52 Pick Me Up

Week 4!

2011-01-24T15:00:00.000-08:00

Didn't feel like weighing in this morning so I'm not sure if I lost any!

I did make a little tag to add to my collection...

Focus Shadow Box

2011-01-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

I've been collecting favorite bible verses and quotes and decided to put them in a mini shadow box.
A great reminder to display and focus :)
Have a wonderful week!

Week 2 - goals

2011-01-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

I spent a lot of time this week thinking about what I wanted to acheive this year.

When I first started 52 Pick Me Up in January 2009 I said...

"The method of 52 Pick Me Up is simple.
It's about setting simple and achievable goals."

I attempted to make 52 Artist Trading Cards (ATC's), I think I made it to week 40 and just gave up.

I lost focus.

So this year I've decided to aim towards the goal I set for myself in January 2009, and I'll loose that 52 pounds.

My goals for January...

1. work out 5 days a week
2. run at least 2 times a week
3. keep on trucking with the Weight Watchers
4. make a paper project with a positive message

I can't wait to check in at the beginning of February to say that I've acheived my goal...with the Lords help :D

Have a wonderful week...I leave you with...

Love,
Andrea

Waiting - week 1

2011-01-02T22:35:00.000-08:00

Another year is upon us and I'm overjoyed! In 2009 I attempted to finish 52 weeks and I didn't make it...I came so close too!!!

Two years later I'm going for it again! My goal is simple...to focus (my "word" for 2011), whatever I do I want to do it with all my heart. Even if I just make 52 tags or any paper projects I'll be happy!

Here is my first tag...

I really need to focus on the Lord, wait on Him. To be of good courage.

I love this song by John Waller...

May 2011 be a year full of blessings from our Lord and Saviour!

trying and trying

2010-03-08T20:29:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to get back on track since mid December and I just can't seem to do it!

I'm falling into the trap of setting too many goals and when I can't reach them I fall back.

So...I've been praying and this is what I need to do.

1. spent quiet time with the Lord daily and start a weekly art journal
2. write in my food journal and check in with buddies
3. exercise - 5 times a week

I've done it before so I know I can do it.

I'll be back soon to share my first page...not sure what size I'm going to work on and I'm not sure what day will be my check in day for the blog, but it will be within the week :)

Week Three - goals

2010-01-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

Week Three Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Points

• third weigh in will be on Thursday, January 21st
• exercise at least six times
• continue to keep track of weight watchers points, checking in daily with buddies :)

Water

• 8 glasses per day

Crafting

Canadian Scrapbook Article and Projects
Tutorial for Scrapbook Star online crop January 22

Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 15 ~ family pizza night
Sat., Jan. 16 ~breakfast dinner - pancakes and sausages
Sun.. 17 ~big lunch @ church, light salad dinner
Mon., Jan. 18 ~trying for that hamburger helper again LOL with veggies and buns
Tues., Jan. 19 ~chili, rice, salad
Wed., Jan. 20 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 21 ~ turkey breast, veggies, potatoes, and salad -missed this one last week, forgot to take it out of the freezer

New Recipe

• low point bread pudding

Home Organization

• master bedroom closet, main bathroom cupboards, kitchen *junk drawer* cupboards

Bible

study of Esther

Favorite Bible Verses

2010-01-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”- John 8:32

Week Two

2010-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

Salad Buffet Salad

2010-01-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Serves 4
points: dressing - 2; salad – 4

Low Fat Ranch Dressing
1/4 cup low fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash onion powder
dash dried dill weed
dash garlic powder
dash ground black pepper

Salad
romaine lettuce, shredded
red peppers, chopped
carrots, grated
cucumbers, sliced
mushrooms, sliced
avocado, diced
chicken breast, chopped
turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
hardboiled egg (I only used the whites), chopped
feta cheese, crumbled

• Place romaine lettuce on a plate and top with remaining salad toppings. Top with ¼ of the ranch dressing and enjoy.

The Craft Room

2010-01-15T17:09:00.000-08:00

I started on my job cards and I was supposed to clean out the left side of my craft closet...and then I got started. As I was removing everything from the left side I thought "I might as well just do the whole thing"...it was a complete disaster!!! I then decided I might as well do the entire craft room :)

Here are some before picture....

During....

and AFTER!!!!

I'm so thrilled at how it looks and I can actually find stuff :)

Fajita Salad

2010-01-15T16:56:00.001-08:00

serves 6
7.5 weight watchers points per serving,
plus points for tortilla chips and cheese.

Marinade 1/6 of marindade = 1 pt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
pinch cayenne pepper
dash ground black pepper

4 chicken breasts

Guacamole Ranch Dressing - 1/6 of dressing = 3 pts
½ cup low fat mayonnaise
½ cup low fat sour cream
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
dash ground black pepper
1 avocado, mashed
(for a fun option I added ½ cup of non fat Catalina dressing adding 0 pts.)

Corn Salsa - 1/6 of salsa = 1 pt.
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup diced orange pepper
1/4 cup diced green pepper
3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can corn

Mixed Greens
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
couple handfuls of shredded cabbage

Tortilla chips
Grated Cheese (optional)

• Combine marinade ingredients in a 9 X 13 dish. Trim fat from chicken and add to marinade dish. Marinate for at least 4 hours…I did mine overnight.
• To prepare the Guacamole Ranch Dressing mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill.
• Combine all the corn salsa ingredients in another bowl. Cover and chill.
• After chicken is done marinating it’s time to grill it! Prepare your lettuce while you are waiting to flip your chicken.
• When chicken is done slice in diagonal strips.
• If you are serving with tortilla chips this will add points.&
• It’s fun to served as a salad buffet…the children always love that! Enjoy!

Week One

2010-01-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

So happy that this week went so well!!!
Totally praising the Lord as He was and is
helping me every step of the way.

Week Two Goals

2010-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

Week Two Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Points

• second weigh in will be on Thursday, January 14th
• exercise at least three times
• continue to keep track of weight watchers points, checking in daily with buddies :)

Water

• 8 glasses per day

Crafting

• finish a Maya Road mini albums for CHA
• Maya Road tutorial
• Art Freckles tutorial
• Christmas Card for Christmas Cards All Year Round blog
• Crop Suey project :)
• Scrapbook Star Crop Tutorial

Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 8 ~ Boeuf Bourguignon, garlic mashed potatoes, and green salad
(totally not weight watchers but I've calculated the points and ate light all day!)
Sat., Jan. 9 ~ visiting friends
Sun.. 10 ~ finally the Cobb Salad!
Mon., Jan. 11 ~ greek pork and salad
Tues., Jan. 12 ~ hamburger helper, veggies, and buns (didn't feel like this last week so we'll try again this week LOL)
Wed., Jan. 13 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 14 ~ turkey breast, veggies, potatoes, and salad

New Recipe

• low point "Cobb Salad"

Home Organization

I made a six week plan to organize my entire house! I've separated my home into four areas and will work through these rooms very slowly as I tend to get very bored when I'm stuck in one room organizing it all at once.

Week One chores...
• kitchen/living room
drawers and cupboards on island
• master bedroom and bathroom
clothes in closet
• family/craft/homeschool room
craft closet (left side)
• bathrooms/laundry room/front closet/garage
main bathroom closet

The "chore cards"...

Scripture Study

• Esther 5

New Concept and Week One Goals

2010-01-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Very regrettably I did not finish my 52 weeks of ATC's. I only had 12 more to complete!!! I praise God for the 30 lbs. I did lose. I feel happier and healthier :)

Here is my before and after picture....

I really, really want to have another go of it...this time with a new concept. My first round was focused on weight loss. I believe when that wasn't happening as fast or as consistent as I would have liked I gave up.

This time 'round I'm going to make a "to do list" the first Friday of the week. I'm going to call it Creative Organization!

The "to do categories" will be as follows...

Weight In/Exercise goals - Weight Watchers points report
Water report...can never seem to drink enough!
Crafting goal
Daily Dinner Menus
Find a new recipe and try it out
Home Organization...a very constant task
Scripture Study

The following Friday I will share my accomplishments and the *new list*.

My goal is to make a 52 page scrapbook album sharing my journey including tips and recipes.

The total purpose is to have a more rounded 52 weeks of allowing God to pick me up!

