Special Accolades

Plan to be sick of me since I'm back... 

I am still very proud of my accomplishments and what I have achieved but 

Doing life without this guy in it is unimaginable

He has been so supportive and so willing to be in my corner

We have each others back and this is much his degree as it is mine
Yes, I did the work but his support and encouragement pushed me into another level of love for him. 

We have gone through a lot together but when it comes to support I think we are truly the definition of it! 

We fight in the spirit

We fight in the natural 

We fight together

We live together 

We Grow together

He is still excited about my future endeavors and I for him!! 

I still can't believe that after all we have been through we still have joy!!

When they told us NO, we believed God for a Yes!!! 

For our Faithfulness God has given both of us a Yes!!!

for the things we have asked him for and we couldn't be more happier with how things have turned out! 

We still have more things we are asking God for a Yes and I believe they are Yes, and Amen!!! 

Thanks Honey for being a part of the Yes for my life!!! 

    

April  6 

- I believe was the last post I made concerning weight loss and trying to play catch up because life had been really lifin' Well let me say those craving that started held me so hard that I gained about 7-10 pounds. 

I began drinking zero count soda's

I ate pasta's 

I had bread's 

I  had a huge craving for Laffy Taffy's which was horrible because I was eating about 2,000 calories of just those a lone. I went to see my doctor and when I showed her what I was doing she gave me other medications to try and help with but unfortunately it didn't work. I know for many that are keeping up with my weight loss journey the question is did I make my May 14 deadline and the answer is a firm NO

I am somewhat disappointed but then too I'm not because I did all I knew to do to help me but I could not overcome the noise that took me into June and after several months it has finally calmed down. 

June 5, 2024 I had a sick spell but I do believe it is because I was placed back on the compound of tirzepatide which is a generic formula of mounjaro, when I went back to the doctor my A1C was elevated and my doctor felt this was the best way for us to get me back on track. I weigh in at 225 when I was closer to 212 several months ago. My goal was to be under 200 by May but it is not the end of the world, I will keep trying and after I had the sick spell with GERD also in April I believed I would be okay with not making it to the goal because I felt so bad and I didn't wish that on anyone to have reflux spasms that severe.  

June 6, 2024 - I do feel better although I started drinking Pedialyte and I began to feel much better than I did earlier in the week. I felt really drained and I also took my vitamin D that I'm suppose to be taking once a week but unfortunately I have not since I believe April. 

Let me now go back to why I haven't been on top of my blogging. I will reveal at this time I have been attending college. I had worked in public schools for many years and God allowed me to impact many student lives without properly being certified and I must say that was a blessing within itself. Many years have passed but my desire was to get my degree and after talking it over with my husband I adventured the Fall of 2022 on getting my Associates Degree and on May 14 I walked across the stage proudly not being the oldest in the crowd because the oldest was a nursing student that was 63 years young and the youngest was 15 years old I was given my case confirming that I had meet all the criteria of the state and the university to be awarded my AA Degree. 

I will continue on for my Bachelors, Fall of 2024 and I believe in 2026 I will be writing you again saying I have finally finished that leg of my collegiate journey. I believe you can. I have had many hurdles and my family has been through so much together and I just believe that I can not give up on my desire to have a college education. 

Happy Birthday Son

 ~You Are My First Born  … A Bouncing Baby Boy given to me this day~

First, I would like to start this blog with saying Happy Birthday to the young man that made me a mother some 32 years ago and I pray you have an amazing day. I spoke with you this morning and you shared with me your plans for your life at 32 and I want you to know that whatever and however you plan to do your life, "I remain supporting you whole heartily".  

You have been through so much in your life and although that has not been an excuse for you but I'm glad that you are having the conversation with God and it seems you are listening. I will forever keep praying for you and your siblings, you guys and gal are my greatest inspirations, my motivation  and my love for you is not a victim of circumstance it actually is a tool for me to keep pursing my dreams even in my young mature years because: 

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU BELIEVE!!! 

I will close with this: 

Jeramiah 29:11  - Let's us know that God has a purpose for our life and God knows the plans for our lives we just have to be able to hear and listen but most of all walk out those plans that Jesus has for us. 

