His Touch

Great Day!

2009-11-30T20:02:00.002-06:00

Just for the record, I continue to do some 5 K's and a few months ago I started a 40 day fast.
I got to day 12 and then caved in. The fast reset my metabolism and I dropped about 15 pounds. I have lost about 30 pounds in the last year. I get lots of exercise at work with the babies. I have never felt better. My walk with the Lord has been amazing. I can't wait to see what He has for me tomorrow.
I will try and do some little posts now and then.
I am blessed and highly favored.
Mary Kay

Thinking about Blogging again.

2009-11-29T09:08:00.002-06:00

Good Morning!

Lots of hussle and bussle this time of the year. I looked at my blog and it has been almost a year since I posted anything. Many things have changed in my life. I pray this finds you all well and full of holiday joy.

Blessed and highly favored!
Mary Kay

2009-01-15T20:13:00.002-06:00

I have been thinking for some time to stop blogging.
I think this is the time to do so.
I thank you for the posts you have read.
Most of you know how to contact me if you want too.
Blessings to you and yours.
Mary Kay

Day 15

2009-01-15T18:21:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the month: 12 miles

Oh, I can see that I will have to do some workout at home. John is going to buy me some weights and I can start this weekend. I am getting lots of movement at work but it isn't enough. I can't wait until this weekend. I am going to run and catch up with my thinking.
I am still thinking about the Playground Rules. Rule1: No bad words. This means be nice to each other like Jesus wants us to be. I know I haven't always obeyed rule 1. However, I have said sorry over and over. Some playground people just don't talk or pout easily. On the way to work each morning, John and I ride with each other. We pray for those that play on our playgrounds of our hearts and those that use to play on our playground of our hearts. Today was the last day in the room with the 8 little angels. Next Tuesday I will start in the room next door. I know some of the kiddos but not all of them. I will miss my playground players. The new group has several noses that always need tending. :) I know them.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

Every human is intended to have a character of his own, to be what no others are and to do what no others can do. William Ellery Channing

I hope your playground is perfect. Mine isn't! Lean on HIM. Blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Day 14

2009-01-14T18:12:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the Month: 12 miles

Maybe tomorrow night I can get in a little walk. I hate not walking. I miss my walking friend too. But, I love my job, so I guess I will be okay. I will walk tomorrow night in my neighborhood. John had a couple stops after work. I am getting into a habit so maybe I can fit in a gym now. Today the cutest little girl had her feelings hurt. I hated to see her so broken hearted. She had big tears and sobbed and sobbed. I know how she felt. I wish I had a camera. It would have made a darling photo. I haven't used my camera like I thought I would. I guess I need to start putting in the trunk. I have missed some very good photos lately.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over ll and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6

Playground Rules for Life

We live so close together. So, our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if we can't help them, at least don't hurt them. Dalai Lama

I love the Bible verse today. Being on the playground today reminded me about playing fair and not hurting one another. Be patient with me. I love you. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Day 13

2009-01-13T20:07:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the Month: 12 miles

I wonder if a dream and a special (divine) assignment is the same thing. God's assignment touches my dream and they become one. Wow! That is an interesting thought. When I look at the little ones, I see hope for a future. Some of them look like a miniature of dad or mother. I just love those little ones. Next week I am going to work with another group of little ones. I am blessed beyond measure. I know I see those little ones different than someone much younger than me. Tomorrow I will take John to work and than pick him up.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14

The best thing about the future is that it only comes on day at a time. Abraham Lincoln

It is a great time to dream and live it out. The world is a mess but being a child of God comes with benefits. In love with the King! Mary Kay

Day 12

2009-01-12T19:43:00.003-06:00

Walked today: Nada (but I sure did bend over and squat plenty at work)

Walked for the Month: 12 miles

I believe that somewhere tucked in my heart is a divine assignment just for me. I love my job, but I believe it something more. I took an entrepreneurship class and did a complete study and business plan to start my own life coaching business. I would love to use this education as a free service for Viet Nam and Iraq Vets and families in crisis. I have also done lots of studying on ADHD. I believe that my knowledge could help others. I have also thought about doing some life coaching at the juvenile detention center. I want to stay busy and up on what I have learned from school.

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:5

Tell me, what do you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Mary Oliver

Isn't life amazing? Just to have that feeling that you know there is more. God has been touching my heart and thoughts. The little children have so much to teach us. I can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow. Waiting for the assignment and remembering that I am blessed and highly favored. Love, Mary Kay

Day 10

2009-01-11T21:25:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the Month: 12 miles

Just got home form CRkids. It was a good night and it has been fun finding new and interesting things to teach them. Tonight I crumpled up paper and made them were it in their shoes for 10 minutes. Everyone admitted it was annoying. We talked about things that annoyed us and how we need to bring those things to God. We also wrote down one of our problems on a piece of paper. Under it .....it said, God can help. Such simple stories mean so much. We had a great message today. One of the preachers from Greece came and spoke. Our church helps sponsor his ministry. He was so good. He is about to do some work in Iran. He worked behind the iron curtain. The truth will set you free and many of those countries work under lies. He reminded us that God is Alive! It has been a good day.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

The devil will keep using whatever works on us. Beth Moore

Sin is annoying. It doesn't make any difference if it is in the shoes you wear or the ones the person next to you wears. Sin is sin. That sin separates us from God. Praise Him and give Him the glory. Blessed and highly favored, Mary Kay

Day 10

2009-01-10T19:12:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 12 miles

It felt great to say 4 miles. It was windy but I felt like the resistance was a test. I did it! I have been missing my walking. Maybe this week, I will have more time to walk. It is so refreshing. My body is moving at work and I love that. You can't sit still around kids. I thought about God's humor as I sat at the itsy bity table, on an itsy bitsy chair, eating my itsy bitsy lunch and feeling full. I also feel good about myself. When I worked at the Children's Home I use to write Bible verses on index cards and carry them in my pocket. It was very comforting to know I had God's word so close to me. It was also a great way to memorize verses. I will put an interesting verse below to share with you. I have been eating the finest foods up until tonight. John brought me home a giant "Milky Way" and he knows that is one of my down falls. Of course it is gone. I wish he would not try so hard to sabotage me.

Why spend money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.
Isaiah 55:2
Is there a sin I need to forsake? Donna Partow

Excited to know that I can save money if I don't buy food that are not good. God has already told me what to eat and how to eat it. I want nothing more than HIM. He is good. I am blessed that I am blessed and highly favored. I love you all, Mary Kay

Day 9

2009-01-09T18:43:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the Month: 8 miles

This is not good. I miss my walking and my walking friend. God willing I will try tomorrow. I have had lots of exercise this week. I have bent over, stooped, lifted, and had itsy bitsy lunches. I feel great. As of this afternoon, I am now CPR and First Aid trained until 2011. Today, I noticed how some kids come in and get right into play, while others sort of hang on mommy. I am working on a book for young mothers and this will certainly be a point of interest. If I was a young mother, I would leave the crying child with words of reassurance that I would return. Then I would come back and look in the window a few hours later. It did make me think about what might be going on in those little heads. Separation is tough. You depend on someone and then they let you down. I have let my children down many time. No one told me about what I should do and not do. I needed someone to come along side of me. It reminded me that we all need each other. I am glad God picked me to take care of these little darlings. What an honor. Separation must be hard on our FATHER also.

And from far the Lord appeared to his people and said, " I Love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

"Run to Jesus. Jesus wants you to go to him. He wants to become the most important person in your life, the greatest love you'll ever know. He wants you to love him so much that there's no room in your heart and in your life for sin. Invite him to take up residence in your heart."
Max Lucado

Don't walk away! Run to HIM. He is waiting to be your best PARENT. He will come along side of you. He is waiting. What are you waiting for? Blessed and Highly Favored, Mary Kay

Day 8

2009-01-08T19:33:00.002-06:00

Walked today: nada (I hate not walking!)

Walked for the month: 8 Miles

I have been thinking about all the things God has done for me.

He made me His own

He comforts me

He gives me confidence

He sets me free

He takes away my worries

Gives me "Eternal Life"

He forgives me

Frees me from sin

Fulfills me

He offers me Grace

And these are just a few of things He has done for me. What an amazing God! All that I am not even worthy. HE is worthy. I love my new job. Those little kids are just sweet. When they slept today I watched them breathe in and out. Wow! So perfectly made.

But to all who did accept him and believe in him he gave the right to become children of God. They did not become his children in an human way--by any human parent or human desire. They were born of God. John 1:12-13

With God in your world, you aren't an accident or an incident; you are a gift to the world, a divine work of art, signed by God. Max Lucado

Don't forget all HE does for us. What a might God, I serve. Praise the Lord! I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Day 7

2009-01-07T18:41:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada

However, I did 100 squats, bend overs, and sit up stand ups at work. :)

Walked for the Month: 8 Miles

I love my job. It is so refreshing to play like a child again. I had a wonderful day. I can see that I am going to have a wonderful time in the classroom. Each room has a digital camera and they use it daily. I can see all sorts of ways of using my creativity. John and I rode together and I had a 1/2 hour of free time in the Wal Mart before I had to be to work. I haven't been to the Wal Mart in months. I will go back in the morning and look at the sale racks. Friday, I will be recertified for CPR and First Aid. I continue to ask for prayers for my family. When I say "Family" I mean myself also. God is good and it is only a matter of time. It will be a Holy Moment!

Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5: 8-10

Real religion is a way of life, not a white cloak to be wrapped around us on the Sabbath and then cast aside into the six day closet of unconcern. William Arthur Ward

May your day be blessed from the top of your head to the bottom of your toes. He is good and waits for the Holy Moments. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Day 6

2009-01-06T18:22:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 45 minutes up and down hills. :)
Do not have a measurement.
Walked for the month: 8 miles

Second day of work! I think I am going to do just fine at this job. I love the little ones and the work involves moving around and I need that. The all take a nap for 2 hours on little mats. I watched them sleep and they looked so peaceful. I prayed in my heart for each one of them. We have much to learn from little ones. No wonder Jesus called them to HIM. I use to watch my granddaughter sleep when she was little. I remember the peace she had. I miss those days. When we grow up we try to please others and forget about the child like ways. However, there is fine line about being concerned about one self and no one else.

"For whom am I toiling, " he asked,
"and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" Ecclesiastes 4:8

A man all wrapped up in himself makes a very small parcel. BBC Radio

Ask Jesus.....is this about me or about someone else? Have a peaceful sleep tonight and wake up knowing you are loved. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Day 5

2009-01-05T19:40:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada (But I am going to dance when I leave here!)
Walked for the Month: 8 miles

It was my first day at my new job. I love it! This is the first time, I have worked with such young children and I am excited about that. I look forward to speaking some Spanish and being in the presence of it. The hours are great and all the ladies seemed so sweet. The little rooms are decorated so cute. Just as I was leaving the building my cell rang. It was about an interview that I had been wanting at the women's shelter. I took my internship at the shelter and it was an eye opener. I think working with little kids is what God wants for me. I am happy where I am. I love the hours. 7 to 3. John and I are excited about riding to work together a few days a week. I am very thankful for this job and what the future holds. Please continue to pray for my daughter and family. My ride to work is beautiful and a perfect time to lift her up to Jesus. If she could only see my heart, like God does.

"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled." John 14:27

Action may not always be happiness, but there is no happiness without action. Benjamin Disraeli

I have heard many times that "love" is a verb. It needs action. Prayer is action. May your day tomorrow be full of happiness, peace, and love. Mary Kay

Day 4

2009-01-04T16:30:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada (but I did dance for 1/2 hour :) )
Walked for the Month: 8 miles

God is so good to me! The message today at church was awesome. It was meant for me. The text was John 9. I found out that sometimes I am the blind man. I need the mud pack from Jesus, some orders, and a huge dose of faith. I need HIM to spit in the dirt and pack my eyes. I love Jesus so much, that I can't understand why I waddle around faithless. I am the woman! When God speaks I want to step. I long for a holy moment. I have a new MP3 player and I love listening to Christian music and moving with the beat. I have faith that this is the start of some major weight loss and I am praying for it to fall off so I can start getting in shape for the big run. I start my new job tomorrow so maybe moving around more and eating less with be the key. I will start walking in my neighborhood after I get home.

"...isn't this the same man who used to sit and beg?" John 9:8b

Remember, you serve a powerful God. God ahead, then, and tell him how you need his help today. Max Lucado

I will not beg! I see now that God is powerful and is more than willing to help me. What is big to me is just a moment for HIM. What a mighty God I serve. I pray you all have the holy moment with mud in your eye. Love, Mary Kay

Day 3

2009-01-03T18:37:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 8 miles

It was a beautiful day here in Fischer, Texas. I am blessed in many ways. The air was perfect this morning for a walk. I wish I had taken another walk tonight. The house is getting back to normal and now it is time to get serious once again about walking and running another 5 K. I want to drop 20 pounds so I can start running. I have been thinking about joining a gym. However, my hair stylist told me about a lady that helps people prepare for a marathon. It is high impact with weights. I guess it is a full body workout that gets you in shape fast. I am for that. I want to get sore and take it to the next level. I am on a roll and I want to keep it that way.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9

If we have the love of God, we have all we really need. Beth Moore

God is good. He has given me all the tools to get in shape. I also have much love to give. Keep praying for my daughter and her family. I will run the race and I will win. Love, Mary Kay

Day 2

2009-01-02T22:53:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: Nada
Walked for the Month: 4 miles

Just returned from Celebrate Recovery Kids. I have recruited several more people to pray for my daughter. The story tonight was about Jeremiah. He was the weeping prophet. I am the weeping mother. He stumbled around the ruins and I stumble around the memories. He had courage and so do I. It was in the book of Jeremiah, I read that God has a plan for me. He is not going to hurt me, but instead it will be good. I have decided I need to study that book word for word. The kids were so precious tonight. I love that job. I pray the full time one is as rewarding. I start my new job on Monday. I am excited about that. I have been asked to write a book about motherhood and this will give me great insight on young mothers. I have another book I want to write...................I will title it You Have Sand in Your Hair. I had lots of running around today so I will have to walk in the morning.

What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31

You're not fighting alone. Your God is fighting for you. Beth Moore

I am feeling favored tonight. I pray you are also. I may weep, but I know God is for me. He is good. Love, Mary Kay

Day 1

2009-01-01T19:25:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
For the month : 4 miles

And in the beginning......! What a wonderful place to start.......in the beginning. I love reading the word. This is a new beginning for me. I have some wonderful new things up my sleeve. I don't actually care about Dr. Phil, but I love his one liner. "How is this working for you?" is one of his favorites. It is amazing that adults do the same thing over and over hoping it works. My approach with my daughter hasn't worked. I already had a couple comments on the "Prayer Bombs." I think this might be just the answer. I have already signed several friends up. It is amazing what happens when God is the center of prayer. Satan has had a field day with my family for long enough. I want everything back that he has taken. I want it now! God has promised me victory. I hold that flag of victory.....high.

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:16

Your status before God is no accident, for He has chosen you. Beth Moore

I am so excited tonight. It is no accident that I was chosen. Praise the Lord! I feel victory in my blood. I have been washed in the blood. I am ready to take everything back that belongs to me. As for me and my FAMILY we will serve the Lord. Not alone, but together. \O/
God is good. Let's throw some big prayer bombs. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T19:48:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 2 miles
Walked for the month: 70 miles

It took all I had to do the 2 miles today. It was windy on the dam!
I have been thinking about all the things I hope to do different in 2009. I have learned a lot of lessons this last year. I hope to write more and see more patterns in life. I have experienced great joy this year and great sorrow. The sorrow has been heavy this year. I lost my sister in May and my youngest sister lost her 24 year old daughter. In God's glory, I am able to remember the joy also. I remember many great things that came along through 2008. This year I plan to drop a prayer bomb over my daughter and family. I will sign up for every prayer request site and ask everyone I know to pray for healing for our family. I meet a girl once that had t-shirts that said, "Ask me about ______." I may even have some made just to share with others. I am asking God to allow her to see the good in her dad and I. So if you have a church or a prayer group, I ask that you ask God to touch the heart my daughter use to have. To fill her heart with a desire to reunite with her side of the family.

Respect the Lord your God, and do what he has told you to do Love him. Serve the Lord your God with your whole being, and obey the Lord's commands and laws that I am giving you today for your own good. Deuteronomy 10: 12-13

True repentance leaves behind no remains. Beth Moore

I want this to be a blog full of prayer this year. If you have a need, please leave it here. I would appreciate you spreading the prayer need I have for my daughter. I want her to see how big God is. I will not give up. This is a NEW YEAR! It will be a happy one! Love, Mary Kay

Encouragement

2008-12-30T17:48:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the Month: 68 miles

My body can hardly wait for my walk in the morning. My high school friend from Wisconsin has been here since Saturday. She is visiting her daughter in Austin. We had a wonderful visit and ran around a little too. This morning we went into San Antonio and had a massage. It was wonderful. Yesterday we went to Bobcat Country and walked the campus, visited the Outlet Mall, and had lunch at the Grist Mill (Cotton Gin) in Gruene. Sunday we went to church and John took us out for lunch. I feel like I have been running for the last couple of days. My friend and I have encouraged each other weekly for about 3 years on the phone. She prayed for many tests I took at school and I prayed for her to sell her house. We left each today, knowing we would be back on the phone for words of encouragement. It is great to have a friend like that.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say, God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17

“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.”
Johann Wolfgang Goethe

I am looking forward to the New Year! I pray you are also. I am encouraged as I start my New Year, seek Christ, and continue to seek a healthy new way of living. I encourage you in all you do. I have victory in Christ, blessings galore, and bask as highly favored. Mary Kay

Details

2008-12-27T20:00:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada Nada
Walked for the Month: 68 miles

God is in the details. He knows every detail about each and everyone of us. I am so happy He knows the details of my thoughts and can see into my heart. Lately as I go about my day, I ask Him about the details of my coming and going. I want to please HIM. Tonight I am waiting for my classmate to come from San Antonio. I believe the details will come when she arrives. They have been at the Riverwalk. I know they are having a good time. I am sure she is interested in the details of my life as I am of hers. I also received great new tonight from a cousin in Australia and one in Norway. We will share details of the facts we have about our grandparents. My mother always went into detail about her mother and family. I never knew my grandmother and only knew about her from the wonderful stories my mother told me. My son is a little interest in family but I don't think my daughter is. The details are needed to pass down from generation to generation. The pieces allow you to understand who you are and where you came from. History is amazing. I miss my mother.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of you head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

God's presence is so much beyond the human experience of being together that it quite easily is perceived as absence. Henri Nouwen

Consider the details my friends. God does! I pray your details are in perfect line with HIS.
Love, Mary Kay

Miracles

2008-12-26T21:59:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
Total for the Month: 68 miles

Miracles.... I have seen many of them. On Christmas Day, we talked about the miracles we saw on Christmas Day 2003. My son, Joey and his family went with John and I to Dallas. We feed the homeless that day. We saw hearts touched and food multiply before our eyes. We saw Jesus that day. It was a very memorial time for us. No Christmas has ever been able to top that day. All the presents, food, and cards can never replace the memories. We are already planning for next year. I wait on the power of Christ to perform more miracles. I have a prayer list that awaits the touch. Tomorrow a classmate of mine from high school is coming to stay a few days with me. I can't wait to visit and laugh like we did 50 years ago.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your pats straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6

It is by logic that we prove, but by intuition that we discover. Henri Poincare

Miracles happen! I am waiting for a big one and I pray you are too. I love you and am blessed and favored by the King. Love, Mary Kay

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T18:30:00.002-06:00

Nada Nada

Merry Christmas. It has been a beautiful day on our little hill in Fischer, Texas. Our son, Joey and Mandy were here. Then my walking partner and her husband with John and I enjoyed a lovely day with all sorts of food and visiting. John is still glowing. He has been looking at the ground where he wants dirt from my first pay check. :) He is happy that I have a paying job. :) I am looking forward to working and making a difference in the lives of children and their parents that are struggling. I have several other things going on too. My body is screaming today to walk. I haven''t been eating heavy and eating lots of heavy stuff today makes a terrible difference. I already plan on eating lighter this week. I made a wonderful salad that is very healthy. I will eat that the rest of the week. One thing my job will do is interfere with my walking. I plan to look into a membership at a gym. Texas State has a huge new Health Center and I will see what they do for alumni. I have some dreams. :) Must head for the pajamas.

Glorify the Lord with me; let exalt His name together. Psalm 34:3

A takeaway truth from Beth Moore reads like this: I will train my mind to see the good. I will get rid of any negative, conditioned responses and stamp what I see in my life as a "positive."

God is good. He is the reason for the season. I am in HIS season. I pray the same for all of you. Be blessed as we now walk closer to 2009. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T22:21:00.002-06:00

Nada-- Nada

John and I just got home from our son's house. We had an amazing evening! I gave John his present first. I have never seen him so happy. You see this last week I got job. I am going to be the new Head Start Teacher in San Marcos. I didn't tell him! I saved the news for tonight. I wrapped up a shoe box and in the shoe box were 8 envelopes. I started out with #1 Merry Christmas #2 What do you get a man that has everything? #3 I thought and thought #4 Then I remembered #5 I knew it would make you happy #6. I found it in San Marcos. #7 I've had it for a couple of days and hope you like it. #8 I am the new Head Start Teacher. I got a job! Now this made him very happy. He has been wanting me to go to work so he could buy some new stuff. :) He was one happy camper. I am happy too. We will ride to work together on Wed., Thursday, and Friday. I think I am going to love the job also. I am sorry I didn't tell you all sooner. I am thanking God and feeling so blessed and favored. We enjoyed lots of food and wonderful gifts between each other. God is good!

Merry Christmas my faithful readers. May your Christmas be full of love.
Mary Kay

Getting Ready for Christmas!

2008-12-23T21:12:00.003-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked this month: 64 miles

I didn't walk today and the day just didn't seem right. I had a busy day with grocery shopping, a neighborhood party, grand-dog sitting, and a little cleaning. As much as I love Christmas, I look forward to the simple life too. Tomorrow looks busy too. A few years ago we feed the homeless in downtown Dallas. It is still my favorite way to celebrate Christmas. Getting ready for Christmas is thinking about those less fortunate. This thinking should lead to having action to do something about it. 2009, I hope to do more for the less fortunate. So many places need people to help the homeless and needy. Is Christmas a blessing? Have you made it a blessing? Beth Moore used this key truth: You can choose the blessing instead of the curse, and be the one that puts a stop to negative patterns, habits, and attitude you inherited from generations before you.

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40: 5

The impossible is often the untried. Jim Goodwin

My thoughts are scrabbled tonight. I am asking God to change my patterns, habits and attitude. My God is big! I am thanking HIM for that big power.
Love, Mary Kay

The Blessing!

