Weight Loss

One topic I don't usually touch here at the McClendon Madness is...Weight Loss! But I guess it is going to be touched on some now. I had some blood work done several weeks ago and went Friday to get the results. Most of it was normal but for my age my cholesterol was too high and well my hormones (the real reason for the test) were really out of whack. And while you may not think weight and hormones go together...they do! My BMI is way too high, I feel like crap most of the time, and I am no longer ovulating. So along with hormones to try to jump start the later I was strongly advised to drop some pounds. And while this was nothing new to me I was faced with it head on as something I now HAVE to do. So here's my plan and I am telling all of you (AKA the world) so I can/have to be accountable for what I am doing. My first step was joining the gym, I have to start moving around more I was way more sedentary than I had imagined. And for now I am eating the same just smaller portions. I want to do a total pantry over haul but I have to make food changes as money allows and since I have a full pantry I can't justify trashing it all. I also joined here to help me keep a log of my calories and how much moving I am actually doing. I feel like I am off to a great start! After logging the past 3 days on my counter I found while I was staying in my recommended 2000 calories I wasn't getting enough protein and was getting way too many carbs never mind if they are good or bad! I have some how talked a friend into joining me at the gym and we have been going every day and believe it or not I am still walking at least a mile a day in addition. I don't know if any of it will pay off but here is to hoping! I still have a long way to go but I am proud that I at least have started. I have alot to work on since I tend to be an emotional eater. But I am putting this one in God's hands and I will keep you posted and tell you what is and isn't working for me.

Duece's boldness (AKA longest post ever!)

* Please don't forget to visit Linny for more information about that sweet little boy named Krill who's adoption in Russia was denied because he had Down Syndrome. My heart breaks for this sweet child of God and the wonderful parents that are fighting to bring him home. *

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. —Hebrews 4:15-16

Since I had decided to join Linny in a day of prayer I had to share a little about my son Duece who has taught me a little about prayer.

We know prayer is our direct line to Daddy and that He hears all our request even when we think He is not listening. He is our advocate always. I use to find it rather hard to openly talk with God. But then I experienced the power of prayer in more than one supernatural way and I guess you could say I was hooked. I love spending time soaking in the wonderful presence of God.

Ok back to Duece...Almost 3 years ago at church a sweet lady Mrs. Vada feel and was hurt entering our fellowship hall. Immediately Duece prayed for her and every single day since the he as prayed for Mrs. Vada for healing after her injury, for energy and so much more. Mrs. Vada did recover and did rather well and is now living just south of her in a Nursing Home. I was moved by Duece's trust in what God could do. I knew shortly after that he was going to be a prayer warrior of sorts. Duece is so sweet he prays for everything from moms headache, to dads safe drive to work, and so much more. He really understands that God wants you to tell it all to Him and Duece is bold enough to ask. He never misses a chance to pray for someone no matter the place or situation. But he had NEVER prayed for a stranger. And that brings me to Monday night...

After dropping Jesse off at gymnastics Duece and I decided to make a quick run to the grocery store. When he was getting out of the car he smashed his finger. Instead of getting our items I brought him home. Duece prayed the whole mile from the store to our house. But by the looks of things Michael and I thougth his finger was broken so off to the ER Duece and I went. When we got there Duece was a wreck he was so scared. So I prayed for calm and peace and Daddy delivered and helped calm Dueces nerves. The waiting room was pack and it was so busy due to several critical cases and the nurse said they had 3 in cardiac arrest...needless to say we with our smashed finger were in it for the long haul. A gentleman came in with his daughter after triage he sat down across from us. We over heard him telling the man next to him that he had surgery back in February to have his gallbladder removed and was swelling in his stomach and had fever in it. Then he raised his shirt and Duece looked at me and said "Mommy that mans tummy sure looks bad." I agreed and continued reading my magazine as Duece laid his head in my lap. The man went out to smoke and returned taking a seat on the other side of the room. About that time Duece sat up and said " Mommy we need to go and pray for that man and his tummy." I was floored asked Duece if he wanted me to go with him and he said yes. Duece approached the man asked if we could pray and Duece did! He laid his sweet hands on the mans stomach and prayed for him. It was amazing Dueces words were so sweet. After praying Duece didn't stick around long to see how the prayers had worked and shortly after the man was called back to his room.

I had to share with you the sweetness of the heart of my prayer warrior. He has asked many times if I thought the man was better. But we didn't get his name and I can't help put wonder myself. But I know one thing that man saw God in Duece, he saw the love a father has lavished on us. I can't be more proud to see my child out being the hands and feet of God.

Prayer is a very important part of my spiritual life and the frame work of my family. I think it is wonderful that God gave Duece the courage to branch out and pray for a stranger....And you know what it taught me that I need to be a little more like Duece.

“Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it—the Lord is his name: Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. —Jeremiah 33:2-3

NOTHING you need, desire, need advice on or whatever the case my be is too big for our Daddy in Heaven. He wants to hear from you and His heart does break for what breaks ours. Go boldly before Him and it is amazing what happens.

Oh yeah I was going to tell you the thing I learned from Duece....It was the next time Daddy is tugging my heart in the middle of Wal-Mart to pray for that sweet lady a row over....I will listen!

Will you join us?

If you have a few minutes and your heart breaks for the orphanes of this world please visit Linny over at A Place Called Simplicity. She is asking for us to join her in a day of fasting and prayer for a sweet family who's adoption of a Russain child with Downs Syndrome was denined! Read her post entitled same as mine for all the information. My heart breaks for this family. I know God loves the orphane and His heart breaks for what breaks ours. So if you would please consider at least a special prayer for this family and the others she posted about today I know I would really appricate it along with Linny and the other families. And in case you wondered I don't personally know Linny I found her blog "blog hopping" one day and she really inspires me. I read it everday and Michael and the kids even enjoy reading it. She is the mother of 9 about to be ten sweet treasures. And most of her children are adopted orphanes and they are awaiting the final stages in adopting a sweet little boy that is HIV+! I believe that her and her family are in a wonderful ministry to sweet forgotten "street children" of far away countries. Read along I know she will inspire you and you might find something out about yourself along the way:)

Music Therapy Thursday

I couldn't resist posting this wonderful song today since I am feeling so thankful for my Heavenly Daddy's love! And plus it is Lent and this is a wonderful song about the love that was hung from a cross for us. I could talk all day about how it makes me feel to know someone loved me so much that before I was ever even a twinkle in my mothers eye they would die so I wouldn't have to pay for my sins. This is Casting Crowns "Glorious Day"" I hope you enjoy and know you are truly and deeply loved!

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He’s ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One, bringing My Savior, Jesus, is mine
Oh, glorious day

Spring is here

I think it is safe to say that spring has arrived here in North-East Alabama! It has been warm for over a week straight and doesn't look to be "cooling" down any time in the near future. So that means spring and summer clothing inventory! I know I can't be the only person out there who hates changing out the seasons of my children's clothes. I actually dread it and I only do it twice a year. Of course I am constantly taking inventory. A quick once over the other day reveled to me that ALL 3 of my children were in need of clothing. Duece mostly needs shorts right now thanks to some WONDERFUL hand-me-downs from a good friend at church. Cooper he needs it all because he is stuck at a 2t bottoms!! Which is making me crazy because I have tons of adorable 3t clothes for him that were also hand-me-downs from the twin grandsons of some other wonderful friends at church. Now Jesse she always needs stuff and I always have trouble buying for her as we expect her to dress more modest than the "market" tends to market as trendy for her age! I know I will be doing some sewing for her I have already decided to make her Easter dress and some others for church. But I can't make it all and a shoping trip is in her near future.

I was wondering how often do you "change out the closet"? What do you do with the out of season clothes that you know will be making a next season return? And what if anything do you hold onto for future children/younger children? And does any one have ANY tips on where to find modest clothes for my 10 almost 11 year old daughter?

My inspiration and a little confirmation

Ok so you might be wondering why on earth I posted Music Therapy Thursday on Wednesday? Well your guess is as good as mine...I just thought all day it was Thursday! I get confused easy I call it mommy brain:) Hope you enjoyed it a day early!

A while back God gave me a Bible verse and then a few weeks ago I received confirmation that it was a word from God when a friend said God was telling her to share it with me! I love a little confirmation when God is up to something GOOD! It was Psalm 30 mostly verse 11 which says...You turned my wailing into dancing, you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.

I have been going through something in my life that is really bringing me down or better yet Satan is using as a way to "get to me". This entire Psalm speaks to me and I truly believe one day and soon God will turn my wailing to dancing and cloth Michael and I with JOY! He is already showing His love and our cup runs over now. In the face of all our junk we have found our strength. I think our real journey has just begun so all prayers welcome.

I have a feeling I should share this entire Psalm I have a feeling SOMEONE out there needs to hear it.

Psalm 30
1. I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2. O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
3. O LORD, you brought me up from the grave ; you spared me from going down into the pit.
4. Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name.
5. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6. When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
7. O LORD, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8. To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9. "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10. Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."
11. You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12. that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Music Therapy Thursday

Here is a little Sanctus Real "Lead Me". Michael and I LOVE this song. I was really wanting to share the video with you but can't from this old computer:( Here is a link to another blog sharing the video of the song and the reason behind the song you just have to scroll down a bit. While you are there check out her blog I LOVE LOVE LOVE her blog and enjoy reading it everyday. Anyway here you go ENJOY...

"Lead Me" Sanctus Real
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying


"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone."

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying


"Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone."

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I am called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead themWon't you lead me?
To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love
Chasing dreams that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this out home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this aloneFather, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone