We all Sin....Right?

In church the cliche or the notion that everyone sins everyday has been around FOREVER. I cant front I used to think the same thing....BEWARE OF RELIGION! See what a religion does is that it sets up a bunch of rituals and thought patterns not always based on the infallible word of the living God. This is a problem....word to the wise just because Sis Johnson or your Sunday school teacher or even your pastor says something does NOT mean it is true. As a mature believer Ive learned to search out a matter thoroughly before I accept it. This isn't to say I don't trust my church leaders because I most certainly do but it is to say that God's word is the final authority not their interpretation. Thankfully for me, they always line up....I happen to attend a very healthy church

But can a human being really live a sin free life? Most would SAY NO! This is probably based on the scripture "All men have sinned and fallen short..." but does this scripture indicate that the sin is continual? NO! It says that at one time or another everyone has sinned and gone against God. Don't get scared.....you are not dammed to Hell...at least not yet. God put together a redemptive plan before the foundation of the earth through the blood of His son Jesus Christ and that message can be received TODAY! Romans 10:9 is a good place to start on your road to salvation.

During Jesus' ministry here on Earth he performed many miracles and did many wonders. One thing He would typically say after a miracle was "go and sin no more". I can recall of two specific times, once with the woman who committed adultery (Jhn 8:11) and the crippled man by the pool of Bethseda (Jhn 5:14). Now if this was an impossible feat....why would Jesus tell them to do this? Its not like he was talking in a parable or something....he was DEAD SERIOUS! So why cant we except the notion of living a sinless life? Probably cause most of us dont want to...you like it! Lets change that....

In my lovely opinion I feel the church has set up a system giving people a fleshy excuse to live their lives any kind of way. In the back of most Christians minds there is that reassurance that He will forgive me based on I Jhn 1:9. Last night my pastor showed us a scripture I dont think Ive ever paid much attention to (not to mention Ive read the entire bible...how I missed it I dont know);

Hebrews 10:26 [AMP] For if we go on deliberately and willingly sinning after once acquiring the knowledge of the Truth, there is no longer any sacrifice left to atone for [our] sins [no further offering to which to look forward].

Look I dont claim to be a bible scholar or nothing BUT I do know how to read and comprehend...this is NOTHING to play around with. Iniquity (habitual sin) will land you in a heap of trouble friends! I cant live for any of you reading this blog but for me and my house...I will do everything I can to expose and remove all sin from my life. I believe its possible. If I fall short IT WONT BE ON PURPOSE, IT WONT BE PLANNED and/or I DIDNT KNOW IT WAS WRONG. For that He is faithful and just to forgive. Stop playing russian roulette with your life...time is winding up. The Earth is slowing giving herself up (take a look at nature...), global warming, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc these things are not just a coincidence...

THIS IS A CLARION CALL FOR HOLINESS! Its time....
You are not missing out on anything....TRUST! I dont feel like Im hindered at all...my life is actually better than before and I can have sweet sleep at night because I am sure of my place in Him. Through salvation we are MADE righteous (we cant do it) but the choice to live righteously is YOUR DECISION. Honestly true believers will long to live righteously....if you dont check your status....KILL YOUR FLESH and FEED THE SPIRIT! Check you atmosphere....if you are the only saved person in your crew...maybe you should find another...they are a reflection of you and your character. If wake up in the morning with plans to sin....CHECK THAT! STOP IT PLEASE! Its time to renew the mind....

Ive been there...Im not perfect. Im just a typical woman who has accepted the way to bring me good success. I am a recipient of grace and mercy. Now I am righteous and live holy because of it...will you do the same?

Peace!

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The Missing Link??

So I was having a discussion with my mother on the way home from church about some of the changes Ive made in my life spiritually. Just expressing the revelation that Ive received from the Word since Ive been under this new ministry. So excited to express these things to my mom...I was just waiting for her to be like "PRAISE THE LORD I'M SO PROUD OF YOU" but that is not the response I got. Instead I received "Ive told you the same things and as a parent it hurts for you to receive from someone and not me". You can imagine that this kinda made me MAD!!! My thinking at the time was WHY CANT YOU JUST BE HAPPY I AM LIVING RIGHT...is there no pleasing you SHEESH! To be quite honest I was kinda pissed at the whole situation....
Like usual I sat down and reflected on what was being said in the conversation because I just couldn't understand what the big deal was about who I received it from. My position remains the same....but the question in my mind now is....WHY DIDN'T I RECEIVE BACK THEN? What makes it so different now then back then. Especially since now I am living on my life very far from any family or friends and could live my life any way I chose...why wait till I become completely free to become "free". Get it? What was the the missing link? Or should I say who....

