The ANGRY Road

I've been on this road for years now. It's been full of ups and downs. I try to keep my comments and observations as positive as possible but I'm finding that real people are dealing with real shit and they are in real need of some real talk. So in case you didn't realize it from the first expletive I dropped for you faint of heart it's about to get real. So here's where you are welcomed to get off.

everybody off...  Who is left? The nosey. The needy. And the ones that God (yes I said God) has decided that I should specifically mentor to. God created me. God is molding me. God is patient with me. I'm patient with most of you. Until I can't with you. God hasn't told me to be a doormat or a martyr. Neither is my calling though I've played one on TV for too many years that stage is well over.

Now, enough of the reintroductions. Either you are on the road with me or you are not. I'm good either way.

So, my current condition on the road 2 success? PISSED! I'm not having my needs met, I'm working very hard to meet the needs of others and I'm being abused and unappreciated by some. Well, that is I was. Until I decided I am not anymore.  It's not easy to stop being the 'victim' when you don't see yourself as such.  I always felt helping people was victimless because I enjoyed it and I appreciate being appreciated. But that's where the problem lies. Users don't APPRECIATE you they DEPRECIATE you! VICTIMLESS???? I say not. Unfortunately, I'm a 'joint' I like to be connected and I enjoy being part of the 'supply' so I keep getting sucked in. Until this moment. Right at this very moment I'm moving people around on my list of priorities and reclassifying them where they ought to be. Whole bunch of y'all in the 'get f@&ed' column. (Yeah, I said y'all cuz u also fall in that 'Nosey' class so I know you still reading). Well, catch an eyeful or an earful if you are having someone read this to your illiterate ass.  I'm a bit done.  Hope you got all you could cause the ride is over. Don't call, don't ask me how I'm doing. Please don't ask me what's wrong, because nothing is wrong, I'm full of right.

As for my prayer warrior sisters who really have my back, pray for me. Don't call me either, I don't want to accidentally give you a shot of something what belongs to someone else.  If you love me and you know my heart you will have only good things to say about me. If you don't, you will draw your own conclusions, make up some bullshit in your mind that someone hurt me or whatever and feel free to enjoy that. It's probably the only form of creative expression you have.

I am an artist and sometimes I have to deal with my darkness. Actually many of us have a dark side. Most of us prefer to hide it in a bottle, a bag of weed, in promiscuous sex or even by telling jokes. But the one thing I've learned from the recent days events is either face it and deal with it or bury it and it will bury your ass.  I choose to live.  Even if I have to kill some of y'all off to do so.

The Road 2 Success is REAL and filled with real stuff. It's not for everyone. We all won't make it and I'm no longer forcing or carrying anyone along with me.  Join me or step off. And please never forget there is more than one way to the top....this just happens to be mine.

Keep rising to the top by encouraging others to rise to the TOP - That's the Road 2 Success 4 You way!!

Its been a while since I posted to my blog.  I have been journal-ing, living life, experiencing some ups and downs.  I just wanted to share a little bit of what's going on in my world right now.  I feel like you guys are family and I am sitting on the top of the world and just wanted to share.  I feel like a TOTALLY different person. 

Last night I was nominated AND WON the Certified Master Trainer Award for Icon of Success (The Financial Online Education Company).  I received certifications, awards and accolades AND I was invited to do a long standing radio show with 'The Money Man' on WGIV FM (a local Charlotte Station - available online http://player.liquidcompass.net/WGIVFM) next Thursday at 1pm EST. 

What's even better is that my teammates and students honored me with a beautiful silver engraved jewelry box and engraved necklace. I've also stepped out on faith and decided to launch the first edition of my magazine - The Road 2 Success 4 You Magazine.  In it I will honor individual small business owners who are making contributions to their local communities impacting the lives of children, disabled or disadvantaged individuals.  My first edition will be available on line and in print April 2014. 

I'm definitely in 'go' mode and trusting God every step of the way.  If any of you would like to personally hear more about what I'm doing to educate the community; I invite you to join me on Wednesday night at 9:30pm EST on a conference call 712-432-0075 passcode 644582# or send me an email:  lisathatch@theroad2success4you.com to set up a personal call. 

God is seriously doing exceedingly, abundantly above all I could ask or even think.  Each and every day!!!

Restrained or Delivered?

Restrained vs. Delivered

I've been wondering about the difference between the two.  I have seen so many people say they are 'recovering' this and 'recovering' that and they say that they still struggle with it, myself included.  So I wondered, am I really 'recovered' anything or have I just gotten better at 'retraining' myself.

I think about it as it relates to everything I have challenges with.  So you'll know I'm not secretly talking about you, I'll let you in on my challenges. Ya'll know one of them is food but the other challenge has been cussing...(ooh - not the good Reverend!) YEAH CUSSING! (for my northern readers CURSING/SWEARING - LOL). 

I didn't utter a single cuss word for over 12  years (while my son was from ages 1-12) it wasn't hard.  I just decided I didn't want my son to associate that behavior with me.  But something happened at 12...it was probably his wild ass turning 12! - (whoops...one of those pesky cusses).  Anyway, somehow, I then decided it was probably ok to let him hear me cuss so he would know I was 'real' (my thoughts words/not his). 

So, I think about this now.  Was I delivered from cussing or had I just exibited some intense form of restraint?  Now that my son is 16, I've found that I have been cussing more freely (not around him, but just whenever the mood suits me).  At first, I was like, ok, this is enough.  Time to curtail it.  But guess what, bloop, out comes a cuss.  WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME!  I ask myself. 

Some people would say I should 'surrender it to the Lord'.  Yeah, if it works for you - have at it.  I've tried that.  Others have said give yourself a consequence for it like snap a rubber band or whatever whenever you cuss.  MMHMM...not really into gratuitous pain.  I've also heard tell that one should pray about it.  I prayed about it and as soon as I got up from the prayer, I hit my toe and guess what - BLLOOOPPP.  hmmm...What else could I do?  Distract myself from it.  Yeah, ok, so instead of cussing people out I will cut them down with words they don't understand and accomplish the same task.  Umm...but wouldn't that be wrong too?  Damn?!

I asked God about it.  He hasn't really finished answering me (as you can probably tell, since I'm still cussing) but He has started the conversation.  His question to me was, 'Why do you want to cuss?'  Of course my cursory first response was an emphatic, 'I don't!!' So then He asked me, 'So why ARE you still cussing then?'  That one, I couldn't respond too quickly to.  I'm gonna have to marinate on it.  WHY do I still do something that I don't like (or do I) and that I don't get any enjoyment from (or do I) and that doesn't represent who I am (or does it?)

Dag God! (I couldn't put the d-word that close to His name cuz I was worried about catching a lightening bolt).  But why You gotta be so difficult? Asking all them questions, asking all them questions...

talk soon...hopefully, post deliverance.  Restrained is too much like work. 

How do you find your destiny?

How do you find your destiny?  Determine what is destroying your peace.

So often I ask myself, 'what is my gift?' 'where is my destiny?' 'what am I supposed to be doing?'  God has placed in me so many diverse abilities that I often get caught up in the 'ability' and get in 'busy work' which spins me into an exhausted frenzy and eventually depression.

We have been focused on the prayer call over the past few weeks on 'Vision' and 'Goals'.  The start of a new year often has everyone focused on 'righting' all the 'wrongs' of yester-year.  Lose weight, gain weight, write a book, travel the country, learn a new instrument, stop smoking, quit drinking...the list goes on and on and on.  Some of us start out really, really strong and get it in.  We address the 'thing' that is usually the most obvious symptom to our problem.  We got fat, we need to lose weight.  We got skinny, we  need to gain weight.  We smoke cigarettes, we quit smoking cigarettes.  You get the idea.  The problem is we are addressing the 'symptoms' or outward signs of our problems and not the root cause.

When I moved to Charlotte, NC from NYC over 17 years ago, every house on my little street had a little flower bed.  Either around their mailbox or around the tree in their front yard or right in front of their porch.  So I decided, I wanted some flowers too.  I went to Walmart, got a bag of dirt and some pansies (I think that's what they were) and I planted them around my tree.  I spent all day digging and placing and watering.  They were sooooo pretty and I had accomplished it.  Then I went back to my regular life.  A few days later, there were some funny looking things in with my flowers.  I didn't like them, so I plucked them just below the surface level.  My flowers were back to being pretty again.  Mind you, this whole time, my neighbor - Mr. Charles (cuz you gotta put a 'Mr.' on people who are older than you names - lol, its a southern thang).  So Mr. Charles was out there every day in his flower garden.  I figured he just liked it out there.  I on the other hand, enjoyed seeing my flowers when I came into the house but all that in the yard gardening and tending...notsomuch.

So my flowers started to have a lot of funky green plants up around them (I later learned they were weeds).  I asked Mr. Charles, how would I get the weeds out of my flowers.  He said, 'Pluck them up at the root'.  So, I did.  (or at least I thought I did) and then they came back!  WTH...Mr. Charles has led me wrong.  "Mr. Charles, why do I keep getting weeds?" I asked.  He responded, "Cuz you ain't plucked them all up!".  So I asked, "How long do I have to keep plucking?"  He responded, "For as long as it takes to get it all.".

You might think at this moment I had an 'aha' moment.  But I did.  But I didn't.  I went behind my house and got my lawn mower and ran over the whole flower garden.  Because I decided it was just too much work.

How much work are you willing to put in to find your destiny?  How much work are you willing to put in to get to your 'peace' so that you can finally be free of all those weeds that keep destroying every step of progress that you make?  Anything worth having is worth working for.  God's word says that if a man don't work, a man don't eat.

If you'd like to dig deep and find out what God is trying to help you to be free from get real.  Contact me for a consultation and we'll start your journey.  No quick fixes.  No easy outs.  But good success.  704-493-2035.  Let's get 'Back to Eden' - a Christian Approach to Living.

SELF reflections...

Self-esteem, self-confidence, self-assured...These are all buzz words that we use to 'try' (key word) to encourage ourselves.  But what happens when those are the same words that get in our way?  What do we do when the image we have of our 'self' is not enough?  There are times, in the middle of believing in our 'self'' that we begin to let 'reality' set in.  (We call it reality - because we've been trained to, but its really vain imaginations).  When that reality sets in and we remember that we are not qualified, that we are still fat, that we are still unemployed, that we still don't have enough money, that we are still sick, that we are (you fill in the blank)...what is your 'self-esteem' doing when you are dealing with all those thoughts? 

Its sitting right there - taunting you.  Calling you a fake, a phony, a charlatan.  What do you do then?  Well, what should be done, should have been done EARLIER.  All that 'self' business should have been couched properly.  (I said couched - but coached could work here too).  See - we can't expect the faith in our 'self' to accomplish what faith in 'God' can accomplish unless it is 'couched/coached' properly! (I just realized I use a lot of exclamation points - I get excited so easily!!!! - in case you didn't realize it, that was a little ADHD for ya:)  Anyway - we put our faith in the wrong basket.  We have to put our FAITH in GOD. 

