And it reads...
Good morning:
I am the Lord your God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or attempt to remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Love Eternally,
The Lord your God
P.S. Please pass this on to all my other children.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Loving Them With Food
I'm sitting here in the office doing some work distracted by this mother on Dr. Phil who has a four-year old son that is 150 pounds! If that were not sad enough she continues to make excuses as to why he is the way he is, taking no accountability for her role in the issue. She is insistent that there are medical problems that have not been found yet. I find myself beginning to trimble.
Now, I will start off by admitting that I am not the most nutritionally contious person in the world. Can't we all do better?! Secondly, Chris and I both were walking stick figures until college, so genetically our children are more likely to be the same way. And furthermore, I do not exercise. Never have. Maybe some day when my kids are grown and I have time to devote. Wait, then it will be time for grandchildren. So, scratch that - I will probably NEVER workout. BUT I do pay attention to what I put in my mouth.
However, I can say that bad eating habits eventually catch up with us all. Whether it is weight gain or health problems, it catches up with us all if we don't pay attention to what goes in our mouth and how often. I have some goals each day when it comes to my family's diet. I feel like it is important to give at the very least a serving of fruits for lunch and a serving of veggies at dinner, and to have a yogurt or piece of cheese as a snack in between meals. That is still below the serving recommendations. Admittedly, there are a lot of mornings where we end up eating pop-tarts for convenience sake. Also, my kids get their share of unhealthy snacks like fruit chews and fruit roll-ups, but not more than one a day - occasionally two. I do not buy chips, cookies, and ice cream often. Typically only when we are entertaining. I also hit the 'ol drive-thru once or twice a week for convenience sake... well, that and I have burger cravings. The point is that it is not a routine, but a special treat... on occasion.
I don't believe in totally depriving them of treats either. I think when you work so hard at making everything you feed them a "healthy" choice you don't make it a "choice" at all. I think that when the kids are away from you they may "choose" to binge on everything that they are not "allowed" to have at home. My kids are an example of this. When they go to their grandparents they are known to poor 3 different kinds of pop into 3 different cups... each. I don't buy a lot of pop. Once a week when we have pizza (our Friday night tradition), I split one can b/w Ashley and Logan. Also at their grandparents they are known to hit the cookie jar first thing. I don't buy or make cookies at home. Ice cream is also a popular treat at the grandparents, who offer at least two varieties at any one time. I've often walked into the grandparents with one or both of the kids holding an entire box of crackers. At home crackers are available but we put them in a small bowl and only have one serving. NOT completely blaming the grandparents. I know it's their job to spoil. I can't wait for those days myself. They typically only visit once or twice a week so I'm not concerned because it is not a daily "routine". What saddens and concerns me are those who love their children with food every day... the wrong foods. And it is not necessarily just an issue of "what" foods but more an issue of "how much".
Be aware that just because something has a sugar substitute instead of sugar it is not more healthy. You are still putting a chemical in your body. Sugar is actually better in moderation. Same with fat-free and low-fat foods. Most people tend to eat more because there is "less" calories or fats. Then, what is the point?!
Not criticizing, just pleaing for people to be more aware and contious, myself included. I too need such reminders and have a desire and need to learn more. Do little things each week to improve. Set goals. One of my New Year's resolutions was to offer more of a variety of vegetables for dinner, instead of just frozen corn and canned green beans, which is all Chris will eat. The Market Day fundraising program at Ashley's school was such a blessing. I introduced frozen asparagus, peas, and vegetable medley for the first time this year. My kids are always required to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they do not like something that is ok, but when we have it again they are required to try it again. By the way, did you know that corn is a man made food? Learned that on Modern Marvels. Not good for you at all.
I believe the most important key to healthy eating is to sit down as a family every night for dinner. We aim for it and accomplish it 4 or 5 times a week. Sometimes Daddy has to work late and cannot always join us but that is one thing that he and I are really insistent on. Not only does it help develop healthy eating habits, but it is great time together as a family to talk. Oh, and do not eat dessert every night for a "bedtime" snack... for any of us. Nutritionists would say don't eat after 7:00. We usually have dinner by 6:00 and the kids always want something before bedtime (around 9:00). Usually a glass of water, fruit, salad, cheese, a piece of wheat bread or yogurt are the only options offered. In the summertime I'm a little more lenient because we're all ice cream monsters.
