Dear Diary....

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

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MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!

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TUESDAY:
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
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WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too.
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THURSDAY:
Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny trainer to find me.Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

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FRIDAY:
I totally despise Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

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SATURDAY:
Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.
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SUNDAY:
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Laundry - need I say more!

There are many things we do in life that are considered monotunous - laundry would be one of those things. It never, I mean, never goes away. It makes me go back thousands of years ago to the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve - man, they didn't know how good they had it, did they? Imagine, a life without laundry? Imagine how much time we'd have in our day and how much money we would save. But, then the other side of me would be sad because that means no more shopping for fun clothes - and if you have a girl, wow - what a blast shopping for girls. Shopping therapy does wonders to the human soul. lol! So, I guess in this short blog, I've resolved that I will face my laundry piles with joy and happiness instead of dreading it. Now, figure out what I'm doing today? hahah!

Tracee, buried but choosing to love it AND the smell!

Morning Breath, Messy Hair, No Make-up.....

That's what God see's every morning when you wake up - you with your messy morning hair, breath that smells like garlic from last night's spaghetti dinner, your mascara is running underneath you eyelids and you have pillow wrinkles on your face. Hallelujah for hair products, flat irons, showers, make-up and silk pillowcases! Something hit me today - ok, not literally - haha! But I had a V8 moment! I was talking to a friend of mine and the next thing I knew, I heard myself saying, "Every morning when you wake up, God says, 'Good Morning Beautiful, What can I do for you today?'" That was a neat moment because here we are, not looking at all what we would consider 'beautiful' but yet that is how God see's us EVERY SINGLE DAY!! How many times have you felt that you weren't beautiful, how many times did you wake up and start your day of with a negative thought about yourself? Guess what? God finds you amazingly beautiful and has never once said anything negative about you. He's here for you, to bless you, enable you, pour into, encourage, uplift you, invigorate, instill hope, faith and love, to give you a future, a hope, a life worth living for. I could keep going and going but so as to not turn this blog into a novel (in which I am gifted for), I will stop while I'm ahead. lol! So, just imagine Jesus standing at the foot of your bed every morning you wake up, in all your wonderful natural beauty and there He is saying, "Good Morning Beautiful, What can I do for you today?"

Smiles, Tracee - beautifully and wonderfully made

When Life Gives You Sour Cherries.....

Laugh and rejoice and again I say rejoice. Now to be truthfully honest with you, when I see the word rejoice it makes me think of an antiquated word from upteen years ago - BUT, when you look it up in the Hebrew and break it down to it's true meaning, the word all the sudden becomes 'cool' again. I know, I'm mental. haha!

The hebrew meaning of the word rejoice is to spin around in a violent force. Okay, so then you can break that down and think of the times in the book of Psalms where God says that He rejoices over you - think about it. He means, "I am spinning around you in a violent force!" He's not just sitting there, quietly, paying half attention to you and every once in a while saying, "Great job!" No, He's up and surrounding you with a violent force because that's how much He loves us.

In case if you were wondering, this week has had it's sour cherries moments - of all weeks, a week ago my den flooded 50%, then 2 days later, my husband hurt his back and has been practically immobile since, and then I had my nephew arrive at our house on Monday to live with us for the rest of this school year. Too much 'drama' for just one week!! :) Now, my nephew is not a bowl of sour cherries! lol! He's a pure delight to have in our household. So, when the times have come as we eventually put our Den back together AND my husband (hahahahaha!), I can't forget that my God know's right where I am and is rejoicing over me saying, "You can do it Tracee, you can do it!" Ah, it's better than a calgon bath!!

"Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair. Your God is present among you,a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love
and delight you with his songs." Zephaniah 3:17

That's good - He will calm you with his love and delight you with his songs. It doesn't get any better than that.

Smiles,

Tracee, rejoicing with a violent force! Okay, I'm not going to mess my hair up. haha!

Becoming a Person of Influence

Have you ever asked yourself this question: What kind of influence do I have in the world I live in? We might not ever really think about it but we are being watched by those around us. Kind of sounds like a Twilight Zone movie. haha! I love what I Peter 2:11 says - it basically comes down to this: We are aliens in this world - we are in the world, but are not of it. For starters, it gives me the perfect excuse to not be normal, which I never have been. haha! So, I claim it as my verse for my reasoning why I am the nut that I am. I was never meant to be 'like' this world - my influence is not and does not come from this world - but it comes from God - so that gives me every reason to be different and not look like all those around me.

