Saturday, November 24, 2012

Burdens...

I woke up this morning and as soon as I opened my eyes I knew it was going to be a rough day and I had a choice to make, I could allow myself to have a rough day or I could be thankful for the day given to me, it was another fresh start that God allowed me to have. Well I chose to go with the rough day and as I sit here almost time for bed, I realize that it was the wasn't the best choice.

The kids were wild all day, the just seemed louder today than any other day. But were they really?
Their ears didn't want to seem to listen, but was I demanding too much today?
My dog was bugging the crap outta me, or did he just want some love?
Was it really the surroundings that were making me miserable or was it me making it seem that way?

Today I awoke with some burdens that I have just been letting simmer inside of me, and today I also received a message from a friend who wanted to let me know that she was praying for me and my family. At first I couldn't understand why God would ask her to pray for me. But as the day went on I realized how much I need those prayers.

My life how become so incredibly overwhelming. But in some ways it's overwhelmed with excitement, other ways it's overwhelmed with sadness and the other part is frustration. I think to myself how can I overcome some of these feelings? As fast as I thought it, the answer can right to me.

Am I spending enough time with the Lord? Am I using my time wisely or foolishly? Am I talking to the Lord and praying for all these feelings I am having?  I guess if I have to ask these questions, I already know the answer.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The End has come... or has it?

Well folks my "7" journey ended yesterday and I have to say it ended in a way I never expected. This month I focused releasing my stress and spending lots of prayer time with God. Praying 7 times a day can be difficult at times, especially when you have three wild animals... I mean three children running around the house all day or with you wherever you go. But I tried my best. There were times where my alarm would go off to remind me and I would turn it off and tell myself after I'm doing this I'll pray and then totally forget to do it. I ask myself how I can I forget to spend even as a little as two minutes with God when he never forgets me and is always with me?

While there were certain things that I talk to God about this month, he really showed me he listens. I prayed for one aspect of my life where I need help. Well he sure listened and he sure did put me to the test. One lady I talked to said that she believed that sometimes God has to make sure that what we are praying for is something we really want to change and how else will we ever notice the change if we aren't given opportunities to see for ourselves. Well I noticed and I had a tough time at certain points where I wanted to say "forget it, I can't do this." But I did do it, and it's because He helped me through it.

There was also another burden that has been heavy on heart for a long time that I needed to release and I talked to God about it and He knew it was time. He sent me the right people at the right time to help me through this. He set me free.

So there you have I have completed my journey. I am done. Or am I? Of course I'm not done, my journey on this earth isn't done until I enter the gates of Heaven. I bet you thought the title was meant for my journey that I took. Nope, sorry.

Two days ago, I lost my granny. I was informed in the evening that she was being brought to the hospital. I just felt at that moment that it was time. So I prayed to the Lord to be with her, to take away any pain she may feel. See I know God is our healer, even when sometimes we don't like the outcome. So I told myself to be strong and not to be weak. Time went by and I got a phone call where I fought back every tear so they wouldn't hear my weakness. Then as I lay in bed, the panic started and the fear of death came back. I could see my phone light up and instead of picking it up to hear the news I ignored it and pretended that it just wasn't real. It's been a long time since I've had to deal with the death of a loved one and I'm not quite sure how to handle it. But after taking sometime to read the Bible I came upon this verse that has brought me comfort.

"Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 ESV

So now the question is... has my granny's time come to end. Some may think yes. Me, I think yes her time on this earth has come to end, but she's not gone. I believe that the Lord took her hand, held it tight and led her into the arms of the man she loves and the baby she has longed to see, and they have just begun their life together.

I am sad that she is gone and I know that it's okay to be sad, but I also know she is in a much better place. And the picture that I've made for myself in my head about where she is now even puts a smile on my face.

I Love You Granny xoxoxo

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Month Seven

5 days into Month Seven and I'm sure I've prayed more in the last five days then I have all my life. This month I am focusing on stress which leads me to pray seven times a day. As of right now I pray at the following hours 6:45am, 9am,12pm,2pm,6pm,9pm, and 12am(or whenever my eyes open in the middle of the night because they do EVERY night). Do I remember this everyday? No. Have I started setting my alarm to remind me?Yes. Am I trying really hard? YES.

Prayer has always been something really hard for me to do. I feel awkward and unqualified. Yes I just said I feel like I'm not qualified enough to pray. I listen to some people pray and I think "WOW, they have got it. Where do they come up with these words? I want to talk to God like that." But then I'm pretty sure that even though I may not use smart words God is so happy that I am talking to Him. Even though I'm only five days into this, I realize just how important my prayer time is with Him.

These are times that I can talk to Him about anything. There are things where I need His guidance, I need His forgiveness, His grace. He is speaking to me. He has done some pretty amazing things in these past couple days where I have fallen to my knees and wept. Wept because He is listening to me, He wants to help me. He DOES want to take my worries and fears.

I pray that He continues to lead in the right direction. I'm not expecting it to be easy but I know He is with me.

