New Years Day

After being away for two days (that's all I can handle), I came home and was happy to be home.  I just wanted to be still and enjoy my home.  No more gifts to wrap. No more meals to cook. No more worrying about the events we would be doing.  Christmas came and it came too soon. Months of preparations are now left only pieces of torn up wrappings left under the tree.  But what about the reason for this joyous celebration?  What happened to Jesus?  Did we leave him under the Christmas tree with those torn up wrappings?  Or did we, as some of us did, hold him in our arms and praised God for his son?  Did we welcome the Savior of the World with hymns and praises?  

As I tried to get back on track from being away and not having time to run, I met a young man named Daniel.  I've always been a people person, but when it comes to talking to complete strangers while they are walking, it's weird.  How would you like it if someone comes jogging up to you out of the blue and tells you that Jesus loves you.  Well, that's me.  I wasn't always as bold as I am today.  In fact there were times where God had a message for someone and I just ignored it and ran.  I ran until I felt this heaviness in my heart.  God had a message for that person.  It's not easy.  The older you get the more you feel that you have to be accepted by everyone.  Of course I don't want to be labeled as some crazy nut.  But the more I listened to God, the more I knew that the person he had a message for really needed him at that time. 

I don't know you. You are a stranger, but God knows you.  

This is my motto now.   Jesus for me wasn't left under the Christmas tree.  He can't even be explained.  The people of his time despised him. People were afraid of him.  Jesus.  A man who came as a gift from God for all man kind.  Jesus is alive.  If we look inside our hearts and see that Jesus loves us no matter who we are, no matter what we do or what we have done.  He just wants you.  So, as I reflect on everything this Jesus has done in my life, I've come up with 10 things I (YOU TOO) should focus on this year.

1. Be You.  Yup. Just you.  Don't try to compare yourself with others.  We didn't come from the same genes, the same mother or father, so sometimes we are stuck with those characteristics that make us unique.
2. Give More.  Time. Money.  I don't know which one is easier to give up so I listed them both.  Money is a gift and we are always short on time.  Give Both.
3. It's okay to not be Perfect.  I've always thought that being perfect or having the perfect job or home would make me happy.  It's when things are messed up and out of whack that I can see God working in me.  
4. Stand up for what you believe in.  That for me meant quitting my job.  2 weeks before Christmas in fact.  Wise?  No.  But I was bold enough to stand up in what I couldn't do.  I couldn't work nights and it was causing me grief and stress.  
5. If you make a decision, stick to it and don't go back.  That was me in response to #4.  Fear. But, if we make a decision and go back and forth on it, we are not only hurting ourselves, but those around us.  When I made my decision to quit my job, I told my boss that it wasn't fair for the patients or the nurses that I continue to work nights and call in when I couldn't physically make it to work.  In nursing the patients rely on you.  Your coworker can't take the load of your patients too.
6. Laugh.  And if you already laugh, laugh more.  I was on my couch today laughing for no reason. Although the kids gave me dirty looks, it was okay, I needed to laugh.  Believe me, there will be a time to cry. 
7. Cry.  Yes, it's okay to cry. I cry all the time. I'm emotional.  I cry when I read a sad story, I cry during a touching movie.  I cry.  Jesus wept. 
8. Run. Walk.  And if you can't do either one, do Yoga.  Yoga is a great way to relax.  It's good for the body, great for the soul.  Thank you, Veronica Armstrong for your awesome classes. 
9. Find a Hobby.  Do you like to draw?  Read?  Crotchet? Knit? Sew? Don't know how?  There are many books out there that can teach you. Go to YouTube and you can find just about every video made by human hands to help guide you with your endeavors.  And reading has opened up a new world for me.  A new world without having to cook meals and wash dishes or homeschool the kids. I just read until my heart is content. 
10. Don't wait to use your talents for that perfect job.  God wants to use you right now.  Right where you are.  You don't have to wait another year or two to do exactly what you think God wants you to do.  Just Do Something.  Sometimes we just need to live life!!!

My excuse to run. I get to see this beautiful scene.  

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer

Christmas Bells

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come, 

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way, 

The world revolved from night to day, 

A voice, a chime, 

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South, 

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearth-stone of a continent, 

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

"There is no peace on earth," I said, 

"For hate is strong, 

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The Wrong shall fail, 

The Right prevail, 

With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)

Merry Christmas!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer

What I am most thankful for.

Exhausted? Accomplished?  Loved?  Thankful?  

I've been seeing numerous post from my very thankful friends about what they are thankful for in their lives. I read some that have been posting for 16 days, 20 days, etc.  I read everyone of them intently.  Then I ponder the question during this time of the year, "What am I most thankful for"?  This may sound  just like posting all the runs I do on my dailymile.  They are not there for boasting or some sort of "I exercised today, what did you do?"  No, not at all. It simply is a reminder to get myself going.  When you've been a size 16 for a long time, you need some motivation after 8 years to keep running, cycling, or doing some really cool Yoga moves.  So, I'm sure those thankful posts that I never started are for that reason, the person who displays this thankfulness wants to be reminded about all the good things in his/her life.

I had a co-worker talk me out of working an extra shift the other day. I already had worked 5 days (12hour shifts) and this would be an "extra" day.  You know, extra Christmas gift.  And no, not the Playstation 4 ( I cannot justify paying $500.00 for a gaming system, but that's just me).  I don't even watch T.V. and my pure joy in life would be a new pair of running shoes.  Yup, I'm a simple girl who would rather spend her time running 10 miles than go shopping.  My body thanked my friend as I woke up on my one day off and just did my motherly duties.  I cooked a delicious dish of enchiladas, rice and beans for my family. I baked bread. I cleaned. I shopped. I enjoyed my one day off.  I found joy simply in being in the presence of my family than having an extra gift under the tree.  Which leads me to today, 3 days before Thanksgiving.  