Some of you may be asking - well, I'm supposed to have high self-esteem aren't I?  YES but of course you except NOT BY YOUR 'SELF'.  The scriptures say, 'I can do all things.....' RIGHT?  WRONG!!!  It says, 'I can do all things - THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!'  We take it out of context because we have been taught to 'believe in yourself' (how many songs written on this) and 'if you don't believe in yourself - who will' (how many books are written on this) and my favorite 'you can do anything you put your mind to' (ala 'Little engine that could').  All of this is only PARTIALLY true.  The critical component is CHRIST/GOD. 

When we 'try' to do it without Him we FAIL and we SIN! Dag...a two-fer for your face!  How do we fail?  Well, we usually quit - we say things like, 'I guess I really can't do a., b., c., I'd be happier if I just accepted that as a fact.' or we have pity parties, and invite the whole world so they can make us feel better, 'Oh...its ok - you tried.  You gave it your best.  (look at all those 'you's' and note them).  We fail when we do it in our own might and our own strength. 

So you say...ok, ok, I guess I get that...but how did I SIN?  You SINned because YOU put YOU before and/or in the place of GOD!  What?  Huh?  No I didn't!  Yeah - you did.  You said, 'I got this', I can do this' I, I, I, I, me, me, me and when things were rolling along well you were taking all the credit for it. That is SIN.  We have to get in our positions, behind God.  (Thou shall have no other gods before me. Italic emphasis mine). 

Do it today.  Dream your dream.  Its a great day for it.  Work your Faith.  Faith with out works is dead.  PLACE  your faith.  Faith in GOD not man (ourselves included).  For with God NOTHING shall be impossible!  (exclamation point MINE for emphasis!!!  I told ya'll I was excited!!!) - Luke 1:37

I'm heading to the gym - what are YOU doing?

One Step at a Time is Enough for Me

One Step at a Time is Enough for Me

Step-by-step, i have the power to change all that is not working in my life.  With each step I take, I am on the pathway to the best of who I am. Somettimes I go a bit off-course, but I always find my way back again.  Peace comes from realizing that all that needs to be done will be done.  I just start from the place where I am right now and take it one step at a time.  In so doing, I pull myself out of the rut of inaction.  I trust the wisdom within my being to show me what needs to be done.  And I will do it...one step at a time.  I take a deep breath and relax.  Yes...

ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
ONE STEP AT A TIME IS ENOUGH FOR ME.
(Copyright (c) 2006 Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.)

How many times have you resolved to start bettering yourself only to get discouraged by your PAST results?  Why do we allow ourselves to do that?  We have to LOOK AHEAD!  Well, then when we look ahead, things look so far away, they don't look attainable.  We are looking too far.  Take ONE STEP toward your goal.  Just one.  And right after you take that first step...take ONE STEP more.  All of the goals look unattainable when we try to take it all in at once.

If you showed up in kindergarten and the teacher put on the board the entire syllabus you would need to graduate from college we would have either stood there in total shock and awe (or our parents would have for us) and then quit believing that there would be no way we could complete all of that in our ability (or our own finite perception of our abilities).  But they started you out playing, scribbling with a crayon, making shapes, chanting numbers that made no sense to you and spelling words you didn't know the  meaning of and one day...it made sense!

New Year Challenge!!

1.  Form a local team of like minded individuals with common goals (no more than 5 people but at least 3).  2.  Choose a start date (I suggest within the next 48hrs) and weigh in
3.  Choose a commitment (I suggest $5/week)
4.  Choose a end date (I suggest no more than 2 weeks).
5.  COLLECT THE MONEY AND GET STARTED!

Compete and encourage one another at the same time.  To lose the  most pounds or inches or both.  At the end of the prescribed time period whomever has made the most progress takes the pot. 

Rinse and repeat:) 

You don't have to look like a size 5 when you are done.  You don't have to fit into those skinny jeans.  You just have to be one step closer to the healthier you that you deserve to be!

Send us your achievements and your success stories.  We want to see how you conquered the world ONE STEP AT A TIME and WON!!

Romans 8:37-39
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For information on Back to Eden - A Christian Approach to Weight Loss email me directly at thatchl@yahoo.com or call 704-493-2035.  I look forward to supporting you.  Remember, its really NOT about the weight. 

Meanwhile...keep walking on water. 

Exposed - Part II

Exposed Part II

This is a  new stage. Things are going 'well' but you still can't be happy, you still refuse to 'relax'. Looking over your shoulder at yourself thinking, I could be happy here....but it won't last. Or hmmm, this is too good to be true, so it must not be. Or even, who am I kidding, I've never been able to (fill in your own blank here) for long, so I'm only setting myself up for a bigger let down if I get used to this.

Every change, every 'success' is also going to reveal a crack. A crack in the facade, the facade or image you are creating for yourself. Especially if we are only doing 'surface' work. Remember the roads they re-did in front of my house? I would have had them simply slap some 'new' asphalt on top of the old and make it pretty and smooth looking and be done with it. But now we realize, had they done that, it might have been completed more quickly, it may have looked good, it may have even lasted...for a little while, but eventually the breaches below, the weaknesses and imperfections that were left unattended to would cause the new, smooth, pretty upper layer to crack.