I put this song on my facebook wall yesterday and it was shared with me at a perfect time, that I just had to share with you all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAifRGI1Fxs

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A Letter To God

Dear God,

  Where do I even begin? I could sit here and write you pages and pages about how lucky I am to have so many things when so many more people in the world have no idea what those "things" even are. I think I should really begin by thanking you for even giving me... or wait for choosing me to have those things. Why me? Was there something you saw me? Did you know sooner or later all those things would soon change my mind on how I felt about them and how I felt about this life?
  
   Well changed happened, it may have taken awhile by being caught up in this world of stuff. You never gave up on me. You saw it happening before it even crossed my mind. Once I got on board with you, it was like we were a team. You had my back, I just had to trust you.
 
     I remember one of the first changes you had lined up for me. It's the one I'll never forget. The one that ripped my heart opened. It was November 2010, I was at a Mercy Me concert, worshipping your Holy Name. It was like nothing I ever experienced before. The band took a break to share with the guests about a sponsoring program called Compassion. As they were speaking, my heart was thumping.HARD! I knew I wasn't going home the same person. I tried to talk myself out of it, I had seen those commercials about sponsoring children and then heard from other people how they don't really use your money to help them. But the time came when you either raised your hand to accept a picture or you didn't. I don't even think I had time to think, my hand just flew up. All I could think was if it's a girl, it's meant to be. You see I was longing for another girl, I needed another girl in the family. Katya and I were being out numbered by boys. It's not exactly the way I had pictured by adding a family member. But there I sit...waiting...watching... this picture being passed down to me. I get in my hands turn it over and there right infront of me is a picture of a beautiful, precious little girl from India. Tears stream down my face. She is now mine to help take care. Some people may be thinking that she has been blessed. But for me I feel like the one who has been blessed. God, you already knew I had three children at home to care for, but you CHOSE me to help sponsor this little girl. Not only will I be helping meet her needs but I'll also be able to help her family. Because you CHOSE me, this little girl gets to go to school. She gets to know YOU. Sponsoring Manisha is one gift that I can't thank you enough for.
     
     The excitement I feel when I check the mail each day. Will there be a letter today? When there is a letter, I throw everything else down, it can wait. I want to know how she is doing. I smile as I see her trying to spell my name in English. Her letters bring me far more excitement than all this stuff I have. God because of this sponsorship, she praises YOU. She loves YOU. Her life is being changed. There is a difference being made.

      I am so thankful you have chosen Compassion to be a part of our lives. You have allowed our family to meet the needs of two other children through Compassion. It's not only for me, but for Chris and Ethan and someday Cohen and Katya.

     You are not only sharing this gift with my family, but with other people around the world. Sponsoring may seem like such a small thing to some people but the change they are making is HUGE.

     God, I pray you continue to share this gift with others, so they too can share their gifts.


                                                         Jo-Anne



Visit Compassion: http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Blog Month for Compassion

Doesn't the title say it all??? I know I have been doing a terrible job keeping you update with my 7 journey, but with this month and with holidays.... well lets just keep that for a different post and let me focus on why I'm really here.

This month which also happens to be my birthday month, I guess you could say that Compassion is giving me the gift of being able to share what a wonderful organization they have. I could sit here for hours and hours and try to explain what Compassion is, but to be honest, I am terrible with words and I would never want words to come out the wrong way. I can tell you that I am a huge supporter of Compassion. Currently in household we sponsor 3 children through Compassion and it's quite the experience to be able to write to a child who is possibly half way around the world from you and to know that you are providing them with needs that they may otherwise go without. These children are learning God's truth because of YOU!!! They are given the chance to go to school and learn. We are able to show and tell them that they are loved.

So here am what I am asking from you. First I ask that you visit the Compassion site and pray for these children, pray that they become sponsored, pray that they are given the opportunity to know Jesus and pray that God protects each of these children.

Second thing I ask is that you visit the Sponsor a Child page. http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm

And lastly if you have children take this time as a family to sit down and learn about other children around the world. What a better head start for you kids then too teach them now about the needs around the world.

Over the month I will be writing posts for Compassion. There goal and my goal is to get as many children sponsored as possible. I ask that if you have read this post, PLEASE pass it along to others. It could be your chance to change someone's else life. Not only that but if I refer the most people to the page I can win a gift certificate to the Compassion Store where I get to bless those in need.

So there you go... now you've read it... what are you going to do about??? Here's where you can start:
GO TO THIS PAGE!!!!    http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Wait? You want me to Wait?

So the last little while I have been struggling with where my life is going and what I am suppose to be doing and where I am suppose to be doing it. I am clearly a very impatient person and I hate waiting, so I talked to a close friend of mine and she found this wonderful poem for me and I want to share with you all.


Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate ,
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."

"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to WAIT?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"And Lord, You promised, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And, Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
'I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.'"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel,
And His eyes met with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

"All you seek I could give and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want-----
But, you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;

"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me;
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You would know that I give and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have last.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if I lost what I'm doing in you.

"So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know Me.
And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still, Wait."
-Wait by Russel Kelfer

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Off Topic

Today I decided that I am going to get a little off topic and talk about a few things that are happening in my life, so please excuse my post if it doesn't make much sense and I go from one topic to the next.

