Sunday, December 28, 2008

Perhaps we all dream at one time or another of that Norman Rockwell type of a vision of a one-horse sleigh with bells ringing and children singing.

Somewhere deep in our interiors is a yearning for a picture-perfect Christmas. I'm not talking Madison-Avenue perfect. No, no. no.

But rather I am speaking of a sweet and harmonious perfection where the wrongs of a world are righted and joy reigns across the land.

Perhaps we can create more than fleeting vignettes of such an existence in the here and now. Perhaps all we need to do is ask. auto insurance

Monday, December 15, 2008

Before I ever knew what mesothelioma was, I learned that mesothelioma was one of the highest paid keywords on a google ad sense campaign. I can't remember for sure what a click paid, but it paid big bucks... maybe somrthing like $75 bucks a click! That in itself branded itself into my curiousity and so I took the time to do a little homework.
If we are going to take diet pills then we definetly want diet pills that work!

But how can we tell their effectiveness and safety?

For me, the last thing I ever want to put into my mouth is something that would be harmful to my body. But sugar? Ah, now there is another story! Sugar and I battle it out and too much of the time sugar wins out. But today I will start anew as I try to battle the war on sugar in my life.
How is it that someone can live days, weeks, months and even years with a dysfunction?

Do they simply become blind to it?

Take one man's kitchen sink... there is no hot water! And the cold water is barely a trickle. If someone else says something, he gets very defensive.

What is up with this? Why has he simply accepted this unacceptable plumbing?

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When the antics of another get under your skin and drive you crazy... perhaps the reason is that there is something about that person that is in all actuality something that is present in yourself that you can not stand. Sometimes we do not even realize that we ourselves are bearers of traits that when observed in others send us reeling and rolling.

It is at these times that a divine course is ready to be played out, slowly allowing us to become more and more like HIM.

So next time someone's behavior bugs you... ask the Holy One this one simple question: What can I learn from this? Then ask the Lord to expand your capacity to love and accept the failings of others. Because in an imperfect world ruled by far too much darkness- imperfection runs amok. diet pills

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Money problems and debt seem to be one of the biggest problems that common everyday people face in today's world.

This has probably been a big issue through the ages.

Why is it that some people are successful with anything and everything that they do, while others struggle just to meet ends from month-to-month?

Could it be the thought processes of the individual that ultimately influence one's financial well-being?

I know for a fact that when I think abundance- I see abundance, but when I think impoverished thoughts and gloom and doom, I see poverty and darkness.

When I was in college, I posted a favorite saying on my bulletin board. This saying read," You become the dream that you think about the most!"

Perhaps it is time to think prosperity and good fortune, health and happiness, and love! Yes, we all need the love!

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Monday, December 01, 2008

I look forward to the day when my blogging will come full circle and I will return to the heart of Agape Cove.

As some might remember Agape Cove was the book I attempted to write after closing my business. It was a great experience that was followed by a divine training program of sorts.

It has been amazing to see some of the very things that I wrote of in Agape Cove play out in real world reality. Many of these things have of course been tweaked, but nontheless, have some almost mysterious roots in the story that sprung out of my imagination.

Am I Joy? Yes, at times my life parallels the life of Joy. The circumstances are usually a bit different and yet the same.

Perhaps I have written things into existence. Is this possible?????? Phentermine
Life is certainly filled with enigmas. So puzzling are the twists and turns of the human experience, it is as if all lives are fabulous tales spun by a master.

Ever wonder about all the fits and starts that occur over a lifetime? At the time they might upset us to our very core and yet if these incidences were written in a book or played out on the big screen... they would keep the audience spell-bound!

Good stories are based on conflict! If there is no conflict- there is no story, at least not a story that would engage an audience.

So the next time that life throws you a curve ball- rejoice! Rejoice that your life is filled with interest and suspense! Rejoice - because in every curve ball we can see some divine orchestration reaching down into our world and doing something new and exciting! bed frames

Sunday, October 19, 2008

We can tell a good bit about a relationship just by whether or not the dynamics bring us closer to God or not.

Whenever, I see that spiritual connection enhanced, it appears that I'm on the right track.

Just as when I see a distance, I can see that the relationship is lacking in the divine synergy it requires for survival.

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My closest friends know that even though I am quite content in this solo journey, it is the promise and hope of a God-Written Love Story that I most want in this life.

I want the real McCoy- not some cheap immitation.

The world is full of cheap knock-offs.

But deep in the interior of my soul, I believe that it is possible to experience a true and authentic love ordained by the heavens above.

Let me remember- it is about God's perfect timing and not mine.

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A leisurely Sunday afternoon nap can be a special treat on an otherwise busy weekend.

This afternoon, I indulged in the opportunity to snooze for a couple hours. a good stress-buster... sometimes! But my sleep was riddled with a collage of strange elements that I have yet to decipher.

I'm sure there is some cryptic message- meant just for me. electronics
When you have an older vehicle, car repairs are pretty much inevitable from time-to-time.

