In other news..

I lost 12 pounds in the last month following the FREE Sparkpeople.com plan! I have been exercising at least 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes..and I am keeping withing a certain calorie/fat/etc. range. It is still a day by day process, especially keeping up with the exercise, because most days I definitely want to sleep in just a little longer..but..I want to be the best me I can be, so it is worth it to stick to this thing!

Bible study is on its 3rd week, and we have about 4 other girls who are committed to coming. Please pray that God would be at work in each one of our lives calling us to know Him better! Also, that I would have great will power because someone always thinks it's a great idea to bring baked goods. Next week I believe there will be a seven layer nacho dip. I think I may call out sick..oh wait, it's at my house. Shoot.

Church is going well..I really love the people there, I have never been around such an authentic, loving family of believers. They take very seriously the call to be a community in the body of Christ. I don't know if I will stay in at this church or even in Richmond for too much longer..I don't know where God will call me next, but for right now I am enjoying this season of my walk with the Lord.

I know many battles and obstacles lie ahead for me. For anyone who seriously follows Christ, opposition is sure to come. I don't believe my life will ever be "easy", but I wouldn't trade knowing God for anything else. He is everything. Help me to remember that tomorrow, Lord, when I am frustrated with people who don't tip, or when that guy at work basically calls me an idiot for believing in You. Jesus, move me. I don't want to be complacent. Take me where I can be of use. Bring hurting people to me so that I can point to you. You are the healer and the sustainer of the human race, of the earth. I humble myself before you , God, and I pray that you would use me.

Yeah, I cook.

A healthy barbecue recipe for Memorial Day! I tried this for the first time yesterday and I think it is really good!



BBQ Mango Chicken



Ingredients


- 2 lbs of Chicken Breasts (I use Tyson 99% Fat Free boneless skinless to reduce calories and fat while increasing protien)
- 6 to 8 tbsp of BBQ sauce (I like KC Masterpiece, low cal and good flavor)
- 4 oz of Mango Puree (To ease use and control amount of cal I used the Beechnut baby food, one jar is all you need)
- 2/3 tbsp Garlic Powder
- Optional Dash of Bread Crumbs (for on top)

Nutritional Info


Fat: 0.7g
Carbohydrates: 11.3g
Calories:149.9
Protein: 25.5g




Preheat the oven for 375 degrees.

First mix the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, and puree mango (I use the magic bullet mixer)
Pour a third of the sauce into a baking dish.

Cut the chicken into 4 oz pieces (8 servings) and place into baking dish. Cover with sauce (I always seem to have an ounce or so left over). Sprinkle bread crumbs if desired and place inteh oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until throughly cooked.

Enjoy with corn or baked beans to round out the meal!

Number of Servings: 8

Kittens inspired by Kittens

Help!

Our Tuesday night Bible study is starting back up tomorrow, and I am very nervous because although many have been invited, the response has been pretty wishy-washy. We had tons of yeses, but when it gets down to it I am afraid it's just going to be myself, Heather, and Tiffany. Two leaders and one who might as well be.

I remember how hard it was to get started when I became a Christian. It knew it was the right thing to do, and that it was the only way to stop hurting all of the time. I also remember that I knew that change was coming, and I did NOT want to let go of life as I knew it, even though I knew it was impossible to keep going the way I was. Change is scary. So I understand that the girls who are thinking about getting to know God may have some reservations and some fears.

This is where you come in. Will you pray for God to work mightily, miraculously even, to bring them to a place where they will know the Creator personally? If you could pray tonight, tomorrow, that they would have a strong urge and compulsion to come to the Esther Bible study, within God's will for them to be there, I would so greatly appreciate it. Also, please pray for Heather and I to be able to lead them with integrity and that we would rely on God and not on ourselves to help these women know Christ.

Thank you. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Walking the Walk

1 Peter 4:7-11

7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen

Today at church we talked about hospitality..that even when we are tired and feel like just hiding away, we are to show others the love of Christ by inviting them into our lives, and into our homes. I love my alone time, but I know that it would be a huge blessing(for me) to reach out to others purposefully and "do life" with them. Even if we're not close. God puts people into our lives for a reason. I want to be able to carry out this commandment to show hospitality.

I am thinking about just having a movie night or a game night to start. We'll be having Bible study at my place this session (so like 10 weeks), so that will definitely help me get used to having people over consistently.

Something else Josh (pastor) said was that he was convicted that he lives in an 6 apartment building, and he has never invited any of his neighbors in. I haven't had my neighbors over either and I've lived in my neighborhood for three and a half years. I guess I just don't feel like we have much in common.

We as a church have committed to pray that we would make a concentrated effort to show hospitality to both believers and unbelievers in our community. I am always a bit apprehensive when I get nudged out of my comfort zone..but it is always worth it. Always.