Would love to hear from you with suggestions for healthy eating habits, healthy recipes, etc.
Now, I will start off by admitting that I am not the most nutritionally contious person in the world. Can't we all do better?! Secondly, Chris and I both were walking stick figures until college, so genetically our children are more likely to be the same way. And furthermore, I do not exercise. Never have. Maybe some day when my kids are grown and I have time to devote. Wait, then it will be time for grandchildren. So, scratch that - I will probably NEVER workout. BUT I do pay attention to what I put in my mouth.
However, I can say that bad eating habits eventually catch up with us all. Whether it is weight gain or health problems, it catches up with us all if we don't pay attention to what goes in our mouth and how often. I have some goals each day when it comes to my family's diet. I feel like it is important to give at the very least a serving of fruits for lunch and a serving of veggies at dinner, and to have a yogurt or piece of cheese as a snack in between meals. That is still below the serving recommendations. Admittedly, there are a lot of mornings where we end up eating pop-tarts for convenience sake. Also, my kids get their share of unhealthy snacks like fruit chews and fruit roll-ups, but not more than one a day - occasionally two. I do not buy chips, cookies, and ice cream often. Typically only when we are entertaining. I also hit the 'ol drive-thru once or twice a week for convenience sake... well, that and I have burger cravings. The point is that it is not a routine, but a special treat... on occasion.
I don't believe in totally depriving them of treats either. I think when you work so hard at making everything you feed them a "healthy" choice you don't make it a "choice" at all. I think that when the kids are away from you they may "choose" to binge on everything that they are not "allowed" to have at home. My kids are an example of this. When they go to their grandparents they are known to poor 3 different kinds of pop into 3 different cups... each. I don't buy a lot of pop. Once a week when we have pizza (our Friday night tradition), I split one can b/w Ashley and Logan. Also at their grandparents they are known to hit the cookie jar first thing. I don't buy or make cookies at home. Ice cream is also a popular treat at the grandparents, who offer at least two varieties at any one time. I've often walked into the grandparents with one or both of the kids holding an entire box of crackers. At home crackers are available but we put them in a small bowl and only have one serving. NOT completely blaming the grandparents. I know it's their job to spoil. I can't wait for those days myself. They typically only visit once or twice a week so I'm not concerned because it is not a daily "routine". What saddens and concerns me are those who love their children with food every day... the wrong foods. And it is not necessarily just an issue of "what" foods but more an issue of "how much".
Be aware that just because something has a sugar substitute instead of sugar it is not more healthy. You are still putting a chemical in your body. Sugar is actually better in moderation. Same with fat-free and low-fat foods. Most people tend to eat more because there is "less" calories or fats. Then, what is the point?!
Not criticizing, just pleaing for people to be more aware and contious, myself included. I too need such reminders and have a desire and need to learn more. Do little things each week to improve. Set goals. One of my New Year's resolutions was to offer more of a variety of vegetables for dinner, instead of just frozen corn and canned green beans, which is all Chris will eat. The Market Day fundraising program at Ashley's school was such a blessing. I introduced frozen asparagus, peas, and vegetable medley for the first time this year. My kids are always required to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. If they do not like something that is ok, but when we have it again they are required to try it again. By the way, did you know that corn is a man made food? Learned that on Modern Marvels. Not good for you at all.
I believe the most important key to healthy eating is to sit down as a family every night for dinner. We aim for it and accomplish it 4 or 5 times a week. Sometimes Daddy has to work late and cannot always join us but that is one thing that he and I are really insistent on. Not only does it help develop healthy eating habits, but it is great time together as a family to talk. Oh, and do not eat dessert every night for a "bedtime" snack... for any of us. Nutritionists would say don't eat after 7:00. We usually have dinner by 6:00 and the kids always want something before bedtime (around 9:00). Usually a glass of water, fruit, salad, cheese, a piece of wheat bread or yogurt are the only options offered. In the summertime I'm a little more lenient because we're all ice cream monsters.
Would love to hear from you with suggestions for healthy eating habits, healthy recipes, etc.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thoughts on the death of MJ
I think most people can recall where they were when they heard the news about tragic events like the death of President Kennedy, the death of Elvis, and 9/11. The news of Michael Jackson's sudden death will be one of the those unforgettable moments too.