The new year has brought with it a tremendous amount of pressure to 'get fit', 'lose weight', 'get healthy'. The one that is the closest to where our focus ought to be is 'get healthy' but not just 'physically fit' that's only the surface. It takes a larger commitment to get fully fit. To delve into understanding (and repairing) all that lies under the surface. Then and only then can we be 'whole'.

James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!
Rev. Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035

Ladies, join us for prayer on the ladies prayer line - Mon-Fri at 6am and Saturday at 8am712-432-0232 passcode 813766#

Back to Eden - A Christian Approach to Weight Loss
Call for a consultation!! $50.  Facebook friends:  $35 Facebook:  Lisa Indyatalks ThatchYoutube:  http://youtube.com/indyatalksTwitter:  http://twitter.com.indyatalksBlog:  http://indyatalks.blogspot.com 

Exposed - Part I

Exposed - Part I
The pressure reveals the cracks

God doesn't expect perfection from us He wants us to desire perfection (in Him) and then He GIVES it to us. (Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled. Matthew 5:6)

Hiding comes in so many forms. Some hiding is so second nature that we are hard pressed to even recognize it for what it is. How can hiding be in plain sight? All the laughter and pleasantries worn like a mask. Fear looming deep inside that she may really be found out. Or even the hidden parts that we didn't even realize were there? The things we either thought were already overcome or never even realized the were an issue? Hiding.

Our roads were recently redone in front of our house. Before they put on the new layer of asphalt the crews went about tearing up spots up and down the road restoring and refilling them. We didnt understand why they were doing this patchwork repair. We actually thought that was all they were going to do, patchwork. That they were either too cheap or too lazy to just 'do the job right' which in our eyes was to either tear up the whole thing or just put a new layer of asphalt on top.

How similar is this to the way I think of myself. Either I'm totally not worth saving (working for, committing to, believing in) and I want to just give up. Or I want to put on a coverup and bury the imperfections deep beneath the surface.  But here is where the aha moment comes...the reason they could not just put the new layer of asphalt on top of the old without first addressing the 'trouble spots' was because if they did that the pressure of the top layer would cause the under layer to crack.

It's ok to stay right there for a moment, I did.  We'll talk again later. Love you guys.

Special honor and thanks to the angel of the Lord Rev. Love me like:) you know who you are.  Thank you for just being you! You remind me to keep searching, to never give up, to believe in my success more than my failure, to not just throw out the baby (myself) with the bathwater. Double blessings on you, your ministry and your good success.

Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!
Rev. Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035

Ladies, join us for prayer on the ladies prayer line - Mon-Fri at 6am and Saturday at 8am712-432-0232 passcode 813766#

Back to Eden - A Christian Approach to Weight Loss
Call for a consultation!! $50.  Facebook friends:  $35 Facebook:  Lisa Indyatalks ThatchYoutube:  http://youtube.com/indyatalksTwitter:  http://twitter.com.indyatalksBlog:  http://indyatalks.blogspot.com

Please reply 'unsubscribe' to be removed from the distribution list or 'modify' to request to have the notes sent to a different mailbox.  These communications are meant to encourage, uplift and empower, not to infringe upon anyone's personal beliefs.   Thank you.

1995 and the best day of our life

It was a brisk day in February. We had only been in Charlotte for short time, yet our lives had already changed so much. I had left the drugs behind on the road from NYC. The bible belt had intervened in our lives so much so that my head was spinning. Married. Whew...sooner than I thought I'd be but that was of no concern to our land lord who insisted on the  marriage license before turning over any keys to us. A different world we came to. People waved as we drove by. Spoke when we were in line. Just so different from the Bronx that I left. Different, but good. I had always felt out of place back home. I loved it, don't get me wrong. But I've been a friendly and familiar person all my life. 

Never met a stranger. Today would be no different. Or so I thought. Driving around the corner, on one of our weekly weekend explorations, we saw a beautiful, smiling, chubby teenager, sitting on her porch, smiling and waving like we were just who she was waiting for.  We pulled over and asked her for directions to the closest Payless:) my new husband and I smiled as we got our first taste of 'Charlotte directions' not a single street name or number in the whole dissertation. She amusingly described navigating the streets with a combination of house colors, mr. So and so will be on his porch, cross over the railroad tracks, go past the corner store, etc. believe it or not, WE FOUND IT- LOL. 

Finding our way back home was made simpler by all the colorful directions she had given us. And it was made even more special as we pulled up,close to home and she was right there waiting to see our purchases. With her mothers permission, she came home with us, to examine all our wares and keep us entertained and amused with her playful way and joyful attitude. She was a breath of fresh air in our lives. 

It became a daily occurrence that our lovely girl would make an appearance. Ours became a second home to her. I wonder if she knew how much we looked forward to her visits.  She was my joy. I thank God for allowing us to have her in our lives. I smile when I think of her laughing and silliness. When she was learning to cook. Even when she fearfully announced that she was pregnant. I wonder if she thought we could love her less if she wasn't perfect. We loved her no less. Never will. Never could. She's filled our lives with ups and downs, sadness and joy, but the sadness is but a pale shadow in comparison to the joys she's given us. She became the perfect big sister to him, though we worried she might feel displaced. She loved him and doted on him like a proud little momma. She became a young woman, with children of her own, each one of them giving us the gift of see one or more of her qualities. They keep us in stitches, watching them grow, learn, succeed, fail, fall, get up, and overcome. She is my gift from God. My first daughter. 

