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Friday, July 22, 2011

I got NEXT!!!

He was brought by the pool to wait for his healing.  He had been sick over 38 years...so long to keep believing that things could possibly change for him.  Day after day seeing people step in and come out whole.  "OHHH....the water is stirring...I see it," only to look around and realize he had no way to get to it.  Day after day being brought to the water, this close...THIS CLOSE...but not close enough.  'This person is whole and that person is whole and I'm still sitting here...' Sadness and hopelessness surround him even him as others are all around him dissapointed but only ONE will be made whole. Only the first to make it in will receive their healing.  Suddenly, tapped on the shoulder, by what looked to him like a stranger but unbeknownst to him He was aware of the years that he lie in that state. 

Sitting by the pool, waiting for the water to stir only to be yet again dissapointed because someone else got theirs...'When will I be next?' 'Will you be made whole?' Jesus asks him.  Probably thinking, 'What a dumb question!  I'm out here EVERY DAGGONE day!  If it didn't want to be whole I'd just stay home wouldn't I?!?!'  But he responds instead, 'I have no one to help me when the water stirs so I miss my turn.' Jesus says to him, 'Rise up, take your bed and WALK!'  (John 5:2-9 paraphrased and inference added)

I'm so glad this morning even as I think of all the excuses - even valid ones - that I have made as to why I could not, have not, did not receive the blessings and promises of God that through Christ I GOT NEXT!!!  Just getting up and being reminded that as long as there is breath in my body I can praise God!  I can cry out to the giver of life for strength and the best part is when I call on Him...HE ANSWERS!  I got NEXT!  He did it before and He'll do it again!!  I got NEXT!  Thankful for the faith to persevere and keep walking on water. 

Praise Reports!!
Lisa 'Indyatalks' Thatch down 6lbs!!!  Starting over ain't easy - but with Christ ALL THINGS are possible!!
Kathy M. down 3lbs in one week!  - GO GURL...ya bones is showin'! 

Rejoice in the Lord in EVERY trial and every triumph just keep TRYING.  Don't give up and remember YOU GOT NEXT!!!

Receipe: (This one if for our Spa Day Luncheon tomorrow)
Tomato Basil Shrimp with Pasta
2 Tblsp FRESH Basil - Chopped
2lbs Shrimp peeled/deveined
1qt Cherry Tomatoes cut in 1/2
2 Tblsp Garlic, chopped
2 Tblsp Olive oil
2 Tblsp Low Sodium Chicken broth
Lite salt/pepper to taste

In large frying pan add oil and bring up to medium temp lightly brown garlic, pan sear shrimp on each side for 3-4 mins each side.  Add basil, garlic, tomatoes, season with salt pepper.  Add broth.

Cook rice pasta according to package directions (rinsing thoroughly).  Toss with 1 tsp olive oil and parsley flakes.  Top with shrimp/tomato/basil mixture and ENJOY!!!

Prayer:  Lord, continue to bless us and keep us.  Remind us to trust you daily for our daily bread.  Thank you for forgiveness and starting over.  We bless your name and we praise you in all that we do.  In Jesus' name!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Back to Eden Spa Day-Money Due

Ladies,

Non-refundable fee of $30 is due Friday (no later than Sunday) to secure your spot.  Please contact me to turn in your money ASAP.  We have folks on the waiting list at this point and we want to be fair not to exclude anyone who has already RSVP'd.

Remember, your $30 pays for your 30 minute massage, lunch, drinks and activites for July 23rd, 2011 from 1pm - 6pm.  An itinerary/schedule will be sent out so that you can be sure that you are present for whatever activities you want to participate in and also be sure to be on time for your scheduled massage.  If you have any time constraints, please make me aware as soon as possible.

Thank you!!!

Meanwhile...keep walking on water!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Are you there God?...its me...

“Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Satan said to Eve.  But because she either wasn't paying attention or didn't remember it properly she responded, "God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”   AND LEFT THE DOOR WIDE OPEN...to Satan's mind controlling mess!!! (see Genesis 3:1-2)

I'm sitting here thinking and the title to that old book was just ringing in my ears.  What was I, 13 or 14 years old when I read that book?  I can't even really remember what it was about but the title is just so appropriate.  Are you there God...it me...Lisa?  I don't know if I 'forgot', 'lost focus', 'got complacent' or all of the above, but I fell away...and I got lost but instead of feeling lost, I felt like I lost something.  Searching frantically for something not really knowing what.  I looked all over and while I looked, I lost focus...so overwhelmed with stress.  Finally, coming back to myself, its been almost 3 months and I haven't tracked my goals.  WHOA!!  What the what?!?  Size 14 again?  Where did you come from?  I BYPASSED a size 14 months ago.  I was well on my way to a solid size 8 but I lost 'it' ('it' sure ain't lbs)...and when I lost 'it' (focus) I almost lost 'it' (my mind).  How could I let this happen?  I could scarcely look myself in the mirror right now.  I feel like a failure.  So aggravated, so tired, so defeated.  I heard in my ears - 'I told you, you couldn't do it.'  I responded back - 'I know, I know.  I can't do this.  Its impossible, its hard, its'...Hold on!  wait a minute!  SHUT UP Satan.  That's only HALF of the truth.  It 'IS' hard BUT I 'CAN' do it!!  Matter of fact...YOU DID DO IT!!  And you CAN do it again!

Then I checked 'it' (my attitude) and I went back to my closet.  I pulled out my Journey of Jeans - All the way up to my starting size - 22.  Holding those 22's up to my now (again) size 14/16 self  helped me to regroup.  "You may not be where you want to be, but you are sure not where you used to be.'   AND Satan, you can kick rocks. 

Getting back on track is hard...HARD...HARD. I certainly wish I would have stayed my course because momentum is our best friend.  But don't get it twisted.  Its not impossible.  As a matter of fact, I have decided that this 'setback' (its not a failure until you quit) has actually made it better.  I am reminded that this journey Back to Eden is a lifetime commitment.  It is not something that will do itself but will require my complete and consistent dedication.  But the results are worth it. 

So...today - I apologize, to you - those who have walked this journey with me, because my first pain and hurt was in that I felt like I let you down.  But I hope that in my open failure, that I will allow you to hold me accountable.  I have always said, I am not one who has arrived, but only in what I have learned I share as one who has gone before but not necessarily attained.  Learn from my failures and put yourself FIRST.  Do this for YOU and for those who need and depend on you.  You can do it...

Remember....keep walking on water!!

Rev. Thatch

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Back to Eden Spa Day - July 23rd, 2011

Back to Eden Spa Day

So nice, we had to do it twice.  A wonderful day is planned for you. It will include a brief Back to Eden presentation, a 30 minute massage, lunch, drinks and a facial. You will be pampered with eucalyptus soaked cucumber slices for your eyes and a cool drink to enjoy inside or out. Your personal massage will be in the private area and accompanied by the full experience: aromatic fragrance, soft glow candle lighting and soft relaxing music.

Feel free to lounge about and fellowship after your massage (bring your robe if you like) or go home and get into bed feeling refreshed and invigorated by the talented masseus hand selected and brought in just for you.

The cost is $30, complete. You know you can't even get a massage by itself for $30. This will be an intimate fellowship so only the first 9 responders will be able to participate. All monies must be paid when you RSVP to save your place.  There are already only 6 spots left because a couple of the ladies from the FIRST spa day have already secured their positions they had SO MUCH FUN!!!

This will take place on 07/23/11 from 1pm to 6pm in Charlotte, NC at my home. You will not need to be present for the entire day (unless you would like to). Your massage will be 'scheduled' in advance so you will know when to arrive by to allow everyone to be able to take full advantage of their time.