Dinner in a Pumpkin

Inspired by the dinner prepared by the hospitality director at my church during our recent ladies fellowship, I decided to get creative and make dinner in a pumpkin. Fall just seems like the perfect time for this! Here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy it!

Dinner in a Pumpkin

Ingredients:

3 small pumpkins
1 lb. ground turkey 2 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped sweet onion
3 stalks of celery, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh, chopped rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cup canned chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions:

Pre heat oven to 350^o.

Clean and prep pumpkins by removing the top and the seeds. I also pull out the really dark pulp around the seeds. (Save the seeds for roasting later.) Bake on a cookie sheet for 40-45 minutes.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots and celery; cook 5 minutes, until soft. Add turkey and cook about 8-10 minutes until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add flour, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper; stir to coat. Add broth and bring to a simmer; simmer 4 minutes. Add cooked rice and stir, mixing all ingredients together. Simmer an additional 3 minutes, until mixture thickens.

Transfer turkey and rice mixture into hollow of roasted pumpkins. Place back in 350^o oven for about 12 minutes. Allow pumpkin to rest about 5 minutes before transferring to plate.

433 Calories per pumpkin

Getting Back to Mary

It's been a month since I've posted anything on here. Not a good way to run a blog. The last four weeks have been a crazy challenge. At times, it seemed as if I were in the midst of whirlwind, a flurry of activities and events demanding my undivided attention. At other times, I was so exhausted I could barely get out of bed in morning. It had happened to me. I had become a "Martha". I had become the woman so consumed with doing things for God that I did not take the time to spend good, quality time with God. Oh, I still prayed every day. I still read my Bible although admittedly, it was usually only a scripture here and there as part of a Bible study I was doing. I had so quickly gotten out of my habit of spending a good 30 minutes alone with God...just His Word, Him and me every morning. It hit me like a ton of bricks. This is why I'm frazzled and exhausted! I know better, yet I fell into the trap. While fixing dinner one night, these verses from Luke 10 came to my mind. I was "sharing" with God how tired I was. I was feeling unappreciated by many in my life. I wanted Him to know I was not happy about the situation. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus' rebuke of Martha for basically complaining about the same thing. His gentle reminder broke my heart. I was Martha, neglecting "the only one thing necessary" and that was my time sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him, loving Him and allowing Him to love me. Through my tears, I repented and ask Him to give me the wisdom to prioritize my life as He would have me. I desire to do the things that glorify Him. I don't want to be busy with activities, even good activities, at the expense of my personal relationship with the God who loves me. I feel like my inner Mary is making a comeback. She's in there...pushing through the tiredness and the busyness to enjoy the only one thing necessary...time with my King. I'm so grateful for the gentle proding of the Holy Spirit. I'm grateful for the God of second (and third and fourth and fifth) chances. I'm grateful for a God who not only forgives but restores! I'm finding a new and fresh excitement in my time with Him. God is good!

Blessings,
Teresa

Seasons Change

I've been thinking a lot lately about season changes. People are starting to put fall recipes and decorating ideas on Pinterest and Facebook. While I think fall is my favorite season, I actually really enjoy all of the seasons for various reasons. Some say we only have two season in Florida. Not true. We actually do have four seasons although the changes in those seasons are not as drastic as those experienced by my friends in Illinois or even my family in Maryland. Trust me. There is big difference between the April and August in Florida! I love Spring for the newness of life that is all around us. The grass gets green again. Flowers really blossom. You can pretty much guarantee that by the time the calendar says it's Spring, it is perfect flip flop weather every day for the next 9 months. Summer is great too. Personally, I love summer because it casual day every day at work. I'm talking jeans, t-shirts and flip flops casual! Even better, in July & August, we have shortened hours for summer...and get paid for a full week! What can I say about winter? I love it! I am one who really enjoys the occassional "cold" day we have here in central Florida. I like putting on a coat and gloves 2 or 3 times a year. There is a crispness in the cold that I find invigorating. I also love winter for some pretty selfish reasons: Christmas, birthday, Valentine's Day and wedding anniversary....it's gift season for Teresa. For someone whose love language is gifts, this is a sweet time of the year.  But my very favorite season of all is fall. I love, love, love fall! I just love the rich, golden colors. I love the smells of fall. The fragrance of cinnamon, clove, apples, pumpkin pie, turkey in the oven all take me to my happy place. Fall ushers in the holidays. Holidays translates to time spent with family. Sure there are some "dislikes" about each season too, but I choose not to focus on those. I choose to focus on the things that I like about each. That keeps me grounded and allows me to appreciate the good in all situations or seasons.

The same can be said of seasons of life. All of us go through many seasons of life. We have our childhood season, our high school season, our college season. Some of us have a long season of singleness when we want to be married. Others have a long season of marriage when they want to be single. Many have seasons as parents of children at home. That generally leads to the empty nest season. Regardless of your season, I encourage you to take the time to pause, look around you and find the good in that season. Look at your season through eyes of appreciation and gratitude for the blessings that you do have, no matter how hidden they may seem at the time.  Enjoy every day...every season of this life on this earth that the Lord blesses you with. Take time every day to thank Him for His abundant goodness, grace and love.

So, enjoy these final official days of summer and look to fall with eager expectation. Smile at the present and smile at the future. Both are in His capable hands.

Blessings,

Teresa

Vacation All I Ever Wanted...Vacation Had to Get Away

I am coming off of a 4 day weekend and having a difficult time getting back into the groove. I'm really a creature of habit and it doesn't take much to throw me off balance. I like routine. I like "normal". I like schedules. I like planning. My husband jokes about me planning our vacations years in advance. I sorta do. I'm always thinking about places we can go...things we can do. Some people thrive on the spur of the moment plans but not me.  If I'm going to a place that I've never been before or even a place I love, I know that I'm there for a limited time and I don't want to miss anything. I do tons of research when we set out on an adventure. It doesn't matter if it's a weekend trip or an extended vacation. I'm going to Google the location and find out what there is to do. Then I read reviews from other travelers to see what they thought of places I'm considering. I've always done this. For as long I can remember taking vacations as an adult, I've researched and planned. It used to be I went to my local AAA office and got Tour Books for all the states I would be visiting. Back in the early 1990's, I planned a 7 day Civil War vacation for a friend and me. With no Internet, I was totally dependent on those Tour Books and Trip Tik from AAA. But I did it. I knew exactly how far we had to drive each day to get to all of the places we wanted to go to in our 7 days. Thankfully the Internet makes it much easier to do my research. Now I can see videos, pictures and read current reviews. I planned a trip to Montana and Wyoming for my mom and me in 2006. Neither of us had been but we sat in front of the computer for hours looking for places to go, eat and stay. I remember the absolute thrill I got one year when my brother asked me to plan three different vacations for them to choose from. I thought I had died and gone to vacation planning heaven! When we are going on a cruise, I research the ship and find out all about the ship. I study and excursions to see which ones we want to do. I think I love the planning almost as much as I do the traveling. So what are some things to consider when planning a trip?

The feelings & desires of others: I am a leader by nature so I do have to be careful that my plans do not infringe on others or that I do not come off as controlling. It's important that I consider the feelings and preferences of others in my planning. I like spending time relaxing on the beach but that is not my husband's idea of fun at all. It would be incredibly selfish of me to plan an entire vacation around lounging on the beach.

 The unexpected: Plans also need to have some wiggle room. Inevitably, the unexpected happens. When they do, allow yourself time to laugh a bit and regroup. Don't allow yourself to be a prisoner of your plans. If you planned to go to the beach one day but you wake up to rainy day, allow yourself the freedom to enjoy an indoor day. Make that the day you visit a museum or an indoor aquarium. There is no rule that says you can't make it a "stay in your room all day" day.

Time & Budget: This is especially important when planning trips. Don't try to pack 7 days worth of activities into a weekend. It will only frustrate you and anyone else along on the trip. Pick the top two or three things you would like to do and plan the rest of trip accordingly. Budget is also important. Decide BEFORE the trip what your budget is and stick to it. Be sure you account for every expense including food, snacks, admission fees, parking, souvenirs as well as gas and hotels when considering your trip budget. We have a vacation budget and put some money aside each pay period to cover our vacation expenses. This way we are not tempted to put anything on a credit card. If you decide early enough where  you want to go, you can begin researching airfare, car rentals, and housing expenses. This will help you determine how much you will need and you can save a little at a time. Twenty five dollars a weeks doesn't hurt as much as $1200 all at one time.

Weather/Activity appropriate clothing/shoes: When we took our recent trip to Maggie Valley, NC, I knew there was no need to pack a skirt and pantyhose. I would be wearing neither of those during that 7 day trip! I did need some clothes for warm and cool weather and shoes comfortable for a lot of walking. When my mom & I went to Wyoming and Montana, I did not take sunscreen. I mean who thinks of sunscreen in Wyoming? Not me for sure...at least not then. I got the worst sunburn I've ever had while we were on a floating raft trip down the Snake River topped off by sitting out in the sun for 45 minutes waiting for Old Faithful to erupt. That day followed a night in which temperatures dropped into the 40s in Yellowstone National Park...in July! Didn't see that coming either! Do your research. Check the weather websites. You can get a pretty accurate forecast up to 10 days out for most areas in the world.

Pets: While David & I love to travel, Hannah is not much of a traveler. She's good for the 5 minute trip to my parent's house but that's about it. We never take her with us but this is a great time for her to spend with her grandparents. My parents always keep Hannah for us when we travel. If you have a family friend or relative who keeps your pet, make sure you check dates with them before making all of your other arrangements. Do not assume they are available. Don't forget to pick them up a small gift of appreciation while on your trip. If you need to board your pet, make your kennel reservations early. This is especially important during high travel seasons: Thanksgiving to New Years, Spring Break, and Summer. Also, be sure to include those boarding expenses in your budget! If you are planning to take your 4-legged children with you, be sure you check to make sure they are permitted. It would be a real drag to spend 10 hours in a car driving to a beautiful beach side bungalow only to find out your cat or dog is not welcome. You also want to consider what you will do with your pet while you are inside restaurants eating during the trip to and from your destination. You certainly CANNOT leave them in your car! Your ability to get out and about while at your destination could be hampered by the pooch who does not want to shut up inside a strange room or house all day while you are having a great time. Be considerate of your pet's feelings!

Capture the memories: While in the moment, you may think "I'll never forget this!" but chances are that a few years down the road, you won't remember the name of that waterfall or exactly where it was you found the best huckleberry pie in all of Montana. Plan for pictures and video! Most cell phones take both still photos and videos. We found small lenses for our iPhones that allow us to take fisheye, zoom and wide-angle pictures. Digital cameras make is so easy to capture literally hundreds of pictures. It is so easy to forget what the name of that waterfall was that was 712 pictures ago! If possible, take your computer and cable with you on the trip and upload your pictures each night when you get back to your room. That way you can label them while the events and names are still fresh in your mind. I have tons of pictures of various waterfalls and lakes from my Montana trip but honestly cannot remember which waterfall or which lake it is for most of them. For big trips, invest in one of those hardback books with all of your vacation pictures. Some drugstores have them and there are many vendors online as well.

Check for travel documentation: If you are planning a cruise or a trip to another country, you will need certain documentation for the trip. Do your research early to avoid major stress and headaches just before the trip. Word of advise, even though many cruises do not require a passport, it is wise to get one. In the event of a medical emergency in a foreign country, you could have a lot of trouble getting out of that country by any means other than the cruise ship. For your own peace of mind, invest in passports.

Time for relaxation and fun: Remember, it is a vacation so be sure you allow time to relax and have some fun. You don't need to be on the go from sun up to sun down. Seriously, who wants to come home from vacation to get some rest? Your time away should be a time of renewal.

So, whether you are considering a trip to see the fall leaves, Christmas in New York City or are starting to think about the family vacation next summer, start laying some of the groundwork now. Start talking to your family to see what they would like to do. Do your research. Determine your budget. If done properly, the planning can be almost as fun as the vacation.  So my friends, happy planning and have a wonderful vacation!

Blessings,
Teresa

It's Just A Little Dirty Water

Earlier I posted that my husband and I had a nice and relaxing getaway weekend recently. While it's true we did have a wonderful and relaxing time, the trip was not without some drama. One morning we decided to go to breakfast at a popular national chain known for it's pancakes, French toast and waffles. It was a busy morning and the place was bustling with vacationers and locals alike. Our waitress was a pleasant young woman with a bright smile and friendly demeanor. She was quite attentive to us in spite of the busy hour. We were about half way through our breakfast when I noticed a liquid drop onto my plate. I looked up to see the air conditioning vent above us was dripping. Within minutes, several drops of the water dropped on both my omelet and my husband's. We stared at each other in disbelieve. That was truly the most disgusting thing I had ever experienced in a restaurant. There was no way I was going to finish that food. It was only a few drops of rusty A/C vent water but it had contaminated my entire plate of food! Isn't sin a lot like that? We often think that a "little sin" is no big deal but in fact, it only takes a little sin to separate us from a holy God. Our human nature deceives us by making us think that the good we do will out weigh the bad, thereby getting us into heaven. Maybe you think God grades on a curve so that only the really bad...the Aldolf Hitlers and Osama Bin Ladens go to hell. Maybe you don't even think there is a hell. The Bible tells us differently. The truth is that our sin is even more disgusting to God than that dirty water on my omelet was to me. The Bible tells us that everyone has sinned and falls short of God's standard. (Romans 3:23). Scripture makes it abundantly clear that there is not one person who is good enough...who does good...who is righteous in his own right. (Psalm 14:3, Psalm 53:1-3 and Romans 3:9-11). Even the smallest of sin will separate us from a holy God. Just as those small drops of dirty water contaminated my omelet, so a small sin contaminates the human soul. Just as my omelet was no longer fit for human consumption, so does a little sin deem us unfit for heaven. Unlike the manager of the restaurant in question who was unwilling to do anything about the dripping vent, our loving God made a provision for you and for me. He provided a way for us to get into heaven in spite of our sin. (John 3:16) Jesus  came to earth, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life (the only one to ever do so) and died an agonizing, humiliating death on a Roman cross so that you and I could have eternal life in heaven. (Romans 10:9-10) My hope and prayer is that you have, at some point in your life, made a conscious decision to put your trust and faith in Jesus for forgiveness of your sins. If you have, you have the unspeakable joy of forgiveness and an eternity in heaven with God, our Creator and Father.

If you have not put your trust and faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins, why not do that today? Take a look at the prayer below. Speak it out loud to God. Today is the day of salvation. Do not harden your heart. (2 Corinthians 6:2 and Hebrews 4:7)

Blessings,
Teresa

Hope

Hope can be an encouraging word. It should be an encouraging word. Hope is what sustains us when all else seems lost. Hope is what allows us to get out of bed when all around us seems mired down in the muck of this world. Hope...a simple four letter word that whispers "you will get through this" to your soul. For some reason, I've been thinking about hope a lot lately. "I hope it doesn't rain today." "I hope I don't get caught behind a school bus on the way work." "I hope my friend comes through her battle with cancer with a full and complete recovery...this side of heaven."  We all hope for and hope in a lot of things.  All of this "hope" got me thinking about what or who my hope is in. My hope should not be in the stuff of this world or in what man can or cannot do for me. My hope is in the Lord. He is One who provides my daily breath. My daily bread. My daily needs. He is the One who secured my eternal salvation through His brutal death on a Roman cross. He is the One who knit me together in my mother's womb. He is the One who chose me before the foundation of the world and predestined me to adoption into His family. In light of that, it really should not matter what happens to me here on this earth. I have a savior who loves me and will never leave me nor forsake me. I have a God who sees all that goes on around and to me. He is El Roi-the God who sees. He will uphold me with His righteous right hand! What a mighty God we serve. Amen? AMEN!

Blessings,
Teresa

Relaxing Getaway Weekend!

This past weekend, my husband & I were blessed to be able to go away to the beach for three days. I found a great deal on a hotel right on the beach and we both took Friday off from work. My parents kept Hannah Grace for us so we were "child free" as well. I had almost forgotten how precious time away from the hustle and bustle of life can be. There were no urgent emails or text messages from a colleague or boss. There was no ringing telephone while trying to eat lunch. There was no alarm clock to awaken us before dawn each morning. There was no schedule...no special place to be at a special time. It was glorious! It was a chance to play tourist, to go to bed when I felt like it and wake up when I felf like it. It was chance to walk along the beach at sunset and see the sun resting on the horizon. It was a chance to lie on the beach  and just enjoy the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. It was a chance to sing the theme song from "Green Acres" until my husband laughed so hard he almost cried. I love moments like that. Moments that remind me that life is good and worth living. Moments that remind me that I am loved and blessed far more than I deserve. It was a wonderful weekend. One that was long overdue and much appreciated.

