the BIG reveal is here!

I'm not sure I know what I'm doing. But Monday is here and marked on my iphone calendar is: migrate my blog. Please be patient with me as I try to blend both sites together. 

So as not to confuse anyone else but me, this is the last of posting I will do in this "orange setting." 

Sparrow gets a makeover:) And it happens today!!!!

I will provide the link below to take you over to my new blog. And then if you want to continue to follow me, there is a place to sign up with your email address on the new site that will let you know anytime I post something new. Very EASY.

You still with me? Okay, here goes the new link. 

http://ahopskipandaleap.com/

My new blog is called: a hop, skip and a leap

All my "old" content has been moved over to the new site and categorized. I invite you to click the link above to see the makeover:)

I leave my last posting on this old site with one last project. The caption reads:

You thought I was kidding: porch before & after

And here I am enjoying the first 80 degree day in my blue chair. 

See ya around the corner at a hop, skip and a leap ahead! 

margi

PS - if for some very good reason, this doesn't go through like I envision it, please let me know! I've learned a LOT on this tech process but am still learning. I hope I know what I'm doing! If I lose you in cyberspace, you can still find me:  monkjo@live.com

before I forget

I am home. Standing before the mirror washing off traces of what is left of my makeup, I stop a minute and look into my eyes. Eyes tonight that have seen too much of the "ugly" side of life. Eyes that will soon close in needed prayer and rest.

Chuck and I spent the past five hours in the presence of three transitional homeless families. We read to and played with precious lively children. I got to hold a sweet baby boy while bottle feeding. We shared our supper with them. And while crunching on tacos, we heard their stories.

Three moms who live in a world vastly unlike mine. A world that I can't fix. The best we could do was what we did.

Mostly listen.

Offer a few affirmations of how far they have come this past year, or how hard they are trying in their parenting class, or "good job, you made it 20 months drug free!"

Before we slipped out the door, I hugged them and in a quiet spirit of love, I shared with them about Someone who loves them greater and cares about them. Briefly I shared that though my struggles look different than theirs, I still need hope and I find it in Jesus. 

"Can I sit next to you?" 

This from a little girl with dark eyes and 25 colorful barrettes bouncing around her head. She will never know how her one small question stirs my heart, twirls around in my mind and settles into my soul. 

Yes.

There is room for you. 

Because Jesus gave me a seat at the table, I am compelled to invite others to join me. 

And the point of Easter? Oh wow oh wow oh wow!

His rising grants the power to change me. Saved and delivered from my sin, by His grace! 

Hope for broken people, people like me, and three moms on the other side of the world. 

Can I hear a Hallelujah?

All together now, "Hallelujah! He is risen indeed."

Easter blessings,
margi

PS - Stay posted. There are some changes coming to my blog. I'm trying to contain my excitement :) I can't wait to share it with you but first I have to clean out our screened porch. If I don't show up for a couple weeks, I may be buried either under the piles of junk, or piles of snow!  

monkjo@live.com  Always happy to respond to comments/questions.

funk, flunk and framework

So, here is my question for you. 

What do you do to pull yourself out of a funk? Or when you feel like a flunk?

I've noticed most often it happens when I am operating outside a framework. 

Now that I have the three words of my title in the post, I will tie it all together, eventually:)

First, here is some life on my non-funk days . . .

New raincoat purchase that I got to wear with the warmer temps this past week. No boots! Walmart $27. Love the POP of color! (Scruffy never one to be left out of a post.)

 

Finding Spring in hostessing. Simple menu: Stuffed Shells & Green Salad

Home organization. Jars & Bins

All work and no play. My first French Dining experience. Downtown Cleveland with the Fab5 Bible study pals. 

From French to Home Comfy Food. From my oven.

Walking 3 miles now and actually enjoying it. Who woulda thunk it? 

If I ended the post here it would be only telling some of the story. 

One of my determinations in life is to be authentic. 

Sharing not only good and great days but also struggles and failings and funks and flunkings. 

The days where words don't write. The bed calls you back. Energy seems to have left your address. Vision has blurred. 

Back to the beginning question. What's a girl to do to get her mojo back? 

I find that to keep my 118.2 pounds off that I lost last year, I need to operate within a very clear framework. Bouncing around doing what I feel like doing pretty soon has me nibbling plowing my way through Applebee's chip basket. 

Same with the rest of my life. 

God gave me a verse this week that is so simple. So simple I was able to memorize it in one sitting. 

He found me a framework to adjust my thinking and my heart.

"Trust in God, and do good. Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."

           Psalm 37:3 

God knew I needed some simple instruction to pull me up. 

Trust - lean into God even when I can't see where the day is going.

Do - not what I feel like doing but what makes God smile on my day.

