SWBTS Class of 2014

It's official.  I start at SWBTS on May 14th. I'm taking an i-course which is a one week class that takes a month to complete.  It's an elective called Ministry to Older Adults. So far, I am enjoying the reading and I'm looking forward to the class.

When this class is completed I will be over half way finished with the degree. Yes, half.

I was accepted into the Advanced Track degree program which reduced the total hours from 64 to 55.  Credit for what I have already done which is nice.  Then they accepted 23 hours from my degree at DBU.  That part surprised me and makes me believe this was the right thing to do for the Lord to make my path so clear.  So, after this class I only have 29 hours to complete.

Many of the hours required will be in theology.  This Fall is going to be a tough semester for me, but it's what I need to do.  Once I have this Advanced Master of Arts in Christian Education degree I will have met the requirements to apply for the DMin program at DTS.  I have a couple of faculty members at DTS supporting my decision to apply so I think it should go well once I have done my part to prepare.

Pray with me for endurance and wisdom.  It's going to be a hard two years!

Stay at Home

"Recently I read Kristina LaCelle-Peterson's book, Liberating Tradition. She said some thought-provoking things about how history has impacted our view of womanhood (and manhood).

In chapter five, Peterson gives us a short history of the "Traditional Marriage." As you read the following quote, consider how the Industrial Revolution has attributed to our Christian view of womanhood. For example, is it possible our interpretation of "man as the provider" and "woman as the homemaker" is tied to a historical event rather than our Bible?

Before the Industrial Revolution in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, there was no “traditional family,” if by that term we mean the husband going off to work while the wife stayed home. There was no place for the man to go off to, in fact, since before the Industrial Revolution 90 percent of the population in this country lived on farms. In the agrarian model, everyone worked and everyone’s labor was integral to the family economy. The man might sell or trade his corn at the market, but the women might sell or trade her butter, churned from the milk that she labored to retrieve from the family cows. The man might spend the winter fixing farm utensils and the woman might spend hers making cloth and sewing the clothes that the growing children needed to keep warm as they walked to school, but they would be gathered at the same fire as they did their respective tasks. No one was said to “work” while the other “stayed at home.” They both “worked” and “stayed at home.”

…With the development of factories and a market economy in the early nineteenth century, however, production began to move outside the home to a significant degree. First, textile mills and food factories began to replace work that had been the responsibility of women in the home, and soon factories expanded throughout the economy. Not only did this change the location where various products were made, but it also changed the basis on which the economy functioned. Now people were paid in cash for the work that they did away from the home, rather than for the materials or foods produced at home.

When that happened, people’s assumptions about marriage and family, and even masculinity and femininity, changed dramatically. Masculinity became linked to earning money and providing for one’s family financially; in fact, ideally he would earn enough money to have a wife who stayed home rather than having to go to work in a factory or take in laundry. Having a wife “at home” was a significant marker of having achieved middle-class status, since in the lower classes both men and women have always had to work." By Jackie Roese

Don't Ask Don't Tell

We heard a great sermon last night. It's D-Now weekend and I went to the Addison Road concert and then stayed for the teaching. Powerful. They spoke about addiction and pornography - the things people do in secret. I thought to myself about what I might do in secret. I chuckled, because my secret sin is food. Not the glamorous failings of sex, drugs, and alcohol.

No, my sin is food. How bad could that be?!? Well, if you have been reading this blog you know how bad. I need to lose enough weight it could be a small person. THAT my friends is a secret sin gone wild!

Okay, I hear what your thinking. Why did I title this "don't ask don't tell." One of the things discussed last night was accountability. If you don't want people to ask how you are coping with an issue then don't tell them about it. However, if you are serious about changing your life then get some accountability built into it! I recently posted my pre-diet and current picture on facebook with comments about my diet. I received a lot support and positive comments, but I was also building accountability! People now knew I was serious about losing weight.