I didn't want to wait for a birthday or daughters day or any day because tomorrow is not promised. I just want to say today, that I love you. Period.

Victory!!

Defeated. Loser. Failure. Coward. Useless. Quitter.  Ineffective. Hopeless. Worthless.

You probably started reading those words and wanted to look away. Or you may have started shaking your head in the affirmative, yeah, that's me. You may be staring now at them and feeling overwhelmed by the heaviness and weight of them saying, I don't need this negativity in my life right now. But then if you take a moment to be honest with yourself you may admit that this is the mantra that you are allowing to play in your mind. It is the sole tune on the playlist of your inner dialogue and you wonder why you are still exactly where you are or even worse further back than where you started.

"Sticks and stones", they said. "These are just words", you try to say to yourself using that weak watered down rhetoric to overcome the inner oppression that makes you feel like you are wearing a lead vest that you can't win for losing.  That you never had a chance. That the odds where stacked against you.  That you lost before you ever began.  That you would have been better off if you had not even been born.  That even if you did have a chance to be successful it's too late now. That you missed your chance.

I usually don't allow myself to spend this much time stating the negative, seeping and sinking into the pit of self pity and wallowing there even in my writings.  But this time is different. God wanted me to make sure that some one on the brink of doom, in despair, on the verge of giving up, someone like me...as a matter of fact, God wanted to be sure that those of us who HAVE given up get this.

The race is not given to the strong or to the swift but to them that endure to the end.

Where we are right now, it's only the end if we allow it to be. 

I refused to write.  I refused to write because I no longer had faith in myself to lead through my writings. Interestingly, that is both where the devil wanted me to be and where God NEEDED me to be. Although I 'know' (head knowledge) that I am nothing apart from God, I also 'know' (experiential knowledge) that I 'feel' (uh oh watch out) more effective when I am SEEING the manifestation. So when the plateaus came and the situations came and the obstacles came and the pounds came then my 'feelings' failed. You see I was walking by sight and not by faith.

(Whew, this has become one of the chapters of the book that I have not written, in my disobedience, in my lack of faith - I'll need to spend some time addressing that later with myself & God).

Nevertheless, the enemy would have won had I not come across this little, tiny, powerful piece of scripture: "Yet where I am weak there am I made strong." (you can shout right here, because I am. Don't worry, I'll wait........)

Hallelujah!  In this failure, God is unlocking His invaluable lessons. First, don't do it without me. Secondly, don't do it without me. And thirdly, since you can't do it without me....don't do it without me. Amen. The other lesson is one that I almost always miss. That is, stop listening to what others say about you (even yourself-LISA!) Replace that self chatter with what God says about you.

It really is who you really are even if YOU don't believe it. The enemy is trying to convince you otherwise and he's so desperate to do so because HE knows that as soon as you get it...he is defeated!

The mighty man of valor, Gideon was cowering on the threshing floor when God called him 'Mighty man of Valor'! Mighty man of valor was who he was! Period point blank end of story.  Mighty man of Valor. If he had never lived up to becoming a Mighty man of Valor that would still be who he is, a Mighty man of Valor, because God is not a man that he should lie. And when he got it (that he was indeed a Mighty man of Valor)....HE BECAME IT! (in case you don't know what 'it' is - A MIGHTY MAN OF VALOR!!)

Be who God says you are. Tell yourself a hundred times a day until you believe it.  A THOUSAND TIMES A DAY. Faith comes by hearing and HEARING by the word of God. Just do it. Start over again TODAY. I was going to say. "I dare you" but I believe I'll say, "I IMPLORE YOU"!

Eden citizens, those that are already in this subscription, just send me an email with your body type and I will send you a copy of your plan and profile and we will start again today.  With God all things are possible.  Even if you never got a plan before - you can have it free today because that's what God is instructing me in my spirit.  I need you as much as you think you need me.  Together we win. 

I know for a fact (now) that God did not bless this ministry of health and healing and weight loss because of 'me' fortunately He did it in spite of me. Pray for my strength in the Lord as I do likewise.

Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!

 

Rev. Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional

704-493-2035 

thatchl@yahoo.com

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Back to Eden - A Christian Approach to Weight Loss
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Green Eyes

Proverbs 27:4

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴ Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
   but who can stand before jealousy?

You are probably wondering what 'jealousy' has to do with weight.  So am I, but I can't seem to get away from the thought.  So, I'm exploring it right here with you and hopefully, by the time I finish writing, we'll all have some idea as to what it has to do with weight.

What is 'jealousy'?  Webster defines it as " Jealous - Resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another persons success or advantage itself."

 Not one of those 'feelings' defines how I feel.  or does it?  I always prided myself on not being one of those 'silly women' who can't stand to see another woman succeed or achieve her hearts desire.  I am encouraged by the success of my sisters.  Whatever their 'accomplishment', in my heart I feel pride for them.  I'm glad for them.  In my mind, I know that what God has for me is for me.  So the fact that they have it first or in abundance or even in addition to me only affirms my faith.  

Or does it? Don't put yourself in my shoes if this is not you...but somewhere...in the back of me or deep inside of me...I'm tired.  I'm frustrated with being the 'cheering squad' or the 'bigger person'.  I want to be the one.  But I also know what God is creating with me and for me is a process (that doesn't make it easier - remember, I'm walking through this thought with you, right now, so I may change my own mind at any point.  Please bear with me.)

