Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Winter Wonderland
This week I was given a very special gift, a free day off of work and school. We were iced in (literally). I woke up to the sounds of "Muskingum College closed." I spent the day doing homework, playing games, and picking the ice off of my car... : ) In between, I managed to take some pictures.... enojoy!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Past My Bedtime
It is officially 11:18 p.m. on a Friday night--way past my bedtime. I just finished watching No Reservations, a Christmas present from my folks, while I waited for my Microsoft updates to download on glorious dial-up...there are days when I really wished that I lived in a place that was a part of modern civilization, but if you want a view, there are some things you have to give up I suppose.
So, this is the first time I have blogged using my semi-new laptop. I am enjoying the ability to be half asleep, typing away, with Ray LaMontagne serenading me in the background. I love this laptop! Speaking of which, I am including some photos of my dad having fun with the web cam.
So, this is the first time I have blogged using my semi-new laptop. I am enjoying the ability to be half asleep, typing away, with Ray LaMontagne serenading me in the background. I love this laptop! Speaking of which, I am including some photos of my dad having fun with the web cam.
Aren't those classic? I love them!
So, not much new to report on the New Year's resolutions. With classes starting this past week, I have become consumed with reading, writing, and trying to remember all of Moll Flander's husbands for our quiz on Wednesday. Seriously, that woman had some issues. Defoe always has such colorful characters in his works.
This semester I am taking 19th Century American Literature and History of the British Novel. I love both of my professors and the topics for that matter. It should be a good semester if I can keep my head above water with the readings and papers. Well, this is a random post... I think I will end with one of my favorite things...
Thankful today for:
1.) The soulful voice of Ray LaMontagne
2.) The computer guys at work who saved my computer this morning from a malicious virus
3.) Glorious snow
4.) Sitting by the fire with a cup of tea
5.) For the sacrifice of Jesus who healed with sick, raised the dead, and loved the unlovable. I have never healed a sick person, raised a dead person, or been very successful at loving the unlovable, yet He died instead of me. The mystery of the gospel--the beauty of His grace.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Cookies
Today, just a week after starting this diet, I was forced to stare at my favorite cookies for the entire afternoon at work. Talk about self-control! Yes, I refrained from eating any, which I thought was a small miracle in my life : ) I have handed the cookies over to someone much skinnier than I, and I feel better about my day.
Things are going pretty well. At the one week mark, I have lost a total of six pounds. Granted, I think I had put about five of those pounds on the day before the diet started, but still, it's progress. I have been eating very small portions every two hours. Here is my typical schedule:
7:30 a.m. 1/4 c. of cashews on the way to work
9:30 a.m. Fat free, plain (no sugar) yogurt with some kind of fruit
11:30 a.m. 2 slices of cheese and 2 slices of lunch meat or a lean cuisine
1:30 p.m. Some sort of veggie - plain. Today I had several baby carrots
3:30 p.m. Whatever I can find at home that's easy to lug to work, an apple, more nuts, etc.
5:30 p.m. Dinner, which is usually salad, veggies, and a small portion of meat or a bowl of soup
7:30 p.m. A cup of tea with 1 tsp. of honey and a spot of cream
I drink a ton of water throughout the day. As for the exercise, I must confess that I just don't have time. I am going to try and squeeze it in, but for now, I am pretty happy for just sticking to this diet. I think if I can shed some weight, working out will be my next step... I just need to make it through this semester and then I can hit the pool in the summer!
That is my update for now. Youth group tonight and tons of reading to do. This semester is going to consist of 12 novels to read (big ones), 10 papers (some small, some huge), 2 midterms, and 2 finals, in-class participation (yay, not!), and a plethora of other fun facts. I can't believe that in 2 classes, this much work is possible. Some how, I will make it through. I told Dr. Williamson today that my goal for the semester was to survive. I'll see how it goes.
Things are going pretty well. At the one week mark, I have lost a total of six pounds. Granted, I think I had put about five of those pounds on the day before the diet started, but still, it's progress. I have been eating very small portions every two hours. Here is my typical schedule:
7:30 a.m. 1/4 c. of cashews on the way to work
9:30 a.m. Fat free, plain (no sugar) yogurt with some kind of fruit
11:30 a.m. 2 slices of cheese and 2 slices of lunch meat or a lean cuisine
1:30 p.m. Some sort of veggie - plain. Today I had several baby carrots
3:30 p.m. Whatever I can find at home that's easy to lug to work, an apple, more nuts, etc.