Then today it happened... A group went to Sams Pizza for lunch. They make the best pizza there but I knew it was not on my plan for today's meals! I ordered a grilled chicken salad. When I went to get a fork some friends from the church were there. Friends that read my posts on facebook. Ken looks at me and asks "What did you order?" I rolled my eyes and said "Chicken salad" His wife, Debbie, laughed and said "Me too, but it's not what I wanted!" We all laughed and enjoyed the moment. Accountability.

My good decision was reinforced with my friends support and laughter. I am more apt to make a good decision next time too in case someone else asks me what I did.

This principle is true in every aspect of our lives. Whatever you are struggling with I encourage you to find a friend you trust to talk about what you are doing in secret. Someone to walk with you as you make the hard decisions. I am blessed to have people that care about me. If you need someone to help you please let me know.

40 Days

I've been feeling for a while that change is in the air. I'm not really sure what the change is but I believe the women's ministry is about to take another turn in the road. The Lord usually prepares me before He stirs it up so that's why I think He is up to something again.

I've decided to take some time away to really focus on my relationship with God. Sometimes I find life is distracting to me - I lose focus on what is really important. I've decided to take 40 days. June 25 - August 3 ... stay tuned

Discipleship

We had a meeting at church tonight to discuss worship and discipleship. I think we got really off track. And asking people to name the ministry they think is doing best!?!? What was that? If you had asked my table they would have said Women's Ministry ... people listed the ministry they support. I don't see how that was helpful and it was certainly hurtful. We should have focused on what makes disciples; how the Holy Spirit moves and engages in that process.

Biblical discipleship is a model of how Christians could and should live their lives in reflection to Jesus' example and His mission. It involves not only a personal faith with God, but sharing that faith with other people, and building up more disciples.

A Scriptural reference to biblical discipleship is found in Colossians 1:6-10: "…All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

If you study the last verse in this passage, you will find that Paul is encouraging people to walk worthy of the Lord, please Him in all respects, bear fruit in every good work, and increase in their knowledge of God. This is the heart of biblical discipleship. As Christians, we need to know who God is and be firmly established in His word. God challenges us to live lives that are pleasing to God as detailed in Romans 12.

Another aspect of biblical discipleship is that we have to show others who God is and what being a Christian is all about. Your faith cannot be kept to yourself.

A third aspect of biblical discipleship is stretching our knowledge and understanding of God, and again sharing that with others. Knowledge is not merely to be accumulated it should give us direction for living.

Examples of biblical discipleship abound in the Bible. Almost all of the disciples participated in this style of discipleship, and it is what caused the growth of the Christian faith following Jesus' departure. If you study the New Testament, you will find that all of the disciples lost their lives professing their faith, and trying to encourage and build up others. We need to understand God's will for us, gain spiritual wisdom and knowledge, please and honor God with our lives, bear good fruit, grow in the knowledge of God, be filled with God's strength and love, have great patience and endurance, and above all, give thanks.

By following the model of biblical discipleship, we should be concerned with evangelizing those who don't know God and help them fulfill God's purpose in their lives, we should be involved with discipling others encouraging their spiritual growth and development, and then equipping others, giving them the tools to make a difference in the lives of others. That is biblical discipleship, and it is a model that we should practice in our lives today.

On the Road Again

You may have noticed I haven't been talking about the diet as much. Well, it wasn't going very well. When I went to the BACE conference I pretty much ate what I wanted thinking I would dive back into the diet the next week. Unfortunately, I waded into the shallow end and had a hard time getting tings back in motion. I have been gaining and losing the same 3 to 5 pounds each week since then!

This week I went back to the basics. 5 meals a day, no more than 1200 calories total, 25 or less carbs! Stepped on the scale and .. drum roll .... down 7 pounds! Sadly, it's a net loss of only 2.2 but I'll take it. That's a total 27 pounds!

On Thursday I was talking with my office manager and we decided to set a new goal. We are each going to lose 25 pounds in 12 weeks! I know that's a big goal but it's really only 2 pounds a week. We are excited about the challenge!

