Weight Watchers Update 15

Last week: 147.8

This week: 146.8

Total Loss: 17 lbs.

Yay... a whole pound this week! Who'd have thought that would be so exciting?! (And retarded sounding!) 3 lbs to go!!!!

This was taken in Ringgold, Georgia. Holy. Cow.

What I Needed

I read this on one of the blogs I stalk. :) It was such an encourgament to me that I thought I would share. She does a ministry Monday and encourages ministry wives. This was her post this Monday.

"Years ago, there was a woman--a ministry wife--that I admired. She didn't know who I was, but I knew who she was. And I watched her. I watched what she did that I liked, marveling at her knowledge and abilities. But sometimes I watched her at what she did not do that I thought she should. How could she disappoint me so? After all, she was a ministry wife. Shouldn't she do, say, and be perfect?

Obviously, I was immature then, looking for this woman to do something for me and not once considering that my expectations might be a teensy bit unrealistic. Not to mention selfish and ungracious.

I now know these things about my former immature self because now I am the pastor's wife. People sometimes harbor or even voice the unrealistic expectations they have for me.

But mostly I harbor and voice them to myself.

Honestly, after 12 years in ministry, I thought I was done with worrying about what people expect from me. I also thought I had been released from holding this false standard of perfection for myself. But yesterday, Easter Sunday for pete's sake, those great expectations walloped me out of nowhere. I offended a friend, I said something dumb, I couldn't focus during the message, I had half conversations with people, I ran around frazzled at lunch, I was offended too easily over something silly, and just all around felt like a failure. And I couldn't let it go.

God said, "Grace, child! Remember, it's Easter. It's about Me and that I resurrected so that this very thing could be done with, once and for all."


But I couldn't stop fixating on my failures. And worrying about the pot roast.

My husband said, "It's probably PMS." And he's right because he has an app for that. (And he also said some really sweet, comforting things...just so you don't get the wrong idea about my husband!)

But darned if those great expectations didn't follow me around all through the day and into the night, infiltrating my dreams.

This morning, God drew me in with the first verse I read: "He is our refuge..." (Ps 46:1)

A deep sigh escaped as I inhaled a fresh breath of peace. A refuge: a retreat, a place to relax and unwind (and boy am I wound tight!), a place where I'm wanted and loved, a place where I don't have to be perfect.

There aren't many points or people of refuge in the life of a ministry wife. But there is One, an always and forever refuge. Where He sees our need, knows our heart, and offers us peace. Where the volume of the shrill human voices gets turned way down. He doesn't expect us to come to Him there as perfect pastor's wives, ready to serve. The God of the universe patiently and diligently and graciously serves us.

Reason number five trillion that spending time in the Word is essential. He turns off the faucet of negative, irrational, and sinful thoughts and replaces them with truth.

He reminds me not to resolve to try harder, but just to depend harder."

The Angels are Rejoicing... and so are we!

Our sweet Mags prayed to receive Christ last night!!!!

Maggie Ann, we are so proud of you! Its the best decision you will ever make!

Try It Tuesday:Rotel Chicken Pasta

This is a favorite around the Jerkins' house:

Rotel Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

1 red pepper or pimentos
4-5 chicken breasts
1 lb Velveeta
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 can of mushrooms-or fresh
2 cans Rotel tomatoes
1 lb spaghetti

Broil chicken breast. Cut into chunks. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti. Saute onion and bell pepper in a little butter. Combine chicken, cheese, Rotel, and soup in a microwavable bowl. Heating until cheese is melted. Add onion and pepper mix. Add mixture to spaghetti. Bake in casserole dish at 325* for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Weekend

Name change: For one I think "Weekend Wrap Up" sounds retarded and for the most part I don't think people really care what we do on the weekends so there's no sense in trying to come up with a clever name. I just write about about our weekends b/c I use this as a scrapbook for us.

Friday D and I were both off so we had planned on doing our flower beds. However we're in the the process of getting a new roof (I'll post about that later) so we had to go make some decisions so our workers could get their materials and begin on Saturday... which put our flower beds on hold. Our outing began with my favorite meal from Backyard Burger. Thankfully my husbands loves food as much as I do so I can convince him how necessary a particular meal is!

