An "Inspired" Surprise Party

Early in December, I was invited to what I thought was a Christmas party at my friend Staci's house. She lives just down the street from me. The day of the party my volunteer babysitter had to cancel, so I cancelled going to the party. I sent a text to Staci and let her know, that I probably wouldn't make it. Within minutes I was getting calls and texts from 3 of my friends. The next thing I knew, a babysitter was already lined up, and I was going to the party! I figured my friends knew how much I needed a "mom's night out!" I arrived at the party right at 7:30 and was surprised to see so many cars already there! I thought I'd be the first one there! When I walked through the door all of my friends were in a semi-circle and they were wearing matching shirts that said, "Inspired by Katy!" I couldn't believe it! The Christmas party was really a surprise party for me! I was blown away, and felt so unworthy of the honor! It wasn't my birthday, and I couldn't imagine why they did it! But you know what? I needed it, and I floated through the rest of the evening just feeling loved and appreciated. I couldn't help but think everyone should have this honor at some point, just a surprise party on a regular day to say "you are loved" by those who care about you. It was something I will never forget and I will forever hold those ladies in such high esteem. I have never had anything like that in my life! Then, they gave me a little handmade book, and each friend had written a personal note. I will treasure it forever.



They sent me home with some of the extra t-shirts, and the next morning when I told my oldest daughter about the evening, she exclaimed, "I want a shirt!" So I gave her the smallest size and she proudly wore it to school!



I just couldn't resist blogging about an "inspired" party here on my "Inspired" blog!
A big heartfelt thanks to my friends:
Staci Gahm, Amanda Magee, Peggy Finley, Angie Paul, Becky Batt, Karen Ellis, Melanie Benfield, Kelley McLaughlin, Lauren Cooley, Kristy Truss, Christina Schnieders, and Kari Champagne

I feel so honored to be their friend!

***Click here to view the video Staci's husband shot that night:

Young Evangelist

In August, my husband attended a week long "boot camp" at our Tae Kwon Do school. Midweek, he noticed a twelve year boy playing with a cube that had pictures on it. All the other kids were gathered around him watching him manuever it and listening to a story he was sharing. As my husband leaned in closer to listen, he realized that this kid (we later found out his name, Logan) was sharing the gospel message of Christ dying for our sins. Each picture on the cube represented a different aspect of the story. The kids around him were soaking up his every word. The next day, the kids asked him get it out again and tell them the story, again! Stephen asked him where he got it, and quickly ordered 2 for our girls. We were both so struck by the boldness of this boy, openly sharing his faith with his peers. Who knows the seeds that were planted in the minds of those young children surrounding him that day? Logan inspired us! Inspired us to be more bold when we share our faith with others. Inspired us to equip our children with the knowledge and tools to share their faith with their peers as well! I have no idea what God has in store for Logan, but what I do know is that he is on the right track, and will one day know the impact he had the lives of those he witnessed to! My oldest daughter Lauren carries her cube in her backpack and is ready to share the story of Christ's sacrifice with any kid willing to listen!

Interested in ordering a cube for your kids? Here's the link:
http://www.e3resources.org/
Below is a picture of my family with their cubes and an evangelism soccer ball that also came with the set. Each color represents a different part of the story.

The Hiding Place

I have always loved reading, but never really been a big reader. Does that make sense? Well maybe not, but it's me. I love to walk around bookstores and select a stack of books that I just have to read. Then they just sit, or perhaps I get through a few chapters, but rarely finish a book. I have a long list of books that are kind of my "bucket list" of books so to speak, and I recently tackled one on that list. I've heard the story of Corrie Ten Boom ever since high school I guess, and have always wanted to read her story, but just never got around to it. Recently, in light of some personal challenges, I felt especially drawn to it at this time in my life. (No coincidence here by the way!) The older I get the more I am learning that books are brought to mind, suggested, or given to you for a reason, for a season in your life. So, I dusted off my library card and checked out, "The Hiding Place," (and had to actually wait for it!) If you have not read this book, please do! (I'd love to have someone to discuss it with!)

