tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-735827270425679742024-03-13T12:03:16.641-04:00Life is FreeSara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-6268649114998375842012-06-13T10:00:00.001-04:002012-07-01T07:52:08.566-04:00Ironman 70.3Moriah's first triathlon and my first 70.3 (half Ironman)! <br />
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The new way to make a <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photo album</a>: photo books by Shutterfly.</div>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-85010372580727372502010-07-30T14:50:00.003-04:002010-07-30T14:57:52.765-04:00Life is free! Are you living free? Or are you carrying yours chains around with you? Leave your chains at the cross ... and raise your hands to praise Him in freedom!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.truelifecenter.com">www.truelifecenter.com</a>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-50417125238286137282010-04-10T22:41:00.001-04:002010-04-10T22:41:41.878-04:00True Life Center makes the Front Page of the Tampa Tribune!<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/apr/02/ministers-take-leap-of-faith-as-more-new-churches-/">Ministers take leap of faith as more new churches take root</a><br /><br />And this article was the front page of the Tampa Tribune on Easter Sunday! THE FRONT PAGE!! That's the kind of GLORY that JESUS ALONE deserves!!<br /><br />Life is Free ... True Life Center is changing the world ... one life at a time!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-86909431555277914542010-04-10T22:35:00.003-04:002010-04-10T22:42:20.185-04:00True Life Center Makes the Channel 8 News<a href="http://www2.tbo.com/video/2010/apr/02/one-churchs-special-easter--49440/video-news/">One church's special Easter: TLC on Channel 8 News</a><br /><br />Check out this video link! We are blessed to have received such amazing news coverage! Life is free ... and God is AWESOME!!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-24536305506307556202009-03-21T20:46:00.006-04:002009-11-17T10:48:41.152-05:00How Do Babies Come Out?<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Having a four-year-old adds a whole new dimension to life! I've been a little caught off guard by the really deep questions about God, Jesus, Heaven and death. But so far, I've been able to come up with fairly good answers for everything to this point (except for the whole fish fiasco ... I had to let Randy explain why the fish's body was still here if he was REALLY in heaven)! To date, my favorite "deep" question was, "Mommy, can our beds be right next to each other in heaven?" I loved that one. Almost made me cry. She asks a lot of questions about what we get to have and do in heaven. But now enters the dreaded topic ... childbirth!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8pOgORiCXfXzrEH5ifAwhazNEpL-EwcsxKAQUdpqYqkVDEhEHV_XztmJg9vY6TrhsKlHp0KkWo-PVQmnlXj_LQO0r-rnIbcL0-4tddJYnYEU3ol1NmR-QICkS7zFtzQD8XinHSGUwTIp/s1600-h/Picture+003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8pOgORiCXfXzrEH5ifAwhazNEpL-EwcsxKAQUdpqYqkVDEhEHV_XztmJg9vY6TrhsKlHp0KkWo-PVQmnlXj_LQO0r-rnIbcL0-4tddJYnYEU3ol1NmR-QICkS7zFtzQD8XinHSGUwTIp/s320/Picture+003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315812592247766754" border="0" /></a>OK, if it weren't for her little friends, this would have remained a non-issue. When she asked me, "Mommy, how do babies come out?" I told her the truth -- when Mommy had you, I went to the hospital and the doctor did surgery on my tummy and took you out! That's true. And after lots of questions about "surgery," she was fine with that. Enter little friends who did NOT come into the world that way! So the three little girlfriends are all sitting around today talking about it (I have no idea why or how things come up with them) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moriah</span> proceeds to tell them how babies come out. To which her older friend (age 6) replies, "That's not how ALL babies come out!" Oh great, I'm thinking. What now??? Then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Moriah</span> asks, "How else do they get out?" Long dramatic pause as Mommy is searching for an answer that won't lead to more questions ... when six year old friend says, "The get PUSHED out!" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Moriah</span> looks horrified. "PUSHED OUT?" she says. "Mommy, is that TRUE???" I very nonchalantly said yep, but inside was thinking, "Oh no! NO NO NO!! Please don't ask the logical next question." And she didn't. She just said (in very typical <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moriah</span> style), "That's wild!" To which I replied, "Isn't it though!" And I quickly redirected to a new topic ... gotta love little friends ... who weren't born C-section!<br /><br />Yep, life with a four-year-old is one intense moment of questioning after another!<br /><br />Life is FREE!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-83135345704075499022009-03-12T08:04:00.005-04:002009-11-17T10:44:33.446-05:00Quote of the DayGod always uses people whom He can trust to be loyal even under difficult situations to join with those who choose to be obedient to the will of God.<br /><br />Life is FREE!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-44688969346449499372009-02-13T09:10:00.010-05:002009-11-17T10:45:04.595-05:00Just for Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoKlMYz3uEtU5o8Yfhvh81BwznXaTabtXOTT3yVCjwcgA5TNpOO_iVKdapamxT1DbJ2FOY11EJpxVUUdWKP3ta1b4EsCr9qCyppY_lf64bz6OaXtt7Us2D820E1jilXBWQw8fIFv-b8DG/s1600-h/Jesus+Loves+Me.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoKlMYz3uEtU5o8Yfhvh81BwznXaTabtXOTT3yVCjwcgA5TNpOO_iVKdapamxT1DbJ2FOY11EJpxVUUdWKP3ta1b4EsCr9qCyppY_lf64bz6OaXtt7Us2D820E1jilXBWQw8fIFv-b8DG/s320/Jesus+Loves+Me.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302292615994701650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Most of you who might be reading this know that I have been struggling for weeks with sickness in my house ... culminating this week with pneumonia in my little girl and walking pneumonia in my own body! Sometimes in the midst of sickness, I have such a hard time really hearing from the Lord. I read the Word, I pray, I sit quietly and listen, but sometimes the overwhelming despair of ongoing sickness makes it hard for me to REALLY hear Him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBarp3mfMdA7mlS2eIPOABBbo4RpP6Xps6jehGBDYK7okj2N1TYDFNzyroGeTN8GILGNSdViNXlNle1JUGHkj_S-iUKYGlRzdBY9Bl8ueWcVrzRxB0PULX2dhGlodBQ6UH104cnPMNfbBw/s1600-h/The+Lord+is+My+Shepherd.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBarp3mfMdA7mlS2eIPOABBbo4RpP6Xps6jehGBDYK7okj2N1TYDFNzyroGeTN8GILGNSdViNXlNle1JUGHkj_S-iUKYGlRzdBY9Bl8ueWcVrzRxB0PULX2dhGlodBQ6UH104cnPMNfbBw/s320/The+Lord+is+My+Shepherd.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302292808687386610" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">So the funny thing is a few days ago, I visited my own blog ... right here, where you're reading now ... and the Lord spoke to me! And I heard Him! The little box to the right that says "There is LIFE in the Word" ... yep, that's where He spoke His word to me. It said, "Come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest!" I know that verse. Heard it, read it and prayed it a million times. But the fact that it was "randomly" selected to be on my blog that day made me feel like Jesus Himself was in control of my blog ... in fact, He is!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspqRCXHUFNjOPqrqSaOi79WDUtHap1ksJLnfmMDnby-GivsHiNV-V7g2MFbb6BuIzV5NJ7IZ57-MNj-UkRgMLlxanQiobLDcV12w-VaUv8LfMQiNYlRhI8AhtjNsI6w3CoF8LLQhfwV5m/s1600-h/Life+is+Free.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspqRCXHUFNjOPqrqSaOi79WDUtHap1ksJLnfmMDnby-GivsHiNV-V7g2MFbb6BuIzV5NJ7IZ57-MNj-UkRgMLlxanQiobLDcV12w-VaUv8LfMQiNYlRhI8AhtjNsI6w3CoF8LLQhfwV5m/s320/Life+is+Free.