Week One Goals

Weight In/Exercise/Point report

• first weigh in will be on Thursday, January 7th
• excerise at least three times
• share how many points I've used throughout the week

Water

• 8 glass per day

Crafting

• plan window displays for Memories and More
• get class finished for Scrapbook Star
• finish 2 Maya Road mini albums for CHA

Dinner Menus

Fri., Jan. 1 ~ borscht
Sat., Jan. 2 ~ left over bacon/tomato pasta found in freezer
Sun.. 3 ~ cheesy potatoes (we usually have a potato dinner on Sunday's)
Mon., Jan. 4 ~ chili, rice, salad
Tues., Jan. 5 ~ hamburger helper, veggies, and buns (found a couple of boxes of the hamburger helper in the pantry and being that I'm trying to be thrifty as well LOL thought I'd use them up!)
Wed., Jan. 6 ~ soup and sandwiches (a Wednesday tradition!)
Thurs., Jan. 7 ~ Cobb salad, homemade bread

New Recipe

• low point "Cobb Salad"

Home Organization

• make a chore chart for myself

Scripture Study

• Esther 3

It would be wonderful if you'd like to participate with me!

May 2010 be a year of showers and showers of blessings :)

Week 39 and 40!

2009-10-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

Getting behind but I'm pressing on!

Weeks 37, 38, and 39

2009-09-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

I seem to have gotten behind!

Week Thirty Six

2009-09-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty Five

2009-08-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe how late I am with these cards!!!
I'm so sorry ♥ Time is just flying!!!

Week Thirty Four

2009-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty Three - Side Two

2009-08-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty Three - Side One

2009-08-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

Used the August Kit from Shop Crop Suey
for this card as well as the last one :)

Week Thirty Two - Side Two

2009-08-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty Two - Side One

2009-08-06T12:04:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty One - Side Two

2009-08-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty One - Side One

2009-07-31T17:41:00.000-07:00

Week Thirty - Side Two

2009-07-27T10:47:00.001-07:00

We are finally all settled in back at home!

I was so excited to get all caught up with my 52 pick me up cards.

I finished up my 30 day challenge book...
that sort of fell through a bit :)

Week Thirty - Side One

2009-07-27T10:46:00.001-07:00

Week Twenty Nine - SideTwo

2009-07-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Home Evacuation

2009-07-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

We've been evacuated from our home due to a forest fire.
Prayers are much appreciated, thank you :)

My dd, Bre has some pictures on her blog.

www.brewiebe.com

Lots of love,
Andrea

30 Day Challenge Day - 24 and 25 - 52 Pick Me Up Week Twenty Nine - Side One

2009-07-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

For my next set of 5 - 52 Pick Me Up cards
I'm going to focus on the word "hope" :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 23

2009-07-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

Key Lime Cupcakes

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup cold water
• ½ cup oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 7 large eggs, separated
• 2 teaspoons grated lime
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar

Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 cupcake pans with paper liners.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat 7 egg yolks in a separate bowl, and add to dry ingredients along with the water, oil, vanilla and lime rind. Mix with mixer at medium speed while scraping bowl until well blended.3

In another large mixing bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Mix at high speed 2 to 2 1/2 minutes or until egg whites are stiff.

Carefully fold flour mixture into egg whites until just blended.

Pour cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 full.

Bake for 10 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly.

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Eight Side Two and 30 Day Challenge - Day 21 and 22

2009-07-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

This blog is all about the positive...
there is nothing like some positive goodies!!!
I thought I'd make a cupcake recipe book for fun
to celebrate the final ten days of our
30 Day Challenge ♥

I'll share the recipes as well :)

And the 52 Pick Me Up Card...

Recipes...
Vanilla Cupcakes
• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 egg whites from large eggs
• ½ cup shortening
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortening, milk and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix at low speed for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl. Add egg whites and mix at high speed until fluffy and smooth, approx. 2 minutes.
Fill liners 1/2 full of batter. Do not overfill. Bake 10 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Kool Aid Frosting

3 cups icing sugar
½ cup butter
3 tablespoons cream
½ package koolaid unsweetened powder

Whip butter until soft. Add icing sugar and koolaid; continue to whip until well combined. Add 3 tablespoons of cream, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

30 Day Challenge - Day 20

2009-07-13T08:12:00.000-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 19

2009-07-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 18

2009-07-05T20:02:00.001-07:00

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Eight Side One and 30 Day Challenge - Day 17

2009-07-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

52 Pick Me Up card...

30 Day Challenge mini book page...

30 Day Challenge - Day 16

2009-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 15

2009-07-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

52 Pick Me Up - Week Twenty Seven Side Two and 30 Day Challenge - Day 14

2009-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

52 Pick Me Up card...

30 Day Challenge Summer mini book page...

30 Day Challenge - Day 13

2009-07-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 12

2009-07-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

52 Pick Me Up Week Twenty Seven - Side One and 30 Day Challenge - Day 11

2009-07-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

My 52 Pick Me Up Card...

