Life is busy and yesterday was a whirlwind of a day. Went to work, shopped for groceries, shot an episode of Entertain With Jane, and then did a mountain of dishes from the shoot! Yes, I do my own dishes...I haven't gotten to the place I have an energetic little assistant cleaning up my creative messes! When I finally slowed down, I picked up my Kindle and began reading a book I'd begun the day before, "Between Heaven and Ground Zero: One Woman's Struggle for Survival and Faith in the Ashes of 9/11" by Leslie Haskin. Of all the things I did yesterday, reading this book was my one truly divine appointment. As Ms. Haskin described her journey out of the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 and into presence of her soveriegn Lord, I felt God speaking to me. No, I wasn't in the Twin Towers that day. No, I don't know Ms. Haskin. And no, I've never experienced a trauma the magnitude of Ms. Haskin's but through her writing, God spoke to me. Why I was surprised to find Him gently prodding me closer to Him, I don't know. Time and time again, He's been faithful to do so and as I read the message of that book, the scriptures Ms. Haskin used jumped at me. Over and over again, she chose the exact same scriptures God has used in my life for many years.
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Once again, He let me know...He's in control.
The Apostle Paul in book of Acts said ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’
As His child, made by Him and for Him, He has my destiny in His gentle hands.
It dawns on me even now...He is my destiny.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
I woke up this morning to a news alert. Seems the radical terrorists are at it again. New York City is once more on full alert. Ten years ago our world changed in a way few of us ever dreamed. With the bombing of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of Flight 93, we were ushered into an age of uncertainty. Never again will we as Americans feel cocooned in our freedom and the saftey that came with it. An age of innocence vanished when the first plane struck the tower. That someone would strike us on our own soil was unthinkable, unimaginable. I remember for days after 9/11, I listened to television and radio reports nonstop trying to grasp the reality of what had happend. As that week changed into months, and then years, I all but stopped listening for terrorist reports. It's only when I wake to a news alert like the one I heard this morning, I consider another strike against our country. Except for days like today, I grow complacent and begin to focus on my every day life.
And then there's a news report and I remember.
I remember what I wear and what I eat today are not very important. I remember to tell my husband and my children I love them. I remember to be a little nicer and more considerate to others. I remember life is not about what I've accumulated. I remember freedom isn't free. I remember...
I remember 9/11.
And then there's a news report and I remember.
I remember what I wear and what I eat today are not very important. I remember to tell my husband and my children I love them. I remember to be a little nicer and more considerate to others. I remember life is not about what I've accumulated. I remember freedom isn't free. I remember...
I remember 9/11.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Another One Bites the Dust...Another 5 That Is!
Don't want to bore you to death with my new healthier lifestyle but I've lost another 5 pounds! Yeeeeee Hawwwwwwwwwwwww! I have to say I'm excited about the new, slightly slimmer me! I've got a long way to go but it sure is nice when your husband comes up to you from behind as you're cooking supper and says, "Wow, who's butt is THAT?!!!???" LOL! Even after 35 years of marriage, I was highly complimented and flattered!
The road to a healthier lifestyle is continuing to be a long and arduous journey. I must confess the hurdle of regular exercise is still tripping me up but I've recently become much more motivated to get moving. I was asked to do Sumter's local Dancing With the Stars in April and I know if I don't get moving, I'm going to be a hot mess on stage! So, that means I've got about 8 months to learn to boogie with the best of them and 8 months to train my two left feet to dance. The joke around here is that Baptists (I'm one) don't dance (I think it's considered a mortal sin). Well, look out Baptists, Moma's got a brand new pair of dancin shoes!
Recently, it dawned on me that healthy eating is all about making good choices (as is most of life). I've learned I can be just as happy and satisfied with a nice, plump, juicy piece of fruit as I used to be with a handful of cookies. I've also learned that water tastes much better than a diet soda and is totally guilt free! I can just see those cholesterol blobs being flushed out of my system as I drink a tall glass of water on the rocks! Sometimes I make myself feel all fancy as I drink my water with a slice of lemon, lime or a sprig of mint in a tall stemmed glass. (I like pretty things!).
"Every meal's a party when you Entertain With Jane!" even if you're eating healthy. I'll be posting some new recipes soon so stay tuned! And remember...
"The opera isn't over til the fat lady sings!" or in my case, "Party on! Just dance more than you eat!"
The road to a healthier lifestyle is continuing to be a long and arduous journey. I must confess the hurdle of regular exercise is still tripping me up but I've recently become much more motivated to get moving. I was asked to do Sumter's local Dancing With the Stars in April and I know if I don't get moving, I'm going to be a hot mess on stage! So, that means I've got about 8 months to learn to boogie with the best of them and 8 months to train my two left feet to dance. The joke around here is that Baptists (I'm one) don't dance (I think it's considered a mortal sin). Well, look out Baptists, Moma's got a brand new pair of dancin shoes!
Recently, it dawned on me that healthy eating is all about making good choices (as is most of life). I've learned I can be just as happy and satisfied with a nice, plump, juicy piece of fruit as I used to be with a handful of cookies. I've also learned that water tastes much better than a diet soda and is totally guilt free! I can just see those cholesterol blobs being flushed out of my system as I drink a tall glass of water on the rocks! Sometimes I make myself feel all fancy as I drink my water with a slice of lemon, lime or a sprig of mint in a tall stemmed glass. (I like pretty things!).
"Every meal's a party when you Entertain With Jane!" even if you're eating healthy. I'll be posting some new recipes soon so stay tuned! And remember...
"The opera isn't over til the fat lady sings!" or in my case, "Party on! Just dance more than you eat!"
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Party's Over Revisited
Wow! I can't believe it's been over 7 weeks since I wrote "The Party's Over". As I was reflecting on my new lifestyle and commitment to lowering my cholesterol, I honestly thought I'd only been "on the wagon" for about 4 weeks. Time sure flies when you're having fun!
First of all, let me give you my progress in numbers: I've actually lost 10 lbs. and while, that's not a lot of weight loss, it does give me hope that I'm doing the right things to bring down my cholesterol. I haven't been starving myself but I've changed the way I eat, what I eat and how I think about eating. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Whole grain foods - you'll be surprised at how tasty whole grain pasta is!
2. Fruit and fresh veggies - try using them in ways you don't normally use them...like fruit in a green salad.
3. X OUT WHITE foods - things like potatoes, rice, pasta, and breads. I'm not saying I never eat white but I'm eating at least 90% less of these weight producing foods.
4. Water - sometimes I'm not really hungry but thirsty. Staying hydrated is very important. I find that a belly full of good ole water is better than a belly full of nothing.
5. Diet Colas - have been drastically cut. Instead of allowing these drinks to be a staple, I now use them as a treat.
6. Olive Oil - cook with olive oil rather than other types of oils and I'm not using of real butter or margarine. I'm using Smart Balance with olive oil.
7. Meat - I'm eating more fish and chicken and less red meat.
All my habits haven't changed, though. What I haven't started doing regularly is exercising. I know I've got to start moving more. In fact, I have started doing my own housework now. From what I read, vacuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping are actually good exercise. And yes, I know keeping my house clean isn't enough to qualify for an exercise program! So, this week as I go on vacation, I plan to start walking every day. I'll let you know how it goes.
Incidently, I've been picking up some great little tricks to keep myself in line. One is to imagine my arteries being all clogged up with yellow blobs of fat. Everytime I start to eat something processed or with a lot of saturated fat in it, a vision of my sticky, gooey arteries with the blood desperately trying to get through that clogged mess comes to my mind. (My daughter told me today that she used this same basic trick when she was tempted to smoke while pregant. She simply envision her womb filling up with smoke and her little baby trying to take a good breath.) Both images are pretty awful but very effective. Perhaps the most effective trick I've learned is to not allow myself to obsess about my weight and size. I'm me...thin or fat and I've got to love myself no matter what. Self loathing simply makes me feel more desperate and sets me up to eat for emotional reasons.
And lastly, I've come to realize this has got to become a life long lifestyle change. That's why I've refused to join this group or that, this gym or that gym or rely on diel aids.
Didn't mean to unload on you but maybe this will help you in your journey. Love you all fat or thin! Jane
First of all, let me give you my progress in numbers: I've actually lost 10 lbs. and while, that's not a lot of weight loss, it does give me hope that I'm doing the right things to bring down my cholesterol. I haven't been starving myself but I've changed the way I eat, what I eat and how I think about eating. Here's what I'm doing:
1. Whole grain foods - you'll be surprised at how tasty whole grain pasta is!
2. Fruit and fresh veggies - try using them in ways you don't normally use them...like fruit in a green salad.
3. X OUT WHITE foods - things like potatoes, rice, pasta, and breads. I'm not saying I never eat white but I'm eating at least 90% less of these weight producing foods.
4. Water - sometimes I'm not really hungry but thirsty. Staying hydrated is very important. I find that a belly full of good ole water is better than a belly full of nothing.
5. Diet Colas - have been drastically cut. Instead of allowing these drinks to be a staple, I now use them as a treat.
6. Olive Oil - cook with olive oil rather than other types of oils and I'm not using of real butter or margarine. I'm using Smart Balance with olive oil.
7. Meat - I'm eating more fish and chicken and less red meat.
All my habits haven't changed, though. What I haven't started doing regularly is exercising. I know I've got to start moving more. In fact, I have started doing my own housework now. From what I read, vacuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping are actually good exercise. And yes, I know keeping my house clean isn't enough to qualify for an exercise program! So, this week as I go on vacation, I plan to start walking every day. I'll let you know how it goes.
Incidently, I've been picking up some great little tricks to keep myself in line. One is to imagine my arteries being all clogged up with yellow blobs of fat. Everytime I start to eat something processed or with a lot of saturated fat in it, a vision of my sticky, gooey arteries with the blood desperately trying to get through that clogged mess comes to my mind. (My daughter told me today that she used this same basic trick when she was tempted to smoke while pregant. She simply envision her womb filling up with smoke and her little baby trying to take a good breath.) Both images are pretty awful but very effective. Perhaps the most effective trick I've learned is to not allow myself to obsess about my weight and size. I'm me...thin or fat and I've got to love myself no matter what. Self loathing simply makes me feel more desperate and sets me up to eat for emotional reasons.
And lastly, I've come to realize this has got to become a life long lifestyle change. That's why I've refused to join this group or that, this gym or that gym or rely on diel aids.
Didn't mean to unload on you but maybe this will help you in your journey. Love you all fat or thin! Jane
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I Went on Vacation and I Conquered a Beast!
My husband and I just got back from a short vacation on Hilton Head Island. My sister has lived there for about 25 years and it's become one of my favorite places in the whole wide world...I think my sister living there has a lot to do with it but that's not the story here.
Any of you who are following my journey know that about three weeks ago I made a commitment to eat healthy and get healthy. Typically, vacations are a prime time for me to lose most of my will power and abandon my usual, somewhat, good senses. I mean, what is vacation for except to do and eat anything your little heart desires? I love to eat out especially during vacation time and I usually order whatever strikes my fancy regardless of fat content, calorie count or even price. My last visit to Hilton Head was back in the late winter when I was cyber stalking one of my foodie heros, Robert Irvine. He has a wonderful restaurant on Hilton Head called "Eat!" and even has cooking classes for those of us who long to learn, dine, and bask in a little culture for a few short hours. During the class, the chef and his entourage ply you with plenty of culinary wisdom, delicious food and yes, even wine. It's great fun and I highly recommend it to even a novice cook. It's an early afternoon well worth the price, which is, in my opinion, extremely reasonable. But I decided to forgo my usual pilgrimage to "Eat!" this trip and while I was very tempted to "dine with Robert" once again, I decided I'd try my new, healthy culinary skills on my sister and her husband. We started off the weekend with my lowfat version of chicken piccata along with a scrumptious blueberry feta spring salad. One night we enjoyed a splurge of steak along with my very special red potato salad which is mixed with not simply high fat, high calorie mayo but a mixture of 1/3 light mayo, 1/3 lowfat yogurt and 1/3 light sour cream. My triumph of the evening was to only eat a palm sized portion of steak. And so the weekend began and continued past July 4th. I found myself on the beach one day at lunch time not having prepared for the beastly hunger that would attack me about lunch time and yes, I did have one of those packs of cheese crackers laden with saturated fat but that was my one slip of the weekend. Since I did it knowingly, I didn't castigate myself for the processed, caloric snack, I simply went on about my day changing my eating habits one step at a time.
As Dearld and I drove home this morning, I found myself musing over the long weekend and realized I had, indeed, conquered the beast named, "Vacation Temptation". He or dare I say, she, was conquered one healthy meal, one temptation, and one choice at a time.
Just call me "Jane, the Junk Food Dragon Slayer!"
Oh and yes, even when cooking healthier, "Every meal's a party when you Entertain with Jane!" I'm learning good food doesn't have to clog your arteries or pad your thighs!
Any of you who are following my journey know that about three weeks ago I made a commitment to eat healthy and get healthy. Typically, vacations are a prime time for me to lose most of my will power and abandon my usual, somewhat, good senses. I mean, what is vacation for except to do and eat anything your little heart desires? I love to eat out especially during vacation time and I usually order whatever strikes my fancy regardless of fat content, calorie count or even price. My last visit to Hilton Head was back in the late winter when I was cyber stalking one of my foodie heros, Robert Irvine. He has a wonderful restaurant on Hilton Head called "Eat!" and even has cooking classes for those of us who long to learn, dine, and bask in a little culture for a few short hours. During the class, the chef and his entourage ply you with plenty of culinary wisdom, delicious food and yes, even wine. It's great fun and I highly recommend it to even a novice cook. It's an early afternoon well worth the price, which is, in my opinion, extremely reasonable. But I decided to forgo my usual pilgrimage to "Eat!" this trip and while I was very tempted to "dine with Robert" once again, I decided I'd try my new, healthy culinary skills on my sister and her husband. We started off the weekend with my lowfat version of chicken piccata along with a scrumptious blueberry feta spring salad. One night we enjoyed a splurge of steak along with my very special red potato salad which is mixed with not simply high fat, high calorie mayo but a mixture of 1/3 light mayo, 1/3 lowfat yogurt and 1/3 light sour cream. My triumph of the evening was to only eat a palm sized portion of steak. And so the weekend began and continued past July 4th. I found myself on the beach one day at lunch time not having prepared for the beastly hunger that would attack me about lunch time and yes, I did have one of those packs of cheese crackers laden with saturated fat but that was my one slip of the weekend. Since I did it knowingly, I didn't castigate myself for the processed, caloric snack, I simply went on about my day changing my eating habits one step at a time.
As Dearld and I drove home this morning, I found myself musing over the long weekend and realized I had, indeed, conquered the beast named, "Vacation Temptation". He or dare I say, she, was conquered one healthy meal, one temptation, and one choice at a time.
Just call me "Jane, the Junk Food Dragon Slayer!"
Oh and yes, even when cooking healthier, "Every meal's a party when you Entertain with Jane!" I'm learning good food doesn't have to clog your arteries or pad your thighs!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Great Awakening and Yes, It Began in a TJ Maxx Dressing Room
I have to admit I've been getting pretty discouraged with the health kick I'm on. Mostly, I've stayed right with my plan...staying away from artificial sweeteners, white foods and too much red meat. What I haven't conquered yet is my loathing of exercise. I hate to sweat. I really do. I give myself all kinds of legitimate excuses for not exercising but even I know they are just that, excuses.
Today after eating my favorite dinner of chicken fajitas and splurging just a little on nachos, I made the huge mistake of trying on swimsuits. It must have been some evil genius who put TJ Maxx next door to a Mexican Restaurant. Omgosh! How much sense does it make to try on swimsuits after a meal of Mexican food? It was in TJ Maxx my current awakening began. I looked like a big, white, beached whale. All I could think was..."What happened to my body?" I could have cried but I was determined to suck it up (and in) and walk out of that store as if I were the most beautifully built middle aged woman in the world. I'll tell you this, NOW I really know why old women wear moo moos. Yes siree, that's where I was heading 3 weeks ago when my dear doctor put the hammer down and said loose weight, get healthy or take some more drugs.
When I got home, I immediately called my sister, Cathy who struggles with her weight too but even when she's heavy, she's one of the prettiest women I know. She's trying to get healthy, too and I'm spending the next 3 days with her at the beach. Talk about misery loving company! She gave me a sisterly pep talk and it helped. Don't you just love people who will tell you the truth in love and at the same time make you feel okay? That's my Cathy.
After clicking off the phone, I got back to the task at hand...cleaning off and organizing my desk. As I began to sort through the mess and clutter of at least the last 12 months, I found letters, cards and notes from people I love and who love me wishing me Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's Day, Happy Valentine's Day, Merry Christmas and even a letter from a customer thanking me for helping her with a wireless problem. Talk about feeling better...I immediately began to be thankful and realize again that it's not so much about what's on the outside but the inside that really counts. I am so blessed! For a few minutes, God simply showered me with His love and grace and gave me a better perspective on the substance of my life.
Truthfully, the ship has sailed on my being the 5'7" slim, firm, young woman I was for so long. I'll never be young again or even as firm as I was in my 20's and 30's. And that's okay. I will be healthier each day and oh so much richer as I learn to give even my eating and exercise habits to the control of the one who made me. The journey continues...
Today after eating my favorite dinner of chicken fajitas and splurging just a little on nachos, I made the huge mistake of trying on swimsuits. It must have been some evil genius who put TJ Maxx next door to a Mexican Restaurant. Omgosh! How much sense does it make to try on swimsuits after a meal of Mexican food? It was in TJ Maxx my current awakening began. I looked like a big, white, beached whale. All I could think was..."What happened to my body?" I could have cried but I was determined to suck it up (and in) and walk out of that store as if I were the most beautifully built middle aged woman in the world. I'll tell you this, NOW I really know why old women wear moo moos. Yes siree, that's where I was heading 3 weeks ago when my dear doctor put the hammer down and said loose weight, get healthy or take some more drugs.