So I think I am almost done week 2 of my spending fast and as weird as this may sound I feel like I have way too much time on my hands. This cannot be a good thing, though I suppose it is a good thing. Did I or should I say we as a family really go shopping that much that we didn't even realize how much we actually did it and how much time we were spending doing it. And here I thought we were making progress with becoming less of consumers. Clearly the process is happening now. Also let me add how tricky birthday shopping can be when you only have 7 stores to choose from and your shopping for a 2 year old. I could have taken the easy way out and just grabbed a gift card, but come on how exciting can a gift card be to a 2 year old when it's not even exciting for me as an adult. But I managed to pull together a pretty good present and I would have to say the birthday girl seemed pretty happy.

Now onto the next thing. Recently I have learned that I am a behind the scenes kind of girl. Ha who would have ever thought that? I always wanted to be a famous person when I was kid...maybe even sometimes I still dream of it. But for the first time I went and volunteered where I had to physically be seen by complete strangers, and boy was I out of my comfort zone. Just before I was about to pull into the place I prayed to God that he would help me get through the evening. Well I made it through the evening and my eyes were wide open the whole time about how blind I was to world around me. Here I thought to make a difference I was going to have to go to a different country, well folks that is not the case. I can drive 20 minutes to see what a difference I can help make. Now back to the behind the scenes thing. Though I will continue to go back to help volunteer, I definetly feel like I am being led to help in creative ways. I never considered myself creative but I'm telling you, it's finally coming out and I am loving it!

Have you ever felt like your heart was going to explode? Ya, me too. I had that moment today when I was given three blogs to read. At one point I was bawling at the kitchen table while a bunch of kids were looking at me like I was crazy cause I was staring at a computer screen. Plus it didn't help that not one but 2 of the blogs showed pictures of Haiti, where I am heading to in March 2013. Yes, let's ruin Jo-Anne before she even gets there. But I will take it as a sign of it preparing my heart.

After today, I sit here and wonder, Why Me? Why I am so lucky to live in such a marvelous place, where I can choose to have something? Why was I chosen to do the things I do? Sometimes people question the way my life has changed. Shouldn't they be happy that I have become a better person, that I want to make a difference? I thank God that he has been so wonderful to give me a second chance. My life is in no way the way I had imagined it to be, but it's far better. So if I need to continue to change for His glory, then I am His.

"For I know the plans I have for you,"says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
                                                 Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, July 9, 2012

Month 4- Spending

Today I start a new month and everytime I start to think about I cringe. So let me first start with how my Month 3 ended.

Month 3 for my family was an overall success.It was amazing to see how much stuff we had in our house and got rid of and I probably couldn't tell you what 90% of it was. The kids all did really good on their days when they had to look for things to get rid of. Super proud of them :) But just yesterday as I was putting stuff away in the kitchen, I had already found myself complaining about that we still have too much stuff. I don't understand why I allow these things to take space in my house if there isn't spot for them. It's because the little voice is saying you may need them someday Jo-Anne. Really? Couldn't I just get rid of them now and then if I ever do need them get them when the time comes? But then I think, wouldn't that be wasteful spending if I already have them and just keep them stored away? See this is how my head works. I overanalyze everything.

Now onto this coming month. Eeekkk, only shop at 7 different places for a whole month. Call me crazy but I actually start to feel a bit light headed thinking about. What if I choose the wrong places? What is my family going to for a whole month without spending money for our entertainment? Please understand this. When I think of family time and having fun, I think dollar signs!!! It's terrible I know.Time for this mamma to get creative. I have already decided that the kids will go get their CRA cards which will allow us to go to the outdoor base pool and swim for FREE!!! And it will allow us to go spend a day at Kingslanding for FREE with of course a picnic packed lunch. I can do this, I know I can. I just have to keep myself away from places that will call my name and tell me to shop. So basically I should lock myself up for the next month. Why oh why must I love to shop. It never occured to me how hard this month might be until well...today.

So you may be wondering where are my seven places of choosing. Here you go:

1) Sobeys-Everyone needs groceries
2) Sobeys Gasbar- We need gas to get around
3)Dollarama- I am dayhome provider, I need supplies
4) Costco- Need a place for cheap milk and eggs
5) Shoppers- This is where I do my coupon shopping on the day of 20x the points
6) Canadian Tire- Who knows when you might need tools.
7) Boston Pizza- It's Ethans birthday tomorrow and it's our tradition to go out for supper

There you go, now you know where I will be when I'm out shopping.

Have you thought about joining in? Pick 7 places to only shop or maybe cut out 7 places to go to for the next month, maybe you'll see a few extra dollars this month.

Well here my family goes...

