Just my 2 cents

Today if you turn on your TV, your radio or even log onto your computer you will hear or read about the Syrian refugees. I have totally been intrigued by all of it. I've been reading, googling and listening to the reports and trying to keep up. I know it is way too much for my little brain to ever comprehend, but I'm trying.  I've been having an inner battle with myself trying to decide if the 'American Way' or 'The Christian Way' is the way I (personally) think it should be handled. As a Christain I have turned to digging into my Bible and asking people I respect  questions and thoughts.

As for me, an American Christian, I  do feel that the Syrian Christians & Non-Radical Muslim Syrian refugees need help. They are basically living in Hell, which Jesus doesnt want for any human. They need love.  They need prayers. The need freedom. But why can't we show them love from right here in America? By setting up organizations, mission boards, support groups that can support them from here.

I personally don't believe America, in a whole, can financially support all of these refugees.  Our country is already in so much debt, we have to have Federal Lay-offs, or Federal Shut Downs where we can't even pay our own hard working Americans.  Logically, we should be taking care of our thousands of homeless Vets, that once fought for our freedom.

Here in America we already have our own 'American terrorists' who cause enough havoc and heart ache daily!  So, why should we allow people into our country that we KNOW have terrorist motives. They have made threat after threat....and when you look back they have followed through with every threat,  that our Government has ignored.  It's time to take things seriously and protect our country.

I know a majority of these Syrian refugees do not believe in the Radical Islamic beliefs. But if you read you will see ISIS has infratrated  these Syrian refugees, so they can migrate in, undercover, as harmless refugees.  With that happening, how can we pin point which ones are sincerely Christian refugees and not members of ISIS. It's basically impossible.  There again, our nation can not afford to provide proper screening of every single Syrian refugee, before they enter our country.

There are so many scriptures that we could look up, pinpoint and reference on these issues. We are called to Love everyone, even our enemies, but we are also told not to be naive in doing so.  We can be compassionate and loving from afar, but be wise in doing so!  Plus I don't believe it is sinful to keep our country safe.

This world is an ugly place. And according to Matthew 24, it says we will witness alot of negativity, persecution and hatred before the end of time. Christians it's time to pray without ceasing. Pray Our God provides the right path for America. Pray for our Government. Pray for the Syrian refugees. Pray for our safety here in the U.S.  and even pray for these ISIS members.

These are just thoughts of mine. I'm not asking for any responses, rebuking,  or feedback. I just had to express my thoughts and concerns on this matter. I hope each and everyone who reads this takes me seriously when I say PRAY! Because at this point, it's the best and only thing, as citizens we can do!

God Bless

Oh my goodness

Well I just had a moment. 

I just decided to look back through our Blog. Man how Blessed we are!! Looking back, I started this Blog in 2008. Tristan was just entering in to Kindergarten and Jackson was entering into 4th grade. 
Man where has time gone?
They were such innocent, small, adorable, God Fearing creatures! 

Now look at them......

......Complete Sass, Full of Strength, Over Grown, Beautiful, Handsome, Charming, Smart,  Blessings From Above!!

Where would our life be without them! 

Thank you God!  



2008

2015



The End Results

WE SURVIVED!!!!

The 7 week Lurong Living Challenge 2015 is officially over. Jose and I made it!  All the clean eating made us feel so good, we are going to continue eating this way.  So, we plan on starting out our new year of being healthy, clean and fit! (hopefully we can keep it up)

Everyone that knows me, knows how hard I am on myself.  So, in my mind I feel like I could have or should have done better when it comes down to my final numbers.  Even though deep down I know I gave it my best, I still get discouraged! 

So with that being said.....here are my final numbers

With a total loss of 6 lbs; 2 inches of my waist and hips; and down 3.8% body fat....I feel like a different person. So I can only imagine if  those numbers would have been higher - 

I might be climbing the walls!!!!!

Congrats to all the other Crossfitters who completed this Challenge with us....Some of you have some outstanding numbers!!! With that I want to give a LARGE special shout out to Darcy and Gio for sticking by mine and Jose's side and being our accountability partners - THANK YOU! 

Those pictures I mentioned last time, well.......I will have to gain a little bit more courage before posting them! LOL

God Bless and Stay Fit,

Festivus Games 2015

I have had a lot of people reaching out to me asking me about the CrossFit Competition that I was in this weekend. Not only what I did, but how I did. So let me give you a few definition and a recap of my day.

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program consisting mainly of a mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics, gymnastics and Olympic weight lifting. It is promoted both as a physical exercise philosophy and a competitive fitness sport. CrossFit is Intense!

Festivus Games: a competition for the rest of us! It is a Fitness Competition for beginners, and intermediate athletes. Fire breather athlete are not allowed to compete. Festivus Games is about capacity more than a high degree of skill.