I love you son, Many more Blessed, Prosperous, Birthday's 

You make me proud to be your mom...

You ARE ENOUGH!!! 

Catching Up

 April 9, 2024

Wow, where to begin... since my last accountability on my blog so many more things have happen that I failed to include in this journey of my life. I will try and make an attempt today to catch up on me and what has happened since January 16, 2024. 

First, I would like to thank God for allowing me to the opportunity to turn a year older. I think I have done well even with the weight loss and I'm pressing forward. I'm still doing what I need to do in order to make things possible. I'm still doing my insulin resistance but I can tell when the cheaper version of my medication wears off because now I'm hungry and the cravings are picking up and I'm having a hard time getting them under control. I literally bumped myself up by half of another injection in order to turn off the noise in February and I don't recommend unless consult with your doctor but I did and it worked for me. Now in April I decided to act right and the food noise is back and I feel as if I'm loosing the battle. I will see my doctor soon and hopefully I will be back on track. 

I would also like to add that in February I had a horrible sick spell wear I found out that I have GERD. I have to eat right and there is no way from getting around it and I don't ever want to feel that way ever again. I could literally feel the acid in my throat and it burned so badly. I guess that is why I didn't record  anything because I was so sick and I had to get myself together and that meant to change my way of eating all over again. I'm not sure if I'm doing it but a lot has changed. I fall off this wagon recently daily now that we are in April and I have to pull it together by May 14. 

At the current moment my eating habits include all high protein such as seafood, bacon, ham, oatmeal with fruit and raisins and last but not least collard greens. I am praying for light foods due to the GERD that makes me realize very quickly I have eaten the wrong thing. I have been craving sodas and everyone should know that they are truly bad for you but even though I have been doing coke and dr. pepper zero's I have found myself drinking cherry dr. pepper and it hasn't been a zero although they do make them. 

I also have found myself craving sweets such as cakes, and donuts mostly. I think when I started craving bread mainly biscuits from a particular establishment compliments of my husband I feel things going backwards and the food noise was initiated. 

I have to get the cholesterol down and keep my A1C also down and back to normal but it is going to take a lot of dedication and sacrifice if I'm going to make my deadline for graduation. 

I'm back to keep my record to help me hold myself accountable for my choices. I don't want to be a statistic so I will keep doing what I need to be doing to keep me from that fate. 

I would like to see all of my grand children and great-grand children in the future and I believe that I will be in good health, prosperous as I continue on this journey. 

I will continue and tell you about what else I have experience because it has been a life changing experience to me. 

I will tell you all about it in the next journal report of the winning life.                                                                                                                      

Many More

Today (9), Nine Years ago, I joined ...

My life was so different back then and was so unstable, and I needed someone to hold me accountable for the choices I was making.  

Don't get it twisted; I was working on me even back then. I was looking for someone who was whole and complete, not knowing that life is not always that way. 

I can't believe that on this day nine years ago, you decided to make me your wife, knowing I wasn't perfect. I had and continue to have many flaws, but I strive to make a difference in my everyday journey. 

I know you are not perfect, but you are so special to me, and I couldn't do this life without you!  

I only have a little to say in this post cause there is much more I could tell, but it would take more time than what I have today. 

Here's to Life...

 

Here's to Love...

Family 2024

 Family

Today is January 9, 2024

 I can't believe that we are already close to double digits this month. January has always been extra special to me because it is my birth month, not just for me but for all of my immediate family members. 

My father leads us off as if he should, then I'm next, my mother, and last but not least, my identical twin brothers. This mixture of the family has always made me feel as if we have a connection that is and has been identified in my life as extraordinary and special because I believe in my heart that we have a connection that is closer than many because God saw fit for us to all share this month as a true celebration of life, love, and happiness. 

If someone reading this thinks I wouldn't talk about the ups and downs and the great moments in life that we have shared and think it is all peaches and cream, then you are sadly mistaken, but through it all, we are blessed to be close and strong as a family. 

