OUT OF THE ASHES COMES PRAISE!!!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

This is a update on the African American Community Center. I talked with my mom this morning and she said the lady that I thought was burned in the center--was really not burned. She is not in a burn unit either. She is hospitalized. She said that she is talking and recognizes friends who come and visit her. Now I can see the Gods hand of mercy thur this. He is a God of second chances. He gave a second chance to me 12 years ago after I suffered from a near death experience from an asthma attack. Not only is he the God of second changes but he forgives daily. I thank him on the ladies behalf.

The hebrew boys had a fiery furnace for real but God himself joined them in the fire literally and they did not burn nor did their clothes smell like smoke. They were rejoicing within the fire. He is truly The God of second chances. All things are possible to them who believe. To those who are praying -- please keep praying.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOV4WARD 3/24/2009 9:18PM

thank you for the update ~ such wonderful news! we will continue to lift them in prayer :) Report Inappropriate Comment

UGOGIRL51 3/24/2009 12:23PM

DO I THE PICTURE AND I YOUR BLOG. TAKE CARE GIRL ANNETTE Report Inappropriate Comment

SISTERCHICK1965 3/23/2009 8:32AM

That's awesome news. God watches over his children! Report Inappropriate Comment

NVR2HEALTHY 3/22/2009 11:02PM

fabulous news! Report Inappropriate Comment

AHUNYU 3/22/2009 11:01PM

He is faithful! It is good to know the lady was not burned and better yet she recognizes people!!! He will nerver forsake us! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSHONEYC 3/22/2009 9:51PM

What WONDERFUL news! The hands of God are definitely with her ... AND YOU! Report Inappropriate Comment

JIBBIE49 3/22/2009 8:22PM

How wonderful to know she is alright. I seen on the news where some 18 year old girl, got in the bathroom with GASOLINE to put it on her head to kill LICE, and the fume were ignited by the Hot Water Heater. Her boyfriend was with her and got his hands burned getting the fire out, but she was burned over half her body. Her mother said "Well, Lice treatment is expensive to buy, and she was just trying to get rid of them the best way she could." I'm FRUGAL, but honestly, I am NOT stupid. Some things you just PAY for and do it right. Report Inappropriate Comment

Sometimes Memories are not good...

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Last night I heard fire Truck alarms woke me out of my sleep. I wondered to myself what is going on now. I drifted aback to sleep only to hear the alarms again. It sounded very close but I soon drifted back to sleep.

This morning while driving my kids to school--I noticed something that caught my eyes. A police tape around some place of business. Out of curiosity I went to see what was going on. To my shock our local African American Cultural Center had caught on fire. Will the first thing I thought was "oh my mother had donated something their to be on display". There was a lady that lived in an apartment that was hooked on to the center. The police got her out of the apartment but she has burns and had to be taken to a near by burn center. I really feel for her and will keep her in my prayers.

Three years ago my mother had a house fire. I was in shock then. I thought I was dreaming when I opened my eyes again it was not a dream. All the things she collected burned so I though. It turned out that only here living room caught on fire. The police said that the knotty pine in her living along with the insulation protected her house further. But I know who protected her house from being total destroyed. It was the Lord. She lost her valuables in the fire, Smoke damage destroyed everything throughout her house including her clothes, shoes. It was very sad. But the rest of the house was spared.

She had let my sister pay the taxes on her house because she become disabled and could not pay them. Well lets just say my sister did not business wise and leave it at that. My mother got no support from the Red Cross etc. only the gracious people within the neighborhood helped her.

Her house is still standing unfinished...

This fire reminded me of the fire and brought back some sad memories.

After coming back from school I was on my way to tell my mother about the news and I passed by her talking to a policeman. I blew my car horn but she did not know who I was. Later she called me and told me what happened at the center. She said that she did not care about items that were lost in the fire. She was more worried about the lady that was in the apartment more. Now you talking about grace under fire that was it. I just thought I would post this to get this off my heart.

Because of the fire I am very careful in the house with appliance etc. I found an iron that was still on after my 17 1/2 y/o ironed his clothes. I spoke to him about it and the next time I saw that iron he put it on the floor and it was turned off. I will post more in my personal journal. I do not want to have another day like today.

