The foundation of this blog was trifold: 1) to post pictures, inspire and learn from one another about repurposing furniture; 2) to track my weight loss with those who I cannot see and talk with on a daily or even weekly basis; 3) obey what God has been whispering, yelling, in my ear for the past 5 months, really longer if I am honest - WRITE.
In the beginning when the Lord placed that seed of writing into my heart I was driving down a major thoroughfare in our area and it might as well been audible, "I want you to write". There several answers that I gave: what on earth am I suppose to write about? I am no expert on anything other than being tired!! and do you not know I am a terrible writer ~ should we revisit freshman English in college ~ a D, and that did not stand for Dandy!! I personally think the prof felt sorry for me. I have been battling with the Lord on this topic for well over 8 years.
I thought I had won until I began my master's degree and writing was all I was doing. See you should NEVER ignore what God has spoken to you. He has a way of taking you through the boot camp to prepare you for your assignment. So this time when I heard the same voice speaking the same message ~ I listened and obeyed. I had no idea what I would write (some of you are laughing right now due to the fact I have never been without something to say) but I would obey.
Then came the Northside Weight Challenge (formerly Atlanta's Biggest Loser). Now I had something to write about, fo sho!! It seemed that now I faced the dilemma of what to write due to my many options; the Trainer, the Pain, the Food, the Loss, the Team.
So as a summary I will tell you this: I was voted off at the midway point of the challenge. I lost 3 pounds that week but it was not enough to beat my team mates, who are incredible. I have continued to workout with my team twice a week and weigh in with them as well. Our final weigh in is next week with the winner to be announce on 11 Alive on Friday. At this point I would be honored to have any of these girls win the prize. We all have won because we lost. Winning by losing has been a theme to this contest but also for me personally.
I have lost more than just weight (40 pounds at this point ~ lots more to go, 80 more hopefully). I have lost presumptions about myself that were lies from the enemy to defeat me and keep me from accomplishing what the Lord has called me to complete. I have lost insecurities as I have tried on clothes this week that I have not been able to wear for over 5 years and now they not only fit but are loose! I have lost paranoia of what people must think of me which were dangerous whispers the enemy loves to use against me that makes me crazy. I have lost my food controllers; you know those foods that seem to call your name at the most inopportune times. (I am not saying they will not strike at me but they do not CONTROL me).
What I have gained.............the list is way too long but here goes. I have gained confidence. Now some of you are scared right now because this is not something you thought I lacked, haha. What I have become all too aware is that most of the confidence you have seen has been over compensation and not genuine confidence. This new confidence is coming from a place of peace and security of not only weight loss but HEALING!! The little battles along the way that have become victories; driving by DQ and NOT going through the drive through for a 'treat' after a difficult time, cooking for my family in a healthy capacity for us all, NO secret eating!! It is in those tiny (actually HUGE) battles that only me and the Lord share that bring confidence in who I am in HIS ability.
I have gained strength. I mentioned this in an earlier post but it bears repeating. I don't think we really understand the power of actual strength (pardon the pun). As I accomplished those things in the gym; completing my 'run' without walking, making it through 50 jumping jacks without passing out, having the Trainer brag on my workout. Those mountains, literally and figuratively, didn't look so daunting. (BTW to those who read the post on defining Little, I went back to that same hike with my friends last week and did not only Little Kennesaw but also BIG Kennesaw. I loved at the end when we went to get some water in the visitors' center Mr Park Ranger told us that was the most difficult hike in the whole park ~ my chest swelled with strength that day) On the days I want to say this is too hard, I need to quit, I reflect on what I have accomplished to this point and I have the strength to move past the difficulty and into victory.
I am not finished with this journey. I believe it is a lifelong process. There has been a desperate need for change in my life for a very long time. My complacency lulled me into a sedentary and lazy lifestyle. Accepting those things that came my way instead of being a driving force and active participant in what was happening in my life. Most did not see this but I knew it deep inside. I am proud of how far I have come in this process but know there is still so far to go. I have recently read a book that has got my hair on fire!! If you know anyone who struggles with their weight (# pounds does not matter) please tell them to read Lysa TerKeurst Made To Crave, it is life altering! I would love to teach the Bible study this fall at my church. Will let you know if and when that happens.
Thank you very much for all your encouraging words along the way. I cannot tell you how many times your comments, emails and prayers are what got me through some really rough patches.
Strong,
Lisa
Friday, May 17, 2013
Busy Busy
I am sorry to have been gone for so long but there have been some things that have kept me away.
1. For those of you who are wondering about my weight loss adventure, one of the main reasons I began this line of communication~ there is so much to tell you that I am saving it for a whole separate entry. God has done some remarkable things that I want to share with you.
2. I have been very blessed to have had some repurposing to do!! YEAH!! The winter does not seem to allow as much business as does the warmer months. Over Spring break I got 2 paying projects. One I did not take pics of, sorry but it was a 60x60 maple table that I painted black with distressing. It was a challenge due to the large surface of the table top. I also used a marine varnish seeing that it was going to be a kitchen, well used table. Lesson from this is NEVER AGAIN!!!! Poly it is for this girl. (I am finding in this business that lessons are learned on each project)
The other project came from my sister in law. She had this piece that she bought from Pier One years ago out on her covered porch. But as you can see each year the mold was unbelievable and difficult to clean off. So I put a black enamel paint on it with a red interior (unfortunately they are UGA fans). She also wanted the slats on the doors removed. WELL that took the pro, my dad who happened to be in town visiting, to help with that one. The before and after are below. My dad turned me on to a new product called Rock Hard. It is a wood putty that actually dries rock hard that you can sand it just like wood. We needed that for all the slat's holes that were left. My s-i-l bought a drapery panel at Target and I cut the curtains and sewed those suckers up ( yes I can sew straight lines) This is about as domestic as I get.
I am very grateful that it looks as though I will have some other projects to keep me busy for the next few weeks. I promise to take pictures this time.
3. The other reason I have been gone so long is below! Need I say more! We added this little fella the first of May and I have been a busy momma. I forgot how time consuming a puppy can be. I am not sure who is training who with the house training. His name is Moose and of course my boys, husband and son, picked him out because he was the largest! He is having to learn about chewing, I have already lost my iphone charger, a pair of shoes (straps are missing??) and my daughter's flipflops (thank the Lord they are only 2,50 at Old Navy)
1. For those of you who are wondering about my weight loss adventure, one of the main reasons I began this line of communication~ there is so much to tell you that I am saving it for a whole separate entry. God has done some remarkable things that I want to share with you.