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Days Are Getting Harder

Day 25 and it's my turn to get rid of 7 things. So far I sit here with a pair of high heels and a star shaped muffin pan. I wonder aimlessly around the house looking at ALL this stuff yet I struggle with finding just 5 more things to get rid of. How can it be so difficult to get rid of some of this stuff. I don't dare touch my beloved Nicholas Sparks books or go down into that basement where my scrapbooking stuff is and take something out of there. You know I might need it someday... someday when I actually decide to get back into, if that day ever comes. What about some more clothes? Guh, didn't I rid of enough already!!! I could probably get rid of another pair or two of high heels....BUT I might need those one day too, cause you know I wear them so often as it now *sarcasm*.

I am lost and completely frustrated that I am struggling to get rid of just 7 things. It shouldn't be this hard. I want a more organized life, this is a good thing. But there goes that voice telling me you need to have that stuff, and you know what else, you should have more. Society is telling me that more I have the happier I'll be, but I really know that is less is more.

Well I'm off to complete this mission today and see what I come up with. But I shall remember this, maybe hang it on the fridge for a good reminder today.

Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destry, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
                                                                                                  Matthew 6:19-21

Friday, June 22, 2012

Cheapo

I am having so much fun with this month. Seriously it's like a game for me to see just how much stuff I can remove from my house, you should see the pile we have going on downstairs. At first I was like okay let's just get rid of 7 things a day but after seeing how much nicer the rooms look when they are clutter free the days to get to rid of more just can't come fast enough.Even the kids are doing so amazingly well with giving away their things. No fights about having to get rid of toys, I will admit though I do stray them away from the books. My family loves books, I'm sure we have well over 500 books and that's only kids books, Chris and I I'm sure have a collection of over 100 between the two of us. But there has been a few where they made valid points about some books and why we shouldn't keep them.

The problem we ran into early on is, what do we do about garage saling. Yes this a weakness for my family, I would probably more so say for me and the boys. We just can't beat those great deals out there. But we all agreed on a rule, if we buy something we must get rid of something else in the house. Works out great.

Here comes my next problem. I am cheap person, I love deals and hate to pay full price for things especially when I know they are going to go on sale. Food is the biggest thing for me. If I can find a great deal on food then it was well worth the wait. I remember once shopping with my mom and I was looking at the discount food and she commented how much I was like my father. Well I guess I can thank him now for teaching me well,haha. But now I feel like I am becoming an even cheaper person. I don't want to pay full price for anything. I know somethings I just have to suck it up and do it, but I just planned out a new project for myself and thought I wonder if it's possible to create this thing free. Not likely, but you better believe I am going to try, so hopefully I will have people out there that can help me. Wink wink to all my friends out there. And I'll be doing my best at shopping around for the items I need.

Well I'm sure you all hear my excited of how much fun I am having this month, I just might not want it to end.

Have you been decluttering your house???

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Month 3 Crazy!!!

Just five days into Month 3 and I have gone crazy. At first I was thinking how hard this was going to day, but this morning I looked into Katya's room and all the babies finally made me realize we have way too much stuff. So with the help of Katya we now have a spot for everything in her room that doesnt involve being on the floor. Giving away some of her baby stuff was much easier than I thought. I thought I was going to have to deal with the meltdown mode. Phew missed that one. So after that I looked into her room from the doorway and it inspired me to purge. So next I started on my room. I want an organized house and first I must start with getting rid of all this STUFF!!! Plus some ideas are brewing in the Orlesky household ;)

I'm hoping that I can somehome convince the boys to get on board and really clean out their room, but I'm sure that's more of wishful thinking.

Now that I think of it, I should have really take some before and after pics.

Well that's just a quick little update. I would also like to thank all of you who continue to encourage me and read this blog. Means the world to me to know that people are cheering me on.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Month 3- Possessions

"It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich." Psalm 37:16

7:15am I wake up to hear the tv already turned on and to see my son watching it. *sigh* Did you really miss the tv that much? I'm guessing so. Yesterday was our last day of very limited technology, and I have to say I am pretty proud of my family. I will admit that my last week was awful for texting, but it was really only to 2 people. One of them is my little sister who I have a hard time ignoring, the things she tells me makes me laugh and be thankful that I am in my late twenties,haha. No offense baby sis. And the other one is one of my go to girls and I seriously couldn't imagine not having her in my life,so sometimes I just had to tell her stuff.

Went onto facebook this morning, and when people said I wasn't missing much they weren't lying. Decided that anytime I see something completely useless, it will just be clicked away. I don't care what game you are playing!!! But I was happy to see that one of my girlfriends shared with rest of us today that she had her baby girl,glad I didn't miss that update. Congrats April!!!

Anyways, enough with Month 2... now onto Month 3. Possessions. Gulp. Get rid of 7 things a day. My house is going to be empty by the time we are done. HAHA I joke, we are pretty much hoarders, and Im pretty sure I'm going to have to cut out garage sales for the next month. I made a list of which room we will go through in the next 30 days and who will pick stuff each day. Kids are going to throw a fit when it comes to their rooms. It's actually where I make them keep there most favorite things, so it's going to be toughy for them.

Chris and I are actually quite excited for this month, I am pretty sure we complain everyday about how much junk we have. Today started with Chris in our bedroom and the first thing gone from our room is??? The television!!! Woo-hoo!!!