My 30 Day Challenge Page...

This mini book is going to be all about my Summer favorites!

30 Day Challenge - Day 10!!!!!

2009-07-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we'll start on our next set of 10 days :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 9

2009-06-30T12:03:00.001-07:00

52 Pick Me Up Week Twenty Six - Side Two and 30 Day Challenge - Day 8

2009-06-29T11:17:00.001-07:00

My 52 Pick Me Up card...

30 Day Challenge Mini Book page...

30 Day Challenge - Day 7

2009-06-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 6

2009-06-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

30 Day Challenge - Day 5

2009-06-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited!!! Day 5 already :)
Saturday is usually a tough day for me...
I'll be praying for God's continued guidance ♥

52 Pick Me Up Week Twenty Six - Side One and 30 Day Challenge - Day 4

2009-06-25T10:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Day 4 of the 30 Day Challenge!!!
Here is my mini book page...

I'm so thankful for Sheriff :) He's always ready to go for a walk!

*****

The first side of my ATC for 52 Pick Me Up for this week...

I've been enjoying these scriptures...

A new command I give you: Love one another.
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples,
if you love one another." John 13:34 and 35

Three times Jesus commands us to "love one another" ♥

30 Day Challenge - Day 3

2009-06-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

The theme for this 10 day portion is
"Make Me Happy"!

Happy Day 3 :)

30 Day Challenge - Day 2

2009-06-23T19:15:00.001-07:00

I was so excited last night to colour in the number one spot on my card! It's almost bedtime so I'll be colouring in number two pretty quick!

I'm such a visual person so seeing those little squares coloured in really helps me out a lot!!!

Here are the first two pages of my mini album...

Have a great rest of the day!
See you tomorrow :)

30 Day Challenge- Day 1!

2009-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

I'm in a bit of a slump so I thought I would do a 30 day challenge for myself and anyone who would like to join in!

I'm going to break it down into 3 - 10 day *programs*.

The first thing you need to do is set 3 goals. Mine daily goals are...

1. Walk Sheriff (my doggie)
2. Exercise (I purchased the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shread)
3. Make a menu plan and stick with it!

I made myself a little card to fill in each day with a reward for myself once I've completed the card...

There is even a reward to you!!!

I would love for you to *check in* with me and share your achievements! For the first round of ten days if you check in for at least 7 of the 10 days I will make and send to you an ATC card with your favorite quote on it. I'll also send some other scrap goodies with it :D

To keep myself focused and get a creative part into this challenge I'll be working on mini books! The first mini book will be titled "Make Me Smile". It will have 10 pages of things that make me smile. I'll post this later on today ;)

Today, June 22nd is day one, our first *check in day*. If you would like you could share your 30 day goals or you can just let me know that you are checking in! I hope that you will join me!!!

52 Pick Me Up will continue on as usual :)

Have a wonderful day :)
Much love and blessings,

Week Twenty Five - Sides One and Two

2009-06-18T09:22:00.001-07:00

I decided to post both sides of week twenty five together.
I've been enjoying James 1:2 and really wanted to mediate on them.
I attached magnets to the back so I keep them on my fridge :)

Week Twenty Four - Side Two

2009-06-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Week Twenty Four - Side One

2009-06-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

Week Twenty Three - Sides One and Two

2009-06-08T15:19:00.001-07:00

Whoo hooo caught up :)

Week Twenty Two - Side Two

2009-06-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

Week Twenty Two - Side One

2009-05-29T05:40:00.001-07:00

My goal this week is to experience the Lord.
To listen and create with Him fully in my heart.

Week Twenty One - Sides One and Two

2009-05-25T09:24:00.001-07:00

I'm so sorry that I'm so late with the start of week 21!
It's birthday party season at our house :)

Have a wonderful week!

