My kids recited this verse in the car today, on the way home from school…. When I got home and read it again, I referenced it with this:

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Colossians 3:12-13

I found my self stuck between the screamings of my selfish desires and the gentle tugging of my spirit. It is easy to say that “I forgive you” or ” I’m not on it” but honestly it is easier said than walked out.

Three weeks ago, I lost a family member to tragedy. Instantly, I leaned on God for strength so that I could be strong for others. After the memorial, I decided that the best thing to do was to tenaciously move forward in accomplishing my hopes and dreams and obedience in what God has planned for me.

In the weeks since, I have quietly tried to put my life back together. Slowly pick up the pieces and move forward, all while trying to keep my heart from despising, hating, and being merciless toward someone else who was with my loved one that day.

BUT, today children broke the wall that I put up with Ephesians 4:32. And clearly, I could hear that the Lord was longing for me to have a change of heart. For the last three weeks, I clearly have not had a tender heart, mercy, kindness, gentleness, or patience. I decided to change all of that and be obedient to the reconciliation that the Lord is trying to orchestrate.

God will, when people fail…. Thank you Lord for Joy!

I guess that means he won’t be part of the TV crew after all….. **dag**

The definition of Manic is busy, frantic.  I have had some manic Mondays and there are still times when my Mondays are a little manic. I often dread my  Monday to-do list. It’s filled with trips to the grocery, Laundry, Homework, and all of the stuff that we have put off from the week and weekend before. However, I am inclined to believe that my Mondays can be a lot less manic.

Breaking the Mania

Mania can be broken through SMART planning. SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Rewardable, and Trackable. It’s not enough to say “today I am going to get everything done”. We have to be SMART in our planning.

Specific

On Sunday Evening, begin to plan your week and each day in it.  Look at your Monday and attempt to plan the day from beginning to end (meals included). Be as specific as possible down to the minute if you need to.

Measurable

Prioritize your day by how much things mean to you. Things of high importance should be done first. Things that are not so important can wait until later in the day.

Attainable

In order for planning to really be effective, you must set small attainable plans. For example, my laundry day is Friday and the only goal I have for that day is finishing the laundry. The kitchen just has to wait.

Rewarding

Make your day rewarding, it is the easiest way to get through the day, week, or any task.

Trackable

“I haven’t gotten anything done today!” I keep this thought at bay by tracking my tasks for the day and the week. It helps me to see what I did get done even when I don’t get everything done.

SMART planning helps me to see that the day has been so “manic” after all.

My favorite muffin is a Cranberry Nut Muffin.

Both of these are good treats. What is your favorite muffin or cake?

Yesterday, My doctor again told me that I have to lose weight. Because I am once again 180lbs… sigh.

It is my goal for the next 90 days to lose 30 lbs(That’s 150lbs by my doctor’s appointment 12/7/10). After many conversations about my health I resolved these things….

I don’t drink enough water. So, I started by drinking more. I am currently trying to drink half of my body weight in water. 90 oz to be exact. So far today, I have drank 20 oz. I have 70 oz to go….

I don’t eat enough leafy greens. I don’t know why this is a problem. I like spinach, I like cabbage. I just need to add them into my diet. I am going to eat more salads. And apples.

Cardio is key. I walked four miles yesterday. This morning my legs were burning. But I am grateful. My silly tale left my water bottle at home.

I need to do 200 Jumping Jacks a day. I have yet to do these… I am going to do some today.

These things incorporated with going to the gym Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, should get me together. You think?

As of yesterday, I am 180lbs and a size 14.

I will share my progress and how I am doing….

Grilled apple pears and watermelon is great!

My class reunion is next weekend and while I am excited to attend, I just as bad want to stay at home.

My babies got their own twin beds today, that the hubby and I spent all day putting together.

October 1 is 23 days away.

Side note: I grilled some Apple Pears today, OMG! I am excited about grilling Watermelon and plums tomorrow. YUM! I can’t wait.

Original Nestle Toll House Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large egg
* 1 (12 ounce) package NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
* 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F.
2. COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.
3. BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

My son has been taking them for his lunch the last 3 days, they are so good and at least I know that my cookies don’t have any preservatives. I can get down with that. Enjoy!

I have. I have been dragging my feet on what God has been saying questioning every little word and making one excuse after another. This week it is my plan to follow through on some of the plans that God has given me. Why not? I don’t have anything to lose and God has proven that if we will just obey him, he will make sure that we will be kept. There is not better guarantee.