THE WEEKLY GRIND

I enJOY my java!!! I love the aroma as it wafts through the air. Many wonderful memories have been made in it's company ... books were read, the warmth of glowing fires were enjoyed and laughter or deep conversation were savored. So let's enjoy the journey over a cup!!

FULL BODIED: Recap of the morning worship service.

BOLD: Random acts of kindness.

SKINNY: My journey towards physical wholeness.

THE PRESS: Building my vocabulary.

BREVE: A "short" devotional.

BARISTA: Serving up new healthy recipes.

THANKS A LATTE: Preparing my heart for Sunday worship.

FULL BODIED: Connected

   Today Mattea woke up not feeling well and since Phil had the lesson prepared for Sunday school, I stayed home from church with her this morning.
   I have no corporate worship service to review!
   But then again . . . maybe I do!!
   We recently started meeting every other Sunday evening with a small group of couples from our church and Jared graciously watched Mattea so that we could still participate this evening.
   It was wonderful to be able to get together and share life with people that are interested in connecting at a deeper level and are hungry for more of Jesus! I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do through these special times of prayer and being real! God is faithful to supply what we need . . . he is never late!!

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THANKS A LATTE: For Your Provision

Lord,
   Thanks for being our Provider and an ever present help in our time of need!! It great to know that you are in control and that we can put our faith and trust in you!
   Thank you that we are in a position to finally get a tax return . . . instead of paying out taxes at the end of the year!!
   Thank you that you are providing a place for us to live that we will be at peace at!!
   Thank you that Phil's work is going well and it looks promising for the future!!
   Thank you for providing an awesome group of people to worship with and do life with!!
   Most of all . . . thank you for the provision of your Son!! We are truly blessed beyond measure!! Prepare our hearts to receive your Word for us tomorrow!! I LOVE YOU!

Thanks A Latte!!
me

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BREVE: Pass The Salt Please

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, {as though} seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Col. 4:5-6

   Sometimes life can seem out of control!! Between work, school, being a mother and wife, and church responsibilities, I wonder what opportunity do I have to minister to the needs of "outsiders". I have come to realize more and more that true ministry opportunities arise every day. It is a matter of whether I acknowledge them and make the most of those moments.
   We minister to others through our gracious responses in tough situations. We minister to others when we go out of our way to make sure that their needs are being met. We minister to others by being a listening ear. People want to be known! Jesus was great at taking time to get to know people. He made the everyday person feel loved and valued.
   Do my words and actions make others feel loved and valued? Is my life seasoned with his gracious responses? Salt is a flavor enhancer, a preserver, and makes you thirsty. May my actions enhance my relationships, preserve and protect those around me, and make those that I come in contact with thirsty for Him!

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THE PRESS: Word of the Week

e⋅lu⋅ci⋅date

[i-loo-si-deyt]

Show IPA verb, -dat⋅ed, -dat⋅ing.

–verb (used with object)

1.	to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior.

–verb (used without object)

2.	to provide clarification; explain.

Origin:
1560–70; < LL ēlūcidātus (ptp. of ēlūcidāre) enlightened, equiv. toē- e- + lūcid(us) lucid + -ātus -ate ¹

Related forms:

e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tion, noun

e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tive, adjective

e⋅lu⋅ci⋅da⋅tor, noun

Synonyms:
clarify. See explain.

To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement.

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SKINNY: 3hree

   Well, I don't have a whole lot to report. I am doing the same things that I did last week. I still need to try and find a way to get my steps in with the cold weather outside. My blood still hasn't thickened enough to be able to handle these northern winters!!
   I have continued to work out with the Wii six days a week. In fact I now have bragging rights at our house in the 3-pt shooting contest!! I broke Drew's record!!
   When I got on the scales this morning I had lost another 3 lbs for a total of 5 lbs! Every little bit counts!! My goal is to lose another 3 lbs this week!!