2008-12-22T18:52:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 2 miles
Walked for the month: 64 miles

Yesterday's message continues to linger in my heart. I remembered today of a Christmas about 10 years ago. We were living in Stephenville. My mother, brother (Bernie), our daughter and family sat around the table. John had been reading a book titled the Blessing. He had his nose in that book a few weeks before the gathering. He talked at that time about giving a blessing. I was very surprised when he stood up and asked for a time to bless his family. John is a man of few words most of the time and it took me by surprise. He stood behind each one of us,, as he placed his hands on our shoulders and spoke a blessing over each one of us. It took me by surprise and I remember the tears that flowed that day. I don't remember each blessing, but I do remember the words spoken over my son-n-law. John blessed his fields and asked the Lord for a harvest of plenty. I remember him touching my shoulders and telling me .....how much he loved me and appreciated me. I am sure each person can tell you there blessing. My mother was touched and her tears were wet words. That was a powerful day!

I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6

Life is not a "brief candle." It is a splendid torch that I want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. Bernard Shaw

A great...much needed cleansing is happening within me. I pray that if you speak a blessing over someone .....it will be sweet and a gift to the receiver. I am highly favored and blessed.
Mary Kay

The Catapult

2008-12-21T17:23:00.004-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the month: 62 miles

I am still under the conviction of today message at church. It was on Hurtin' for Certain @ Christmas. Just throwing it into the heavens. The message touched the lives of many of us. The alter was opened for letting "unforgiving" go. Throwing into the heavens. My eyes opened into a flood of tears, but I will never forget the sobs of the lady next to me. I am sure it provided an echo within the church. I still feel my tears wanting to flood again. I don't think I ever read Luke 2: 34-35 before. I did noticed many sad and hurting people last week at the mall. I realized today that I was one of them. Pastor Rob suggested we pray, forgive them, and choose to bless them. The essentials elements are: Meaningful Touch, A Spoken Word, Valuing the One to be Blessed, Picturing a Special Future for the One Being Blessed, An Active Commitment to Fulfill the Blessings. Wow! Just do it..............your heart will follow. I am so blessed to attend a loving and caring fellowship of believers. I will look up the following scriptures tonight and ask God to reveal the message again to me. The verses are: Genesis 45:1-3, Luke 6:28, Matthew 6: 14-15; 18:21-22, Romans 12: 19-21, Luke 6: 27, Genesis 24: 11, and Genesis 45: 8-15. I will bless and value!

Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

Self discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don't talk back.
W. K. Hope

Pray for me! I want to be like HIM! Yet I am reminded that Simeon told Mary that her child would be rejected by many and a great joy to others. I want to find the real joy of Christmas and live it daily. I love you all. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Communication

2008-12-20T14:50:00.003-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 62 miles

Communication is a vital part of our character. I remember a professor telling the class that the three middle letters tell it all. U N I. Communication doesn't have to be spoken words. It can be body language or a written/visual element. I have experienced lots of different acts of communications. My favorite one lately is writing. It is something that you can look at over and over. I have been thinking about using my love for writing. I often dream about creating a painting with words painted across it. I have learned to love the Spanish language and would love to be immersed in the culture. I have many dreams! I want to communicate my love for the Lord with others.

"Everything is permissible for me" --but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me" --but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6: 12

You will stay young as long as you learn, form new habits, and don't mind being contradicted. Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

Do your communication skills need to be reviewed? I know mine do. As I continue to dream and communicate with others, I am aware of learning new ways, forming new habits, and looking at the beneficial possibilities. Be blessed my readers as you communicated with others. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Love

2008-12-19T22:41:00.003-06:00

Miles today: 4
Miles for the Month: 58

What an amazing day to walk. I walked this afternoon because it was raining a little this morning. I must have left some major fat at the dam because I put out a sweet. I feel so good and I am starting to see the results on my body. After Christmas dinner I am going to do some fasting and vegetables and fruits only. I got out a book I haven't looked at for awhile by Joel Osteen. He told a story about a newlywed that was in an accident with her husbands new car. She was so nervous that she could hardly look for the insurance proof. But, when she did she found a note in the glove box from her husband. It said, "Honey, just in case you ever have an accident, please remember I love you and not the car." What a wonderful way to say I love you. I have found great love in my life and lately I have found it in the most amazing places. I love my church and the friends I have made there. My husband is very loving. We have learned to appreciate each other more.

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Leave a love note today. Look up and you will see the banner of love that Christ has over you. Have a super day! Blessed and Highly Favored, Mary Kay

Patience

2008-12-18T16:38:00.003-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 54 miles

Patience! Over the years, I have had many opportunities to learn about patience. I am getting very good at it. I remember my mother saying, "all good things are worth waiting for." The dictionary says.....enduring trouble or pain with out complaining. I don't think that is what I would associate with patience. I put the word "wait" with patience. I believe that because "patience" is a fruit of the spirit, if is a Godly gift. Maybe a time to be still and know that He is God and all is well. The Bible lists "Patience" with the word "Lack of." It always amazes me that the Bible has a reference to everything.

Always be humble, gentle, and patient, accepting each other in love. You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort of continue together in this way.
Ephesians 4:2-3

Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.”
William Penn

God is good. He is always on time and looking out for each of us. I am blessed and highly favored. Love, Mary Kay

Peace

2008-12-17T18:28:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 50 miles

Peace is a beautiful gift. I have been blessed with a great amount of peace the last few days. I love it. I sleep good! I feel so good! I can tell my body is reshaping and satisfied with the new life style. My walking friend and I prayed over a Bible that I bought for a friend for Christmas. I went to San Marcos to mail it and to pick up a couple of transcripts from Texas State. I miss school and all the activity that goes with it. As soon as I get a job, I am going to sign up for a class or two. Happiness and peace go hand in hand. I feel happiness at Texas State and a peace of what is ahead for me. The parking guard asked, if I was a student. I think he remembered me. :)

Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you. Philippians 4: 9

It isn't enough to talk about peace, one must believe it. And it isn't enough to to believe in it, one must work for it. Eleanor Roosevelt

Peace and happiness are great gifts. I ask Jesus to give you both.
Blessed and Highly Favored, Mary Kay

Joy

2008-12-16T17:43:00.002-06:00

Walked Today: Nada
Walked for the month: 46 miles

Joy, comes in amazing forms. Today it was chilly, but I felt great joy, I was able to bake cookies. I will mail them tomorrow to a young person that has touched my heart. God has given me the honor to pray for this young person. Once I baked cookies with prayer instructions. So today, I prayed as I baked the cookies. As I broke the eggs, I asked that brokenness would be blended into a sweetness that would be blended with sweetness for life. As I stirred I asked God to stir the heart to produce a great love for Christ. I wish now, I had the directions to pray over the cookies. I will have to ask a couple of old friends for them. Then I started thinking about how sad I feel about my daughter's attitude towards me. Then it was like Jesus whispered in my ear. I was reminded that not everyone liked HIM either. Yet, He traveled on with His teachings. I will also travel on and share and teach where I can. I do want to be like HIM.

For Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Awareness of our weakness is a sign of great strength. Beth Moore

Jesus is my joy! I know I am weak, but I know that joy comes in the morning.
Blessed and Highly Favored, Mary Kay

Focus

2008-12-15T17:06:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 46 miles

Focus! I was reminded today to focus my heart and eyes on Christ. It takes such little things to take your eyes off of HIM. I had a busy day today. After my walk, I went to San Marcos with an application for a job, dropped off something for John, and went and had my phone check out. My phone went dead when I was in San Marcos so it was handy to have it taken care of right away. Back to focus....! I am looking at the fruits of the spirit again. Today I will love God and what God loves. I choose love! Just one of the 9 fruits but very powerful. I will focus in on joy tomorrow.

God so loved the world that He gave His only son. John 3:16

If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when the day is done. I will place my head on my pillow and rest. Max Lucado

I am asking my Father to allow me to love like He does and if that fails, to fill me with His grace.
Blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Giving!

2008-12-14T19:40:00.004-06:00

Walked today: Lots but not measured! :(
Walked for the Month: 42 miles

Today, I took my daughter-n-law and granddaughter shopping. We went to San Antonio. They spent their Christmas money and I sat and watched people. They had a wonderful time and were very thankful. My husband and son went and did some man type shopping. They will wrap the purchases this next week and put them under the tree. I gave out little red stones to strangers. I put the little red stone in the palm of their hand as a reminder of the blood Christ shed on the cross. I reminded them it was were the nail went through HIS hand. I told them it was just a reminder that Jesus loves them so much that He can't take His eyes off of them. One lady cried and cried. She said, "It is exactly what I needed today." She wanted to hug and hug me. His death is a reminder that life is about love. When we don't love ...we nail HIM back on the cross. So many people looked sad and lonely today. How can that be when we have HIM?

This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. Philippians 1: 9-10

God desires our all, but only that He may transform every part of us for His glory. Beth Moore

Jesus was all about giving. Don't be selfish. Praise Him with great gifts of love and thanksgiving. Wrap it in your heart. Blessed and favored, Mary Kay

Follower

2008-12-13T17:18:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 3 miles
Walked for the month: 42 miles

A follower is what I was this morning. I walked the Reindeer Run this morning in San Antonio. I followed about 200 people. It was a held in the old part of San Antonio behind the Witte Museum. It was a great walk. I do better at the dam with time. I came in at 52 minutes and that is what I usually do in 4 miles at the dam. I was hoping for 30 minutes. About 100 were behind me. Someday soon, I will have larger following. :) I love being out in the fresh air and walking so early in the morning. I did get a great t-shirt. Tomorrow, I will take part in the way we have been celebrating Christmas the last couple of years. John takes our son for some boy shopping and I take the girls to San Antonio for girl shopping. We let them spend their Christmas money and then come back to wrap what they bought to share with us on Christmas Day. That way everyone gets what they want. We spend time together and they get what they want. I will sit and drink coffee until they are finished. The best Christmas, we had was in 2003 when we feed the homeless down town Dallas. That was the real meaning of Christmas.

"May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us." 1 Kings 8:57

Read the Bible and see for yourself; you are very important to God. Beth Moore

Don't follow me. Follow the King! Read His word it is full of instructions. I am blessed and highly favored. Mary Kay

Favored

2008-12-12T22:06:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 39 miles

Favored! Yes, I am favored. I filled out a couple of applications today. Lots of people praying that jobs are spared. I know I will find a job as I have favor. God is the businessman of the year! Forever! He pays His employees well too. I am going to San Antonio in the morning for a 5K run/walk. I am favored to do well. I love feeling so good from walking. Walking is cheap, always available, and so good for you. This is also the first night of being in charge of the Celebrate Recovery Kids. It was fun. We designed stationary and wrote letters to soldiers at Walter Reid Hospital. I am very proud of them.

How great You are, God--beyond our understanding! Job 36: 26

Liberty live where God reigns as King. Beth Moore

May your day tomorrow have favor. God is good! I am blessed and highly favored.
Love, Mary Kay

Favored

2008-12-11T17:47:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 35 miles

I have favor. Oh, it might not feel like it today, but I have favor. I didn't get the job. Now I am back to looking again. Maybe God favored me so much that HE didn't want me to be there. Whatever the reason, I am still madly in love with HIM and that is where I will stay. I sort of figured when I didn't get a call last week that I wasn't the one. The door is still open in case this person doesn't work out. I made a list of some of the places I need to check back with. I can always go back to the children's home and work the night shift. It was hard before with school but maybe now it would be easier with no school. I do have some projects to work on by myself. I just hate sleeping when everyone else is awake. Please continue to pray for God to have favor on me.

The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trust in you. Psalm 84: 10-12

Overcoming rejection is God's unquestionable will for your life if you belong to Him. Beth Moore

I am blessed and highly favored. I pray that my walk is blameless. Please join me!
Mary Kay

4 F's for the Wild Wonderful Woman!

2008-12-10T18:29:00.002-06:00

Today: Nada (snow!)
Walked for the month: 31 miles

The morning brought a light covering of snow. This has only happened a few times since we moved to Texas. It is cold tonight. The snow is gone. Last night, I started thinking about some of the words that I thought described me. I came up with 4-F's. Follower, Feather Finder, Favored, and Faithful. I see God's hand on each word and lessons I have learned from them. The last few years, I have been following my Savior at a different pace. Sometimes, I walk with Him and sometimes I am far behind. This week, I have found a path of feathers again. Small, soft, and surprising is how I can describe them. I believe I have shared most of the story about being a feather finder a few weeks back. This past week the word "favor" has all but jumped off the pages of my Bible. I am favored and I love it. Faithful is what I strive towards. I want to be filled with an amazing sense of faithfulness. You know the kind of faith that fills ones soul and runs all over the place.

I am confident of this, that You, the One who began a good work in me, will carry it on to completion until Your day, Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Wherever Christ rules in your life, His peace will follow. Beth Moore

My prayer is for you to follow, look for feathers, feel favored and be faithful. I take a long refreshing breath as I call myself a Wild Wonderful Woman of God. Love ya, Mary Kay

Wild and Wonderful Continues

2008-12-09T15:23:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 31 miles

What a wonderful day. The weather has been perfect. The lake is down but continues to give an amazing site to a walker like me. This morning a mist or haze lingered over half of the lake and the other half was like a mirror or glass. The air was warm and just perfect for walking. I still have not heard from the job. I have a deadline of Thursday before I take the next step. The amazing things is this: I am content, trusting, and amazed all at once. I still believe that job is mine. I don't understand the hold up, but God does. My love and trust in God has grown over this time.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9

If we have the love of God, we have all we really need. Beth Moore

The weather is often wild and unpredictable. Sort like I am at times. May you be blessed to have a wonderful day as you walk with HIM. Love, Mary Kay WWWfor God !

Wild Wonderful Woman

2008-12-08T14:35:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 8 miles
Walked for the month: 27 miles

Yep! you read it right. I walked 8 miles today. It felt good too. I am ready to be wild and wonderful for God. I am amazed at how much better I feel and how clear my thinking is. Now I am ready to plan and put some goals to work. I found out how to spell the authors name. Tirabassi is how you spell it. She has also written a book called Change Your Life. This woman taught me how to journal. The spirit of the Lord has been dancing all around me the last few days. What great joy and love I have felt. I am blessed! Yes, I am a wild wonderful woman for God!

The whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name from You, The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3: 14-15

Life feels better and brighter when we live it out in the open. Beth Moore

I love being on the wild side. Join me....give yourself a new name. I am a Wild Wonderful Woman for Jesus!

Wild

2008-12-07T18:04:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 3 miles
Walked for the month: 19 miles

Wild! In 1993, I read a book and I will never forget the title. A Wild Wonderful Woman for God
and that is what I wanted to be. I think it is time I started working on the wild.....wonderful part again. The book is no longer in print, but I still remember the words of the book. I saw the author in San Antonio at a workshop and she was awesome. I want to spell her name like this: Becky Tarribassi. I am not sure it is right. It is close. I use to pray to be that woman. I will start praying that again. I still want to be wild and wonderful! It is an amazing place to be. So be prepared. Church was awesome this morning.

...no weapon forged again you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me."
Isaiah 54:17

You can walk radically, joyfully, and abundantly in the truth of God's Word. Beth Moore

Start your day tomorrow with your wild, wonderful spirit that glows with God's love.
Love, Mary Kay

Study

2008-12-06T19:30:00.003-06:00

Walked today: 2 miles
Walked for the month: 16 miles

I am determined to do some deep Bible studying. I have been Bible reading but not a real study for awhile. I hope to do some word studies. Last week, I re-read some of the promises and that is a possibility also. I committed to drink more water. I still have 16 oz. to go. I can do it. I have also been thinking about longer walks. Walking along side of the road is so dangerous. I might go to San Marcos and walk from one end of town to the next and back again. I will also start doing some baking next week. I just don't want to eat it. I am so blessed to have a good accountability friend. I can't wait to go to church tomorrow. I love my church. I am committed to studying, water, walking, church, and accountability.

"If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.....But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.:: Joshua 24: 15

Victorious living is the pursuit of one victorious day at a time. Beth Moore

I love to study the word. Grab your Bible and start a study too. Be blessed tomorrow.

Love, Mary Kay

Feather Finder

2008-12-05T21:57:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: Nada
For the Month I walked: 14 miles

I keep looking at all the feathers I have been finding. I am a blessed feather finder. This morning my friend and I were invited to a great Bible study. I learned some amazing thing today and before I could further study them, I tried it out on several people. I fell flat on my face. Wow! I learned a valuable lesson. I need to study and re study a subject and practice it before I think I am an authority. I am not an authority on anything, but I know Jesus is. I believe my spirit has been more still but every once and awhile it takes off on the fools path of life. My words should be few. God gave me two eyes, two ears, and only one mouth. That wasn't an accident. Feather finding is a good hobby for me.

"Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart with the incorruptible beauty of a gently and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4

You may be in for a battle, but the Champion is in your corner. Beth Moore

Thank God for grace. May you be covered with grace as you walk into tomorrow.
Love, Mary Kay

The Gaint

2008-12-04T18:20:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
This month I have walked: 14 miles

I have been fighting a giant. You know the giant of doubt, fear, and lack of self esteem. I read this book once that messed with my thinking. The title was The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. He told a little story about a boy called nobody that wanted a dream. To obtain the dream he had to keep going. Along the way he would find feathers that would remind him to keep on (the dream was right ahead.) On the search he would fight giants. Sometimes the giants would be family, a job, lack of money and a host of other things. Well I am a feather finder and I just finished fighting off the giant of doubt, fear, and lack of self esteem. Wow! it was some fight but it will not be long and I will find the dream. The last month I have found many feathers. Today I found victory in God's word and some awesome praying friends. I am still on the journey but I am getting closer. I claimed that job and my DADDY has clout in the business and friends in high places. I will gather with my friends tomorrow and sharpen the sword.

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
1 Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful. He will plead our case and take up our cause...but only when we make a deliberate decision to cease representing ourselves in the matter. Beth Moore's Devotional Journal

Yes, God is faithful and I am reminded to keep my eyes on the Dream Giver. May all your dreams come true. Love, Mary Kay

Prayer

2008-12-03T18:52:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 10 miles

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges for me. He promises to hear and answer prayers. I haven't been in my prayer journal this week, so tonight I will allow the ink to flow as I show HIM how much I need HIM. I have been journal-ing since 1993 and have seen some powerful answers. I emailed some of my friends last night to ask them to pray for me. I am still waiting on the job. Now instead of two openings the interviewer has 3 or 4 openings. I continue to pray that this job is mine. I have talked to God often today. I am thankful for my praying friends.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 1 John 5:14

When God gets ready to bless you He doesn't send complainers into your life. He sends those full of faith, power, and love. John L. Mason

Tomorrow is a new day. I pray it will be a blessing to you as you move through the day.
Love, Mary Kay

Hope

2008-12-02T17:15:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 6 miles

Hope has returned! I am still in the running for the job. A delay has happened and it maybe a few more days before I hear anything. I know hope never left. I left for a night. God is so good. I ask you all to pray that God will see that as the desire of my heart and I can make a difference in HIS kingdom here. Pray....I know it works. I have also noticed that my hunger pains are few and farther apart. My jeans are getting baggy. Ya! Hope! I will walk in the morning. I am back on track. Hope in Spanish is esperanza. I like it. Joy comes in the morning could have been the title of the post.

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently
Romans 8:24-25 NIV

The doors of opportunity are marked "Push." John L. Mason

Esperanza mi Amiga and Amigo. Push and Pray! More tomorrow. Love, Mary Kay

Disappointed

2008-12-01T18:44:00.006-06:00

Walked Today: 2 miles
Walked for the Month: 2 miles

The chill of the morning air was heavy. I had lots of chores so cut it short. I will have to play catch up for sure. I was suppose to hear about a job today. No phone call! Maybe tomorrow or maybe I am not the one. I am disappointed. I took a class at Texas State called "Family Problems" they spent a lot of time on the stereotype of some older people. I wrote a paper on "Age Discrimination" and now I am able to see it. It only makes me want to do things different to prove them all wrong. I have been blessed with many gifts! I guess I will have to step out and use them. I have been asked to do some writing and other things. I guess I might step out in a new direction. The 12 top companies in the USA do not hire older employees. They stated they do not care about loyalty, being on time, and past experiences. No wonder our major auto makers and financial businesses are going under. I am okay...........I have God on my side and who could be against me.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

Stay in season with God. I am not sure were I found this, but it was in my Bible. I liked it.
KISS
K is keep
I is it
S is short
S is simple
Keep it short and simple. I like it.

I am never disappointed in what God has for me. Disappointment will leave, but HE will never leave. Have a great day tomorrow. Love, Mary Kay

Freedom

2008-11-30T19:41:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 2 miles
Total for the Month: 70 miles

I planned to walk 4 miles until the strength of the wind was so bad I could hardly walk. Tomorrow is a new day. I bought a new book called Freedom From Your Past by Jimmy Evans and Ann Billington. Someone at my church recommended. Parts of it was used at the Encounter I attended a few weeks back. It stated that the greatest problem most of us have in relating intimately to God lies in the unhealed and unresolved issues of our past. This effects our understand and perceptions of God. I found freedom at the Encounter and I never want to go back to where I was. I made a decision to move forward and I continue to stand on that decision. I want everything God has for me. I will not settle for crumbs when I can sit at the feast with HIM. The solution to every problem can be found in the word.

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8

Find the problems that you're an answer to. John L. Mason

Freedom comes form knowing the Lord! Bondage comes from not trusting the Lord! Be blessed as you walk in freedom. Love, Mary Kay

Crying Out!

2008-11-29T18:49:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada......Nothing.....to measure but I have walked today. :)
Walked for the Month: 68 miles

I did walk today, but not my fast pace measured miles. I went to Fredericksberg to an arts and craft show. Lots of walking, stopping, chatting, and laughing. One of my dear friends from Houston was in Fredericksberg so I went to her friends house and hung out with them. It was a nice day. I didn't do any shopping, because I didn't see anything that jumped out at me. My Christmas shopping is very easy. I take my daughter-n-law and granddaughter to San Antonio. I give them cash and tell them to spend it all on themselves. Any money left over I will take back. Never had to take any back. :) This year my husband and son are going to Buda to Cabela's and they will have the same experience. I don't even know what they buy until Christmas day when they unwrap them. I sat in the mall last year and drank coffee and watched people. My daughter doesn't share Christmas with us. I did see a beautiful painting on an old window and was inspired to try that. I have a couple of old windows. I titled this "Crying Out" because that is what my body is doing. It doesn't want food. It just wants to walk. I will have to get caught up tomorrow evening.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The worst buy is an alibi. John Mason

Add your name in the blanks. If __________is called by my name, would be humble, pray, seek my face, and turn from her/his wicked way, then I would hear her/his voice from heaven and forgive her/his sin and heal her/his land. Wow! Be blessed my friends. Love, Mary Kay

Love

2008-11-28T22:30:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada and I hated it!
Walked for the Month: 68 Miles

I woke up early, got dressed and opened the door to rain. Needless to say, I was disappointed. The entire day was gray and looked like a down pour was on the way. I love to walk and now I have missed another day. But, I felt the power in God's love anyhow. His love is amazing. I believe the love comes from all the suffering and than giving up HIS life for me. I believe all of my suffering has brought me great love. What a reward! I am stronger then I have ever been. My greatest gift has been HIS love. His blood covers me. A banner of love! His love brings joy and peace to my life.