In the last year, I've spent a good bit on vehicle repairs. The latest was a new starter. My friends said I paid too much. But when your car is broken down at a festival many miles from home, getting a speedy repair is a priority!

At 2.50 per mile for towing, you don't want to have the car towed too terribly far.

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Do you believe in the power of visions?

The bible tell us that without a vision, a plan will perish.

But how can we tell if a vision that sprouts across our heart is a vision planted by the almighty or is it something else all together?

For me I like to believe that "visions" are a preview of the possibilities that God sees for us.

Do different visions over a period of time equate to a 'training program" of sorts?

It appears that way.... as if each vision leads me to the next and if I am responsive to HIS call...there is no telling what surprises await!

Perhaps one day the orchestration will lead to a perfect God-Written Love Story!

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Now a Patek Philippe would make a nice birthday present! Some time ago I posted about romantic gifts to give your love.

Ties and vacuum cleaners were out! Both are terribly unromantic!

But a beautiful watch with a heartfelt inscription...now that is a timeless gift that will be appreciated for a lifetime.
Cooking in a bag sounds like a novel thing to do. But there are some things that should be remembered whenever you decide to cook a meal in a bag.

1. Make sure there are no holes in the bottom of the bag.

2. Put about a tablespoon or more of flour in the bag, then shake it up.

3. Use a 2-tine kitchen fork and punch several holes in the top of the bag.

4. Never cook in an over above 350.

5. Meat cooks in about 1/3 rd less rtime this way, too.

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Sunday, October 05, 2008

When we are young, we worry about a little zit or two popping up on our face. Perhaps that zit appears just before a big date or heaven-forbid, the homecoming dance.

That little pesty pimple almost seems at that brief moment as if it could identify us and snatch away our peace of mind.

But let me tell you, a pimple is nothing to fret over and a pimple is no reason to throw a paper bag over your face. You are so much more than a simple eruption on your skin!

So forget about your acne and just go have fun. Focus on the other people and guess what? Your outbreak will cease to exist!
The cooler days of autumn in Florida make for wonderful jaunts to places like Orlando where you can take in the fun attractions, spend beautiful sunny days on the greens or jaunt away from home base on day trips to beaches, old world villages and to perhaps even see space ships lifting off. Autumn is a perfect time to explore the riches of this great state! Orlando golf

Sunday, September 21, 2008

"My lips are zipped," I said just before pulling my fingers across my pursed lips.

"I know what you are up to!" He said.

I eyed him curiously wondering what he knew. My mind raced as I delved deeper into my memory bank. Could he really know?

He reached over and gently traced the line of my mouth with his strong, tanned fingers.

"They are unzipped now. Now talk! I want to know everything!"He said as his eyes gazed into mine.

"I can't. It's confidential," I whispered. My heart felt as though it could leap out from my my silk blouse.

"Confidential? I can appreciate confidential, except when it has to do with me and my future. You know things, don't you?"

Biting my lip, I considered my options. I could spill everything to him or perhaps I could divert his attention. But even I knew that he was far too shrewd to let this conversation be diverted. He wanted to know and he wanted to know now. Did I not owe him at least that? And if I did tell him, what would be the consequences or even worse if I didn't tell him, how much greater would be the consequences.

Oh how I wished I could just fly away at that very moment.

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When I first heard that some single people choose a spouse based on an insurance criteria, I was a bit disturbed and considered this to be a rather quirky and isolated incidence.

But in the years since, I've discovered that this business of insurance is not the least bit isolated.

There are scores of both men or women, who judge and marry on the basis of insurance!

What ever happened with romance and true love? I suppose many are willing to let certain objectives reign supreme in their hearts... money or power or sheesh, even insurance, as a good enough reason to tie the knot.

But will these motives be able to tie a strong enough knot- will the marriage of convenience endure over time or in the end will there just be another divorce?

What happens to the inner sanctuary, when one chooses world convenience over God's best?

Does everyone lose? car insurance online

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Nothing against Sebo vacuums but the number one MOST unromantic gift to give someone is a vacuum!

If your boyfriend, lover, fiancee or husband gives you a vacuum for a birthday, valentines, anniversary or Christmas gift... run for the hills!

Of course, if you are already married, you probably should not take this advice! After all marriage is a sacred thing that should be for life, for eternity.

And guys if your girlfriend, lover, fiancee or wife gives you a tie... I offer the same advice! Ties are great gifts for dads and brothers, uncles and cousins. But on the scale of romantic they score a big ZERO!

The last gift I gave a beau, was last Christmas. I still smile whenever I think about the joy I felt in shopping for it and the delicious joy I felt when he opened my gift to him ... the set of flannel sheets and a wonderfully luxurious down comforter. Two days later I couldn't resist the urge to splurge and by a matching set with comforter for my own bed!
The insurance issue continues to frighten me in my more honest moments. There is a fear to being 51, uninsured and barely keeping my head above water.

