It's All Good :-)

My Net Diary aka $4 of Awesomeness

Jess — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:18:14 +0000

Ok, so, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I really like passing along great products, tips, new music, a good book and all so sort of fun stuff. Also, if you haven’t figured it out, I hate working out and exercising. I hate the feeling of blindingly eating junk food and then feeling terrible about consuming so many calories. Actually, I don’t even look at how many calories I’ve eaten. I’ve tricked myself into thinking that if I ate a bunch of sweets then I would just eat a small dinner… and that didn’t work either because I would still feel hungry after my small dinner and then eat some more. We all been there and done that and we all know that sweets don’t constitute a meal… bummer.

I have in NO way made a New Year’s resolution to loose weight or go on some yo-yo diet, but I did make a decision to watch what I eat and educate myself about what I’m putting into my body. I’m not on some crazy diet. I’m simply attempting to eat the way I’m supposed to eat. Crazy, right? I know.

My Net Diary is amazing. It’s a $3.99 app for your smart phone. It has everything you could need to effectively track your diet. It not only helps you keep track of your calories, but it helps you keep track of what kinds of food you’re eating. It tracks nutrition, trans fats, water intake, weight, exercise, body measurements and more. My Net Diary has a food data bank that has thousands of grocery store and restaurants foods with all of the nutritional and caloric information. All you have to do is type in what you eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks everyday and the app does all the counting for you.

This app will also personalize a goal for you when you plug in your current weight, measurements and goal weight. It will tell you how many calories a day you need to eat as well as water intake to reach your goal at your desired date. Pretty cool, eh?

This app does the same for exercise. Type in the name of the exercise, how long you did that activity and the app calculates the number of calories you burned. My Net Diary not only tracks your information, but teaches you how to use that information in order to help you understand how your food affects your health.

I love this new tool. I’ve used it for almost a week and I’ve already lost a pound. I’m learning which foods are lower in calories and others that are not so low… like Turkish Delight and York Peppermint Patties. I’ve learned that I CAN have sweets, but in moderation. I’ve not only learned about the caloric intake of my beloved sweets, but the nutritional value of them… or the lack of nutritional value. Too bad emotional value doesn’t count.

There is also a free version of this app. So, if you don’t want to drop $4 on a really helpful, useful and amazing tool then try the free app first. Click HERE for more information about My Net Diary mobile apps.

I’ll try to remember to do a follow up post in a few months to tell you how successful I’ve been by using this app. Let me know if you try My Net Diary and how it’s working for you.

Weekend Tunes #15 – Misty Edwards

Jess — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:21 +0000

Misty Edwards is a worship leader at IHOP in Kansas City, MO. Typically I try to stay away from writing about IHOP artists because there are so many awesome musicians at the House of Prayer. You can simply go to IHOP’s webstream to tune in to listen to some really wonderful worship music.

Misty’s style is different from any other worship leader out there. She has a very powerful voice and is a very skilled and anointed worship leader. A majority of her music is written while she’s sitting before the Lord in the prayer room or while she’s leading a worship set. She sings the revelation that the Lord is giving her and sings a lot of scripture.

Misty does have a personal website. It not only has her music, but also has recordings of her sermons at IHOP. You can read a little more about her at the forerunner music website. You can purchase her music there as well.

Happy Thanksgiving Year!

Jess — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:29:39 +0000

It’s official. I’ve gained four pounds over the holiday season. I feel like a busted can of biscuits doing everything in my power to smooth out a potential muffin top. This will result in me joining the bandwagon of millions making a new year’s resolution to loose weight. I will then make a completely unrealistic goal to loose 200 pounds and despite the fact that I don’t even weight 200 pounds, I will somehow trick myself into thinking it’s totally doable. I’ll go to the gym and I will do so amazing the first month. I’ll run, I’ll sweat, I will be a beast, and then sometime in February the number of trips to the gym will begin to diminish. Then I will find myself eating a rather large piece of cake and saluting my fork to another new year’s resolution down the drain. Such is life.

This is the very reason why I’m only making one resolution this year. This resolution was inspired from a snippet of a sermon by my pastor. The resolution itself inspired me to start a second blog to help keep myself accountable.

“Be happy in your faith and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank God in everything no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks, for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus[the Revealer and Mediator of that will.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (amplified)

My New Year resolution is to be thankful for one thing every single day. After experiencing the hardships of 2011, I fully understand that there will be days that are easy to thank God, but I also know that are days where the spirit of thanksgiving will be difficult. BUT I have found that even in the hardest and darkest of times… there’s always something that will cause me to be thankful. It may be small, but so is a silver lining.

So, this is my new resolution/project for the year. My goal is to post at least once a week and have at seven things that I’m thankful for in a week’s time. I encourage you to join me in my resolution. Leave a comment or a link to your post about what you’re thankful for today.

Today, I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for the family that I was born into and the family that I’ve accumulated through out the years. I’m thankful for their love, encouragement and friendship. I’m thankful for the life that my dad lived. He always told me how proud he was of me, how much he loved me, as well as encouraged me to do my best. I continue to hear his words every day and they are a continuous source of encouragement. I’m thankful for the wonderful memories of him that I hold close to my heart.