A new command I give you.: Love one another.As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13: 34-35

You are the best person to do what God has called you to do. From the book You're Born an Original Don't Die A Copy! by John L. Mason

God called! Did you answer? Love one another! Have a great day tomorrow. Blessings, Mary Kay

Thankfulness

2008-11-27T18:25:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada/Shoulda
Walked for the Month: 68 miles

What an amazing day. John worked until 11:30. I got up early and made homemade rolls. About 11:00 I went to Joey's and John followed when he got home. It was a beautiful day with the front door open, sitting on the front porch, taking our time with preparing food, visiting, watching Joey and Mandy enjoying their new puppies, playing cards, and remember my sister and Lindsey. When we did sit down to eat, I fixed one plate of everything. I never went back for 2 nds. A friend at the dam reminded me that 10,000 calories are consumed during Thanksgiving. I think I had 5,000 and I can feel the uncomfortable feeling. John has to work the Blitz in the morning, so I am sure we will go to bed early. All in all we had a wonderful day! I am so proud of Joey and Mandy. I love their house. I will have to walk extra this week.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues. Cicerao

Rest with thankfulness and prepare for tomorrow. God is good!
Love, Mary Kay

Thankfulness

2008-11-26T17:04:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 68 miles

I have so many wonderful things to be thankful for. I am so thankful to be under the covering of an amazing God that loves me and comforts me. I am loved by the King and so are you! Praise the Lord! I am also thankful for my family. God keeps them safe and healthy and for that I am thankful. Thankfulness has grown in my heart for my new job. I have some amazing friends. I was reminded of that this afternoon when the phone rang and it was a young man I meet at Texas State. He wanted to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. I was honored. My husband and I will gather around the table at our son's house tomorrow. He has proved much love to my husband and I. I am also thankful that God will touch my daughter's heart tomorrow. Perhaps she will have a moment of forgiveness in her heart. I am thankful that I am promised a life that is planned and full of prosperous events. I am loved!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

“For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.” Unknown

Life is full of thankfulness. You don't even have to look far. I noticed that being thankful only produces more opportunities for thankfulness. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. Love, Mary Kay

Goodness

2008-11-25T18:33:00.003-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked this Month: 62

Goodness! The state or quality of being good. Oh, my goodness my day has been amazing. First, I went to the interview. I believe that I have the job. It was a great question and answer time. The interviewer was very upfront about the job and qualifications. If I am the one and I believe I am; I will have another interview with a member of CPS, a member of the police force, and another staff person. I believe that many of the things that I studies at school, my past experiences, and my heart for God has lead me to a place like this. I wish I could tell you more. Don't pray for me, just start thanking God for HIS mighty hand on my life. I believe I showed goodness today in the interview. After the interview I meet with a team of people that work with the kids at our church. My new part time job is under an umbrella of the children's ministries. I meet some amazing ladies today with lots of creative ideas. It is amazing to walk with others that love Christ also.

Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146: 1-2

Love sought is good, but given unsought is better. Willima Shakepeare

May the goodness of others....weave into your own goodness. We shape the world. Blessings, Mary Kay

Faithfulness

2008-11-24T18:30:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked this month: 62

The morning started with a little mist in the air, but it didn't last long. It was 64 when I left for the walk. This morning I couldn't sleep and got up at 5. Once the coffee was ready, I wrote in my journal and poured my heart out to my heavenly Father. I called HIM, Daddy this morning and with tears mixing with the ink, I asked for the job, I have had my heart set on. I can't tell you about the details right now, but I can tell you that it is exactly what I have studied for. I just know it is mine. The phone rang and it was a girl wanting to set up an interview time with me. I will go in the morning. My DADDY is faithful. I have a feeling my days are numbered at home. I am so excited. I can't wait to tell you all about it. I have been wondering why my weight hasn't been moving. Then da....I figured it out. When I come home, I shut down to easy type sitting jobs. This morning, I helped my darling husband organize a little in his shop. I have had a very active day. I also grilled Salmon on the grill. It was so good.

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Psalm 100:1-5

Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. ~W.J. Cameron

Prayer is a great way to show action to my DADDY for HIS faithfulness. Prepare for the feast. Love, Mary Kay

Joy Continues

2008-11-23T17:53:00.002-06:00

Miles Walked Today: Nada
Miles Walked for the Month: 58

I slept through the walk. :( I had planned to walk but I took this long nap. Church was awesome this morning and it was late before we got out. I love my church. We have meet so many awesome people, the worship music is amazing, and Pastor Rob's message always hits the right spots. You might be able to get a flair of what I mean by the web site. www.cypresscreekchurch.com John and I made a big breakfast/lunch, did a few minor things around the house, and then the nap. I am rested and ready for this next week. Joy is found in the small things of life. I will walk in the morning.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

Holiness is doing God's will with a smile. Mother Teresa

May you be full of joy tomorrow as you rest in HIS glory.
love, Mary Kay

Giving

2008-11-22T10:50:00.004-06:00

Walked today: 4 Miles
Walked for the Month: 58

I just noticed that I didn't blog last night. I guess I got home late and fell into bed. Last night at CR the message was on "Giving." I can't wait to go back to work so I can bump up my giving. I don't mean just at church either. I sponsor a little girl in Peru and I would like to be able to send her some little surprises more often. Last year our church had a flip flop drive. They gathered 400 pairs of flip flops for the orphanage in Peru. A big fence surrounds the orphanage and kids from the town peer through the fence. The children picked out flip flops for themselves and a pair to give the kids on the other side of the fence. I hope to go to Peru next year to work a week in the Orphanage. Then I can practice my Spanish also. Giving can be done in so many ways. I also want to buy a pair of TOM shoes. That is a great way to give.

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the water; and you who have not money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Isaiah 55:1

Let your heart and your hand be as free to serve Him as His heart and hand were to serve you. Hannah Whitall Smith

Go about your day and serve Him! Give! Love, Mary Kay

Kindness

2008-11-20T17:16:00.003-06:00

Today: 4 miles
Miles for the month: 54

Kindness! I haven't much of a chance to be kind to others lately. Staying home limits "kindness" to strangers. I can't wait until I go to work. I will have many opportunities to share kindness. I hope to hear this week about an interview for the openings I applied for. I sort of have a foot holding the door open. I worked a little on my part time job material today. I took a class on lesson plans so I am going to use that material for planning. Tomorrow is Celebrate Recovery and I will look for a chance to be kind to someone.

Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7

One of the most difficult aspects of obedience is being willing not to do something.
Evelyn Christenson

Do a random act of kindness tomorrow. It will bring you a harvest of happiness.
Love, Mary Kay

Faithfulness

2008-11-19T18:58:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked for the month: 50 miles

Walking as become such a vital part of me that I miss it when I don't. I will be ready in the morning to kick out 4 miles. God confirmed my little part time job today. I will be the new Celebrate Recovery Children's Advocate/Person in Charge. I like using the Advocate title. I am excited that I can share my love for the Lord with HIS children. I have already started planning in my head. Tomorrow I will put some thoughts on paper. Pray that I will lead in a pleasing way to glorify the Lord. Pray for the children! Okay! now I am just waiting for the full time job to come my way. I hope to hear something this week. I have lots of hope. My leisure time will soon end! :) I long to be faithful in God's earthly kingdom. That is when I am the happiest.

"For I am the LORD, I do not change;" Milachi 3:6a NKJV

True leadership flows from an absolute trust in God to accomplish His purpose by His power through us. Linda McGinn

May your day tomorrow be full of faithfulness as you walk with the Lord! Love, Mary Kay

Faithfulness

2008-11-18T19:41:00.003-06:00

Walk today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 50 miles

Another wonderful cool morning to walk. My friend, Cindy and I have started praying for a mile. Tapping into God's power through prayer is powerful. If you have a special need let me know and we will lift it up. When I go to work, I will miss the beauty of the dam and the people that walk each morning. I have been working on an alternative plan, when I go to work. I will join a Fitness Center. I still want to keep up with walking and maybe add some wieghts. I have a coffee meeting in the morning about my part time job that will start in December. I have this feeling that my leisure days are almost over. I am happy about my new possibilities.

You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. 2 Thessalonians 1:2 (The Message.)

Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse. Philip Yancey

Be blessed tomorrow as you walk in faithfulness. Love, Mary Kay

Faithfulness

2008-11-17T18:49:00.002-06:00

Today: 4 miles
Total for the month: 46 miles

Cool and crisp is the hill country air tonight. I walked later this afternoon with my friend, Cindy. We prayed for a mile. Wow! We decided that we would start doing that. It was pretty amazing and very powerful. Powerful prayers said faithful bring powerful results. I hand delivered a couple of applications today. I am hopeful that I will be the choice for at least one of them. I can't wait to tell you about it.....after I faithfully wait. No interviews until after Thanksgiving, so I will faithfully wait expecting great and awesome news. I went to the Outlet Mall this afternoon and spent some time at the Christian Book Store. One of the little girls that waited on me was glowing. She was a blessing to me.

"Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

There is more hid in Christ than we shall ever learn. George MacDonald

May my faithful readers be blessed tomorrow. My new readers find Christ! Be blessed my friends. Love, Mary Kay

Miracles Continues

2008-11-16T17:48:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 1/2 miles

Walked for the month: 42 miles

What a beautiful day! Church was awesome and full of amazing worship and message time.
I didn't want it to end. A nice neighbor couple went with us and then we went to lunch together. It was nice to visit! They are winter Texans. She knits and crochets so I think I will get with that art again also. I have a big shawl started, so I am inspired to get with it again. John went to dam with me. He didn't walk but chatted with some great people on a park bench. I love Sunday's at the dam. All sorts of people with cameras. I always offer to take a picture for them. John is going to use my camera and take some photos of my friend, Cindy and I walking....next time.
I have two applications to get ready for the morning. I need a miracle in finding the right job. I am wanting something in my field.

"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and you shall have them." Mark 11:24

Stop studying the problem and start studying the promises. Wow!

I pray you all have a great day and are showered with miracles as you travel into tomorrow. Love, Mary Kay

Miracles Continues

2008-11-15T19:45:00.002-06:00

Didn't walk today.
Miles for the Month: 37 1/2 miles

Guess I need to get back on track tomorrow. Today I helped my neighbor lady clean a house for some lady at the lake. I hurt in place I didn't even know I had. That is not my type of job. I am glad that I don't have to do that. I have all I can do to clean my house. It was a miracle that I was able to help her and keep up with her all day. A coolness filled the house when I was gone. I was glad to put on the heat and get everything warm again. My sweatshirt feels great. I think I see a warm shower and an early night. I am always happy when Sunday comes around and I can go to Wimberley to be with my friends that love the Lord.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
1 Corinthians 3 :16

"True leadership flows from an absolute trust in God to accomplish His purposes by His power through us. Linda McGinn

I pray your miracle will show up tomorrow! I love you. Mary Kay

Miricles

2008-11-14T22:18:00.002-06:00

No Walking Today
Miles for the month: 37 1/2

Yes, I believe in miracles. As I take a deep breathe and seek God....knock on HIS door....I see a miracle coming my way. The fruits of the spirit seem to be unfolding right before my eyes. I went to Celebrate Recovery tonight. The topic was GIVING and the 12th step was the focus. I took a deep long look at my habits of giving. Sometimes I have strings attached. Wow! I am praising God for forgiveness. I have a new look and view about GIVING. I also believe with my whole heart that God is ready to give me a miracle. I am excited about that. Hey! anyone have a mop? The tears will need to be mopped.

