This was the theme of the family reunion last night. I thought it'd be a Johnson reunion or a Crawford one, but it was not. It was one for a family that we married into, the Johnson's I think. Not that it matters. They treated us with love and respect.
Despite whatever family drama they have, and they acknowledge it's there, they always get together every year and they celebrate each other. It was at the beautiful Melia hotel in the Georgia ballroom in downtown Atlanta. Three days of celebration, three days of putting personal crap aside to honor each other, the family, the legacy.
I sat here and thought about my family and how splintered we are. Let's be real. Stuff has taken the front seat, and honoring and respecting our past the backseat. Instead of unity it's division and regardless of how you feel, Elmer and Audrey Mckenzie deserve better from their descendants. Did they not choose to have all of us come into the world? That is the greatest gift they could give you.
I was struck by how similar and yet how different families can be. The patriarch of that family was a wealthy man who lost the greater majority of his money extending loans to people who did not pay him back. And yet...the family was full of successful, very successful people, including the vice president of NBC and several cable networks. Anyone can rise past their past and that includes their emotional baggage too.
You may hate your ancestors, but they make you who you are. You may not agree with your siblings but they are a part of you. To cut ties with them over petty things is cutting off your nose to spite your face.
The family there was full of successful very bright children who obviously inherited awesome genes all the way back from their predecessor. Why can't honoring the family be placed above our selfish desires?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The church I weep For!
I love my relationship with Jesus Christ; would not change anything. He has been with me in some of the darkest periods of my life; treading in territory that was bleak and alone for me, shedding light where darkness lives.
My heart breaks when I see the state of the church today. We, the church have become the Pharisees. Loving the law so much, that our eyes are blinded to the rescue mission Christ gave us.
We condemn the sin And the sinner; seeming to only concern ourselves with building bigger and more ostentatious buildings and programs, leaving the lost not only to fend for themselves, but with a smirk of disgust, viewing ourselves as somehow better because we share not the same sins.
Oh, how we forget not only the sins He alone has rescued us from, but the life which we led prior to Christ,we view in rose colored glasses and judge it on our standards, our perceived sliding scale of sin where we don't appear as bad as we actually were. Even worse...we view churches with ownership; country club mentality as if you aren't good enough unless you and your sins meet our standards.
Some sins are overlooked in church, even encouraged such as gluttony. For what Christian can pass up the Sunday feasts; feasts we have while we not only neglect our poor; but somehow revile them, forgetting how truly blessed we are; forgetting who blessed us, and truly making ourselves King in our hearts.
God forbid you are gay. If you come to church, you aren't treated to Gods love.. But rather the wrath and judgement that is not ours to bestow. And how we wonder why membership dwindles, why Christian youth leave the church in droves; comforting ourselves with our pride and our rules; forgetting the actions of Jesus and replacing them with a bizarre and twisted idea that we have to defend God and Jesus.
Is gay bigger than God? Can God not speak to their hearts and minds? Do we not trust the King to be King?
Why is love tossed away when Jesus commanded us to walk in love? Why do we judge even though Christ says we are too blinded by our own sins to see clearly enough to do so? The plank in our eyes enable us to see only the law and punishment, but never the heart of the individual we are judging. We don't call it judging; instead we are advising them of their plight, but the heart of God is more concerned with lack of love and the downright hate and contempt that we sputter.
Our leaders are so troubled and full of hate over homosexuality that they advocate death camps over friendship, they advocate hateful words and denial of civil rights over common human decency. Where we could win over these souls if we offered but a morsel of love; our hearts instead reply with ice and hate. What place has this in the heart of a follower of Christ? If he walked in love, and was even accused of being a sinner because he associated with them, broke bread with them; God forbid even befriended them, why on Earth do we think we are above the actions of our Christ?
Why would I vote for a candidate that clearly doesn't share my faith and is proud of it? Why do many Christians continually doubt our Presidents faith although he is the only candidate left that calls himself and family, "devoted Christians"?
