How great is our God

Every so often I am able to witness something that is SO incredible - baptism.

Each time, I get to hear how God has worked in someone else's life. How He has picked up the broken piece of their lives and made them whole again. This week - really I can't fully express it with words. Today, I witness this transformation in a high schooler.

Let me tell you about him.

I'm not really sure of his name, but I know who he is. Each Sunday, he leads a group of 5th grade boys. I'm not sure of the impact he has on those boys, but he has had a TREMENDOUS impact on me.

Every so often he'll sit in the front row at the 11am service. During worship, you can SEE him pour his heart out to the Lord. He is SO in love with our God. Once I even told him how uplifting it is when I see him praise Him.

Today we heard his story.

He's lived a tough life. Yet when he met the Lord, his life was transformed. He WALKS to & from church each Sunday. He arrives at 6am and doesn't usually leave until 7pm. Each Sunday!!! He loves His God SO much that he is willing to serve in any way possible.

To watch him proclaim that Jesus is his Lord & Savior left me speechless & in tears.

That is what it's all about - our church. It's about bringing people into a GROWING relationship with Jesus Christ.

My prayer for you is that you encounter someone's life transforms yours.

Many blessings,
Allison

Nothing much

I wish I had some words of wisdom to write tonight. Quite honestly, there's not much on my mind. Well, that's not exactly true either.

Recently, I've been asked to speak at a Woman's Retreat. The theme of the weekend is 'Freedom Reigns', using 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 as the biblical reference. I am to tell my story. Sounds easy, right?

I've got a LOT of praying to do. Where do I begin? I mean, I know my story & I know what I want to say, but just trying to put it into coherent thoughts to last for 30 - 45 minutes. YIKES!!

For now, I pray. God knows what He wants me to say. I believe that He has a plan for me & these ladies and just need to remain open to His will for this weekend.

Other than that, things are well. We're waiting on another winter storm - which explains the migraine that I've had for 3 or 4 days now.

That's about it... little bit of nothing in my crazy, hectic life. I would change any of it - well, I'd like to add a job to the mix. In time. In His time.

Many blessings,
Allison

Because of Love

For several years now, I've been wanting to participate in some kind of walk. My interest has been breast cancer because my paternal grandparents BOTH had to have mastectomies. I've been toying with either joining the 3-Day with Susan G. Komen OR the 2-Day Avon Walk. However, the thought of being responsible for raising $1800 - $2400 has scared me. I am responsible for the remaining balance, if I do not raise that money. I don't know about you, but I am NOT in the financial place to agree to that.

After talking with my youngest sister, Jessica, I decided to research walks for Lupus. Our middle sister, Christa, has been diagnosed with Discoid Lupus. Who better to walk in honor of!!!

So, I did it! I signed up. I made my own team & set my own fund raising goal. I'm hoping to get more people to join my team - so I can walk with people I actually know. Either way, I just cannot wait until May and I can get out there and WALK!

My guess is I should probably start training.. not sure how long/far the walk is. Doesn't matter. I'm happy just to be doing it & raising awareness. Winds up that Lupus hits close to home on many levels.. My best friend from high school has Lupus and just yesterday I found out that another childhood friend has been diagnosed with it as well.

Please keep this in your prayers as I prepare for this walk. I know its still 4 months away, but I want to treat this just as serious as I would anything else. Wait - ok, I've got to keep this serious.

Many blessings,
Allison

Are we too rigid?

I'm not quite sure, but I almost think my parents may have had an easier time raising me than we are raising our own children. I mean, there wasn't any online to worry about. If we weren't home, they knew where we were. You better believe we were home shortly after the street lights came on.

But today... man, today - what's a parent to do?

Our biggest fight with our 11 year old right now is to Facebook or not to Facebook. Yep, that IS the question at hand. It's hard to keep saying no when her friends have Facebook pages. Heck, some of my son's friends have Facebook pages (and they're only 9 or 10 years old)!