I'm sure all you out there have all your preparations set for this day.  The turkey has been bought. The recipe book has been looked through.  The family will get together.  The setting will be splendid and we will have a jolly old time.

A time, I pray that you will see whats in front of you.  Observe your surroundings. Breathe in the aromas of the moment.   Embrace your loved ones.  Laugh and let love fill your heart.  One day, when you get older or should I say, I'm 21 ( my many patients think I'm in my 20's),  you will look back on all the years you've spent celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas and remember the moments you spent with your loved ones. My memory is of my grandmother.  And if you have a loved one that has passed,  remember them by the joy and love they brought into your life.

I know I'm early, but I couldn't resist.
  Its our first year with a big tree. 

 Who needs Starbucks?
Hot Cocoa. 

 I am most thankful for my Family, my husband who never ceases to amaze me, for those of you who dont' know, he endured total hip replacements to both hips in August and was walking with a cane 2 weeks later, my mom who talks to Jesus for me, my son D.J who is too cool for his own shirt, for Zach who is pretty awesome at Taekwondo and for Emily who leaves reams of paper everywhere with little drawings on them. To my In laws who have always been there for us. And to my sister in laws, Keila and Patty for staying away from us and giving us space (although we do miss our get togethers. Lol!)  And of course, my brothers Conrad and Peter and my sisters Tita and Crystal.  Although Tita doesn't cause my mom grief, I'm glad we are not perfect.   Much Love!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer

Unity

"I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

"The Glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.
"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 

"O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: Book of John 17-20-26


My savior carried the worlds burdens on his shoulders.  That one evening thousands of years ago, Jesus knelt down, joined his wrinkled, worn out hands together and pleaded.

Pleaded, I say because I know how it is to pray and I know how it is to plead.  When I pray, I rejoice, I sing, I make my requests known to my heavenly Father.  When I plead, I cry, I sometimes yell out to God and I'm so sad that my heart breaks.   That day when Jesus would carry all the sins of the world as it was revealed to him by our heavenly Father, he pleaded.  I am not saying that I have felt the pain that he endured that night before he would be sentenced, but I do know the feeling of your heart feeling like a ton of bricks and there is nothing you can do about it.
 I've felt my cries go up to Heaven  only to be returned with silence. I've felt depression so bad that it makes me want to run away from the world and never come back.  I've felt the weight of the world dragging me down and no one is there with a life boat to save me.  There were times my Mom would call me crying, her pleas for the Lord to deliver her children from the bondage of sin.

So, as I read the above passage, I can imagine Jesus, kneeling there on the ground, pleading for You.  Not just me, but for You.  There were times I've felt saddens that cannot be taken away. I don't know what will become of those who have not entrusted their lives to the Lord, but I do know that there was this one man, thousand of years ago who even being tired and worn out from the world, knelt down on that day in the Garden of Gethsemane to plead for YOUR precious soul.

If you don't know his name, Let me tell you, 

It's Jesus.  Jesus Christ.  Known to me as Yeshua.  Also known to others as the Son of God. 

(Lately my pleas have been for my family, so I just wanted to share something with them)

Junior, I love you.  Please don't give up on God, he hasn't given up on you.

Peter,  I cannot even begin to understand what you have been through in your life.  I love you more than you will ever know and I'm so proud of you.

Mom, You are Amazing, Strong, and even though the flames of the devil come at you, know that you have a daughter who is shielding those flames with the power of  He, who payed the ultimate price for us.

Tita, You too are an Amazing Mother.  To take on the task of homeschooling  your children makes me so proud of you.  I'm sorry I am not there to guide you through.  I miss you already.  You are the best sister I could ever have.

Crystal, I don't worry as much about you. When you finish your time, the Lord will guide your steps.  I love you so much.

Jesus.  He gives me Peace and Love. 

This is My Joy, riding my nieces bike.  

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic, 
Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer

Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Or in my case, making Yoga bags and JennieBands to get us through these next few weeks.

This week I disappointed many people. My boss. My husband. My kids. My friends. And most of all, Myself.  

I felt like the world was closing in on me and all I could do was just stand there.  Frozen.  That's all. I just stood there on the phone as my boss told me that my nursing license expired and that I would not be able to go to work until it was in "good standing."  I stood there as my husband called me on the phone telling me that he did a split in the kitchen when he slipped on the kitchen rug.  I stood there as my kids voiced that there were hungry as I was at the sewing machine trying to make Yoga bags.  I just stood there when my friend texts me that she needed my help on her research paper. I  just stood there frustrated with Zach as he couldn't understand why 6/8= 3/4.

  Then one day I stood there looking at myself in the mirror asking God to change my heart, to help  me get out of this "funk".  Lord, help me to Love others when I don't feel like it. 

Then the next day came the "Why me Lord?" I'm so organized. I homeschool my kiddos, work full-time, volunteer, take care of my husband who just had surgery and I pray everyday.  Why did I forget to renew my license? What happened?  Why can't Zachary be a math genius?  Why does my friend need me?  Why can't I just be a stay at home mom and make Yoga bags and JennieBands? Why can't I have a maid to come cook the 3 meals I need so that David doesn't have to help?
(Well, actually I didn't say those words exactly, but you get the point.)