2. I have been very blessed to have had some repurposing to do!! YEAH!! The winter does not seem to allow as much business as does the warmer months. Over Spring break I got 2 paying projects. One I did not take pics of, sorry but it was a 60x60 maple table that I painted black with distressing. It was a challenge due to the large surface of the table top. I also used a marine varnish seeing that it was going to be a kitchen, well used table. Lesson from this is NEVER AGAIN!!!! Poly it is for this girl. (I am finding in this business that lessons are learned on each project)
The other project came from my sister in law. She had this piece that she bought from Pier One years ago out on her covered porch. But as you can see each year the mold was unbelievable and difficult to clean off. So I put a black enamel paint on it with a red interior (unfortunately they are UGA fans). She also wanted the slats on the doors removed. WELL that took the pro, my dad who happened to be in town visiting, to help with that one. The before and after are below. My dad turned me on to a new product called Rock Hard. It is a wood putty that actually dries rock hard that you can sand it just like wood. We needed that for all the slat's holes that were left. My s-i-l bought a drapery panel at Target and I cut the curtains and sewed those suckers up ( yes I can sew straight lines) This is about as domestic as I get.
I am very grateful that it looks as though I will have some other projects to keep me busy for the next few weeks. I promise to take pictures this time.
3. The other reason I have been gone so long is below! Need I say more! We added this little fella the first of May and I have been a busy momma. I forgot how time consuming a puppy can be. I am not sure who is training who with the house training. His name is Moose and of course my boys, husband and son, picked him out because he was the largest! He is having to learn about chewing, I have already lost my iphone charger, a pair of shoes (straps are missing??) and my daughter's flipflops (thank the Lord they are only 2,50 at Old Navy)
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| Could you just eat him up? |
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| Loves hiding in the candy tuft in one of the islands. |
Friday, April 12, 2013
Screen Door
Is there nothing more nostalgic than the sound of a screen door slam? We have been wanting a screen door on the back of the house forever and today magically the sound of my childhood came back to me with a loud WHACK!! LOVE IT!!
Screen doors remind me of my grandparents' home in Savannah. They had screen doors on the front AND the back door. If you are from south Georgia or have ever been below Macon between March and October you know why people down there have screen doors. First to catch some kind of breeze so you won't die of heat exhaustion -because God knows you can't turn on the window units unless everybody is in the house for the night (never understood this philosophy of my Grandfather's). Secondly, screen doors keep the bugs from carrying off your first born.
You never realize you miss that slamming sound until you don't have one. There is just something missing if you leave the house without the whack of the screen door behind you. It is like the house is telling you goodbye or greeting you upon your arrival.
I have come to appreciate many things over the past few months much like a screen door. I appreciate the camaraderie of colleagues standing over coffee asking for advice, the sweet note of a student who grace was extended due to being a kid, baseball, the azaleas blooming (or the anticipation of them blooming, haha), the smell of fresh cut grass for the first time of the season, and I could go on but won't bore you. I guess today I am reflective and just down right appreciative of many things I have missed the past few years due to being so cotton pickin' busy.
What is it that you are missing like a screen door? Is there something or someone that you need to hear their voice that brings salve to your soul? Do you need to slow down? Breath? Try journaling sometime, it helps to put down some of your thoughts and requires you to think, reflect and remember what God's calling is on your life. Remember who you are in HIM! Reminds you who He is to you!
This week I have been reminded in my Bible study of Psalm 39. The psalmist, could be David or not - it doesn't matter, reminds us that our lives are 'short lived', 'nothing', 'a vapor', 'a shadow', ' a breath'. Yet as short as our lives are, as insignificant as we may be, God desires to have a relationship with us. He sent His son, Jesus, as the sacrifice for me. David was a very powerful, influential, successful leader of a great nation. I am in awe of his perspective of his life in comparison to the awesomeness of a Holy God.
Sometimes what we are missing is the proper perspective. I believe David's psalm gave me that this week.
One of the most powerful books I have read lately relates to this topic of perspective. There are times in my life, and I am sure in some of yours, that we are, as my grandmother says 'big in our britches'. We are thinking we are something/somebody. This book by Louie Giglio is just what the doctor ordered for me: I AM NOT BUT I KNOW I AM. It isn't about who I am but WHO I know and my relationship with I AM. Get it! Read it! Gain Perspective!
Perspective for me is like have that reassuring whack of the screen door on my life. There is comfort and security in that one sound.
(side note: for those of you who are following my weight loss program, thank you. I am down 6.5 more pounds for a total of 19 with the program and about 29 since January. I can't tell you how I appreciate your support and encouragement.)
Screen doors remind me of my grandparents' home in Savannah. They had screen doors on the front AND the back door. If you are from south Georgia or have ever been below Macon between March and October you know why people down there have screen doors. First to catch some kind of breeze so you won't die of heat exhaustion -because God knows you can't turn on the window units unless everybody is in the house for the night (never understood this philosophy of my Grandfather's). Secondly, screen doors keep the bugs from carrying off your first born.
You never realize you miss that slamming sound until you don't have one. There is just something missing if you leave the house without the whack of the screen door behind you. It is like the house is telling you goodbye or greeting you upon your arrival.
I have come to appreciate many things over the past few months much like a screen door. I appreciate the camaraderie of colleagues standing over coffee asking for advice, the sweet note of a student who grace was extended due to being a kid, baseball, the azaleas blooming (or the anticipation of them blooming, haha), the smell of fresh cut grass for the first time of the season, and I could go on but won't bore you. I guess today I am reflective and just down right appreciative of many things I have missed the past few years due to being so cotton pickin' busy.
What is it that you are missing like a screen door? Is there something or someone that you need to hear their voice that brings salve to your soul? Do you need to slow down? Breath? Try journaling sometime, it helps to put down some of your thoughts and requires you to think, reflect and remember what God's calling is on your life. Remember who you are in HIM! Reminds you who He is to you!
This week I have been reminded in my Bible study of Psalm 39. The psalmist, could be David or not - it doesn't matter, reminds us that our lives are 'short lived', 'nothing', 'a vapor', 'a shadow', ' a breath'. Yet as short as our lives are, as insignificant as we may be, God desires to have a relationship with us. He sent His son, Jesus, as the sacrifice for me. David was a very powerful, influential, successful leader of a great nation. I am in awe of his perspective of his life in comparison to the awesomeness of a Holy God.
Sometimes what we are missing is the proper perspective. I believe David's psalm gave me that this week.
One of the most powerful books I have read lately relates to this topic of perspective. There are times in my life, and I am sure in some of yours, that we are, as my grandmother says 'big in our britches'. We are thinking we are something/somebody. This book by Louie Giglio is just what the doctor ordered for me: I AM NOT BUT I KNOW I AM. It isn't about who I am but WHO I know and my relationship with I AM. Get it! Read it! Gain Perspective!