Facebook clearly states on their Registration & Account Security page:

#3 - You will not use Facebook if you are under 13
So, why do WE come across as mean parents when we REFUSE to lie about our child's age just so they can chat with their friends???? Are we being too rigid about this rule? Should we just suck it up & let them have accounts?? Wouldn't sucking it up teach our children that lying is acceptable? We've tried to use that reasoning and I think it worked for a week or two. But now, I think they'd rather we lie.

Craig and I are going to stand by our convictions and continue to be the 'mean' parents that we are... constantly reminding them that we love them.

Many blessings,
Allison

I feel free..

I always talk about being transparent. I find that it is fairly easy to be transparent on my blog because 1) does anyone actually read this & 2) will I ever really meet you in real life.

But tonight was a test of my transparency.

I went to my 2nd OA meeting. The 1st one was painless so I decided to go back for more. Amazingly enough, still painless. However, when you participate in speaking of any sort, most people introduce themselves "Hi my name is.... and I am a compulsive over-eater" (remember this is based upon AA).

I have no problem blogging about my eating problem and I've gotten a LITTLE better with saying it to friends & family. It's the whole admitting it to a group of strangers that I take issue with. I'm SO afraid that they're all going to GASP at my announcement (yes, I know full well that everyone there struggles with compulsive over-eating. That's not the point.)

But tonight, I did it. "My name is Allison and I am a compulsive over-eater". Imagine my 'surprise' when no one gasped or ran in horror. I was simply greeted with a friendly "Hi Allison".

It's a baby step.. one of many steps I need to take. But it felt SO freeing to finally admit it publicly.

I look forward to my next meeting.

Many blessings,
Allison

My very 1st award!!!!

How honored I was to find out that my online pal, Zizzie, had chosen me for this award!

Here are the rules:

1. Copy the award image into a post.
2. List 10 things that make you happy.
3. Tag 10 bloggers who brighten your day.
4. Put in a link to their blogs.
5. Notify the award receivers.
6. Recipients should link back to the sender’s blog.

List 10 Things That Make Me Happy:

1. My husband, Craig - I have been blessed to have Craig in my life since we were 15 years old. We've had our ups & downs, but every step of the way I have felt his love for me grow.

2. My children, Chelsea & Justin - The moment those 5 pregnancy tests showed that I was pregnant, I knew that life would NEVER be the same. It's been a wild ride so far and I'm loving every minute with my children. It's wonderful to see their personalities grow over time.

3. Friends - I cannot even begin to name them all. I have friends in my life that I've known since childhood & then friends who I've only known for a year. Each person has touched my life in such a profound way. They've all been blessings.

4. Reading - I cannot get enough of books! Craig often wonders why I bother to buy books when I manage to read them within a day or two. My brain craves knowledge - even if its just a fluff book. I'd rather read a good book than watch a movie. My brain is my own movie theater.

5. Photography - I've been taking pictures for years for my unfinished scrapbooks, but only recently have taken a real interests in how to make my pictures 'better'. I'd love to take a class of some sort to teach me more about it.

6. Scrapbooking - even though I've yet to finish one, I love creating a work of art using pictures. What colorful ways to capture precious memories.

7. Stamping - I need to start up again now that I have a great craft area. Stamping is not an exact science. Anyone can do it & feel like they've created a masterpiece. My favorite part of stamping is giving to someone I know will appreciate it.

8. My family - we've seen a lot of tough times over the years, but I think we've managed to build stronger relationships. We definitely put the FUN in dysFUNctional!

9. Singing - I love to sing!!! Doesn't matter what it is - in fact I've been known to belt out Ave Maria a time or two (and have it recorded). I may not be the best singer, but singing makes my heart happy.

10. The night sky - something about being able to look up into the night sky and be surrounded by millions of stars. Knowing that God created it all for me so that I may delight in it.