What are you thankful for today?

To join me in my resolution, follow my second blog www.thanksgivingyear.wordpress.com

Weekend Tunes #14 – Sarah McMillian

Jess — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:51:03 +0000

Sarah McMillan is a worship leader from Morning Star Church. She’s married to John Mark McMillan who is another worship leader at that church. Her music is very worship oriented making it easy to focus on God when listening to her music. Her lyrics are intimate, beautifully written and relatable.

Her music focuses on the intimacy that God has for us. Her CD “Under Your Bright Wings”, uses mostly acoustic instruments to create a folk sound. Her folk style is much different than her musician husband’s rock style, but is unique, creative and honest.

She has one CD as of right now. “Under Your Bright Wings”

Go check her out… you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s a link for you Spotify users: Sarah McMillan

Sweet Memories of Christmas

Jess — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 21:21:21 +0000

When my sister, Laura, and I were younger, we would get up before the sun was up on Christmas morning. We would tip toe into our parent’s bedroom and ~~politely~~ loudly wake them up. Our wake up call was usually followed by stern instructions to go back to bed for another hour.

I hopped into bed with Laura. She would set her alarm clock for 6:30am, we’d pull the sheets up to our chins, and we would snuggle as we made attempts to guess what wonderful things Santa might have brought us.

Many years have passed since the days of waking up early and running into the living room to celebrate Christmas. I grew up learning the true meaning of Christmas and over the years I’ve learned the value of Christmas and to hold it close to my heart.

So, yes, opening Christmas presents is exciting, but it’s more exciting to think about how Jesus came as a little baby in the middle of the night. He was denied a comfortable place before He was even born. He grew up as a common boy with common parents with humble surroundings. Israel did not recognize Jesus as being the king that they had desire because He did not come in such a triumphant way… but He did triumphantly save the world.

Sweet memories and sweet reminders.

It’s wonderful to know that after the food is gone, the gifts have been opened, and the lights are taken down… that the people in your life and the love that you share with them still remains strong. I hope you all have a happy Christmas and enjoy your loved ones EVERY day of the year.

Happy Christmas.

Weekend Tunes #13 Josh Garrels

Jess — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:55:15 +0000

Josh Garrels has been sharing his music for a few years. He has a very unique style from the typical Christian artist. He has a smooth sound mixed with some soul, and synthesized rhythms. He’s a mix between Shawn McDonald, Matt Kearny and Mark Broussard. He doesn’t sing about your typical Christian message, but hits a further and more in depth into spiritual truths. His lyrics cause you to contemplate and think about what’s being said.

One of my favorite songs is called “Babylon.” It’s about how we love to live our Babylon lifestyles in using people for our own selfish benefits and doing whatever we have to do to advance ourselves. The song is simply said, but lyrically and musically awesome.

You can check him out here and purchase his CD here or on itunes.

Here’s a link for you Spoftify users: Josh Garrels’ Music

Remember Love

Jess — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:49:10 +0000

I feel like this month has flown by so quickly. The last thing I remember is sitting on a plane heading to Washington D.C. about 5 weeks ago. Then I blinked and Christmas somehow is a few days away. I haven’t sent out my Christmas cards, I haven’t blogged about anything in the past month, half of my lights on my little Christmas tree don’t work, and I just now finished my Christmas shopping… which I started yesterday?

The past month has been one of the hardest months I’ve experienced. This holiday season has been, by far, the most difficult to smile through.

Lately, I’ve managed to push aside the boxes, the bows, the obligations, baking, silly songs, and eggnog to uncover the true meaning of this wondrous day we call Christmas. When Jesus was born… hope had come, mercy was brewing, prophesies were fulfilled, and the promises of God were bound to be completed.

So, even though this season of life has left a bitter taste, I will gladly and joyful celebrate the One who humbly came, died a criminal’s death, and triumphantly rose… all for the sake of love. There is no gift big enough, bright enough or brilliant enough that could ever compare to gift of Jesus Christ.

Christmas is much more than the son of God being born. It’s about life and life everlasting. It’s about hope, mercy, God’s goodness and above all… it’s about His great love.

Have a happy Christmas and always remember Love.

Sweet Memories of a Sweet Man

Jess — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:08:45 +0000

When I was little, I used to sit on my parent’s bed and wait for my dad to finish taking his shower. When he was finished, he would open up the bathroom door to clear out the steam. He would always be dressed in a dingy t-shirt with a towel around his waist as he got ready. He would wipe the fog off the mirror and then open up his shaving kit. When he was finished shaving, he would brush his hair with his broken black brush in attempts to make it all go in one direction.

Once Dad was finished in the bathroom, I would sneak in, wipe down the defogged mirror, contemplate if I needed to shave, grab his broken brush, wet my hair and began to style it just like Dad’s. I always walked away disappointed that my hair never seemed to look like his.

My dad is my hero in every sense of the word. As a little girl, I wanted to be just like him and mimic him in every move. Even as a 25 year old woman I still want to be just like him. I may not style my hair quite the same, but I do attempt to mimic his qualities, his actions and his attitude. I’m sure that desire won’t change even when I’m 87.