As a teenager/young adult there is a natural rejection to anything someone that is significantly older than that said individual, right? We all know it. As young people we are looking for that next level in life of fulfillment, we look right to the level of success around us. So for me that would've been the young people just ahead of me, those living the fabulous life, wearing the fly clothes, driving that car, and with the flawless hair. Not to say my mom was not that woman but that she was too far ahead for me to want what she had...those days were past for her and she was/is in a different place in life.

The ones I watched....were doing just about the opposite of anything my mother told me. Gave me the exact opposite advice and guidance. Who was I going to listen to...me being a baby Christian at the time? I'm looking at two women....one who I want to be like the other who I love dearly and want to be like but just not right now. Both seemingly Christian and working in the church. So I took the other route. What was missing for me was that fly link to tell me what my mother said in that way that wouldn't upset my stomach. But they weren't there...

Now is that to say I had an excuse to go down Christian-Hypocrite Rd.? NO! Its to say as a family of believers there is some responsibility. As Christians our lives are not our own...its our responsibility to not be stumbling blocks to other believers.

In my church I know that the teens and the others younger than I look to me. It amazes me when someone comes up to me and says...."Leslie your so beautiful and I love how you live for God....I wanna be like you" WOW! I'm sure some of their mamas are saying the same thing as what I am saying....but how much easier is it when someone you aspire to be NOW says it! That's what you call confirmation people!

I know for me a big part of me making a shift was the group of people I hung with....we all were young, coming from different cities, and longing for a change. Then this man and woman of God showed us how God wanted to use us NOW! All of this in a rusty hotel room.....this same small church now gets over 100 souls saved in street evangelism in one hour and raises over $100,000 in one service less than 3 years later.....YES & AMEN!

The missing link in the church these days are those 19-35! Im so tired of seeing just old people and babies in church. Even more tired of seeing the missing links there but they are doing everything contrary to the word. If you cant take that drink with your Pastor, if you cant sing that song lyric, or do that dance, tell him who you live/sexing with, or say that word when you are the MC at afternoon service....maybe you should rethink it. You are setting the standard for those under you.

I never will forget when I was in "Youth Church", must of been about 13-14 yrs old, two individuals attempted to talk about abstinence. Yet refused to discuss how that meant NO SEX....they bounced around the subject like I don't know what! They claimed it just didn't refer to sex and talked about other things they were comfortable with. It was a devastating moment in my life....needless to say both of these individuals were fornicating...and I knew it. We all were laughing at them the whole time, they thought they were fooling us....THEY WEREN'T! I mean they were still serving so it must of not been that bad....maybe mama was over doing it with the no sex thing....or at least that was the stronghold that began to form in my mind. Not many years hence (well it took a while).....well lets just say NOW I AM THE FORGIVEN!

I am just saying....step up! Stop faking it....cause we all know...and even if we don't....GOD KNOWS! We are responsible for these kids....I wont let one slip by me being a bad example...
Yes we all make our own decisions.....but we are a family....more is CAUGHT than TAUGHT!

That's the love of God.....simply stated!

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Keep it Salty!

First and foremost I must acknowledge that the inspiration for this blog is from none other than the ever so salty Cross-Eyed Robyn! No she is not actually cross-eyed but her eyes are steadily on the Cross of Calvary! She has this catch phrase about us getting rid of swag and bringing in the SALT! This whole salty movement has peaked my interest....

Of course I know the scripture reference Matthew 5:13...we are the salt of the Earth! Familiar scripture right? But before I completely embrace a thing I must have full understanding. I am drawn to the phrase....but why? God always has a meaning that is more than meets the eye I have come to find out. Lets look at the natural....what is salt? What are the benefits? What detriment can it cause? Follow me on this salty trail....we are going somewhere!

So according to a graduate student's best friend (namely Wikipedia.com) salt is an ESSENTIAL mineral. So without it we will DIE...interesting! Point taken! Next we find it is a basic taste and a powerful preservative. It is an important regulator of fluid balance and with overconsumption can cause high blood pressure. Lets review...

1. Salt is ESSENTIAL
2. Salt is BASIC
3. Salt is a PRESERVATIVE
4. Salt is a REGULATOR OF FLUID
   
5. Overconsumption can cause HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

So...lets bring this back to the spiritual so we can apply it to our lives shall we? As Christians we should automatically be the salt Jesus was speaking about. So a Christian should display these five characteristics aforementioned. What does the word say....

Lets start with ESSENTIAL...
To be essential is to be something that is NEEDED. Without the essentials, there is no life. So are Christians essential? The book of Revelations tells us that the Earth would get HURT if it was not for the SERVANTS of God.

AFTER THIS I saw four angels stationed at the four corners of the earth, firmly holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth or sea or upon any tree.

²Then I saw a second angel coming up from the east (the rising of the sun) and carrying the seal of the living God. And with a loud voice he called out to the four angels who had been given authority and power to injure earth and sea,

³Saying, Harm neither the earth nor the sea nor the trees, until we have sealed the bond servants of our God upon their foreheads. [Rev 7:1-3]

Well! That settles that! NOTE: the Word says its the SERVANTS of God who will be sealed not just proclaimers...BUT SERVANTS! Those who labor in this gospel...and that is not just preachers....we all have a ministry to reconcile this world back to God....are you working? So...that's ONE out of FIVE for salt!

Next is BASIC....
I didn't know what to do with this one initially but I was determined to find an answer...
So basic is something that is foundational, fundamental, at the base...hmmm Usually foundations are pretty strong...they last through any storm. Like the foundation of a house. Is this true for the believer?

The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. [Prov 10:24-25]

That's 2 for 2 salt....its looking pretty good!

PRESERVATIVE...that is easy! Reference back to Revelation 7....we are the reason the earth hasn't been destroyed! Sounds like a preservative to me....doesn't it? Only two points left....

A REGULATOR OF FLUID. I like this one because in my current field Ive learned a lot about this aspect of salt. Let me explain, in the cell water always unless hindered will follow salt out or into a cell to keep the cellular environment from being disturbed. If this didn't happen, some cells would shrink and others would burst. How in the world does this apply to Christians? When we see water in the bible it usually has something to do with new life....baptism, floods, rain, etc... Well as believers new life follows us everywhere we go. We carry the GOSPEL (the truth...the key to EVERLASTING LIFE)!

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour. [Prov 21:21]


But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [John 4:14]

We have the answer to new life (Matt 28:16-20)...and those that follow after us will find it and have new life.

Overconsumption causes high blood pressure. Too much of most things usually turns out to be to our detriment. The bible tells to be wise with this gospel. How can our saltiness be a bad thing? We all know high blood pressure can kill you. Well when we "over spiritualize" and get "spooky" by putting pressure on people to conform....it drives them away from us! That pressure we apply can turn away the lost and that will kill them! God is the perfect gentlemen...He will never force us to accept Him...we should be the same.

Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another. [Luke 14:34]

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned (NOT DROWNED IN...) with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. [Colossians 4:6]

So we see here that servant of Christ and salt go hand in hand! With that I'm sold! My aim is to be that pure holy salt you've been missing!

Make sure you check out the saltiest one....my fellow Cross Pusher @ http://ph7vlogazine.blogspot.com/!

PEACE!

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The Tree of Life

Angry, frustrated, pissed off and confused! These are the adjectives that would describe how I have been feeling right this past week (and even now writing this blog). Yet I am a child of a the King, a royal priesthood or just simply I'M SAVED! The joy of the Lord is my strength, right? What place do these types of emotions have for a Christian? Now I'm even more frustrated because I don't know why!!! How often do we feel this way and how often do we wallow in this low state of mind. I cant front it is comforting to be down in the dumps and everyone kissing your behind to figure out whats wrong...attention of any kind is appealing when you not feeling like OptimusPrime. Now that is straight from the TRUTH.COM....don't front y'all! At the same time I just wanna be Dallas again....cracking jokes, laughing and eating some good viddles! So what is we to do? I need understanding, I need answers, I need comfort and I don't want to talk to anyone. Psalms 119:130 says "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Sounds simple right....well why do we run to everyone or everything else when the answer is clear? Well, Ive decided not to be just a hearer but a DOER of the word...so I open my devotional bible. Now the first entry starts in Genesis 1:1....my first instinct is THIS IS NOT IT! Though its wonderful that God created the heavens and earth I just really don't want to read about this right now....give me something else! But that salty Holy Ghost swag in me just prompts me to continue on. In other news, get filled with Holy Spirit He (notice "He" and NOT "it") is such a help to you if you allow Him to be.

