun
We all had shooting our marshmallow gun!

(I even think you might get a nun
To join in a play with a marshmallow gun!)

This is another poem for Project Open Book. For Christmas my grandparents got all the great-grand kids a marshmallow gun. I'd highly recommend one for your own kids (both big and small!) Click here for instructions to make one for your own family! Have fun!

Super hero

I’m a super hero
I don’t think anybody knows
I’ve got super hero hats
And super hero clothes
You might look at me and think
Ah, he’s just a little kid
But what nobody can see is that
I’m keeping something hid
Butch the cat’s my trusty side kick
And we often go to battle
We climb trees and sneak through grass
To defeat our neighbor’s cattle
My super hero power
Is supposed to be a secret
But I’ll tell you what it is
If you promise you will keep it
I can run so fast I fly
And no one can ever catch me
(Except for Butch who runs fast too
He has to, so he can save me)
But just like Superman
I have my own kind of kryptonite
Inside my house my powers fail
But since it’s home - I’ll be alright
Plus, I cannot blow my cover
So when Mommy calls me in
I come back very happy
Though in secret I do grin
Yes, I’m a super hero
But as everybody knows
We don’t get the credit we deserve
I guess, it’s just the way it goes!

I wrote this for a community-written children's poetry book. If you would like to join and are a poet, artist, or writer, you might check them out at Project Open Book.

My Mother's Voice

Though my mother may not believe it
Her voice is always in my head
From the time that I get up
Until I fall back into bed
“Did you finish with the laundry?”
“Why are there dishes in the sink?”
“I see rings in all your toilets”
“If I were here what would I think?”
All these questions keep me going
To make a productive mom and wife
I wonder if her voice will leave me
Or if I’ll hear it all my life
“Did you get your thank yous written?”
“Are you not grateful for what you got?”
“What kind of daughter did I raise?”
“Don’t you tell me that you forgot!”
Her voice can make me go quite crazy
But it keeps me straight in line
I hope she knows I’m always listening
And that I’m going to turn out fine
(Even though I’m in my thirties
Most would consider me completely grown
I know she worries I’ll screw up
And that it’s her fault, not my own)
It’s an annoying little feature
Every mom puts in her child
That tiny voice you can’t ignore
That some days drives you completely wild
But I take comfort in the fact
That I still hear her voice today
And that I’ll drive my OWN kids batty
When it’s MY voice they hear some day!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 2

This week started out VERY hard for me. I have to admit that this diet it is helping me fight off the many un-truths in my life, which lie outside the area of weight loss. On Monday (the day before I posted my week 1 log) I struggled all day long – I mean bad. We’re talking tears, depressive thoughts, the whole works.

In my attempt to fight off these awful thoughts, I opened my Bible. It fell opened to Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.” God loves me and will bring me through this rough time, just as he has brought me through all the other rough times before. Then again, that night before I went to bed, I continued reading in my Weigh Down Diet book. However, when I opened it, it fell open to a chapter I wasn’t even close to reading, but the title caught my eye – STAY AWAKE. Gwen described how each day is a battle and one in which we must be “self-controlled and alert” just as Peter wrote about in 1 Peter 5:8. She reminded us that we must constantly train our minds to stay focused on Christ and to put to death earthly or evil thoughts.

We are never out of the battlefield. We are constantly fighting - fighting our wills, fighting our thoughts, fighting our desires, and fighting off Satan’s lies. Many of the things that had made me miserable most of the day were thoughts that were based on feelings and not grounded in the word and in truth.

I do not want to live by feelings.
I want my life grounded in truth.

(If you are interested in reading a great blog post about this issue, check out Tami Boesiger at The Next Step and read her post about feelings and truth by clicking here.)

Beware to all of us, whether trying to lose weight or just dealing with your own set of life’s struggles. Live by faith! Be self-controlled and alert!

5 POUNDS LOST 142 DAYS TO GO

MY BRAIN

My brain isn’t working
It’s screwed up inside
Had this problem before
It can’t be denied
It’s like there is fog
And it’s trapped in my head
I’m groggy, confused
But mostly brain-dead
It’s quite hard to function
When feeling like this
I go through the motions
But there’s so much I miss
Of course now that I think
And look back on my life
This problem began
As a mother and wife
Maybe my family is draining my brain
A sick twisted joke
Stealing the knowledge contained
You know, it wasn’t like
I was any Einstein
My thoughts were few
And few thoughts were mine
So whatever their reason
For draining my head
The joke is on them
I was already brain-dead

Junior's Dilemma

I do not want to go to sleep
I do not want to count the sheep
I do not think bedtime is fun
I want to play and jump and run
I do not want to close my eyes
What if I miss a big surprise?
But, my bed does feel quite good
So, I wonder if I should
Close my eyes for just a sec…
Did you hear that?! I’d better check
It was not much – just the TV
If I’m awake, maybe I’d see
But, my eyes did feel good shut
And as my Mommy pats my butt
My eyes roll back into my head
And I enjoy my warm, soft bed
Maybe I want to go to sleep
But, I’m gonna skip the counting sheep

Junior Strikes Again!

My Little Junior struck again today
Though not in his normal and destructive way
No melted toys or Houdini tricks
No broken wood blinds for me to fix
Today I was scratching my uncombed, groggy head
Wond’ring who was unmaking my little boy’s bed?
This has never been a problem before
I make all the beds as my mid-morning chore
And then all day long the beds are just fine
(It’s the rest of the house that gets out of line)
But then I saw Junior and his chubby little hands
Unmaking the bed as I began to understand
He wanted his new Thomas the Train sheets to show
Because under a comforter no one would know
That he has fun trains all over his sheets
He must be quite proud and wants others to peak
Which made me consider that maybe some day
When he is toilet trained we might stay away
From fun little undies with cartoons or trains
‘Cause just like those sheets he might not refrain
From pulling his pants down to possibly show off
The cool new underwear his Mommy just bought!

