Captivating...

Hey Y'all!! I have been contemplating this for a while now, and it's FINALLY OFFICIAL!!  I have decided to move my blog and website to www.trulycaptivating.com.  It's basically the same, but a little different, and I think we are all going to be a lot happier!! (Especially you, my "I AM Sistas", ha ha!!) 

So come on over and sit a spell.  I've just about got everything settled, and you will definitely find the same good old Southern Hospitality and charm!!!

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Much Obliged,

Susanne

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COUNT ME IN!!!!!!

Starting Tuesday, May 8, many "Bloggin' Mamas" will begin anew!!!  I want me some o' dat!!!

I have been on a weight loss journey for over a year now.  I managed to lose 33 pounds initially, but I struggle with keeping that last 5-10 away so I can lose about 20 more. In other words I have reached a plateau and I feel like I am stuck!! I have always sort of struggled with my weight, and this was particularly true after my babies were born.  Now that I am DONE (yes ma'am, stick a fork in me, I am D-O-N-E) with that stage of my life (birthin' babies) I am ready to get fit and STAY fit.

Like Thea, it doesn't really bother me that it took so long to lose my initial weight because I know that I was implementing (little by little) changes that would take hold, and serve to help me be able to keep the weight off and not just gain it all back like so many times before.  I began this journey using the FIRST PLACE method.  I actually led a group at the church...WHEW!!! Talk about accountability!...but hey, it worked didnt' it???  I have since switched to the Weight Watchers plan and found it just as effective.  Back in January, I tried South Beach with my husband (mainly to motivate and encourage him) but he has since "fallen off the wagon", so I have no problem switching gears, especially if it means more accountability.

My goal for this challenge is 25-30 pounds.  Trying to be realistic, but also a little on the agressive side.  My main struggles are with consistency in excercise, and staying away from sweets.  Any help or special encouragement in these areas would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks so much Beth for starting this!!! I can't wait!!!

Be anxious for nothing, but in evreything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7)

• I am so very thankful for my Jesus who bore my shame on a cruel cross, so that I can spend eternity in heaven with him,  and experience his abundant life in the here and now.
• I am thankful that God hears and answers my prayers.  That I can "approach the throne of grace with confidence" knowing that he knows my needs even before I ask him, and that he has my best interest at heart (Jeremiah 29:11).
• I am thankful for my precious friends Jennifer and Priscilla, who are both undergoing surgery today.  I am thankful that others are lifting them up in prayer right now, and that the Holy Spirit, right this minute, is comforting them.
• I am thankful that when I confess my sins, Jesus "is faithful and just to forgive them, and cleanses me from all unrighteousness".
• I am thankful that each day I am learning more and more about how to stand against the schemes of the enemy, and that when he reminds me of my past, I can remind him of his future!!!
• I am thankful for the awesome community of Christian Women Bloggers, and other "Bloggin' Mamas"  that I have found... and how they, each one, have served to inspire and encourage me over the last several weeks of my life.
• I am thankful for churches (like this one) and pastors (like this one, and this one, and this one) who are willing to do whatever it takes to bring people into the Kingdom of God. These guys so unselfishly share their stories and experiences with others so that His Kingdom may grow, and many more souls can be reached. (Side note: there are many other churches that I could have listed, but I chose this one in particular because it was at their very first leadership conference back in March, that my husband surrendered to preach!  And I am SO THANKFUL for the sweet feeling of surrender!!!)
• As always, I am thankful for my precious husband, who is "my little piece of Jesus" right here on earth!!! He is an awesome man of God, and I have total faith in his leadership.  So many women have trouble with the thought of "submission", but that has never been an issue with me (thankful, again!!) because I know that he loves me as Christ loved the church!!
• I also thank the Lord for the awesome privilege of mothering three of the most precious little souls on the planet.  It is something I often take for granted, my sweet little family, and I want to take special care right now, to say how very much I appreciate this gift.

Man!  I could go on and on and on!!!  God is so very good to us!!! Isn't it amazing how, when we take the time to count our blessings, that our cares and burdens seem to lighten??  This truly brightens my day, and I am so thankful for THANKFUL THURSDAYS!!!

What are YOU thankful for???

(For help commenting me on this site, check out this post.  Thanks, and have a blessed day!!!) 

Hey Girls!!!

There has been a lot of confusion relating to commenting my MSN Spaces Blog.  I have consulted the Stupid Programmer (hee hee) and he assures me that you DO NOT have to have a Windows ID to leave a comment (YAY!!!!).  When you choose the "add comment" option at the bottom of the post it will show a little pic with a box beside it that says "Use my profile information"...if you do not have an MSN profile, all you have to do is UNCHECK that box and then finish filling out the form.  I hope this helps, because I really hate not being able to participate fully in the wonderful discussions that are taking place.  If you've already visited either the Lesson One or Lesson Two posts, and not been able to comment... please, please, ppppplease give it another shot!! Thanks!! (and oh yeah...YOU GIRLS ROCK!!!)

We had another wonderful meeting last night.  (Not quite as "cozy" as usual, since we met at the church this time intstead of someone's home, but still very enjoyable!)

Donna's mom visited and talked with us about The Pocket Testament League.  This is an organization that allows you to get small "pocket testaments" (duh?) to use to share the Gospel...for FREE! Check out the link to find out more.  She also challenged us to make it a goal to look for opportunities to share our faith every day.  Her testimony of how God, that very day, had opened a door for her to share with the owner of a local eating establishment, was so inspirational! Thank you Linda, for sharing your passion!!!

Of course we had yummy treats (I mean...we are Baptists, right??? ha ha!!) and then I shared an excerpt from this book by David Jeremiah on worrying.  Even though I did not use Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World as we have been, the word "worry" is mentioned in one of the focal verses.  "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things..." (Luke 10:41).  Dr. Jeremiah helped us see that worry is illogical, because if God takes care of the lilies of the field (which he points out were created for OUR pleasure) how much more will he care for us???  He also stated, rather profoundly, that God "took the answer to that question and displayed it on a cross two thousand years ago.  He'd never suffer and die for the same children he planned to neglect.  That's why worry is illogical."  WOW!!! I had never thought about it like that before!!!

We also prayed for our missionaries who had birthdays, just like always.  Be sure to pick up a copy of the  Mosaic so that you can pray for these beloved ones daily.

Our next meeting will be June 5, 2007 at Emily's house...hope to see you there!!!