Temptation Tuesday!

October 28, 2014

Temptation Tuesday!  Why is it a temptation for me?

It has been twelve days since my last blog and it is not that I have been extremely busy, it is that I have been dealing with the pain of losing a friendship that I cherished.  It was not a friendship were we had known each other for years, actually we only knew each other for a few months, but I thought that this could be one that would last.  I was wrong.  Apparently I was more into the friendship than the other individual was.  It hurt to discover this, but in discovering this it has caused me to look closer at who I am and why I seem to always be so "gullible"; to being taken advantage of and treated in unkind ways.

Is it that God created me to be a door mat to people?  No way!!  He created me with a kind and gentle heart.  Because of this, I have a tendency to get hurt more easily, but I would much prefer to love and care for people and suffer through the hurt,  than to be nothing more than a cold-hearted "bitch".
I asked a friend, a true friend who always talks straight to me about being gullible, and he told me that I was a kind-heart woman that cares for people and there is nothing wrong with that.  But people will take advantage of a person like me, use me and then just discard me as if I have no feelings and I am yesterday's garbage.  But I am so much more than this.

Have I forgiven the person for how I was treated prior to the friendship ending, yes!  God justifies all things and He will justify how people treat each other.  I need to do what Jesus would expect of me.  Besides, when I start looking at the friendship I realize that God meant for this person to be in my life for just a season, the Spring/Summer season to be exact.  That during this season, I grew.  Under the person's tutoring, I became stronger in my workouts.  I have become more confident in my singing for God and I developed some truly loving and caring friendships.  I discovered a woman's ministry that I want to become more involved with and that the women are dynamic and a joy to be with.  That my true reason for being is for God's service, not a man.  That I have someone in my life who loved me so much before I was born, that He died on the cross for me.  Jesus is the greatest  reason for every season of my life.  He is with me Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall!!

Tuesday was tempting account, I found myself wanting to reach out and try to fix the friendship.  I wanted to "beg" the person to not discard me, to forgive me for what I may have done.  But then I realize, I have already been thrown out and that the individual does not even think or care about me.  That I did nothing but care about this individual so why do I need to beg for forgiveness.  For twelve days I been struggling and learning to "let go".  I have reflected on the good times that I shared, the lessons that I have learned and how I am a better person for having known this person for the short time that we had spent together as friends. But now it is time to move forward.  To enjoy every moment of each day and thank God for where He is taking me.

As October is drawing to an end, my new journey is just moments from beginning.  On November 3rd I will begin college.  I am a registered student of American Public University System (APUS).  I will begin my Bachelor's degree for Sports & Exercise Health Science with my focus on Fitness & Wellness.  I am fifty years old and discovered that I love working out.  That discovering new ways to make healthy choices with my workouts and diet are uplifting and brings me joy.  What an exciting and new adventure this is going to be.  I am going to spend more time on my writing and photography too.  The message that God's is definitely telling me, it is time to listen and be with Him and to trust Him completely.  It is time to do things for me.

So the temptation was defeated. How?  By prayer, trusting God and staying focused on Jesus!

                              I sit here enjoying Chicago Fire, the men are truly a "temptation!"

Trouble-Free Thursday!

October 16, 2014

     A day with no worries, no problems, no arguments, no trouble!!  Is there ever a day that you experience this.  When you wake up in the morning, everything comes rushing into your thoughts and it all begins again.  Worries over children, finances, life!.  Problems arise at work, with either this or that.  Arguments with children, friends or co-workers.  Trouble!!! Just cannot seem to be able to escape trouble...it is everywhere.

     However, being single and my children grown and living on their own, really does not leave me anyone to argue with.  My children and I appreciate each other more.  I am sure there will be times when we will still argue, but they are much fewer and farther in between.  As we grow older, my siblings and I appreciate the time we can spend together, and try not to have disagreements.  Work, well exactly what is it.  It is a means to be able to survive in this world, to pay the bills and to put food on the table, gas in the car.  If you are lucky there maybe some left to do some fun things or buy some new clothes.  Worrying only brings stomach ulcers, hair falling out and turning gray...not worth it.  Especially when there is someone in my life who wants to carry my burdens and worries for me.  Jesus!  Where would I truly be without Him in my life.  Jesus, He brings me to our father God, and my father God wants the best for me and if at this point in my life it means to be on my own with no one to argue with, well that is definitely alright with me.