This pic is not my mothers house. It is just a pic I came across on the net.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JIBBIE49 3/22/2009 3:40PM

How sad. When I was six our big two-story farm house burned down while we were gone, and I will never forget that. You lose so much. We build a brand new ranch style farm house the next year, with a full basement, but still I always missed the big Victorian farmhouse we had. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOV4WARD 3/20/2009 4:10PM

fires strike so suddenly and destroy so much. i'm glad your mumsie survived and will keep the lady @ the center in our t&p's ~ let us know if you hear more. & u, my friend, will keep you in my thoughts and hope that your distress will subside soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

UGOGIRL51 3/20/2009 1:18PM

That was a horrible and sad event Do. And sorry it brought back sad memories for you. Sometimes we are allowed to see and remember things for the past to help us be thankful for the the things of the present. I will say a prayer also.... Annette Report Inappropriate Comment

TNDARLINGTON1 3/20/2009 12:06PM

I am glad to hear everyone is safe. Material things can be replaced but a life can't. Things happen for a reason even though sometimes when we are going through a rough patch and can't see the reason behind it, we will be shown it at a later time in our life when we need it most. Report Inappropriate Comment

SISTERCHICK1965 3/20/2009 11:40AM

sorry about your bad memories. I'm glad the woman got out ok, hopefully she's not too badly hurt. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMAP1 3/19/2009 11:23PM

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I pray it will release you from memories that could hinder your peace. Praying for the injured lady and for her needs to be supplied. "My God shall provide all your needs." Unfortunately, many of us consider things needed that really aren't necessary. Rest well, my Friend. God is in charge! Report Inappropriate Comment

DSHRBURR4 3/19/2009 10:24PM

I am so sorry for the bad memories that this brought back to you. I pray the lady who was burned will be healed. Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSHONEYC 3/19/2009 9:46PM

You're right - not every memory is good, and I don't think they should be. That way we will all ways recognize when we are fortunate. I'm sorry you had bad memories of your mother's home, but I'm glad that she, the most valuable article in that home, was safe. Report Inappropriate Comment

EVER HEARD OF BENTO?? I DID NOT UNTIL TODAY.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

What is a bento? I am sure some have heard of them. I think it will be a good and cute way of eating right. Eating this way help with portion control. ( A biggie for me). I am looking forward to summer when veggies and fruit will be plentiful and fresher.

I am sure that these containers are very expensive but I will visit our local mighty dollar and dollar tree stores.

My hd promised that this year we would plant a garden. This year I will hold him to it.

In the mean time....happy and healthy eating to me.

For anyone interested in how this works you can visit http//justbento.com and you will find all the info you need to get started. eating the bento way.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RETRACMJ 4/21/2009 6:46PM

OK - I was just on your other blog and asked what Bento was!! Duh???? I see they are containers and they look like containers that fit in containers, etc. Cool idea. Report Inappropriate Comment

UGOGIRL51 3/14/2009 11:47AM

Now that's a one Do... I'm going to check it out asap.... Annette Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKY-13 3/12/2009 9:15PM

Amazon.com has a bunch of different bento boxes for sale -- different sizes, colors, and of course different prices. You'll have to check them out and see if there's anything you like. Also, last year I bought something kind of similar: Fit and Fresh containers that were reviewed on Spark. Cute, not too pricey, and some even come with little, flat ice packs to keep your cold food cold. It would be great if you could find them at a discount store! I'm sure you'd save some money. And thanks for the megaphone! Those cookies left for the next county! LOL Hugs, Lucky Report Inappropriate Comment

SISTERCHICK1965 3/12/2009 3:14PM

When I was in school many many years ago, one of my japanese friends used those cute little containers to bring her lunch in. I agree with Rita that we tend to use things because they are cute. LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

JIBBIE49 3/12/2009 1:19PM

The Japanese do not have cafterias in their schools like we do here, so BENTO is for them to pack lunches for their children. Also, for work, since I don't think companies there have food service either. I looked last night at Walmart for them, but they didn't have them, but some good rubbermaid containers, that I know I need to get and start making food up FOR THE DAY and just eating what I have ready. That is what I have to do since I eat what is NOT on my food list. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUTTERFLYWINGZ 3/12/2009 2:43AM

Looks interesting! I am all for anything that forces me to pare down on portions. Great blog! Report Inappropriate Comment

AZHIKERCHICK 3/11/2009 5:54PM

I was into bento for a long time, but it just was such a time sucker! The other problem I was having is that most of my boxes couldn't be put the microwave and I eat lots of leftovers for lunch. I still have all the little boxes and pack my cold lunch in them from time to time. They are great, though, for keeping portions small! Comment edited on: 3/11/2009 5:55:08 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

DSHRBURR4 3/11/2009 3:46PM

Thanks for the info - I will have to check this out Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSHONEYC 3/11/2009 3:27PM

Yes, on another private team I was on, one of the girls bought the bento boxes. She was very pleased. First of all they LOOK CUTE and you will USE them because they ARE cute! and second the portion control. BIG help. I like to use those little corningware oval bowls to eat out of because they are "cute"! I think that does make a difference, using things that are "cute". Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISTFIEND 3/11/2009 3:19PM

Thanks for sharing!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOV4WARD 3/11/2009 2:55PM

i love bentos! traditionally, i've seen them as terriyaki chicken over a bed of veggies & rice! they make a gr8 alternative to fast food if you have a local bento restaurant :) (snags website link ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

DJP_21 3/11/2009 2:25PM

Cool blog post. I'm going to look further into this. Obviously it's a great way to attain portion control, but I also think it would make eating healthy more enjoyable. Report Inappropriate Comment

MINI CHECK WITH BLD AND CALORIE CYCLING

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I AM DOING THE BEST LIFE DIET I REALLY NEED TO BUCKET DOWN. TELL MR. EE TO GET LOST. THE SAME GOES TO THE WICKED VOICES OF OVER EATING. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT TO HAVE A CUT OFF TIME FOR EATING.