Blessings,
Teresa

St. Pete Beach, Florida
 

In The Shadow of the Cross

Our ladies discipleship class is going through Chuck Swindoll's book "Esther: A Woman of Strength & Dignity".  I've studied Esther a number of times but have still learned so much more from this study. One of concepts Swindoll brings out in our most recent chapter is that our lives are in the shadow of the cross. That idea kept coming back to me for days after reading it. I started thinking about shadows and what it would look like if I truly lived my life in an awareness of the shadow of the cross. I've been deeply touched by some of the things I think God has been showing me so I want to share them with you.

I first started thinking about a shadow: what is it and how is it formed. Shadows are formed when an object blocks a light source. You can't have shadows without a light source. As Christians, Jesus is our light source. One of His "I AM statements" is found in John 8:12 when Jesus said "I am the Light of the world." Because we are secure in Him, we do not walk in darkness but have Him to guide our path. We don't have to stumble through life, but have a clear path in which to walk.  Shadows also provide relief from the direct heat. When we are intentional about our walk with Him, paying close attention to stay in His shadow, we find relief from the heat and burdens of life. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us to come to Him and He will give us rest. We can lay our burdens down in the shadow of the cross and trust that He will lighten our load. Whatever is weighing us down: anger, bitterness, illness, financial trouble, rebellious children,...whatever it is, we can leave it in the shadow of the cross. It may not go away but He will provide rest for us in the midst of it.

So what is weighing you down today? Do you have a child that is on a path that you know if not God's plan for his or her life? Do you have a job in which too much is demanded of your time and energy? Do you have a spouse that is cold and distant? Are you struggling to come to grips with an abusive past? Is there a life threatening illness lurking in your mind or body? Is your family on the verge of financial collapse? Whatever it is, give it to Jesus. Lay it down in the shadow of the cross. Enjoy the relief of laying down your burden. I'm going to make a concerted effort to daily live my life in the shadow of the cross.  Won't you join me?

Blessings,
Teresa



To Obey Is Better

This past week, I witnessed two children react in two completely different ways to instructions from a parent. In the first interaction, a two year old complied immediately with instructions whispered to her by her father. She was rewarded with a kiss on the top of her head. In the second interaction, a three year old wrestled and struggled when her mom tried to get her to sit still and eat. She was "rewarded" with a trip outside for a spanking and a stern talking to. Both of these interactions made me reflect on the way I way respond when my heavenly Father provides me with instruction. As much as I would like to say that I am most often the obedient two year old, the truth is that too often I am the struggling, rebellious three year old. Will I ever learn that His instructions are for my good? Will I ever fully understand that He will not ask me to do something that will bring harm to me or someone else? Even if I don't fully understand, am I willing to step out in faith and just obey? I can't help but think of Abraham. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would be more numerous than the stars, yet when Abraham's only son was still young, God instructed Abraham to take the boy and offer him as a burnt offering. My human mind says that doesn't make sense! First of all, why would God ask Abraham to burn his child the way pagan gods did? And then there was the promise that God had made. If Abraham killed Isaac, how would Abraham have descendants as promised by God? Abraham had been through enough with God to know He always kept His promises and he trusted God. Abraham took his son to the mountain as God had instructed. He prepared the wood and had his son lie down on the wood. Just as he was about to raise his knife, God stopped him and provided a ram instead. Now I admit, my human mind cannot comprehend a test of that magnitude. There are large magnitude tests today that each of us go through. Each of those tests or trials serve to grow us and help produce endurance in us. They also serve as a means to teach us of God's faithfulness.

Truth be told, in many ways I am like a three year old wrestling against the instructions of a parent. I am growing up and maturing in my faith and trust in God. My heart's desire is to be like that two year old who, upon hearing the whisper of her father, immediately obeyed and was rewarded with a kiss on top of her head. I long to have my heavenly Father kiss me on top of my head.

Blessings,
Teresa

Hometown Reflections

Recently, a friend of mine wrote of her hometown on her blog. Sadly, she does not have fond memories of her small hometown. In fact, she hates it. It made me really sad for her. Reading her words describing the things she hated about her small town, I began to reflect on my own small hometown, Zephyrhills, FL. My memories are quite different. I loved my small hometown. I didn't fully appreciate it when I lived there, wishing I lived in Tampa, some 30 miles away. Looking back, I'm very grateful for my small town upbringing. Probably one of things I'm most grateful for is the very low crime rate. Not only was it safe for my brother and I to go out with our friends, my father was a police officer. Our town was much safer for police officers than big cities were. I also like the fact that we had a small school. I liked it that all of my friends went to the same school, regardless of where they lived. Every teacher knew who every student was, even those who were not in their classes. My graduating class had about 240 students. That seemed big at the time but when I hear of graduating classes of over 1000, I realize it wasn't so big after all. It was nice to go into most any restaurant in town and be known by the employees. Some places even knew your "regular" order. Sure, we had our problems just like any other city. There were cliques: the jocks, the rich kids, the smart kids, the band geeks, etc. I don't that is any different in small towns versus big cities. Until we got our Kmart when I was the 8th grade, we pretty much had to drive to Tampa for anything other than groceries. What made my hometown better than any other were my family and my friends. They are the ones who made my hometown my "home" town! I am a proud Zephyrhills Bulldog, class of '81. Even though I don't live in Zephyrhills anymore, I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to grow up there. It's a place that holds great memories for me.

