Mornings with Tracey Mike & Dave

365 Days of New- Recap

2012-01-09T21:20:00.005-05:00

Hi friends!
My word for the year is "NEW". Last year, I had been feeling a bit of that mid-life thing creeping up on me, and even fighting the blues a bit. But in God's word, I was reminded, that while I may be bored with me, He isn't. In fact, in Christ, I am a new creation. (2Cor.5:17) I wanted to really embrace the idea that God is still making me new and that there are things about me I have yet to discover. I want to challenge my comfort zone, look forward to new experiences and intentionally open my heart to new things, ideas, learnings, etc... So, I made a goal for myself that I would do something new, that I've never done before- every single day of this new year. We're nine days in and so far, I'm having fun!

I promised to give you a recap so you can see what new adventures I'm having, and I am open to your suggestions too. Some of these might seem insignificant, but to me, they were a way of seeing myself differently- no matter how small. I do have some bigger things planned too and I trust the Lord will lead me through this thing and show me what He wants to show me.

So far, here's what I've done:
Jan. 1- Stayed for 2 back to back church services on a Sunday that I wasn't serving/working. I was glad I did. I needed to hear the message twice and even responding to God in worship- my heart was so much softer the 2nd time.

Jan. 2- Bought art supplies. A table-top easel, canvases, and paints. Never been an artist, and felt like a little kid picking this stuff out. I have it sitting on my dining room table but haven't had the courage to start yet. Waiting for the right day to take the next step and paint something.

Jan. 3- Took down my Christmas tree. Before February! I am infamous for leaving it up way too long. I just love it so much I put off taking it down. This year, I wanted to know what it would feel like to be practical. (hated it)

Jan. 4-Paid for a stranger's coffee in line behind me in the Barnes and Noble. Awkward at first, but I think it made her feel good and it certainly gave me a lift! I prayed it would just make her feel special- like God could see her.

Jan. 5- Had dinner with my friend Lorraine and her new husband Tim for the 1st time. It was a joy to see her so happy and to finally spend some time with this wonderful man I have heard to much about but not really had the chance to know yet. People ask me, if it's hard when my single friends meet someone and I'm still alone. Honestly- never. It comes easily to me to rejoice with the people I love.

Jan. 6- Got my first ever manicure with dark brown nail polish. I see the young girls with it and thought it was time I give it a try. Guys, I know this is no big deal from your perspective- but trust me. Picking out the color when you get a mani/pedi is one of the simple pleasures of life and very seldom, do we venture off into new colors. Sometimes, just doing something a little unexpected- can be a real kick!

Jan.7-My dear friends, The Cabellons, just had a baby girl. I got to hold precious Ruby in my arms-just one day old. So fresh from God and with that mysterious heavenly scent that only a newborn can have. I hope that this new thing, gets repeated many, many times.

Jan. 8- I led worship at Bridgeway which is always a privilege, but what was new, was I taught the congregation a new song. It's called "No One Higher" by Martha Munizzi, one of my favorites. It is a joy to see and hear a few thousand people grab ahold of that new song and start singing it like they mean it. They did.

Jan.9- I took a walk around my neighborhood, at night, by myself. I've never done that or even felt like I wanted to do that. Especially in January, but it was actually very pleasant. And... I started the post-holiday dead Christmas tree judging contest.

There you have it. I already have something planned tomorrow that will stretch me. Also, Mike and Dave will pick something new for me to do from all the suggestions many of you have made. New is good.
So far.

Newly Yours,
Tracey

365 days of New

2012-01-02T20:19:00.008-05:00

I chose a one word theme for my life this new year- instead of making resolutions. One word- that I prayed about and believe God gave to me. One word that could be a way for me to focus, get back on track if I lose my way, and look for God to teach me about.

My word is... NEW.

2Cor. 5:17 says, "Therefore if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come." Problem is I don't feel so new.

And of course there's this one: Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, do you not perceive it?" No- I don't always perceive it. But I want to.

And how about Lamentations 3:22-23 "...His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Why do I live in old shame instead of embracing God's new compassions?

New.

The word isn't impressive, scholarly word, or even the slightest bit unusual or groundbreaking, but what God is speaking to me about that word is transforming- to me. I have been weighed down the last few months with some old stuff. New hurts have triggered old ones to come to the surface. I have believed things about myself that aren't true of me and I have doubted others love for me because they weren't giving me what I expected. I have been disappointed.

You know how it is when you first meet someone? There is an eagerness to know each other, a genuine interest, a grace to believe the best because you don't have any history to hold over their heads. Even if someone is a scoundrel to everyone who knows them; with every new person they meet, there is a grace to now be better... a fresh start to be the person you want to be - in this relationship. A newness.

After awhile we stop learning about each other and put people in boxes, refusing to see that they are deeper still than what we know and there is more beauty to be revealed. We fall out of love. We fall out of interest. We think it's their fault. But perhaps, we have stopped allowing them to be -new. Familiarity breeds contempt so they say. I think it's true and I have felt the sting of being on the receiving end of people no longer caring to know more of who I am. Disenchanted, bored, and shutting me down so I don't even believe there's more of me worth sharing.

I have also been on the giving end of that kind of treatment. It grieves me and I want to love better than that.

There's so much more to this that God is showing me, but for now, I just want to share with you that "New" is my word. I will strive to believe that God is telling the truth about me, and making me new every day. And I will allow others to be new too. I won't hold history over their heads. I will get to know them again. I want to be the kind of friend that breathes life into people and helps them re-create. And I want to challenge myself to dig deeper and find new things inside of me that God put there for a reason.

One practical way of embracing my word is this. Starting January 1st, I have begun a personal quest: 365 days of NEW.

Every day this year, I will do something I haven't done before. It could be as little as, trying a new food, or taking a new route... Or it could be as adventurous as, well... I'm not telling just yet. But I will keep you posted.

Yesterday, I wasn't working at church like I usually am, and yet I stayed through two services back to back because my pastor asked me to. That was new.

Today, January 2nd, I bought my first set of art supplies. I'm 47 and I'm sure I haven't painted since elementary school. Perhaps it's just my version of a mid-life crisis, but I'm going to paint something, by golly. Just like this new year of my life- a blank canvas is waiting, full of possibilities.

Tracey

Mom's Christmas Breakfast Casserole

2011-12-16T05:46:00.007-05:00

Hi friends!

Every year since I was a wee one, my mom has made this delicious breakfast for Christmas morning. We love it so much and only get it once a year. Many of our listeners have adopted it as their Christmas morning breakfast so, we wanted to share the recipe with you once again!

Enjoy!

Linda's Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
 6 slices of bread, crusts removed
 Butter (to lightly coat the bread)
 1 lb of bacon (or your choice of meat like sausage, steak, chicken, etc)
 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (we like shredded cheddar)
 6 eggs
 2 cups of milk
 salt & pepper (to taste)

To Make:
Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan.
Butter the 6 slices of bread and place in pan butter side up.
Fry bacon (or meat you desire) and crumble over the bread.
Sprinkle cheese over the meat and bread.
In a bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, salt & pepper and 2 cups of milk.
Pour over top the bread, meat, and cheese.
Cover with foil and place in the fridge overnight.
The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Pull casserole out and let sit on the counter for 15 minutes (very important if you are using a glass pan!).
Uncover and bake for approximately 45 minutes.
Let sit for 5 minutes and enjoy!

I AM NOT MY HAIR

2011-11-03T04:46:00.007-04:00

I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am a soul that lives within
- India Arie

It's hard to explain how much of my identity has been tied to my hair. My whole life I have had long hair with one agonizing exception - when Mom got me a pixie at age 3. I have the pics to prove how agonizing that was.

Since then and all through my teens, twenties, thirties and yes, even my forties, I was girl with the long, blond-ish hair. During this time, something happened inside of me. A core belief formed that my hair was the only pretty thing I had going for me. I thought, "If I didn't have this long, pretty hair, no man would ever be interested." Surely, I wanted one to be interested so, at least I have my hair.

To add to this belief I had built up, many people over the years reinforced this idea that men really love the long hair. So, I held onto this hair. Thinking that to not have it would mean that I was less - less of a woman, less pretty, less deserving of love, less feminine.

I didn't know how deep these beliefs were hidden in my heart. They were wrong. But they were what I believed.

The thing about my Lord Jesus, is He is always challenging me to see myself differently. After all, I am a new creation in Him. He looks at my heart while men (and women) judge the outward appearance. He has been changing me on the inside. But on the outside, I was still the girl with the long hair believing it was my ticket to being beautiful.

A few years ago, I did make a big change and went red - a big change from my blonde! Here's the crazy thing...going through old pictures, I discovered my hair was red naturally when I was younger. So red became comfortable. But the red hair was still long-ish and still blond-ish too.

Then last year, I went through a metamorphosis and thanks to the grace of God, I met some great people from A Better Weigh and I lost 55 pounds. Surely now...with this long hair and being thinner than I've been since I was a teenager...surely now, my prince would come! Funny how the deep motives of our heart are exposed in times like this. I didn't know I had put God on a timetable and I had a great expectation attached to these big external changes I was making. Well God wasn't budging. Apparently, my long hair and skinnier frame hadn't convinced God that He needed to now jump through my hoops and make my dreams come true.

Now nearing the end of 2011, I have had to face more changes. Hot flashes, mood swings, trouble sleeping, feeling like I am crazy, irrationally hungry: Welcome to menopause. I am in the thick of that process and that, along with my weight loss has contributed to a drastic change in the texture of my hair. It's become so very thin that I was concerned.

And that's what landed me in my friends' salon yesterday ready to make a change. Well.. not really ready, but willing to try. My dear friends Dean and Mario assured me that my hair would look thicker darker and shorter and that I could really carry that look well. It would suit my complexion...yada...yada...yada. But I'm the girl with the long blondish hair...

So I got to the edge of that cliff and I jumped. The thing about hair is: the jump is reversible. But it's still a jump.