So what do I do with this 'emotion' God?  How do I keep it from turning me into something or someone that I am not or at least someone that I don't want to be?  Jealous.  That's not who I am.   But...it is how I feel.  Wow...I said it.  I FEEL JEALOUS.  O M G!!  I said it again!!!  I FEEL JEALOUS!!  umm...no lightening bolts?  no...hell fire?  Wait a minute?  I said, I 'feel' jealous.  and its true.  It is how I feel.  Its not who I am.  I am not consumed by it (except when I am trying to ignore my feelings).  Its just how I 'feel'.  Actually, I just realized I said, 'I feel jealous' and not 'I AM jealous'.  Because truthfully, logically, I am not a 'jealous' person.  But where are the 'feelings' coming from?

Seems to me, now that I am allowing myself permission to 'feel jealous' I can actually address the 'why'.  Hmmm...still thinking.  (yeah, K, I know, I'm talking to myself - out loud - in writing - um...so?  you got a problem with that?) Anyway, why do I feel jealous?  Do I want what someone else has?  Do I feel displaced by what someone else is doing?  Am I tired of not having what I want?  Probably a little of all of those things.  But what keeps me from falling?  or What will keep me from being consumed by jealousy? (BTW - I feel the tension leaving my shoulders even as I write, so I think I'm on to something).  If I think back (fortunately - way back) I'd probably alienate the person I was jealous of, probably make them my enemy.  Allow them to be the target of my anger, my venom.  But that's not me anymore.  So instead, I still have the anger, the venom but what do I do with it?  I turn it inward.  I allow myself to seethe because I cannot respond the way that I feel I want to.  So in essence I punish myself.  The tension creeps into my back, my stress levels accelerate.  I become short and erratic all AT MYSELF.  

then...I have to apologize.....to Me.

And how do I do that?.....................WITH FOOD! (wow..ok, ok, I'm listening)

So, what am I supposed to do with these feelings, these emotions?  I don't want to give them to God.  I am ashamed of them.  I don't even want to talk any one about them, let alone God.  I am ashamed.  (loooooooonnnnnnnngggggg pause here).  I      AM        ASHAMED.  But I haven't even done anything.  I'm just feeling jealous.  I haven't done anything to anyone.  I haven't said anything to anyone or treated anyone in the wrong way.  I just felt.  So why am I ashamed?  

Because I hurt.  I did HURT someone - me.  

I'm trying so hard not to do or say or be a certain thing that I am allowing myself to do those exact things to 'me'.  I didn't even acknowledge 'me' when I was let down, sad, overlooked, intentionally or unintentionally shorted.  All I did was focus on making sure I didn't hurt anyone else.  I treated 'Me' so badly that 'Me' began to rebel.  'Me' is tired of being overlooked in the care department.  'Me' is going to get some attention one way or the other.  So I try to apologize to 'Me'.  What can I do for 'Me'.  'I' placate 'Me' with food.  But that's not what 'WE' need.  We need acknowledgement. We need to respect ALL 'OUR' FEELINGS.  I don't have to 'act' on them.  But I do have to give myself permission to 'feel' them.  

What does this have to do with weight loss?  You decide.  But I certainly feel much lighter now. 

 

Selfish

So funny how easy it is to get convinced that you shouldn't do what you are doing.  Or that you can't do what you are already doing.  I have been finding it so difficult to talk, minister and encourage on health and eating and exercise and proper nutrition because I have been dealing with people who have issues that are seemingly just so much more important.

Job loss, unemployment, health issues, foreclosures, wayward children, wayward spouses, anger management issues, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and on and on and on...How can I, in the face of such extreme and serious stuff can I talk about carrots and exercise?  And then God spoke to me.  Back to Eden is really about taking care of the thing we CAN do while you trust God to handle all the things we can't.  God makes provision for us, every day.  But He also has given us an example of the importance of taking care of ourselves.  When things get tough the first thing most of us cut out of our daily lives is the things for 'us' only.  We have been taught that 'selfish' is a dirty word.  Even though the etymology of the word selfish is anything but.  The word 'selfish' was meant to indicate 'caring for oneself'.  It evolved to have negative connotations and is often defined as 'caring ONLY for oneself'. 

So if that word 'selfish' doesn't sit well with you, get rid of it.  Let's use a different word, 'self-care'.  We have biblical substantiation for 'self-care'.  Jesus, himself, made sure to take time to 'minister to himself', if you will.  He gave and gave to the followers, disciples and his friends and loved ones.  But he also took time to care for himself.  When we find him walking on the water out to the ship - its because he was off by himself.  When we see him asleep in the bottom of the boat before they woke him - its because he was off by himself.  When we find him sitting by the well right before asking the woman to give him drink - its because he was off by himself.  Even when he went to the garden and took the 3 with him - he went off by himself.  The one who gave His ALL for us, took time for himself. 

Making healthy choices, getting enough rest, drinking enough water, eating the right foods, in the proper portion at the proper frequency are about 'taking time for yourself' - Just like Christ.  I hope today, before you reach for that soda or that hamburger or sitting in front of the TV instead of taking a walk, or choosing to eat instead of skipping a meal to finish your work, you will ask yourself, 'What would Jesus do?" and then remind yourself that you are worth it.  You can't take care of everyone who relies and depends on you if you don't take care of yourself.  

To receive your personalized Back to Eden:  A Christian Approach to weight loss packet and encouraging support for your journey call me at 704-493-2035.

Meanwhile...keep walking on water.

One time cost - $50 ($35 for facebook friends)

FEARS

Fears....

