Endurance

Last month in Children's Church, we learned about the virtue Endurance.......sticking with something even when it gets tough. I learn as much as the kids. For the past 8 weeks, Sterling and I have been working really hard on becoming healthier and stronger. We have both tried dieting many times before, and never got very far. I am thrilled to say this time has been different. Sterling has lost 22 pounds and gone down one pants size! I have lost 17 lbs and also gone down one pants size! We are working out every day, except Saturday and Sunday, and eating healthy most meals.....a few indulgences here and there! About 3 weeks ago, I got very discouraged because I was not losing quite as fast as before, and I really wanted to give up. Which is what has always happened in the past. God brought to my attention what I had been teaching all last month to the kids at church.....ENDURANCE....sticking with something EVEN WHEN it gets tough! I tell you, eating really healthy and working out 5 days a week or more is HARD! It takes so much discipline, energy, and determination. It does not matter what size you are when you start a diet and exercise program. It does not matter how much you have to lose. It is hard for everyone. It is of course the classic struggle of giving up what the flesh wants, and pleasing the spirit. It is so hard when everyone else is eating what you want. One thing Sterling has taught me in our 14 years of marriage is appreciation for good food. And it is hard to pass up the fried foods and yummy desserts for whole wheat and fruit! But, God has blessed our efforts by giving us both more energy than we have had in many years. I feel better than ever, and I actually get depressed if I have to miss working out, because I love it now! Still hard.....but it makes me feel so good now. My anxiety is so much more under control. I cut my medication in half and I am doing wonderful! I am so proud of Sterling, and he is loving the fact that he needs new clothes now :)! He looks amazing! I have to recommend Leslie Sansone's Walk Slim walking program! She is a fabulous Christian woman who gets you energized and fit fast! Any age at any level can do her program. I love it! I want to encourage anyone out there reading, who maybe keeps putting off starting a good exercise routine, like I did for 34 years :). It is never too late to start and never too late to reap a harvest of great health and strong living! Like Leslie says "Walk Strong"!

Time is Flying!

So much has happened since my last blog entry. Sterling and I had a wonderful anniversary. He picked me up in a porsche, and we went to a romantic place for dinner and a movie. We actually got to go out on several dates the past few weeks and it has been great. I am used to talking to him on the phone through out each day and of course living next door to his office, allows me to see him all the time. When groups are here though, I see a lot less of him, and I really start to miss him.....so a few dates here and there make up for it!
Madison turned 9 on June 3. She had a Hannah Montana Pop Star Slumber Party on Friday June 1. She invited her two closest friends, which happen to go to Crossroads, and they had a blast. Maretta, from next door, came over all decked out, and gave them a manicure/pedicure. The girls had so much fun with her! They spray painted their hair pink, and enjoyed Hannah Montana cupcakes. The next morning, we had smiley face pancakes to bring the party to a close.
A precious lady at our church, treated the 4 of us to center stage orchestra seats to the Lion King on Broadway. The day ended up falling on June 2, so it made Madison's Birthday weekend all the better. It was Sterling's first show and he really enjoyed it. It was fabulous! When we were leaving, I spotted "Abby" from the TV show ER. She was right behind us. We did not want to bother her, but I did take a picture of her from afar. Another celebrity sighting....always fun. We topped off the weekend with a wonderful day at church, and I cooked Madison's favorite meal that night, and attempted to make her my Mamaw's famous red velvet cake. The icing however is very tricky......it turned out OK.....but not like my Mamaw's, so I will try again on Emma's Birthday :). It is the best cake ever! I can't believe my baby is one year away from being a preteen. She is so precious and has the best heart. Emma will be 4 on June 18. She is having a puppy party....so that should be fun. She warms my heart more every day. I will post pictures of everything soon.
There is so much to be done here at Crossroads cosmetically. So overwhelming, and it is weighing us down. But, God has really spoken to my heart, through His word, and through Sterling's wisdom, that it is all about people. Nothing else really matters. Yes, we have to get things completed. Everything needing to be done will better the ministry here. But, letting the time frame and stress get ahead of just loving people and being accessible, defeats our whole purpose. God is drawing people to Him. He is softening hearts. He is awakening hearts. He is all over the place.....and watching Him work, and being apart of it, is greater than accomplishing anything else. It is hard to stay focused on the main thing sometimes. It is so easy to get weighed down by every day worries. But, I know that God will bring it all to completion in His time, as long as we continue to place first things first.........and that is people. People come before a clean house, before finishing basement floors, before painting, before exercising, before sleep, before rest, and anything else that takes our focus off the mission.
Pray for the list of things to shorten a little more each week, each month. Pray for financial means to cover expenses. But, more than that, pray that we will continue to show God's love to all around us. We are excited for and praying for one of our most favorite people, "Mr. Pat" as our girls call him......Astronaut Pat Forrester, who is going up in space this Friday! We love you Pat!