We all know the story, heard it many times before but this time it was different for me. This is truly an example of how the Word of God is inexhaustible, new revelation every time! I get to chapter two and one familiar verse just POPS out! Genesis 2:9 "And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." So?!? You may ask. Something about that tree of life piece just triggered more study. My first thoughts were "Isn't Jesus Christ the tree of life? Does this mean He was in the garden....I WAS HYPE about that discovery. Hmmm....I needed to know!

I embarked on a search of what the tree of life was and my discovery was a help to me and hopefully to you reading this blog. Here we go...

I proceed to look up every scripture in the bible with the phrase "tree of life" and found thirteen scriptures in both the New and Old Testaments. I started by defining what life really means...so according to my concordance it means alive, to revive and flowing fresh (I'll take some of that!). In the NT the definition is even better life means real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever....YESSSSSSS! I need to feel like this....so this tree of life is something I need.

Now after the fall of man God went so far to drive man as far away from the tree of life as He could....not only that but He protected the tree with a flaming sword and some warring angels (Gen 3). He knew that Adam knew all he had to do was eat of the fruit of the tree of life and he would have EVERLASTING LIFE. The bible goes on to describe this tree as WISDOM (Prov 3:18), RIGHTEOUSNESS (Prov 11:30), FULFILLMENT (Prov 13:12), a WHOLESOME (of sound mind, of profit) TONGUE (Prov 15:4), and a GIFT TO THE OVERCOMER (Rev 2:7). Revelation 22 talks about how this tree will yield 12 fruits each month and the throne of God and the lamb shall be there. This tree has a location and similar characteristics to the tree found in Ezekiel 47 (one of my favorite books in the bible)....this tree was able to provide healing and food. Fruit in the bible usually signifies some sort of spiritual characteristic (i.e. fruit of the Spirit)....so how can I access this tree? The answer is found in the aforementioned scripture Rev 2:7, Jesus says to him that overcometh I WILL give access to the tree of life. So my fulfillment, source of wisdom, and all of that is something I had access to all along? The question was not HOW but is THROUGH WHO?

Through Christ is the way of fulfillment! Duh? Yet sometimes I get so caught up with ME and why I AM feeling this way and my answer has been there calling out to me. Wisdom cries out to me my answers but I am too consumed with self to realize. Only through the word did I find my answer, I didn't need to sit on anyone's couch.....I just needed time with my man Holy Spirit (he is the best man you could ever have!). Isaiah 26:3 You [God] will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Ahhhhh I feel so much better!

So you mean to tell me that Eve was deceived with the tree of life sitting right there; not only that but the throne of God was in the tree!!???!!! How stupid was she!?! Well how stupid are we when we are saved, filled with Holy Spirit and we fall? Pretty dumb I would say. No wonder He drove them so far away from the tree.....God's throne can't dwell with sin! Praise God for Jesus, through Him we can find refuge at the foot of the tree seated at the throne of the most high God! His grace is sufficient and his mercy is new every morning...its not too late access that Tree of Life today. Isn't he sooo good! Jesus is the ONLY way and he is just standing there waiting for you! Romans 10:9 will show you the way....don't let the enemy steal your joy!

Now you go get in your Word....what will your revelation be today?

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So Fresh and So Clean

This is random....let me tell ya!
So I been on this cleaning tip lately...trying to get my house in order should I say. While doing so it has made want to get my skin in order as well. Most people would say I have beautiful skin, I get compliments on it all the time. I must admit my skin has been approved by the truth.com! But lately my skin has been lacking its luster :( so Ive been looking for a new soap to use...the only problem is my skin is VERY SENSITIVE so I am limited in my choices. I wanna smell good too though! THE AGONY! So Dove has come out with this new line called GO FRESH! So I decided to give it a try here it is....
I was a little apprehensive about it because of the strong aroma coming from this body bar. That is usually a tell-tell sign that my skin is going to erupt in an itching frenzy after use. Since Dove has such a good repertoire with me Id figure I would give it a shot.

As usual DOVE never disappoints! This bar smells absolutely delicious, the 1/4 moisture bar is infused with nectarine and white ginger...doesn't that sound delightful. I must say that it does! Not only that but it holds to Dove's standard of NOT leaving that awful residue that soap usually leaves behind NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU RINSE....ugh! YUCK! The citrus aroma is not only refreshing to the nose but it also helps wake you UP! We can all use that on those mornings when we just cant get it together honey!

I give this beauty bar two thumbs and a big toe UP! I would highly recommend it....

Don't I look clean...hehe!

The bible says we should have CLEAN hands and a pure heart....hehe!

SMOOCHES!!!!

