How to be a Godly Wife...

1 Peter 3:1-6

Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 In like manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives,

² When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your ^[a]reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him—to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].

³ Let not yours be the [merely] external adorning with [elaborate] ^[b]interweaving and knotting of the hair, the wearing of jewelry, or changes of clothes;

⁴ But let it be the inward adorning and beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which [is not anxious or wrought up, but] is very precious in the sight of God.

⁵ For it was thus that the pious women of old who hoped in God were [accustomed] to beautify themselves and were submissive to their husbands [adapting themselves to them as themselves secondary and dependent upon them].

⁶ It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

"You Shall Have No Lack"

Those are the words, I felt that the Lord had whispered in my heart on that early morning in the kitchen.

"You shall have no lack."

Each year our incredible church family had completely covered the tab of our Bible Quiz expenses.  In fact, the first year we started JBQ, our church spent over $10,000 on the Bible Quiz Ministry alone and yet, that was the year we (as a church) were able to pay of the church mortgage! Wow!  Isn't that how He works?  But this year was different and it had been announced that our Bible Quiz Ministry was going to be Parent-funded. This was a year to "trust that He would be our Provider".  Because if  anyone understands this incredible ministry, the traveling can be expensive....but without a doubt, completely worth it.  As the Leaders of the BQM, we felt the financial insecurity of knowing that the funding would be completely ours to take care of.  Fund raisers, cake auctions, church dinners, etc....as a homeschool mom of four with a home-based business, I knew I didn't have the time for these things.  My plate was already full and running over...but that most beautiful morning the Lord confirmed to me that all would be taken care of!  I rejoiced in my kitchen like it was Friday night at an old-time Campmeeting!   I had heard His voice before and knew those words would be TRUE!  He has never failed to keep His promises to me.  However, whenever, whoever or whatever...it would happen, even if it didn't appear that it would. 

The first test came with Extravaganza in IL and OH.  We needed several thousand dollars to raise for both Beginner, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Teams to have the awesome opportunity to compete there.  A one-time Wednesday night offering brought in the entire amount needed!!! Wow!!  The Lord really did it!  From January to June, we never lacked in finance.  Through each tournament and competition the need was supplied.

State Finals came and went and we were privileged to place 2nd in the Juniors Division.  Our Intermediate team also placed 2nd.  Two teams going to Nationals in Branson, MO and St. Louis, MO. But He said that we would have no lack....

I'm sitting here this morning, only weeks away from traveling to Branson, MO with my little quizzing machine, Lan-man.  This time we are bringing the entire family.  A week in Branson with a budget that reminds me that the Lord is a Faithful God!  I have it all on paper.  It's in the thousands.  We are going budget-conscience.  I'm scanning my brain for ways to raise money, but each time I remember His words.  My Parallel Bible led me to the chapter that is probably most familiar: Psalms 23.  This time I read it in the Amplified Version.  It all became clear to me now:

"THE LORD is my Shepherd (to feed, guide and shield me), I shall have no lack." 

Has there ever been a time in my life when I lacked?  Only during those times that I didn't trust Him.

He's a God of abundance!  My God is more than enough......

Jealous!

 ¹²Therefore say, Behold, I give to Phinehas the priest My covenant of peace.

13 And he shall have it, and his descendants after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.

Sunday, July 1, 2012 Illumination....

^{What a beautiful morning to experience these verses!!
2 Corinthians 4:6-10}
For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

⁷ However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.

⁸ We are hedged in (pressed) on every side [troubled and oppressed in every way], but not cramped or crushed; we suffer embarrassments and are perplexed and unable to find a way out, but not driven to despair;

⁹ We are pursued (persecuted and hard driven), but not deserted [to stand alone]; we are struck down to the ground, but never struck out and destroyed;

¹⁰ Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [^[a]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.

verses 15-18

¹⁵ For all [these] things are [taking place] for your sake, so that the more grace (divine favor and spiritual blessing) extends to more and more people and multiplies through the many, the more thanksgiving may increase [and redound] to the glory of God.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] decaying and wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.

¹⁷ For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!],

¹⁸ Since we consider and look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen; for the things that are visible are temporal (brief and fleeting), but the things that are invisible are deathless and everlasting.

How To Receive A Miracle....

This morning the hot sun was pouring it's fervency even in the early.  And I sat on the porch partially shaded by hanging plants as my opened Bible began to pour fervency into my parched earth.  The disciples were in a state of dismay.  Jesus had asked them to "give them something to eat" and the multitude was just too numerous and all they had was enough for a small boy.  But, what they did have, Jesus said, "Bring them here to Me."  I remembered the lack that I have.  My inadequacies and failures as a parent, wife and woman of God.  But this morning, He reminded me that even when I don't have enough wisdom, strength, faith and endurance, just to "Bring them here to Me."  So I did.

The very next amazing thing Jesus did (and He always does amazing things) is that He made everyone relax and recline on the grass....isn't that just like Jesus?  Don't worry...don't stress...just relax now that you've given me your abilities, worries and callings.    He took what they had and looked heavenward.  Hmmm....very good...heavenward brings hope, faith...didn't He say "Look up, for your redemption draweth nigh."?  Earthbound will bring your faith down...listen to the world and your faith will surely falter....for all the things that are earthy is carnal, fleshly, pride of life, maybe even "reality".  But Jesus taught us to look heavenward and to EXPECT!!

 Then He took another amazing step that is so easy to forget...He gave thanks.  A thankful heart (inspite of what we see or are experiencing) will always see miracles.  At that point, the miracle..the overcoming power...the feeding of the incredible multitude was already on the way!  There was simply a blessing and a breaking.  So, it appears that our words do have power.  And only moments before the miracle there is always a time of brokenness. Why?  I guess so that we can have eyes to see and our reputation doesn't matter anymore, our fears are broken by faith and we can truly minister to the multitude.  Yes, I can minister to the multitude...the thousands, and yes, even millions of hungry people.  Whether it's directly from my mouth or through the mouths and voices of my children or those lives that I have touched..those things I've instilled in them by the power of God...or even through the voices of their children.  Just simply because I brought what I had to Jesus, a miracle was born. 

Lord, help me to remember the steps You set out for us to have our own personal miracle!  In Jesus' Name :)

The Song of Ascents

A song of ascents.
The Fear of the LORD Brings Blessings

1Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.

2For you shall eat the labor of your hands: happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.

3Your wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of your house: your children like olive plants round about your table.

4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that fears the LORD.

5The LORD shall bless you out of Zion: and you shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6Yea, you shall see your children's children, and peace upon Israel.

---

How To Have The Favor Of God

"..You cause them to drink of the stream of Your pleasures." Psalm 36:8b (amp)

She's a multi-talented Lady.  I've been worried for weeks about her.  The untold hours she's put into our church's drama project, the tired eyes and aching feet.  She never complains.  Sometimes frustration has settled in and I want to recommend that she slow down, take care of herself.  But every time I bring my complaints before the Lord, He reassures me to leave her in His tender, loving care...to trust Him...and then I feel peace.  So, in lieu of my worry, I am learning to replace it with sincere prayer that every stroke of the paint brush, every thread of the needle is blessed.  This has truly made a difference in me!

Yesterday, through a turn of events,  Anna and I had nothing pressing to do (can you believe it?).  So, we packed up and headed to the church to  help paint. I picked up my sweet painting ladies and headed to eat.  We had a wonderful time fellowshipping, but because the deadline for finishing is so near, we didn't stay long.  At the church, we began painting and talking.  A unique and wonderful presence of the Lord was so strong in that room.  We began to talk about Him and tears were flowing!  We were literally having church :)  For several hours we painted and basked in His evident approval.  At one point, I kept wondering why she was putting SO much detail into this project.  Suddenly, it all occurred to me what was happening :)  These two, beautiful ladies were painting for Him.   If I knew that Jesus Christ, Himself, had asked me to do something..I would do the BEST I could for Him.  That's what they were doing.  It wasn't just a project.  For weeks I (along with others) have prayed the favor of God over them as they work and I was experiencing it, too!  

So many of us consider "The Favor" to be materialistic.  We say we don't, but everything in our lives reveal this to be contrary to our words.   Yesterday, I literally saw the favor of God on my momma.  She taught us from children that the high road is a servant's heart and that whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and not to men.  There is no hurt, frustration or disappoint in truly working for God.   That's why I've seen her worship so blessed during service.  That's why her life is fruitful.  Has she received a million dollar check in the mail? No.  What about a promotion or a free vacation? No.  She is not a material-girl. Her powerful love for God has not changed with the seasons or the ebb and flow of life. 

"Have you been in the auditorium and felt the strong presence of God?"  her words caught me one Wednesday night just prior to prayer service.  Yes, I thought to myself, but I didn't feel it.  Hmmmm....now I am seeing.  She is experiencing  a higher plain of living.   It's that pure, old-time brush arbor stuff.  It's having Favor with God, the kind living that I call The Good Life!

Resignation

Just wanted to share this morning's devotional:

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Incline your heart to Me, and attune your ear to My voice. For I would speak to you, and I have an urgent message to give you.

Do not set out to establish your own designs. I have already set in motion My divine will and purpose, and I would not have you to interfere. I am jealous of My children: They are Mine, and you shall not intrude in any way to hinder My plans from working out. Yes, you may do many things, but only that which I direct you to do can have My blessing.

Resign all into My hands-your loved ones as well as your own self. Be obedient to the still small voice. Your own imaginings may speak more loudly, but wait upon Me always. You will see the wisdom in this in due time. Fret not about carnal things, but concern yourself first and always with spiritual values. Truly, My promise is still:"Seek first the kingdom of God, and all the other needful things will be added to you."

~Come Away My Beloved

Week 12 of the Tour De Cinch

Happy New Year and welcome to Week 12 of the “Tour de Cinch”. Time flies and here we are in 2012, I pray you are having a great New Year. I want to thank everyone who has been following my blog and I hope in some way it has been a source of inspiration to you. After today, I will not be doing a weekly blog on our Jones Family Experience page about my weight loss journey but I will still be doing a weekly weigh in update that we will post on our FB and on our “Tour de Cinch” FB page; please follow if you can. So, the tour is not over and you will still be hearing from me if you like, just in a little different format. As far as weight loss goes, I’m at about the half way point for my goal and I must say, I am very encouraged to continue on after seeing the “Cinch” results. This is a plan that has really worked well for me and it has fit my lifestyle perfectly. I love the shakes, I have good energy (this is a downer on conventional type plans) and I’m losing a reasonable amount of weight every week which has been about 1-2 pounds most weeks. In my research and personal experience, I have found that any amount over 2 pounds per week (with maybe the exception of very obese conditions) is not really going to be fat loss but most likely a combination of water, muscle and some fat loss. Because the Cinch plan is designed to avoid muscle loss (thank you Shaklee scientists), the weight loss is really genuine and this also contributes to ongoing good energy levels that I have experienced. Additionally the “Boost” vitamin that is part of the plan is designed to work with the shakes for optimum nutrition and at maintaining a good metabolism. Many diet plans will absolutely wreck one’s metabolism and this will cause the weight loss to be very quickly gained back. Along with the Cinch plan I have included some resistance training and of course my all time favorite pass time, cycling which is were the inspiration for the “tour” part of this was born. Ok…so how did I do on this first week of the New Year…I lost an additional 2 pounds which brings my total to 21 and I’ve also lost over 4 inches in my waist. I hope you will continue to follow my tour and would love to see you join me soon.
God Bless! RJ

Tour De Cinch: Week 11 ~ Randy's Christmas Weight Loss Results ;)

Hello and welcome to Week 11 of the “Tour de Cinch”. Hope you had a great Christmas, I certainly did…I got a new Bible for Christmas that I will use as my “church Bible”. We do the big jumbotron at church as I like to call it like so many other churches and, while I love it, I still like to have a good ole Bible in hand to follow along at times, too.

Well there are a lot of things I could share on this last week of the year but since I have limited time I will get right to the heart of this blog. Are you ready to make some changes in the New Year? And for what this blog is about I’m mostly referring right now to lifestyle changes to improve your health and the way you feel (I hope for sure that you will want to make some changes that will draw you closer to God, first and foremost). Have you set goals? Do you have a plan? If so, is your plan new or just another try at an old one? These are just some questions to inspire your thoughts and hopefully motivate you to believe that you can make some positive changes and stick with them. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no great example of weight loss success but I am proud of the fact that back in 2005 at 298 lbs. I decided that I had to make some changes…got on my bike, rode thousands of miles, learned how to eat reasonably healthy and started a journey to better health (I lost about 93 lbs.). I must also admit that back in late September of this year when I was looking in to the Shaklee Cinch plan, I was a little skeptical based on what I’d learned over the years about weight loss but I decided to give it a try since I needed to get rid of some lbs that I had gained back...man am I ever glad that I did! This was just the plan that I needed to jump start me back to healthier eating and weight and, yes, based on what I’ve learned, I absolutely believe that I can maintain a reasonable weight going forward. If there are any of you that this interests, I would love for you to join me on your own personal “Tour de Cinch” in the coming New Year…let me know and we’ll be glad to help.
So in closing, how did I do this week even after Christmas breakfast, Christmas supper, Christmas trip to Nashville complete with a trip to Logan’s, Maggiano’s, California Pizza, etc., etc. etc…I still lost ½ pound and I am proud of that ½ pound. Total of 19 lbs!! Happy New Year and God Bless till next year. RJ

Week 10 Randy's "Tour De Cinch" Weight Loss Adventure!!

Hello and welcome to Week 10 of the “Tour de Cinch”. It just occurred to me today that I only have one more weigh in left this year. My plan is to do this blog for 12 weeks and then switch to doing the blog bi-monthly but I will still be weighing in ever week and continuing the tour. If anyone out there is like me and loves to follow pro cycling, you know that most cycling tour races are won in the mountain stages. The Tour de France for example is a 21 day race that covers about 2100 miles total, most days the race is about 100+ or so miles long and this is referred to as a stage. Most of the early stages are relatively flat and many times can be won by riders who are not the overall favorite. But when the race hits the mountains, it always separates the best from the rest. I said all that to say this, holiday’s are much like the mountains to people who are trying to maintain or lose weight. All your discipline is tested to the fullest and even skinny people gain the unwanted weight at this time of year. I have been told while doing this “tour” that this is not the best time of the year to be doing this. My first response would be to agree but actually when I think about it, I realize that it actually is a great time to be doing this. The bottom line is this, no matter what dietary changes we make and no matter what method, unless we learn to keep control through all the celebrations of life, we will always have this same problem. That’s not to say that we can’t enjoy food but it will require one to learn moderation at ever occasion. Many diets only emphasis making “the food behave”…on these diets you can, “eat all you want”…as long as it’s some certain food. I have found that the Cinch plan actually gives me the ability to go beyond making the food behave to actually enabling “me” to behave and I think that is really the key to it all. So have I behaved this week? Well pretty much but it is Christmas right…I lost another pound (18 total) and yes I’ve had my share of the delicious, rich comfort foods but I’m getting over this mountain stage. God Bless till next week

Week 9 "Tour De Cinch" :) Weight Loss Adventure!

Welcome to Week 9 of the “Tour de Cinch” and I hope this finds you having a wonderful Christmas time and enjoying your family and friends. I love Christmas and all it means to me as a Christian…the birth of our Savior. There is a special feeling at Christmas that no other time of the year seems to capture and it’s always great to make lifetime memories at this special time.

I love to watch my children as they experience the magic (I don’t use that word much, but it does seem magical) of it all…the Christmas parade, putting up the tree and, of course, our annual trip to the Opryland Hotel to see the lights. This year has been an incredible year in so many ways but yet sad in some others. I lost my father in March of this year and I know they’ll be an empty spot this year (already has been) along with other losses/tragedies that I’ve watched in our community. However, God has been so faithful as He always has been. I guess you’ve probably realized by now that this post does not have a whole lot to do with the “tour” but I just wanted to take this time to wish all who read this a very Merry Christmas (yes that’s how we say it). Please take time this Christmas and consider all that God has done for you...your health, your family, etc. It really is a “wonderful life” and you are a blessing to someone whether you know it or not. Ok, so in closing, how did I do? Lost another pound which gives me a total of 17. Peace and blessings to you. Randy

Week 8 "Tour De Cinch" Weightloss Adventure!!!

Week 8 of the ‘Tour De Cinch” has been interesting…after dropping about 3 pounds over the Thanksgiving holiday, I figured it would be really tough to have any more weight loss this week and I actually feared some gain. However, I was delightfully pleased to lose another pound this week bringing my total to just over 16.0. I am also really starting to notice the benefits of shedding the weight, I did a 13 mile bike ride Saturday and since it was a short ride, (yes, that’s really short for a cyclist) I decided to include some hills (steep, think ski lift steep) and it was obvious that it’s getting easier over what I experienced this summer. It is actually amazing how extra weight negatively affects us, yet you don’t really notice it as you are gaining it. Progress like this really motivates me more that the actual numbers on the scales! In closing this week I’d like to invite all who read this and you’ve been thinking about some changes to consider the Cinch plan. I have found it to be a really great plan that is healthy and doable and probably a lot less $ than most of you are spending on a fast food breakfast and lunch. I’ve used protein drinks long before Cinch and the one thing that would really bug me was the way that most (not all) protein drink companies sweeten their products, most use sucralose (check them out at Wally World if you don’t believe) and that stuff is poison. Cinch uses fructose which is a natural fruit sugar and it tastes great as well. Would love to hear/see some of you join me as we close this year out and begin 2012. Hope you all have a great week. God Bless! RJ

Week 7 Randy's "Tour De Cinch" Thanksgiving Weigh In Results!! :)

Week 7 of the “Tour de Cinch” finds the holiday season in full swing for the Jones Family Experience. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend complete with family, friends and one uninvited guest, the stomach bug. So far my gang has dodged the bullet so to speak thanks to what I believe in part to be our numerous preventative measures and the multivitamins that we and our kids take daily (we Shakalized as we like to say). No, we are not bullet proof but maybe these measures can help you dodge (the bullet) a little better, I think so.
My confession: Now I must admit that with all the festivities I have actually dreaded/feared the Tuesday weigh in day much more than normal this week…and the fact that this is getting posted for all the world (actually there are quite a few of you who are reading this so that’s really why I continue to subject myself to this blog thingy) causes me to consider the big what if…like what if I gain 5 lbs. this week? And, BTW, that would actually be about par for the course for me and a lot of others I’m sure, can I get a witness? So now to the big question, how did the first holiday stage of the “Tour de Cinch” do this week? Surprisingly well! (and I was prepared to give you the bad news), as of last week, I had last a total of about 13 lbs., this week I’m at almost 16 lbs. total. Here’s a few more facts too, I’ve lost a total of about 3” in my waist…I’ll spare you all the details and just tell you that I’ve lost about 10” total between, chest, waist, hips and thighs.
I hope all of you have a great rest of the week and let me know if you would be interested in joining the “tour”. I’m ready for a full peloton of “Cinched” comrades to ride into the New Year with! Peace and Blessings! RJ

Week 6 "Tour De Cinch" rolls into Thanksgiving!!

13 lbs total! YEAH!!!!

Congratulations to another new member of the Tour!! Darby is joining us this Monday after Thanksgiving and we want to welcome her :) Also sending encouragement to "Tour" team that: YES, WE CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THIS WEEK!! Enjoy your family and friends and let your connections with Thanksgiving be stronger than just the feast!!

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be blessed!! Happy Thanksgiving to all...see you next week!

~Randy

Week 5 of Randy's "Tour de Cinch" :) It's getting EXCITING!!

Welcome to week 5 of the “Tour de Cinch” and a very special "Congratulations" to our good friend Natalie who is joining me on this tour. She is experiencing good results in inches and pounds lost, too. I’m most happy to report that I dropped another couple pounds this week. Yah! That puts me right at 12 lbs and several inches lost since the start. I’ve had a lot going this week so when I hit the scales this morning I didn’t know for sure what I’d see. Much of the weekend took me out of my normal routine from a Saturday wedding of a great friend to an all day away from home concert that New Promise Band did in Mayfield, KY. In case you don’t know, I’ve been their incredible drummer for about 20 years and yes I just bragged because no one every brags on the drummer, right?, LOL. I must say though that it was all a “cinch” weekend even though it did involve eating out which if you’re like me, can pose an additional challenge. Speaking of eating out, when I do, I try to go for the healthier items if possible and avoid wasted calories but no, I don’t necessarily count calories. Dar and I attended a series of health related clinics a few years back which focused on portion control and the emotional state of overeating. Since that time I’ve always understood that fundamentally, no matter what diet or eating plan you are on, learning moderation is really the long term solution. The Cinch plan has fit very nicely into this way of thinking and has enabled me to return to the controlled way of looking at eating. Does that guarantee success in the future? No, but it does mean that I’m at least reminded again of how the age old truth of God’s word concerning moderation is still the best answer.

God Bless you all till next week!

~Randy

PS. There are four little reasons in the above pic that give me the desire to be healthy and fit...can you find them?

Week 4 ~ Randy's "Tour De Cinch" Weightloss Adventure!

Hello all, it's been a whole month and what a RIDE! The good news is that I've lost a total of 10lbs!! Hoorah!! I'm still enjoying this diet plan even after a month. Thank you to all who are following our blog and to those who have made the decision to join with me on this "Tour" :) The road can be curvy at times for example: This week I have been a part of too many birthday celebrations, special dinners and other events, yet have still managed to keep the weight trending down. In case anyone is wondering, yes, I could have lost quicker but I believe that the balance of protein in your diet via these delicious shakes as well as a sensible meal plan make for a more pleasant experience and energy to boot.

This month's obstacles will no doubt be the many Thanksgiving celebrations at work, home and church :) And, yes, as you all know, there'll be enough food to feed an army! But I can honestly look at these special times with famiy and friends without fear of gaining excess pounds this year. Cinch has given me the motivation I needed for more control over my cravings for excess. I think weight loss motivation is of upmost importance. I'm currently following "Fit2Fat2Fit" website that chronicles Drew Mannings experience in gaining, yes, gaining 76 lbs in 6 months. If you don't know this story check it out on the web. Another source of motivation is that I've been invited in April of 2012 to be a part of the Georgia Bicycle Boot Camp that is hosted by some friends.

My take-home point for this week is this: Stay motivated, stay focused! Don't let the holidays bog you down through excess. Your health is worth it!

God bless you, until next week!
Randy

Week 3 Randy's "Tour De Cinch" Weight Loss Adventure :)

Good Tuesday evening everyone!! :)
Almost 8lbs and 2 3/4 inches GONE!!! Yeah!!
I am delighted to say that after 21 days on the "Tour" I am still feeling GREAT! This week, even though outside temps were a little on the chilly side, I did find some time to get in several miles of cycling as well as some gym time. I usually rise well before 5am for prayer and the Word, then exercise, then a 10 hour work day, then home to whatever adventure that awaits. I said that to say this, I have really good energy all the way to bedtime!

This past week I had the privilege of going to Nashville with my lovely wife (that's a privilege in itself) to meet Roger and Sloan Barnett, the owner and CEO of Shaklee. They were on a tour that included Nashville due to incredible things happening with Shaklee in Tennessee. We were also invited to a private reception before the main event complete with food, meet and greet time and plenty of photo opportunities. I found Roger to be a very kind, gracious man...actually nothing like all the rest of the billionaires that I know, LOL! Seriously, I was impressed. Roger even took time out to send a personal video greeting to Landon, our son. Roger and Sloan both spoke during the main session and each did a wonderful job at sharing the passion and vision for Shaklee and how it is helping change people's lives in a number of positive ways.

While Dar and I are still relatively new to this business, I left the meeting with a sense that we have made a good decision in becoming a part of this organization. I would like to qualify that statement by saying that over the last 30 years of my adult life I have been introduced/approached with numerous of these so called "opportunities" and I have always been a very, very hard sale (joining none). I always said that if I truly found a product that I really believed in, then I could be a part of it. As you may know, Dar and I do try to make healthier choices in our diet and use as many natural defenses and remedies, but I think that these great supplements are the missing link until we can get back in to the Garden of Eden :)

Hey, there's still opportunity to join the "Tour De Cinch"!! If you are interested, give us a call 731-847-4522 or check out the info on our online store: http://drjones4.myshaklee.com/us/en/whynow.html#/healthyweight and order direct ;) Thanks for visiting, hope you'll stop by next week....:)

God bless!

RJ

Week #2 Randy's "Tour De Cinch" Weight Loss Adventure!

Wow!! What a week!! :) Here we are, 2 weeks into the "tour" with 4 inches gone and over 5 lbs lost! Yeah!!

So far, one of the highlights of this plan is that there are NO ENERGY DROPS that traditional dieting brings. Just a constant, steady flow of stamina. Although, I do experience hunger when it's time for dinner :) By having 2 shakes a day, it has helped in keeping my portions controlled at dinner time. I just simply can't eat as much.

I am VERY pleased with this program thus far! Looking forward to next week.

I'd love for anyone interested to join me on this adventure....trust me, it's a "Cinch" ;)

~Randy

(Cinch is a safe, effective and easy way to lose weight. It is all natural with zero artificial anything and has a 100% money back guarantee! Give us a call at 731.847.4522 or visit our online store at http://drjones4.myshaklee.com/us/en/whynow.html#/healthyweight)

Happy 10th Birthday Landon, I LOVE YOU!!"

Happy Birthday My sweet Landon!! Do you remember taking this picture of yourself? LOL, ROFL!! :)

You make my heart sing:) Every thing about you is special to me! From the first day you were born, I became aware of the gift God had given me. As I watch you grow into a man, I am amazed at how well you are adjusting to life, responsibility and the myriad of challenges that come with change. Sometimes it seems that life would be easier if we could stay toddlers. But who wants to miss the great opportunities that come with growing up? Yes, "easier" is not always better....it just sounds...easy :)

Since you turned 10 today, I wanted to make a list of 10 things I really appreciate about you:

1. Your laugh has got to be the first! It is the most enthusiastic laugh I know of!! I LOVE to read a comedy or catch a joke with you!! You are entertaining just to watch:) You have a wonderful sense of humor...just like your Daddy.

2. Your inability to condense a conversation is cute, too. Of course, Daddy will understand this :)

3. Your love for legos, your twins, Anna & Buzz (and in that order, too) is beautiful and very special.

4. You are a GREAT photographer in the making!! (See the above snapshot!)

5. You have an incredible memory and ability to analyze a situation. I love to get your honest opinion! It really matters to me and I take it very serious....even though it may appear that I don't :)

6. You excel at everything you do!! You are really a WINNER!! Competition is your friend. Whether it's Bible Quizzing, fishing, school or sports, you try your best and to me that is EXCELLENCE...no matter the outcome.

7. You have a special way of wrapping your arms around me and making me feel special when I'm having a difficult day. You may not do this in public, but I understand that you really would hold my hand...if no one is looking ;)

8. You go out of your way to be respectful and kind to people and that makes me really proud. I remember going to the Nursing Home with you and you were so nice to everyone! Then we get in the car and you quickly ask for disinfectant! :)

9. Even as a little child, you had a very unique understanding of God's Word. I credit this to the special calling God has on your life. You were not meant to live an ordinary life. You were created for PURPOSE! And this brings me to reason #10....

10. You are a Leader. You aren't shy, fearful or worried about how people might "label" you. You must be very careful to use your talents in ways that make this world a better place....and I'm not talking about Shaklee, here! LOL :) When I look at you, I am seeing a young David who was not afraid to fight Goliath, a Daniel that stood before kings and fearlessly proclaimed his belief in God, a man named Peter that was full of God's Spirit and power speaking to thousands at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and, finally, Stephen who was willing to do the most humble of New Testament work, and yet give his life (his everything: resources, time, talent, etc.) for his God. You must realize that greatness with God isn't spotlights, fame and monetary wealth. It begins in the small, insignificant places. Jesus chose Bethlehem to be born, not Herod's palace. Remember greatness begins in our Bethlehem's. Never underestimate the power of love and kindness...

I love you, my Lan-man! I am so proud to be your momma. Yeah, I know....those scattered clothes on the floor, chewing on that tasty lego...or whatever else is in there :), keeping those teeth bright and shiny, that dreaded "morning list" and that last school subject that just can't seem to get done. We may have our disagreements, but you never forget this one thing: You mean the WORLD to me!!

Love, Momma