Memories are beautiful little things that keep the legacy, the qualities, the actions and the love of a person alive. Memories cause you to smile when you recall a precious moment or a funny incident. They sometimes cause tears to form because of heartache from missing someone special.

November 11, 2011 my dad, my hero, fought his last day to cancer. Yes, he gone from his earth, but he did not lose the battle. How can he lose when he is now cancer free, experiencing real freedom, has no pain and no sorrow? How can he lose when he is standing before the awesome One who created the universe and perfectly loves him? What has he lost that could compare to that kind of freedom and beauty?

Back in June, Dad told me about the first memorial service for the Alaska flight 261. The families of the victims all had butterflies that were kept in jars and at the same time, they all released their butterflies. Dad heard amazing stories about these butterflies. Some flew out and lingered with the family who released them. Other families, who had more than one butterfly to release, watched as their butterflies waited for each other and then flew away together. With tears streaming down his face, he told me that butterflies were special and whenever I saw one, I should remember that he will always be watching over me.

Well, Dad, every time I see a butterfly I will remember you, but I don’t think you’re the one watching over me. I believe you’re gazing at the beautiful face of Jesus. I believe you’re resting in perfect assurance as you watch The Father lovingly and perfectly care for everyone you cherish and greatly love.

Dad, in my famous words that I always seem to say, “It’s all good”… because it really is all in the hands of God. Our last words together that Friday were, “I love you and I’ll see you soon.” I do love you, Daddy … and I will keep my promise because in light of eternity… I will see you soon.

The Five Star Gas Station

Jess — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 03:39:49 +0000

The Saxapahaw General Store’s wooden floors have been walked on by thousands of people throughout the years. They have had the opportunity to meet many different visitors and passer byers. They have been scratched and scarred over the years, but still remain warm and welcoming to all who come and visit.

I sat down at green wooden table meant for two. The General Store at first glace looks ran down, but as I took a look around it harbored opportunity for many local farming businesses to thrive. In the center of the store there were wooden crates filled with locally grown pumpkins, gourds, bananas and sweet potatoes. The isles were lined with natural products like natural medicines, dried fruits, spices, organic products and natural house hold cleaners. The aroma of lunch being cooked began to fill the whole room. It reminded me of walking into the kitchen at my family reunion and the all delicious smells melding together enticing hungry family members.

A young man named Brandon was sitting at another table next to me and struck up a conversation. He told me he lived right around the corner from the General Store and was picking up a job application. He talked about his hopes and dreams and how he wanted to go to school for business. “I want to move to Orlando one day and start up my own business.” He explained to me. I had the chance to encourage him to pursue those dreams and told him that nothing is impossible if you apply yourself. “Thanks, for your advice!” He said as he took his job application and left the store.

I watched as a older gentleman struck up a conversation with another gentleman. They casually talked about the weather and the fall season. It seems as if the people who come to the general store never meet strangers within its four walls. Whether young, old, southern, northern, short, tall, fat or skinny it seems that the General Store erases the lines of differences and allows a stranger to be called friend.

A young girl was behind the register sported black skinny jeans, a white top, dark rimmed glasses and a sliver lip piercing. Her name was Ali and leaned against the counter with her forehead wrinkled in thought as she attempted to describe the atmosphere of the General Store. “Working here you get a chance to learn about the community. It’s a small community… almost like a family.” Ali had found the General Store through the Saxaphahaw Music Series and was interested in working for small business that supported other local business.

My interview with Ali was briefly interrupted by a few customers coming to place an order. I stepped away from the small wooden counter top as she kindly served her customers. The light yellow walls seemed to smile at me as I turned around to look at the store. The sky lights allowed the sun to naturally brighten the room. A light haze of smoke from the kitchen was revealed under the stream of light. The bright colors from the signs were splashed onto the walls and posters advertising various events in the community were hung around the door.

The Saxapahaw General Store has seen many different people come through its doors for many different reasons and occasions. It has been a place of community and family for locals as well as a country experience to the city folk. The floors are worn and weathered, but they still warmly welcome all visitors alike. People may come in to purchase locally grown foods, come in to eat the General Store’s homemade meals or to simply come visit to see what locals call a five star gas station.

For more info check out the General store’s website HERE.

Follow them on Twitter HERE

Like them on Facebook HERE.

Thanks, Ali, for being awesome.

(Originally written as a profile piece for class)

Weekend Tunes #12 – Mat Kearney

Jess — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:56:31 +0000

Mat Kearney’s been in my music library for several years. He’s super talented and never fails to write thought provoking music. He has a unique singing style as he utilizes a hip hop vibe mixed with poetry while being very rhythmically driven. He is an innovative lyricist and has a wide range of musicality. Mat Kearney has an amazing gift to be able to write music that tells a story and delivers a powerful, encouraging and uplifting message.

Click HERE check him out on Spotify. Spotify is a free music service that allows you to listen to almost any artist for FREE for up to 20 hours a month.

Click HERE to check his main website page to find out more information about Mat Kearney