I wish I could tell you that I love it and all is well today. I wish I could tell you how beautiful I feel and confident and sexy. But the truth is, this was a big deal to me. I had nightmares all night and woke up wondering how I would get through this day being this new person. A new person without the long blondish hair. What could I possibly have going for me now?

Well, there is this truth about being a child of God. And the fact that I am so dearly loved by Him that He gave His life for me. And that He is doing a work inside of me. In fact, I am God's workmanship. His master work of art. I have to face the mirror today and grab hold of, maybe for the first time ever, the truth that who I am becoming on the inside is where my true beauty lies. I am forced to see myself differently today without the security blanket of that long blonde hair.

So...with trembling and tears sitting right on the brim, I go into this day with short dark hair. People will have opinions. They're allowed. And I will learn, trial by fire, to hold my head up and not live today as a prisoner to anyone's opinion but to truly seek the approval of my God. I should have been doing a better job of that all along- even as the girl with the long blondish hair.

I am still Tracey. And who I am...is not my hair.

CUPS

2011-07-19T16:55:00.005-04:00

Hi friends! Did you know that God is a person, with an actual personality, and you can actually get to know Him? And so many of us carry around these big misconceptions about what He's really like. I used to think that God tolerated me because I was His kid, and I should tread lightly as not to disturb Him too much. I was certain that you should only pray about the really BIG stuff because God was..well, pretty busy.. and only really cared about big, God-sized stuff.

It was back in 1999 and I was in the first week on my new job as studio manager for Audio Master. One morning, there were very important clients (V.I.C’s) coming in early for a session for some radio spots. This would be my first time meeting these clients and as the new manager, I wanted to make a great first impression. The first thing they did after depositing their brief cases in the studio was to come back upstairs and gather like vultures around the…wait for it….
Coffee pot.

I was on it. I learned how to make a pot of coffee just for this job, so I was quite proud the coffee was ready. Just one problem.
No cups.
I searched in every cabinet, under every counter and in every closet. I went into all 3 studios. The V.I.C’s were getting upset, and still standing around the coffee pot..waiting.
I couldn’t leave because I was the only person there besides the engineer doing the session. So I calmly asked the V.I.C’s to have a seat in the studio and I would bring them their coffee.
In my hands, I guess… All I knew was that somehow, I needed to make this happen.

I went back behind my desk and did what any baby Christian would do. I cried. Just a little. Then, I prayed right there at my desk in the reception lobby. Short and sweet and desperate. Please God help me find some cups. This job is important to me. And if You can’t do that, help me handle this in a way that wins them over. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

A mili-second later, the door swings open and voiceover actor that I had met just a few days prior, walks in, awkwardly balancing the door open with one hand and carrying a large box in the other. “Hi Sheldon. What’s in the box?”, I quipped.
“Cups,” he said.
My mouth dropped open so that I was barely able to speak. Sheldon opened the box to show me the paper cups he used to advertise his business. They were white cups with blue letters that said, “Sheldon Smith Means Voiceovers”. He said he just happened to be in the area and wanted to drop them off…

Yeah ok Sheldon. You can believe that if you want.

That was the cup that forever changed my life. If God would seriously bend His ear to a girl like me asking for something so ridiculously unimportant, then He must be actually interested in me. And if God is interested in me like that, then He must really care about the details of my life- even the cups. And if He cares about the cups, surely He cares about the deepest longings of my heart.
Want proof?
“LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” – Psalm 16:5

What have been the "cups" in your life that showed you something about who God really is? Do you trust Him enough to even ask Him.. about cups?

His Girl,
Tracey

The Father's Eyes

2011-06-17T17:03:00.000-04:00

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game.This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to.

But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him.

When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on." Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roste because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice, and at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed.The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games.

This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and he became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come back to the game on Saturday."

Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said."You can go in."

Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him. He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, this kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown.

The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?"

He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?" The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

What happens when....

2011-05-19T10:09:00.001-04:00

What happens when your Dad is Bart Millard from Mercy Me and it's his turn to wake you up for school??

Interview with Israel Houghton

2011-04-26T23:44:00.001-04:00

Israel Houghton will be at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex on April 30th along with Martha Munizzi. Click here for ticket information.

What I Won't Put Up With

2011-03-14T13:31:00.004-04:00

Hi friends,

I was out shopping the other night and I don’t know if I was just super sensitive or if it was something God was showing me on purpose, but I was heartsick over what I witnessed. People were fussing with one another. Openly, just walking in the mall...loudly in the department store. I overheard exchanges between people that triggered something in me.

The first one was a married couple in Lord and Taylor.

The man says to the woman in an agitated tone, “Look! How many times do I have to tell you. He doesn’t want one of those."

She says, “But I just thought----“

He interrupts, “Well you don’t know what the h____ you’re taking about.”

I saw another couple in the mall with hands in the air in disgust. He says to her, “Just shut up!” and then walks away from her. She just stands there for a second and then silently tries to catch up with him.

It was contempt in action. This kind of thing is not a little thing to me. If someone that I am in relationship with talks to me like this I am done. Shut down. Humiliated. Hurt. Ashamed. And done. I lived like this for too many years in unhealthy relationships. I wasn’t respected. I wasn’t treasured and I wasn’t honored. And it damaged me.

Watching it from afar, I could feel that hurt all over again. And honestly, this is the thing that terrifies me about “being in love.” I long to be in a fulfilling, beautiful marriage with a godly man. I long to be romantic, close, and willing to serve someone. But when I see this, it triggers the pain of the past and the fear of ever going through that again.

Don’t get me wrong. I know people who love one another will disagree and have difficult times, but there is never an excuse or reason to treat the one you love with contempt.

And I wonder where did it start? Were there signs of this when they dated? How did it get to the point where this kind of behavior was accepted?

I find myself at 46 yrs old where I never thought I’d be. Single. Longing for love, but pretty happy just as I am most of the time. And ironically, the Lord has me mentoring young girls and women who want nothing more than to find Mr.Right.

But their desire to be in any relationship is stronger than their desire to be in a good relationship. What they are willing to accept as normal, what they are willing to put up with, just astounds me.

We teach people how to treat us. If you allow them believe that it’s ok to humiliate, disrespect and shame you now… what makes you think that they will all of a sudden be wonderful to you if you marry them?

It was the love of Jesus that turned it all around for me. If He could be so kind to me...so tender...so full of compassion, grace and mercy...if He could consistently want good for me and put me first and value me so much that He would die for me, knowing how wretched I really am...and He is God...

Then...how could I possibly put up with a mere man treating me like a dog?

I can’t and I won’t.

My dearest sisters, settle for nothing less. Don’t let your desire for romance get in the way of real love.

Instead of just asking for God to bring that man into my life, I am praying also, Lord make me the kind of woman who loves the way You have loved me.

I have a long way to go, but in the meantime, I am single and loved perfectly by a God who knows what I need.

His Beloved,
Tracey

Singled Out

2011-03-02T21:27:00.005-05:00

Hi friends!

I was on a cruise last week with my family and friends and one of the activities they had on the ship one night, was a salsa dance lesson. Now, I have to tell you.. I LOVE salsa music and love salsa dancing. Problem is- I really don't know how. But I am drawn to it and I've always wanted to learn. So I figured, it's a free lesson. Why not?

I show up to the class and it became obvious to me rather quickly, that I was the one and ONLY single person in the class. All couples. Nice, happy couples who wanted to learn how to dance together. Now this makes perfect sense, since salsa dancing is with two people.

I'm not really sure what I was expecting or why I was embarrassed. Perhaps I was hoping there would be just one other single person in the class. Or even a smurf or cyclops. It didn't much matter. Just someone who wasn't paired up and wanted to learn how to dance. On a boat with about 5,000 people on it- it seemed a reasonable hope.

But no.

The instructor told all the couples to spread out on the dance floor. I felt my cheeks turn blood red and I tried to slither off the floor, over to the side.. I was hoping that my luck would improve and maybe the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

But Hans, or Sven, or whatever the instructor's name was, saw me slithering, and in front of everyone, loudly, in a Scandanavian-ish accent said, "Where is your partner?"

Funny, I've been wondering that same thing for years.

I answered him like a little mouse. "I don't have a partner. It's ok. I'll just stand over here and watch".

"No!" he said. "You will dance with me."

And just like that, the girl with no partner, alone in a room full of shiny happy couples, was singled out to dance. Not with just anyone - with the Master.

Isaiah 54:4-5 says, "Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated....For your Maker is your husband— the LORD Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer..."

And for a few moments, I forgot the pain of being alone in that room and I danced. With the best dancer in the place. He knew what he was doing..skilled and strong, he spun me around and made me feel like as long as he was leading, I could do anything.

Singled out to dance with the Master. This is the reality of my life right now and while it might not be what I was expecting, I am honored.

His,
Tracey

If I Had To Live My Life Over

2011-01-12T11:20:00.002-05:00

Here's the poem from Erma Bombeck that we read this morning. There are many versions of this on the Internet, but this is the version she wrote in her column on December 2, 1979. Enjoy and cherish those sweet moments!

If I Had My Life To Live Over
Someone asked me the other day if I had my life to live over would I change anything.

My answer was no, but then I thought about it and changed my mind.

If I had my life to live over again I would have waxed less and listened more.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadow over my feet, I’d have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” living room and worried less about the dirt when you lit the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted while being stored.

I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn with my children and never worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television...and more while watching real life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband which I took for granted.

I would have eaten less cottage cheese and more ice cream.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for a day.

I would never have bought ANYTHING just because it was practical/wouldn’t show soil/ guaranteed to last a lifetime.

When my child kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now, go get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more I love yous...more I’m sorrys...more I’m listenings...but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it...look at it and really see it...try it on...live it...exhaust it...and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.

© Erma Bombeck

When will I ever stop talking about my weight?

2011-01-10T13:51:00.012-05:00

Hi friends!

