I left work yesterday and before I made it home I had already come to the conclusion that I would not be going to the gym. I don't know if it's the 23 mile commute (one way), the heat or a combination of both. By the time that I pick up my children from their father's place I am beat. I have to make myself attempt to listen to everything that my kids have to say (when I honestly don't want to talk or hear anyone else talk).
I got home, took a shower and sat in my bed with pillows stacked behind me. I started to read a bit of 'Breaking Free', a book that I just bought, but quickly became sleepy so I put it down. I called a friend that I was supposed to meet at the gym and told her that I wasn't going to make it. She didn't try to make me feel guilty or anything, which was very much appreciated. I sat in bed for a few more minutes and then -- out the blue -- I get the urge to get up, get my work-out clothes on and head to the gym?! O.k., so I was puzzled by the sudden change of heart, but, I'm glad that something stirred me to get up.
There was a salsa class that started at 6:15 p.m. and I ended up being about 15 minutes late. I stood in the doorway for a minute watching everyone to see if I could easily catch on. I felt pretty good about it so I quickly walked across the back of the room, put my towel, bottle of water and car key on the floor and took my place behind my friend. This was my first time taking a salsa dance fitness class and I loved it! I worked up a good sweat for about 30 minutes. The last 15 minutes of the class we did ab exercises (which I really needed to do). It was tooouuuuggghh! I felt so much better after class. I worked out a bit on my upper body before leaving. I will keep attending this class before I get brave and take the step aerobics class. I've taken step aerobics before but this particular instructor is tough -- I'm talking military boot camp tough. I took her class one time last year and I never went back. One thing is certain, I will definitely get in shape if I attend her classes. For now, I'll stick with the salsa class :).
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
No Pain -- No Gain
Well, I'm feeling the pain from my workout yesterday. I met one of the ladies in my small group at they gym yesterday around 6 p.m. She went to a step aerobics class and I spent 30 minutes on a treadmill and then spent another 30 minutes working out with weights on my legs. My legs are not as sore as they could be but they're sore enough. I did crunches on one of the benches they have that works the abdominals.
I'll be going to the gym again today around 6:15 p.m. I'll be in the salsa class that they have on Tuesday's & Thursday's. Wednesday is church night which means that I won't be able to work out on this day, but, I'll try to get in at least 4 days per week of exercise. I bought some running shoes on Sunday and I am good to go! I hope that I am still this 'pumped up' about working out in another - say, 3 or 4 weeks. If the gym's scale is correct -- I'm around 145 - 146 lbs.!!!!! I AM NOT going out like that. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I have uped my workout days per week to a minimum of 5 (instead of 4). Let's see if I can remain determined & disciplined. (To be honest with you, I really don't think that the scale was calibrated properly -- but, that's just my opinion.)
I'll be going to the gym again today around 6:15 p.m. I'll be in the salsa class that they have on Tuesday's & Thursday's. Wednesday is church night which means that I won't be able to work out on this day, but, I'll try to get in at least 4 days per week of exercise. I bought some running shoes on Sunday and I am good to go! I hope that I am still this 'pumped up' about working out in another - say, 3 or 4 weeks. If the gym's scale is correct -- I'm around 145 - 146 lbs.!!!!! I AM NOT going out like that. Drastic times call for drastic measures. I have uped my workout days per week to a minimum of 5 (instead of 4). Let's see if I can remain determined & disciplined. (To be honest with you, I really don't think that the scale was calibrated properly -- but, that's just my opinion.)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Weekends Like This
I just love it when things go well. I had mixed emotions; excited, nervous and feeling a bit doubtful about agreeing to become a facilitator (group leader) for a single parents small group. Our first meeting was this past Friday evening. I am pleased to say that it went extreeeeeeemely well! I was so excited after the meeting was over. Let me tell you, when it is meant for you to be in a certain position God will make it crystal clear to you. My doubts have been replaced by encouragement & determination.