WEIGH DOWN DIET week 1

As I stated on New Year’s Day, I will be logging my struggles and hopefully my accomplishments with weight loss once a week. So, here we go….week one.

On New Year’s Day my husband’s family scheduled their Christmas. As I’m sure it is with most families in the United States, family Christmas’s are code for ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT-ALL-DAY-LONG celebrations. So, the very day I start my Weigh Down Diet, I was hit with food temptation alamode. We started out at a buffet restaurant which literally had every type of food you could even imagine. Then after dinner, we went back to my mother-in-laws where she laid out her schmorgusborg of tasty little treasures. Now, I’m sure all your mothers and mother-in-laws are wonderful cooks, however, until you have tasted the delectable morsels that my mother-in-law can create you have no idea what the word temptation truly means. I did more praying than I did anything that entire night. My husband even commented on the fact that I didn’t eat that much – SCORE! Day one down……150 to go.

I finished the night off reading in Gwen Shamblin’s book, The Weigh Down Diet, chapter one. She likened our struggles with any temptation we might face whether it is food, alcohol, drugs, sexual lust, money, etc. to the struggles the Israelites faced while spending their forty years in the desert of testing. She stated on page 10…

“But before God would let His children inherit the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, He took them on a journey through the Desert of Testing. Deuteronomy 8:2, 3 says, ‘Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.’”

In order for us to learn anything, we must first be humble and bow to God, not to food (or anything else for that matter!) I’m just hoping I can learn these lessons and it doesn’t take forty years! I must say food isn’t a huge temptation until the evening. I get my food-temps on come supper time and when the boys in the house start their munching rituals. I failed miserably on several evenings. I’d eat passed full and then afterwards, the guilt. But as in anything, there is always tomorrow. I woke up and started again. Changing of heart is never going to be an easy thing – nor is it going to be fast. More praying, less eating.

Something that Gwen preaches more than anything is filling up on God, not food. When you are tempted to eat AND ARE NOT HUNGRY the first thing you need to do is either get on your knees and pray or open the Bible up. The passage I have turned to to help me when I am struggling to not eat that left-over cookie, sneak that last bite of steak, or inhale a bag of potato chips is 1 Peter 5:8-9

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

If you are going through anything like I am right now, I hope my struggles can give you comfort – you have another sister out there in the world undergoing the same kind of suffering! Give thanks for that! Though the scales haven’t shown a loss, I do feel like I’m better than I was December 31st. Maybe I'll be able to report a more encouraging post next week. We'll see!

0 POUNDS LOST 146 DAYS TO GO

TEMPTATIONS

Have you ever noticed?
Am I the only one?
When wanting to avoid
That's when temptations seem to come?

I'm working on my weight
And keeping my mouth shut
But sharp words keep on escaping
And too much food makes fat my butt

If I try to start the day
With a goal to stay up-beat
Broken cars and leaky toilets
Make me soon admit defeat

I think that I should try
Avoidance in a way that's clever
But as I sit here thinking
It's an impossible endeavor

What if I avoided
Certain money-making tasks?
Would I then become quite tempted
With heavy buckets full of cash?

I guess it's food for thought
Something for me to think about
I won't avoid the use of brain
It's one thing I can't do without!

The Problem with Snow

The problem with snow
though it may be pretty
it can cause problems in the country and city

The problem with snow
though you may want to play
temps can be too cold - so inside you must stay

The problem with snow
though it's fun when it's falling
you soon will be shoveling, blowing, or hauling

The problem with snow
when it all melts away
you want it right back the very next day!

Following God's Nudges...

Ever felt God’s nudging to do something, but being scared spit-less to take the leap of faith? That’s where I am right now….well, the scared spit-less part anyway, because the fact that I am writing these words shows I have taken the leap of faith.

For the past few weeks, I have been praying for many things. 1) More ministry 2)A more loving, gentle and quiet spirit and 3) what every woman wants, (except for maybe Kate Moss and Uma Thurman…) to be much thinner in the coming year. Check that - life ever after!

I am slowly learning if we would let our will be broken and truly love others (the way the Bible teaches, not the world), life would be much simpler. These two simple truths can be applied to anything one might be struggling with, in any aspect of their life with amazing results. I’ve seen it happen.

Therefore, in an attempt to break my will and serve others better and hopefully increase my ministry for God, I am going to add to my silly poetry posts a weekly post about an area in my life that I continually struggle with…my weight. I am not what you would call overly overweight, but I’ve got plenty of insulation. In my posts, I’m going to lay it all out – I’m Ditchin’ the Kitchen yet again only this time to avoid the magnetic pull of the refrigerator. I will be using Biblical (and scientific) truths presented the book called The Weigh Down Diet by Gwen Shamblin. It is really a wonderful book, by a hilarious Christian woman who used to struggle with being overweight herself. I read this book in college and dropped 20 pounds, but a crazy life-style post college got me all greedy and self indulgent and I put all the weight back on. Plus, having two kids didn’t do anything to improve my already large posterior.

In the back of my mind, I would like to lose about 40 pounds by May 31st as that is the date scheduled for my high school reunion. However, the bigger issue here isn’t so much the weight, but how I allow God to break my will and use my struggles to minister to others.

As Paul stated in the book of Romans,

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5)

And then again in 2 Corinthians 12:10

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

So here I go Ditchin’ The Kitchen once again!

0 Pounds lost (151 Days to reunion)