When I got home, I immediately called my sister, Cathy who struggles with her weight too but even when she's heavy, she's one of the prettiest women I know. She's trying to get healthy, too and I'm spending the next 3 days with her at the beach. Talk about misery loving company! She gave me a sisterly pep talk and it helped. Don't you just love people who will tell you the truth in love and at the same time make you feel okay? That's my Cathy.
After clicking off the phone, I got back to the task at hand...cleaning off and organizing my desk. As I began to sort through the mess and clutter of at least the last 12 months, I found letters, cards and notes from people I love and who love me wishing me Happy Birthday, Happy Mother's Day, Happy Valentine's Day, Merry Christmas and even a letter from a customer thanking me for helping her with a wireless problem. Talk about feeling better...I immediately began to be thankful and realize again that it's not so much about what's on the outside but the inside that really counts. I am so blessed! For a few minutes, God simply showered me with His love and grace and gave me a better perspective on the substance of my life.
Truthfully, the ship has sailed on my being the 5'7" slim, firm, young woman I was for so long. I'll never be young again or even as firm as I was in my 20's and 30's. And that's okay. I will be healthier each day and oh so much richer as I learn to give even my eating and exercise habits to the control of the one who made me. The journey continues...
Monday, June 27, 2011
No Diva's In Heaven
DIVA: "...Knows what she wants and how to get it. Has an attitude and knows how to use it..."
My favorite coffee mug is a great big black and white one with the word "Diva" on it. My husband bought it for me because I saw it in a local coffee shop and just had to have it. It's sort of a joke among my family and friends that I'm a bit of a diva. I have to admit I am. I like being out front and in charge. I'm driven by my passion for the things I love and am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Sometimes I'm so driven, I lose my perspective about what is really important in life. Sometimes I need to be reminded where the gifts come from and who they really belong to. Oh, and what they're for!
During yesterday's worship, this thought crossed my mind, "There won't be any divas in Heaven." WHAT? I have to believe the Holy Spirit was speaking His wisdom to me in His still, small voice. What I take from His message is simply this, everything I am and everything I will ever be is a gift from Him. In fact, I am His. Simply put, Christ owns the rights to me. When I sit back and think about all of this, it takes the pris right out of my strut! In fact, I have no reason or right to ever feel pride in the things I do or accomplish because it is only by Him and through Him I accomplish anything. "Entertain With Jane" is not my show, it's His...be it a local television show seen by a few or a national television show seen by many, it's His. Realizing there are no diva's in Heaven also helps me when I'm tempted to be jealous of someone else's accomplishments. In the body of Christ there is no room for power struggles, petty jealousy or false pride. The talent and gifts we have were given to each of us for Him and by Him. Sure, we enjoy the gifts. I love doing my little television show and cooking for others but the bottom line is all I am or ever will be is His.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph. 1:11 - The Message)
My favorite coffee mug is a great big black and white one with the word "Diva" on it. My husband bought it for me because I saw it in a local coffee shop and just had to have it. It's sort of a joke among my family and friends that I'm a bit of a diva. I have to admit I am. I like being out front and in charge. I'm driven by my passion for the things I love and am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Sometimes I'm so driven, I lose my perspective about what is really important in life. Sometimes I need to be reminded where the gifts come from and who they really belong to. Oh, and what they're for!
During yesterday's worship, this thought crossed my mind, "There won't be any divas in Heaven." WHAT? I have to believe the Holy Spirit was speaking His wisdom to me in His still, small voice. What I take from His message is simply this, everything I am and everything I will ever be is a gift from Him. In fact, I am His. Simply put, Christ owns the rights to me. When I sit back and think about all of this, it takes the pris right out of my strut! In fact, I have no reason or right to ever feel pride in the things I do or accomplish because it is only by Him and through Him I accomplish anything. "Entertain With Jane" is not my show, it's His...be it a local television show seen by a few or a national television show seen by many, it's His. Realizing there are no diva's in Heaven also helps me when I'm tempted to be jealous of someone else's accomplishments. In the body of Christ there is no room for power struggles, petty jealousy or false pride. The talent and gifts we have were given to each of us for Him and by Him. Sure, we enjoy the gifts. I love doing my little television show and cooking for others but the bottom line is all I am or ever will be is His.
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ,...he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Eph. 1:11 - The Message)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
My Daughter, My Fitness Pal
LOL! I love that title. You see my daughter got me to download a new app to my Iphone this morning called "My Fitness Pal". Get it??? She highly recommends this useful little tool and so do I. For me the best part of using it is using it with her. No, I haven't quite figured it out yet but I will and both she and her best friend are using so now I have a new network of support. A little support never hurt anyone on the journey to becoming healthy! However, I'm especially excited about the common interest and time I'll spend with my daughter. Now that's what I call healthy all the way around!
Recapping this first week of my new lifestyle, I have to to say it hasn't been bad. Yes, there have been times I've wanted to binge eat, drink a soda or two (I'm cutting down on even the diet ones), not make myself exercise and just generally fall off the health wagon but it's been over a week and while I haven't lost much weight, I do generally feel better about myself.
Last night was a total challenge because I took my parents out to eat at a local seafood place that specializes in (what else) FRIED seafood. As my parents ordered fried perch, fried flounder, fried shrimp, french fries and topped the order off with a fried onion of sorts, I remained faithful to my new lifestyle. I proudly ordered grilled salmon and a skewer of grilled shrimp with steamed veggies on the side. My treat was a diet soda with lemon. I left feeling somewhat triumphant and more than a little proud of myself! I'm simply not going to take more meds and while I may die of a heart attack or stroke, it won't be because of my lifestyle! Frankly, this may sound morbid but every time I think about making my family nurse me through an illness I could have prevented, I feel extremely guilty. They may some day have to take care of me but I don't want it to be because I abused my body.