The meeting, actually more of a meet & greet session, started around 7:30 p.m. There were 6 ladies present in addition to myself. We started off with an ice breaker and after an opening prayer we began to vote on one book (from a selection of 5) that the group would read and discuss at future monthly meetings. We decided on Breaking Free by Beth Moore. We also agreed upon set days/time for future meetings as well. Our 2nd meeting will be a social activity and will take place 2 weeks from our first meeting. We decided to meet up at a bowling alley that is pretty close to all of us. Things went soooo smoothly. After the meeting a few ladies stayed longer and we munched on nachos and finger foods that I had prepared. The following morning I had to attend a facilitator's meeting and ended up speaking about the outcome of my meeting. At the end of this meeting three more ladies were added to my group. At this point, my group is full and I cannot accept more members. This is so amazing. I am just thankful that God can use me to encourage, empower, motivate, and uplift other women.
We are not about coming together specifically to talk about bad relationships and/or to bash the father's of our children. The purpose of this group is to provide a connection for women who have experienced similar life situations (such as single parenthood). It's about women who didn't choose to be single parents but who are still shouldering that burden while striving to be Christ-like and raise Godly children. It's about women who seek spiritual growth and peace in their lives. It's about women who, regardless of what happened in their past, can still find something to praise God for. It's about women who have goals and want to help others reach theirs. It's about women who at times may need a shoulder to cry on and at other times are willing to offer theirs. After one meeting, I truly believe that we have 'connected'. I know that our children certainly did. The other kids did not want to leave and were already planning for future sleep-overs.
God has been doing some things in my life. Some good and some not so good. Some are causing me to move beyond the boundaries of what I know is comfortable. Other things are causing me to take a closer look at how I am living my life and the decisions that I have made thus far. I am learning to see the 'not so good' situations as stepping that are preparing me for the next level that God is taking me too. These situations are just 'fine-tuning' me so that I will be equipped & ready.
I had to speak in front of a small group on Saturday morning and it wasn't too bad (about 20 people). The more I do it, the easier it will become. The efforts of evangelizing about salvation at a local park a week ago has been fruitful. I had mentioned in a previous post about 2 young men that we spoke to who stayed true to their word and visited our church the following day. Well, I actually was able to greet them yesterday at our 11 a.m. service (their 2nd visit). They had come to one of the classrooms after church service where singles could get connected with small groups and learn about upcoming activities.
I had more to share about this weekend but I'm getting a little tired of typing. I met a very interesting person yesterday at a dinner that I was invited to. I'll have to share that story in another post.
The meeting, actually more of a meet & greet session, started around 7:30 p.m. There were 6 ladies present in addition to myself. We started off with an ice breaker and after an opening prayer we began to vote on one book (from a selection of 5) that the group would read and discuss at future monthly meetings. We decided on Breaking Free by Beth Moore. We also agreed upon set days/time for future meetings as well. Our 2nd meeting will be a social activity and will take place 2 weeks from our first meeting. We decided to meet up at a bowling alley that is pretty close to all of us. Things went soooo smoothly. After the meeting a few ladies stayed longer and we munched on nachos and finger foods that I had prepared. The following morning I had to attend a facilitator's meeting and ended up speaking about the outcome of my meeting. At the end of this meeting three more ladies were added to my group. At this point, my group is full and I cannot accept more members. This is so amazing. I am just thankful that God can use me to encourage, empower, motivate, and uplift other women.
We are not about coming together specifically to talk about bad relationships and/or to bash the father's of our children. The purpose of this group is to provide a connection for women who have experienced similar life situations (such as single parenthood). It's about women who didn't choose to be single parents but who are still shouldering that burden while striving to be Christ-like and raise Godly children. It's about women who seek spiritual growth and peace in their lives. It's about women who, regardless of what happened in their past, can still find something to praise God for. It's about women who have goals and want to help others reach theirs. It's about women who at times may need a shoulder to cry on and at other times are willing to offer theirs. After one meeting, I truly believe that we have 'connected'. I know that our children certainly did. The other kids did not want to leave and were already planning for future sleep-overs.
God has been doing some things in my life. Some good and some not so good. Some are causing me to move beyond the boundaries of what I know is comfortable. Other things are causing me to take a closer look at how I am living my life and the decisions that I have made thus far. I am learning to see the 'not so good' situations as stepping that are preparing me for the next level that God is taking me too. These situations are just 'fine-tuning' me so that I will be equipped & ready.
I had to speak in front of a small group on Saturday morning and it wasn't too bad (about 20 people). The more I do it, the easier it will become. The efforts of evangelizing about salvation at a local park a week ago has been fruitful. I had mentioned in a previous post about 2 young men that we spoke to who stayed true to their word and visited our church the following day. Well, I actually was able to greet them yesterday at our 11 a.m. service (their 2nd visit). They had come to one of the classrooms after church service where singles could get connected with small groups and learn about upcoming activities.
I had more to share about this weekend but I'm getting a little tired of typing. I met a very interesting person yesterday at a dinner that I was invited to. I'll have to share that story in another post.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
That's exactly what I did this past weekend. Saturday to be exact. The singles ministry at church met Saturday morning to share the word of Christ with others. We had groups that were going to 4 different venues: a senior living center, door-to-door, the mall and a local park. I was with a group that went to the park.
I was hesitant about going but a girlfriend called me bright and earlier and talked me into not backing out. I was very nervous, being that this was my first time speaking to others that I didn't know about salvation. I was with a great group of ladies & one man. Our approach was to get people to come to an area where we were seated to participate in a "game show". We even had prizes (bibles). We would ask the 'contestants' a few bible related questions and the one who answered the most questions would receive a bible. This was a way of approaching them in a non-threatening way and to 'break the ice'. Some people were very willing, others were at the park strictly to exercise (which is understandable).
The first two people that we met were a young man about 19 years old who had just been released from jail the previous day. The other man was like a resident assistant at the transitional living home that the young man had been released two. These 2 mean had only known each other one day. We talked to them for a little while after the 'game show' and they allowed us to pray for them. They filled out information cards so that someone within the ministry would keep in touch with them and they told us that they would try to visit our church the following day.
Guess what!!!! They were at church during the service I attended. I was so touched. We talked to many other people during our time at the park but there was something about these 2 men that just kept them on my mind throughout the remainder of the day. This was a sure sign that we touched at least 2 lives yesterday. I am so glad that I decided to step out on faith and not worry about what to say or how people would respond to us. This is something that I am looking forward to doing again.
Touching the lives of others in a positive way is my idea of success. It's not about wealth, level of education or my job title. When I die, I want to be remembered for changing someone's life for the better. I want people to remember me by the good that I have unselfishly done for others and the encouraging words that I may have spoken.
That -- to me -- is true success.
I was hesitant about going but a girlfriend called me bright and earlier and talked me into not backing out. I was very nervous, being that this was my first time speaking to others that I didn't know about salvation. I was with a great group of ladies & one man. Our approach was to get people to come to an area where we were seated to participate in a "game show". We even had prizes (bibles). We would ask the 'contestants' a few bible related questions and the one who answered the most questions would receive a bible. This was a way of approaching them in a non-threatening way and to 'break the ice'. Some people were very willing, others were at the park strictly to exercise (which is understandable).
The first two people that we met were a young man about 19 years old who had just been released from jail the previous day. The other man was like a resident assistant at the transitional living home that the young man had been released two. These 2 mean had only known each other one day. We talked to them for a little while after the 'game show' and they allowed us to pray for them. They filled out information cards so that someone within the ministry would keep in touch with them and they told us that they would try to visit our church the following day.
Guess what!!!! They were at church during the service I attended. I was so touched. We talked to many other people during our time at the park but there was something about these 2 men that just kept them on my mind throughout the remainder of the day. This was a sure sign that we touched at least 2 lives yesterday. I am so glad that I decided to step out on faith and not worry about what to say or how people would respond to us. This is something that I am looking forward to doing again.
Touching the lives of others in a positive way is my idea of success. It's not about wealth, level of education or my job title. When I die, I want to be remembered for changing someone's life for the better. I want people to remember me by the good that I have unselfishly done for others and the encouraging words that I may have spoken.
