63-Bad Ideas…

Greetings! I trust that your day was more than tolerable!

It was a quiet day around the office due to the snow…half the staff chickened out and didn’t make the drive in. I guess they did get a tad more snow than me…but still!!!

So, when I walked into my office today there was a man on a ladder climbing up into the ceiling. Then, only moments later he pulled out a saw and went to town!!!  On a pipe that was up there. Apparently the only way to work on the elevator in the hall outside of our suite is to go through the ceiling in my office.  Who knew?!?!? He was there an hour or so…I had minimal conversation with him. He was a man of few words, but I was sure to let him know that if he planned on falling through my ceiling, there were no guarantees that I would catch him. He told me that he would save his swan dive for another crowd. So, not a lot of words, but the ones that came out of his mouth were funny.

Today, Tim and I talked about bad valentine gift ideas…if you need to know what NOT to get, check these out! Classic!

Tonight was day 2 of level 2 of shredding! It’s SO hard! Tonight we turned down Jillian voice and turned up the new Toby Mac cd called Tonight .  It’s AWESOME and made the workout much more enjoyable…not pleasent but tolerable.

Do you watch The Biggest Loser? Man, that show is incredible…the best show on TV in my book (yes, better than Glee)! It’s so encouraging and you find yourself cheering on (and by that I mean crying with) perfect strangers who are trying to have healthy change in their lives. It’s so inspiring! Tuesday nights, NBC. Watch it. You won’t be sorry.

fivegoodthings

1. feeling good in your own skin
2. looking back at how far you’ve come in the past year
3. mix cd’s
4. magnets
5. a well-lit room

Photo of the Day

the guy in my office…

62-Russia!

Oh the joy’s of the internet! Today I got to “chat” with one of my friends from Russia! He was in my group when I was in Ru a few years ago! It was so great to catch up with him and his wife!

We are getting a ton of snow…you?

Today:

• Great, productive day at work!
• Boss was back, so that was awesome! So glad she’s not sick anymore!
• Shredded on LEVEL 2!!!  I can’t believe that we made it!
• Picked myself up off the floor after shredding…yes it was an event…it was difficult!
• Trying to finish typing this entry..my arms are still shaky from the level 2 and that was 4 HOURS AGO!!!
• Making cd’s for my friend who is recovering from breast cancer surgery
• bed!

fivegoodthings

1. mix cd’s
2. finishing that really hard workout
3. finishing.
4. psalm 116
5. stretching

61- Ice Ice Baby!

We’re getting ice…how about you???

Today was a busy day as we’re trying to get ready for our first of Step of Faith Friday fundraiser tomorrow.  Wanna keep up? You can listen online at www.joyfmonline.org.  We’ll have the phone lines open to pledge from 6a-9a and 3p-7p.

So, I think that I mentioned before that my GM has pnuemonia…did I mention that??? Well, she does and her co-host is pretty sick as well. Another staff member’s mother in law is very ill and there is a snow storm moving into the area (that is terrible for the signal…especially during fundraising). Needless to say, we spent some time praying boldly today. One of our board members came in and we just went to God with our concerns and needs and a whole bunch of other stuff! It was a really sweet time!

Tonight I came home and shredded! I can’t believe that I’m going to say this but I’m ready to move on to level 2 on the shred. I’ll let you know if I make it.

Ok…all kinds of other stuff happened today, but some I’m still processing. I’ll get to it, but just not tonight.

fivegoodthings

1. taking the higher road
2. Project Runway
3. cleaning off my desk
4. chiffon
5. yellow

The Number 60

Ever said this???  But I don’t waaaaant to!!!!!  That’s how I’m feeling at this moment. Last night, I put “moving your body daily” in my fivegoodthings but right now, I have no motivation! I’ll be fine, I just needed to whine a bit.

So…today has really been an awesome day! I had some personal business to take care of today that reminded me of how gracious God is! He is good to set us free of the mistakes of our past! I’m declaring today FREEDOM DAY!! Won’t you join me in celebration?

On the down side…my boss has pneumonia! It’s not good anytime but especially now. We have 2 fundraisers this week and our leader is in bed trying to get well! She emailed me earlier and said that it’s obvious that God want her silent…so silent she is! Would you please be praying for her quick, full recovery? She’s a mom and has 2 kids at home, so this is tricky for the fam I’m sure!

Tonight:

• Work out-even though I don’t waaaaaaaant to
• bible study
• home to chat with the gals for a bit
• then bed!

fivegoodthings

1. FREEDOM DAY!!!
2. my awesome new water bottle that Gina got me
3. cheese
4. hand-written letters
5. getting popcorn out of your teeth. Am I right?
   

