tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-304696812024-03-13T08:11:28.222-07:00Cello Girl TalksWelcome to my blog. I am so glad you stopped by. Stay for a while and search around, I am sure you will eventually find something interesting.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.comBlogger478125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-400034439287893892012-11-05T17:55:00.001-08:002012-11-05T17:55:59.741-08:00Anyone?? Hello??Ok... So I haven't blogged in a long long time. Does anyone still read this or have it on their RSS feed?<br />
<br />
Just wondering before I start writing again.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-3912969329329731622011-08-20T08:51:00.000-07:002011-08-20T09:23:37.472-07:00Learnings From My Third Trip to Rwanda<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZShumHkDczHly3Cgpm-C95eG48iGou37t5SvfTO1qRggu7A06nn7Bn-hv3gwVujxW3f4nLDaToBxpDKgPJ-kOwyigoK8U5E-MRKNEygcWvoyxOnjpGOTPKHWGvDEPMpszWouX/s1600/rwanda-wholeteam.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZShumHkDczHly3Cgpm-C95eG48iGou37t5SvfTO1qRggu7A06nn7Bn-hv3gwVujxW3f4nLDaToBxpDKgPJ-kOwyigoK8U5E-MRKNEygcWvoyxOnjpGOTPKHWGvDEPMpszWouX/s320/rwanda-wholeteam.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642972960409283010" /></a>
<br />This trip to Rwanda was very different than my other 2. On the first two trips we did a lot of assessment. They were extremely difficult, b/c we were not sure what we were seeing. We did not understand the culture, we had trouble communicating and getting clear responses.
<br />
<br />This trip we spent the first day and a half on the field hearing reports from pastors, trainers, and a doctor of what the PEACE Plan is already doing and what is working in the Karongi District. They were telling us everything we needed to know. Sure... we asked clarifying questions, but the guessing game was gone.
<br />
<br />We got to see some "best practices" already in effect at the Kibuye hospital. We heard from trainers who are out teaching hygiene and cleanliness to church leaders who are teaching their congregation. We entered homes with OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) who were being helped through their church by donations. Donations that come from churches to churches, without a middle man or administration costs being taken out. Homes that are held accountable by their church to make sure that funds get spent as agreed upon. Homes that were struggling, now striving for a better and hopeful future.
<br />
<br />We did train pastors for 2 days. What was different this time was that though the first day was full on lecture of what Purpose Driven Church is all about, the second day was group think. We broke the pastors and leaders into groups of 3-4 people and had them take practical application in their culture of the concepts from day 1. We used the structure of the 5 purposes and had pastors share ministries or programs they have as part of that purpose that works and a new thought or idea of how to bring focus on this purpose. It was beautiful to see the interaction between the groups and their ideas. Everyone was taking tons of notes!! That is always a good sign :)
<br />
<br />Lastly... the team. We were all so different with such different backgrounds and even passions. It was so cool to see how the overall trip was not perfect for any one of us, but had elements that touched each of us. Dad got to train pastors, Ken and Laurie got to spend time with kids, and I got to sing and process much more. No one got sick and down for the count and everyone got along the whole time. We each knew our part and played it well.
<br />
<br />I can tell you that I have grown a ton as a team leader and person since my first international mission trip in 1998 and even since my first trip to Rwanda in 2006.
<br />
<br />Here are just a few lessons to share:
<br />1. Having a good translator is SOO important. This can make or break a trip.
<br />2. You have to laugh everyday. In past, I was much too serious about things. Though we are fighting a huge and serious battle for souls... people have to have a break and have fun.
<br />3. People need clear roles established before you get on the field. Who is the "money man", who is preaching, who is teaching, who is doing music.
<br />4. Know the SHAPE of your team and pray for opportunities for everyone. Though we all want to be in our SHAPE the whole time... it was beautiful to be able to step aside and watch others be in theirs.
<br />5. Training is not about learning everything you can, but filling your quiver with as many arrows as possible. So that when you encounter something... you know where to go to get the information you need.
<br />6. There is no such thing as too "prayed up". This last trip I saw so many prayer requests we never thought to ask for answered. So ask for them... and more! Ask expectantly!
<br />7. Ask. If you see something, need something, want to do something... just ask. Those you are working with (especially in Rwanda) are willing to do it or make it happen. We did an impromptu church visit, a visit to the market, and even laundry done. We just had to ask.