Why do organizations that are supposed to be pro-Christian pour millions of dollars into a faithless candidate, when the candidate that claims Christ is ignored?
We, the church are choosing the Law over Christ; our beliefs over our faith. The only nation free enough to have candidates that freely speak their beliefs in Christ, and we Christians pick the candidate that believes in aliens over the Christ I have a personal relationship with. Over the Christ who saved me from two car accidents; who spoke the Word and now have two babies science said I could not have. What are we doing my church, my people?
Love fulfills every commandment in the Bible. God is the judge of all! Thank Jesus! Let God be true and every man a liar. Let us share Jesus not judgement with the World, and let us leave cleaning the harvested to the ultimate fisherman: the King of Kings!
My heart breaks when I see the state of the church today. We, the church have become the Pharisees. Loving the law so much, that our eyes are blinded to the rescue mission Christ gave us.
We condemn the sin And the sinner; seeming to only concern ourselves with building bigger and more ostentatious buildings and programs, leaving the lost not only to fend for themselves, but with a smirk of disgust, viewing ourselves as somehow better because we share not the same sins.
Oh, how we forget not only the sins He alone has rescued us from, but the life which we led prior to Christ,we view in rose colored glasses and judge it on our standards, our perceived sliding scale of sin where we don't appear as bad as we actually were. Even worse...we view churches with ownership; country club mentality as if you aren't good enough unless you and your sins meet our standards.
Some sins are overlooked in church, even encouraged such as gluttony. For what Christian can pass up the Sunday feasts; feasts we have while we not only neglect our poor; but somehow revile them, forgetting how truly blessed we are; forgetting who blessed us, and truly making ourselves King in our hearts.
God forbid you are gay. If you come to church, you aren't treated to Gods love.. But rather the wrath and judgement that is not ours to bestow. And how we wonder why membership dwindles, why Christian youth leave the church in droves; comforting ourselves with our pride and our rules; forgetting the actions of Jesus and replacing them with a bizarre and twisted idea that we have to defend God and Jesus.
Is gay bigger than God? Can God not speak to their hearts and minds? Do we not trust the King to be King?
Why is love tossed away when Jesus commanded us to walk in love? Why do we judge even though Christ says we are too blinded by our own sins to see clearly enough to do so? The plank in our eyes enable us to see only the law and punishment, but never the heart of the individual we are judging. We don't call it judging; instead we are advising them of their plight, but the heart of God is more concerned with lack of love and the downright hate and contempt that we sputter.
Our leaders are so troubled and full of hate over homosexuality that they advocate death camps over friendship, they advocate hateful words and denial of civil rights over common human decency. Where we could win over these souls if we offered but a morsel of love; our hearts instead reply with ice and hate. What place has this in the heart of a follower of Christ? If he walked in love, and was even accused of being a sinner because he associated with them, broke bread with them; God forbid even befriended them, why on Earth do we think we are above the actions of our Christ?
Why would I vote for a candidate that clearly doesn't share my faith and is proud of it? Why do many Christians continually doubt our Presidents faith although he is the only candidate left that calls himself and family, "devoted Christians"?
Why do organizations that are supposed to be pro-Christian pour millions of dollars into a faithless candidate, when the candidate that claims Christ is ignored?
We, the church are choosing the Law over Christ; our beliefs over our faith. The only nation free enough to have candidates that freely speak their beliefs in Christ, and we Christians pick the candidate that believes in aliens over the Christ I have a personal relationship with. Over the Christ who saved me from two car accidents; who spoke the Word and now have two babies science said I could not have. What are we doing my church, my people?
Love fulfills every commandment in the Bible. God is the judge of all! Thank Jesus! Let God be true and every man a liar. Let us share Jesus not judgement with the World, and let us leave cleaning the harvested to the ultimate fisherman: the King of Kings!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
You cannot take it with you!
Why are things so important? Why is it when someone dies, family has the tendency to forget the loved one who died and focus on grasping all their possessions? Is it a misguided attempt to foster familiarity with the deceased, or is it just pure greed?
The bible tells us to store up treasures in heaven because there nothing, not even death can take it from you. The treasures spoken of are doing the will of God. If we are to give the coat off our back for strangers, what more should we do for family?
The bible is clear that money, wealth and accumulation of possessions are the root of evil, and rich men have a hard road to heaven; so why become bitter and greedy and destroy relationships over things that perish?
The evil in the world is palpable and the greed is devouring people's souls to the point that family would rather have belongings than lasting relationships with their family.
Memories are the only thing left when a loved one passes. I treasure mine. I actually have nothing of my grandparents but they taught me valuable lessons and skills and I will always have a bond with them that supersedes death. That is more than enough.
Peace will never be found in bitterness, unforgiveness, or greed.
Those three have been linked to cancer and other fatal illnesses. I wonder if that's because they eat a person inside out.
The bible tells us to store up treasures in heaven because there nothing, not even death can take it from you. The treasures spoken of are doing the will of God. If we are to give the coat off our back for strangers, what more should we do for family?
The bible is clear that money, wealth and accumulation of possessions are the root of evil, and rich men have a hard road to heaven; so why become bitter and greedy and destroy relationships over things that perish?
The evil in the world is palpable and the greed is devouring people's souls to the point that family would rather have belongings than lasting relationships with their family.
Memories are the only thing left when a loved one passes. I treasure mine. I actually have nothing of my grandparents but they taught me valuable lessons and skills and I will always have a bond with them that supersedes death. That is more than enough.
Peace will never be found in bitterness, unforgiveness, or greed.
Those three have been linked to cancer and other fatal illnesses. I wonder if that's because they eat a person inside out.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Let the dead bury the dead
In Matthew 8:22, Jesus says to follow him and let the dead bury the dead. I always thought this was kind of a mean statement. The guy wanted to bury his dad. Further investigation shows us that dad wasn't dead yet. The potential disciple wanted to wait until that time.
Time isn't promised. There is no allotment of time that is equal to men.
Why put off what you need to do; it may never be done.
There are all these healings and miracles, and great love shown in the bible; looking around today I see such hatefulness, so much hurt, so much anger, so much sadness. Jesus is the joy maker, the blessing bringer, the comfort when every one else leaves you. The restorer of light.
My journey has been not without trial and i have lost friends, family, dare I say it, mentors even in the course of following Him; but I'm never without love, never without protection, and even when I can't see my feet; he always can. It's Him that holds me when I cry, and Him who brings such peace.
The bible says to expect evil to increase in these last days and we see it all around us; it doesn't even seek the shadows anymore.
But God...He sent Jesus and He can drive away darkness and despair and He can do anything as long as we believe.
Evil can be right on our doorstep and if we will pray for those who do the kind of things most of us don't have the capacity to forgive, God will work wonders. I know our source of strength is Jesus. And we don't have to fight battles because the Lord in His goodness will fight and go before us because we surrendered our fight to him long ago.
What that potential disciple didn't know was how much he'd gain if he'd just trust Jesus.
What about you? Are you tired of fighting the darkness alone? Do you wish someone was with you who would love and accept you no matter what? Do you need a champion, a healer, a miracle worker?
Jesus is all those things and so much more. If you don't know him,write me and I'd be glad to introduce you. He is the best present I ever opened.
Time isn't promised. There is no allotment of time that is equal to men.
Why put off what you need to do; it may never be done.
There are all these healings and miracles, and great love shown in the bible; looking around today I see such hatefulness, so much hurt, so much anger, so much sadness. Jesus is the joy maker, the blessing bringer, the comfort when every one else leaves you. The restorer of light.
My journey has been not without trial and i have lost friends, family, dare I say it, mentors even in the course of following Him; but I'm never without love, never without protection, and even when I can't see my feet; he always can. It's Him that holds me when I cry, and Him who brings such peace.