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MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT!!!

MY VERY FIRST BLOG ON THIS SITE!!!

Well as you all know I have a sweet tooth and that I am always on a quest to find a way to satisfy that while keeping the calories LOW!! Well my lab mate introduced me to a new frozen yogurt sensation called MOCHI FROZEN YOGURT. What is mochi you may ask....well its actually a rice snack typically found in Asian cultures. It has nothing to do with the actual yogurt, they do actually offer this snack as a topping along with fresh fruit, nuts, granola and much much more...

I must say I was a bit hesitant to try this treat because of the smell I encountered when I walked in the shop....a bit of a pungent, sour smell filled the room chile....YUCK! NOT THE BUSINESS! WELL HONEY when I tried my FREE sample cup (which they offer so you can get a chance to taste any flavor you want before you purchase a cup).....HALLELUJAH SALVATION AND GLORY! I was in heaven....not only did I have one cup but I had one cup for SIX SUBSEQUENT DAYS...still working on that self control y'all! Its fat-free low in calories and oooo soooo goood. I prefer to top mine off with walnuts and strawberries. My favorite flavors are cocanilla, mango and strawberry-bananna!

One time for Mochi!!!

Unfortunately there is only one shop...located in Gainesville, Fl but the way its making a buzz down here I'm sure there will be one near all of you soon. I'm telling you this place be jamming (pardon my English, I am educated....LOL!) like the LET OUT every night

You can also find similar yogurt at places like Pinkberry or Lollicup!

http://www.mymochiyogurt.com/
www.pinkberry.com
www.lollicup.com

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Smoothies.....BEWARE!!!

Older Post from other site....June 22, 2009

Hey Now!!!

I'm back again to talk about my favorite summer treat....SMOOTHIES!!! Woooo!

Man on a hot summer day (especially living in Florida) there is nothing more refreshing than a tall cold glass of water or the sweet delight of a good ole' fruit smoothie! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Calgon take me to the smoothie shop! NO! DON'T DO IT! Ive done some research on pre-made smoothies...NO BUENO KIDS! Though they claim its a "fruit" smoothie there are hidden belly bulgers hiding inside. Most pre-made smoothies are made from fruit purees (packed with additional sugars), SUGAR, ice-cream, high calorie juices and a bunch of other mess you dont need!! They are soo good though....I WANT ONE RIGHT NOW!!!

There is a solution to this....its called MAKE IT YOURSELF! Ive been making smoothies for a few months now and I must say that mine are just as good and sometimes better than your local Smoothie King. Did you know that a smoothie from Smoothie King can have up to 11oo calories! ELEVEN HUNDRED CALORIES MAN!!! (Generally 350-500 calories in a 20 oz smoothie) Ridiculous!

Here's how I made a typical smoothie!

3-4 frozen strawberries
3-4 chunks frozen mango
3 tablespoons of low fat yogurt
4 oz 100% juice (whatever you like)

BLEND IT UP.....its about 165-200 calories per glass (16-20 0z glass)!

Now the thing is smoothies are not really a beverage that you drink on top of a meal. You will go over your calories if you do. This is my problem....I WANT LIKE 5 of them a day plus normal food....gotta get self control....I know Im working on it!!!

Hope this was helpful to someone!!! LOL!

Toodles!

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Snacks of the Day II

Older Post from other site.....June 17, 2009

Im back with more snacks people!!! Get into these crackers guys:




Special K has been known for the past few years for helping folks lose the extra poundage they may have gained over time. Prevention magazine recommended these as a great healthy snack. I must say these small packs of crackers hit the spot around 11am at work when you just need SOMETHING to eat! The very first ingredient is WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR...that's what I am talking about FIBER! Keeps ya nice and regular! LOL! Next is Raisin Nut Bran!!! YESSSSS! I love this cereal! Another whole grain item that gives your morning (or anytime for that matter) a boost. In the morning and late at night are my hungriest times of the day so this cereal keeps me from eating like a bulldog throughout the morning. Remember simple sugars get digested QUICKLY and leave you HUNGRY AND RAVENOUS!! This is why you cant just eat one potato chip....these manufactuers know what they are doing....they changed the box up so let me show you....



Next is a little treat! I love sweets yall...my new motto is MODERATION NOT DEPRIVATION! When I completely deprive myself of something...I end up attacking that item in the midnight hour like a hawk swooping down on a poor squirrel. So I give myself a bit of happiness through this precious treat:


I love these! Each roll is only 90 calories! BEWARE once you eat one...those signals will SCREAM EAT ANOTHER ONE! I have actually eaten a whole box in a day....DISPICABLE and a DISGRACE! Its one of those simple sugar items. So this is truly a treat to have once and a while. Since I love candy so much....I do these sometimes.... With that Im Out....LOVE YA!

