NEW AND IMPROVED Fruit Diet

I have a new product endorsement (unpaid and unsolicited). You know the English muffins that come in the orange plastic wrap...I think the brand is Thomas. Well they have a new Bagel Bread and MINI Bagel Bread that made my breakfast this morning, in MORE ways than one. They ROCK!

Ever since the re-launching of the re-cycled Atkins, Low-carb craze...bread has...well...been less than 'toasted'. Rather bread has been BURNED! I miss the days of bagel breakfasts at work and home, even at church. I miss the green chile bagels and the chocolate chip bagels. I miss the everything bagel. One of Thomas' bagels IS the EVERYTHING bagel! Score!!!

Yes I understand the perils of eating white bread and all those starchy carbs as they convert directly to sugars...with my biology degree..but nothing beats the smell and taste of wonderful bread! I just have a hard time believing satan made bread and all bread products like doctors would have us believe!

The other nice thing about Thomas' mini-bagel is it is much smaller than a regular bagel. I know I can go to Panera and get what THEY call a bagel...it's just not the same as the Bagels you could get back East or even the Einstein Bagels. These mini-bagels are still about the same size of a small hamburger bun, but they probably won't kill me quite as fast!

While we're on the subject of diets and dying...are people fools or WHAT? We flip back and forth on the diet thing as fast as the marketing companies commercialize them. We go from carbs, to...no meat, to...no fat, to...no sugar...I could go on and on with these BANS...then there's the flip side: ONLY soup, ONLY grapefruit, ONLY cabbage, ONLY salad...no wonder we're all crazy and feel like we're starving! We still haven't mastered the core of 'EVERYTHING IN MODERATION.'

Satan knows all about our ways and I am almost certain he's at the root of all these diet cycles. You see the truth of the matter (OUR God-inhabited Matter) is that the very spirit within us, God's HOLY Spirit, brings with Him a FRUIT of self-control to help with the moderation of our lives, including our diets. There are other fruits you might be interested in as well: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and that wonderful aforementioned self-control. These are all found in our LIFEBOOK in Galatians 5.

I sure hope you're not on a FRUIT-FREE diet, but even if you are, these fruits will ONLY make you more healthy and wonderful. Claim the fruit friends...it's there just for YOU...and enjoy these mini-bagels too.

Could someone please pass the low-fat cream cheese?

The Truth is Out There

True Story #1: My husband and I were talking the other day about how he can't handle me touching his feet. He literally bucks like a wild animal. Thankfully I'm okay with not touching them...but it got me to thinking...

I asked him what he would do if Jesus were here and attempted to wash his feet?

He said, without pause or second-thought, "I just hope I wouldn't kick him in the head."

I burst into laughter at the picture of my husband kicking Jesus in the head for touching his feet. He then reminded me that since God created him, He would already know not to touch his feet, because God clearly knows how sensitive my husband is, to touch.

2nd True Story: I came home from lunch today, as I do every weekday, to let the 'girls' outside for a brief reprieve and I called for the 'big dog' who is now about 10 y.o. and she didn't come. My imagination was starting to get carried away with thoughts of an early demise in my house and having to find her somewhere in the house.

But somewhere in the distance I heard a slight scratching noise and as I looked down the hallway I saw the bathroom door was closed.

You see big-dog likes to lay in the bathroom, because it's the coolest room in the house and she runs HOT temperature with her long hair. Add to that, she has a 'cone-collar' on because of 'cherry-eye' she's developed late in life. You know where this is going.

Somehow she got in the bathroom and probably as she turned around to lie down she shut the door with her big cone-head self. I tried to open the door but she was so close it was getting caught on her 'cone'. It was funny for me, probably a bit scary for her. I got her out and she headed straight to the back door for some ventilated freedom and a bathroom break.

True Story #3: I still love my job. I am still very busy and still learning new things daily. I had one of the staff call me today and this is what she asked me:

"I'm calling because we don't know what you know and what you DON'T KNOW yet."

I politely informed her: "There is still a LOT I don't know, but I'd like to think I know a few things. Why don't you ask what it is you need and I'll let you know if I know it or not, yet."

I think she was pleasantly surprised I was able to help her. I know I was!

Yeah for KIM!