That night we went to our first Good Friday service at church. It was a good reminder of why we remember the Friday before Easter. We watched a good portion of the crucifixion from Passion of the Christ. So humbling to see what really happened played out. As one of my girls worded it, "It makes me feel like crap knowing He did that for me and I don't do squat." Yea... that sums it up well.

Saturday morning we were lazy and caught up on our dvr shows and did Sunday morning prep. That night we had people over for dinner and to watch the Grizzlies game. So my afternoon consisted of grocery shopping and cooking. I will never shop at kroger on the saturday before Easter again. It may have been worse than the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and I didn't think that was possible!

Easter Sunday was a sweet day of rejoicing, eating, and hanging with the fam! In case you were wondering I went with nude shoes. My dress was so bright I thought adding more color would make me look like a clown. I totally forgot to get a picture! Thanks for all of your input! Here are my shoes. I found them at Payless for $20 and they are surprisingly super comfortable!

After church we headed to Hernando to have lunch with D's family. Grandmomma made her famous Lasagna and then homemade chocolate and strawberry cakes. As if we didn't eat enough there, we went over to my aunt and uncles house and had barbecue and granny's chocolate pie. Of course there were delicious side dishes at both as well... I just was telling you about the important things so you'll know why it may be a gaining week!

We spent most of the day outside. It was gorgeous especially in the shade. And we soaked up every bit of its goodness.

Good Friday

Weight Watchers Update 14

Last week: 148

This week: 147.8



It may not be much, but losing .2 is better than gaining!

Ten Things Thursday

10. One thing I'm trying to do is find different ways to hang out with my girls outside of church. One of our students and I have begun running together. Although I'm a sweaty mess and breathing hard, I love this precious time with her.

I need some ideas. We've done dinners and pedicures, but can you think of some other fun things we can do?


9. I am in love with this color... Essie's Bermuda Shorts.

8. We only have 5 weeks until summer!!!!

7. Tuesday was our annual zoo field trip. I woke up to dark, stormy clouds. I knew we'd have some devastated kiddos (and teachers!) if we got rained out! Thankfully the clouds moved out and we had lots of sunshine!

6. Last night we had Drew Barham from the Memphis Tiger basketball team come and hang out and speak to our students. We have known his family for a long time and because of the impact he is having on the basketball team for Christ, we thought he'd be perfect to come and speak to our students. Between hanging out eating hamburgers, being silly playing volleyball with us, and then talking about what God was doing in His life, our kids and leaders were able to see that he's the real deal.

5. Because tomorrow is good Friday, we have the day off! I am more than a little excited. However, I made the mistake of suggesting to D different options for the day. A couple of them were shopping for him an Easter tie or working in the flower beds. You can imagine which one he chose... not shopping.


4. We thought last year that we had planted flowers that would come back year to year. To our dismay.... they did not. So any ideas on good, colorful flowers that will come back every year?

3. I'm really excited about the special service that we're having Friday night. It will be our first good friday, crucifixion service. What a great way to get our focus on why we have Good Friday. If it weren't for Friday we wouldn't have Sunday.

2. My Granny was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. She took chemo in pill form and has been cancer free for a while now. She goes in every 6 months for a scan. Today she has a scan. Please pray for peace for her. I know these days make her nervous and anxious. And pray that we get a clear report!

1. Last night Susan made my favorite cookies: Poo Poo Patties... also known as chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies. I def. couldn't resist and had 2! I know I posted a cookie recipe yesterday but I had to post this one because its my favorite. In fact I may have even posted this recipe before, but its worth repeating!!!!

Poo Poo Patties

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa
• pinch salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal

Preparation:

In large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, cocoa, salt, and butter and mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir mixture and bring it to a boil that can't be stirred down for 1 minute. Then remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. Add oatmeal and mix well. Do not use regular or instant oatmeal; quick-cooking oatmeal is essential to the success of this recipe. Once mixed well, spoon onto wax paper and let cool for 30 minutes.

Wordy Wednesday

This week during our bible time I have been teaching my class about the resurrection. Though I am 25 years old and have heard this story a million times there is something refreshing about hearing it again and again. As we prepare to celebrate His resurrection its important to remember why He was resurrected. He was my atoning sacrifice. He paid the debt I never could pay. He bled and died for me. My favorite part of the story... now bear with me this is for 4 year olds....

"Do you think a few soldiers with swords could take Jesus if He didn't want to go? No! Jesus is God the Son. He has all power. No one could arrest Jesus if he wanted to stop them. Jesus let the soldiers take Him because He knew it was God's plan for Hem to take the punishment for our sin."

I feel like many churches make Jesus out to be this puny being that the guards contained, beat, and then crucified. What a great reminder that He has all power! He chose to complete the will of the Father. What a Savior!

I found this recipe for resurrection cookies. You bake them with your kids and present the gospel step by step. Its a great way to prepare them for Easter.

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read: John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink.

Read: John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life
to give us life.

Read: John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read: Luke 23:27

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read: Psalm 34:8

and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read: Isaiah 1:18

and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read: Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed.

Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read: John 16:20,22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Try It Tuesday

Back Yard Burger's Baja Chicken Sandwich
with Sweet Potato Fries

You can ask D, I had this meal a week and half ago and can not stop talking about it! This sandwich is the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. Its simply a delicious seasoned, grilled chicken breast with guacamole and pico de gallo. My mouth is watering as I'm typing this and I already ate lunch!

Not only is the sandwich to die for, but their sweet potato fries are amazing as well! I love sweet potato fries, but these are sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon so they are seriously like a dessert.

I have not had back yard burger in years before this because I thought they were over priced. They have great food, but if you're wanting fast food there are def. cheaper options. This meal is well worth the money! So if you haven't made dinner plans tonight... here ya go... Try it tonight!!!

Monday Musings

1. I just read on fb that Paul Hill... a former Bellevue student... ran the boston marathon in 2 hours and 28 minutes. Holy cow! Isn't the average marathon run 4 hours?!

2. I have been making excuses, but I am finally getting back into running. The weather is nice now so I have no excuse!

3. I went and got a haircut with one of my students. A friend of mine recommended this place in Oakland. I got a great cut and it only cost $17! My student convinced me to get swoopy bangs... so I got them. I hairspray them down so well there's not really any swoop to them, but at least it something different in the front.

4. I could eat this sweet precious up! Even when she drips watermelon yogurt all over me.

If I haven't said it before we love our nieces. I know we're biased, but they're pretty awesome.

We get great practice having them around. I don't know what I'll do when we have ones of our own and when they get cranky we can't send them home with Jules and Jeff!

5. We took our youth to the Third Day/Tenth Avenue North concert last Thursday night. We are so thankful for opportunities like these for our kids to get a taste of good, christian music because let's be honest... there is some bad christian music out there.

6. What happened to our spring weather on Saturday?! I went outside to run in shorts and a t-shirt and quickly came right back in to put on more clothes. I only made it a mile before my ears couldn't take another minute of the wind! Thankfully today is warmer. Hopefully it will stay this way.

Weight Watchers Update 13

Last week: 149.8

This week: 148.0

Thankfully lost: 1.8

Hopefully we're on to more losing again! I can't remember if I explained in a previous post but my plan is to get to 143... even if its 143.9. So once I see 143 of any kind I will stop these weekly ww updates. I will still be continuing with ww, but I won't bore you anymore with updates. Thanks for your continued encouragement!

Try It Tuesday

Back Yard Burger's Baja Chicken Sandwich
with Sweet Potato Fries

You can ask D, I had this meal a week and half ago and can not stop talking about it! This sandwich is the best chicken sandwich I have ever eaten. Its simply a delicious seasoned, grilled chicken breast with guacamole and pico de gallo. My mouth is watering as I'm typing this and I already ate lunch!