I questioned. Who doesn't?  I cried. If you don't cry, your not human.  I got angry.  I got depressed. I fought with myself.  Satan has a way of telling you lies. He tells you that you're not worth being alive. He's a beast.

Sunday is when I realized that all the pain that I was going through this week was just  that, "Pain."  It doesn't define who I am. It doesn't define my job or who I am in Christ. God doesn't wish that I endure the pain or that I suffer.  He payed the price by sending Jesus on the cross to die for everything that we would do.  By dying on that cross, he took up our sins and made them his.  The pain we go through is preparing us for the joy that we will have for eternity.  If we didn't experience pain then we would take everything for granted.

That was my case. I complained about being a Nurse. I was tired of sewing. I wanted to quit volunteering.  A local homeschool mom told me about a classical school that was opening up soon in our neighborhood and it enticed me to enroll them in a program that I was already implementing for the last 6 years of our journey. I wanted my husband to be well, to help out in the kitchen, to start driving, to be normal.

All that wanting was causing stress and pain in my heart.    I want. I want. I want.
Selfishness started to creep in.  BOOM!!!! Lightening struck and God taught me a lesson.  All the blessings he had given me and my family began to be burdensome. I started to let bitterness creep in.  If you let bitterness brew long enough in your heart, Satan takes over and he then begins a work in you.

What about you?  Have you complained about your blessings?  Has life handed you lemons and you don't know what to do with them.  Well, my friend, make lemonade, come over to my house and lets share a glass.   

James 4:7

Submit yourselves, then, to god, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic, 
Eat Gluten-Free, 
Jennifer

What's Your Focus?

As I embark into another year of homeschooling I am reminded that God should be first in all I do.

Before I check my FaceBook status, before I roll out of bed and eagerly jump for joy as I'm preparing for my day I need to FOCUS on the Creator.  FOCUS doesn't have to be a chore, neither does it have to be a burden.  When we FOCUS on the giver of Life, He gives Life. 

It's as if He's waiting for us every morning, ready to breathe life into us, but we so eagerly want to start our day without that perfect breathe. Without that Life Force that sustains us through whatever life throws our way, we want to FOCUS on Me, My Wants, My Needs, Mine, Mine, Mine!!!

Remember Adam and Eve?  A perfect masterpiece; Adam, God breathed life into. In my mind I picture a person being resuscitated (yup, that's the Nurse in me).  Just like when someone needs CPR and the other person breathes into them to give them oxygen, that's the way I see God giving life.  He gave it and so do we.    

It's that FOCUS that brings me back from my selfish desires, (the Me, Myself and I) and with my Palms Up, I'm ready to say "Yes God!"   When I FOCUS on God, everything else seems to disappear.  The loneliness fades, my thoughts become His thoughts, my Spirit starts to work in line with God's will for me and my family.  As trials come, I can embrace them with open arms and say, "Jesus, take the wheel."

Uncertainties that linger in my mind are replaced with his assurance that "I make all things new."

This week I will FOCUS ON:

HIS LOVE, 

HIS GRACE, 

HIS MERCIES THAT ARE MADE ANEW EVERY MORNING 

AND RELY ON HIS STRENGTH TO SEE ME THROUGH.

WHAT'S YOUR FOCUS?

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer 

Thirty-Seven Minutes

Thirty-Seven minutes.  That's all. Sounds simple enough.  You think? 

Last night was truly a miracle.  We got home around 8:00 p.m. (not exact, can't remember these days) after the blood transfusion and we ordered take out Chinese food, huddled in David's room and a sigh of relief all escaped our (smelly) breathes.

I can say that I was worried.  Within 20 minutes of the last bag of blood that was finished we were being handed discharge paperwork.  Now, don't get me wrong, we did want to leave. David and I were given the option of staying until Saturday morning or leaving that night.  Grandpa and the kids would be visiting so it made sense to do it that night and have everyone help out.  My lovely bed came into my mind. Sleep. Yes, sleep on my bed. Comfy bed.  Everything was set up at home, hospital bed, deluxe mattress, bedside commode, shower chair, wheelchair and walker.  I laughed (inside) when the Case Manager was suggesting we go to Goodwill in Georgetown to get a walker and that if we needed a shower chair, to use a table you use for flowers at the Garden Center at Lowe's.  I gladly handed her the $115.00 we needed for the walker and the hip kit.  I guess she had no clue that I'm a nurse and that the Salas family is filled with brilliant nurses, including myself.  And we do have our own personal Pastor; Juan Salas.

David felt at peace. He never awoke at night.  I decided at 6:30 a.m. to check on him. Yup. He was awake.  "Are you in any pain?" I ask.  Yes.
Like I said, it was a miracle.  He slept.  The pain was controlled.  It was as if God's heavenly angels sang lullabies to him.  Prayer. That's what I can say.  Prayer is powerful.  

So, after settling in this morning and finishing up breakfast at 11a.m., he decided to go back to bed.  I've been lost without running, but I will cope and hopefully my mood will be good.  "You can go run if you want." It's as if he read my mind.  I was planning on doing the treadmill and a YouTube video of some exercises, but running sounded better . Thirty-seven minutes I told myself. Not Forty minutes; 37. Run. Fast.

 "Are you sure?"  Yes, I'm sure, the kids are here, I'm fine, Go!!  

