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!