There were 3 levels for the competitors:


THE NOVICE DIVISION - an athlete that may be new to CrossFit, or maybe this is your first competition.
THE INTERMEDIATE DIVISION - someone is a regular CrossFit but is up for a challenge.
THE MASTERS DIVISION - athlete who are 45+ and have the heart and fire to compete

Yes, I signed for the Novice Division. Yes, I have been doing CrossFit for over 3 years. Yes, I am up for a challenge. But, in the Intermediate Division you have to be able to do a unassisted pull up - and this is something I am still working on trying to achieve! So Novice I was (even when some disagreed with my choice)!

My start time was 8:42 am and here was what I had to do:

WOD #1 (Work Out of the Day)
20 Calorie Row (quickly)

AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) in 6 mins:

5 Shoulders to Overhead at 55lbs

10 Ring rows

- 2 minute rest -

Max Calorie Row in 1 minute

(Got to rest for about an hour and a half before next WOD)

WOD #2 - ‘Dead Deader Deadest’
I had a total of a minute and a half to complete as many Deadlifts as possible, at a weight (up to 215 lbs) of my choice.

(Got to Rest about an hour before next WOD)

WOD #3 - ‘IHOP Lose Your Lunch Special’
10 minute Time Cap

12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2

Plate-hop Burpees

Plate overhead reverse lunges (with a 10lb plate)

Sit-ups

Round 1 starts with 12 of each movement of this triplet, then 10 of each and so on

WOD #4 - ‘Maximum B.S.’
Max Reps in 2 minutes of Barbell Back Squats (65lbs)

                                               

By 12:15 I had completed my challenge for the day. I was hoping to have better end of the day results. But I am Happy to say that I completed it all, I didn’t come in dead last, and now I know what to expect for the next competition!

Here were my results:

WOD #1 - I completed 65 Reps and 14 Calories burned in the Max Calorie Row

WOD #2 - I completed 41 Deadlifts with 112 lbs

WOD #3 - I completed in 7:07 mins

WOD #4 - I completed 38 back squats at 65 lbs. 

Which placed me #11 out of 14 in the Novice Female division, out of the competitors at our gym. It was such a fun day! I am so Thankful for CrossFit and all that are always there to help me push myself to new limits! If you need motivation to get your workout done, CrossFit is your answer. Come check it out!

STRONG IS THE NEW SKINNY!

God Bless!

The Life Long JOB, Called Marriage

Marriage - a state instituted and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. The most intimate human relationship. A Gift from God and a sacred institution.

Marriage is a Job.  You have to take it seriously, you have to put in a lot of time and effort, you must be fully committed and you most importantly you must place God in the center.

You say wedding vows on your wedding day, do those vows mean the same thing to you today as they did on the day of your wedding?

In our daily marriage walk we have children, jobs, extra curricular activities and with all these things, plus many more, we tend to have lots of stress.  We are always on the GO in todays world.  For these and so many other reasons we tend to lose focus on our marriage. We forget how important our spouse and our relationship should be. We forget the way we are supposed to love. We lose the spark!

When these things happen it's time to Re-group, Re-focus, Re-connect, Re-spark and Re-charge our marriage.

This was our 4th year of placing our time, trust and money into a Marriage Enrichment Seminar at Winshape Marriage Retreat Center. Not only is it an amazingly beautiful place, the time we spend together there is unforgettable. We learn how to center our marriage around God.....How to love more strongly....How to communicate better....How to re-focus on each other....How to be better for each other.

I have to admit I love my husband more and more everyday, but this time we spend away with each other, does nothing but make my spark shine brighter for him!

I AM BLESSED!

September 24, 1924

91 years ago today, a beautiful soul was born. She has seen many days, many nights, many months, many years, many decades flash before her eyes. And no, she probably doesn't remember every single event that took place during these times, but I know it's been an amazing life!

This Beautiful lady I call "Grandma Bonnie" has been a True Blessing to me!  When I called her this morning to wish her a Happy Birthday, it was a happy but sad moment all in one. She wasn't quite sure who I was, nor did she even know it was her birthday.  After a few minutes she did request that I sing Happy Birthday to her! LOL. (and no that request was not met)

I have not always lived near Grandma. We've gone from living about 1,500 miles apart to now about 200 miles apart. So as I grew up, I didn't get to experience the wonderful daily hugs and kiss that a Grandma gives to her grands. Even though there was no doubt in my mind that she did and still does love me, those hugs and kisses would have been a treat!  As she has gotten older, it's been sad to see her slowly deteriorate. As I'm sure it's even been harder for my mama and my aunt to witness. But as we know this is called the Cycle of Life.

