Well, today is Sunday. We are still snowed in. The snow came on Friday morning.....at least I was able to still go to boot camp. But we have been snowed in ever since. We can't even get our cars out of the driveway. Talk about cabin fever! Yesterday, the kids were able to play outside yesterday and sled. Lily spent the night with her friend last night from the neighborhood and I walked her there halfway in the ice...meeting up with the parents. Then me and the dad walked to the nearby Publix....it was so nice to just be in there! We ran into many people we knew just doing the same thing. Thank goodness for our neighborhood Publix!
My birthday plans got cancelled. My friends were surprising me and taking me to a place in Nashville...it was gonna be fun...but no one could drive. It was a little sad, but my brother and his wife and baby (I LOVE that baby Addison!) and Matt (my brother's friend) came over. We ordered pizza and had some wine. Now, I do NOT like red wine. It is too dry for me....but, they brought a bottle over that I LOVED! I am so happy I found one I like. I can't remember the name of it now...but it was not dry to me at all. My brother made an insane bloody mary....it was the best I think I have ever had. I made myself a birthday cake with my favorite fudgy frosting ever....it is a no cook fudge frosting.....that is insane! I will post the recipe.... It was nice to visit with them.
My brother and his family moved here a week ago from Orlando....it was such an answer to prayer. Every step of the way from them wanting to come to the job offer, to the home they found to rent.....God is good. He hears the prayers.....He is the giver of all good things.
I think the snow is melting some, and we are hoping to get our car out of the driveway today to go to the gym to work out. Gotta work off that birthday fudgy frosting! Here is the recipe:
2 lbs of confectioners sugar
1 Cup unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 tsp vanilla
2 sticks softened butter
3/4 Cup of boiling water....
Combine the dry ingredients, then add the butter....I like to grate cold butter on a grater.....
Then add the boiling water and vanilla.....beat with a hand mixer on low til combined...then on medium for 1 minute...if you need to add more boiling water, do it 1 Tbs. at a time....The frosting will be runnier....but it needs to sit for 20 minutes before frosting anything. I love to just make a box mix of cupcakes...then pipe this frosting on it...it is a hit for sure. All my kids love this frosting on their birthday cakes.....So do I but I don't even need a cake...just give me the frosting!
Have a great day!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Significance of Suffering
This week in my Whole Woman Revolution Bible Study, my teacher, Denise Hildreth was such a blessing to me. Really, every week, I am walking out with so much depth and so much to "chew on" that I have to re-listen to it at least once. After the study, we have an opportunity to purchase the CD to listen or to get to a friend who didn't make it that week. I would love to share them with you. I have all of last season's on FAITH...and so far all three from this study. You can also go online to her website at http://www.wholewomanrevolution.com/ and there will be a link where you can download the message.
This week she covered Rev 2:8-11 dealing with the church in Smyrna.....Jesus was telling them he recognized their suffering.....
8"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.
Several things struck me as she taught..
Just like the Church in Symrna did, when we are in the middle of our pain, we forget who God is.. We question if anyone at all even knows we exist at all....we forget who we are. Does this sound familiar to anyone? It does to me. I know in my pain, in my "stuff" I tend to go to a place of just a frantic thought process. I think I am worthless, not even worthy to serve...I know I begin to rename myself....I forget who God says I am....and I believe the lies of the Devil. Sometimes the Devil's lies are louder than the whisper of the Holy Spirit.....the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. This happened to the church of Smyrna...they felt insignificant because of their pain.....How many of you have had that? Maybe you haven't...but I sure have and to be completely honest, last week, I had a hum dinger of a week like that. But Jesus said, "you are rich, you are significant...you do have things to offer." He said to them, like he says to us, "I know your suffering....I get it...I did that...I died on the cross and suffered for you...I KNOW first hand, your suffering." I don't know about you...but for me...that is comforting. He knows and gets me.....
I have at times felt that in my yucky stuff....when I listen to the lies....when condemnation comes in.....that I have nothing to offer...that what good am I to serve in any capacity. It is a lie....
