tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74774863765437324872024-03-13T01:50:19.117-07:00Open fields of wild flowersmes champs ouverts de fleurs sauvagesMichele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-3070977301263672642012-10-19T01:12:00.003-07:002012-10-19T01:15:55.197-07:00New BlogI am blogging now on a new blog so if you want to check it out go to: <a href="http://www.artcoffeeteaandlove.blogspot.com/">http://www.artcoffeeteaandlove.blogspot.com</a>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-64357647674780845252010-07-31T14:11:00.000-07:002010-07-31T15:42:55.250-07:00Sisterhood of the traveling boutique<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.childrenscancer.org/images/uploaded_images/8215/8217/4.6_share_hope_left.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 177px;" src="http://www.childrenscancer.org/images/uploaded_images/8215/8217/4.6_share_hope_left.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Recently I had a little party at my place for my beautiful single gal friends. I had a little suprize for them when they arrived that I affectionately called "Michele's Boutique". This idea was spun from a friend of mine who had lost weight and had clothes to give away that she no longer needed from sizes 4 to 14.<br /><br />My friend knowing that I was on a weight loss journey myself asked if I would like the clothes she no longer needed to see if I could find some treasures to wear in them. I was excited because I had gotten into a 14 and am working on getting into a 12 and my friend has beautiful taste.<br /><br />So when we were chatting we remembered my upcoming party and decided that it would be awesome to share these beautiful clothes with all our friends already coming over to the party. So we had a little women's dress up party in my room for them waiting when they arrived.<br /><br />I was also inspired by my friends gift that I decided to go through my closet as well and added to the larger collection of sizes so that every woman of every size would find something to wear. My housemate also contributed and soon we had a room full of beautiful clothes from sizes 4 to 28.<br /><br />I invited each women who came to come up to my room and visit "Michele's Boutique". It was amazing and felt a little like we were girls playing dress up finding tr<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3195661505_d4c1ca571d.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 197px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3195661505_d4c1ca571d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>easures. There were 9 women who found something to be blessed by and then two bags left over to donate to our church.<br /><br />It was a bit like the "sisterhood of the traveling pants" in that we all found something new to wear and a little magic in the moment of finding the treasures.<br /><br />There was one thing though that made me a little sad as I saw the joy of my friends in treasures found. I had played a fly on the wall listening to the women as they looked in my boutique during the night.<br /><br />It seemed like each of the women no matter what size they were wanted to be smaller, more petite or had some body part they felt made them imperfect or not beautiful. I couldn't believe it when I heard a size 6 friend share how she didn't want this one skirt because she felt her legs were just too chubby in the knees to show them.<br /><br />"I would kill to be her size" I thought as I stared at her in disbelief. We all tried to convince this friend that she looked great in the skirt but I am not sure if we did. It made me think about what is truely beautiful. I had to ask myself the question... is my beauty defined by my dress size? If it is defined by that then at what size will I feel beautiful?<br /><br />Women often take a look around and see other woman who are a few sizes smaller and think "I wish I were her size, then I would be beautiful". We all seem to think our size isn't beautiful. Seeing my friend's insecurity I found out that we all can't be right.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ahouseupontherock.com/newblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Jesus-holding-girl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 290px;" src="http://ahouseupontherock.com/newblog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Jesus-holding-girl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />That size 6 gal who felt shy about showing her legs because she felt they weren't perfect in her eyes has no idea how beautiful she is in the eyes of the size 14 or 28. It seems that societys model of air brushed magazine cover women just pollutes us all into thinking we can't be beautiful right where we are at.<br /><br />I have to admit in the end I do see the very petite women and wish I were that "hot" thing but really I have to see what really matters in the end. Jesus isn't going to care what dress size I wore in the end when I get to heaven. My journey of weight loss of now over 240 pounds is admirable for the discipline but God really cares about my heart.<br /><br />I have to pray that my friends and I can find His eyes to see ourselves in when feeling like we will never be good enough. It's really about realizing that it is truely about who we are as confident servants of a loving God that matters most. It's not about our dress size.<br /><br />So I would challenge you to have a boutique with your girlfriends and open it up to all sizes. God loves you right where your at. His grace covers us whether we are a size 4 or a size 38 which is what I was at my highest. He knows our hearts beauty is what He will see and value so work on making that part of you beautiful. I think that is what will make us shine.<br /><br />Song in my head: Free to be me -Francesca Battiselli<br />Fruit: Love<br />Verse:<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Genesis 6:<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-140">2</sup> the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.</span>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-26156084867416370962010-07-05T12:15:00.000-07:002010-07-05T12:25:28.161-07:00BlissHere is a poem I wrote in High School.<br /><br />Bliss<br />The Son shines upon me now,<br />I thank Him for my firey heart,<br />He knows I was always free to soar in the winds above,<br />Now I can see this as nature surrounds me,<br />Let's make this world home, decorating it with love we all can own,<br />A world without a killing spree, a world pollution free,<br />No more guns and catastrophe,<br />Love and Chaos... it's all there<br />Days just waiting to be written in the great white book upstairs,<br /><br />Published in Impressions 1994Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-50830928560700932752010-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:002010-06-24T14:56:02.633-07:00Choosing to look up!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.maniacworld.com/holding-the-sun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 198px;" src="http://www.maniacworld.com/holding-the-sun.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>There are so many friends of mine who are discouraged lately. They have lost so many things. They lost their job, a loved one died, a heart was broken, someones sick or it's just a little summertime blues. I found myself a bit down yesterday when opening some boxes remembering some things.<br /><br />I recently moved all my worldly goods down from Washington to California where I plan on living forever unless God tells me different. I opened some boxes I hadn't opened in years. They held some treasures of mine that I had forgotten and loved.<br /><br />They also held some hard memories of trials I faced and loved ones I have lost. I found the necklace my beloved grandma gave me when I was a little girl. It's got an M on if for Michele. I found my Father's Vietnam yearbook and photos of him. I found an old piece of paper my Aunt Paula had written a recipe on for me that she used to make before she died.