Found!

Well me oh my, what a fun and exciting day.  I just found out that sweet Wanda, over at The Watered Soul awarded me (I'd like to thank all those people who have made this day possible...) The Versatile Blogger award. According to the rules of the award I'm to tell you seven things about myself and pass the award on to other bloggers that I've recently discovered and think are fantastic. Here's my seven:

1.  Although I may gripe about them, I love a good hard workout.  You know, the kind you can feel within hours of its completion.

2.  I have returned to working as a personal trainer and love it even more than I did before.

3.  Trainers are like counselors, we just make you sweat too.

4.  AdvoCare Strawberry Blast Slam is my new Slam flavor.  In addition, MNS Max C may be taking over for MNS Max 3 in my world.

5.  We recently joined a small group at church, and it's stinking incredible!
6.  My child, at all of 2 years old, has incredible comedic timing.
7.  I have a deep seeded need for music in my life, which is strange since I personally have NO musical talent. 

And now, to pass on the blessing of this award: Hip Chick's Home, Toddler Awesome, Whimsical Musings and More, Our Changing Reflection and Our Life With Multiples.  Now to go tell them about this :)  

Blog Journal Entry #20

Todays' topic takes a more serious turn:

"What is the hardest thing you have ever had to deal with?"

I wish this question wasn't so easy to answer, truth be told.  Hands down, my nephew's departure from this Earth and arrival into Heaven.  Please click the link to read more, quite honestly, I have no desire to expand on that tonight.  There is also when Peggy told us she had cancer, and when she entered Heaven's gates.  And there's always the fact my mother in law had a stroke one month after our child was born, and her circumstances have not changed.  Life is hard.  Plain and simple.  But for all the grief this Earth hands out, the hope of Heaven will forever outweigh it.  Hope that says there is something better awaits, that we will get through the storm.  The storm may not cease, but we will see it to the other side.  For all I have been through, will go through, I know it could always be worse.  I know I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.  And I know there will always be heartache as long as I am on this side of Heaven.

On another note, I want to thank our country's soldiers, and their families today (Memorial Day).  Thank you, for everything.  For the time spend away from your families, for the ones who long to hold their loved ones one more time.  Thank you.  Thank you for sacrificing, for choosing to serve when most would not consider such a thing.  Thank you for believing in this country.  Today, and every day, I thank you.   

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

These are a few of my favorite things

Blog Journal - Entry #19: What are 20 things you love/favorite things?

my husband, and kid, and sister, the whole family really

nature, and pictures, football, running, and Target

hanging with friends, laughing, praying, listening to music

playing, and laughing, and being

the cross, forgiveness and mercy

USA, animals, and AdvoCare

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Keep praying for Jaden

Here is the latest on little Jaden, and his momma, Lisa.  This is written by David, Jaden's daddy.  Please keep them in your prayers!

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



Philippians 1:3-6 "I thank my god every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of the partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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."


Update first:


We went into the specialist on Thursday morning (May 27th). He knew he needed to let Lisa's body "rest" a week, without adding any more fluid.


Jaden--heart rate in the 140's--he is just cilling out and not distressed at all. PRAISE!!


Bladder and Stomach STILL FULL. There is almost ZERO amount of amneotic fluid in Lisa. Yet, he continually has a full stomach and bladder which is HUGE!


ALSO--the Doc said he sees Jaden breathing. Really?? How?? Not sure what it was, but he pointed to something, and then said--"Look, there was a hiccup"! So--lungs ARE trying to do their thing. Could use some help, but trying...do I sense a song needed here..."you are the air I breathe..."....hmmmm


The attention we are getting from the specialist is amazing.


He not only is highly trained in High Risk, he is the father of twins born at 26 weeks--1.5 lbs, 2.4lbs.


They are great little 8 year olds today.


He has been where we are in regards to where Jaden will be. He knows the concern, and is fighting WITH us in this. It has been amazing watching him work with us. Also, Lisa is the only one he has like this. He and his assistant say at least 5 times a visit "you're not the norm." "you're not textbook", "everytime we try something, something else unexpected happens".
I think he loves the challenge, which PRAISE GOD--it makes him reach for opportunities to make a difference. He has yet to give up on us, which is not normal from the standpoint we are in. Praise God!!! I have never really been tagged as doing anything "normal" anyway, so it only fits this is similar to my "abnormal-ness" :)



Anyway---while talking, he decides to slide over to the triage area and re-"seal" Lisa. Not sure if it will do good, but trying.


There is risk here. If an infection sets off in that area, it will go straight into her bloodstream. Prayer!



We came home shortly after. She is still losing fluid and blood. It seems that won't stop until she delivers, unless God chooses to intervene and heal her.


Soon, within 1-3 weeks, Lisa will probably be placed in the hospital until delivery so she can be better monitored. The fluid and blood loss is a big deal.


Lisa is continuing to have the contraction cramps that are a straight 30 minutes to an hour or so.


She thought it would be fun to add regular contractions which take place after the contraction cramps. These are off on (typical of pregnancy) for another hour or so. Good thing she has good abs! :)



We KNOW that God has a plan. We are not sure what it is. We are not sure why it is. We just know that HE began the good work. He will be faithful to complete what HE has started. We continually pray His will would be to heal Lisa, to keep Jaden developing strong, and that everything will be good.


If His desire is anything else, well, we will just keep begging at the door for what we have been.



But HE IS good! HE IS faithful! We know this. Not always easy to stand by during the pains, but problems in life do NOT mean He is not good or faithful. His plan IS to prosper us, and not to harm us. God promises to carry us in the palm of His hand throughout all of this.