<br />
<br />If you have more questions about this trip... just email me. Tbrown@fbccoppell.org :)
<br />TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-1503136682345911452011-06-28T08:53:00.000-07:002011-06-28T09:09:01.875-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 12<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tellthestoryproductions.com/tell-the-story-logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 175px;" src="http://www.tellthestoryproductions.com/tell-the-story-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />STORY<br /><br />Truth: God invites you to be a part of His grand adventure.<br /><br />(from journal entry when I originally did this study in Fall 2005)<br />I often wonder what the soundtrack of my life would be. I know praise music would be a large part, but so much of the emotion and depth of a story can be manipulated in the music. Would a Star Wars, John Williams blaring french horns theme be there? Or a nice Craig Armstrong of George Fenton love theme? Would it have a liet-motif of hope, peace, & joy? I would like to think so. God is the ultimate composer of the music for my life, because He knows where it is going and when it ends. He could foreshadow and build themes. I wonder if he is building a love theme that I have not realized yet with a man. An action score for some adventure I am embarking on. A sad tune for loss I will feel soon. Whatever comes, I am comforted by the fact that God knows. He loves my story and my song. Through Him, it can play brightly for others.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-22402212260384913912011-06-27T11:16:00.000-07:002011-06-27T11:27:24.052-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://shawnbarr.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/world-face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="http://shawnbarr.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/world-face.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />MISSION<br /><br />How would I live differently if I really believed that I was uniquely qualified by God for a mission here on earth?<br /><br />I know that I would talk about Jesus more... not just church. I talk about church a lot. It is not only where I go, where my friends are, but my work. I need to talk about Jesus and my relationship with him, not just His church. It's like only talking about the bride at the wedding forgetting there is a groom. It is ok at first... but come on... people get tired of it.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-19183309616594152412011-06-23T13:33:00.000-07:002011-06-23T13:42:47.700-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.livinglutheran.com/seeds/021711_MinisteringToPoor_ftr.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 295px; height: 210px;" src="http://www.livinglutheran.com/seeds/021711_MinisteringToPoor_ftr.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />MINISTER<br /><br />Even the church I grew up in said it... "Every member is a minster". But how many people believe and act on this?<br /><br />There is a belief that missionaries have to be trained in seminary and receive a "calling". Though I think these are both great things for career missionaries, it should not stop lay people from participating in missions. It is not an excuse to forget the calling all Christians have to minister. <br /><br />God does not call the equipped, but equips the called. We are all created for ministry (Eph 2:10), saved for ministry, (2 Tim 1:9), called to ministry (1 Peter 2:9-10), authorized for ministry (Matt 28-18-20), commanded to minister (Matt 20:26-28), prepared for ministry (Eoh 4:11-12), needed for ministry (1 Cor 12:27, and accountable for and rewarded according to our ministry (Col 3:23-24). (page 46)<br /><br />So let's get going... this world may seem big and scary... but my fear (in reverence) of the Lord is much bigger than anything this world can offer.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-88955864673978772052011-06-22T07:12:00.000-07:002011-06-22T07:27:12.461-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 9(Ok... so I know my days are not being consecutive... but I just want to try and get through them all before I head to Rwanda.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thompsonblogs.org/altepeter/files/2010/10/Grace.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 320px;" src="http://thompsonblogs.org/altepeter/files/2010/10/Grace.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />GRACE<br /><br />Today's reading is just so beautiful. Here is what really stuck out to me:<br /><br />"God will use you on mission despite your weakness. In fact, God will pour His grace so fully into your life that even your weakness will reflect His strength. It is the grace from God that you carry with you into the mission field, and it is this grace that energizes the Good News you carry to people who desperately need to know about God.<br /><br />God doesn't need you perfect for your mission because He is an all-powerful God capable of using anything and anyone for his purposes. But equally as important, He wants you - beautiful, flawed you - to show others that He is a God of redemption, a God of second chances who cares about the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, and the prisoners. You go on mission as a living monument to God's grace and your weakness, your flaws, your worst mistakes give to God as He works through you to bring others with weaknesses flaws, and horrible mistakes into His family."