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BOLD: Just Smile

    Sometimes it is the simple things that make a difference. Taking the time to give eye contact, the nod of the head, a smile, or "have a good day", that can brighten someone's day.
   I usually miss out on those opportunities because I am rushing through my day and don't take the time to really notice those that I come in contact with. I am focused on my world and what I need to accomplish before moving on to the next task.
   This week my random act(s) of kindness came through taking the time to engage complete strangers with smiles and short conversations. Most of the time it was with people that were my elder. Frowns turned to smiles. Eyes dimmed by the stress of the day twinkled. It was awesome to see the impact that was made by stepping out of my comfort zone.
   Next time you are out in public be mindful of opportunities to engage others!!. See what happens!! Take the time to LIVE BOLD!!

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FULL BODIED: Blessed Are They That Mourn

   "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matt. 5:4

   This week Pastor Troy continued with the series BLESSED. It has been a great series! As we looked at "blessed are those who mourn" I came to the realization that He didn't say He would take away all the pain and anguish that caused the mourning, but that they would be comforted. They will be given hope. They will be consoled.
   Our responsibility as Christians is not to tell people to buck it up and give them a bunch of pat answers in their time of distress and grief but to be God's arms of comfort and loving embrace.
   If you are going through a tough time right now . . . if you are mourning . . . may you be blessed with His comfort today!!
   During praise and worship we sang a song sung by Starfield called UNASHAMED. Love this song!!

"Unashamed"

I have not much
To offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come
Because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth

Oh, Christ my King
Of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends
To call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy
To call upon Your name
But because of grace
Because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

I can't explain
This kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face

Here I am at Your feet
In my brokeness complete

Unashamed by Starfield

Play song from Lala.com
Beauty In The Broken - 2006 - 5:06

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THANKS A LATTE: For Helping Us Make It Through A Crazy Week

Lord,
   Thank you for being there through a rough week! You gave me the strength and clarity to get through almost 500 pages of reading for my class. With work and a trip to the hospital . . . it truly is amazing!!
   Thank you for helping Jared this week and that we can already see his stamina increasing!
   Thank you for a Pastor that is compassionate and made Jared's week by meeting us at the hospital to pray with him!
   Thank you for your guidance and wisdom in our family's life this week!
   Your are truly InCrEdIbLe!!
   Prepare my heart for your truth! Lead, guide and direct those that will be proclaiming your Word tomorrow!! We look forward with great anticipation to what you want to reveal!!

Thanks A Latte!!
me

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BREVE: A Change In Thinking

   The past couple of days have been crazy!! We made a trip to the emergency room with our youngest son and I began my new class. Last night I went to bed early with a massive headache and needless to say. . . I did not get my blog post done for yesterday!
   Amidst the craziness of life I am really trying to transform my thinking and be more positive!! The following scripture is one that helps me know if my thoughts are staying in check:

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8

   That is quite the list!! If we are trying to take our thoughts captive and submitting them unto Christ, this list is a great place to start. If we only allow our selves to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, things that are excellent and worthy of praise, then it would be difficult to get ourselves into a pit through negative thinking. It means there is no room for worrying. There is no room for dwelling on past failures and sins that have been surrendered to Christ. There is no room for dwelling on wrongs done against us. There is no room for dwelling on lustful thoughts. There is no room for dwelling on lies.
   Take time to remember where your thoughts have gone lately. What is it that you are spending your time dwelling on? Do they fit into the categories found in Philippians 4:8? Join me on the journey of being more positive and surrendering your thoughts to God! Allow his light and truth to reveal whether your thoughts line up with his standard.

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THE PRESS: Word of the Week

ab⋅ste⋅mi⋅ous

[ab-stee-mee-uhs]

–adjective

1.	sparing or moderate in eating and drinking; temperate in diet.

2.	characterized by abstinence: an abstemious life.

3.	sparing: an abstemious diet.