I'm putting out the challenge to you to begin to realize that all of us are people of influence - we have the power to show Jesus in our everyday lives and we have the power to show the world Jesus by our responses and actions. The choice is up to you! What do you want? Be yourself - and go for it!

I choose to become a person of influence; A person that freaks the devil out because I choose to not be normal but to live a life that shows Jesus in all I do - okay, stop!! - I just have to have a moment and let you know I'm not talking about a perfect life, never having a drama moment, or wishing my children would give my ears a moments rest from the constant question, "Mom, what are we going to do today? Mom, why are you making that?" haha! No, I'm not perfect, but in all my imperfections, God still finds me beautiful and I remain firm in knowing that I am a person of influence.

Smiles,

Tracee, the nut

S-T-R-E-T-C-H

If you've noticed, you will never get anywhere on this bike riding on square tires! Of course, it would look hilarious trying to see you attempt it! ;) So, what must you do? Stretch yourself and how you think and dream beyond your wildest imagination because you serve a God that created the very ground you walk on.

I started this year off thinking! I know, it's amazing, isn't it? haha! I wrote in my journal the thoughts that were going through my head, how I wanted to go into this new year, what adventures I wanted to attempt, what adventures I wanted to leave behind. It prompted these questions that I want to pass onto you.

1. What do you want to do with your life?
2. What are you willing to do to get there?
3. What will is cost you?
4. Are you willing to go beyong the 'square tires' mentality and get outside the box on this adventure?
5. What kind of legacy do you want to have?

I am not yet 40 but it's not too far away. I feel that my life is actually really just getting started - the more I choose to grow, the more I draw closer to Jesus, the more my life evolves into a beautiful masterpiece painted by the Masterpiece Himself.

So, as we begin this amazing new year remember this: Every day that you live is another day to become the person you've always longed to be. The only thing that will keep you from becoming that person is YOU.

Proverbs 16:9 says, "God determines your steps." Keep you feet planted inside HIS shoes and I promise you, you will be amazed at where He will lead you. Live an adventurous life with no limits! It's your life - now go live it!

Smiles,

Tracee - ready for the next great adventure!

Just one little question...with hopefully a BIG answer...

With only a few days to go to 2009, I pose you this one little question;

What kind of influence will you be?

We all have the power to influence someone for good. God has placed us all within a realm or social circle, and yes, even within our own families that have the need to be influenced for God and godly things. No matter where we are, there is always someone watching. If we are living a Righteous-in-His-sight life, then those who see and witness it will be influenced towards change in their own life. (I'm not telling you to go preach down Aunt Alice's throat, that is not the answer! :))

I'm not really big on New Year's Resolutions that are set unrealistically and usually forgotten before the month ends, but I am big on change. Self-reflection, self-motivation and self-improvement! Setting goals is good...very good. Follow-through is even better. In whatever goals you set for yourself this year, be sure that they are reachable and realistic, then ask yourself what kind of influence can you be in it and to whom. Take the opportunity to share with your kids one of the things you've decided to change in your life and why. For example: If you've decided to make a life-style change in your eating habits (can you tell that I am a food nut?), you could take it a step further and explain to your kids why you've decided to make such a change, that it will improve your energy, your health, your over-all well being, your attitude and moods, and add years to your life. By doing this, it could influence them to be an encouragement and support to you, to eat healthier and to try new foods, and influence them to make healthier choices as well, all of which are all very positive changes.

Remember that some of those who are always watching are: our kids, our parents, our coworkers, our friends, our family, but most importantly, our Jesus. Out of these who watch and see, the most influencial are our children, so be encouraged and get creative!! For Homework: I would like for each of you to share a comment on this post with some of your own ideas of how you plan to influence those around you in 2009!

~Janice~ :)

In case you were wondering....

