tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49028661453027299932024-02-21T03:54:45.903-08:00Raw Life Nowjtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-20865151537527194522011-09-12T07:05:00.000-07:002011-09-12T07:05:34.655-07:00Zach Attack'sI have Zach attack's all the time. However, I think we need to start putting a different spin on the attack. YES he was a firece monster, especially his morning dragon breath; yet, I think that these attacks are more his gentle reminder to us that he loves and cares for us. More than that though, his way of communicating with us, to nudge us, and gives us hope and courage. I am that much more powerful knowing that I have a gardian angel at my side. I love Zach, and I always will; however, if you open your eyes, you can see that he is with us, and that we can share his love with others. In the Caltholic church, they believe in Saints, and I know for a fact that St. Zachary is a powerful connection to God for us. His gentle spirit and positivity will never leave our side. Life is good! So, cheers to our tears and to our mememories. Zach will always be attacking us with his love. So go forth, and "attack" or share God's and Zachary's unconditional love with someone. Power to the peaceful my friend. <3jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-40288947515916575232011-05-05T17:57:00.000-07:002011-05-05T17:57:03.627-07:00Current BooksI know that I have not posted in a while! However, the new goal is to start blogging more often. My semester has been a blessing and an adventure all wrapped up into one. I have been crazy busy working and trying to figure out what my next step in life is going to be. I still have no idea.<br />
<br />
Tonight I am leaving for my second trip to Guatemala! <br />
This is a complete blessing from my church family and my actual family and friends.<br />
Thank you for supporting me on this endeavor. <br />
<br />
I am currently reading four books, that you should check out!!<br />
1) The bible! <br />
2) Good morning Lord, I don't know where you are taking me, but I am going! (Daily devotional)<br />
3) Immersion by Mark McNees<br />
4) Wild at Heart by John Eldredge <br />
<br />
Life has taken some unexpected winding paths; however, I am not discouraged! Like I said before, I am blessed by the lessons learned. I have truly learned what it means to guard your heart. I love learning and am amazed by how much these four books are teaching me about life.<br />
<br />
Let the sunshine warm your face and your heart!<br />
Skip and be merry. :)jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-45919794631571376712011-01-05T13:41:00.000-08:002011-01-05T13:41:36.306-08:00Diet and ExerciseEveryone has been telling me how great I look, and I thank them. They also ask me what I have been doing. I tell them diet and exercise. I want to give you encouragement to seek healthy ways to live your life to the fullest in 2011. If I did not take the opportunity to dedicate time to my health and fitness, then I would not have had as active year as I have had. In 2011, I want to do more, accomplish greater deeds, and live my life to the fullest everyday. I want to live it up!<br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorite 2010 photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zoostp5XVs8s9pUWutc5yG5s_zvn5f0ZmW2P-DDaL9r9GSGcTJARN4eko87CmJ81x6EJFopkMCOJhDs5z-84rJDeEGzTIajEnp4twopnJcfQgKKvRXHf55BdbZ-TiU38-rc9McLnEWs/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zoostp5XVs8s9pUWutc5yG5s_zvn5f0ZmW2P-DDaL9r9GSGcTJARN4eko87CmJ81x6EJFopkMCOJhDs5z-84rJDeEGzTIajEnp4twopnJcfQgKKvRXHf55BdbZ-TiU38-rc9McLnEWs/s200/IMG_0462.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtney and I found this little guy while biking in Tally. This was my birthday weekend. Chrissy and Tommy came to visit. We also found a friendly squirrel named Walter. Chrissy also found out how much she truly loves trees by allowing a tree to save her life. Haha! <3</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtypaNdAmVPfVpnHM2VidGD4M5aEVcvV5iRKn8t_4nKkRMyiRF_vXnR_rq_IAztdkhTzhJY94im5xTlDxH7tEb1nuNTSUZho_Qe4TOe1c1b3yJzEkGw3FDQjxwDPrHRWxQQqSjA5txxek/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtypaNdAmVPfVpnHM2VidGD4M5aEVcvV5iRKn8t_4nKkRMyiRF_vXnR_rq_IAztdkhTzhJY94im5xTlDxH7tEb1nuNTSUZho_Qe4TOe1c1b3yJzEkGw3FDQjxwDPrHRWxQQqSjA5txxek/s200/IMG_0216.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elliot, Sarah, Scott, Kelly, Matt, and I <br />
We could not resist being goofy in the Golden, CO. Coors Factory gift shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi9-p_5o3NoBU9IFxetLTV9FoLAbjH6jv8NpyYGxPnKJgqpncJGmCcreQeTcvocpLCyR5EPYX4LBTvi6K2WwYB5O0qdujOEPzcpGYAxF7id-eTxSDIpWjrYfKEN28xZQqHQKmCKYmVao/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfi9-p_5o3NoBU9IFxetLTV9FoLAbjH6jv8NpyYGxPnKJgqpncJGmCcreQeTcvocpLCyR5EPYX4LBTvi6K2WwYB5O0qdujOEPzcpGYAxF7id-eTxSDIpWjrYfKEN28xZQqHQKmCKYmVao/s200/IMG_0132.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These beautiful crocheted flowers are a symbolic representation of life in the midst of construction in down town Denver. While riding our bikes past this fence, a box that states positive affirmations stated, "You are beautiful!" What a cool way to spread happiness and lift people's spirits. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvri3tjrIRt7CC7d700UUGQwQAM5z6fX3v1FJvLeCZ65qYuWRFpOK1C1BsL-hr1Zqlf3085rRUPbytW2h59zErx_cEP9PpTYxW-VHSxsKf-1LK9BDt8vJ5Pta438dFt4LXlcoqoU3tKNM/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvri3tjrIRt7CC7d700UUGQwQAM5z6fX3v1FJvLeCZ65qYuWRFpOK1C1BsL-hr1Zqlf3085rRUPbytW2h59zErx_cEP9PpTYxW-VHSxsKf-1LK9BDt8vJ5Pta438dFt4LXlcoqoU3tKNM/s200/IMG_1048.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little Guatemalan boy drew a tree. This year my favorite symbol became a tree. Trees are parallel to all life. One of my favorite books, <i>The Giving Tree. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFn-hx67jH2XZEOrS7xG8feJVxcfT9B73PBAWSPjkQzYmLQo37Xj9TTLELWze4fOb99pMBDDjhjpU_pQDWZlR28qQPUoOT18d7TfN0SGH2Xvy97XzFzcZysgIMprZchUGEQsoa-EitLU/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFn-hx67jH2XZEOrS7xG8feJVxcfT9B73PBAWSPjkQzYmLQo37Xj9TTLELWze4fOb99pMBDDjhjpU_pQDWZlR28qQPUoOT18d7TfN0SGH2Xvy97XzFzcZysgIMprZchUGEQsoa-EitLU/s200/IMG_1118.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the many breath taking views of Guatemala. The country is extremely beautiful and scenic; however, right beyond this beauty is utter poverty and sadness because of land slides and natural disasters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ph4D5Irftqkh1L_nTwYj4MuQ7BDV4rFuXxjxIGUuB_81x2LCdn2qJkw27EpQ5QiKMfBWPrReC621Nf9nIS425qC2IR9mBy8FK4h53TSUCCPwqDtRgKnfZl7en5VxXJbsh7xBndQdK-0/s1600/IMG_1252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ph4D5Irftqkh1L_nTwYj4MuQ7BDV4rFuXxjxIGUuB_81x2LCdn2qJkw27EpQ5QiKMfBWPrReC621Nf9nIS425qC2IR9mBy8FK4h53TSUCCPwqDtRgKnfZl7en5VxXJbsh7xBndQdK-0/s200/IMG_1252.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are my yoga girls! We are doing one of our many "This is why I am single fish faces"! Hawt!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYy83SWa6y4u5G-qXmKHkxfzCgyeWds8iZe5ItvELU7j_iciQ_9YiQCSRqDIApB3Y7-5lAG-jhStwqQKG7brF8Vz-_jMlhBEkMRWU-FIgPmpMNCb71vAwMlnNSI75-aHMFkoBP4E-MRbY/s1600/DSCF9517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYy83SWa6y4u5G-qXmKHkxfzCgyeWds8iZe5ItvELU7j_iciQ_9YiQCSRqDIApB3Y7-5lAG-jhStwqQKG7brF8Vz-_jMlhBEkMRWU-FIgPmpMNCb71vAwMlnNSI75-aHMFkoBP4E-MRbY/s200/DSCF9517.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am slurping lemonade with my lemonade friend. I still do not need another straw, but hopefully one day I will. Mexico Beach, FL. My mom actually thought that I had gone to Mexico without telling her. Ha! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8XNNLkbum1bd6_rekwbBaBE6yRaN6Id5bfcg0lx-90SJDrriWYPaXQfUaC8uA8y2Q6vyTAkh_Ti5wFtDr0mlhSVRSoGtNLkzLW1ELxkPgyncBbohzcFpEXSAraEe-ZpcP2Ud2DI3wJM/s1600/IMG_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8XNNLkbum1bd6_rekwbBaBE6yRaN6Id5bfcg0lx-90SJDrriWYPaXQfUaC8uA8y2Q6vyTAkh_Ti5wFtDr0mlhSVRSoGtNLkzLW1ELxkPgyncBbohzcFpEXSAraEe-ZpcP2Ud2DI3wJM/s200/IMG_1189.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Joanna. She kicks my butt Tuesday through Friday at 7am. Thanks to her I have lost about 50lbs this year. It is not all her though, I am telling you the secret: Diet and Exercise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiCu_DBAKZ-9MZQ5pWH1mkkWcny0tzpondr0K8Lfim8i_az8mNq-lbK3OTDKWnIKKxAv13uSzaOPPvb8tAgXHF2_qtFZKAejqgYP5Aldi8KEas6oKGLzqLX7opBvy4OwYPHs8nS02y-o/s1600/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiCu_DBAKZ-9MZQ5pWH1mkkWcny0tzpondr0K8Lfim8i_az8mNq-lbK3OTDKWnIKKxAv13uSzaOPPvb8tAgXHF2_qtFZKAejqgYP5Aldi8KEas6oKGLzqLX7opBvy4OwYPHs8nS02y-o/s200/IMG_1306.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this up close photograph of me. I am at Venice Beach, FL with Chrissy and Tommy on our walk about. We parked our cars five miles away from each other at two different beaches and explored the beautiful gulf coast of FL by foot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScrqeUWfOGYPeKSwLFUshj8pUwthqNe7MvY9lrGOaz35kDqsYCv56nmnKJqDPrPvdMYfWmAwPtbBApo22-wKe_kuWbI8P0L2VUMCVqoA7E29WUdOKkcCmf0DqP10hD-CVceurW4nqFp8/s1600/DC+Ducks+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScrqeUWfOGYPeKSwLFUshj8pUwthqNe7MvY9lrGOaz35kDqsYCv56nmnKJqDPrPvdMYfWmAwPtbBApo22-wKe_kuWbI8P0L2VUMCVqoA7E29WUdOKkcCmf0DqP10hD-CVceurW4nqFp8/s200/DC+Ducks+027.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this breath taking patriotic photo while in Washington, DC with Dr. Carroll. Together we went and talked to our state senators and house representatives about education in the state of FL. What a great trip. Dr. Carroll is such a light in my life and a great role model for all women. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJz5MaogQWwFDppU9RbziocaNJMnWOCWHCiPllZKEuHAbhecJfEQs04tlKkPrE1UxU0hdtROSigOYDyXn0JE0p_5jiqy3KaKimIS1pqcE-YhSsjTeY8YR01O0jyLHpbuR6ruwPL8agGI/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJz5MaogQWwFDppU9RbziocaNJMnWOCWHCiPllZKEuHAbhecJfEQs04tlKkPrE1UxU0hdtROSigOYDyXn0JE0p_5jiqy3KaKimIS1pqcE-YhSsjTeY8YR01O0jyLHpbuR6ruwPL8agGI/s200/IMG_0345.JPG" width="111" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel and I at the Dreaming Cows Farm. In 2009 and 2010 we went on the New Leaf Farm Tour. This day is dedicated to local farms opening up their farms and educating the community about what exactly they do. We love this trip because we not only get to learn about local farm practices, but we get to play with the cows, taste samples, and enjoy some Florida sunshine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfpmpem0gJLZjWrz0zqLFWUT4W0KPxFv_Dr9-Pfb4xwBqT_B6FdunBpa4hrv-VccAQjob5Cm-NQ30qyRputifYj1a7WaNRj5zAPr0SpHqMO0RUcjSyuoIMMk2QL6oHZTy4HHZeZqWJ-Q/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfpmpem0gJLZjWrz0zqLFWUT4W0KPxFv_Dr9-Pfb4xwBqT_B6FdunBpa4hrv-VccAQjob5Cm-NQ30qyRputifYj1a7WaNRj5zAPr0SpHqMO0RUcjSyuoIMMk2QL6oHZTy4HHZeZqWJ-Q/s200/IMG_1370.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a classic Matty and JTodd photo. This year we have gone on many great adventures and have explored many different springs and areas of Florida. Here are are dancing at Hammnknockers Oasis, in O Bay.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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I will conclude by saying: Never stop exploring and letting your light shine! <br />
Happy New Year!!<br />
Much love!jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-53730186692283124212011-01-05T12:30:00.000-08:002011-01-05T12:30:28.886-08:00The Light House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSbcDwEmV8UGvllF7n4b4OuZZbkVKhLaqL4979bJf9Xw_0fAkHRzXTfx88gJ7uhFFFMHmWO6y27cDPS27LLhzDC0YJqwK3Ly3JLTyMM11ywcLlK-cvAM-ScfxJrRwLSuZu3auxXjfgmI/s1600/florida024_st._marks_lighthouse%2528apalachee_bay%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSbcDwEmV8UGvllF7n4b4OuZZbkVKhLaqL4979bJf9Xw_0fAkHRzXTfx88gJ7uhFFFMHmWO6y27cDPS27LLhzDC0YJqwK3Ly3JLTyMM11ywcLlK-cvAM-ScfxJrRwLSuZu3auxXjfgmI/s320/florida024_st._marks_lighthouse%2528apalachee_bay%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I know that I have not written in a long time. I have no honest excuses. Life has been happening!! Today has been a great day. This morning I had a great work out, then had a meeting with Dr. Meehan to discuss the possibility of applying for an English Teaching Full Bright fellowship for the 2012-2013 school year. I applied for graduation at the end of this spring semester, and I started studying for my comprehensive exams. Like I said, life is happening before my eyes. This morning I also started a morning devotional that will help me focus my attention on God and how His love and guidance will lead me to the next step in my life. On Sunday, Pastor Mark talked about how to live and ordinary life. He was being sneaky and trying to get us all to get excited about the new year and really want to live an extraordinary life. A life that is based on faith. A life that is unknown but exciting and always an adventure. <br />