I'd like to share two lessons given to me through this book, that were so PERFECTLY applicable and on-time for my current situation.

1. "Give thanks in all circumstances"- from the scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (check out verses 16 and 17 too, whoa!) She shares how God gave her this scripture, and how she is able to speak the things she is thankful for despite what is around her. Then later she is able to see how that very thing that was so hard to be thankful for ended up being a blessing. (Read the book and find out what I'm talking about! Hint: it falls in the critter category! Hehehe!)
Oh- one more thing on this, a couple of days later I received a card in the mail from my MOPS Mentor Mom, Mary Graham, and inside was a wooden cross with the same message! (Okay, God, I'm listening...)

2. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 She talks about a time where she felt the scriptures no longer speaking to her, her prayers had come mechanical. Then she read in her Bible about Paul speaking about having a thorn in his side. While the Bible doesn't tell us exactly what the thorn was, it does tell us that Paul asked God 3 times to remove it. God's answer is listed above. Simply stated, rely on me! So at that perfect time, when I SO needed to hear it, I learned that my struggles, just because I pray aren't always going to go away immediately. I need to rejoice in my weaknesses and truly RELY on God, so that He gets the glory, not so everyone can walk around saying, "Wow! That Katy is just so strong!"

It's amazing to me that a woman who was born in 1892 and has been gone since 1983 has a message that's so relevant to me, today. The reason is because she shared what God taught her through His Word. His Word is timeless.

I loved the book not just because of the lessons I learned, but of the beautiful story of family, love, forgiveness, ministry, compassion, and ultimate triumph over evil.

Again, I have to ask myself, what am I putting in my head? Is it worth my time? Does it make me a better person? Does it challenge me? Does it inspire me? Feed me? In this case, I answer all those questions with a resounding, "YES!"

Inspirations and Aspirations

When I was in 2nd grade, I had my first acting role. I played the Cranberry Sauce in the Thanksgiving play. You can't imagine how difficult it was to capture the true essence of that tangy, colorful side dish! At that moment, I knew I wanted to be an actress.


Two years ago, I was convicted about how I was using my acting talents. I had to ask myself, what kind of work am I willing to do? Am I willing to be a part of a project that depicts scenes that compromise my beliefs? Am I willing to be a part of projects that I would be ashamed for my children to see? I began to pray that God would give me work that was glorifying to Him. Guess what? He did! First it started with dinner theatres at my church.


Then I was asked to be a part of a project called Kidventure, which is a once a month dinner theatre for families at our church that introduces the whole family to the message kids will be learning in kids church that month. It gives the families an opportunity to discuss what they learned at the show and revisit that all month! My girls are my biggest fans, and I love that they can come watch me and learn about God at the same time! Priceless!



Then I found an audition for an independent Christian Film here is San Antonio. I auditioned, and God gave me the part! The movie is called, "Without A Father" and I am very proud of the project that I was blessed to be a part of!
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I can look back with confidence that the work I am a part of has positive messages instead of messages that are poisonous. God willing, I aspire to be a part of more films like this in the future. I must say this is my passion!

Recently, I've had to ask myself, what am I putting in my head? What am I surrounding myself with? I felt convicted about what I was watching, both in film and on television. Even news shows are just putting out garbage! Seems like everytime I am ready to watch 20/20, it's always about someone murdering their spouse, abuse, kidnapping, etc. What happened to the inspiring stories? I'm just tired of seeing nothing but pain, heartache, and evil! Don't get me wrong, I'm not in denial, and I'm not trying to live in a bubble, but I have to ask myself, do I really need to be watching this? Is this feeding me in a positive way? Is this inspiring? So, I said to myself, enough! I've done a lot of just turning OFF the TV, but I've added in some really inspirational movies to watch instead. If you are not a member of Netflix, you should be. I don't know why we didn't join it earlier! It's so easy and cheap! Below is a picture of some of the movies I've watched lately. Some are true stories, and some are fictional, but I find them all to be inspirational. So I challenge you to add some more inspirational viewing into your life and start taking out the garbage! Please let me know what you find, so I can add more to my list!