In case you've been wondering what I've been up to since you've practically not heard from me the past few weeks due to my hectic schedule, the past few days have finally been 'aahhhhh, relaxing!' Just like the seal you see in this picture! I know that by next week my life will take a wonderful spin and the 'calgon time' will come to an end so I'm trying to live it up and enjoy this week while it last. I hope you can find time to do the same. No matter how hectic life is, I've learned how important it is to treasure these times. There will always be dishes that need washed, laundry to be done, errands to run, office work, etc, etc, etc....but for right now - it can wait...find those little moments to refresh, sit back, smell the coffee and enjoy this life that's been given to you. Love a lot, laugh a lot and ENJOY!!

Smiles,

Tracee, sigh :)

Everything Matters

Hello my awesome friends! Yes, I am alive - thanks to Janice, if it weren't for her this blog would've been awfully quiet the past week. Put it this way, it's been mighty crazy in my neck of the woods with in-laws in town, a 2 day trip to Nashville, Christmas church events, etc...I just couldn't squeeze in the time to even think much less write. I couldn't wait for this past Tuesday to arrive because I finally was able to sleep in! Wow, how awesome it was too! ; )

So, here it is Christmas Eve and I'm sitting here in my apron feeling like a real chef...haha! I'm baking and enjoying spending time with my daughter as she helps me whip up some fun goodies for the holidays.

After talking with my sister that lives in Florida and telling her about the amazing blessings from God with the wild provisions He's performed for us this Christmas season, she said something that struck me and it was - "Everything matters to Jesus." How absolutely true! When it comes to us, His children, everything matters - everything we love, everything we long for, everything we dream of, everything we do every single day - It ALL matters to Him. That totally rocks! I love my Jesus.

I hope that you have a BEAUTIFUL Christmas - no matter what season you are in right now, know that EVERYTHING MATTERS to Jesus - live it up and rejoice - because Jesus really is the reason for this gorgeous season.

Lots of hugs and kisses,

Tracee, amazed

You never know who's watching...

All last week, my entire focus was on our annual trip to Florida for Christmas. I have to admit that in the 8 Christmas' that I have had with my husband's side of the family, the one thing that has remained constant is the stress involved with the party my brother-in-law and sister-in-law host every year. On a side note, you know how people say, "Discover the gifts that God has given you and excel at them."? - Planning/Organizing big family parties is not one of their gifts, but they do try! I have found myself thrown in the middle at times and stressed to the gills! I have found myself mentally preparing for days before I get there. See, I am a planner and an organizer, not to mention a chef, but it is their party and as much as I would love to come in and take over to reduce the stress I feel, but also in the atmosphere, I can't. I'm sure you can empathize with me. This year, I let go. (aren't you proud!!)

I can't tell you how hard it was for me. I can't tell you how freeing it felt. I can't tell you how much better I feel (physically and mentally). It is one of those things that can't be put into words, only experience. So what did I do instead, you ask? I spent the day with my kids! It was wonderful! Later in the day, I watched my 2 year old nephew and got him to take a good nap, (effortlessly too, I might add - a miracle - and the first one witnessed that night!).

By the time the party started, I was in charge of my kids, my 2 year old nephew, and his soon-to-be 1 year old twin sisters! It was great! We had fun and I told my sister-in-law that this is my new thing! Every year, I will help by taking her youngest three (she has 5), and my kids somewhere while they prepare for the party.

The party started and I continued to watch out for kids as they were passed from one adult to the next while my sibling-in-laws hosted the party. Little did I know that I was being watched all night long by my elders. You never know who is watching you and when. As I reflected on the night, there were times of correction, discipline, praise and obedience required from my nieces and nephews. I remember that I was being myself and that it was easy to do the right thing and react correctly - I have no regrets. I also remember that as we live righteously for God, that others will see without us saying a word to them. It is part of our testimony. It becomes a part of us, "of our new man (woman) in Christ, old things (reactions, words, attitudes, etc.) are put away, all things become new." How many others have watched and seen our reactions, actions and heard our words or seen our attitudes?

Later that night, I received compliments from those elders, and the next day, one of them made the point to call ME, at my mother-in-law's house to tell me what an impression that I made on her. I am thankful! You never know who is watching! Live righteously before the Lord first, then (effortlessly,) it becomes a testimony to all men.

~Janice~ Living this life for Christ! In ALL Areas!