Double Portion Inspiration

Is it already here?  The date on the calendar says it's Christmas Eve, but I am still in shock.  This has been the fastest year of my life.  You are probably feeling the same way.  Did you complete all of your holiday shopping?  This time of year can be full of anxiety.  We have so many tasks to complete without enough time or money. I look around while I am out and about and see so many discouraged faces.  Isn't this the most "wonderful" time of the year?  Many are pondering numerous thoughts:  how will I pay for these bills, how many gifts do I buy, how much money should I spend, what dish will I cook for the family dinner, or just the sheer hesitation of attending the family dinner.   Stress, anxiety and tension seem to characterize this holiday season as our society continues to move towards materialism.  Our kids have a sense of entitlement. Some children even tag along with their parents to make sure they buy the right gi...

Renee and I have been captivated and deeply saddened by the tragic events in Sandy Hook Elementary.  We have spent the weekend, like so many, with no words...just prayers .  This has been a hard subject to explain to my own children.  They have so many questions, and wonder if it is safe for them to be in school.  Our hearts cry out to understand how something so horrific could happen.  What state of mind must one be in to kill so many innocent people/children? In the days and months ahead many questions will be answered and some will remain.  Our prayers are with every family member and friend connected to this tragedy.  May God bring a swift breath of peace and wholeness for a community shattered into pieces.  Thankfully, God was not taken by surprise. May each of those tiny, bright and gorgeous faces not die in vain.  Our prayer is that we find a way to keep guns out of the hands of those with ill intent.  (Posted by Roslyn) ...

  Roslyn (left) & Renee (right) God blessed us to see another year and we praise Him for it.  If you are connected with us on Facebook, you've enjoyed us taking a stroll down memory lane.  If you missed out on the fun, visit  our Facebook page here .   For the past couple of days, we've shared some of our baby photos.  Several of you took a stab at guessing who's who.  It's been amusing reading the comments on how you made your "educated" guesses.  As promised, it's time for the big reveal.  The caption of each photo will share who's on the left and right.  We are so happy our mother was smart to write our names on the back of each of our pictures because it's even hard for us to tell each other apart in baby photos.  Renee (left) & Roslyn (right)  Congratulations to LaFern Batie who was the 1st Facebook friend to guess correctly on this photo! Roslyn (left) & Renee (right) ...

My oldest son is in middle school (7th grade).  Does anything really prepare you to deal with middle school boys? I remember classes to get  me ready for childbirth and infant care.  But there is nothing to help me deal with my soon to be teenage son. For instance, it is getting close to Christmas and I don't have a clue what to buy as a gift for him.  It used to be so easy to run into Toys R Us and buy Legos or a new truck but not anymore. One thing I've learned over these past two years, is that middle school boys love-girls, sneakers and mirrors.  Once they realize that a "girl" might be interested in them, they spend a countless amount of time looking in the mirror .  They also spend and save their money to buy expensive sneakers that match every outfit. By the way, his hearing is also not the same as it used to be.  I need to ask 2-3 times for anything to get accomplished.  Anyway, I could go on... As we grow older, our time spent in ...

Many of us did a great job yesterday "gobbling" as much turkey as we could for Thanksgiving dinner.  The holiday season is officially here.  Today, kicks off one of the biggest selling days of the year.  Many people will line up, dash in and save tons of money. Here are  few Black Friday Survival tips: PREPARE Start researching online, in the newspaper and also your mailbox.  Review what the average price is for the item you really want, and then see what stores has the lowest price.  Most retailers also have free shipping this time of year.  No need to stand in a long line, have it delivered right to your front door. STICK TO YOUR BUDGET You do not need to go into a huge amount of debt this Christmas.  Make a plan, set a budget and stick to it.  You will find some of the lowest prices of the year.   NEVER buy anything regular price! The savings are plentiful this year as retailers try to persuade and woo you into the...

Just a few days ago, I was confined to the pediatric unit of a local hospital because of my son's health concerns.  What I believed would be a quick trip to the emergency room soon lead to a four day stay.  It was one of the hardest experiences for us because our son is only four years old and it's difficult to see your children (at any age) in pain or discomfort.  Sleeping in a chair, holding down my son for daily sticks to draw blood, and frequent nurse visits became the norm.  At times I would try to hide my tears because I didn't want him to see me upset.  It was his first time ever being in a hospital and at one point, all he could say was, "Mommy, I'm scared".  A part of me felt helpless because you must depend on the medical professionals to provide the care he desperately needs.  This time, a kiss on his "boo-boo" wasn't going to help. On the day we were released from the hospital, my sister asked me a simple ...