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302293187586641170" border="0" /></a>Then every day for the past few days, the same thing happens, I come to my blog to see what Jesus has for me! And today, low and behold: "</span><span id="verse" style="font-size:100%;">We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair." Thanks, Lord. I needed that reminder, too! I'm sure tomorrow's Word will be timely as well! Obviously, it's no coincidence, but I think it's funny how the Lord can use anything to minister to our spirits ... in places we least expect it.<br /><br />Life is FREE!!<br /></span>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-16698533251810674722009-01-31T22:08:00.006-05:002009-01-31T23:24:26.038-05:00Lighten' UpI know, people, hold on to your biscuits ... this is my SECOND post in one week! Don't get too excited, but I just felt inspired again! So this is my first "Lighten' Up" post where I will share fun and random foodie things with a healthy lifestyle twist!<br /><br />One of my favorite Bible verses is <span id="en-AMP-28485" class="sup"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:19-20;&version=45;">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a><br /><br />This is the Amplified Version:<br /></span><span id="en-AMP-28485" class="sup">1 Corinthians 6:19-20: </span>Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.<br /><br />If my body is the temple where the very Spirit of God resides, then I ought to be mindful of what I put into it, how I take care of it (i.e. exercise) and so on! Now that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy an occasional piece of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory, but I am always mindful of overall health and wellness as a lifestyle!<br /><br />That said, here's my lighten up tip for today: Salt and Vinegar Baked Potato!! I have an affinity for Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips, but in trying to "honor my temple" I'm trying to be more mindful of fried intake. So this is one of my favorite substitutions! Easy peasy — just get yourself one of those microwavable baked potatoes, cook it according to the instructions, top it with a little Smart Balance Light (with Omegas) ... or a little butter if you've been really good all day ... and sprinkle it with salt and a vinegar of your choice. Personally, I think white vinegar is the most "chip" tasting, but I also like malt and apple cider for this too! There you have it ... voila! Perfect healthy alternative to your salt and vinegar craving! ENJOY!<br /><br />Sorry I didn't take a picture of my potato tonight. So instead, here are random follow-up pictures from yesterday ... Moriah wanted in on the "Home Girl" action:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jlD5503w4ZmQPqsuffLTma-6C1CcvLP6T59PkYOi_PkJnIdGuzURbiiQosFSB-_krskKC2W3INXA3pk9ee3xeHoLUdUNCA9ZX3HJuTNNdRziZxPWB5dT_8eObmGsN9veckB2U029GDJG/s1600-h/Picture+010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jlD5503w4ZmQPqsuffLTma-6C1CcvLP6T59PkYOi_PkJnIdGuzURbiiQosFSB-_krskKC2W3INXA3pk9ee3xeHoLUdUNCA9ZX3HJuTNNdRziZxPWB5dT_8eObmGsN9veckB2U029GDJG/s320/Picture+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297677633444831154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu57ax4TTKeCR0mTb-hwXEoHTcnQyo2FFAn-nyRBbFrRS-HhwRQZsvsKAxXizZ-3hozDN9b14vFFoEvrzXl8TVc_9PT_Vz9mq3xa9d_aECA4zQtAOVxg8b-ZnKyjIkA1bCabCzTxdJr7u/s1600-h/Picture+009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGu57ax4TTKeCR0mTb-hwXEoHTcnQyo2FFAn-nyRBbFrRS-HhwRQZsvsKAxXizZ-3hozDN9b14vFFoEvrzXl8TVc_9PT_Vz9mq3xa9d_aECA4zQtAOVxg8b-ZnKyjIkA1bCabCzTxdJr7u/s320/Picture+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297678341214932626" border="0" /></a><br />In my next "Lighten' Up" post, stay tuned for my new favorite "antioxidant" snack! Super yummy ... and I took a picture of this one!