I guess that's pretty much all my TRUE STORIES for now. Have a TRULY inspiring Thursday!

A Gift For Everyone

The hubs and I see a movie almost every week. We use a portion of our 'blow' money (from Dave Ramsey's FPU plan) and go check out a new release. We've seen some pretty UN-remarkable films of late. But today's ranked up there with "Freedom Writers" and a handful of other really memorable films.

Today we had planned to see "The Astronaut Farmer" and we probably still will at some point, but I looked through what was showing at the theater closest to us and there was one neither of us had heard of; "The Ultimate Gift". I thought it sounded intriguing. It's based on a novel by Jim Stovall. I knew that Fox Faith Films has been producing many more films this year, I just had no idea how impactful they would be. We decided to go see it based on the informational blurb given on Yahoo movies site.

It was an absolute MUST-SEE! Truly, it teaches everyone something. I don't doubt for a second that God ordained our own viewing on this day. You see I was totally prepared to write about how I feel like I'm on "E", in my spiritual tank. What I realize is that I have so much more to give and focusing on what I lack does not change that fact. I have been blessed with much and much is expected of me.

I'm still trying to work through what it all means and how it will play out in my own life, and I know we are on the 'verge' of something...what...I don't know...but something that will take a turn on our spiritual journey.

I have seen all God has brought us through over the past several years and I know we are still safely on His path. It is sometimes bumpy, but always certain!

I pray you find your "Ultimate Gift" and give it freely each day!

Water Water Everywhere

It started out as a way to stand in unity for those in Africa who not only don't have clean water, but also don't have "clean" blood...free of HIV/AIDS. It frightens me that this pandemic continues to deplete a nation as we (in our Nation) continue to thrive.

I drink a lot of water and always have. I do NOT drink tap water. I do NOT drink any water that "tastes". Having lived in Colorado for much of my youth, I learned at an early age that water does not NORMALLY have a taste. I still miss that clear, crisp water. I have come to drink bottled water or filtered water because water sometimes does have a taste. I am admittedly a bit spoiled about water.

When I took on this challenge of 'water only' for 2 weeks, I didn't give it much thought. I just thought it was for a great cause and I really felt God wanted me to do this. I also knew my savings would be minimal from a financial standpoint, but the lessons I would learn could be life-changing.

You see, I also drink tea, soda, juices, COFFEE (I love my morning and evening coffee)...and many other beverages when I have a yearning. So I knew the first few days would be a bit rough.

The first week and a half was horrible. I had incredibly intense caffeine headaches daily for most of the day. I took medicine to alleve the pain, but it continued to throb for the most part. I prayed during that time and asked God to take me through the pain with my thoughts and prayers for those in Africa, not my own lack. The headaches continued.

When my husband and I went to movies or to dinner as we do weekly, and even at home, as he prepared his soft drink or coffee, or tea, I sat with my water (albeit bottled), and did my best to appreciate this clean water instead of complaining about what I REALLY wanted. There were days I thought I was going to cheat, but I realized it wouldn't even matter...except to God and me. I just trudged through thinking often of the DEADLINE approaching, and forgetting about the REASON for this challenge.

My savings, the amount of money I will send to this campaign is minimal in the 'big picture' but this experience is the daily reminder, as I grab my coffee or have some tea or make a decision for bottled water, that I do have this choice. I can have a soda. I can have coffee. There are those who cannot and have never had clean water.

I am thankful to Erica for encouraging us to experience this challenge. I am thankful to God for our country and our clean water and all the many choices we have. I am thankful for our health and for the provision I so often take for granted.

I will send my $40 to this campaign and I will pray for them each time I enjoy any beverage.

Thank you Lord for my health, for provision, for a wonderful job, wonderful family and friends, for clean water and for the ability and desire to do whatever I can to show others who YOU are.

What's Your Sign?

If you're looking for Astrology...you're at the wrong blog!

Actually, Pastorman started a new series on Sunday...and frankly I don't recall the 'name' of the series right at this moment but it's about our homes. Not just our dwelling places, but Jesus' dwelling place.

Sunday, he talked about the various signs that exist at people's homes. He and another pastor went on a short field trip and photographed many of the different types of signs people use on their doors, and how they sometimes carry over into our walk with Christ.

