A Poem by me... It's been awhile 8)

I walk along the rocky shore, looking for a sign.

I walk along the rocky shore, not knowing what is mine.

My feelings soar and pour from this heart inside me.

They swirl around like a wave, while I'm begging to be free.



I ache for some answers, hoping I can win.

As I comb through so much that I've categorized as sin.

I see the equations of my life, not making sense.

As I've made so many mistakes, that would make a sailor wince.



I have a long talk with my own worst enemy, me.

And I know that there is one person holding me back so warily.

I'm afraid to move, yet I know I must.

Not realizing, I've been waiting for someone to trust.



That person to trust has been here all along.

Trapped inside the pain and hurt, wanting to be strong.

I feel a smile light up my face and fill my heart.

And I know that this is a life I truly am wanting to start.


by Holly Chamberlain
01/04/2012

Thankful

What's the best time to do a gratitude journal? When we're not feeling so hopeful. So here goes 8)

1. I'm so thankful to see my boys in an hour. I've missed them so and I love them with all my heart.

2. I am thankful for my amazing friends and family who remind me constantly that I am cared for.

3. I am thankful for my job.

4. I am thankful for the peace within, whether big or small, that tells me that I can do anything I set my mind to. Thanks to my mom for always saying that 8) miss you

5. I am thankful for all that I've been given. 8)

Gluten free -- or close 80)

Howdy all,
About a month ago, I decided to go gluten free(eliminating wheat gluten at this point) for a variety of reasons. I have been researching it and gluten can be tied to complications with autism, fibromyalgia, diabetes, weight-gain, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. And I felt in my heart, that gluten is something that's causing my family (me included) definite issues.

As I just started to cook meals here and there gluten free, I noticed a huge change in all of us. Gluten makes us moody. 80) I've read this, but we're definitely seeing that in our case too...

I'm not militant with it at this point. If I go to a friend's house, I'm not going to require gluten free cuisine... (i may be getting gluten in sauces or flavor mixes) but I'm definitely working on it...

It's so much easier than I thought it would be. Maybe why I'm sticking with it after 1 month.

Also, I have found that there *is* gluten free chocolate out there. I know this may not sound like a big deal, but this way, we can have our cake and eat it too!

there are soooo many gluten free meccas on the web, but here are a few that I highly recommend for recipes, tips, etc

http://gingerlemongirl.blogspot.com/2008/02/successful-gluten-free-master-baking.html

All recipes has a fairly good selection as well.

http://glutenfreegirl.com/

There are so many more as well...

Once I found a place to get the flours (a good friend and her fam took me to an Asian market, which has tons of starches for a great price...), i felt much more comfortable with it all. Also, i'm grinding my own rices and nuts into flours and meals.

People keep asking me if it's expensive. The answer is Sort of and it can be... To me, it's not much difference, because I make most things from scratch. Before this, I was making my own bread, pasta, etc... We don't eat a lot of ready-made foods at all. I'm finding that many of the recipes I try, taste just as good or even better than their gluteny counterpart... A sidenote - Have you ever noticed that gluteny and gluttony are very close together? 80) Just a bit humorous... But back to how much it is -- I'm seeing that I'm spending more money on flours to get started, but I have 4 pounds of rice flour so I'll be good for awhile (this is the flour I reach for most right now...)

As far as eating out, it's not as bad as you think. I'm still to the point that I completely cheat sometimes when eating out... I don't eat out super often at all (once every two weeks or therabouts...) but when I do, it's very tempting not to get fried chicken, etc. I'm working on it, and I'll work on my self control...

My boys are gluten free about half time, but it's already making a difference.

I'm also finding my vegetable intake is increasing. Vegetables and fruits naturally don't have gluten... So why not eat more of them? It's going really well...

I'm really excited all in all... I have a tendency to start things and not follow through early on... But I've reached the hardest part for me in a diet, which is the first two weeks, and I'm still going strong...

I feel so much healthier going gluten free and the boys are giving me positive feedback as well 80)

Thanks for listening!
Namaste.

Reflective Chica

I'm feeling pretty reflective at the moment (may day may day!!!). This usually means trouble, if you haven't already figured that out. But reflectiveness can be productive. I'm thinking of someone who I worked very hard with to have a good relationship... my mom. In a way, I want to say exactly what I'm thinking... But I won't air out the intricacies of my fam's dirty laundry out into the open. Suffice it to say, I finally understand a great deal of the pain that she endured. I really do as much as I can at this time. I miss her and I really wish she was here right now. It's one of those days that I wish that I cherished the time that I took for granted. We live and we learn...

So I want to turn this into a list of blessings....

I am so blessed to have had 2 wonderful parents. We definitely had our hard times, but we became truly close before...

I am very blessed to have my children. They are my life. I am so thankful for their inquisitive nature. They are so amazing!!!

I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life!

I am so blessed to have a good job and wonderful hobbies!

Next!

I'm done with the afghan!!! Woot. Before starting my oldest son's crocheted afghan, I need a break. So I shall knit a bit 80)

Next up -- A yoda sweater 80)

Why I run and Can I stay?

I run because I can.
I run because I'm scared.
I run because you can't catch me,
and my emotions run with me.

I run because I know how.
I run because that's all I can do;
When I see love, I run from it
Whether fake or true.

I run because I can't tell the difference.
I run because I have these pretty running shoes.
I run because I dare to.

Can I stay with you?
Will you take my shoes?
I want to give them to you.
You can place them in a far away place.

My running days are done.

Valentine's Day -- Spiritual thoughts included

This weekend, at my sons' basketball games, they have devotionals at half-time, as they participate in faith-based sports. One of the devotion-givers said that John 3:16 is the ultimate Valentine...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whosoever shall believe in him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

This is God saying 'Be Mine', just like those conversation hearts many of us partake in... I have been thinking about this for two full days.

The Lord loves each us so very much and He believes in each and every one of us.

I decided this morning that I would have a wonderful Valentine's day. And the truth is, I have. I have so many wonderful friends and my sister, who made sure I felt loved today.

I used to hate this holiday, knowing it wouldn't be one of my dreams. But what is the ultimate Valentine's day? Sweets and flowers are fleeting... But Love from God is forever... And the people He strategically places in our lives is amazing. He knows exactly what we need 80)

This day is now one of my dreams. I feel so loved and so blessed by my friends, God, and the joy I feel within.

What helped me have a good day is the new outlook I am utilizing in my life. That's another blog 80)