Origin:
1615–25; < L abstēmius, equiv. to abs- abs- + tēm- (base oftēmētum intoxicating drink) + -ius -ious

Related forms:

ab⋅ste⋅mi⋅ous⋅ly, adverb

ab⋅ste⋅mi⋅ous⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
ascetic, abstinent, temperate, nonindulgent.

SEE IF YOU CAN FIND A WAY TO USE THE WORD OF THE WEEK!

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SKINNY: Baby Steps

   So .... here I am a week later on my journey towards trying to be more healthy. I have still been working out with the Wii. I was able to decrease my Wii age from an embarrassing 66 (sorry to those of you that are that age, but I am too young for that to be my Wii age) to averaging between 38 and 46. I have still been doing well at getting in my water and decreasing my pop intake. I need to do a better job at getting my steps in each day!!
   Getting on the scales this morning I found that I have lost 2lbs. Wasn't too thrilled with that . . . was hoping for a bigger number!! I guess I've gotten used to seeing the huge numbers on The Biggest Looser or the weight that people have lost using the HCG shots. At this point though I will be thankful for whatever I can get! : )
   This week I will focus more on trying to get my steps in and celebrate success one day at a time!!

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BOLD: Coke ~ The REAL Thing

   This week I was excited to see what opportunity God would bring along my path to do a random act of kindness. I knew that he would be faithful to open the door!!
   I got to work on Wednesday and one of the surveillance officers was down in our office looking for a Coke. She is a diabetic and when she is starting to feel a little woozy she will drink a Coke rather than the typical orange juice. There was not a Coke to be found. I spoke up and told her that I would run to the Village Pantry next door and grab her a Coke. She quickly said she would be fine and that I didn't have to do that. I insisted that it would be my pleasure to help her out and I would be right back.
   While at the VP I felt like I was suppose to buy her a twelve pack in addition to the cold 20oz bottle that I originally went to purchase. When I arrived back at the office, one of the women that I work with, knew of my New Year's resolution and through chuckles exclaimed: "That's not an act of kindness, that's just pure craziness!!"
   The woman that I bought the Coke for was deeply touched by my act of going the extra mile. I didn't realize how much impact a twelve pack of Coke could make!! I told my husband it was the best $6.80 that I had spent in a long time.
   This summer our church had several weeks of Conspiracy Of Kindness Events (acts of service) and because of my work schedule I was not able to participate. This week I finally had my turn . . . because of some . . . C.O.K.E.!!!

This week . . . LIVE BOLD!!

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FULL BODIED: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

   This morning in corporate worship we looked at:

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

   In Jesus day there were a group of people that were the "purity police". They went through life and deemed things or people either clean or unclean. In fact it was rather difficult to be on the "clean list". If you were not of a certain linage, hung with certain people, came in contact with certain foods and animals, were a woman on her monthly cycle, or you were born with an infirmity, etc., . . . you were considered unclean! You were not "worthy" to come before the holy God. Jesus changed all of that!! He looked at the heart!! "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God!"
   In the weeks following, what we know as the sermon on the mount, Jesus dirtied his hands. He touched people that were "unclean", he ate at people's houses that were "unclean", he went to an "unclean" land, touched and healed an "unclean" demoniac, and was surrounded by "unclean" animals. Jesus was giving us a living example that heart purity is what matters! It is through heart purity that you will see the kingdom of God.
   Read Matthew 25:34-46, Jesus talks about those that did not see him. It is rather sobering! I want to see God! Lord, give me a pure heart and help me not to miss opportunities to minister to the hurting and the broken! Help me to get my hands dirty.
   We closed the service with this song, I love the lyrics!

THIS IS OUR GOD

Who is this light
invading our darkness?
glorious might
the sun rising for us

Conquering night
He captures the hardest of hearts

This is our God, living and breathing
call Him courageous, relentless, and brave
this is our God, loving and reaching,
scandalous mercy and mighty to save.

Hallelujah, this is our God
sing praise

Who is this One
who will not condemn us?
why would He come
to shoulder our sentence?

Nothing we’ve done
will keep Him from giving us grace.

