Paleo Lifestyle

I'm going to get real honest today. For the first time in my life, I've gained weight and can't seem to lose it. This got me to looking at different ways to lose weight. We try to eat healthy and even grow a few vegetables every summer and compost. So I've been pretty proud of us for doing a very small part in living healthy. But this hasn't been enough. The pounds continue to creep on.

I won't bore you with the details, but I've decided to adopt a Paleo lifestyle and see what happens. I started studying it last week and asked if anybody had tried it or even knew about it. Two people had heard of it. Not looking great, but I continued to research.

Basically Paleo focuses on eating the most natural food possible. The name comes from the Paleolithic age of the caveman. The premise is that if the caveman couldn't eat it, we shouldn't either. No refined sugars, no dairy, no legumes, and no grains.

What can I eat? Meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and fruits.

I don't have to measure or weigh my food. No calorie counting. I only have to stick to the plan.

Yesterday was Day 1. I shopped for different groceries and made a spot in the pantry for my food. I'm pretty confident my husband won't be interested in my stash. Tim's a chip man, and chips are not included.

My biggest problem was going out to dinner last night while running around Lexington. We stopped at Smashing Tomato, one of my favorite places. I found a Sicilian Chicken Salad on the menu and ordered it. The hardest thing to do was pull off the croutons and give them to Tim. The salad was delicious, and I made it through Day 1.

I don't plan on my blog becoming all about the Paleo Diet, but I'll share from time to time how it's going.

Have a great weekend!

Getting Mentally Tough

I was never a cheerleader, but I've loved cheering family and friends on to victory. I love seeing people work hard and win. One thing winners have in common is that they are mentally tough. Here are some tips for getting mentally tough whether you compete in sports or are preparing for a big test. We face many challenges in life, and we need to be tough to face them.

What do you need to get mentally tough for? I hope these tips help.


1. Start each day with God. Pray for his strength as you go through the day.
2. Embrace adversity and see where it takes you.
3. Stay positive in the face of negative people. Focus on the positive people in your life. Thank God for those who support and encourage you.
4. Trust God when the fear creeps in.
5. Learn from your failures. How can you do it better next time?
6. All things are possible with God.
7. Never give up.
8. Don’t forget to rest. Even God rested on the seventh day.
9. We can do all things through God who gives us strength.
10. Believe in yourself and focus on being the best you can be.

Personal Commitment to God

John 6:67-69
New International Version (NIV)
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”







Spring is a time for new beginnings. The grass is green again, and flowers begin to pop up. I always feel closer to God when I'm outside in the middle of his creation, and Spring calls me outside.

Jesus calls us to commit to Him totally. At the beginning of each new day, I can plan to live each moment for him. Then life comes at me with aggravations and trials. Sometimes it's easy to lose focus. And then I fail. If I start my day spending time with God, it's easier to regroup and rededicate my day to God.

He asks me to love Him first and most.



“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37-39 Next I'm to love people.

Love God. Love people. It seems like it should be so simple. Maybe if I keep my eyes on Jesus more, loving people will come easier.


Have a blessed day!

Spring Tennis

For the past seven years spring and tennis have been synonymous in our family. Our afternoons and weekends are filled with fun tennis matches. When not watching tennis, we're talking tennis.

We follow Asbury University Men's Tennis Team. Due to ACL surgery, the number one player is out for the season. All the guys have shifted up one spot, plus they are getting used to different doubles partners.

It's been a season of growth through adversity.

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

God won't always prevent bad things from happening to us, but if we lean on him, He will be with us through the valley.

(Picture of Scott Layton courtesy of Asbury University.)

Mid-week laugh

I know it's a little late for April Fool's Day, but it's never to late to laugh. Enjoy!

Josh Turner

Here is Josh Turner's story on overcoming negativity. It's a story I needed to hear. I hope it speaks to you also.

Quiet Time With God

Are you able to find some quiet time with God every day? Do you find it a joy or a chore to check off your daily to-do list?

I've discovered the more time I spend with God, the better I'm able to handle the daily stress of life.

Romans 12:2 NIV- Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

God wants to spend time with us, and this is the most important meeting we'll have all day.

I try to begin each day reading my Bible and a devotional. I keep a prayer journal with my Bible. And my Amen is listening to KLOVE on my way to work. I drive down country roads, and it's exciting to see what beauty God has in store for me each morning.

I am always amazed when I turn my eyes to him and off of worldly problems, the answer becomes clear. Time after time God has delighted me with an answer.


Let me encourage you to start your day with God each morning and see if you feel closer to God. Wrap yourself in his message to you each day.




Have a blessed day!