But......when I settle myself or what two women in my life like to say to me..."calm down" they are telling me to settle....to quiet myself...to hear the voice of the Spirit......Kinda like, "Be Still and know that I am God" And when we don't settle.....we only hear the lies, and then those feelings of insignificance lead us to believe we are too insignificant to fight for important things, like:
This week she covered Rev 2:8-11 dealing with the church in Smyrna.....Jesus was telling them he recognized their suffering.....
8"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.
Several things struck me as she taught..
Just like the Church in Symrna did, when we are in the middle of our pain, we forget who God is.. We question if anyone at all even knows we exist at all....we forget who we are. Does this sound familiar to anyone? It does to me. I know in my pain, in my "stuff" I tend to go to a place of just a frantic thought process. I think I am worthless, not even worthy to serve...I know I begin to rename myself....I forget who God says I am....and I believe the lies of the Devil. Sometimes the Devil's lies are louder than the whisper of the Holy Spirit.....the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. This happened to the church of Smyrna...they felt insignificant because of their pain.....How many of you have had that? Maybe you haven't...but I sure have and to be completely honest, last week, I had a hum dinger of a week like that. But Jesus said, "you are rich, you are significant...you do have things to offer." He said to them, like he says to us, "I know your suffering....I get it...I did that...I died on the cross and suffered for you...I KNOW first hand, your suffering." I don't know about you...but for me...that is comforting. He knows and gets me.....
I have at times felt that in my yucky stuff....when I listen to the lies....when condemnation comes in.....that I have nothing to offer...that what good am I to serve in any capacity. It is a lie....
But......when I settle myself or what two women in my life like to say to me..."calm down" they are telling me to settle....to quiet myself...to hear the voice of the Spirit......Kinda like, "Be Still and know that I am God" And when we don't settle.....we only hear the lies, and then those feelings of insignificance lead us to believe we are too insignificant to fight for important things, like:
our marraiges, our purpose, our vision, or even our life."
Job 36:15
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
he speaks to them in their affliction
Job 36:15
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering;
he speaks to them in their affliction
Judgement Day
So today was the big day for me.....what I have been calling Judgement Day. I have just completed my first month of boot camp. I weighed again and did my measurements. Still wasn't ready to know the numbers....but I did lose. Drum Roll Please......
Lost 3 lbs.
Lost 2% body fat
Inches lost: 3/4 in waist 3/4
1/2 in in each thigh 1
1/4 inch in each arm 1/2
2 inches in my hips 2
0 in my chest...:( I really wanna lose some there) +0 totals 4 1/4 in.
I am glad......It motivates me to keep going. I still really can't tell a big difference.....maybe in my waist. But numbers don't lie.
Bootcamp was pretty hard today. It was a snow day....so the kids had to go too. Frankly, I am over the snow days...and if I am being real, maybe a little bumed because some friends were gonna go out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate my 40th birthday, and with the snow and ice, I am anticipating that we will have to cancel it. My 40th birthday is on Monday.....
But, back to the Boot camp....we had stations....everything from high knees (toots) to jump squats, to planks, to pushups to abs.....it was good. One month down, 5 more to go. Bikini here I come. I have to say, the endorphins really help my mood....this cold cloudy weather sometimes tends to make me blue.
If you live in Franklin, I would love to see you at the Bootcamp...you can join any time......just google Temple Fitness and you will not miss it.
Stay tuned for more on my spiritual bootcamp. It is alot...Iwill have to break it up into days....too much for one reading...
Chow!
Lost 3 lbs.
Lost 2% body fat
Inches lost: 3/4 in waist 3/4
1/2 in in each thigh 1
1/4 inch in each arm 1/2
2 inches in my hips 2
0 in my chest...:( I really wanna lose some there) +0 totals 4 1/4 in.
I am glad......It motivates me to keep going. I still really can't tell a big difference.....maybe in my waist. But numbers don't lie.