Again, this week hasn't been too bad. I hope you've checked out my other blog for those yummy recipes I posted. And while I'm recommending things, I HIGHLY recommend you trying them. I'm working on more recipes but cutting the fat and calories while maintaining the integrity and yes, THE TASTE of the dish can be a little daunting if you cook like I cook...REAL SOUTHERN!
Stay tuned...I'll even let you know when I screw up on my quest but hopefully, it won't be too bad...
Oh, BTW, I even exercised 3 times last week. I do my own version of zumba by turning on some Latin music and shaking my booty. Now that's a sight!
Recapping this first week of my new lifestyle, I have to to say it hasn't been bad. Yes, there have been times I've wanted to binge eat, drink a soda or two (I'm cutting down on even the diet ones), not make myself exercise and just generally fall off the health wagon but it's been over a week and while I haven't lost much weight, I do generally feel better about myself.
Last night was a total challenge because I took my parents out to eat at a local seafood place that specializes in (what else) FRIED seafood. As my parents ordered fried perch, fried flounder, fried shrimp, french fries and topped the order off with a fried onion of sorts, I remained faithful to my new lifestyle. I proudly ordered grilled salmon and a skewer of grilled shrimp with steamed veggies on the side. My treat was a diet soda with lemon. I left feeling somewhat triumphant and more than a little proud of myself! I'm simply not going to take more meds and while I may die of a heart attack or stroke, it won't be because of my lifestyle! Frankly, this may sound morbid but every time I think about making my family nurse me through an illness I could have prevented, I feel extremely guilty. They may some day have to take care of me but I don't want it to be because I abused my body.
Again, this week hasn't been too bad. I hope you've checked out my other blog for those yummy recipes I posted. And while I'm recommending things, I HIGHLY recommend you trying them. I'm working on more recipes but cutting the fat and calories while maintaining the integrity and yes, THE TASTE of the dish can be a little daunting if you cook like I cook...REAL SOUTHERN!
Stay tuned...I'll even let you know when I screw up on my quest but hopefully, it won't be too bad...
Oh, BTW, I even exercised 3 times last week. I do my own version of zumba by turning on some Latin music and shaking my booty. Now that's a sight!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Woman Does Not Live By Bread Alone!
Well, the first weekend of my official new lifestyle is almost over and I have to say, suprisingly, that it hasn't been awful. Fact is, there's something about eating healthier that makes me feel good about myself. Last night was a real challenge. I had friends over for supper and when I entertain I always try one up myself and wow my guests. This usually involves a lot of butter, sugar and assorted "white" foods. Last night, however, I did a healthier version of chicken piccata including whole wheat pasta and it got rave reviews. I'll post the recipes in my other blog. Try them, they were really good. I was especially concerned about dessert. I decided to do a mixed berry and fruit cup and top it off with a dollop of mango Greek yogurt. Hmmmm, not exactly decadent but I knew I'd knocked it out of the park when my, 6'4", 280 pound dinner guest gave it two thumbs up. Men can't be fooled when it comes to their desserts!
Since woman does not live by bread alone, I have to tell you about this morning's worship. The sermon was taken from Daniel 3. I'm sure you know the story of Shadrach,Meshach and Abednigo. Remember them, they wouldn't bow to the king's mega idol, a golden replica of himself and found themselves thrown into a furnace so hot it burned up the soldiers who threw them in, that's hot. Anyway, as the king looked on, he notices there were four men in the furnace not three. Yep, God was in the fire with his children and apparently, they were having a grand ole time.
As I pursue Entertain With Jane, I often times find myself majoring on the minors. I forget that it's not about me, it's about Him. I was made for God's purpose and the gifts and talents he's graciously given me are for him. In the quest for culinary stardom, sometimes, often times, my focus is on myself and this morning, God used his word, to show me, yet again, to refocus my heart. The "quest" may not go smoothly. I may not ever be on national television but that's okay because it's all about Him,not about me. The temptation to bow down before idols is very real and all around me, but I hope and pray I'll be faithful and like Shadrach, Meshach and Abedigo...yeah, I might find myself in the center of a firey furnace but you know who'll be with me! And we'll be having a grand ole time!
Every meal may be a party when you entertain with Jane but all of life is a celebration when you focus on Jesus!
Since woman does not live by bread alone, I have to tell you about this morning's worship. The sermon was taken from Daniel 3. I'm sure you know the story of Shadrach,Meshach and Abednigo. Remember them, they wouldn't bow to the king's mega idol, a golden replica of himself and found themselves thrown into a furnace so hot it burned up the soldiers who threw them in, that's hot. Anyway, as the king looked on, he notices there were four men in the furnace not three. Yep, God was in the fire with his children and apparently, they were having a grand ole time.
As I pursue Entertain With Jane, I often times find myself majoring on the minors. I forget that it's not about me, it's about Him. I was made for God's purpose and the gifts and talents he's graciously given me are for him. In the quest for culinary stardom, sometimes, often times, my focus is on myself and this morning, God used his word, to show me, yet again, to refocus my heart. The "quest" may not go smoothly. I may not ever be on national television but that's okay because it's all about Him,not about me. The temptation to bow down before idols is very real and all around me, but I hope and pray I'll be faithful and like Shadrach, Meshach and Abedigo...yeah, I might find myself in the center of a firey furnace but you know who'll be with me! And we'll be having a grand ole time!
Every meal may be a party when you entertain with Jane but all of life is a celebration when you focus on Jesus!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Party's Over...
I knew sooner or later "Entertain With Jane" would have to go on the wagon. I knew my weight has been steadily climbing for about 10 years and that some day, SOME DAY I'd have to change my eating habits. Well, guess what? SOME DAY is today. The party is over. I'm on the wagon. And...I'm not any too happy about it. I've been telling myself for quite a while that "even though I'm fat, I'm still purdy!" Over the past few years I've learned to avoid mirrors,perfected my chin tilt at that certain angle for pictures, wear clothing that "hides" my pudge, and just generally act as if size doesn't matter. Know what? Turns out size does matter.