Many families don't have what we have, and I thank the Lord. God has seen us through many of those trials, and it didn't destroy us as a family. 

I pray a special blessing over our family today with the words of one of my favorite scriptures. 

Numbers 6:24-26 NKJV 

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."

Happy Birthday, Family, 

I love each of you and wish nothing but the absolute best for each of you!!

Having Hope While Letting Go!!!

It is always hard to just let it go, especially when it is someone you love. 

One of my cousins has pinned the phrase best, "My first tears of 2024!" I must admit, I didn't see this one coming at all. 

When I saw you last, I was leaving to come back home from Thanksgiving at Mom's, and I stopped over as I would often do, not knowing why the urge that came over was so different than other times. 

Now, know why because you would not make it to see 2024. 

Many memories flood my mind as I remember the many tasks we have done together that bring a big smile to my face. I'll never forget the summer I came over to spend with my grandparents, and why I didn't bring enough clothes. I'm still trying to figure that one out in my head, but that was the year I learned how to sew without a pattern. 

You had some beautiful fabric, and we made several outfits together. I was ever so proud of myself, but to see the big smile on your face when I came out with the finished product, "I knew I had created something worth wearing. I did make some mistakes, but you never once got upset with me; you showed me how to take the seam out and try it again. I loved my little headband that I made, and I thought I was something. I made about 4 outfits with matching headbands. I will never forget that summer and the many other summers that I spent with you. It helped shape the woman I have become in so many ways. It taught me how to help my children, who are adults now, and I pray it will help me be an amazing grandmother one day. 

You and your family have many memories etched in my mind, even all the way back to Dumas. Seeing you at your mom's house, Mama Shirley's, and your brother tossing me up in the air as high as I believed the trees. Big Huge Laughs bellowing out. 

I'm going to miss you. heck, I'm missing you right now, but I realize you are not suffering anymore, and you don't have to worry about what others are thinking concerning your health and weight. You always had the most humorous way of explaining to me what was going on with you, and I'm glad you shared that information with me because you wanted me to be educated on it. It was helpful, and it was taken to the prayer room of my heart. 

I love you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever, Aunt Debra, the mother to many who didn't really understand their mothers. You have been an Amazing Surrogate Mother! 

Rest Well, which I know you are because you believed and were a woman of FAITH & PRAYER! 

Good Bye 2023

How can I sum up 2023 other than Amazing?

I'm grateful for everything that happened in 2023. I have experienced many joys, deep hurts, and pains. 

I have accomplished a lot, all while going through many adversities. I have seen many things that remind me to keep pressing towards my goals and don't stop for anyone. 

I have made many new connections and what I consider friendship for life. I have made many close connections that could have led me astray, but I kept my cool and made sure I remained focused on the main goal. 

I can't believe the reconnection of a family dynamic that I thought was gone, but I always say, "God has a sense of humor, and he laughs at us." 

I'm celebrating all of the friends that I made, even through this blog, and you go with me through my ups and downs. You have always been right here, and I have felt your prayers; I have felt your hurt with me as I went through. 

I must admit that I have been out celebrating 2023 here at the end of the year, and I haven't traveled with my laptop, but let me tell you: You have been on my mind. 

I'm under the weather, I didn't test positive for COVID, but I believe I had a touch of the flu. I will not be out in the air because I have to be back at work when this holiday is over, but just know that I am thinking of you in the new year. 

At my last doctor's appointment, I smiled because I lost an additional four (4) pounds 

Let me say this, to sum up, 2023, 

THANK YOU for the winning life, love, and support. 

With you, I managed to get all of this completed. 

Wow

 Today is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!!! 

ALL I HAVE ARE EMOTIONS

Life has indeed been lifing. 

I got up and received several text messages saying, " You are gone! 

I'm Screaming inside because I just couldn't believe it was true. 

I didn't want to get up and go to work, but now I just want to stay in bed. 

I made my way to my closet to get the prepared clothes for work together and get ready for work, and before I knew it, tears fell from my face. 

I Screamed and threw my hands up because YOU (God) are the only help I know!!! 

The pain of losing you, a dear friend, is heartbreaking... 

Everyone has to deal with this news, and I am not okay, but I will with time.

Man, I heard the song say this morning, "The Sun is going to Shine if I hold out!" but as I saw the sun as I was coming to work, all I could possibly think about was that I was gloomy and sad.

Today, I must encourage myself in the Word of God

Today, I must keep focused that God is my strength 

Today, I must remind myself that you will always and forever be Loved 

It hurts so bad to lose a Good Friend 

I have made some new friends, but I have lost a Celebrity 

Everyone in our circle and out of our circle knows your name... 

As I close, let me be comforted in knowing that God knows your name, and now you are with him along with your mom, dad, and brother that you took care of. 

This part of the country in Arkansas will never be the same... 

I will keep you posted on final arrangements, I can only imagine the people who will be in attendance. 

Lord, help everyone understand and take comfort in knowing the legacy he leaves behind is a work well done. 

Help us Lord, I will have tears all day... this hurts so bad

It's Never Easy

I'll be seeing you in all of the familiar places... 

It's never easy Saying, "See you later!"... 

I haven't said anything because it is still so fresh. The moment in November, I was called, and they told me you were gone. I mustered up the courage and kept going to my mom's for Thanksgiving. The phone calls that I had to make while driving were tough, and the tears came down my face just knowing you were not here with us anymore. 

I was reminded of your words, which you would sometimes tell me, "Death was Sweet!" 

2 Corinthians 2:15-17 The Passion Translation TPT

We have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of the Anointed One to God —a perfume of life to those being saved and the odor of death to those who are perishing. The unbelievers smell a deadly stench that leads to death, but believers smell the life-giving aroma that leads to abundant life. And who of us can rise to this challenge? Unlike so many, we are not peddlers of God’s Word who water down the message. We are those sent from God with pure motives who speak in the sight of God from our union with Christ.

I understood it more in the days to come, and you wanted to remind me it was well with your soul when God called for you. You would be ready, and I'm comforted because you made your calling sure. 

I miss our phone calls and will miss Christmas and all other special holidays. I will miss You checking me out on social media. I will miss you calling after seeing something I would have posted either something about the church or the children (grown folk), and you would have asked about them. 

Now all of our special moments are full and filled with precious memories. 

It's Never Easy, 

but with the 

STRENGTH OF GOD 

WE WILL MAKE IT...

 

Happy Sunday

 Happy Sunday Everyone, 

Some people say it is the best day of the week for them, but truthfully, every day is a good day of the week. I like the fellowship with others throughout the week. When I get to church on Sundays, it is an added plus to see those I haven't been able to see since last week.  

I have been thinking about my mother lately, and I have decided since I know she has hinted she wanted a particular brand of purse, and since I have one that I'm not really crazy about, she can have it. I continued brainstorming, concluding that I could keep my bag (lol). I also realize that she can have it because I have something else that is coming that I really want, and furthermore, I know she will not ever purchase one for herself, so let me send her some love for the holiday. Although I know she isn't getting me anything, it is not really about her, but she is welcome to it! 

The service was good; one of our new associate ministers will be bringing his Genesis message next Sunday at 3 o'clock, and we couldn't be more proud of him. I know that our pastor's wife is excited because it is her youngest brother, and he has been through so much because he is also a Veteran and has fought for the United States.  I'm sure he has a Word from Heaven next week, and I'm anticipating something Good! 

I began this morning thinking that I was going to wear what I wore for Thanksgiving to church, but when I began to put my pants on, I realized that they were not what I wore. The style was totally different (smiling). I put my shirt on and realized that it was not what I wore for Thanksgiving either (laughing). The hairstyle that I wore today is not the same as what I wore for Thanksgiving (lmbo). 

I was laughing at myself, and it ended up being something

I put it together. 

I'm usually cold in church, but today, I was warm because I selected the right combination, and I think it turned out alright. 

I must give photo credit to the hubby; thank you!!! 

I will close by letting you know that I love watching Sunday Night Football...

Enjoy the Rest of your Sunday... 

The Winning Life that Continues to Win in Every Aspect of Life!!!