Here's a challenge for you, since I started today, why don't you??? Maybe you can't imagine doing 7 things a day, but even 1 item a day for the 7 days of the week for a month would be a great start, or 7 things a day for a week. Not sure what to do with all the stuff. Have a garage sale or if your in the Fredericton area bring it to Bibles for Missions. Or maybe you know of someone who is in need of it. Just get rid of it!!!

I'm happy to be back, but like I've said before, I'll definetly choose my family over technology.

Friday, June 1, 2012

7 Days to go

It's been three weeks since I have been very limited to my technology and I am having mixed emotions about next week coming. I learned yesterday how fast the world of the technology is changing. In the three weeks I have been off facebook apparently there has been changes made. I was listening to the one radio station I allowed my family to listen to and they were talking about how now you can see the audience percentage of who looks at your posts and such, and something about making a movie on your timeline??? I was kind of listening to it but the distraction of the kids in the back seat were making it difficult to hear.

I think the one thing I miss about not using the computer is all the great ideas that people come up with that and they kindly share to the world so we can use. I tried the library but I am not a browser type, so looking at the many books is far to overwhelming for me. I like the convenience of looking on the computer,seeing a picture of a craft or food and thinking "Hey that looks like fun, or that looks good." and then just doing it.

I don't miss facebook. I mean it sucks that there are things I know my close friends are talking about and I can't see it, but I guess if it's really that important they would call me...right??? But the best part of not being on there is not having to see people's statuses that are so ridiculous and shouldn't even be on there in the first place. So note to self... I will NOT write a status anymore that has no importance. You will not read about what I am eating anymore, you will not read about the silly things my kids did that made me laugh, I'll save that for when we actually talk in person...like real people should do.You will not know where I am going and who I am going with.  I think I'll just ask questions when I need a quick answer, I'll share what's going in the world and the things I think you should know about. I'll comfort you with God's word, that's right you read it. Call it what you want, but if His words can comfort me, how can I keep them to myself, when it could possibly comfort someone else in my life.

In the past three weeks, I have learned what a blessing God has given me. I have an AMAZING husband who I fall in love with more everyday. How is that possible? Because I WORK at it!!! Having a good marriage doesn't just come naturally, I can't just expect everything to come to me the way I want it. Though somedays that would be great, it's just not going to happen. I also have someone pretty awesome kids that God blessed me with. I have Ethan who has some great patience and is so full of love and has no issues showing emotions. Then there is Cohen, who never stops moving, has no issues expressing himself and just never gives up. And then there is Katya, who would attach herself to my hip if I let her, loves cuddles and is always there to comfort her brothers when they are hurt.

So from now on I am definetly going to choose family time over computer time :)

Thursday, May 24, 2012

It's all I could think of...

Hi there,

Just finished week 2 and it's hard to believe it's already been that long. I haven't had any withdrawls and I honestly could care less that I don't have facebook at my fingertips. I made another decision that I will not be putting Facebook back on my phone after this month (your welcome Mrs. Betts ;)), and that the computer will stay away until the kids are either in bed or it's a rainy day.

This past weekend we went to Maine for a weekend away, and we went as long as we could in the van to turn on the movie. But once little Miss Katya started screaming I took the easy way out and put on a movie. But the kids knew they could only watch it once, the boys understood this well since they are older but Katya has no idea what I am talking about. So she watched her movie and then we sang as many nursery rhymes that I could think of. Plus the new game I won was perfect for the boys and they were able to play it on the drive down to Portland.

Our tv in our hotel room didn't get turned on once and the kids didn't once ask for it to be turned out, I was so proud of them.

Not really sure what else I'm suppose to say cause nothing really isn't going on except that I am spending so much time with my family and I love every minute of it even when I am frustrated. I thought I would get a lot of reading done and that my house would be spotless, but I haven't finished a book nor done an extra cleaning that I usually do cause the kids tucker me out, so when they go to bed, you better believe I go right after them.

So I guess that's all, maybe next time I'll have something a little more interesting to say :)

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

New Start

Hi everyone :)

It's been awhile probably not as long as it seems since I've been on here. Actually it's been 8 days since I've actually been on a computer. Both our laptops just happen to become disfunctional two days before our Month 2 started.

Let me start off by letting you know how the ending of my Food month went. I have to say I am pretty proud of myself for doing it. And let me also say I haven't had chicken in 8 days, haha. The morning after I woke up feeling like I haven't ate in months so I started eating everything in sight. Literally. I couldn't eat enough, even when I felt full I still kept eating :s The next day was not pretty. I woke up sick to my stomach and was sick for the whole day. I felt really gross inside and I didn't want to eat anything.

I also realized how much junk affects my body. I've hitten the tired mode already cause of what I've been eating. I'm sure I've gained back the 9lbs I lost last month... yes I lost 9lbs last month. And I've got that bloated look back (Booooo). I think it's time that I really start paying attention to what I put in my body and start taking care of it. I always said I wouldn't give up junk food and I'm not so sure I will give it all up but I will definetly be limiting it and my family will also be doing it as well.