Who is this One
we watch and we’re speechless?
God’s only Son
embracing our weakness.

He overcomes all death
and he frees us to live

This is our God, suffering and dying
call Him the hero redeeming the lost
this is our God, love sacrificing,
all that is holy, accepting our cross.

Hallelujah, This is our God
sing praise.

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THANKS A LATTE: For Family

Lord,
   Thank you for the blessing of family! Thank you that we were able to celebrate my mother's 70th birthday today! It is days like today that I am thankful that we live close enough that we were able to participate in a surprise birthday for her.
   Thank you for safe travels for Micah as he went to Muskegon this weekend and for us as we traveled to Mishawaka. You are good and your mercy endures forever!!
   Thank you for children and a husband that love you and have a desire to follow in your footsteps!! I always look forward to spending time with them!!
   As I prepare for corporate worship tomorrow, help my heart to be fertile soil in which your seeds of truth can be planted and bring a harvest of righteousness!! Be with those entrusted to bring forth your message. Give them strength wisdom and insight!!
   We love you, father!!
THANKS A LATTE!!
me

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BARISTA: Chicken Fajitas

OK .... so this was suppose to be the day that I served up a NEW low-fat recipe but, my family wanted me to fix an old stand-by for us: Chicken Fajitas. So it is not new but it is still low-fat, if you use the proper ingredients.
CHICKEN FAJITAS
Main Ingredients
3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 Large Red Onion
2 Green Peppers
1 Package McCormick's Fajitas seasoning
Low-Fat Wheat Tortilla's
Toppings
Low-Fat Sour Cream
Low-Fat Cheese
2 Diced Tomatoes
Shredded Lettuce
Salsa

Directions: Slice chicken breasts in thin strips. Place in seasoning mixture. (Instead of adding the oil like the seasoning package instructs, use a little more water) Spray non-stick pan, lightly with oil and brown chicken. When chicken is cooked through, remove and add sliced onions and green peppers. When the veggies are heated through add the chicken back in the pan and stir thoroughly together. Continue to cook for 5 more minutes. Then serve on tortilla's adding your sour cream and low-fat cheese in moderation. Go ahead and pile up the tomatoes, salsa and lettuce!! Your looking at only about 6 grams of fat and 340 calories for a hefty fajitas!!

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BREVE: Cultural Holiness or Character Holiness

   During my Christmas break, from working on my Master's, I have been reading: The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. It is an easy, but thought provoking read.
   Chapter two begins with quoting I Peter 1:14-16:

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts {which were yours} in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all {your} behavior because it is written, 'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.'"

  The holiness that God implores us to embrace is not a "cultural holiness" in which we create a list of moral and ethical do's and don'ts. The holiness that we are to seek is nothing less than conforming to his divine character. As we spend time with him and put to death our own selfish desires we will begin to see his character shine through. We shall be holy, because he is holy!! On this journey. . .may I live a life in which others experience God when they encounter me!

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Jlynne's Journey

About The Author

I want to LIVE a life that is pleasing in God's sight! I want to find moments to LAUGH with my family and friends! I want to LOVE with CrAzy Love!

THE WEEKLY GRIND

FULL BODIED: Connected

THANKS A LATTE: For Your Provision

BREVE: Pass The Salt Please

THE PRESS: Word of the Week

e⋅lu⋅ci⋅date

SKINNY: 3hree

BOLD: Just Smile

FULL BODIED: Blessed Are They That Mourn

Unashamed by Starfield

THANKS A LATTE: For Helping Us Make It Through A Crazy Week

BREVE: A Change In Thinking

THE PRESS: Word of the Week

ab⋅ste⋅mi⋅ous

SKINNY: Baby Steps

BOLD: Coke ~ The REAL Thing

FULL BODIED: Blessed Are The Pure In Heart

THANKS A LATTE: For Family

BARISTA: Chicken Fajitas

BREVE: Cultural Holiness or Character Holiness

Jlynne's Journey

About The Author

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