Not only is the sandwich to die for, but their sweet potato fries are amazing as well! I love sweet potato fries, but these are sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon so they are seriously like a dessert.

I have not had back yard burger in years before this because I thought they were over priced. They have great food, but if you're wanting fast food there are def. cheaper options. This meal is well worth the money! So if you haven't made dinner plans tonight... here ya go... Try it tonight!!!

K4 Program

Yesterday was our K4 program. We have been practicing for awhile and yesterday was finally our show time. It's not a glamorous production, but simply an opportunity for our parents to see their kids sing songs, recite bible verses, phonics rules, count to 100, etc. Our theme this year was obedience through the story of Jonah so we incorporated all of the educational stuff in the story. Our kids did so well. No one fell off the stage, no one screamed and cried.... too terribly, no one forgot their lines.... it was a sweet way to help wrap up our year in K4.

Now that our program is over its smooth sailing into summer!

Wordy Wednesday: True Ministry

John 1:35

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

The best definition I have heard for "ministry" is simply to make much of Jesus.

The verse above clearly represents what ministry is all about. John wasn't patting himself on the back for all the people he had baptized or all of the good things he had said. He simply pointed out Jesus.

Now don't get me wrong there are a lot of things that encompass ministry. But pure and simply ministry is making much of Jesus. We don't have to have a seminary degree or be a missionary. We don't even have to be smart. We simply need to be surrendered and willing. Just think Jesus chose 12 ordinary men: fishermen, tax collector, etc. These men were willing to leave behind everything and follow Jesus.

In fact one of my favorite verses explains their simplicity well...

Acts 4:13
"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus."

These men were ordinary. It wasn't anything they did or said that made them stand out. Their significance was found in Jesus alone.

Try It Tuesday: What should I try?

Saturday afternoon the sister and I went Easter dress shopping. My sister is a shopper for all of 30 minutes and then usually she is done. 3 hours later... she was still going... maybe on fumes... but going nonetheless. After several stores and several dressing rooms later...I found my dress. It was a $70 dress. Don't worry, I wasn't about to pay $70 for it. It was on sale for $35, but even that was really more than I wanted to pay, but I was willing b/c the dress is so cute. I actually found a gift card that I had to that store and spent all $21.63 on my dress. I was thrilled!

Ok... here's the deal though.... I need your advice. My dress is a gorgeous, bright yellow.

This is it:

What color shoes and jewelry would you wear with it? I don't want black or white. I bought nude, but I don't think they look great with it. Ideas?

Weight Watchers Update 12

Last week: 149.2

This week: 149.8


I mean really?!

Heavy Heart

Our constant prayer for our students is that God would ignite a passion in them to desire more of Jesus. Because they are human we know they will make mistakes. But its not fun to watch them go through these times. One song keeps playing in my head as my heart breaks for these students. No matter what we go through, the good times and bad...He is unchangeable, unshakable, and unstoppable. He is God alone.

You Are God Alone

You are not a god
Created by human hands
You are not a god
Dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is



You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone


You're the only God
Whose power none can contend
You're the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God
Who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that's just the way it is


You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone


Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are


You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

Wordy Wednesday

My favorite conference on our Gatlinburg trip was: What I Wish I had Known About Being A Minister's Wife. Sheila McFadden from First Baptist Humboldt led this particular conference. These were her points:

1. The highs are high and the lows are low
I am thankful to be in a place where we are very loved, but I realize that there will be times when we won't always feel the love. We're human... it inevitable. These verses she gave us are extreme, but great reminders that God is our refuge in difficult times.

Psalm 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 33:20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

2. I will not meet everyone's expectations
I am a people pleaser! That may even be an understatement. I like to make people happy. I do not want to ruffle feathers. So this is hard to take, but there is only so much I can do. I can't feel guilty about not agreeing to help with everything the church does. For one its not fair to D for me to be worn out and then at home he gets whatever is left. And also, its not healthy for me.