We all have them.  Songs have even been written about them.  Some of our fears don't even follow logic.  I read about a woman who has a fear of stuffed animals - an inanimate object.  What about those fears that are somewhat founded - a fear of snakes?  or how about the one that hides and lurks in the backs of so many of our minds...the fear of failure? 

God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (2Tim1:7)

Overcoming our fears is not often something we can do on our own.  Some of our fears are so deep rooted that we don't even acknowledge them and even the world says 'You cannot change that which you do not acknowledge.'  Some of the 'overcoming' that we need to do needs to begin with some 'soul searching'.  I used to be a smoker.  As a smoker, I used to smell like cigarettes and I had a smoker's cough.  I could treat those symptoms - I washed my hair frequently and used various cough suppressants and I could temporarily remove (or disguise) the effects of my problem.  My real problem.  The REAL problem was NEVER the cough or the funky hair.  It was the cigarettes.  (I could go deeper and actually show that the cigarettes were not the 'root' cause either, but for the purposes of this piece...you get the point). 

Obesity and being overweight is NOT THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEM.  It is a symptom.  We can treat 'symptoms' but we can't 'CURE' them because THEY ARE SYMPTOMS.  (You can't 'cure' a symptom you can only MASK it).  And to be brutally honest, we spend too much time trying to 'cover up' our symptoms and don't give ANY attention at all the the problems.  We wanna find a quick fix to the 'fat':  Juicers, prepared/pre-packaged food, ultra exercise, fasting, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Oprah - who ever EVERY SINGLE THING out there is only meant to treat the symptom - our fat. 

But the root cause for many of us is that we don't value ourselves.  Yes, you'll disagree.  "I love myself' we say.  'I'm the bomb.com' or 'I love me some me'.  But just like the word of God says, 'If you love me, keep my commands' if we REALLY loved us we'd be doing what we need to do to get and be and STAY healthy.  It takes EFFORT!  YES!!!  But aren't you worth it?  Or are you just afraid that you'll fail anyway...so why bother to try?

I'd like to hear your answers...Don't worry - I'll wait...

For more info on Back to Eden:  The Christian Approach to Weight Loss call Lisa Thatch - 704-493-2035 or email thatchl@yahoo.com

Back on Track to Eden: Goal Setting 1-2-3

For Your Health:
Goal-Setting 1-2-3
If you didn't succeed with your 2011 resolution, then you need to do something different to succeed with 2012's. Try these three steps (and four bonus tips!) to set and meet your New Year's goal.

If you're trying to lose weight, you probably already have a good idea of where you want to be: back in your old jeans with the 34" waist, or in your favorite size-6 dress, for instance. But let's hold off on that long-term goal to start...

1. Create an Action Plan

Before you get too attached to a goal weight and a target date, set an Action Plan. That is, decide what you will realistically do to achieve your goal. How often will you exercise? What dietary changes will you make?

An Action Plan takes the guesswork out of your resolution. It doesn't just answer 'what' and 'when' like a goal does; an Action Plan tells you 'how.' It also prevents you from 'resolving' to lose too much weight, too soon, which will only discourage you.

Better still, an Action Plan defines success by your efforts every day: if you follow your plan (get to the gym and have fresh fruit for dessert, for example) you've succeeded! By contrast, even a realistic long-term goal may leave you waiting for months before you can say "I did it!"

To help you stick to your Action Plan, write it down; putting it in black and white helps steel your resolve. Then notify your support network - your friends, family, and anyone you can count on for positive reinforcement.

2. Set a Long-term Goal

Give your Action Plan a couple of weeks. Once you know how effective it is - how much progress you make when you follow it - you can then figure out how long it will really take to reach your final goal. In other words, you can now set a fact-based Long-term Goal.

To set that Long-term Goal, you can either proceed with - or revise - your Action Plan. For example, if your final goal is to lose 20 pounds, and your Action Plan shed one pound a week, then you can either:

Set a Long-term Goal to stay the course for 20 weeks total, or...
Revise your Action Plan for more activity and fewer calories to get their sooner.
3. Set your 1st Short-term Goal

While you work toward achieving your Long-term Goal, you should set Short-Term Goals to keep you excited along the way.

If your Long-term Goal will take six months to achieve, then you might plan a series of one-month goals (i.e. double what your Action Plan tells you that you can achieve in two weeks).

Plus 4 Tips to Keep You on Track

▪ Be patient with yourself. It may take longer than expected, and it will certainly take longer than you'd like. If you didn't gain it overnight, then don't expect to lose it overnight either.

Also, consider how long you waited to start. If you're like most people, you procrastinated for longer than the resolution itself will take to achieve! If you've already proven that you can be patient with getting nowhere, then being patient with progress should be easy.

▪ Be forgiving if you have a few setbacks. Most of us do. It's your ability to get back in the saddle that will make the difference!

▪ Remind yourself why you're doing this. You might put an appropriate photo or Post-It note where you'll see it regularly:

Want to fit your old jeans? Then choose a picture of yourself from when you could; or hang the jeans near your refrigerator!
Trying to dodge a family history of heart disease? Then perhaps pick a photo of a loved one who suffered from it.
Tired of getting winded climbing the stairs? Then post words of encouragement at the top and bottom of those stairs.
▪ Reward yourself for each Short-term Goal that you achieve. Don't reward with anything that will slow your progress. (Hopefully, your Action Plan allows a little leeway for you to enjoy some of your favorite foods, though less often and in smaller quantities).