<br />
I wrote this prayer/ affirmation down:<br />
"Dear Lord, I know that I am qualified. I have the authority. I have the credibility. I am good enough. I have confidence. Lord, please, send me!" What does this prayer actually mean? "I am walking blindly by faith. I have lost all sense of direction, but I trust that God will lead me, and take me where he needs me to go. When I was younger, I would pray for God to make me his servant, to use me to better serve society and His people". <br />
<br />
Chuck and Marji created this beautiful allusion for me. The image of a light house shining its light for all to see. This image is symbolic of staying vertical and walking hand in hand with God. If I were to crumble and give in to the temptations of this life, then I would no longer be able to shine on. I am not good at being patient; however, I must lean on God and allow him to work in my life. The reward will be that much grater!<br />
<br />
The picture is a beautiful photo of the St. Mark's light house. Chuck, Marji and I love to get up early on Sunday mornings and complete a 16 mile ride to the light house. This quiet time in the morning is our opportunity to reflect and really feel the presence of God through the use of Mother Nature. jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-72543103455059002142010-11-07T18:50:00.000-08:002010-11-07T18:50:33.030-08:00Traveling Fruit: The Day in the Life of a Florida Grapefruit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">October 17, 2010</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTrz-yhOUwpTNa2HSWVdeUMJfFE7vcQrVn1NX-bmJ9eeoGRZlDWgnbUCMT4t2C_z-h-5m_JCt3XCFenKajUqKa5pDuKUFSpklFwEoVY8qvoOuMsl4nim4QKWmYIyoThlt5_h-tgi5I28/s200/IMG_0622.JPG" width="150" /><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iuhpTm3x1QO_TsqhraQZ-pDOR1OZ20BM5pHNxwngtM0ixHubeLBM200FSUadLHRivoxeyhJGB_XdUpdkMJts83UCGQTpvwGUhESrjXjzj7KvtiO6NDX1CFRsEXKJ8VeIYbF62fu56eY/s200/IMG_0619.JPG" width="150" /><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJzRvW6VBI5lMibHF74piHWS0wGBIhA_g14Swa7cIb-hh6p-DjupfggTYv5BcxGXLxp6M1V6guMhPrcnFrhpdM9aaR25-pO0lXkSqcw88iyEaOAJgiisI7E5TXQU1j1OfgkyKF5Zdlo8/s200/IMG_0292.JPG" width="111" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPz0XjeNsEk5tyKaQSpi2l2gxMN56C9OKLT_mr-New6TR4VbD8lM9LC3s2t9mf_5laJpl_yH7esqYhPa6-D0pcflfb2vqnWVW3pCA9WFBYdrBnvpBvp2nsoHTYUdCzJ8HG1I-7Lb3hudk/s200/IMG_0282.JPG" width="111" /> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigjFZYib7lc7pTTIsXVx6NHil5FlAahEPB1IEolcj243iwR7m9y7OgxddPhN7g6Ww-aD40LsV3eJrKEpoARCnUF9QnLZDqkDaa12elMe6KALVj-EmWX3P5vI1WZANnYKnQBB_qAzWrDs/s200/IMG_0285.JPG" width="111" /> <img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6nWAKrQaEgaNxkpP-gPrwzMoOV9YJwGAeM_jCTQWwIkPrUqanohr4C8IZ_8L9Em-n3JHNdz2ZTeGeaGSQ7KgTBbjTvHwDFIL1eWgQY_I_k1Ck52kGRzmIJx_L4upMPwUCRDC84k-SUY/s200/IMG_0291.JPG" width="111" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmITNfDui6qjQr2dxBQBzN-5LqfxzbPeqi5orMjKEB8vaku0w4qYB0OaX9ibjOEaMTjl8-nqLhGyE9wIg1-JDxNjs8PtcAHSFJk7kEs-HaI8zw9LYmYeEUlYd3kbpV_XJzPHiq7C9qo8/s200/IMG_0293.JPG" width="111" /><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoif4bkNTf35zyfLagJ5xgxyEm8FF3d8RCQoWbHztFhGd_fOhZnisWPyECyRtOnhN4bg2Ibxsut8UrrxIrv2tydkFYSrnrjIaJaXQZWvQkH02uq4Z-Pt48-mixHOTsaDPImkYwnqf_XY/s200/IMG_0380.JPG" width="111" /><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH1LESsxeiMI80JGr3iEAuS_QeVv1yZ2rmXP-YmQ9nDgFWBBX03VKpAE669KE7dLcpyLcqFxqaR13Nh2opmKL8KP4r8z_TDnWJSs6ZprGwu-YV1eJnKdZ3f1df_znl5kJ5YHy-FYaAuc/s200/IMG_0625.JPG" width="150" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-67049674138782519282010-11-03T20:20:00.000-07:002010-11-03T20:20:24.759-07:00My Beating Heart“Estoy aqui. Abierto a la vida. Abrazo el mundo con amor, y lo llevo a mi Corazon”<br />