Lots of love,

Week Twenty - Side Two

2009-05-18T07:44:00.001-07:00

I'm praying for restoration :)
Trying to break the chains of
emotional eating is hard ;)
God is faithful, Amen.

Week Twenty - Side One

2009-05-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Have a very safe and happy Victoria Day :)

Week Nineteen - Side Two

2009-05-12T07:52:00.001-07:00

Week Nineteen - Side One

2009-05-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

Week Eighteen - Side Two

2009-05-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

Week Eighteen - Side One

2009-05-01T05:41:00.001-07:00

Week Seventeen - Side Two

2009-04-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

I'm continuing strong with my working out!
It's just so fun because my son takes me
on my morning walk and my daughter
does a work out DVD with me!

I'm having a great time :)

Week Seventeen - Side One

2009-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

The JOY of the Lord is
my strength.

Week Sixteen - Side Two

2009-04-20T06:03:00.000-07:00

Week Sixteen - Side One

2009-04-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

I constantly remind myself to trust God.
At times it's so hard to hand it all over to our Creator
but He is amazing and He has never let me down.

Praying you are enjoying your rest and trust in Him.
♥

Week Fifteen - Side Two

2009-04-14T06:19:00.001-07:00

So I've been drinking my water and walking the dog but now I think I'm really ready to move forward and sent a few more positive goals!

The first is more exercise...really getting the heart rate up exercising. Truly, I'm going to have to pray to God everyday to really inspire me to do this and help me. I totally trust that He will. I have been enjoying my daily stroll around the block twice, which I will keep doing as Sheriff doggie loves it.

I really feel convicted to move a little faster and I think I'd like to do that in the comfort of my own home with my work-out DVD's. I'm starting out with Leslie Sansone Walk at Home. The library is filled with workout DVD's as well...so I think I'll get exploring this morning :)

Week Fifteen - Side One

2009-04-09T06:48:00.001-07:00

Slowly but surely :)

Week Fourteen - Side Two

2009-04-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

Week Fourteen - Side One

2009-04-02T22:29:00.001-07:00

Week Thirteen - Side Two

2009-03-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

Keep me as the apple of the eye,
hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
Psalms 17:8

Week Thirteen - Side One

2009-03-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Finally....this week I started my morning walks.
It is truly a great way to start the day!
Focused on the Lord and enjoying time with Him.
My son, Andy, and the doggie, Sherrif, join me,
which makes it just perfect :)

Week Twelve - Side Two

2009-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Week Twelve - Side One

2009-03-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

Week Eleven - Side Two

2009-03-16T09:16:00.001-07:00

Week Eleven - Side One

2009-03-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to Spring so much!!!

Week Ten - Side Two

2009-03-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is the week I'm staring to exercise. There has been a song on my heart called "Move Me" by Shaun Groves. I can't find a video or anything but I've got some lyrics to share...

Come and move me
In a holy dance
Through my circumstance
Come and move me
From my hiding place
Into Your embrace
Where the whole human race sees You
Move me

I love to walk but it's still a little cold so I've been doing my Leslie Sansone DVD's. I do the first mile and stretch which equals 20 minutes and I'm really happy with that right now :)

The whole water drinking is totally down packed, only because of God. This portion of scripture will come to mind and I'll enjoy a glass of water and His word, John 4:10 and 11.

Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water?

God bless you and we'll see you Thursday ♥
Love,

Week Ten - Side One

2009-03-05T12:33:00.000-08:00

I came across this quote and just fell in love with it...

The purpose of Christianity is not to avoid difficulty, but to produce a character adequate to meet it when it comes. It does not make life easy; rather it tries to make us great enough for life. -- James L. Christensen

Can you hardly believe that this is the beginning of week 10! My daughter has been taking a picture of me on the first of each month for a *52* mini book that I'm working on and I'm so excited!!! I don't know how much I've lost...I want to be surprised on December 31st :)

God bless you this amazing Thursday!
Love,

Week Nine - Side Two

2009-03-02T09:16:00.001-08:00

It's an amazing feeling to trust someone.

To trust God is awesome.

I remember the moment when I said...

"God, I'm going to trust you with my life"

My life has not been the same since.

There of course is bad times and thoughts,

that's because of sin.