The journey of life is filled with ups and downs.  One moment we are gliding along at a steady pace. The next moment life can quickly be turned upside down.  The victims of Hurricane Sandy know exactly how fast life can change.  The "Superstorm" of our decade has claimed many lives and left a terrible amount of destruction in its path. There are times when we can feel like "Hurricane Sandy" swept through our life.  Everything that was normal is now in disarray.  We are shaking our heads trying to figure out, "How did I get here"?  We must take comfort in knowing certain situations are out of our control .  We can make plans for our lives, but God can supersede those plans at any given moment. Marco Island Sunset You must not wait until the storm comes to anchor yourself in God's truths.  Start now, reflecting and thanking God for every moment of life.  Living water from within nourishes our souls.  Get away from the "...

The General Election is finally here on Tuesday, November 6th .  The anticipation and expectation in the air is thrilling.  Most people have stood in long lines to VOTE early.  I love living in a democracy where we can have freedom of speech, ideas and thoughts. Double Portion wants to inspire you to VOTE on this Tuesday.  Stand up and be counted.  Some people believe it doesn't matter.  This will be a close election and every VOTE will matter.   My oldest son is currently taking a Civics class and he is constantly reminded by his teacher the privilege we have to VOTE in an election.  It is awesome to know within a few short days we will all be glued to our televisions watching the election results come in. VOTE as if your life depended on it!   VOTE to change your community!   VOTE to make a difference and be heard. Get to the polls on Tuesday, November 6th !(Posted by Roslyn)

The gift of time that God gives is a precious commodity.  You only have 24 hours in a day.  No more, no less.  Once a second ticks away, you can't get it back even if you wanted to.  We often wish we had more hours in a day but it just won't happen.  Whether you are working, playing, or at rest, time ticks away.... This weekend will give you an opportunity to "fall back" and enjoy one extra hour .  It only happens once a year so what will you do with it? In case you were wondering, I plan to enjoy the sunshine outdoors. (Posted by Renee) Don't forget to like us on Facebook  or join the conversation on Twitter .

October has proved to be my busiest travel month this year.  There's no wonder why I am sharing four items I never travel without for our Fun Friday post.   Sneakers I never travel without my sneakers.  Even with a hectic schedule, I always try and squeeze in a workout.  If you missed my post on how to stay fit without a gym, here you go.   I don't always have time, but even if it's 30 minutes, it's better than nothing.  P90X workout dvd's I love P90X.  It's portable and a great way to fit in an intense workout while on the road.  The cardio dvd from the collection is fun and only 45 minutes long.  It's a great mix of yoga, kickboxing, pilates (core) and plyometrics.  A good book I don't always have a chance to commit to 30 minutes of reading when I'm home.  Between work and family, time is limited.  Being on the road provides moments of peace and quiet.  M...

Renee and I usually seek out to inspire on Mondays.  We are always engaging with our world in a way that allows us to encourage others along their journey.  This Monday will be a bit different, which is why I titled this post, " Monday Madness ". My son came to me weeks ago and told me about a pair of shoes he wanted to buy.  I've learned being the mother of a middle schooler boy, life is all about the sneakers.  I asked the price and he said, "Mom, please just let me buy the shoes."  I again asked the price now realizing that his resistance to answer the question meant they were far out of our price range.  He finally told me he wanted to buy Lebron Hornets .  I still have no idea what that means. The Lebron Hornets I simply stated, "If you save your money you can buy whatever shoes you want."  I never knew that on this past Saturday standing in the middle of  Foot Locker, I would have to eat my words .  My son set out on a mi...

The Cousins! In a moment life can change.  It easily can start with a disturbing phone call, accident, medical report or disabling injury.  You find your head and heart swirling trying to make sense of how fast your life has been altered.  I've learned over many years that life if full of swift transitions .  We move from one season to another in a moment's notice.  For instance, a young wife who's husband is killed during active duty in Afghanistan instantly becomes a widow and a single mother- swift transition . I spent this weekend celebrating the life of my Uncle (John Milton Rutledge).  His legacy spanned over 80 years and although he had a long and prosperous life, the loss still hurts.  The death of a loved one is anything but easy.  It all began with an upsetting phone call letting me know he had a devastating fall.  In less than a week, he quietly and swiftly transitioned to his heavenly home. No matter how fast our lif...