When the thought that something could happen to me that could require medical care, pops into my mind I CERTAINLY FEEL the pinch of stress. I wonder how it is that I could have allowed myself to make the stupid choices in my life that have delivered me to this position that I am in today.

All we can do with our past is to let it become one of our best and most relevant resources and teaching tools. We can't change the mistakes of yesterday, but we certainly don't have to perpetuate the mistakes. We can take charge. We can live a life of empowerment if and when we make the decision to do so.

So even though, insurance is not a possibility today, I can choose to eat a healthy and balanced daily diet today , and I can choose to exercise today. I can choose to build my business in a smart way that will enable me to save my money and invest in a little insurance coverage for tomorrow.

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Something has changed.

After months of deep hunger, I am once again satisfied with petite portions. I don't know what came over me during late spring and summer. I don't know why I poured sugary substances into my body, knowing that every bite would unravel the hard-won efforts of a successful weight loss program. I suppose I just didn't care. Thank God that has passed and I am rededicated to breaking through the bondage of carbohydrate and sugar addictions.

This afternoon I was at my friend David's house, where chocolate chip cookies baked in the oven.
I wasn't tempted! God is GOOD! term life insurance quotes

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

"Do you eat under stress?" The headline of First, the supermarket magazine read.

"You'll drop 7 - 9 lbs every week," the tagline promised.

I snatched it up and added it to my groceries on the black conveyor belt.

"Good News: These genius snacks calm nerves, end hunger and quell cravings..."

Now that sounds like a magic bullet for me! I thought as I pictured a more svelt version of moi in sexy swimsuits sailing the Florida waters with a dream boat of a partner.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Do you know what I love about blogging?

Of course, I love being able to type away to my little hearts content. But something else I love is that blogging gives me gas money!

Fortunately gas prices are dropping and my little earnings are stretching a wee bit further.

How much further do you think the gas will drop? I sure pray that all the other things that skyrocketed because of the soaring gas prices will start to come down too.

What are you paying a gallon in your neck of the woods? I paid 3.59 a gallon for regular today and that was the cheapest. Some stations were charging as much as 3.71 a gallon today in Tallahassee. compact flash
Where did the summer go? It is hard to believe that school is already starting tomorrow.

Even though it's been a long time since I taught school, I still think in terms of the academic year.

Take my yearly calendar, for example. I always buy an academic calendar for my business. My calendar of choice is always the exact same brand, same style, same format. It is called At-A-Glance. I love the way this calendar provides me with a full column for each day, except Saturdays and Sundays.

A few times, I tried some other calendars. Big MISTAKE! Big waste of money!

When you find something that works, why change? CAT6

Sunday, August 10, 2008

One of the most essential things that needs to be done is to get filmmakers producing films of far greater quality.

There is so much trash out there.

Bang! Bang! Sells.

Sex Sells.

How can we get back to good clean fun in our movies and tv shows today?

Can we?

Remember the values of films and tv in the fifties? Can we turn back the hands of time?

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Sure, bring on the futures broker! I intend to make a bundle and I will need the help of a financial planner to help me to make the most of my earnings.

I think it is a healthy experience for people to go through a drought or two in their lives. Having survived lean times is actually very equipping. We realize that we do NOT need all the things that the world throws at us.

Once upon a time, I bought into the Madison Avenues lies. But the problem is that nothing that Madison Avenue offers has any real ETERNAL value.

Why should someone spend thousands and thousands of dollars on a piece of clothing that can stain, tear, etc.

Is the person in the designer outfit strolling down Rodeo Drive or Worth Avenue any better than the mother in second hand Target jeans washing her families clothes in a laundromat?

Absolutely not.

The tragic thing is ... the terrible misuse of financial blessings.

Does God really want us to invest the money that he has allowed to flow into our lives for such frivolous things as couture garments.

What if instead .... we donated that money we would have spent for that to die for outfit, to dig a well in Africa that would provide fresh water to human beings?

What if instead ....we donated that money so that the local mother could have a washer and a dryer in her own home?

I want to challenge you to look for opportunities to bless someone else this week!

Agape Cove wouldn't be the sweet sanctuary it is without man's (or woman's) best friends.

It has been said that,"Diamonds are a women's best friend."

But in this case, I'd say Diamond and Ruby and Sapphire ... are positively the lady of Agape Cove's best friends!

Three beautiful golden retrievers who frolic in the warm salty waters and lounge on the manicured greens when they are not romping through the West Indies style villa fill this waterfront retreat with a great abundance of joy de vivre.

The latest discovery is a website and online community designed just for lovers of pets! Now how cool is that?

Why don't you check it out. I'm going to. I'm looking for other triplets and for hilarious stories of Marley-like antics to tickle my funny bone.

But I'm also looking for some practical advice, too.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

From politics to acne products... I'll post about them all.

Actually some days, politics is about as attractive as a pimple.

Wouldn't it be nice if the public servants that the people elected, would work to serve the common people and not the special interests with bottom-feeding purposes.

As much as I enjoy following politics and its impact on our nation, some days I just want to opt out. I don't want to see the tragedy of once-upon-a-time good public servants, gone bad with ego and self-serving agendas.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Do travel supplies include taking along your own photographer and publicist?

They could! They could especially if your agenda is publicity.

The question begs to be asked... is it kosher for a politician, who happens to be a top elected state official, to engage in the comingling of state business with his own blatant and non-bearded aspirations for big-time political gain?

Savvy or stupid?

Where do you draw the line? And how do you sell a fat-cat European trip (that is costing the already over-burdened and stressed out taxpayers over 250,000 buckaroos) to the folks sweating it out back home?

Sorry Charlie, it doesn't fly. We need you here. I'm sure there is great benefit to be had on the other side of the ocean, especially in the growing of your international gravitas, but can't you do the vp stuff on your own dime?

Every family, every business understands that sure there are many things that they would like to do to improve their profitability, but if times are tight, they need to rethink their m.o.
Why doesn't government get this simple and elementary concept?

My advice to you is to get back to the core of who you represented yourself to be when you were elected to be our governor. We didn't elect you to run for vice president.

At one time, I believed that not only would you make a good vp, you would make a great president, when the timing was right. You would have had my vote, just as you had it in the last election.

Unfortunately, I can not see supporting a presidential ticket with your name on it. Sorry John. If the election were today, this Independent would vote Obama.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

What's In The Little Black Box?

What's In The Little Black Box?


Beautiful fresh water pearls from Pearl Paradise.

I love them! The colors are magnificent! Every time I wear them I receive compliments.

Produced from various species of Chinese fresh water oysters.

freshwater pearls

"Small business for sale" the sign in the window read.

"Look, look there is a business for sale!"

"Nice building. Love the pink and white striped awning."

"Let's check it out."

They pulled the convertible vw into a parking slot and hopped out.

"Baby, I don't think we want a biz that sells Halloween costumes! It might send the wrong message to the right wing evangelicals."

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Ah yes! The Blessed Mansion In The Sky!

"Girl, I think your GPS is a bit off center!"

"Missy, I know exactly where I'm going!"

"I suppose you do. You have not done too bad for yourself," the chamber maid said as she scanned the palatial residence. "In a worldly sense. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

"Ah yes, the blessed Mansion in The Sky!"
For an engagement present, the polo prince gave the charming American couple matching saddles.

"Now there goes two brilliant political strategists!" He told his mum.

"Simply amazing and to think that they are not even blue-blooded royals. She reminds me a bit of your ex!"

If The Slipcover Fits...

"This is a beautiful set of fine and exquisite handcrafted slipcovers," she thought aloud.

Nothing internally would need to change, she could simply dress the sofas in the exciting new slipcovers for the season, then if she decided later that she grew bored with the pattern or fabric, she could yank them right off.

But for now, the slipcovers were perfect!
"Soul for sale?" the haunting voice inquired.

She covered her ears, but the voice could not be silenced.

It was the voice that had been with her since her earliest recollections. It had always been there to warn her of impending disaster.

Sometimes she heeded the message, sometimes she didn't.

Yet, she couldn't deny it's power or purpose. It was a voice of love and reason. It was a voice that if abided with- the extraordinary would follow.

But now she stood poised at a crossroads with one foot in each realm. She had to make a decision.

Would she go for the worldly glory that could easily be hers.... or would she listen and follow that higher call?
With eyes sparkling like a duet of diamond rings she sang, "Yes, yes! I'll marry you!"

But later that evening as she brushed her long locks, a tear dripped down her left cheek.

An existential schism was dividing her soul.

This marriage proposal had two faces.

Monday, June 30, 2008

"Rain Down On Me!" Is that a lyric of a song? Or perhaps the petition of a prayer? Or is it both?

Funny how I can hear the lyrics playing across my imagination, but can't quite remember if it is part of a song, perhaps from either a classic worship hymnal or a lyric from some jazzy contemporary song.

At any rate, "Rain Down On Me!" is a beautiful petition. To me it means: "Lord, wash me and clean me and make me anew with your love so that perhaps I can go out into a lost and broken world and rain down your love in thirsty and parched soils."

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Agape Cove is a fictional place, but it doesn't have to be. Agape Cove is an idyllic place, set in my imagination down where the palm trees grow. But it is not in the Miami or Palm Beach area. Agape Cove is further south. It is on the way to Key West.

Back a few years ago I began writing a story that I titled Agape Cove. It was a wonderful experience, while my story was interesting and rich in original details, I believed that there was much I needed to learn about the art of writing. So for me---- Agape Cove was an exercise for my own benefit. I never submitted the manuscript to publishers. Perhaps one day... stay tuned!

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

I'm very excited! After all this time, I've come up with a doable idea on how I can incorporate the original Agape Cove Living concept into a book project with universal appeal. I really think I'm on to something. If it goes as I believe it will.... it will be HUGE!