On Thursday, June 25 I had taken the kids to Ashville's Fun In the Sun event at the park, taken Ashley to her art class at CMA, and visited my friend Renee and her newborn daughter. I returned home around 4:40pm exhausted not only from running all day, but I couldn't sleep the night before, so had been up since 4:30am. My wagon was draggin so I decided to lay down on the couch and watch the news until I saw the weather and then I was going to get up and make dinner. They had reported around 5:45 that MJ was in cardiac arrest and had just arrived to the hospital in LA. Well, I fell asleep and woke up around 6:27 to Cabot Rea on the channel 4 news reporting that MJ was in a coma. Shortly after, the national news came on and Brian Williams confirmed that MJ had passed away.
At first I was seemingly unphased. Sadly, all I could think of was what a miserable individual he was, how tragic his life had been, and was relieved for him, that now, hopefully, he was at peace and the madness could stop. I kept thinking about what a train wreck he was, and all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head every time I heard his name in the news. I just shuddered at everything from his bizarre behavior, to the sickening allegations of child abuse, to MJ "the father". What a disaster. Now he's out of his misery.
It wasn't until this morning that I got a little sentimental after waking up to and having the Today Show on all morning and hearing all his musical masterpieces that brought back so many memories of my childhood. I immediately thought of my sticker book that I had in 3rd and 4th grade (early 80's - around 84). I had a rather large collection of MJ stickers. One of them said "I love Michael" :) Ironically, I never owned one of this albums even though I loved his music and it really defined the era I grew up in. My mother had a vinyl LP of "Off The Wall", so I guess that counts. On my iTunes I have six of his songs: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Smooth Criminal, Rockin' Robin, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin Something, and Billie Jean. I also really like Black or White, and the We Are The World. I've seen the Jackson Family movie, American Dreams, several times, mostly bits and pieces here and there when it is on TV because it's over 4 hours long.
Now that the initial shock has passed and it is sinking in, I find it even more sad. We have lost an entertainment icon. I think, as a person, he was the product of an abusive, selfish father that didn't know how to love, and he yearned, in his adult years, to be that child he never got to be and show the love he yearned for, however odd that was portrayed in the media. As an artist he was unprecedented and determined to never let his fans down when it came to expectations of his talent. Furthermore, he was a victim of fame. He thrived on it because he didn't know how to live without it, and never had. Now I find myself curious on what his children have to say about him. The two oldest only have 7 or 8 years until they're 18 and no one can "protect" them anymore. Anxious to see who's gonna break the silence of their childhood memories to the media and when. Maybe that's closer than we think. I do pray that they have had a happy life with him as their father and have good memories of him. That would be a much better way to remember the personal life of an extraordinary legend.
This is a loss to the world of proportions that I cannot fathom. It's still sinking in. I do hope that his musical legacy over his 45 year career surpasses the tragic public struggles he has created and lived through over the past 15 years.
I asked Ashley and Logan this morning if they knew who Michael Jackson was. They both said no. I told them that he was a very talented singer who was famous all over the world, and that he sang music that mommy liked when I was kid, and that he had died. Ashley asked how old he was. I told her he was fifty. She said, "Wow. That's younger than MeeMee. But as old as Barbie." Barbie turned 50 this year too :)
On Thursday, June 25 I had taken the kids to Ashville's Fun In the Sun event at the park, taken Ashley to her art class at CMA, and visited my friend Renee and her newborn daughter. I returned home around 4:40pm exhausted not only from running all day, but I couldn't sleep the night before, so had been up since 4:30am. My wagon was draggin so I decided to lay down on the couch and watch the news until I saw the weather and then I was going to get up and make dinner. They had reported around 5:45 that MJ was in cardiac arrest and had just arrived to the hospital in LA. Well, I fell asleep and woke up around 6:27 to Cabot Rea on the channel 4 news reporting that MJ was in a coma. Shortly after, the national news came on and Brian Williams confirmed that MJ had passed away.
At first I was seemingly unphased. Sadly, all I could think of was what a miserable individual he was, how tragic his life had been, and was relieved for him, that now, hopefully, he was at peace and the madness could stop. I kept thinking about what a train wreck he was, and all I could do was roll my eyes and shake my head every time I heard his name in the news. I just shuddered at everything from his bizarre behavior, to the sickening allegations of child abuse, to MJ "the father". What a disaster. Now he's out of his misery.