5:30 p.m. Dinner, which is usually salad, veggies, and a small portion of meat or a bowl of soup
7:30 p.m. A cup of tea with 1 tsp. of honey and a spot of cream
I drink a ton of water throughout the day. As for the exercise, I must confess that I just don't have time. I am going to try and squeeze it in, but for now, I am pretty happy for just sticking to this diet. I think if I can shed some weight, working out will be my next step... I just need to make it through this semester and then I can hit the pool in the summer!
That is my update for now. Youth group tonight and tons of reading to do. This semester is going to consist of 12 novels to read (big ones), 10 papers (some small, some huge), 2 midterms, and 2 finals, in-class participation (yay, not!), and a plethora of other fun facts. I can't believe that in 2 classes, this much work is possible. Some how, I will make it through. I told Dr. Williamson today that my goal for the semester was to survive. I'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Kill Me Now: The Discipline of Self-Control
Alright, not literally... but it is one of my favorite expressions for when I am frustrated, or in this case, when I want something, and I can't have it. I said this last night as I watched nine, no scratch that, eight other people sink their teeth into hot, gooey, delicious pizza in front of my very eyes. Last night we had our youth group Christmas party due to the fact that before Christmas, it seemed like every Tuesday night we had a blast of freezing rain. So, last night, we had our Christmas/New Year's party that consisted of some really fun games (thanks to Pastor Burt) and food (thanks to everyone who brought it), and a gift exchange.
My one solace was that my good buddy Brianna is dieting as well, and she was there last night. I was proud of myself for not giving into my desires.
Self-control is an interesting thing. During the Ohio State game, which I did not watch (football is a waste of my life), my aforementioned friend Brianna, her mom, my mom, and me of course, talked about this very thing. I mentioned my feelings of frustration for certain people in my life who have seemed to have lost all self-control and the desire for self-control—people who claim to know God and to love Him. Everyone else chimed in with similar stories. Granted, I am not exempt from this category...I know I need more self-control in my life, but I feel like society in general has lost all desire or need for self-control. We do what we want, when we want to regardless of what it does to our bodies, how it impacts others, and despite commitments we have made. We can see this trend all around us—America's spending crisis comes to mind. I don't want to be like this.
What does the Bible have to say about self-control? Here is my favorite:
(2 Pet 1:6 NLT) Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.
And let's not forget that self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. So if we know God, self-control should be evident in our lives. I know I need more of it!
So... enough of me on my soapbox... how was my day yesterday as far as my New Year's resolutions are concerned? Not horrible. Here's what I ate:
-No fat, no sugar, plain yogurt and a peach
-A Lean Cuisine for lunch
-Chicken and vegetables for dinner
-A handful of peanuts
I still didn't have a chance to work-out, unless you count the Shuffle Your Buns game that Pastor B made us play.
I felt better about my whole time/priorities balance as well. Not a bad day at all. Here's to another day of acquiring self-control, whether I want it or not! :)
My one solace was that my good buddy Brianna is dieting as well, and she was there last night. I was proud of myself for not giving into my desires.
Self-control is an interesting thing. During the Ohio State game, which I did not watch (football is a waste of my life), my aforementioned friend Brianna, her mom, my mom, and me of course, talked about this very thing. I mentioned my feelings of frustration for certain people in my life who have seemed to have lost all self-control and the desire for self-control—people who claim to know God and to love Him. Everyone else chimed in with similar stories. Granted, I am not exempt from this category...I know I need more self-control in my life, but I feel like society in general has lost all desire or need for self-control. We do what we want, when we want to regardless of what it does to our bodies, how it impacts others, and despite commitments we have made. We can see this trend all around us—America's spending crisis comes to mind. I don't want to be like this.
What does the Bible have to say about self-control? Here is my favorite:
(2 Pet 1:6 NLT) Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.
And let's not forget that self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. So if we know God, self-control should be evident in our lives. I know I need more of it!
So... enough of me on my soapbox... how was my day yesterday as far as my New Year's resolutions are concerned? Not horrible. Here's what I ate:
-No fat, no sugar, plain yogurt and a peach
-A Lean Cuisine for lunch
-Chicken and vegetables for dinner
-A handful of peanuts
I still didn't have a chance to work-out, unless you count the Shuffle Your Buns game that Pastor B made us play.
I felt better about my whole time/priorities balance as well. Not a bad day at all. Here's to another day of acquiring self-control, whether I want it or not! :)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bandwagon 2009
It seems like this year, people are taking their New Year's resolutions seriously—at least the people in my world. I've decided to jump on the bandwagon, and hopefully use this blog to somehow hold myself accountable for how I need to change this year.