Only two of the movies below are not available on Netflix, yet. "The Butterfly Circus" is a short film (just 20 minutes) and you can watch it FREE:
click here
Nick Vujicic (Life without limbs ministry) just won best actor for this and it was his first acting role ever!

The other is the film I was a part of "Without A Father" It is available for purchase at:
www.withoutafatherthemovie.com

Enjoy!

When I need a boost!

Last October, I had the pleasure of hearing Dick Hoyt speak at a convention in Denver. While I had seen the video of his story on youtube, I learned way more about Dick during his presentation. He and his son Ricky are frontiersmen when it comes to paving the way for the disabled in competing in marathons and triathlons. They have done what most will never do, and they live by a simple motto" "YES YOU CAN!" These two are so inspirational, and whenever I'm having a tough day, or feel like I can't make it, I watch their story. What the video doesn't share is that Dick is 69 years old, yes, I said 69!!! As you can tell from the picture above, Dick is not a big man. I am 5'4" and have on heels in the picture, so I'm guessing he is the same height. They completed their 1000th race last year, which was the Boston marathon. 1000? WOW!!!

I have a difficult year ahead. Will I live it in a way that is inspiring to others? When faced with a challenge will I draw into my cave or charge ahead saying, "Yes I can?" Will I set a great example for my daughters? Will I choose to be joyful or sad? Will I bloom where I have been planted? I sure hope so!

Thank you to Dick and Ricky for setting the example and inspiring so many to greatness! I love your story!


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Quick/Healthy Meal ideas

Things have been a little crazy around here, so I apologize for the delay in my posts! In January 2009, I became inspired to live a healthier life by revamping my diet and exercise program and by doing some internal work. I started in my home with a complete overhaul on our diet. My oldest daughter was having some "focus" issues at home and school. We took her to a doctor, and after spending 30 minutes with us, looking at a 10 question questionnaire I filled out, and completely ignoring my daughter, the doctor diagnosed her with ADHD. He wrote out a prescription for Stratera and sent us on our way! She was 5 at the time! While I am not completely against medications, this just didn't sit right with me. So I spent the next month driving around town, popping in on doctors, facilities, researching herbal remedies, etc. Finally, I was referred to another doctor who spent way more time with us, and one on one time with Lauren, had her teacher fill out a huge questionnaire, and the end result- he did not believe she had ADD or ADHD. He gave us some behavioral modification ideas and sent us on our way. Even with his diagnosis, I was convicted about what I had been feeding her (or not feeding her) and felt that may in some way be contributing to lack of focus. I figured we ALL could use a big dose of healthier eating, so my quest began. I started with a cookbook called "Eating for Life" written by Bill Phillips. I had done his "Body For Life" program back in 2000, and knew his plan consisted of small balanced meals, eating 5 to 6 times a day. The cookbook had a picture of every single recipe, so I sat down with my daughter and we went through every page. I had her put a check mark by the recipes that she would be willing to try. If there was any protest as I presented a new meal to try, I would simply show her the check mark and remind her she had said she would try it!

So what is our result over a year and a half later...
I am 12 lbs lighter, my husband is 30 lbs lighter, and we all have more energy and focus. We eat out less and cook more. I like to plan meals in advance and prepare several at the beginning of each week, so I end up cooking less. Here are a two easy to prepare, kid approved healthy meals:

Crock pot chicken:
2-3 FROZEN chicken breasts (I buy organic)
1 jar organic peach salsa (I have also substituted regular salsa, organic bbq sauce, and organic spaghetti sauce for different taste options)
1 can organic black beans (rinsed)(optional)
sauteed onion and red peppers (optional)

Place breasts in crock pot, pour 1 jar of salsa on top
Cook on high two hours on until chicken easily shreds

I usually saute onion and red pepper to add to this when it is done along with the black beans. You can put this over greens, in a wrap, over brown rice, or alone!