The reckoning came about mid morning today, just after I ate my usual breakfast of champions, a pack of nabs and an ice cold diet Pepsi. I'd been dodging my doctor's calls for about two days when she finally caught up with me. D@#% EMAIL! Yes, I got an email from my doctor's office this morning and instead of her telling me how great my blood work was, she told me how I have 3 months to lose weight and get healthier or she's going to put me on cholesterol meds. "CRAP!" If there's one thing I don't want to do is take more medication than I already do. And truth be known, at least 1/2 of my medication is probably the result of my packing on the pounds through the years. So...
THE PARTY IS OVER...it's time to get serious about my weight and overall health.
Here's what I'm NOT going to do:
1 I'm NOT going to Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, or NutriSystem.
2 I'm NOT joining a gym.
3 I'm NOT giving up the foods I love.
4 I'm NOT going to play the martyr.
5 I'm NOT going measure my success by my weight.
6 I'm NOT going to weigh myself obsessively.
7 I'm NOT going to promise myself to excercise every day for an hour.
8 I'm NOT going to beat myself up WHEN I fall off the wagon.
I'm sure I'll add to my list but for right now, that's all I can think of.
Here's what I AM going to do...
1 I'm going to eat healthy.
2 I'm going to learn more about nutrition.
3 I'm going to excercise until I learn to enjoy it.
4 I'm going to dance, do my own housework, and walk more.
5 I'm going to drink more water.
6 I'm going to change my lifestyle.
7 I'm going to create HEALTHY recipes and versions of the foods I love.
So, as I blog about this new adventure, feel free to join my journey,make comments and by all means feel free to pray...especially for my husband. I'm one mean woman when I'm hungry.
The reckoning came about mid morning today, just after I ate my usual breakfast of champions, a pack of nabs and an ice cold diet Pepsi. I'd been dodging my doctor's calls for about two days when she finally caught up with me. D@#% EMAIL! Yes, I got an email from my doctor's office this morning and instead of her telling me how great my blood work was, she told me how I have 3 months to lose weight and get healthier or she's going to put me on cholesterol meds. "CRAP!" If there's one thing I don't want to do is take more medication than I already do. And truth be known, at least 1/2 of my medication is probably the result of my packing on the pounds through the years. So...
THE PARTY IS OVER...it's time to get serious about my weight and overall health.
Here's what I'm NOT going to do:
1 I'm NOT going to Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, or NutriSystem.
2 I'm NOT joining a gym.
3 I'm NOT giving up the foods I love.
4 I'm NOT going to play the martyr.
5 I'm NOT going measure my success by my weight.
6 I'm NOT going to weigh myself obsessively.
7 I'm NOT going to promise myself to excercise every day for an hour.
8 I'm NOT going to beat myself up WHEN I fall off the wagon.
I'm sure I'll add to my list but for right now, that's all I can think of.
Here's what I AM going to do...
1 I'm going to eat healthy.
2 I'm going to learn more about nutrition.
3 I'm going to excercise until I learn to enjoy it.
4 I'm going to dance, do my own housework, and walk more.
5 I'm going to drink more water.
6 I'm going to change my lifestyle.
7 I'm going to create HEALTHY recipes and versions of the foods I love.
So, as I blog about this new adventure, feel free to join my journey,make comments and by all means feel free to pray...especially for my husband. I'm one mean woman when I'm hungry.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Expect to Succeed!
Every time I enter a contest, submit a resume, audition for a cooking show, I expect to win. Hummmmmmmmmm. I have to wonder what this says about me as a person. Am I deluded? Do I think more highly of myself than I should? Am I so self centered that I don't realize my limitations? I guess some would say "yes" to all of the above but I don't think so. I'm simply optimistic and I also have faith in the God who made me.
In grade school, I wanted to be the president of a club or a committee, I don't remember exactly what it was. However, the lesson I learned the day we voted, I remember very well. Time came for the vote and just as I was about to cast my vote for the other person, someone asked, "Should someone vote for himself?" The teacher answered by asking the class this question, "Who do you think the president of the United States votes for in an election, himself or the rival candidate?" She went on to explain how silly it would be for the president of the United States to vote for his advisary and not only silly but what would it say to his potential voters if he didn't believe in himself.
That lesson has followed me through life. Rest assured, when vote time comes, I've always voted for myself! Furthermore, I expect to succeed because I believe in myself. Sure, I know I have limits but I also know I am created with gifts and talents to use. I wouldn't enter a phyics tournament (if there is such a thing) and expect to win but as I've realized my own strengths and gifts, I expect to succeed as I seek to use these gifts for His glory.
Expect to succeed! You have God-given talents, gifts, and abilities and He will allow you to use them. The key is "through Christ". "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"!
In grade school, I wanted to be the president of a club or a committee, I don't remember exactly what it was. However, the lesson I learned the day we voted, I remember very well. Time came for the vote and just as I was about to cast my vote for the other person, someone asked, "Should someone vote for himself?" The teacher answered by asking the class this question, "Who do you think the president of the United States votes for in an election, himself or the rival candidate?" She went on to explain how silly it would be for the president of the United States to vote for his advisary and not only silly but what would it say to his potential voters if he didn't believe in himself.
That lesson has followed me through life. Rest assured, when vote time comes, I've always voted for myself! Furthermore, I expect to succeed because I believe in myself. Sure, I know I have limits but I also know I am created with gifts and talents to use. I wouldn't enter a phyics tournament (if there is such a thing) and expect to win but as I've realized my own strengths and gifts, I expect to succeed as I seek to use these gifts for His glory.