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. John 20:18

There is more hid in Christ than we shall ever learn. George MacDonald

Wow! God is so good. May your day tomorrow be one of giving, miracles, and finding Christ in the midst of your day. Love, Mary Kay

Self Control Continues

2008-11-13T19:30:00.003-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 37 1/2

Wow! No running today. My legs felt so stiff that I just didn't want to take the chance. I will have John stretch my legs tonight. It was a beautiful day today. I have started walking a little earlier as it is lighter out. Tomorrow, I will hand deliver an application and buy some ink for my printer. The job I have been excited about will not interview until after Thanksgiving. That is okay with me. I can always walk. ;) My self control kicked in today. I am still trying to down my water intake for the day, however. I didn't write in my journal yet, so I still have that to do.

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16: 33

All people, whether Christian or not, must be prepared to live a life of discomfort. C.S. Lewis

May your day tomorrow have few tribulations as you become over comers that are preparing for life. I love you, Mary Kay

Self Control Continues

2008-11-12T18:22:00.002-06:00

Miles walked today: 3 1/2
Miles ran today: 1/2
Total for the month 33 1/2

Yes, today I ran. My friend Cindy said, "I feel like running." I agreed. So I think from now on I will be running some of the hour. I was surprised how easy it was. We are going to find a pattern of time/point to run. It is so easy to do what I have always done. It took a great amount of self control to let go of the comfort zone. This weekend is the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Antonio. I have one year to start training to join the runners. I know I can do it. Please do a google on the Marathon in San Antonio. I think you will be impressed. Now, I need to practice the art of self control and stop eating all junk. I am much better, but I still have a ways to go.
I have noticed the scale is wanting to move and I need to help it along.

"Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. " Luke 10:20
What a finish line. :)

Spontaneous praise is authentic praise. Henry Blackaby

God is good! Rejoice, praise HIM, and finish the race. I love you all, Mary Kay

Self Control

2008-11-11T18:22:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked this month: 29 1/2 miles

Greetings!

Wow! Self Control! That is a bold statement. I have done some dumb things, but I am blessed to be forgiven. After I walked this morning, I read the first few chapters of Acts. Wow! I am reminded that the Holy Spirit is mine for the asking. I worked in my prayer journal today and read some. I also picked up a shawl that I started to crochet. I might get it finished before the cold spell. Today would have been my mother's birthday. She would have been 93. I have no doubt that she is in heaven having a wonderful time. I can't wait to see her. I miss her.

"Your sorrow shall be turned into joy." John 16:20

The altar before which I knelt first was my mother's knee. L.D. Weatherhead

Be blessed my friends. If you go about God's business, He will go about yours. Love, Mary Kay

Patience Continues

2008-11-10T17:54:00.002-06:00

Walked today: Nada
Walked this Month: 25 1/2

Greetings! I continue to wait about job news and a family matter. Waiting is a major word for patience. I do know that my life is the hands of my Mighty God and that is exactly were I want it to be. A hint of rain lingered all day and a few times the sky dropped a nice short mist. John was home today so we cleaned the bedroom floor, moved the bed, washed the base boards, and cleaned up little piles of stuff. It smells great. The house is looking clean and ready for the holidays. Patience! Patience! Patience!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.- Calvin Coolidge

God is good. Be patient, persistent, determined, and don't forget to have Godly purpose. I love you all. Mary Kay

Patience Continues

2008-11-09T18:40:00.003-06:00

Walked Today: 4 miles
Walked for the Month: 25 1/2 miles

The day went by fast. John and I went to church. It was awesome as usual. The message was on worry. My husband worries a lot. I poked him several times during the sermon. The praise and worship was amazing. After church we went to San Marcos. A friend of mine was initiated into a Educational Honor Society at Texas State. I was so proud of her. Then I came home and walked with Cindy. The dam was full of walkers and lots of people on the beach. It has been a beautiful day in Fischer, Texas I thought about patience several times today. I hope to hear about a job tomorrow and I hope I do not have to use patience, in the wait. I am ready to start working.

"If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8: 31

Our prayers are only as powerful as our lives. A. W. Tozer

I pray your tomorrow is awesome and free of worry. Love, Mary Kay

Patience

2008-11-08T18:41:00.002-06:00

Today: 2 miles
Total for the month: 21 1/2 miles

Patience according to my tattered dictionary says it is enduring pain or trouble without complaining. Wow! I never thought of it like that. Amazing when I think of the story of Job and all the pain and trouble he endured. Today was absolutely beautiful. The perfect fall day. I walked with Cindy early as she was having a garage sale. I ended up staying to help her a little. I bought some real nice blouses. I also was able to practice my Spanish as I spoke to several of her customers. It was fun. Cindy speaks Spanish and has been helping me a little. It must take a lot of patience to help me. I am starting my blog early tonight, as I still need to write in my journal. I have been blessed today.

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you;" Matthew 7:7

We can turn everything into a testimony. Corrie ten Boom

May your troubles and pain be turned into a testimony as you ask, seek, knock, and practice patience. Love, Mary Kay

Love Continues

2008-11-07T22:12:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
Total for the month: 19 1/2

I continue to be showered with love from those around me. I attended "Celebrate Recovery" tonight and found loving and caring people. I loved the look of the scale this morning. This is the first time in 2 months that I have seen a loss. Yes, 5 pounds are gone. I am excited as I know that muscle weighs a lot. Maybe my muscle has stopped growing. :) I know that soon I will see more fat leaving my body. I need to find another 5 k. One week ago, I had no possibilities for jobs and this week I have several. God is so good. I have my eye on one special job. I see God's hand all over it. I am willing to receive it. :) I am excited about going to work.
I feel very loved today.

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me." Proverbs 8:17

Holiness is doing God's will with a smile. Mother Teresa

May you be filled with the precious love of Christ as you journey through your tomorrow.
Love, Mary Kay

Love Continues

2008-11-06T18:26:00.003-06:00

Today: 4 miles
For the Month: 15 1/2 miles

Yes, love continues. Every since my "Encounter" I felt covered with God's precious love. I have been thinking about my sister and the loss of her love (Lindsey) and how much love hurts. I know she hurts and because of that I am hurt also. Her boys have showered her with love this last week and for that I am thankful. God loves my sister! He has Lindsey! I loved walking today with my friend Cindy. She speaks Spanish, so I am trying to pronounce words better. I love my friend, Cindy. She loves the Lord and her family. We have wonderful visits and we both have a nice "pace" in our walk. I finished the application for the job, I know I am called to do this one. I am excited! Details coming soon! I have loved staying home, but I am excited about working also. I loved the cool air today and was able to get some extra cleaning done.

"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." Mark 11:24

One clear word from God, and all can be changed. Henry Blackaby

I pray that you are in love with life tomorrow and that nothing stands in your way in sharing it. Love, Mary Kay

Love

2008-11-05T19:21:00.002-06:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
For the month: 11 1/2

Greetings! I have been learning how to love. To love without strings attached. It has been a feeling I can't put into words. It has been chocking me up and making me put a jump in my step. I can see God's hand on my walking, the "Encounter, " and during my prayer time. I have some mighty moments of love ahead of me. I will share it with you in a few days. I went on a job interview today, I don't think this is the one. The other day when I was walking the prayer ladies prayed and I felt the Holy Spirit speaking to me. I have something I will look into tomorrow. I think this is the one. I can't wait to tell you about it. God has been preparing me for this one for a long time. I see His hand on it. Suspense! Oh! by the way we have a new President. He is not the one I voted for, but who am I to interfere with God's plan. I will keep him in my prayers, as I will my country and the men fighting for my freedom.

And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Fear not for tomorrow, God is already there . Cheri Fuller

I love posting my blog. I love sharing God's word with you. I love you. Mary Kay

Election Night

2008-11-04T19:21:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 3 1/2 miles
For the month of November: 7 1/2

Tonight, I will confess. I confess, I have been glued to the television election stuff for weeks. I know God has HIS mighty hand on this. But, I have been asking HIM in prayer to let it go my way. That is pretty much how I handle difficult stuff. Always asking God to do it my way. I have a past record that states my ways hasn't always been the best. I don't plan to stay up all night, but I am glued. Starting tomorrow, I will fast from all news for a few days. I made John and I a very healthy dinner tonight. I just looked at him and I see the satisfaction on his face. We have a George Foreman on legs and it is the best way to cook. I grilled 6 small chicken breast ( some for tomorrow,) red pepper, green pepper, potato wedges, and onion with it. I sprinkled Olive Oil on everything with some healthy seasonings. It was great. It was pretty too! I am determined to start eating healthier. John is very good about bringing home the groceries.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 16:19

I love old mothers--mothers with white hair, and kindly eyes, and lips grown softly sweet with murmured blessings over sleeping babes. Charles S. Ross

Thank Charles S. Ross! I am blessed! I pray that each one of you has a mother or friend with white hair that will remind you tomorrow, how special you are. Love, Mary Kay

Joy Continues

2008-11-03T22:23:00.002-06:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Walked for the month: 4 miles

Joy! After my weekend, I continue to find freedom and joy. This has been a great day. John and I went on a little trip to find the new location of his doctor. John likes to plan ahead. :) His next appointment is in December. I wouldn't look into something like that until one hour before the appointment. The weather has been amazing. The cool nights bring cool mornings, but then the sun warms the afternoon and early evening. This morning was just right for walking. Tomorrow, John and I will vote. I am excited about placing my vote. I have been a little overly zealous about my choice, but now I have settled down and actually put it in God's hands. What will be will be. I have lived through many presidents and I will continue under the people's choice again.

"As for God, His way is perfect." Psalm 18:30

We are the most appealing to others, and the happiest within, when we are completely ourselves. Luci Swindoll

May your steps find great joy tomorrow.
Love, Mary Kay

Amazing!

2008-11-02T18:20:00.003-06:00

No miles today
No miles for the month

Amazing is not a fruit of the spirit, but it is the only word I can use to tell you about my "Encounter." Wow! I needed this weekend. I don' t think I have ever felt such peace, joy, and love. I cried lots of tears, confessed lots of sin, and meet some amazing ladies. I have work to do, to keep this amazing feeling. I am committed to do that. I feel like I came home a totally different person.
I will start walking again in the morning. I took a walk this weekend, but I am not counting it. I didn't have a proper measurement. I will tell you it was up hill at one point. I look forward to the new time and starting the day in such beauty.
I also came home with some writing ideas. It will be interesting to see the results.

“I certainly don't regret my experiences because without them, I couldn't imagine who or where I would be today. Life is an amazing gift to those who have overcome great obstacles, and attitude is everything!”
Sasha Azevedo
So you are no longer a slave, but a son (daughter,) and since you are a son (daughter,) God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4: 7

I pray that you will "Encounter" the most High this week. Let HIM love on you. Love, Mary Kay

Last Day in October!

2008-10-31T15:09:00.001-05:00

Walked 4 miles today!
Total for the month is: 75 miles.

I am off to the Encounter.
Wow! 75 miles.