Perspective for me is like have that reassuring whack of the screen door on my life. There is comfort and security in that one sound.
(side note: for those of you who are following my weight loss program, thank you. I am down 6.5 more pounds for a total of 19 with the program and about 29 since January. I can't tell you how I appreciate your support and encouragement.)
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Mixed Sack of Emotions
Hello All, what a busy week I had last week! Family was in for my son's 16th birthday and Easter, not to mention my first weigh in with the Northside Weight Challenge (Atlanta's Biggest Loser) with 11 Alive. It was a mixed barrel of emotions this week. Happy-Sad kind of week, you ever had one of those. I think that really sums up Easter too.
I have been so looking forward to this week for my son. We have been planning and looking for him a truck to give him for his birthday for MONTHS!! We actually went out to look last weekend, which as you all know from your experiences in buying cars, is an exciting yet depressing time! Well we found it but had to hammer out the details then figure out the secret plan, da, da, dum! Your youngest hitting those life benchmarks is somewhat hard to swallow still very exciting. (he was surprised and we were glad that we were able to pull it off)
Then there was the mixture of emotions of our weigh-in with my Gold Team. We knew that someone had to be 'voted' off but were hating the thought of it. My team really has rallied around one another and genuinely likes one another. The anxiety prior to the weigh in was palatible. Our nerves were on end due to being on camera, did we lose enough to stay in the game, just nerves overall. There was excitement at the mention of our winner who lost the most and then tears when our youngest member was voted off. ( I say voted but really it is the person who looses the least % ) My team is doing fantastic, losing more than 10 lbs than the Red team. I was successful by losing 12.5 lbs. Including the 10 lost prior to the competition I am now at 22.5. I feel better and look forward to even more health benefits.
Then we had the celebration of Easter morning where our Savior conquered the grave. But to be in the grave there had to be a death, a crucifixion, a betrayal, brutality, Friday. I found myself last week in my devotions being so very thankful but almost guilty for the grace that was bestowed on me. Such sacrifice, mercy overflowing and unfathomable love for someone who forgets my time with Him, who neglects my commitment to Him, whose actions are contrary to His character. Does anyone else find themselves in this thought pattern?
I have found the one sure way for me to counter this line of thought is WORSHIP in the most bold manner! To dance before Him (this is always done privately for those of you who are worried about sitting with me in church, haha), to pour out my appreciation in my writings, to sing as a clanging cymbal, to linger in His Word in order to hear His voice. I am so moved by the resurrection this Easter to know my Savior LIVES and that same power that conquered the grave also lives in me and you! Romans 8:11 Now the key is to walk out His resurrection in our lives by sacrifice, kindness, mercy, love, thanksgiving, grace and hope in who He is in our lives.
I have been so looking forward to this week for my son. We have been planning and looking for him a truck to give him for his birthday for MONTHS!! We actually went out to look last weekend, which as you all know from your experiences in buying cars, is an exciting yet depressing time! Well we found it but had to hammer out the details then figure out the secret plan, da, da, dum! Your youngest hitting those life benchmarks is somewhat hard to swallow still very exciting. (he was surprised and we were glad that we were able to pull it off)
Then there was the mixture of emotions of our weigh-in with my Gold Team. We knew that someone had to be 'voted' off but were hating the thought of it. My team really has rallied around one another and genuinely likes one another. The anxiety prior to the weigh in was palatible. Our nerves were on end due to being on camera, did we lose enough to stay in the game, just nerves overall. There was excitement at the mention of our winner who lost the most and then tears when our youngest member was voted off. ( I say voted but really it is the person who looses the least % ) My team is doing fantastic, losing more than 10 lbs than the Red team. I was successful by losing 12.5 lbs. Including the 10 lost prior to the competition I am now at 22.5. I feel better and look forward to even more health benefits.
Then we had the celebration of Easter morning where our Savior conquered the grave. But to be in the grave there had to be a death, a crucifixion, a betrayal, brutality, Friday. I found myself last week in my devotions being so very thankful but almost guilty for the grace that was bestowed on me. Such sacrifice, mercy overflowing and unfathomable love for someone who forgets my time with Him, who neglects my commitment to Him, whose actions are contrary to His character. Does anyone else find themselves in this thought pattern?
I have found the one sure way for me to counter this line of thought is WORSHIP in the most bold manner! To dance before Him (this is always done privately for those of you who are worried about sitting with me in church, haha), to pour out my appreciation in my writings, to sing as a clanging cymbal, to linger in His Word in order to hear His voice. I am so moved by the resurrection this Easter to know my Savior LIVES and that same power that conquered the grave also lives in me and you! Romans 8:11 Now the key is to walk out His resurrection in our lives by sacrifice, kindness, mercy, love, thanksgiving, grace and hope in who He is in our lives.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Let's Define 'little'
I have become keenly aware that there are certain words in the English vocabulary that need clarification. Words like: bad, good, comfortable, big, and most importantly ........ little. There are certain words that are reliant upon a comparison. For instance the word good is only significant if compared with a bad situation; i.e. This supper was good, mom. Compared to last night's disaster where you burned over half of our meal. or I am in my comfy clothes. Compared to the tweed pants I just took off that I itched all day in.
You see there are words in our vocabulary that necessitate comparison clarification. This I learned in my Lessons from Week 2. I relate the word LITTLE with kittens and puppies, sweet toddling children, miniature cookies that taste like cardboard, minuscule portions of cheesecake so as not to 'count the calories'. Now I have been reprimanded of late because I misused the word LITTLE in characterization of a great looking truck that my son was hoping to buy. 'cute little truck' is not a complement to a teen boy's dream truck, just passing on the wisdom.
My wisdom of late has come to this conclusion: The word LITTLE must be clarified with what it is in comparison.
Lesson 1: As I arrived to my training on Thursday we went on a LITTLE jog to a LITTLE hill. For me a little jog would be about 100 feet, unfortunately that is not the same comparison my trainer had in his mind. We jogged about 1/2 mile to a LITTLE grassy knoll. At first I am not intimidated by the grassy hill UNTIL he asked us to run UP it and down, without rolling! OH that wasn't all, then we bear crawled UP the LITTLE hill, then squat hopped up this small incline. Over and over we climbed, crawled and hopped up the LITTLE hill. I thought there was for sure a LITTLE heart attack waiting for me. Needless to say I was a LITTLE sore the next morning.
Lesson 2: The single most important lesson of my week came on Friday (after Thursday night's lesson). I have a dear friend that I adore ( I need to say this first lest anyone believe otherwise after reading the rest of this post). She is gifted in so many ways........vocabulary clarification is not one of them! Upon hearing of my journey with weight loss she is motivated to come beside me for encouragement - love her! She asked me did I like to hike - my response was "How long have you known me? Wildlife to me is a roly poly." She suggests that we hike AT Kennesaw Mountain. Now I have done the field trips to KM and hiked trails with children to see and study the HISTORICAL attributes of the area in which we live. I agree to meet her Friday, may I remind you of the LESSON 1 that occurred Thursday night.
