Showing posts with label Celebration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Celebration. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Revisit those New Year's Goals

Does reading those words cause you disappointment? Do you remember where you wrote down the goals?

There should not be shame associated with pursuing goals. Let yourself off the proverbial hook. Any time you make a goal, you are daring to believe it is attainable. Nothing wrong with that! 

Here's where we tend to go wonky: We fail to make a plan -OR- We fail to execute that plan. Again, there should be no shame. 



Are you still trying to remember where those goals are written down?
I had to look for mine, too. 

So, what do we do, now, that half the year has gone by?

Again, ditch the shame. Pull up your big girl panties or tighten that belt and let's see how we can salvage our intentions from six months ago and feel good about ourselves!

Write it down. Perhaps you have forgotten what the goals were. Perhaps you are in a different mindset or place than you were after last Christmas. Consider altering those goals.

Map out a plan. Whether your goal is to learn a new language, graduate with a degree, become a "MOMpreneur" or whatever, use a calendar to make a long-term goal date. Then, note short-term goals on dates, starting now, stepping toward your long-term goal date. Be realistic. Example: "To get healthy safely by (date)," instead of an unrealistic goal "To lose 700 lbs in the next 30 days." One of these examples is the wiser and realistic goal! Be clear. Example: Map the plan to achieve that health and wellness goal, as in signing-up for a fitness class, making healthy meal choices, lose 5-10 lbs in next 6 weeks, getting more sleep, etc.

Believe in yourself. Yes, you can do this! If you had enough positivity and courage to list these goals, you have more than enough to stick with it! Speak kindly in words of affirmation to yourself. "I am smart. I am an overcomer. I am making progress. I am gonna hit that first goal!

Execute the plan. Don't forget where you put this plan. Keep it in front of you ...daily. Don't compare yourself to other people who accomplished their goals. If you can learn from them, that's great. Congratulate them. But, YOU have a smart plan for yourself. Work it.

"But, what if I mess up?" Again, let's not beat ourselves into a bloody puddle of worthlessness. Start from where you are and work the plan. Ask yourself if an adjustment is needed.

Celebrate Progress! It's ok to throw yourself a party! When you've worked hard toward that first short-term goal, toot your own horn! Hopefully there are positive people in your life who want to celebrate YOU!

As for how my goals are coming along... I'm working the plan and have had to make a necessary adjustment or two because life happens. Does this connect with you? Let me know, below!


Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Our Young SHEro

If ever the world was desperate for a super hero, today is ripe. And, I know one. A super SHEro named Haven

Even her name sounds like she'd fit into Marvel Comics' band of X-Men! When I tell you what feat this one accomplished, you'll agree Tennessee is home to our own heroine.

Christmas 2012, my hubby and I were asked to present Calcutta Mercy Ministries during a missions fair at Hope Assembly of God in Fayetteville, where Haven's parents, Ben and Tammy Johnson pastor. Ethnic foods were prepared and missionaries from around the globe were featured. Financial commitments were prayed about to support these missions. Such a great night for adults! 
me. Ben. Terry. & Tammy!

Quietly in the room, a young heart was moved by what was heard and seen on the video. Children of all ages in Calcutta, India, receiving a meal each day, 6 days a week, each month of each year. Hundreds of babies born, sometimes abandoned due to social and religious superstition, with cleft palates and cleft lips. Quietly in the room, the heart of a SHEro was beating in rhythm with the Father's heart.

But what can a young girl do?

Mariah had us celebrating
with dessert before dinner! (as it should be)
Haven decided to raise funds by asking people to match each basket she scored during eleven games with $1. One basket = One dollar or whatever a person could donate. She gathered sponsors and created a poster tracking her progress. By the end of the season, Haven had scored more than 100 points!

We met the Johnson Family for GiGi's Cupcakes and a celebration dinner (in that order)! Then, it was the check presentation time. Haven had raised $646! 

She raised enough money to pay for one child to have cleft palate/lip surgery and speech therapy rescuing and sheltering that child from a life of misery and alienation. Additionally, this preacher's kid had raised enough money providing approximately 1,800 meals! 