<br />
I am getting ready to go to Guatemala; yet, emotionally I am unable to focus on the grand adventure that God has allowed me to partake in. With the changing of weather, changing of seasons, changing of life plans and directions, I am a mess. I have been craving meat, sweets, and intimacy. I have been unmotivated and have lack of energy. This is what depression must feel like.<br />
<br />
I must keep in mind that God has me where He wants me. That I must be patient, and wait on the Lord. I must guard the well springs of my heart too. I need to remind myself of what Pastor Mark said about depression: "We must seek what is true, light, pure, and holy." Depression and darkness cannot survive in the light. <br />
<br />
My new mantra: <br />
“I am here. Open to life. I embrace the world with love, and take it to my heart.” <br />
Thank you God for blessing my life, and allowing me to give the world my heart; only through my hands acting as your tangible gift, am I able to do this. Prepare me for the journey that I am about to take. Come Daddy and wrap your loving arms around me to give my heart peace.jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-5740243066472763232010-10-31T19:57:00.000-07:002010-10-31T19:57:33.902-07:00Twenty-four and a mere child<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">Halloween costume: birthday suit; water fall.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Today was the last day of Pathways. I have spent seven weeks devoting my thoughts to the intimate relationship with my creator. Like Amanda said this morning, “This is just the beginning.” <span> </span>As I just wrote on a comment, “ I am God’s Child; He wants me to share his great new!”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This has been the most exhilarating weekend. <span> </span>Thursday, we had a pumpkin carving party at the Casa de Jennie/ Jtodd.<span> </span>Then on Friday, Chrissy and Tommy came into town. We went on a two hour bike ride around the Southwood area. After this, I made a delicious vegetarian dinner of stuffed peppers, asparagus, and salad.<span> </span>After we devoured this scrumptious meal we headed out to the circus. The FSU Flying high circus was the high light of the day for me. We watched talented students fly through the air, through bodies around, and do the impossible. We were memorized by the costumes and magic which made us feel like children again. Sleeping camping style in my living room made me long to go camping;<span> </span>we went. Marjie, Chuck, Chrissy, Tommy, Matty, and I packed up our gear and headed out to Torreya State Park. While at the park we biked on trailed that are difficult to walk. I swam in the Apalachicola River and bathed in a small water fall. <span> </span>We made hobo dinners <span> </span>and s’mores,<span> </span>played yahtzee, and star gazed. We laughed and smiled the entire time. <span> </span>Then today, I had the opportunity to talk about Zachary’s story; I spread the good news. I took my friendship to a new level based on my relational rights with my community. We then went on a bike ride, drank margaritas, and ate peanut butter cup cheese cake! After my nap, I check facebook and over 100 people have wished me a happy<span> </span>birthday!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What does all of this mean? <span> </span>God is showing me that I am not alone; I have a community of family and friends that love me and support me. I am growing in my faith and allowing God to direct my foot prints in the process of taking my intimate friendships to a deeper level. <span> </span>I am exploring, searching, questioning, my own journey. I am praying that one day God will put a man in my life that will love all of these things about me and be willing to walk this path with me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure where this year will take me, and I have no idea who I am going to meet. I do know that I am going to keep loving