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Snacks of the Day!!!

Ive decided to come on every now and then and give you guys my picks for healthy snacks of the day! I love this blogging thing! If any of you are like me you know how it is to be HUNGRY (or just plain greedy) ALL THE TIME! That is not entirely a bad thing! Studies show that frequent eating can help speed up the metabolism and help you LOSE WEIGHT (the bane of my existence!!!). So snack lovers dont be dismayed....you can keep your snacking habits just got to switch up the doritos for something else (you can have a bag every now and again but everyday....just trifling!)....LOL! I am a delivered Doritos addict let the church say AMEN!


Now on to the first snack....if you follow me on twitter or facebook you already know what Im about to say....





CRYSTAL LIGHT HAS DONE IT AGAIN FOLKS! Have you ever just eaten a sensible (or maybe not so sensible meal) and withing 30 min you want something else to eat! I have! I hate that feeling because you feel like a big ole glutton! Well, the Lord God almighty as downloaded a witty idea to Crystal Light and has come up with this to save us all! It contains 5 g Fiber (WE NEED THAT...) 3g Protein to satisfy our hunger pangs between meals and snacks. AND IT WORKS!!! I started drinking it at work....it really curbs the appetite and only at 30 calories! GET IT!





Next here are these cute little crackers! I keep a bag in my desk. Who doesnt love goldfish?? Now who told them to add whole grain to these crackers....YES! Im glad somebody is filled with Holy Spirit over there at Pepperidge Farm...because they heard my prayer! Like most of us, I desperately need fiber in my diet and dont get it like I should. This is a good way to get some in! You can have 55 goldfish at under 200 calories....that is alot of fish! LOL! No artificial flavors, they are baked and they taste GOOOD! I highly recommend it!

Dont forget your fruits and veggies too...they are always good to munch on as well....

Thats all folks! Love ya! Till next time...

Look out for Slim Down Saturday #18!!!

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The Fight to Beat the Range....

Older Post From Other Site....June 8, 2009

Its crazy how this blog has turned into a weight loss channel! Since that is the pressing thing going on at the moment....that is what I talk about! Go figure! I have noticed that my body fights the hardest when its going into the next range. What I mean by range is into the next set of ten pounds for example going from the 230s to the 220s. Each time I get close to the next range I have the hardest time staying in the lower range. Currently I am fightng to stay in the 21xs....I think I finally have beaten the 220s for good! YES! I cant even believe that I weigh that much but it is what it is...no need in pouting about it....I have a problem with it so Im taking care of it ! Hey I used to weight 236 so 21xs sound real good right now....IM ON MY WAY FOLKS!

Also my new obsession is Mafia Wars!!!



Minister Addrianne why did you put me to this game!!! I have been fighting, stealing, and collecting loot ever since! LOL! They don't show you anything and I just think of it as slaying demons, I mean we are in a war right? If you are on Facebook....JOIN MY MAFIA SON!!! Im currently a street thug moving up in the ranks....I just recently whooped this crooked cop....and stole his badge! So get on my side Im moving up!


On a even more random note....Im making sweet and sour chicken wings for dinner with green beans or collard greens havent quite decided which one! Holla at me friends....till next time!

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Big Changes Going On....

Older Post from other site...April 30, 2009

I am making major changes in my life right now....

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel lost and wonder why I am I here....you hate what you do and you cant seem to find your way out? Well that would be my situation for the last year. I have always loved science and desired to be a doctor since I can remember. I did the necessary steps to make this dream come to pass. I got into Medical School to do research and thought that NOW I HAVE ARRIVED! At first everything seemed great....I loved where I was and what I was learning but then it happened. I started to get into this research field and realized....I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS! I found out that my life wouldn't be filled with finding cures and playing with chemicals and fascinating situations but I would be confined to a desk writing grants and in intense competition for the limited funds available just to keep my head above water. O NO! I cant stomach that for the rest of my life. I have learned one thing about myself during this journey....I like to teach! I love to teach! Most of you know that I am a teacher in ministry at my church (those who didn't know...now you do!). When God initially brought this to me I was like EWW! I hate teaching....but you never know what you like until you try it (unless that thing is a sin...dont try that stuff... just a tidbit for those with smart mouths who may say something foolish Marcus)! Same goes with the things you like...I thought I liked research but now I see I dont like it as much as I thought. I refuse to be unhappy for the rest of my life just to have a title and some letters behind my name.