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-52304604669251977812009-01-30T10:12:00.013-05:002009-11-17T10:45:43.618-05:00Just for Fun: Lovin' the BuffHere's a fun fact about me — I LOVE finding new products that make my life more fun, more functional and more FREE! I've been on a quest to find the perfect solution to managing wind and cold during winter training in Florida. Sounds like such an easy task, but it's much more difficult than one might think. I started with a fleece scarf (which almost got me banned from my Tri-team). It did the job, but certainly the "management" part was a little difficult. So I've since graduated to the much cooler and oh-so-Survivor-esque buff! And I love it! In fact, on my first trial run with it, I actually found myself rehearsing what I would say on my Survivor audition tape. Something along these lines: I promise not to THUMP anyone with my Bible ... unless they REALLY deserve it! Oh wait, does that violate the rules of Survivor? I'll take my chances!<br /><br />You can wear it so many ways, but here are just a few!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">This is "Bring on the Immunity Challenge"</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVcKPTYpAf8FwW1bNW1zczew6lL-97l07WoEkMr7rdS4K9wtykK_K9Y7cN3sdLW6UmTS-RvuKwMAdnu_vZAoxSYcV_3CRv8r9LhJJq7gZNwGhc8Jq42jWQvlwmHrZUXqo7VsMYsVcdIs_/s1600-h/Buff+Headband_crop+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVcKPTYpAf8FwW1bNW1zczew6lL-97l07WoEkMr7rdS4K9wtykK_K9Y7cN3sdLW6UmTS-RvuKwMAdnu_vZAoxSYcV_3CRv8r9LhJJq7gZNwGhc8Jq42jWQvlwmHrZUXqo7VsMYsVcdIs_/s320/Buff+Headband_crop+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297105933335984946" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Brrr ... it's cold ... need ear, mouth and neck coverage!</span><br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6F_SDWMwKCkjoWaVBUqQfMlFKsqniQN4AZ6g-xqlR1HD9q5wAqAUZ14BezY7iG4oW8WGHiF2pHwS7esaJ6stBOWfya0H0o1P4K7IswlD349UVE20bfa7tH_dvxVvcTe9RA-bhXCqNWdj/s1600-h/Picture+004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6F_SDWMwKCkjoWaVBUqQfMlFKsqniQN4AZ6g-xqlR1HD9q5wAqAUZ14BezY7iG4oW8WGHiF2pHwS7esaJ6stBOWfya0H0o1P4K7IswlD349UVE20bfa7tH_dvxVvcTe9RA-bhXCqNWdj/s320/Picture+004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297106062992585378" border="0" /></a><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmG3wqTDDtPUxSUX7jFaqj5l3FIQxrUisdBfpTJvSF8UiRRC4Zzcln76OTDU4jD6McDYai0EdmsyBQK-Vt_mD9CtWpZKrZ8kTcmTYMA-_jByOWpDyfcNSixi8QjKJm8MHBZ5xUkIqpQb/s1600-h/Picture+008.jpg"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Little House on the Much Cooler Prairie</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmG3wqTDDtPUxSUX7jFaqj5l3FIQxrUisdBfpTJvSF8UiRRC4Zzcln76OTDU4jD6McDYai0EdmsyBQK-Vt_mD9CtWpZKrZ8kTcmTYMA-_jByOWpDyfcNSixi8QjKJm8MHBZ5xUkIqpQb/s1600-h/Picture+008.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhivS2s4fZyH3MmngY10LN5S7pNXUAXcG1hA9roiIyQXPp9rNcJQ7XF79krevm-76v4DKBZEsi9AlqK2UzusenPC_eQI76w1hqef9aoesYSmH-DWxI5wgOGRS4xlfBOMgjIvHu-y-2aXS2/s1600-h/Picture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhivS2s4fZyH3MmngY10LN5S7pNXUAXcG1hA9roiIyQXPp9rNcJQ7XF79krevm-76v4DKBZEsi9AlqK2UzusenPC_eQI76w1hqef9aoesYSmH-DWxI5wgOGRS4xlfBOMgjIvHu-y-2aXS2/s320/Picture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297112395631742082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhivS2s4fZyH3MmngY10LN5S7pNXUAXcG1hA9roiIyQXPp9rNcJQ7XF79krevm-76v4DKBZEsi9AlqK2UzusenPC_eQI76w1hqef9aoesYSmH-DWxI5wgOGRS4xlfBOMgjIvHu-y-2aXS2/s1600-h/Picture.jpg"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"></span></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Looks so cute as a wrist band, but it's really a sweat wiper!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1N6jpdxW0GV630KIAtT-xqL47nFzc869nO_h0-TMBTo_U1dg_L1gXpq9Br8rbGU0b_-Nqh4X2BrxS-EsRcjlOK9gmLNlxTtKi5cNuG_IKj2KMe1-JRjRHzqkkk1GRvsNVu8sYlqewcC/s1600-h/Picture+013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn1N6jpdxW0GV630KIAtT-xqL47nFzc869nO_h0-TMBTo_U1dg_L1gXpq9Br8rbGU0b_-Nqh4X2BrxS-EsRcjlOK9gmLNlxTtKi5cNuG_IKj2KMe1-JRjRHzqkkk1GRvsNVu8sYlqewcC/s320/Picture+013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297112646101280114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Chillin' with My Homegirls!