As summer hits, and youth ministry has different responsibilities to tackle (praise God for great yutes and youth workers who step up to serve humbly, yet with confidence! so blessed!!) we will continue to trust God's leading. We don't look past today, for each day is a gift...wow--how true that is!!


Thank you over and over for all the prayers, support, and concern.


Our only prayer (besides the obvious health ones, and for our doc) is that God WILL use this to get glory for His name. Can never forget that, no matter what each moment may or may not look like.


Take things maybe you have gone through. God did not lose sight of you.


Look at Job. And we are NOWHERE near as faithful as he was, and look what he endured. And keep looking--God, who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever--was with Him EVERY step of the way. Faithfully (for His name is faithful)!!

Blog Journal Entry #18

Friends, this is going to be a short, really short entry today.  Today's blog journal topic is:

Do you collect anything? Write about a collection you have and include photos if you like.
And my response is, no, no I do not collect anything.  I do take a lot of pictures, but that is about it.  Boring, I know, but it is true.  And with that, I am off to enjoy my day, which happens to be my birthday.  Have fun friends!

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

What's buggin you? I mean, me.

Day 17's Blog Journal Question is: What are your pet peeves?

An easy question has finally crossed my path!  Funny how answering what is annoying in others is so much easier to do than answering what's annoying about one's self.  Yet, so very true.  On to the list!  First of all, I do not like having to repeat myself.  Pay attention the first time and we can go about our tasks.  And I had to crack up when I read Emma's entry on her worst habit because my husband is the same way and it drives me bonkers!  LOL!  Secondly, I do not like hearing people eat, chew gum, or gulp water.  Basically, noisy eaters.  Ick ick ick.  There you have it, I will keep it at two items.  What have we learned?  Number 1: listen.  Number 2: we do not need to hear you eating. 

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Tough questions for real answers

I posted what you are about to read on my health/wellness blog, but thought I would share it here as well:

Do you want to live longer or die sooner? Do you have the day you want to die written down on your calendar along your other appointments?

Both of these are questions I once heard Carter ask during an informational health and wellness session. Although everyone seemed to have drawn in a collective breath as he asked those questions, they drove home the point. Every choice we make dictates our true desires. Do we really want healthy lives, or do we say that to meet the status quo? Are we willing to work at it, or do we want the easy way?

This morning, while training one of my clients, I asked him those questions. This past weekend, he was out of town and made every bad choice possible. He didn't eat well, didn't take his AdvoCare supplements (though he had them with him), didn't drink enough water, and didn't sleep well. My response was not, "well, it's hard when you go out of town." Instead it was, "everytime you choose what food to eat, you are choosing life or death. It's that simple. Do you want to live longer or die sooner? Ultimately, it's your choice. I'll give you the tools, but I cannot force you to use them." He nodded his head as he said, "that makes sense. I get your point."

Wouldn't you know, in the few days he's been back, exercising again, eating better, and taking his supplements, he feels better, has more energy, and is sleeping better. He chooses life, abundant, healthy life with these actions. Either way, it is our choice. And with that, enjoy your day friends, and choose well.

Blog Journal #16

Today's question is: what is your worst habit?

Oh good grief!  I should ask my husband the answer to this one.  Although, being a good husband, he would avoid the question and pretend not to hear me.  Smart man that one.  My worst habit?  I have no clue, but I know I have many bad habits.  Like, procrastinating (which makes me laugh since I am typing this the night before it will post), talking too much (duh, I blog for that very reason), and I am forever going around with one foot in my mouth.  I am also stubborn, and strong willed, and like things done a certain way (my way).  Must I go on?  I'm a mess people, just a mess!  There, it's out.

And another thing, I must correct some information from this post.  My mother is NOT in her 60s, though she is getting closer (insert hysterical laughter here).  But, the woman is definitely not in her 60s.

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Blog Journal Entry #15

"What is your bucket list top 5?"

Well me oh my, I have never thought of such a thing.  So, allow me to put on my thinking cap in order to answer this.  Hmmmmm, where is said cap anyway?  Forget the thinking cap, I will just go with the first five things that pop into my big, yet rather empty, head.

• 
  
  Visit Ireland and Scotland
• 
  
  Go on a mission trip as a family
• 
  
  Adopt a child (or two)
• 
  
  Build a retreat type place for marriage retreats, family retreats, etc.  A place people can go for help, rebuilding, and reconnecting.
• 
  
  Hit Diamond in AdvoCare

There you have it, my list.  Did you hear the crickets chirping and turning of wheels after the third one?  I almost had to stop there because I could not think of anything else!  But, I made it, five items of my bucket list, which didn't exist, until now.  My bucket list now has a whopping five items on it.  Gotta start somewhere, right?  Oh friends, I crack myself up.  Enjoy! 

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Genesis 1:11 - WFW

Genesis 1:11 - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Genesis 1:11
Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.

I love that God, prior to creating man, created what would be his surroundings.  He saw to it that the earth and sky and seas were filled with living creatures, evidence of life.  Everywhere I look, there is evidence of God's hand.  The swaying of the trees, the bloom of flowers, the flight of birds, the movement of the clouds.  The rising and setting of the sun, the placement of the moon and stars, it all adds beauty to the place I live.  There is movement, constant, ongoing movement.  The flow of water, the blowing of the wind, the rotation of the solar system.  And it is amazing, leaving me awestruck when I sit long enough to think about it.  But when God finished creating the world, the one thing that would constantly and consistently bend to its Creator, God chose to create man.  Being different from all other created things, God gave man a choice.  Believe or not.  Worship or turn away.  Trust or doubt.  Walk in faith or be stilled by fear. 