Now on to Month 2. NO or I should say limited technology. I'm on Day 6 and I WAS going strong until I started this dang computer and voila my homepage pops up and there is Jo-Anne's Facebook staring at her in the face. Ummm didn't I deactivate my account??? Appparently only on my phone, dang!!! I have 4 inbox messages and 9 notifications,BAH!!!. Ok I'll just sneak a peek at my inbox, ok two that I know don't need to be opened and oh what is this a inbox from Joy FM, oh what? I won game, woo-hoo!!! Okay now deactivate this thing, do you think I can find the button, nope. Now I gotta get someone to show me. So there you have it I cheated, but atleast Im getting a free game out of it :)

Surprisingly enough it's not as hard as I thought it would be to give this stuff up. Chris and I have decided to keep the television out of our room after this month, we never realized how much it took away from real us time. I made jars for the kids so everytime we don't have plans on a certain day we take turns picking from the jars. We have already found treasures at a thrift store, took silly photos to make an album and went to the library and tried a new recipe together. The kids are digging this, which makes it all worth it.

The last thing I want to add is that I seriously have some amazing friends. I went to two friends house last week and they were so kind to turn off all the electronics for my family and accomadate to us. And I had another friend send me a letter in the mail. They really are blessings in our lives :)

Oh wait and I forgot to let you all know that I delivered the food and we filled up FIVE boxes of food. How awesome is that??? So thank you to everyone who donated. I donated this food to Boaz Ministry which is an awesome organization. You should look them up.

Talk soon,
Jo-Anne

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Hard Truth

So for the last few weeks I have been working on preparing myself for Month 2 of 7 which is clothing. I had almost decided exactly what seven pieces I was going to wear, the debate was still on with my beloved sweat pants. I thought of an awesome challenge for all my friends and their friends and I was starting on the works of trying something "new" to me.

Then yesterday happened,okay so it wasn't just yesterday, I know it's been in the works for awhile and I have just been ignoring the issue trying to deny this truth. I was excited that I was going to be heading to a meeting on becoming a mentor and I was going to meet with one of my council members and discuss my upcoming project for my clothes month. Well that's not exactly what happened. I never made it to either one of those meetings and I was beyond frustrated. So I decided I needed to have a cool down moment in my room alone and discuss a few things with the Lord. I asked for answers on why the plans I had for myself were just not happening. I thought this is what I was meant to do with my life. Please just give me an reason why. Well in walked the three little people.  Those three little people that I always dreamed of having, and there was my reason infront of me. I knew right there that it was time for me to make a change and my change was with them.

First off let me make something clear, in no way do I think I am bad mom, but am I the mom who I want to be and said I was going to be? Sadly that answer is no and boy does that hurt to admit it. Would you like to know why? It's a thing called technology, it has corrupted me.

Well sorry computer... phone... tv... I am going to be leaving you very soon for a whole month. My family is far more important than you are. Making sure I raise my children to the best of my ability is far more important. Showing my children what a marriage should be is definitely not me being on the computer while Chris is on the phone. Reading up about what other parents do with their kids and only wishing I was doing that is not okay.

With this being said, Month 2 has now changed to NO technology. I will not lie, this month is going to be HARD, but I will do it for my family's well-being. There are a few exceptions, I will check my email once a day. Unless its from someone important or is regarding information on one of the activities, it will not be opened. I can come on here to blog once a week, unless I feel like I really need to share something important with you all, but I will not read all my favorite blogs when I come on here. You text me, I will not text you back. So if you have a question... put the phone by your ear and TALK cause I will not answer you!!! And there will be absolutely NO FACEBOOK!!! All televisions will be unplugged and the only radio station we are allowed to listen to is Joy FM.

And that is that!!!

P.S. You should consider doing this as well. Just a thought.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

3 Weeks Down!

Wow, I can't believe it's been three weeks already since I've started this journey. Since starting this journey some people have been really supportive and others have given me that look that they are thinking I'm crazy. But in just three weeks I have learned so much. I cherish the food I eat, I rarely throw any food away unless a piece doesn't look like it should be put in my mouth. Even when I feel full I don't dare throw the leftovers away. I think about all the people in this world who go hungry every day and don't have that luxury to throw food away knowing that any moment they can go back for more. I have never ate so much of the seven foods in my life, thank goodness I picked food I love otherwise I could have been in for a long ride. I've read more of the Bible then ever before, and am learning so much of God's word and what he wants for us.

Now my kids are on the countdown for Hashbrown casserole day. I told them I wouldn't make it for them unless I could enjoy it with them and they agreed to wait for mommy. How sweet is that? I like to think they thought of me when really they probably only agreed cause they know who does the cooking in the house.HAHA.

I am on my last week of collecting food for those in need and I am so grateful for the people who have donated. But I still have a week left so even if I can't come pick it up, bring it to your local food or somewhere you know people could use it. Doing something so small can have such a big meaning to it.

I've got my council member or members I should say for next month picked out and I am working on something that I pray will work out.

Here is my last week request from those of you reading this:
Pray!
Pray for those who are hungry, pray for those who are working to feed the hungry,and pray that together we can make a difference.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

I've got this!!!