    But being totally honest, I miss having someone in my life to have disagreements with.  Why, because I did so enjoy making up!!!  Having strong arms wrapped around me saying, I am sorry and whispering how much he loves me, yeah, I do miss that.  What I miss most, is just having someone there to hold me, to comfort me and to just love me.  People will say, well Jesus is wrapping His arms around you, and I know this is true.  Many of the nights these past four and half years I spent wrapped securely in His arms during the night.  When I am having trouble falling asleep, I call out to Him and begin talking to Jesus.  I give Him my loneliness, my pain and my worries.  He wraps me in His arms and I fall asleep.

    Is there someone out there for me?  Well only God truly knows what He has planned for me and I trust Him with everything.  Jesus puts everything in perspective, just be patient, know that I am loved and live each day to bring glory, honor and praise to Him, who loves me with no conditions.  He loves me no matter how I look, what size I wear and no matter what color is my hair.

   The world will continue to turn.  Night will become day as day falls into night.   We must cherish every moment that God provides to us, for life here on this earth is a gift.  He created us to serve Him and by serving others we serve Him.  Nothing truly else matters, God must be first and foremost in our lives in order to survive mankind.  The devil feeds on our fears and if we do not give them to Jesus, then the devil has a chance of winning.  But Jesus, never gives up on us.  His light may dim in our hearts with the weight of the worries of this world, but when we put down the TV remote and pick up the Bible, that light grows stronger, and peace comes.

 To say that I was terrified of living on my own, I was.  How did I overcome this fear, I gave it to Jesus and He crushed it.  Did I try to find someone by going on dating sites and other means, yes, I did.  Did it work out...no it did not.  So now I am learning to be patient, trust God's judgement and enjoy the peace of not arguing with anyone.  I enjoy the quiet of my home and the fact that after many years of taking care of others, I am now taking care of myself.  So God is crafting me into the person I was always meant to be, but it only took me fifty years to recognize it. I am blessed!

  So, I sit here enjoying Ray Charles, my dad's favorite singer and reflecting on the love that I have had growing up and the love that continues in my life today.  I am blessed!!  I celebrate my mother and father on this throwback Thursday.  Troubles may come, but I know that God has two very strong angels with Him and they watch over me.  How can I not be strong?  I am LOVED!!!

You Don't Know Me by Ray Charles

In honor of my mother and father:

Marlene Elizabeth and Samuel Joseph Palombia

Forever together 

In heaven above.

While down here on earth

Are the children of your love.

Always in our hearts

Where forever you live.

May we be shining examples

Of the love you so freely would give.

When others were in need

You were the first ones there.

No matter what you had

You would always share.

Heaven's gain

When you went home.

Hurts so much more deeper

Than living all alone.

I hear my father singing

When songs we shared, I play.

I hear my mother's laughter

In quirky things I hear myself say.

I can see them dancing

Looking deeply into each others eyes

The love that was between them

Could never be denied.

From the moment they met

They were as one.

Two souls woven forever together

On earth and in Heaven above.

October 16, 2014

written by:  Darla Elizabeth Palombia

Until we meet again.

Tasty Tuesday

October 14, 2014

Tuesday!  Something to be said about...Tuesday!  It is not the beginning of the week, nor the middle or end.  It just is a day.  But, oh what a day!  For on Tuesday evenings at 10 p.m. on NBC, Chicago Fire comes on and enter the men & women of Firehouse 51.  Am I addicted to the show.  YES!!!
 It is not just the gorgeous men on the program, but the story lines are awesome.  One of the best dramas to come back to TV in a very long time.  I was always in awe of firemen and fire-women that diligently and fiercely put their lives on the line every single day.  They will run into a burning building not just to save human lives, but animals too.  These men and women are true servants of God.  Willingly laying down their lives to save others.  To be able to do their jobs, they have to remain in physical shape and they eat extremely hearty but healthy food.  I am truly thankful for each and every person who dedicates their lives to this profession.

 Today is also Boot Camp Party day!  From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. I get physically accelerated and push my body beyond what I never thought that I would possibly be able to do.  I began boot camp in May of this year when Zumba was just not enough for me and I was craving more.  After three, seven week sessions, I discovered that I love fitness and wellness.  So God has revealed to me, my new path on my journey.  Darla Elizabeth Palombia is an enrolled student of American Public University of West Virginia and will working on her Bachelor's of Sport & Exercise Health Science with a focus on fitness and wellness.  My endeavor will begin November 3rd.

So with this new direction, I have started to focus more on learning from Jillian Michaels and doing the 30 Day Shred.  I am on day five of level 1.  Tomorrow morning will be day six.  I also created a new Facebook group-Worship & Workout of the Day.  This is a group where we can share our ups and downs of weight loss and physical activity.  Each morning I place on the site a word of worship that relates to fitness and wellness along with nutrition according to God's word and then create a small workout routine.  We can also share healthy recipes and motivation messages to encourage and help each other on the road to fitness and wellness.

Time is drawing closer to when Chicago Fire will begin, so I will be wrapping up today with a tasty treat that I made for a baby shower this past weekend.  I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious they were.  I hope you too will bake them and enjoy a healthy treat.

Trick or Treat is coming soon

along with all the tasty temptations.
But you can beat back the candy monster
With this wonderful creation!

Jillian Michaels Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 cup butter, unsalted and room temperature
1/2 cup sugar substitute, heat-stable (Stevia in the Raw is what I used)
2 large egg whites
1 tsp vanilla (extract or pure)
1 cup protein powder, vanilla flavored
3 Tbsp cocoa powder, unsweetened
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbsp milk, fat-free
1/4 cup chocolate chips, semisweet miniature.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar substitute until blended. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract, beat well.

Stir together the protein powder, cocoa, baking soda and salt in another bowl. Slowly add to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Beat until well blended.
Stir in chocolate mini chips

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto an un-greased baking sheet (I use parchment paper)
Bake 7 to 9 minutes or just until set. Remove from baking sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Makes about 36 cookies

Nutrition: per cookie

Calories: 40       Cholesterol 9 mg     Dietary Fiber: 0 g

Total Fat: 3 g      Sodium: 32 mg       Protein: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g        Total Carbohydrate: 2 g

These cookies are light and airy and delicious!

                 Until we meet again!  Enjoy!

Columbus Day!

October 13, 2014

  Yes, it is Monday again and boy what a week I had.  Tuesday and Wednesday were normal work days last week with the exception that I began my Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred!!  I have started off with level I and for ten days I will continue in this level, today will be day five.  This workout is 25 minutes long including a warm-up and cool down and boy I can tell you that I feel the burn.  In September I joined Jillian Michaels 100 day Challenge and each day she gives us a motivational challenges and a workout for the week.  For me, I have not been posting as often as I like on the 100 day challenge site, but that is about to change.

 Recently I have taken measures to change my life's journey.  God has been pulling on me for some time and throughout the past few months has definitely made His dream for me clearer.
 On Thursday of last week, I enrolled and applied to American Public University System also known as American Military University in West Virginia to begin my Bachelor's Degree in Sports & Exercise Health Science.  My focus: Fitness & Wellness.  I have enrolled in my first three courses to begin November 3, 2014.  I am also going to focus on courses for writing and photography.

 I am also focusing more on several book ideas that I have started and will complete.  I write poetry and have begun to share them.. I know that God wants the words that He has given me to be publish and for everyone to read.  For somewhere out there, is someone who needs them.  He has blessed me with this gift and I cannot keep it contained or a secret any longer.  Many times when He gives me words to write, they are not necessarily my feelings or what I am going through, but they are what is brought to me from someone else.  I may not even know the individual, can be someone in the room; but the feelings are there, so strong that He places the words within me, and I write them.  I become them.

 Yesterday at the church service, many of the college students had returned for a short fall break.  Christ Star church always prays over the young adults when thome and it is so beautiful.  I remember when both my boys finally went of to college and I was alone.  The morning after I returned from Morgantown I took my youngest to WVU,  I woke up, cleaned the boys room, took a picture and then sat on my balcony with a cup of coffee and these words came to me.

Gone

August 21, 2010

written by: Darla E. Palombia

Quietly waiting for them to come

Crashing through the door.

But they have all grown up

And that will not happen anymore.

  

In the quiet of the morning

Their beds are neatly made.

Comes the realization

My life is beginning to change.

As I sit here quietly reflecting

Of all the changes taking place.

I think of the years past

And the new ones that I will now face.

When the time was coming

For my sons to part.

I never thought I’d be alone

To heal my grieving heart.

  

I feel sadness that they have grown

And my time with them is through.

I have joy in the knowing

Of a job well done and true.

For the joy that I was given

In the raising of my sons.

Was entrusted to me by God

And His everlasting love.

For I am not alone

In this place or at this time.

For God is always with me

And His love within me shines.

My sons are a part of me

As their journey into adulthood continues on.

And I know I did my best for them

And they are never truly gone.

   I was so excited for them that being sad did not stay in my heart for long.  I raised my sons to be strong independent men.  To be a blessing to society, although my youngest is more the party animal of society.  They were both raised to believe and trust in God.  To pray to Jesus and know that He is with them no matter what is happening.  My oldest son always had a strong and close relationship with God.  But sometimes I know the world beats on him, but I always remind him of who he is truly serving and always rely on Him.  My youngest, well lets say that He researches and tests God.  I know that God gets true enjoyment out of him account He challenges the Father, and God loves to be challenged so that He can show just how much He is in control and is blessing us.  It is a hard lesson when we seem to get more maybe and no answers from God, when we truly want the yes answer the most.  But even at my young age of 50, I, too, am still learning to be patient and accepting when God says "no" or "not yet".  But when He says "yes", what a life changer it truly is.

 Most of the day Thursday and Friday were spent in preparation for my first grandson's baby shower.  Yes, my oldest and his wife are bringing a little boy into this world in December.  I am truly beginning to get excited about the prospect of being a Nonna (Italian grandmother)  I like that much better than the others.  I do have a step-grandson, Charles.  He is such a cute little guy who will soon be turning four this month.  He looks a lot like his mom, my daughter-in-law and to watch the developing relationship between him and my son is so totally amazing that I know God is blessing them.  You see, not only did my oldest say he would never marry, but he also said he was never going to be a dad.  Well, I always told him that when he challenges God, God will win.  God blessed not only my son, but me as well.  My daughter-in-law may not be the easiest young lady, but she has a heart of gold, but is afraid to truly show it.  I, believe in time, when she has experienced the unconditional love of not only my son and myself, but mostly from God, that she will no longer be afraid and she is going to rock this world with love and faith.  When God is in the center, no man can tear it apart or destroy it.  

 I am excited with were God is leading me.  The answers and the direction that He is taking me.  I look forward to the challenges that lie in wait, for with Him by my side, I know that I will be able to conquer them.  So, I say until this world....BRING IT ON!  For with Jesus my savior, I AM STRONG!  

  

Since July 2010, when my life journey truly started to change, I have lost 55 pounds and 14 inches to date.  Slow and steady and most of all patience.

Tomorrow is Tasty Tuesday!

See you then!

Monday! Monday!

October 6, 2014

Monday is back!  Where did the weekend go?  Last I remember it was Friday evening and I enjoyed a wonderful church service at Christ Star Church in Sterling Va.  Then Saturday came and to say that choir rehearsal went well at the other church that I sing at, would be an understatement.  It should not have even happened account the music minister apparently had other plans.  He showed up, played one song then high-tailed it out of the church.  He did not go through parts, go over the other songs for the service and ignored when someone asked to please go over the first song.   Do I feel like my time was wasted traveling 20 minutes down the road for a 10 minute rehearsal, YES!!!!  I could have truly done so much more with my Saturday.  I could have went hiking with my son and dog.  When you are a leader and committed to fulfilling a job, you need to be considerate of those that are volunteering their time.  Okay, I was angry and my whining is now over!
 If you are wondering if we sounded okay on Sunday, well you know that God always makes things go well and the choir pulled it together to make the songs sound beautiful.  When you sing for God's glory, it always sounds beautiful.
  Yesterday was a triumphant day.  When I woke up, I got onto the scale and WOW! I met my goal weight that I began working towards two years ago.  After the rough week that I was experiencing, the blessing of reaching my goal weight was a joy.  I felt so happy that I could not believe it and got on the scale again this morning to make sure.  Low and behold it was real!!!
 The amazing thing about last week is that it is now a thing of the past.  It is over and a new week is underway. This week is starting off so much better!!!
 First I have come to realize that last Sunday, no matter what someone else may think, I apparently did a good job singing the solo parts on the songs that I had to do.  Bright spot was when I reflect on how everyone was telling me after the service how beautiful I sang the songs.  Yesterday, the Bishop made me feel really good when he asked me if I was going to sing the song again.  Made me feel warm and happy inside.  Especially after I had come to realize that a person I believed cared for me and was becoming a very close friend, was doing everything they possibly could do to show just how little they cared for me and really wanted as little to do with me as possible.  You ask, how do I know this?  Well let me count the ways a person lets you know that they no longer want to be your friend:
  1.  The person will draw away from you.  Begins slowly, little by little the individual begins to lesson communication with you.
  2.  Becomes unhappy with everything that you do.  Nothing you do can seem to make the individual happy with you.  The individual finds fault in everything you do and does not point out the good things you accomplished.
  3.  Avoids physical and eye contact with you.  As if you have the plague or you are the most hideous thing the individual ever saw.
  4.  Last but not least, even when you try to be nice and talk with the individual, they pretty much answer you curtly and make it obvious they want nothing to do with you.  Totally cold towards you.
 So, what do you do when you lose someone who had become important to you and your life but no longer cares squat for you.
  A)  You begin wandering what you did wrong.
  B)  You question everything you did
  C)  You cry with the pain of losing someone special
  D)  You re-evaluate the relationship
  E)  You pray and ask God for strength and guidance
  F)   You let the relationship go
  G)   You move on!

Every person that God brings into your life, comes into it for a reason.  When you re-evaluate the relationship, you discover all the things that you learned from the individual.  You reflect on all the good that the individual did in your life and thank God for bringing that person into your life.  No matter if it is for a season or for eternity, We can always learn from the people that join in our life journey, sometimes we do not see the lesson right away and sometimes it is obvious from the start.

I am truly thankful for all the individuals that have come in and out of my life.  They have helped me to become the individual that I am growing into.  Never a day goes by that I do not thank God for those who are in my life, those who were in my life but have moved on, and for those who are yet to enter in,.  Each day brings adventure and new people on my path.  Some will walk by, some will stop for a moment and others will walk along the path with me.  I look forward to what the new day will bring.

Enjoy the journey!  I am so glad to have you join me.

Sunshine Saturday

October 4, 2014

Saturday!!  Day of relaxing and kicking back and enjoying every moment of not having to work.  What a beautiful Saturday today happens to be.  The clouds are wisps across the blue of sky as the sun shines.

Autumn brings change, but my changes began in August.  God began putting me in the press.  I learned about the press at a great service Friday night at Christ Star Church in Sterling.  Being in the press for me, is that I am going through a lot of changes in my journey right now.   I am changing.  I left the gym that I had been a member of for two year.  I have found peace in this decision and over the next couple of months will look into new places and will definitely find the place for me.  While I am searching, I have DVDs that I am challenging myself to actually accomplish and complete.  One is Jillian Michaels 30 day shred.  Started with level 1 today, nine days to go before I start level 2.   I also have a kettle bell workout DVD and of course Richard Simmons always causes me to sweat. However, my favorite is walking.  And Autumn is a great time to walk and take in all the changes taking place in nature.

Autumn is a great time of reflection.  I reflect upon were I was just one year ago.  Preparing for my son's wedding.  On October 19th it will be their one year anniversary.  This year I am preparing for the birth of my first grandson.  My daughter-in-law does have a soon to be four year old son, which technically makes me a grandmother.  However, I am going to be the Italian grandma and insist that I will be called Nonna.  