Tag 10 Bloggers Who Brighten My Day:

1. Zizzie Happeningings - Zizzie found me on a great stamping website. Eventually we realized that we both live in Georgia and fairly nearby one another. I'm hoping that one day VERY SOON I'll get to meet her in real life.
2. Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground - honestly, I'm not even sure HOW I stumbled upon Lynnette's blog, but I LOVE it! Lynnette is SO transparent about her life & the loss of 3 of her beautiful children. Again, someone that I would love meet me IRL one day.
3. Basement Stamper - this is my friend's, Kim, blog. She is such a talented stamper.. I hop on over there for inspiration - though I've yet to recreate any of it.
4. Secret Keeper Girl - if you're a mom of a preteen girl, then this is the place for you!! Dannah & her staff are so creative in finding ways to teach our precious jewels fashionably dressed while maintaining modesty. If you can get to one of their mother/daughter conferences, DO IT!!!
5. Ginger Garrett - I met Ginger at church a few years ago & have become one of her biggest fans! She has written several fiction & non-fiction books that have shaped my life. From Esther to Esther's beauty secrets, Ginger is someone who uses her gift to bring women to a whole new light.
6. Make Music From Your Heart To The Lord - I was introduced to Sara's blog last year when I started Project 365... I have enjoyed getting to know her better... and I enjoyed Project 365 so much last year that I joined again this year. If you have a blog, I highly recommend jumping in on this project.
7. Pearls & Pumps - Stephanie is a wonderful friend & this is her blog. If you want to see a miracle, read the story of her precious daughter, Alaina. Amazing to see God's hand at work in this family's life.
8. Before I Forget - My friend, Julie, doesn't blog as often as I would like. :) However, following her story of adoption since the beginning has been yet another example of God's hand in our lives.
9. Bring the Rain - it all started with this blog. Angie's husband is a member of the Christian recording group, Selah. In April 2008 (I think that's when it was), I heard about her blog on a local Christian station. When I checked it out, I was captivated. This woman is a strong Christian who admits her weaknesses. She's been transparent about the loss of her precious Audrey. And now her family is about to welcome a new member.
10. Samuel's Heart - The story of the life & death of a sweet boy, Samuel. Reading how this family is healing their broken heart while clinging to God has been inspiring.

Thanks again Zizzie for selecting my blog!

Many blessings,
Allison

Random Dozen

I borrowed this from my blogging friend, Zizzie. Thought it would be fun to share, so here it goes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. If you physically lock in one age for yourself, which would you choose and why? Honestly, I'm content with right now, 37.

2. What is the best dish that you cook or bake (your piece de resistance?) My son would say Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole & my daughter would probably say Enchiladas.

3. When you feel blue, what is one strategy you use to help yourself back to normal? Pray. With having depression, I know I can't wallow in it too long.

4. When was the last time you danced in public?

5. Do you consider yourself a realist or dreamer? I'm a dreamer! I love thinking of all the great things that can be done. Whether I accomplish them, that's a WHOLE nother story.

6. As a parent, what is one thing that you have done well? Yikes! There are some days I don't feel like a very good parent. But both of my children have stood up to their friends & family about not being allowed to watch particular movies.

7. Which is your favorite character on the Andy Griffith show? I know what the Andy Griffith show is but I haven't watched it much to really know the characters. Sorry!

8. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? I'd have to go with a 2 or 3. Let's face it, not much was taught about him when I was in school - or if it was taught, I didn't pay attention. History class was NOT my friend!

9. What is your #1 driving pet peeve? Slow people. Drives me batty!!! I yell & scream in the car at them to hurry up. Hey, I grew up driving in NJ - everyone is SLOW down here!

10. Which color best represents your mood today? Care to elaborate? gray... that's what color it is outside & I'm starting to sport a migraine.

11. If your spouse were an animal, which would he/she be? lion - he is our protector

12. What activity takes up the bulk of your time on an average day? yikes, do I really have to admit this? Ok, napping or computer. Some days reading - but that's usually at night.

Ok, it's your turn!!!

Many blessings,
Allison

My earthly father

I grew up in a home torn apart by PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). My father served in the army during VietNam. Only recently have I been able to attempt to comprehend the horror that he saw there.