<br /><br />Lord, I have so many weaknesses. But I stand strong in Love knowing that no matter what I do, have done, or will do - God loves me. His love for me is unchanging. So my prayer is knowing this does not give me or anyone else permission to do wrong, but passion to do right.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-3575924997363054012011-06-20T09:38:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:54:48.183-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 8<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.identityzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/solutions-to-identity-theft.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.identityzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/solutions-to-identity-theft.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />IDENTITY<br /><br />Truth: God calls you by name to join His mission in the world.<br /><br />"If you don't know who you are, then you're vulnerable to other people telling you who you are. But the concrete, solid truth is that you are who God says you are and no one else has a vote in the matter." (pg 38)<br /><br />There is such strength and power that comes from knowing who you are. And it is great to be reminded of it. So... HEY... YOU... YEAH YOU!!! YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD. BELOVED. UNIQUE. CHOOSEN. AND HAVE A PURPOSE. NO ONE ELSE IN THE WHOLE WORLD IS LIKE YOU AND CAN DO WHAT YOU WERE PUT ON THIS EARTH TO DO. SO... DO IT! DO IT ALL FOR THE GLORY OF THE ONE WHO MADE YOU!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-30711479059809028082011-06-16T08:12:00.000-07:002011-06-16T08:34:41.537-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 7<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.post-gazette.com/images2/20030227mr7_230.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 227px;" src="http://www.post-gazette.com/images2/20030227mr7_230.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />NEIGHBOR<br /><br />"Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27b<br /><br />'God knows that sacrifice is required for you to love your neighbor as yourself. It means you must love without expecting anything in return. It means you must love others knowing they may not want your love or appreciate your love; they may waste your love; they may discount your love; they may react angrily to your love; they may never understand your sacrifice.' page35<br /><br />One big growth point for me was finally learning that I could not control the reactions of other, just the actions of myself. Speaking the truth in love, giving to others, and doing the right thing are not always easy. They can cause friends to become enemies or friends to become dear friends. You have to give the situation to God and know going in that you and God are together in it. Then... no matter what the outcome or reaction, you can stand rightly before God even if the other person doesn't "get it".TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-29200684394502644912011-06-14T07:27:00.000-07:002011-06-14T07:43:28.016-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/merging-of-mind-and-machine_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/merging-of-mind-and-machine_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />MIND<br /><br />Truth: You please God when you think the same way He thinks.<br /><br />Question: What thoughts roam your mind that you know should be taken captive for Christ?<br /><br />The first type of thoughts that I struggle with are the "what if I never" ones. What if I never get married? make more money? have children? This focuses my attention and thoughts on what I don't have instead of what I have been given. When I focus on God and His attributes on His purpose and calling on my life... My thoughts stay more positive and I am quicker with words to help and not hurt.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-90347918436917575332011-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:22:39.310-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 5<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/6180/8141strength_exerciser.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/6180/8141strength_exerciser.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Strength<br /><br />Truth: You please Godo when you admit you need His strength.<br /><br />(from original journal when I first did this study in fall of '05)<br />Playing worship music is the best example of this in my life. Often i am tired, my fingers hurt, I don't know the music, can't get the bowing right - yet I melt. I disappear into God's strength. It is not about me. I feel like I could play forever. The question is... what about other parts of my life that need that same strength: lossing weight, loving others, money, materialism. Lord show me how to see your strength in those. I admit they are so overwhelming to me, yet for You they are so easy. Struggling is ok... it shows that I am fighting the flesh, not just giving in. Help me to step out in Your strength to conquer. Let me see that strength does not equal bold. It equals do.