I meet her at our designated spot. Her two girls join us, one in college and one in 4th grade. (the Lord has a funny sense of humor to keep me accountable to saying bad things) Where we are parked there is a LARGE incline across the street and some fabulously flat trails to our right. We begin........across the street to the LARGE incline. There was no gradual hike or sweet LITTLE trail, NO it is immediate stepping up rocks, hiking UP this hill. (Pigeon Hill for those of you who care to know) The girls are getting it, me-not so much! She tells me that this is a pretty steep climb but it isn't so BAD, another vocab clarification word - it should have been my clue! Well to make this a short book verses a novel (see vocab comparison) we do take a longer, gentler route but still have to climb over rocks, around trees and yes there was wildlife!
About half way through this escapade we look up, because all I could look at was the ground so as not to fall over a root or rock, there stands a herd of deer -- ok it was 2 but you know there were more! I FROZE - reference my idea of wildlife. Well so did they!! They were in no hurry to get away from us but I was not moving until those suckers were out of site. The girls shooed them away but I was terrified, I have seen that America's Funniest Video where the guy gets mauled by the deer in his front yard. Deer are DANGEROUS (yes another vocab comparison should be inserted but I just can't do it)
After the dangerous encounter with wildlife we do successfully make it to the top of LITTLE Kennesaw Mountain!!! HOORAY, I didn't die! However, I do want to make this clarification on the vocabulary of LITTLE at this point..............it AIN'T LITTLE. Compared to the Rockies, yes it is little, compared to Mt. McKinley, ok perhaps I can concede it is slightly smaller but LITTLE Kennesaw is not for the faint of heart - but it is worth the view.
In all seriousness however, I am so encouraged by my friendship that has seen me in my pits and passions. That God gives me opportunities to experience Him in huge, gigantic, enormous capacities through His creation. That I have laughter at those times of challenge. May today God grant you a friend to walk/hike beside you, His glory expressed in creation and belly laughter in times of challenge. Oh yeah, and vocabulary clarification for those hard words in life.
You see there are words in our vocabulary that necessitate comparison clarification. This I learned in my Lessons from Week 2. I relate the word LITTLE with kittens and puppies, sweet toddling children, miniature cookies that taste like cardboard, minuscule portions of cheesecake so as not to 'count the calories'. Now I have been reprimanded of late because I misused the word LITTLE in characterization of a great looking truck that my son was hoping to buy. 'cute little truck' is not a complement to a teen boy's dream truck, just passing on the wisdom.
My wisdom of late has come to this conclusion: The word LITTLE must be clarified with what it is in comparison.
Lesson 1: As I arrived to my training on Thursday we went on a LITTLE jog to a LITTLE hill. For me a little jog would be about 100 feet, unfortunately that is not the same comparison my trainer had in his mind. We jogged about 1/2 mile to a LITTLE grassy knoll. At first I am not intimidated by the grassy hill UNTIL he asked us to run UP it and down, without rolling! OH that wasn't all, then we bear crawled UP the LITTLE hill, then squat hopped up this small incline. Over and over we climbed, crawled and hopped up the LITTLE hill. I thought there was for sure a LITTLE heart attack waiting for me. Needless to say I was a LITTLE sore the next morning.
Lesson 2: The single most important lesson of my week came on Friday (after Thursday night's lesson). I have a dear friend that I adore ( I need to say this first lest anyone believe otherwise after reading the rest of this post). She is gifted in so many ways........vocabulary clarification is not one of them! Upon hearing of my journey with weight loss she is motivated to come beside me for encouragement - love her! She asked me did I like to hike - my response was "How long have you known me? Wildlife to me is a roly poly." She suggests that we hike AT Kennesaw Mountain. Now I have done the field trips to KM and hiked trails with children to see and study the HISTORICAL attributes of the area in which we live. I agree to meet her Friday, may I remind you of the LESSON 1 that occurred Thursday night.
I meet her at our designated spot. Her two girls join us, one in college and one in 4th grade. (the Lord has a funny sense of humor to keep me accountable to saying bad things) Where we are parked there is a LARGE incline across the street and some fabulously flat trails to our right. We begin........across the street to the LARGE incline. There was no gradual hike or sweet LITTLE trail, NO it is immediate stepping up rocks, hiking UP this hill. (Pigeon Hill for those of you who care to know) The girls are getting it, me-not so much! She tells me that this is a pretty steep climb but it isn't so BAD, another vocab clarification word - it should have been my clue! Well to make this a short book verses a novel (see vocab comparison) we do take a longer, gentler route but still have to climb over rocks, around trees and yes there was wildlife!
About half way through this escapade we look up, because all I could look at was the ground so as not to fall over a root or rock, there stands a herd of deer -- ok it was 2 but you know there were more! I FROZE - reference my idea of wildlife. Well so did they!! They were in no hurry to get away from us but I was not moving until those suckers were out of site. The girls shooed them away but I was terrified, I have seen that America's Funniest Video where the guy gets mauled by the deer in his front yard. Deer are DANGEROUS (yes another vocab comparison should be inserted but I just can't do it)
After the dangerous encounter with wildlife we do successfully make it to the top of LITTLE Kennesaw Mountain!!! HOORAY, I didn't die! However, I do want to make this clarification on the vocabulary of LITTLE at this point..............it AIN'T LITTLE. Compared to the Rockies, yes it is little, compared to Mt. McKinley, ok perhaps I can concede it is slightly smaller but LITTLE Kennesaw is not for the faint of heart - but it is worth the view.
In all seriousness however, I am so encouraged by my friendship that has seen me in my pits and passions. That God gives me opportunities to experience Him in huge, gigantic, enormous capacities through His creation. That I have laughter at those times of challenge. May today God grant you a friend to walk/hike beside you, His glory expressed in creation and belly laughter in times of challenge. Oh yeah, and vocabulary clarification for those hard words in life.
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| I love ya T!! |
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| FROZEN to stone due to the DEER. (but got my coffee) |
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Lessons from Week 1
I am still alive!! In the middle of last week I wasn't sure that was going to be the case! The thought of having to go to the bathroom about sent me to tears because my legs hurt from all the squats that we had been doing. But oh no, the bathroom is inevitable due to drinking an entire inground pool of water each and every day! I have never become so intimate with my water closet in my entire life. I contemplated just bringing my pillow one night when I was up for the 4th time. (Sorry to be so personal)
There have been several lessons I have learned this week that I would like to share with you guys.