It wasn't until this morning that I got a little sentimental after waking up to and having the Today Show on all morning and hearing all his musical masterpieces that brought back so many memories of my childhood. I immediately thought of my sticker book that I had in 3rd and 4th grade (early 80's - around 84). I had a rather large collection of MJ stickers. One of them said "I love Michael" :) Ironically, I never owned one of this albums even though I loved his music and it really defined the era I grew up in. My mother had a vinyl LP of "Off The Wall", so I guess that counts. On my iTunes I have six of his songs: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough, Smooth Criminal, Rockin' Robin, Thriller, Wanna Be Startin Something, and Billie Jean. I also really like Black or White, and the We Are The World. I've seen the Jackson Family movie, American Dreams, several times, mostly bits and pieces here and there when it is on TV because it's over 4 hours long.
Now that the initial shock has passed and it is sinking in, I find it even more sad. We have lost an entertainment icon. I think, as a person, he was the product of an abusive, selfish father that didn't know how to love, and he yearned, in his adult years, to be that child he never got to be and show the love he yearned for, however odd that was portrayed in the media. As an artist he was unprecedented and determined to never let his fans down when it came to expectations of his talent. Furthermore, he was a victim of fame. He thrived on it because he didn't know how to live without it, and never had. Now I find myself curious on what his children have to say about him. The two oldest only have 7 or 8 years until they're 18 and no one can "protect" them anymore. Anxious to see who's gonna break the silence of their childhood memories to the media and when. Maybe that's closer than we think. I do pray that they have had a happy life with him as their father and have good memories of him. That would be a much better way to remember the personal life of an extraordinary legend.
This is a loss to the world of proportions that I cannot fathom. It's still sinking in. I do hope that his musical legacy over his 45 year career surpasses the tragic public struggles he has created and lived through over the past 15 years.
I asked Ashley and Logan this morning if they knew who Michael Jackson was. They both said no. I told them that he was a very talented singer who was famous all over the world, and that he sang music that mommy liked when I was kid, and that he had died. Ashley asked how old he was. I told her he was fifty. She said, "Wow. That's younger than MeeMee. But as old as Barbie." Barbie turned 50 this year too :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sundays...
Yesterday was a day to remember, even though there really was no special event that took place. It was just one of those days you want to remember when you look back.
It was Father's Day. Ashley was really revved up to give Chris his gift, a puzzle. Not just any puzzle. When you put it together it made a picture of the kids. He loved it. He and Ashley almost got it together before we had to leave for church. Chris did puzzles as a hobby when he was a kid and has taught Ashley. They do them together often.
We attended church, as we do every Sunday. Nothing out of the norm was on the bulletin but amazing things happened as the Holy Spirit made His presence known. One of the first things was a presentation to the congregation on building a skate park on our grounds to use as a ministry to unchurched teens in our community. There was a plea to find someone who felt led to lead this ministry. To be honest, first thoughts were not overwhelmingly in favor of the idea but by the end of the presentation I was in tears and a supporter. Plus, God layed it on the heart of someone in our congregation to share, impromptu, that he was a skater as a teen and heavily got into drugs and alcohol. He continued to express that if a facility like this, that ministers God's Word, would have been available to him that he would have gone down a different path. With the presentation and this testimony God opened my heart to acknowledge the need.
Next, our praise band sang "Mighty To Save". Again, moved to tears. And then a lady in our congregation stood up in the front, again impromptu, and pleaded with all of us that it had been heavy on her heart for a couple of years to share with all of us that when we sing a song like that we shouldn't just go through the motions and sing the words, but we should celebrate, hoot, holler, clap, and yell His praises. Amazing.
Upon conclusion of the praise band's songs, leaders of the Men's Ministry stood up to announce that they had just had an impromptu meeting and had decided that they would take on the leadership of the skate park ministry. Our praise band leader said it best "WOW! If the Holy Spirit moves any more today I'm not going to be able to stand." Well said!
At the conclusion of the service our family headed home, with a stop at the in-laws so that Chris could help install their new 42" TV. Then onward home for a quick lunch before Chris had to shove off to spend his Father's Day helping Pete and Susie move. After lunch Jenna took a nap and Ashley and Logan played. Mommy started her new blog :) When Jenna awoke from her nap we headed to the Freeman's to swim. Daddy got home around six and grilled some tenderloin. We also had some sweet corn. And then I had another one of those moments that I didn't want to forget. The image of Chris jumping on the trampoline with Ashley and Logan, and Jenna slobbering over our new puppy while she pointed like she wanted to pet her, but just pointed and jabbered... and slobbered. It was humorous and heart warming. A lovely Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day.