like crazy, and keep getting back to the basics. <span> </span>Life is happening, and I am blessed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Florida State Park: <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/torreya/">http://www.floridastateparks.org/torreya/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Delicious Camping Food: <a href="http://www.thecampingguy.com/campfire_cooking.html">http://www.thecampingguy.com/campfire_cooking.html</a></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Element 3 Church: <a href="http://violet.nowsprouting.com/element3church/">http://violet.nowsprouting.com/element3church/</a></span>jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-24948288204693078402010-10-28T21:48:00.000-07:002010-10-28T21:48:48.996-07:00Raw Challenge: Everyday loving my body.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCaQBsvDXRzdEwYMHZi-T9nA9cRODMoLlY47wvPZ2XrXi0n_rp6xGByEqzCZ0QYEnu1rMbjvf4PNDcaGeRIS-gv-M_-k2tDYNyhCLswlUmW5aVr51PELhlKaPg2ugp1jV4Mgx8SqZ82k/s1600/NLT_Fall+2009_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCaQBsvDXRzdEwYMHZi-T9nA9cRODMoLlY47wvPZ2XrXi0n_rp6xGByEqzCZ0QYEnu1rMbjvf4PNDcaGeRIS-gv-M_-k2tDYNyhCLswlUmW5aVr51PELhlKaPg2ugp1jV4Mgx8SqZ82k/s320/NLT_Fall+2009_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4oNjg9ZgrnHcAJ84WHz3asZI9Xl5JWv2CiNaMdDi2LeEgZQOE8meKa3DjHhcdh_3G_AAm4W2FPQn7a3-aykmB0-3Wc0F0UfMxDERu-vLA7J0vR8I8GGj_pl53PXfmiaw3MHQO01ceRE/s1600/NLT_Fall+2010_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4oNjg9ZgrnHcAJ84WHz3asZI9Xl5JWv2CiNaMdDi2LeEgZQOE8meKa3DjHhcdh_3G_AAm4W2FPQn7a3-aykmB0-3Wc0F0UfMxDERu-vLA7J0vR8I8GGj_pl53PXfmiaw3MHQO01ceRE/s320/NLT_Fall+2010_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMzGLjmlfbCkoVMtv2i6wgE5L8HZcl9YSyxKYYWpH-GSHUL9dLsDQY6BkAKWaBigT-4itXHAbvv12yP9uSvsmr6S064e55_IU3W9HXYMSi8UE-7igwbDk9_eKGXR0QFBngjppSjWdtbk/s1600/NLT_Fall+2009_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMzGLjmlfbCkoVMtv2i6wgE5L8HZcl9YSyxKYYWpH-GSHUL9dLsDQY6BkAKWaBigT-4itXHAbvv12yP9uSvsmr6S064e55_IU3W9HXYMSi8UE-7igwbDk9_eKGXR0QFBngjppSjWdtbk/s320/NLT_Fall+2009_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGlIljxhlCEvZB62rogWYiWcdFCwQ0A9S_Zp2rR3ZqdH00a4mUQjIgyxqswFg0UEZtGe18J9bK4C1RuMZOAWRQ1tEe8bVpWnemKgfAnwnXgsrTBFVpCUftXA7qBNlioVW0zgKhJmAKZs/s1600/NLT_Fall+2010_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGlIljxhlCEvZB62rogWYiWcdFCwQ0A9S_Zp2rR3ZqdH00a4mUQjIgyxqswFg0UEZtGe18J9bK4C1RuMZOAWRQ1tEe8bVpWnemKgfAnwnXgsrTBFVpCUftXA7qBNlioVW0zgKhJmAKZs/s320/NLT_Fall+2010_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at the difference! :) I have changed my life drastically within one year. These pictures were from the New Leaf Farm Tour 2009 and 2010. Many people have inquired what I have done. I tell them the truth, it is about gaining knowledge. Do you know what you are putting in your body? Researching: knowing your food sources and your personal body. My motto: just move! I love biking, swimming, running. Get outside in in the sunlight. Be one with nature. Be thankful. Be kind and caring. Lend a helping hand. Love yourself and follow the dreams of your heart. Go forth. Know that God loves you and will protect you even in the toughest times. </div>jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-5014168907175366182010-10-28T21:32:00.000-07:002010-10-28T21:32:00.369-07:00Life lesson: Actions speak louder than words<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
Upon reflection of the entire event, my best friend Matt helped me realize that Zachary taught me a lesson about life that no one else could. When I met Zachary, I was a senior in High School. Two weeks after graduation, Zachary and I started to date. We decided that even though I was leaving for college in a few months that we should spend our summer together. This relationship lasted almost four years. Upon entering into college I was a size 10: A healthy size for the women in my family. Within five years I had gained 40lbs and was miserable. My body was unhappy. Just this year, since January 1, 2010, I have lost 50lbs. This was my commitment to myself to regain control of my life. I get up four days a week and attend a 7am class at the FSU Leach Center. Trust me, dropping pounds is not an easy task, but the old adage “diet and exercise” still holds true. I learned as much as I could about eating a raw whole foods diet. I read Angela Monarch’s website: http://www.rawreform.com/index.php. Within a few months I was dropping pounds. I want to be the skinny hot girl. I want to be attractive, but Zachary proved to me that I am.<br />