Lesson 1: My idea of a piece of chicken and the 'Plan's' idea aren't the same. I am not sure where they are getting their chickens but these chickens are also on a meal plan, that is all I have to say. I have often tried to get a vision of the actual chicken that had this kind of breast --- well let's just say I would have recommended an implant of some kind.
Lesson 2: Getting up and down off of a gym floor is not one in my repertoire. I have known for quite sometime that I am a systematic kind of person. Even back in the day when I taught aerobics we did all our standing items/stretches, then went to the floor completed all of those items and then gradually came back to standing for dismissal. NO, for those of you who are wondering, that is not the way of this wave of exercise. We are on the ground, then stand up do something, then back to the ground but then hopping up in one swoop -- Jesus take the wheel and drive my tail back to the 90s.
Lesson 3: I feel stronger! Not sure if this is a genuine measure of strength or just in my head but my muscles have awakened from their 16 year hibernation and have thanked me for movement. I have conquered some mental mountains as well as the big hill in my neighborhood that I walked UP on Saturday. Now I am not going to tell you the conversation that went on in my head in order to accomplish that one!
Strength comes in different forms. Am I physically stronger, I think yes, even after one week. But more than anything else I am becoming mentally stronger, emotionally more resilient, and definitely spiritually awakened. With each step in the right direction whether uphill or down I am moving to become a person of strength. I have come to realize that the bravado in which many of you saw as strength was actually some compensation so you would not see my weaknesses. Not to say that I do not have areas of strength but my over compensation in many areas was to disguise or divert attention from what was really happening on the inside.
Ultimately my strength can only come from the Lord (Psalm 118:14) Each day as I fold back the layers of this journey, facing many of those giants of my past and my present it is only by His hand holding me up that I am able to say:
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
2 Timothy 4:17
Not only is the Lord supplying my strength but He has a purpose for me beyond this adventure that I need to fulfill. I shared with a friend this week that I feel as though I am in bootcamp. I have absolutely no military knowledge but to my understanding once you survive bootcamp then you receive your assignment. I am in bootcamp. It is grueling at times, I don't like it, it is hard, I think very not nice things about the trainer, but ultimately I know that I will be given an assignment that I need to fulfill from this training. This training is making me able to do what I am called to do. I don't know what that is but I trust the one Who is assigning it to me.
There have been several lessons I have learned this week that I would like to share with you guys.
Lesson 1: My idea of a piece of chicken and the 'Plan's' idea aren't the same. I am not sure where they are getting their chickens but these chickens are also on a meal plan, that is all I have to say. I have often tried to get a vision of the actual chicken that had this kind of breast --- well let's just say I would have recommended an implant of some kind.
Lesson 2: Getting up and down off of a gym floor is not one in my repertoire. I have known for quite sometime that I am a systematic kind of person. Even back in the day when I taught aerobics we did all our standing items/stretches, then went to the floor completed all of those items and then gradually came back to standing for dismissal. NO, for those of you who are wondering, that is not the way of this wave of exercise. We are on the ground, then stand up do something, then back to the ground but then hopping up in one swoop -- Jesus take the wheel and drive my tail back to the 90s.
Lesson 3: I feel stronger! Not sure if this is a genuine measure of strength or just in my head but my muscles have awakened from their 16 year hibernation and have thanked me for movement. I have conquered some mental mountains as well as the big hill in my neighborhood that I walked UP on Saturday. Now I am not going to tell you the conversation that went on in my head in order to accomplish that one!
Strength comes in different forms. Am I physically stronger, I think yes, even after one week. But more than anything else I am becoming mentally stronger, emotionally more resilient, and definitely spiritually awakened. With each step in the right direction whether uphill or down I am moving to become a person of strength. I have come to realize that the bravado in which many of you saw as strength was actually some compensation so you would not see my weaknesses. Not to say that I do not have areas of strength but my over compensation in many areas was to disguise or divert attention from what was really happening on the inside.
Ultimately my strength can only come from the Lord (Psalm 118:14) Each day as I fold back the layers of this journey, facing many of those giants of my past and my present it is only by His hand holding me up that I am able to say:
But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
2 Timothy 4:17
Not only is the Lord supplying my strength but He has a purpose for me beyond this adventure that I need to fulfill. I shared with a friend this week that I feel as though I am in bootcamp. I have absolutely no military knowledge but to my understanding once you survive bootcamp then you receive your assignment. I am in bootcamp. It is grueling at times, I don't like it, it is hard, I think very not nice things about the trainer, but ultimately I know that I will be given an assignment that I need to fulfill from this training. This training is making me able to do what I am called to do. I don't know what that is but I trust the one Who is assigning it to me.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Snow Run
For those of you who are wondering about the mile run on Saturday,,,,,,,,,,well I can sum it up with I wasn't last but I wasn't first either. Yes we ran in 30ish degree weather in snow flurries! I am not sure what this may say about our group or this new adventure.
I do know this........I was encouraged by the people I was with. They are a group of people who are not gathered together by accident. Before we began our run we met at the Coach's gym, I was just glad to get to the bathroom, it's a long way from my house and once again you know I had me some coffee. The Coach asked some of us our 'story', how we got to where we are - out of shape and overweight. One thing I am discovering is that each of us has a story..........some are triumphant, very inspiring, others are tragic and heartbreaking and others are lost sheep in need of direction.
I desire to share so much with you on this blog but will reserve most of my posts to my personal journey. Right now I am scared but encouraged, so far out of my element of control I feel as though I am in a foreign land. I left the gym the other day after having my first conversation with the Coach with tears streaming down my face for the majority of the way home. Not because of what he said but more about what he revealed in me. I am coming to realize this is not just a journey on my weight loss or becoming physically healthy but there will be more that I know about myself. It is a journey of who I am or who I am becoming.
There are reasons as to why we hide behind our weight. There are motives to our comforting ourselves in the southern comforts of food. There are conveniences and avoidances that we have taken up in order to deny the hard issues of life. So understand that with each pound that is lost there are layers of understanding and fierce giants slain in my life. God has been preparing me spiritually over these past few months for the battle at hand. I have my weapons for the warfare and I know Who has my back.
Thank you for all of you who have encouraged me either by your posts or personal contacts. You have no idea how much your words came to my mind as I was running amidst the flurries. The fact that you believe I can do this even if I have doubted my ability has been my lifeline.
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
I do know this........I was encouraged by the people I was with. They are a group of people who are not gathered together by accident. Before we began our run we met at the Coach's gym, I was just glad to get to the bathroom, it's a long way from my house and once again you know I had me some coffee. The Coach asked some of us our 'story', how we got to where we are - out of shape and overweight. One thing I am discovering is that each of us has a story..........some are triumphant, very inspiring, others are tragic and heartbreaking and others are lost sheep in need of direction.