Weather check before I go.  Yup. 91 degrees already.  Okay, sunscreen, glasses and off I go.  Legs were fast. Of course they would be, last run was Monday and my legs were screaming!!!  4 miles was the plan.
Halfway through my run I see an older gentleman walking.  I'm always drawn to people. No matter what, I always stop, say hello and ask (yes, I'm nosy) as to where they are heading.  Who walks in 91 degree weather?  Well, who runs in it too?  Find out this man, who by the way had a triple bypass surgery recently, had thought it was Friday and decided to take the bus to Lakeline Mall and then take the bus back to Leander where he would walk about 2 miles to get home.   Apparently it doesn't take you back on a Saturday.  A friend of his had knee surgery and was unavailable to take him home.  This man walked 3 hours from Lakeline to the New Hope Baptist Church on 183. What in the world?  I offered to give him a ride, he said he was fine and I told him I would pray for him.  The more we talked (he asked me if I was Hispanic and if I knew anything about Cactus plants), I felt a tug at my heart and could see Jesus.  Well, not literally, but I could see Jesus in disguise.

1 John 3:17-18
English Standard Version (ESV)
17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him,how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

I remember the verse in Matthew 25 where Jesus speaks about seeing someone in need and doing it as if it was Jesus.  That is a strong concept to accept in a society where if you are a different color, people tend to see you as less equal.  Now, I don't like to talk about people's prejudices. Let's just leave it at that.

Mr. Walker was his name.  He was an older African American from Arkansas who walked 3 hours to meet Jennifer.  Jennifer then would run back home as fast as she could and take him to his little home in Leander.
10 miles.  That's what he would have walked to get home.  103 degrees by the time I picked him up.

If you were to see Jesus in disguise, would you look the other way or would you stop and listen?
In the midst of my busyness and my circumstances with David, God uses each and every one of us.
Listen to the call.  Don't turn a blind eye. We all need each other.

Until Next Time,
Eat Organic, 
Eat Gluten-Free, 
Jennifer Salas
( And No, I'm not a Saint, or an angel.  I'm not Perfect either. I'm just a plain old girl who is in Love with God.)

Overdrive

I lied when I said that I was going to stay in bed all day.  I wouldn't even change out of my pajamas.  Nope, I would lay in bed all day and do nothing.  I lied to myself.  David and the kids had no idea what I was planning on doing today.  The plan was:  no church, a good meal, and that I would not be running around doing errands today.
11:30 am came too soon.  I woke up, that was after getting up at 7am to take my older son, D.J. to work at Schlotzskys.  He needed my expertise in writing his two week notice for work.  Yup. No more spending money for this 16 year old. In fact, I feel bad, no more Schlotzskys sandwiches, their salads or more importantly, no more cinnabons.  No more free meals. Sad. But with school approaching and football being his number one goal in life, he would soon have to leave. D.J.'s work isn't done yet, for in two days, his father, my beloved husband will be going under the knife.  It feels like just yesterday that we were getting the news that in a month the surgeon would be performing both total hip replacements.  Yup, you heard right.  Not one, but two.  We are not crazy and we did not plan on him having both done at the same time.  Both hip joints are at the brink of death.  When you've suffered 3 long years with pain, you will do anything for the pain to go away.  This is where the healing begins.  In that song by Tenth Avenue North, the singer states, "This is where the healing begins. This is where the healing starts. When you come to where you're broken within, the light meets the dark."  The healing we have been praying for years.  The healing that only the giver of Life gives freely to those who have confessed that he is Lord.  The healing that for so long our soul longs for.
 David has experienced spiritual healing; physical healing awaits.
We waited patiently for this.  David more than I.  I just didn't know what to do sometimes.  This is where I just kept pushing through. I kept praying. I was a woman after God. A woman praying for her husband's healing.
Yesterday I felt like the energizer bunny.  I went all day.  Never stopped.  I felt if I sat for one moment the world wouldn't function without me.  There has been so much to do that I had to just keep on going. So as I stumbled out of bed at 11:30am, I wasn't refreshed, but I  finished the rest of the preparations for David.  No matter what we go through in life, God is always there.  It seems when I can just sit and absorb all his glory that's when he recharges me.  He restores my soul.  He gives me peace. 

 I am a woman after God's heart because if I pursue him like he pursued me at the tender age of 18,  he will give me all the strength I need to endure whatever may come my way.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  

Our Vacation at Padre Island.
His favorite pic of us. 

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic, 
Eat Gluten-Free, 
Jennifer
(My daily sweet has been Hail Merry's Chocolate Almond Butter Tart. If you haven't tried, I strongly recommend )

Sea Turtles

Four Loads of Laundry

One Big Box of Mexican Bread

Five Very Tired Human Beings!!!

I spent most of the time lying down in our tent.  Yup, I know, my legs are sexy!!!
 Lol!!!!

Now that's what I call a vacation.  So, this year we officially took a vacation.  Last year we worked through Summer and just took a day off when we felt like it. But this year was going to be different.  I vowed to the kids that we would take a "Real" vacation.  You know one where you would actually drive somewhere and stay at a Hotel.  The kids had no idea where we were going.  I kept it a surprise because I wanted it to be special.   We decided on Corpus Christi because this is where my husband, David grew up.  I remember going there once when D.J. was 5 years old.  Our trip would be centered around the Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery release. There goes the Homeschool Mom in me.  I can't help it.  

Our way up there was not fun at all. It was pouring down rain.  In fact a couple of days before our trip it was down pouring here in Leander.  My only thought was to cancel the trip, but I didn't want to. I prayed it would get better. The public hatchling release was scheduled for Friday, July 19. For safety reasons the turtles would not be released if it there was any sign of lightening or thunderstorms. We just prayed. The kids prayed and by Thursday, it cleared up.  By Friday, we were sent a message that it was set to go as scheduled.  Our tired bodies were up by 4 am and we set off to Padre Island.  The kids still had no idea.  Zach said he saw a sign that said Turtle Release at 6:30 am, so he knew.  Emily didn't want to look that way.  