So whats next...
I am in the process of changing my track for a PhD to that of a MS so that I can really pursue teaching. Who knows in the future I may want to go back and finish...I seriously doubt that. Im just saying....
I am a bit nervous about how this whole thing is going to play out but I know I am not happy and I need to do what I want to do...I know I have been shown a way to reach that place and that is not by happenstance. My advisor is more than supportive and can see that this field is NOT for me....

So you may wonder what I want to do with my life...I want to of course teach science maybe physiology or biology as well as advise students especially at junior colleges or small universities....those students are always lost without direction....

Im happy so all I ask is that you be happy for me in this process. Love you guys!

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High Price...

Older Post from other site....February 16, 2009

I am always on a quest of higher learning....
I feel it is essential to life to know as much as you can about whatever you are passionate about. My aim is to be completely Kingdom minded. For those that may not know what I means basically it means I want my top priority to be things to build God's kingdom. Yep! That's what I want. When you want more from God it comes at such a HIGH PRICE not that I am complaining but that's just the way it is. You have to be willing to deny yourself of the things you want to do to please HIM. I have been learning about the gifts of Holy Spirit and how to walk therein....and I WANT IT! I want to flow with God like I see so many others do...but that means more time in His word/prayer and less time chilling and sleeping (WHICH I LOVE SO MUCH!). One thing about God, he will tell you exactly how to get what you want....but you may not always like it. During my prayer time he dropped a BOMB on me....what you may ask. He called me to fast....not for one day but for NINETEEN days...what a random number right? Well, its not so random because there is a big event popping off in 19 days that is very important to me (all my Trailblazers say HEY!!!). I have some questions I want answered (like why do I operate in so much fear and how to stop) and some things I want from God so I gotta deny myself to get em'. Pray for me because fasting is not my strong point. Its not too bad just cant have meat or bread....which may help me with my Slim Down Saturdays....
So I get 2 for one....LOL!
Till next time....

The Nine Gifts of Holy Spirit found in I Cor 12:1-11

1. Word of Wisdom
2. Word of Knowledge
3. Gift of Faith
4. Gift of Healing
5. Working of Miracles
6. Gift of Prophecy
7. Discerning of Spirit
8. Diverse Kinds of Tongues
9. Interpretation of Tongues

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Reading is soooo FUNDAMENTAL!!! Negative Calories....

Older Post from Other Site February 3, 2009

As I am sitting at my desk on a break chewing on some celery and I decided to go to one of my favorite websites... www.caloriecount.about.com to find out how many calories are found in celery (just out of curiosity). WELL! To my surprise (well not so much) celery is really low in calories but not only is it low in calories....here comes the surprise part ITS A NEGATIVE CALORIE FOOD! What is that you may ask....thanks for asking I'm about to tell you. A negative calorie food is one that when eaten raw or lightly cooked the body burns more calories digesting it then it was worth....SAY WHAT SAY WHAT!!! That made my whole life have more meaning....get into the negative calories people! Here is a list of other negative calorie foods....so help me Holy Spirit....I am applying this gold mine of wisdom to my life. I was perishing for a lack of knowledge! I know most of you dont care about this stuff....but I know deep down in my knower that this helped some of yall....so receive it and go to Super Wal-Mart....I'll see you there!
The ones that are bold are the ones I like particularily....we all know this site is all about what I LIKE!

Fruits

apple
cranberries
grapefruit
lemon
mango
orange
pineapple
raspberries
strawberries
tangerine
papaya


Vegetables

asparagus
beet
broccoli
cabbage (green)
carrot
cauliflower
celery
Chile peppers (hot)
cucumber
dandelion (WHAT! Who is eating flowers....come on!)
endive
garden cress
garlic
green beans
lettuce
onion (THANK GOD...cause I love them)
radishes
spinach
turnip

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Frustration with flucuations.....standing on my faith project!

Older Post from Other Site....January 29, 2009

Hey Y'all....

I haven't blogged in a minute because I been doing the video logs lately which I plan to still do.... I know many of you were like what in the world is Leslie doing on youtube telling her business....lol! I know it may seem crazy but its so therapeutic for me to let it out...plus its fun to do the editing on windows movie maker. If you know Leslie you know that I to talk especially about myself (being that I am so wonderful)! As far as my weight loss goes...I'm VERY (and I mean VERY) sensitive about it...and talking to some of y'all face-to-face puts me at risk of getting offended (even by a facial expression or me perceiving that you are not understanding my plight) so talking to my camera avoids all that until I am ready to talk to folks.

