May 1

May 1. The first day of May. I am already facing a busy schedule and I’ll be honest—when things get crazy and stressful, I usually look for comfort in food. This is a bad habit. Not just because summer is around the corner, but also it’s just an escape, an avoidance. Food does not deal with the emotion that will return after the snack is gone. No, I didn’t get everything done on my list yesterday, but I did cross a few things off. Even though my schedule is busy, it means opportunities—opportunities not everyone has. This glass bead necklace was handmade in Thailand. I received it through World Vision as a reminder of those around the world who may not have their needs met. Today, when I go for that extra snack, I will see the glass beads on my arm, remember those who made them and focus on what I can do and not what I can’t.

May Challenge

May tends to be a crazy month for me—birthdays, end of the year parties, field day and getting ready for recitals. It’s easy to get stressed and off track under these circumstances. Fasting typically refers to abstaining from food, but what if we thought outside that box? What if each day of May we chose something to fast from, abstain, avoid? Would it be an extra snack? Cigarette? Coffee? Soda? Picking on someone? Negative thoughts? Thoughts of suicide? What can we do instead? Pray? Brainstorm solutions? Positive thoughts? Drink water? Walk? Each day in May I will post what I am “fasting” from and what I will do instead. This will keep me accountable, focused and on track. Will you join me? Will you post something you are avoiding OR something positive you still do instead OR even both?

Great song!

I love this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPliIx5I1FU

"I am that Girl"

http://shine.yahoo.com/secrets-to-your-success-20120120/boost-self-esteem-best-self-055000520.html

Speaking debut

I have now spoken twice at my church! It's one thing to write, it's another thing to get up in front of a room full of women and talk about it with a mic! You can hear me here: http://www.truthcasting.com/player.aspx#showSermon=45785 http://www.truthcasting.com/player.aspx#showSermon=47379

The Real Ruth

The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules by Carolyn Custis James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve heard that some approach this book cautiously, unsure of the “startling revelations.” Having grown up in the church, I took the book on more boldly, almost saying, “Startle me, I dare you.”

What I found was relief. The Gospel of Ruth is a refreshing and enlightening view of a small book that has been traditionally preached as a fairytale. I for one am tired of that approach and cannot relate. James shoes us the real Ruth—gutsy, courageous, and even a bit defiant. She has become my hero and my permission to also be a strong woman of God.


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Whole nine yards

The origins of this phrase are uncertain but seem to trace back to a military reference.


1) It could go back to the Vietnam era referring to the nine Montagnard tribes or “Yards”

2) Or it may refer to a drill where soldiers were trained to cover nine yards in three seconds before diving to the ground to avoid sniper fire