Lot's of ministry happenings this week. Month of prayer, starting a Muslim outreach, women's events. I am so blessed to be a part of this church with a heart for the lost.

I am going outside now to grill some chicken for this weekend. Hope you have a great day too!

Today's Picture: Me on March 21! Long way to go but it's getting better every day!

It's been an emotional day, a good day, but emotional.

Enjoyed teaching my Bible Fellowship. We did a Bible drill game and had a good time. I'll miss teaching in that class, but will be glad to have that prep time free again. Also finished 2 other Bible studies this week. Was attending one on James and teaching one on godly living (Resolutions). Again, hate to see them end - glad to see them end!

Tonight we had round table discussions on worship and discipleship. Was interesting. Hard to tell what the guys are thinking, but they clearly already have some ideas on the direction they are going to move us. I have an anticipation about the future, especially with Kenneth Priest on board. The more I learn about him the more I think the staff as an unspoken agenda. Don't take that wrong - it might be a great agenda.

After the meeting tonight Melissa was talking with me and she thanked me for being an influence in her life. She said I probably didn't even know the impact I'd made on her life. I didn't. She said I was so strong and had such a good heart. It's funny what others see that I don't. It also reminds me that people are watching me all the time.

As I was headed out the door Sonja wanted to introduce me to her husband. Her hubby kept saying how much Sonja thought of me and that she spoke so highly of me. Seriously? I would have never met her if it wasn't for the Resolution study.

After all that I talked with Donnie about the future of local missions at Hillcrest. He said the discussion hasn't really been done yet but that Justin Smith will be over all missions and that he loves my concept for local outreach ... if I lead it or not. That's the second time he has phrased it that way. Hummmm.

The staff is clearly making a lot of plans for the future and I am not included in those discussions. Donnie did say they are putting together some groups to look at things and I should be included in those ... should be, is not will be, so we will see.

See the emotional roller coaster? Praising God to hear women's lives are being changed through the efforts of the women's ministry and the power of the Holy Spirit. Wondering what the future holds for my ministry through Hillcrest.

Interesting times we live in!

Today's Picture: A reflection of my hearts desire - to reach our local area for Christ.

For Such a Time as This

For such a time as this ...

I was talking with Angela Hudler tonight about some things that are starting at the church and what my role will be in them. She said "Sounds like you need to retire." I said I wasn't ready to give up. She said, "No, it's time for you to retire from audiology. You need to be here full time."

I've had that thought myself many times. Full time Christian service. When I talked to Jan Danhert about it 5 years ago he suggested I not quit my day job. He said ministry was to transient. Might be good advice, but it's hard to follow when your heart is being pulled other directions.

Seminary is still in the process as well. Was told today that the Advanced Track will reduce the degree by 9 hours making it a total of 55 hours. I still don't know how many hours will transfer. I'm praying for a miracle and for the full 22 hours possible to count. That would make it a 33 hour graduate degree and according to Amanda at SWBTS it will still cover everything I need to start the DMin at Dallas Seminary. Praying!

Amazing Resolutions Bible study tonight. We discussed the biblical perspective of caring for a husband and children. It will change one woman's marriage. She cried saying she needs to treat her husband very different - with more respect. Was worth the last 7 weeks just to get to tonight! This is why I do what I do ... the Bible is life changing through the power of the Holy Spirit!

Did an interview today for Southwest Now magazine. Not sure what she will print - was not like any interview I have ever done before! Comes out in May so watch for it!

It's been a good day.

Today's Picture: I am so thankful for the people in my life that love me for who I am - flaws and all!

Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

March 7, 2012


Office of the Dean of the School of Theology
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Fort Worth, Texas

RE: Reference letter for Barbara J. Parker


This letter is sent to you as a recommendation for Barbara Parker, graduate of Dallas Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Christian Education degree program.