For me, this needs to be a year of discipline in all aspects of my life:
1.) Eating/Exercise... I hate this one. Let's be honest. It seems like everyone tries to make some kind of resolution revolving around weight loss or getting into shape and it normally lasts about a month (if that). This year, I know that I need to take this seriously, for multiple reasons... My plan of action is to eat less, eat healthier, and to work out. The working out part is the part I usually fail. Let's face it, I am athletically impaired. I know this, but I also know that exercise is the key to getting healthy. Lord, give me strength!
2.) Time... I have a lot on my plate, and I am often frustrated with the balancing act; meaning, how do you remain responsible to your commitments and yet manage to stay happy and delve into the things that you really want to delve into without sacrificing something that is truly important? I feel like I need to be more careful with the time I have; more disciplined with how I spend my time.
3.) Priorities... Kind of along the same line with spending my time wisely, I find there are times in my life when I get out-of-whack, for lack of a better term. I push things aside, like my time with God, in order to get homework done, or relax after a long day... I don't want to do that anymore. I want to realign my priorities!
So, this list is not exhaustive, but these three things are truly my top priority this year. How am I doing after day 1 (Monday)? Not too bad... however, the Ohio State game kind of messed up my plans, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step... one step down, a lot more steps to go.
For me, this needs to be a year of discipline in all aspects of my life:
1.) Eating/Exercise... I hate this one. Let's be honest. It seems like everyone tries to make some kind of resolution revolving around weight loss or getting into shape and it normally lasts about a month (if that). This year, I know that I need to take this seriously, for multiple reasons... My plan of action is to eat less, eat healthier, and to work out. The working out part is the part I usually fail. Let's face it, I am athletically impaired. I know this, but I also know that exercise is the key to getting healthy. Lord, give me strength!
2.) Time... I have a lot on my plate, and I am often frustrated with the balancing act; meaning, how do you remain responsible to your commitments and yet manage to stay happy and delve into the things that you really want to delve into without sacrificing something that is truly important? I feel like I need to be more careful with the time I have; more disciplined with how I spend my time.
3.) Priorities... Kind of along the same line with spending my time wisely, I find there are times in my life when I get out-of-whack, for lack of a better term. I push things aside, like my time with God, in order to get homework done, or relax after a long day... I don't want to do that anymore. I want to realign my priorities!
So, this list is not exhaustive, but these three things are truly my top priority this year. How am I doing after day 1 (Monday)? Not too bad... however, the Ohio State game kind of messed up my plans, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step... one step down, a lot more steps to go.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Miracles
What a crazy couple of weeks it's been! Between Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, opening gifts, traveling near and far, working, playing, catching up with friends, and a plethora of other activities, I feel completely exhausted! While I've been busy, I have loved every moment. I spent many late nights/early mornings talking with dear friends. I lost valuable hours of sleep but gained treasures that far surpassed rest.
During my last minute shopping trips to the mall, I noticed a book by A.J. Jacobs called The Year of Living Biblically. 
I won't get into too much detail, but Mr. Jacobs, who admits to being agnostic, a firm believer in evolution, and basically has had no use for religion of any sort in his life, decided to spend a year studying and living the Bible as literally as possible. I'm only on page 100, but thus far it has been rather humorous...you can only imagine with Old Testament laws that include not wearing clothing that mix wool and linen... I am anticipating the end...will his in-depth look at scripture change his views? Only time will tell, but today I was captured by a closing section that he wrote in the introduction:
I won't get into too much detail, but Mr. Jacobs, who admits to being agnostic, a firm believer in evolution, and basically has had no use for religion of any sort in his life, decided to spend a year studying and living the Bible as literally as possible. I'm only on page 100, but thus far it has been rather humorous...you can only imagine with Old Testament laws that include not wearing clothing that mix wool and linen... I am anticipating the end...will his in-depth look at scripture change his views? Only time will tell, but today I was captured by a closing section that he wrote in the introduction:"I...had breakfast with Rabbi Andy Bachman, a brilliant man who heads up one of Brooklyn's largest synagogues, Congregation Beth Elohim. He told me a midrash—a story or legend that is not in the Bible proper, but which deals with biblical events. This midrash is a bout the parting of the Red Sea...
We all think of the scene in The Ten Commandments movie with Charlton Heston, where Moses lifted up his rod, and the waters rolled back. But this midrash says that's not how it happened. Moses lifted up his rod, and the sea did not part. The Egyptians were closing in, and the sea wasn't moving. So a Hebrew named Nachson just walked into the water. He waded up to his ankles, then his knees, then his waist, then his shoulders. And right when water was about to get up to his nostrils, the sea parted.
The point is, sometimes miracles occur only when you jump in."
I was struck by this simple story. Are there miracles in my life waiting to happen if I will simply "jump in?"
I pray that as we close this busy Christmas season that you will take hope in this notion. May none of us be afraid to take the first step towards a miracle.
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