That -- to me -- is true success.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Cruisin' in '06
Yeah, that's right. Moi, is planning a cruise for June of 2006. I'm already excited and we've still got almost a year to go (there's nothing like planning as far ahead as possible). I am requesting that everyone going have their deposit to me by the end of August. That shouldn't be a burden on anyone seeing that the deposit will only be $25 per person (there will be 2 to a cabin).
So far, we have 15 people including myself that are planning on going. We will be taking a 4 day cruise from Galveston to Cozumel. I vote for driving to Galveston. Whoever wants to fly will need to make their own flight arrangements. I spoke to the travel agent this morning and she will be sending an e-mail with more detailed information. We're not hating on the men but this will be a 'ladies only' cruise. Hey, I'm single so it really isn't a big issue for me :). As much fun as we had in Vegas with 6 women, this will definitely be a blast. I have to make sure that I hit the gym on a regular basis because I will be spending alot of time at the pool. I will be on the lookout for a tight (tight meaning 'nice') bathing suit (boy leg bottoms, tankini top). I've had to back out of one cruise (and lost money on it) but I have no, I said no intentions of backing out of this one. Any issues headed my way - please take place before or after the month of June.
Oh yeah, I've got it alllllll figured out!
So far, we have 15 people including myself that are planning on going. We will be taking a 4 day cruise from Galveston to Cozumel. I vote for driving to Galveston. Whoever wants to fly will need to make their own flight arrangements. I spoke to the travel agent this morning and she will be sending an e-mail with more detailed information. We're not hating on the men but this will be a 'ladies only' cruise. Hey, I'm single so it really isn't a big issue for me :). As much fun as we had in Vegas with 6 women, this will definitely be a blast. I have to make sure that I hit the gym on a regular basis because I will be spending alot of time at the pool. I will be on the lookout for a tight (tight meaning 'nice') bathing suit (boy leg bottoms, tankini top). I've had to back out of one cruise (and lost money on it) but I have no, I said no intentions of backing out of this one. Any issues headed my way - please take place before or after the month of June.
Oh yeah, I've got it alllllll figured out!
Friday, July 08, 2005
There is a bright side. . .
that doesn't mean that I still can't be frustrated. I filled out an application to receive a grant that would pay for my books during the 2nd summer session. I received a phone call from the grant coordinator requesting more information from me, which I faxed to her the same day. I paid my tuition on July 6th and began to wonder why I hadn't heard anything regarding the grant. I call the grant coordinator only to learn that she is out of the office until Monday (the day classes start). I was given another number to call and reached that person this morning.
I was NOT awarded the grant because I did not pay my tuition before the June 30th deadline! I of course ask, "what June 10th deadline"? The person on the other end of the phones responds, "the deadline that is shown on your application". I responded that I must have missed that additional bit of information (as I hurriedly look through my file for my copy of the application). Glancing over it I noticed that there is no deadline on the application. The woman assisting me was looking over her copy of the application as well and came to the same conclusion - there was no deadline noted on the application. All she could do was say that she would make sure the deadline is placed on future applications. What good is that going to do me!? I have to cancel a class and wait 5 to 6 weeks to be reimbursed. Thank God I followed up before Monday. I would only receive 70% of what I paid if I had waited until next week.
O.k., now for the bright side of things. I now have the remainder of the summer to focus on the ministries that I have volunteered for. I have a training class this Saturday for Single Parent Small Group Facilitators (bi-weekly meetings will start the end of July). I am still waiting to be contacted for an interview for the Family Care Pregnancy Center that is scheduled to open September 1st. There will be a 13 week training class for this outreach program in addition to another special class that I have to take. Also, the time that I would have used to study will now be spent being entertained by/watching movies with/loving up my kids.
Isn't life grand :) .
I was NOT awarded the grant because I did not pay my tuition before the June 30th deadline! I of course ask, "what June 10th deadline"? The person on the other end of the phones responds, "the deadline that is shown on your application". I responded that I must have missed that additional bit of information (as I hurriedly look through my file for my copy of the application). Glancing over it I noticed that there is no deadline on the application. The woman assisting me was looking over her copy of the application as well and came to the same conclusion - there was no deadline noted on the application. All she could do was say that she would make sure the deadline is placed on future applications. What good is that going to do me!? I have to cancel a class and wait 5 to 6 weeks to be reimbursed. Thank God I followed up before Monday. I would only receive 70% of what I paid if I had waited until next week.