I'd love to say that he was my hero growing up, but we didn't have a relationship. We lived in the same house, had the same family members, but that's about it. Hanging with other VietNam vets was a big part of our lives, but I still didn't understand. I wasn't proud of him. Actually, I didn't think much about him.

Here I am, 30 years later loving my father more & more each day. Because of circumstances in my early 20's, we were forced to establish a relationship. I was resistant at first, but now I cannot imagine my life without him.

On his last trip to Georgia, Dad gave me a book written by his Lieutenant. From chapter 14 on, I was able to read about the experiences (the watered down versions) that my father had in VietNam. It gave me a greater understanding of him.

Today my father called me to tell me that he & his unit will be awarded with the Valorous Unit Award - the second highest unit decoration which may be bestowed upon a U.S. Army unit. This award is equivalent to the Silver Star. I am SO proud of my father & his Army unit. Amazing that after 35+ years, they are being recognized for their heroism.

My father & I still have a LONG road ahead of us, but our relationship is one that I never imagined was possible. Of course, with God all things are possible. I can only credit God for opening up our hearts so that we can have the relationship that I always wanted as a kid.

Thank a vet today... I know I will!

Many blessings,
Allison

Darn it

Oh well.. so much for blogging 365 days. That doesn't mean I'm gonna stop blogging. Hardly!

Sorry I haven't updated recently. It's been a wonderfully busy weekend.

Friday, as always, was our couples Bible study. I love getting together with our small group. Right now, we're small but we have become great friends. We've split up - men & women - doing separate studies. The women are studying Ruth & Esther. I would LOVE to recommend this book, but we're not enjoying it. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if we didn't know ANYTHING about Ruth or Esther (I'm an Esther junkie - thanks to Ginger Garrett).

My youngest sister, Jessica, & my niece came for a weekend visit. My kids LOVE spending time with their cousin, Jasmine. I think they watched TV and played Wii all weekend. My middle sister, Christa, came for dinner with her boyfriend. Then it was off to Wild Wings to meet up with Christa's friend for drinks, wings & music. Of course, I was the designated driver for the night - which I didn't mind. I actually find that I have more fun when I'm not drinking... always get to laugh at the drunks.

Jessica, Christa, Allison

Sunday was church and the dinner with my sisters. Baked ziti made by Craig - YUMMY!! I love his cooking. Then we followed the meal with homemade chocolate shakes made by Brian, Christa's boyfriend.

It was sad to see Jess & Jazz go home yesterday. I wish there was just one more day. Honestly, if I had one more day, I would have wanted another one. Darn it - they just need to move to Georgia. :)

Today was a lazy day, spent resting from the weekend. Hopefully tomorrow I'll actually accomplish something.

Many blessings,
Allison

Other photos

Armed with my camera, trying to take the perfect picture, I usually wind up with a few doozies. Often, I delete them, but every so often I keep them. Potential blackmail material? Who knows... OR my kids get a hold of my camera and try to take pictures - thankfully I'm fully digital now. But I can't tell you how many 'scary' pictures I have from my children's point of view.

Lynnette, one of my favorite bloggers, has asked her readers to post those 'other' pictures. You know, the ones that won't quite make it to print or in the scrapbook. I've decided to dig out a few for your amusement.

Make sure you go potty before viewing!!! I will not be responsible for puddles.

Chelsea, Halloween 2008
BEFORE vampires were IN

Can you tell he's bored?


"Look, I can touch my nose with my tongue"


What's a pirate's favorite letter? RRRRRRRR


She's SUCH a girlie girl.

I'd love to see your pictures!!

Many blessings,
Allison

Addicted to plastic surgery

I should be in bed... instead, I'm hanging on the computer, listening to the TV. Of course, it's not like I have anything intelligent on (E! network). I couldn't even begin to tell you what show is on. It's mainly background noise.

Well, it WAS background noise until just a few minutes ago.

I have NO clue who Heidi Montag is. I have never seen the show 'The Hills'. What drew me in to her story is the fact that this young woman recently underwent 10 plastic surgeries. 10!!!