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmG3wqTDDtPUxSUX7jFaqj5l3FIQxrUisdBfpTJvSF8UiRRC4Zzcln76OTDU4jD6McDYai0EdmsyBQK-Vt_mD9CtWpZKrZ8kTcmTYMA-_jByOWpDyfcNSixi8QjKJm8MHBZ5xUkIqpQb/s1600-h/Picture+008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmG3wqTDDtPUxSUX7jFaqj5l3FIQxrUisdBfpTJvSF8UiRRC4Zzcln76OTDU4jD6McDYai0EdmsyBQK-Vt_mD9CtWpZKrZ8kTcmTYMA-_jByOWpDyfcNSixi8QjKJm8MHBZ5xUkIqpQb/s320/Picture+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297112088203788114" border="0" /></a><br /></div>If you feel inspired now and desiring to find your inner buff, here's the website: <a href="http://www.buffwear.com/">www.buffwear.com</a> You won't believe how many designs you have to choose from (over 200, I think) and if you order today, they ship for FREE (from the UK)! No, I don't work for this company, but when they stumble on this blog, I think they may want to hire me. Or maybe not ... HAHA!! Be free ... be fun ... be BUFF!<br /><br />Life is FREE!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-85405177115206436162009-01-21T19:12:00.006-05:002009-11-17T10:47:37.594-05:00Cheesy Grin WednesdayOK, here it is. My first official "cheesy grin" blog! (There is an unofficial cheesy grin in my post from December 30, 2008.) It won't always be Wednesday, but it will always be cheesy! I'll post something I love along with my cheesy "I love this thing" grin! Don't expect much insight or spiritual connection on these days, just a laugh!<br /><br />Today, I'm with my family at the "Happiest Place on Earth." However, my cheesy grin has nothing to do with princesses or the "D" word and everything to do with the little pleasures that come along with a family trip out of town! And since it's been forever since I've posted anything, I'm pulling out all the stops with a double-fisted cheesy grin!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs-AlfG-bNn99NAY29eLNCOPkX5k_U9TeTxnto_ioZeFNnQIaEcS8ABGy_PYHHvCPv-yA91Yq2ovd6_l3aOlkjws53c9XawqInHVhi6ysI9yCHCt-0KROgQ8wOF3Pzawc2UhG9X2gF8Fl/s1600-h/Cheesy+Grin_cheerios+and+starbucks.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs-AlfG-bNn99NAY29eLNCOPkX5k_U9TeTxnto_ioZeFNnQIaEcS8ABGy_PYHHvCPv-yA91Yq2ovd6_l3aOlkjws53c9XawqInHVhi6ysI9yCHCt-0KROgQ8wOF3Pzawc2UhG9X2gF8Fl/s320/Cheesy+Grin_cheerios+and+starbucks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293911503746666306" border="0" /></a><br />Because "The Way I See It" (#777): There is happiness in simplicity!<br /><br />In a little town in North Carolina, there is a gas station that always has the same thing on their marquee sign. It says:<br /><br />JESUS<br />THAT'S ALL<br /><br />Sometimes we make life too difficult. Actually, MOST times. Who needs honey nut, frosted, fruity, apple cinnamon or marshmallows added (although Moriah chose the Lucky Charms) ... it's the simple things that make my world "the happiest place on earth!"<br /><br />Life is FREE!Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-9948491165376336622009-01-09T10:01:00.005-05:002009-01-09T10:28:02.094-05:00Rocky StartOK, I'm off to a bit of a rocky blogging start to 2009. I could make all kinds of excuses, but they are the same excuses everyone has for not doing the things they want to do ... because the things we HAVE to do use up all the time available to do anything at all!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" >Today's Point to Ponder: </span><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Train for Life, Not for Now!<br /></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDYAu_Wm_zmXrS7nMQn5_lzk1AiG23CWyscalM3HhqPRBY_gCCfp-vA1dVSpYGYRwNi4MEOdyrkCTBmq73Pm1rteqCD1Hfs_c9lw2z1HlrE-9ERccjIM44elgmISZq63VcERzbF6G3A1O/s1600-h/Picture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBDYAu_Wm_zmXrS7nMQn5_lzk1AiG23CWyscalM3HhqPRBY_gCCfp-vA1dVSpYGYRwNi4MEOdyrkCTBmq73Pm1rteqCD1Hfs_c9lw2z1HlrE-9ERccjIM44elgmISZq63VcERzbF6G3A1O/s320/Picture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289316014107779362" border="0" /></a>So those of you who know me well (which are the five people that read this anyways) already know that this is my mantra. It keeps me focused on not getting obsessive about training, on making "healthy" a lifestyle and not a diet or a "boot camp" and on not pushing through injuries no matter how much my obsessive personality wants to! That said, I'm temporarily sidelined from running. I re-injured my IT band (causes excruciating pain on the side of the knee when I run and go up and down stairs) on my first easy run of 2009. But I recognized it right away, stopped, told myself to "train for life, not for now" and walked home. That's not to say I'm not discouraged, sad, frustrated and all of those things, but this is for LIFE. And sometimes in life we have to slow down, redirect, do something we don't want to do in order to do the things we REALLY want to do! God often speaks loudest to me when I'm forced to a place that I don't want to be ... because He wanted me here. There's something I need to learn ... for LIFE, not for now!<br /><br /><h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Romans 12:1-2<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:85%;" >A Living Sacrifice</span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-ESV-28231" class="sup">1</span> I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" id="en-ESV-28232" class="sup">2</span> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.</span><br /></h4>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-12394660096886129882008-12-30T22:22:00.009-05:002008-12-30T22:49:14.945-05:00Under the weather, but still finishing strong!This one is a struggle for me. I'm under the weather ... not up to par ... any way you slice it, I'm sick. It's not so much the sickness that's the problem as the TIMING of the sickness. I had big plans to finish out 2008 with the longest run of my life (which is only 10 miles, but still, a lot for me)! Unfortunately, the goal will not be met ... I'll be fortunate if any mileage is logged tomorrow whether on foot, wheels or water. So here I sit forced to look back on this year and instead reflect on what I DID accomplish — 3 triathlons, 2 first-place in age category finishes and the most amazing athletic accomplishments of my life!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b5FU1nUqncLE6nOf835d7bFedJUi0eIVSOQlmB4SsnIMyvJJSI9J_AeNWlkHhYm45wz0qSNQpBtJONq2Qg_cgR_AL2pNQT_b-yf-JA3qomZ3NiYTG74mly14imIJ9CuVWCZ7SYuIDJK9/s1600-h/Picture+037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b5FU1nUqncLE6nOf835d7bFedJUi0eIVSOQlmB4SsnIMyvJJSI9J_AeNWlkHhYm45wz0qSNQpBtJONq2Qg_cgR_AL2pNQT_b-yf-JA3qomZ3NiYTG74mly14imIJ9CuVWCZ7SYuIDJK9/s320/Picture+037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285791737089820850" border="0" /></a>That's big ... especially for a girl who never really had much athletic ability growing up ... and certainly worthy of excitement. Flat tires and all, what an amazing journey! Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, again I say REJOICE! If you know me, you know I'm passionate ... about life, about living healthy and strong, about growing spiritually in everything I physically do! So no doubt, I'm carrying a heavy disappointment in not accomplishing my year-end goal, but there is no way I'm going to neglect to celebrate the spiritual and physical journey that led me closer to the Lord than I've ever been before! He taught me great lessons this year on the important of endurance ... in all areas of my life! This entire year has been an amazing ride, run and swim for His glory! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt_XFcI8rho-U4kvfHp8o5fXRsXLiyRU3gO550hjM_Wos7IeE1WaGlXLUBaCTQTtDBzK4xtvuqSdO3v4N3Z74W5yK5zFFKO9A_w9EFDSUVue8-v5jCQLK_aqxNRok-xlMdJR6QEyzruiC/s1600-h/julyaug+random+066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt_XFcI8rho-U4kvfHp8o5fXRsXLiyRU3gO550hjM_Wos7IeE1WaGlXLUBaCTQTtDBzK4xtvuqSdO3v4N3Z74W5yK5zFFKO9A_w9EFDSUVue8-v5jCQLK_aqxNRok-xlMdJR6QEyzruiC/s320/julyaug+random+066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285792042970521378" border="0" /></a>Next year, even bigger ... even better ... even BRIGHTER for Him! This year, just thankful ... I did finish strong ... just not in December, but rather in OCTOBER! :o)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZNiZTtLD-aYFxjqvPDAOa7dsWCWLRKyvWL0WM6RB0p6Ibp90Z0Zc1FAW8T82oSbmcCLrG0clLIKaF4_k2lynq5BCcNGDJvUK8HGRm7J7LVxCrRM8IrynlT__SJl-rFqWJ36U33F2yQt/s1600-h/Picture+015.