About 250 people showed up to the event.  There's something just spectacular about creation. Whether it be a human being or an animal like a sea turtle, God's creation is magnificent.  

I admit I cried as the first turtle was released.  Then 67 more were released and off they made their way to the sunrise.  It amazes me how God placed the sun exactly where these little hatchlings would follow. We hope to make this a yearly event.  

If you would like more information on how to attend one of these events, visit, Padre Island NS Division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery on Facebook page.  

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic, 

Eat Gluten-Free

I haven't!!! Lol!!

Jennifer

Harry Potter Adventure

If you would have asked me 3 years ago if I would ever watch a Harry Potter movie or read the book. I would have looked at you, prayed to God in my head and then kindly and gently respond "No." D.J. my oldest read all the books. Emily and Zach were not interested in them and I of course could not come to read a 100 page book, a thick 500 page plus book would be totally out of the question.
Lately the only reading I do is through Audible.com.  No picking up a book for me unless it's my Bible.  Recently I signed up for the Adult Reading Club at my local library and I have yet to read the "Love Story" that sits on my couch.  D.J. has picked it up several times to read. He's gotten through half the book. How sad!!! His mom can't even find time to read.

So, lets get back to my Harry Potter Adventure.  Yes, an Adventure I must say because I've only watched one episode.  Our local pawn shop had all the series on Blue Ray so I purchased them for our "Harry Potter Movie Marathon."  The kids had been recently watching the Avatar Series.  I think they got to episode 18, Book 3.  Why was I so against Harry Potter?  Witchery?  Fear of the unknown.  I let D.J. read the series so why was I so against watching the episodes.  Well, Let me tell you why.

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.  You see Fear is considered to be outside of God's plan.
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7.
Even young Timothy grasped this concept.  Chosen by Paul to preach the good news, Timothy was persecuted and eventually stoned to death for trying to stop a pagan ceremony to preach the good news.
When we step out in faith, not even death has it's sting on us.  For I feared the unknown.  I feared that a little bit of what I would see or read would take hold of my heart and change me. But will it?  Am I that weak to let a movie like Harry Potter or even a nonreligious book change the way I feel about God?
The answer is no.  God created it and it was good.  The time I spend with my children huddled up on our couch is the love I have for them.  God wants us to enjoy everything he created. Good. Bad. Evil.  God uses all these elements to work in us and through us.

It bothered me when California parents objected to students being taught Yoga who argued that the classes were inherently religious and violate the constitutional principle of separating church and state.
Really?  What about the benefits of Yoga, like strength and flexibility?  I've practiced Yoga for 8 years now and all I know how to do is the Yoga poses.  I don't practice the religion.  But then again, Yoga helps you meditate. In this high tech world we live in, a little quiet time would benefit us greatly.
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. That's what the parents experienced. And it wasn't until a judge stepped in and said that teaching Yoga was okay.  These kids weren't being taught the chakras.  At least that's what I read. They were simply being taught the poses.

Being a child of God requires us to see everything as Good.  Looking through the eyes of our creator makes this world a little sweeter.  And what nothing more than topping that off with some Hail Merry's Sweet Tarts.  Yumm.  My new favorite treat!!!

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Day #1: Being Thankful

On Father's Day, I spend about an hour talking to my dad.  You see, I'm a bad child.  I don't call my dad. I don't just pick up the phone and just talk.  It's the same with my Mom. She has to call me most of the time. I'm always busy. Always doing something.  That something I wish was communicating with my family, especially those that are so dear to me.  My dad has his own Truck Driving Business so he's always on the road.  My Mom works for a food chain and is also, always working.

As my Dad and I were talking he told me that we are alike in so many ways.  I strive to do my best. He strives to do his best too.  He pushes forward. I push forward.  Then he said something that made my little brain light up, he said, "Be Thankful."  Be Thankful he said that you have a roof above you.  Be Thankful that you can work.  Be Thankful for the road that was made just for you so you can go to work everyday.

Be Thankful resonated in my mind days after we spoke.  Yes, that's it!!!  Be Thankful.

Thinking this way helps me cope with whatever tomorrow may bring. If I clearly just keep looking at all the bad, I will never see the light.  We can transform our thinking into Positive thoughts that will soothe the Soul.
And that my friend is what we need.  We need to listen to the voice of God where he tells us that not even Solomon in all his glory was beautifully dressed as the lilies of the field.  How much more important are you? Very important I must say, so in essence, Be Thankful!!!

Even if you don't have the perfect vacation for your kids during the summer and if all you do is go to the park and watch movies and eat Popcorn, Be Thankful!!!

And if all you have to eat is Rice and Beans, Be Thankful!!!  My kids prefer Ramon Noodles. (and those aren't gluten free, so we all have our struggles)

What are you thankful for?

I'm Thankful for Water on the my run Today. 

And for the Trail

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic!!
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Do not be Anxious

Yesterday evening we celebrated the graduation of our nephew Michael. 

Time does have a way of making you feel old and hopeless.  

Hopeless I say because when your 35 and sitting in a crowd, listening to a 17/18 year old Valedictorian with a GPA of 5.61 tell their class to go out and live, to make the map of their lives and not to follow anyone else,well it can make you feel as if you're not living to the fullest extent.  If you're ever feeling down and depressed, just sneak into a High School graduation and you will have your Spirit renewed.  If by any chance you don't, you can still walk away with the fact that you tried.  