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When younger I always faced opposition to my size and weight. I was never happy with the way my body looked. The lesson that Zach taught me, which is God’s way of blessing me with his unfailing and unconditional love, is that Zach loved me no matter what size I was. He did not care that I had put on a lot of weight; he wanted to be with me intimately regardless of what I looked like. Why did he sacrifice for me? His mom told me that I was the love of his life, but he loved my heart and my spirit more than being physical with me. I never believed this to be true, until he actually refused my new smaller and toned body. For years Zachary wanted to know my biggest turn on, and he finally found it. Not giving into my body, not allowing me to break my promise to God, proving his level of maturity in the situation, made me want him more than I ever had before. Actions truly speak louder than words.</div>jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-22560183801783081992010-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:002010-10-28T13:32:58.114-07:00Zachary's Story<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rebekah warned me: “Big things happen during Pathways. I’m get excited but preparing myself for what is to come.” I wanted to make this journey count, and thus I made a personal promise to myself. I was going to focus on my intimate relationship with God. I did not want to think about other personal relationships, but only focus on what God was going to do with me as his daughter. I wanted to experience the love of God like never before. I prayed a dangerous prayer and asked him to take me out farther than I had ever been before. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For our community devotional, God had placed on my heart to write about relationships. God allowed me to attend Rebekah’s Growth Group that focused on God’s love. God wanted me to write about my struggles of overcoming my struggle with food and my relationships with my ex boyfriend, now best friend Zachary. I went against God and wrote a different devotional. I sent the first to Dan and he replied to me that he needed me to go farther. I finally obeyed, and asked God to give me the words to write about my life, especially my struggles with relationships. I wrote the devotional, for the first time being public about my personal struggles. Despite my fear of what the community would think, I wrote the words that God put on my heart. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On October 11<sup>th</sup>, the first day of week five (the focus being Relational), Zachary died tragically. Two weeks before this happened, I had the opportunity to see him. We were lying on his bed, when I kissed him. He stopped me and asked me “what are we doing?” He continued and said, “Jessica, you made a promise to God not to be with me, and to give your heart to him. I do not want to be the person who breaks that promise.” I was shocked, confused, thrown off guard. Never had Zach refused me to be intimate with me. He took me in his arms and said, “Jessica, I am sacrificing for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon hearing those Christ like words, I wept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had sacrificed his only son for my sins, and now Zach was sacrificing for me to prove to me that the guilt of our relationship was no more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zachary was an atheist, and for the four years that we had dated we never once talked about our beliefs in God. He knew that I was a devout follower of Christ and that I went to church, volunteered with my community, and worked towards being God’s tangible hand. For the first time, I asked him if he believed in God. His response, “Yes, and You better give me that Job!” He had just applied for a new job that day. He then continued to tell me that we could never be together and that I was going to find someone who loved me and care about me more than he could. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He then drove me home. When standing outside my house, I swore that I saw an angel, a white Jesus like figure. I knew that God was there allowing us to spend our last few minutes together. In the two weeks before his death, I was amazed at how much Zach had matured. He was truly a contributor of our friendship, and no longer was the greedy consumer of my love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had finally made amends to our relationship; there was no more guilt or sorrow. We could for the first time move on with our lives. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I truly believe that this has been God’s plan the entire time. When I met Zach 6 years ago, God wanted me in his life so that I could show him the love of God. And now, I get to share Zachary’s story with others. I am not one to push religion or God on others, but God gives us the opportunity to spread his love and tell of his greatness. I know that I will one day see Zach again, because I was the one person who had the relational right to confront him about his beliefs. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Upon hearing the tragic news, I was hysterical. I called my spiritual dad and mom (Chuck and Marjie), and they came running to my house in the middle of the night. All I wanted to do was pray. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prayers were messy and sloppy, but Marjie prayed for peace. That night, God was present, and I felt the warmth and gentleness of Zachary’s arms around me. I was able to sleep peacefully. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grieving process is hard, and I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster. However, I know that God’s grace and peace surrounds me, and that his unfailing love is eternal, much like Zachary’s sprit. At times I am angry at God, and ask him why; yet, God has prepared my heart to be able to rely on him during the hardest event that I have thus endured. Even though I am not home, God has blessed me with a spiritual community that has held my hand and sat with me in my mess during these dark days. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As Dad spoke into my life, “I see the outlines of the trees, but not the color.” He said, “The more that God wants to use us and your story, things will be that much harder.” I said, “Gee thanks!” Right now, I don’t even see the outlines of the trees but the shadows. I know that eventually God will bless me with the ability to see the colors of his most magnificent creation. </span></div>jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4902866145302729993.post-47001173841782360962010-09-29T07:52:00.000-07:002010-09-29T07:52:00.602-07:00Toni Morrison's take on Raw LifeI am currently reading Toni Morrison's <i>A Mercy</i>:<br />
"...He took delight in the journey. Breathing the air of a world so new, almost alarming in rawness and temptation, never failed to invigorate him. Once beyond the warm gold of the bay, he saw forests untouched since Noah, shorelines beautiful enough to bring tears, wild food for the taking.The lies of the Company about the the easy profit awaiting all comers did not surprise or discourage him. In fact it was a hardship, adventure, that attracted him. His whole life has been a mix of confrontation, risk and placating. Now here he was, a ratty orphan become landowner, making a place out of no place, a temperate living from raw life" (13).<br />
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What is Raw Life Now? Toni Morrison says it so elloquently, raw living is about the uncensored truth: the journey, breathing in newness, temptation, failing, beauty, tears, food, lies, surprise, discouragment, hardships, adventure, attraction, confrontation, risks.jtoddhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12878880464914767222noreply@blogger.com1