I desire to share so much with you on this blog but will reserve most of my posts to my personal journey. Right now I am scared but encouraged, so far out of my element of control I feel as though I am in a foreign land. I left the gym the other day after having my first conversation with the Coach with tears streaming down my face for the majority of the way home. Not because of what he said but more about what he revealed in me. I am coming to realize this is not just a journey on my weight loss or becoming physically healthy but there will be more that I know about myself. It is a journey of who I am or who I am becoming.
There are reasons as to why we hide behind our weight. There are motives to our comforting ourselves in the southern comforts of food. There are conveniences and avoidances that we have taken up in order to deny the hard issues of life. So understand that with each pound that is lost there are layers of understanding and fierce giants slain in my life. God has been preparing me spiritually over these past few months for the battle at hand. I have my weapons for the warfare and I know Who has my back.
Thank you for all of you who have encouraged me either by your posts or personal contacts. You have no idea how much your words came to my mind as I was running amidst the flurries. The fact that you believe I can do this even if I have doubted my ability has been my lifeline.
Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press ontoward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Day One of the Journey
Well to quote from my devotional journal today, "Today is the day of reckoning - what have I gotten myself into?!" I begin today the day of evaluation for Atlanta's Biggest Loser/Northside's Weight Smart Challenge. I enjoyed greatly meeting the members of the contest and my team. I will be on the yellow/gold team. Next Wednesday will be the introduction of the contestants on Atlanta and Company. I am inspired by the stories of why each person chose to take this leap of faith. We are all motivated by our families, some are desiring to return to days of old (our skinny old), and others are motivated by personal goals. We have a fantastic support staff through Northside Hospital, Good Measure Meals and Get Fit with Sloan.
Upon arrival to 11 Alive, I hiked the giant hill from the bottom parking lot. Seriously by the time I got to the front door I was battling needing oxygen or the bathroom first! I had downed a large coffee on the way to the station. So the first thing they want to do is take my blood pressure - SERIOUSLY?? I am still hemming and hacking up a lung from the hike and now they want to know what my blood pressure was............I suppose no one is surprised that my blood pressure was HIGH. I never have high blood pressure until today!
Although weighing in on camera is not my idea of a good time, the more pressing obstacle on my agenda is having to run a mile on Saturday. And the running joke for me is 'momma don't run without a dog chasing me'. Tell me the Lord doesn't have a fantastic sense of humor when our trainer, Sloan, is also a dog trainer for national competitions with his dogs - which he said he could bring to motivate us to run! Can I just say that the Lord was having a knee slapping laugh on this one! My heart was palpitating to the point of visibility. Who is meeting me at the park in the morning to run ........... or laugh at me running? Whichever the case I need company!
Getting serious for just a second ............ I know without a doubt that I am on this journey by destiny. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am at a fork in my road of life. After 25 years of education/administration I have found myself with time on my hands. I do not know my future but am so very confident in the God of my future. Over these past several months God has assured me of His sovereignty in my life. I cannot explain the peace that I have had at each of these hairpin turns on my path. I struggle with being a control freak therefore I know this peace is the kind that 'surpasses understanding' (Philippians 4:7) As we face various challenges in our lives God's Word is our peace in the midst of the storm.
So who is coming running with me in the morning? Bring your dogs..............
Upon arrival to 11 Alive, I hiked the giant hill from the bottom parking lot. Seriously by the time I got to the front door I was battling needing oxygen or the bathroom first! I had downed a large coffee on the way to the station. So the first thing they want to do is take my blood pressure - SERIOUSLY?? I am still hemming and hacking up a lung from the hike and now they want to know what my blood pressure was............I suppose no one is surprised that my blood pressure was HIGH. I never have high blood pressure until today!
Although weighing in on camera is not my idea of a good time, the more pressing obstacle on my agenda is having to run a mile on Saturday. And the running joke for me is 'momma don't run without a dog chasing me'. Tell me the Lord doesn't have a fantastic sense of humor when our trainer, Sloan, is also a dog trainer for national competitions with his dogs - which he said he could bring to motivate us to run! Can I just say that the Lord was having a knee slapping laugh on this one! My heart was palpitating to the point of visibility. Who is meeting me at the park in the morning to run ........... or laugh at me running? Whichever the case I need company!
Getting serious for just a second ............ I know without a doubt that I am on this journey by destiny. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am at a fork in my road of life. After 25 years of education/administration I have found myself with time on my hands. I do not know my future but am so very confident in the God of my future. Over these past several months God has assured me of His sovereignty in my life. I cannot explain the peace that I have had at each of these hairpin turns on my path. I struggle with being a control freak therefore I know this peace is the kind that 'surpasses understanding' (Philippians 4:7) As we face various challenges in our lives God's Word is our peace in the midst of the storm.
So who is coming running with me in the morning? Bring your dogs..............
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Fun Paint Projects
I have a bit of talent in that I can copy just about anything. Because of my teaching background I have learned great ways to take an idea and put into your own situation or need which makes a fun impact. I use a lot of tools like projectors, transparencies, graphite paper and computers abilities to blow up and size images, find images that you want that I hope I can share as a part of this blog. The two examples that I have pictured on today's feature I did for Christmas gifts for my daughter and her bff.
I used a paint pen by Sharpie on some Tom's shoes that I purchased online. I know this was risky but I had seen some of these on Etsy for sale and just could not bring myself to pay the money for them. I also wanted them to be more personal than a generic Bible verse. Ephesians 1:6-10 is the verse that the Lord gave to me early in my daughter's life.
I practiced the swirls on paper for several weeks trying
to get them to look like I wanted them. The greatest thing
is how surprised she was and that I believe I got one of
the favorite present awards ~ oh don't act like you don't
love it when that happens to you too.
If you are too scared to try to experiment on Toms try
a pair from Walmart or the Dollar Store first. There are some really great ideas on Pinterest with great designs to make your own.
Don't be afraid to take and idea put your own spin on it and make it yours.
I practiced the swirls on paper for several weeks trying
to get them to look like I wanted them. The greatest thing
is how surprised she was and that I believe I got one of
the favorite present awards ~ oh don't act like you don't
love it when that happens to you too.
If you are too scared to try to experiment on Toms try
a pair from Walmart or the Dollar Store first. There are some really great ideas on Pinterest with great designs to make your own.