The premise is that the foundation of our home is not the cement that is poured to keep our home level...rather it is the front door. The front door and what's written on it, truly paints a picture.

The front door could say: NO TRESPASSING...PRIVATE PROPERTY...KEEP OUT...they all imply the same thing. STAY AWAY!!!! Many of us have these doors on our lives. We may wear a face that is less than inviting, even angry. We may maintain a body language that says the same thing; arms crossed, eyes narrowed, completely closed off. We may wear sunglasses inside to prevent eye contact with others. We may look away or ignore everyone else around us. We may put on headphones to block out the world, or wear our 'blue-tooth'.

Sometimes the front door says: BEWARE OF THE DOG. We all know what this one looks like on a door and up close and personal. Enough said.

Every once in awhile the door says something unexpected, like: WELCOME or WELCOME HOME. These are the homes that I want to visit. This is the way I want my life to be. I want to be an open door, a welcome sign. I'm 100% certain this is what God wants too.

I hope you have a 'welcoming' kind of day and that the door to your life is always adorned with beauty, love and blessings!

Possibility

Today's quote: "Every day holds the possibility of a miracle."

This really inspired me...so here's where my mind went:

Possibility
by: kpjara

Today is the day we'll find out we're with child,
Today is the day the weather will be mild.

Today is the day every word will make sense,
Today is the day I won't feel quite so dense.

Today is the day my sister will laugh out loud,
Today is the day I won't be frightened by a crowd.

Today is the day I'll sing a song,
Today is the day NOTHING will go wrong.

Today is the day my heart will skip a beat,
Today is the day I'll dance out on my street.

Today is the day I'll see a miracle unfold,
Today is the day I'll see streets of silver and gold!

Getting "Lighter"

Have you ever had a 'fat' day? Have you ever felt exceptionally weighted down and not just in literal pounds, but in life? Have you ever had that 'weighty' feeling overflow into your heart and your demeanor?

I know we've all been there. At least those of us being honest with ourselves. We've felt heavy-hearted and stopped dead in our tracks weighed down by some oppressive issue. It could be family, friends, job, school, decisions, emotions, church. The truth of the matter is, it could be anything.

I have been weighed down in my spirit so much lately that it seemed even my pores have been clogged with lead. I couldn't feel the Holy Spirit. I couldn't hear Jesus' voice. I couldn't see the Hand of God reaching out to rescue me. Not only that...but being an 'emotional eater' I am physically heavier as well. Whether I feel good, bad, or apparently NOTHING...I eat. Somehow the feeling of physical fullness acts as a VERY short-term 'filling' of the emotional emptiness as well.

I had an incredible opportunity this weekend to attend the Beth Moore Simulcast from her new book, "Get Out of the Pit". I hadn't read the book yet, but my sister had. She really wanted me to attend this simulcast being held at her church. As her older sister, I felt some obligation to go. It's not that I don't LOVE Beth Moore, because I do...it's just that in the midst of my own wavering ambivalence, I couldn't imagine gaining anything from the experience.

How wrong I was! Thank God I was wrong. I was in a pit of apathy that was drowning out the voice of God as He reached in over and over again to rescue me. I kept choosing to slide back into this pit...until Saturday.

I know that pit is still there. I remember exactly what it looks like and feels like. I didn't hate it there...it was comfortable. It was what I had grown used to. God wants more for me! God created me for more.

He has placed my feet on solid ground and I have to choose, daily, to stand on his stable rock of redemption. I have so much to process from this experience and I imagine I will be writing more about what I learned. Suffice to say, I feel lighter by the moment and I think I'm even ready to 'slim' back down to my 'fighting weight' once and for all!

Normal Day

February 19, 2007 "Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow." Source Unknown

February 20, 2007 "Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could...Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays."

I read these as I updated my calender of "Inspirational Quotes" and I decided to do my own 'In Other Words' because these quotes just spoke to me.

All too often I am praying 'Lord, let this day go fast!' Or in anticipation of some big event or vacation I'll pray that God would 'let that day come fast!' If I am enduring some uncomfortable or even painful event I'll pray that God would 'just get me through today!'