All of that got me thinking about all of the places I've lived in my life. I've lived in a number of states and too many cities to count. I always worked hard to make each new place feel like home, carefully decorating either my bedroom, apartment or home with just the right touches to make it "homey". As much as I like where I live now, I've come to realize that this earth is not my true home. The Bible tells us that those of us who are in Christ are citizens of heaven. We are strangers and aliens in this world. (Ephesians 2:19)  I have a place being prepared for me...in heaven...by Jesus Christ Himself! (John 14:2) I won't worry about crime or school or traffic or cliques in heaven. I won't even have to worry about finding a tissue to dry my tears. He will wipe away my tears. (Revelation 21:4) Those daily concerns will still be part of my life while I live on this earth, but I will use the power He gives me to serve Him here on this earth, but oh how I look forward to the day when He calls me home and shows me the place He has for me!

Blessings,
Teresa

 Methodist Church in Zephyrhills

 

 

 

Friendship

I've been thinking a lot lately about friendship. Maybe that's because my BFF for the last 36 years has been here and we've spent time together. Maybe it's because I've had the joy of spending time with a number of new friends in last several days. Maybe it's because I watched the "Anne of Green Gables" marathon on TV yesterday. Maybe it's a combination of all of the aforementioned. I'm an introvert by nature. Not shy or timid, just introverted. It's not that I don't like people.  I love people, but my batteries are recharged by alone time. Nonetheless, friends are important to me.  As is typical with me, when I get a concept in my head, I start turning to the Bible to see what God has to say about the subject.  It might surprise people to know that much is written about friends and friendship in the Bible. The Bible warns us to be careful who we choose as friends. It gives us examples of bad friends (look at Job's friends!) and gives us the characteristics of good friends. Jesus had friends. He handpicked 12 men with whom He would spend His time and ministry. Of those 12, He had 3 to whom He was very close: Peter, James and John.  As I poured over the scriptures on friends and friendship, it became very apparent to me that there is but one who perfectly fulfills the role of friend at all times: Jesus. He is the One who sticks closer than a brother. He is the One who will never leave me nor forsake me. He is the One who always has my best interest at heart. He is the One in whom I can confide. While we all need "friends with skin" as I call them, it's important that we remember that He alone is our very best friend...our bosom friend...our kindred spirit. Friends are important and can bring joy to this life, but the one friend everyone needs is Jesus. Won't you take a minute today to connect (or reconnect) with Him? After some time with Him, why not call a friend with skin just to let them know how important they are to you.

Blessings,
Teresa

"A bosom friend--an intimate friend, you know--a really

kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul." -L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

A New Day...A New Attitude

When last I left you, I was having a zoo dirt kind of day. I'm very happy to report that I have dusted off the zoo dirt and am in a much happier place. It was actually my sweet husband who started my cleaning process. He came home from work shortly after my blog posted. He was exceptionally tender and thoughtful throughout the day. I don't remember what he did or said but at one point I remember laughing out loud and thinking that laughter was just what I needed. The Eeyore style dark cloud gradually drifted away and by early evening, I was back to me.

What a gift and a blessing to have someone (or maybe even multiple someones) in our life to love us through those zoo dirt days. Emotions are so unpredictable and erratic. Therefore, they really should not be trusted especially when you have a decision to make. I often heard of the acronym HALT. I think I actually heard it in a sermon the first time but most recently, we dicussed in our First Place 4 Health group. The premise is when you have to make a decision, you should HALT and consider if you might be:

       Hungry
       Angry
       Lonely
       Tired

These emotions may keep you from making the wisest choice so you should really consider your options. It may even be wise to obtain outside counsel, particularly if your decision is a major one perhaps regarding your job, relationships, or buy/selling big ticket items like a car or a house.  Often times decisions we make out of emotion can turn out to be a disaster!  Haven't we all spoken words in anger that we wished we could take back? Ladies, haven't we all gotten that hairstyle we thought we would love only to find ourselves asking "what was I thinking when I did this?" when we came to our senses?  Have you ever experienced buyer's remorse?  All of these are most likely a result of making a decision based on emotions or during an emotionally vulernable time.

Don't experience "buyer's remorse" with your life. Consider your choices and choose wisely. Choose to follow Christ, the One who died for you. Choose to obey the Scriptures, even when you don't understand them. Choose to love, even the unlovely. Choose life because Jesus came that you may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10). These will lead to a life of no regrets, one without buyer's remorse!

Blessings,
Teresa

Zoo Dirt

Today is a "zoo dirt" day.  Do you know what zoo dirt is?  Think about it. It's the dirt in the zoo that the animal stand on, relieve themselves on, walk on, etc.  It's the yuckiest of all dirt. A zoo dirt day is the yuckiest of all days. You know, those days when you just don't feel like yourself.  You're not sick or in pain. You don't really know why. You can't explain it. You just feel yucky. Men totally don't get it, but other women do. I don't think I've ever met a woman who hasn't had a zoo dirt kind of day at one time or another. Fortunately, I don't have them often but when I do, I just want to be left alone in a quiet house. Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day!

Blessings,
Teresa

BFF

Do you have fond memories of middle school or high school? As difficult as those years were, I really have great memories! There are a few not so great ones, but for the most part, I had a great adolescence. I'm sure the primary reason is because I have great parents who made sure we had a fun...lots of fun!  They also worked hard to make sure I received a good education, was taught the value of work, honestly and living a life of integrity. Aside from those lessons imparted to me by my parents, the greatest gift I received in the 8th grade was a best friend!