<br /><br />It's been many years since my grandma passed and about a year a half since my dad's passing and my aunt Paula's but it's still hard to miss them in the moment when you see a little glimpse of them you hadn't seen in awhile.<br /><br />I h<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache.planetnatural.com/planetnatural/images/large/colorful_wildflowers_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 208px;" src="http://cache.planetnatural.com/planetnatural/images/large/colorful_wildflowers_lg.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ave found you really have to let God heal the losses in His time. It's so easy to try to put a wall around those hurts and bury them. I have found that they are never really buried very far below the surface though. If you dig just a few inches it's still there until you replace it.<br /><br />I think it's about a choice to choose to feel the pain for a time but let Joy reign supreme in the end. I let myself feel the pain of it but made a choice not to stay there to long. I have to look up and see the beautiful blue sky God gave me today and feel His Sonshine on my face.<br /><br />He takes care of those little wildflowers that can grow from any old crack in the ground so surely He can take care of me. His grace covers us and showers us with peace if we can just look around and see How very much He loves us and has given us.<br /><br />He gave us the blue sky, white puffy clouds, flowers, and beautiful day. He also let a little rain fall sometimes. I think it helps me always remember how very much we need Him. I choose to look up and see how very much He has given and see the rainbow of His promises ahead.<br /><br />I would challenge you to find a little joy in something today. Look around right where your at in the middle of your crisis and find an eye to the middle of your storm. Sometimes it's when you stop and look around that you see your really not in such a tough place after all.<br /><br />Fruit: Peace<br />Song in my head: Peets never ending classical song<br />Verse: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=31&search=2%20Thessalonians%203:3" title="2 Thessalonians 3:3">2 Thessalonians 3:3</a> “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you...”Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-70745345757835891822010-05-30T19:55:00.001-07:002010-05-30T20:54:25.373-07:00Lost Fish; Reward if found<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://petfishescare.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/_fish-bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="http://petfishescare.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/_fish-bowl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Have you ever felt like you were just stuck? There's a decision you need to make and a million possibilities to consider and you just can get out of this maze of a fish bowl your in.<br /><br />I felt like this little lost fish a few days ago. I was swimming as fast as I could around in circles trying in my little glass bowl to make sense of things and not able to go up to the surface for air.<br /><br />I felt like I just had to figure it all out on my own. I know my decision will impact my future and it scared me. It scared me to think I could make the wrong decision. It scared me so much that I had trouble seeing my way to the surface where I wouldn't be looking through water, trying to read the signs.<br /><br />I needed to get out of the water for a bit and just breathe some air. I decided I needed to get away from it so I could get some perspective so I went to the gym. After working out I felt a little better but that decision and resolution to it was still there and I was still stuck.<br /><br />That's when a frie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.through-the-maze.org.uk/symbols_x4/training.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 251px;" src="http://www.through-the-maze.org.uk/symbols_x4/training.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>nd called and asked me for a big favor. It was one that called me to pack within the hour and run off to help her on an overnight road trip. I decided this escape was just what I needed and so I went for it.<br /><br />I needed the escape to find a bit of perspective and get my head wrapped around all I was considering. I didn't come up with my answer right after my trip but I think it unstuck me to think of someone else instead of swimming in my bowl aimlessly getting more and more lost.<br /><br />I think it's easy to get lost and feel like you don't have a direction. Today God really showed me as I went to church that I have to reach out and ask for directions. I can't do this alone. I have to have some arrow pointers helping to guide me.<br /><br />A friend was an arrow pointer to me today when she looked at my tear filled fish bowl I was swimming in and showed me how I could break down the issue and take a breath of fresh air. She made it simple and told me to stop swimming and float.<br /><br />God made us so we can float in the water if I just let go. Sometimes we have to relax let God have our anxiety and only then can we see clearly. It can happen in a moment, a twinkling of an eye, a soft blink if we let it. It is really a choice.<br /><br />So I decided to stop swimming and come up the surface. Even though I don't have a completely clear direction quite yet, I know I can see it up here floating.<br /><br />It's amazing to me how God always takes care of me. I can feel so very lost but He always has a reward out for me. He wants the best for me and loves me even when I'm swimming so fast I take my eyes off of Him and on me.<br /><br />Jesus loves me and loves you too. So let go and float.<br /><br />Fruit: Patience<br />Song in my head: All I need - Bethany Dillon<br />Verse: Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-70039378731150577462010-05-04T19:47:00.000-07:002010-05-04T19:58:37.958-07:00Standing<object width="300" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Iz-cRVvGe88&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Iz-cRVvGe88&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="300"></embed></object>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-59352257456289370292010-05-02T20:59:00.000-07:002010-05-02T21:45:00.578-07:00Heart of Worship<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.joetourist.ca/greece/images/CircleTour/2006IMG_3623a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 191px;" src="http://www.joetourist.ca/greece/images/CircleTour/2006IMG_3623a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>When I am at a church service I can sometimes get preoccupied walking in with all those little everyday things running through my head. I'm thinking about the laundry I need to do, the lunch I am going to after service or so many other things.<br /><br />I can get distracted and feel a bit like its not a worshipful time if I am not careful to stop, close my eyes and look up. I had a friend challenge me to blog about my worship experience when I shared it with her. So in taking on that challenge... here it is.<br /><br />What I do when I'm in that intimate room we all call our sanctuary (which could really be anyplace) is simple yet helps me focus and close out that world that wants to creep into my worship time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.winningworship.com/images/woman_handsRaised_396x600.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 340px;" src="http://www.winningworship.com/images/woman_handsRaised_396x600.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I close my eyes and imagine I am standing in the middle of this huge open outdoor theatre in the middle of the night. It's pitch dark and there's a million stars above me. I'm completely alone in this huge place and yet suddenly I can hear the sounds of worship music starting all around me.