I am the Director for the Master of Arts in Christian Education degree program at Dallas Baptist University. Barbara was a dedicated and committed student in the program with an excellent academic record. Barbara has a doctorate already, in her profession as an audiologist. She actually owns her own practice in this field. She is a wonderful Christian. Her strengths resonate in the areas of leadership in the local church, common sense, maturity, creativity, and practical application of classroom experiences and knowledge.

Barbara has a wonderful ministry of facilitating learning experiences for church leaders and church members, specifically related to women’s ministry. She definitely has the ability to train and encourage others to take the principles learned in the classroom and apply the methodology of the 21st Century to make an impact today.

If ever there were a student who will excel in academics at any level, especially doctoral seminary training, it is Barbara Parker. You will be amazed at her dedication, commitment and God-given abilities to lead and succeed in the classroom as well as in the church and community.

If I can provide any other information or be of assistance in anyway, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Sincerely,




Dr. Judy Morris, Associate Professor and Director
Master of Arts in Christian Education
Dallas Baptist University


HOW DO I LIVE UP TO THIS RECOMMENDATION?

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

Heart of Hillcrest

Tonight Mike shared about the present and future of Hillcrest. I knew most of the demographics but was glad to hear them supported by research. I guess the only thing that surprised me was his comment about the 20-40 year old decline in our church.

Also heard for the first time they are looking at an interim Christian Ed guy from the SBTC. Could be good, could not be. Change is always hard. Guess it's good they don't pay much attention to the women so maybe no matter what this guy'(of course it's a guy) says maybe we will not be greatly impacted. They are also looking at a Hispanic minister.

Looking forward to teaching our Bible Fellowship in 2 weeks. The Daughters of the King luncheon is going well. The new running ministry has been well received. Might actually see Hillcrest move on the Muslim ministry. We are doing a one month prayer for Africa .. all good.

Amazing grace.

Today's Picture: Logo for Darkness to Light Prayer

BACE

Wonderful two days at the Baptist Association of Christian Educators meeting! Lots of great ideas on discipleship and pulling missions into the Bible Fellowships. I already gave some information to Jack but he basically said he isn't able to help. Maybe the church leadership will be moved by the Spirit to change things.


Ate my way through the conference! It was good but I will pay for it for days! Back to bod-e and low carb tomorrow!

Today's Picture: Me on a good hair day! HA!

Great Weekend - But Monday's Here

Just met for an hour and a half with one of the hearing aid reps for this area. So many changes in the audiology field! Most of our time was spent talking about pending legislation, insurance companies, and patient care. I love my profession but it's getting harder to stay with it in this environment. Pray for wisdom as we take on the big boys to fight for quality hearing health care over big profits for certain entities.

GIC was wonderful this past weekend. Strengthened my resolve to be more proactive in reaching out to the lost around me. The speakers were very good and the missionaries this year were a blessing. Especially enjoyed Becky, our missionary, who serves in Africa.

Ate my way through Sunday and paid for it on the scale. Back to yogurt and carrots today!

Today's Picture: GIC prayer breakfast 2012.

One sows and another reaps.

“For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’”John 4:37

The great English preacher Francis Dixon asked a young man in his church named Noelle to give his testimony at a revival. So Noelle stood up and gave this testimony:

“I was in Sydney, Australia when a little old man walked up to me and said, ‘Sir, if you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity?’

“With that the old man turned on his heel, said, ‘Toodle-loo’, and walked away. So when I got back to England the first thing that I did was to seek out a pastor who led me to Christ.”
After the service, a young man came up to Noelle and said, “That’s my testimony too. I met that same man!” Francis Dixon was so moved by this that when he went on a world tour of preaching, he shared it at every meeting. And when he preached in cities across Australia, he came across hundreds of people with the very same story.

So when Dixon made it to Sydney, he tracked down this old man at his home and told him about all of those people who had come to Christ through him. The old gentleman broke down and said, “Sir, this is the first time in my life that I’ve known of anyone who has ever come to Jesus because of my witness.”