The bible says to expect evil to increase in these last days and we see it all around us; it doesn't even seek the shadows anymore.
But God...He sent Jesus and He can drive away darkness and despair and He can do anything as long as we believe.
Evil can be right on our doorstep and if we will pray for those who do the kind of things most of us don't have the capacity to forgive, God will work wonders. I know our source of strength is Jesus. And we don't have to fight battles because the Lord in His goodness will fight and go before us because we surrendered our fight to him long ago.
What that potential disciple didn't know was how much he'd gain if he'd just trust Jesus.
What about you? Are you tired of fighting the darkness alone? Do you wish someone was with you who would love and accept you no matter what? Do you need a champion, a healer, a miracle worker?
Jesus is all those things and so much more. If you don't know him,write me and I'd be glad to introduce you. He is the best present I ever opened.
Friday, December 9, 2011
By yourself
I am finding more and more that you are alone in this world. Why yes, we have Jesus always, but you had better be able to be physically and emotionally alone.
The people you believe will always have your back, and will always love don't. I'm sorry if that offends you, but the truth isn't pretty. Life is truly "I'm with you until something better comes along.". This applies to all, including family.
Guess that's why we need Jesus...amongst numerous other reasons.
Maybe that's why we should work on ourselves most doggedly and not worry what the other is doing. That way when they walk out our lives it won't hurt as much.
God takes everyone out of your life that you run to before Him. Be careful of whom is your pacifier..it may be taken before you are ready.
The people you believe will always have your back, and will always love don't. I'm sorry if that offends you, but the truth isn't pretty. Life is truly "I'm with you until something better comes along.". This applies to all, including family.
Guess that's why we need Jesus...amongst numerous other reasons.
Maybe that's why we should work on ourselves most doggedly and not worry what the other is doing. That way when they walk out our lives it won't hurt as much.
God takes everyone out of your life that you run to before Him. Be careful of whom is your pacifier..it may be taken before you are ready.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Lost and in our own way
For about a year now, there has been a distaste in my mouth and spirit upon entering a church. The focus is on building bigger buildings, buy these DVDs, buy this and buy that; and the focus of the gospel is lost.
In these days and hours, when we should be as our King, we are caught up in money and more, more, more. If the Lord stopped in our churches, would we even speak to Him? What would He appear as? Would He be as Pharisee-like as some of us? Or would He appear as a homeless man, or poorly dressed woman? Would we speak?
What happened to God's love? The greatest gift of the Spirit seems in such short supply. After everything else is gone, it along with faith and hope will remain.
As Christ's hands and hearts on Earth, why aren't we sharing His love?
It's not about membership, not about buildings or money for He has that, it's about people's souls and the bone-deep need to be loved.
When we walk our daily walk let us look for ways to love the world the way Jesus does. He loved the people we gossip about and judge. He loves that boss you hate, that man who stole from you, that lady who lied....yes His love is boundless and our job is to allow Him to live through us no matter what.
We are neglecting His first love.
Let us strive to love not only one another but those who do not yet know Him. Sometimes I think we do not have because we don't love. May we all receive the passion to love the lost!
In these days and hours, when we should be as our King, we are caught up in money and more, more, more. If the Lord stopped in our churches, would we even speak to Him? What would He appear as? Would He be as Pharisee-like as some of us? Or would He appear as a homeless man, or poorly dressed woman? Would we speak?
What happened to God's love? The greatest gift of the Spirit seems in such short supply. After everything else is gone, it along with faith and hope will remain.
As Christ's hands and hearts on Earth, why aren't we sharing His love?
It's not about membership, not about buildings or money for He has that, it's about people's souls and the bone-deep need to be loved.
When we walk our daily walk let us look for ways to love the world the way Jesus does. He loved the people we gossip about and judge. He loves that boss you hate, that man who stole from you, that lady who lied....yes His love is boundless and our job is to allow Him to live through us no matter what.
We are neglecting His first love.
Let us strive to love not only one another but those who do not yet know Him. Sometimes I think we do not have because we don't love. May we all receive the passion to love the lost!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Teriyaki chicken cabbage cups
What do I need?
1lb ground chicken
1/2 head of cabbage leaves separated
2 small onions chopped
1 zucchini chopped
Teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup arborio or "regular" rice
1 pat butter
A few slivered almonds
Red pepper flakes, black pepper to taste
Sauté chicken in oil if doesn't have enough fat. Throw in onion and zucchini and spices. Steam your caabage leaves and prepare rice separately.
When sauté is complete, combine the rice with it and mix in the butter and top with almonds.
Serve mixture in cabbage cups.
Nutrition:
515 calories
20g fat(if use oil, other wise 4g)
46g carb
26g protein
A little higher than I'd like, but delete the oil, and fat goes down and calories become 430.
1lb ground chicken
1/2 head of cabbage leaves separated
2 small onions chopped
1 zucchini chopped
Teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup arborio or "regular" rice
1 pat butter
A few slivered almonds
Red pepper flakes, black pepper to taste
Sauté chicken in oil if doesn't have enough fat. Throw in onion and zucchini and spices. Steam your caabage leaves and prepare rice separately.
When sauté is complete, combine the rice with it and mix in the butter and top with almonds.
Serve mixture in cabbage cups.
Nutrition:
515 calories
20g fat(if use oil, other wise 4g)
46g carb
26g protein
A little higher than I'd like, but delete the oil, and fat goes down and calories become 430.
Will He not do it again?
I'm one of those bizarre people that actually loves the books of the bible that speak of the old prophets. Books like Jeremiah stir something up inside me, especially of late so I thought I'd be posting thoughts about Jeremiah 29, that God holds your future; while it may be dim to you, He has great and awesome plans.
Great thought, huh? But He led me to Psalms instead. Check this out:
"I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted."
"I remembered you o God and I groaned;I mused and my spirit grew faint.". Psalms 77:1-3
How many times have you felt this way? I know problems in my life and my heart seem to overwhelm me at times; seem to almost try to drown me and the nights we can't hear God because our own minds are to loud; or for whatever reason he does not speak; those are daunting, saddening times.
Times we just want to reach out and grab ahold of Jesus, times we never want to let go and yet we feel like He is not there...you are speaking to a wall.
What do we do?
The writer of this psalm encouraged himself with the knowledge that God had blessed him before and surely He would continue.
"Will the Lord reject forever? Will He never show His favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has He in His anger withheld his compassion?"
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago and think on all your works and consider your deeds. Your ways are holy and what God is as great as ours?"
Jesus says that God says we are His children. Would you not provide for your babies? Even in anger, your heart is tender towards them. In Matthew 7 it says, "which of you,if his son asks for bread,will you give him a stone?". Or if he asks for a fish, will you give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much MORE will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! So in everything do to others what you want them to do for you."
Ask Him! If you hear nothing, beat the Heavens down...He will answer.
Great thought, huh? But He led me to Psalms instead. Check this out:
"I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted."
"I remembered you o God and I groaned;I mused and my spirit grew faint.". Psalms 77:1-3
How many times have you felt this way? I know problems in my life and my heart seem to overwhelm me at times; seem to almost try to drown me and the nights we can't hear God because our own minds are to loud; or for whatever reason he does not speak; those are daunting, saddening times.
Times we just want to reach out and grab ahold of Jesus, times we never want to let go and yet we feel like He is not there...you are speaking to a wall.
What do we do?
The writer of this psalm encouraged himself with the knowledge that God had blessed him before and surely He would continue.
"Will the Lord reject forever? Will He never show His favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has He in His anger withheld his compassion?"
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember your miracles of long ago and think on all your works and consider your deeds. Your ways are holy and what God is as great as ours?"
Jesus says that God says we are His children. Would you not provide for your babies? Even in anger, your heart is tender towards them. In Matthew 7 it says, "which of you,if his son asks for bread,will you give him a stone?". Or if he asks for a fish, will you give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, give good gifts to your children, how much MORE will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! So in everything do to others what you want them to do for you."
Ask Him! If you hear nothing, beat the Heavens down...He will answer.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Recipe of the day--Tandoori chicken cabbage cups
No picture today, but this was amazing! Inspired by a recipe I saw at the grocery store using lettuce leaves and teriyaki sauce.
What you need:
Chicken breast or ground chicken 1 lb
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil 1 tbl
Tandoori powder
Cabbage leaves
Onion, 1/2
Use the oil to sauté your chicken and throw in the onion and spices as the chicken cooks. Steam your cabbage leaves separately until tender but not wilted.
Once your mixture and cabbage are ready, spoon the mixture into the leaves. Low carb eating and YUM!
Tummy is happy and so is the scale!
What you need:
Chicken breast or ground chicken 1 lb
Red pepper flakes to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil 1 tbl
Tandoori powder
Cabbage leaves
Onion, 1/2
Use the oil to sauté your chicken and throw in the onion and spices as the chicken cooks. Steam your cabbage leaves separately until tender but not wilted.
Once your mixture and cabbage are ready, spoon the mixture into the leaves. Low carb eating and YUM!
Tummy is happy and so is the scale!
Right time and place
How often I forget that I am exactly where I am supposed to be for God makes no mistakes.
Sure, there is plenty to improve upon, however I am exactly who I should be today,with exactly the right people in my life.
I have lived so much of my life, wasted it even, obsessed and controlled with how others saw me. Constantly striving to be someone I'll never be. I will never be perfect, I will never say the right thing, but I'll always be what I was made to be...God's love in the form of Anne. You are God's love in whatever form you take.
I am learning that we are perfectly formed to minister to someone His love. His perfection is found in our weakness.
God loves you even as you are and where you are. Any changing should be done by our Creator.
He loves you....and so do I!
Sure, there is plenty to improve upon, however I am exactly who I should be today,with exactly the right people in my life.
I have lived so much of my life, wasted it even, obsessed and controlled with how others saw me. Constantly striving to be someone I'll never be. I will never be perfect, I will never say the right thing, but I'll always be what I was made to be...God's love in the form of Anne. You are God's love in whatever form you take.
I am learning that we are perfectly formed to minister to someone His love. His perfection is found in our weakness.
God loves you even as you are and where you are. Any changing should be done by our Creator.
He loves you....and so do I!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Curried lentils with turkey
1/2 cup lentils
1/2 cup turkey cooked
1/4 cup onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup salsa
Curry powder to taste
Little olive oil
1/2 to 1 cup water or stock
Mix together and simmer on medium heat for about 45 minutes. Yummy!!
1/2 cup turkey cooked
1/4 cup onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup salsa
Curry powder to taste
Little olive oil
1/2 to 1 cup water or stock
Mix together and simmer on medium heat for about 45 minutes. Yummy!!
Here I am! Thinking of going to the park later and seeing if I can find a farmer market still around.
The toddler is napping, the man is at work, and I am trying to relax and decide how the next few months will go.
There is a lot of denial involved when you lose a lot of weight and gain it back, but mirrors and aching joints do not lie.
Oh yeah, I am loving this IPAD!!!
The toddler is napping, the man is at work, and I am trying to relax and decide how the next few months will go.
There is a lot of denial involved when you lose a lot of weight and gain it back, but mirrors and aching joints do not lie.
Oh yeah, I am loving this IPAD!!!
My favorite people!
See my baby and the hubbie. When I dress today, I will post an updated pic of me. 
So...I am back
So, after gaining back about 80 lbs, I am back. This will now be the story of how I will lose it again. I am thinking I will start with my doctor suggestion to di protein shakes for awhile to get rid of carb cravings and then back to basics. Focus on protein, then veggies and STOP drinking with meals!
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