It's been two weeks, really??? Today I reached the 2 week mark and I've gotten to the point where I know I can do this. It's amazing what taking food away from someone can do to them. I have become very strict with our food intake. My kids and my daycare kids now have a new rule, you take it...you eat it. I DO NOT want to see that garbage lid opening because you are choosing to take food that you can't eat. I cringe when I have to throw even the slightest bit of food in the garbage. New supper rule... you don't eat what's on your plate, it goes in the fridge for your bedtime snack. May sound cruel, but it's not like I put anything on my kids plate that I know they won't eat, sometimes they just want to test me and usually they win. Not this time my loves, mommy is going to win this battle. 

Another thing I would like to mention is the amount of energy I have these days. Before I started eating my seven foods, I could barely make it through the day without feeling like I needed a nap or fight to get up in the morning. Makes me wonder just how bad I actually was eating and what exactly was I putting in my body. I can stay up later without regretting it in the morning and get up in the morning without Chris basically throwing me off the bed. It's great!!!

Again, I would like to thank everyone who donated to my box of food this week. Keep them coming, you have no idea what a difference you are making :) 

Friday, April 20, 2012

Temptation is a disaster in disguise

Yesterday was my middle sons birthday. It was our snack day for preschool so I bought store bought cupcakes so they could celebrate at school and let me tell you sniffing those cupcakes can put you on sugar high without even taking a lick. Then I made cupcakes for afternoon snack so he could celebrate with the kids afterschool. Again everytime I got icing on my fingers I had to run to the sink to get it off me. I really wanted a cupcake, so I sent Tannis a text and told her I was giving myself a free pass to eat a cupcake. You just don't understand I LOVE cupcakes. Between those and brownies, who needs any other type of junk food.

I decided that I would wait till after supper to enjoy my cupcake, so off we went to Boston Pizza where I enjoyed catcus cut potatoes(yes I know they have stuff on them). Then after supper our birthday boy got a special treat for it being his special and out they bring this delicious looking BROWNIE! Are you kidding? At this point all I can think about is eating that brownie and letting it melt in my mouth. But I didn't I instead watched as my children enjoyed it, slowly counting the minutes till I can get out of that place. 

So as we are driving home I start thinking about that cupcake that's waiting at home for me and I think to myself. I am really about to give myself a free pass. This thought really bothered me. It's not like the people who live on the same foods everyday get to just go eat whatever they want whenever they feel like it, so why should I? Wasn't it even that I just ate potatoes that were soaked in stuff that aren't on my list?

We got home...I didn't eat the cupcake, I instead went to bed and read my bible.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

One Week Down

"You don't get to do it over again." Pastor Tim

One week has gone by since starting my 7 journey and it was surprisingly alot easier than I thought it was going to be considering I love food. I love eating it, I love baking it, I love reading recipes, everything that involves food I love except reading how bad some of it is for you. 

I would have to say that yesterday was probably my toughest day, maybe it was just because I woke up and had already decided I was going to be grouchy or maybe it was because I thought oh what should have for breakfast this morning??? Oh right, it eggs,toast and possibly an apple again. But I got through it and the day got better.

Today I start a new week and in the week for 3 days I will India staple foods. I have a sponsored child from India and I looked on her card that came with her picture and read what their main foods were, so for three days I will chicken, rice, potatoes and bananas plus add in my already 7 foods. Oh the creations I may cook up :) 

It's also been a week since I threw out my 30 day challenge to all my facebook friends and the response has been amazing. I am so proud of everyone who has gone through their cupboards and donated food, but it's not over yet people, keep going!

There has been a few times I have thought you know I could just quit and no one would notice, but I WOULD notice. Like the quote at the top says "You don't get to do it over again." I want to do this right, the best I can do. And I know I can...why? Because Jesus is on my side.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

But it was FREE!!!

Well after just 5 days I had a cheat day... but it's not like I intentionally meant to do it. Tannis came to visit and a few girls and I went out for supper to Boston Pizza. I knew they must have either had sweet potato fries or spinach salad that I can make to my needs that will accommodate my eating plans. Well first they gave our table so we should have known right there what kind of night it was going to be. Anyways time comes for our food to come out and they tried not once but twice maybe even three times to give our orders to different tables. It was a mess. I had no complaints about our waitress, she seemed pretty sincere when she apologized and was even nice enough to inform a manager about our experience. So the manager comes over and offers us a FREE dessert to make up for it. All I'm thinking in my head is "You've got to be kidding me!!!" Well, one of my girlfriends noticed how unimpressed I looked about it since really I was not suppose to have one. But Tannis to the rescue. She looks at the menu and tells me that they have apple crisp. Enough said, I want IT!!! She was so nice enough to not make me feel guilty about it and so of course I did not fight. I knew there was a reason I chose her ;)

I get home after a great night out and thought I probably could have just asked the manager to give me a discount on my meal but honestly she had me a dessert.

Other than that I am doing great, yes I have cravings but they aren't as bad as I thought they would be. And I'm really excited that in 2 days I get add some India food into my menu. Yay for rice.