Some sow the seeds; some harvest. So whatever role God calls you to fulfill, be faithful in it because you never know the impact you can have!

Today's Picture: Paula and Paula at the GIC dinner. Living their faith!

God's Will

It's been an interesting couple of weeks, perhaps I should say the whole month. They say our God is not a God of confusion, but He does seem to hide His plan in the mist! Oh, I know the global will of God - Scripture makes that pretty clear for all of us. It's His specific will for me that I sometimes don't see clearly.

You see, I had this dream. It was more of a vision or a promise than a dream I suppose, but it was very clear and I knew I was to remember it. It was as if God Himself punched me on the shoulder and said "Pay attention I'm talking to you!". I'm just not sure how it is all going to play out. I am taking the route to just be faithful where I am placed and pray that He will open doors as necessary. I think it goes back to what we just learned in the Resolutions for Women study. Be content where you are but with an eye to where He may lead!

It's going to be a busy week. Meeting with a woman at 7:00 tonight and then running to catch the end of Bible study. Tomorrow we prayer walk the Hillcrest campus for GIC. Thursday night dinner and then the opening ceremony for GIC - can't wait! Friday through Sunday are all filled with GIC events. Gonna be tired on Monday but it's all good!

Today's Picture: Me - today. Can you tell any difference? Me either. Oh well!

Another Good Day

Wonderful Sunday! The morning started with Josephine teaching in Bible Fellowship. It's always exciting to see young women grow and try new things. She did a great job and I hope she will lead us again. After class Kathleen gave me 2 big hugs and thanked me for all I do in the class. I appreciated the thoughts and the hugs! Did lunch with the girls and then Sunday night watched Courageous. Cried like a baby - again. After church talked with Donnie some about Gary coming to live with me. Gave me some good insight.

Down 25 pounds today! Wore new (smaller) clothes to church and people looked at me like "there's something different", but nobody knew what it was that was different. Sunday night Vicki Smith hugged me several times to say she could tell and how happy she was about it. 25 down ... a whole bunch to go!

Today's Picture: Josephine teaching our Bible Fellowship

Guilt free?

Guilt Free Day so I went to Jimmy John's for lunch! I really thought I had done pretty well until I looked it up online: Hunter's Club, CALORIES 807.3--CARBS--66.67 g ... you have got to be kidding me! OK, it's a Burn for late afternoon snack and CarbMaster yogurt for dinner! Have a new short term goal ... 11 by April 1 .. 35 total. Pray!


Was watching a program on television that posed an interesting question. Who attended the last supper? Was it just the 12 and Jesus? Probably not. What this show suggested, and I need to confirm, was the participation of women and specifically Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus. Will be fun to chase it down and see what we know.


Today's Picture: Loved my Jimmy John's but at 800 calories it may be my last one!

Make That 23

Feeling the need to write something "spiritual" but not having the time to do it is frustrating. I got to spend some quality time in the Word last week preparing for the Bible Fellowship lesson and now this week I am back in 'event planner' mode. Really like the other stuff more, but know I have been gifted to plan so will find the blessing in that as well.

Official weigh day: down 23 pounds! Was looking at myself in the mirror after my shower (I know - cover your eyes!!) but my body shape is changing. Losing some in my face for sure, but it's also starting to come off my upper body and legs. I really need to go buy some new black slacks but think I'll wait a week or two more to see if I can drop another size before investing. Lots to do today including a BF fellowship tonight so I need to get moving. Have a great day in the Lord!

Today's Picture: My shoes need to be replaced! YIKES!

Master's of Christian Education or is it Theology!

I've been talking with a friend on faculty at SWBTS and she is working with me on this new education plan. It looks like I will be taking a lot of theology as that is what DTS wants for me to start the DMin there. We still don't know the total number of hours I will need at SWBTS to do the MACE since I will now need to work closely with the theology department as well. Why does it have to get so complicated.