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCZNiZTtLD-aYFxjqvPDAOa7dsWCWLRKyvWL0WM6RB0p6Ibp90Z0Zc1FAW8T82oSbmcCLrG0clLIKaF4_k2lynq5BCcNGDJvUK8HGRm7J7LVxCrRM8IrynlT__SJl-rFqWJ36U33F2yQt/s320/Picture+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285792752247308114" border="0" /></a><a href="http://bible.cc/hebrews/10-35.htm"></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Hebrews 10:35-36</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"> </span>~ Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://bible.cc/hebrews/10-36.htm"><b></b></a><span style="font-style: italic;">For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised! </span>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-37632316321592223672008-12-26T23:15:00.006-05:002009-01-06T09:06:27.909-05:00No Other Reason at All ...There are some songs that just make an internal impact on your life, and for me, this is one of them! Two years ago, when Randy and I left everything behind in a place that was comfortable and moved out here to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pasco</span> County, Florida where we knew no one and life was about to be a little uncomfortable, there was only one single reason — "For the Sake of the Call!" This is an old song, but I keep it on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iPod</span> and when I'm out there running and trying to keep my focus right, this song just works it out! The video is just an added bonus for those of you who don't know the words! If you are struggling to take a next step in your life, I urge you to consider a little "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">reckless</span> abandon" for no other reason than because Jesus is telling you to do it!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" >(Note to the newbies: You'll have to pause the worship track that plays automatically on the right to hear the song on the video!)</span></span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WVM2rP5VmCY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WVM2rP5VmCY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-43119306652898655212008-12-19T09:36:00.003-05:002009-01-03T14:48:44.766-05:00Merry Christmas!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju49bdizR1ShHZx7f0WrqmhgT_ugXYbejjO7q4wQP65IRVmj8BO9X1x0RrmonexyEzZIO_VM7nkHUtGkPi_u6ZmQtmLa8F0bG0ne7h427t_pNanfdVZphNmUP0ao10bk_Rsk3fYUfyU5wC/s1600-h/Picture+025_crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju49bdizR1ShHZx7f0WrqmhgT_ugXYbejjO7q4wQP65IRVmj8BO9X1x0RrmonexyEzZIO_VM7nkHUtGkPi_u6ZmQtmLa8F0bG0ne7h427t_pNanfdVZphNmUP0ao10bk_Rsk3fYUfyU5wC/s400/Picture+025_crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281512116988542642" border="0" /></a>From Our Family to Yours ...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span></span><br /><br />May the abundant blessings of the Lord shower you with refreshment in the year ahead!</span>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73582727042567974.post-85297888212235845582008-12-19T09:31:00.001-05:002008-12-28T00:23:26.997-05:00God's Work in Progress<span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;" ></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Welcome to my blog. I'm sorry it took me so long to find my groove! This seemed like the perfect place to start — a girl in the wind! Because that really is me ... I AM a girl in the wind! Praise the Lord for the promise of His sustaining grace ... where He leads me I will follow! <br /></span>Sara Jo Lawrencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09620695183258017708noreply@blogger.com4