Bootcamp was pretty hard today. It was a snow day....so the kids had to go too. Frankly, I am over the snow days...and if I am being real, maybe a little bumed because some friends were gonna go out to dinner tomorrow night to celebrate my 40th birthday, and with the snow and ice, I am anticipating that we will have to cancel it. My 40th birthday is on Monday.....
But, back to the Boot camp....we had stations....everything from high knees (toots) to jump squats, to planks, to pushups to abs.....it was good. One month down, 5 more to go. Bikini here I come. I have to say, the endorphins really help my mood....this cold cloudy weather sometimes tends to make me blue.
If you live in Franklin, I would love to see you at the Bootcamp...you can join any time......just google Temple Fitness and you will not miss it.
Stay tuned for more on my spiritual bootcamp. It is alot...Iwill have to break it up into days....too much for one reading...
Chow!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
soar muscles
Well,
Today was my off day of boot camp. But it was a hugely spiritual boot camp. Just like regular boot camp makes my muscles hurt....so does my spiritual boot camp hurt. I am just gonna be real. I am really hurting. It is a good hurt...but am being convicted of areas of sin and this hurts. It is humbling. I am still in it, so I can't say I am out walking in joy yet. Right now I just feel condemnation, guilt. Now I know that this is from the enemy and there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.....I just have to believe this....I know it....I need to embrace it. Do you ever feel so sick of messing up? Like sick of a certain cycle in your life? Like when will you ever learn and move on? I get that. So as I walk in this, I sit here and eat a bowl of ice cream. Sorry Kelly, I failed on the food journal today. It was good though. I topped it with a cookie. It too, was really good. I know, I know, I used food for comfort. Don't worry, I am going to my heavenly father to soothe my soar muscles.....
Tomorrow, Boot camp comes at 5:30 am and I will work hard for it. I will just work hard and make today my one cheat day of the week. Moving on.............
Praying you will exercise your spiritual and physical muscles...
Love,
Shelli
Today was my off day of boot camp. But it was a hugely spiritual boot camp. Just like regular boot camp makes my muscles hurt....so does my spiritual boot camp hurt. I am just gonna be real. I am really hurting. It is a good hurt...but am being convicted of areas of sin and this hurts. It is humbling. I am still in it, so I can't say I am out walking in joy yet. Right now I just feel condemnation, guilt. Now I know that this is from the enemy and there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.....I just have to believe this....I know it....I need to embrace it. Do you ever feel so sick of messing up? Like sick of a certain cycle in your life? Like when will you ever learn and move on? I get that. So as I walk in this, I sit here and eat a bowl of ice cream. Sorry Kelly, I failed on the food journal today. It was good though. I topped it with a cookie. It too, was really good. I know, I know, I used food for comfort. Don't worry, I am going to my heavenly father to soothe my soar muscles.....
Tomorrow, Boot camp comes at 5:30 am and I will work hard for it. I will just work hard and make today my one cheat day of the week. Moving on.............
Praying you will exercise your spiritual and physical muscles...
Love,
Shelli
Friday, January 15, 2010
Words of Affirmation
Well, what a day! I am sitting here just relaxing, because I have been going since 7 a.m. It feels nice to just be still. I find when I am still, that is in the quiet when I really can hear God speaking to me. Sometimes, it is just in nature and I see his beauty in his creation and I worship him. Other times, in the stillness, I may just ask a question and I may get a quiet thought or a gentle tug in my heart and know it is God talking to me. Just me. How cool, that the God of the universe wants to commune and engage with me.....He wants that for everyone. I hope you find a little time to just sit quietly and listen to Him.