What horrible body image this poor girl has of herself that she felt as though she needed to 'correct' herself in such a dramatic way. It truly just breaks my heart.

Shame on our society for placing such high importance on looks & being thin. Who do we think we are to determine what is considered beautiful. Why can't we just be happy with what God has given us?

Mothers, grandmother, aunts & friends - we need to take charge here & stop allowing our daughters, sisters & friends to compare their outward appearance to photo shopped images. They need to know that they are made exactly the way God intended them to be. That they ARE beautiful! God doesn't look at what is on the outside, but what is on our inside.

Many blessings,
Allison

The power of forgiveness

I don't know about you, but I have a tendency to do something wrong. It may be big or it may be small, but either way it hurts someone.

I'm quick to use the words "I'm sorry" as soon as I realize that I was in the wrong (well, most of the time I am quick to use them). I often wonder if just saying "I'm sorry" is enough. Is it heartfelt enough? Did it come across as sincere?

For the past month or so, I've been toying with the idea of writing a letter to someone who has hurt me - my former youth pastor. There's that part of me that just says "Let sleeping dogs lie" and then there's that other part of me, that part that often yearns to know if I am truly forgiven that just wants to say "You're forgiven".

It's a tough decision, one that I am not taking lightly. Certainly, I do not want him back in my life in any way, shape or form. I need to protect myself. But I do feel as though that he needs to know that I do not hold a grudge, that he is, indeed, forgiven.

It reminds me of Christ's love & forgiveness of us. As soon as we ask for forgiveness, we are forgiven. More than likely, we are forgiven as soon as we have sinned. I'm not a bible scholar so I don't want to debate on that.. just expressing my opinions. Anyway, one of the most freeing things about being a Christian is knowing that when I mess up (and you KNOW I will), my Heavenly Father is right there, with open arms to welcome me & forgive me. I am called to do the same.

Don't get me wrong, there will be no hugging or any contact whatsoever, but there will be forgiveness and sometimes that is a hug in itself.

Forgiveness is powerful! There is such a peace in knowing that I am forgiven, whether by God or by someone else I have hurt.

Part of OA is to make amends. I'm not at that step yet, but do feel that I need to do this.

Join me in praying that God gives me the words to say and the courage to do this. I still need to talk it over with Craig. I want him involved as much as I can. I know his 1st reaction will be to say NO, but eventually he will understand my WHY.

Many blessings,
Allison

It's Monday

Ok, so I still haven't officially started Weight Watchers. I've been using the excuse of waiting for the package my MIL is sending before I start. However, I have been a LOT more conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth.

I'm starving right now. Well, hungry. It probably wouldn't be so bad if I actually ate breakfast at a normal time. Honestly, I just need to start eating breakfast. Even though I'm not working, I need to put myself on a regular eating schedule. One that doesn't have me eating 'dinner' at 10pm.

What else is going on? Oh, signed up for IMPACT classes. We'll be attending at the end of February. After we complete the classes, we can move on to the next step in becoming foster parents.

Sorry it's such a boring post. Hubby & kids are back to school though they'll be off next Monday. Sounds like my youngest sister & niece will be visiting this coming weekend. Just a typical day in the neighborhood.

Many blessings,
Allison

I did it!

Did that title make you want to read this?? Hahahaha! I hope so.

Well, part of my To Do List of 2010 was to attend at least 2 OA meetings a month. Tonight, I attended my 1st meeting.

It was interesting. I liked it. I'll definitely be going back - probably more than twice a month.

It's nice to see that there are other people who are struggling with the same addiction as I am: compulsive overeating.

I've got a way to go... but they say that admitting you have a problem is the 1st step of recovery. I know its going to be a lifelong battle, but I can do it. With the support of my family & friends. Of course, all things are possible with GOD.

Here's to progress!

Many blessings,
Allison

Snow day

The whole crew is home today because of the snow. Well, I think it's more because of the ice. Either way, they're all home.

