I STILL MISS YOU

Father's Day was tough this year, to say the very least. But what softens the blow when we've lost loved ones, are the memories. Always, the memories. And oh, those memories!!

My dear cousin, who also lost her father (one month after my father passed), shared this quote with my sister and me. And we agree that it sums up all that we feel, and all that we will feel as the years go by.

I share this today to help someone else who may be going through loss. We will never "get over" the death of our loved ones, but we will learn to live with their absence.

For me, my late husband, and my father, are alive in my heart and in the hearts of their descendants. We reminisce on a regular basis, often quoting their wise words and funny quips. This reminds us of the love we came from, and the love we share and will continue to pass on to others along this journey. Even in loss, even in sorrow, even through the hurt and pain - I'm blessed. Because they once gave me love!

 Father's Day, 2014, with my Dad, 11/12/1934 - 1/7/2015 R.I.P.

Special Night- with my hubby and father of my children, 6/26/1954 - 5/8/2010 R.I.P.

...because I'm happy!

And even more than being "happy," I have joy. Happiness is conditional most of the time. It has more to do with what's going on around us, what's happening to/with/for us, etc. I don't live in that realm anymore.

I've found joy. And peace comes along with joy. With both, there is a sustaining factor that holds fast even when the circumstances aren't the best.  This joy I have came from the Giver of all good and perfect gifts...( James 1:17)  This kind of joy is indestructible - nothing can penetrate it, not those who would try to do you harm; not even the death of loved ones. This peace is abiding and steadfast, and brings a smile of knowing and contentment in the midst of the storms.

God is great and has given me so much for which to be thankful. I'm truly grateful and honored - if He doesn't do another thing for me. I'm blessed and happy in the Lord!

A Concern Of Mine

There were so many titles I could've given this... but some of my choices would have been too controversial for a few. And while I'm not opposed to or afraid of being seen as controversial, I do  wish to bring my messages in such a way as to woo minds gently into another point of view.

I'm not naive. I know err/botty ain't in "receive mode" and some never will be.

Here it is, though -

It amazes me when I hear parents say they will not raise their children with any spiritual foundation, but will allow them to decide what religion they want to follow  for themselves. My question is and has always been: "And why would they ever choose a 'spiritual foundation' or 'religion'?"

How about, if nothing spiritual is modeled in the home from a young age, then the child, 8 times out of 10, will choose ....nothing.
Oh, one may say, "Well, being a 'good person' is what's important." I won't disagree. But I am positive that being a good person (staying on the right side of the law, following the golden rule - which are Biblical principals, btw), has limitations. One of the biggest drawbacks is - being "good" can be very subjective. Add to that the newspeak..."this is my truth"... whoa nelly! Where oh where and WHAT is the standard by which truth is measured?

Some may say - "Why do we need a standard?"  Please. Look around. Things aren't all right. And if we're bringing new, precious lives into this not all right place, and making them as comfortable as we can, yet failing to provide them with a belief system, a Faith, an introduction to a RELATIONSHIP (not a religion) with God - that, in my studied, humble opinion, is an EPIC FAIL!

As a Believer, I could give all kinds of Scripture to completely back up what I'm saying. Many of you reading know them as well. However, that's not my point today. My point is - parents... as you're making decisions to bring new people into this very dark place - be careful that, in giving them everything else, you don't deprive them of what will keep them strong, unafraid and at peace when they leave the nest. Oh. This might mean you'll have to make some changes/choices, too.  For we cannot give what we do not have. < That was coined by someone else - and I like it.

Peace

Keeping It Fit, Keeping It Healthy, Keeping It MOVING - Together!

Bruce and me Memorial Day Weekend

The Mister and I have over one hundred years of combined life experience, after carrying the ones, tens, and so forth! That being said, we've reached the mature ages where we're pretty confident about the things we don't want in our lives from this point forward.

As Baby Boomers, we're among the many who have chosen to live lean and clean. And as a couple engaged in couples' ministry, we understand that it is vital to be fit vessels, and lead/live by example. All kinds of studies have been done on the ever increasing number of individuals enjoying good health and strength well into their Golden years. Thanks to both modern technology and good old fashioned healthful living - going back to basics and organically grown foods - people can live to be  productive at 100 years!

In our house, we've made intentional changes in the way we

Berry good!

approach our eating habits, and have experienced the benefits of regular cardio fitness routines, hydration and proper rest. Last year, I shared our 7 day juice cleansing fast - which was a huge success. We both lost inches and pounds in the double-digits! Consistency is key, and Bruce and I have been faithful to the plan.

It's always good to add more good things to the regimen. And what I've found is that adding on becomes necessary because our bodies let us know when we've reached a plateau and it's time for "more". The process is dynamic, not static; and so, I look forward to pressing on and exceeding the goals I've set. We reach for the highest we've ever achieved...and move beyond that! That's when we actually begin to experience the positive affects of all our good labor!

My personal best is always just that. Mine. I jog/run daily on my own in the park and on the weekends with the women's running group, "Black Girls Run".  Bruce's personal best is his own as well. He's on his bicycle almost every day, and we power walk together regularly. There is so much satisfaction when we both strive for our goals, achieve them - and celebrate one another for the achievement. The encouragement and support we give and receive, the concern, accountability and"tough love" we may sometimes need- is priceless! And it's so important to "keep it real" with one another.  Most of all, we engage in this lifestyle and have each others' backs without pressure. This keeps it fun, and enjoyable to the point where each day is a new adventure to look forward to!

No matter what the activity, regimen or routine - there is absolutely nothing like being partners in healthful living with your spouse or significant other. Changing your lifestyle requires changing your mind and replacing bad habits with good ones; the rewards are endless. Please believe me!

3-day smoothie/juicer that ends today!

Me at the park - in my" Girls on the Run"
 Tee

My new Nikes! - gift from Bruce!

The Full Monty

Bruce and his bike!

Cover Me - Her Emotions

Boaz Ministries

The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. Psalm 34:22

Lord, help me not to react inappropriately or withdraw from my wife emotionally when I don’t understand her.  Give me patience and sensitivity, and may prayer be my FIRST reaction to her emotions and not a last resort.  Although I’m aware that I cannot meet my wife’s every emotional need, I know that You can. I am not trying to absolve myself from meeting any of her needs, but I know that some of them are intended to be met only by You.  I pray that You would fill her with Your peace and joy today. Amen.

Cover Me - Her Emotions

Boaz Ministries

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Lord, give (wife’s name) discernment today about what she receives into her mind. I pray she will quickly identify lies about herself, her life, or her future. Help her to recognize when there is a battle going on in her mind and to be aware of the enemy’s tactics. Remind her to stick to Your battle plan and rely on the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word (Ephesians 6:17).  Keep me aware of when my wife is struggling so I can talk openly with her about what is on her mind and in her heart. Enable us to communicate clearly so that we don’t allow the enemy to enter in with confusion or misrepresentation. Amen.

Cover Me - Her Emotions

Boaz Ministries

Her Emotions

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Lord, I am so grateful that You have made my wife to be a woman of deep thoughts and feelings. I know that You have intended this for good, but I also know that the enemy of her soul will try to use it for evil. Help me to discern when he is doing that and enable me to pray accordingly.  Protect her from the author of lies and help her to cast down “every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)  Amen.