<br /><br />My worries and my world start fading away and I look up. It's then that I have the courage to raise my hands and surrender knowing it's just me and my God above in this place. We are alone together and there is nothing else to separate us.<br /><br />I imagine a beam light with love from me coming from my hands surrendered. I feel free and just know that Jesus is up there looking down at me smiling, letting me know He loves me.<br /><br />Fruit: JOY<br />Song in my head: Heart of Worship<br />Verse: Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-64569016931437857662010-04-29T00:24:00.000-07:002010-04-29T01:15:36.397-07:00The Wedding Ring Scar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.almostdiamonds.com/images/res/rs6650_130_110.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 189px;" src="http://www.almostdiamonds.com/images/res/rs6650_130_110.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >My pastor shared a story last weekend about a scar he had that reminded him of an answered prayer and I was inspired to rethink my scar. I decided I needed to love my scar and not be ashamed of it and see it for what it is. Its an outward sign of a inward change still on my finger to remind me of how very far I have come. It's a sign of how powerful God is.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was divorced 3 years ago and when I took off my wedding ring about 3 1/2 years ago I had a severe wound underneath my ring. Let me tell you how it got there.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> When I got married I was hurting from childhood abuse and fear. I was always overweight growing up and was still very heavy at the time my ex husband and I got married.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Because food was my choice for coping with life I gained over 150 po</span><span style="font-size:100%;">unds during my 10 year marriage while dealing with a husband who had an addiction and who worked as a missionary and for the church during our marriage. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Even though my ex husband was an addict I was willing to fight for our marriage and never ever wanted to give up. My ex-husband decided that he wanted something different than what he had promised on our wedding day. He didn’t want God or me anymore and so our divorce became final 3 years ago this month. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I gained so much weight during the marriage and </span><span style="font-size:100%;">since my ring had never been sized up it was literally wounding me. I was so determined during the marriage to never ever take my ring off that it had dung into my skin and created a deep scar where the ring had been. When I finally had gotten it off 3 1/2 years ago it had bled and blistered leaving a deep indentation and scar.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It seemed like this scar would never heal as I waited for it to. The first year after my divorce I went to God and repented of </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwktIkbaW4w1tw122K_7D6n-p8F15pQuj0LsumLIDjIlDy8TCxtlO10-8nHjNzdvnINkF0CACm4uMjedEXgrUTsOr41DYe3S-LRlOR-2nOwXW8O1R0Bauh0s4RL52-StMUx6htoRmSwMkl/s1600/Scar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwktIkbaW4w1tw122K_7D6n-p8F15pQuj0LsumLIDjIlDy8TCxtlO10-8nHjNzdvnINkF0CACm4uMjedEXgrUTsOr41DYe3S-LRlOR-2nOwXW8O1R0Bauh0s4RL52-StMUx6htoRmSwMkl/s200/Scar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465469150102475234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">my food addiction and lost over 100 pounds and then over the last two years I have lost over 100 more. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Still this whole time the scar from my ring hasn’t disappeared completely. It’s very faded and probably only I know it is there but I kept praying. God take away my scar so I’m not scarred forever as a woman divorced. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Then this last weekend when I heard my pastor sharing of how he was proud of his scar I really felt God whisper to me not to be ashamed of my scar. It’s a huge testimony of the healing He has done in me. He has healed me but left some of my scar for just awhile longer than I had wanted to help me remember how very far I have come.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">By His stripes we are healed and I know my scar will go away completely someday or I will get another ring to cover it but I realized I need to think differently of it. I think from now on when I look down I am going to smile and remember how Gods love has healed me and not about the place I came from because that is just history. I want to dance in the freedom I know now. Dance with me and love your scars because they are just a testimony of the power of an awesome God who loves us right where we are at.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Fruit: Peace</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Song in my head: History; Matthew West<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Verse: Psalm 30:2<strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+30:2&version=NIV"> </a></strong>O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you <b>healed</b> me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:85%;" ><span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:11pt;" ><br /></span></span></p>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-63903987937335516232010-04-17T09:40:00.000-07:002010-04-17T10:02:52.118-07:00How to make a left turn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.trafficsignstore.com/R3-4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 228px;" src="http://www.trafficsignstore.com/R3-4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Have you ever just realized you have grown up a bit and been a little happy inside for that new sprout of life growing from you? I felt like this today.<br /><br />Have you ever been driving someplace new and had to make a u turn because you were going the wrong way? For me since moving to another state I have had to make a lot of u turns.<br /><br />There is one place in perticular that I go often and the first time I went there I passed by it and had to make a u turn. For some reason after that first u turn in passing this place I would go to often, I kept repeating it like the uturn was the way I got to this place.<br /><br />Everytime I would be heading to this place I would think on the way that I need to remember to look for it. Yet again and again I would have to pass by it, see it and realize that yet again I had to make a u turn.<br /><br />This was the definition of insanity. I was doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So today when I didn't have to make the u turn and realized it as I was making the left turn instead I smiled.<br /><br />God is good and faithful to teach me to stop the insanity and just grow. I can grow in the pot where I am planted. I only need the Son of Gods love in my pot and some rain to soak in my roots.<br /><br />So every time I find that u turn coming up again I can remember now that its just Gods way of teaching me that I can find His favor in my life if I only reach out to stop, listen and love the pot He has planted me in. When I am content with where I am in my journey I can grow and stop making so many u turns. Focus and make the left turns.<br /><br />Fruit: JoY<br />Song in my head: The classical stuff Peets plays while I am writing<br />Verse: Someplace: This surpassing power is not from us but from GodMichele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-38010163918082182492010-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:002010-04-13T21:11:54.453-07:00Doing the Ipod shuffle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jdazthesplendid.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/ipod-nano-pink.