tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61614108926106670192024-03-20T05:05:48.338-07:00Cilla LynnThis blog is more or less my online journal. A classmate of mine told me about her blog, and it made me want to start my own. I hope that you all enjoy it!Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-81130409352083705422011-05-19T08:29:00.001-07:002011-05-19T08:34:17.774-07:00Days dewindling down...So with the days becoming fewer and fewer until the BIG day, I find myself thinking about the strangest things:<br /><ul><li>We have to share a room? seriously?</li><li>We have to share a bathroom - GROSS</li><li>I have to sleep on what side of the bed?</li><li>Will I ever get another moment alone?</li></ul>Of course, there are many advantages to all of these things as well. And I am very excited about everything! It just dawned on me that it's in 9 days! WOW!Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-88549180841089174772011-05-02T12:32:00.000-07:002011-05-02T12:44:50.231-07:00FaithIn church on Sunday one of the readings was from 1 Peter 3 - 9.<br /><br /> <sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30378">3</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30379">4</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30380">5</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30381">6</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30382">7</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30383">8</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, </span><sup style="font-style: italic;" class="versenum" id="en-NIV-30384">9</sup><span style="font-style: italic;"> for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.</span><br /><br />Think about that - 'Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him..." That is faith - not seeing but still believing. It's that faith that has gotten me through a lot of tough times. Knowing that no matter what, God is there watching out for me. His love never fails. And even if things don't go as planned, they go according to God's plan. It's not our place to question, just to believe.<br /><br />Faith is a HUGE! I'm not sure where I would be without faith. Faith in God, faith in my fiance, family and friends. Faith that one day will lead me to the Father. Faith is believing in things unseen, things that science can't even prove. Faith is something that one must hold on to.Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-77174124640265460842011-04-26T06:20:00.001-07:002011-04-28T13:24:00.739-07:00Counting the days......it won't be long now until I'm married. It's a BIG but exciting step in my life. There was a point in my life where I wasn't sure if I would get married. I think every girl dreams about it to a degree and always hopes to find that someone special. I lucked out. I get to marry my best friend. So in 30 days, I'll become Mrs. Shanmugham....hope the world's as ready as I am! :)<br /><br /><h4 style="font-style: italic;">1 Corinthians 13</h4><p style="font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28667">1</sup> If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28668">2</sup> If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28669">3</sup> If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. </p><p style="font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28670">4</sup> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28671">5</sup> It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28672">6</sup> Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28673">7</sup> It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </p><p style="font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28674">8</sup> Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28675">9</sup> For we know in part and we prophesy in part, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28676">10</sup> but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28677">11</sup> When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28678">12</sup> For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. </p><p style="font-style: italic;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28679">13</sup> And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. </p>Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-25225541878740650522011-03-14T11:54:00.001-07:002011-03-14T12:05:00.781-07:00Who do you serve?So here's the question of the week: who do you serve? Now you are probably thinking, what? Do you serve God? Well, if you say yes - then really think about it. Do you really serve God? Take a look at your behavior over the last week. Did you laugh when a co-worker was making fun of someone? Did you join in? Or if you see something that is wrong happening at work or anywhere, do you say something? Or are you so worry about what someone might say?<br /><br />During our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/runners4christ">Runners4Christ </a>board meeting, we discussed this very topic. And it got me to thinking, who do I really serve? I say I serve the Lord, but do I? Do my actions reflect that?<br /><br />Here are the verses we studied:<br /><br /><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?</span> <p><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;">For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style="font-style: italic;"> But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span class="woj" style=""><span style="font-style: italic;">Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.</span> - Matthew 6 : 24-34</span> </p>Just something to think about it.Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-17332510937591149012011-01-19T18:35:00.000-08:002011-01-19T18:41:04.846-08:002011So I realized I haven't made my goals for 2011. Usually the include reading certain books, working out, eating healthy, etc. This year, I really want to re-focus on God and keep him at the center. Going to church just isn't enough. I want to be more committed to God this year. It's a BIG year for me and my 'new' family - Manoj. We're getting married in May and we will become one family. I want to keep God at the center because without him, Manoj and I would not be getting married.<br /><br />So what are you goals for 2011? How will 2011 be different than 2010 - other than you're a year older?Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-27027230248194581712010-06-03T07:27:00.000-07:002010-06-03T07:33:01.605-07:00Interesting thoughtSo I recently just read one of my high school friend's blog titled:<a href="http://amandalotycz.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-has-god-been-teaching-you-lately.html">"What has God been teaching you lately?"</a><br /><br />And it got me thinking - what has God been teaching me? For starters, patience. A lot of things come and go in my life - friends, situations, jobs, etc. But God is the one constant. I think that I take that for granted.<br /><br />Life isn't easy, but God never promised it would be. But He did promise that He would be with us on the good and the bad days.<br /><br />As I move through life, I try to always remember the good days. I just heard this song on the radio a few weeks back and just fell in love with it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4rC4oPfoU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4rC4oPfoU</a><br /><br />So what has God been teaching you?Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-29397738774486237502010-06-01T12:11:00.001-07:002010-06-01T12:18:56.346-07:00Another month...Another month has come and gone! Can you believe it? Where does the time go?? Can you slow time down?<br /><br />So - how do you capture those special memories? I used to take pictures of everything, but I don't anymore.<br /><br />I've realized a lot about life - for starters it goes by WAY TOO FAST! In a little less than a year, I'll be married - married - married. I'm so excited! I honestly never pictured myself getting married. I always thought that one day I would be married, but it never became reality until now.<br /><br />Summer is beginning. I am lucky enough to have to opportunity to go to India this summer. It'll be by second time going there, and I think I am more excited than the first time because now I know what to expect.<br /><br />Do you have any summer plans? Where is the most unique place you've every visited?Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-38575806877609216782010-05-05T07:52:00.000-07:002010-05-05T07:56:34.234-07:00Life...I can't figure out what to write about....my life isn't that exciting at the moment. It's mainly filled with wedding planning and getting the house in order. It's not that the house is a mess - just unorganized and it's driving me mad. Not a far drive, I realize, but still a drive.<br /><br />And it's almost summer - so the outside also needs work. I find myself not enjoying evenings because I feel like I have a million things to do and not enough time or energy, for that matter, to get things done.<br /><br />I don't know how people keep everything in order. Most of my friends houses are so organized, their lawns look amazing - me not so much.<br /><br />Any suggestions?Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-5433236933815363112010-04-26T11:13:00.000-07:002010-04-26T11:17:16.206-07:00HackersSo I recently fell victim to hackers! URGH! Some how my email got hacked and lovely span messages sent to my entire address book. So once again, if you received an email from that included a link - DELETE!<br /><br />So how do you protect yourself against hackers?<br /><br />Here is a good article that helps explain what can happen:<br /><a href="http://ask-leo.com/someones_sending_from_my_email_address_how_do_i_stop_them.html">http://ask-leo.com/someones_sending_from_my_email_address_how_do_i_stop_them.html</a><br /><br />The best thing I can think of is to constantly change your password - and make them difficult to crack. Trust me using your name or your birthday is one of the first things hackers try.<br /><br />Good luck and stay hacker-free!!Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-59919457917336874982010-03-31T06:06:00.000-07:002010-03-31T06:11:24.508-07:00EasterAs Easter approaches, ask yourself this question: did I stay true to my Lenten commitments? If the answer is yes - that's wonderful, if it's not - why?<br /><br />Easter is a wonderful holiday, and this week - Holy week - is my favorite Christian week. It reminds us of what God did to save us. Imagine if you had to watch your son be tortured and killed.<br /><br />Here is a great Web site that walks through the Passion Of Christ: <a href="http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/SFS/an0201.asp">http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/SFS/an0201.asp</a><br /><br />Just remember what God did, so we can live.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Holy week and Easter!<br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span>Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-42485339570095187752010-03-17T13:08:00.001-07:002010-03-17T13:18:12.128-07:00Facebook postingsSo yesterday, I posted the lyrics to RESPECT. Little did I know that it would be blown out of proportion. I got comments asking if I was ok, my boyfriend got phones calls asking what he did to me, etc. I finally had to post again saying that I just had the lyrics in my head.<br /><br />I have decided that people really need to get a life - yes it's nice that everyone is concerned, but seriously, get off Facebook. If you are that concern then call me.<br /><br />This is not the first time this has happened to me. It's not like I post exactly where I am so that someone stalker can find me. Or that something horrible has happened to me - you know things that would get others to really worried. I just post quotes or verses that are on my mind that day...or something funny. Maybe I should not post at all. Then what really is the point of Facebook? To monitor people's posts? Shall we call that politely stalking?<br /><br />Anymore, I've found myself saying: "Well, I guess I'll see you on Facebook." How sad is that??<br /><br />So, should I stop posting, or make my post idiot proof? Maybe I am over-reacting and people were just trying to be nice. Any suggestions? <br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span>Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-71870582474481405672010-02-24T12:35:00.000-08:002010-02-24T12:44:32.671-08:00My lenten journey - temption of Christ<span style="font-weight: bold;">The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11</span>)<br />Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."<br /><br />Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."<br /><br />Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:<br /> " 'He will command his angels concerning you,<br /> and they will lift you up in their hands,<br /> so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."<br /><br />Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test."<br /><br />Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."<br /><br />Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."<br /><br />Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.<br /><br />Can you imagine be tempting by the Devil? Going 40 days without food??<br /><br />We are faced everyday with numerous temptations. How we handle those temptations, helps define our relationship with Christ. Our lenten sacrifice is a wonderful offering to the Lord. He loves the fact that we are not doing things we normally do, to please Him. Granted, we should do it every day, not just during lent. This year, so far it's been a challenge, but it's so worth it. <br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-51318199444670944422010-02-17T11:29:00.000-08:002010-02-17T11:39:29.325-08:00Hebrews 11Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.This is what the ancients were commended for.<br /><br />By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away.<br /><br />For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.<br /><br />By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.<br /><br />By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.<br /><br />All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.<br /><br />People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.<br /><br />By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.<br /><br />By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.<br /><br />By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.<br /><br />By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.<br /><br />And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.<br /><br />Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them.<br /><br />They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.<br /><br />God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-43543888668980272532010-02-11T09:13:00.000-08:002010-02-11T09:19:04.218-08:00Lent cont.So I have been thinking more and more about lent. What should I give up? Should I give up anything? What to do!! Everything I thought about giving up are things that I should be giving up anyways: pop, chocolate, eating out, etc. So is that really a sacrifice?<br /><br />Then I started thinking (thanks to inspiration from the boy on this one), instead of giving up something, should I devote more time to God? Reading the bible more, praying more...you know stuff that counts. I'm sure that God appreciates the sacrifice of giving up pop, but don't you think he would really enjoy US spending more time with HIM? But then I was thinking, ok so Lent, I'm more devoted to God, then what happens after Easter? Nothing should happen, my devotion should just keep growing. Right?<br /><br />The real challenge is taking time out in our crazy lives to spend time with our heavenly Father. It shouldn't be that hard, right?<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-49625542970193390952010-02-09T10:51:00.000-08:002010-02-09T10:59:26.741-08:00LentThe season of lent is just a week away, do you know what you're giving up? Every year, I try to think about something that will be a challenge. Something, that will make me think about why I am giving something up. It's my personal sacrifice to God. I know that some don't believe you need to give up anything and others don't share what they've given up. But it's time to start thinking about what all Jesus did for us, more-so what God sacrificed for us, His son. <br /><br />According to Wikipedia (gotta love it!)<br />The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Some just shrug off lent like any other holiday, but others really focus on it. It can be a great experience. I encourage you to try something new this year for lent.