Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Thursday, January 13, 2011

High heels...

...and hamstrings

If you follow me at all on Facebook, you know a few things about me lately.

1. All of my children and 1 of my grandchildren have had birthdays in the last 13 days.

2. My Christmas tree is still up (with the lights turned on).

3. I can't touch my toes.

After polling my FB friends, to find out that the many of them can indeed touch their toes without bending their knees, I started feeling pretty bad. Wondering why I can't if they can...

Well it came to me Tuesday morning when I put on my 3 inch heels and trotted out the door for work. "Maybe wearing heels 75% of the time is having and adverse affect on my muscles."

So of course I decided to do some research and this is what I found:

"Your lower extremity muscles shorten over the years due to repetitive usage and fatigue. They also shorten rapidly due to positional usage, such as wearing high heels.Your calf muscles, hamstrings, and hip flexors all shorten as a result of wearing high heels. This results in an anteriorly rotated pelvis and a lumber spine that is pulled into lordosis (increased spinal curvature). A proper stretching routine is essential to offset the results of wearing high heels."

"In order to help lengthen your hamstrings you can perform an exercise that is often used by horse riders to improve their abilities in dressage.

Stand on a step or staircase and use a handrail for support. Bring your feet back so that your heels over hang the step and you are standing on your toes and the pads behind your toes. Your foot will be half on and half off the step. Now allow your heels to drop downwards by a centimeter or two so that they are lower than the level of the step. You will feel the stretch down the backs of your legs. It is important that you don’t either perform this for too long or so extremely that you damage your tendons. Start off by doing it for a few seconds or so, and increase slowly to 1 minute, then up to 5-10 minutes per day.

Be gentle and only increase the stretch if you can do so comfortably. If you feel any pain or discomfort you must stop immediately. Seek advice from a doctor or physiotherapist if you are in any doubt about doing this exercise. Over time it is likely that you will find your hamstrings are lengthening and this will help you maintain more upright poise."

I discovered that I could not do this my first day in Yoga. I started Yoga because I read that it can help with neck and back pain and boy does it ever! I highly recommend it! As a matter of fact, I dare you to try it if you never have! I bet you'll find that it is not what you expected!

Can you touch your toes?

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Catching Up: Mission 2 Honduras...

...I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. - Ephesians 3:7

I have been thinking for weeks what this post would be like and its just so much to wrap my head (and my heart) around.

It's so hard to describe a trip like this where people will really get a sense of what it was like.

Imagine 20 or more women and a few fellas aging from sixteen to sixty-something, teachers, students, homemakers, accountants, clerical administrators, business owners, all joined together by the bond of Christ, in a land where very few of us knew the spoken language.



A land with little electricity and no indoor plumbing.

A land with few paved roads.


Imagine communicating solely through the love of Christ.


Imagine a land where the people love one another above all else and are hungry, starving for the message of hope, love, peace and redemption that you are carrying in your heart.


Imagine having the opportunity to give a child who came to school with no shoes on her feet not just one pair of new shoes, but two.


Imagine a land where the husband labors in the fields all day for about five dollars or less a day, the wife cooks a simple meal from scratch on an open fire and does the laundry out back with a wash board, and the children wander the mountainsides, sometimes miles to and from school on their own.


Imagine hearing a young girl, 10 or 11 years old say, "thank you for showing us attention and making us feel special".


Imagine seeing a young man, 16 or 17 stopped on the side of the road reading the Bible you just gave him.


Imagine knowing that even though you have lived all of your life in sin, God would give you this blessing and use you to build His Kingdom!!



This trip was all of these things and so much more....

"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" -- Ephesians 3:8

Thursday, May 20, 2010

An ounce of prevention...

With Memorial Day coming up and knowing that many of you are very weight conscious especially at this time of year when the sun is out and you are beach, river or pool bound, I thought it was a great time to share this article from Dr. Ellan Duke.

Tips for a Healthy Holiday

Ahhhhhhh... a holiday. Time for some rest and relaxation. Time to unwind. Time to get away from it all, at least for a little while. Quality time with your significant other, family and/or friends. Time to pack on the pounds? Not necessarily!