Still praying for Hillcrest to open the door for me to do local missions. I got the whole "a man will be over you" speech, but at least I would be doing more what I think the Lord has called me to do. It seems more people are coming to me for help with starting community outreach. I have 3 ministries in the planning stages right now - all of them with great potential! Reaching the local community so they can reach the world. Very exciting!

Today's Picture: SWBTS logo ... starting to get excited about it!

Choices

Super busy day - GIC breakfast, Daughters of the King Luncheon, Bible studies, Bible Fellowship, Private Practice, and a little personal life tossed in for fun! A little to much really, but it will start to thin out next week. All very exciting to be a part of it. Praise God for that.

Oh, I forgot to tell you - I was accepted at SWBTS! They are offering me a fast-track degree (meaning fewer hours) and I hope to transfer 22 hours. Means I could finish the Master's Degree in as little as 2 years if I step down from the Women's Ministry. Decisions decisions.

Today's Picture: GIC is next week - looking forward to the celebration!

Monday

I'm tired and it's only Monday! There are so many things I need to be doing ... the girls want to start some new ministries and are excited so I'll be meeting with them and Mandy has said she feels called to do decorations for the M-D lunch so I'll meet with her and Debra Meek is helping me with table decorations for the GIC breakfast so I need to get with her and and and ... is it any wonder my eyes are red! Good better best never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best! Might need to rework that one some ... don't let good rob you of great!

Today's Picture: My tired, bloodshot, eye!

Sisters Valentines Lunch

Sisters Valentine lunch today! Looking forward to spending some time with my sisters. Also looking forward to a week of carb foods! Nothing crazy but will enjoy some fruit (I bought bananas yesterday!)

Today's Picture: My sister Debbie .. my other sister, Carolyn, is taking the picture!

19 and counting! Woo Whoo

Spending today doing some things for GIC and the preparing to teach on Sunday. Need to do a grocery store run too! Will be a busy day!

Today's Picture: I love having one day a week to devote to Kingdom work!

A Box of Butter

So much happening right now that it's hard to know where to begin! I am teaching my Bible Fellowship this Sunday and I'm excited to be preparing a lesson on God's love. I hope it is something they will want to hear and be able to use. We are making progress on the Daughters of the King luncheon! Should have the new logo and 'stuff' by tomorrow! Finishing up things for the GIC breakfast ... phew! It's all good!

Finally dropped a pound! I know it doesn't sounds like much but a friend told me to think of it as a box of butter. I lost a box of butter this week. That makes you realize what it really means to say one pound! Officially weigh for the week in the morning so I'll be extra good today!

Today's Picture: 1 pound = a box of butter

Highs and Lows of Life

Yesterday was a great day and a bad day.

The bad first. I got hate email. I apparently offended someone and she decided she should let me know every detail of my personality that she didn't like or appreciate. It wasn't that she was just wanting me to know something I did had bothered her - she wanted to inflict as deep a wound as she could. The thing is, I know she has done this with several other women so I didn't take it personally, but instead thought how much she must be hurting to lash out like that at people.

The good news is I walked up a flight a stairs! Now, that may not seem like much to you, but it's a new accomplishment for me! I usually have to hold the rail and take one step at a time. Last night I was able to walk up the back steps to the E Building without holding on to anything and alternating feet like a normal person! I was thrilled! It's the simple pleasures that mean the most!

Today's Picture: Me on my good bad day!

Wonderful Night - Wonderful Friends

Exhausted and happy - a great combination! Had the best time last night at our craft fellowship. The women had a good time and it was fun to visit with them. The devotionals were amazing! These women clearly listened to the Holy Spirit for direction.

Today was lazy but I've enjoyed it. I'll need to get back on the diet train tomorrow. Didn't do to bad the last 2 days but not being strict either. If I hope to lose over 2 pounds a week in February I need to be strict!


Today's Picture: Connie is a sweet friend and I wanted to share this picture of us with you.

Craft Night!