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-34022449074280819942010-02-01T12:57:00.000-08:002010-02-01T13:09:46.321-08:00Many parts, one bodyLately, this verse has been coming to mind: 1. Corinthians 12:12-26<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> 21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. </span><br /><br />If you think about it, we are all part of one body, the body of Christ. A few weeks back our priest asked us during the homily, what would we say if someone asked us "why are you a Catholic? why are you a Christian?" It made me think. Why are we a part of God's body? <br /><br />Last year, I joined the Catholic church. Not because it was the thing to do, but because I wanted to. I loved and still love the church I was going to, it just happened to be a Catholic church. It just felt right. Like God was telling me, this is where I was suppose to be. <br /><br />Growing up, no one ever explained to me why I was a Methodist, why I was attending that church. It wasn't till I started questioning myself that I understood. I was attending a church because my parents and family attended the church. When I went off to college, I started to attend other churches, to find my place. <br /><br />God really bless me by leading me to the my current church. And the good thing is, is that I decided to attend and join the church on my own. I spent 8 months taking classes with no one ever forcing me to join...it just happened. I feel at peace with my decision.<br /><br />What about you? Why are you a Christian? Why do you attend the church you are currently attending? What lead you there?<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-88026914900007836922010-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:002010-01-27T06:03:44.309-08:00Purple HeartToday, on my way to work, the car in front of me had a "Purple Heart" license plate. It made me proud to think that someone in Central Ohio won a purple heart. The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military.<br /><br />When was the last time you took a moment to say a prayer for those soldiers who are defending our great nation? Or a prayer for the fallen? Take a moment today and say a prayer for them. Remember, this is someone's son, daughter, father, mother, etc.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-30110765122547338492009-12-31T08:44:00.001-08:002010-01-27T06:03:35.999-08:00Year in reviewThe holidays are here and gone, and I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to this year, but I did accomplish more this year than last year. Life is good!<br /><br />I've already set my 2010 goals and this year, I am sticking to them!<br /><br />What about you all? How was 2009? Ready for 2010?<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-81690319800084570202009-11-10T07:23:00.000-08:002009-11-10T08:20:06.814-08:00HolidaysI love the holiday season, Thanksgiving and Christmas - even New Years. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, partly because it's not about gifts and the other part is it falls near or on my birthday:) (ok so that part is about gifts:)) <br /><br />The one thing I've noticed about holidays is that the older I get the less enjoyable they seem to be. I'm not sure if it's because we're all growing up and our lives are changing, or what it is. I remember how holidays used to be...it was so exciting and almost routine. Thanksgiving, we'd all cook, watch the parades...it was so much fun. Now it seems different. We're deciding who can come, what to bring, when to eat. It seems more stressful than enjoyable. <br /><br />I have to admit, I am very excited to decorate for the holidays, especially Christmas. At least people are happier this time of the year:)<br /><br />So how do you spend your holidays?<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-6869696470614308122009-10-09T11:13:00.000-07:002009-10-09T11:30:35.543-07:00What have you done lately?Recently, I wrote a blog post for <a href="http://www.clarycommunications.com/social_media.php">Clary Communications' staff blog</a> on community service and its importance.<br /><br />I want to talk to you about two opportunities that might interest you. The first being <a href="http://runners4christ.org/">Runners4Christ</a>. This group started when a few friends got together and decided they wanted to give back to the community, but they really weren’t sure how to do it. One of the projects we started is called <a href="http://runners4christ.org/ark.shtml">ARK</a>: <strong>A</strong>cts of <strong>R</strong>andom <strong>K</strong>indness. ARKs come in all shapes and sizes, from serving food at a homeless shelter to paying for the person behind you at Starbucks to picking up trash at a park. Each month, we get together to do at least one project for the community, and so far it’s going great! You can join Runners4Christ on facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Runners-4-Christ/108322148558">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Runners-4-Christ/108322148558</a><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The next group I am going to talk to you about, I am not a part of, but I feel that it's a good cause. It's called <a href="http://www.buddyuptennis.com/BuddyUpTennis.com/Welcome%21.html">Buddy Up Tennis</a>. Buddy Up Tennis is 90-minute program focused on adaptive tennis, fitness and fun for children and adults with Down syndrome in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding areas.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Both of these are great programs! </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> So let me ask you - what do you do to give back to the community?</span></p><!--EndFragment--><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a></span><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-27985056663625376842009-09-17T09:24:00.000-07:002009-09-17T09:29:53.137-07:00FootballThis past weekend, I went to Nebraska to visit my family. It was a BLAST! I used to attend UNL and loved being back on campus. However, I did noticed that during the football game I just wasn't in to it as much as I used to be. I didn't really know the players - and I just couldn't get into the grove. Not that I am not a fan, I love college football. Really I do. I don't mind watching games all day on Saturdays. It's fun! I think at the time I used to attend the university I was more of a Nebraska fan, but now that I am back in Ohio and graduated from OSU, I am more of an Ohio State fan. I pay more attention to OSU than Nebraska.