SIX FOODS TO CUT OUT OF MY EATING PLAN.

1. ALCOHOL:

2. SODA POP: do not really drink it but I took some sips. gotta kick it out!

3. AVOID FOOD WITH TRANS FATS: got um!

4. FRIED FOODS: OMG I LIKE FRIED CHICKEN EVERY NOW AND THEN. HAVE TO WORK ON THIS MORE. I DO NOT EAT ANY OTHER FRIED FOODS. I ALSO HAVE A TENDENCY TO GO OVER WHEN I DO EAT THE FRIED CHICKEN. SO IF I PREPARED IT FOR ME IT WILL BE COOKED JUST ABOUT ANYWAY EXCEPT FRIED.

5. AVOID WHITE BREAD PRODUCTS EXAMPLE BREAD, WHITE RICE, PASTA. doing it!!!


6. HIGH FAT MILK AND YOGURT. DONE.

7. NOW WHAT IS REQUIRED: STOP EATING AT LEAST TWO HOURS BEFORE BED NOW THAT IS A CHALLENGE. WILL WORK ON IT. HEY VOICES I SAID GET LOST, GET OUT OF HERE!! NOW!!!!


8.EXERCISE:I WANT TO(PROBABLY NEED TO KICK IT UP A NOTCH OR TWO). NOW I USE AEROBICS, BIKING, PALATES AND STRENGTH TRAINING. I TRY TO ROTATE DAYS FOR EACH EXERCISE. I REALLY DO NOT ENJOY STRENGTH TRAINING. (WEAK ARMS) SO I HAVE TO BUILD ON WHAT I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO DO. I HAVE A GOAL OF 150 HOURS A WEEK OF EXERCISING BUILDING TOWARD 250 AMBITIOUS PROBABLY BUT THIS IS SOMETHING TO BUILD TOWARD. STILL BUILDING....

9.WEIGHING AND MEASURING . I AM WORKING WITH TWO PROGRAMS BECK AND BEST LIFE. NOW BOB SAYS WEIGHT ONCE THEN WEIGHT NO MORE UNTIL PHASE 2. NOW I KNOW ME.. I SLIP UP SOMETIMES. I DO NOT WANT TO FOOL MYSELF INSTEAD I WANT TO FACE THE MUSIC. I DO NOT GO OFF THE DEEP END IF THE SCALE SAY MORE. WEIGHT RANGES VARY THROUGHOUT THE DAY. I AM NOT A SCALE JUNKIE. SO I WILL SO I WILL MEASURE/WEIGH WEEKLY.

10.STAY HYDRATED: WELL I HAVE TO WORK ON THIS ALSO. BOB SUGGESTED DRINKING 6 GLASSES. NOW I CAN LIVE WITH THIS. BUILDING, BUILDING, BUILDING. DAILY!!!

VITAMINS/MINERALS DOING IT BUT SOMETIMES I FORGET SO I WILL PUT THEM IN MY MEDICINE DISPENSING BOX THAT WAY I WILL SEE THEM AND REMEMBER.

OMEGA3 FATTY ACIDS. WELL I AM ALLERGIC TO FISH. I DO HAVE TUNA EVERY NOW AND THEN. BUT I MONITOR MY ASTHMA. (CAUSES ME TO WHEEZE). I USE FLAX SEED.

CALCIUM DOING IT.

FIBER DOING IT I BUT I NEED TO INCREASE MY FIBER INTAKE DAILY.

I GOT AHEAD OF MYSELF AND THOUGHT A MONTH WAS UP BUT IT IS ONLY THREE WEEKS INTO THIS. SO I HAVE TIME AND I AM NOT A RUSH. SLOW AND STEADY WIN THIS BATTLE. I WILL WORK IN THIS QUARTERLY WITH BLOGS. I AM CALORIE CYCLING WITH THIS SO MY RANGES WILL VARY DAILY WHICH MEANS I'L HAVE TO PICK UP MY EXERCISE. I CAN PLAY AROUND WITH THIS SINCE MY DIABETES IS CONTROLLED BY DIET AND EXERCISE