Weekends are a time to refresh and unwind.  After working hard the entire week, all you have is a few days to rest and relax before the work week starts all over again.  So, here's the question, where will the road take you this weekend ?  Whatever you decide to do or wherever you decide to travel, Roslyn and I pray God's protective covering over you.  May you forever have knowledge of His deep abiding love for you.    ~ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. ~  Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)     Leave us a comment below with your weekend plans.  We would love to hear about them!

Harvest Time in Fall A new season is upon us.  What's not to love about cooler temperatures and less humidity.  Living in South Florida you really only have two seasons-hot and less hot.  But indeed, I welcome Fall with great anticipation.  The time will change in a few weeks and we will fall back one hour.  My early morning workouts (6am) will have brighter skies instead of complete darkness.  Days will become a bit shorter but we look forward to leaves changing, college football and Pumpkin spice coffee.  If you have a garden, Fall is also harvest time.  Your hard work to tend to your seeds during Spring and Summer allow you to have a bountiful harvest in this new season. What is new in your life?   A new relationship, new duvet cover for your bedroom, new idea/strategy or maybe even a new remodel in your kitchen.   Whatever it is, don't bring the past season into your new season.   God has given each da...

Life is an open book.  It's the journey of a lifetime with so much to learn.  The other day while cooking dinner, I looked at my daughter and realized that I have learned so much from my babies.  As much as we think we teach them, they have plenty to educate us about. Here are my top 3 lessons from my children: Read at least 30 minutes a day My daughter LOVES to read.  She reads in the truck, at the dinner table, and anytime she can squeeze it in.  Reading 30 minutes every afternoon is part of her daily homework.  As adults, we should do the same.  Just 30 minutes to quiet ourselves and curl up with a good book. Eat like an infant When my son and daughter were babies, they had the healthiest diet.  Organic milk (from their mommy), fruits, vegetables, and some occasional cereal was the majority of their food consumption.  Their days weren't filled with sugar, preservatives, saturated fat, and sodium.  Removin...

Who will be President?  Has the cancer spread?  Will I have enough financial resources to retire?  Will this application help my child get accepted into college?  Who will I marry?  Will I get this promotion?  Do I have what it takes to pass this test? Our world is riddled with uncertainty, and oftentimes we have to get back to the basics.  Our core values are what sustain us in times of change.  What we know for sure, helps ground us in our mountaintop experiences.  It also helps sustain us during our dark valley seasons.    Ask yourself, what core beliefs do I know for sure?   What beliefs do you rely on when life hits hard and fast?  Sometimes we are overwhelmed with trials and adversity. We can also be overwhelmed with blessings and success.  Either way, we must stay true to our morals, core values and beliefs.  I hope this post will inspire you to evaluate what you know for sure . Here are my top...

Getting ready for 4 mile hike with park ranger Roslyn and I love so many things!  Our morning prayer time with each other, exercising and eating are just some of our favorite things.  We're always looking for great ways to challenge our bodies and great healthy foods to prepare for our families. Snacking is a part of our 5-6 small meals daily routine.  We thought Fitness Friday would be a great time to share some of our favorite snacks.  We don't always make the best choices but we strive hard. Our 7 favorite snacks : Fruit We don't go to the store without buying some type of fruit.  Apples & grapes are some of our favorite picks.  They are especially great this time of year.  Shake it up a little by serving apple slices with peanut butter.  It's a yummy snack that even my kids enjoy. Granola bars It's such a great snack before or after a workout.  Cascadian Farms is usually our bar of choice.  ...

We've been sharing some of our fun times from our summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains.  If you missed last week's post, read it here .   Butterflies on the ground  During our stay in Tennessee, we visited one of our favorite places, Cades Cove.  It's a beautiful scenic 11 mile loop nestled between two mountain ranges.  On a good day you can find black bears, deer, and all sorts of wildlife roaming free.  This area is also home to a large species of butterflies.  During our trek, we were blessed to find an area where they were fluttering around low to the ground.  The kids were ecstatic!  They tried with all their might to catch a butterfly.  Their ability to quiet themselves long enough to allow a quick passing butterfly to rest gently on their fingers was more than they bargained for.  In theory it shouldn't have been hard for them.  All they needed to do was stand still .  If they could remain calm...