Weight loss and the pursuit of it, has been like a part-time job for me for many years. Maybe even more than part-time. On top of all my other jobs and activities, obscuring any joy I may feel about myself or any accomplishments, stealing my confidence, and my attention and shaming me for failed attempt after failed attempt.

If you know this struggle, then you know what I mean. How many tears have you cried because you felt so bad about your weight? How long have you felt powerless to do anything about it?

As a Christ follower, I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) But this battle has beat me up so much that I had nearly given up hope that I could ever change. Yes, I knew the Lord was able, but clearly I wasn’t. Or so I thought.

So I prayed and prayed. Lord, please send me some help. I just don’t know what to do. Send me someone who wants to help me and who has the key to unlock this mystery for me.I love it when God answers prayer so specifically. The day that Kate and Corrie and Bill from A Better Weigh came to the station to meet with me, I knew God had said to me, I hear you and here is some help.

Losing weight is a very personal thing and the way it happens for people is as unique as their struggle. For me, a lack of self- control and feeding my loneliness and hormonal depression with loads of carbs, and sugar, meant that I needed structure and discipline. Accountability with results to keep me motivated. No wiggle room.

This program was exactly what I needed. It has helped me identify the real reasons I would eat, and to discern when I am actually hungry. There were so many times when I was stressed or upset about something and my first inclination was to feed myself. And I couldn’t. Not only would it mess up my weight loss, but I would then have to admit it on the air, that I had “cheated”. Talk about accountability!

So I persevered. I set a goal and I persevered. Through parties, nights out with friends, holidays...I never wavered. And on Christmas Eve, I hit my goal. 145 lbs! Now it’s January 10th and I’m still going. Turns out, I could actually go all the way with this program and get.. dare I say it...thin. Me! I never thought it was possible.

I am 140 lbs today and I’ve lost a total of 46 pounds. But what I have gained is so much more. The feeling of accomplishment that I have set a goal and even surpassed it. The confidence that I can do ministry and reach out to others without feeling self-conscious, but instead, focused on them. The belief restored in me, that I really can change. Transformation is possible. And I can glorify God in an area that I have shut Him out all these years.

It is with fear and trembling that I say, I am an over-comer. By God’s grace that is what I am. I will never underestimate this struggle and I will never think I have it all figured out. But I have learned so much and I am different than when I started back in September. Different on the inside. You can’t see that change as clearly, but trust me. When you see how different I look on the outside, it is just a small hint of how different I am on the inside.

Thank you to my friends at A Better Weigh and thank you Lord for giving me the help I needed. I’ll be 47 in April and Lord willing, I’ll be the leanest I’ve been since.. well… a long, long time. And speaking of time, what will I do with all the time I'll have to myself when I quit this part-time job of losing weight? Can’t wait to find out.

Humbled,
Tracey

The Show After The Show #5

2011-01-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

It is a Purple Friday at SHINE-FM and some do a little more than others! Go Ravens!

(A big THANKS to Erin Branham and Tim Duff for being goofy with us!)

You can email us at Mornings@951SHINEFM.com

The Show After The Show #4

2011-01-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

We come up with a new idea for next week. Tracey deals with an in-studio issue. Mike has another project for Tracey.

Email your questions for next week to: Mornings@951SHINEFM.com

The Show After The Show #3

2011-01-05T06:08:00.001-05:00

Tracey's Christmas tree must come down!

The Show After The Show Episode #2

2011-01-04T11:26:00.002-05:00

Tracey and Mike discuss dry Christmas trees and fashions when you travel.

Welcome to "The Show After The Show" Episode #1

2011-01-03T11:42:00.004-05:00

It's Mike's wedding anniversary and Tracey wants to make sure Mike will still be romantic even though his wife is sick with a cold.

Mom's Breakfast Casserole is back!

2010-12-21T08:57:00.015-05:00

Clutter for Christmas?

2010-12-13T07:00:00.004-05:00

Clutter for Christmas?

Do you ever find yourself getting frustrated when your kids don’t clean up their room? Let me ask you a question. Do they know where to put their stuff? Do you know where to put your stuff? Do you ever feel like "stuff" is taking over your life?

Our friend Rhonda from Hyssop Services has some easy tips for Christmas clutter:

1. Everything- and I mean everything, needs what I call a “home.” Designate a home for every toy, hair brush, or the incoming mail. This will alleviate clutter and the daunting task of putting one thing from one side of the room to the other when it is time for clean-up.
2. When clean-up time comes, simply pick a particular spot in a room and work to your right returning misplaced items. And here's the tough part. Resist multi-tasking while you're cleaning up! Don’t answer the phone, read an e-mail, go on Facebook...And you just might get it done!

3. Before you add more Christmas stuff to the kids collection of stuff, go through the kids' rooms and donate toys that have collected dust and go ahead and trash or fix the broken stuff.

Need more help with professional organizing or cleaning in your home, contact Rhonda at www.hyssoponline.com
and have a happy clutter-free Christmas!

A Macy's Day Surprise!

2010-11-03T06:17:00.002-04:00

Your Monday Smile! Just Can't Wake Up

2010-10-25T06:17:00.001-04:00

Don't you hate it when you fall asleep in your coffee bowl....er.....cup?

Your Monday Smile! Grover Spice

2010-10-11T08:25:00.003-04:00

Your Monday Smile! The Moves

2010-10-04T06:10:00.004-04:00

How does the lead singer of MercyMe warm up before a concert?

Check out Bart Millard's moves!

Your Monday Smile! Warm Fuzzies...

2010-08-30T08:35:00.002-04:00

Think God is too busy to care about the little things?

Last week, on my Facebook, listeners were sharing what school supplies their kids really wanted for the new year. One listener, Jenn, wrote that she couldn’t afford all the stuff her kids wanted and she was shopping at the thrift store.

I received a personal message from one of our listeners who saw that post, and felt the Lord wanted her to help. She wanted to remain anonymous so she asked that we get her address and connect them. When I told Jenn that someone wanted to help, she said through her tears, “I can’t believe God would want to meet this little need of mine”.

So that was Monday.

Then Thursday came. We aired a call from a listener named Ann, who shared the back to school fashions that her kids really wanted this year. Her daughter, Rachel, is a precious special needs 10 year old, who really wanted this iCarly back pack. But Ann couldn’t find it anywhere! It appeared to be sold out- even online.

Another listener, Teresa, heard Ann sharing her daughter’s desire for this backpack. A little thing right? But to a 10 year old girl, a big thing. And Teresa, a total stranger, feels compelled on her way in to work, (in Annapolis) to take a detour. She pulls into the Target and looks, and finds the iCarly backpack! She buys it for Ann’s daughter, along with some iCarly dvds.. And drives to the station (in Arbutus) to drop it off for Ann to pick up.

Teresa tells me through her tears, that she was just so happy to be used by God.

And I’m thinking I want to be like both of these ladies.. So willing, so flexible with my plans that if God calls me to drop everything to go serve someone-I’d be willing. That is, after all, the body of Christ. The Acts 2 church in the present day- taking care of each other. Reflecting the heart of the Father and proving yet again, He really does care about the little things.

And by the way… the listener, Ann, who wanted that backpack for her daughter? She was the “anonymous” person who reached out to Jenn with some help buying school supplies.

Just amazing!

Your Monday Smile! Singing for the Dogs!

2010-08-16T05:49:00.002-04:00

The Ride is not the Same for Everyone

2010-08-10T08:58:00.007-04:00

"They were unarmed. They were not being paid for their services. They had traveled to this distant part of the world because they wanted to help people in need. They were guests of the Afghan people. The Taliban stopped them on a remote road on their journey from Nuristan, led them into a forest, robbed them and killed them." - Hillary Clinton on the murders of 10 medical missions workers killed in Afghanistan.

Tragic and heartbreaking news, isn't it? And yet it happens all around the world every day. People who are willing to go anywhere in the world, just to help. To make a difference. And they find themselves facing
facing great peril, suffering persecution, even death. And still they go.

Even one of our own from Maryland, a teenager named Emily Kerstetter who goes to Mt. De Sales Academy, found herself in the middle of a political war. She went to Uganda on a missions trip, just wanting to help. And along with her team, gathered in a restaurant to watch the world cup on the big screen. I imagine them laughing, and reflecting on their trip thus far. They were so excited to be a part of what God was doing in Uganda, working closely with Pastor Peter, and preparing to come home.

But then the violent collision of warring politics and agendas, religion and justice, and matters so complex that it's hard to understand, let alone explain... erupted in a planned attack. A bomb went off and dozens were killed. Miraculously, Emily's team survived, but Emily sustained very serious injuries to her legs. Pastor Peter died in the attack.

I have the privilege of sharing my love for Jesus Christ on the airwaves every day to thousands. I work with my brothers in Christ that I love and respect. We laugh every day as we serve the Lord. At my church, I play music and sing and enjoy the beauty of leading people in worship. I have opportunities to go and speak to groups of wonderful believers, who encourage me with their prayers, hugs, and sometimes even make me little gifts. A prayer shawl, a picture, a hand-made card. They even feed me- eggs and fruit for breakfast, chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, and vats of chocolate for dessert. Yes... ministry is hard for me, but I bear it, somehow. And I get to minister every day, love what I do and sometimes get paid for it. I am blessed.

So what is serving Jesus costing me? Ever think about that?

I am more and more, pondering Jesus's words in Matthew 5:10,
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".

And the writer of Hebrews, who puts it this way in Hebrews 11:36-28,
"Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated- the world was not worthy of them".

Please don't get me wrong. I don't mean to diminish the sacrifices that I and others in ministry make, here at home in America. They are real sacrifices of time, resources, relationship, long work hours, study, finances and pouring out all you have. I have felt the burden and the sting of what ministry has cost me in my life, personally. But it has never, and I mean never- cost me my own blood.

Hebrews 12:4 says, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood."