 This time last year, I was still looking for a new workout routine to help me to continue to work towards my weight goal.   May 2014 I discovered a workout routine that has brought me to within one pound of reaching my goal. This is the ultimate workout that truly works for me and I hope to continue. But the body does have a tendency to become acclimated to workouts, so, I am discovering new workouts and new meal plans to keep me focused and looking forward to when I can celebrate reaching my goal.  

 Sunshine Saturday brought happiness into my day today.  

The colors of Autumn are so totally vibrant that how can you not find joy in this day.  For this is the day that the Lord has made, I live to praise His name!!!

So joy is found when you look all around.  When you take time to look at the beauty that God continues to put right in front, beside, behind and up above us.  His glory is everywhere to be found.  We just need to stop, be still!  

So as sunshine Saturday comes to a close, I hope you enjoyed the pictures that I took along my walks today.
  May you stop and be still, know that God is blessing you every moment of every day.

God Bless You!

He Reigns! by the Newsboys

Whimsical Wednesday!!!

Wednesday, the day of the week that says, we are half way there!!!  Half way done and half way to Friday and then the weekend.
  Started off as a whimsical kind of day, but then wham, something happens to just take it all away.  You begin to question if what your doing is really in God's plan for you and maybe, just maybe, He is actually telling you it is not.  That you need to walk away to protect your heart.  To protect the person He is working on building you up to be.  Pain is always going to be a part of my life.  Pain of losing my beloved father over 24 years ago.  Pain of losing a cherished mother over 4 years ago.  The pain of when your children leave home to become independent men and to gain knowledge and make their way in the world.  The pain of watching them struggle and knowing there is nothing you can do than be there for them and pray for them.  Support them, but letting them work it out.  Then there is the pain of failed marriages that leave you all alone.  No one to hold you when you need to be held, no one to talk to, just an empty home.  Nothing!
  During times of pain is actually the time when you gain.  You gain strength, you gain endurance, you gain confidence but most of all you gain faith.  Faith in the one who brought you to this pain, so that He could bring you through it.  To show me that I am never alone.  That He is with me and it is in the quietness of the empty home, where I find peace. In the pain there is joy, for tomorrow will come and He will still be holding me.  In the pain there is comfort.  Sitting with the candles glowing and soft music playing in the background.  I hear Him.  He speaks to me, I am happy, I am loved!
  So on this beautiful, whimsical Wednesday, I would like to share this poem that I wrote in the spring:

I am Here

I am here

Once again bringing you my burdens

Praying for guidance and strength

For I am so overwhelmed with sadness.

After the many rains

The water rushes down the stream

Eager to reach the river

Just as I am eager to fulfill my dreams.

But what seems like forever to me

Is a mere moment for You.

And I must wait and be patience

For to see the greatness that You will do.

Many of my days are lonely

Many nights I am alone.

With no one’s arms to hold me

The tears freely flow.

You capture each teardrop

Holding them close to Your heart.

As I lay trembling, You wrap Your arms around me

Holding me tightly through the night so dark.

The world will not let me go

I feel myself sinking deeper still.

Until my heart is pierced with the image

Of the cross upon the hill.

A place so long ago

Where God poured out His love.

When on the cross my sins were forgiven

By the death of His precious son.

When the pain is so heavy

To the cross is where I go.

To feel the comfort of the one

Who truly loves me so.

For each day He provides to me

Everything that I need to make it through.

His strength, love and forgiveness

Each day for me is always renewed.

Even though I am not worthy

Of the blood He did shed.

He reigns within my heart to keep me strong

For when the world is attacking my head.

May I be an instrument for you, Lord

Giving me the words to write.

Make them strong and worthy

To share Your glorious light.

May my hands be Yours

To help all those that I shall meet.

May I be given the strength to help them,

Lift them up onto their feet.

May my eyes see clearly

Past the surface of the skin.

And into the heart and soul

That lives deep within.

May my ears hear the sounds

Of the cries that are not heard.

So that when I am speaking to them

They hear Your love within my words.

My voice is Your instrument

To sing Your song of love.

Always in joyful, soulful praising

The gift of Your glorious Son.

   Written this day; May 2, 2014

Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg MD

By: Darla Palombia

 Night has come and it is now time for me to rest.  Thank you for joining me in my journey.

Good night!