Want to do it differently this year? Time away from your daily routine doesn't have to mean automatic weight gain. Too many of us justify poor eating choices and food/drink excesses with the all too common, "But I'm on holiday!"

There are many healthy options to choose from wherever you go - you just need to be mindful of them. Here are a few suggestions:

  • If there's a buffet, don't make a repeat trip. Fill your plate with fruits and vegetables and then add other choices. Beware those cream sauces - try to keep it light!

  • You're not in your childhood home... you don't have to eat everything to get some dessert. Eat slowly and remember that it takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal from your stomach that it's full. If you eat until you feel full, you've eaten too much.

  • Sipping umbrella drinks on the beach or by the pool is certainly tempting, but alcohol contains a lot of sugary calories. Beer and wine have lower calorie counts and are better choices, in moderation.

  • Why are desserts always so plentiful? Make them a special once-in-awhile treat, choose fruit, or split it with someone.

  • Find out if the hotel has an exercise room. Cruise ships tend to have fantastic exercise facilities. Be sure to pack some shoes to exercise in. Take long walks and take in the local scenery.

  • Don't be afraid to ask for menu substitutions. Substitute steamed veggies for french fries or mashed potatoes. Avoid fried foods the best you can.

  • Bring along some high-fiber snacks. Nuts, granola, and multi-grain crackers are good snack choices and they don't need to be kept cold.

  • Ask for low-calorie/low fat menu choices. Ask about local restaurants that feature healthy food choices.

  • Drink plenty of water (bottled, depending on where you go). Have it served with lemon or a "splash" of cranberry juice for some refreshing flavor.

  • Consider half-portions if they're available on the menu. If not, decide to eat only half of whatever is put before you and take the rest with you.
A new, relaxing environment can be a time when you try different foods and rest. But if you follow some of these suggestions, you can maintain your "before" weight and save yourself a "post-holiday" diet!

Now, if you're not quite ready for your bathing suit, I can help you lose up to 10 lbs by Memorial Day! You can always pack some Trimbolic or Gone for Good in your bag too!

Friday, May 14, 2010

Xtreme Saturday in Lake City, FL



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We're LOOKING FOR SERIOUS MINDED INDIVIDUALS who want to earn what they are worth and be one of our up-and-coming leaders in this area.

• Lose up to 30 lbs in 30 days!
• Brand new, Sugar Free Energy Drink!
• An Exclusive Product – No Competition, Nothing Compares to this!
• Innovative 3 Day Sample Program – Gets Immediate Results
• You can earn up to $500, $5,000 or even $10,000 per month
• Drive a Mercedes
• Be Your Own Boss – Set Your Own Hours
• Live Life on Your Terms

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS:
Marcia Mathis, Crown Presidential Director
Carol Brown, Diamond Presidential Director

*Morning Session - Business Opportunity Invitation
*Lunch
*Afternoon Session - In-depth Product Training

Just $12 - includes training, handouts, and lunch.

Please email Amy Polk at: amympolk@gmail.com no later than Thursday, May 20th that you will or will not be attending. You will pay your $12 Registration at the door.

When you RSVP to this invite on Facebook as 'Attending' or 'Maybe', you will get a follow-up email or call to confirm. We need to know you are attending to make sure we have enough materials, resources and lunch!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Blessed in Business...

"...for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:14-16 NIV

Wow! This is a busy and exciting month for us! Our business has been truly blessed. We had our best month ever in March and our team is really growing. We are helping more people help more people and that is truly what this is all about for us!

Here's what we'll be doing this month. We'd love for you to join us!

10 Day Challenge

  • APRIL 9th - 18th
  • You Can Correct 5 Major Body Chemistry Issues In 10 Days:
    1. Blood Sugar
    2. Toxicity Level
    3. Bacteria and Parasites
    4. Body pH Levels
    5. Burn that Fat
Jason & I want you to join us for a 10 Day Challenge!

Jason wants to lose a few more pounds before he hits the gym again! I want to cleanse and detoxify my body after four months of eating things I know aren't healthy! BUT MOST OF ALL WE WANT TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE YOU!