I've always thought that you could have a brilliant idea... but the context just didn't work.

Well, with the help of God... this context WILL work in extraordinary ways.

I truly believe that we are all here for some magnificent divine purpose and our job is to figure out what that purpose is and to seek the almighty in manifesting it. But you know, I've met up with my share of red herrings along the way. Actually, too many red herrings. We just have to pray that the red herrings don't throw us off course too far and that in the overall plan they contribute something of value to the process.

Please won't you pray for me and for this new project that it will be of and for God's glory!

Thank You! Thanks for reading!

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I like symbolism. I've always liked symbolism. Throughout my entire life I've had this strange and beautiful connection to symbols.

Symbols encourage me and give me hope. They whisper beautiful things to me- often these are things that no one else could possibly understand. So I keep the message deep in my heart.

Bernie would say with a great depth of conviction in his words, "A little birdie told me."

The extraordinary thing is that even though Bernie has left this mortal world for new mountain ranges, "his birdie" lives on.

Perhaps "his birdie" is my special inheritance!

His birdie is telling me things beyond my wildest imagination. I suppose the key to their manifestation is in simply BELIEVING!

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Why stay in cheap hotels when you can stay at the Ritz?

The choice is yours!

I'd prefer 1000 thread count sheets and truffles on my pillow any night to roughing it!

Imagine... what if you could stay at the resort of your dreams for less than you'd pay to stay at a roadside dive? Possible? Maybe. Maybe not.

I think the real key is sitting on the ring- the golden ring ready to be grabbed. Do you have what it takes to grab hold of it? Do you believe in yourself? Can you visualize it?

It doesn't have to be a hotel room. No. No, not at all. The hotel room is just a symbol... fill in the blank with whatever it is you want. Then go ahead and give it everything you've got. Go for it like you've never gone for anything ever before! YOU CAN DO IT!!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Twenty Wishes...

When I was at Costco the other day I picked up a few good yarns. One of them is titled, "Twenty Wishes" ....

As I go about my morning chores, I think about some of the different characters that bring this story to life.

When an author can develop his or her characters with a depth that gets the reader truly caring about what happens, the author has done a good job in my opinion.

So many times I've read a book and three days later I can not even draw the characters to mind because they simply were not memorable enough. Maybe they didn't seem real. Perhaps they were more like stick figures. Perhaps they lacked an in-depth character development by the author that called me to care about them.

But in this book how can you not care for little Ellen? bathroom lighting

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Sitting at my desk while listening to NPR, I can't help to be distracted by the topic of the hour.

The subject is about a new service that may soon be offered in New York City. This service is for a new ambulance service for organ donation.

Having had a loved one who died in queu while awaiting an organ transplant, it is impossible for me to not have a rather strong emotional response to this radio conversation.

Part of me embraces the concept, but another part of me is filled with deep concern. My over-the-top imagination is quick to dream up scenarios that might play out well in a suspense thriller, but would be a total nightmare in reality.

At any rate the very idea could be fodder for a great fast-paced contemporary book with movie rights!

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With gas prices soaring to unbelievable record highs, I start to think about different ways to limit my gasoline consumption.

While some gas usage is unavoidable, other usage becomes far too frivolous.

I've become a master at consolidating my errands and limiting my 35 mile plus round trip jaunts to Tallahassee to a couple times a week. No more daily trips to the capital city for me!

Yep, I'm doing my part to conserve energy! If I need something that isn't available in town, I've discovered websites that don't cost me a dime in gas to shop at. Kudos to the world wide web as an extraordinary resource for conserving energy!

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Sunday, May 04, 2008

Zoom, zoom! Nothing beats a good zoom, especially when it comes to physical energy. For a long time, caffeine was my zoom drug of choice. But then when I started a diet, the weight loss counselor advised me that my daily Joe was keeping me from shedding the excess weight.

I stopped my daily lattes, cold turkey , replacing them with nutritional supplements.

That worked for a while. But after about a year and a half, my energy levels did a nose dive.

Now I've found a new zoom inducer and I am loving zipping along these days.

My secret is something I just recently discovered in little colorful tubes. It is called zipp fizz!

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Perhaps there is no rhyme nor reason to explain the postings that I send out in the world wide web.

I do not fret over them, even though at times, they certainly alarm me.

Why would I write the things I do? Well, they are simply exercises. Some are an expression, a snapshot if you will, of my inner soul. While others are fun and frivolous fritters, with little redeeming value. They are not meant to be secret messages or political statements. They are only paid opportunities to write little creatives... so I try to have fun and hope that through the different postings my abilities as a writer will increase. computer memory
I asked for things I never received and I received things I never asked for. Should I stop asking? Absolutely not! But what I have tried to do is to ask for the things that God wants for me instead of the things that I want for myself. I've asked God to make HIS desires, my desires and to put in my heart a burning desire to want to be the person HE created me to be, and not the broken and distorted image that the world imposes on us.