Seriously?

I came home thinking about my life.  What have I accomplished?  What am I going to let my children accomplish with my help?  

You see, as a homeschool family you don't have teacher's or a principal telling you what to do. In the State of Texas, you can basically teach your child anything.  As long as you teach Good citizenship, math, reading, spelling and grammar then you're pretty much covered. 

The Skies the Limit when it comes to homeschool. 

Or maybe not.   

In a way I felt defeated. In a way I felt like I needed to do something more next year. Another language program?  More lessons on History?  What about adding in Latin this year?  I know we tried that and the kids wanted Spanish, but I want my kids to be Super Smart!!!!! I bark at D.J. telling him that he has 2 years to be at the top ten percent.  All I get is a "Mom, that's impossible!"

Then, I take a deep breathe and David comes to the rescue.  Oh, God, How I need the voice of wisdom in my life.  

He always finds a way to make me come back off my cloud of hopelessness into the cloud of hope and love.  Every time I'm feeling down, he lifts me up and places me on this cloud that I always long for.  

You see, we all have insecurities.  We all want the best for our children. We want them to succeed, to live a life of happiness and most importantly, come to a faith in Christ that will guide them all the days of their lives. 

What we don't see is that just by us being there in their lives is sufficient.  When I walk in the door after a long day at work, the kids are just happy to know that I am home.  Even if I'm just sitting on the couch reading a book, they know they are safe. I don't have to be teaching them a lesson every chance I get. Which by the way, I love to teach so it's so hard for me to just sit and read.  I spend my alone time with Yoga or Running. 

If it were up to me we would be having school 24/7. You get the picture?  Then, my mind wanders back to scripture where God tells me not to be anxious about anything, but in everything through thanksgiving and praise present our requests to Him and  He will guide our hearts and our minds.  

He.  

No where in that verse does it say Me.  

He alone can calm all our anxious thoughts.

He alone can bring us into his presence where we experience Peace.  

So, as I venture next year into another year of homeschooling, I can always be reminded that He alone is working in my children's lives. One day they will graduate and have a speech of their own that will make this Mama feel loved and appreciated, not hopeless.  

Congratulations Class of 2013!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Summer Reading

Summer Dreams?  Visions of Books floating in their heads?  

Yup. That's what my kids envision. Well, not exactly like that, but they are eager to be off for the summer.  What child isn't? Homeschooled or not?  For the past 6 years Homeschooling, I stick to a rigorous schedule of lessons.  We even volunteer at our local library and teach art and love everything homeschool has to offer.  The last two years we have worked through summer, just leisurely, instead of doing workbooks or the Summer Bridge Program like most do (I highly recommend these books), we just do Math and Langauge and hope to be caught up by August or September.   

Most Homeschoolers are not "caught up" and they usually (like us) continue to go through the summer.  For those of you Super Moms out there who are done, Congratulations!!!

So, even though my children will still be working through the summer, we have one activity that we Love, Love, Love to do.  That is Reading!!! 

 We love to read!  All year long my children participate in a local library club where they read a book once a month and then collaborate with others on the book.  I used to dread having to pay $20.00 or more for two books, but the library offers some really cool books to lend the children, although they don't get to keep them.  Good Heavens!! My book shelf is overflowing so I count it as a blessing.  

Today, we kick off our Summer Reading.  We have a log I created, a sticker poster I will be putting up soon and numerous books we had laying around the house that the kids have not yet read.  I'm a stickler for books, so every time I head to my local education store, I always pick up a book for the kids.  Here are some books I recommend every child should read

• The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
• The Indian and the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks
• Ghost Dog Secrets by Peg Kehret
• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson (Motion Picture Available)
• The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (Book Number 1 in the Series)
• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Newberry Honor Book)
• The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo (National Book Award Finalist)
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White (Motion Picture Available)
• The Barrier Reef by Carole Marsh (Includes 5 SAT words, Series of Books)
• All Kinds of Animals by Abeka Books (Reading Comprehension lessons included)

Emily closing her eyes , trying to pick out a book. 

Shes' a Hoot!!!

This is what our Log for the Summer Looks like. 

Free Reading Programs in the Austin/Leander Area

Half Price Books kicks off their Summer Reading Program June 02, 2013

Stop by and pick up a log, read for at least 15 minutes a day and get Bookworm Bucks

Barnes and Noble

Kids Earn a Free Book when they read any 8 books

Leander Public Library

Summer Reading Club 2013

Dig Into Reading Summer Program

Kid's Book Club & Junior High Book Club

Participate in a discussion about a different book each month!

E-mail Janki at jmakecha@leander.lib.tx.us for more details or to sign-up!

Cedar Park Public Library

Summer Reading Club 2013
June 10th to August 2nd!
The Cedar Park Public Library, in conjunction with the Texas State Library, is proud to present the 2013 Summer Reading Clubs: “Dig Into Reading” for kids, “Beneath the Surface” for teens, and “Groundbreaking Reads” for adults.

Summer Bridge Activity Program

Summer Bridge Program at Kaleidoscope Toys

        110 North IH35

          Ste 375

            Round Rock TX  78681 

 Mon-Sat: 10:00am -  7:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

     

"Here’s the Deal"

1. Purchase the age appropriate Summer Bridge book at Kaleidoscope Toys for your child

2. After they finish their book cover to cover (excluding the bonus pages), they may pick any TOY up to a $50 value and get 50% off – WOW!