But as long as I keep my eyes fixed

on Him, it will all work out ♥

Week Nine - Side One

2009-02-26T15:41:00.001-08:00

I've been sick since Monday and I'm praising God that I'm on the mend!

When you are getting better it's like a feeling of renewal...I even started a little bit of spring cleaning this afternoon :)

Week Eight - Side Two

2009-02-26T15:39:00.001-08:00

Week Eight - Side One

2009-02-19T07:06:00.001-08:00

We are visiting my parents and it's a little more *sunnier* at their house...it's been great to get out and get moving!

Week Seven - Side Two

2009-02-16T09:24:00.001-08:00

Week Seven - Side One

2009-02-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

My theme for this week is shine....
Let your light so shine
Matthew 5:16

Week Six - Side Two

2009-02-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

I praise the Lord for Mondays!
They feel like a fresh start :)

Have a happy Monday ♥

Week Six - Side One

2009-02-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

I had a pretty good Monday and Tuesday...it was that Wednesday! We had company from out of town and I was left with a fridge full of leftover food and chocolate. I kept picking and picking until I was stuffed stuffed stuffed!

I'm just praising the Lord that today is a new day and I can start fresh...no losing hope here :)

Love you all ♥

Week Five - Side Two

2009-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying a song so much lately. For sure I'm driving my family crazy wanting to play it over and over :)

It's called "Our Hope Endures" my Natalie Grant. I couldn't find it on GodTube but you can listen to on MySpace.

Here is the link....

http://www.myspace.com/nataliegrant

It is song number 1.

Week Five - Side One

2009-01-29T08:47:00.001-08:00

I had a rough day yesterday...feeling sorry for myself!

In a funny way I'm glad it was a rough one. I prayed and prayed...especially that I wouldn't head for the kitchen to make a snack that I wasn't hungry for. It took a couple hours but God brought me out of it...AMEN!

I then made my card and I just felt relieved.
Relieved that He loves me and I know He cares.

Week Four - Side Two

2009-01-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

I've been holding onto this verse...

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

Luke 18:27

Week Four - Side One

2009-01-22T07:51:00.000-08:00

It is my prayer that God will continue to make me aware.

I've been enjoying and singing this song for the past couple of days...

I want to be aware of those around me...to be a postivie influence in their lives.

He has been so faithful the first three weeks. I've felt His hand guiding me, He is blessing me, and I'm listening to His still, soft voice.

Sending sooooooooooo much love to all of you,

Week Three - Side Two

2009-01-19T06:37:00.000-08:00

It's amazing.

When we are at our weakest,

He lifts us up and makes us strong.

Week Three - Side One

2009-01-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Stay Strong.
Focus.

WOW...I thought week one would be hard, but this past week was rough.

So many times I found myself drifting back to food.
Several times I went back to food.
Too many times I was trying to jump back on board.
I prayed tons and tons.

I have some bruises but I'm pressing on and on.
Amen :D

Week Two - Side Two

2009-01-12T07:28:00.001-08:00

I'm overjoyed for new days!

Yesterday evening I made the children kettle corn and gave myself a little bowl and thought that's plenty. Then my husband wanted some so I had to make a whole new batch! Now there was tons of kettle corn and I just kept picking and picking at it until I was stuffed!

I rejoice that today is a new day and my prayer is for more self control :D

Have a wonderful day,
Lots of love,

Week Two - Side One

2009-01-08T07:46:00.001-08:00

Well, we made it through the first week!

How has it been for you?

My first week was better than I expected...had lots of water to drink! I'm trying to eat only until my stomach feels to the point of not still being hungry but not stuffed. Satisfied :D

For sure I feel like I have more energy...my doggie Sheriff has been taken on many more walks this week!

Today I'm going to continue pressing on towards the prize...the prize for me being weight loss. Whatever your prize is, I encourage you to press on. A lot of the time it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but keep moving forward and you will.

I love seeing your cards so much, I find them to be a great encouragement and I know that our other 52er's will as well! I'm having Flickr issues, it won't let me log on, so :) I'd love for you to leave a link to your blog or gallery where you are posting your cards so I can see :D Thank you!

Have a very wonderful rest of your day, see you on Monday!