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-57741292212183877672011-06-13T13:01:00.000-07:002011-06-13T13:13:39.915-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://judders.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/road-mist-674.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="http://judders.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/road-mist-674.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Soul<br /><br />Truth: You please God when you serve others on his behalf.<br /><br />Question: Am I serving others on behalf of God, or am I operating from my own agenda?<br /><br />There is a point where serving others on behalf of God feels good. It is suppose to. When you are doing what you were created to do, it feels right. But we so often move from doing it and it feeling good to doing it because it feels good. We manufacture the high. How can we stay true? How can we stay on purpose? <br /><br />We must remember the deeper meaning. The root. The soul.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-77767452081323739322011-06-11T09:32:00.000-07:002011-06-11T09:32:00.436-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ideachampions.com/heart/HEART%20LOU.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.ideachampions.com/heart/HEART%20LOU.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Heart<br /><br />Truth: You please God when you're passionate about the people He loves.<br /><br />Question: What keeps me from loving God with an undivided heart?<br /><br />Simple... Me. Often time I just don't put God in the equation. Then how can I give Him the glory? ho can I give Him the honor? How can I ever trust Him? Especially in the small things (that seem like I can control them.)<br /><br />Loving and Trusting God is so rewarding. Then why don't I do it more? Why is it so hard? Tossing off my sinful nature should be a thing of joy. By doing so I am aligning myself back to the heart of God. <br /><br />When I play cello, or sing, or am in a crowd worshipping God it is so easy to align my heart with the heart of God. But how do I do that without my cello, singing, or the crowd? <br /><br />Lord show me how to extend my heart for You and those You love beyond a service and into my everything.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-74706494167603542012011-06-10T09:12:00.000-07:002011-06-10T09:19:50.644-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u107/trust.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.psychologytoday.com/files/u107/trust.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />TRUST<br /><br />Truth: You please God when you trust Him in small ways. <br /><br />Question:<br />What small step can I take today that will help me trust God more?<br /><br />Say yes more. When asked to go to someone's house or party or event... I often say no. Most of the time I actually can go, but would prefer not to or just don't want to. But putting things out there and stepping out of my comfort zones grows me. It helps me trust God more. It helps me to expect more. It helps me to have positive and negative experiences from which I can learn. <br /><br />It is funny how going to Rwanda or England or the Philippines= trustin God no problem. But knocking on my neighbors door (or opening the door when a neighbor knocks) is SO hard! <br /><br />Trust and Obey... for there's no other way!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-88445624659837130602011-06-09T07:34:00.000-07:002011-06-09T07:48:34.626-07:0040 Days of PEACE: Day 1I wanted to start off my new role as Director of PEACE with 40 Days of PEACE. During the next 40 Days I will be doing the study I did in Fall of 2006 where I first heard of the PEACE Plan, it's goals and purpose. This was a life changing study for me the first time I did not, not only because of the content, but it was also the first time I completed a 40 Days study from beginning to end on schedule. So here goes:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://api.ning.com/files/OxOZ*R4YvzDrWH8gIdMT18pdY0SzfxJhNg-e*8oW8vEdtqumz9j*upLj-ujRHR8J4Z*Jq-L*3Mww-7hAotk*mteXYJV7Ayal/love1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="http://api.ning.com/files/OxOZ*R4YvzDrWH8gIdMT18pdY0SzfxJhNg-e*8oW8vEdtqumz9j*upLj-ujRHR8J4Z*Jq-L*3Mww-7hAotk*mteXYJV7Ayal/love1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Day 1 - Love<br /><br />"When you get near God, you don't become more spiritual, you become more loving." <br /><br />Questions: What makes it hard for me to believe that God loves me unconditionally? What makes it so hard to express love to the unlovely in the world?