Craft Night! It's here and I'm excited about it! Lot's to do today so the first thing I will do is pray. Pray for the speakers, the women attending, and for Debra and Alicia who are making this thing happen for us. Should be a God honoring night.

Weigh day. I was disappointed at first because I haven't lost any weight the last couple of days. Been bouncing back and forth with the same half pound. Then I went to the bod-e web page and did the math. I've lost 3.8 pounds this week! I'm happy with that!


Thanks for meeting me here this morning but I need to run. Have a great day in the Lord!

Today's Picture: Craft Night August 2011 .. great fun!

Crazy day and it's only 10:00 AM! Lots of Church stuff and then work has some issues ... Karen said it's going to be one of those days. I think it is a day to pray even more than usual. I was praising God yesterday for all the great things He was doing ... now in my distress I need to praise Him more!

I realized last night it is exactly one month to the BACE conference. Can I lose another 10 pounds in a month? I'm gonna try!

Today's Picture: Logo for BACE conference 2012: Engage

Decisions

Missed the budget meeting last night - all this healthy eating made me feel sick! HA! I didn't feel well, but I don't really know why, but I am much better this morning! Heard the budget passed and everyone is happy with the end decisions.

Lot's of things going through my mind this day. The big one is the application to SWBTS. I have already sent all my transcripts but have not yet actually applied. I anticipate making that decision today ... to start this fall ...

Today's Picture: Chapel at DBU. I loved going to school at DBU for my MA in Christian Education and hope SWBTS will be equally rewarding.

Virginia

It's gonna be a long day! I'm thrilled my schedule is full in the office! Then tonight I have a budget meeting and I'd like to swing by the women's Bible study if there is time. I need to finish preparing for the Bible study I teach on Wednesday night and then there is the revised PO that Rupert wants me to do. Busy busy busy....

So what did God do?

He sent me Virginia. This wonderful woman affirmed me as a human and an audiologist. I got my hug quota in for the month! A lovely women in need of love herself. She buried her husband and two brothers last year. A lot for any woman to carry, but she does it with such joy it is contagious!

It is a reminder to slow down - enjoy life - don't let the busy become the important. So today's picture is all about Virginia. The salt and light God sent my way today!

Today's Picture: Virginia - a delight in every sense of the word!

Good Start to the Week

Good meeting this morning with Rupert and Josh. I'm starting to get excited about the Daughters of the King luncheon! Lots of work to do though! After the Craft Night on Friday my attention will be on this Mother-Daughter event.

Down another pound or two - but my stress level is rising so I know I will need to be prayerful about my diet. I wish I wasn't an emotional eater! Or maybe I should wish my emotions didn't bounce around so much! But then, I wouldn't be a girl and I like being feminine so - there ya go.

Today's Picture: My snack for today was carrots. Yes, it's only noon and they are already gone. See above.

Sunday

Wonderful Sunday. Enjoyed sharing Scripture with the women in my Bible Fellowship class. Such warm and interesting women! Then the message in church was excellent. Mike preached out of Luke .. the prodigal son.

Back to church at 4:30 for a meeting with our Pastor about adult education at Hillcrest. Keeping my fingers crossed that even without leadership it will continue to grow and be important to our staff.



Today's Picture: Pastor Mike Simmons, my pastor. I have been under his teaching for almost 8 years now. I am blessed.

Bod-e Really Works!

Last night I used my guilt free meal and had enchiladas with rice. Loved it and ate more than I should have so the guilt was starting. All the carbs put me to sleep and 10 hours later I woke up! Can you believe it - 10 hours!

I wanted to know how much damage my meal last night did so I carefully stepped on the scale this morning and I was DOWN another 1.5 pounds! Yea! I think what bod-e said is true. By giving my body what it wants on rare occasions it thinks it can let go and spend it's energy (fat). Down 14 pounds now and really motivated to stick with this and knowing I have guilt free days I think I can.

Today's Picture: Bod-e by Vemma. I kept telling people it was just a vitamin supplement, but I now think it's more than that. So thanks Vemma!