Lots and lots of love and blessings,

Week One - Side Two

2009-01-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking of the Israelites who were released from the bondage of Egypt. All they had to do was follow...And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; (Exodus 13:21-22, KJV)

I've been praying and praying for the Lord to guide me and give light to my situation. I've been asking for guidance with my eating. Here are a couple of my notes...

• eat slower (reminding myself "eat like a lady" LOL)
... mind your manners: Don't gobble your food, don't talk with your mouth full. And don't stuff yourself; bridle your appetite (Proverbs 23:1-3, MSG)

• only eating when hungry
When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. (Matthew 25:35, KJV)

It is getting easier :) On January 1st and 2nd I was always hungry; probably because I ate so much over the holidays and my stomach was saying, "hey send down some more shortbread"! I basically had to do a "mini fast" just so I could grasp the feeling of really being hungry.

At our house we don't have a set breakfast and lunch time which makes it easier to eat by my stomach clock instead of the clock on the wall. My only obstacle has been 4:00! I know I've got to get dinner on the table at around 5:30, so if I eat at 4:00 I'll miss out on the blessing of enjoying food as a family. So now when 4:00 hits and I'm truly hungry I just have a little slice of cheese and a cracker, with maybe a splash of juice. That totally helps. Getting my dinner prepared immediately after I eat my lunch also helps.

4:00 is also the perfect time to work on my 52 Pick Me Up cards.

Have a wonderful Tuesday! I'm looking forward to Thursday as we begin our week two :)

Lots of love,

Week One - Side One

2009-01-04T20:37:00.001-08:00

The first step is salvation.

I'm going to share a bit of my personal testimony.

One of my earliest memories is going to Sunday School when I was six years old. I absolutely adored Sunday School and loved learning about the bible. For six years I missed only a couple of Sunday's...I've even got a certificate to prove it ;).

When I was 12 years old my Dad was transfered to a different city and church was very quickly removed from the picture. I began to delve into the world.

When I was 15 I was at a very low point and just needed Jesus, the Jesus I knew as a 6 year old. I tried to find hope in my bible...it just confused me and I couldn't read it through my tears so I shoved it deep into the back of my closet and didn't want anything to do with Jesus. My riotous living grew worse and worse. I gave myself away to this world. It was literally two years of hell.

God brightened my life when I was 17 years old (1990) when I met a cute guy in my accounting class and two years later we were married. We had three children, each two years apart.

Fast forward to 1999, my Pa had just died and I needed some hope. I got a hold of a bible and had a desire to read it! My favorite scripture was "Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him" Revelation 3:20.

In December of 1999 I had a dream. I was walking inside of a very, very old rundown house. (Thinking back, the house pretty much represented my heart. It was a mess, full of hatred from my past.) I stopped at a door. I heard a small knocking. I opened that door. There was a bright light behind the door; brighter than I've ever seen in my life. I just kept repeating over and over, thank you.

When I woke up that morning I cried out to Jesus "What do you want me to do?" I heard a still small voice, "put Me first". At that moment Jesus' death on the cross for my sins moved from only being "head knowledge" to "heart knowledge". I was truly born again and I haven't looked back and this year it will be 10 years!

I'd love to hear your salvation story...they are always so encouraging.

If you don't have Jesus as your personal saviour He is waiting for you! Salvation is available to you right now, today.

Jesus said "I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved." John 10:9

This is an amazing video and I encourage you to watch it! It touches my heart every single time :)

If you get a chance and want to share your 52 pick me ups...leave your link in the comments section, I can't wait to see them :)

He Has won the Victory!

2009-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

I'm going to claim the victory. God says take it, it's yours. He has fought the battle now I'm to stand still and see His glory.

I'm going to simply trust in Him. Listen to Him. I don't need to overeat, I don't need to fret if I want to enjoy a treat; I need to drink my water and enjoy the blessing that He has given me and not take them for granted. God has never failed me. The times that I get what I don't want or I don't think the answer from Him is right...it always is! He want the best for us!

I have a problem of stepping on the scale every morning.
If I don't see a loss, I immediately feel discouraged.

I'm not going to step on the scale again until after 52 weeks is over. It's going to be amazing for me to see what He is going to do. Maybe it's not His will for me to loss 52 lbs. maybe it is!

Have a glorious Sunday! Tomorrow I'll post the first side of my week one card!

Lots of love,