Anyway, so at boot camp today, I got the best word from someone. You know it has been two weeks and I just don't know how I am doing...I cant tell if I have lost...I will not get on the scale for two more weeks. In two weeks, I get measured again and then weighed.....But anyway, today, about halfway into the workout...just when I am ready to pass out from the dizzy spell...and hurl because of the Lady GAGA song playing......Orly said to me, "you look like you have lost weight" Okay, so you KNOW that made my day...cuz women don't say that to each other unless they mean it. We too busy looking everyone over and judging. I know that is a generalization...but seriously, who doesn't look at another female and immediately check out the outfit, how the outfit looks then go to the hair and make-up and handbag. I do. I notice it all. Now the part I don't do is go to any place of judgement, because it is the heart that matters. I do like fashion and accessories and I do notice. I am the one who will always compliment and ask where they bought that sweater???? Where do you get your hair done? Where did you get the purse? I am really into handbags at the moment...hoping to get a new one for my birthday..... And, if I don't particularly like an outfit, I wont fake it and say I do. ALL THIS to say.......I really admire pretty things, BUT.....I know it is a person's heart that matters most. Some of the most put together people on the outside, can be the ones who are about to fall apart on the inside. Never judge a book by its cover. I am a testament to that. There are days, I may feel so crummy about things and just wanna cry, and those are the days, I just wanna dress myself up something fierce! It is my mask....I have talked bout that in a previous blog post.
So, Orly, my new bestest friend said, "You look like you have lost weight!" Something about that statement inspired me and made me wanna work harder, run harder, lift faster.....It was nice to say and made me feel good. So Orly, if you ever read this...thanks, you definitely made me feel nice this morning.
After Boot camp I ate my chicken slices (Boars Head) and apple and trucked it on to prayer on the square.....Another one of my Blogs...check it out......
With just a little bit of pep in my step from a kind word from Orly....Ladies remember to use words of affirmation on eachother...honest and from the heart words of affirmation.
Peace
Anyway, so at boot camp today, I got the best word from someone. You know it has been two weeks and I just don't know how I am doing...I cant tell if I have lost...I will not get on the scale for two more weeks. In two weeks, I get measured again and then weighed.....But anyway, today, about halfway into the workout...just when I am ready to pass out from the dizzy spell...and hurl because of the Lady GAGA song playing......Orly said to me, "you look like you have lost weight" Okay, so you KNOW that made my day...cuz women don't say that to each other unless they mean it. We too busy looking everyone over and judging. I know that is a generalization...but seriously, who doesn't look at another female and immediately check out the outfit, how the outfit looks then go to the hair and make-up and handbag. I do. I notice it all. Now the part I don't do is go to any place of judgement, because it is the heart that matters. I do like fashion and accessories and I do notice. I am the one who will always compliment and ask where they bought that sweater???? Where do you get your hair done? Where did you get the purse? I am really into handbags at the moment...hoping to get a new one for my birthday..... And, if I don't particularly like an outfit, I wont fake it and say I do. ALL THIS to say.......I really admire pretty things, BUT.....I know it is a person's heart that matters most. Some of the most put together people on the outside, can be the ones who are about to fall apart on the inside. Never judge a book by its cover. I am a testament to that. There are days, I may feel so crummy about things and just wanna cry, and those are the days, I just wanna dress myself up something fierce! It is my mask....I have talked bout that in a previous blog post.
So, Orly, my new bestest friend said, "You look like you have lost weight!" Something about that statement inspired me and made me wanna work harder, run harder, lift faster.....It was nice to say and made me feel good. So Orly, if you ever read this...thanks, you definitely made me feel nice this morning.
After Boot camp I ate my chicken slices (Boars Head) and apple and trucked it on to prayer on the square.....Another one of my Blogs...check it out......
With just a little bit of pep in my step from a kind word from Orly....Ladies remember to use words of affirmation on eachother...honest and from the heart words of affirmation.
Peace
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Boot camp day 5
My fifth boot camp was yesterday. Now I usually go at 9:15 a.m...but Wednesday morning Bible Study started yesterday....and since I get to be on the ministry team.....in which I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be on....I have to be there at that time. ( if you live in Nashville and want an amazing, real, meaty teaching....come to it. You can also go to Whole Woman Revolution dot com and download the teaching) Just contact me and I can help you figure it out.
Anyway, I had to go to boot camp at 5:30 a.m. Like I have said in the past, sister don't do mornings. BUT, with God all things are possible, and He is enabling me to get up earlier than I have in the past....5:30 is the earliest though. My friend Tera picked me up Wed. morning and praise Jesus she has heated leather seats....My fanny is losing some of it's fat to keep me warm so those seats that heat it are so nice!