Psalm 139:1

You have searched me, LORD,
and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue
you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

3. Not everyone will meet my expectations
I know I'm not perfect so I need to remember that everyone else isn't either. This means that I not only need to remember this but I can't allow it to create a critical spirit in me.

1 Timothy 3:11
In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

4. I need to "learn" to be content
Content. This 7 letter word is a tough one. Content not just in the good times, but all the time. Content in the good, bad, and ugly. We are to be content wherever God has placed us trusting that He is at work and has us exactly where He wants us.

Philippians 4:11-12
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

5. I need to serve out of my gifts.
I don't need to serve out others gifts or the gifts I wish I had. I need to discover what mine are and use them for His glory.

6. I need to be my spouse's cheerleader
I should be D's #1 fan, supporter, and cheerleader. He should feel safe sharing information, plans, dreams, frustrations with me without fear of rejection, sarcasm, criticism etc. This support should be obvious whether we are alone or in public.

7. I need to mother with grace
I need to remember that my future children and the youth we lead are all different. I need to be sensitive to these differences and look for ways to build stronger, meaningful relationships with them.

8. Celebrate the ministry
I truly believe being apart of God's ministry is one of the most exciting journeys we could be on. We have been chosen for this. What an honor!


I was never called to be a minister's wife, but I was called to be Daniel's wife. I knew at 17 that God created him for me. That meant that I was going to be his wife no matter what God called him to. I never expected to be a minister's wife, but now I know I wouldn't have it any other way!

Try It Tuesday

Old Mill Restaurant

I don't know how I could have gone to Gatlinburg so many times and have never heard of this place! It has to be in my top 5 restaurants. Its a little pricey, but its enough to make 2 meals out of it. I mean you get a ton of food! Not just any food, but good home cooking! I tried to be as healthy as possible and got grilled chicken and veggies. However, the veggies were probably cooked in fat, butter, and grease. It was too good to be healthy! Here's a picture of me with only some of my food. There were also soups, corn fritters, and dessert not pictured... all of which were included. This was seriously one of the best meals I have ever eaten! We all left miserably full... but oh so happy.

So if you're headed to the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area you must try Old Mill Restaurant!

Weekend Wrap-Up

My weekend actually began last Thursday. I went with a group of ladies from church to a women's conference in Gatlinburg. We left Thursday and came back last night. It was such a refreshing trip. It was so nice to get away from everyday craziness and enjoy sweet friends, good food, good messages and the mountains!

I have been to Gatlinburg 10 out of the last 12 years. Normally we're there for a camp, but this was a little different. My adventurous friend, Susan, knows Gatlinburg. Not the food places and shopping malls like I do, but the trails, waterfalls, and back roads. So this time I enjoyed Gatlinburg like I have never before. In fact I was hiking up the mountain in cowboy boots so she could get a good picture.

Besides, being adventurous we sat through some good conferences and some weak ones. My favorites were "Its Easier to Train a Teenager Than Fix An Adult" and "What You Need to Know and What You Wished You Would Have Known About Being a Minister's Wife." I'll share more about what I learned from these conferences on Wednesday.


One of my favorite parts of our trip was actually on our way home. We stopped in Knoxville and hung out with one of our students. We picked Kendall up and he showed us around campus and then took us to an adorable restaurant on the square. This is my favorite picture of our visit. Kendall always teases D that I'm going to leave D and marry him. I turned at the last minute to see what Michelle was laughing at.

For example, this was his facebook status yesterday:

"Going on a date with Daniel Jerkins wife... UMAD? ;) "

Because I left on Wednesday, I did not get a chance to post my weight watchers update. Before I share, I feel that I must explain. I decided to do a cleanse. Yes, a cleanse. One of those drink this stuff for a few days and and it will eliminate toxins and clean your insides. Seemed like a good idea b/c I already have issues. It began with my sister starting it with me:

Yea she's a wuss. Well, for one it did not help. Two, it made me gain weight! So when I weighed early Thursday morning the scale said, "149.2" What?! Who gains weight with a cleanse?! I did read that it was possible but I thought being "cleaned out" would make you lose not gain! Needless to say, the cleansing stopped.