The Challenge begins on Friday, April 9th and runs for 10 days, ending on April 18th. Everyone who participates in the Challenge will be registered to win a FREE Box of our NEW SPN Energy!

Annual Strawberry Festival

  • APRIL 17th & 18th
  • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • 100 W Call Street
    Starke, FL
The 12th Annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival will be held in the Historic Downtown Area of Starke, Florida on April 17 & 18, 2010.

One of the areas largest downtown street festivals celebrating our local succulent strawberries. Lots of games, prizes, food, music, antique cars, vendors and of course STRAWBERRIES! Come and enjoy with your family and see why they say the berries around here are "the sweetest this side of heaven!"

My team will be there offering 3 Day Weight Loss Samples for just $5! You can lose 3 lbs or more in just 3 days! Come by and see us!


Business Opportunity Invitation

  • APRIL 30th - MAY 2nd
  • Spring Hill, FL
  • Featuring:
    * Crown Presidential Directors: Matthew & Debra Phillips
    * Diamond Presidential Directors: Cheryl & Paul Vanscoter
  • 20 year old company
  • Check back for more details
This is an event for serious entrepreneurs looking to change their own lives and the lives of others! If you would like to start making $300-500 or more a month part-time while helping others lose weight and improve their health, please consider joining us in Spring Hill at the end of the month.

Friday, will be the Business Opportunity Invitation Event - This is an opportunity for prospective business partners to learn more about FirstFitness & how to become a part of this revolutionary company! You'll learn how our products and income opportunity are changing the lives of so many people!

Saturday, will be a day of Intense Business Training for all distributors - FREE - 9am -2pm with the top leaders in FirstFitness!

"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." - Proverbs 24:30-34

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Holy Week - The Tale of an Almighty Hero

"It's official, my favorite week of the year has begun! Today my Hero came into town on a donkey to die for my sins!! Thank you Jesus!"

This is my favorite time of year! I always like to reflect on exactly what happened the week that Jesus suffered and died for my sins. I've wanted to post the details, but haven't taken the time, so I was excited to see that Carmen from the JoyFM posted this today -

"While many of us are familiar with Holy Week, we may not all know the specific time line of the week. - The point being:

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Sunday, March 28th
- Palm Sunday
2 mile journey to Jerusalem from Bethany, where Jesus stays each night

Monday, March 29th
Jesus protests financial transactions within the temple; argues with chief priests

Tuesday, March 30th
Jesus predicts/announces the date of his execution; debates with religious leaders; responds to question about greatest commandment

Judas contracts to betray Jesus

Wednesday, March 31st
Jesus warns against religious leaders, calling them hypocrites and snakes;
From Mount of Olives, Jesus mourns Jerusalem's rejection and pending destruction

Thursday, April 1st - Maundy Thursday
6:00pm-11:30pm
Last supper with disciples - Passover meal

11:30pm
Garden of Gethsemane - Jesus waits for his arrest

Friday, April 2nd - Good Friday
1:00am-1:30am
Confrontation in Garden and Jesus' Arrest

1:30am-3:00am
Trial 1: Annas, former Jewish High Priest for 16 years - Jesus receives initial physical abuse

Trial 2: Current Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin Court - Jesus bloodied by abuse

3:00am-5:00am
Imprisonment at Caiaphas' palace

5:00am-6:00am
Trial 3: All the Jewish elders, including the High Priest, scribes and whole Sanhedrin. They decide to ask the Roman government to kill Jesus

6:00am-7:00am
Trial 4: Hearing before Roman governor Pilate, who declares, "I find no guilt in this man."