Everyday, in every moment, we are given a choice.  Follow or stray.  It is our decision.  I believe it would have been less of a hassle to have never presented the choice, but in doing that, love would have been removed.  A love for the created and the Creator.  "Love me, above all else.  Look around, see what I have done for you, hear your name whispered as the wind rustle the leaves.  It is for you I created."  After creating man, God looked around at all he created and said it was very good.  Only after man's presence does the good become even better.  From good to very good.  Because of a choice to create in His own image.  Because of a choice He knew would come to send his son to die and to be raised.  To walk among us as man, to dwell in us as Spirit.  It was a choice.

 A choice He made because he loves YOU.  When all seems to be crumbling around you, sit, and listen.  Watch the clouds drift by, hear the whisper of the wind in the trees, watch the leaves sway in the breeze, hear the birds calling out.  All of creation worships the one who created it.  He is worthy, as He always has been.  Choose to worship, let him hear your voice rather than the rocks that cry out.  He loves you.  He created you.  He created for you.  There is no doubt, he does love you.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit http://susan2956.blogspot.com/.

Entry 14 - and proof I don't always follow the rules

Today's entry: Post a photo of you in the area you blog at :) Yes it's quite an easy one... but I think it will be super interesting!

Typically, I blog while sitting on the couch or at the kitchen table.  I do not care to take a picture of myself at this juncture at either location because it would require asking my husband to do so, setting up the tripod, or somehow arranging the camera in a legitimate manner.  And, there's the fact I have been training all day and look like I have, well, been in a gym all day.  Oh wait, I have.  I will say I like having the laptop because I am not stuck to anyone spot.  Oh wait, I can use the camera on the laptop, but you have to promise to forgive the quality of the picture because it will not be very good.  Take what you can get, right?  So, here we go, me, sitting on the couch blogging.  Try to contain your excitement.

Now I am not a total rule breaker.  *grin*

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Age is just a number

Blog journal entry #13 is:

What do you think is the ideal age to be?

I can honestly say I have never thought about this.  Ever.  In fact, I am not even sure I have an answer on this one.  Each age has it's beauty and it's drawbacks.  I love the innocence and excitement of toddlers, the growing wisdom of elementary aged children.  I enjoy seeing junior high students balancing wanting to play like children while trying to be more grown up.  The critical thinking of highschoolers as well as their ease into independence is just fun to see.  The 20s is a decade of change and growth  and figuring out what to do with life (and maybe marriage and starting a family).  As a girl in my 30s, I have found myself more grounded and more confident in who I am.  I realize I love where I have been, where I am at, and where I am going.  I see those in their 40s and find them even more confident, more grounded.  The 50s seem to be a peaceful time and for married couples to focus more on one another again since children are usually out of the house.  The 60s are where my parents are and they are healthy and fit, and ornery as ever.  They run around and play with their grandkids, are involved in their church, and just don't take a whole lot too seriously.  I love the wisdom of generations before me.  The fact they think, deeply, before they speak, and usually it is to help a conversation or share their own story rather than to just fill the silence. 

As with most things in life, I think age is what you make it.  It's a number that tells me how long I have been on this earth, but it is not one that freaks me out, causes me distress, or worries me.  God knows the number of my days, the number of years I will be here.  Me?  I am just going to enjoy them.

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Change...what? AKA: Entry #12

Our blog journal question today is:

If you could change something about how you have lived your life so far, what would it be?

Seriously, I am blessed beyond measure in my life. I enjoy where I am at now. And that, my friends, leads me to believe that all events in my past have brought me here, each one purposeful. Every laugh, tear, sorrow, and joy has shaped me, continues to shape me into exactly who I am supposed to be.  Check out below for more on the matter.

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Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Where I live -- Entry #11

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Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Friendly Follow Friday

Toddler Awesome is at it again!  Hello and welcome to our first week of Friendly Friday Follow... a link-up meme which I will be hosting every Friday. The plan is to meet many new followers and make new friends each week.

The RULES to join in are very simple!
1.Grab the button above
2.Add your link to the list
3.Visit as many other blogs as you can
4.Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

HAVE FUN!

Journal Entry #10

Today's question is hair raising, truly.  Ready for it?  Are you sure?  I mean really, you have to be ready in order for me to tell you.  Ok, since you seem so sure....

"What are you afraid of?"

Interesting question really, and in my mind, much more revealing than the other nine.  Due to various circumstances in my life, I do not tend to fear a whole bunch in this life.  I know I only have so much control, but really, it's all in God's hands and His plan for my life.  As a mother, I fear things like this happening to my child, and I am equally afraid of what my response would be to that circumstance.  Apart from that, I fear God not saying "well done" when I stand before Him, of having made a mockery of Him, my family, myself.  And that my friends about sums it up.  Oh yea, tornadoes.  Tornadoes scare the fire out of me, but I don't invest a lot of time thinking about them.

Psalm 33:8

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me

Head over to sweet Emma at Toddler Awesome to join the them a day journal project and find out who else is joining the party!

Journal 9 -- Minus the picture

Today's wonderful journal topic is:
Show me your wedding photos and tell me about your day/ if you're not married tell me what your dream wedding would be like!

Just so we are clear, the above picture is not really what my husband and I look like.  Posting a photo of that day is a problem for multiple reasons:

1. 
   
   I do not have any on the new computer loaded, or on a disk, or anywhere easily accessible.  They'd have to be scanned...no thank you.
2. 
   
   I do not like our wedding pictures.  We had an amateur photographer and she just didn't do a good job.  Now?  She's totally amazing.  Our wedding was the first one she shot, and it shows.  It's painfully evident.  They are just plain bad.
3. 
   
   I was 30 pounds heavier than I currently am, enough said.
4. 
   
   The lady who did my hair wasn't listening when I explained how it should be done (ie: how we did it for my bridal photos, which ROCKED) so it looked like a small doorknob on the top of my head rather than an awesome up-do full of life and curls.

But alas, the day was still fabulous and years later we are happily married.  Let's go back to that day, shall we?

It was July 5th, in Tennessee.  If you have ever been to Tennessee, in the summer, you know it is hot, and humid, and I mean really hot.  But that's ok, it was an indoor wedding.  My bridesmaids and I headed out to get our hair done and then to the church.  Being the planners we are, my sweetie and I typed up schedules for everyone to follow.  Everyone knew when to be at the church, when pictures would be taken, when the ceremony would start, etc.  (Genius idea for those of you who are not yet married.  It makes things a lot easier, trust me).  Once we arrived at the church, there was a lot of laughing, ensuring I didn't see my soon to be husband, and more laughing.  I remember doing the make-up for one of my bridesmaids, which brought more laughter.  I wiggled into my dress, ok fine, stepped into it.  Off the girls went to do some picture taking.  There was more laughing, lots of smiling, and cracking of jokes.  I remember looking at my sister and saying I needed to use the bathroom, so in she and I headed to the restroom.  As you would guess, there was more laughing.  In fact, side splitting type laughter.  But, let's move on.

I remember sitting in the room, waiting to be "released" to leave to walk down the aisle with my dad.  I was bored.  Just before the ceremony was to start, our pastor walked in and said, "I have never seen a bride looked this relaxed.  I did not know it could happen.  You are excited though aren't you?"  I just smiled and nodded, and explained I didn't like the quarantining that was taking place.  He prayed for us, and off he went.

The wedding had started (on time) and I really wanted to see what was going on.  I kept trying to creep out and take a gander, but kept getting shoo'd back into my quarters.  Finally, I got to come out, linked my arm through my dad's and looked down the aisle to my soon to be husband.  One of our favorite songs was playing (not one you will ever hear at a wedding, but one we love, and one performed by friends of ours).  As the chorus started, my dad and I began our short trek to Andy.  The ceremony was filled with our heads nodding in agreement with our pastor, a whole lot of smiles and yes, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.  It was relaxed, and light, not your typical wedding. 

We walked into our reception, had our first dance (to a song he and I wrote), cut the cake, made our way around the room and just had fun.  Every single person involved with our wedding made the statement that they had never been a part of a wedding that was so relaxed and so fun.  Andy and I agreed it was an incredible compliment!  After the garter and boquet toss, we went to change attire.  Remember, it was hot and humid, and I did not want to enter the hotel we were headed to in my wedding dress.  We left the church, with our family and friends clapping and cheering and blowing bubbles.  As we drove away, my niece sat pouting becasue she "didn't want Chelle to leave."

Our wedding day was the beginning of a new chapter, an adventure, a challenge.  Marriage is not for wimps, that much I know.  It is hard, but wonderful.  The ceremony was just that, a ceremony.  It was not the "main thing" or our main focus.  We wanted it to be a celebration, but to expend too much money and energy on it seemed silly to me.  A grand ceremony does not equal a grand marriage.  We opted for a simple ceremony in order to work on our relationship, our marriage, the new chapter God laid before us.  And for that, I am thankful because our marriage keeps getting better.

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Keep praying for Jaden!

Below is from my friend, David, concerning his wife and son, Jaden.  Please continue to pray for them, for Lisa and Jaden's health, for Jaden to grow and develop without consequence, for Lisa's body to be strong and healthy, and for David as he watches his wife endure pain he cannot ease.  Please read on, and more than anything, pray for them.  Thanks. 

Current Jaden update May 19th.  Today at 4:52pm

I am so thankful for the way facebook has become a tool for getting out prayer needs. You know, in the wrong hands--ANYTHING can be used for bad. So thankful this has been used as a powerful GOOD thing!!


It has also helped get info out for specific prayer, as well as saying things once so as not to have to re-live it so much. We are SO thankful for the prayers and encouragement as it is what is carrying us. Lost people have no idea what they are missing, and we are so thankful for the family we have!!


Please know we are giving this info out for the sake of knowledge for prayer. Thanks for caring so much (we assume if you didn't, you wouldn't be reading another update anyway :) )


We went for Lisa's 3rd "fill-up" today at 11:30. (1st was 2 weeks ago with a surgical procedure to somewhat "seal" the leak. 2nd was last week...in and out in an hour after filling from a 2.4 to an 11.9).
The average fluid level needs to be an 8-11.  Lisa continues to lose fluid (even though more is reproduced), as well as lots of blood. 


Today, they checked vitals. All looked great with Jaden (as usual-Praise God!!).  His stomach and bladder were full, which is fluid, so that part is great!  Heartrate also great! (again---as usual--Lisa struggles but he has been fine)


She was at a fluid level of 1 this time. When the specialist put in the 3rd part of today's injection, it got her to a 12.5. She went into one of the contraction things, and started losing fluid after 5 or so minutes. She also got very hot. He was very concerned at seeing this. (it is what happens at home also). Immediately, HE took her over into the hospital (buildings are connected), and admitted her. She will be in here till Thurs morning. Assuming he will check her fluid level again.


He knows we still need to get a couple more weeks for a "better" situation of viability. Yet, he is very worried about Lisa's body.  Not only is there the hemorage. There is the leak which will slowly continue. AND there is a placenta "abresion" or something like that which if it comes completely separated (1 of the big risks with this), there are some large risks for both Lisa and Jaden.


PRAISE---other than the fact that Jaden is fighting, he measured at 22 weeks and 1 day today (which is MUCH closer to what we know for obvious reasons) and weighed 1 pound.  Got to look for bright spots through this :)


If, WHEN, we make it to 24 (who knows which date they will use...either June 3rd or 10th), Lisa will be admitted to the hospital until Jaden comes. They want to keep a tighter monitor on her from that point on. (Praise God for a church who makes sure we have insurance. Can't imagine not having any.)


The high risk specialist is amazing. We are the only 1 he is working with like this right now. It's just a risky thing, and he usually waits till people are further along. For some reason, AKA-GOD, he took us early. Again, he still speaks hope. He was clearly worried today, but he wants to get us as far as possible.


We know God has a purpose for all things. We are trusting. You ALWAYS have to hope. God's ways are higher than any of ours. We are going to keep pleading at the door of the Father with this. It's so hard to see Lisa struggle daily with the contraction pains, and emotional / mentally with the blood and fluid loss (not to mention bedrest alone). She is a trooper, and I am so blessed and amazed by her strength. God is our peace. People may not understand, but you HAVE to lean on the Lord with all you have. He even tells us that His peace passes ALL understanding. So thankful, cuz sometimes we simply don't get it, but He knows that. His grace covers us always.


Again, if you read this, obviously you are praying along with us. Know that we are so thankful for all of you. We can not repay the love, prayers, and encouragement. But God knows, and I know He blesses the hearts of those who seek Him!

Romance is...

Today's question for the 8th blog journal entry is:
What is romance to you?

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Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

**Please forgive the blurry pictures!

Life In Spite of Me - Book Tour

Buy here.

As a mother, my biggest hope and prayer is that my child grows up to love life, each breath, each moment she is given. I pray she absorbs it all, all the beauty, all the joy, all of it. I pray for God to protect her from evils of this world like abuse, and rape and hatred.  I pray for her to know innocence, to cherish it, and to be surrounded with others who do the same.  Be compassionate, be caring, know who you are and whose you are.  Finding out someone had hurt my child would probably send me into a maddening rage.  Finding out she did it to herself?  It would break.my.heart.  I would be filled with doubt as a parent, in the choices I made, in the way I handled every single moment with my child.  You see, I want to protect her, as much as possible.  Yet I know as well as you do that parents can only do so much.  There are circumstances, decisions and moments that lend to children deciding for themselves what road they will choose.

Kristen Anderson chose a road laid with tracks, while waiting for the whistle of the oncoming train to blow.  She laid herself down, wanting the darkness, wanting the end, wanting to feel nothing.  But God, in His divine nature chose otherwise.  What Kristen sought for death, God sought for victory.  What Kristen chose as her ending, God chose as her beginning.  When Kristen  gave up on life and was tired of the hurt that burned her soul, God jealously said, "But I am not done with you child.  I need you there and I will not allow you to quit like that."

Life, In Spite of Me, is not an emotionally easy book to read, for moms, for those walking through, around, beside, or in depression, for anyone who cares for other human beings.  But, it is written honestly, with light given to the decisions Kristen made and those forced upon her.  Life, In Spite of Me, is a book proving God is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24), a God who cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and that He does know the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11).  For anyone who has despaired, for any of you who know someone prone to depression, you need this book.  You will find hope and the redeeming, saving power of the mighty, loving God. 
ABOUT THE BOOK:

After her fatal choice... extraordinary hope.
Why does my life have to be so painful?
What's wrong with me?
It's not going to get better.
It could all be over soon, and then I won't hurt anymore.

Kristen Anderson thought she had the picture perfect life until strokes of gray dimmed her outlook on life. Once a happy child, Kristen's world darkened after three friends and her grandmother died within two years. Still reeling from these losses, she was raped by a friend she thought she could trust. She soon spiraled into a depression that didn't seem to have a bottom.


One January night, the seventeen-year-old made a decision: She no longer wanted to deal with the emotional pain that smothered her. She lay down on a set of cold railroad tracks and waited-for a freight train to send her to heaven...and peace.


Fear coursed through me. I squeezed my eyes tighter.  It's going to be over now. The pain is going to end. I'll be in heaven soon.  As the train whistle blew, the vibration of my body stilled.  The sound stopped. The wind stopped. The train stopped.  Am I dead yet?


Amazingly, Kristen survived her suicide attempt... but the 33 freight cars that ran over her severed her legs. Now she not only had to deal with depression; she also had to face the physical pain and life without legs.


But Kristen's story didn't end there. After her darkest days Kristen discovered a real purpose for living. Now, in her compelling book Life, In Spite of Me, Kristen shares her journey from despair to hope.


Includes letters from Kristen that share messages she wishes someone would have told her-when she was depressed and struggling with loss, shame from sexual abuse, and suicidal thoughts.  Watch the video trailer here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tricia Goyer is the author of twenty-four books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife. For more info, please visit www.triciagoyer.com

LOVE THE BOOK?
Don't forget to post a review on Amazon, CBD or B&N!

CHECK OUT OTHER REVIEWS!
Link to the blog tour on your blog: http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/life-in-spite-of-me.html

CONTEST
! STARTS 5/17
Tweet this: Don’t miss Life, In Spite of Me by @TriciaGoyer! The amazing story of #KristenAnderson journey back from #suicide! http://bit.ly/98PKmo
(must use both hashtags #kristenanderson and #suicide)
For a chance to win a 5 book Tricia Goyer library – any five books of your choice!
And/or
Leave a comment here http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-am-so-excited-to-announce-that-life.html for a chance to win 1 of 5 copies of Life, In Spite of Me.

Song of Solomon 2:10 - WFW

Song of Solomon 2:10 - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Song of Solomon 2:10 (New International Version)My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.

I love the Song of Solomon. It's a wonderfully romantic book of the Bible. Not only is it the guidebook for how a courtship should work, but it's also indicative of how God courts us. He desires us for his own, to fall into his arms, and to live in purity and righteousness. It is beautiful. Go on, pick up your Bible and read a bit. Enjoy, dive in, and find out that true love exists, how romance should be done, and the benefits of doing it all right.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Amydeanne @ the 160acre woods.

Blog Journal Project Entry #7

Write about what each of your senses are sensing right now: taste, feel, what you can see, hear and smell.

Taste: peanut butter

Feel:  Keyboard of the computer, my child's hand

See:  My child climbing on furniture

Hear: Laughter and singing of said child

Smell:  a freshly bathed child...and the peanut butter

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Love at first meeting

Ephesians 5:19-21 (New International Version)

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now that we have found a church, we have happily joined a small group.  Sunday services end around noon, which means we jet out quickly in order to get home, eat, and get our child down for a nap.  This leaves little time for fellowship, of any kind, much less developing any kind of relationship with our fellow church-goers.  We have attended a Sunday school class, all of once, got confused as to whether or not it was still meeting, and now need to figure out which one we should be going to.  During this time, we have loved our time with the family, but knew we needed to connect with some other people.  Our pastor approached us and told us to pray about joining a small group another couple would be starting.  We laughed, and said, "yes, we're in."  When God has already revealed a need in our lives, we don't typically have to stop and pray about it when the opportunity presents itself. 

Last night was our first night to meet with this group.  There were six couples and a combined total of 20 children.  Yes, 20 children.  Whew.  It was wonderful chaos, and it went well.  Someone thought far enough ahead to know we would need outside help to man the children so the adults could converse.  And, it was fun.  The hubby and I each came home giddy and excited.  Will we do an organized study?  Simply fellowship?  Pray for an hour?  We don't know.  I think we are going to find the balance of each of it, and extend grace when grace is needed to one another.  I made the statement that the good thing about something like this is that people are involved, and the drawback is that people are involved.  But, with that, we get to show one another grace and mercy and learn to love better.  It's good, friends. 

As you would expect, there is already one other lady in the group that my dearest husband has claimed I may cause some trouble with (in that fun, holy, laugh until your sides hurt kind of way).  He's right too.  But you know,  I instantly felt comfortable with every person in that room, and am excited to get to knowthem better.  Praise the Lord for this answered prayer, for this wonderful gift, for this gift of other broken people seeking to know the Savior better, who want to go beyond the masks we wear with one another, and who want to learn and grow!  WOO HOO!!!! 

Entry number 6: blog journal project!

The question of the day is:
What is your favourite food, recipe and/or favourite restaurant?

My favorite recipe? Let's go with one for a yummy snack. Seriously, it's amazing:

This recipe is from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious Cookbook:

Servings: Makes 12 bars

Ingredients:
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars (with Spinach)

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup Balance trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread , chilled
• 1 cup low-sugar blueberry preserves
• 1/2 cup spinach puree

 Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Coat an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and vanilla and stir to mix well.

Add the margarine and cut it quickly into dry ingredients with two knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal and is no longer powdery. Do not overmix—bits of margarine will still be visible.

Set aside about half of the oat mixture; press the rest firmly into the pan. Bake until lightly browned at the edges (but not fully baked), 13 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the preserves with the spinach puree in a small bowl.

Spread blueberry mixture over the partially baked oat layer, then sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake until topping is slightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.

My favorite restaurant?
Finally, an EASY question! Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is Leo's Mexican Restaurant .  Growing up, we went there at least once a month (I will have a 1A, no beans was my order.  Now, I would keep the beans).  Sadly, there is not one where we live now, but that's ok.  It's probably better for my waistline!

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Worship and Praise Sunday - Your Great Name

I am blessed to know many great artists, one being Danielle Kingsley. She is a wonderful human being and has been gifted with more talent than I think should be legal. Plus, she is just plain adorable. The power in her voice proves her love for God fully. When you hear her sing, her vocals and the words that flow out will hurl you front and center to the throne of grace. When you finally do rise up, you will be better for having been there. Trust me. With that being said, here you have, "Your Great Name"



Join Jen for more W&P greatness:

Day 5 of the Blog Journal Project

The question for today is:

"Write a list of 10 songs you think your readers should listen to."

Wow, only 10?  I think I can, I think I can....here we go (and no, they are in no particular order):

1. 
   
   Healing Hand of God - Jeremy Camp
2. 
   
   Better Is One Day - Passion
3. 
   
   Until the Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns
4. 
   
   How Great Thou Art
5. 
   
   Arise - Shane & Shane
6. 
   
   Bring the Rain - Mercy Me
7. 
   
   Your Great Name - Danielle Kingsley
8. 
   
   Stop - Heather Schultz
9. 
   
   The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets
10. 
    
    A More Beautiful You - Johnny Diaz

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Entry Number 4!

The theme/ topic/ project for today is:

"Write about your favourite holiday/ vacation and include photos if you wish".

With that being said, enjoy.

This scrapbooking design made with Smilebox

I married a man who is the youngest of six kids.  The kids did not choose to live in the same area(s).  Therefore, our traveling always involves family.  But that is ok, I love it.  I loved traveling here to see my family when we lived in Tennessee, and we'll love joining up with his clan this summer.  But yes, I do have hopes for us to take a vacation somewhere wonderful, to a place that may or may not contain family members!  HA!

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Blog Journal Project - Day Three

Today's question is (drum roll please....someone?  anyone?  Fine, never mind!):
What are you most proud of?

Whew, I was worried today was going to be a hard question (insert, laugh, snicker, roll of the eyes and a sarcastic tone, here.)

What am I most proud of?  There is no one thing really, in fact, that seems nearly impossible to write just one thing.  I can say, I do not take too much stock in achievements, like the full marathon I completed, of having survived some crazy workouts at D1, or for becoming healthy, a personal trainer, or any of that.  I take more pride in the fact I am becoming more grounded in my faith, and myself.  I am proud of my kid, my husband, my family.  I am proud there is laughter, daily, in our house, evening prayers, and meals eaten together.  I am proud I get to serve others, as a personal trainer, in order to help them lead healthier lives.  I am proud to be a part of the AdvoCare family that is helping to change lives physically and financially every single day.  I am proud of where I come from, where I have been, and where I am going.  But most of all, I am proud to serve the living, almighty God.
Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Journal Day 2

The question of the day: What does a day in your life look like - write a timeline of your day?

Let me begin by saying I laughed out loud at this question because, rarely, are two days ever the same for me.  The joys of training and mommyhood.  Seriously, it's comical to try to group my time each day, but just for some laughs, let's see what I can come up with...

The Mon/Wed Schedule:
5:20 am - wake up and work out
7:00 am - Shower and then eat (ideally read at least a bit of the Bible, but let me be honest, doesn't always happen)
8-8:30 am - kiddo wakes up, get her up, dress and feed her
9:00 am - drop kiddo off at my dad's
9:30-1:45 - train clients
2:00 pm - pick up kiddo and come home to play
5:00 pm - head back to gym
5:30-6:30pm - boot camp group
6:45 pm - arrive home and laugh while listening to Daddy give kiddo a bath
8:00 pm - family prayer time then Daddy puts kiddo to bed
8-10:00 pm (or 9:00 if I have my say) - work on computer, make calls for AdvoCare

The Tues/Thurs Schedule (which will change at the end of the month):
5:20 am - wake up and head to gym
6-7:00 am - train a client
7:00-7:45 am - do my own workout
8-8:30 am - kiddo wakes up, get her up, dress and feed her
9:00 am - drop kiddo off at PDO (which ends May 25th)
9:15-2:00 pm - my own appointments (hair, dr, etc), business meetings, or an occassional lunch with hubby
2:45 pm - pick up kid at PDO
Then, we play and play some more, eat dinner, and the evening routine is the same.  There you have it friends, that's where I am running each day!  Woo hoo. 

Head over to Toddler Awesome to find others partaking in this journal journey, or to link up if you have decided to join!

Pain or Pleasure? Who cares, it's all about blogging.

That's right, another form of punishment fun I am taking on.  My friend Jen posted about this little activity started by Emma at Toddler Awesome.

The plan, according to Emma, is to keep it for a whole month, with a new theme/ question each day. I figured this would make a good blogging exercise!

Day one (ie: today)
1. Write an introduction.

Well, alrighty then.  I'm a wife, mom, personal trainer, AdvoCare Distributor, writer, crazy girl living in Texas.  Well, I'm back in Texas (thank you Jesus).  My family is awesome and my child, now two, is hysterically funny.  I laugh, a lot.  I enjoy embarassing my older sister at every opportunity, and I typically run full force all day long.  If I'm up, I might as well be moving!  We'll see if I stick to this journal idea...hmm, let's just pray I do not make a mess of it.  Shall we?  And now to convince Jen to send me a fun code to write my "journal" in like she had on her page...hint.hint.hint.

Grab the code, join the part, all by going here.

WFW-Psalm 102:2

WFW-Psalm 102:2
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 102 

1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;

let my cry for help come to you.

2 Do not hide your face from me

when I am in distress.

Turn your ear to me;

when I call, answer me quickly.

It is so comforting to me to know that I serve a God who hears me, who knows me, who answers me.  He cannot go outside his own character (unlike us!) and will always answer his children.  It may not feel like it, and that much I understand.  But He made us, and we are the people he takes care of and the sheep that he tends (Psalm 95:7)  He will answer.  Reach out, cry out, call out.  He is there, in the moments you feel his presence all around and in the moments you feel you are alone in the darkness, He.is.there.  Go ahead, call out, you will find Him waiting and excited to hear from you.

Rather than a phone, use prayer.  Rather than an extension, open your heart.  Come Lord Jesus, send your Spirit.  Intercede, intervene, and be who you say you are.  Go on, call Him.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Lori.

When toys go bad

Discipline is serious business in this house.  We do not mess around people, not a bit.  In fact, not even toys are exempt for a trip into time-out.  Yep, the girl placed them there for some kind of misdeed on their part.  Poor toys.  However, they seem to have learned their lesson as they have not had to revisit time-out.

Presenting my present

Because Mother's Day and my birthday fall in the same month, my hubby decided to give me one lovely gift.  This is something I have been longing wanting for a while.  And now, I shall have it.  Spoiled?  Yes?  Thankful?  Double yes.  What is it?  Here you go:

Worship and Praise Sunday - Healing Hand of God

As I type this, it is Saturday night.  So yes, I am posting this early.  I am sure you will forgive me for being "ahead" of the game.  Following my niece's soccer game (the game she broke from the pack, dribbled down the field and scored a goal mind you), we treated ourselves to some frozen yogurt then my niece declared she was coming to my house.  Fine by me kid, fine by me.  Watching my daughter and niece play and hearing them sing and dance is about the greatest thing ever.  It really is just one more reason I am thankful for our move.  After I returned my niece home (with much protesting by my kid), I turned up the radio a bit to enjoy some time alone in the car...all four minutes of it.

Jeremy Camp's song Healing Hand of God began playing and I found myself wiping tears from my eyes.  On the eve of Mother's Day, thoughts began swirling in my head.  First came thoughts of my mother in law.  She remains in a nursing home and though she may recognize faces of her visitors, the names attached to those people do not quite come to her.  I want to sit and talk to her again, to have her see her 16th grandchild and to be able to embrace her.  I want to hear her say, "Well, isn't that something," which is her chosen response when she may not quite agree with what is being said, sort of her default so as not to be rude.  I want to see her stand up and wrap her arms around her family in a hug, to hear her stories of her husband and children from years ago.  I want her healed, whole. 