I saw the pictures of those medical aid workers murdered by the Taliban and have been thinking about the cost of their service. And I am humbled. Challenged.
And so inspired by the people of faith throughout history and right now.. whose blood has been shed, whose freedom has been abducted, whose ministry has cost them what it has never cost me. We have the same Lord, the same Jesus.. And yet our experiences in serving Him are vastly different.

How can we be on the same ride of life, and some of us are laughing, some of us crying, some of us so terrified, we're screaming our heads off, and some of us wanting to just get off this thing..?

Wherever you are today in your journey with the Lord, just BE THERE. Surely God didn't make a mistake. You are positioned to serve Him, where you are.. by His plan and His purpose. Soak it up. And take courage from those who whose assignments have taken them to places where the ride is quite different. My guess is that the 10 that were killed in Afghanistan would say to us right now, if they could... that all they did to serve Christ, all of it- was absolutely worth it.

Your Monday Smile! Let's Rap!

2010-08-09T06:30:00.004-04:00

Speaker Tamara Lowe does a little motivational rap at Christ Fellowship on Valentines Weekend 2010. Enjoy!

Your Monday Smile!

2010-08-02T05:25:00.002-04:00

It may be Monday but at least you are not here!

Let's play "Where's Tracey?"

David Paul: Songwriter

2010-07-28T08:30:00.009-04:00

This past Monday Dave was in Nashville hanging out with Matthew West as part of a small group of radio people from around the country (Our own Jack and Erin were there too).

Matthew has a new album coming out in October and all the songs are from stories submitted by his fans earlier this year. He received over 10,000 submissions and spent two months in a cabin going through the stories and writing the songs that will be included on this record.

On Monday afternoon, everyone went to a cabin with Matthew and were divided into four small groups. Each group was given a story from the 10,000 submission and told to go "write a song." Dave’s group had a story from a mom whose two year old child developed an incurable disease where she lost all her hair (Alopecia Universalis).

Dave's group spent about two hours writing a song based on that story but with a twist. After dinner, everyone gathered together in the living room of the cabin as Matthew West put music to the lyrics and performed the songs.

Click Here To Listen To Matthew West Sing Dave's Group's Song "Glimpse of Glory"

Dan Cathy, COO of Chick-fil-A, Visits Us!

2010-07-20T08:43:00.004-04:00

Thank you so much to Dan Cathy, COO of Chick-fil-A, for dropping by the SHINE-FM studios this morning and hanging out with us! Here are a few pictures from the morning, plus a video of Dan answering questions listeners asked on Facebook.

Your Monday Smile: It's Hot!

2010-07-19T05:55:00.001-04:00

Now That's A Hot Dog!

Your Monday Smile!

2010-07-12T06:34:00.002-04:00

Even if it you don't feel like it - Make someone smile today!

Mom's Summer Survival Guide - Chef Lorraine's Tips for Tasty, Easy and Cool Treats for the Summer!

2010-07-09T05:42:00.009-04:00

Hi friends!

It's the final chapter of our Mom's Summer Survival Guide and this one is delicious!

It's hot and the last place mom wants to be is in the kitchen, but the family still needs to eat.

(so does mom)

We talked to Chef Lorraine about some easy things you can do to keep everyone's belly full and even be a big hit with the kids!

Listen to the full interview here:Listen using media player

Mom's Summer Survival Guide- How to have summer fun on a budget

2010-07-08T05:38:00.009-04:00

Hi Friends!

It's Mom's Summer Survival Guide: Part 4. Today we're talking to author and speaker Mary Hunt about some great, low-cost ideas for things to do with the kids this summer.

Mary has an amazing story of God's grace in her own life as she overcame a huge spending and debt problem. Her money crisis threatened to cost her family everything but with God's help and a real commitment to change, Mary learned the secret to debt-proof living. She's turned her life lesson into a ministry to help all of us who struggle getting the budget under control.

So, for our busy moms who are under the budget crunch and trying to figure out how to keep the kids happy this summer without spending money you don't have, Mary has some great ideas!

Listen to the full interview here: Listen using media player

Mom's Summer Survival Guide - How to care for your spiritual life when you're taking care of everybody else

2010-07-07T05:38:00.017-04:00

Hi friends!

We know Moms are super busy all the time but during the long, hot summer months, she's the activities coordinator for the whole family! Planning everyone else's fun, making sure meals are set, being chef, cheerleader and taxi service. It isn't easy. Schedules are changed, kids are out of school and there's so much to do.

And while the fun stuff is happening all around her, other things change too. Bible study groups often take summer breaks, there are changes in people's routines that affect how they have community. Church attendance drops significantly during the summer too.

So, how can Mom still grow in her faith and stay connected to God? It's always a battle isn't it?

Does finding time to be still and care for your personal spiritual life feel like mission impossible?

We have some great encouragement for you! We interviewed Women of Faith speaker, best selling author and singer Sheila Walsh. She has some wonderful words of wisdom for busy moms and everyone who struggles with finding ways to connect to God. Remember nothing is more important than the most important relationship in your life - you and Jesus.

You can listen to the entire interview here: Listen using media player

Random Photos from Mike's Phone

2010-07-07T04:12:00.001-04:00

It is 4AM!! Really?? Brace yourselves!

Mom's Summer Survival Guide- How to win the battle for Modesty

2010-07-06T06:08:00.007-04:00

Hi friends!

Moms and daughters find new things to "battle" over during the long, hot summer months. As if getting them to clean their room, and monitoring texting and video games wasn't enough... Get ready for the battle of all battles..

Cute vs. Modest

Dannah Gresh, author, speaker and advocate for purity and modesty has some tips for moms who are in that battle with their daughters.

Click Here to listen to the full interview:

Listen using media player

The Chair People

2010-07-01T21:48:00.005-04:00

Hey friends,

It's a quirky thing that happens every year in my little town of Catonsville. People put their chairs out along Frederick Rd. weeks before the big parade for July 4th. Just to make sure they get a great spot, they will pull up under the cover of night, with chairs piled in the back of their SUV or truck, and line those chairs up in just the right spot along the curb.

The morning light reveals their clandestine operation. And each day, leading up to July4th, more and more of these chairs appear. Simple canvas chairs, pink adirondack chairs, sports chairs with cup holders, plastic chairs, even blankets with tarp over them are stretched out on grassy hills along Frederick Rd.

If you didn't know what this was, you would assume perhaps the President was coming. Or Bono. Or Oprah.

But no. It's much bigger. These chairs are lined up for honored veterans, baton twirlers, Boumi Temple motorcyclists, marching bands, lots of people waving in shiny cars, and a dog on a skateboard.

And on the big day, those chairs will be filled with people from all different walks of life, with something wonderful in common.

Expectancy.

People don't set up chairs without planning on being in those chairs, at a specific time, for a specific event. Something is coming and they are so eager, so ready, that they are willing to just put it out there. Wear their hearts on their sleeves. Tell the world, we are ready and waiting for that parade and we're not gonna miss it. We'll even sacrifice these beautiful chairs. It will be worth it, because we must, we MUST have a good spot.

It's that expectancy that makes me smile every year. When we are looking forward to something, fully expecting that it's going to happen, we get ready. We do whatever we need to do, to ensure that when the moment comes, we will be there in the fullness of the moment. Not missing a thing.

Expectancy. It's the ultimate expression of belief and hope and it shows off so everyone can see. Like a woman who is "expecting" a baby. You can see it on her. And she glows with anticipation of what she knows is coming.

One day, I will meet Jesus, my Lord face to face. Either He'll come back and take me with Him, or I will go be with Him where He is. It's a promise from God. It's coming.

And that's why I want to be like the "Chair people". I want to be so ready, so eager, so unashamedly expectant...that it just shows on me every day, that I am looking forward to being with Him. Expectant and glowing. Like Catonsville on the 4th of July.

Your Monday Smile!

2010-06-28T05:32:00.005-04:00

I know it is hard to believe but the life of a Christian radio broadcaster isn't all glamor and glitter. We also have to spend time in fun and exciting meetings (can't you tell??). I wanted to show you how I am able to get up at 3:30AM and still survive our meetings. I call it "Talk To The Cup!" - Mike

Surviving Bathing Suit Shopping

2010-06-21T20:39:00.008-04:00

I was in the dressing room at Nordstrom's the other day doing something that has long been a painful thing for me-trying on bathing suits. I have been in process of working hard to lose the extra pounds so while I may be about 13 pounds lighter than I was about 2 months ago, it is still far from where I'd like to be.

The odd thing though, was, that this time, I wasn't depressed about it. I was trying on suits, laughing at the different angles I saw in the mirror, and really checking myself out. With both eyes open. And here's the thing. I was actually enjoying the fact that, though this body isn't the body of a super model, it's served me well and I feel healthy right now and for that, I am truly thankful.

I have had my moments of despair in fitting rooms, but this wasn't one of them. I marveled at it, really. I still don't have a man in my life, as much as I'd like to be married one day. I don't have someone telling me I'm beautiful and I hang out with many people who are much younger and thinner than I am.. but still.. right now, I am feeling good. Blessed. Strong. Loved by God. It can be a fragile, fleeting feeling, this feeling of joy in the fitting room... And I was curious about it as I was taking my picture in this bathing suit that I was thinking of buying.

Just then, I heard a sound coming from the fitting room next to mine. I thought it was someone laughing at first, but I quickly realized, the woman in the room next to mine was crying. Softly at first, but then her tears became gut wrenching sobs. I felt my heart just ache for her, like someone had kicked me in the gut. I put my hand on the wall between us and I prayed. Then I spoke.

"Are you ok? Is there anything I can do for you?", I asked her. She said, trying to speak through her sobs, "No. Thank you. I'm just being ridiculous." I said, "No you're not." Then trying to lighten the mood I said, " Trying on bathing suits always makes me cry too". She said, "yeah that's it." And she continued to gasp for air as she wept. I stepped outside the fitting room and stood in front of her door, not knowing what to do, but so wanting to help her.