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOV4WARD 3/10/2009 7:09PM

wow, looks like you're tackling a lot of lifestyle issues & doing well! i tend to like the fried chicken & sip the soda pop too. i do better if i don't meet up with them directly ;) Looking forward to hearing more on how you like this approach :) Report Inappropriate Comment

TNDARLINGTON1 3/6/2009 1:32PM

Wow now that is determination Look at all you are doing and the goals you have for yourself. You can do it for sure. Those are goals that are all reachable and soon you will have goal me beside each and everyone of them. Report Inappropriate Comment

UGOGIRL51 3/6/2009 12:07PM

I knew you would figure it out sweetie... Annette Report Inappropriate Comment

AHUNYU 3/6/2009 10:45AM

You have a great plan and there is already alot that you have accomplished!!! Just work your plan as you plan it and know that other days will be easier than others but in the end consistency on the good side will see you accomplish what you hoped to accomplish. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKY-13 3/5/2009 10:42PM

Just reading your blog makes me want an entire bucket of fried chicken! I haven't eaten chicken in years, but whenever I smell it I think I could almost taste it. I'll try to find some yummy chicken recipes and pass them on to you. You've got a great plan there. But don't hesitate to ask for support if you need it! I'm going to be cheering you on! Lucky Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISTFIEND 3/4/2009 9:51PM

You have a great plan!! Now work it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSHONEYC 3/4/2009 2:37PM

Well, I see that you've accomplished QUITE a lot! CONGRATS! There will be days that are better than others, and days that are worse. In the end they all even out. On the team we don't weigh every day - well, I know *I* am not and if they are, they're not "talking" about it! LOL Anyway, on the team the challenges run 2 weeks. Monday was the weight and measurements and the next one will be on the 17th. OOOH talk about HARD TO DO! You keep working at your goals - you are doing AWESOME! REALLY, you ARE! Report Inappropriate Comment

JIBBIE49 3/4/2009 2:33PM

I've thought about doing the Alternate Day Diet from Dr. Johnson, but I keep getting in the EAT DAY over and over again. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANOTHER GOODIE FROM JILLIAN MICHEALS TOO IMPORTANT NOT TO BLOG

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

TUESDAY: FEELING GOOD

The Negativity Police
Is your inner voice a trash-talker? If you've tried and failed to reach your fitness goals in the past, negative thoughts might have been what held you back. Want to succeed this time? Get your journal (or log on to your online Fitness Diary). It's time to get some of those thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you have a negative self-image?
Do you constantly say things like "I'm fat" or "I'm ugly"? Do you pick yourself apart and beat yourself up when you look in the mirror?

2. Do you lack self-confidence?
Do you doubt your ability to achieve your goals, weight-related or otherwise? Do you dwell on your perceived limits or fears? Do you doubt your ability to accomplish the things you want to accomplish?

3. Do you feel powerless?
Do you feel as if you have no control over your life, or do you rely on excuses like "I'm genetically predisposed to being overweight"?

4. Do you label yourself in self-deprecating ways?
Do you think and talk about your failure to lose weight as a foregone conclusion? Do you refer to yourself mockingly (or not!) as a stereotype — the happy/funny fat person in the room? Is your e-mail address "fatso@blank.com"?

Now think about your responses. How would you describe the tone of your answers? Are they affirming and constructive, or downbeat and destructive? Want to turn your thinking around? The following question will help you understand why you have been propagating these destructive thoughts and behaviors so that we can cut them out at the root.

5. How is this negativity hurting you?
Is what you say about yourself really the truth? Or is it a defense mechanism? And if so, against what? Are you just making complicated excuses? How does this kind of negativity help you achieve your goals? The answers to these questions should help you start to see what's at the root of your negative thinking.

Now go back and answer the five questions again, and force yourself to use only positive terms. It can be hard to let go of these negative thought patterns. Often, they're the result of years of self-loathing and your internalizing of the negative opinions and judgments of others, but you can do it. Remember, knowledge is power. Next time one of those negative thoughts crops up, you'll have the awareness to cut it down.

SO AS A MAN OR WOMEN THINKETH SO IS HE OR SHE. NO MORE SELF HATING. FOR THOSE WHO SAY BAD THINGS. STOP IT! THAT INCLUDES ME ON OCCASSION. DOING MUCH LESS OF IT.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOV4WARD 3/1/2009 8:00PM

I just love getting her newsletter! Her advice just hits the spot! Report Inappropriate Comment

JIBBIE49 2/25/2009 11:40PM

Thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHRISTFIEND 2/25/2009 3:25PM

Wow thanks for sharing!! Report Inappropriate Comment

UGOGIRL51 2/25/2009 1:34PM

NOW THAT WAS A REAL GOODIE... FOR SHARING IT. YOU'RE THE ANNETTE Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGGIRL2082010 2/25/2009 1:05PM

Thanks for sharing! Very important tips there! Cheers, Maya Report Inappropriate Comment