Great short workout

This is short and it really gives you a good workout. I do it when I've got a few minutes waiting for water to boil or at work for a quick pick-me up when I'm getting a little drowsy.

My Aching Back

Years ago Mike had terrible back pain until he had surgery. He wouldn't complain very often but I could tell when his back was bothering him.
On this past Sunday I woke up feeling fine but then after a nice hot shower my muscles in my back started to spasm. I'd had problems with a little back pain before and so I had some Skelaxin in the medicine cabinet So I took the skelaxin but it didn't help much. I seemed to stop the spasm but my back had locked up. I couldn't move from side to side. I kept my back completely straight at all times. Sitting was very uncomfortable. I had an appt for a follow-up for an earlier surgery and while there my doctor saw how much pain I was in and gave me a script for Valium since I told him the skelaxin wasn't helping much. He stressed how important it was to rest my back so I've been home resting. I feel best on my side with the heating pad. Sitting up with my feet up isn't bad. Standing was the worst and sitting with my feet down was painful too.
Today was the first day I've been able to twist from side to side. I was so happy. I didn't take any valium today or yesterday either so that I think was great progress.
I made sure to take it easy today so I wouldn't have a relapse.
Praise God for answered prayer.

Another year

Pictures say everything...or do they? I do love cake so I'm happy whenever there is a birthday. It is the only time we get to have cake.

Here's my present from my sister-in-law. Isn't she cute. She's the lap kitty I always wanted. I haven't had a cuddly lap kitty since Daisy.

Office Workout

I discovered this office workout (can be done at home too) that is very simple to do and only requires a chair without wheels and a sturdy wall. Takes only 15 minutes. Check it out.
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=633

Scripture Memory Help from the Acrostic Queen

Those of you who love Beth Moore the way I do will love this mini-tutorial to memorizing scripture verses. The acrostic is RENEW which Beth chose from Romans 12:2 which reads:
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
Over at Beth's blog "LPM Blog" she's started the Scripture Memory Team. When I read about this I was so excited because I really would like to learn more scriptures. So I watched the tutorial and I think I'm ready to begin. Since the Scripture Memory Team started at the first of the year, I've got catching up to do but I'm going to do my best to try. Does anyone want to try with me. We can do it with the Lord's help.

Getting Easier

A few days ago I wrote that I was having difficulty with putting God first in my life - Why is it so Hard?. Quiet time in particular has been very difficult for me to maintain so I prayed about it and read my Bible and I've learned that putting time aside to spend with God isn't just going to happen spontaneously because I've become a Christian. God is important and like other things in my life that are important I now realize I must make time. So I've started getting up earlier in the morning, about half an hour. I grab a cup of coffee, my Bible, a notebook, devotional and sometimes my MP3 player if I'm going to listen to a podcasts and while my teens are in the shower I spend time with God. I will admit that I haven't done it every morning but most mornings this past week and I really enjoy the time. I find that starting my day out talking to God first really helps me get my head on straight for the day.

In my quiet time bag

1. Bibles (NIV and NLT)


2. Notebook


3. Pen and highlighter


4. Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible


5. How to Follow Christ by Greg Laurie


6. MP3 player loaded with podcast from

• Joyce Meyer


• Bob Coy


• James McDonald
  
• Greg Laurie
  
• a few others.

So Sleepy

For the past week with the weather being pretty nice Samuel has been able to spend more time outside. Spending time in the fresh air and running around and playing is the perfect recipe for an early night.

Earlier this week, Sam fell asleep around 5:30 and we weren't even able to wake him for dinner. I got him to take a quick trip to the potty, changed him into his pjs and put him to bed.

Tonight, we grilled burgers and hotdogs for dinner and spent time out back by the fire pit. Around 9:30 Sam just couldn't "hang" any longer. He found a "cozy" spot and fell asleep.