She eventually stepped outside the fitting room and I was shocked by what I saw. In front of me, there was a very petite woman, who couldn't have been bigger than a size 6. She was pretty, even with her swollen eyes. She came out and thanked me, and just fell into my arms. I held her while she cried a little more, and then she looked at me and said, "I should just be thankful I'm healthy." "Are you healthy? Are you ok?", I asked. "Yes I'm fine", she said.

Clearly she wasn't fine. She left the fitting room and went on her way but I haven't been able to get her off my mind. I felt the Lord speak directly to me. "It's never about the size, Tracey. It's about the question that hasn't been answered." Am I beautiful? Am I valuable? Am I loveable?

And for many women, that question burns within them, and holds them hostage to a bad self-image that no human being can fix. People can tell her, you're beautiful. You look great. But if the one she loves doesn't tell her, she'll never believe it. I wondered what wounded her to make her believe a lie.

Those fitting rooms with their bad lighting and unforgiving mirrors that catch every inch of us, can be just a little too much to take unless we have already had our question answered and settled before we go in. I think I may be on my way to that kind of healing...daring to believe that I am indeed fearfully and wonderfully made in every size I've been and will ever hope to be. Why else would the Lord put me next to that precious woman and for once, I wasn't the one crying?

Is your question answered by the One who knows everything about you, who knit you together in your mother's womb? Has it been settled in your spirit once and for all.. that you are His masterpiece? His poem? Dear sisters.. never leave it up to any man to answer a question of your value and worth. A man shouldn't have to handle that kind of pressure or power. And don't let that question be answered by the standards of our image-conscious culture, or the lighting and mirrors in the fitting room at Nordstrom's.

And please girlfriends... Never assume that the beautiful girl you see at the pool, that all the guys are checking out, and who looks perfect to you, actually feels that way on the inside. Don't hate her. Because It's never about the size. It's about the question.

Even if the guys aren't, you can be assured that God is checking you out. And He's looking somewhere else. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". (1 Sam.16:7)

I believe my heart looks incredible in a bathing suit. Question answered.

In His Love,
Tracey

TMD Interview Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real

2010-06-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

A Boo Boo!

2010-06-15T06:24:00.006-04:00

Have you ever, as an adult, hurt yourself doing something so ridiculous that you were tempted to come up with a much better story to tell?

Well... yeah... I was, um... skiing down one of those double black diamond hills and took a spill when I went over a mogul...

Or how about...

Man, you should’ve seen it! I was hang gliding off of a bridge and got my foot caught in the metal arch of the top of the bridge...

Or even…

I was running another one of my many marathons... you know 26.2 and all. Anyway, I tripped around mile 22 and I could feel the blood coming through my shoe but I knew I had to keep going…

Yeah.. that’s what happened.

Sometimes we hurt ourselves and there’s no great story of glory at all. What’s amazing to me, is that God loves us so much that everything that touches us matters to Him. Everything!

Jesus said, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered." (Matthew 28:28-30)

And in Isaiah 49:16, the Lord says, “See I have engraved you in the palms of my hand…”

If you’re a parent, you know when your kid hurts that you will do anything to help. Their little boo-boo’s matter to you.

Well, you and I are God’s kids. Just imagine how much more our Heavenly Father cares about the things that hurt us? The big things, the little things and all the little boo-boo’s in between.

You don’t have to make up a story. He knows it all. And He will help you through it - even if it’s your fault.

Yucky Alert: If you want to see a really yucky picture of Tracey's toe CLICK HERE
(But remember, I warned you!)

Your Monday Smile

2010-06-14T09:37:00.006-04:00

Hi friends!

Do you ever put people in your life on a pedestal and get very disappointed when you discover that they really aren't perfect after all?

Part of growing up, for me, has been learning to give the people in my life permission to be "human". I tend to hold those I love in such high regard, that I place very high expectations on them.

Really it's their fault. If they weren't so wonderful to me most of the time, I wouldn't keep expecting them to be so.. So they started it.

Isaiah 2:22 says, "Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?

The only One who will be perfect always is the Lord. It's not fair to expect people to get it right all the time. Lord knows, I don't get it right all the time.

When you've been disappointed in someone, offer them grace, pray for understanding. And then, let it go.

Remember, some people may act and look like superheroes- but really, they're human just like you are.

Happy Monday!

Tracey

Your Monday Smile - Polar Bear Attack!

2010-06-07T07:11:00.003-04:00

Yes, this polar bear attack will make you smile...

A Weekend of Freebies!

2010-06-04T05:47:00.007-04:00

Normally the first weekend of June is all about the anticipation of the kids getting out of school and the upcoming vacation. Well, here are a few FREE things to help keep your mind off the vacation countdown:

Friday (6-4-2010)

Read a great article on the origins on Donut Day by Jessica Lemmo from the Baltimore Examiner

It is National Donut Day! You can get a free donut at Dunkin' Donuts (when you buy a drink) or at Krispy Kreme (just for asking)!

Saturday (6-5-2010)

Our friends at Friendly's are celebrating their 75th birthday by giving away free scoops of ice cream. Between noon and 5:00PM, customers can get a free one-scoop cone or dish of their flavor of choice. Last year, Friendly's gave away 500,000 scoops.

FIRST LOOK: Official poster for "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of The Dawn Treader"

2010-05-18T06:24:00.005-04:00

On December 10, audiences from around the globe will be able to return to the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis' beloved world - via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader.

In this latest installment of the blockbuster The Chronicles of Narnia motion picture franchise, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace and their royal friend King Caspian, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader. As they embark on an incredible adventure of destiny and discovery, they confront obstacles beyond imagination.

...And The iPad Goes To...

2010-05-14T17:56:00.003-04:00

Congrats to everyone who qualified to win by listening to our show, Lara Scott during the middays, and Jack & Erin in the afternoons! We thought you'd like to hear Jack & Erin give the iPad away...so listen away!

Remember your Prom?

2010-05-05T04:43:00.011-04:00

Whether it was a powder blue leisure suit with a ruffled shirt or a purple chiffon dress with a matching parasol - Prom was a time you never forget! A lesson in fashion through the decades. A rite of passage, when our adolescent selves got dressed up (maybe for the first time) and had no idea what to do after that.

Remember the awkward moments? "Do I hold her hand?" "What if he wants me to dance?" "Is that really Mrs. O'Grady doing the Funky Chicken on the dance floor?" Kinda makes you sick just thinking about it....You know... sick, in a "nostalgic" kind of way.

Enjoy some of these photo memories...

Tracey & Date (1980)

Mike & Stacey's Prom (1985)

Tracey on a double Prom date! (1978)

Gilbert Bohannon Jr & AnneMarie Bushey (1985)

Tracey in the yard (1980)

Tracey's Senior Promo (1982)
How many Proms did she go to?

Flipping the Switch!

2010-04-23T08:54:00.007-04:00

Hi friends!

For me, getting healthy feels like such an intermittent thing. It's like a switch in my brain is either flipped on or off. When it's on, I'm all in. I'm eating right, I'm exercising, I'm rocking it! That's how it was for me for about 2 years. I made so much progress.

But then... my switch got flipped off. Not sure how.. Probably a combination of having some health issues, hormones and just life stuff. No excuses here. Just the reality, that I am a back-slider. I just celebrated my 46 th birthday and I refuse to believe that this is the best of me. It's not just about the number on the scale, but growing in my spiritual life, becoming more like Jesus.. and how about that fruit of self-control?

Have you been there? I know many of us have. But this fight is not over! I am determined to live a healthy lifestyle- after all, God created this body. It is fearfully and wonderfully made. In order for me to love and serve others well, I want to get my mind off myself and feeling so self-conscious about my weight all the time. So with reverence and humility, here I go again.

Join my Facebook group called "Flipping the Switch" and share the journey with me. It's for all of us who share this struggle to mutually encourage one another and share the wisdom we've learned along the way. It's for accountability. It's for victory! My switch is flipped "on"!

How about yours?

Check it out Flipping The Switch here (note: you do need to be on Facebook to participate).

Victoriously,

Tracey

Attack of the Plants!

2010-04-08T07:58:00.005-04:00

Sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing, itchy watery eyes, runny nose, itchy throat, stomach ache, and itchy skin, hives, fatigue, and irritability - Is this you? Then you are one of the 67 Million people that suffer from allergies!

A wet Winter and Spring can make for a big allergy season. We know we are feeling it already! So, we have found a great website - Pollen.com - to help you know what days are going to be bad and what you can do lessen the effect of pollen on your life.

Check the allergy forecast for your zipcode by clicking on the map!

Getting Ready For Hot Weather!

2010-04-06T07:21:00.001-04:00

While the calendar still says Spring, the temps are feeling very Summer and so we started looking for ways to get you (and your house) ready for the heat!

clipped from www.consumerenergycenter.org

First, change your filters in your heating/cooling system.
Change them regularly - at least monthly.

If your air conditioner needs replacement do it BEFORE the
HOT WEATHER HITS because heating & air conditioning repair
people will be very busy. And more than likely, some other
things around your home need attention as well. Your air
ducts may need testing for leaks and then sealed. Your attic
insulation probably has compacted, so you need to add an
additional 5 to 8 inches. Your windows and doors and other
parts of the building envelope may need caulking and weather
stripping. You need solar window film to keep out the heat.

Consider changing your old thermostat to a programmable one.
You can save up to $100 a year by using a new sset-back
thermostat. If your thermostat is really old and uses a mercury switch
(a glass tube filed with silvery substance)
call your local public works department to find out how
to dispose of this toxic material.

TobyMac & Skillet - "Awake Tonight" Tour Replay!

2010-03-22T07:28:00.004-04:00

Here are some memories of last Friday night!

Matt Stover's In The House!

2010-03-10T12:30:00.005-05:00

Sanctus Real LIVE Webcast for SHINE-FM Listeners!

2010-03-09T05:49:00.006-05:00

Sanctus Real will be doing a live webcast for their 95.1 SHINE-FM fans at 9:00PM (eastern) tonight. They'll be performing songs from the new record "Pieces of a Real Heart," talking about the stories behind the songs, chatting with fans and more. Don't miss it!

Follow this link to get there: http://tinyurl.com/ygco7zl

You Can Support Life!

2010-03-03T09:36:00.003-05:00

The Maryland March For Life takes place this Monday, March 8 at 5:00pm in Annapolis. We are honored that Tracey has been asked to speak during the rally portion of the march.

For details and more information visit: http://marylandmarchforlife.org/

Make You Jealous?

2010-02-23T16:05:00.002-05:00

We just got this from Tracey...she's sitting on the beach of St. Thomas. Cruel. Just cruel.

Embrace Life - Seatbelt Video

2010-02-22T07:08:00.001-05:00

An original approach to road safety advertising from the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership in England!

Drew Brees talks about his faith

2010-02-09T07:25:00.000-05:00

New Orleans Saints Quarterback (& Superbowl MVP) Drew Brees takes a few minutes to discuss being one of "God's Men."

Random photos from Mike's phone

2010-02-08T07:22:00.000-05:00

Breakfast Casserole

2010-02-06T08:34:00.003-05:00

Hi friends!

This is our family's traditional breakfast every Christmas morning, but we also make it on special occasions. I'd call a blizzard a special occasion, wouldn't you? This along with some homemade blueberry muffins and scalloped apples with cinnamon... yummmmmmm.....

In HIs Love,

Tracey

Linda's Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:  6 slices of bread, crusts removed  Butter (to lightly coat the bread),  1 lb of bacon (or your choice of meat like sausage, steak, chicken, etc),  1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (we like shredded cheddar),  6 eggs,  2 cups of milk,
 salt & pepper to taste

To Make:
Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan. Butter the 6 slices of bread and place in pan butter side up.
Fry bacon (or meat you desire) and crumble over the bread.
Sprinkle cheese over the meat and bread.
In a bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, salt & pepper to taste, and 2 cups of milk. Pour over top the bread, meat, and cheese.
Cover with foil and place in the fridge overnight. The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pull casserole out and let sit on the counter for 15 minutes (very important if you are using a glass pan!). Uncover and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Preparing & Surviving the Storm!

2010-02-05T07:40:00.005-05:00

Ready for the storm? Here are a few tips to help:

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
Sand to improve traction
Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family

Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
Prepare for power outages. During major snow storms many families loose power due to electrical lines that are experiencing trouble. It could hours or even days before electricians are able to restore power to some homes. Having extra ice can keep your food cold.
Stay warm. Store extra blankets, firewood and kerosene for portable heaters. Bundle up if you go outdoors. An extra layer of clothing such as thermal wear can help keep your body warm. Additionally, a scarf, hat, gloves, boots and thick socks will help keep you warm.
Keep a portable radio handy. In the event of a power loss, a battery operated radio can keep you informed and provide additional updates about the weather and emergency services.

Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

Dress for the Weather

Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
Wear a hat.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

During The Storm Guidelines

Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
When using candles, try to use a secure candle holder or a hurricane vase for greater safety. Fires often occur from candles during a snow storms, so be cautious. Candles can be safely used, but must not be left unattended. Lanterns and wick-free items are preferred for lighting needs.
When removing snow from sidewalks, driveways and vehicles make sure that you lift snow in moderation. Do not try to lift too much snow at once or for extended periods of time. Clear some snow, then take a break and try again after you're rested. Have a family member or a friend check on you if you are outdoors for too long.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).
Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

If you are outdoors

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:

get the victim to a warm location
remove wet clothing
put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket
warm the center of the body first
give warm, non-alcoholic or non-caffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious
get medical help as soon as possible.

And the winner is....

2010-02-01T06:25:00.004-05:00

We want to send out our congratulations to those who picked up a Grammy last night in LA!

Best Gospel Performance

* "Wait On The Lord" - Donnie McClurkin Featuring Karen Clark Sheard

Best Gospel Song

* "God In Me" - Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters. Performed by Mary Mary featuring Kierra "KiKi" Sheard - Track from: The Sound

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

* Live Revelations - Third Day

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

* The Power Of One - Israel Houghton

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album

* Jason Crabb - Jason Crabb

Best Traditional Gospel Album

* Oh Happy Day - Various Artists - EMI Gospel/Vector Recordings

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

* Audience Of One - Heather Headley

A Prank Gone....Right!

2010-01-28T06:52:00.005-05:00

Dave has been telling us about the Kansas school kids who wanted to prank one of their teachers by telling him that they had tickets to Basketball's Final Four if he could make a half-court shot - Blindfolded!! Check out the video...

So the students had to admit that they didn't have the tickets but would treat teacher Joel Branstrom to a nice dinner. However, since the video went viral someone anonymously has provided the tickets, lodging and transportation to the Final Four!

Movie Reviews, Jimmy Page, and Josh Wilson

2010-01-22T15:38:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen to our interview with Josh Wilson. We talk with Josh about the Newark airport sing-a-long that changed his life!

CLICK HERE to listen to our interview with Jimmy Page, Heath and Fitness Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, continues the conversation from last week about making exercise fun...by yourself.

Today is the Day

2010-01-18T17:50:00.005-05:00

Hi friends,

So you know how we say, "my diet starts tomorrow, or I'm going to work out tomorrow, or I'm going to do everything right- tomorrow"? Well my tomorrow is here, today. January 18th, 2010 is my day. I had hoped it would be Janury 1st, 2010, because I love it when things just tie up in nice neat little packages like that, but my life seldom wraps up that way. And.. as it turned out, I really wasn't ready on January 1st, as evidenced by my many false starts. (see my blog from January 17).

Today. My start day is today. I had good healthy food today, consisting of oatmeal, eggs, whole wheat bread and veggies. I went to the gym and pushed myself hard on the weights. And I did the "Shred"- Jillian's killer 20 minute workout, that if you do it 30 days in a row, will make your body look like a sculpted masterpiece. Part of me actually believes that, and another part of me, just hates Jillian. (You know, "hate" meaning I really admire you but you really bug me)

So... Any other false-starters out there? How about we encourage one another and push through this thing together? It's hard to make big changes in your lifestyle but absolutely necessary if you want to reach your fitness goals. And remember, the change won't just happen on the outside. On the inside, I am really a dead-ringer for Beyonce. Really.

Smiles,

Tracey

False Starts and a New Beginning

2010-01-17T17:48:00.006-05:00

False Start (noun) - 1. an invalid start to a race usually due to a competitor beginning before the official signal has been given
2. An unsuccessful attempt to begin something

Hi friends,

I have been pondering the definition of a false start and wondering which applies to me. When this new year began, I was full of hope but apparently that's not all I was full of. I stated I was beginning again with my fitness goals. I was going to do the 30 day shred workout program again. I was going to go back on the Daniel's fast again. I was going to be disciplined, strong, and victorious and finally, finish this thing I started 2 years ago. I have made so much progress. Lost nearly 50 pounds from where I began 2 years ago and last year, really broke through with the exercise and weight loss finally being noticeable in losing 4 sizes.

This is great right? However, at the end of last year, I started to feel a lapse in my momentum. I was tired. Tired of eating nothing but salads and nuts. Tired of working out so hard every day. Just tired. So I gave myself some grace. A day here, a day there... Be careful when you give yourself grace. It can become an excuse, a license to do whatever you want. In fact, what I am learning about myself and about grace, is that I should not be the one giving grace to myself. God is the grace- giver.

Grace by definition is the unmerited favor of God. How can I give that to myself? I don't believe that we understand the principle of denying the flesh that Jesus talks about. Instead, we say things like, "don't deprive yourself, you did well, you deserve a treat, etc..." We don't want to deny the flesh. We want to give ourselves grace. And when I decide to give myself grace, what happens is a misuse of something that is holy. As I put off my plan of exercise and diet, whatever it may be, I slowly lull myself into this place of complacency, where my flesh decides what it will do and my spirit is the thing that's being denied.

I am not trying to beat myself up here- I am trying to grow up here. I want to understand myself and the things that trip me up from making positive changes in my life. I don't have it all figured out. But I do know this. I have had a few false starts this year and it's only January 17th. So I paused to pray and examine my motives again and ask God if perhaps I got ahead of HIs signal to start. The answer is yes. I wasn't ready in my spirit. I had not fully committed this to Him. I had not thought through what His goals for me might be, and surrendered my unhealthy motives.

Instead, I was excited about the "date" of the new year and just wanted to jump in, and finish this thing. Plus, I think I got a bit self-sufficient. I thought, "I've done this before, I know I can do it". Forgetting that it was because of God's help, I was able to make progress- not just sheer strength of will and discipline.

So today, I have found something that I had lost and I believe it will help me begin again. I found the reverence for the process. I am not just magically healed from my struggle of weight issues. I must work at this. I must approach it again with a healthy sense of fear and dependance on my God. One day at a time- one decision at a time. I can't "will" myself to succeed. I can't give myself grace.

But I can and I will call on God to help me begin again and ask Him for His grace. So with fear and trembling and a commitment to share my journey authentically.. and an understanding that denying my flesh is not optional.. I begin again. January 18th, 2010. I know it's not the 1st of the month and I may have to do some math to figure out numbers along the way... How about you?

Humbled,

Tracey

Movie Reviews, Ravens, Matt Stover and More!

2010-01-15T11:39:00.004-05:00

CLICK HERE to listen to Jimmy Page, Heath and Fitness Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes talks about making exercise fun!

CLICK HERE to listen to Dave Paul’s interview with Matt Stover. The former Ravens kicker talks about his new job with the Colts, God’s calling and keeping the home fires burning back in Baltimore.

CLICK HERE to listen to Dave’s locker room chat with Ravens players and a big birthday no one seems to know about.