It was Father's Day. Ashley was really revved up to give Chris his gift, a puzzle. Not just any puzzle. When you put it together it made a picture of the kids. He loved it. He and Ashley almost got it together before we had to leave for church. Chris did puzzles as a hobby when he was a kid and has taught Ashley. They do them together often.
We attended church, as we do every Sunday. Nothing out of the norm was on the bulletin but amazing things happened as the Holy Spirit made His presence known. One of the first things was a presentation to the congregation on building a skate park on our grounds to use as a ministry to unchurched teens in our community. There was a plea to find someone who felt led to lead this ministry. To be honest, first thoughts were not overwhelmingly in favor of the idea but by the end of the presentation I was in tears and a supporter. Plus, God layed it on the heart of someone in our congregation to share, impromptu, that he was a skater as a teen and heavily got into drugs and alcohol. He continued to express that if a facility like this, that ministers God's Word, would have been available to him that he would have gone down a different path. With the presentation and this testimony God opened my heart to acknowledge the need.
Next, our praise band sang "Mighty To Save". Again, moved to tears. And then a lady in our congregation stood up in the front, again impromptu, and pleaded with all of us that it had been heavy on her heart for a couple of years to share with all of us that when we sing a song like that we shouldn't just go through the motions and sing the words, but we should celebrate, hoot, holler, clap, and yell His praises. Amazing.
Upon conclusion of the praise band's songs, leaders of the Men's Ministry stood up to announce that they had just had an impromptu meeting and had decided that they would take on the leadership of the skate park ministry. Our praise band leader said it best "WOW! If the Holy Spirit moves any more today I'm not going to be able to stand." Well said!
At the conclusion of the service our family headed home, with a stop at the in-laws so that Chris could help install their new 42" TV. Then onward home for a quick lunch before Chris had to shove off to spend his Father's Day helping Pete and Susie move. After lunch Jenna took a nap and Ashley and Logan played. Mommy started her new blog :) When Jenna awoke from her nap we headed to the Freeman's to swim. Daddy got home around six and grilled some tenderloin. We also had some sweet corn. And then I had another one of those moments that I didn't want to forget. The image of Chris jumping on the trampoline with Ashley and Logan, and Jenna slobbering over our new puppy while she pointed like she wanted to pet her, but just pointed and jabbered... and slobbered. It was humorous and heart warming. A lovely Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Givin' It A Whirl!
This is my first official blog. I've dabbled in posting comments on my Facebook and Myspace profiles, but have recently found myself looking to do more formal journaling of my family's daily activities, events, adventures, and antics. Everyone is just growing up too fast and as I find myself having less time for my beloved hobby of scrapbooking, I want another source to document our lives and share with friends and family. I would like to use this as a source for my scrapbook journaling once I get it in gear again. This seems like a perfect tool.
I really have enjoyed reading others' blogs like the Early, Uhl, Horton and Hamilton families. Their posts are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. I have an appreciation for Facebook (my "other" hobby) and the 200+ friends and family it has allowed me to get in touch and keep up with. Family that I typically see only at weddings and funerals I feel like I can now keep up to date with them, and we don't have to play catch-up so much at those rare family events, but rather celebrate and enjoy each other's company, and ask about those things that we know already are going on with each other. It's also a great way to reach out to and support those we love and care about.
I really enjoy writing and who knows maybe someday these memoirs will turn into a book.
I hope that you will become a follower of my family's blog lovingly named "CPence x 2 + 3" - you do the math! I'll give you the answer, it = love.
I really have enjoyed reading others' blogs like the Early, Uhl, Horton and Hamilton families. Their posts are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. I have an appreciation for Facebook (my "other" hobby) and the 200+ friends and family it has allowed me to get in touch and keep up with. Family that I typically see only at weddings and funerals I feel like I can now keep up to date with them, and we don't have to play catch-up so much at those rare family events, but rather celebrate and enjoy each other's company, and ask about those things that we know already are going on with each other. It's also a great way to reach out to and support those we love and care about.
I really enjoy writing and who knows maybe someday these memoirs will turn into a book.
I hope that you will become a follower of my family's blog lovingly named "CPence x 2 + 3" - you do the math! I'll give you the answer, it = love.
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