Testimony

I'm sorry that it's been so long since I've posted. I have been just a wee bit busy. I haven't had time to think about a diet this week or exercise for that matter. Thursday night was my testimony night and it was the most incredible experience ever. God MOVED in an awesome way not only in my heart but in the hearts of others.

I have to admit that standing in front of a group of strangers and telling them your business is not an easy thing to do. I was pretty sick to my stomach up until the moment I sat down on the stage. Then God just took over. I still held my breath...and I still felt like people were judging me but God also allowed me to see into the hearts of those he wanted me to speak to. I think when we are led to tell our stories- it is a healing process. Healing for us..and healing for others who need to know that they are not alone in what they are going through.

I was explaining to a friend the other night that sometimes sharing your story doesn't mean that you have to stand up in front of a huge group...sometimes it's as simple as listening to God when he tells you that this person or that person needs to hear your story. You start sharing parts of you on an individual basis. That opens God up to start working in you. I think we all have dark little corners of ourselves that we try to hide from the world but the problem is...the devil hides in the dark little places. Thursday night was like opening my heart and exposing it ALL to the light so that there is no place left for the devil!! I highly recommend it!!

The women at my church are the most awesome group of ladies that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I don't really know all of them but I love them just the same. The amazing hugs and words of encouragement after I was done talking made my heart weep with joy- (and Kay sitting on the stage laughing her butt off over me having to deal with a hug line made me laugh- and want to smack her). God has already shown me several people who needed to hear what I had to say...and I would do it all again even if it was only one person!!

Stay tuned for Vertical Dash info tomorrow...just waiting on all the results. I didn't write them all down like Marilyn did. =)

11 years ago today

I would like to take a pause from weight loss talk today and talk about something that is on my heart. Today is the 11th anniversary of the day I lost my brother to a fatal car accident. It was also the day that forever changed my life. God turned that tragedy into so much good and for that I am grateful. I think if I had the chance to talk to him today - he would have a lot to say to me. I imagine him telling me that I need to stop thinking so little of myself. I imagine him saying that while I'm not doing a "perfect" job of raising his son- I am doing the best that I can. I imagine him being proud of my integrity and my character and proud of how I try to lift up others. I imagine him telling me to forgive the people in my life who have hurt me because the bitterness is only keeping me from being free. These anniversaries seem to come quicker now and thankfully they are a lot less painful. It is amazing how God can heal up wounds that you never thought would heal. If you don't mind- I would like to share some pictures of him with you.

This is my favorite baby picture of him

Apparently this was my brother's birthday

This was sooo totally in the 70's. This one of many pictures of me without my 3 front teeth. That's a story for another day.

Yes- I've always been a little crazy

Bob's Senior Picture

This is the last picture we have of Bob and his son Josh together. This was taken at Christmas- Bob died a little over 2 months later.

I always miss him but I know that I'll see him again someday!!

Thanks for letting me share him with you!!

It's good to have friends

I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of the people in my life who make a difference every day. There are people in my work life who make my day better when I see them. They always have a hug or an encouraging word. They make it easier to get through the mundaneness of it all. They say a sincere thank you even when I'm just doing my job. There are those in my work life who have been put into a position to mentor me (even though they may hate it sometimes) and they are doing an awesome job.

There are people in my church life that help me draw closer to God. They are good for a friendly conversation, or a discussion about more serious things. They join me in adventures (like climbing 34 floors) and they invite me to sit and have dinner with them when I run into them at Chipotle's. Most importantly- they love me just for being me.

There are those in my everyday life who come to my house and help me put a fence. They come and help me finish my basement. They help get me through cub scouts (by being loud and rowdy and parents meetings) so that my boy could live to see Boy scouts. They "facebook" me just to stay in the loop and they forgive me when I get to busy to call and check on them.

Friends are soooo important. We all need people in our lives who can hold us accountable, love us unconditionally, and put up with our nonsense. I pray often that I might be a blessing to others as much as they have been a blessing to me.

So a big thank you to all of you in my life who help make me a better person.

Love you all!!