My mind then shifted to those mothers whose arms ache for the children they had to release to Heaven.  And having just left my sister's, I instantly thought of my nephew and how tomorrow as we are all celebrating together I know we will all be missing him, wishing he was there with us.  As thankful as I am that he is in Heaven's arms, healed and whole and filled with joy as God intended, I still miss him, I still want him here with us too.  Following that came thoughts of all the single parents I know.  Individuals who could use just one day off, one day of relief and rest.  The single parents I know are doing an incredible job raising their children, supporting their families.  But, I do not believe they were ever supposed to go at it alone.

You see, we were meant for so much more in this life.  But there was a choice given, a temptation laid out, an option taken that would send mankind into a desperate need for a Savior.  And He came.  He came into this world as we all do and grew and learned.  He leaned closely into his father, was secured in the love of his mother.  And he knew his reason for being here.  He came to carry a cross, our sin, our shame.  He came to suffer and bleed and die.  But he knew this must happen in order for him to raise, to return to his heavenly throne, and to restore a fallen mankind.  As he rose the hope of Heaven rang out, and the mercy of God was poured out.  He waits with arms opened wide, waiting for us to run into them, to receive our eternal glory, to be wrapped in his holy embrace.  And when he looks upon us, he looks with pride at his children, his creation, the very ones he cried out for, labored for, bled for.  Like a mother as her child is brought into this world.  The child does not need to do anything for his mother to bestow her love on him.  He is hers (Romans 8:17) and that is all that matters.  And when the world comes crashing in, she will hold him close (Deuteronomy 33:12) and rejoice over him (Zephaniah 3:17). 

In our heartache and in our joy, God has walked through it.  As much as we love, He loves even more.  His love is wide and deep and everlasting (Isaiah 40:28).  I am thankful for my mother
 who is encouraging and wonderful and intelligent and silly.  She still knows how to play, and she has fun.  If I do half as good a job at encouraging and teaching my child, as supporting her and loving her (in spite of her actions and attitude), then I now my daughter will do well in this world.  I am thankful for my sister who has modeled, daily, what a healthy consistent mother looks like.  Her strength astounds me and her faith is infectious.  But more than that, more than the aunts, and cousins, and friends who have all modeled what motherhood is all about, I am thankful for the God I serve.  I am thankful these women choose to love Him, follow Him, and trust in Him.  I am thankful they have walked through the valleys, stood on the moutain tops, and chosen to trust Him and Him alone.  I am thankful for the lessons he teaches me through these people. 

So on this eve of Mother's Day, I can say with all honesty, I have a long way to go, but it is well with my soul.  Enjoy.

Jeremy Camp - Healing Hand Of God

From the album Speaking Louder Than Before

I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain So if life’s journey has you weary and afraid There’s rest in the shadow of his wing

I have walked through the valleys the mountains and plains I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains If you feel weight of many trials ad burdens of this world There’s freedom in the shelter of the Lord

I have seen the healing hand of God
Reaching out and mending broken hearts
So taste and see the fullness of his peace And hold on to what’s being held out The healing hand of God

I have touched the scars upon his hands to see if they were real He has walked the road before me he knows just how I feel When you feel that there’s not anyone who understands your pain Just remember all of Jesus’ suffering

Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you He’s near to the broken and confused By his stripes our spirit is renewed So enter in the joy prepared for you

**Visit Jen @Following the Footsteps to add your Worship and Praise link, and to visit others who are participating!

Update

For those of you who are praying for Jaden, and his mommy, Lisa and Daddy, David, thank you.  Here is the update:

From David:  fluid at 6 (8-11 is average and good--but THIS can work). If it stays, or drops no lower than a 4, then the procedure will have been a success. So thankful for the medical knowledge and bravery of the doc we were sent to (most wouldn't even try this). Thanks more than anything for ALL the love and prayers as we keep walking this road. 

From Lisa:  thank you all so very much for all the prayers & encouragment! I got home from the hospital this morning. :) The surgery went great & things are looking well! God is so good!! My "level" is at a 6, & we are praying it will stay at a 6 or get even higher before my next apt. I will have weekly apts between now & when Jaden comes... Please continue to pray as we still need to get further along! Thank you so much!!

So, please keep praying for them.  Also, keep praying for the city of Nashville as it rebuilds and tries to dry out after last week's flooding.

You are beautiful!

I am so proud of my friend Heather!  God has called her to a beautiful ministry called The Pink Dress whose goal is to promote positive self-worth and to encourage women to live a beautiful life.  Watch the video below, be encouraged, visit the site, attend a conference.  Enjoy.

Thursdays Thoughts

• Today is the National Day of Prayer 

• While you are praying for our nation, please pray for our former city which was hit by a major flood this past weekend.  Some good friends had to rip out walls, etc from the house they moved into a mere two weeks ago.  However, from everyone I talk to, God and the community are showing up in big, wonderful ways!
• Also, pray for Jaden and his parents, David and Lisa.  Lisa goes in today to have the tear in the placenta repaired and to have fluid replaced.  Pray all goes well and Jaden continues to grow and gain strength!
• I was in Dallas this past weekend for an AdvoCare Millionaire training.  It was incredible!  And, while I was there I got to spend some time with two wonderful friends who had me laughing and smiling.  I forgot how fun girl time can be!
• Our kiddo is now two and at the moment sick.  She's on some medications but I decided not to take her to her "school" today because I do not want her to get worse or miss out on a nap (which she did yesterday at her Papa's house, and that resulted in her falling asleep before 7pm!).  So, there goes today's to do list.  Oh well, what do ya do?
• I pray each of you are being blessed, are smiling, and know how special you truly are!