My family moved from Maryland to Zephyrhills, Florida the summer between my 7th and 8th grade. While some may think that was a horrible thing to do to a teenager, I survived quite nicely. Sure I missed friends back in Maryland and I missed my grandparents, but I loved Florida and our new life there.  Toward the end of my 8th grade year I met the girl who would quickly become my BFF. Drawn together by our love for the Bay City Rollers, Tammy & I were instant friends. We were opposites in many ways, but we were really just two teenagers looking to each other for fun and help getting through high school.  We spent every weekend at one another's house. Her family became my family and mine hers. We were inseperable for the next four years. After high school, I went to college while Tammy chose to join the US Army. For the next nine years, we had little contact with other. We had each made choices that distanced us from one another. In 1990, due to Tammy's tenacity, we were reconnected. She was living in Washington state and I was in Sarasota, Florida. It wasn't long until we caught up on the previous nine years and were best friends again. We've been connected although living in different states for the past 23 years. In many ways, it's really like we didn't lose those nine years at all. Sadly, we missed the big events in each other's lives (weddings and the birth of her kids) but we've been able to share the joys and sorrows of life long distance. I was thinking the other day that although I consider her my best friend for the past 36 years, we really only had 4 years on which to build that foundation. I've known her longer than she's known her husband or I've known mine. The only people either of us have know longer are family members.

I'm super excited to be seeing Tammy and her family this weekend! They are coming down to central Florida to play tourist and we get to spend time together. I can promise you that it won't be long enough. I'll cry when I see her and I'll cry the whole way home but the time we do have will be the sweetest time for me and I will thank our great God for every second!  Friends like Tammy are rare and a true blessing from God and one that I choose to remember every day and not take for granted.

Blessings,
Teresa

T.G.I.F.

Yes, today is Friday; however, my T.G.I.F. does mean what you think it might mean. To me every day is T.G.I.F.  To me T.G.I.F. is Today God Is First. As a disciple of Christ, I am called to put God first every day.  Scripture calls me to "Seek first the kingdom of God" and to "love the Lord with all {my} heart, soul, mind and strength."  My eyes easily glide over the words as I read my Bible, rarely even stopping to ponder their meaning. But on those occasions when I do stop and really think about what I am being instructed lead me to some serious heart examination. I love to do word studies while doing Bible study. As such, I have done numerous studies on the meaning of words like "seek", "first", "love" and "all". All of my studies lead me to one conclusion: that I must intentionally put God above all else in my life. My relationship with Him is to supersede any and all other relationships.  This is often an area that causes non-believers or new believers to stumble. They have a preconceived idea that the relationship with their spouse or children should come first. God is certainly not commanding me to neglect these other relationships.  He is trying to get me to see that if I pursue my relationship with Him above all others, He will guide me in the ways necessary to ensure all of these other relationships are the best they can be.

Not only am I to put my relationship with God before other relationships, but I am to put God before my own fleshly desires. I have been called to deny myself, take up my cross and follow Him.  Since I started First Place 4 Health in February, I have become increasingly aware of my selfish desires. I choose the French fries rather than the salad.  I choose to sleep an extra 45 minutes or to watch reruns of "NCIS" rather than go to the gym. Why do I do these things? Because my flesh is screaming louder than the still small voice of my Savior and because I choose to listen to my screaming flesh. It's a choice that I make. I want to do the right thing...to make the right choices, but I don't always do it. I can so relate to the Apostle Paul when he says in Romans 7:15 "For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." Paul does such a marvelous job describing the war between the flesh and the spirit. He ends the chapter with "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"  Ahhh, but then comes chapter 8 which begins with "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  What beautiful words! Even though I make wrong choices, I am not condemned. Even those I sin every day, I am not condemned! Praise be to God!

Choosing to make God first in my life every day requires being intentional and disciplined. I don't think one can walk with Christ as He calls us and not be disciplined. It takes discipline to get up early and read the Bible and pray. It takes discipline to choose God over flesh. It takes discipline to say "no" to the sex outside of marriage, alcohol, movies/TV shows that glorify the very sins that sent Jesus to the cross. It takes discipline to get up Sunday after Sunday, sometimes in the middle of a tropical storm, and go to church. Yes, it takes discipline, but the rewards and blessings are so worth it! God has a wonderful plan for my life (and for yours!). I will discover that plan only when I put Him first.  So, on this Friday, make the commitment to always T.G.I.F.!

Blessings,
Teresa

 

 

The Contents of Me...Part 4

Now we come to our last purse.  This transparent purse represents the transparent life.  When a lady carries a transparent purse, people can see what she is carrying.  That’s the reason many department stores require their employees to carry them.

As Christian women, we should be the transparent purse.  Just as you can see the initials of the designer on this purse, when others look at us, they should see our designer. And our designer is infinitely greater than Dooney & Bourke! People around us should see God’s Word active and alive in us. They should see our love for Him and for others by the way we treat people and the way we speak to people. We should be last people to gossip. We should be the last people to whine and complain when things don’t go our way. I’m talking to myself here. I love me a good pity party from time to time, but God is growing me and teaching me that it really isn’t all about me and my agenda. Things are going to happen…even in the church…that I don’t necessarily like or even agree with. But my speech must still be peppered with kindness. I should be encouraging others and building them up.

They should know we are His by the movies we watch, the music we listen to, the books we read. “Oh now you’re meddling!” is what you’re thinking, right? But it’s true. You’ve heard it: garbage in, garbage out.

Matt. 5:16 says “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven.”

Do others see the light of Christ in your life?  Do people at work, at school, in your family know you are a Christian?