3. Completed cover to cover for a 50% discount. Miss one page and get a 25% discount.

4. The child must complete all the work in the book.

5. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Instock items only.

7. Your child must redeem the completed book by 8/24/13 

Be Sure to check out your Local Library and the area in which you live for great Summer Reading!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!, 

Jennifer

My new found love for Lapbooks.

It's Saturday. Way too hot to take the kids out to play, but a perfect time to stay indoors.  Instead of having the kids sit in front of the TV all day, you can do something fun and educational.  My 16 year old is notorious for sitting in front of the TV all day watching football.  The little ones don't watch TV much because we spend the majority of our days doing school work.

For about $5.00, this covers the file folders, glue sticks and copies, you can make a lapbook.  The file folders I purchased were 50% off so I basically spend $3.49 on the 8 file folders.  I downloaded the free file online, sent it to my local fed-ex (they know me by name) and printed out one set.  I then made additional copies at a local print shop.  If you have a printer at home, you can print it out. Since I made more than 200 copies for my homeschool co-op, the copies came out to about 5 cents each. The Teacher one (mine) is in color, but you don't have to print it out in color. The kids copies were in black and white and although not as colorful, I had the kids color in the words and the flaps for the color tabs.  Below you will see what I used, the final lapbook and the file folders I purchased.
Before I ventured in this wonderful educational tool, I would look at lapbooks and think, "All that fancy work, that looks too hard, only skilled mother's could do this!  But, I found out that anyone can create a Lapbook.  What a great way for my kids to learn!

Here's the link for a free Lapbook

www.homeschoolshare.com/spanish.php

For our end of the year study on Rome, the kids created a Lapbook about Rome and it's History. 

Here's the link for Rome Lapbook

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ancient_rome.php

Educational Warning: A Lapbook takes time. Don't be surprised if you spend 2 or more hours having fun creating these.  Weekends are the best for creating these. And Summer will be here soon!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Send Me, I'll Go!!!

There's this one song on my play list that gets me going.  I'm sure everyone has that one song that just gets them pumped up to do something.

Music.  Music is MY LIFE.  

Music is more than my life, it is something that helps me enjoy my life.

I remember those Saturdays as a kid when our backyard was filled with Mexican music, barbecue and everyone just sitting around in the hot sun enjoying the day.  These are the days I miss. The fellowship.  The talking. The times where we would just be who God created us to be.  No judging. Well sometimes the occasional argument, but we Loved each other no matter what.  The kids would be getting into the kiddie pool thinking it was the greatest thing in the world.  Life was Simple.  We ate plenty on Saturday and Sunday and we were thankful for beans and rice Monday through Friday. 

We weren't Rich, neither Poor, we were Alright. 

 We enjoyed life. We enjoyed music. We enjoyed one another. 

 Times are a Changing and we need to make the most of them.  In fact in the Bible it states that our days are numbered. We toil on this earth and never truly get to see the fruits of our labor.  Do you just work and never rest?  Do you take a day off  to enjoy a good meal with a loved one?   What about time for others?  The other day I enjoyed a good cup of coffee with a friend that just needed some advice.  It wasn't for me, but I made time for her.  Do you make time to just make someone else happy?  It doesn't take much.  $2.00 is what I spent that day, but I created a friendship that is priceless.  

Make time for those who are dear to you.  Grandparents need extra love.  Husbands and wives need to go on dates every once in a while to ignite that spark again.  Don't just live your life doing!

Enjoy it!!  For God created it and it was GOOD.  Now, go enjoy your day!!!

Send Me, I'll Go! Send Me, I'll Go! Send Me, I'll Go! Let Me Go!!!

(Lecrae, Send Me. From the Album, After the Music Stops)


Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic!!
Eat Gluten Free!!
Jennifer

Second Degree Black Belt

Goodbyes are never welcomed. 

You feel happy for the person who is moving on to bigger and better things in life, but you feel as if they've let you down in some way because you won't get to learn from this person. You won't continue to see the goodness in their heart or the way that person makes you feel when they tell you how awesome you are at sparring or how great you are just because your you.  

"He said that I'm a good at sparring and that he said that everyone else he would tell them they needed to change or correct one thing, but for me, he said that there was nothing I needed to correct or work on."  I could see the excitement spewing out of Zachary's mouth as he was trying to get the words out.  Slow down, I always tell him. This doesn't come easy from a boy who is now 11 years old and sees all the wonders of this world and can't quite put them into words fast enough to hold the listener.  Even though he's has speech problems since he was 3, that hasn't stopped this little boy from becoming all that God wants him to be.  And I felt proud for him today. Proud that someone else sees the joy that he brings to my heart.

Zach and His Instructor Mr. Evans who is the
owner to the Leander Taekwondo Center 

Mr. Alamadi ( I hope I spelled it right)
Zachary said his goodbyes!

So, as we say Goodbye to one of his Instructors (Mr.Alamadi, Pictured on the left) who is going away to college, we say Hello to a new journey into Taekwondo, Olympic Sparring that will be lead by Mr. Evans at the center.  It sounds so awesome that I wish I was in Taekwondo myself.  Thank you Instructors, Mr. Evans and Mr. Alamadi for all you do.

Me and the Kiddos

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

No one is Immune.

No one is immune.
Now Let me say that with a gentle heart,

No one is immune to the trails and tribulations of life.

I was poked, inspected, examined from my head to my lungs.
I felt like a pin cushion. One IV on my right to push the Morphine and one on the left to get blood cultures.
Well I did have right side pain but Morphine was never discussed, by the time I knew it my chest felt heavy and my stomach turned.