7:00am-7:30am
Trial 5: Hearing before Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, who had jurisdiction over Galilee. Jesus refused to answer any questions so Herod returned him quickly to Pilate

7:30am-8:30am
Trial 6: Pilate repeatedly tried to release Jesus but the Jewish leaders continued to object. Pilate physically tortured and beat Jesus beyond recognition seeking to satisfy the Jewish leaders. However the Jews demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate resisted but eventually gave the order to execute Jesus

8:30am-9:00am
Pilate's Roman soldiers take Jesus into the court ("Praetorium") and enjoy mockery and continued torture, including driving thorns into his skull

9:00am-12:00noon
Jesus forced to carry his own cross, then actual crucifixion

12:00noon-3:00pm
Momentous final 3 hours on the cross

Some of the things that Jesus spoke from the cross:

"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Jesus is talking about his executioners because they do not understand or know that Jesus is God.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Jesus (quoting a line from the Jewish scriptures) cries out at a moment in time when he is not just physically punished, but spiritually separated from God, his Father. God separates Himself from Jesus because all of the evils of mankind are placed on Jesus. This spiritual separation is the heaviest sacrifice which Jesus pays of behalf of mankind, so that mankand does not need to suffer spiritual separation from God.

"It is finished."
Once Jesus felt he had borne the penalty for the evils of mankind, he declared his mission as accomplished.

"Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
These words, spoken to a thief also being executed with Jesus, indicates Jesus' belief that Jesus would continue to live in paradise (heaven) and that Jesus can choose who will be there with him.

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
Jesus believes his spirit, not body, now goes to heaven with God.

3:00pm
Death
Burial

Sunday, April 4th - Easter Sunday
Resurrection! Jesus is alive!

Friends, the tomb is empty!! He is risen! And He's coming back for us. Jesus is the best do-over button we could ever hope for! His grace is enough. And His grace covers you. There's nothing that you have done - or can do - that is bigger than Jesus' ability AND willingness to forgive. In short, you can't "out-sin" the cross. He is alive indeed, but certainly not without nail-pierced hands. Those scars are for you. For me. Accept His gift. Let Him love you today. He wants nothing more. And I want nothing more for you."

I couldn't have said it better myself! Go enjoy Jesus!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Exciting & New Part 2...

...Energy!

Everyone's looking for it. For me, its about 2:00 in the afternoon when I start thinking about how I could get a little more juice for the next couple of hours in the office. Many people reach for coffee, Coke, Pepsi and more recently, an Energy Drink!

The problem is that most energy drinks are full of sugar, which means high calories, and full of artificial, pharmaceutically manufactured, ingredients. This is not good for those of us who are health or weight conscious.

Well there's good news my friends! FirstFitness has developed an all natural, great tasting, sugar-free energy drink with just 20 calories - SPN Energy! I sampled this product along with the Rehydration drink while I was in Las Vegas! It truly tastes amazing and I could feel the energy and increased mental alertness within 10 minutes!

SPN ENERGY contains a powerful, natural array of essential vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients to help create a higher level of performance, sharpened mental focus and a clean, healthy sustained source of energy that lasts for hours.*

Drink SPN ENERGY to start your day, before exercise, or when you feel like you're running on empty.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, you know that we are also attending the first public tasting (in the U.S.) for both of these amazing new products tomorrow in Weeki Wachee, FL. The founder of the company and wellness pioneer, Lee Causey, will be there to do product trianing as well as the president of FirstFitness, Nigel Branson, who helped develop the new formulas! We still have a few tickets left for the event, so if you or someone you know need more ENERGY, come with us!!

Click the image below to compare SPN ENERGY to other leading energy drinks!




Did you know that "the energy drink market became a $5.4 billion dollar market in 2007, and both Goldman Sachs and Mintel predict that it will hit $10 billion by 2010"?**


--
**Data collected from caloriesindrinks.com, firstfitness.com/amypolk and wikidpedia.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010

A hundred dollars, sweatpants & a fleeting touch...

...how we met

In the spirit of Valentine's Day...Maybe you've already heard this story, but I do love to tell it.

When asked how Jason and I first met, I usually start with a story about a party sponsored by the organization we both worked for at the time. However, we never actually met that night, I just admired him from afar. You see I had dropped in on a party with all intentions of saying hello to a few friends and then leaving for bigger and better things, little did I know how my plans and my life would change as a result...

Upon arriving at the party, I won a $100 cash door prize! It was my lucky night in more ways than one. Not wanting to take the cash and dash, I convinced my companion to stay a while longer, besides the DJ was awesome and the dance floor was calling my name. It was sometime early in the night that I noticed a tall, handsome fella in a blue visor holding up the wall. He never moved from that spot but the girls sure did flock to him. I'd never seen him before but didn't dare let on to our co-workers that I was intrigued.

A few days later back at work, I inquired about him to a friend at work. "Who was that guy in the black shirt wearing the blue visor, standing up near the stage all night?" Within a week or two she had it all figured out and summoned me over to meet her friend Jason at a little Friday afternoon get-together. So I took the bait. When I arrived, Jason and I were introduced, he shook my hand and then disappeared. After making small talk with everyone else there, feeling a little let down, I used homework as an excuse and made my way home.

The next week, my friend invited me to Relay for Life in Starke, it was February and the weather was much like it has been this past weekend, so I promptly told her no! She said, "but Jason wanted me to ask you to come." Well of course, on my lunch break I went to Wal-mart in search of some cute sweatpants and was Relay bound. Well, this time, Jason did at least talk to me, but he gave me very little hopes about his interest in me. Again using homework as my escape, I left, but this time, I left him with a fleeting touch, Oprah said that would show my interest. (As if I didn't already look desperate!)

Back to work the next week and a girl in the office next door came over to ask for my phone number. She said Jason wanted it, of course I gave it to her. A full week and weekend went by and he never called. I started to think it was some kind of joke they were all playing on me.

Finally, the following Monday, March 1st, 2004, he called me!! We talked every single day for the next 4 days, but he never asked to see me. Finally on Thursday, he asked if he could take me to dinner. Finally!!

Our first date was Friday, March 5th. I remember every detail, but won't bore you with what he wore, what I wore, what we ordered for dinner at Applebee's, or what we talked about. We were pretty much inseparable from that day forward. My birthday was 4 days later and I've always said he was my birthday gift from God. We married 9 months later and I love him more today than ever...it was love at first sight!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Can you help me?

...I'll give you a FREE 30-Day Cleanse & Burn!

As I mentioned in a previous post, things have just taken off in my FirstFitness business and it has been a real blessing to me and my family. I have been in the top 3 for New Directors nationwide for the last 3 months, #6 for team building last month and have even earned a trip to Las Vegas next month!! (Yay me!)

I am currently looking to build my business and earn a 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise for 2 and qualify to drive a free Mercedes Benz provided by the company!! I know that sounds crazy but it's true!

To reach these two goals, I seriously need your help! I am looking to hold 10 Product Tastings between now and March 1st.

A Product Tasting is a very simple gathering of 8 or more friends and family who might be interested in improving their health by losing weight and increasing their energy. I simply need you to invite your friends and I will do the rest!

In exchange for your willingness to help me, I will give you a FREE 30-Day Xtreme Cleanse & Burn program, which is $82.90 in absolutely FREE product!!

Additionally, when you schedule a tasting, you will get a FREE 3-Day Weight Loss Sample!

If you can help me, please call me or email me ASAP! I promise you will not regret it and your friends & family will love you for introducing them to these FABULOUS products!

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. - 3 John 1:2

Friday, December 18, 2009

So many things, so few minutes...

...how many of you have said that in the last 18 days?

Since Thanksgiving, I've wanted to tell you all what I'm thankful for and then came my 5 year wedding anniversary and I wanted to tell you how my marriage brought me closer to God and now we are fast approaching the day we celebrate "the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us"! Hallelujah!

So, here goes, better late than never, right?

Thanksgiving
The day came and went but not without many reflections of things that I am most thankful for. I am most thankful for God's Grace! Though I do not deserve it and could never earn it, it is mine and it offers me eternity in heaven.

Next, I am very thankful for an amazing husband who longs to make me happy, his family who supports me in all that I do, my own family who loves God and each other no matter what. Thankful for step-children who have accepted me and made me feel loved and allowed me to love them like my own.

Thankful for a job that puts a roof over our heads and food on the table. Thankful for FirstFitness, products that have helped me and so many others feel great and live healthier, not to mention the extra cash that has provided little extras for Jason and me.

Thankful for my church family who are faithful, giving and 100% genuine! Thankful for the joy that I feel every day! Thankful for the men and women that have fought for my freedoms and the freedoms of all God's children. Thankful for men and women who have committed their lives to sharing the Gospel, giving others hope, peace and love.