Peace Continues

2008-10-30T19:53:00.003-05:00

No Walking Today
Miles for the Month: 71 miles

What an amazing feeling. Peace that is! I felt peace all day. I went on an interview this morning. I felt peace. I have been talking to the Prince of Peace. What an honor. I will not being posting for a couple of days. I am going on an "Encounter." I am expecting something amazing to happen as I study and share with other women. Our church has two "Encounters" a year for women and two for men. I applied for a couple of other jobs today. I am feeling more confident. I will miss the blog as it has become part of me. ;)

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom, which means wholeness or well-being. So when people use the word ”shalom” to greet others or to say goodbye, they are wishing them the best, including health and success.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 NIV

"It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." - J. K. Rowling

May you be covered in peace! Shalom, my friends. Love, Mary Kay

Peace

2008-10-29T20:56:00.002-05:00

Today: 4 Miles
Total for the Month: 71 Miles

Wow! Peace! This morning my walking buddy, Cindy and I started talking about "Peace." When Cindy got home she called me with something she had just read about "Peace." It wasn't long and I got an email and the focus was on "Peace." Between the conversations, the reading, and the email, I decided that "Peace" would be my subject tonight. I have several Bible verses to study. I love saying, "Prince of Peace" and tonight I am asking HIM to teach me about "Peace." UMMM! I have some thoughts and maybe at a later time, I will share them. I know that "Peace" is a something I need to study.

Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

All we are saying is give peace a chance. -- John Lennon (1940-1980)

May peace flow through our country, friends, and family. Peace! Love, Mary Kay

Joy Continues

2008-10-28T19:27:00.003-05:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Total for the month: 67 miles

Wow! I can't believe I have walked that far. The air was cool this morning, but the walk was great. John has been helping me stretch my legs every night. It has helps take out the stiffness. It gives me great joy to share the miles with you. This afternoon, I meet a lady from my church. I signed up for a Woman's Encounter this weekend. I can already tell it is going to be amazing and a release of lots of junk and a new direction. I can't wait. Anyhow, the lady I meet is an artist, a member of Celebrate Recovery and a graduate of Texas State. We seem to have lots in common. I am anxious to know her better. I am still thinking about joy. I am full of joy thinking about the Encounter. I am also full of joy about not cooking all weekend. Several of my friends have commented on my blog and that brought joy to my heart. Thanks!

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12

Joy comes from using your potential. Will Schultz

Don't you just love quotes? God gives us potential and wants us to use it. :) May you be blessed with great joy tomorrow and don't forget your potential. Love, Mary Kay

Joy Continues

2008-10-27T18:54:00.002-05:00

No Walking!
However, I had an interview. :)

Yes, joy continues. I thought about joy today and how many times I experienced it. The lady that interviewed me brought joy to my spirit. She said, she could tell I was a positive person. Wow! What joy! My friend, Cindy came over today and we shared a pot of tea. That was a joy!
I had a phone conversation with my sister, and I could hear joy as she told me about Lindsey's friends that have came to visit her. Standing on the front porch brings great joy to my life.
I could go on and on, but my greatest joy is knowing Jesus loves me. Joy ~~~ J is for Jesus
O is for others and Y is for you. Wow!

For you are our glory and joy. 1Thessalonians 2:20

“Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” unknown

May your day filled with great joy! Love, Mary Kay

Joy

2008-10-26T20:05:00.004-05:00

Today: 4 miles
Total for the month:63

I have been thinking about the Fruits of the Spirit. I would like to share my thoughts about joy. I have had great joy in my life. Some of the joy memories are from my childhood, young adulthood, and the present times. Joy has arrived in my life in many forms. I remember how full of joy I was when my little sister and brother were born. The birth of my children, grandchildren, and lot of other amazing events have brought me great joy. But being in the presence of my Lord, still takes my breath away. I meet HIM when I was 42 years old. Twenty years later and it is still breath taking. HE puts joy in my heart. Tomorrow, I will make a list in my journal of all the things that have brought joy to my life. I may have to sit on joy for a few days or bring it back. My church brings me great joy. Today was no exception. My son brought great joy to me today as I saw his tender side after talking to my sister.

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalms 16:11 NKJV

Joy is very infectious; therefore, be always full of joy. Mother Teresa

May your day tomorrow be full of joy from the start to the finish. Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps..#12

2008-10-25T19:28:00.002-05:00

Today I walked 3 miles and won a trophy at the 5K. The details are funny! :) It is worth the laugh, but not today.
Total this month: 60 miles

Wow! I accomplished my first 5K today. It was fun and I meet some great people. I will do it again, soon. I am hooked on this walking. I came home and did the normal stuff around the house. I spent some amazing time in my prayer journal. I have been thinking about different types of love. Love is sometimes humbling, hurtful, healing, friendly, forever, and the list goes on and on. I am going to make a list of the different types for future use. I will head for bed early. John is going to go to the dam with me tomorrow after church.

Step #12: Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
I am so honored to be able to understand the steps better. I will continue to carry them in my journal and life. I look forward to using the Fruits of the Spirit as a guideline (starting tomorrow)on this blog.

Brothers, if someone is caught in sin, you who are spiritual should restore them gently. But watch yourself, or you also my be tempted. Galatians 6:1

"Love reminds you that nothing else matter." Amy Bushell

I pray that your day tomorrow is awesome! Be blessed! Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#11

2008-10-24T19:01:00.002-05:00

Total miles today: 4 miles
Total miles for the month: 57 miles

Greetings! The cold front came in and this morning it was jacket weather. It was still beautiful without a doubt. I just can't put the beauty in words. I meet my positive prayer walkers for a quick hello and hug and then I was on my way. I called my sister to see how she was doing. This was the first day that it was just her and her husband. They needed some time alone. I am glad they have each other to hold on too. I continue to pray for strength as they move from one day to the next. Tomorrow is my first 5K. Tune in tomorrow for my results. :)
I also have an interview for Monday and one for Friday. :) God is good to me!

Step #11: We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us, and power to carry that out.
Wow! This a powerful step. Praying only for knowledge of His will for me and the power to carry it out.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16

"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."- Winston Churchill

Rest well, know WHO is in charge.
Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#10

2008-10-23T18:30:00.002-05:00

The cool air moved me to the kitchen table this morning. The ink flowed with thanksgiving as I praised my God. Wow! I am amazed at His work. I changed my prayer journal up with more thanksgiving. He is worthy to be thanked over and over. I am thanking Him for making my sister and her family stronger each day. I also asked Him to fill my sister's heart with great memories. Lindsey played the piano, keyboard, and sang. I pray my sister hears the music for ever and finds comfort in it. I didn't walk this morning. However, I will get up and get with it tomorrow. I am geared up to walk my first 5k on Saturday.

Step # 10: We continue to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
I continue to use the fruits of the Spirit as a guide to my day. I decided not to send the journal to my daughter. I was wrong. I sent her and my granddaughter an email about my niece. No response. She had no response when her dad was sick, my sister died, or when my brother n law died. She just isn't ready. I know how to stand back and wait. God is good and He will touch her heart. The Serenity prayer reminds me to accept the things I cannot change. I don't claim to be standing firm.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - H.D. Thoreau

Please continue to pray for my sister and her family. Rest well and lean not on your own understanding and don't forget to dream. Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#9

2008-10-22T19:02:00.002-05:00

Walked Today: 4 miles
Walked Yesterday: 4 Miles
Total for the month: 53 miles

I thank you for praying for my sister and family. It is a reminder to me that life is short and very precious. My sister called last night and we cried together. I was reminded that in "Celebrate Recovery" that tears are healing. I thank God for his healing powers and great love. Please continue to pray for my sister to have comfort and healing at this time. I wasn't going to walk this morning and then I remembered the ladies that prayed on the dam. Just as we (Cindy) were about to finish our walk, they were starting theirs. I was blessed as they prayed. I am blessed! I have been working on a book of letters to my daughter. I have decided that I will send it to her preacher and invite him to read it. I believe it is positive and loving. I will mail it tomorrow. I pray that my family will be loving and kind to each other, soon.

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would inure them or others.
I pray that the book of thoughts is as direct as possible. I pray she will read it over and over and feel the love I have for her. I shall pray that the hands that hold the envelope will be blessed along the way and that it would touch my daughter's heart.

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5: 23-24

With thanks to my parents who allowed me to dream, and with hope for the dreams my children will have. Randy Pausch

Be blessed as you rest tonight! God is good and He holds the plans.
Love, Mary Kay

Passing to Pray

2008-10-21T18:17:00.002-05:00

Today, my 25 year old niece died. She stepped off the curb and was hit by a car. She lived in California. Her mother is my sister and she is fragile in her health. I ask all of you to pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to surround her.
I am so sad.
Death is final, but meeting Jesus is celebrating.
I know my niece loved Christ.
This morning after my walk, I was gifted. I watched some monarch butterflies (20 or 25) flutter. I wondered at the time what the meaning was. Tonight, Lindsey knows.
Thanks for your prayers.
Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#8

2008-10-20T20:00:00.002-05:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Total for the month: 45 miles

Another one of those beautiful days. The walk this morning was awesome. I walked with Cindy and was able to hear all about her retreat. Sounds like she had an amazing time. I am happy for her and I only wish you could have seen her glow. Walking the dam is like going back in time. When we lived in Blanco, I would go to the post office and visit with everyone. I am beginning to know everyone that walks. I thought the 5k walk for Texas State was this weekend, but it was last weekend. Cindy and I will walk another 5K in San Marcos this Saturday. I noticed that several 5K's are listed for November. :) I also reorganized my paper work for job hunting. I have been carrying things around that I really didn't need and now it is neatly put together.

Step #8: We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
My daughter and her family are the only ones on my list. I have tried several times to make the amends but she will not give me the time of day. Every word, I speak is turned and twisted. I have decided to wait until I am prompted by the Lord. I just know I am suppose to wait. I do know I am going to hear from her soon. It is just a feeling. I will at that time demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit. I have much to give!

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

When a man dies, if he can pass enthusiasm along to his children, he has left them an estate of incalculable value.
- Thomas Edison

Hey! Thank you for reading about me. I am asking God to bless all my readers. Have a great day and be blessed.
Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#7

2008-10-19T20:52:00.002-05:00

No Walking Today!

Wow! Today has been packed with power! My church is so amazing! The message and the worship time was anointed. This entire weekend was amazing! Although I didn't walk, I had this wonderful nap. I feel very rested. Tomorrow, I will walk with Cindy and should be able to do 4 miles easily. I drank lots of water today and will continue to do so this week. John and I went to the "Italian Garden" for lunch. It is always so good. It is nice to have a break from the kitchen now and then. I look forward to an awesome week.

Step 7: We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.
With the help of a great message this morning, redesigning my prayer journal, and Celebrate Recovery, I have been painfully asking Him to remove the shortcomings.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9

"I can feel the wind go by when I run. It feels good.It feels fast." Evelyn Ashford

May your week be blessed with new amazing adventures from God.
Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#6

2008-10-18T22:31:00.003-05:00

Today: Walked 4 miles
Total for the Month: 41 miles

My morning walk was very interesting. On the way to the dam, I noticed the signs and police stations for a bike race. I soon learned that Randolph Air Force Base was involved in a triathlon on Canyon Lake. I think they were in teams of 4. I had walked about 2 miles when I noticed I was about to share the dam with hundreds of runners. I tried to cheer them on along the way. I was so proud of those young men and women. They looked so young and fit and to think they were serving my country. I have to back up a little......before the runners I saw three ladies that I had seen walking before. I asked them if they were praying and with huge smiles they were so pleased to say, "Yes!" I asked them to pray for me to find a job. Wow! right in the middle of the dam they laid hands on me and prayed. I know now that I do have a job and it is resting in the hands of God. He can't wait to show me what HE has. I have been singing and praising Him all day. So this morning, instead of getting my walk accomplished in an hour, I took two wonderful amazing hours. I am blessed! I love divine appointments.

