50/50 Challenge. I had to restart my because I'd fallen off track. It's been seven weeks, and I've lost 5lbs so far. I'm doing pretty good, if I must say so myself!
Marathon Training. My marathon (walkathon) training starts Monday. I wanted to wait til I bought new walking shoes - the ones I have are about a year old - but alas, the show must go on. I'll get them soon. I don't know what I was thinking about starting the training during spring/summer. It gets crazy hot here in Houston. I have a little under a year to be ready for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, so I guess I'll go on. Don't wanna keep pushing it back. So, here I go!
Fitness Friday
Random Thoughts
Hate. So, on Facebook, there's a group praying for President Obama's demise. I won't put the name or link cos I don't want to give them the satisfaction of having others join. What I want to know is, why all the hate? I can't believe people, who say they believe in God, would spread such awful malice. They can't be serving the Ultimate God...or they refuse to see that He's not happy with this type of behavior. Even Jesus, who was wrongfully accused and sentenced to a death He didn't deserve wasn't so hateful. He had a chance to seek revenge on those who hated Him, but He didn't do it. And before you say because He was God's Son, think about the fact that He was human, too.
Let me tell you, I didn't agree with some of the things President Bush did, but I would've NEVER wished anything like death - or any type of harm - on him. What kind of message are these people sending to lost souls who may be on the fence about whether or not they should join the family of God? I mean, really, people? REALLY? It's okay to disagree with what our president does and the choices he makes, but it's not okay to spread hate. I'm just shocked at how some people are handling this president's election...well, maybe not shocked. I kinda figured people would act like they didn't have any sense, but still. Here's a something to think about: he's president, whether you like it or not. GET OVER IT! Move on with your life. Don't like what he's doing? I've got an idea: run for president yourself! Don't want to? Then stop whining about him being pres. This country...no, this world, doesn't need anymore hate. We've got enough of that, thankyouverymuch. We need people who are going to spread love and do what they can to make positive changes in this world. People like the FB group are really just part of the problem. Ask yourself this: are you part of the problem or are you thinking of a solution?
*Breathe* Now, that I got that off my chest...
Premios Billboard 2010. I can not believe I forgot about this! I was so looking forward to watching the Latin Billboard awards, but I completely got my wires crossed! For whatever reason, I thought it would be next Thursday instead of last night. *sigh* I wonder if they do repeats...
Books. I so can not wait til I'm an author, waiting on the release of my book. One thing I'm definitely planning to do as far as marketing is concerned is get a book trailer made. They're kinda like movie trailers, but of course, they're for books. Just like movie trailers, they get the potential audience excited about the coming attraction. Here's the book trailer for Jessica Brody's, The Karma Club, a book I'm looking forward to reading.
Man-ificent Monday: Cristiano Ronaldo
This week's cutie pie is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese soccer player on the Real Madrid team. The 25 year-old is also rumored to be Kim Kardashian's newest love interest (guess she has a thing for athletes). Ronaldo is just one in a line of gorgeous soccer players from around the world, including David Beckham, Oguchi Onyewu, Fabio Cannavaro, and David Odonkor. I have to say, tho, Cristiano Ronaldo is the hottest of them all!
Word(s) to describe: HOT!
Wannabe Writers
Wannabe Writers is a writing group for the un-published started by Sarah at Confessions of the Un-published. It's a place where future authors can ask questions, share stories, and get feedback. Interested in joining? Click here to find more about how it works.
Where I am in the writing process: I have one finished upper MG manuscript and I'm currently writing my YA. I've queried for my upper MG...no takers, but good feedback. I've put it aside for almost a year and I'm ready to take another look to change things around.
My current problems: Trying to write consistently. The good thing is, I'm a substitute teacher, so my schedule is kind of flexible. Up until last September, I was in school for my doctorate, so I didn't write as much as I should cos I concentrated more on my dissertation. I'm taking a little sabbatical from school, so now, I have no excuse. I'm getting better, tho.
My question this week: What do you give up in order to write? Um, that would be a life for me. Well, considering the fact that I didn't really have a life to begin with, I guess I wouldn't be giving it up. I'm trying to socialize more, tho. All work and no play makes for a dull life.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Ugly Betty. OK, I'm kinda over the demise of one of my fave shows, Ugly Betty...kinda. It was weird not watching it this past Wednesday. I liked how it ended, tho. Glad they left it with the possibility of a Daniel/Betty relationship and didn't just throw them together. At the end, the title, Ugly Betty, came up, then Ugly faded away which just left Betty. Could it be? A new show called Betty coming out in the future??? Am I the only one who noticed that? I get the whole "Betty isn't ugly anymore so she's no longer Ugly Betty, she's just Betty" deal. I guess it's just wishful thinking. And what's this I hear about a possible movie? It's only a rumor, but I would definitely be in the theater opening night if they decided to go with it. I'm SO gonna miss this show. *sigh*
Writing/Business. So, I haven't had the chance to really write much of anything these past few weeks. My family and I are starting a family business and the time has been spent mostly on researching and getting things ready for our business plan. I'm SO excited about this business. It's an awesome idea that God put on our hearts. When - not if, but when - Weakly Family Ministries officially opens, I just know it'll be a blessing. There's no doubt in my mind that it will be...we're in the will of God with this thing. Here's to making a huge impact on the kingdom of God.
It's time to get back to writing, tho. I miss it. I find that, if I go days, or weeks, without writing, my world isn't right. I have to write, whether I'm writing fiction, letters, or just journaling, I MUST write. Now that things are kind of settled with the business - we're waiting for word on our business plan - I can get back to my writing. This means that my novels and blog can once again become a focus. I can finally write/blog consistently. My poor Writing Wednesday story was pushed waaaaay back on the burner. Not sure if anyone was reading it, but no worries to those who were. It'll be back in June with a few changes.
Dancing With The Stars. I wasn't as excited about it as with other seasons, but I love DWTS, so I can't not watch it. I'm so glad Kate is gone. I have nothing against her, but she is not a dancer. Seeing as though this is a dancing show, I'd think only the best would win (but you never know with fans voting). Am I the only one annoyed by Pamela Anderson's 'sex kitten' poses? Who am I voting for? Hmmm. Nicole or Neicy.
And am I the only one who thinks Erin's dance partner, Max is a cutie?
Man-ificent Monday: Jesse Williams
This week's cutie pie can be seen playing Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy. The first thing I notice about him? His gorgeous eyes!
Word(s) to describe: Bewitching
Man-ificent Monday: Chris Evans
The first thing I notice about Chris Evans is his gorgeous eyes. Chris Evans is known for his roles in Not Another Teen Movie, Push, and Fantastic Four. It has recently been revealed that Chris Evans is set to play Captain America in, The First Avenger: Captain America.
Word(s) to Describe: Adorable; Charming
Inspirational Sunday
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
2 Chronicles 15:7
Rae's Thought: Sometimes, you may feel like you're giving your all to God for nothing. It may seem like those who don't believe are prospering and you're not. You may be wondering what's the use of serving God. You're living your life to please God and it seems as though you have nothing to show for it. Take heart! Keep working and glorifying God. You will be rewarded! When? I don't know. How? Don't know that either. One thing I do know is God sees and knows how hard you're working. He's watching and He's proud. He will reward you somehow, someway, someday. Be strong. Keep up the good work.
Random Thoughts Thursday
Challenges. I like challenges...the kind that get my brain synapses fired up and adrenaline pumping through my veins. The weird thing is, the older I get, the more I like them. What's the number one way to challenge me? Tell me I'm limited in what I can do...especially when it comes to my race, ethnicity, gender, or even size. Tell me I can't do something and I'll work hard to prove you wrong. Sometimes, I'm the one who needs to be proven wrong. One of my favorite scriptures is, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). I don't take that scripture lightly. If Christ is the one providing the strength, I believe I can do it. So who are you to tell me I can't?
So, with that being said, let me tell you about a challenge I've decided to take up. About a month ago, I began training for a half walkathon. It was going well until I really thought about it. Why should I stop at a half marathon (13.1 miles), when I could go for a full one (26.2 miles)? I love to walk. Seriously. All I need is my iPod and I can walk my behind off (literally, if I do it long enough...not that I want to lose my behind). A 13 mile walk would be a lot of work, but would a challenge? Not so much. A 26 mile walk, on the other hand, is definitely a challenge. So, I've decided to go for the whole shebang. My goal? Participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer April 2011. We have two choices: (a) walk 26.2 miles - 13.1 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday; or (b) walk 39.3 miles - 26.2 miles on Saturday and 13.1 miles on Sunday. Guess which option I'm going to try?