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 273px;" src="http://jdazthesplendid.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/ipod-nano-pink.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>Sounds like the start of a bad joke...<br /><br />So this sweaty, chubby, confused looking girl walks up to this superfit, gym worker, body builder guy who is hyperventilating over each tight thing walking by and says "can you please help me with my Ipod?".<br /><br />The gym guy probably thought it was a line and so he must have had some mercy for me when he smiled and said "I can help." I am of course the only one on the planet who has never owned an Ipod before or so I was feeling pretty jazzed to join the ranks of the Ipod savvy.<br /><br />However when I tried to figure out how to use it I was a bit lost because it was working but then my music started coming out the speakers and my earphones at the same time.<br /><br />I to humbly go where the unfashionable girls don't typically go and walked up to the counter to ask someone. He took my Ipod and fiddled and played around with it a bit and really I don't know what he did but it started coming in my ears and not out the speakers so I was in business. I still will have ask someone from the Apple store that one.<br /><br />So after I got it coming in my ears I turned it to shuffle and hit play. It seemed like every song out of my new 31 was exactly what I needed to hear in my work out today. I wondered if God doesn't have control of my Ipods shuffle. He has everything else in His hands so why not my little Ipod.<br /><br />Music gives me life and inspires me to go for it when I'm scared to dream. I had to ask the question. What is my dream and does God have control of it. Is He in charge of my shuffle? I decided that I have to fill my Ipod with the things that can give Him room to shuffle me in the right direction. I am listening to hear His song.<br /><br />Fruit: JoY<br />Song in my head: Only Grace - Matthew West<br />Verse: <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16498">Proverbs 4: 7</sup> Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16499">8</sup> Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-16500">9</sup> She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-56932782160024418142010-04-12T20:05:00.000-07:002010-04-12T20:18:32.615-07:00Rainbows Ahead! Look up and see it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/rainbow/rainbow005.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 240px;" src="http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/rainbow/rainbow005.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I was a little sad this morning. I woke up sleepy and feeling a little bit blue. Today is my birthday and it didn't feel like it. It was raining cats and dogs and I was feeling a little sad from a disappointment from yesterday. I had a hope in that and it was crushed... but still I decided I am going to pray.<br /><br />Really that old 90's song is still true. You have got to pray just to make it today. So I took a run through the rain this morning and I got a little wet but sometimes I think I need to get wet. I need to feel the rain to know how very dependent I am on a loving God to see me through.<br /><br />If it never rained I would never get the chance to see that rainbow. I know it's going to be there. I just have to remember and wait for it. He is faithful to bring out the sun even on the darkest of days and crushing desert valley lows we walk through.<br /><br />His power is made perfect in my weakness. He is all I need even when I think what I want is what I need. He knows my hearts desire and will lead me to it.<br /><br />Fruit: Peace<br />Song in my head: All I need<br />Verse: <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-222">Genesis 9:16</sup> Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-18948580688837409492010-03-28T20:02:00.000-07:002010-03-28T20:35:54.910-07:00Liking the Banana Berry girl<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.westjavalive.com/image/BananaBerrySmoothie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.westjavalive.com/image/BananaBerrySmoothie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>When I go to Jamba Juice now I ask for the Banana Berry, hold the sherbert, hold the apple juice, hold the ice cream add soymilk and extra blueberries. Basically I make it my own so it's a healthy drink with only blueberries banana and soymilk.<br /><br />I really like to make things my own making them unique. I like my dressing on the side. Hold the olives and give me extra onions please. Maybe I seem like Meg Ryan in "When Harry Met Sally" when I tend to be a somewhat choosy in foods and things.<br /><br />I have history that makes me like a classic car. God saw my rusty, beat up, non running 64 Mustang life and He rebuilt me. Now I am shiny but I take a bit more maintenance than new car fresh off the lot. I need the right fuel, the right time invested, and taken out for a spin around town to keep me running.<br /><br />So I have decided that I am liking the Banana Berry girl. I just have to admit and fess up that I am and will forever more be a bit more complicated. But I think I and know I am worth it.<br /><br />God is in the business of restoring old cars. He takes those broken dowm people and makes them shiny again. Trust Him to do it for you.<br /><br />Fruit: Peace<br />Song in my head: All I need - Bethany Dillon<br />Verse: Matthew 22:37 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-68282752932715387862010-02-19T23:21:00.001-08:002010-02-19T23:21:42.355-08:00Somewhere over the Rainbow :)<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAIKznMPXUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAIKznMPXUk&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-9014242455269417042010-01-07T20:28:00.000-08:002010-01-07T21:23:27.705-08:00TV Challenge<div><a href="http://fileserver.tinker.com/tinker/events/6/6457_main_image_1248293204.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px" alt="" src="http://fileserver.tinker.com/tinker/events/6/6457_main_image_1248293204.jpg" border="0" /></a>Okay everyone knows TV is a big waste of time right? Well, I decided I needed to waste time effectively. </div><br /><div>I love my Paris Chocolate Sculpture Challenge, Cake Boss, Biggest Loser, Idol, Hallmark Lifetime tear jerkers, Antiques Roadshow, House, CSI, Monk, Frazier, Friends, Travel shows.<br /></div><br /><div>So I was watching TV last night and I heard of a Mayo Clinic Diet thing where the couple doing it made a pact not to watch TV unless they worked out the same amount of time they watched. </div><br /><div>I thought this was a great idea but how I wondered can you do that at home. I know you can watch TV now a days at the gym. </div><br /><div>Yet, you don't always feel like going to the gym at 9 or 10 at night when watching. Here are some ideas for keeping you busy to get some exercise while watching the idiot box.<br /></div><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3650420438_a258950b7f.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 284px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 221px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3650420438_a258950b7f.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>1. Do leg lifts while watching switching sides every 20</div><div>2. Get a weight and do arm lifts in all directions</div><div>3. Get up and just walk in place, knees up high, keep moving your arms during the show and rest during the commercials.</div><div>4. Sing during the intro song... singing burns calories</div><div>5. Go online, type emails/blogs/facebook while watching/listening, any extra motion burns more calories than sitting alone.