No vomiting but a sense of relief that I was getting somewhere with this sickness. The cough just wouldn't go away. Day after day, until I couldn't breathe.

Take me to the emergency room I sternly told David, I'm sick, I think I have pneumonia and also, I can't breathe, my right side hurts."

Yes, he responded and off we went.
It was funny listening to the nurse and my husband converse about my symptoms and personal information as to how much I weigh, what was my social security, etc.
Uh , my husband says, not wanting to offend me if he said 130 or 140, not wanting to give me an extra 10-20 pounds. (these weights are fine for some, I'm short so 125 works fine for me).
Height?
Nope, he didn't know
Social Security? No, I used hand gestures to relay because I couldn't talk.
Ask me if I know his. And the answer would be yes! Weight? Yes. Height? Yes. Medications he takes? Yes. Every doctor, appointment or lab test he's had? Yes. I know everything about his diagnosis.

And it's okay. I wasn't mad or anything. Just funny.

So as I lay there on the stretcher, I prayed. I praised God for the doctor, the nurse and my husband. Then I began to think of my calling as a Nurse. I was proud at that moment. I was at that moment happy to have been called to become a nurse.
In those moments where you feel crummy, tired and the weight of the world on you, you are reminded that these people are here to take care of you. I needed them . I wanted them to make me feel better.
Fix me. Heal me. Jesus I would cry out throughout the day, Lord, just heal me, please!

Immune to sickness? Nope. Immune to hardships? Nope.
No matter how healthy I eat or how many miles I run, or how many times I pray, I am not immune.
Viruses exists and they want to invade anything and everything they can. Bacteria lingers around waiting for you to snatch it up. All these and those super bugs that are out there are ready to steal your joy, make you want to curl up and die.

But there is a Healer and His name is Jesus.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The sweetest name I know. So during these times, when we are tested, crushed and bruised we cry out,

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Sweetest name I have ever known.


(as of 6pm today, I have slept. Writing helps me get me mind off being sick. So with a breathing mask on and a pen in my hand, a journaling I will go . Please continue to pray for healing)

Titles

It's 2 am, "Do you know where your children are?"

This question was usually asked around 10pm or 11pm as part of a public service announcement for parents on American television.  Nowadays it"s more like 2 am.  

Today, for me, it's like, "Sudafed, Why have you done this to me?"

Yup. Sudafed.  David remembers when this drug was so popular that now it has to be kept behind the pharmacy because so many people were abusing it. Now I know why.  I've never been a pill taker. I just moan, groan, roll over in bed and cry.  Seriously. I don't like being sick and when I get sick, I get Sick.  I'm the worst person to take care of while being sick because I just moan and cry and pray out loud for the sickness to leave me. But then again, Who want's to be sick?  No one I tell you, including me.  Which brings me to the realization that people out there suffer illnesses far greater and worse than anything I could be going through.  God then begins to show me that I'm not immune to Sickness.
Which then brings me to the question, "Who am I?"

Yup.  "Who am I?"  In society, we tend to define ourselves by the things we do, the things we say, the TITLES I should say  I moaned about how this week I am not a mom, a Teacher, a gluten free baker, a seamstress or a runner.  During that moment, I defined myself with TITLES.

Do You define yourself with TITLES?  I could definitely add more to the list, If I had to define everything I do it would look more like this,

Laundry Lady

Pooper Scooper for Nibbler (my little Shitzu)

Butt Cleaner
 (I'm a Nurse and have to help with this sometimes)

Med Dispenser 
(I've been referred to this several times at work, they actually call me the Med Aide)
Waitress
Taxi Driver 
 Teacher

Depressed/Angry Mom

Happy/Energetic Mom

Religious Lady/Jesus Freak 

Crazy Runner Girl/Yoga Girl

Jennie (The girl who makes JennieBands)

I bet I could think of 10 or more TITLES  to give myself, but out of self respect, I'll only leave you with these.  As I started to think more about these TITLES, I began to think about how God sees me and how he sees you.   

When he's up on his throne in Heaven, you know sipping on a cup of Java, what does he think about me?  Does he define me by my TITLES?  Does he love me according to the more TITLES I or the world gives?   

Well, to tell you the truth, NO. 

God does not define us by TITLES.  When God created Adam and Eve, he made us in His Image. Woman was created for man.  We, women are more than just the TITLES we have stuck to us. 

Hello, My Name is                                                                                         

(Fill in the blank)

Click Here for Video (Click Blank Spot, for some reason)

 We are cherished far greater than we can imagine. We are Daughters of the Most High. We are Redeemed.  We are Loved.  We are Magnificent. We are Cherished. We are Forgiven.

Mary, the Blessed one who birthed Jesus would have been given the Title of Sinner if Joseph didn't take her as his wife.  She would have been put to shame for birthing a child out of wedlock.

But God had called her differently.  She was and will be referred to as Blessed Mary. 

Indeed, Pure and Holy because she was without sin. She was Chosen. We are Chosen.  

Chosen to be made Perfect and Holy just like Mary.  We are chosen to behave in a Godly manner.  We are chosen to live by the TITLES given to us by our Lord, not the ones we or the world gives us.    

So, UNSTICK those TITLES you or the world gives, they mean nothing to the Lord.

Instead, think of all the wonderful things the Bible says about us, 

We are, 

Loved

Cherished

Holy
Wonderful
Fearful

Talented
Perfect

Righteous

Truth

Beautiful

Forgiven

Ephesians 2:8 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 8:9 ESV / 

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

John 4:24 ESV /

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer