LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY

Picture taken by my Brother-In-Law Bryan

What is the real meaning of loving someone unconditionally? To me, it is not judging, loving them no matter what they do and being there for them come what may. It doesn't mean we have to condone their actions, but we still should love them. After all, NO ONE is perfect, not even me! :)

Everybody has their own preferences…their own way of doing things. Maybe you put your socks on before your underwear. Maybe not. Maybe you like the toilet paper to pull down the front instead of down the back. Maybe you choose Coke over Pepsi. Or real eggs over Eggbeaters. Whatever your preferences are, they are what make you YOU. And that is marvelous.

Our differences in our preferences can be the source of good natured ribbing or they can be the cause of heated debate. All of which can be very healthy. We don't always have to agree on everything. We interact with people every day who have different opinions and preferences from us and things usually go pretty smooth. But every once in a while you run across someone who thinks that his/her preferences or opinions are RIGHT and everyone else is wrong (or an idiot). Don't fall into the trap of taking the low road and making the wrong choices and regretting your actions later.

Remember to think before you comment on someone else or pass judgment. We never know what is going on in someone else's life until we have walked in their shoes. Yes, we can be disappointed by how people choose to live... believe me, I found out news last week that made me realize that not everyone appears to be who they are on the surface... :( BUT I don't judge them, but will pray for them instead and I will love them unconditionally.

(NOTE: for those inquiring, my surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, July 3. I will try to keep you updated.)

LOVE YOU ALL UNCONDITIONALLY! xoxo

My Perspective --- KS CHAMPIONS WEEKEND

The KS Gals

Wow! How can you sum up in words what the KS Champions Weekend meant. Every time I sit down to write about it, my eyes fill up with tears as I reflect back on it. I was moved, touched and extremely amazed at the love that was shown by each person who attended this event. During the weekend, we learned, cried, and laughed so much together that it would be impossible to tell it all. Even if I did it would never compare to being there and experiencing it for yourself. Life never holds still does it? It is hard to believe that the weekend has come and gone. :)

So I will attempt to begin to sum up what the weekend meant to me...With sweaty palms and a nervous look I step up to the podium and .....cry!! Oh wait, I can just type this out! :)

Unlike many of you, my weekend started months ago, after the KS Gals decided to make the KS Champions Weekend bigger and better. We never regretted our decision. Through many emotions, the event took shape and it finally arrived. Even when things got a bit hairy, God gave me peace and I knew it was meant to be.

Thursday night we started out with a lovely dinner at Pam’s house with the KS Gals and the Jeffries. We shared a lot of stories and laughter. I have been so blessed to learn from each of the gals and the Jeffries. Our different perspectives give the truths we discuss meaning and depth. Some things are so good, you know only God could have planned them. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for a great evening. :)

The Jeffries

Friday afternoon started with registration as well as the meet and greet. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic folks there ready to celebrate the weekend. Little did they know they would walk away ready to celebrate life. Isn’t that funny how it works out? I am so fortunate to have been a part of it all. I was able to make new friends but also see all my “old” friends and give them that long over-due hug. The night continue to increase in fun and laughter as we made our way to the Jazz and although it was a bit crowded, the fellowship was priceless. :)

The Night at the JAZZ

Saturday opened up with some of us going to the Y for some physical activity. Some played a mean game of basketball (next time I won’t be playing against the giant of a man, Mark), some of us decided we needed to sweat a bit and take the body pump class and others decided to work out in the weight room and others from what I heard, decided to sleep in! :) Mike Harris was great about teaching some about the proper way of lifting (you still sore Kim? HA!). Mike, I am forever grateful for your time, energy and your prayers that you give to all of us.

The book signing was a huge success and I appreciate all of the Champions who took time out of their schedule to be a part of it! :) Thanks to those who contributed by giving us extra books for those who didn’t have one with them. You truly are a blessing. :)

Saturday evening was INCREDIBLE. Sometimes people come into our life and we know right away that they were meant to be there. To serve some sort of purpose, perhaps to teach us lessons or help us figure out things that are troubling us, things like fear and doubt. I believe those people were the speakers on Saturday night. Each one of them brought a message that we all could relate to and each message connected with the other. It truly is my hope that you all walked away from the night knowing that no matter what you are/were facing or where you are/were in life, you really can endure, that you really are strong and you are worthy.