</div><div>6. Dance around during commercial breaks and do 12 sit ups as soon as the show comes back on</div><div>7. Fold laundry while standing </div><div>8. Groom your nails, clipping, painting and such</div><div>9. Do some yoga stretches</div><div>10. Run/Walk quickly around your house during commercial breaks </div><div><br />Mix it up with several of these and make your own fun TV watching routine. Basically just get off your booty and do something. I like the wheat field dancing photo I found. It's on my life to do list to dance around in a wheat field someday on a road trip. :)</div><br /><div></div><div>Fruit: Self Control</div><div>Song in my head: Love song for a Savior </div><div>Verse: “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering...”- Ephesians 5:1-2</div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-78111620244420720362009-12-17T20:48:00.000-08:002009-12-17T21:13:16.026-08:00Christmas Love Quotes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1Aexo6zV3513NpiMn_KC0CcsVixAU3klO5Y9VW9DNSiX4FMWctOJsXR7BZDNKrYwtg-0UdJV9O-zUeu6_IgIUTSOowny37tMgfLncB9sBi7d3Vbt3JI2hz01KyShBxXWo41yOrX2cF0e/s1600-h/Charlie+brown+tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416438674831661090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 420px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1Aexo6zV3513NpiMn_KC0CcsVixAU3klO5Y9VW9DNSiX4FMWctOJsXR7BZDNKrYwtg-0UdJV9O-zUeu6_IgIUTSOowny37tMgfLncB9sBi7d3Vbt3JI2hz01KyShBxXWo41yOrX2cF0e/s400/Charlie+brown+tree.jpg" border="0" /></a>I found some great Christmas quotes I thought I would share. I wanted to feel a bit more Christmasy and found them touching. I hope they do the same for you. The photo to the left is of my little Christmas tree.<br /><br />Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.-- Hamilton Wright Mabi<br /><br /><div>Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. The birth of the baby Jesus stands as the most significant event in all history, because it has meant the pouring into a sick world of the healing medicine of love which has transformed all manner of hearts for almost two thousand years... Underneath all the bulging bundles is this beating Christmas heart.-- George Mathhew Adams</div><br /><div>From Home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other. -- Emily Matthews</div><br /><div>"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air." -- W. T. Ellis</div><br /><div>"What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." -- Agnes M. Pharo</div><br /><div>A Christmas candle is a lovely thing; It makes no noise at all, But softly gives itself away; While quite unselfish, it grows small. -- Eva K. Logue </div><br /><div>"Love came down at Christmas; Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Stars and angels gave the sign." -- Christina Rossetti</div><br /><div>Fruit: Joy</div><div>Song in my head: Oh holy night</div><div>Verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.. Phil 4:13</div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-24231748307165660032009-11-28T18:33:00.000-08:002009-11-28T18:45:36.853-08:00Things to be Thankful for1. Raindrops on Roses... whiskers on kittens<br />2. Beautiful Blue Sunshine days<br />3. The love of friends and family<br />4. Bear hugs where they don't let go right away<br />5. A warm cup of peppermint tea with a candle burning<br />6. Christmas songs sung by a real fire<br />7. The beautiful colors of every season on earth<br />8. Ten tiny wiggly toes of a newborn baby<br />9. Peace in the midst of a storm<br />10. Knowing there is a God who loves you just as you are<br /><br />Fruit: Peace<br />Song in my head: Chestnuts roasting by an open fire..<br />Verse: Philip 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-22572929038216905572009-10-31T09:20:00.000-07:002009-10-31T09:40:36.099-07:00Wanna be a Pumpkin?<a href="http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//8000/100/90/7/58197.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 259px" alt="" src="http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//8000/100/90/7/58197.jpg" border="0" /></a> What do we do with pumpkins? We cut open a hole in them and take all the gutz and gooey stuff out. We remove those seeds and then we carve a face on it and put a light inside. I was listening to the radio station K-love yesteday and they suggesed thats what Jesus does for us.<br /><div></div><br /><div>He opens us up and takes out all those seeds of sin and yuckie stuff inside cleaning us out. Then He carves us a new face and puts His holy spirit light inside so we can shine bright. I like pumpkins and I wanna be one now! :)</div><br /><div>Fruit: JOY</div><div>Song in my head: Dance to the freedom we know song.. (name?)</div><div>Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.</div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-10058708066705596212009-10-19T21:28:00.000-07:002009-10-19T22:40:47.303-07:00Working it out!<div><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/12/01/lw_cover3_dec2,0.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 324px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2004/12/01/lw_cover3_dec2,0.jpg" border="0" /></a>Dressed in my humble old T-shirt and loose hem shorts only fit for working out in I walked into the into the ritzy gym where most people wear those "work out" outfits.<br /><br />I came by my newly upgraded membership through a 10 dollar upgrade special that makes my total gym cost 13.95 per month. I have been a member since 1990 of the third lowest price locations so that is why my upgrade cost was so little.<br /><br />I upgraded because this location of the chain of my gyms is located near my new job. Walking into this place today I kinda felt like a poor gal in a rich persons gym. I looked around and then a bit at my shoes. I decided to brave it up and walked up to my favorite torture device machine and smiled and thought "but, hey we are all just people."<br /><br />I got on and someone dressed to kill jumped on next to me. I smiled and said "hello" wondering if she would talk to me. I found out that I can work out next to that CEO gal I met and actually have a great conversation. </div><div> </div><div>Partly I can smile, nod my head and pretend I understand what the state of the business climate is like in the current economic state. I can let her vent and then talk about what I really know. I know people. Down at the heart we are all the same. We need a savior. Some people just go to the gym looking for it.<br /><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/Y5Y3xfmQk4Z36Ig0xYiuTD7TaYatp3x-UoEGfHyKx8oOFhVy6ryYHgvb0jrosGdLCATuc6DfiIDtJJLgN0NVZlgm9LvBlC12/Raindrops02.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Y5Y3xfmQk4Z36Ig0xYiuTD7TaYatp3x-UoEGfHyKx8oOFhVy6ryYHgvb0jrosGdLCATuc6DfiIDtJJLgN0NVZlgm9LvBlC12/Raindrops02.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On a rainy day your subject to going to the gym unless you brave the drops. I am becoming such a Californian afraid of a few sprinkles. Working out can feels so good after a day at work sitting. It's a way to get out that stress and work it out physically.<br /><br />Yet... There is nothing, absolutely nothing that beats the sweet love of a Savior.<br />His grace covers us. His eyes watch over us. He loves us even if we skip the gym.<br /><br />Hearing about the stress of a life without Jesus today I felt so blessed that I have more than a temporary fix of the gym to work it out. I have a forever Jesus who just loves us. He loves us.. oh how He loves us. It's good to go to the gym but there is nothing like a God who can work all things out.<br /><br /><object height="250" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lhU36AFcgtE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lhU36AFcgtE&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="300" height="250"></embed></object><br /><br />Fruit: Joy<br />Song in my head: All I Need -Bethany Dillon<br />Verse: Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. </div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-49347912656052931772009-10-06T12:00:00.000-07:002009-10-06T12:33:25.329-07:00Odd combinations that make great healthy snacks<div><a href="http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/4172/5576baby_carrots.