Expect to succeed! You have God-given talents, gifts, and abilities and He will allow you to use them. The key is "through Christ". "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Confessions of a Procrastinator
As I sit here writing this I have to admit a certain amount of loathing for myself. You see, I am a habitual procrastinator. For example, I've been pushing to the side an article that must be written for a local magazine for at least 2 weeks. I've got the idea and the gist of the article all mapped out in my head but I simply haven't put it to "paper". Knowing me I'll wait until I hear from the editor via text message asking something rather pointed like "article?". I'll then jump on my computer and peck that sucker out in about 30 minutes. I don't know why I procrastinate. I may have ADD. I may not. I may be lazy. But I'm really not lazy. Heck, my wheels spin all the time. I may be unmotivated. Nah, that's not me either. I may have "too many irons in the fire". That may be true, but who doesn't? Truth be known, my procrastination is probably simply a dirty little habit I've cultivated like a well tended vegetable garden for most of my life. I mean, really, why do it now when I can do it later? "Sigh".
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Rocky Road to Righteous Culinary Stardom
Now, that was a mouthful, wasn't it? I was thinking this morning as I do quite often about keeping the spiritual and the physical balanced. As a follow of Christ, you'd think it wouldn't be that hard but it is. On one hand, I long to be the next culinary wonder and on the other hand, I struggle with my motives. I know that the gifts I have come from Him...no problem. I know He is pleased when I use them...no problem. I know my gifts are to bring Him glory...no problem. The problem I have is keeping the balance between my passion for Him and my passion for the gifts He's given me. I happen to believe that at no time should the use of the gifts supercede the true focus...Him. Practically speaking, what can I do? I tend to get carried away quite easily and focus of any kind is a true problem for me. Here's my plan. Hey and if you've got any suggestions, feel free to chime in. I'm open to hearing what He may have to say through you!...okay Jane FOCUS...back to the plan.
Start each day with prayer.
Attempt to stay in communion with Him moment by moment.
Recognize as I use the gifts they come from Him.
Spend more time in His word, ie, the Bible.
Watch for how God is at work around me.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
"heavy sigh"...the journey continues.
Start each day with prayer.
Attempt to stay in communion with Him moment by moment.
Recognize as I use the gifts they come from Him.
Spend more time in His word, ie, the Bible.
Watch for how God is at work around me.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
"heavy sigh"...the journey continues.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Cyber Stalking?
Recently, as I was perusing a famous television chef's Facebook page the thought came to me that I may be a "cyber stalker". I have to admit I felt a little weird going on his page several times a day posting what I deemed to be interesting little tidbits of information trying to entice him to notice me as an up and coming culinary genius. I "liked" his comments and made my own comments where I thought appropriate. I even uploaded or is it downloaded? a video of myself cooking for him to see. Come to find out, I did get his attention because when I showed up for a cooking class at his world famous restaurant, his restaurant chef looked at me when I introduced myself after class and said something like "Oh Chef _____ said you might be here today." And with my mouth somewhat gaping open I said, "You know who I am?" Said the famous restaurant chef, "Oh yeah, we know who YOU are." It wasn't so much what he said but how he said it and how he looked at me as he said it. Ugh...not what I was going for! I sheepishly turned and left the restaurant. My only consolation was that I hadn't acted like a total freak in the class and believe you me, I certainly didn't look the part of a half crazed, middle aged cyber stalking, culinary wanna be!
Needless to say, I haven't posted very much on The Chef's Facebook page lately. I'm still slightly mortified to THAT think HE thinks I'm a total nut case. I do admit, though, I am a little nutty but you and I know, I'm completely harmless. But geesh, how do you convince a famous chef who attracts all kinds of real nuts, that you aren't one of the REAL NUTS?
"Heavy Sigh" It's a fine line between passionate and crazy. I'm walking that line, though...sometimes gracefully and sometimes not!
BTW, just in case I end up in jail for cyber stalking, promise me you'll come see me, will ya?
Needless to say, I haven't posted very much on The Chef's Facebook page lately. I'm still slightly mortified to THAT think HE thinks I'm a total nut case. I do admit, though, I am a little nutty but you and I know, I'm completely harmless. But geesh, how do you convince a famous chef who attracts all kinds of real nuts, that you aren't one of the REAL NUTS?
"Heavy Sigh" It's a fine line between passionate and crazy. I'm walking that line, though...sometimes gracefully and sometimes not!
BTW, just in case I end up in jail for cyber stalking, promise me you'll come see me, will ya?
Monday, February 28, 2011
It's Greek to Me!
Let me tell you about some good food...I mean some lip smackin belly huggin good food. Not long ago I came up with my version of a slider. You know, those little burgers everyone has on their menu these days. Well for some reason, I've been on a Greek food kick. I've fallen in love with tzatziki sauce, olives, honey and almonds. And so, I've created a Greek slider. Of course, you have to have a good dessert after several of my sliders so, I came up with what I call a Greek Almond Sundae. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Here are the recipes:
Greek Slider with Tzatziki Sauce
1 lb whole pork tenderloin
1 to 2 T curry powder
salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper the tenderloin. Rub with curry powder. Roast on 350 until barely done. Set aside to rest under a foil tent.
Jane's Tzatziki Sauce
1 c sour cream
1 c Greek yogurt (drained)
1 T curry powder
1 T fresh dill (minced)
1 small seedless cucumber (finely diced with peelings)
pepper to taste
Mix sour cream and yogurt with curry, dill and cucumber. Add pepper to taste.
To assemble the slider:
Split rolls in half and brush a little olive oil on the inside of each roll. Lightly toast.
Cut tenderloin into medallions. Please one medallion on each roll.
Pour about 1 heaping T of sauce onto pork.
Top with several arugula leaves or spring mix.
Place top of roll onto slider.
And now, for the Greek Cookie Sundae:
Greek Butter Cookies
3/4 c sugar
1 stick salted butter
1 egg
2 1/4 c plain flour
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 t almond extract
1/2 c chopped almonds
Cream sugar, butter, egg and flavorings together. Mix almonds into flour. Pour the flour and almond mixture into the sugar mixture a little at a time until well blended. Shape into 2 to 3 inch round cookies and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 until bottoms are golden brown.
Cool cookies slightly. Assemble sundae as follows.