You could buy yourself something, but instead, reward with an experience. Research into happiness tells us that money spent on an event brings more satisfaction than money spent on a thing. So take a friend out to dinner, go dancing, get a massage, or do whatever you find fun and don't do often enough.

Of course, getting and staying fit is its own reward. It helps you feel better, fills you with pride, and signals your body to release mood-boosting hormones for an all-natural 'high.' We all want to enjoy the finer things in life; just remember that physical activity is one of them.

Who do you think you are?

Running for your life.
Hated.
Disregarded by your family.
Misunderstood.
Tired.
Confused.
Alone.

Can you imagine my confusion?  I served him honorably.  Both personally, in his private chamber, soothing his sullen spirit and publicly bearing arms to fight a formidable adversary.  I kept going, even after having been overlooked by my own father.  He didn't even consider me when calling the family in for the special dinner.  Now I'm on the run, hiding, fearing for my life, going to my enemies for cover.  Can I really be the one?  Am I the one you intend to establish forever?  Speak to my fears.  Strengthen my gait.  Encourage my heart that I may encourage myself. 

- King David, in the valley of the shadow of death.

Don't allow where you are right now make you forsake your destiny!

Cane Creek UPDATE:
Ladies,

Please send in your payments:
Lisa Thatch
3225 Sunset Road
Charlotte, NC 28216

or Paypal.com to thatchl@yahoo.com or call and I can take a credit card payment on the phone.

The itinerary is shaping up nicely.  If you have not already RSVP'd please do as soon as possible, there are still spots available.

The dates are Oct 21-23, 2011.  Cost is $60.

Grateful!

I haven't written much of anything in a long time but today I was reading one of my notes from 2010.  At that time I was looking at a note from 2008.  I was angry that I was 215lbs at that time but then when I saw the note (from 2008) I was reminded that I was 241lbs at that time!  Now its 2011 and I can't even imagine EVER having been 241lbs at 4'11'' tall.  But I was.  As much as I am dissapointed at myself for having gained back almost 15lbs I have to remind myself that as of April 2010 I was 185 lbs!!!  and that was something to be GRATEFUL FOR!  What's more, 'I' did it!  No pills, no drugs, no hypnosis, no shakes, real food and real sweat with LOTS OF PRAYER!  All of which is in great supply. 

So as I regroup (again) I realize that the same way we (God and me) showed the devil back in 2008 that I am more than a conqueror is the same way in 2011 that we (God and me - MORE GOD than me) will show the devil in 2011 that I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!  I am grateful for the set back (again).  I am grateful for everyone of these 15 lbs (that I completely HATE).  I am GRATEFUL for the gift of God which is Christ and the knowledge that I am overcome by the words of my testimony!!!

I'm tired of this weight and I'm tired of all the fears and anger that I'm hiding in the folds of each layer of fat.  I'm tired of starting over and I'm tired of all the setbacks.  I'm tired of sabotaging myself and allowing others to sabotage me.  I'm tired of allowing myself to forget who I am and more importantly WHOSE I am!!  I'm tired of hiding and I'm tired of worrying.  I'm GRATEFUL for all the failed 'yesterday's' and all they taught me and  most of all  I'm GRATEFUL for TODAY AND EACH AND EVERY TOMORRROW!!

I am also grateful that I am reminded that this is a JOURNEY and what I have learned is that I took the 'goal weight' as a destination thinking that when I got there - I had arrived.  That was the biggest mistake.  Thinking that the journey was over when I got to that magic number.  Maintaining a healthy relationship with food (for me) is as much of a day to day journey as sobriety for an alcholic.  Thinking that I had 'arrived' was the beginning of my downfall.  Thinking more  highly of myself than I ought.  Forgetting that when I am 'weak yet am I strong'.  Forgetting to surrender EACH AND EVERY DAY to God and asking for His help and guidance on this journey. 

I am now fully persuaded that neither life nor death nor cake nor pie nor success nor failure can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.  Thinking that my failure is my finish is a trick of the adversary and what I sometimes forget is that I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!

and so are YOU!!!

2nd Annual Back to Eden Retreat - CANE CREEK

Ladies,

Its that time again! Are you ready for it? This year we have a special treat planned for us. We will have a specially chartered pontoon boat taking our group around the lake to take in all the beauty and serenity of it all. The itinerary is still being developed and as always - this is YOUR retreat so I need YOUR input.

October 21st, 2011 - Friday night's meet and greet - campfire pajama party replete with s'more (yeah, I didn't leave off the s...U know you only get one:)

October 22nd, 2011 - Saturday will be chocked full of fun activities - mini-boot camp; lunch on the lake, pontoon boat ride and free time to explore the campsite - miniture golf ($2) and pedal boats ($3). And of course dinner and our infamous award ceremony.

Octobeer 23rd, 2011 - Sunday - Say our good byes/continental breakfast & coffee and make our way to Sunday 11am morning service. You are welcome to come to services at my church if you are from out of town. Just need to know ahead of time so that I can make arrangements to feed whomever stays after church.

As always, I endeavor to keep costs as low as possible. This weekend locked in at $60. Remember, the cabins sleep 6 and you will need to bring your own bedding. Each cabin contains a mini fridge; so once we get monies in and room assignments folks can work together for snacks and or whatever they might want 'room by room'. Date is October 21-23rd, 2011.

I sincerely hope everyone is able to come and I know that God will orchestrate exactly who 'needs' to come to be there.

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!!!

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!

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