O.k., now for the bright side of things. I now have the remainder of the summer to focus on the ministries that I have volunteered for. I have a training class this Saturday for Single Parent Small Group Facilitators (bi-weekly meetings will start the end of July). I am still waiting to be contacted for an interview for the Family Care Pregnancy Center that is scheduled to open September 1st. There will be a 13 week training class for this outreach program in addition to another special class that I have to take. Also, the time that I would have used to study will now be spent being entertained by/watching movies with/loving up my kids.
Isn't life grand :) .
I'm invited to a what???
A pleasure party. That's what was sent to me via e-mail yesterday. It's funny that the person sending the e-mail first apologized and then stated that she hoped I wasn't offended by the invitation (if she thought I'd be offended, why send it).?
I'm a little slow when it comes to some of the more worldly sources of entertainment, so, I went to the internet to get a clearer understanding of just what a 'pleasure' party is. Yes, I am a God-fearing woman and try to live my life in a way that glorifies God and not the things of this world. I am by no means perfect, my conversation is not limited to bible verses, I have sinned and will continue to sin (not without remorse). However, the thought of a room full of people (whether all women or a mixture of men & women) experimenting with 'toys' and other adult paraphernalia does not bring about a sense of pleasure -- for me. It's obvious from the number of hits I received when performing a search on the words that there are many people who have no qualms about these types of parties (which is their choice).
I guess I'm different -- in alot of ways, which I realized at an early age. Not to mention that others have confirmed this to me on occasion. I don't mind being different, I'm just being me. I'm not the type of person who trys to 'fit in' with any particular group of people. I've never felt the need to go against what I believe just to persuade others to like me or want to socialize with me. There are a very few people that I consider true friends, both male & female, and I'm happy with that. I welcome the friendship of others who I may cross paths with in the future.
I love to have a good time and there are many things that bring me pleasure, attending a pleasure party is not one of them.
I'm a little slow when it comes to some of the more worldly sources of entertainment, so, I went to the internet to get a clearer understanding of just what a 'pleasure' party is. Yes, I am a God-fearing woman and try to live my life in a way that glorifies God and not the things of this world. I am by no means perfect, my conversation is not limited to bible verses, I have sinned and will continue to sin (not without remorse). However, the thought of a room full of people (whether all women or a mixture of men & women) experimenting with 'toys' and other adult paraphernalia does not bring about a sense of pleasure -- for me. It's obvious from the number of hits I received when performing a search on the words that there are many people who have no qualms about these types of parties (which is their choice).
I guess I'm different -- in alot of ways, which I realized at an early age. Not to mention that others have confirmed this to me on occasion. I don't mind being different, I'm just being me. I'm not the type of person who trys to 'fit in' with any particular group of people. I've never felt the need to go against what I believe just to persuade others to like me or want to socialize with me. There are a very few people that I consider true friends, both male & female, and I'm happy with that. I welcome the friendship of others who I may cross paths with in the future.
I love to have a good time and there are many things that bring me pleasure, attending a pleasure party is not one of them.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Strong Girlfriends
Someone will always be prettier. They will always be smarter. Their house will be bigger. They will drive a better car. Their children will do better in school and their husband will fix more things around the house.
So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it. The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart and the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the
clothes....might be lonely. And the word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing."
So, again, love you. Love who you are, look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say, "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"
"Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen."
"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world".
So let it go, and love you and your circumstances. Think about it. The prettiest woman in the world can have hell in her heart and the most highly favored woman on your job may be unable to have children. And the richest woman you know, she's got the car, the house, the
clothes....might be lonely. And the word says if "I have not Love, I am nothing."
So, again, love you. Love who you are, look in the mirror in the morning and smile and say, "I am too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed!"
"Winners make things happen. Losers let things happen."
"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world".
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