Place a quarter size squirt of honey on a dessert plate. Place cookie on honey. Top with one scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. Drizzle honey on ice cream. Top with lightly toasted almond slivers.
Uh ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Now, don't y'all tell me I can't cook anything but fried chicken and grits! Moma has gone to the Greek Isles!
Greek Slider with Tzatziki Sauce
1 lb whole pork tenderloin
1 to 2 T curry powder
salt and pepper to taste
Salt and pepper the tenderloin. Rub with curry powder. Roast on 350 until barely done. Set aside to rest under a foil tent.
Jane's Tzatziki Sauce
1 c sour cream
1 c Greek yogurt (drained)
1 T curry powder
1 T fresh dill (minced)
1 small seedless cucumber (finely diced with peelings)
pepper to taste
Mix sour cream and yogurt with curry, dill and cucumber. Add pepper to taste.
To assemble the slider:
Split rolls in half and brush a little olive oil on the inside of each roll. Lightly toast.
Cut tenderloin into medallions. Please one medallion on each roll.
Pour about 1 heaping T of sauce onto pork.
Top with several arugula leaves or spring mix.
Place top of roll onto slider.
And now, for the Greek Cookie Sundae:
Greek Butter Cookies
3/4 c sugar
1 stick salted butter
1 egg
2 1/4 c plain flour
1 t vanilla
1 1/2 t almond extract
1/2 c chopped almonds
Cream sugar, butter, egg and flavorings together. Mix almonds into flour. Pour the flour and almond mixture into the sugar mixture a little at a time until well blended. Shape into 2 to 3 inch round cookies and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 until bottoms are golden brown.
Cool cookies slightly. Assemble sundae as follows.
Place a quarter size squirt of honey on a dessert plate. Place cookie on honey. Top with one scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. Drizzle honey on ice cream. Top with lightly toasted almond slivers.
Uh ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
Now, don't y'all tell me I can't cook anything but fried chicken and grits! Moma has gone to the Greek Isles!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Uhhhhhhhhhh What Do You Do when Tuesday Is Monday?
Huh, yeah, you heard me. I feel like today is Monday and it's really Tuesday. AND I HATE MONDAYS! I know it's a shame to hate any day of the week but if I'm honest, I have to admit I dread most Mondays and when TUESDAY turns out to be Monday...well, that really bites. Today I feel tired, over wrought, discouraged and unfulfilled. I really don't like feeling this way. If you know me, you know I'm usually pretty upbeat (maybe even disgustingly so).
It's days like today that drive me to God for help and hope. No, I don't always go to Him...sometimes I just suffer through it. But somedays, I acutally have the sense to run to Him and his word. Today, I found this in the book of Joshua:
After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant: "Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
I think today I may have stumbled on the key to success. Sigh...God is amazing.
It's days like today that drive me to God for help and hope. No, I don't always go to Him...sometimes I just suffer through it. But somedays, I acutally have the sense to run to Him and his word. Today, I found this in the book of Joshua:
After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant: "Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
I think today I may have stumbled on the key to success. Sigh...God is amazing.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Isn't God Amazing?
Duh, of course God is amazing. He's God. However, I find myself amazed by Him over and over in ways I never imagined. Let me share the latest...
Tonight after returning home from a the wake of a dear, dear friend; I found myself thinking about eternity, life after death, Heaven. You know, the usual thinks we think about when we lose someone we love. I have to admit, and I'm going to be truthful here and I'm sincerely sorry if it shocks you, I found myself thinking what if this life is all there is and Heaven isn't real. Like, what if, we just go to sleep or just simply cease to exist. As a Christian and someone who has based her whole life on Jesus and His resurrection, these thoughts were very disconcerting so I thought I'd do a little web search. My web search led me to the website of Don Piper who wrote 90 Minutes In Heaven. As I read his sight, I found myself being reasured that Heaven is indeed, a real place and a place to look forward to.
After making my peace with my wonderings, I started looking around his website and came across a link to a fellow I'd never heard of. I thought maybe this guy had had a Heaven experience, too and so, I clicked on his link. What I found amazed me because he's an agent and his blog tells about getting published as a Christian writer. What's so amazing about that? Well, those of you who know me, know I've always wanted to write a Christian devotional book. Lately, I've sort of put the idea on the back burner (no pun intended) and have been cooking up a storm with my show and Entertain With Jane ventures. Ha! What amazes me about God is that He always leads His child back to the most important things in life. He always leads me in one way or another back to that first love, His love for me and gently reminds me to continue writing to help people come to know Him and believe in Him.
I'm amazed! I really am!
Soul Food! It really is more than just collards and peas!
Tonight after returning home from a the wake of a dear, dear friend; I found myself thinking about eternity, life after death, Heaven. You know, the usual thinks we think about when we lose someone we love. I have to admit, and I'm going to be truthful here and I'm sincerely sorry if it shocks you, I found myself thinking what if this life is all there is and Heaven isn't real. Like, what if, we just go to sleep or just simply cease to exist. As a Christian and someone who has based her whole life on Jesus and His resurrection, these thoughts were very disconcerting so I thought I'd do a little web search. My web search led me to the website of Don Piper who wrote 90 Minutes In Heaven. As I read his sight, I found myself being reasured that Heaven is indeed, a real place and a place to look forward to.
After making my peace with my wonderings, I started looking around his website and came across a link to a fellow I'd never heard of. I thought maybe this guy had had a Heaven experience, too and so, I clicked on his link. What I found amazed me because he's an agent and his blog tells about getting published as a Christian writer. What's so amazing about that? Well, those of you who know me, know I've always wanted to write a Christian devotional book. Lately, I've sort of put the idea on the back burner (no pun intended) and have been cooking up a storm with my show and Entertain With Jane ventures. Ha! What amazes me about God is that He always leads His child back to the most important things in life. He always leads me in one way or another back to that first love, His love for me and gently reminds me to continue writing to help people come to know Him and believe in Him.
I'm amazed! I really am!
Soul Food! It really is more than just collards and peas!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)