A transparent life is one that draws others to Jesus.  It’s a light in the darkness, shining bright by the good things we say and do for His glory.  Let your light shine.  Remember the words of Proverbs 31:30---“Charm is deceitful and beauty if vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

I challenge you to live a transparent life, one in which others see Christ in you. Live in such a way that you, like Paul, can say to others “join in following my example…” (Phil. 3: 17)

So think about these purses. Which one most closely fits your life? Are you happy with that? If not, which one do you want to be and what changes are you willing to make to become like that?

Blessings,
Teresa

The Contents of Me...Part 3

Okay, so maybe you’re not the small bag or the big bag, but there is another purse I want to talk about.  On the outside and from a distance, this might look like a genuine Louis Vuitton.  It looks pretty good on the outside…kinda close to the real deal.  But there are subtle things that to the discerning eye will tell you it is a knock off---a fake!  Perhaps the best indicator is what is on the inside.  I’m told that a real LV has a serial number and the finest grade of suede for its liner.  A close look at this “Louis” does not reveal any numbers and the “leather” feels pretty cheap to the touch. What about you?  Are you real on the inside? When others get close to you, do they see indicators that you are authentic? Does your heart truly belong to Jesus or do you just “look the part”?  Just like my fake Louis, fake “Christians” can give the appearance of being real, especially from a distance. 

Jesus warned us of these types of people.  In fact, He told them directly that their faith was only on outside.  In Matt. 23:27, He said “Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”  Not everyone who says “Lord Lord” will enter the Kingdom of heaven any more than a purse with “LV” on it will pass for a real Louis Vuitton. The life of an authentic Christian will be one that bears good fruit. It is a life marked by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Apart from Christ, you cannot have these things. Apart from Christ, we are empty and dead on the inside.

If your inside is empty and dead---without the eternal life that comes only through Jesus Christ, you can change that here, tonight. Paul tells us in the book of Romans that while we were still sinners---while we were still dead inside---Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)  Today is the day of salvation. Do not harden you heart.

Blessings,
Teresa

 

The Contents of Me...Part 2

Maybe you’re not the small purse.  Maybe you’re like the big purse---full of all kinds of “things”---activities, appointments, commitments---you know: places to go, people to see.  This is a very busy time of year.  Sure the kids are out of school but there are all kinds of summer activities going on. As women, we have much to do, including getting ourselves up and ready for the day then we get the husband/kids up, fix breakfast, pack lunches, go to work, play “mom’s taxi” to golf lessons and band practice, monitor homework if you’ve got one in summer school, fix dinner, get the kids ready for bed, clean, and do laundry. It truly seems never ending.  It’s very easy to end up like my flustered friend who couldn’t find her debit card in the bottom of what seemed like a bottomless purse.  It’s easy to become distracted by the activities and “life”.  Do you remember the story of Mary & Martha?  How when Jesus went to their house to visit, Mary, recognizing what an honor and blessing it was to have Jesus in her home, just sat at His feet and listened.  But Martha was “distracted” the Scriptures will us, by her preparations.  Are you distracted by something and therefore missing the blessing of time spent just sitting with Jesus? Please don’t let that happen.  Don’t let the busyness of summer…or any season for that matter…rob you of the joy that God desires for you.  Summer is a wonderful time to reflect on the beauty of God’s creation. A day at the beach can be a time of personal reflection as well.  Just sit out in your back yard or on your porch and enjoy some quiet time there. Scripture gives us several accounts of times when Jesus withdrew from the crowd and those closest to Him to seek time along with His heavenly Father. If Jesus thought those times alone with God to be important, don’t you think you and I should as well? I challenge you to start your day with Him. I’m pretty sure you’ll find the rest of day goes much better is you’ve put on the full armor of God and spent a few minutes in His Word and listening to His still small voice.

Blessings,

Teresa

 

The Contents of Me...Part 1

The next four installments for my blog will be highlights from a teaching message I have done at women's events. It's always lots of fun to do this one. It's one of my favorite messages that God has given me over the years.

Several years ago I watched as a good friend searched through her oversize and overstuffed purse, searching frantically for her debit card. I was struck by the thought about how alike women and purses are.  My mind began to reel with several similarities.  Then I began to laugh at God’s wonderful sense of humor.  You see, I LOVE purses!  I have amassed a collection of purses over the years.  Isn’t that just like our God to provide me with an idea for a teaching message based on something I just love…purses! 

First, let’s look at the small purse.  Maybe you’re like this small purse that has the capacity to hold a few things.  Yet you try stuffing more into your life than you can hold, only to get frustrated.  Perhaps one of those things is God.  Are you trying to force or cram God into a tiny space because that’s all you have left?  Do you have time…no, do you TAKE time for God?  Do you take time to start your day with Him?  Do you take time for His Word?  For prayer?  Do you equip yourself for the daily battle?  When your feet hit the floor, have you dressed yourself with the FULL armor of God (Eph. 6:11)?  I don’t know about you, but I won’t leave my house---I won’t got to Publix, WalMart or the dentist without my makeup on and being fully dressed including my shoes.  But do we feel the same way about being dressed in the armor of God?  I hope you do.  I hope you take time each morning to arm yourself for the battle that is sure to lie ahead.  Maybe what you don’t have “space” for is other people…friends. Are you comfortable, too comfortable, by yourself and maybe one or two others? Is there someone out there who needs you as their friend?
Do you have time for a hurting friend…how about a hurting stranger?  Jesus told of the Good Samaritan.  Here’s a man who, as Luke tells us, was on a journey.  He was on his way somewhere when he came across a stranger in need.  He took the time and money to tend to that hurting stranger.  Jesus tells us in Luke 10:37 to “go and do the same.”
Is there room in your life for you to be open and available to the opportunities that God brings your way? I don’t want to miss any blessings or the chance to be a blessing because my world is too small. I hope you don’t either.