I could probably go on and on for pages, but these are the things that surface immediately when I want to give thanks.

December 11, 2004
The day I said, "I do" and "I will"! It was 53 degrees and the wind was whipping like crazy. Our wedding was outside at Stephen Foster Memorial and had been put together in just 2 months. My dear Aunt Judy and my mom slaved over the details non-stop from October 1st right up until the very minute the ceremony started. It was beautiful.

Now, 5 years later, Jason and I are finally getting it figured out! It hasn't been all fun and games. There have been tough times, there have been fusses about the silliest of things and the most serious of things. All in all, the good far outweighs the bad. We've grown so much, individually and together.

Until Jason, I was wandering around lost, searching, longing for that forever kind of love. I think we both were. Together, Jason and I were able to turn back to God and get rooted in Him! We made a commitment to build our marriage on the solid foundation of our faith. To put God first, to be active in our church and to teach our children the importance of these things, not by telling them, but by showing them. I don't know that I would have ever been strong enough to leave my old life behind and walk with God in such a way with out Jason by my side.

Jason, you are my soul mate! You were my windshield wipers in the blinding storm I had driven myself into! Thank you for showing me the way! Like Jerry said, "I love you. You... complete me."

Next up - Christmas
What a glorious way to end the year? Reflecting on our Savior's coming! My prayer for you all is that you celebrate this above and beyond any other thing this "holiday" season! The fact that God loves you so much He sent His one and only son to live on Earth and to eventually suffer and die so that you may know His love for you, that my friend, is worth celebrating and celebrating abundantly. Don't get all "wrapped" up in the shopping and the presents and the events! Celebrate the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Recognize that you are loved by the Highest, Mightiest, Most Powerful of all and share His Love with someone every day!!!
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." - John 1:14

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

I'm not who I was...

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

This morning I stopped at the store on the way to work. I was wearing my new tee from the Follow You concert this weekend. The man behind the counter asked, "Who were you?". I was a little uncertain how to answer him. I simply replied, "well, I was lost." As I journeyed on to work, for the next 45 minutes, I thought about how to better answer that question. So here goes:


I was lost.
I was lonely.
I was dishonest.
I was confused.
I was selfish.
I was unhealthy.
I was misled.
I was misleading.
I was world-minded.
I was ambitious for worldly things.
I was superstitious.
I was judgmental.
I was hard-hearted.
I was seeking.
I was superficial.
I was materialistic.
I was greedy.
I was jealous.
I was scared.
I was unfocused.
I was tolerant.
I was negative.
I was desperate.
I was angry.
I was victimized.
I was cheated.
I was deserving.
I was careless.
I was uncommitted.
I was irresponsible.
I was unreliable.
I was conceited.
I was comfortable.
I was uninformed.
I was sad.
I was unforgiving.
I was settling.
I was hurting.
I was hiding.
I was ashamed.

I am still some of these things.
But I'm not who I was.
I was saved
by the power of God's grace.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Amazing God!

actions speak louder than words

When I look back at my life, just my adult life, the part I was responsible for, I am so truly amazed at the difference God has made in me.

From the age of 18-28, my life was a whirlwind of wild and crazy events. When I look back, I can see them as dumb, careless, irresponsible, havoc-reaking events. Things that held me back, weighed me down and kept me running in circles. Yet, these things shaped the person I am today. Even then, God had a plan for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " - Jeremiah 29:11

Part of this twisting and turning in the way of the world, landed me in Tallahassee for about 10 months as I pursued dreams of becoming the "IT Expert" I am today. Landing there, I fell into a group of ambitious, young singles running in the same circles as me. Yippee!

I don't want to speak for them, but you know what they say, "actions speak louder than words". At this point in our young lives, our actions spoke very little of our concern for our own salvation, much less that of others.

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." - Psalm 51:12-15

Fast-forward - now, here we are, exactly eight years later. I, with my church, am collecting Underwear for Africa. Two of my dear friends from Tallahassee, whom I am very proud of, will deliver them to Lesotho next month as they share the Word of God with the Basotho people!

What an amazing journey! What an amazing God!

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