You would think that they would be bored being at home again. I mean, they JUST went back to school after having 2 weeks off. Nope! They loved it.

Chelsea is our outside girl. She gets bored quickly in the house & loves to play outside. Justin, on the other hand, we have to bribe him to go outside. Of course, Chelsea wanted to play outside in the snow. At first, Justin gave us a problem, but then we couldn't keep him INSIDE!

Someone in the neighborhood brought out sleds & the kids spent the afternoon sledding down the road. No, there's not enough snow, but there sure is plenty of ICE!

They've already asked if they could play outside tomorrow - which is a shock coming from Justin.

Even Pablo got in on the fun. He's probably only seen snow 2 - 3 times in his puppy life. He had SO much fun!!!! I wish we could trust him to NOT be on a leash. I would have LOVED to let him run & play with the kids.

Maybe I'll actually get outside tomorrow...

Many blessings,
Allison

Georgia Snowstorm

It's official - we've had our major snowstorm for the year!

They actually announced an early release for today and have now opted to CLOSE school tomorrow. It's not the snow that has them worried. It's the ice.

By the look of these pictures, you would think that my children had never seen snow. Forgetting that Chelsea spent the first 6 years of her life in NJ & Justin spent the first 4. We got SNOW!!!

All in all, I think we have about 1" in accumulation where we live. Not sure what it is as you get closer to Atlanta.

I guess I'll enjoy my 'free' day with the family. Doubt we'll go anywhere, since we've stocked up on bread & milk.

Many blessings,
Allison

I NEED your prayers!

Today is the 1st day of the rest of my life!!

I haven't even told my husband this (feel privileged). I am taking control of my life (at least the aspects that I CAN control).

I am obese. My BMI as of today is 45 (at least according to an online assessment). So, I can sit around & do nothing OR I can do something.

This is going to be a battle for me. Food is my addiction! I've said it before, I binge. And when I binge, I hide. Well, I can't hide anymore. I'm writing this post so that my friends (RL & online) can keep me accountable.

I've got some Weight Watcher stuff around the house from when I did it a few years ago. I'll be busting that out tomorrow & get started.

My 10% goal is: 32 pounds. Right now, I'm gonna focus on 1 pound at a time.

In addition to doing WW, I WILL be going to at least 2 Over-eater Anonymous meetings each month. Like I said, food is my addiction. I'm going to need help.

I feel like I've been asking for a lot of prayer lately, but I come before you a broken woman who needs your prayers & support.

Thank you for loving me!

Many blessings,
Allison

I'm leaving...

...on a jet plane.

No, not really. But I couldn't come up with a catchy title for this entry.

It's been on my heart for quite some time to do a mission trip, specifically as a family. How wonderful to be able to travel together, showing God's love & teaching my kids a lesson too.

For some reason, my heart is telling me this is the year. There are a few trips scheduled for families that seem of interest to me. One is to Mexico & the other is Peru.

Why am I not jumping on board with both feet? Money. We would need about $9000 for all 4 of us to go. Granted, we wouldn't be responsible for that. I know that. I also know that God will provide - He always has.

I'll admit it. I'm scared. What if we don't raise all the money? We cannot afford to pay the balance. I guess it wouldn't hurt to at least apply and get details.

I also need to talk to Craig about it. I know that he was wanting to go on a trip with high schoolers. How would this fit into that plan? I just don't know.

Please join me in prayer to seek wisdom about this.

Many blessings,
Allison

When did THAT happen?

Remember when you were a kid, the anticipation of getting a gift or getting something new. It was like Christmas Day all over again! A Barbie, cassette tape of your favorite artist, Walkman, even new clothes.

Now, something simple as a new toaster has me giddy with excitement! Seriously, when did that happen? When did I become an adult?

Don't get me wrong - I would still be excited to get a new Vera or CD of my favorite artist or even an iPod. But the thought of getting a new toaster is something that got me out of bed today. I don't know if it's the prospect of a new toaster or if its the fact that WE didn't buy the toaster. It was a gift. Well, the gift was money to be used towards a new toaster. THAT'S what makes this all so exciting.