This Monday we continue our Mountain Post Series: No hair or makeup-just God's natural beauty I was recently on vacation in the Smoky Mountains . Many people chuckle when I say relaxation for me is in the mountains. Florida is such a tourist destination (Disney World, beaches, etc.) so they wonder why the mountains are so appealing.   The world becomes much quieter as you journey to the top of the mountains. The experiences are so different from "city life". For instance, I never once put on makeup during my vacation. I even went five days without combing my hair-yikes! Life just becomes rustic and organic. Everyday was spent hiking. We explored the massive habitat of over 17,000 species that live in the Smoky Mountains. The views are breathtaking. One photo can't capture the majesty of those mountains. Skipping over rocks, digging for crickets, searching for beetles are all apart of my country living vacation. It's a time to unwind, listen and...

Don't you just love this time of year?   College football is here.  Every Saturday you will find my family on the couch watching countless hours of football. As we head into the weekend, what is your favorite college team?  Who will you be cheering for this Saturday? (Posted by Roslyn)  I am passionately a Florida G a t o r !

It's Fun Friday and I'm sharing some great workout tips.  Fortunately I've never struggled with working out (it's the good eating that always throws me for a loop).  I've always enjoyed going to the gym. So you can imagine when I moved to my rural community I was stressed with the fact that there wasn't a gym nearby.  Needless to say, I had to get creative on staying fit.  My business travel schedule, community and church obligations didn't make finding time to work out any easier.  I realized that my creative juices would have to flow on a alternative way to stay fit.  Here are some of my fun, no gym needed workouts: Walk/run intervals through the neighborhood Cardiovascular exercise is the foundation of most of my work- outs.  The light posts in my neighborhood provide a great way to walk & run in equal distance from the back to the front of the subdivision.  I will normally walk, jog, or sprint in intervals between each light post...

I matter for my BOYS! Have you ever thought about how much you matter?   Do you really believe that you are important?   Do you truly know that you were created for purpose?  Do you just think that purpose is for other people? I have wrestled with all of the above questions.  I made the mistake of trying to please others and find my worth in them.  We all see people on the main stage of life who've made great impact.  I often think about the wonderful contributions of people like Martin Luther King, Jr. or Rosa Parks.  I also think about Steve Jobs that changed the entire face of technology.  But what about you and me? Leadership and influence seems to come so easy for some.  They have eloquent speech, can build a school for impoverished youth or go on a missions trip without any hesitation.  But what about the young girl or boy just trying to be accepted in middle school.  The mom who wants desperately to fit int...

Have you ever had a silly day?   A day when you are giddy and carefree.  You don't have a care in the world.  You skip through rain puddles or jump over high bushes.  Maybe you succeed in playing a game of hopscotch with your kids.  I am inspired by my two boys (ages 7 and 12) who will spend all day giggling, playing and rough housing each other.  They always ask me, "Mom, why are you so serious?" Roslyn on her silly day! A recent trip to the beach with my boys turned into one of those days.  Carefree hair, wet shoes and most of all tons of laughter with those most precious to me.  As we head into the weekend try it.   Maybe you can't sacrifice an entire day to be silly like me.  Even if it is just one hour, live life as if no one is looking.  Stop being so serious! Leave us a comment and let us know what you did on your silly day. (Posted by Roslyn)

Wildflowers in Clingman's Dome We are continuing our series entitled, Mountain Post .  This inspiring series are life lessons learned while visiting the Smoky Mountains.  If you missed the first part of this series  here it is : Observation Tower-Clingman's Dome Today's hike took us to Clingman's Dome . It is the highest point in Tennessee and a favorite tourist destination spot in the Smoky Mountains. We drove up to a 6,500 feet elevation. Your ears pop as you drive along the winding road. The weather changes drastically. We left our cabin and the temperature was a sunny 86 degrees. By the time we made it to Clingman's Dome it was 61 degrees.  The outside conditions  were raining, foggy, windy and cold. A bad storm was blowing through but we still climbed by foot to the observation tower to see the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee.  The greatest feeling from our hike was the realization that everything in the Sm...