Step 6: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
In the middle of the dam, I felt a removal of many of my defects today. Freedom! I was ready!
Thank you, Jesus!

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

"You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities, redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination." Ralph Marston

I pray that tomorrow you will all have a divine appointment. Your the best.
Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#5

2008-10-17T22:12:00.002-05:00

No walking today.
Tomorrow I will do extra.

Wow! Today went by so fast. It didn't look like I did anything, but I did. I should have walked this morning, but I decided to stay home and get some around the house stuff done. I went to Celebrate Recovery tonight. It a good place! The people are so sweet. A sweet young girl sang her testimony tonight. It was beautiful. I have committed to fast one day this next week.

Step #5: We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
This is some heavy duty stuff. I admit to God, to myself, and to you all .....that for years I have burned bridges in my life. Other words, I can hold a grudge. I am gathering the strength to rebuild the bridges. I have been praying for what to do and how to start.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. James 5:16

"For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour." - Mary Kay Ash

Invite Jesus to dinner. Dine with the KING!
I love you, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#4

2008-10-16T19:31:00.002-05:00

Walked: 4 miles today
Total for the month: 37 miles

Greetings! I enjoyed the cool air this morning as I walked the dam. What an amazing place to walk. The view is so amazing and the ground is flat and safe. I walked the 4 miles just a few minutes under one hour. I guess I need to bump it up. If I walk to fast or run I might miss the beauty. :) I spent some time on the phone and the web looking for some jobs in my field. I applied for some state positions! I called some shelters also. I know God has one just for me.

Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
I continue to use the "Fruits of the Spirit" as a guide for my daily inventory. In my prayer journal I have asked that I am filled with the fruits and display them in a way that is pleasing to my Lord and Savior.

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40

"You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself" - Jim Rohn

May you rest in the shelter of HIS wings. May that rest provide great opportunities for tomorrow.
Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#3

2008-10-15T19:19:00.002-05:00

Welcome!
No miles to report today! ;(

It was a rainy day. Not a heavy rain, just a slow off and on rain. I hate it when I don't walk. I will walk 4 miles in the morning. I had the rainy day blues. I try very hard to be positive, but today I wanted to have a party by myself. It will be better tomorrow. I need to start my day with a walk. I made a couple of phone calls and will send some resumes off tomorrow. I did work in my prayer journal a little longer than usual.

Step 3: We made a decision to turn our lives and our will over to the care of God.
I needed to type that. It looks more real when it is in print. Yes, I have turned it over to God's care.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living scarifies, holy and pleasing to God..this is your spiritual acts of worship. Romans 12:1

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

My prayer is for you to move from poverty to plenty, unrest to rest, unhappy to happy, and unloved to loved. I love you, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps...#2

2008-10-14T18:39:00.002-05:00

Walked: 4 miles today
Total for the month: 33 miles

Greetings from my side of the world. I walked early this morning. I think the time is getting better. I think it is just under an hour now. I didn't time it, that is what it looked like to me.
I guess next time I will have to be serious about the time. It has been misty off and on all day. I went to San Marcos to mail the cookies, have someone double check my resume, and check why I haven't heard anything about a job. The lady that checked my resume told me that things are at a stand still right now, because of the economy. It will open up with the trust of Wall Street.
I did receive a phone call about another job. The man was so nice. He picked someone else, but he wanted me to know that I should keep watching the web site. That gave me some hope.
I will do some organizing of my applications tomorrow. I will go the Republican Women's meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow. McCain has to come up with some straight talk if he wants to win this. Maybe the debates will bring something tonight. I sure hope so.

Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Ya, and that power is Jesus Christ the restorer of sanity and giver of life.

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13

As a negotiator, be a good listener: The more you listen, the more you learn. The less you talk, the less likely you are to damage your position.
- Anonymous

May you receive grace and mercy today and forever. He is good.
Love, Mary Kay

Reviewing the Steps.... #1

2008-10-13T20:26:00.003-05:00

I worked in my prayer journal early this morning. The black ink flowed, using the porch light as its guide. The morning was so dark, but I knew I would have joy in just a few moments as God lifted the veil of darkness. I call it my blank black canvas. It rained a little mist, so I convinced myself to take a day off from walking. I should have walked tonight, but I did some baking instead. The house smells like cookies. John had a couple trips in the kitchen to snatch a cookie or two. I have a special friend I like to send cookies to. I did some job surfing today. I found a couple that might work. I know that God has a special one just for me and I am trying to be patient. I don't think I have ever been home this long without homework or a job. I am anxious to get to work. Tonight, I would like to review Step 1. I will use my Celebrate Recovery version.

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.
It is easy to see that my middle holds much of my compulsive behavior. I do feel amazed in saying that my life is unmanageable. It has a sense of freedom to it, because I do know WHO can manage it.

"Success doesn't come to you, you go to it." - Marva Collins

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7: 18

I need to clean the kitchen up. Dishes! I pray you are all blessed tomorrow with a flood of blessings.
Love, Mary Kay

Step 12

2008-10-12T19:49:00.002-05:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
Total for the month: 29 miles

The message was awesome this morning. It was about being in the wilderness. Wow! No fun to be there, but we all have our time. The worship service was awesome. I didn't want to go home. The preacher also shared about training for a marathon. Now, I knew that was God thing. I needed that message. I wonder if he knew that???? It was another beautiful day. I took the long way home and some of the trees are turning colors (yellow.) I walked tonight with my friend, Cindy. It was a perfect night. I have been thinking about running. Not the whole dam. Maybe for 10 minutes and then walk and then 10 minutes of running. My mind wants to do that, but I am not sure about my body. I will have to see. I like to bump it up when I can.

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts, and practice these principles in all our affairs.
Oh, my I feel the steps will help me knock this overeating out. I will not stop here. Instead I will go over some of my thoughts linked to the steps. I have a new respect for recovery. The fruits of the Spirit are ingrained in my thoughts. I appreciate all those that are helping me.

"Long-range goals keep you from being frustrated by short-term failures."- James Cash Penney

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD ; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. Isaiah 40:2-4

May your day tomorrow be blessed! Remember God loves us all.
Mary Kay

Step 11

2008-10-11T19:53:00.002-05:00

Walked today: 4 miles
Total for the month: 25 miles

It has been such a beautiful day. I want pumpkins and mums on the porch. John says, No! He has embrace old age and I have not. :) I remember when I grew up in Wisconsin, we had a big farmer's market that sold thousands of pumpkins. I will keep my eyes open for some. :) I walked 4 miles this morning with my friend, Cindy. She is so sweet and fun to chat with.
My time last night was so informative. I spent some time today going over the material and preparing to do a food log. I have memorized the fruits of the spirit today and will use them to check on my attitude and inventory for the day. Here they are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. I have some work to do!

Step 11: Sought through prayer and mediation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.
The steps have given me a new outlook on my prayer journal. I believe I am touching the heart of God as I work the steps to better myself. I have a long ways to go, but I am on the way.

Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. Psalm 17: 7-9

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."
Dr. Joyce Brothers

May your life be filled with the fruits of the Spirit. Remember you are the apple of HIS eye and you can always take rest under HIS wings. Rest well my friends, Mary Kay

step 10

2008-10-10T18:06:00.003-05:00

The days have been beautiful here in the hill country of Texas. I went to fill out the application for a job. I will tell you more about it next week. I went to this little shopping center and walked from one end to the next. New Braunfels has a wonderful "Christian Book Store" and I could be a very good customer. I also went to Celebrate Recovery tonight, at our church. It was very informative and I believe could help me with some of my hang ups, habits, and hurts. I will start a food journal tomorrow. The wording for the 12 Steps is a little different. I will take a closer look at my bad fruits and good fruits tomorrow. God is doing something amazing in my life and I can't wait to see what it is.

Step 10: Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. At Celebrate Recovery last week they discussed step 10. I am still working on step 4. Today at the store I bought some great cards to send. I bought one for my daughter for future sending. This is very powerful for me.

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." - H.D. Thoreau

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:21-23

May your day tomorrow be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and may the overflow touch others. Love, Mary Kay

Step 9

2008-10-09T20:14:00.003-05:00

Walked today: 4 miles
21 miles for the month

Wow! This week is going by way to fast. I feel great about what I am doing and eating. Now the job searching has to take on a new look. I am going to look into something tomorrow. The pay is horrible but the future could be bright with better pay. I will have to see about that. I loved walking this morning. The air was cool, but the sky was so blue and beautiful. It makes for a fast pace and a smile on my face. :) I continue to work on my inventory. It is powerful. I am saving it on my documents. It will be about a dozen pages or more and I am still on childhood. Very interesting questions that I am sure will tie it all together in the end.

Step 9: Made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
I will not be able to tackle this step until I have finished step 4. I challenge you to do the worksheets for the 12 steps. I will be happy to send the material I am using if your interested. When I went to Norway last summer, I felt I knew myself better. I had a chance to see where my grandparents came from and some of me surfaced. After all these years, I am finally finding out what made me tick. :)

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. Acts 8:22

May you be richly blessed tomorrow in what ever you do. Love, Mary Kay

Step 8

2008-10-08T17:58:00.003-05:00

Today I walked: 4 miles
Total for the month: 17 miles

I walked early this morning. It was cool, but sunny. A beautiful day to walk my 4 miles. A lady I meet at the dam owns a fitness center. The first part of August she measured, weighed, and checked my Body Mass. I am happy to report that I have lost 41/2 inches. I have not lost any weight but according to the measurement my legs are shrinking. :) Ya! for me! By the way, I am also 2" shorter. I guess that is an age thing. I think the walking has helped my posture. I also noticed the scale moved a little in my favor this morning also. This makes me so happy. I can't began to tell you how much I am enjoying walking. I have not worked in my journal yet. I went to San Marcos to the school for a job fair. I have never been to a job fair so it was interesting. I have a couple of things to look into now. I have also decided to work on a little side line "Life Coaching." Life Coaching has been plan "B."

Step 8
Make a list of all person we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Wow! I have been making a mental list, but not on paper yet. I have to try and make amends again with my daughter. I bought a little composition book and have been writing to her almost each morning since August 1. I have not felt the nudge to send it to her. I am still working on my inventory so maybe after that. I have to do some heavy duty praying for that step.

"Never give up, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

"O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance." Exodus 34:9

Be blessed. Sleep well, pray well, and live well. Love, Mary Kay

Step 7

2008-10-07T19:02:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful fall day in Fischer, Texas. I spent lots of time this morning on the back porch working in my journal. I could have read and drank coffee all day. It was a great day. I fixed cod on the grill tonight and it was awesome. John had a doctor's appointment in San Marcos so he stopped at the HEB and bought fresh fish. I also fixed acorn squash. I will do that again. I will do some aerobics before bed tonight. I have been working on the flesh that hangs from my arms. :) I will walk 4 or 5 miles tomorrow morning. By the way I heard from that job again. They still haven't come to a decision. UMMMM. I am questioning this job.

Step 7: Humble asked God to remove our shortcomings.
I almost stayed on Step 6 tonight. :( I am asking! Remove them all! I have many shortcomings. I feel I am rushing the steps. I challenge each of you to get a copy of the steps and start working them with the worksheets from the internet.

He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:8

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing." - Dale Carnegie

Take care! I am about to watch the debates. Have a great day!
Love, Mary Kay