Oh one last thing... have you cleaned your cupboards yet???

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Day 1

Well it's almost the end of day 1 and I have to say I did pretty good. I ate only what I said I would eat and drank only water. I won't lie there was a few times where I picked up food to snack on and then before putting it in my mouth remembered that it's not okay to eat it.
The apple I had for breakfast this morning reminded me of why I don't eat them often, they seem to dry out my mouth. Made a mental note to buy different kinds of apples next time I go grocery shopping.
Surprisingly my spinach, carrot and egg salad wasn't too bad considering I put on no dressing.
As some of you might know, I am also working on decluttering my house which is going to fit in nicely to my journey. Today's task was to go through my pantry and organize it. As I'm going through it I'm looking at food that I have doubles of and will probably never be used and I thought to myself why don't I just give this stuff away. Bless someone else who can use and not put in the trash where it would end up going if I kept it. So I got a box and started putting in my extra food. After I was done, I looked at my half full box and thought how awesome would it be to fill that box up. So I challenged all my Facebook friends to go through their cupboards and see what they could find to donate. And the response has been great and I've decided to do this for the next 30 days and give the food away on the last day of Month One.

So instead of stopping after just month one of blessing others I will somehow incorporate it into every month of my journey and challenge all my friends to join in. I have a feeling the more I continue along this journey the more I will learn about myself and about others, and this really excites me!!!

Till next time...

Monday, April 9, 2012

Here we go...

Jesus may there be less of me and my junk and more of you and your kingdom- Jen Hatmaker

Well tomorrow I start my journey and let me tell you it's all I have thought about since deciding to do it. I thought about when I should actually start this journey, so many events happening did I really want to miss out on all this yummy food I am about to encounter. I mean come on, two of my children have a birthday in the next thirty days and my friends apparently love having spring babies too and we all know what happens when you put my girlfriends and I together. WE EAT!!!. But maybe missing out on all birthday cake won't be such a horrible thing for my body.

So here's the deal for my first month. I am too eat only seven foods for thirty days, I cannot put any sort of spice on them(maybe a tad of pepper and a little oil for cooking), just some plain food, and drink only water. So here's my list:
Chicken (Yes, after 8 months of not eating meat I'm going to go back to it. I have to admit I'm a little nervous as to how my body will react to it)
Sweet potatoes
Spinach
Eggs
Whole Wheat Bread
Apples
Carrots

My list is basically what Jen has in her book minus the avocado's since I have never tried them and now is not the time to be trying new foods.

I also decided that for three out of the four weeks I will eat staple foods for three days from three countries that have some meaning to me. I have chosen India since that is where my sponsored child is from, Mexico as that is where Chris's sponsored child is located and Haiti as I will be heading there next March for a Missions Trip.

Oh and I should let you all know who my first council member is... her name is Tannis. Though she won't see me often in the next thirty days I know she has connections and can find out what I've been up to ;) No seriously though, I hope she is ready for ridiculous text messages as I drool over food that I watch other people eat. But I know she will give me the encouragment I need to do this :)
Well that's all for now... tomorrow the journey starts. I'm off to finish the bag of chips I started earlier.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Getting Rid Of Excess

"Whatever you walk away from, God will replace it with something better." Pastor Tim

Thursday March 29th while the kids had quiet time I sat on my bed and wondered when did my life become so busy and when did I decide that it was okay. I constantly feel like I need a break but there just isn't time for one, I need to keep going to get everything done, and keep up with everyone else. So I sat there and wondered how can I simplify my life. So I posted a Facebook status about it asking how is one way you could simplify your life and only one person answered and she basically answered exactly what I needed to hear. Way less stuff. Then she asked if I had read a book called "7" By Jen Hatmaker. Apparenetly this book could help me so she lent me the book and just from reading the introduction I knew I was given this book because it's my time to make changes in my life So Thank-You Kathy for lending me your book.

At first I figured that I would just read this book and get ideas but lets be real here, if you know me well enough, you know that I am quitter, and probably wont end up doing any of these ideas. It's so easy to be a quitter cause when you don't tell someone of your plan then when you stop no one can hold you accountable for what you are doing and push you to keep going even when you feel like you have nothing left to give. WELL not this time, Im gonna do it, Im going to make changes in my life for myself, my husband, my children and most of all for God. So like Jen in her book she has council of friends that will help her through her seven month journey, I too will have a council but instead of having a bunch of friends, Im going to choose 1 friend for each month that I believe will really encourage and push me to keep going. I even will allow this friend to yell at me (if need be) during this month but after that month it's on,haha. Now I havent chosen my council yet, but they will find out soon as I read more of the book. I have chosen my Food council person she just doesn't know yet. Hmmm I wonder who it could??? I know you all want it to be you so you can yell at me.

So this is my first post, after I talk to my first council person and they agree to be that go to person I will come back and talk about my first month. If any of you want to help me along please pray for me. Pray that I change my life, pray for my family as it's not just a change for myself but for my children, pray that through this journey I can help others, and pray that my eyes be opened.