At the age of 37, I've realized that I am an adult. Oh, I still have kid-like tendencies. Those will never go away. But more & more, I get excited over the little things; toasters, coffee makers, 7.5 cu. ft. freezers.

Anyone want to come over & play Barbies?

Many blessings,
Allison

Introducing....

...the relaunch of Mending Hearts Ministry!


It's a work in progress, but I wanted to get it out there. This project is SO near & dear to my heart. The whole thing is based around Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

There's really only 1 entry so far, but my prayer is that I will add soon. I have my story on there - a variation on the one I've posted on here, but just as important. It's titled: Mending MY Broken Heart

Even if this ministry isn't for you, I ask that you pray for it. Pray that God uses me through this venture, pray that God gives me the words He wants to me speak, pray for each person who reads my story; that if they recognize themselves in it, they'll reach out.

Many blessings,
Allison

Hands of my healer

We sang this song today in church and I couldn't wait to get home & blog about it. While singing, the image of Christ's pierced hands came into my mind.

Hands of the Healer

Blood flows down
Blood flows down
Flowing from the hands of the Healer
Death is bound
Death is bound
It’s broken in the hands of the Healer

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful Your love

Glory to the King who gave His life
Glory to the Lamb of sacrifice
Beautiful and broken
Holiness and love
Glorious the wounded hands of God

Risen life
Risen life
Purchased by the hands of the Healer
Sanctified
Sanctified
How precious are the hands of the Healer

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful Your love

Glory to the King who gave His life
Glory to the Lamb of sacrifice
Beautiful and broken
Holiness and love
Glorious the wounded hands of God

So beautiful oh so beautiful
So beautiful the hands of love
So powerful oh so powerful
So powerful the hands of love

Many blessings,
Allison

To do in 2010

You won't be getting any resolutions out of me this year. I've tried them in the past & it just didn't work out. Statistics show that by TODAY a THIRD of us have already broken our resolutions. To that I say WHY BOTHER!

This year, I've decided to do a checklist of sorts. Things that I would like to accomplish in 2010. Nothing big like world peace or world domination (I'll save that for NEXT year); little stuff that is a LOT more achievable. While they may seem little on 'paper', to me they're just as important as world peace.

To do:

~ Enroll in school.
This may sound simple, but there's a lot to it. I've got a few grants to apply for, programs to decide on.

~ Find a job.
Going to school will probably be a full-time job in itself, but I am going to need something else to sustain our income. Whether I'll go for a full-time or part-time job, I'm not real sure.

~ Exercise.
Yeah, I'd like to say exercise more, but the ugly truth is I don't exercise at all. Friends want to take a Zumba class. I've got a Wii Fit - it's about time I use it.

~ Lose weight.
As much as I would like to put a nice lofty goal here, quite honestly I just need to start slow & realistic. I've got a LOT of weight that I NEED to lose. I need to just take it one pound at a time.

~ Read Bible daily.
Yeah, again I'd like to say that I'm engrossed in His word daily, but that would be a lie. I'm not trying to read it in a year. Just read it daily and meditate on it.

Not a bad list. It's all attainable. Some will take some hard work & determination, but I can do it. Wanna hold me accountable? Want me to hold YOU accountable for your 2010 To Do List?

Many blessings,
Allison

Hello 2010

We got to ring in the new year with friends, old & new. While we didn't get together with our neighbors quite like we usually do (dinner, etc), we did get together for fireworks!!! I brought my camera in hopes of catching a $10,000 moment. Not winning AFV, but did have a blast taking pictures!

Friends from church, Adam & Amanda, came with their kids. We snacked, chatted & played Wii until it was time to shoot off fireworks & celebrate 2010.

Here's to a new year, a new decade!

Will I be making any resolutions? Who knows... I didn't last year and probably won't this year. I will make a list of things I'd like to accomplish this year though.. that'll be another post.

How about you? Any resolutions? Any changes you want to make for 2010?

Many blessings,
Allison