update on Janna (Chelsea's mom)

Janna is continuing to do well.  Prayers have been answered!

Update on Janna (Chelsea's mom)

The surgery is over and she is doing well!


Praise God and Thank Him for all of us!


Cheryl

Janna (Chelsea's mom)

Surgery this morning @ 8:00 a.m.


Please pray.


Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

It is about time...

I checked Jim Martin's blog this morning and found this:

1. I don’t have time to waste on things that don’t matter….I have plenty of time for the things that count.

2. I don’t have time to get moody, self-centered, and irritable….I do have time to love my wife and children.

3. I don’t have time to wallow in the past at what might have been….I do have time to focus on what God wants to do in my life today.

4. I don’t have time to play self-importance games (Whom do you know? What kind of house do you live in? What have your kids accomplished? What are you driving?)….I do have time to build up others and forget myself.

5. I don’t have time to coddle worldly, immature Christians whose idea of church is getting their way….I have plenty of time to love fellow Christians who may express a variety of opinions.

6. I don’t have time to be a peacemonger (doing whatever it takes to keep others from getting upset)….I do have time to be a peacemaker (loving people no matter what).

7. I don’t have time to play it safe. My life will soon be over….I do have time to risk. I can trust God who has promised to never leave me or forsake me.

8. I don’t have time to whine and blame others for being obstacles….I do have time to take responsibility for my own actions and behavior.

9. I don’t have time to complain and focus on the negative….I do have time to speak a word of hope to people who are overwhelmed by heartache.

10. I don’t have time to settle for the mediocre….I do have time to be passionate about what matters most to God.

Powerful!  
Here is the link if you want to see what else is there:
Jim Martin's blog

Sunday Blessings

Chelsea is home!  YAY!  We picked her up at the airport last night and took her home.  The dogs went wild when she walked in the door and she was almost as happy to see them.  She was exhausted and just wanted to be home.  We went over to the Cracker Barrel where Jonathan was working and had supper.  He looks great, new haircut and all.  One of the waitresses came over, introduced herself and asked if we were Jon's parents.  That is always a tricky question until you now where it is going......Ha-ha-ha  She began to expound on all of his wonderful attributes and what a special young man he is, etc. We beamed with pride.  Then she went on and on about Chelsea and how sweet she is and what a great match they are,   and we agreed whole heartedly! What a blessing!


We had our church's Ladies' Retreat this weekend.  Our speaker was Brooke Hollingsworth from Westover Hills C of C in Austin.  She spoke on the "Presence of God" and the text was the book of Exodus.  She showed us some new perspectives about the absence (silence) of God and how he re-established his relationship with his people.  Another revealing moment was when "God remembered" means He decided to act.  There were many "aha" moments along the way and she was a very interesting presenter.  Great study!


After the retreat, John and I went to San Antonio to do some shopping and pick up Chelsea.  I had quite an experience.  I knew I had gone down another size (as of Friday!) but when I tried on clothes even that size was too big.  I have gone down 2 more sizes!  That makes 5 sizes down in 5 months!  WOO-HOO!!!!
It was sooooooo much fun!!


Today, our church culminates 40 days of prayer and dreams.  We have been focused on dreams we have for our church for this next year.  We have a potluck today after church and then we will go to our assigned areas to share our dreams for the church.  It is an exciting time for our church. I am anxious to see what happens next.

(NIV) Exodus 2

²³ During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. ²⁴ God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. ²⁵ So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

Update on Chelsea's mom, Janna

Janna was supposed to have her back surgery on Monday of this past week.  It was postponed to today.  Last night Chelsea said it has been postponed again. I don't know the reasons for all of this, but we know how many of God's people have been praying.  There is a reason for the waiting and it may become clear sometime later.  Please continue to pray for all involved they are faithfully trying to understand this situation with their loved one and it is difficult.

Chelsea and her dad were able to get an emergency passport from the U.S. embassy so now she can come home tomorrow.  (whew!) 

Here is the scripture that came to mind when I was praying about all of this today:

Isaiah 26:8

Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Wet Wednesday

Foggy, Drizzly and overcast but not cold!  I am still at 43 pounds.  I go to the endocrinologist (diabetes) today and it is a regular follow up appointment.  I am doing very well in that department.  :) 


I have been battling a sinus infection since last week and headaches- :( probably caused by the sinus and my neck is out of whack.  Doing my neck exercises DOES help, but it is a pain (inconvenience and literal!)


Chelsea is in Mexico City with her family and her mom is in severe pain.  They had planned to do the surgery on Monday, but had to postpone it until Friday because of her sore throat.  This family is under tremendous stress please pray for God's will for all concerned. 


Jonathan had the day off yesterday and came to K'ville for some doctor check ups. He brought Ploonky (sugar glider) and visited John's office and my school and Ploonky was a major attraction at both venues.  It was fun to have him here and seemed like old times! :)  Some of the students still remember him from his volunteering in classes during high school.  I love him being so close that we get to see him more often.


My thoughts are with Chelsea's family especially her mom.  Prayers are constant for pain relief and healing.


my favorite verse: 
Ephesians 3:20-21
NIV

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Where does the time go?

I am now hovering at 43 pounds lost.  It seems like I have been at this level for a long time, but evidently I haven't blogged in a long time. :) So here we go.

Lots going on and not the least of which is grad school.  I am learning so much and morphing into a much better teacher.  It is amazing how interesting the research can be when you are immersed in a school setting already. 

On a personal note, Chelsea (daughter-in-law) is going to Mexico city today to be with her family as her mom goes through an intense and highly risky back surgery on Monday.  Prayers are needed for all concerned.  Her mom is currently infection free, but in a great deal of pain.  We are hopeful that the surgery is successful and that the long recovery (possibly a year of bedrest) will also be successful.  I personally have been praying for a full and complete recovery (a miracle) and I feel confident that she will come through this stronger and healthier.

My eating has been good for the most part.  We went to a new restaurant for my oldest son's birthday.  It is a Hibachi grill type place.  We sat around the large cooking grill while our "chef" put on quite a show!  I was able to eat all of the soup, some rice, teriyaki chicken and a shrimp. Jenny and I split an order and even with that we were both taking some home!  Fun and delicious.

My motivation of listening to audiobooks has been very interesting.  I couldn't wait to get to the gym to listen to what happens next in the murder mysteries I so love.  Then two other books were recommended to me and I put those on my shuffle.  They were good reads, I am sure, but didn't have that "can't wait to see what happens next" quality and so. . . . .  you guessed it!  I haven't been to the gym since Monday!  YIKES!!  Also, I did put a new Lisa Gardner book on it and it has me hooked, but I haven't been feeling great this week and had appointments on Monday/Tues. after school, so yeah, I am behind.

BIG NEWS:  Laura and Eric are expecting a baby in August!!!!  My first grand child.  I am soooooo excited about it. 

This is for Janna:

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21
NIV

Hello there!

Long time no post!  Sorry about that, I am still hovering at 39 lbs lost.  but I have gone to the gym every day for two weeks and it is becoming a welcome time for me to withdraw into my own little world and listen to an audiobook.  I never get to read novels unless I am on vacation and don't have a class online.  So this feels like I am on a mini vacation. 


Today I got sick at school for the first time.  It has been a long time since I got sick from eating anyway.  I ordered chinese with the third grade teachers.  Almond Chicken, steamed rice, etc.  and it did not like me!


It tasted sooo good when I first started eating it, then pow!   I am still trying new things, and I will get there.  meat continues to be a challenge for me. 


I have had some other challenges along my path this week, but I am determined to "choose" a smile!  There is nothing I have any control over, so just leave it with God-He knows best for me! 

²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

Matthew 10:29 (New International Version, ©2011)

2 more pounds!

YAY! The scale is my friend today.  


I worked out twice yesterday.  Once at home on the ROM machine. (http://www.fastexercise.com/ We have had it for 3+ years and John uses it regularly. ) and then at the Kroc Center.  It just about did me in, but I was glad to have done both.   I am focusing on more protein, but it is difficult.  John made some scrambled eggs last night for his supper and I had a spoonful with success for the first time.  Always before they didn't agree with me.  Now maybe I can add them to my repertoire :)


I have several challenges this week.  My grad class is full speed ahead and late last night I got a message from the instructor saying that 3 assignments needed to be posted today.  YIKES.  I have mad good progress on the main one, but I certainly have my work cut out for me.  It is a 4-day week at school which is a challenge by itself, and I am having to concentrate on my food even more-which takes much thinking and planning......


I will just have to "build a bridge- and get over it" (from my niece, Addie) or, as my daughter would say, "Put on my big-girl panties and deal with it."  I think you get the picture!


So I will press on.


Isaiah 40:29


²⁹ He gives strength to the weary 
   and increases the power of the weak. 

Some Random Thoughts

I am enjoying a day off.  Today I also started a new graduate class.  I am getting my Master's degree in education online through Abilene Christian University.  In every course, they have reading and reflection focused on spiritual matters.  (I think I have mentioned it before)  I must recommend a book I am reading for this class.  It is "A Resilient Life" by Gordon MacDonald.  I am learning much about myself, and have gleaned many useful quotes from this book. I will share one that is a quote from chapter 8, "Resilient People Cultivate Christian Character."


"There is one sister in the community who has the knack of rubbing me the wrong way at every turn; her mannerisms, her ways of speaking, her character strike me as unlovable.  But then she's a [sister]; God must love her dearly; so I am not going to let my natural dislike of her get the best of me.
Thus, I remind myself that [Christian] love is not a matter of feelings; it means doing things. I have determined to treat this sister as if she is the person I love best in the world.  Every time I meet her, I pray for her, and I offer [thanks] to God for her virtues and her efforts.  I feel certain that Jesus would like me to do this."

- from the writings of St. Therese of Lisieux

Each chapter is filled with precious lessons that apply to my life in some way or another.  I have found parts to use at school with some of my student groups.  Some parts clarify "the big picture" for members of my family and myself, others I would like to use in a Bible study class or Ladies' class.  

On a more personal note, I have joined the Kroc Center here in Kerrville to use their fitness facilities.  It is a brand new facility run by the Salvation Army in partnership with the Kroc family.  You can see pictures and read about this amazing place at this website:

http://kerrvillekroc.org/

Biggest Loser update

Yikes!  It was our first weigh-in of the Biggest Loser contest at my school.  I went in apprehensive because the scale is always different when you have clothes on and have eaten breakfast, and just because ......

The good news was that I had lost 3 pounds since last Friday- on the school's scales.  (At home I am still at 37)  So I didn't have to pay $1.00 for any weight gained! (whew!)

Gotta go.
Have a great weekend.

Wonderful Wednesday

The scale is stuck!  LOL  It isn't a problem though, I can tell my shape is shifting.  I have been exercising every day and it is showing results.  I feel good and I am able to focus on other things.  Life is good!  I am blessed.


                      From Peggy's book:

"We may run, walk, stumble . . .or fly, 

but let us never lose sight of the reason

for the journey or miss a chance

to see a rainbow on the way."

-Gloria Gaither

Saturday

We made it through the first week back after Christmas break.  Whew!  Those 4-day weeks are killers!  It seems longer than a regular 5-day week.  I guess because you feel like you must accomplish the same amount of work in a shorter time. Hopefully, next week will be at a better pace.


We are starting a new version of the "Biggest Loser" at my school (adults only) and so far we have about 12 participants.  The way it works is this:

• each person pays $10 to "play"
• each of us comes up with an alias for privacy
• we are weighed in the nurse's office every Friday
• the nurse keeps a confidential record of each one of us
• She figures out what percentage of weight loss we have
• she sends an email with our alias and the percentage of gain/loss
• we pay $1 for each pound we GAIN!!! (talk about incentive!)
• after 12 weeks, the "biggest loser" gets the $$

The nurse also sends emails about healthy choices and information. 

Each week we fill out a form about how much water we drink, sleep we get, exercise we do, preventive measures (flu shots, etc.) and so on.

So we had our first weigh-in on Friday.  Now we are ON!

Here is the quote today (from Peggy's book):


"The art of life is to live in the present moment and to make that moment as perfect as we can by the realization that we are the instruments and expression of God Himself."

-Emmet Fox

Back to work!

Today was our first day back to school- tomorrow the kids come!  At our meeting this morning, our principal showed a slide show from the first semester and it was amazing to see how many events happened already this year.  I was only in 1 or 2 pictures, but it was a shock to me to see myself "then and now."  I will post a picture of before surgery and now.  It is strange how you don't see yourself. 

THIS IS IN AUGUST BEFORE SURGERY:

 THIS IS 3 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY

        
I am so surprised at the difference in these pictures.  I don't know if you can tell how different I feel and look.  I am looking forward to my 6 month pictures!


This picture was taken in my mom's "orchard" and we were picking oranges from the tree.  I found this quote in Peggy's book and thought about the joy I felt when I realized how much has changed in the last 3 months.

"What happens when we live God's way? 

He brings gifts into our lives, 

much the same way that fruit

appears in an orchard."

-Galatians 5:22 (MSG)