Another easy recipe:
Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (I use Bison)
1 egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, minced
several leaves of torn fresh basil (sometimes I use spinach if it's all I have on hand)

Mix all ingredients together, roll into small balls, place on greased foil lined cookie sheet and bake 10-15 minutes in 425 degree oven or until done!

Great over whole wheat spaghetti, with organic spaghetti sauce, or in a wrap, or over greens or rice!

Outsider

I'm an Outsider!

I have always felt like an outsider.

Growing up, I was the youngest of three children with two older brothers. They shared a room, I had my own. Everyone had a partner in my family but me. When we went out to eat, oftentimes we were seated at a booth. They'd pull up a chair at the end of the booth, for me, on the "outside."

When I was 6 years old, I was diagnosed with Vitiligo, a skin disorder that kills pigment cells leaving white blotches on your skin. Mostly I had it on the back of my legs, hip flexor area, a little on the my knees, face, and neck. I learned very early on that if I stood in the back of the line or crowd and no one was ever behind me, I had less of a chance that someone would notice the spots on my legs. Thus leaving me on the "outside."

In middle school and highschool, I went to schools that were predominantly hispanic. I loved the people I went to school with, but no matter how hard I tried to fit in, I always felt different. I had plenty of wonderful and loving friends, but always somehow felt on the "outside."

I went to Baylor University for college. After growing up in a mostly hispanic middle class neighborhood, I was thrust into an all-white, extremely wealthy environment. I knew people at age 18 who were driving brand new convertible Porshes. Once again, I didn't quite fit in. While I had many friends, I couldn't help but always feel on the "outside."

As a Christian, I choose to be in the world, but not "of" it.

In John 17:14-16 Jesus says, "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it." A lot of times, I am isolated from people because I chose to spend my time on things that further God's kingdom and glorify Him. I spend a lot of time on the "outside."

In a society that revolves around food, it is extremely difficult to live a healthy lifestyle. I turn down invitations to eat out with friends or go to parties where I know there will be an environment of unhealthy foods and drinks. Sometimes this means even avoiding plans with family! I pack a lot of food and oftentimes show up places with a small cooler of my own foods. I am different, and it is extremely hard at times to go against the "norm" and set myself apart. My choices about nutrition and exercise often leave me feeling on the "outside."

I have spent my entire life trying desperately to "fit in" to be like the people around me. Repeatedly, I have tried to break down the door that separates me from the insiders. But the older I get the more I am learning that the "outside" is really THE PLACE TO BE! Sometimes the more different I am from everybody else, the closer I am to getting it right! So now, instead of hanging my head low in discouragement because I'm not fitting in, I AM INSPIRED TO BE ON THE "OUTSIDE!"

Recently I found this song called, “The Outsiders”, by the group Need to Breathe. The last few bars of the song really struck me:

On the outside you're free to roam
On the outside we've found a home
On the outside there's more to see
On the outside we choose to be

Wow! What a neat perspective! I am FREE by being on the outside! Free because of Christ, free because I no longer have to be on the "inside!" There's definetly more to see on the outside! Amen, on the OUTSIDE, that's where I CHOOSE to be, and IT FEELS GOOD!

Hi! I'm Katy, and I blog!

Okay, so I never really thought I would be a blogger. But then, I never thought I would drive a mini-van either! So here I am with my very first blog. I've chosen to call my blog "Inspiration" because I think that is my favorite word for the year. I just love it, and think it encompasses so many things. Inspiration can come from literally anything, and one can be inspired to do just about anything. So, periodically, I will share things here that I find inspiring. It might be a scripture, a person, a recipe, a video, a picture, a word, a book, a song, etc. Or, perhaps I'll just share things from my heart, I mean who knows, this is all new to me!