Dwell - (in the land? Still working my way through what this means.) 

Feed - not on chocolate but on God's faithfulness. Befriend His help.

I wish all our days were sunshiny and energetic and walking perfectly with our Savior. Mine aren't and I've a feeling there might be 1 or 2 or 10 of you whose aren't either.

Practicing a few verbs can bring about a big change. Verbs that are inspired by our Loving All-Powerful Designer. A Designer Creator who loves us too much to leave us living as flunks. 

From Funk to Fabulous. Yes, it's possible. Not because I say, but because God says! Now there is something to DWELL on:) 

margi

monkjo@live.com  Always happy to respond to your comments and questions. 

cotton candy bubbleicious hot pink & scale report

I found a great deal on a sweater at Target after Christmas. 

Problem - although I loved the pop of hot pink stripes in it, there was too much gray in the sweater. Made the purchase in optimism.

Answer - find a scarf matching that hot pink stripe. Impossible.

Problem - matching the hot pink color. No scarf found.

Answer - change departments. I spy cotton candy bubbleicious hot pink!

Problem - how to turn this little girl's shirt into something scarf-able, preferably without having to dig out my dusty sewing machine in the faraway attic.

Answer - with a flick of the wrists and double turn I bring you a shirt makeover!

A scarf that almost looks like it has a little collar with it! Just for fun!! Shall I pinterest it?

>>>>>>>>>>

In keeping with all things pink and on the subject of scales, ahem......

My taste buds succumbed to these sweet little morsels of delicious sweet Cherry Bread. By day's end, I had nibbled my way through the entire piece. Thank you, Bob Evans bakery.

While one piece of sweet bread didn't derail my scales, the mindset shift did. 

Just a matter of time...

Last Monday morning, as my daily habit, I sluggishly stepped onto the scales. I gained 3.6 pounds in just about one day!

Here is my facebook posting one week ago:

"Uh oh. Football game day not good. Gained 3.6 pounds by eating 3 slices pizza, 8 Chip Ahoy cookies, 3 bowls potato chips and cake and more. Just keeping my record and journey honest. Old habits resurrected. Today? Back to one ingredient foods and surrender. If you have a struggle today, you're not alone."

I'm on shifting sand here. Shifting emotions, fluctuating scale readings, oft crumbling resolve.

It has taken me all week to "recover" from my day of mindless frantic eating. Today the scale reads down 1.4 pounds.

Curled up in my favorite chair this morning I read some words from the Word that stir within me - overwhelmed and entangled but clinging to the Rock, our Stronghold. (Psalm 18) 

Hope whispers. 

I pray you hear God's whispers in your story today. I do.

>>>>>>>>>

I'll close with some happenings at my house. Shared nuts and fruit/sweet tray with an "old" friend. Pleasant afternoon hours rehearsing memories and blessings.

Getting favors ready for church Host Party gathering this week. Playing with tablescape, dinner for 16. 

This is the second time I have purchased a pad of scrapbooking paper at Walmart to use as placemats. 50 sheets of maybe a dozen coordinating papers for $10. I tell you, these beautiful papers have changed my life (insert smile!) Though I'm not a "scrapper", this find has revolutionized my creative juices in setting pretty tables.  

Have a CHERRY-O day, wherever your place is set!

Thank you for visiting!
margi

monkjo@live.com  Always happy to respond to comments/questions!

your piece of the pie

One fork. One bite.

For the past 12 months that was my pizza size serving. I don't remember once denying myself! 

It's all a matter of perspective. 

With that word in mind, an official "Sparrow Welcome" into 2013! Here we sit eight days already into this new year. Eight days of bombardment of goal setting, resolution keeping, habit changing, cardio home workouts, gym memberships and more new diet plans all designed to make us "better people."

A good friend of mine gave me this necklace when I finished my 2012 weight loss journey (her daughter makes beautiful jewelry). 

Sparrow landed. And sparrows love trees!

Perspective. Landing. Trees. (Hold on, I promise to tie this post together.)

I have been asked this question often: "What is your plan to maintain your 118.2 pound weight loss?"

Answer: "I'm workin' on it." A plan, that is.

Here is my very early update: I weigh in every day and record my weight. Three weeks out and as of this morning I am under by 2 pounds. Whew - gives me a little wiggle room as I try on new foods and try to figure this out.

I'm taking a little advice from a tree.

1- Stand tall and proud.

2- Go out on a limb.

3- Remember your roots.

4- Drink plenty of water.

I'm not sure what your piece of the pie you are challenged with in this new year. A little like completing a puzzle, gaining some perspective always advances the progress.

When I look at the slice of pizza pictured above (for all who know me, I LOVE pizza and it is one of the foods that calls my name most often), does it look small? Or does it look like JUST ENOUGH?