<br /><br />Love to the unlovely? Sounds so poetic. To be honest, it is hard to think of myself as unlovely. But I too am flithy, naked, and poor. Where I am so often blinded by class, color, smells, or culture... I compare myself to others, not seeing our similarities, but differenced. <br /><br />I know God is love... I totally feel it from the depths of me. Do I deserve His love? No. Do others? No. But God gives it anyway! God so love the world (well... people) that He gave Jesus to die for it! And Jesus died for ALL! Not just the ones who see themselves as lovely. <br /><br />Unconditional love is so hard to understand with my human mind. Everything here has conditions/restraints: time, energy, money, resources. It is only when this term (unconditional) is taken heaven-side does it make any sense. <br /><br />But how can I understand a heaven-sided view of unconditional love here on Earth? JESUS. He was able to show unconditional love while on Earth. He surrounded Himself with the most "unlovely" of his day: tax collectors, poor, sick, prostitues. <br /><br />And here I am being asked to love my upper-middle class neighbors... what's my problem? Why do I struggle so!? <br /><br />God help me to better love. To love like You.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-50784085531999233232011-02-08T19:58:00.001-08:002011-02-08T20:11:10.236-08:00Maintenance: Day -1Ok, awesome story!! I was in grocery store and there was a woman next to me looking at the back of salad dressing labels. I could tell she was frustrated. I asked her if I could help her find something. She was looking for Walden Farms dressing b/c she was on day 2 of this diet called HCG and was having a really hard time. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!! We talked for 5 minutes. I was able to encourage her, point her to sprouts and tell her what was good and not. then she invited me to her church! Wish I was that bold!! God is good... And even works through strangers in a grocery store!!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-19641989577561266412011-02-01T17:08:00.000-08:002011-02-01T17:43:46.376-08:00I love Food... Day 45In retrospect for me the first 4 weeks of the diet was pretty easy. There were highs and lows, but my will power was strong. For me week 5 (last week) was a major turning point. I was sick and in bed (or couch) for 4 days. During that time I watched my favorite television network almost the whole time... the Food Network. <br /><br />The last day it hit me... I love food. As a creative palette... food is exciting. All the flavors, all the combinations, all the possibilities. I am not someone who follows recipes, but the essence of them (which is why I am NOT a baker, but a cook). Over the last week I have experimented with making my own taco seasoning for some turkey tacos in lettuce leaves. I made a cinnamon applesauce from stewed apples. I made a grilled asparagus frittata. Each was sooo fun to think up and try and tasted pretty good. <br /><br />The hardest part is that I am so restricted with this diet. I am hungry for new flavors, more cooking options, carbs, sugars, etc. I am dreaming up recipes and about cooking. But also finding it harder and harder to be around food. I am so thankful that this diet has bubbled up this passion... I cannot wait until it can be unleashed. I have decided to start having a dinner party once a month. I want to do healthy options, but also try new things that I have never cooked before. I always want to invite different people over who I do not get to see anymore. I am going to start with an International theme and at least 3 courses.<br /><br />Below are some sample menus... let me know if you want to come to one (and which one) and I'll make sure to invite you to it. :) I can only have up to 6 people at the party... so let me know ASAP if you want to come. <br /><br />Sample Menus:<br /><br />Italian Night-<br />App: Bruschetta<br />Soup: Vegetable Minestrone<br />Salad: Caesar Salad<br />Entree: Spaghetti Bolognese<br />Side: Rosemary and Sea Salt Focaccia<br />Dessert: Lemon Sponge Fingers<br /><br />Asian Night-<br />App: Spring Rolls<br />Soup: Egg Drop Soup<br />Salad: Pineapple Ginger Noodle Salad<br />Entree: Pork and Chicken Adobo<br />Side: Balsmati Rice<br />Dessert: Mango and Ginger Clouds<br /><br />French (which is what I am most excited about)-<br />App: Cheese Platter<br />Soup: French Onion<br />Salad: Duck Breast Salad<br />Entree: Chicken Cordon Bleu<br />Side: Ratatouille Pancakes, Vegetarian Cassoulet<br />Dessert: Have a bunch to choose from here... thinking... creme brulee, chocolate souffle, cinnamon and apricot souffle, eclair (not all of them, but one)<br /><br />Still working on the Greek, American, and Mexican menus.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-42499514471657110692011-01-25T16:28:00.000-08:002011-01-25T16:46:29.220-08:00The Days of Blah... Day 25 to I have no idea!I have no idea what day I am on the diet. All the days have kinda jumbled together. Then for the last 4 days I have had a viral infection. I do have to say being sick and not being able to have your comfort foods have been difficult (like grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, crackers, and sprite). <br /><br />Though that has not been as difficult as staying at home for 4 days watching the Food Network. I am so excited to add a few more ingredients to my cooking and try some new recipes. I see how to make them healthier... I am not craving junk food... just different food. I am a little tired of the vegetables on this plan, though the protein I have been alright with... I am wanting to add back some beef into my life. <br /><br />I do not know how being on the diet has effected my illness or getting well. I have tried to be smart about it. I have made sure to make a fruit serving an orange everyday for the Vitamin C. This illness has not effected my stomach as much as my throat and sinus. I have also had hot green tea almost every day which has been great on the sore throat. Seeing I am not being as active as normal, I have not noticed any loss.