She has always been a character with the funny things she says to her funny things she does.....From being brutally honest with anyone, to making you clean your shoes off with Kleenex before getting into her car!  She could play a piano and sing any song. She could cook some mean biscuits from scratch. And boy oh boy, do I know where I get my big heart for my Latino man from..........this lady loves her some Latin men! (In fact, She still remembers Jose by name, but not her own granddaughter)!!

I just want to tell her and have her understand how important she has been to me in my life. Even though we have lived miles and miles apart! Her cards in the mail or phone calls at night always made me smile!  She is a wonderful grandma, great-grandmother, mother, cook, daughter and friend!

I hope she has a Very Happy Birthday and has many many more to come!

I love you Grandma Bonnie!

 #Alzheimer's/Dementia sucks!

P.S. Grandma You have 12 more years to go to stay alive as long as your Mama!

God Bless,

The Church......

CHURCH - a body of believers who have been called out from the world by God to live as His people under the authority of Jesus Christ. The church comes together for the purpose of bringing members or non-members to spiritual maturity. The church reaches out to spread the love of Christ. We are the heart, mouth, hands and the feet, who are to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

If you attend worship services, you have heard and learned that the church, is not an actual place. It's not a building. It's not a location. It's not a denomination.

We - God's People who are in Christ Jesus - are the CHURCH and we worship in God's House.

With that being made clear, it brings me to a few questions.....

IF we are the Church, and we worship in God's House (not our house).....

WHO ARE WE TO.........

push members/non-members away?

tell people they can't attend?

tell people they can't be involved?

tell people they can't serve?

tell people they can't worship in the same building as us?

make people feel un-welcomed? un-loved?

discriminate against a sinner? (last I read we were all sinners)

discriminate against age?

discriminate against a race?

Hum? WOW!

Did one of these questions make you fee guilty? It's some crazy things to think about.

Do you see or hear things like this happening?

I see/hear things like this going on, by people who call themselves Christians. And, to me this is basically telling someone that they can't be a believer and they aren't welcomed to worship in God's House. As Pastor Gary said last Sunday, if you are a perfect person you shouldn't be in church. HUMMMM....and I know there is not a perfect person living on this earth!

So, if there is not a single perfect person on earth, then everyone should be in church worshipping God (the church of their own personal preference)

Think of it like this,

What if God told you that you weren't welcomed into Heaven, because you made a few mistakes while on earth? What if God discriminated you? What if God pushed you away?

BUT, as Christians we know, that God would never do such a heartbreaking thing.

God loves the un-loveable, the broken, the sinner, the hurt, the defeated, the Black, the White, the Asian, the old and the young.....

SO WHY CAN'T WE?!
Maybe you need to take some time and think about the way you are acting towards people? Should you be complaining so much? Should you be more loving and caring to those that are broken? Get in your War Room and pray........


God bless

Praying for a Life Changing Event

Well, today Jose and I are starting something we have never done before.  We have started the Lurong Living Challenge.  It's a 7 week online Challenge that combines nutrition, fitness and accountability for the Crossfit Community. (and No Jose has not and probably will never join the Crossfit Box, he still dislikes it).

Throughout the challenge we will track our diet, goals, lifestyle markers, try new recipes, learn and help each other. We are each others accountability partners for life, and if getting fit will change our lives, we will do it TOGETHER. I do believe, that the first few weeks are going to be difficult for us.

As my morning started with this challenge, I will admit I struggled. (And it's only the first day).  No creamer in my coffee, the thought of that almost made me cry! But I did it and I survived!  We will see how this continues.......

We have learned that we will be eating like rabbits the next 7 weeks!

Yes, I am loyal Crossfitter, but I would not say that I am 100% fit nor 100% capable of doing all that I'm sure I can do. I have been doing Crossfit for just about 3 years and yes I do love it (as some of you are already aware). I have become stronger, more fit and more aware of my body through the past 3 years.  I am excited and nervous about this challenge all at the same time.  I want to be successful! I want to see a change! and I want to survive! 

I encourage you as my friends, and as the person reading this to come try some Crossfit. I promise you will NOT be disappointed, nor will you die!  WE say "You will pass out, before you Die".  Just come try it.  You will love it.

So, as I write this today, I just ask that you pray for me! LOL - I need your prayers for this challenge!  Hopefully, by the end of the 7 weeks I will have the courage to share pictures with you of my body and the changes that have been made!

God Bless

All Lives Matter

Law Enforcement Officers (aka LEO's) is any officer, agent, or employee of a state, unit or local government, authorized by law or government agency to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection or investigation of any violation of criminal law. Their motto is to 'Protect and Serve'.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.  For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience - Romans  13:1-4

In any profession you will find, what we call a 'Bad Apple". Even in Law Enforcement. Not everyone in this world is perfect. Not everyone in this world takes their job with pride, courage or stamina that others do.   Not all LEO's should be put in the same 'corrupt' category. Everyone is different.