59-Ground Hog Day

Well it looks like Ole Phil saw his shadow…6 more weeks of winter. Brr…

Today was one of those days when I found myself being extremely hard on myself. Ever have those days? I guess that’s the struggle of thinking that one needs to be perfect. What a funny thought to have. When it’s swirling around in your mind, it seems so disheartening that it’s not an obtainable goal! But now, at the end of the day, it’s actually comical to think that I could ever be perfect! I’m reminded of only One who was perfect. He was tempted in every way and did not sin, He loved people well and honestly, He listened to the heart of His Father and was obedient in all things. He died in a humiliating way, the way that only the criminals were killed. He was flogged, whipped, mocked and so much more, then hung on a cross for you and for me. He died this humiliating death so we could be with Him in Eternity forever, so that we would not be separated from God in death. I’m not equipped to be perfect, nor will I ever be and my words do not express the gratitude that I have for the One who is.

I want to share a verse with you that my friend sent over to me:

Psalm 116:5-6 (New International Version)

⁵ The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.

⁶ The LORD protects the simple-hearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.

I guess being perfectly imperfect isn’t so bad after all.

fivegoodthings

1. Getting a gentle reproof from someone you respect
2. Moving the body daily
3. clean room
4. taco’s
5. the Psalms

Photo of the Day

Why you ask? I have no idea.

58 brings clarity

Hello friends!  I trust that you are having a great week thus far! Today was a good day, but I’ve felt as though I’ve been in a fog for a little bit. It’s been noticable to others and that’s been bothersome. I’m realizing that when I’m not consistent in my workout time, then I tend to feel a bit foggy! Isn’t that strange? I’m sorry to say that keeping active actually does make me feel better…so…I guess I’ll need to make sure that I’m being regular with being on the move! There Levi…I said it! Working out is beneficial!

Tonight I worked out with Levi and it was really good! As long as I didn’t have to talk (no comments please), I was able to focus. I was sucking air  like crazy! Tonight we started out with a warm-up then that led into hitting all 3 flights of stairs at one time. It was the first time we had done that and it was awesome! Difficult, but awesome! On the very last time, my legs were so shaky that I had to catch hold of the wall at the top of the stairs so I could get my legs straight!

I’ve got a great plan to keep active this week and it won’t be difficult to stick with it! Also, part of me feeling on top of things, is by going to bed earlier…and I’m starting tonight!

One of my bff’s (Katie) got engaged tonight! She called us at almost 10, we had some friends over so we put her on speaker phone (she’s living in OK going to grad school). It was SO exciting, I wish that I was closer to help her plan, but I’ll just have to offer my assistance from a far. This will be such a fun wedding and a great marriage. God has given them a gift in each other! What a blessing! She of course sent me pictures of the ring…it was so pretty and totally her!

fivegoodthings

1. Katie’s engagement
2. sharing in each others joy!
3. making it up that last flight of stairs
4. knowing that last step is it for the night
5. second chances

57 and it’s Friday!

Wow, so I’ve really fallen off the band wagon of blogging…I’m sorry for that! I must push through my wintery-blues and word-press on.

I’ve had an amazing week…really since Tuesday night. I had a great counseling session and was able to sort some things out about life, love and other mysteries. Wednesday hit and God BLESSED MY SOCKS OFF!  Remember in an earlier post, I talked about praying boldly and asking God to bless my socks off???  Well, it really had nothing to do with me, but He did!!! The last year has been a toughy for me. I’ve faced some very real fears in my life and I’ve learned to trust love in a way that I never have before. All of the hard days and work have paid off! It’s an awesome feeling!

I have however been fighting off feelings of jealousy since…Thursday! My boss took off with her gal pals to Florida…beach-side. She texted me today and let me know that it was 80 and they got sun-burned! ARG!!!! As much as I’m throwing a tantrum at the moment, she totally deserves this mini vaca. She’s an awesome woman and needs a little unwinding time!

Tonight Jess and I went to see Shakespeare in a Week! Wildwood Christian School does this every year. The students have 1 week to completely put together a Shakespeare play…tonight was Hamlet and it was fabulous! The students did such an amazing job, I’m really proud of them! It’s incredible to think that in 1 weeks time they did the set, the costumes, hair, make-up, choreography, blocking…everything!

So, in case you haven’t noticed, I seem to have lost my motivation in blog-land! I’m going to work on that! It’s good for me to blog, it really helps clear my mind and I’ve let it go to the side for a few weeks. I’ve asked for some accountability from a friend, so you will be seeing more from me…like it or lump it.

fivegoodthings

1. Jim Gaffigan
2. wheezing from laughter
3. reading Kelli Stuart’s blog
4. support of great friends
5. seeing Luke Sinak in a snow-globe straight out of the box

Photo of the Day

These are the roomies!

Gina, Jess and Moi

56

How are you today?

It seems to be cold everywhere I go today. I can only recall  one other that had that experience and she was the enemy to all of Narnia.  While I don’t want to lump myself in the category of the “White  Witch”, I do think that my mood is being effected by the lack of sun! Seriously, it’s like I’m dying on the vine…I NEED some vitamin D already!!! I’m a tad bit jealous as my boss is heading off to “brown up a bit” (sorry, Glee reference) in Florida at a beach-side condo with her bff’s. But…she totally deserves it!

