Jesus is Constant.

Bleh.  Not in a sick lemme-lay-in-bed way but in a lemme-get-this-off-my-chest way.

I am growing.  Jesus has asked me to stretch.  And I will not.  I am comfortable in my Schwinn and do not want to get back on the interstate in my mid-size.

 

Mostly, this is about surrendering and trust.  Gosh, this Lent, I can feel it, is gonna be good.  I love this liturgical season so much.  The suffering.  The growing closer to Christ.  Knowing that He's waiting patiently and all the while pursuing us.

If none of this or even part of this post makes no sense to you, that's alright with me b/c its my blog, and I'll post how I want to.

Sirach 2

Purification of Iron

Dwelling in the darkness, brokeness, and ugliness of our soul to see why Jesus LOVES it so much.

My darkness is ______ and I will be dwelling there from now on.  Jesus is my only Constant!

In His Will is our Peace!

So, let me explain. I've been super busy this week.

We had a Lock-IN for our teen missionaries on Friday. And we abstained from food for 24 hours (Breakfast to Breakfast). This was during. But, we still had a lot of fun. I introduced them to King Sardines - thats a game for those who are not familiar. And, now we're solidified more so.

And, I've been busy doing Confirmation Mass preparation. I have one Lector. I have to call everyone else this week.

And, big news. I am going on a cruise! Hurrah! My mom's birthday present to me. Me and a friend - AR. Yay! I am so excited.

Oh, and my passport arrived in the mail last week. I am ready to travel all over the world.

AND, my favorite Liturgical Season is coming up - LENT. I love love love Lent! The giving up, the doing, the changing, the smells, the sights. Growing closer to Christ!

This Sunday's Gospel (Mark 2:1-12) - 4 friends lowering the paralytic into the house. When Jesus told the man to Rise, and Get Up. There was no pause, no questions, no doubt; HE got up and walked out! What faith. I only pray that when Christ calls me out I will do as He asks without hesitation! For in His will is our peace.

had to add this (just found it on a blog):

"Are we prepared to say yes to His will without counting the cost? [....] Do not be afraid of Christ. He takes nothing away and gives you everything." -- Cardinal Justin Rigali at the MFL 2009

Came across this today...I believe it was filmed last year, but still its' good for vocations to the priesthood.

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Thank YOU

Thank You for your prayers!

We have been in need of several Hispanic, On-Fire, Bi-lingual male volunteers with our high school youth ministry program. And, one of our former volunteers who also happens to be on our Parish Council gave me some very big news the other night. One of the priest's who works with our Hispanic parishioners told "Joe" that he would get us as many as we need!

HURRAH!!! You have no idea how excited I am! Now, as CORE and Youth Minister, we need to decide on a number. I think we have it, yet, we are still praying about it. I will give "Joe the Parish Council member" the # tomorrow at our Life Night.

Anyways , thank you again!

Crazy weather here...its warm enough to get a tan but not warm enough to go swimming...

I am getting used to the schedule at work...there is actually a slow spell allowing me to get some things done...and when I have one year under my belt, it'll all get easier...

God is soo good, equipping us with exactly what we need. Reminding us its His ministry and we are just His vessel. Love it!

I Need a Cookie

Anyone want seconds?

I started a new venture - a food blog - "I Need A Cookie". That's a throwback to my NET days. I still have those 'I need a cookie' days!

Food. I love food. cuisine. yum! I turned down a brownie today and am proud I did so. The food blog is just another creative outlet. I have a passion for food.
My priority list - JESUS, family, friends, ministry, food. But, you know food is within and throughout all things in life. Because you have to have food to survive. Well, that is unless your St Catherine of Siena...but that obviously was supernatural!

"I Need a Cookie" is just a way for me to vent or praise the food I eat.

44th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest

I feel light headed. I just entered my Treasure Bars recipe into the 44th Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.

I baked the recipe today to make sure all the ingredients were correct, measurements too.

Ah, I have until April 20th to submit another recipe. I am thinking the Christmas Treasures but I have to get my hands on a box of candy canes. I didn't buy any extra this past year.

All is well. I said a prayer. Typed up the recipe. Read it over like 10 times. And, hit the 'submit' button.

Its so beautiful outside, I read outside on the back porch for over an hour. I think I got some sun. Wouldn't that be nice?

Have a great 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time!

I am going to take a nap.

3 days off

I am off for 3 days...my comp time from the Girls' retreat...these are things I did today, in no particular order, just my thought process...

prayer time
slept in this morning
movie in the afternoon
more cleaning....now I can see the floor in my closet
clothes are in the dryer...
bought some magazine subscriptions with my Delta skymiles
watching food network
packaged care packages for SJM2
printed postage
balanced budget
fill van with gas
returned DVDs
ate breakfast
ate lunch
organized closet
wished I had another bookshelf - I have way too many books
exercised
checked email

I love my life...I look forward to doing some of the same things tomorrow

oh, and I think I'm getting something - a cold or the flu...lets hope for a cold...thank you for mucinex.

Holy Family

Looking for a place to purchase THIS statue of the Holy Family. Anyone know?

This is clear. It is undeniably clear. I just need to pray about my decision. Thank you for your prayers.

He is my One and Only Constant. He will continue to light my path. I pray that I continue to walk in His light and not away from it.

Could Jesus be any more clearer? Please pray for me.

With God All Things Are Possible

Currently, I have been changing my eating habits. I've been trying to stay away from the sugar. The Krispy Kreme donut fundraiser was tempting. I am not going to say I ate an entire box b/c I didn't, but I came pretty darn close. :( :)

So, other than that failure, I got back on the horse and kept plodding. In the two almost three weeks, I've lost about 6 pounds and gained some muscle. I've been eating healthy, mostly sticking to a vegetarian diet. Eating red meat here and there. On Sunday, during the fundraiser, we had pizza. I made sure I bought a pizza that was half covered in vegetables (leaving a little bit of cheese). And, I had half a slice and my other lunch - hummus with pita chips, 2 clementines, and water.

So, yes, this is a weight loss lifestyle. But, its me, giving myself a wake up call. I have to lower my cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. And, I know it can be done naturally and without drugs. All three have lowered A LOT in the last year and a half.

Exercise is also a big component. My elliptical machine has not turned into a coat rack. I exercise about 5 days a week. Thats improved from the 3 it was. I try really hard not to eat out house and home after my routine. Its hard and I wake up hungry, but I know I am better off.

There are only 3 beverages I consume on a daily basis - 100 oz at least of water, 1.5 cups of coffee, and 2 glasses of juice (1/3 of oj, cranberry, and water each all mixed together)...

This will happen. The doctors would like me to lose 40 more pounds by May. This can happen. I am very optimistic. It will be a dramatic change. I probably will drop another pant size or maybe even two.

I am going to try and post weekly my progress. This is my way of holding myself accountable.

Weight: 202
Pants: 14