When we can find a divine balance then perhaps the things we ask for and the things we receive come into a harmony that tastes a little like Heaven on Earth.

Ah... now that is a sweet and surrendering taste. acne treatment
Have you ever felt as though a spirit of either the Lord or the enemy has planted an odd idea on your heart? An idea so odd that it seems almost delusional?

Now I'm not talking of something bad, but rather something JUST WAY OUT of the realm of reasonable comprehension.

Painted on your heart is a vision so big that it causes you to wonder if you are a tad bit delusional? You recognize that it is not your vision... because on your own you wouldn't even begin to dream up something of this caliber, scope or sequence. And then an amazing thing happens you are pulled forward on a journey that seems to be a journey of equipping to prepare you for this odd idea.

I asked a pastor about this. He said that we didn't need to give Satan any credit and that what I was experiencing was from God.

I have yet to find out... perhaps one day, all will be made available in respect to understanding that which I call my secret delusion.

Maybe I will find out that it was not a delusion at all... but simply part of the training program of discipling.

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One of the most comforting things I heard spoken in this century was in a church sermon, at a church where I was not a member, and yet on that particular Sunday I felt a call to visit that particular house of worship.

The pastor, a Baptist preacher, said these words: "God never forgets what he is doing with you."

Now some years later, those words that I heard from the pew of a large Baptist dyed-in-the-wool congregation, remain among my most cherished of things heard and understood in a deeply profound way. I truly believe that I was suppose to hear those very words on that particular Sunday and in order for me to hear them I had to step out of my comfort zone and go to a strange church. Has God called you to break from your standard paradigm? Have you heard that whisper in the depth of your interior? Don't be afraid... maybe it is time to get out of the boat and walk hand-in-hand with your savior on the water! dell memory
What is elliptical? Whatever it is I'm certain that if it has to do with exercise and fitness and looking and feeling one's absolute best - I ought to be in the market for one!

I want to be the very best possible version of myself! I know I fall terribly short... but fortunately my GOD does not. He is always raising me up and showing me a better vision- a vision that through HIS divine empowering becomes more and more attainable.
This morning I tried something new. I tried my very first green tea pill. Green tea is being hyped as an extraordinary weight loss aid. Will it work? I haven't the foggiest idea.

But after reading the ingredients list, I didn't see anything that appeared to be a red flag. Am I overlooking anything? I certainly hope not! I do not want to bring anything into my body that will damage it in any possible way.

Seems that we often inflict damage just by breathing the air, especially if we are exposed to the filth and toxins of cigarette smoke.

Imagine the irony of this, a cigarette smoker that I know, who shall remain nameless, rags me continually saying that all I need is green tea to lose weight as he puffs away on his cancer sticks.

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Last post I asked the question, '"Why is it so easy to come up with excuses to not exercise?" Or something to that effect, anyway.

In the last month, I continued to find one excuse after another to keep me from just doing it.

Hopefully, those days are over. This morning I made the commitment to start anew and to really take better care of Kathi - because I realize that my future depends on it. I realize that the choices that I make today will impact all my tomorrows.

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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Why is it so easy to come up with excuses for not getting on my exercise equipment? Our bodies need to be exercised. I know this. But what I don't know is why I can find it so easy to fall away from a daily exercise regime. Shouldn't the stewardship of one's body be a daily priority? For those of you out there who are prayer warriors ... please pray for me ... Please pray that I will make and keep an ongoing committment to physical fitness.

A Biblical Mandate

"When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The strangers that sojourn with you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." ~ Leviticus 19:33-34

We have a biblical mandate to love our neighbors and welcome the sojourners among us. Hospitality is a beautiful way to begin.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backwards

Eating desserts and being stressed seem to go hand-in-hand. Did you know that if you spell either word backwards, you get the other word spelled forward?

For me, indulging in one, results in the other!

If I'm stressed, I head for the desserts.

Then If I indulge in the desserts, stress will surely follow!

So I ask myself this.... what if I completely gave up desserts, what then will become of my stress? It would certainly be worth the experiment to find out!

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"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The bottom line reality is that we have all the resources that we need to accomplish our God-given mission in life. We might think (and rightly so) that we need something above and beyond what we currently have or we might even think that success in life is based on being in the right place at the right time.

I believe that each one of us came equipped at birth with the essential resources we would need in life. The sooner we can tap into the infrastructure within our very soul and connect with our creator, the sooner we can get on board with the very mission for our existence. For every human life- there is a beautiful and unique purpose. Delsey

Sunday, March 09, 2008

For the first couple months I was completely swept off my feet by the sheer breath-taking speed of our romance. One moment an unsuspecting special event designer, simply going about my business in the fascinating world of creating million dollar moments for my clients, the next, pursued, overtaken, overwhelmed by the unexpected and flatteringly insistent pleas of one of the most powerful men in the world. massage chair
There must be something in my heritage....something that was born in times before I even existed...something that I'm not even certain I can put words to.