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 167px" alt="" src="http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/4172/5576baby_carrots.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I as so excited today when I found yet another new odd combination that makes a great healthy snack. I am always looking for a great snack for my diet that's low on the calorie side and high in the healthyness side.<br /><br />It's very simple but quite yummie. You have to try it before you can say you think it's nuts or think you know what it will taste like.<br /><br />What I did was in my morning rush I put some Baby Carrots in the same baggie as a handful of raisins. I found out when I ate them together it made an great combination.<br /><a href="http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11526649/Thompson_Jumbo_Raisins.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="http://img.alibaba.com/photo/11526649/Thompson_Jumbo_Raisins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The raisins made the Baby carrots taste sweeter and fresher while the carrots evened out the overwhelming sweetness taste of the raisins. I also tend to love the crunchy verses soft texture together aswell. It's a bit odd but quite wonderful if you try it.<br /><br />Some other combinations I have discovered along my weight loss journey in the past two years have been quite by ac<a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/resources/dylans/images/products/processed/301-SF-Jelly-Beans.a.zoom.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 244px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" alt="" src="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/resources/dylans/images/products/processed/301-SF-Jelly-Beans.a.zoom.jpg" border="0" /></a>cident but yummie (in my opinion) aswell.<br /><br />Here are my top seven... 1. Carrots and Raisins together 2. Cooked carrots and warm Ketchup 3. Sugar-free Jelly bellys and Almonds 4. Green Beans and warm Ketchup 5. Frozen Blueberries, Low/nonfat vanilla soy milk with spenda 6. Sunflower seeds and cottage cheese 7. Onion cream cheese and basil salad or sandwhich<br /><br />Sometimes great things come from odd combinations. It just goes to show you can never really know you will like something different or that you consider odd unless you try it. I tend to need some variety in eating right at times or I just get bored. Spice it up with some cinnamon or give it a untraditional condiment.<br /><br /><strong>Fruit:</strong> Joy<br /><strong>Song in my head:</strong> This is the day<br /><strong>Verse:</strong> “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.”- Isaiah 26:4<br /></div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-21550657822228449412009-09-29T21:48:00.000-07:002009-09-29T21:53:02.187-07:00A Masterpiece<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NRzltLYy9xk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NRzltLYy9xk&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-50943732882915266052009-09-04T23:17:00.000-07:002009-09-11T14:15:49.314-07:00Eye of a Hurricane<a href="http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/files/images/hurricane-katrina-eye.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 330px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/files/images/hurricane-katrina-eye.jpg" border="0" /></a>Definition: A zone of weak winds exists in the center of the swirling vortex of a hurricane or typhoon known as the eye.<br /><br />Imagine everything around you is out of focus as a great wind takes control making it so stormy and cold and you can't see your hand in front of your face. The swirling vortex is all you can see and there is no peace. That is when suddenly you see a bit of calm come and suddenly you can see a bit further and a bit more. The wind is still blowing but it's not as hard or as faat and you can catch your breath and breathe again. Your in the eye of a hurricane.<br /><br />It could happen in the space of a moment. A job could be lost, a love one could die, a marriage falls apart, or you make a mistake that costs you more than you can pay.<br /><br />There seems to always be something on the herizon of our lives that could happen. When it happens the thing you have to do is to find the eye. The eye is that place where you can find a little peace amidst the storm. It's a place where Jesus is that gives you a gentle rest in the middle of the night when you can't sleep.<br /><br />Looking out for my eye right now I found a piece of my peace through a book I recently read about giving everyday a chance by Max Lucado. Even those days when the hurricane floods I found it is still the day the Lord has made and I can find a way to rejo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKssWwZxFDf3QE5kt0znKiV838iS8b7yRHhJtMkBAyPjkxIJLMl5ekXdygijoXXPZNaC3DnEuPl0iLWBR83s50KQUW66eRXH135AvuPkQxgZ22q5JnljpSQyEilwqU3zFePuvZroLBD5K/s400/Mourning-Doves-wallpaper.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 329px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKssWwZxFDf3QE5kt0znKiV838iS8b7yRHhJtMkBAyPjkxIJLMl5ekXdygijoXXPZNaC3DnEuPl0iLWBR83s50KQUW66eRXH135AvuPkQxgZ22q5JnljpSQyEilwqU3zFePuvZroLBD5K/s400/Mourning-Doves-wallpaper.jpg" border="0" /></a>ice in it.<br /><br />Sometimes it's harder to find the peace when your world is so windy that your not seeing a way for peace. It's when you stop looking around and start looking up that you can see there is a hope. There is a gentle reminder that in those birds singing outside my window waking me up a little to early still get fed each day. God feeds those birds and takes care of them. So much is true that He will take care of you too.<br /><br />I think it comes down to a literal choice we have to make each day to rejoice and be glad in it. If the rain falls it's there for a reason. Make a mud puddle and splash around in it. It's like that old saying "If life gives you lemons, Make Lemonade!".<br /><br />I want to encourage you to find your eye in the middle of your hurricane the next time one comes blowing your way. Find the shelter and reach for the peace that only a loving God can give. It's there while looking up you can finally see some sun in between those clouds.<br /><br />Fruit: Joy<br />Song in my head: Let us rejoice<br />Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-40559028821093596862009-08-27T20:09:00.000-07:002009-08-27T20:23:14.614-07:00Is God a Red Balloon?<object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2Flgdwlqz0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D2Flgdwlqz0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-91749222422559839102009-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:002009-08-22T15:03:28.053-07:005 Minute Sermon.. Anyone anyone?<a href="http://openi.org/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/old-man-eye-290x300.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://openi.org/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/old-man-eye-290x300.jpg" border="0" /></a>I smiled as I looked into the eyes of this sweet little gentleman. I used the thongs to scoop some salad onto his plate and he said "thank you". He looked at me like he had some hope in those eyes behind the clothes he wore. He smelled like he had a shower recently unlike several of the others I served in the line.<br /><br /><div><div><div>The line was long and the people seemed to come endlessly. They must have some source to hear about these meals served on Saturdays. I wondered how they knew where to go. Then I realized that word of mouth about a free meal must travel quick among the homeless community.