Don't be afraid to take and idea put your own spin on it and make it yours.
 |
| Put your favorite Bible verse, poem or song lyrics onto a pair of shoes! Fabulous way to walk in the Word.....hehehe! |
 |
| Alpha Delta Pi Lion |
So this next project came to me via a text message from my daughter's bff. I get this text with an attachment ~ well you know that can't be good. I figured it was a picture of the two of them up to something but no it was a project! She writes "do you think you could paint this for me? hehehe" Well with one look I said "uh NO! that's too hard!" But I couldn't tell her that. She recently became a member of a sorority with the lion as their mascot. What was I suppose to say? I'll try, was my answer. So I got the size canvas that she thought she wanted, 12x12, then printed out a blown up version of the image. Using graphite paper I transferred the lion to the canvas. Then using a color block style of painting began to paint in the coloration of the image. I have used this technique with transferring images to furniture and walls so why not a canvas. It still took me a while to get the details completely like I wanted them to look. It was fun to do. Now it hangs proudly in my little ADPi's room at school. She was happy and surprised so that was all I needed.Next time you have an image that you just need the proper size and outline using graphite paper is the best kept secret of the 'old school' of transferring images to anything. (and it's cheap and you can use it over and over again)
Meme's Telephone Table
My mother has had this ugly narrow table in our house as long as I can remember. Many of you remember the table that held the phone in your foyers growing up, this is that table. You know when there was only one phone in the house............... what a blast from the past that is.
It is dark and worn with watermarks. It really looked like a cast away piece. But it was a family piece so I couldn't do that.......so what is left is to redo it. This was a redo with a lot of love and patience. My arms got a work out on this one with all the sanding that I did.........no machines on this one just elbow power.
The table showed its age well and was a great piece but just needed new life breathed into it. I began sanding the top and realized it was a red oak so I decided to just put a poly over the top of it and paint the bottom with a light blue grey that I had on hand. Stressed it so that it did look its age and now it sets beautifully in our dining room with the phone on it.
** Be careful when you tape off the top of your table and then poly that it doesn't leave you dried pools of poly that need to be cut away afterward. My advice is either be light handed with your poly or pull the tape away while your poly is just damp. Anyone have other advice I am open to hearing your experience. **
It is dark and worn with watermarks. It really looked like a cast away piece. But it was a family piece so I couldn't do that.......so what is left is to redo it. This was a redo with a lot of love and patience. My arms got a work out on this one with all the sanding that I did.........no machines on this one just elbow power.
The table showed its age well and was a great piece but just needed new life breathed into it. I began sanding the top and realized it was a red oak so I decided to just put a poly over the top of it and paint the bottom with a light blue grey that I had on hand. Stressed it so that it did look its age and now it sets beautifully in our dining room with the phone on it.
** Be careful when you tape off the top of your table and then poly that it doesn't leave you dried pools of poly that need to be cut away afterward. My advice is either be light handed with your poly or pull the tape away while your poly is just damp. Anyone have other advice I am open to hearing your experience. **
HAPPY PAINTING EVERYONE!Thursday, February 21, 2013
Cookbook Bookcase Remake
This sweet little bookcase was an originally for albums that my dad made when he was in high school. Ever since I inherited this great family piece it has been in our kitchen holding my cookbooks. So I began with a high grit sandpaper due to the heavy varnish on this little beauty.
After a primer and several coats of a cream/bisque color then came the distressing. I am not repurposing these pieces to make them new just to have new life. Here is some close up of the door with some of the 'wear'.
 |
| Use a small grit of sandpaper to get your distressed looks |
 |
| Now my cookbooks have a great fresh home. |
Millie's Kitchen Design
I had so much fun making this you just couldn't believe. I designed on a piece of paper what I wanted the doors for the oven and refrigerator and Mr. Wonderful did the rest. We decorated with some items we had around the house in order to keep the cost down. But quite honestly the desk I purchased at Goodwill for $25. The faucet and the stove knobs were as much as the whole desk, haha. I purchased those at Home Dept. The rest we had at the house, I guess that tells you what our basement or garage looks like.
Here are some close up pics for you.
The hole we covered with a piece of plexiglass. The knobs are a little pricey but you can use wooden knobs but the kids love something that turns.
The shelf was found at the house from one of the kids' bathrooms from years gone by. I created the counter with a simple mix of acrylic paints in a sponge technique. Tape off the stove to make it a separate area. I glued some wooded discs from Michaels after painting them black - simple for a big punch. The fabric was left over from the kids' homework room. You never know when those scraps come in handy!
The sink is a stainless steel bowl and a faucet from Home Depot for $12, check out the clearance area in the bath area. The window is a picture frame that I painted a pasture scene with some mountains since it was going to be living in East Tennessee.
A simple wipeoff board in which we came to find out was one of her favorite things.
My aunt and uncle had an old phone in their basement WITH a chord. My children were fascinated with the chorded phone. And once again a towel bar from some bathroom over the years.
The rest of the family got her fun things to go with her kitchen. It is a little tall so she uses her 'step' to let her reach the sink. I really was concerned about the height seeing so many on the internet/Pinterest using a converted tv cabinet but I think she would outgrow it too soon so .......... I think this will last her a few years.
She was such the boss of her world even the 19 year old obeyed her instructions. Let me know if you need some guidance on your project.
Thanks for the visit,
Lisa
The Journey Begins
Good Morning All!
Over the past several months I have found myself at a new beginning of life...............I know several of you may be jealous but let me explain where I have been and the journey that God has chosen before me.
I am an educator by trade and stepped into administration as the need arose in my small Christian school. In mid October I was told that due to financial difficulties of the school that my position was no longer necessary. I was devastated in every form of the word. I considered the families, students and staff of the school my extended family. My children's education, life long friendships had been filled with the people of this school. God brought me to this school in a miraculous chain of events so I will not allow the enemy to rob the precious memories and relationships that have been built in the confines of those walls. However, the question loomed large - "What now?".
I have known that the administrative end of my job was waning on me personally and I yearned to teach more. God was calling me, I believe, back to His first calling on my life - the classroom. In November of 2011, I decided to do something out of my comfort zone after completing my master's degree in Christian Leadership from Liberty Theological Seminary ~ I applied to be a professor for a local Christian college. After several grueling interviews and theological reviews, I was now to be a part time professor in the CAPP program, College of Adult and Professional Program, teaching Introduction to the Bible (my favorite) and World Religions courses. Teaching adults, have I lost my mind? Well it can't be worse than what I love more than anything else in the world, middle schoolers! So that is what I have done the past year is teach adults the Bible ~ possibly the best job in the world! Down side is that I can't do it enough, it is only several classes a year. (I am working on that one)
So...............after my shock in October, I also began to experiment with another idea I have been wanting to do, repurposing furniture. So I have taken pieces around my house, our lake house and things people have not wanted and repurposed them. I will have pictures and the processes on the blog shortly. God graciously has given me a small amount of talent in painting and creativity, just enough to get me in trouble. The holidays kept me busy but then came January.............