 

Blessings,

Teresa

 

I Delighted In The Lord

Miss Caroline's Country Wedding Chapel in Maggie Valley, NC

Well, last week I told you how we got our sweet Hannah Grace. This week I would like to tell you how my great God answered my prayer of 30+ years and brought me a husband. The fact that I'm married still amazes me! Although as a child, I dreamed of being a wife and a mom, that dream just never seemed to come to fruition for me. My college years came and went with no prospect for a husband. My 20s came and went...still nothing. My 30s came and went...and still nothing! My friends listened and encouraged me. Even though I used those years as a time to serve God and others and had a lot of time for deep, intense Bible study, I really struggled with the "why not me?" question. I had read literally dozens of books on marriage and how to be a godly wife. I was prepared. Why didn't anyone want me? Why can't I find a husband? Why do I have do life alone? What's wrong with me? My blood boiled when I heard other women complaining about their husbands! "Don't they realize the blessing they have?" I would say to myself. I was bold (or rude) enough to occasionally say to that complaining wife "At least you have a husband to complain about!" I cried many tears over my singleness. I think I was about 42 when I gave up. No, I didn't give up on getting married. I gave up fighting God about it.  I had finally become content in my singleness. Oh, I still wanted to get married but it was no longer an obsession. I turned my focus to serving Christ and others. I meant it when I told God that if He didn't want me to get married then I would stay single and I would trust Him to change my heart and heal my hurt. God had been working behind the scenes of both my life and my now-husband's life. Through a series of circumstances, we both ended up at First Baptist Orlando in the same singles LIFE group. Three months and 2 days after meeting, he asked me to marry him. Four months and 11 days after that, we were married in a cute little wedding chapel in Maggie Valley, NC. I can honestly say that he is the man that God intended for me. The circumstances in our lives was such that we could not have married if we had met any earlier. I couldn't see what God was doing, but He knew it all along. I learned a valuable lesson through those decades of unwanted singleness. I learned that even though I don't see what He is doing and don't understand what He is doing, I can still trust what He is doing.  Psalm 84:11b tells us that "No good thing does He withhold from him whose walk is upright." Do you have something in your heart that you deeply desire and have yet to see it fulfilled? Are you longing for something or someone? All I can really tell you is to keep your eyes on Jesus. Trust the Lord and walk in obedience to Him. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." the psalmist tells us (Psalm 37:4) We often forget that we have to do something before we get the desires of our heart. We have to delight in Him. When He is the source of and the object of our delight, we begin to want those things that He wants for us. It's not magic. It's faith and faith always has a beautiful result!

Blessings,
Teresa



February 17, 2007

Meet Hannah Grace

Today is Bring Your Dog To Work Today. I didn't bring my dog to work today. For one thing, we did not have this event at my office. For another, I would have not gotten a thing done today! Maybe my co-workers don't get to meet Hannah Grace, but you can! David and I had been married a few months when I decided we needed a puppy. At first he was reluctant but I was convincing. After careful research on breeds and breed hybrids, I settled on a Yorkie Poo. I eventually found her through an ad in the paper from a breeder about an hour away.  On the way to pick her up, I was so excited I could barely sit still. I couldn't wait to see her and hold her. I remember telling my husband, "You may think I'm crazy, but I really think she is supposed to be ours. Someone else was going to get her today and never showed up. It's just meant to be." I'll never forget how adorable she was when I first saw her. She was curled up with two other puppies. As I picked her up, she snuggled under my chin. I was gone...toast...heart totally melted. There she was, 3 pounds 3 ounces of pure cuteness! I looked at my husband and said "Please pay the lady." I was not leaving without my new puppy! We've been the proud parents of now 6 pound 3 ounce Hannah Grace for almost 6 years. She is sweet, loving, affectionate and super smart. The unconditional love she gives is totally amazing! It doesn't matter how bad my day is, when I get home and am greeted with hugs and kisses...lots of kisses, all the badness of the day disolves away. Life is good and all is well in my world.

Hannah napping with one of her toys

Hannah & Daddy

Just chillin'

Smelling (or trying to lick!) the rose at our Mother Daughter Tea

Teresa



How Rude!

Have you ever had someone interrupt you when you are talking? Of course you have. We all have. In fact, we've all probably been the one interrupting from time to time. But I'm not talking about an occasional interruption usually caused by excitement. I'm talking about the person who rarely allows you to finish a sentence without stomping on your words. It is incredibly frustrating. They think they know what you are going to say and try to finish for you but they are usually way off base. Then they get upset at you when you have to repeat what you were saying. I always think "How rude!" when someone does that to me or to someone else.  I recently was in the room with two people who were interrupting each other! It was a wild conversation for sure. Wouldn't it be nice if people would be considerate of others? I mean, we all like to be heard. Is it too much to ask to let people finish a sentence before beginning to speak yourself? And at those times when we are interrupted, we need to step back and take a breath. Don't get angry. That's not going to solve the problem. I know me. I want to shout back "Hello! Will you just be quiet and let me finish!?" My gracious Lord covers my mouth and reminds me that I am to be slow to anger just as the offender is to be slow to speak.

Let's take the time to listen to others. I mean really listen. Stop thinking about where you think the conversation is going or what your reply will be and just listen. I am a firm believer that God gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth because He wants us to listen twice as much as we speak. The book of James has quite a bit to say about controlling the tongue, speaking and listening. We would be wise to heed those words of wisdom.

Blessings,
Teresa