We get there and it is Joey, Kelly's hubby leading it and I knew he was gonna make me pay for the pudding I ate the night before....(it was sf ff...but still). I guess the hardest part for me what that each time he made us do the "high knees" for one minute strait.....I kept needing to toot. You know what I am talking about...don't deny it! I am just being real here.....so instead of gettin my knees high high high....I am focusing so hard on not tooting......a few times, I just couldn't help it......hope no one heard......but one time, Joey came right over to me and held his arms out for me to hit my knees up at them....and I am soooo scared I am gonna embarrass myself and let one rip! THANK the Lord, I didn't! NOW I KNOW I can't be the only person who has experience this!
I really think the boot camp along with me eating better is working.....Oh my gosh, This morning while I was gettin ready, I saw something in the mirror......A BICEP! Just a little one with a little cut. But it was there! I was soooo excited. I am singin, I have a bicep I have a bicep. And I have noticed, my booty is lifting and getting higher. Always a good thing for this almost 40 girl....Feb 1 is my 40th!
So, I am hangin in there girls, It is not easy, it is not fast, but the little bity signs along the way are there to encourage me. It is alot like this in our life trials too.....It isn't easy and it aint resolving right away....but slowly, very slowly, we are learning and growing and becoming, hopefully more and more like Christ. That is my prayer. That in all I do, I will be more Christlike every day.
Have a great day, my sisters!
Love,
Shelli
Anyway, I had to go to boot camp at 5:30 a.m. Like I have said in the past, sister don't do mornings. BUT, with God all things are possible, and He is enabling me to get up earlier than I have in the past....5:30 is the earliest though. My friend Tera picked me up Wed. morning and praise Jesus she has heated leather seats....My fanny is losing some of it's fat to keep me warm so those seats that heat it are so nice!
We get there and it is Joey, Kelly's hubby leading it and I knew he was gonna make me pay for the pudding I ate the night before....(it was sf ff...but still). I guess the hardest part for me what that each time he made us do the "high knees" for one minute strait.....I kept needing to toot. You know what I am talking about...don't deny it! I am just being real here.....so instead of gettin my knees high high high....I am focusing so hard on not tooting......a few times, I just couldn't help it......hope no one heard......but one time, Joey came right over to me and held his arms out for me to hit my knees up at them....and I am soooo scared I am gonna embarrass myself and let one rip! THANK the Lord, I didn't! NOW I KNOW I can't be the only person who has experience this!
I really think the boot camp along with me eating better is working.....Oh my gosh, This morning while I was gettin ready, I saw something in the mirror......A BICEP! Just a little one with a little cut. But it was there! I was soooo excited. I am singin, I have a bicep I have a bicep. And I have noticed, my booty is lifting and getting higher. Always a good thing for this almost 40 girl....Feb 1 is my 40th!
So, I am hangin in there girls, It is not easy, it is not fast, but the little bity signs along the way are there to encourage me. It is alot like this in our life trials too.....It isn't easy and it aint resolving right away....but slowly, very slowly, we are learning and growing and becoming, hopefully more and more like Christ. That is my prayer. That in all I do, I will be more Christlike every day.
Have a great day, my sisters!
Love,
Shelli
Table for Two
Today is a Spiritual Boot Camp topic. Whenever I write on these matters, please know that it is not something I myself have perfected. I am just passing along something that God has taught me, or is working on me.......so please know I don't have it all together.....
Okay, I am gonna be painfully honest here: My marriage aint a cakewalk sometimes. Sometimes its a roller coaster....for what ever reasons......It ain't always so easy. Sometimes, to get me through a day, I am telling the Lord, "I trust you, I trust you.....help me walk in each moment. Help me Lord with my attitude. Help me Lord to not fear in anything...and to just trust you now"
Yesterday in my Bible Study in Whole Woman Revolution, my teacher, Denise inspired us all with much teaching from God....but one of the things she said was that she addressed was our sense of entitlement. Entitlement comes in many forms. We deserve this in our marriage, or we deserve this much money, or we deserve this job...we deserve happiness.....you get the picture.....