Dirty Car Contest - And The Winner Is....

2010-01-13T09:44:00.004-05:00

...Skip Lee!!! Mike says it looks like Skip painted his car to look like a salt landscape. Tracey agrees that Skip's car may be even dirtier than hers. Skip wins The "Gold Package" wash from Ritchie Car Wash in Brooklyn Park!
Congrats and thanks to all who sent in pictures!

Now, go wash those cars!

Dirty Car Contest - Some of the Photos

2010-01-13T08:52:00.005-05:00

Here are just a few of the photos sent in this morning...

Is Your Car Dirtier Than This?

2010-01-12T15:32:00.003-05:00

Hey friends!

My car is about the dirtiest it has ever been. I feel like I should get an award or something. With all the snow, the ice, the salt, more snow, etc... how else is my black Saturn supposed to look?

So.. I know I'm not the only one. If you think your car is dirtier than mine, here's what I need you to do:

Send us a picture of your car to: mornings@951shinefm.com

Tomorrow we will gather all your pics, post some on the blog and facebook pages and then decide who has the Dirtiest Car! The winner will receive a gift certificate to Ritchie Car Wash, the gold package, to clean that baby up!

Send us your pics as soon as possible. We'll pick the winner tomorrow morning in the 9am hour.

Think you have the dirtiest car? We'll see about that!

Smiles,
Tracey

Your Family Safe Movie Review & More!

2010-01-08T10:20:00.006-05:00

MORE INTERVIEWS FROM THIS MORNING

CLICK HERE to listen to the family safe movie review from Bob Waliszewksi of Focus on the Family's Plugged In.

CLICK HERE to listen to Jimmy Page, Heath and Fitness Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, share healthy weight loss resolution goals.

CLICK HERE to listen to us convince Aaron Shust why he should switch to being a Ravens fan now that the Steelers are out of contention.

CLICK HERE to listen to Henry Cloud's tip #9 for New Years resolutions.

CLICK HERE to listen to Henry Cloud's tip #10 for New Years resolutions.

TMD Interview Dr. Henry Cloud

2010-01-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

TMD Interview Dr. Henry Cloud

2010-01-06T18:56:00.001-05:00

TMD Interview Dr. Henry Cloud

2010-01-05T15:43:00.002-05:00

Kitty Shred

2010-01-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

TMD Interview Dr. Henry Cloud

2010-01-04T16:23:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year...Really?

2010-01-03T14:29:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year friends!

Ever wonder why say that every year? It’s not just a polite saying with no real meaning. “Happy New Year” is a true longing of our hearts. We want to be happy. We’d like the people we love to be happy. And wouldn’t you just be thrilled if 2010 were truly that kind of year for all of us? The thing about happiness is, there is no real formula, no specific set of circumstances, no one thing that can guarantee happiness for everyone.

Have you ever thought about one thing that you really wanted, you prayed about it, you saved for it, you just knew that if you could get this one thing, surely you’d be happy. Then you got it. And you found yourself wondering, is this all there is? What’s next?

Yeah, happiness is not so predictable is it?

One thing I do know, is that I am my happiest when I am growing, when I feel loved, valuable, and a part of something that is transcendent. You know-something bigger than me and my concerns.. Contributing in some small way in lifting up another soul, “adding to the beauty” -as one of my favorite songs goes.

I am one of those people who likes to make resolutions for a new year. Now that doesn’t mean, I keep them all and I am successful 100% of the time, but I do actually get it right - some of the time. I take it seriously. I want to change. I want to improve. I want to learn from my mistakes and get better in every area of my life. I believe God is in that desire and that He will guide me in the areas He is working on.

So with a heart full of hope and a sincere desire to make some wise resolutions for 2010, I sought out some help. I asked Dr. Henry Cloud, author of bazillions of books, (like “Boundaries”, “Changes that Heal”, etc…), why so many of us fail at keeping New Year’s resolutions and how can we do this better this year. Dr. Cloud came up with a “Top 10 for 2010” list of tips to help us do new year’s resolutions different this year. We’ll be sharing them with you on the air this week and updating you here on our blog as well. You can also check out Dr. Cloud’s fan page on Facebook that he personally interacts with, sharing practical insights for living well to the glory of God.

I hope these tips help you the way they are helping me. We don’t have to be afraid of setting goals, or making resolutions. We don’t even have to be afraid of failing at them. I think for me, the point is learning. And that happens when we try. What will you try to do better this year? What do you long for and dream about? I pray God will hear the cry of your heart and pour out His blessing in 2010. And with all sincerity and passion, I want to say to you.. Happy New Year.

In His Love,

Tracey

Merry Christmas from Kizmet and Me

2009-12-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Tracey's Mom's Breakfast Casserole

2009-12-23T05:20:00.002-05:00

Hi friends!
This is our family's traditional breakfast every Christmas morning. My mom makes it up the night before and then on Christmas morning, just pops it in the oven. This along with some homemade blueberry muffins and scalloped apples with cinnamon... yummmmmmm.....
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
In HIs Love,
Tracey

Linda's Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:  6 slices of bread, crusts removed  Butter (to lightly coat the bread),  1 lb of bacon (or your choice of meat like sausage, steak, chicken, etc),  1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (we like shredded cheddar),  6 eggs,  2 cups of milk,
 salt & pepper to taste

To Make:
Grease a 13 x 9 inch pan. Butter the 6 slices of bread and place in pan butter side up.
Fry bacon (or meat you desire) and crumble over the bread.
Sprinkle cheese over the meat and bread.
In a bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, salt & pepper to taste, and 2 cups of milk. Pour over top the bread, meat, and cheese.
Cover with foil and place in the fridge overnight. The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pull casserole out and let sit on the counter for 15 minutes (very important if you are using a glass pan!). Uncover and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes and enjoy!

Tracey's Anonymous Present #5!

2009-12-16T11:49:00.002-05:00

Random Photo From Mike's Phone

2009-12-07T21:15:00.001-05:00

The corn in Whiteford.

It's a Good Day to Begin Again- Shred with me!

2009-12-01T20:57:00.002-05:00

Hey friends!
I am not pressed but not crushed, struck down but not destroyed... I made it to Day 18 of the 30 day shred in my last attempt. Just got de-railed by busyness, a few days not feeling great, and eventually- I just gave up.
But I'm back! It's December 1st and I love the 1st day of the month because it just feels like a fresh start to me. God is so good He gives us 12 of these mini-fresh starts a year.
Maybe it sounds silly, but it energizes me to think of a brand new month ahead of me and an opportunity to try again. Change doesn't come easy. If we want to improve ourselves in any way, I mean really make lasting changes in habits and attitudes, we must be willing to fight for it.
I refuse to be ashamed of not making it to my goal. I receive the fresh start God is giving me in each new day, and I resolve to press on and do my best. Whatever you have attempted and perhaps weren't able to finish.. today is a good day to begin again.
Anyone want to "Shred" with me? I just did my Day 1 of the workout and so that makes... let's see... one in a row!
Come on! You can do it!
Sweaty and Sleepy,
Tracey

Random Photos from Mike's Phone

2009-11-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Day 18 and Day 19- On Holiday?

2009-11-20T07:55:00.002-05:00

Hey friends!
What is going on? I wasn't feeling well on Wednesday and Thursday. Fighting a little stomach thing and so I didn't "shred". You know when you make a commitment like this, you know that things will inevitably come up to challenge the vow that you made.
And wow.. Have I been challenged.
How did I go from the girl that was so committed that she did the "shred" at 11:30 at night because she had to get it in for the day, to... the girl who wasn't feeling well and said.. Nah.. I don't wanna so I'm not gonna?
I have to be honest with you about this and so I am sharing my failings and my victories all along the way. Any major change we want to make in our lives requires perseverance.
It says in James 1: 2-4, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I believe God is doing something so much deeper in me than losing some weight. And so instead of beating myself up like I usually do, I'm strengthening my resolve and pressing on. So I had a few bad days?.. Get over it and keep going.

In it for the whole enchilada!
Tracey

Matt Stover Exclusive Interview

2009-11-20T05:31:00.009-05:00

Former Raven (now Colt's kicker), Matt Stover gave an exclusive interview to us about his new job, the transition for his family, the reception he is expecting this Sunday and what he said to Steve Hauschka after he was fired by the team this past week.

Matt also wanted to speak directly to all of his Baltimore fans.

You can hear the entire interview with Matt Stover!
CLICK HERE

Texting in the movies

2009-11-18T07:47:00.002-05:00

SO I got a real beat down on the air this morning. Wow. We were talking about cell phone etiquette and someone brought up talking on the phone while you're in the movies. Not cool. I agree.
But the beat down came when I admitted that I will sometimes text while in a movie. Now, I don't do it all the time and I conceal the bright light, and I didn't think it was a big deal.
Apparently I am the only one in the world who thought this was no big deal. I am a relational person. I don't text when I'm with other people that I am relating to. But in the movies, no one's talking to me- they're watching the movie. Why is what I'm doing an issue for them? This was my line of thinking. I always want to give people my full attention when I'm with them. I feel passionately about this! I tell people- put the cell phone away! I'm right here!
But a movie felt different to me. So after a beat down by everyone disagreeing with me, I have decided.. You're all right. I am wrong. And I won't text in the movies anymore. So if you're one of those people who text people while they're in the movies, cut it out. I can't talk to you now. Pass the popcorn.
Love,
Your BFF, Tracey

Day 17 -Shred and Chef Paulino's

2009-11-17T21:43:00.002-05:00

Hey friends,
Well I did my shred today at 12:45 today. I wanted to get 2 of them in, but I had meetings this afternoon and couldn't get 2 in.
I felt pretty good doing the workout, but still a bit sore from doing 2 back to back yesterday.
Here's where it all went wrong. I had a busy afternoon. Had a few meetings, and ran long. So long in fact, by the time I got home, it was time for band rehearsal. I hadn't eaten all day and I was really hungry. So I did what I never should have done. I called Chef Paulino's. The fabulous neighborhood Italian restaurant where nothing on the menu fits the Daniel's Diet. I mean nothing. Zip. Nada.
I had cheatin on my mind.
Penne pasta bolognese to be exact. The worst thing I could have done, and I did it. I caved in and ate pasta, or should I say, inhaled pasta. I was too hungry, and a bit stressed out, had a lot on my mind and just wanted to enjoy some food. I sought comfort and happiness in a plate of pure carbohydrates with sauce.
Oh well. I did do the Shred. Did I mention that?