Weekend wrap up:

• Friday night…did a live broadcast from Winter Jam, it was so fun!
• Got to interview Dave, the lead singer from Sidewalk Prophets
• Left early to get home a do some laundry (that makes me feel old)
• Jess’s small group girls (seniors) came over for a sleep over…too much fun!
• Saturday morning…had a mission trip info meeting for Joy Fm. We do a listener trip every year. This year it’s to East St. Louis
• Had a really sweet chat with my roomies on my bed about midnight or so…good stuff
• Went with Gina to my favorite store on the planet, The Container Store. Every time I’m in there it’s like the mother-ship is calling me home.
• Hung out with Grace B, she’s amazing! We went down to Delmar and had Fro-Yo. We then watched Lars and the Real Girl. Great movie!
• Sunday we had a GREAT service at church, then youth group that evening

Tonight I’m looking forward to an evening at home…cook a little dinner…and SHREDDING. I must tell you that I still do not enjoy this, I miss it when I don’t do it, but it’s still really hard!!! Ug.

fivegoodthings

1. hair ties
2. bobby pins
3. curling irons (catching a theme??)
4. shampoo
5. Bump-Its!

55 ish

Hello friends! I hope that you’re having a great week!

I haven’t really been on much this week as I’m trying to sort out some stuff. A dear friend of mine is walking through some really tough stuff and I’ve had the privilege of walking a long side her a bit this week in it.  I want to be an advocate for her, yet it’s not totally my place to be that..her husband already does a stellar job at it. This week has reminded me of how far we, the church…myself included, are so far from what church was intended to be. See below:

Acts 2:42-47 (New Living Translation)

The Believers Form a Community

⁴² All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

⁴³ A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. ⁴⁴ And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. ⁴⁵ They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. ⁴⁶ They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity ⁴⁷ all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Is it hard for you to imagine living in a place like this? It is for me. I can be pretty selfish and I like my “stuff”, but God has called us to a higher purpose. To share when someone is in need, to love people REALLY well and to live a life of joy that will honor Him.

I have a lot of questions but I also have a lot of faith that God has this totally under control. He has the Earth spinning so fast yet nothing is ever out of balance. I trust Him. Not perfectly, but I trust Him. I am also reminded that the church is full of broken people, just like me, trying to figure out life and love in the process.

On a different note…tomorrow night is the girls formal at my church. It’s a really lovely evening. The girls sign up, come and get their hair and make up done, then dress in formal dresses. They are then escorted by the boys in the youth group to their tables, served dinner/dessert by them and then sung to by the boys. The girls have a few speakers talking about how valuable and precious they are…it’s a really wonderful night! Tonight our neighbor girl came over to try on some dresses for the formal. She tried on several, but then…we found…the one! She looked so lovely and she felt beautiful in it. She kept commenting over and over how she’s never tried on such pretty dresses before. It was a big deal and tomorrow night she’ll feel like a princess! I love it! I’ll try to post some pictures of the formal over the weekend.

fivegoodthings

1. knowing that you really don’t control things, God does.
2. getting to bed before midnight…I’m almost there!
3. being a lefty
4. comfy jeans
5. meeting new people

52-54???

I’m not sure how all of those days went by without me dropping in for a visit! Forgive me?

The weekend was full of..a little of this and a little of that. I went down to the Loop area of St. Louis with one of my girls from youth group and her mom. They were featuring ice sculptors, it was really fun. I took some photos, I’ll put a few below. The gal ended up spending the night…she’s a great girl with a ton of potential but she often gives up on herself. I don’t know how parents of teens do it, it’s exhausting and she’s not even my kid! How do you convince a teen girl that they are worth fighting for when she doesn’t believe it for herself? It makes me crazy! I find myself wanting to bang my head into the wall after most conversations, but I know that I need to be patient with her, it’ll be worth it in the end. *sigh*

Last night I had youth group and had a really sweet time with my girls. The majority of “my girls” have a story already at 14. One has been in and out of rehab, a few struggle with cutting and alcohol and others who are just apathetic in their faith. All can be equally as dangerous. I wish that I could make them desire what is best in their lives but unfortunately I can not. I am one of the many voices they hear…the other ones telling them that what I have to say is SO not cool! I had a new girl last night…not totally new, she’s been there one other time but it was in the fall. We were talking about on a scale of 1-10 where does our relationship with Christ land. She spoke up and said 0. I was so proud of her being honest…and later she said, I’d like for it to be higher but I don’t even know where to start. WOW! How often does that door open?!? We, as a group, spent a lot of time talking about that and how we move forward. There were so many great things said…real, genuine things by these girls. I left there spent and so encouraged.  A truly great night!

As far as working out over the weekend. I walked 3 miles on Saturday and shredded yesterday. I will not take 2 days off in a row of shredding anymore. Last night was brutal.

fivegoodthings

1. days off (not from shredding:) )
2. smiling…smiling’s my favorite
3. live music
4. glimmers of hope
5. pencils

Photos from the Weekend

Here are some of my faves…