Haven Johnson is a SHEro to people she may never meet in Calcutta. Haven Johnson is my SHEro. 

Next time, you're overwhelmed with the desperate needs of the world, think of young Haven and her willingness to align her abilities with the mission of the Creator of the universe.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Happy #HeartAttackComeback Day!

Terry. 1 month
after heart attack
Glacier Park - MT
December 18th is a new major holiday 
for the Allen Clan!
It's Happy Heart Day!
It's Terry-Survived-a-Heart-Attack Day!
It's #HeartAttackComeback Day!

What?! You didn't hear? On December 18, 2012, my hubby --Terry Allen-- hadn't been feeling great; however, had been keeping that fact from me for about two weeks. That morning when Terry went for a run, he didn't get very far and knew something was seriously wrong. The situation only worsened and by evening, he called me from a parking lot screaming in pain to meet him at the hospital because the ambulance had been called. Our son, Dane, and his then-fiancé, Emily, quickly met us there. 

T was life-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital where a cardiac team quickly accessed his problem and saved my husband's life. I sat up all night in a dark corner praying, observing the attentive team and listening to the various beeps and breathing of my honey. Being a Believer in God's power for healing, I didn't need to hear comforting words of well-meaning friends, I just wanted to sense the nearness of my Savior, Jesus Christ. And, I did.


Drew & Daney.
Gotta find joy somewhere!
I can recall many details of those next few days. Too many to list. I remember waking in the waiting room to the rustling of a paper bag as our dear friend and pastor, Drew, handed me a cup of hot tea and said, "Wow. You look rough." I remember Aaron "Smiley" Farmer (my summer son) walking around the corner in the waiting room just as my emotions and fatigue collided. He brought my fave hazelnut coffee and bagels. I remember Daney fielding questions on the cellphone and becoming a man in my eyes. I remember driving away from Vandy with T riding shotgun. Kinda hard to drive with your eyes full of tears. I remember waking up early and sitting quietly with "mah mayn" in the glow of the Christmas tree reading our eReader versions of the Bible.

This year, 2013, has been Terry's #HeartAttackComeback year. In celebration of his life and the one year anniversary, I asked (um...really, I told) him when he was finished writing his post on the day before, I wanted to include it on my site, too!

Dane's Recovery Instructions
to Dad
in the Cardiac Care Unit
of Vandy
1 month anniversary
with
Lowell & Tami Hochhalter
Glacier Park - MT
Today I ran and walked 13.1 miles for 14 reasons... (or 13.1 reasons)

Mile 1 - Gratefulness. I am just happy to be alive.

Mile 2 - Fear...For one solid year I have thought about having another heart attack. Every morning it was one of my first thoughts. Every time I took my daily medicine. With every pain has come a whisper of my demise and I am flat sick of it. I will not be controlled by a spirit of fear. Period.

Mile 3 - 12/18 is the heart attack anniversary and I thought it would be great to do it before I go to the doctor tomorrow.

Mile 4 - I set a goal to run a half marathon by the end of 2013, and it was within my grasp. I honestly didn't know if my body could take it, but I refused to give up on the goal and not at
Terry & Drew.
Sunday following heart attack
least try.

Mile 5 - For everyone who struggles with depression. For the darkness that tells you your life is over...Don't believe it.

Mile 6 - For my Hebrews Eleven Life Group (a.k.a LifeNet). I wanted to knock out a hope target for them.

Mile 7 - For my Pastor and best friend, Andrew Wharton, who sat in the car and prayed for me, followed the ambulance, lobbied to get on the life flight and stayed up all night in the hospital with me. ICU will never be the same.

Mile 8 - For every person that has slugged it out this year to change and comeback from addiction, bad health or another life struggle.

Mile 9 - For all my encouraging friends who prayed and took the time to visit, call & care.
T & me.
Our first completed mile
toward the
#HeartAttackComeback
Especially Jim & Bonnie Long, Lowell HochhalterTami Parker HochhalterKent & Kelley Tucker
 Steven MorganShannon Baugh MorganDavid MorganRandy Valimont, Terry Bailey, Glenn Burks, Larry Vine, John & Laura Driver, Roy & Cari Stone, Eduardo & Sandra Rocha, Jonnie & Curry Wethington...and more.