I know that many of you traveled from quite a distance and we wanted to thank all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be a part of the KS Champions Weekend. Without you, it wouldn't have been a success.

KS Champions Weekend Women

There are so many people to thank for making the weekend possible. I will try and list them (and I really hope I don’t leave anyone out).

To the KS Gals (including Kay), wow, you all are amazing and so special to me. The laughter is unbelievable and I don’t think I have laughed as much in my entire life. But above all things, your friendship is what means the most and I will forever cherish that. :)

To my hubby, Kevin, you are simply AMAZING. Never complaining, multi-tasking, doing anything I ask of you and loving me, all the while never asking for anything in return. THANK YOU!!!

Kevin & Elizabeth

To Mike Harris for your advice through the months and listening to me when I just needed to somone to listen. Thanks for all of your help and assistance but most of all, thanks for the prayers.

To Tracy Jeffries, THANK YOU for being YOU. You are such a beautiful person who is always willing to lend a hand and an ear. LOVE YOU!

To Tom Jeffries for helping us during the KS Champions Weekend with all the heavy lifting and for being a part of our amazing weekend. :)

To Jami (Quadsmom) for all of your prayers and uplifting messages through the months of preparing for this great event. You are amazing prayer warrior.

To Danielle (Supafreak) for your help with the sponsors and for always taking the time to answer my questions. Without you, the sponsorship would have never happened.

To Suz for your creative mind, stepping up to the plate and taking care of the posters and fliers and not asking for anything in return. Thanks a million!

To Lisa and Leiana for ALWAYS being there for me since day one way back in 2005. It made my heart sing to FINALLY meet you two beauties…..and to meet your hubbies too was just icing on the cake. :) I don't know about the rest of you but having the spouses there this year was incredible. Now they know we just don't sit around talking about exercising and food! :)

Lisa & Elizabeth

Pam, Kay, Leiana, Lisa & Elizabeth

To all the GLAMAZONS who were so supportive and loving during the months of preparing for the event. You know I love you all!

To ALL OF THE SPEAKERS…. WOW, what can I say. I was so moved by each and every one of the speeches. Blessing after blessing…each one of you taught us lessons and covered so much information that we all caught a vision of how to use our own life with excellence to communicate our message of hope to the world.

The Fabulous Speakers

And last but not least, TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, who attended and made the weekend more than I ever hoped for, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

I am also grateful that even after the weekend ended, through the friendships we made, the principles we learned, and the ways God revealed Himself to each of us, we will continue to grow roots into our lives and we will be better people for having come to the KS Champions Weekend!

Hope to see you next year! :)

~ Elizabeth

WHAT A WEEKEND....

THE KS CHAMPIONS WEEKEND GROUP

I have so many things to share with you about the KS Champions Weekend. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time to post.... Promise I will get to it soon! :) So for now I will leave you with some pictures... ENJOY!


MY KS BFFs :)

Patty, Elizabeth, Kay & Pam



My Beautiful Friend Tracy


Mike Harris & Elizabeth


John & Denise
Faithful Servants

Thursday night we had a nice evening with the Jeffries. A bunch of laughter for sure but really all we wanted them to do was RELAAAAX! Perry loves the Jeffries. :)

I can't wait to post more about the weekend but until then...... Love you!

~ Elizabeth

PEACE...AT LAST

I know in my last post, I spoke about being busy but never in that time have I felt that the KS Champions Weekend was not supposed to be. Have you ever had that feeling that something was supposed to happen or take place? Well, for me it is/was the KS Champions Weekend.

For those who know me, I am a bit timid and shy and have A LOT of anxiety issues in social settings....and like to work behind the scenes so to speak without being the focus of attention...... :) But I wanted you all to know how I have been feeling. I have been getting a lot of e-mails and PMs from folks wanting to know if I have been feeling nervous or anxious and I must say in all honesty, that I have felt nothing but PEACE.....and today when I opened up my daily devotion it was about PEACE and how when God gives us a plan we should feel peace about it because if we don't, then it isn't His plan..... Now, how awesome is that????

I have always felt this weekend was meant to be and that many folks will benefit by attending and hearing the speakers.... who are absolutely AMAZING..... check them out at http://www.kschampionsweekend.com/

To say that I am excited about this weekend is an understatement. I can't wait to meet all of you and hug you and hopefully make this the best weekend you have had in a long, long time! :)

BTW, my husband will be recording the speakers and the slideshow and putting it on YouTube.com for those who are not able to attend. :) My hubby is the best and I am blessed! :)

Hope to see you this weekend! :)

Thanks Kevin for all of your behind the scenes work for the KS Champions Weekend, without you and God, I wouldn't have been able to make it happen! :) Muah! ;)

My Life As I Know It :)

My life....... has been crazy busy lately.... I am in the final stages of organizing and planning for the KS Champions Weekend (http://www.kschampionsweekend/). All I can say is WOOHOO! I am thrilled that in just a few more days I will be meeting up with some of the best guys and gals from BFL. This community is absolutely wonderful.

People tell me all the time that I am too busy and need to slow down. I personally like my life busy and don't like to have too much spare time in which I am allowed to let my brain run a muck! ;) I especially like to be busy when Kevin goes out of town. It makes the time go by faster and I don't "feel" so lonely without him.

This past week was exceptionally busy. Doctors’ appointments, my son’s car breaking down and being in the shop, tornadoes, YES tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and short-staffed at work. The week seemed to go on and on. Oh, did I mention my sweet husband was out of town as well and so I WAS the head of the household, meaning I was in charge of everything, including our baby-dog, Stoli! I must say I don't like having to deal with EVERYTHING, I guess in that sense Kevin has spoiled me rotten and he takes care of me! Not a bad thing really! He was due home now but once again he has experienced the wonderful world of flying. Another three hour delay! BOO!!!!

Oh back to the tornadoes..... my nephew Juston happened to be in Manhattan, KS at K-State when the tornado hit the campus last Wednesday. He was only a few buildings away from where the tornado actually touched down. My brother and SIL went and picked him up the next morning. I kid you not, that same day (night), a tornado touched down a few blocks from where they live in Linwood, Kansas. He sent me a text message saying "Auntie Elizabeth, I guess I just attract them." Poor kid..... In all my 41 years, I have only witnessed one tornado and it happened to be last week. My son Scott and I were on our way to go over to pick his car up from the shop when we noticed how black the sky was to the North of where we live. (keep in mind we live in De Soto, the next town over is Linwood). When we got up to K-7, we could clearly see the tornado. Was I scared??? NO..... more like in awe.... of its power. I have attached a few pictures of some of the pictures we took. We weren't able to get any of the tornado itself but you can tell by looking at the pictures that the storm was pretty impressive.

Here is another one of the sky, what I found amazing was the color and how fast it went from being black to "yellow":

JONNAE NICOLE TAYLOR - LIGHT A CANDLE

JONNAE NICOLE TAYLOR
9/2/92-6/9/08

From Denise this morning:


It is finished. Her battle is over. Her heavenly birth happened around 4am this morning. I will provide you with Mass details as we have arranged them.

Live your life fully. Not only today, but everday. It is merely one of the many precious gifts she has provided us.

Bless you for making this such a beautiful experience for us. The love that's been poured all over us during this most exhausting war is something that has forever changed us.

We love you!
Denise

Believing In Yourself

Believing in yourself, is an endless destination. Believing you have failed, is the end of your journey. Sarah Meredith

Everyone wants to be the perfect daughter or son, the perfect friend, the perfect spouse, the perfect co-worker, etc. but nobody is perfect. We understand that nobody is perfect in this world, because we are humans who are living in imperfection. However, like everyone else I continually strive to be a better person.

Early on in my life, I was told that I should be more like this person or that person but being the stubborn kid that I was, I wanted to leave my own mark, not someone else’s. I know God has His own plan for my life and that I would (and still do) follow God’s words. I have always believed that I can do anything if I try hard enough and commit to the task at hand. There is nothing that a person cannot achieve if they really want it bad enough and work to reach the goals they set for themselves. If you believe in God and have faith you will be surprised just how much you can accomplish in your life and how much you can influence other peoples lives.

The key here is to fully rely on God (thanks Denise and Jonnae) and then to believe in yourself no matter what you want to accomplish in your life. Being a better person does not mean having more in this life. It is about accepting changes and valuing the people and the things around you. It is the willingness to step out of your comfort zone and start seeing this world as wonderful place to develop your humanity.

Have faith in God, believe in yourself and follow your dreams! :)