January felt like a long labor before a birth. You remember those nagging back pains, the times that those 'fake' contractions caught your breath? I was in the midst of my spiritual labor. My Bible study time was intense. I had begun to work through Kay Arthur's book Lord Heal My Hurts because heavens knew I needed some kind of healing. God began to show me things that were opening my heart and the healing was almost palpable. God also led me to something really out of my comfort zone, a Daniel Fast. Now I must admit I was not perfect on this puppy but I knew that if I kept through it that God was working, even though at this point I could not see past my front porch.
I was blessed with the opportunity to begin one of my college courses at the end of January once a week. I was so excited to teach!! I cannot begin to tell you how hungry you become to do what God has called you to do when the opportunity to do it daily is taken away. My gratefulness in the opportunity to teach God's Word is overflowing. The timing of this class and its students have blessed me beyond measure.
It was also at this time, end of January during the Daniel Fast, that I stepped out on a limb to do something I would have never in a lifetime done before ~ I applied to be on a televised weight loss program, Atlanta's Biggest Loser. Now I need to tell you that Loser in an educator's vocabulary is a no-no, so to tell you I am going to join a 'Loser' group is actually hysterical. Never in my life did I believe that I would be chosen but I received an email announcing that I was a semi finalist and needed to come down to the station for an on camera interview. HOLY TOLEDO, what have I done?? Large people do not volunteer to be in a media that adds pounds to the viewing audience!! So I go, nervous as a demon in church. I was horrible, not myself, shaking and just awful. I drove out of that parking lot knowing they deleted that interview as soon as I walked out the door - oh no honey, they picked me for their finalist!! Yes, beginning next week I will begin a new adventure of pain and torture that hopefully will create in me a hunger for a healthier me!! I know I still can't believe it, but I feel assured that next week I will begin to believe it when I can't get my fanny out of the bed because my body can't move!
To sum up what I have take wayyyyy toooo many words to say already is this...............God will not waste our time in the desert. As we remain faithful to His Word and trust Him, know His sovereignty above all, He is working behind the scenes. I have shed more tears in the past months that I ever thought I could in a lifetime, those tears He has wiped each one and given me His promises in which I cling. It is NOT easy or for the faint of heart but it is worth it. I may not know what IT is but I know He is a part of IT and that is all I need to know.
As you read these posts I pray that they encourage you. I am not known for being politically correct or even correct but I pray that you laugh and cry with me in this journey that God is so graciously opened for us to partake. Thank you for coming with me and fo' sho' we will have some fun!!
Holding to His Promises,
Lisa
Over the past several months I have found myself at a new beginning of life...............I know several of you may be jealous but let me explain where I have been and the journey that God has chosen before me.
I am an educator by trade and stepped into administration as the need arose in my small Christian school. In mid October I was told that due to financial difficulties of the school that my position was no longer necessary. I was devastated in every form of the word. I considered the families, students and staff of the school my extended family. My children's education, life long friendships had been filled with the people of this school. God brought me to this school in a miraculous chain of events so I will not allow the enemy to rob the precious memories and relationships that have been built in the confines of those walls. However, the question loomed large - "What now?".
I have known that the administrative end of my job was waning on me personally and I yearned to teach more. God was calling me, I believe, back to His first calling on my life - the classroom. In November of 2011, I decided to do something out of my comfort zone after completing my master's degree in Christian Leadership from Liberty Theological Seminary ~ I applied to be a professor for a local Christian college. After several grueling interviews and theological reviews, I was now to be a part time professor in the CAPP program, College of Adult and Professional Program, teaching Introduction to the Bible (my favorite) and World Religions courses. Teaching adults, have I lost my mind? Well it can't be worse than what I love more than anything else in the world, middle schoolers! So that is what I have done the past year is teach adults the Bible ~ possibly the best job in the world! Down side is that I can't do it enough, it is only several classes a year. (I am working on that one)
So...............after my shock in October, I also began to experiment with another idea I have been wanting to do, repurposing furniture. So I have taken pieces around my house, our lake house and things people have not wanted and repurposed them. I will have pictures and the processes on the blog shortly. God graciously has given me a small amount of talent in painting and creativity, just enough to get me in trouble. The holidays kept me busy but then came January.............
January felt like a long labor before a birth. You remember those nagging back pains, the times that those 'fake' contractions caught your breath? I was in the midst of my spiritual labor. My Bible study time was intense. I had begun to work through Kay Arthur's book Lord Heal My Hurts because heavens knew I needed some kind of healing. God began to show me things that were opening my heart and the healing was almost palpable. God also led me to something really out of my comfort zone, a Daniel Fast. Now I must admit I was not perfect on this puppy but I knew that if I kept through it that God was working, even though at this point I could not see past my front porch.
I was blessed with the opportunity to begin one of my college courses at the end of January once a week. I was so excited to teach!! I cannot begin to tell you how hungry you become to do what God has called you to do when the opportunity to do it daily is taken away. My gratefulness in the opportunity to teach God's Word is overflowing. The timing of this class and its students have blessed me beyond measure.
It was also at this time, end of January during the Daniel Fast, that I stepped out on a limb to do something I would have never in a lifetime done before ~ I applied to be on a televised weight loss program, Atlanta's Biggest Loser. Now I need to tell you that Loser in an educator's vocabulary is a no-no, so to tell you I am going to join a 'Loser' group is actually hysterical. Never in my life did I believe that I would be chosen but I received an email announcing that I was a semi finalist and needed to come down to the station for an on camera interview. HOLY TOLEDO, what have I done?? Large people do not volunteer to be in a media that adds pounds to the viewing audience!! So I go, nervous as a demon in church. I was horrible, not myself, shaking and just awful. I drove out of that parking lot knowing they deleted that interview as soon as I walked out the door - oh no honey, they picked me for their finalist!! Yes, beginning next week I will begin a new adventure of pain and torture that hopefully will create in me a hunger for a healthier me!! I know I still can't believe it, but I feel assured that next week I will begin to believe it when I can't get my fanny out of the bed because my body can't move!
To sum up what I have take wayyyyy toooo many words to say already is this...............God will not waste our time in the desert. As we remain faithful to His Word and trust Him, know His sovereignty above all, He is working behind the scenes. I have shed more tears in the past months that I ever thought I could in a lifetime, those tears He has wiped each one and given me His promises in which I cling. It is NOT easy or for the faint of heart but it is worth it. I may not know what IT is but I know He is a part of IT and that is all I need to know.
As you read these posts I pray that they encourage you. I am not known for being politically correct or even correct but I pray that you laugh and cry with me in this journey that God is so graciously opened for us to partake. Thank you for coming with me and fo' sho' we will have some fun!!
Holding to His Promises,
Lisa
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