I struggle just keeping myself grounded in today's today! I struggle accepting that today, the everyday, common, sometimes a bit frustrating or long-lasting today would move on out and make room for hope-filled, inspiring, sun-shiny TOMORROW!

For me it's hardest when anticipating a vacation or an event long-term and struggling not to rush through the days prior to the "Big Events". There is another time when it 'hits me'. It's at my new job.

Each day at my new job has such a huge learning curve. I feel so inadequate much of the time. I feel overwhelmed and unprepared. I don't doubt that I can and WILL learn this job, I just get frustrated that I have so many questions every single day. I try to think about the many questions i have asked AND answered over my years in the workforce and sometimes that helps.

Tuesday was a hard day. It was one full of self-doubt and uncertainty. I came back to work after the long weekend, full of anticipation and such sheer joy...then as I began working on one program I'm really not comfortable with yet, the doubt set in. I felt completely "LOST" in the midst of a meeting I attended as well, not understanding over half of what they were discussing.

I could almost audibly hear the enemy telling me how stupid I was. He was telling me I didn't deserve this job and I would most certainly "mess it up".

So yesterday I flipped the calender again and here is what I found:

February 21, 2007 "God has always used ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary mission."

And I'm holding on to that promise as I face each new day, taking from yesterday only the lessons that I need for today and letting go of the emotion and the 'yucky stuff'.

Lord, be with me today as I set out to learn more. Help me not be discouraged if I don't know everything I need to know today. Help me ask the questions I have without fear. Help me accept redirection and training with a humble, willing heart. Help me be helpful to others and patient and kind as I interact with others. Help me remember this training. And Lord...use me to carry out YOUR work...every day!

Water For Me!

I got a message from Erica over at "Butterfly Kisses" and she asked me (and anyone so inclined) to pray about the "Two Weeks of Sacrifice" challenge. I read the information and I was convinced not only that I could DO THIS...but that it would make a difference.

I thought about the sacrifices I've made in my life and to be honest, they are few and far between. I've lived a selfish life with regards to sacrifice. I can think of a handful of times I've actually given sacrificially. I can think of even less that I did it without prompting.

I thought about Jesus and His sacrifice for Eternity. I can do this one small thing and I hope you would pray about joining in too! GO check it out! Please pray for a heart of sacrifice.

"That which you've done for the least of these, you've done unto me." Matthew 25:40

Home Again, Home Again...

We made it to (and fro) Dallas alive! It was a bit harrowing at times and I promise the traffic in Dallas rivals LA, though Dallas drivers move along a LOT quicker! I only saw my life pass before my eyes twice…I think. I don’t know how these people do this on a regular basis. I mean Saturday afternoon traffic came to complete stops at certain points, for no apparent reason. It was unbelievable.

We stopped along the way at the Gainesville Outlet Malls and it was like a ghost town. There are hardly any shops open, but we did find some shirts for Paul at one store and picked up a couple of gifts for other people.

Most importantly we have spent time just chatting and chatting and chatting with one of Paul’s little sisters that we never get to see. It’s been years!

She’s all grown up now and an incredible young lady. She has an old soul, of that I’m certain. She’s very easy to talk to and she has insight and knowledge beyond her years. It’s always very refreshing to me to spend time with ‘extended’ family and it’s not a stilted meeting or uncomfortable in any way. I honestly wish we could spend more time ‘hanging out with her’, though she is here for a job, so that may not be possible.

I think we will get to see her at least once before she heads back home. It has encouraged me to do a better job keeping up with her though. I understand she is an ‘emailer’ like me. I am SUCH a better emailer than a ‘phone chatterer’. I think I just OD’d on the phone as a chatty youth.

It’s Monday now and my poor husband went to the doctor with is a cold-gone-productive cough. So instead of enjoying our day off together with a movie, I will enjoy caring for him and bringing him fluids to keep him hydrated. I am going to sneak in a quick trip to a sale with my mom this afternoon but I’ll be back in a jiff and maybe he’ll even nap while I’m away.

Oh and the sun is finally shining and it may actually get to seventy degrees today! Thank you Lord!

Permission Slip

I saw this in my newest "Real Simple" magazine and I thought 'what a WONDERFUL idea'. Writing ourselves a PERMISSION SLIP for everyday life!