So, because of the few 'bad apples', why does American portray all LEO's as being corrupt...All Lawyers as being Liars...All Politicians as Cheaters...All Professionals Athletes being druggies...??                

7 Law Enforcement Officers have been killed in the Line of Duty within the last month!
Yes, I said  - SEVEN!   RIP to each one of them;

Lt. Charles J. Gliniewicz - IL

Deputy Darren H. Goforth - TX

Officer Henry Nelson - LA

Trooper Steven Vincent - LA

Deputy Carl Howell - NV

Officer Thomas LaValley - LA

Officer Sean M. Bolton - TN

This is NOT ok!  This is not a Race issue. This is not a Police issue.  This is not a gun issue. I believe this is an American issue and our Government is letting people get away with this.



I believe deep down in my heart that these men and women, who put on a uniform everyday, were called upon by God to be His governing authorities! This is Their Calling!
 
I would love to see these Politicians, new anchors, or spokes people live the life of a Police Officer for 1 day! Just 1 day.  Put on all of their equipment, go out onto the streets, witness murders, abused children, suicides, drug addicts,  rape victims, deadly car crashes, domestic violence, have a gun pointed at you, get spit in the face, have society hate you.....Then put a smile on your face and go home to your loving wife and children, acting like everything is perfect in your world. I bet they will lose some sleep that night. 

American's Law Enforcement Officers are Under Siege and this is not ok,



because

ALL LIVES MATTER!

Friends Please Pray for ALL Law Enforcement Officers, their Families, their safety, their well being and their sanity.  They need it more than ever!

God Bless

If We've Ever Needed You

Have you ever heard the song by Casting Crowns called "If We’ve Ever Needed You?" This is one of those songs that touches me every time. The lyrics are so true and so strong.

He calls on us, but we turn away.

With our shipwrecked faith, the idols rise.

We are so desperate for the Lord, but we constantly turn our backs on him.

We do what is right in our own eyes, and now our children will pray the price.

This is our world! The world with such alarming conditions. The world that erases God from everything. The world which no longer has Faith. The world that has turned to violence. The world that handles things in their own hands. The world that is full of hatred. The world that is in a constant battle.


Why? Why has the world come to this? Have you ever thought about this.......?


Could it be because, we ALL need Jesus. We need His strength. We need His light. We need His hands. We need His love. We desperately need Him in this world, just like the songs says. We need to be reaching out to Him. We need Him to revive us as an individual, as families, as communities, and as a world! Because ......
If we have ever needed You, Lord it’s now!


How can we keep taking Jesus out of everything in this world, but then we turn around and need Him to take care of us in a time of need?
How can we take bible/prayer out of school, but then hand a prisoner a bible while in prison?
How do people question the violence in this world, but don’t want to believe the devil is real?
How do people believe they are going to go to heaven, but they don’t believe in God?
God is not a part time God, so why should we be part time Christians?


This world is in a desperate need of help. We should all be on our knees praying for this Country. Lives need to be changed. Hearts need to be changed. And this is only possible through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


BELIEVE  *  HAVE FAITH  *  PRAY


God Bless

With God All Things are Possible

I heard one of our friends from high school, last night, ask another one of our friends from high school.... "20 years ago would you have ever thought that we would be here listening to Jose Preach?" His response, "No Way!"

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things as possible." - Matthew 19:26

Boy oh Boy, has he come a long way, and to hear his friends make that comment, just makes my smile shine brighter for him. 


I am married to a true man of God.....One who fears the Lord, One who guides our family, One who loves the church, One who is a wonderful role model, and one who loves to share his Faith.


Honestly, 20 years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be sitting there listening to Jose Preach. But again with God All Things Are Possible!


Sometimes I feel like Jose has missed his calling in life. Especially, after hearing him encourage others, preach to others, and share his faith with others. But then I'm quickly brought back to remember that his calling is to be a Police Officer. His job is to Protect, us as a community, and to Serve us all with his faith, grace and love.


Thank you Jose. Thank you for being such a strong Man of God.  Thank you for leading and guiding our family.  You amaze me everyday! And I'm Proud to Call you Mine.


Also, Thank you to all of our friends, family  and church family that came and supported Jose.  He was amazed at how many people were there to hear him! Shortly after the sermon, he did  admit to me that he knew about the "Pack the Pew's" invitation that I had sent out, but he just kept it his little secret!  Which is ok! Because I think he was still shocked at some of the faces he saw in the crowd! 


For those that couldn't attend, no worries......Here is the link!
http://Fbcrincon.podbean.com




Thanks Again


God Bless