Full and Fallen,
Tracey

Day 16- Making up the missing shreds

2009-11-16T21:21:00.002-05:00

Hey friends,
Ok.. I had s set back over the weekend as you know. But I am back on track. I did 2 shreds this evening back to back. I thought I would die.. I didn't know how I'd feel when I was done, but it became clear to me, that doing 2 in a day was plenty. I'll have to make up the other 2 that I missed by doing 2 again tomorrow and Wednesday.
I guess the really good news is that I am still going and that I'm more than half way through this thing.
Come on! You wanna join me? Really if I can do this- so can you.

Sweaty but happy,
Tracey

Shred-less in Seattle...Day 13, 14, 15

2009-11-16T04:10:00.002-05:00

HI friends!
Well... Last Thursday I did level 2 of the Shred. And on Friday, as the day wore on, I became more and more sore, til it was almost ridiculous. Just walking was an adventure. So i reasoned, I am too sore to do this today. I will just do 2 shreds on Saturday.
But then Saturday I was speaking all day at a conference, met my mom after that, and got home very late after being gone from 7am to 11pm. So.. I reasoned again... I am sore. I am really tired. I will do the Shred 3 times on Sunday.
Then Sunday came. I was at church most of the day. Came home briefly, to change and go back out to lead worship at a church in College Park. Got home just in time for bed.
Which brings me to today.. I have some ground to make up for. And I am going to do it! Today I will be doing my shred 3 times. 2 of them will be back to back and will be level 1 to ease me back in.
Then later in the day, I will do it one more time, on level 2. Then I will have just one more shred to make up.
Can't let this goal go! So when stuff happens and you find that you can't keep your promise to yourself, just be flexible and creative and find a way to get that exercise back in there. You and I can do this!
I don't if Jillian would condone my "fix" of my failure to do this a few days, but this is what I'm doing to get back on track.
Love ya!
Tracey

Level 2!

2009-11-12T21:38:00.001-05:00

Hey friends!
Today was day 12 of the Shred and I did it. I advanced to level 2. I nearly tossed my cookies, but I did it.
Nuff said.

Love ya
tracey

Day 11- Shredding with a friend

2009-11-11T21:13:00.002-05:00

Hi friends,
Today I shredded with my friend Lynne. I normally like to work out alone, so I was stretching myself to share the time with my friend. Lynne is fabulous and fun and really wanted to check the 30 Day Shred out before she bought it herself. So I brought it over to her place, along with my hand weights.
We got started around 12:30 and had a blast! The big challenge for me was the ceiling was low and if jumped too high I would hit it doing my jumping jacks. I yelled at Jillian a few times and Lynne didn't seem to mind. We finished our workout and agreed it is about the hardest 20 minutes we can imagine. She did great though!
Tomorrow I believe I will move up to level 2. Lord have mercy.
How are you doing?
SMiles,
Tracey

Day 10- The Shred before bed

2009-11-10T22:06:00.002-05:00

Hey friends,
I had a few days off from work, but not from working out. Today's shred kept getting put off all day. I knew I should have done it when I got up this morning but I got caught up in doing other things. I got a bit distracted today from what I had planned on doing, and spent a bit of my day worrying.
What a waste of time that is! I decided to believe Phil. 4:6-7 and stop the worrying for a bit. It doesn't pay well and doesn't burn any calories. After some fun collecting shoeboxes for OCC, I came home and got back into the sweats and sneakers. (Does anyone call them sneakers besides me?)
So I shredded and then climbed into bed. Not the ideal plan, but I am doing this thing. It's only 20 minutes a day. Can't I keep that much of a promise to myself? You bet I can.

Hugs,
Tracey

Shoe Box Drop-off Day!

2009-11-10T06:26:00.003-05:00

We love Operation Christmas Child and the fact that one small shoebox can be filled with so much love! It's OCC/Chick-fil-A Shoebox Drop-off day and we will be spending part of the day collecting boxes. There is also a great way to get your family even more involved as you can now track your shoebox across the world and discover where it get delivered. Check out the video for all the details...

The Shred- Day 9

2009-11-09T23:37:00.002-05:00

Hello my friends!
I did my Shred today at 4:45pm ish... In this dvd, Jillian has 2 girls working out with her. One girl, Anita, does a few modified versions of some of the exercises for beginners. The other girl, Natalie, does each exercise at its full intensity, if you're looking to be more challenged.
So far, Anita has been my role model. But today.. I actually found myself following Natalie. So it looks like, even as hard as this is, I am getting stronger. Praise God!
Now if I could just get that scale moving. It's ok. I know the results will come if we just keep doing the right thing. You hear me?
Come on and shred with me. Let's get strong together!

Love ya
Tracey

The 30 Day Shred- Day 8 Are we there yet?

2009-11-08T20:22:00.002-05:00

Hi friends!
Well I just did my workout around 7:15 tonight. I have to admit, it is getting a little bit easier. Some of the exercises are still brutal- like the anterior lunges with arm raises just kills me. I am using 5 pound weights, which is more than what Jillian is using, but it's all I have, so I figured I'd deal with it.

About halfway through the workout, I feel like I want to quit. Every time! But after I push through that feeling, I get such a feeling of accomplishment. You know, I realize I don't have that feeling of accomplishment very often. I tend to be a bit self-critical. I hope this workout helps me to savor and enjoy the little successes along the way.

I hope you can learn to celebrate your accomplishments too, however small you think they may be. Big successes are only made possible by the little victories along the way. We're not there yet- but we are on our way!

Hugs!
Tracey

Day 7- Shreddin my life away

2009-11-08T09:01:00.002-05:00

Hey there,
So, just to catch you up to date in the drama that is the 30 day shred... because I fell asleep and missed my shredding window on Friday night, I promised I would shred twice on Saturday to make up for it. That's a lot of shredding and a lot of showering too but I did it.

6:30 am yesterday was my make up for my Day 6, and I talked about that yesterday. Day 7 was the 2nd time I shredded yesterday. It was 4:30pm. Kismet, my cat and I, hit the basement, to work it out. She likes to lay there when I'm doing the ab work and try to climb into my hair. It adds a nice extra element of tension to the workout.

I am starting to know all of Jillian's lines on the dvd. " I don't want you phoning this in. If you're gonna work out for only 20 minutes, you gotta push yourself."

As much as I yell at her while I'm doing the workout, I have to admit, I really like her. It's like she knows when I'm about to wimp out and she says just the right thing to get me going again. Level 1 is getting a bit easier for me, but still difficult. I'm thinking maybe 2 more days on level 1 and then I'll kick it up to level 2? What do you think?

Sweaty hugs,
Tracey

30 Day Shred- Day 6 True Confessions

2009-11-07T09:12:00.002-05:00

Hi friends,
Well, here it is. True confessions time. Yesterday, was one of those days where everything just ran longer than I planned. You know what that's like? No matter how well you think you planned it all out, it all fell apart, one appointment at a time.

I got a bit stressed during the day as I was late for everything, but God reminded me that there is grace for me. It was everywhere! For each meeting I was late for, for all the traffic I had to navigate from one end of town to another.. grace was everywhere. God covered me.

And then, after Brady's football game, I finally made my way home. I had been gone from 4:15am to 10:45pm. I only meant to sit down on the sofa for a minute. But somehow I drifted off and woke up at 1am.

Ahhhhhhhhhh! I missed the Shred. My first inclination was to be really upset with myself and go to bed beating myself up pretty good for my lack of commitment and failure to do what I said I would do. And then I remembered the lesson of the day before. There is grace for me.

So Day 6 of the Shred.. was an "exercise" in receiving grace. And Day 7- I have already done my shredding at 6:30am this morning and to make up for missing it yesterday, I'll be shredding again this afternoon.

I'm doing this thing. God will help me.

Much grace to you!
Tracey

Shred- Day 5 Are you kidding me?

2009-11-06T00:08:00.002-05:00

HI friends,
I don't know how this happened. The day got away from me. I worked, I had some appointments and meetings, I even went to the gym.. And then I got home around 8 and started doing some facebook stuff and then and then and then..
You see where this is going?
I feel asleep on the sofa and woke up at 11:24. A gentle way to wake up...
I put on my tennis shoes, go downstairs, pop in the Jillian dvd in and do my SHRED.
Why? Because I said I would. (I get up for work in less than 3 hours)

Integrity. Fight for it.
love and hugs,
Tracey

The 30 Day Shred- Day 4

2009-11-04T20:40:00.002-05:00

Hey friends,
i "shredded" today with Jillian at 3pm. To sum up the experience...
blah, blah, blah, blah, ouch. whine. blah, blah, whine some more. ouch.
Wow. I'm done?
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on and join me!
Tracey

Shredding- Day 3!

2009-11-03T22:07:00.001-05:00

HI friends,
Today was another packed day, so in between meetings, and birthday celebration for my mom, I came home around 1 and did my workout. About halfway through, I thought I might die, but Jillian kept yelling at me not to quit and I kept going. Yay! I did it.

You know what's great to remember about this process? You may really struggle with not feeling like doing it every day, but you will always be glad that you did, when you finish.

In fact, you feel better not only physically, but perhaps a little bit more confident. Just a little. I need to learn to finish things and not get so easily discouraged. This is a good start.
Hope I can move tomorrow.
Smiles,
Tracey