I, kpjara , am hereby granted permission to enjoy some chocolate without guilt , watch some mindless television , daydream about a beach vacation as I complain about the snow , and read blogs for an hour .


February 15, 2007

By: kpjara
(print name)

kpjara
(signature)

You should try it...very freeing!


So my wonderful husband took me out to dinner and a movie last night. We went to Cheeseburgers in Paradise (one of my favorite low-key places to go). We then met up with a group of 6 other couples from church and went to see "Music and Lyrics". I never understood GROUP movie dates.

While the movie was 'okay' ...frankly I liked "Because I Said So" better. I think it's mostly because seeing Hugh Grant aging, next to the fair and eternally youthful Drew Barrymore, was tough. After all, Hugh and I are from the same generation and I live in perpetual denial about my physical aging. Seeing Hugh and Drew romantically involved was too weird for me. He could be her father...says the critic who is married to a man 7 years her junior.

So...the movie was funny in parts, inspiring and sometimes sad in parts. Overall I'd give it 2 1/2 stars (on a scale of * to *****). I know others have already talked about it but I'm telling you Hollywood is not doing such a great job coming up with original screenplays that not only draw an audience but leave you breathless or even in tears (except for in the sad fact that you spent money to watch the darn thing)!

This weekend we are heading to the Big-D to visit with Paul's little sister (whom we haven't seen since our wedding in 1998!) It's going to be good to see her. She was still in high school last time we saw her. She now has a Masters degree and is working PR with her mother. My husband didn't get to spend much time with her as she was with their dad and he lived with his mom.

My husband informs me that the hotel we are staying in has 'wireless access' so we're taking the laptop and I'm getting caught up on blogs-a-many that I have been away from for so long it hurts my head...and my heart.

I thought about just retiring from 'blogging' during my training at work, but it's like saying goodbye to such good friends! I just don't think I can do it...so I'll read and write when I can and hopefully every once in awhile I'll even write something meaningful. Who knows...maybe I have a decent screenplay in me! Okay...probably not...just a thought...LOL!

Remember your life is a song...you need music AND lyrics!

Checking In

Apparently I've entered the busy stage of life. I refuse to believe I'm just slowing down! Since my last post I have been going, going, going!


One of my very best friends (and the one I've known the longest since about 1983), was throwing a party for her Mom's 70th birthday! Her mom taught school for decades and is involved in a National women's club. Suffice to say the 'to-do' was bigger than most weddings. We had cake and punch for 400. We had a giant chocolate fountain (delish by the way).

I had helped her do a really unique invitation complete with a mosaic of pictures throughout her mom's life. It was really lovely. Here is the picture:

Don't you just LOVE that picture of her in that hat sipping the tea or coffee? I love that picture. I love them all! This is a woman who has impacted my life from my early twenties til this very day. She has given of herself daily. She has shown love, where there was none. She has offered everything she has, expecting nothing. She is absolutely the epitome of Christian love and service. She is my "Mom II".

My friend doesn't mind sharing her, afterall she's had to share her throughout her life. It's taught my friend about giving freely.

A part of the "good" that is in me...is due to my Mom II.

The party was a blast, but exhausting. We dove into the project during the invitation phase full of vim and vigor...but by Sunday evening we were certain our short-lived catering/party planning career was kaput! I know I didn't work this hard for my own wedding!

I'm now in week four of training at work and I've completed 'phone training' yesterday. Which only means I can answer phone calls from various call centers about billing and coverage issues. I've never had a problem with phones. I was a girl once after all! Even before the era of cell phones, as a teenager I was never far from the land line with the cord stretched to oblivion as I traversed the house chatting til my mom-assigned 'minutes' were used in full!

I'm not sure what's in store for today at this new job, but whatever it is, I'm certain it will keep me busy. And tomorrow is the 'love fest' Hallmark cards 'pumped up' for us over the years. My husband has a surprise in store, unfortunately so does Mother Nature...and until I see if my feet will stay grounded, I'm staying 'put'!

By the way...that groundhog may need some new specs! I see NO end in sight to this winter to forget. Perhaps I need to reread Ecclesiastes and God's promise of a new tomorrow...every day!

Have a Tuesday in the upper 70's (at least in memory)!