<br /><br />I am feeling mostly better and cannot wait to reengage with life. Especially since this is my birthday week.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-69300751135597197782011-01-20T19:57:00.000-08:002011-01-20T20:18:01.626-08:00With & Without... Days 23 & 24<span style="font-weight:bold;">I have gone 3 weeks and 4 days without...</span><br />- soda<br />- sugar<br />- carbs<br />- oil<br />- fast food<br />- beef<br />- Mexican food<br />- Asian food<br />- going out to lunch<br />- a food/sugar high<br />- gum<br />- corn (even popped)<br />- CHEESE!! (i don't count the non-fat cottage kind)<br />- did I mention carbs?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I have gone 3 weeks and 4 days with...</span><br />- packing my lunch every day<br />- eating an apple every day (so far it has kept the doctor away... except for the weight loss one)<br />- eating a ton of vegetables every day<br />- giving myself a shot everyday<br />- getting encouragement every day<br />- learning how to love myself every day<br />- not taking the easy way out every day<br />- reading the Bible every day!!<br /><br />I am a better person today than I was 3 weeks and 4 days ago? You decide! :)TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-45168964550005790712011-01-17T17:54:00.000-08:002012-11-06T09:03:07.148-08:00"But Why?... You're Beautful!" - Days 15 - 22Ok... so so sorry for not being more on top of this blog. Last Monday (a week ago today) life started back in full swing. I was back at work, back at rehearsals, back at small group, and had guests in from California. I love how full my life is sometimes. So here are the adventures in dieting over the last week.<br />
<br />
1. I ate out for the first (and so far only) time since starting the diet. With a friend in town who is stuck in a hotel room eating microwaved soups and hotel catered lunches, I did not want her to suffer for another meal. Instead we went to Rockfish in Irving. The weekend before I was talking with a mentor of mine who has done this diet and he said he had a really bad experience eating chicken out on the diet. He suggested sticking with fish if I were going to eat out. So that's what I did. I told the waiter no oil, no butter, just steam. The shrimp were amazing. So delicious and I only ate half of them. The steam broccoli on the other hand was glistening a little too much for just steam, so I gave those to Flora to add to her leftovers. It was a relief to eat out, still loose weight, and not feel like I had to clean my plate. <br />
<br />
2. I have had 3 days of no weight loss this week. How crazy is that?! I am sticking to the plan, but the scale is telling me the same thing. So I finally gave in and did measurements again. I did those on day 1, but wasn't planning on doing them again until the end. Turns out I am about an inch and a half down all around. Pretty even loss. That made me happy. I also jumped back on the Wii Fit this week for some stepping and boxing. What fun!<br />
<br />
3. People have started commenting. It took about 20 pounds lost, but people are starting to ask if I am loosing weight or if they know I am doing this are commenting that I am looking good. But one of my favorite comments came tonight. Here's the story:<br />
<br />
I was over the Coates house helping watch the kids. All day I have been stepping on my pants leg with my heels. Because my bottom is a little flatter (just a little), my pants are sagging a bit. I commented on this to Allison. Later that night Karis asked me, "Tina why are your pants falling down?" I told her that I was on a diet and loosing weight. Her reply melted my heart. If I had the money I would have paid for her college education right then and there. She said... "But why? You're beautiful!" I was speechless.<br />
<br />
You know what... I am beautiful. I have always been beautiful and I will always be beautiful. I wish I was quick enough on my feet to share that with her. I am not doing this to be more beautiful. I do hope to be more attractive, but those are two different things. I love how the voice of a child can speak God's truth to us like nothing else. It was a child in the bathroom at Saddleback asking his mom why I was so fat that rattled me once before, words of fellow elementary school kids calling me fat (but hey, at least I had a Hard Rock Cafe shirt on and that is cool) that haunts my memories, it is countless children when they reach that age and notice that people are different and point to me and say "she's fat" that startles me every time. The words of children are powerful. And though I have scars from some words, there is healing in some as well. Thank you Karis... for reminding me that I am beautiful!!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-86917475503214810992011-01-08T18:17:00.000-08:002011-01-08T18:37:29.957-08:00You Can Have a Social Life... Days 13 - 15Tuesday had spinach and 2oz turkey burger (more like slider) while others got brisket and lunch items from Market Street. Thursday had a dinner of 2oz pork tenderloin and radishes while everyone around me was eating pizza. Friday had a dinner of chicken and zucchini kabobs while everyone else was having brats.<br /><br />So what did I learn from these experiences? <br /><br />1. Normally I wouldn't think twice about joining in on any of these and eating what was present. (And probably lots of it.)<br />2. Others cared more that I couldn't eat the food than I did. (LOVE YOU GUYS!!)<br />3. The diet is not an excuse to avoid social situations. <br />4. It was hard to see all that yummy food, but mine was good too. <br /><br />I still have a ways to go to develop the habits that I think will help me maintain the weight loss. But I am in a groove with the diet. It is not that hard anymore and I am not really that hungry. When I do eat, I only eat about half the meal, then I am full. I have learned to slow down and savor every bite, because the one thing this diet is not changing is my taste buds.<br /><br />Some new recipes:<br />Tomato salad - cut tomatoes with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.<br />Cauliflower Mash with garlic - stem the cauliflower then smash with potato masher and mix with garlic, salt, and pepper. <br />Broccoli Mash - same as Cauliflower mash :)<br />Chicken and Zucchini Kabobs - make sure you clean the grill off if other meat has been on it. Also you'll want to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Mrs. Dash seasoning before it goes on the grill.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-65947484557961036702011-01-05T18:37:00.000-08:002011-01-05T18:50:08.669-08:00Pizza Pizza Pizza... Days 11 & 12Not much new going on diet-wise. Still loosing a little bit each day and trying to make the restricted diet as exciting as I can. The one thing that has surprised me is what I am craving most. Of course if I see or smell something, I crave it... but am doing a good job (so far) of reminding myself why I am doing this. I think it helps that when I do it, halfway through my meal or snack I am full again, so I am not really hungry for this stuff... just want it. <br /><br />The biggest surprise is my craving for pizza. I know I like pizza, but it is on my mind all the time. And you know when something is on your mind it makes you see it everywhere. I see people eating pizza on tv (even in The Middle episode tonight pizza was a huge part of the story), billboards, even radio commercials (yes... there was a Little Caesars commercial on the Christian radio station on my way home!!). I don't know what I would do if someone walked in with a Parma's cheese pizza right now. Am I that strong?<br /><br />So... how can I get my mind off pizza? I don't think blogging about it will help. Oh well. Good pizza... I mean Good Night!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-91083397470906499042011-01-03T16:16:00.000-08:002011-01-03T16:35:10.151-08:00Down & Up... Days 9 & 10As you can tell, I am not posting every time how much weight I have lost. That may seem weird to you if you are reading all these posts. I know you are dying to know. If you ask, I will tell... but I learned an important lesson yesterday. <br /><br />When I stepped on the scale days 8 & 9... it showed 2 ounces of loss each day. I stepped on looking for 2 pounds, not 2 ounces to be gone!! To be honest it was a blow. I have memories of some of the guys in the office coming in each day and comparing their daily loss during their first week. They would brag about loosing 2 or 3 pounds a day. Here I was two days in a row loosing 2 ounces. It didn't seem fair. <br /><br />On Sunday morning another guy who just finished his maintenance stage of the diet after loosing almost 70 pounds, asked me how it was going. I shared my frustration with him. He told me that his wife had about the same results. He reminded me that a man and woman's bodies handle things differently, but most of all he reminded me that "comparison is a thief of joy". <br /><br />It is so true... <span style="font-weight:bold;">comparison is a thief of joy</span>. My weight had not gone up, it went down. I had gotten more active in those days. And I did not cheat, I stayed with the habits that I am trying to build. I began to rejoice in those things. Rejoice in the lessons (see my last post for some of those) I am learning. <br /><br />Today, though I was nervous about my first full day at work on the diet, it went well. I was a little slow, but not sure if that was the diet, being gone for a week, or that I have a ton to do. And though this morning the scale told me I had lost 2 pounds and I rejoiced in that, I know I would have rejoiced in 2 ounces as well. <br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. - Philippians 4:4</span>TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-80916408510504069612011-01-01T19:40:00.000-08:002011-01-01T19:58:54.617-08:00Cali Friends & Learnings! Days 7 & 8In the last two days I have learned a very valuable lesson... Friends are the best distractions from woes. It is strange coming up with ways to hang out with people that do not center around food and eating out... but so far, so good. <br /><br />Yesterday I got to spend the afternoon with Janine. Janine and I have been through so much together. The two years we were roommates in Foothill Ranch were not the easiest years of either of our lives, but we were there for one another. I love talking with her and how there is no shallow talk... the conversation is deep, meaningful, and life-giving. That plus Ikea and Stonebrier were great distractions from any hunger I might have had.