Friday, June 28, 2013

Dreams Do Come True

 
I’ve been thinking a lot about single moms and when I was a single mom. I just finished writing a book titled, “Markers for Single Moms: Finding God’s Direction in the Chaos.” It’s caused me to remember those years as a single mom, struggling, working hard and just trying to keep from drowning every day.

I just ordered my last galley proof of the book, which means it’s going to be reality very soon. I confess I’m afraid though. What if it’s a dud? What if all this hard work and pouring my heart into this project is a waste? At least it’s done. I did it. It is finished! And God doesn’t waste anything. Even if no one ever buys the book, it’s a dream come true that I’m sitting here right now talking about it. A seasoned, prominent literary agent told me there wasn’t a market for this type of book. Geez, what does that say about y’all, single moms? I guess we’ll see how God feels about that “market”, meaning you. I’ll let you know when the book is available for sale.

The other dream come true is Spring Ministries. It was about 20 years ago when I started having a vision and dream for a ministry to single parents. It was a far-fetched, unreachable dream. In the world’s eyes, an impossible dream, especially in our present economy. How would I ever raise enough money to have a transitional home for single moms and fill it with furniture? How would I ever get enough people to help with a car care ministry, mentoring, dress-for-success clothes closet, and many other needs that this ministry will help single parents with? Well, that dream is coming true too. God wants this for y’all. It’s so obvious. It’s not just my dream, but His. Y’all must be very special to Him.

I was told by a very prominent person in my community that I needed a white knight to accomplish this ministry. What he didn’t understand is that my White Knight, Jesus, has already ridden onto the scene and swooped up all the nay-sayers’ words of discouragement, tossing them into the wind. I wish he could see my White Knight in action now. It’s making my head spin. My White Knight and your White Knight has provided a house that’s almost ready to be a home to three single-mom families. He filled the house with furniture. People have donated time, money, clothes, furniture, professional painting, construction and the list goes on and on. I’m humbled beyond words. All I can do is sit back and say, “there goes my White Knight again, answering my call for help, rescuing me, and making my dreams come true.”

You have a dream, don’t you? What’s your dream? Have you given Jesus your dreams and desires yet? Have you asked Him to take all your pain and hardships and turn them around for His glory, not letting anything go to waste? Have you asked Him to put His dreams into your heart so you’ll have something to envision, dream about and see come to pass? Do it. Call to Him and He will answer you and show you great and marvelous things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Now, share with me your dream in the comment section below. Dream big!! Gotta go now and get ready for a car care day tomorrow. My White Knight showed up again with volunteers all over the place! All just for you, single moms.

In His grip,
Terri

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

June - National Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Month


June is National Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Month
According to gone-ta-pott.com, June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.

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No one really knows the origin of June being named National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. If the purpose was to raise awareness to eat your fruits and veggies, I’d say it worked because I’m writing this post and you’re reading it.

For me, the mere mention of it has raised my awareness to the fact that I snuck off the caboose of my so-called Weight Watchers’ train, thinking there’d be no consequences. Nine pounds later I see the month of June as no better time to hop back on that train and get back on track. So, as I’m writing this, I’m munching on a very juicy, crisp Gala apple and 6 raw almonds, which make a tasty combo for a late morning snack. For lunch, a garden salad made at home with plenty of fresh veggies, some avocado and sliced turkey.

I don’t know where I heard this: “nothing tastes as good as slim feels”. This is true, except when I’m in the moment of fighting the urge to rip into a box of ranch flavored Special K chips or the supposed-to-be-good-for-you frozen yogurt in the freezer. Someone will tell me, it’s all about portion size, so have what you want, just be careful with portions. Very true. That’s why Weight Watchers is the only thing that has worked for me. However, when I’m stressed, irritated or upset, that’s when those hard-to-control urges hit, and before I know it, I’ve hopped off the caboose again.

The rewards of eating fresh fruits and vegetables far outweigh the short-lived satisfaction of the bad-food binges. Add to the fresh F & V’s, plenty of lean protein and healthy grains, and feel the aches and pains subside, weight falls off and the energy comes back. Not to mention the better mood and attitude.

What about you? Can you relate? Do you need to jump back on your healthy choices and weight control train? Join me, I could use the comrades. Please share…