Mile 10 - Because I'm not a quitter.

Mile 11 - Eleven was for my mother and family. My father died in her arms from a heart attack afew years ago and when I had my episode she had to relive those memories. This one was for her peace, happiness and to give another punch in the face to worry for making her cry.

Mile 12 - I ran it for Dane Allen. No kid should have worry about his dad losing his life so early. I ran it to punch worry in the face for making my son uncomfortable. Don't mess with my kid.
T & me.
At Dane & Emily's wedding
September 14, 2013

Mile 13 - I ran it for Samalee Allen and for all of her incredible sacrifice this year in helping me get healthy. Honestly, I also wanted to destroy any fear she may deal with of losing her husband. We are one and I will not stand for fear in the eyes of my wife. 

Mile 13.1 - I ran it because there is "no sweeter name than the name of Jesus. No sweeter name that I've ever known." - Kari Jobe has sung that to me a hundred times this year and I believe it. "You are the light in my heart and my soul. You are the light to the darkness around me." Without Jesus and his help I would not be here. This whole journey is a testament to His grace and mercy. The finish was for Him.



I love you, Terry Allen. 
I love you 'til the day I die.
Together, we can conquer the world in love. 
You and I. 

Happy #HeartAttackComeback Day!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

2-on-Tuesday: Arkansas Blackberry Cake

Dane, my only child, and Emily were married September 14, 2013! Beautiful bride, handsome groom and the outdoor setting could not have been more picturesque as the sun set behind a wooded area at Camp Jackson north of Nashville! The soft light slowly settled on the wedding arbor designed by Emily and constructed by her daddy (Tyler) and brother (Bobby). It was simply the sweetest wedding... YES--my biased opinion! Jan assisted her daughter transforming the "Gymernacle-Tabernasium" into a delightfully unrecognizable venue for the reception whisking my thoughts away to what celebrations surely resembled in a mountain cove of yesteryear. <sigh and smile>

BUT, as the MOG (Mother of the Groom) it was the responsibility of my hubby and I to
host the wedding rehearsal dinner the night before! Family from out-of-state helped to decorate and prep food! Some former member of the Camp Crunk Crew finished the decor, assisted in cooking and serving the wedding party! It was a wonderfully relaxing evening with family and friends to some great classic music...and a s'mores pit I found on Pinterest! 

My sweet and vivacious momma, Mary Alice, prepared one of the yummiest, moistest, purplest 3-layers of deliciousness EVER to be sliced and savored --Arkansas Blackberry Cake! 


ARKANSAS BLACKBERRY CAKE

1 (18.5 oz box) White Cake Mix w/ Pudding
1 small pkg   Raspberry Flavored Gelatin
1 C      Oil
½ C     Milk
4 Eggs
1 C      Blackberries, fresh
1 C      Flaked Coconut
1 C      Pecans, chopped
  • In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, gelatin, oil and milk. Mix until well blended.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg.
  • Fold or mix-in berries depending upon size, coconut and pecans. Mix well.
  • Pour into 3 well greased round cake pans or 1 bundt pan.
  • Bake 50 minutes @ 350 degrees or until done. (Check oven. This cake will burn easily if baked at too hot a temp.)
  • -The purple cake is center of the pic-
  • Cool 10 minutes on wire racks.

Frosting:

1 pkg  Cream Cheese, softened
1 lb.    Powdered Sugar
4-5 T   Milk, as needed
½ C     Blackberries, fresh
½ C     Flaked Coconut
½ C     Pecans, chopped
  • Cream the softened cream cheese in mixing bowl. Add sugar. Add milk, as needed. Beat until desired consistency.
  • Carefully stir in berries, coconut and pecans.
  • Frost tops of 2 layers. Stack on cake plate, leaving one plain layer on top. Then, frost top and sides.
  • This cake freezes well.
When my son was a baby, I prayed for the purity and protection of the little girl who would one day be his wife. I'm so happy Dane & Emily are married. Terry and I, now, have a daughter...to spoil!