<br /><br />Then today... Flora came into town. She'll be in the Dallas area for a month and a half. We went to see <span style="font-style:italic;">The King's Speech</span> (Great film!! That movie deserves a Nugget of Truth!!) and then came home for supper. I made the chicken with mushrooms and onions, but since I did not have enough to make my full 3 cups serving and have some for Flora... I added some cabbage too. IT WAS DELICIOUS!! I think Flora ate even less than me. (She is sooo tiny!!) But she really liked the meal. I didn't change the recipe, she was willing to try what I was eating. <br /><br />We also went to Walmart so she could stock up on some groceries. It was tough being around all those carbs and cheeses and snack foods. It was also hard in the theater not to get popcorn or an icee. But I have not cheated on the plan and do not plan on it. Instead these were great learning moments. <br /><br />Learning how I associate food with activities:<br />1. I didn't need Peanut M&Ms or popcorn or a soda to enjoy the movie. <br />2. I didn't have to go out to eat to have a conversation with a good friend. <br />3. You can include friends in your diet. And she liked it!<br />4. And I can walk into a grocery store and walk out without purchasing a "treat". <br /><br />Great learnings. I am sure there are more to come. I hear Week 2 is the hardest... so please... keep praying!TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-13980162643592994322010-12-30T17:27:00.001-08:002010-12-30T17:38:47.680-08:00Diet: Day 6 & Reading Plan: Day 2I have to say that today I enjoyed the reading plan vastly more than the diet. Was pretty much hungry all day... and nothing I ate was enough. Plus the rumbling and headache... just not the best day. I think that drinking more consistently instead of drinking most of my water/tea at meals may help. We'll see. <br /><br />I have loved hearing "recipes" from people who have done this before. If you are reading this and have done this diet... bring them on! I'll try to add any useful combination I discover as well. Rusty's pan-fried (in water cause you can't have oil) chicken with mushrooms (which are usually not my favorite) and onions... was one of my favorite meals so far. I can see that one being fixed again and even post-injections. <br /><br />In the reading plan (the One Year Bible in <a href="http://www.youversion.com/">http://www.youversion.com/</a>) I read through the fall (Genesis 2). I know it meant more to me and I saw more in it after looking at Romans 5:18 this Advent season. I could not help reading the passage today in light of Jesus and Christmas. <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Romans 5:18<br />Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.</span>TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30469681.post-39552146337005515112010-12-29T17:38:00.000-08:002010-12-29T18:09:58.662-08:003 down!... Days 4 & 53 pounds down from my starting weight or 7.5 if you count from the end of my load day. Things are going well... there are times in the day where I want to walk in the kitchen and grab something to eat. Most of the time, I don't... I know I can only have so much and I am trying to space it out so as not to go to bed too hungry. <br /><br />There are times where my stomach starts rumbling... and I am not sure what to do. It gurgles a bit when I start eating too. I am sure as this diet becomes more of the norm, I will learn more about my body, how food effects it, and what is hungry versus yearning. <br /><br />I have gotten so much support with texts, visits, emails, and calls... THANK YOU!! I know this will be a roller coaster, but I know that support will remain constant. <br /><br />Also, I know this is a discipline, not a diet. I found it fitting that my Day 1 of 365 reading in the Bible had this verse:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. -Proverbs 1:7</span><br /><br />I do not want to be a fool. And though I may not like this discipline... I know it is a way of learning. Learning more about who God made me to be.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Diet Learnings:</span><br />Likes-<br />Egg whites mixed with crushed mustard seed, dill, salt and pepper... it's like a healthy egg salad<br />Iced Green tea with Stivia (Since drinking this I don't have the headaches)<br />Cucumber, Radish, and Celery slices with salt, pepper, and 1TBSP of vinegar<br />Apples sliced with cinnamon and stivia microwaved for 90seconds... quite yummy!<br /><br />Dislikes- <br />Cottage Cheese and Cucumbers in the same meal (Though tomatoes and cottage cheese works, I switched it out after trying the first combination. i want to try it with basil and the Walden Farms Balsamic to see if it will make a sort of tomato mozzarella salad)<br />Only getting 1 TBSP of Salad Dressing/Vinegar... but since I only get 2TBSPs a day... I split it between the two meals or a snack.TiNAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13948012094531466600noreply@blogger.com0