Me? A writer... with no words?

Yes, it happens! I cannot describe the very thing that I am experiencing. There are no words. The experience has a foreign, old world flavor unlike anything I've known in this contemporary world of ours.

But let me try. It is this European desire, this desire of the old country that yearns for business and home to coexist under one roof. It is the desire for a splendid slice of urban
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I've always been one to believe that every medicinal that one needs, God gave to us at the beginning of time.

Whether I am right or wrong on this, matters not. What really matters is what we believe. If you are given a placebo and told it will cure whatever ails you- if, and only if, you truly believe, then will the placebo work its miracle.

The real secret lies in the strength of your belief. If you really want to be healed, then you must really believe with every fiber of your being, otherwise you are simply wasting your time and money on something that doesn't have a chance at curing you.

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Monday, February 11, 2008

I have disovered that my greatest joy in the working world comes from putting things together in new and different ways. Designing programs, special events and engaging in artistic endeavors rocks my boat.

I had always wanted to own my own magazine, but after a stint trying to sell advertising I quickly realized a saleswoman I was not. I couldn't sell my way out of a paper bag. I suppose it is the artistic sensibilities within that conflict with the process of trying to sell.

The problem is if you are going to have a magazine, you are going to have to sell ads to support it. You can't be a one-woman show! You need the abundant synergy of many.

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The subject of individual health insurance can bring tears to my eyes faster than most.

Perhaps the reason for this is that I know all too well what it is like to go without the security of an insurance policy.

One of my greatest fears in life is living without health insurance. But the reality is I simply can not afford it. Every bit of money that I earn goes to pay basic bills. In time I pray that this situation will change and that health insurance will once again be a part of my day-to-day existence.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Be an angel- a car angel! A car angel is someone who donates their used automobile to a non-profit company. That non-profit company then uses this gift in an extraordinary way to help others.

One such organization is the non-profit Car Angel (www.carangel.com) that uses car and other donations to make videos for kids and teens. They have given away over 2.4 million videos. you can view a video on youtube at http://youtube.com/user/boatangel

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The original mission of this blog was to present a different way of living-a better way of living than what the world presents.

But unfortunately along the way, the mission got sidetracked.

The challenge to stay on mission can be great when one is dealing with meeting their most basic needs of survival.

Would it have been different had there been encouragement? Will it be different now that things are changing?

Yes, I still have a heart for Agape Cove Living and pray that it will live up to the vision that was originally given to me. espresso machines
Las Vegas hotels sparkle with glitz and glamour. As a professional caterer I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas for several catering and special event conferences.

Even though I am not a gambler and didn't try my luck in the casinos, I found that I was "lucky" if you will, in other ways. The electrifying energy of the city is creatively charging! I would always return to my catering business back home with a renewed vigor to raise the bar. Las Vegas is certainly one city that knows how to raise a high bar in the creative arts.

Why can't we be doing this in all areas of life? I invite you to join me in blowing away the cobwebs and resetting the bar up a few notches in all of our endeavors of life.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Jars of joy lined my pantry shelves. Preserves and jellies, dilled pickles and basil-blemished tomatoes. Strawberry-Fig Preserves that called my name and turned me into an addict. In no time they were gone, consumed on home-made scones, walnut-studded brie and other edibles.
The pounds added up and my pants were too snug for comfort.

It was then that I realized that I was addicted to the white stuff. No not cocaine- but sugar!

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

I suppose that everyone dreams of taking a vacation that will totally rejuvenate them- one that might even change them in some wonderful new way.

The options today for life-changing adventures is almost unlimited! Adventures, retreats, workshops... don't forget to pack your travel insurance!
Bangle bracelets can be worn with any number of different objectives in mind. While they can be used as strictly fashion accessories, don't stop there!

Lots of smart women assign jobs to their bangles. For example, some women use bangles to keep track of the number of glasses of water they've consumed in the course of a day. They begin with all their gold bangles on one wrist and through the day, they move the bracelets to the other wrist after each glass of water.
"... see how the flesh grows back across a wound, with a great vehemence, more strong than the simple, untested surface before. There's a name for it on horses, when it comes back darker and raised, proud flesh, is all proud of its wounds, wears them as honors given out after battle, SMALL TRIUMPHS pinned to the chest." ~ Jane Hirshfeld from For what Binds Us

I read this today as I waited on clothes at the laundry. My washer and dryer are not hooked up yet. They sit in their new connectionless space, waiting for the skills of an electrician and plumber to put them back to work.

I discover that washing clothes at a community laundromat is an adventure that passes all too quickly. Life is full of surprises. With an inexplicable eagerness I look forward to my next jaunt to the Havana Coin Laundry. For while there, seeds for stories were sprinkled across the fertile soil of my imagination.

A good cure perhaps for writers block and stagnant sentences.

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Now that I don't have a swimming pool, a backyard or private gardens of my own to maintain, I feel sort of foot-loose and fancy-free. You know what? I like it! I never thought I'd feel this way! Wonders never cease!