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>When I volunteered to serve the homeless Ministry I didn't know I was in for a lesson. I had served soup kitchens before and in a homeless shelter before but no one had ever asked "Will someone give a testimony?". </div><div> </div><div></div><div>I was standing in the line up with my thongs in hand ready to serve that salad with gusto when she asked the question "will someone come up and share a bit?". I stood there looking at my salad feeling my heart beat a little faster. I knew I needed to just go for it but<br /><div><a href="http://openi.org/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/old-man-eye-290x300.jpg"></a></div>I stumbled lookin<a href="http://www.newhopeblog.com/archives/mixed%20vegetables.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 301px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="http://www.newhopeblog.com/archives/mixed%20vegetables.jpg" border="0" /></a>g at the faces of my friends who were doing the same thing I was.</div><br /><div>I decided to go for it so I said "I will". With no preparation and just a knowledge that I wanted to encourage these people I walked towards the woman who lead this little ministry. By this time there were about 100 or so homeless people gathered around these tables that have seen better days.</div><br /><div>She said hello and introduced me and handed me the microphone. I have no idea where it came from.. but it must have been from some deep place inside that only Jesus can touch. </div><br /><div>It's there that I felt the confidence to smile and share a little encouragement. Granted it was a simple one cluttered with micophone screeches here and there but it was good. It was simply my story that they were loved by God and had a hope in Him.</div><br /><div>Looking into the eyes of these people as I served them I had<a href="http://www.hwupdate.org/update/images/Homeless%20Dinner.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 273px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://www.hwupdate.org/update/images/Homeless%20Dinner.jpg" border="0" /></a> to try to see them how God sees them. They were not just homeless people but real people whose live with their story untold. </div><br /><div>He can see each heart broken, each dream failed, and He knows each story of how they got to be in this place on this day praying there would be enough of a meal to go around for them. Somehow there was enough food and everyone ate and we had some leftover to donate to the Salvation Army. God always seems to provide.</div><br /><div>It felt like the very small gift I could give of serving was not enough as I drove away in my air conditioned little car. It gave me a little perspective to see that it could be worse. It seems like everytime I am about ready to complain to God about what I don't have He opens my eyes to see how very much He has given to me.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Fruit:</strong>Peace</div><div><strong>Song in my head:</strong> No other name</div><div><strong>Verse:</strong> Romans 8:38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div></div></div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-32361991956757740412009-08-13T18:27:00.000-07:002009-08-13T20:18:00.420-07:00Tips for Losing weight on a dime<div><a href="http://nataliereeder.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/healthy20living20logo20a.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 293px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="http://nataliereeder.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/healthy20living20logo20a.gif" border="0" /></a>I always used to think it costs too much money to lose weight. I thought of all the programs like Weight watchers, Jenny Craig and Nutri System and found they just didn't fit into my budget. Expensive personal trainers with gym memberships just seemed impossible to afford.<br /><br />How could I afford to eat healthy and exercise without those programs and a personal trainer or gym membership? I decided that not trying to be more healthy was not an option so I had to figure out creative ways to be healthy on a very limited budget.<br /><br />I decided to start to work with what I had going for me. I started by looking at all my activities I did during a normal day to see where I could find that exercise I needed to be healthy and lose weight without spending money.<br /><br />I found that my job five days a week of 7 and half hours of sitting at a desk, talking on the phone, using the computer didn’t burn a whole lot of calories. So I thought it through and thought what if I stand while working? I found that I could burn 300 more calories for my weight by doing my same job standing for 6 of those working hours.<br /><br />For my job it was an easy transition to start standing and so I did and found<a href="http://bellevuecollege.edu/40years/timeline/parkingGarage.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 225px" alt="" src="http://bellevuecollege.edu/40years/timeline/parkingGarage.jpg" border="0" /></a> I was more alert and actually doing my job better. That started me thinking of how else I could burn more calories during my work day.<br /><br />I had two 15 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch to consider. So I decided to start taking a walk on my breaks and I kept an eye open for other opportunity for exercise during the work day. This was when I discovered there was parking garage right next to my building I could burn some serious calories on.<br /><br />There are six stories of ramps going up that make a great low impact powerful power walk up. I found that I could do it once on my 15 minute breaks and twice on my lunch half hour and still have 5 minutes or so to use restroom, eat and such.<br /><br />My secret has been to stay to the right while walking in the parking garage to keep safe because people tend to drive slower on the way up than the way down. It has been a sacrifice give up that time on breaks to exercising but I have found that I feel so much better that it makes it worth it by losing weight.<br /><br />I found having this exercise plan also benefits me costing less by taking my lunch to work and has me thinking ahead about how many calories I am eating.<br /><br />Since I love to multitask I also found that I could also make call backs on my cell phone, check quick emails, and pray all while taking my hike up the parking garage. It's amazing what you can do if your determined.<br /><br />Next I looked at my time outside of work and got online. I looked for opportunity to get exercise in fun ways. There are so many things to do if you just consider your area and look online.<br /><br />I found Churches with Volleyball, Tennis, Softball and hiking opportunity that could be great place not only to exercise but meet some great new friends. I decided to try my hand out at Tennis and some Hiking to start and its been great.<br /><br />Anothe<a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/28471289_cf992fd197_o.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 436px" alt="" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/21/28471289_cf992fd197_o.jpg" border="0" /></a>r place I found to get some exercise was to walk to the supermarket about a mile from my house instead of driving. Another plus to this is that you really get to see the area you live in differently on foot than driving. It's like seeing your world from another perspective. You might even find a hidden treasure of a little park nearby.<br /><br /></div><div><div><div><div>It's all about thinking about little ways to add some exercise in like when parking at a mall or supermarket far away under a shady tree instead of circling the parking lot for that spot up close.<br /><br />Having found these free opportunies for exercise I looked to my food. I decided to start counting some calories more and really looking at the menu when I have to eat out. I had to have some sweet things to fulfill me but needed it to be with less calories.<br /><br />I started looking for alternatives to help with cost and calories for my favorite foods. I found that I could find some serious deals for food if I looked at the ads and also at the dollar store.<br /><br />The dollar store has these wonderful Lemon and Cherry flavored Italian Ice's that are only 80 calories each and you get 4 for just a dollar. I also found some great deals from supermarket ads. I found some plums for about 25 cents each on sale. I also found some great coupons online and on supermarket shelves. I got soymilk for 1.25 with coupon.<br /><br />There are lots of creative ways you can look at food but it is all about being reasonable and knowing your calorie intake verses what your burning in calories. I found a great website that really helps with those calcuations. <a href="http://www.caloriesperhour.com/">http://www.caloriesperhour.com/</a><br /><br />My only advice with this website is to not click on the links to the right on this website because they are all ads. Try to stick to the tabs at the top of the web pages and you will figure it out. It takes a bit of time to figure out how to use the site but once you figure it out you have a goldmine of info for losing weight.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rg-o6_rRB_ZUe2dNPzP0cGk3p0E-SwuuFBd0Ni5k_C-6OZ5SWBaJPMzrq_QorLZ_nt5r6Na3b9Un-NppYraga2eKXe28W6xP6ImtV6GV7koqhWh9bsoX6aENF6_FEegBhtJbEuTqK16N/s320/luigis.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 281px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8rg-o6_rRB_ZUe2dNPzP0cGk3p0E-SwuuFBd0Ni5k_C-6OZ5SWBaJPMzrq_QorLZ_nt5r6Na3b9Un-NppYraga2eKXe28W6xP6ImtV6GV7koqhWh9bsoX6aENF6_FEegBhtJbEuTqK16N/s320/luigis.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I just started this free diet and health plan two weeks ago and have already lost 7 pounds. It really seems to be working so far. I will let you know how it goes from here but it literally is costing me less to live and giving me a healthy lifestyle. </div><br /><div>Part of this has been about having a positive attitute and a change in your mind and heart about how you think about exercise and food. I know it is tough to be disciplined but it seems that finding healthy habits are forming. </div><div> </div><div>It feels good to do the right thing. Even if you fail from time to time. You just have to get back up on your feet again. I am hoping by sharing this that you could find some tips from what I have learned to hopefully help you find hope in your health journey aswell. If you have any other ideas please share them with me.</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Fruit: </strong>JOY</div><div><strong>Song in my head:</strong> Peace like a river<br /><strong>Verse:</strong> Isaiah 54: 2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 4 "Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth 10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, <strong>yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken</strong> nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477486376543732487.post-11978224471840217022009-08-07T16:39:00.000-07:002009-08-07T17:39:51.482-07:00Ways to Save a little Money<div><div><a href="http://raleighforhire.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/money-tree.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 257px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 361px" alt="" src="http://raleighforhire.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/money-tree.jpg" border="0" /></a>In these tough economic times it seems to have become more acceptable to be a thrifty consumer. Ten years ago or so if you were using coupons and pinching pennys the preception in some circles made you out to be cheap. Being frugal was almost a character flaw instead of an asset.<br /><br /></div><div>Now it seems everybody is looking for a coupon. I found myself looking for ways to save money and have found some interesting ways looking at ideas from friends and thinking up some on my own. </div><div><br /></div><div>Having landed a job after being out of one for a month or so I looked at not spending more while being unemployed but have decided to keep my saving ways for if I don't have work. I think the key is not to believe you have it all together in this uncertain economy by spending without a purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its so easy to spend money on comfort. If your on your way to work and feeling sleepy you might want to grab a 4 dollar latte. If your feeling hot on a 100 degree day you might want to buy yourself a icy treat. If you see a 1-11 and you forgot your sunglasses and your just sure that glare might cause you to have an accident.</div><div><br /></div><div>The problem is when budgets are tight it's the sacrifice of these little extras that add up to blowing that budget you so carefully planned down to the penny. The trick is to have alternatives to catch yourself from making those unplanned purchases out of convience or not planning ahead. </div><div><a href="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1530/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1530R-35215.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" alt="" src="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1530/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1530R-35215.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Some things I do to save money on those little unplanned purchases</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a snack and drink box in the trunk of your car so you don't have to visit fast food when your hungry or thristy in a pinch. You can usually find ice at a gas station for free. You just need to have refillable water bottle that you can put ice and a drink in. One key to this is to make sure that the snacks are not parishable just in case you have hot car all day. In other words... nothing that melts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have a tote bag with some essentials in your car. You could have some things like.. asprin, bandaids, a change of clothes, shoes, sandles, sunscreen, extra pair of sunglasses, feminine hygene, Brush, nail files, and anything else you could be tempted to buy in a pinch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Find coupons and use them. Don't just throw away that junk mail you get but actually look at the coupons. You might find something great to save you some money or give you a creative idea for a time with friends or family out. </div><div><a href="http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/11091876L.jpg"></a> </div><div>Get a 14 dollar haircut and better yet use a coupon for it. I have to warn you though that you might have to go to a few shops that offer these to find a good stylist who will not give you a weed wacker hairdo. Once you find one though it can save you a lot of money if your female.<br /><a href="http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/11091876L.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Product/11091876L.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Make a budget for your food while your away from home and stick to it. Try to think ahead to what you will be doing for the day and plan where you will eat so you can use your money wisely. Think where will I be at lunch and can I bring it?</div><div><br />Buy your gas at Costco where it's a lot less expensive. Also Costco offers great food at great prices too. </div><div><br />It's all about thinking instead of just spending it because it's right in front of us. It seems to be those little expenses of eating out and unplanned purchases that used to get me at the end of the month. I found out that knowing where my money is going is freeing and gives you a sense of purpose and power back when you care are enough to care about the small change.<br /></div><div>Fruit: Peace</div><div>Song in my head: Plan for me - Brandon Heath</div><div>Verse: Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, Plans to give you a future and a hope</div></div>Michele Brantleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11093199944962896428noreply@blogger.com0