Now on to the subject at hand....
I have never and mean NEVER worked out like I have been doing this month in the 28 years I have blessed the planet Earth with my presence. I mean Ive been sweating so much that my carpet has been wet....now you know that is disgusting! The first week I lost a lot....but after that its been a struggle. My weight fluctuates all the time....one day I ate some trail mix (a lot of it....I must admit) and gained FOUR pounds....like I know that it takes a 3500 calorie excess to gain a pound so you mean to tell me I had a 14000 calorie excess....GIVE ME A BREAK! I barely eat over 1000 calories in a day....so what is the problem? I drink so much water that my pee is completely clear...not even a tint of yellow....

I must admit that I do see some things in the private arenas of my body changing slightly...and this is probably mainly from the weight training I been doing....but I need the fat to be off....I really could care less about muscle tone....I just know strong muscles=more fat burning otherwise I wouldn't lift one pound....can you feel my frustration?

Well thank God for the changes...I don't want to be ungrateful because I appreciate any change. My pastor recently gave me an assignment to find a scripture and every time you find yourself getting frustrated you speak this scripture (namely a faith project)....this way you can begin to meditate on the word and rely on it when you are faced with difficulty instead of using my minor intellect (don't worry I know I'm still smarter than most of you....lol I'm playing....)

So I found two scriptures that Im standing when it comes to this weight loss thing because it consumes my whole life (it can apply to other things too)

Hebrews 12:11
All disicipline for the moment seems not to be joyous; but sorrowful, but those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness

Phillipians 1:6
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who begun a good work in you shall perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ

SO I'M STANDING AND SOLICITING PRAYER! Only pray for me if your prayers have some authority behind namely Jesus Christ....please DO NOT pray for me if you believe in something else...BYE!

PS- I am losing...just not as fast I would like....but in due time I will yield that peaceful fruit!! 74 lbs to go....JESUS THAT IS A LOT!!!

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Birthday Blog

OLD POST FROM OTHER BLOG....January 8, 2009

Happy Happy Birthday to me!!!

I cant believe that I am 28 years old today...I can clearly remember being in elementary school like it was yesterday!!! Even though some people like Victoria (love you boo) would say DANG YOU ARE OLD....lol! Quite honestly comments like that used to really hurt my feelings BUT now I am just grateful that God allowed me to be this age. I am have accomplished a lot and the sky is the limit for me. There are so many who didn't make to this age that I know personally and just from the news. Either they are dead or in jail for long extended periods of time which is almost as bad (well not quite but it sucks). I used to be really insecure about being older than most of my counterparts since I got kicked out of college for lack of effort and an abundance of marijuana (if you don't know the story just ask). I used to be afraid of people asking me why I was still in school or what took me so long to graduate because I was ashamed of what I had done. I know now that every experience bad and good can be used for God's glory once you get your stuff together (and NOT before...get you life in order folks) because all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord. No God did not cause me to get kicked out of college, no God didn't lead me into ill advised relationships, no it was NOT Him who initiated any bad decisions Ive made (that I still make sometimes even now) BUT it was God who had angels all around me and whose grace is sufficient that I didn't really get myself into some real foolishness. It was also God who restored my dreams and set me back on a path where I can actually achieve something; now it is up to me to make those dreams come to pass. It causes me to have what is called a TESTIMONY so I can prevent someone from making the same mistakes Ive made. PLEASE DON'T MAKE THEM, some mistakes stick with you forever and you have fight yourself/emotions to not get involved yet again. TRUST ME FLEE FOR YOUR LIFE!!! Emotions are evil when out of control....kill them! KILL EM DEAD! Well just divorce yourself from them so you can make wise decisions. So 28 aint so bad I'm so excited about what is gonna happen in this age bracket; my job is to just keep myself where I can be abundantly blessed!!! Quite honestly I look great so whatever age I am is where its at....get like me people!!! Come around July....its gonna be a real PROBLEM!

I am accepting gifts and best wishes at this time....you know the number or the email address of just leave a comment RIGHT NOW!!!!

Oh yeah the Gators better win tonight that would be AWESOME!!!!
For those who are out the loop of college football the Florida Gators are playing for the BCS championship tonight against Oklahoma

DO THE GATOR CHOMP!!! WOOOO!

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