I remind myself often (very often) that there will always be enough.

There will always be another pizza pie. And more importantly, while perched in the tree, I am reminded that there is enough grace, comfort, forgiveness, refuge, love, companionship, and promises all from God's own hand that will never run out!

Maybe these inspired words will touch your life like they have mine:

He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because He delighted in me. (selected from Psalm 18)


Twelve months loom ahead of us. A year ago this day, here is what my chalkboard looked like. Began with 7.2 pounds lost week 1.

Whatever small goal or big dream you have in your heart this 2013, go out on a limb. You are in good company!Together we stretch tall and remember our roots.

(And just for the record, is the journey of change and surrender ever going to be easy?  Oh I wish. But that will be another post.)

I'm signing in my first posting of the year in size medium sweats, all comfy and cozy, geared up for the challenges ahead.

With water bottle in flight,
margi

monkjo@live.com  I always respond to comments or questions or if you plain old need some "you can do its" !!!!!

Done. Just begun.

Completed. Accomplished. Finished. DONE.

I landed! From January 3, 2012 to December 18, 2012 - 50 weeks. A filled chalkboard.

 

118.2 pounds lost in 2012

 

This photo was taken last December 11, 2011. Size 3X

 

 

       

 

Today, December 18, 2012, same scarf just on size medium. (A bit fuzzy but you get the idea.) 

 





 

"It always seems impossible until it is done." I love that quote.

 

I'm grateful to God for helping this oh-so-ordinary sparrow. "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7-8

 

I'm grateful to my family who have had a front row seat in this journey of mine from food addiction to freedom. Your love has always been unconditional. Your support means the world to me.

 

I'm grateful to you, my friends. Your affirming words have cheered me on. Your patient following of my journey has been a gift to me. Many of you have prayed for me. THANK YOU!

 

>>>>>>>

 

So, what do I eat today? Same thing I ate yesterday.

 

There is time ahead to make adjustments. Today I am taking a mental break to enjoy this year's success before I pick up the challenges of what lies ahead.

 

Perhaps someone reading this could use a dose of Hope before this 2012 year closes out. Hope for a new relationship, maybe even the most important hope found in Jesus Christ? Hope for gaining victory over a bad habit, hope in establishing a good habit, hope in fresh starts?   

 

I will leave you and 2012 with this photo. If I can do it, you can too. Whatever it is, there is HOPE. (2 legs in 1. The one item left in my closet for this very day.)

 

 

Same heart, different sized-Sparrow.

 

Love & sweetest blessings from baggy-pants.

margi

 

monkjo@live.com  Always happy to encourage, answer and share.

 

 



come on in

Knock. Knock.

Since you are good friends, come 'round the back entrance.

Pick up a blanket and come sit-a-spell!

Morris & Boris are the official welcome committee.

Settle into a chair fireside.

Uh, sweetie, could you drill me some holes? I trekked to mom's woodpile and picked my project. In all its rustic glory it is beautiful when lit. Uh, thank you honey for being on board with every single project I dream of.

Look up! Enchanted Forest. This year's felt tree craft.

Woodland Creatures parade.

Mr. Grumpy made it to the mantel. I bought this book at an antique store this summer while visiting relatives in NY. On my 2013 reading list. Wondering about the plot?

Mr. Snowman patiently waiting... for snow.

And last year's craft tree sits atop silver.

Can I offer you tea? Coffee?

Always remembering Whom this season is all about. Jesus - the One and Only.

Chuck would like to share one of his popcorn balls with you.

Project #2. Hence Chuck's favorite sweet treat! Uh, honey, could you build me a box measuring this by this out of old barn siding?

Perfecto! Isn't he the greatest guy?

My Christmas centerpiece, titled Rustic Glam.

Turn to the right and find some big soft pluffy white mittens. What fun I had stuffing them to hang!

As you peek through these doors you will find Rudolph and Randolph prancing. They have been prancing with us since Year #1 of marriage when Chuck made them for me. Part of the family.

Time always goes by so fast when you visit with a friend. But I assume your calendar is loaded with baking, list-making, shopping, hostessing, caroling, attending, cleaning. In your busy day, thank you for stopping by. I'm honored you came.

But before you go, one most important utmost priority priceless treasure reason of all this season we call Christmas. Jesus' birth to Jesus' death to Jesus lives. God's plan of redemption to save me from my sin, and yours. If you don't understand what God has done for you, my email is happy to explain, and to pray for you.

One last greeting from 37460.

(I will share one very short post next week because I am down to my final little corner to fill in on my weight loss chalkboard. chirp chirp. This last number is where I land. Optimistically speaking. I smile.)

Much love to you. How I love your company!
margi

monkjo@live.com  Always happy to answer, to share, to pray, to encourage.