Now, I can think about going places and enjoying other forms of recreation on long weekends.

One of the trips I'd love to take this spring around Easter is a spa/golf trip. Better stock up on some golf balls!
I consider it a blessing from the heavens above that while smack dab in the valley and pit of pending foreclosure, I was able to sell my home.

Considering that my house was not even on the market or listed with a real estate agent! There is no doubt in my mind that this sale was orchestrated by the hand of a loving GOD!

Foreclosure is a scary thing. But when we place our difficulties and trials in the competant hands of our creator, the truly extraordinary can happen.
On Friday I attended a Internet Seminar at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee. A new friend had invited me to the seminar and since the seminar was about something that I was in the market for, I jumped on the opportunity to learn about owning my own online store. Dejavu?

Having already done an online store opportunity, I understood what is involved in the marketing of an online business- massive amounts of time, often with very little, if any financial reward.

Yet, somehow I got temporarily caught up in all the hype and bought into the program.

But after doing my due diligence after the seminar, I came to my senses and realized that these guys were simply selling a dream, the Internet was populated with complaints about the company, its products and its tactics.

Tomorrow I'll call and cancel the "license" that I bought from them and take my refund and shop for valentines day gifts from someone else's online store.

Monday, January 14, 2008

"God never forgets what he is doing with us." I heard this statement a couple years ago in a sermon at a church I happened to be visiting one Sunday morning. The words hit a chord deep in my soul. It was as if it had been ordained by divine orchestration that I hear those words on that particular day. They filled me with an inexplicable hope that all that I had been through during my life was not lost. I began to see an outline emerging, an outline of connect the dots that in God's hands could be used for purposes beyond my scope of understanding. Now that a few years has passed since first hearing those words, I have come to a place of deep and abiding faith in knowing and believing that our GREAT & WONDROUS GOD has not forgotten anything that he has done with us, even though in our human weakness, brokeness and spiritual frailities we might.

Last night I was working late at my desk and a telephone call came in from another time zone. The caller didn't realize that I lived in Florida and apolized for the lateness of the call. The amazing thing is that the call couldn't have come at a better time. The call was based on a seed that I planted in August of 2005... 2 1/2 years ago.

While the call was profound on many levels, the real take away lesson for me is the call I hear whispered deep in my interior to return to the spiritual blogging that I first started with on Agape Cove Living. Somehow I've moved away from that inner desire to share through my blogs the amazing things that God does in my life every day. Sadly I have gotten too caught up in political correctness and have silenced the voice that sings the amazing melodies in my heart. The voice that would often whisper... "Kathi, write this in your blog."

I will try to abide more in HIS will and less in mine. I will try to be a bold voice on the world wide web, that shares golden nuggets from the heavens above.

Even though the Agape Cove Bookstore is no more, the desire that I feel to tie together the spiritual and gourmet are not dead. From a blogging assignment for communion invitations to the exciting possibilities for organizing foreign food tours with a spiritual flavors. God's orchestration? I believe so because HE NEVER FORGETS WHAT HE IS DOING WITH US!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

I recently read an article where the politician being interviewed said that his biggest fear in life was being bored. That comment triggered my imagination as I praised God that I have never really known boredom. The comment stirred me to contemplate what my biggest fear in life is. For several days I simply couldn't come up with any real big fears. I know the reason that I don't have any big fears is because I try to turn everything over to God. If I had to depend on myself, I'd surely be a fearful wreck. But with HIM, I can boldly and fearlessly live out my life hopefully in the way he intended.

Two nights ago I talked with a friend who was in the hospital. Her undaunting attitude of fearlessless amazed me. During our conversation I came face-to face with my greatest fear - 1.)being operated on and 2.) not having health insurance in case something does go wrong with my health. Because of my friends particular situation, she is the recipient of medicare insurance.

As we look at our options for the next president of the United States of America, perhaps we should take a serious look at each candidates stand on health care. I believe that our nation has a health insurance crises brewing that could be avoided by choosing leaders who will make a difference, not just to the bottom lines of big corporations but to the lives of countless millions who start each new day without the safety net of health insurance. It is really a life or death issue. How many new cancer victims go undiagnosed in the early stages simply because they can not afford simple preventative screening.

We need to wake up and focus our agendas on real issues that impact the health, safety and quality of life for our citizens and put the love of money on the far back burner.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Thorns ~ Author Unknown

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss.Troubles had multiplied.Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?""Good afternoon, can I help you?"Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra."For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?""Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer,"Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers."Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed."Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest.Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left with no flowers!""That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel.""So what did you do?" ask ed Sandra."I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."Just then someone else walked in the shop."Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man."My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . . twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator."Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?""Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!""I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too fresh.""Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns."Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment."I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out."I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute.""Thank you. What do I owe you?""Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me."The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."It read:"My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns. God Bless all of you. Be thankful for all that the Lord does for you."Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave therest to God."We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and Duct tape. God did it with nails.