Not a Usual Friday

I love my Fridays. We close the office so I can do administrative work for the business, but it's also my day to do ministry! Yes, I do about 30 hours a week for the church, but on Fridays I get to focus my attention, undivided, on the kingdom tasks. Well, that is usually I do.

Today I have a bunch of guys in my office working on the building. We had things painted a few weeks ago only to discover the electrical outlets were the wrong color now! We are having them all replaced with pretty white ones! They say it will take all day ... shouldn't, but if this morning is any indicator, it will! So, I am using my time to prepare for the Bible Fellowship lesson on Sunday. Numbers 10: 11-15 & 41. Come to the class on Sunday and hear about fearless obedience!

Today's Picture: Preparing to teach - an awesome responsibility and a ton-o-fun! I love teaching!

Free Food?

Great Bible study last night! Good discussion on how to be a biblical woman! Was given some insight into my own behavior that I need to consider. I'm glad I have friends that feel open to point out where I still need to grow - with love.

Weighed this morning (of course) and hope it sticks! Will be over 2 pounds this week if I hold it for tomorrows "official weekly weigh" - over 13 total! Woo whoo!

Today's Picture: Ok, it doesn't really taste like Ranch Dressing.

It's Raining

It's not just raining - it's flooding! We need the rain to nurish the ground so we thank God for it!

I teach tonight - Resolutions for Women. I'm really enjoying this book. The first section hit home. It's all about being content in your current situation while anticipating what comes next. The second section irritated me - it's the whole godly woman debate. I'm still working on that one trying to decide what is Scripture and what is man. Should make for a good discussion!

Today's Picture: Week two update. I can't tell much difference in how I look but it is only week two! Need to work on that being content thing I guess!

A Little Goes a Long Way

Wow, it's already been 2 weeks! Hard to believe how fast it's going. The scale says 11 pounds but it feels like more. I can breath and sleep better. I can feel the changes.

Bible study this week was on being content. Can I be content with this season yet look with anticipation for what comes next ... I think I can!

Today's Picture: Lettuce wraps - who knew they could be so good! One leaf with a little turkey and a dab of fat free salad dressing. Yummy and good for you!

Tough Week

Was a tough week. Had activities at church almost every night this week. Held my own but didn't gain much ground.

First time to try the exercise DVD .. only lasted a few minutes. What they called warm-up I called done!

Bought a George Foreman grill ...

Today's Picture: Women's Bible study - why the long days are worth it to me. I love Kingdom work!

Steam It

Had an interesting conversation with someone on staff at the church. Don't recall when I have been treated with such respect. Was really nice.

When I got home I extended the good mood by making stir fry. Since the chicken was already cooked it only took a touch of oil and wa-la I had a great warm meal. Yummy!

It was a good day.

Today's Picture: Roses from a dear friend - brightened my day!

It's a Monday

Monday - in every sense of the word!

Woke up feeling pretty good, but the morning is a sleepy one. Food wise it's been good. What-a-burger is on my team now. They gave me egg in a to-go container! No more taquitos! Will be nice on days I run late.

Sunday I was up about a pound after my guilt free Saturday! Back down plus another 0.6 so that makes 9 pounds so far. Hope to lose 2 this week to drop me into the next set of 10's.

Work is slow - church is busy. Life continues to be an adventure.

Hope to apply Pastor's sermon from Sunday... not so much about family as about being faithful.

Today's Picture: This is 1 pound of fat. Puts it into perspective doesn't it!

Pre Pic

OK, I'm letting you see one of my 'pre' pictures. I had my sister take a couple of others that I might let the public see some day. Yes, I know you can see me so it's not like you don't know, but there are just some things you don't do!

Today's Picture: Taken April 2011 at Hillcrest. I was helping serve at a reception before a funeral. I wasn't much help to be honest since I had to keep sitting down.

A Beginning

I should have started this January 1, but then my life is littered with a lot of "should haves". I am here now and so the journey begins.