Okay, I am gonna be painfully honest here: My marriage aint a cakewalk sometimes. Sometimes its a roller coaster....for what ever reasons......It ain't always so easy. Sometimes, to get me through a day, I am telling the Lord, "I trust you, I trust you.....help me walk in each moment. Help me Lord with my attitude. Help me Lord to not fear in anything...and to just trust you now"
Yesterday in my Bible Study in Whole Woman Revolution, my teacher, Denise inspired us all with much teaching from God....but one of the things she said was that she addressed was our sense of entitlement. Entitlement comes in many forms. We deserve this in our marriage, or we deserve this much money, or we deserve this job...we deserve happiness.....you get the picture.....
Trust me, I know entitlement......Most of us, if we are honest, have some of it in some way in the secret places in our heart. God totally showed me some stuff.
" Centered in the Heart of entitlement, there is no gratitude......entitlement, strips gratitude..."
When we have no gratitude....we lose that supernatural ability to allow God to work. Thankfulness is supernatural. It is at times unexplainable to me that when I choose gratitude, God can step in and work mighty miracles. Are you listening? I mean this is big people...it is a lesson that as I type, I know I NEED to embrace myself. Don't get me wrong, being thankful doesn't release people of their responsibility to grow and become a better spouse....but that is really not my responsibility to change my spouse...it is God's and I don't want that responsibility anyway. God can do a much better job than me.
So, in the meantime, I choose gratitude.....I choose to thank the Lord for the things I see in my husband: He is talented, creative, passionate, loves his family, loves the Lord, loves people, he has a heart for men, He is a GREAT coach, He is a great physician, and he LOVES me. He loves animals, and did I mention how smart he is. One of the things about him that I love, is that he wants to be better. He desires to do what it takes to make himself a better husband and father.
So, in my thankfulness towards my marriage, God can now come in and move and do whatever it is he wants to do in both of our hearts. All that to say, make a list of all the things you are thankful for in your spouse, then see what God does in that. I hope you are pleasantly surprised.
My dear friend Angel sent this out today....I loved it so much, I had to copy it and post it. I pray it will inspire you as it did me.
Table for Two ( Matthew 19:5,6)
Marriage is having someone to curl up against when the world seems cold and life uncertain. It is having someone who is as concerned as you are when the children are sick. It is having a hand that keeps checking your forehead for fever when you're not well. To be married is to have someone's shoulder to cry on as they lower your parent's body into the ground. It is wrapping wrinkled knees in warm blankets and giggling without teeth!
To the person you marry, you are saying, "When my time comes to leave this world, and the chilly wind of eternity blows away my birthdays, and my future stands cold and dark in the night, it's your face I want to kiss good-bye. It is your hand I want to squeeze as I slip from time into eternity. As the curtain closes on all I have attempted to do and be, I want to look into your eyes and see that I mattered. Not what I looked like. Not what I did or how much money I made. Not how talented I was. I want to look into the teary eyes of someone who loves me and see- I mattered!"
If you are looking for someone to be your everything, don't look around, look up! God is the only One who can be everything. By expecting perfection from the flesh, you ask more out of someone else than you are able to provide yourself. To be married is to have a partner- someone who can look up with you.
Like a suede jacket, the imperfection of your marriage adds to its uniqueness. It is a mixing of good days, sad days, and all the challenges of life. A truly good relationship is a spicy meal served on a shaky table, filled with dreams and pain and tender moments. Moments that, in those splitsecond flashbacks, make you smile secret smiles in the middle of the day. Moments so strong they never die, yet so fragile they vanich like bubbles in a glass.
Cherish the moments. Lift the glass and drink deeply of life. If you can look back and catch a few of these moments, or trace a smile back to a memory, you are blessed, You could have been anywhere doing anything, but instead the Maitre d' seated you at a table for two!
written by T.D.Jakes
If anyone needs help with gratitude, get the devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It is full of thankfulness and gratitude. I read it almost daily. It is a good one.
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