<br /><br />Has this happened to anyone? Do your favorite teams change the older you get?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-52084224210274134822009-08-25T08:10:00.000-07:002009-08-25T08:21:09.360-07:00The No-Gym WorkoutSo I've been debating for a long time whether or not to join a gym. I have a had a few friends try to convince me to join a gym with them, but it's so expensive. I am on a tight budget-you know trying to pay off student loans, etc. I will probably be on this budget for a few years at least! Even if there is a gym has a good deal, I just can't justify spending $30 to $40 a month on a gym.<br /><br />I have been determine to workout on my own. Typically I only get a good workout in once or twice a week.<br /><br />I just read this article called <a href="http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-report/fitness-and-nutrition/no-gym-workout.aspx?xid=cs_fion_nl&xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyLiving_20090825">The No-Gym Workout</a>. It provides some great tips on easy ways to stay in shape at home. I am going to start trying some of this stuff. It mentions that working out just 2.5 hours a week will really help you stay in shape. That's is less than a half an hour a day, if you work out 7 days.<br /><br />So all you out there who are trying to save a buck, this might help you out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-2794659988742837912009-07-29T06:06:00.000-07:002009-07-29T06:12:01.063-07:00The four grossest kid health problems!!Ok, you all know that I am not a mother, one day I hope to be one. Until then, I just like to share what I read. I just read this article by CNN Health called "<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/24/grossest.kid.problems/index.html">The four grossest kid health problem</a><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/24/grossest.kid.problems/index.html">s</a>." So for all you moms out there, this is for you!!!<br /><br />Hopefully your children never have any health problems, but since we all know that's probably not going to happen, it's always good to be prepared. I hope that this article helps you all out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-5318174356930626742009-07-07T12:44:00.000-07:002009-07-07T12:51:45.828-07:00Driving...I have to admit, I am not the best driver...there, I said it! But I am also not a horrible driver either. I would say I'm average:)<br /><br />It seems that lately there are bad drivers everywhere! If it's not a motorcycle zooming in and out of traffic, it's a semi trying to run you over! What's the deal??? I would like to say I am a polite driver. I let semi's over and have the right away. In traffic I let other people merge, following the zig-zag rule. But what drives me crazy is when people just try to merge without signaling, without caring if you are there, they expect you to stop. Why is that? Today a semi started merging on top of me. I had to slam my brakes!!!<br /><br />Everyday to and from work, I pray just to make it there safely. I am now asking everyone to pray that I and anyone else driving in this madness makes it to their destination safely!!!<br /><br />Any tips on how to stay safe and keep my sanity in rush hour traffic??<br /><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6161410892610667019.post-39033634239855654852009-06-23T09:24:00.001-07:002009-06-23T09:29:03.813-07:00Jon & Kate...So typically I don't blog about things like this...but I just read my friend's <a href="http://frombraintoblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/jon-minus-kate-but-still-plus-8.html#comments">blog</a>.<br /><br />And then of course I posted this comment, but then I thought...hey why not just blog it...so you'll see it on her blog as well as mind.<br /><br />I must put a disclaimer on my comment that I am not a mother nor am I married. So keep that in mind as I write this...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First:</span> I have to say with this family...if God wanted everyone to have kids, then it would just happen. I am so against the fertility treatments. There is a reason that some people can have children and others can't. That reason..I have no clue. Maybe some are suppose to adopt, or do something else in this world. Not everyone is meant to be a parent.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second:</span> Why is that when things start to get hard in a marriage that instead of trying to work through things, people opt for a divorce. In the Bible in the same chapter it talks about homosexuals, it talks about divorce. Yet, the same people who protest homosexuality have no issues with divorce. You see no protest about divorces anywhere...why is that?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third:</span> There are 8 children involved with this...did they ever think about that before the paraded their family on air? Or decided to get a divorce? What will happen with the kids? And when the kids see these episodes and all the news surrounding their parents, what will they think? Is this fair for them? I honestly think it would be more powerful and better for the children if they would just get some help and counseling and try to work through the issues. <span style="font-weight: bold;">CANCEL THE SHOW</span> to focus on their family.<br /><br />And that is all I have to say about that! This is just my opinion, so please take it at that. I am not meaning to offend anyone in anyway by my post.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/lg-bookmark-en.gif" alt="" style="border: 0pt none ;" border="0" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script><!-- AddThis Button END -->Cillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07918670728363439693noreply@blogger.com1