Even if the going got so tough that I had to do option a, at least I'd be able to say I tried. I'm now realizing (at the ripe "old" age of 33) that I don't want to go through life wondering "what if" cos I was too darn scared to go for something. When I look back at my teens and 20s, I see that, I chickened out on some things. I also notice that there were a few times that I went for it. I participated in a beauty pageant (during a time when I was working on my body image), a scholarship pageant (I won), and kept working during my first year of teaching, even though it was difficult (peeps were surprised I came back). I also got my first tattoo (my brothers challenged me when they said I wouldn't do it) and climbed to the top of a mountain in Mexico. I'm now looking to challenge myself a little more - go a little further out of my zone. Participate in a 39 mile walkathon. Go skydiving. As an author of kids' books, become one of the few people of color that reaches the same heights as J.K Rowling and Stephanie Meyer. Become a successful entrepreneur in spite of a wavering economy.
Oh, you may not have told me personally that I can't do these things, but, society, as a whole, has. And, with God's help, I plan to prove them wrong! Don't think I can do it? Watch me!
Man-ificent Monday: Lamman Rucker
This week's cutie pie is seen in Tyler Perry's recent movie, Why Did I Get Married Too. Lamman Rucker plays Sheriff Troy, Jill Scott's new hubby. When I saw him in Why Did I Get Married, my first thought was wow! When Jill Scott's character ended up with him...OMG! I thought, lucky girl! One of the first things you notice about Lamman is his dimples. Then you see his smile, his lips, his body, his personality...the list goes on.
Word(s) to describe: Hot...Seductive...Dreamy...the list goes on!
Inspirational Sunday: Happy Easter!
"He's not here; he has risen, just as he said..."
Matthew 28:6
Rae's Thought: The women walked along the path, hearts heavy, minds still reeling from the events of the last two days. They could still see Jesus, their Lord, hanging on the cross, body so marred, he was nearly unrecognizable. They could still hear his voice as he cried out in agony. Those hands, nailed to the cross, were the same hands that had performed so many miracles only days before. That voice, riddled with pain, was the same voice that had, with all power and authority, preached to the masses and commanded demons out of the possessed. The women couldn't believe Jesus was gone. Oh, how they missed him!
As they approached the tomb, a violent earthquake shook the area. After things settled down, the women looked up and saw what appeared to be an angel of the Lord, rolling back the stone and sitting on it. The angel's appearance was like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. The women were terrified! The guards were so paralyzed with fear, that they looked like dead men! Although the guards and women were both afraid, the angel only addressed the women. "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." (Matthew 28:1-6)
"He has risen." These three little words hold so much power. Without them, we would have no Easter. Without them, we'd have no Christianity. Without them, we'd have no victory. "He has risen." Because of these three words, we celebrate both Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. I assure you, the whole time Jesus was in that grave, Satan and his minions were holding a party down in hell, thinking they'd won. They thought they'd triumphed over God. In their minds, they'd finally gotten the victory over the One who'd kicked them out of heaven long before creation. Satan had been waiting a long time, since he'd convinced Eve to take a bite...perhaps even before that, to get revenge on God. Those two days and nights were sweet bliss for hell's inhabitants.
But on the third day, something happened; something...out of this world. Satan and his minions looked at the scene of the grave and realized that something was missing. The tomb was still there. The guards still watched over the tomb. The women were still in mourning. But something was missing. Jesus' body! Where was his body? I can imagine God's words coming back to Satan after the fall of man: He will crush your head (Genesis 3:15).
"He has risen." With these three words, Jesus defeated Satan and, because of that, the children of God - all who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection - are victorious. The battle? Already won. Satan? Defeated. God's children? More than conquerors. Jesus died so that our sins may be forgiven. He got up so that we may be victorious. And we are. We've been redeemed! Redeem is defined as: to pay off; to recover; to fulfill; to deliver from sin by sacrifice. Do you know what that means? Jesus paid off our debts, recovered our souls from hell, fulfilled the prophesy of the scriptures, and delivered us from sin by sacrificing his life. So, lift that head up. Put a smile on that beautiful face. WE'VE GOT THE VICTORY! The battle's already been won. Satan is no longer a threat. Jesus got up with all power in his pierced hands. And because Jesus has the power, we have the power. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do all things through Christ who gives us strength. We've got what it takes to live abundant, triumphant, and redeemed lives. "He has risen!"
